AustralianCruisingNews

An open letter to the media: Back off, get your facts straight and stop whipping up hysteria about cruise ships. A completely new phase of “Turn Back The Boats” which is bordering on immoral. All ships out there off the coast only have crew. The last ship disembarked all guests in Sydney around 20 March. Most ships also disembarked a number of crew around the same time to head back to their home county, however a number of crew are needed on board to maintain the ship and keep it operational. They (ships) are here because they were based (home porting) here at the time, and anticipate resuming their operations here when this all blows over. And according to CLIA, the sector contributed over $5 billion to the economy last year. That’s over $5,000,000,000. The problem for Ruby Princess and some of the Royal Caribbean ships is that Covid-19 has been brought onboard at some stage - more than likely by a guest who has gotten through the screening process a number of weeks ago when they boarded. It should be said they likely were not aware of - or not showing - symptoms at the time, however there are now still residual effects on some crew from the spread of the virus on board. Unfortunately with this virus in an enclosed space, it easily spreads as we have seen on ships, at weddings, social gatherings, sporting events and the like. The question is, given the worldwide shutdown and closure of ports, where are these ships supposed to go? Particularly if there are illnesses on board, are we just to say bugger off and fend for yourselves? Do we simply treat them like people smugglers and "turn back the boats"? Certainly the politicians and media are doing their best to whip up a storm, which I think is leaning towards an approach completely lacking in morality.. Thank You Matt Halloran for your brave words that the Media should take note of. All photos taken by our photographer, Brian Gaskin of www.australiancruisingnews.com.au We Are The HOME Of Australian Cruising! #WeWillBeBack #Comebacknew #LikeNoPlaceOnEarth #ChooseFun @pocruisesau @Carnivaloz @PrincessCruises @rciaustraliaandnz @CarnivalAustNews @CelebrityCruisesAUNZ @Princess_AUST @HALCruises @Cunard @gordanos @Stuarta11

Welcome to www.australiancruisingnews.com.au we are back ! We are the Home of Australian Cruising! We focus on the ships that are based and homported in Australian waters every Australian Cruising season. Australian Cruising News are proud to be independent of the cruise lines and do not offer bias reviews or opinions of cruise lines or their ships, we are not like some other media outlets that are online or operate though social media outlets . Every review and opinion is strictly our own. This is something we are very proud of. So for independent opinions and reviews and the latest cruising news, come and join our cruising community. We are on our website, facebook, instagram and many other social media sites .

Starting on the 27th Of October 2019. Explorer Dream will conduct a series of 21 seven-night cruises in Australia and New Zealand homeporting in Sydney and Auckland and visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Brisbane, Eden and Tasmania. The new itineraries are below: “Queensland and the Barrier Reef Cruises”, 6 one-week cruises starting 27 October 2019, calling at: Mooloolaba/Sunshine Coast: Famous for its perfect climate, beautiful golden beaches and crystal clear water. Brisbane: The capital of Queensland and north of the world-famous Gold Coas. Newcastle: Gateway to the Hunter Valley wine region Gladstone: A quaint little village for those who love heritage, history and funky finds. “Tasmania Island and Melbourne Cruises”, 8 one-week cruises starting 9 February 2020, calling at: Port Arthur: A World Heritage city with the first settlements in Australia, Hobart: Capital of the State of Tasmania and one of the most charming cities in the world Burnie: Gateway port to North Tasmania, famous for its lavender fields and wine country. Melbourne: Capital of the State of Victoria and consistently voted as one of the world’s most livable cities. Phillip Island: Famed for its penguin population, the island is also popular for surfers and motoring enthusiasts. Eden: On the sparkling Sapphire Coast, Eden is one of the best whale-watching spots in Australia. “North and South New Zealand Cruises”, 7 one-week cruises starting 15 December 2019, calling at: Wellington: Capital of New Zealand and famous as the background of the “Lord of the Ring” and “Hobbit Trilogy” films Milford Sound/ Doubtful Sound: Fiordland is one of the southern hemisphere’s great wilderness regions and has achieved World Heritage Status for its stunning natural features. Dunedin: Designated as a UNESCO City of Literature and the center of learning in New Zealand with the largest university in the country Napier: Beautifully preserved 1930s architecture is Napier's special point of difference Bay of Islands: A group of 144 islands, famous for its stunning beauty and history, featuring an abundance of wildlife including penguins, dolphins, marlins, whales, gannets and more. Akaroa: Famous as the only French settlement in New Zealand. Picton: The heart of the Marlborough Sounds, this picturesque port town is home to great cafés, restaurants and galleries Gisborne: the unofficial ‘Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand Information supplied by: Dream Cruises And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! View full article

