Passengers fight for answers as Ruby Princess coronavirus death toll hits 20

New claims as police launch Strike Force Blast and board Ruby Princess

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 cancels itineraries until June 30 and Holland America follows with Alaska season stopped

Alaskan cruise on the Star Princess

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

Can Carnival survive Covid-19 with the help of Saudi cash

The new ships launching in 2016

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

Humanitarian crisis as Ruby Princess docks at Port Kembla and police launch criminal probe

Humanitarian crisis as Ruby Princess docks at Port Kembla and police launch criminal probe

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

Ruby Princess: the statements that question the need for a police probe

Ruby Princess - the questions that must be answered

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

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

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

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

Ruby Princess – the questions that must be answered

Ruby Princess - the questions that must be answered

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