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

Same-sex marriages back after Bermuda backflip

Carnival same-sex marriage

Carnival Corporation is breathing a sigh of relief. Bermuda’s Supreme Court has reversed the short-lived ban on same-sex marriage, allowing legal ceremonies to resume in Bermuda and on Bermuda-registered cruise ships. Carnival Corporation, the world’s biggest cruise company which includes well-known Aussie brands Carnival Cruise Lines, P&O, Cunard and Princess Cruises, has registered 25 of … Read more

Brisbane gets new terminal and a homeported ship

Carnival Spirit

In a stark contrast to Sydney’s paralysed port, Brisbane International Cruise Terminal will be operating new facilities in two years, thanks to a remarkable deal with Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival Australia has committed to buy up to 100 “foundation” berthing days, with no more than four in any one week. The 15-year deal means the … Read more

Princess returns to the Antarctic

Cruise & Travel

Princess Cruises has announced it will be returning to Antarctica during the 2019/20 South America season. The Coral Princess will be setting off for the coldest continent on earth for three special itineraries. “I’m delighted to announce that Princess is returning to Antarctica,” said Senior Vice President Princess Cruises Asia Pacific, Stuart Allison. “There are … Read more