Wonder of the Seas — a dazzling, bonkers world of entertainment
Here is our review of Wonder of the Seas
Sue Bryant
All aboard the Maud – the perfect ship for today’s expedition
While the Danes have their hygge – a sense of cosiness and comfort – Norwegians call it koselig. Things that are koselig include warmth, friendship, soft light, a cosy fire, good conversation, decent wine, reindeer throws, soft, knitted jumpers and a sense of welcome. The 528-passenger Maud embodies all of this. Pre-pandemic, Hurtigruten launched two … Read more
Lessons from cruising in Europe: what you need to know to be prepared and be flexible
The rollout of COVID vaccinations in Europe and beyond has brought new freedom to cruise fans, but cruising is far from ‘normal’. Here are some of the lessons we’ve learned while travelling during a global pandemic — and a taste of what fully vaccinated Australians should be ready to encounter. Prepare for paperwork At times … Read more
Video review: Bulgari masks and a temperature check with your G&T
It could have been a normal summer’s day in Southampton, Britain’s busiest cruise port. Five big ships were checking in, including P&O Cruises’ shiny new Iona, with a capacity of 5,200, about to embark on its maiden voyage. What wasn’t normal, though, was the presence of the drive-through Covid testing centre. Carnival Corporation has its … Read more
“I’m trapped by COVID on an ultra-luxe SeaDream ship in Barbados” – Cruise Passenger writer
SeaDream Yacht Club’s ‘Barbados bubble’ has burst, temporarily at least. I’ve been on board SeaDream 1 since Saturday, sailing the Caribbean. This is the first cruise line to restart here so there was a lot at stake – and a great deal of planning had gone into the operation. The sailing, with 53 passengers and … Read more
Masks on a plane, temperature checks and QR codes – the new way to travel
It’s a brave new world, and Sue Bryant is happy to be back on Europe’s waters. If you’d told me a year ago that my morning flat white on deck would be accompanied by the first officer pointing a digital thermometer at my forehead and checking my pulse, I’d have been most puzzled. But daily … Read more
Which lines are cruising in Europe – all you need to know
While much of the world remains firmly closed to leisure travel, or is still in the grip of COVID, Europe’s cruise industry is emerging, blinking, into the late summer sunshine. It’s been a bumpy ride – but then, this is a pandemic. Everything was supposed to resume in style when Hurtigruten started operating three expedition … Read more
The amazing, courageous Swan Hellenic – a cruise line launched in a COVID era
The much-loved cultural cruise line Swan Hellenic, which folded in January 2017, is to make a comeback in 2021 with new owners and two new ships. Two state-of-the-art expedition ships are being built by Finland’s Helsinki Shipyard, carrying 152 guests each. The first is due to launch in November 2021, sailing an Antarctica season, with … Read more
Vale CMV – and farewell to the best curry at sea
The demise of Cruise & Maritime Voyages this week sees the end of an era of affordable, locally-based cruising. The British line’s ships may have been ageing and lacking in modern-day gimmicks, but they filled a niche – and had a loyal following. For Australians, CMV was a chance to give cruising a try with … Read more