Viking Orion’s first Aussie season a near sell out – but she’ll be back for a longer stay

Viking Orion’s first Aussie season a near sell out - but she’ll be back for a longer stay

The fastest growing small ship fleet on the oceans arrived in Australia this week – and conquered hearts everywhere. Viking is already king of the rivers – 64 longships plying waterways in Europe, Asia and China, and a vessel on the Nile in Egypt. But the line’s move into ocean cruising five years ago caused … Read more

Viking Sun arrives in Australia to preview Orion’s three month stay

Viking Sun arrives in Australia to preview Orion’s three month stay

The Vikings aren’t just coming – they’ve arrived. The fastest growing fleet on the oceans – built by the line which has the largest number of river ships – will dock in Sydney tomorrow on a round-Australia tour to showcase the ships that are making waves everywhere. Viking Sun, the newest addition to Viking’s industry-leading … Read more

You asked – now cruise ships respond with new options

You asked - now cruise ships respond with new options

Cruise lines are responding to the growing diversity of passengers – from millennials to the more intrepid – by providing more options. Many have come about because of special requests. Here are some of the new options you’ll find: Larger cruise ships We’re seeing an emergence of more lines building bigger cruise ships. While Royal Caribbean … Read more

Carnival Legend to homeport from Melbourne

Carnival Legend to homeport from Melbourne

Carnival Cruise Line is homeporting the Carnival Legend in Melbourne for 16 sailings over 2018/19. She will now call Melbourne home with her first cruise leaving this afternoon to New Caledonia. Announcing the news and welcoming the ship to her new home port, Carnival Cruise Line’s President, Christine Duffy said, “Today’s news is in response to the … Read more

Carnival to add capacity for an extra 800 guests on the Carnival Splendor

Carnival to add capacity for an extra 800 guests on the Carnival Splendor

Carnival Cruises are bringing the Carnival Splendor to Australia – and increasing her capacity from 3,000 passengers to 3,900 guests.

She’ll be arriving in Australia next year and according to a spokesperson, she will be able to accommodate an extra 800 passengers.

The Splendor will be a big addition to the enormously popular Carnival fleet, which is a favourite among young families with children and she arrive in December 2019.

It is believed the 10-year-old vessel, which was last refurbished two years ago,  will be dry-docked before her first season down under for “Aussification” and more Fun Ship elements to be added including the Green Thunder slide as well as special coffee machines for Aussie coffee.

The announcement was made aboard the Carnival Spirit this morning in Sydney Harbour. line president Christine Duffy and Vice Presidentn Jennifer Vandekreeke, who has done most to build the line’s presence in Australia to one of the country’s favourites.

“We just celebrated our five-year anniversary in Australia, and we know our Australian cruise market are fun, high-spirit and family friendly. We looked around our fleet because we are increasing our capacity, and we thought we could get a larger ship for the Australian market, thus the decision to deploy the Carnival Splendour all year around here,” said Ms Duffy.

They made the announcement along with staff on the back deck of the Spirit.

Carnival Splendor entered service on 2 July 2008, and was then the largest ship in Carnival Cruise Line.

Two years ago, it was announced that the ship would be transferred to the P&O Cruises Australia fleet in 2019 but a year ago it was decided that Splendour  will remain with Carnival, while Princess transfers out the Golden Princess in 2020 to P&O Cruises Australia.

The 3,006-passenger vessel has a 21,000 sq ft state-of-the-art, indoor Cloud 9 spa on two forward decks – the largest spa on any Carnival ship. It includes an elaborate thermal suite, a variety of health and beauty treatment rooms, and Carnival’s first Thalasso therapy pool.

There is an adults only retreat and at one stage the ship featured a winter garden with a ceremonial tea house.

The 5,500 sq ft children’s playroom located midship was at one stage considered the largest in the Carnival fleet. Above the facility is a dedicated water play area, a first for Carnival Cruise Lines.

A sports deck featuring arena-style seating for games and other events as at the stern of the vessel.

A reservations-only supper club is located atop the poolside Lido restaurant, providing diners with magnificent ocean vistas. The mid-ship pool, one of four on board, is enclosed by two full decks of glass walls.

The area is covered with a two-deck-high retractable dome that can be closed during inclement weather. A large balcony encircles the upper deck of the pool area. There are flat screen televisions in every stateroom and award-winning shows are offered.

Bookings open next month!

Revealed: Seabourn’s art attack

Revealed: Seabourn’s art attack

The Seabourn Ovation has unveiled an amazing art collection – the latest luxury cruise liner to offer passengers a cultural experience as their cruise. Scheduled to launch in May 2018, and sister-ship to the Seabourn Encore — Seabourn Ovation will offer 300 newly-designed suites and an extensive art collection. A team from ArtLink, which works … Read more

Construction starts on new energy-efficient Norwegian Encore

Construction starts on new energy-efficient Norwegian Encore

The Norwegian Encore, the latest ship to join the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet will be environmentally friendly when it is launched in October 2019. The ship, which will be part of the Breakaway-class, will be sailing every Sunday from Port Miami and sailing on seven-night itineraries to the Caribbean. The Norwegian Encore will be equipped … Read more