AustralianCruisingNews

With the highest market penetration for cruising of any country, Royal Caribbean’s new Vice President and Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Susan Bonner is set to make her mark in in Australia. Susan also noted that there are some exciting announcements to come all will be revealed at the appropriate time. Susan is responsible for the business operations of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises in the region, reporting to Gavin Smith, Senior Vice President International. “With the highest market penetration for cruising of any country, I’m looking forward to continuing the incredible momentum our brands are experiencing in this region,” said Susan, “We truly believe there is a cruise out there for everyone, and our three distinctive lines offer award-winning cruise experiences to put us top of mind when Aussies consider their next holiday.” With the 2018/19 Australian cruising season to be the biggest on offer with the three brands associated with Royal Caribbean International, their might be other exciting announcements to come, but all will be revealed in good time Bonner said". Susan comes to Sydney from Royal Caribbean’s Miami office, where she served as Vice President of Celebrity Cruises’ Revenue Management and On-board Revenue, and was integral in launching the line’s luxury Solstice Class ships. Prior to that, she led the Revenue Management and On-board Revenue performance of Royal Caribbean International during the line’s historic introduction of the Quantum Class megaships. Susan is a passionate advocate of gender equality, women in leadership and workplace diversity, part of an empowering female line-up at RCL which includes the first female CEO of a publicly traded cruise company, Celebrity Cruises’ Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, and an Australian office in which two thirds of the management team are women. Bonner pursued her higher education by studying marketing at the prestigious Tulane University in New Orleans. As well as holding a passion for travel and cruising, Susan is a hot yoga enthusiast and the proud mother of a 19-year old son who attends military school back in the US. Information supplied by: Royal Caribbean International And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! View full article

After six years of cruising from Fremantle and Adelaide and carrying more than 115,000 guests, Astor will sail Australian shores with Cruise & Maritime Voyages for the last time in March 2019. Travelers can take advantage of CMV’s ‘Extend your Escape’ (back-to-back) offers to experience the boutique ship between December 2018 and March 2019 with destinations including Kangaroo Island, Bali, Hobart, Busselton (in the Margaret River region) and Geographe Bay. Back-to-back cruises are popular with CMV’s clientele and one particularly loyal passenger has booked nine consecutive voyages on Astor this season according to Dean Brazier, Managing Director of CMV Australia. “We believe our guests keep returning because of the intimate atmosphere and personalised service on our ships, and our new offer provides the ideal opportunity to see more of Australia for less. “In the upcoming season a guest could sail from Fremantle to Adelaide via Esperance for five nights before heading off on a three-night cruise sampling the delights of Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln. They could then sail around Tasmania to experience its natural wonders, history, and culinary attractions for an additional seven nights. “Summer is arguably the best time to cruise these destinations with plenty of opportunities to cool off at some of Australia’s most pristine beaches,” said Mr Brazier. Guests booking any back-to-back voyages for Astor’s 2018/19 Australian season until 31 August 2018 will receive a bonus 20% off already reduced fares (for new bookings – example further below). Three-night cruises start from just $679 per person twin-share with the second guest traveling for half price. Astor – fun facts and figures (based on conclusion of 2018/19 season on 10 March 2019) Number of guests sailed: 115,343 Number of consecutive voyages one guest has cruised: 9 Number of nights sailed aboard Astor by one guest: 497 Nautical miles sailed in Australian waters: 129,036 Number of afternoon teas served: 2,867 Number of birthdays and anniversaries celebrated on board: 482 Amount of prawns served on board: over 13,000 kg CMV’s new ship Vasco da Gama will join the fleet from April 2019 and will begin its first Australian season in December 2019. Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) is Australia’s leading independent cruise line, offering a traditional, boutique cruise experience and exceptional value. Next year marks the company’s 10th anniversary and over the past decade the cruise line has become known for its relaxed, convivial ambience, exacting standards and high levels of attentive personal service aboard each of the five small to mid-sized ships. This is reinforced by a customer satisfaction rating of 95 per cent. CMV has been operating for six years in Australia with its charming Astor winning the hearts of cruise lovers around the region and its new ship Vasco da Gama to launch in 2019. Nosing into smaller harbours off-limits to many others, CMV offers a range of exciting itineraries around Australia out of Adelaide and Fremantle, as well as through Asia, South America, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe, visiting Iceland, Greenland, the Baltics, Norwegian Fjords, Northern Lights, British Isles and more. CMV’s global fleet comprises Astor, Astoria, Columbus, Magellan, Marco Polo, and from April 2019, Vasco da Gama. Information supplied by: CMV Australia And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! View full article

