New food themed cruises with P&O

One of Australia’s favourite cruise lines, P&O has announced new Food and Wine cruisers where guests can stuff themselves silly on some amazing Aussie produce. The line is offering 21 food themed cruises this year which includes three-night itineraries from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Fremantle and Adelaide. P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said there has been an increase in Aussies taking these trips especially after hit cooking shoes like My Kitchen Rules and Masterchef have captured audiences both young and old. “Each of our Food and Wine cruises varies but on every itinerary, guests can learn from expert culinary talent including top Australian chefs as Luke Mangan and TV personalities Will and Steve from My Kitchen Rules and Masterchef 2016 winner Elena Duggan.” More information, click here.

Hapag Lloyd reveals the name of its two new ships

Launching in April and October 2019 will be Hapag Lloyd’s new expedition ships. The two ships will be named Nanseatic nature and Nanseatic inspiration. The vessels will accommodate up to 230 passengers. Each ship will have three restaurants and a large wellness and fitness area, plus a marina for water sports. The ship will be fitted out with eco-friendly engines.

Silver Muse’s Australian link

Silversea’s newest ship, the Silver Muse, will be led by an Australian Captain, it was announced last week. OK, we have to confess Alessandro Zanello, at 43 the youngest ever to be appointed a captain on the Silversea fleet, is also half Italian.

Captain Zanello has worked onboard all ships in the Silversea fleet. The son of an Italian father and Australian mother, Alessandro spent many of his childhood holidays in Sydney, Australia. The galley will be led by Executive Chef Anne-Mari Cornelius, who joined Silversea in 2005 and has worked onboard two Silver Whisper world cruises as Executive Chef. Cruise Director Jimmy Kovel will oversee activities and entertainment onboard the ship during its inaugural season. Silver Muse is christened on 19 April 2017 – and Cruise Passenger will be on board, so watch out for our review.

Gadgets ahoy!

MSC Cruises is the latest to outline new digital technology that will allow passengers to book restaurants, shore excursions and other services.

Called “MSC for Me” it will debut on the Meraviglia in June and the Seaside in November. It will be rolled out fleet wide. “MSC for Me” is a smart wristband that allows passengers to do everything from having food delivered to any part of the ship to book shore excursions. It has 130 different functions, including menu access and routes back to your cabin.

It will feature:

Events and navigation guide which also allows guests to keep tabs on their children

Concierge booking tool to book restaurant tables, shore excursions and others

TailorMade –  MSC for Me also offers recommendations based on your past preferences.