Genting Hong Kong has announced that the SuperStar Virgo which is the sister ship to Norwegian cruise lines , Norwegian Spirit formally known as Superstar Leo will move from Star Cruises to Dream Cruises in April 2019. The 1998-built, 2,000-guest ship will sail from Northern Asia next summer and then move to Australia and New Zealand for the Australian cruising season. The ship will be renamed the Explorer Dream. Explorer Dream will conduct a series of 21 seven-night cruises in Australia and New Zealand, homeporting in Sydney and Auckland and visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane, Melbourne, Eden and Tasmania. Stay tuned for more information! Welcome back Explorer Dream ( Superstar Virgo) to Australia! Information supplied by: www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! #DreamCruises View full article

As many Australian’s are aware Australia is in the middle of one of the worst droughts we have ever seen, channel nine’s today show and also channel sevens sunrise have even got right behind our farmers with raising much needed funds for those in need. Not only is there the financial toll that many of our struggling farmers feel up against it but there is also the emotional and physical toll that along with that as well. That’s why rural aid has started a drought appeal called: Rural Aid's Buy-A-Bale drought appeal campaign. Below is some information about the Buy A Bale Campaign and Support of Rural Australia: Rural Aid's Buy-A-Bale drought appeal campaign is providing meaningful support for farmers by delivering hay and other essential items to farmers who have no feed left for their cattle or sheep. All donations to the drought assistance campaign have a fourfold effect. Some hay is donated, some we buy, so we’re feeding a hay farmer and their family. Some of our truckies are donating their time and diesel, some loads we’re paying for, so we’re feeding truckies and their families. In the end we deliver relief to our farmers at no cost to them. Australians, donating to Buy a Bale is helping not just farmers but their communities and so many more people. So thank you on behalf of our farmers for your support. Not only is there the Rural Aid and its Buy-A-Bale campaign, there is also P&O Cruises Australia who have decided to help out and jump in and Work in conjunction with the charity. P&O Cruises Australia has set aside 85 cabins across two separate four-night cruises to give hard-pressed farmers and their families a break from the crippling drought in New South Wales and Queensland. The cruises — one from Sydney to Moreton Island and the other from Brisbane to the Whitsundays — are being offered in the face of the disastrous drought that has resulted in 100 per cent of New South Wales’ land area and nearly 60 per cent of Queensland’s land area being drought declared, with large sections described as being subject to ‘intense drought’ conditions. President P&O Cruises Australia Sture Myrmell spoke of the powerful impact of the drought on rural families and of Rural Aid's inspiring efforts to coordinate and deliver relief to people on the land including massive road convoys of trucks carrying badly needed feed to stricken livestock. “We know from Rural Aid that the physical and emotional toll of such a severe and prolonged drought on rural communities is enormous and that many farmers have not had a break in years,” Mr Myrmell said. “As much as everyone across Australia would like to, we cannot make it rain to break the drought but we can do what we can to give some farmers a welcome respite from the burden in the best way we know how by making cruise opportunities available. “We are very proud to be working in partnership with such a widely respected organisation as Rural Aid and its Buy-A-Bale campaign to make this happen.” Rural Aid is working with P&O Cruises to nominate farmers in New South Wales and Queensland who will sail on the cruises on Pacific Explorer and Pacific Dawn from Sydney and Brisbane on December 4 and December 10 respectively. CEO Rural Aid Charles Alder said, “Whilst we're moving thousands of tonnes of hay for our farmers through our Buy A Bale program, this offer from P&O Cruises will equally bring mental relief to our farmers stressing about their animals but also their own situation. “These cruises will provide a great opportunity to break out and relax. We've put the call out to our volunteer base with farm-sitting experience to help allow these farmers to get away and know their farms are in good hands.” Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! View full article

