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Its Easy Now To Upgrade Your Staeroom With The New, Royal Caribbean RoyalUp Program.

Australian & Kiwi guests can now bid to upgrade their stateroom with RoyalUp by Royal Caribbean. From Oceanview and Balcony staterooms to some of the most expansive suites at sea – just like a Royal Caribbean adventure, the possibilities are endless.

Guests booked on eligible local and international sailings will receive an email from Royal Caribbean, advising them of the available stateroom upgrade options and inviting them to submit an offer of their choice.

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If the offer is accepted, the guests will be automatically charged and upgraded, guaranteeing the perfect start to their Royal Caribbean adventure.

The program follows the successful roll out of Celebrity Cruises’ MoveUp program in Australia and New Zealand in 2018.

Terms and conditions apply. For more information, head to www.royalcaribbean.com.au.

Information supplied by: Royal Caribbean International And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising!

Cunard Commodore Christopher Rynd Retires After Distinguished Career At Sea.

Cunard has announced the retirement of Commodore Christopher Rynd following an epic seafaring career as distinguished as his presence on the bridge of the many ships he has commanded.

Commodore Rynd was seen as the quintessential Cunard ship’s Master but his career spanned a number of cruise shipping lines and vessels that made him a popular figure with countless thousands of cruise guests.

The Commodore was famously photographed by James Morgan in this signature position alongside the famous Queen Mary 2 red funnel when the Cunard flagship visited Sydney in 2012.

But Commodore Rynd was equally at home saluting Australia’s ‘summer heroes’ – volunteer bushfire fighters and SES personnel who battled an epic summer of fire and flood – who sailed as guests on Queen Mary 2.

Or, in a salute to seafaring heritage, carrying Captain James Cook memorabilia and Matthew Flinders’ original Nineteenth Century charts of Australia courtesy of the State Library of New South Wales and its former curator Paul Brunton.

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“Throughout his long career, Christopher Rynd was seen as the image of a ship’s Master with his distinguished manner, respect for guests and crew and love of ships and seafaring,” said Carnival Australia President Sture Myrmell.

“In the later years of his career, Commodore Rynd was most closely associated with Cunard but he also introduced many thousands of Australians to cruising at the helm of P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises vessels.”

Commodore Rynd had an extensive career with our organisa tion starting in 1974 as junior third officer on the S.S. Oronsay when P&O Cruises was still part of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company.

His first command was on the much loved Royal Princess and over the years he has commanded nine different classes of vessels with propulsion systems ranging from steam to ultra-modern quadruple pods.

Commodore Rynd joined Queen Elizabeth2 in 2005 and subsequently commanded Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

“All of us at Carnival Australia wish Commodore Rynd well in his retirement after such an awe-inspiring career at sea,” Mr Myrmell said.

Information supplied by: Cunard Line And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carnival Australia Shares The Value Of Cruise Tourism In The Pacific.

Australia’s leading cruise organisation, Carnival Australia, said it was thrilled to receive a prestigious national award for its part in a project supporting indigenous entrepreneurs in the Pacific to develop new shore tour businesses.

Carnival Australia is partnering with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) as well as business accelerator, The Difference Incubator (TDi), to pilot the “Yumi Tourism Partners” project in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.

Called “YuMi” because it means “together” in Bislama, a common language across many Pacific Islands, the pilot project won a Shared Value Award at a special event in Federation Square, Melbourne, last week.

The YuMi project is identifying, developing and accelerating the development of emerging indigenous tourism operators in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea to offer the cruise lines’ guests rich, meaningful and authentic shore tours run by local people.

Already three new shore tour businesses in Vanuatu have been developed, contracting new tours to Carnival Australia’s suite of cruise lines P&O Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard and Holland America Line.  

The tours are typically cultural experiences that provide guests with deeper insights into traditional living and also blending traditional practises and values into contemporary society. For example, one tour is based on the many uses of coconut from food to arts, crafts, beauty and even fuel. Another combines activities such as hiking, swimming and snorkelling with storytelling around both modern and ancient history, including traditional customs and beliefs of the people from that specific location.

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The YuMi pilot was nominated as the best in the category of “Shared Value Project By An Organisation or Collaboration”, reflecting the partnership with the Federal Government. The Shared Value Awards recognise companies for enhancing the competitiveness of their business while improving social and environmental conditions in the regions in which they operate.

Carnival Australia President Sture Myrmell said the Award for YuMi supported the organisation’s approach of seeking to partner with communities to share the economic benefits of a successful cruising sector.

“Our approach has long been to partner with the communities we visit so that we can share the value of a growing cruise sector in a way that delivers tangible and sustainable benefits,” Mr Myrmell said.

