Can cruising in a mask be fun? These passengers think so

Passengers in Masks Katarina Line

Croatia’s border opening saw an influx of bookings for premier small ship cruises with Katarina Line – masks and all. Passengers told the line wearing a mask does not stop them from having fun on the ship. After months pent up in their homes, the ocean breeze is a welcome change. Guests have been asked … Read more

Why COVID means you may not find a travel agent to book your cruise

Justine Sealy of Ramsgate

Many Australian cruisers are so frustrated by numerous cancellations and rebooking holidays that they have decided to splurge instead on luxury cars or  new carpets for their homes, Justine Sealey, managing director of Ramsgate Travel Service told Cruise Passenger this week. Others have spent their holiday funds repaying mortgages on behalf of their children, who … Read more

A Coffs Harbour resort from $99 per night – the best Australian deals

Barossa Valley

Find your next Australian holiday with these deals. Frolic on the beaches of Palm Cove and Coffs Harbour from beachside resorts. Or enjoy the best of both the reef and rainforest in Port Douglas. Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain and Perth’s Margaret River also feature forest retreats. Alternatively, experience a Darwin city stay or explore the Barossa … Read more

Now NSW Premier says sorry – but what happens next?

Now NSW Premier says sorry - but what happens next?

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has apologised for the “hurt, stress and trauma” caused by the mistakes of NSW Health involved in the Ruby Princess coronavirus scandal after spending the weekend reading a 315-page report. She also promised to “act immediately” to address failures identified by the Commission of Inquiry run by barrister Bret Walker SC, … Read more

“Everyone makes mistakes” – the conclusions of the Ruby Princess inquiry into 28 deaths

Humanitarian crisis as Ruby Princess docks at Port Kembla and police launch criminal probe

Cruise Passenger analysis There are hundreds of passengers milling around at Circular Quay. They are waiting for cabs, buses or relatives.  It’s a familiar early morning sight when cruise ships arrive in Sydney. In this case, however, it’s the moment when history could have been changed for the better. These passengers are clutching leaflets that … Read more

‘Serious mistakes’ made by NSW Health as Ruby Princess report handed down

Ruby Princess inquiry hears startling new evidence as line's president appeals: "Stick with us"

NSW Health made a number of serious mistakes of its handling of the Ruby Princess including the delay in sending swabs for COVID-19 testing and assessing the cruise ship as low risk. A special commission of inquiry investigated the decisions made by Carnival Australia, NSW Health and Federal Government agencies into what became on of … Read more

The guinea pig cruises – how northern Europe is making cruise safer

The guinea pig cruises - how northern Europe is making cruise safer

The beginning of August heralded the start of a soft launch of the Northern Hemisphere cruise season. It did not go well for everyone. “This virus teaches us something every day,” veteran Norwegian Cruise Lines head Frank Del Rio said. “While it’s disappointing, I’m glad the ports and the cruise companies that suffered these setbacks … Read more

The new luxurious Silver Origin to set sail next month

The new luxurious Silver Origin to set sail next month

The luxurious Silver Origin will begin voyages around the Galapagos Islands next month. She’s due to start sailing on September 19 with a series of adventure itineraries where guests can see the diverse wildlife of this eco destination. Despite the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s No Sail Order, the ship will be operating exclusively … Read more