Teresa Ooi 
Expedition cruising in the Kimberley could be the first to kick start the industry as domestic travel restrictions lift in early June, Sarina Bratton, chairman of French luxury cruise company Ponant told Cruise Passenger in an exclusive interview. Ms Bratton, a veteran of the cruise industry and the only cruise representative on the Tourism Restart … Read more
Viking Cruises has halted its river and ocean sailings until 31 August because travel remains “complicated”, Viking chairman Torstein Hagen said. “This has truly been an unprecedented time in world history and for those of us who spend much of our time travelling, staying home has been a continuous adjustment,” he added. The line is … Read more
Silversea Cruises is working through the government’s proposed “travel bubble” to ensure that Silver Explorer and Silver Muse will be able to sail in local waters later this year. Silversea’s outgoing managing director Australasia, Adam Armstrong voiced his “quiet optimism” that the governments of Australia and New Zealand will include cruising in the proposed “travel … Read more
Gavin Smith, Royal Caribbean International’s managing director Australia and New Zealand, has been appointed the new chair of Cruise Lines International Association Australasia. Mr Smith takes on the role as cruise lines grapple with the crippling effects of coronavirus and prepare for a return to sailing. Mr Smith’s huge experience will certainly be needed in … Read more
Silversea Cruises has successfully conducted the remotely-operated sea trial of its latest luxury ship, Silver Origin off the Netherlands despite the challenges of the global lockdown. Silver Origin is scheduled to offer luxury cruising in the Galapagos for 100 passengers in an all-suite accommodation with butler service, hopefully later this year. In a world-first, the … Read more
From raising money, baking cakes, sounding horns in unison to providing temporary accommodation for workers recuperating from COVID-19, individual cruise companies have taken the initiative to demonstrate their support for medical staff fighting the pandemic at the front line. It is also an attempt to keep crew spirits up during the prolonged pandemic lockdown. Genting … Read more
Expedition line, Hurtigruten has extended the suspension of its worldwide sailings until 16 June. “We are two months into what is a truly extraordinary situation. In one way or another, the consequences of the pandemic impact us all,” said Daniel Skjeldam, Hurtigruten CEO. “There is still a lot of uncertainty in what the next weeks … Read more
Scenic Group has shown strong confidence in the future of the luxury cruise sector, cutting steel for its second expedition ship, Scenic Eclipse II, and announcing a further four will be built by MKM Yachts shipyard, owned by the line in Rijeka, Croatia. The construction of Scenic Eclipse II follows the remarkable success of the … Read more
Oceania Cruises has unveiled “The Ultimate Sale”, offering major price reductions to entice travellers cooped up at home to travel the world again. Special deals to Europe with prices starting from just $2220 pp will include free shore excursions, free onboard credit, free internet and free beverage package. “The Ultimate Sale offers unrivalled value with … 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.
