Ocean cruise lines suspend cruising until November

Oceancruising_cruisepassenger

Ocean-going cruise lines have agreed to voluntarily suspend U.S. cruise operations until at least 31 October, Cruise Lines International Association has announced. The move will mean similar dates across the globe, as CLIA is the leading owners group. Said a statement issued in Washington: “We believe it is prudent at this time to voluntarily extend … Read more

Viking heads for Panama Canal next year

Viking Ocean Cruises to send new ship to Asia and Australia

Spend Christmas Day on the high seas and New Year’s Eve on the Panama Canal with Viking’s new, one-off, 18-day itinerary which departs Fort Lauderdale on 24 December 2021. Your holiday on board the 930-passenger Viking Star will visit six countries and call at exotic destinations such as Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, … Read more

6 ways to see The Kimberley

Nick-Rains-Kimberley

One of the most compelling expedition cruising regions, with itineraries selling out a year in advance, is here in Australia. Straddling the far northwest of Australia across Western Australia and the Northern Territory, the Kimberley is one of the world’s last wilderness frontiers. The Kimberley coast is spectacular with thundering waterfalls, plunging gorges, ancient Aboriginal … Read more

Rainforest lodges and campervan adventures – the best local deals

The falls at Tambourine Mountain

From boutique hotels, rainforest lodges to campervan adventures. The holidays of Australia are beckoning with special offers. Stay in a redeveloped heritage wool store in Hobart, explore South Australia in a campervan, or hideout in Tambourine Mountain’s rainforest in a quiet luxury lodge. There are also beachside boutique hotels in the Broome and the North … Read more

10 best Indigenous experiences in Australia

Garma Festival

Australia’s rich Aboriginal culture is spread out across the country. Craig Tansley explores 10 of the best cultural attractions, from the far reaches of Queensland to the depths of New South Wales’ Blue Mountains. NT Dine under the stars Take a ride with local Arrernte man Bob Taylor from RT Tours in Alice Springs, travelling … Read more

Big cruise lines “unlikely” – but small ships could restart our cruise season

My Kimberley coast cruise secrets, by Australia's best known expedition leader

Tourism Restart Taskforce member John Hart maintains it is “totally unlikely that big international cruise ships with thousands of passengers” will be allowed to sail in Australian waters soon. But the Taskforce is hopeful small ship lines like Ponant, which carry some 260 passengers each, might be able to operate in the much-talked-about “bubble” of  … Read more

We’re not selling our Queens, says Carnival

Cunard's three Queens

Carnival Corporation has denied rumours it would be selling Cunard, the line with three queens in its fleet, as well as luxe line Seabourn. According to Tradewinds, a travel trade site, sources told the publication that Carnival was looking to offload two of their brands currently under their vast umbrella. Other brands include Carnival Cruise … Read more