Teresa Ooi 
A survey released this week found eight out of ten cruisers still think Medicare covers them anywhere – and they are especially confused when on a domestic cruise. The Compare Travel Insurance poll found 82 per cent of Australians are unsure about whether Medicare covers them on a domestic cruise. Yet nearly half go on … Read more
Frank Armstrong was five days from the nearest port when he suffered a heart attack halfway between Australia and America. The 81-year old, who was travelling with his wife Leah, was immediately admitted to the ship’s medical centre on Ovation of the Seas where he spent five long nights, uncertain whether he would survive. “It … Read more
With its cobalt blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, pristine golden sandy beaches and mysterious volcanoes, it is easy to see why Hawaii has been described as paradise on earth. Here you can watch humpback whales from the historic town of Lahaina, snorkel in the marine haven of Kailua Kona and see the majestic Rainbow Falls … Read more
Wildlife photographer, Jason Edwards, has one of the biggest image portfolios at National Geographic and has been at the forefront of natural history photography for more than two decades. The gregarious, award-winning photographer from Melbourne is passionate about species conservation, climate change and the environment, taking some of the most astounding photographs over his extensive … Read more
The countdown has begun for Australia’s cruise season – and there is plenty on offer this year that’s new. Cruise lines are becoming more inventive, visiting new ports, planning different itineraries and creating never-before-experienced shore excursions. Here are some of the new offerings that we’ll see in the next six months. Princess Cruises Leading the … Read more
If you relish all things lavish, from arresting crystal chandeliers, Picasso paintings, inlaid marbled floors and Versace branded tableware, you will certainly be right at home aboard the Regent Seven Seas Splendor. The latest all-suite, all-balcony addition to the luxury line, is described “Luxury Perfected” with good reason. Nothing is left to chance. Every detail … Read more
Cruise passengers with international passports heading for New Zealand will have to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority from 1 October this year. But the good news is Australian citizens are exempt. From 1 October 2019, all air and cruise ship travellers from 60 visa waiver countries, will be required to hold a … Read more
Luxury French line Ponant has rolled out new, enticing itineraries that extend from Africa, the Maldives and the Arabian Gulf to India, China, Myanmar, Japan and Tahiti for 2020-21. “Be it the gardens of Japan, the game reserves of Africa, diving and snorkelling in the crystal waters of Polynesia or experiencing the exotic fairyland of … Read more
Wisdom, it is said, comes with age and experience. So don’t be surprised that the more you cruise, the more you pick up on the unofficial hidden secrets that cruise lines do not reveal. Ask any seasoned cruiser and they will know a thing or two about how to save money, how to get more … Read more