Botany still in question as other Aussie ports boom

Majestic Princess in Sydney Harbour

Australiaโ€™s regional ports are booming as state governments partner with cruise lines to create new destinations where ships can dock and land their passengers, said the president of our biggest operator, Carnival Australia and chair of the Cruise Lines International Association. But while Sture Myrmell supports the NSW Governmentโ€™s cruise development plan and its attempts … Read more

Majestic Princess lands on Sydney’s floating runway

Majestic Princess arrives in Sydney

THEY called it the first floating runway.ย  The arrival of Majestic Princess, Australiaโ€™s newest homeported mega liner was certainly a dramatic sight at dawn on Sydney Harbour as she sailed past 62 red and white flares. Majestic Princess is the largest of the lineโ€™s vessels to visit Australia.ย  And she will sail Australian and New … Read more

My Hat! Why you’ll get a right royal feed aboard the Majestic Princess

Majestic Princess: Harmony Restaurant

As the Majestic Princess sails into Sydney Harbour tomorrow to a jamboree reception, with breakfast TV on board and a super-secret event planned for the harbour in the early hours, you can be sure of one thing: the guests will be royally fed. Sydneyโ€™s newest and biggest ship will feature not one but two Michelin-starred … Read more

Dream Cruises to base ship in Australia next year

Dream Cruises in Australia

Dream Cruises, Asiaโ€™s first luxury line with two ships operating out of Singapore and Hong Kong, is planning a major assault on the Australian market from next year. The line, which also owns ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises and contemporary Star Cruises, has announced the Superstar Virgo will be converted to the Explorer Dream in a $30 … Read more

The ships that will sail in Australia this season

Australian cruise season 2018/19

A new Princess Cruises ship is big news this year, but so is the number of smaller luxury vessels arriving on our shores. Peter Lynch reports. This yearโ€™s wave season will see Australia spoilt for choice as never before, with more ships in almost every sector vying for the hearts and minds of passengers. The … Read more

Princessโ€™s crowning glory: The line’s new Across the Ditch program

Great Barrier Island

The arrival of Majestic Princess opens a new chapter for Australiaโ€™s favourite premium cruise line โ€“ and New Zealand is where she will excel, reports Peter Lynch. Sheโ€™s big, bold and not called Majestic for nothing. Princess Cruisesโ€™ largest and newest entrant to the burgeoning Australian market will turn this wave season into a game-changer. … Read more

Cruise on the Astor for as little as $96 a night!

The Astor

She’s been an Australia favourite for many years. Now the Astor is bowing out – but not without one last hurrah! You can experience Cruise & Maritime Voyagesโ€™ Astor on her final Australian Season for up to 60% off. But you’ll have to hurry – you must book before September 3. With fares starting from … Read more

The billion dollar boom in refitting ships

OceaniaNEXT refit

With shipyards filled to overflowing – they are reportedly busy with new ships until 2027 – many cruise lines are opting to refit existing vessels as a way of keeping up with demand for new and better facilities. Oceania, the small-ship line that boasts the best cuisine at sea, this week became the latest โ€“ … Read more