Travel agent refuses to sell cruises that may not sail

Cost Luminosa Cruise Ship

It’s been a surreal five months since the cruise pause in March. The world’s fleet of more than 300 ships are riding at anchor all over the planet.  There is no sign yet of a unified protocol that might satisfy health authorities that operators can make their vessels safe, though much work has been started. … Read more

The first sailing since lockdown – what life is like in the new world of cruise

Pam the German cruise blogger

Cruise lines are getting back to business in some parts of the world – much to the envy of many die-hard Australian cruisers. Asia-based Dream Cruises has started short Taiwan sailings from Keelung on island-hopping getaways including Peng Hu, Masu Island, Kinmen as well as Hualien. Meanwhile in Germany, TUI’s Mein Schiff 2, recently returned … Read more

Over 800 Ruby Princess passengers file class action lawsuit

Karla and Graeme Lake

Shine Lawyers have filed a Federal Court class action against the owners of the Ruby Princess over the handling of a COVID-19 outbreak onboard the ship. In documents lodged in court on Thursday, the firm reveals it is seeking compensation on behalf of 800 passengers or their families and estates. Class actions practice lawyer Vicky … Read more

Eight Ponant ships are sailing again

ponant-facts-hero

Luxury French line, Ponant has restarted operations with eight ships sailing in France, Iceland and Tahiti for local cruisers as travel restrictions ease. “By Thursday this week, we will have eight ships resuming cruising in France including Le Lyrial sailing seven nights itinerary from Nice, L’Austral departing from Marseille, Le Bougainville departing Bordeaux and Le … Read more

Vale CMV – and farewell to the best curry at sea

The crew aboard CMV

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

Cruise lines fight to save 2020 season with new local model

Flow Rider on Royal Caribbean

Cruise lines are determined to sail a summer season in Australian waters this year, possibly using the German model of itineraries where ships leave and return to Australian ports. Cruise Lines International Association global chair Adam Goldstein revealed discussions were already under way with the Australian government about how the country might be able to … Read more

Viking’s world cruise to visit two new ports Down Under

The penguins on Phillip Island

Viking Cruises has unveiled a new world cruise, a 136-day itinerary visiting 27 countries and 56 ports in 2021-22. The local highlights include two new Australian destinations, Phillip Island in Victoria and Eden in NSW. The epic journey on the 930-passenger Viking Star will depart Fort Lauderdale on December 24 2021 and explore Central America, … Read more