New Future Cruise Credit site offers $365 lure – but rivals claim they are “poachers”

New Future Cruise Credit site offers $365 lure - but rivals claim they are "poachers"

Australian travellers with Future Cruise Credits are being enticed to rebook their holidays with a $365 bonus offer from a new online travel agency based in the Gold Coast. Tens of thousands of passengers whose cruises were cancelled by the pandemic chose to take Future Cruise Credits which entitles them to book forward when cruising … Read more

NCLH has extended the suspension of cruise voyages across three brands until 1 December 2020

The Regent Seven Seas Splendor

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has extended its ongoing pause of global cruise voyages across all three brands โ€“ Norwegian, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas โ€“ until 1 December 2020. The line cited the โ€œcurrent global environmentโ€ for the extension of the suspension of cruises until the end of November. In addition, for some ships, the … Read more

What the cruise lines say about when they’ll be back

The Best Cruise Lines for First Time Cruisers

There is much confusion over when international lines will return and cruise in Australian seas. The Federal Governmentโ€™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

NCLH to restart sailings from 1 October

Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises have extended the suspension of sailings until 30 September. All itineraries across the three brands embarking between 1 August to 30 September will now be cancelled. However, the cancelled voyages exclude Seattle-based Alaska voyages on Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss scheduled to depart in September. … Read more

Australasia’s cruise industry group gets new chair as lines prepare for relaunch

Ovation of the Seas, Sydney

Gavin Smith, Royal Caribbean Internationalโ€™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

6,000, including 27 Aussies in lockdown on Costa ship as coronavirus declared “global emergency”

6,000, including 27 Aussies in lockdown on Costa ship as coronavirus declared "global emergency"

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

Carnival bans “offensive” attire – here’s what other lines allow

Carnival bans "offensive" attire - here's what other lines allow

Carnival Cruise Line has banned cruisers from wearing โ€œoffensiveโ€ clothing while on board its ships which other guests may find disrespectful. In a major change to its dress code, Carnival has ruled that all guests โ€œare expected to ensure their clothing and accessories are respectful to fellow guests. โ€œSpecifically, items worn during the cruise should … Read more

The cruise lines cooking up a culinary storm for 2020

The cruise lines cooking up a culinary storm for 2020

Whose kitchen rules? We’re about to find out, as luxury cruise lines step up their culinary cruise offerings with more and more hands on experiences for 2020. Regent Seven Seas has launched its own deluxe smorgasbord of 16 new cooking classes โ€“ rated among the top foodie experiences for luxe travellers. This comes on top … Read more