Australia’s cruise industry yesterday reacted angrily to news that Canada is reopening to sailings – leaving Australia as the only leading cruise nation where the government is doing nothing about a resumption. To rub salt in the wound, an astonishing 43,000 cruisers have sent notes to their MPs – only to receive a stock letter … Read more
America’s powerful Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has set a new date for the potential return of cruise ships. The no sail order, which was due to expire next week, has been extended until September 30 in the US. Most cruise lines, including those who sail in Australian waters, have already agreed to halt … Read more
There is much confusion over when international lines will return and cruise in Australian seas. The Federal Government’s official ban on foreign cruise vessels entering local waters ends on 17 September. So what do the cruise lines say about when they’ll be back? Carnival Cruise Line said it will resume cruising when it is safe … Read more
Cruise lines are slashing fares by up to 70 per cent in a concerted effort to attract passengers back to holiday on the high seas post COVID-19 pandemic. Blue Lagoon Cruises is offering 70 per cent off on its three, four and seven day cruises in Fiji Islands for the first 70 passengers who book … Read more
Gavin Smith, Royal Caribbean International’s managing director Australia and New Zealand, has been appointed the new chair of Cruise Lines International Association Australasia. Mr Smith takes on the role as cruise lines grapple with the crippling effects of coronavirus and prepare for a return to sailing. Mr Smith’s huge experience will certainly be needed in … Read more
Australian patients displaced from hospitals because of the coronavirus pandemic may be treated in cruise ship sick bays and recover on board, if an offer from Carnival Corporation is taken up. The world’s largest cruise line, with ten brands, has made the offer globally, including the US and Australia, according to a statement issued today. … Read more
Cruise lines open their hearts and wallets to help Australia’s bushfire victims, with donation pledges and fundraising efforts from their guests and crews. Hundreds of thousands have gone to appeals like the Australian Red Cross, and Carnival – in line with its Fun Ship persona – held charity water slide rides. The line raised an … Read more
The big reveal is nearly here – four new ships will be in Australian and New Zealand waters for this year’s cruise season. As a bonus, we will also be getting a first look at three recently refurbished ships. The new season brings a crowd of new family fun ships such as Explorer Dream from … Read more
A number of Australian cruisers are tipping their favourite staff on board personally – even though gratuities are already included in their fares. A survey of Cruise Passenger’s Facebook group found confusion on whether gratuities are a compulsory charge or something that can be removed from bills. Some members claimed that they take gratuities off … Read more
She's the most specious ship yet from luxury line Oceania Cruises. James Sitters tells Rose Kelly and Peter Lynch what's on board the new class of ship, including restaurants, spas and suites.