“The Shared Value Award shows the power of businesses to build capacity and prosperity in communities but also support their own business and commercial outcomes at the same time.

“Our guests are looking for authentic and cultural experiences and these tours, delivered by locals, create an opportunity for a richer and more meaningful experience with the culture. And, by matching the need of the tourism industry, these new local businesses will be viable over the long term and, ultimately, better able to deliver economic prosperity to their communities.”

While the first phase of the pilot project has created three new shore tours in Vanuatu, there are at least another eight in the development stage. The pilot project has also kicked off in Alotau, PNG, this month to identify new shore tour businesses ready for fast-tracking.

Information supplied by: Carnival Australia And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising!

The Historic Photo That Reveals The P&O Cruise Liner That Gave Birth to Modern Day Cruising In Brisbane!

With a new international cruise terminal in progress, an historic photograph of the first cruise ship to visit Brisbane has been revealed connecting P&O Cruises and the city to a proud heritage of more than 85 years of cruising. 

Held in the archives of the State Library of Queensland, the old black and white photograph shows the 22,300-tonne mail steamer Strathaird drawing away from the wharf that is still used by the line’s gleaming ships.

 

A new bow-on photograph of the 70,000-tonne superliner, Pacific Dawn, departing from the same wharf has recreated the 1930s departure moment.

In December 1932, Strathaird sailed from Sydney to Brisbane and then to Norfolk Island marking the birth of Australian cruising with Brisbane remaining a key cruising hub for Australia’s home-grown cruise line. 

 

Pacific Dawn has been home ported in Brisbane since December 2009 and has helped lead Queensland’s emergence as a major cruise source market in its own right with more cruise destinations than any other Australian state.

 

“Queensland is a growing cruise market but for P&O Cruises it is so much more based on the line’s more than 85 years of cruising and a relationship that continues to grow in depth and importance,” said Sture Myrmell, President of Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises. 

 

“We see Queensland as a heartland state which this year will account for more than 220,000 P&O guests, a record 56 separate itineraries and the purchase of huge quantities of produce from Queensland suppliers.

 

“A relationship that began with Strathaird’s first cruise call back in 1932 continues to go from strength to strength.”

In 2017-18, P&O Cruises purchased more than one million kilograms of Queensland produce to replenish its fleet across Australia. Brisbane-based ships took on 124,000 litres of fresh milk and 2.1 million eggs.

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In a typical year, P&O Cruises’ purchases of Queensland fresh produce includes:

• 225,000 kg of potatoes

• 180,000 kg of watermelon

• 135,000 kg of rock melon

• 175,000 kg of honeydew

More than one million Queenslanders – enough to fill Suncorp Stadium 19 times over -- have cruised with P&O Cruises since 2012 showing that one in five Queenslanders have cruised with the line. 

 

Nearly three quarters of the one million guests have sailed from Brisbane on Pacific Dawn and more than half of this number travelled on South Pacific itineraries.

 

Mr Myrmell said Brisbane would continue to grow as a major domestic and international cruise hub.

 

“The discovery of the 1930s Strathaird photo shows just how far P&O Cruises and Queensland have come in the growth of cruise tourism over more than 85 years of achievement,” Mr Myrmell said.


The historic Strathaird photo emerged as three P&O ships — Pacific Dawn, Pacific Aria and Pacific Jewel — recently did turnarounds in Brisbane on three consecutive days. 

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au

 

 

Cunard Line Gives Australians A Bucket List Experiance.

 

Are you one of the many Australian cruise guests for whom a single voyage on one of Cunard’s fleet of magnificent Queens merely whets the appetite? Well now you have the exciting option to do this again in 2019 and the chance of sailing back-to-back on all three ships including a fabled Transatlantic crossing on flagship Queen Mary 2.

Proving the popularity of the three-ship Cunard royal tour more than 650 Australians recently had the most amazing experience during voyages on Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

 And as the entire Cunard fleet assembled on August 10 in Southampton, these Australian guests – 253 from NSW, 141 from Queensland and 121 from Victoria, and the remainder from other states and territories – were treated to a spectacular flyover by the Royal Air Force’s world famous ‘Red Arrows’ display team.

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The 2019 packages travel to destinations including Iceland and the Baltics, Norway and the Mediterranean – and of course the most iconic voyage – a Transatlantic Crossing on Cunard's flagship, Queen Mary 2.

“Sailing on all three Cunard Line ships experiencing fantastic destinations and all the delights of Cunard’s White Star service on back-to-back cruises is one of those must do travel experiences for 2019,” said Ryan Taibel Vice President, Sales & Marketing Cunard.

