Peter Lynch 
Carnival Cruise Lines, which operates some of Australia’s biggest and best-loved ships, has announced a revolutionary new passenger identification system that will not just open your state room door, but also allow every crew member to know your likes and dislikes. Any crew member will know you like your martinis shaken, not stirred, and that … Read more
The newest addition to Sydney’s homeported fleet, Emerald Princess, is already virtually sold out until April next year – with a wait-list of passengers hoping of cancellations. As the biggest Princess Cruises’ ship to be based in Sydney takes her second journey into the Pacific, passenger numbers reveal just how Australian cruisers have whole-heartedly embraced … Read more
The world’s leading company offering alternative shore excursions has compiled the top ten tours for ships bound to the South Pacific and New Zealand. Viator, a TripAdvisor company, maintains over 100,000 Australians cruised to New Zealand, with most ocean liners offering regular sailings from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The company’s Vice President of Marketing, Kelly … Read more
Jamie Oliver’s affiliation with Royal Caribbean is something we are all thankful for. In November last year, the Naked Chef made a splash when he opened his first restaurant at sea, Jamie’s Italian. “Royal Caribbean shares my approach to food and dining, which is to serve simple, fresh ingredients in a warm, inviting ambiance,” explains Jamie. “Throughout … Read more
Can one of the world’s biggest cruise ships really be a haven for foodies? Peter Lynch loosens his belt and sets out to sample Ovation of the Seas’ food offerings, how the vessel is sailing from Sydney. It was a bit like driving a red Ferrari down the main street of a small town. Everywhere … Read more
The death of a woman aboard the Pacific Jewel has sparked claims of an outbreak of gastroenteritis aboard the ship off the coast of Queensland. The Sydney Morning Herald in a front-page report this morning claims the P&O ship left from Sydney on September 6 for a 10-night “Barrier Reef Discovery” cruise. Margaret Carlson, 79, … Read more
In an incredibly tragic incident, a Viking river cruise ship has struck a bridge in southern Germany, killing two crew members. It appears the retractable wheelhouse, a common feature of European river ships, was not pulled down in time to avoid being crushed by the bridge. The Viking Freya, which was carrying 230 people, crashed … Read more
Luxury cruise lines are finding a booming market in residential suites. Crystal Cruises President and CEO Edie Rodriguez revealed at the Australian Cruise Association’s Sydney conference this week that 250 past guests had put their names on the waiting list for 144 apartments aboard the line’s newest ships. Some suites offer 4,000 square feet of … Read more
Plunging airfares are giving the cruise industry a boost, with many travellers taking advantage of the price war to book flights connecting with their favoured cruises. At CruiseAbout – part of the Flight Centre group – national marketing manager Monique van Gelder says cruise bookings from Asian and US destinations have received an uptick over … 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.