Want A Job A Sea?? Well Carnival Australia is Certainly Playing It's Part in Gender Balance in Seafaring Careers At Sea! When the Nautical Institute conducted a Women in Maritime event on-board P&O Cruises’ Australia's Pacific Explorer this week, the organisation came face to face with the future it seeks to achieve in which more women have opportunities to become career seafarers. The Institute and its guests were welcomed by six third officers who are currently taking part in a special mentoring program on Pacific Explorer on their path to becoming senior deck officers on Carnival Australia-brand cruise ships. The six, pictured here with Pacific Explorer Hotel Director Melissa Yates (centre), are (left to right) Hilary Cassano, Laura Abbruzetti, Rachel Davies, Lauren Brunton, Bryony Rodger and Emma Forbes-Gearey. All have previous experience on cargo ships, bulk carriers or offshore rigs and are now participating in a program to ensure more women have opportunities to take their place as professional mariners. They are being supported on-board Pacific Explorer by accomplished Hotel Director, Melissa Yates, the daughter of a recently retired ship captain, who worked her way through the hotel operations ranks to her current senior position. “There are many women working on cruise ships and, during my years at sea, I have always been and felt accepted as part of the team,” Melissa said. “But it is distressing when I hear women tell me that their experience was quite different in other areas of shipping. It makes me realise how fortunate I have been.” With women comprising only two per cent of the world’s seafarers, according to the Nautical Institute, the organisation is trying to raise awareness of the need to achieve greater gender balance by addressing barriers that can discourage women from seeking careers at sea. Information Supplied by: Carnival Australia And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! View full article

What Happens When You Get A ‘TOP 10 CHEF IN THE WORLD’ Who Is A ‘MASTER CHEF OF FRANCE’ That SETS COURSE FOR AUSTRALIA You Get The CHEFS OF MAJESTIC PRINCESS GAIN ACCOLADES AHEAD OF AUSTRALIAN ARRIVAL! Princess Cruises’ Director of Guest Culinary Experience, Chef Pierre-Marie Leprince, has been honoured with the distinction of Master Chef of France by the prestigious culinary organisation, the Association of the Master Chefs of France (L ’Association des Maîtres Cuisiniers de France). Also newly named to the association is three-Michelin-starred Chef Emmanuel Renaut, the culinary mastermind behind Majestic Princess’ La-Mer restaurant. Recently awarded Top 10 Best Chef in the World for the third running by French magazine La Chef, as voted by two and three-starred Michelin chefs from around the world, Renaut developed specialty French restaurant La Mer in partnership with Leprince exclusively for Princess’ newest ship, Majestic Princess. “The prestige and expertise of Chef Leprince and Chef Renaut takes the dining experience at sea to a whole new level.” said Stuart Allison, Senior Vice President Princess Cruises Asia Pacific. “For a $39 cover charge and without the month-long wait that synonymous with this calibre of cuisine, Australian and New Zealand guests will be among the first to experience La Mer when Majestic Princess arrives for her maiden Australian season in September this year.” The Biggest, newest and most luxurious ship in the Princess fleet, Majestic Princess will be the largest ever Princess ship to homeport in Australian waters when she arrives in Sydney on Saturday, 15 September 2018. During her inaugural Australian season, Majestic will sail on 16 cruises to destinations including Fiji, New Zealand and Tasmania as well as two Asia voyages between Shanghai and Sydney, and Sydney and Hong Kong. Information supplied by: Princess Cruises And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! Photos supplied by: Princess Cruises. View full article

