Peter Lynch 
As the Ruby Princess finally left Australia this week, Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz issued a heartfelt plea to Australians who have made the line the country’s favourite: “Stick with us”. Her appeal came in a personalised letter to tens of thousands of cruisers in which she addressed the issues of how COVID-19 has so seriously … Read more
THE cruise industry has launched a major global effort to come up with new health protocols that will reassure cruise passengers that it is safe to board ships again. The industry, which has carried almost 30 million guests annually with very few mishaps, has been battered by COVID-19 crisis, and now needs to come back … Read more
Two of the biggest players in the Alaska cruise season have cancelled the start of the season, leaving Alaska tourism reeling. Princess Cruises and Holland America Line cancelled most of their Alaska sailings this summer and also closed their lodges, motor coaches and trains. Holland America operates the McKinley Chalet Resort, McKinley Explorer rail cars … Read more
Graeme Lake celebrated his wife’s 75th birthday aboard the Ruby Princess on its now infamous cruise back to Sydney last month. They were among those ushered off the ship while 13 fellow passengers were being tested. They travelled back to Murrumba Downs, Queensland, before both started to display signs of COVID-19. Mrs Lake died in … Read more
Princess Cruises is cancelling all voyages through 30 June 2020 as the industry continues to wrestle with the COVID-19 global pandemic. The move means Princess, which has suffered three ships at the centre of coronavirus controversies, has extended its pause, originally instated for 60 days to May 10,2020. The line also halted Alaska Gulf cruising … Read more
In a blow which will further test the resilience of the world’s top cruise brands, the US Centres for Disease Control has extended the ban on sailings or another 100 days “or until COVID-19 is no longer deemed a public health threat.” “The measures we are taking today to stop the spread of Covid-19 are … Read more
Police investigating the deadly cluster of COVID-19 cases aboard the Ruby Princess have pinpointed a waiter or crew person handling food as the likely source. A team of detectives has been aboard the cruise ship docked at Port Kembla since last week, probing how the vessel was allowed to dock at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal … Read more
It’s been a surreal time for Carnival Australia, part of the world’s biggest cruise line and one of Australia’s longest and most treasured travel brands. First, the “demonising” of best-loved Princess Cruises, as Carnival’s President Sture Myrmell puts it, after the Diamond Princess and Ruby Princess were caught up in the COVID-19 outbreak. Then the … Read more
The Ruby Princess has arrived in Port Kembla, a day after the NSW Police announced a criminal investigation into the handling of the ship’s passengers. The ship, which still has 1,040 crew members onboard, will be tied up at the port for the next 10 days. Around one fifth of the crew members are exhibiting coronavirus … Read more
She's the most specious ship yet from luxury line Oceania Cruises. James Sitters tells Rose Kelly and Peter Lynch what's on board the new class of ship, including restaurants, spas and suites.
