“We’re sitting ducks” say Aussies on adventure ship in Uruguay

Aurora Expeditions Sylvia Earle

Close to a hundred Australians stuck on MV Greg Mortimer, an expedition cruise ship off Uruguay may be “sitting ducks” as fears of coronavirus outbreak spread. Already one passenger has been tested positive to COVID-19 and nine others have developed symptoms according to an SBS report. The passenger with COVID-19 is “in a critically ill … Read more

Captain Kate organises 12-ship sunset salute

Captain Kate organises 12-ship sunset salute

Every night at 7:30pm, Captain Kate McCue of the Celebrity Edge sounds the bellowing horn of her ship. And in response, 12 other ships, all from different lines, join her in the evening spectacle. Captain McCue, who is one of the first female captains, travels the world on the Celebrity Edge with her cat and is known … Read more

In NSW and Florida, our humanity is on trial this weekend

In NSW and Florida, our humanity is on trial this weekend

There is a well known Biblical phrase:  “As ye sow, so shall ye reap”. Today, thousands of miles apart, two countries are grappling with the humanitarian crisis facing cruise ships in a debate without compassion and, some may feel, with a degree of racism. Holland America Line finally received confirmation it could disembark guests from … Read more

Ruby Princess – the questions that must be answered

Ruby Princess - the questions that must be answered

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has ordered an investigation into how the Ruby Princess came to land and disembark 2,650 passengers while tests being carried out on 13 other passengers with flu like symptoms. The vessel has now become the largest source of Australian fatalities from COVID-19 after two more died yesterday.  There are over 300 … Read more

Carnival Splendor crew keep their spirits up and ready for the return of cruise

Carnival cruise director Chloe Loddo

Australia’s BIG fun ship the Carnival Splendor is unusually quiet as she floats off the NSW. But Chloe Loddo, Cruise Director of Carnival Splendor and her team are all keeping busy with preparations and new ideas to debut when cruise returns. Carnival’s loyal fans have been lapping up Ms Loddo’s updates of life on board … Read more

Pacific Explorer expelled from Sydney Harbour by NSW Police

Pacific Explorer expelled from Sydney Harbour by NSW Police

New South Wales Police have ordered P&O’s Pacific Explorer to leave White Bay Cruise Terminal, her homeport, in an extraordinary move. The order elicited an immediate and strong response from Sture Myrmell, the President of Carnival Australia which operates P&O Cruises. But the line agreed it would obey the order and Pacific Explorer was preparing … Read more

Free at last: Aussies on Zaandam and Rotterdam on their way home.

Free at last: Aussies on Zaandam and Rotterdam on their way home.

Over 130 Aussies on Holland America’s Zaandam and Rotterdam are on their way home on a chartered United Airlines flight. United says the charter will be a direct flight from San Francisco Airport to Sydney Airport and will only carry passengers from the Zaandam and the Rotterdam to prevent other passengers from potentially being exposed to coronavirus. A … Read more

Military style medical plan in NSW cruise ship standoff

Princess Ruby

An astonishing “military-style operation” is being considered to test crews for COVID-19 who are currently held off the NSW coast in a standoff between the police and cruise ships industry. According to today’s Australian newspaper, the plan involves flying doctors in helicopters onto the decks of ships and testing the 8,615 people in board. NSW … Read more