Whilst it is only 86 days to go until Majestic Princess calls Australia home, today she sailed into Keelung Taipei where she was joined by another Princess ship, Diamond Princess. Both ships were expertly captured by Princess Cruises' local port agent in Taiwan, Vicky Tsai. Majestic Princess is currently sailing on roundtrip itineraries from Taiwan and Diamond Princess is currently sailing on roundtrip itineraries from Japan. Majestic Princess carries 3,500 guests and weighs in at 143,00 GRT the ship will become the largest Princess ship to homeport in Sydney, Australia. Majestic Princess is due to arrive in Sydney on Saturday the 15th of September 2018 for the 2018/19 Australian cruising season. “The anticipation and excitement for Majestic’s maiden season speaks to the momentous growth of our market. Incredibly, we have already announced her second season return before she’s arrived, to spearhead our largest Australian deployment in 2019, alongside Ruby Princess.” During her inaugural Australian season, Majestic Princess will sail on 16 cruises to destinations including Fiji, New Zealand and Tasmania as well as two Asia voyages between Shanghai and Sydney, and Sydney and Hong Kong. The ultimate in premium cruising, Majestic Princess features 13 dining options including two restaurants with menus designed by Michelin star chefs – Harmony by Chef Richard Chen and La Mer by Chef Emmanuel Renaut – as well as more than 1000 square meters of designer shopping, the cruise line’s largest ever thermal suite and a dramatic over-the-ocean glass walkway, the SeaWalk. Guests can choose from a wide range of high-end accommodation including suites, Club Class mini-suites, and new deluxe balcony rooms, with more than 80 per cent of the ship's 1780 staterooms offering private balconies. Information supplied by: Princess Cruises And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! Photo supplied by: Princess Cruises. View full article

Carnival Cruise Line have based Carnival Spirit in Sydney, Australia since 2012 thus it has not made much of a different in giving Royal Caribbean International a run for their money so to speak. Royal Caribbean International are on a different level when it comes to product and offerings in Australia.

