Cruise Passenger readers always have plenty to say about what’s going on in Australian cruise, and in the broader cruise community. In Your Say, Cruise Passenger looks at the issues our readers are writing to us about on our blogs, posts and newsletters.
Cruise Passenger readers always have a lot to say on the topic of New Zealand cruising. The industry across the bite has seen a lot of strife over recent years, and with New Zealand being one of the most favoured destinations for Aussie cruising.
Many cruisers are feeling the heat of New Zealand’s high regulatory costs being reflected in their cruise fares.
Franz Chong says: “They price them ridiculously. You can get a Japan cruise to Hong Kong for close to about the same kind of money with flights and an overnight stay. Or four nights in Singapore using the cheapest hotel and possible flights and a Penang Phuket cruise for about a grand lower than the NZ cruises.”
Another cruiser Wayne Murphy feel its a steep price to pay given that NZ often sees weather issues.
“The weather is always a problem with NZ cruises – we have done four and missed different ports every time- haven’t made it to Tauranga at all.”
Cruiser Bryce is from New Zealand is sick of heavy taxes that are preventing cruise ships from visiting.
“I think the government is talking with a forked tongue. On one hand they say the revenue is great for the country but on the other hand the government keep increasing taxes, increasing regulations and making it more and more difficult for these ships to get here.
“I say drop the taxes and make it more affordable for people to come and enjoy what we have in this fantastic country.”
Peter Bourn is an older cruiser and doesn’t want to see more people like himself turned away from New Zealand cruises due to rising costs.
“We are very experienced cruise travellers. This proposed NZ Government increased fee proposal is beyond our comprehension. We cruised recently around NZ and the passenger age demographic was in the high seventies.
“These people are predominantly aged pensioners. Increased cruise costs to this age demographic will significantly turn off potential NZ cruise passengers as money talks.
“Get real NZ Government.”
Our crew getting deported
Cruise Passenger reader Eira Battaglia was severely upset to hear about cruise crew members being deported in the USA.
“The article about Phillipino crew being removed & deported from American cruise ships highlights the extent of the power of Trumps illegal treatment of migrants.
Phillipino crew just about all large cruise ships, the Carnival owned being the biggest – Princess, HAL, Cunard if the crews were removed the various ships would find it hard to replace these hard working members. Its so awful to contemplate the distress they are feeling.”
We need more regional cruising
As far as regional cruising goes, Rosemary Attard is upset that she will no longer be able to cruise out of Melbourne, with less and less options available.
“My husband and I are in our late eighties and loved going on cruises around Australia and Europe and USbut now we are not enjoying these holidays as we used to because we find it hard to travel home to airport and then to the wharf to pick up the ship and return.
“We would like to look forward to getting on the ship in our home port, Melbourne and return there. I know other people in our age group that have also complained that they too find it hard not joining the ship and returning to their home port.”
Please keep those comments coming!
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Cruise passengers, especially Cruise Passenger readers always have plenty to say about what’s going on with Australian cruise, and in the broader cruise community.