“There are so many unique aspects of this Cunard experience and sailing on all three Queens is perfect for the many Australian travellers who believe that one voyage is simply never enough.”

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The current three-ship Cunard experience has included a Queen Mary 2 crossing from New York to Southampton, a two-week Queen Elizabeth voyage that includes Iceland plus calls to Rotterdam and Belfast, and a Queen Victoria voyage that includes the beautiful fjords of Norway.

 A Note on the 2019 Cunard Three Ships Package

Fares for a 35-night Three Queens package, departing Southampton on July 28, 2019 start from $9,777* per person double occupancy. The first sector of the cruise onboard Queen Victoria visits ports in Iceland and British Isles. The second cruise onboard Queen Elizabeth takes in the highlights of the Baltic region, while the final leg onboard Queen Mary 2 is an iconic Transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York.

 For more information and to book, contact your travel consultant, call Cunard on 13 24 41 or visit www.cunard.com

Information supplied by : Cunard Line And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au

 

 

Explorer Dream announces new exciting cruise itineraries for Australian cruising season

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.

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“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!

 

P&O Cruises Australia Offers The Most Heartfelt Donation To Struggling Australian Farmers.

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.

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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!



 

The Countdown Is On, There Is Only 50 Days Until Carnival Legend Returns To Australian Waters.

Today marks 50 days until Carnival Legend arrives in Sydney on 13 October to begin her summer season of sailings, fresh from a multi-million dollar upgrade.

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Australians who book on Carnival Legend will be some of the first local guests to experience her Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades made during a dry dock in Portland, Oregon earlier this year.

The well-received upgrades include Alchemy Bar, a vintage themed cocktail ‘pharmacy’ and Guy’s Burger Joint developed by Food Network superstar Guy Fieri, delivering fresh-off-the-grill burgers Guy’s way. Enjoy freshly made tacos and homemade tortillas from BlueIguana Cantina and enjoy poolside bars BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar for a great selection of cocktails.

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Carnival Legend will sail from Melbourne and Sydney, offering locals fun cruise holidays right from their doorstep to a range of popular destinations including the South Pacific, New Zealand and Tasmania.

Carnival Legend Hotel Director, Erik Speekenbrink, said he and his team are looking forward to cruising with their Australian guests again this summer. 

"With 9 sailings from Melbourne this coming season, I'm looking forward to visiting some of my favourite ports. Any port that boasts stunning nature gets my vote, Tasmania and New Zealand’s Fiordlands fall into that category, they are really special.  And the New Caledonian islands are beautiful and unspoilt with oodles of local traditions and unique culture".

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Aussies looking for their next holiday can book an 11-day cruise to New Caledonia and Fiji, departing Sydney on 13 October 2018 on Carnival Legend.

Example fares and itineraries include:

  • A 12-day cruise to New      Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji departing from Sydney 1 November 2018 starts      from $1,299 per person, interior twin share with up to $300^ on-board      credit per cabin.
  • A 9-day cruise to New      Caledonia departing from Melbourne 28 January 2019 start from $1,149 per      person, interior twin share with up to $300^ on-board credit per cabin.

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Australians will get to experience all the fun that Carnival has to offer, with 45+ daily activities, from the thrilling Green Thunder waterslide, themed nights, live Broadway-style entertainment and the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss with Seuss at Sea™.

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line Australia and www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising!

Photos supplied by: Brian Gaskin Of www.australiancruisingnews.com.au

 

P&O Cruises Australia Announces New Ship To Join Fleet, And Bids Farewell To The  Much Loved Pacific Jewel.

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.

Its the second time in the space of a year were P&O Cruises Australia has sold off a ship and where passengers who have been booked on Pacific Eden cruise beyond the sailing dates of April 2019 have also been required to change there dates dxue to this.

Many passengers who were looking at booking a cruise or who may have been booked on Pacific Jewel have taken to social media to vent their frustration at P&O Cruises Australia.

Australian Cruising News.com.au has read many Un savory and ill informed comments on various differnt faebook groups such as Cruising with honey and P&O Ausralia Cruse Club just to name a few, where many people have made many comments voicing there displeasure at P&O Cruises Australia, with people saying:

As someone affected by this I am really disappointed in the way P&O have handled this, customers should have been sent an email before they put it on social media. I am a really positive person and I always stick up for P&O but they have cost a lot of people money in air fares etc.

While another person has said:

So for nearly 2 years they're only going to have 3 vessels? Wow! With Australians and Kiwis cruising more and more each year, they're going to lose a lot of loyal customers who will discover the better offerings of their competitors. I hope they've thought this through!