P&O Cruises Australia announced a second Grand Class ship will join the family while bidding farewell to one of its “jewels” as part of the cruise line’s commitment to refresh the fleet over time. Carrying more than 3,100 guests, Star Princess will join her sister ship, Golden Princess, in the P&O Cruises Australia fleet from the end of 2021. Star Princess will replace the much-loved and considerably smaller Pacific Jewel, which will leave P&O Cruises in March next year, by which time she will have served the brand for almost 10 years. President of P&O Cruises and Carnival Australia, Sture Myrmell, said welcoming two Grand Class ships – Star Princess and Golden Princess – was part of the evolution of the P&O Cruises fleet. In September last year, P&O Cruises announced its plan to refresh its fleet over time, continuing to evolve the guest experience and creating economies of scale necessary to compete effectively in today’s environment. “Pacific Jewel has been a jewel by name and by nature. I feel sentimental farewelling a much-loved ship but excited for the future because the addition of two bigger ships is a game-changer for P&O Cruises Australia and its guests,” Mr Myrmell said. “P&O Cruises Australia is all about offering a great value cruise holiday that celebrates modern Australia across food, entertainment, activities and service delivered in a contemporary setting. We are ensuring P&O Cruises has the right ships for a contemporary brand operating in a competitive market.” Mr Myrmell said P&O Cruises would continue to base ships year-round in its key homeports of Sydney and Brisbane as well as offering seasonal sailings from other Australian states and New Zealand. A transformed Golden Princess will join the P&O Cruises fleet in October 2020 while her sister ship, Star Princess, will join P&O Cruises at the end of 2021. Pacific Jewel’s final voyage will depart from Melbourne on 24 February, 2019 before being transferred to a new operator following her sale. P&O Cruises will assist guests affected by deployment changes to make alternative arrangements, including their choice of: Rebooking on equivalent or near equivalent cruises on other P&O Cruises’ ships Offering a choice of alternative cruises on other ships in the P&O Cruises’ fleet where a near equivalent match is not possible Providing a full refund to guests for whom no alternative cruise choice is suitable (any guest whose cruise is cancelled can choose to obtain a full refund). P&O Cruises will contact all guests over the coming weeks to provide further information on alternative options. “We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause some guests and will work hard to find alternatives for those whose holiday plans are affected. We also thank guests for their patience because it is likely to take some weeks to put everything in place but we hope this good news will be well received by our loyal guests,” Mr Myrmell said. Dedicated telephone and email channels have been established for guests who have questions related to an affected cruise: Australia Phone line: 1300 550 491 New Zealand Phone line: 0800 543 177 Email Address: cruiseupdates@pocruises.com.au Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! Golden Princess Photo supplied by: http://morgan-photo.com/portfolio/the-golden-princess-arrives-in-melbourne-30th-oct-2015/ View full article

It’s a must watch video, so cancel your plans and tune into Channel 10 on Sunday the 19th of August at 3.30 pm to watch Flight Centre’s latest episode of The 48 Hour Destination, filmed entirely on-board Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas. Flight Centre Travel Consultants Greer Gardiner and Tayla Barkhusen have the time of their lives as they attempt t...o experience all the incredible features on-board Ovation of the Seas in just 48 hours. The episode was originally aired on Saturday the 04th of August at 1pm on channel 10 and will be available on TenPlay. Apart from the cabins on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation Of The Seas, this episode from The 48 Hour Destination gives a great insight as to what it’s like on board Ovation Of The Seas! Information supplied by: www.australiancruisngnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! #RCLSeaBeyond #LiveLifeBig #Supercruising #RoyalCaribbean #LiveBIGonroyal #ComeSeek View full article

While it is disappointing to learn today that Garden Island will not be used as a cruise ship terminal, it certainly was not a surprise to those in the Australian cruising industry. The reason why Garden Island won’t be used as a cruise ship terminal is down to the following reason. "A future terminal at Garden Island will not be considered following advice from the Commonwealth Government, Melinda Pavey who is the New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight said citing significant challenges in sharing berth space alongside the navy. Minister Pavey had this morning released the state government's long-awaited Cruise Development Plan, saying the move would "provide a blueprint for growing the cruise industry in NSW". Please see the Cruising Development Plan here: http://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/cruise The state's Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Adam Marshall, said the measures would "help keep the cruise industry powering along...it is vital we take the steps necessary to propel the industry's future growth". The plan builds on the NSW Government’s significant investments in the state’s cruise industry. The CDP details ten actions to support the industry both in Sydney and in regional NSW, with options to address short, medium and long-term capacity constraints. This will ensure that NSW remains a world-class cruise destination and continues to capitalize on economic benefits this industry brings to our state CLIA Australia chair Sture Myrmell welcomed the plan, saying the industry would work constructively with the NSW government. “Our industry has been advocating for a solution to Sydney’s infrastructure constraints for some years and having a clear plan of action with the NSW Government is a step forward to achieve greater certainty and a platform for growth,” Myrmell said. Information supplied by: N.S.W. Department Of Industry And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! Photo supplied by: Brian Gaskin of www.australiancruisingnews.com.au View full article

