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
The Norwegian Jewel’s 287 Australian passengers landed in Sydney on a Qantas charter flight from Honolulu, Hawaii this morning. The charter flight departed Honolulu on Wednesday afternoon after more than a day’s delay, according to Guardian Australia. The ship arrived in Hawaii on Sunday March 22 and charter flights to bring all passengers home were … Read more
Last week, we reported the great debate between the two iconic lines offering Alaska cruises: Holland America Line and Princess Cruises. We covered their fleets, cruise itineraries and on board offerings. This week, we look into what they offer on shore: land tour itineraries, rail experiences, shore excursions and their lodges. The comparison is inspired … Read more
Holland America Line and Princess Cruises are two of the biggest lines in Alaska, both with a long history of bringing cruisers to see and explore Alaska. But who is the best? While both lines are sister brands under Carnival Corporation, each has a distinct flair and identity, which in turn have dedicated cruisers that … Read more
Will your insurance cover a trip cancelled because of the coronavirus? With the world focused on the outbreak of the coronavirus, the impact is being felt on a wide scale throughout the travel industry. In particular, there has been much confusion about insurance for travellers, as many are unsure whether they are covered or not. … Read more
Major cruise lines have cancelled port calls and initiated new health measures amidst growing fears over the rapid spread of the coronavirus. Thousands of passengers have now been affected, and the numbers are likely to grow. In Italy, over 6,000 passengers, including 27 Australians and crew of the Costa Smeralda were held on board the … 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
Priority access used to be rewarded to the cruise lines’ most loyal cruisers, but now many of them are extending the perk to all cruisers at a fee. How much will you pay to beat the queues? Norwegian Cruise Line is the latest line to join the ranks with a trial of their ‘Priority Access’ … Read more
Once copious amount of food, booze and cocktails would be enough to entice a newbie to take a holiday on a cruise ship. Today, lines are going out of their way to sign up celebrity chefs, television stars and famous singers to front their specialty restaurants and cabaret shows. Here’s a Who’s Who of cruise … Read more