Lindblad launches new ship as expedition booms

Lindblad expeditions

In another sign of the strength of the expedition cruising market, US-company Lindblad has announced the building of a new polar ship. The state-of-the-art vessel will be delivered in 2021, adding four new ships to its fleet in five years. The line, which concentrates on authentic experiences and is focused on the environment and wildlife, … Read more

Cruiseco warns: book Christmas packages before it’s too late

Cruises Christmas 2018

It’s only five months away, yet 30 percent of Australians have not planned or booked their Christmas holiday, according to a survey by Cruiseco. The survey also found 25% of Australians think the festive season is a good time to cruise so families and friends can get together. So the leading cruise travel agency set … Read more

Only a few cabins left as Australia falls in love with the Vikings

Viking Sun, Sydney

Michelle Black, managing director, Viking Cruises, on board Viking Orion, the ship bound for Sydney. The brand new Viking Orion is cruising in the Med this week, currently treating guests to its own brand of immersive shore excursion around the Italian coast. But by the end of the year, she’ll be sailing in our waters … Read more

Why the iconic Scenic Eclipse won’t sail this year

Scenic Eclipse

Scenic, the Australian river cruise line, is delaying its move into expedition ocean cruising until 2019 after running into construction problems. Owner Glen Moroney told US site Travel Agent the $250 million Scenic Eclipse, which has been heavily advertised in Australia and has two helicopters and a mini sub for its luxury guests, won’t now … Read more

New Royal Caribbean boss promises big things for Australian market

Celebrity Edge

Royal Caribbean’s new boss in Australia Susan Bonner promises a big wave season beginning in October, with the line’s longest deployment ever. And she hopes to bring the new wave of Celebrity Cruises ships – the modern and technologically advanced Edge class – to Australia. The first, the stunning Celebrity Edge, will be launched at the … Read more

Don’t play it again, Sam – APT says goodbye to the piano man

At last - a way to insure your river cruise holiday against the weather

APT, one of Australia’s most enduring luxury cruise and travel brands, is planning some changes to update its river fleet and tours. The traditional piano man will give way to local artists and authentic cultural experiences. And it is tapping into the environmental, social, responsibility and wellness trends, with hosts aboard many of its vessels … Read more

Sydney Harbour’s woes means we’re losing jobs and sales: new cruise head

Sture Myrmell, Carnival Australia

The new head of Australia’s peak cruising body has returned to the attack on how Sydney’s capacity problems are costing jobs and growth. Carnival Australia’s president Sture Myrmell, the local head of seven of the world’s leading cruise brands, was appointed to chair Cruise Lines International Association Australasia, the body representing cruise ship owners. “There … Read more