As Aussies across the country celebrate Christmas in July, Carnival Cruise Line today marked the official eve of the mid-winter season (24 July), Grinchmas Eve, with a thrilling spectacle across Sydney Harbour. In an unexpected sight for Sydneysiders and cruisers, The Grinch dramatically winched himself from a helicopter above Sydney Harbour, in an attempt to steal the Christmas fun from Carnival Spirit. After his fearless drop from the helicopter, Carnival cruisers then caught sight of The Grinch this morning causing chaos onboard the ship; pinching the Captain’s hat, hiding the turkey and stealing lollipops from the Cherry on Top sweet shop. Today’s visit was an unexpected secret mission, but The Grinch will return for surprise appearances throughout Carnival’s Christmas cruises. With over 45 activities to enjoy onboard each day, the fastest and steepest waterslide at sea – Green Thunder – and multiple live entertainment venues, in the end even the The Grinch couldn’t resist turning his frown upside down, dancing along to all of the fun he was witnessing onboard. The Grinch has now made his way on-board Carnival Spirit, making amends with the Captain after stealing his hat and causing mischief. The two have enjoyed a lovely Grinchmas Eve feast – they told jokes, shared Christmas stories and had FUN soaking up Sydney’s sunshine. Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! Photos by: James Morgan of http://morgan-photo.com/ View full article

Do You Want To See Australia’s Largest Cruise Ship From The River To The Sea? Well now you can with Australia’s biggest Cruise ship Ovation of the Seas navigating the river "Ems" from Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany to Eemshaven, the Netherlands on March 11 and 12, 2016. The 348 meter long ship with a tug boat formation was navigating the narrow river guided by Differential GPS. The Ovation of the Seas together with the Quantum and Anthem of the Seas are the third biggest cruise ships in the world and actually the biggest ever build in Germany at the Meyer Weft shipyard. Ovation Of The Seas is due back into Sydney on the 02nd Of November 2018 to start her third summer cruising season in Australia. Thank you to our wonder friends at Meyer Werft shipyard for this stunning video. Information supplied by: www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! View full article

It doesnt matter which P&O Cruises Australia ship you are on, but on cruises of 3 nights and over you can still enjoy one of the most sophisticated and spectacular evenings on-board with P&O Cruises Australia’s Gatsby Night. Inspired by the roaring twenties, P&O Cruises Australia’s Gatsby Night recreates an evening of fascinating style, sparkling drinks, jazz music and opulence. The Great Gatsby is a 1925 novel written by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald that follows a cast of characters living in the fictional town of West and East Egg on prosperous Long Island in the summer of 1922. The story primarily concerns the young and mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby and his quixotic passion and obsession for the beautiful former debutante Daisy Buchanan. Considered to be Fitzgerald's magnum opus, The Great Gatsby explores themes of decadence, idealism, resistance to change, social upheaval, and excess, creating a portrait of the Roaring Twenties that has been described as a cautionary tale regarding the American Dream. The P&O Cruises Australia Gatsby Party promises a night of seductive glamour, so leave your inhibitions at the door and give in to the extravagance of the era. Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! View full article

P&O Cruises Australia has been sailing the Australasian region and making holiday dreams come true for 85 years. With seven home ports in Australia and New Zealand plus destinations all over the Pacific, P&O Cruises gives you the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. When you embark on a holiday with P&O Cruises Australia you enter another world. A world inspired by the freedom of the open sea. A world where ‘normal’ is what you make it. It is a world you enter the moment the ship leaves Earth and launches off on your adventure. A world where you are free to have your holiday any way that you choose. P&O Cruises Australia are thrilled to share an inspiring video that showcases who they believe they are. A P&O Cruises Australia story that shares the true Aussie values & experiences that we work hard to provide, when you holiday with us. Here's to you the everyday Aussie battlers, the larrikins, the dreamers, the MasterChef’s, the adventurers and everything in between. Here's to each and every one of us! Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! Photo credit: Brian Gaskin of www.australiancruisingnews.com.au View full article

