HAL vs Princess – which is best for Alaska shore excursions

Alaska shore excursions - Princess Cruises

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

The best cruise dining & specialty restaurants

Server showing wine to customers

The best cruise dining & specialty restaurants Published by Cruise Passenger Published on 21 Feb 2020 When it comes to dining at sea, the options are many. So when you’re adding up the advantages of purchasing a dining package, is it worth it compared to paying as you go? When a handful of the larger … Read more

Australia’s cruise extension sees Cunard and Princess drop prices to under $70

The Norwegian Spirit heads to the Mediterranean

In an unprecedented move, the Australian cruise season has been extended, with ships like the Sapphire Princess and the Queen Elizabeth sailing in our waters. As exclusively predicted by Cruise Passenger last week, the move is the result of the coronavirus in Asia, and means thousands more cabins, port calls and itineraries for Aussie cruisers. … Read more

“Chaotic and completely inadequate”: quarantine aboard the Diamond Princess

diamond princess signage header

A Japanese infectious disease specialist has questioned how the Japanese government handled the quarantine on board the Diamond Princess, saying it was โ€œcompletely inadequate in terms of infection controlโ€ and โ€œcompletely chaoticโ€. Professor Kentaro Iwata a specialist of infectious diseases of Kobe University Hospital posted a video on Tuesday, describing what he saw during the … Read more

Fourth Diamond Princess passenger dies after coronavirus quarantine

jan swartz diamond princess passengers

A fourth passenger from the quarantined Diamond Princessย has died, Japanese officials confirmed on Tuesday. The fourth passenger was a man in his 80s, just like the three other previously reported deaths. The third passenger died of pneumonia and it was not confirmed that he had coronavirus but had been treated in the hospital after disembarking … Read more

Seven Australian evacuees test positive for coronavirus in Darwin

diamond princess darwin quarantine

Seven Australians who were evacuated from Diamond Princess have tested positive for coronavirus in Darwin. Five Australian passengers tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday, February 22. Since arrival at Manigurr-Ma, a total of 17 people have shown mild respiratory symptoms and have now been tested after being isolated at the facility. The latest case is … Read more

Sapphire Princess proves a gem for food lovers

Sapphire Princess review

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I was eagerly anticipating the Sapphire Princess offering, as I boarded the vessel for a 3-night round trip voyage from Singapore. After all, Princess prides herself as a brand thatโ€™s big on food quality. Princess was voted โ€˜Best Cruise Line for Food Loversโ€™ by Food & Wine Magazine, and her Italian … Read more

Australian passengers to be evacuated Wednesday from Diamond Princess

diamond princess american evacuation

A Qantas charter flight will evacuate Australian passengers from the Diamond Princess on Wednesday, the Federal Government has announced. The 200 Australians, who have beenย held virtual prisoners in their cabins for two weeks after the ship was hit by the coronavirus and held in Japan, will be flown to the Howard Springs quarantine facility in … Read more

HAL vs Princess – onboard: which is the best line in Alaska?

Alaska cruises destination

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