The Singapore Tourism Board has announced the resumption of cruises in November. Pilot itineraries will be offered by two lines that are homeported in the country − Genting Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean. To ensure the safety of passengers and crew, the pilot sailings will consist of round-trips with no ports-of-call. Sailings are only open … Read more
Passengers and crew members sailing on ships that accommodate more than 250 people will have to undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing. The Cruise Lines International Association and its member brands announced the plan this week as part of a multi-layer approach, which they hope will help the American Centers for Disease and Prevention Control, make the … Read more
European sailings by big ship lines such as MSC and Costa are seen as critical tests for the cruise industry’s ability to handle COVID-19. Cruise lines have cited the success in Europe, where lines have been sailing for six weeks, as a reason why American health authorities should allow cruising to resume in the US. … Read more
The battle to start cruising has begun in earnest today, with the major lines – backed by teams of eminent medical specialists – putting forward fresh plans to convince governments around the world that it’s safe to allow them to sail. Major companies are facing enormous losses as over 300 ships ride at anchor, so … Read more
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have cancelled all sailings in Australia and New Zealand for the rest of the year. Both lines have suspended all cruises departing Australia and New Zealand through to 31 December 2020. The cancellation of local cruises goes beyond the Federal Government’s decision to ban all international cruise ships visiting Australian … Read more
Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, soon to be the world’s largest ship has floated out. The new ship which is currently now in the water at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint Nazaire, France, was floated out on 5 September. She’ll now undergo an extensive fitting-out process where her interior spaces will be built and … Read more
Royal Caribbean has completely reinvented their muster drill and will be launching Muster 2.0 with brand new eMuster technology. This means the least favourite part of any cruise will now take place online in your own time, rather than standing on deck with a bright orange life jacket with hundreds of other passengers. It is, … Read more
Cruise lines are getting back to business in some parts of the world – much to the envy of many die-hard Australian cruisers. Asia-based Dream Cruises has started short Taiwan sailings from Keelung on island-hopping getaways including Peng Hu, Masu Island, Kinmen as well as Hualien. Meanwhile in Germany, TUI’s Mein Schiff 2, recently returned … 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
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.