With the ever increasing rise of cruising in the Australian market, SureSave is passionate about ensuring all agents are well equipped to inform customers on the best travel insurance options to meet their needs. Recently Australian Cruising News were able to sit down with Matt Endycott, Head Of Agency Sales At Suresave and ask him some of the questions that need to be answered when it comes to travel insurance and cruising. Matt Endycott, Head of Agency Sales at SureSave, says, “An increasing number of Australian travellers are either regular cruisers, or are considering a cruise for their next holiday. Travellers look to their agent for all sorts of cruising options, from booking the right type of cruise for them, through to the most suitable travel insurance policy. It’s essential that agents explain the importance of travel insurance, and its benefits in real-life cruise scenarios, to ensure customers are adequately protected against the unexpected.” The majority of SureSave’s cruise claims (78.4%) relate to medical expenses. These claims range from relatively minor and common cases, including motion sickness and minor slips, to more serious conditions requiring further medical treatment. Luggage claims account for 13.4% of cruise claims, usually relating to lost property such as sunglasses and prescription glasses, and for damaged goods such as phones and cameras. In addition, the remaining claims consist of 6.7% for cancellation and 1.5% for delayed or missed transport. Understanding travel insurance for domestic cruises. “It’s important for travellers to choose a policy that provides an appropriate level of cover. One of the most common causes for confusion is medical cover on a cruise between Australian ports,” says Endycott. While a domestic policy can provide cover for a range of other, non-medical expenses, an international policy can additionally offer cover for medical expenses incurred on board a cruise ship outside of Australian waters or overseas. Although travellers might be cruising in Australian waters, once off-shore, they may not be covered by Medicare, leaving them to foot the bill if they’re uninsured. This is also true regardless of whether the cruise provider is an Australian company, or a foreign company. This is because cruise ships often employ international doctors who may not be registered to practice in Australia, so any on-board treatment provided by them doesn’t meet the criteria for Medicare cover. To be sure, it’s worth contacting the cruise provider to confirm whether Medicare covers treatment on board their ship. Medical treatment costs when cruising can quickly run into the thousands. Whilst the average cruise claim is around $800, expenses can run into the thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the level of treatment required. One of the most expensive cruise claims we’ve seen came to over $270,000 which included transport from the cruise ship to a hospital at the nearest port, two months of hospitalisation and medical expenses for treatment overseas, then repatriation home with medical escorts. Getting to a hospital from the middle of the ocean is a challenge. If a traveller needs urgent medical treatment that can’t be provided on board the ship, it can be tricky to get them to the nearest medical facility from the middle of the ocean. Emergency helicopter evacuations and treatment at a foreign hospital tends to be very expensive and can put travellers out of pocket quickly if they don’t have travel insurance. Cancellation cover: timing is everything. Purchasing travel insurance at the same time as booking a cruise could protect travellers should they need to cancel a cruise prior to their departure, or should they need to cut their trip short. “If travellers have to cancel their cruise at any time in the lead up to their holiday, there’s a chance they could be out of pocket for part or all of their pre-paid booking if they’re not insured. Cruises can be expensive holidays, so it’s worth taking the time to organise cover early,” added Endycott. However, cancellation claims don’t just happen pre-trip. If a traveller has to cut their trip short, potentially missing out on pre-paid tours or shore excursions, then travel insurance could help recover some of these losses too. “We had one cruise traveller fall ill during the early days of a back-to-back cruise holiday. He received medical advice not to travel for at least a month, meaning that he and his companion had to cut their trip short. Thankfully, we were able to cover his medical expenses on the ship, as well as the $19,000 in costs to cancel the rest of the trip.” Additional benefits. SureSave’s international policy can also cover a broad range of events that apply to cruising including: • Flight delays and getting to your cruise on time; • A cruise line becomes Insolvent; • A cruise is delayed from leaving due to mechanical problems; • Formal wear is lost, stolen or damaged; • Policy holder is made redundant prior to embarking on a cruise; • Missing a shore excursion due to a cruise delay; and • Medical evacuation from a ship. “The value of travel insurance is not only financial; it’s about the reassurance of having a support team on hand at all times. Our Sydney-based emergency assistance team, WE Assist, has been involved in multiple cruising claims, liaising with on the ground services, navigating language barriers, coordinating transport and ensuring treatment facilities meet our standards of care,” said Endycott. This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. For more information on SureSave, please visit https://www.suresave.com.au/. Information supplied by: Suresave and www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! View full article

Choosing a cabin for your special time away as a couple or even the hard earned money you have saved up to go on your family holiday can be very confusing and cause many of you some angst. Getting the right cabin for those who want to cruise has become a major factor with many cruise lines. Many questions are certainly asked about cabins, these range from. If I get sea sick which the best cabin is for me. Do ships have interconnecting cabins? Can I get a cabin with four berths? How are certain cabin categories set up? Is an Inside, Ocean view, Balcony or Suite Better? What cabin would you recommend for doing a shorter or longer cruise? Why are there so many different cabin categories? These are just some of the questions raised and I’m quite sure your cruise consultant that your about to book through can give you all of the answers to your questions. www.australiancruisingnews.com.au recommends you book through an accredited CLIA cruise consultant which we can refer you to, or you can find through this link provided. CLIA accredited cruise consultants can be found via this link: https://www.cruising.org.au/Find-a-Cruise-Agent/Cruise-Agent-Search Well at last we have been able to solve many of your questions with this great video from P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden. This video will certainly help you out! Information supplied by: www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! Photos supplied by: Brian Gaskin of www.australiancruisingnews.com.au View full article