What Really Happened Onboard P&O Cruises Australia's Pacific Dawn, Separating Fact From Fiction! On Thursday the 12th of April 2018 at approximately 16.30pm an unfortunate incident happened on board P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Dawn while on her way back to Brisbane approximately 150 nautical miles west of New Caledonia, during a week-long cruise in the Pacific. There was a man overboard situation that happened, and for many who are seasoned cruisers such as myself who have been on both Pacific Dawn and Pacific Jewel on numerous occasions and as they are sister ships meaning that they are [identical on the outside] we were quite perplexed to understand the reason why this incident had occurred. The ship railings on both Pacific Dawn and Pacific Jewel meet the minimum requirements set out in Maritime law that is enforced by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority [ AMSA]. The following should be taken into consideration is: The Australian Maritime Safety Authority known as [ AMSA] who plays apart in regulating the Maritime industry will make sure that any cruise ship that is based, homeported or visits Australian ports or ports that are in the reach of Australia’s maritime zone comply with all Maritime requirements that it deems necessary to operate safely at sea. April 12th Natasha Schofield has been identified as the woman who went overboard. P&O Cruises Australia have issued the following statements below. “P&O Cruises confirmed that Pacific Dawn turned around after an adult female guest was seen to go over the side of the ship while it was at sea approximately 150 nautical miles from New Caledonia. A crew member notified the bridge straight away and the ‘man overboard’ incident response was activated immediately. In line with this response, Pacific Dawn turned around to follow the course it was on at the time of the incident. Pacific Dawn is currently on a seven night cruise from Brisbane to the South Pacific with scheduled calls to Noumea, Lifou and Port Vila completed. The ship departed from Brisbane last Saturday for the week long cruise. Relevant maritime search and rescue authorities were notified. Our thoughts and prayers are with the guest and her family at this time.” Channel 10 footage of a passenger photographing crew on board Pacific Dawn searching for missing lady April 13th An announcement was made by Pacific Dawn's Captain this morning. My deepest condolences to the family of the woman. “Good morning everyone this is the captain speaking from the bridge. I have an update for our search and rescue mission over night for one of our guests who fell over the side yesterday afternoon. It is with a very heavy heart that I need to let you know that we have been unable to locate our guest We are still in the area of the incident, and the weather conditions with the swell three to four metres high, as you can see outside - the strong wind and choppy seas - made our search extremely challenging. And sadly despite our continued search through the night we have been unable to find her. As a result we have now made the extremely difficult decision to continue our journey towards Brisbane. We have made this decision after seeking advice from the marine investigative authorities of New Caledonia and Australia. Supplied pictures from aboard P & O Pacific Dawn after a passenger fell overboard April 13th Updated statement from P&O Cruises Australia "With the deepest sadness, P&O Cruises has confirmed the suspension of Pacific Dawn’s search for the female guest who was seen to go overboard from the ship late yesterday afternoon approximately 150 nautical miles from New Caledonia. The difficult decision to suspend the search was made only after expert advice that survival after this length of time in difficult sea conditions and after a full night at sea was not considered possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with the guest’s family at this distressing time. Pacific Dawn had searched throughout the night and into the morning after first light without success. The search, which began immediately after a crew member reported a guest had been seen to go over the side of the ship, was suspended in consultation with maritime rescue authorities. Pacific Dawn has now resumed her course for Brisbane where preparations are being made for a late arrival on completion of the current seven night crew to the South Pacific. Guests currently onboard Pacific Dawn have been advised of a likely late arrival and guests due to embark on the ship’s next cruise will be updated on boarding arrangements. P&O Cruises has thanked the media for their sensitivity in reporting the incident." April 15th “Pacific Dawn returned to Brisbane this morning and, prior to arrival at the Portside Cruise Terminal, the Captain thanked disembarking guests for their sensitivity and support for the family who suffered such a devastating loss during the cruise. The family has been supported on board by senior crew members since the incident and Care-trained staff met the ship on arrival this morning. We have done everything possible to respect and protect the privacy of the family. Counselling by a professional Counsellor who was also on hand today has been offered to guests and crew wanting access to this support. P&O Cruises is assisting Queensland Police in their inquiries into the incident as the lead authority acting on behalf of the State Coroner. As anticipated, police went on board Pacific Dawn on arrival this morning to begin their inquiries. Allowing the police to determine what happened in this tragic incident is the appropriate course. We remain concerned that much of the speculation and versions of events given in recent days are not supported by the facts. The police inquiries on behalf of the Coroner will help put the speculation to rest. With Pacific Dawn’s arrival, we will be able to give police CCTV footage providing an unobstructed view of what happened and portraying an obviously devoted and loving couple. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and hope that they will find comfort in their grief.” Passengers greet family and friends after disembarking from the Pacific Dawnin Brisbane on Sunday morning. Picture: AAP / John Gass. The facts of the matter are: 1. There was no freak wave that hit the ship so violently that the woman now identified as Natasha Schofeild accidently fell overboard. 2. The reporting by alleged passengers on board saying that Natasha was sea sick and vomiting over the side of the ship was ill founded. 3. The comments made by some Facebook users in different cruise groups and blogs saying that the husband should be investigated is absolutely appalling and disrespectful to the family involved. For legal reasons I am unable to say which groups or blogs these came from. 4. The speculation that was made by some of the Facebook cruise groups and blogs leaves a lot to be desired. Try gathering the facts first before speculating because everybody is watching what you say, because once you send it you can’t take it back. For legal reasons i am unable to say which groups or blogs these came from. 5. The disrespectful media outlets who tried to interview passengers who were disembarking Pacific Dawn after a harrowing 48 hours that they had just endured due to the incident on board. You should be ashamed of yourselves for calling yourself a media outlet. 6. The fact of the matter and what really happened was that “[Mrs Schofield] did take intentional actions and deliberately propell herself overboard the ship,” said Inspector Graham of Queensland police. The entire incident was captured on security cameras. Inspector Graham had also told reporters he had viewed the footage. “What I saw was a couple of loving people on the top deck of a cruise ship,” he said. “I saw them leaning on the rails and I saw the intentional actions of the missing person take two steps back and then propel herself over the railing. “Her husband tried in vain to grab her when she went over grabbing onto her leg she was too far gone and subsequently she fell. www.australiancruisingnews.com.au has also learnt that Natasha Schofield had many life changing hypnotherapy session’s weeks before boarding Pacific Dawn. Please read the following article supplied by: https://www.mouthsofmums.com.au/mum-who-jumped-from-cruise-ship-was-hypnotised-in-recent-weeks/#hkuDSHJVYz2uTkAf.97 *Readers who are in need of support and information can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia and www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising!

"Dawn Princess, Refined And Graceful" View full cruise review

"The New Face Of Australian Cruising !" View full cruise review

"The New Face Of Australian Cruising !" View full cruise review