Peter Lynch 
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
New information concerning the communications between the Ruby Princess and NSW health officials before she landed last month pose questions over why a police inquiry is being held. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian ordered a police investigation into why the ship disembarked 2,650 passengers while tests being carried out on 13 others with flu like symptoms. … Read more
There is a well known Biblical phrase: “As ye sow, so shall ye reap”. Today, thousands of miles apart, two countries are grappling with the humanitarian crisis facing cruise ships in a debate without compassion and, some may feel, with a degree of racism. Holland America Line finally received confirmation it could disembark guests from … Read more
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has ordered an investigation into how the Ruby Princess came to land and disembark 2,650 passengers while tests being carried out on 13 other passengers with flu like symptoms. The vessel has now become the largest source of Australian fatalities from COVID-19 after two more died yesterday. There are over 300 … Read more
An astonishing “military-style operation” is being considered to test crews for COVID-19 who are currently held off the NSW coast in a standoff between the police and cruise ships industry. According to today’s Australian newspaper, the plan involves flying doctors in helicopters onto the decks of ships and testing the 8,615 people in board. NSW … Read more
After weeks in which cruise ship passengers trying to get home have been treated with astonishing inhumanity around the world, cruise line bosses are speaking out. Holland America president Orlando Ashford, whose ship the Zaandam has become the latest face of cruising with COVID-19, yesterday issued a strongly-worded emotional plea for humanity. The ship is … Read more
The boss of Carnival Australia today appealled “on compassionate and humanitarian grounds” to the NSW Government to allow the crew of the Ruby Princess to land and fly home. In an emotional plea after NSW police commissioner Mick Fuller hit out at lines for ignoring orders to move ships out of NSW waters, Sture Myrmell, … Read more
Holland America Line’s Zaandam has 189 people on board with flu like symptoms and four passengers who are already dead. For weeks, it has been refused port facilities – and now it is heading through the Panama Canal on its way to Florida. It is not clear exactly where the ship will disembark. It has … 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.
