Crystal has returned to operations with the line set to start sailings in May under the ownership of upmarket tour company Abercrombie & Kent. But what should we expect when the once most awarded luxury cruise line returns? Once a by-word for food, service and destinations, Crystal re-joins a growing number of luxury lines sailing … Read more
There’s something magical about sailing to Okinawa – the 160 subtropical Ryukyu islands off Southern Japan where time has stood still. These remote islands, many of them just tiny fishing villages and coastal towns have been preserved and retain an infectious charm of their own, insulated from Japan’s hot tourist spots of Tokyo, Osaka, and … Read more
Sydney doctors Anthony and Karen Leung are on board their sixth Ponant cruise – this time, a $100,000, 27-day extravaganza from Christchurch, New Zealand to Ushuaia, Argentina…via the White Continent of Antarctica. The intrepid pair have already done the Northwest Passage, the North Pole, Alaska, and the Kimberley. And they are big fans of the … Read more
At the start of the pandemic two years ago next month, cruise lines had to think quickly about how to handle the passengers affected by hundreds of cancelled cruises. The answer: future cruise credits. Hundreds of millions of dollars worth of future credits were offered for when sailings returned – sometimes with an extra incentive … Read more
Ponant’s Le Laperouse is currently sailing around Tasmania after following the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. But by April, she will be a flag carrier for the line in its biggest season yet in Australia’s iconic Kimberley. She will be joined this year by Le Ponant, the line’s three-masted sailing vessel, and later by Soleal, … Read more
Ponant has revealed their newest ship, Le Jacques-Cartier set to make its Australian debut, joining Le Lapérouse for the very first time in the country. The ship will start sailing in the Kimberley in April 2024 and will offer guests 22 departures between Broome and Darwin. The enormously popular 10-night ‘Australia’s Iconic Kimberley’ itinerary will showcase the most … Read more
Just when you think yourself to be a seasoned expedition cruiser, Ponant has some fresh new discoveries in store for their passengers and they’re hitting the road to share their newest adventures in luxury voyages and small ship explorations. You can meet the experts face to face at various locations around Australia over the coming … Read more
Ponant has launched its 2023/2024 voyages for the southern hemisphere summer and the menu is nothing but spectacular. You can expect not just the Ponant luxurious facilities and top-tier service but also the chance to visit truly remote locations and sink your feet into sand and soil that’s yet to be spoiled by the typical … Read more
The Northern Territory’s Chief Health Officer has announced “post-emergency” directives for cruise ships visiting the Northern Territory, which include a lifting of the previous cap of 350 passengers. Cruise Lines International Association’s local Manager Director Joel Katz told Cruise Weekly that this indicates a big step forward for NT and Australian cruising. “Expedition cruise lines have … 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.
