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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

Well, 2018 is racing to a close, and it was an incredible year for the industry. Let's take a look back at some of the incredible new ships that debuted in 2018! New Ships: Every year cruise lines seem to outdo themselves with the incredible ships they debut, and 2018 was one of the most incredible! From the largest ship in the world debut to the most innovative ship of our time. The Largest: Symphony of the Seas, debuted in May of 2018 making her the fourth Oasis-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. At 228,000 GRT, 1,188 feet long, and 215.5 feet wide Symphony of the Seas is the largest passenger ship afloat. In addition to bringing back some Royal Caribbean classics such as the Royal Promenade, Central Park, and the Boardwalk (made famous by her sister, Oasis). Symphony brings some new features including Laser Tag, Playmakers Arcade and Sports Bar, and Sugar Beach. Symphony has earned the "Best new Large Cruise Ship" title by the reader choice awards! Check out the Symphony here! The Most Advanced: Celebrity Edge debuted just weeks ago stunning everyone who sails on her. EDGE is Celebrity Cruises first new ship since 2012, and it was well worth the wait. The Edge is unrecognizable as a Celebrity ship as her design both inside and out is a first for this premium cruise line. From countless new restaurants, a cantilevered elevating bar and restaurant, a 22,000 square foot spa, and new staterooms the EDGE is "A total game changer." Check out the EDGE here! The others: Norwegian Bliss: The largest Norwegian Cruise Line ship to date the Norwegian Bliss is the third in the Breakaway Plus class ships and at 168,000 is one of the largest passenger ships in the world. The Bliss features one of the only go-kart tracks at sea, outdoor laser tag, and multiple full-size water slides. Check out the Bliss here! Carnival Horizon Carnival has stepped up their game. The Carnival Horizon might not be the largest cruise ship ever built, but she is one of the best ships afloat. The Horizon is beautifully laid out, features incredible restaurants, bars, venues, staterooms and has unrivaled service. I can not wait to be back on board. Check out the Horizon here! MSC Seaview: MSC Cruises is making waves in the North American market. MSC Seaside was built specifically for North America, and the reviews are incredible. From her chic exterior design to her dazzling interiors she is allowing the North American market to be more Mediterranean! Check out the Seaview here! Nieuw Statendam: Holland America Line is bringing elegance and innovation together on their newest ship Nieuw Statendam. The largest Holland America ship to date she allows guest to enjoy the classic elegance of an ocean liner and the innovation and excitement of a modern cruise ship! Check out the Nieuw Statendam here! These are just some new ship that we saw hit the ocean this year. 2019 looks to outdo 2018 with ship hitting the ocean such as Royal Caribbean's Spectrum of the Seas, Norwegian's Encore, Carnival's Panorama and even more ships being released by MSC Cruises, Princess, and Costa Cruises! Click here to check out all the new cruise ships coming in 2019!

"One of my relaxing Cruise!!" Click here to view the cruise review