Hurtigruten says sorry as cruise continues a patchy but determined return

Hurtigurten in Norway

Coronavirus cases put a damper on the long-awaited return of cruising around the world this week – but it hasn’t extinguished attempts to bring back itineraries wherever lines can make them work. Hurtigruten, the Norwegian expedition line that trail-blazed the return in Northern Europe, temporarily suspend expedition journeys on Monday after cases among the 158-strong … Read more

Ocean cruise lines suspend cruising until November

Oceancruising_cruisepassenger

Ocean-going cruise lines have agreed to voluntarily suspend U.S. cruise operations until at least 31 October, Cruise Lines International Association has announced. The move will mean similar dates across the globe, as CLIA is the leading owners group. Said a statement issued in Washington: “We believe it is prudent at this time to voluntarily extend … Read more

Travel agent refuses to sell cruises that may not sail

Cost Luminosa Cruise Ship

It’s been a surreal five months since the cruise pause in March. The world’s fleet of more than 300 ships are riding at anchor all over the planet.  There is no sign yet of a unified protocol that might satisfy health authorities that operators can make their vessels safe, though much work has been started. … Read more

Luxurious and safe cruising options: how yacht chartering is not as expensive as you think

Super yachts

Longing for your next luxury cruise adventure with family or friends? Australian charter yachts are sailing right now, with guests enjoying luxurious escapes to stunning remote Australian locations at prices that are surprisingly low. Combine the best experiences of luxury cruise ship itineraries, high-end day trips ashore, beautiful cabins and facilities, personalised dining and a … Read more

Princess cancels Aussie cruises until end of October

Majestic Princess

Princess Cruises has cancelled its Aussie season until November, and other cruises until December 15, in an announcement that means some itineraries may see no sailings for the rest of the year. Blaming “continued progression of COVID-19 and related decisions of various government, health authorities, and airlines regarding travel restrictions”, Princess Cruises said it is … Read more

Cruise and Maritime Voyages first major line to go into administration

Vasco da Gama

Popular traditional cruise line Cruise & Maritime Voyages, known as CMV, has been forced into administration, it was revealed overnight. The British-based line, which had a big following among Australian cruisers, had been struggling to find financial backing during the pandemic. The news throws into limbo hundreds of cruises, and its deals to purchase two … Read more

Health authorities set new date for cruising – and reveal the burden of dealing with passengers

In NSW and Florida, our humanity is on trial this weekend

America’s powerful Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has set a new date for the potential return of cruise ships. The no sail order, which was due to expire next week, has been extended until September 30 in the US. Most cruise lines, including those who sail in Australian waters, have already agreed to halt … Read more