What many people dont understand is that the cruising industry here in Australia is always revolving and that the cruise companies have different requrements and may require to move or aquire differnt ships to suit their operational needs.

 

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“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.

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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.

Mr Myrmell said:

“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,”.

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: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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/

 

N.S.W. Government Foils Plans To Use Garden Island As A Cruise Ship Terminal, What A Dismal Failure!

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

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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 capitalise 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

It's On Like Donkey Kong, And The Coundown Is On ! There Are Only 50 Days Until The Maiden Arrival Of Majestic Princess In Australia.

The Majestic Princess crew marked their 100th voyage milestone in spectacular fashion this week aboard Princess Cruises’ flagship in Shanghai, China. Over 300 crew took to the top deck to celebrate ahead of the ship’s roundtrip voyage to Japan.

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Today marks 50 days until Majestic Princess, the newest and most luxurious ship in the Princess fleet, arrives in Australia. Carrying 3,560 guests, the 143,000-tonne mega-liner will be the largest Princess ship ever to homeport in Australian waters.

The 330 metre long flagship will arrive in Sydney on Saturday, 15 September 2018, commencing the 2018/2019 summer cruise season in spectacular fashion.

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“The celebrations have officially begun! Today marks 50 days until we welcome our newest flagship, Majestic Princess, to our shores” said Senior Vice President Princess Cruises Asia Pacific, Stuart Allison.

“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.”

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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.

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Majestic Princess will also be home to the largest retail shopping space at sea, with more than 1000 square metres of luxury brands including Bvlgari, Burberry, Cartier, Fendi and many more. The ship will also have 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.

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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.

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises And www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising!

With Grinchmas In July, Sydneysiders caught Glimpses Of The Grinch Attempting To Steal All The Christmas Fun From Carnival Spirit!

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.

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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.

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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.

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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/

Want To Get The Low Down On The Sophisticated And Glamourous P&O Cruises Australia Gatsby Night?

Well Here Is A Sexy Little Tease Of What You Can Expect!

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.

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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.

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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!

Want To Know Who P&O Cruises Australia Are?? Well Here Is An Inspiring Video That Does Just That!

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.

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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

What You Need To Know About Travel Insurance When Cruising!

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.

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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!

Want To Know How To Choose The Best Cabin For You Or Your Family On Pacific Aria And Pacific Eden??

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.

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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?

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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

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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

Royal Caribbean Internationals New Vice President and Managing Director, Susan Bonner Set To Make Her Make In Australia.

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, thier might be other exciting announcements to come, but all will be revealled in good time Bonner said".

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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!

CMV Australia's Astor Set To Leave CMV Fleet In 2019 And Sail Off Into The Sunset!

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.

Travellers 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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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 onboard 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. 

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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 onboard 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!

Silversea Cruises Names Adam Armstrong As The New Managing Director For Australia And New Zealand.

Adam Armstrong will join Silversea Cruises as Managing Director Australia & New Zealand. Currently Associate Vice President & Managing Director Australia & New Zealand for Royal Caribbean, Adam joins Silversea at an exciting time of growth and a period of significant investment in Australia and New Zealand for the ultra-luxury cruise line.  This announcement follows the resignation of Amber Wilson, Managing Director Australia & New Zealand, from Silversea to pursue other opportunities. 

Adam first started his career with the Carnival UK group as a Market planning analyst, before moving to Carnival Australia in 2004 and becoming the senior market analyst and spending two years in this role Adam then spent the next two years as a Marketing Planning manager at Carnival Australia. With that said Adam has made a big impact in the cruising industry here in Australia and New Zealand, especially the last decade promoting the growth and success of the Industry but also with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises brands right here in Australia and New Zealand.

Having known Adam on a professional basis I have no doubt that Adam is the right person to lead the future growth and development of Silversea here in Australia and New Zealand. 

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Roberto Martinoli, CEO Silversea comments: “Adam is a terrific addition to Silversea. His experience and achievements in the Australian and New Zealand cruise markets will support our ambitious plans for growth and develop closer relationships with our travel agent partners.  On behalf of Silversea, I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Amber Wilson for her great contribution to our cruise line over the past two years and wish her well in the future.”

Australia and New Zealand is now Silversea’s third largest market and continues to lead the way as the fastest growing cruise market in the world.  Silversea has ambitious growth plans, with its new flagship Silver Muse to sail to Australian and New Zealand waters for the first time in early 2019.  Additionally, an unprecedented deployment of 10 cruises has just been announced between November 2019 until March 2020, featuring Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.     

Adam Armstrong comments: “I am delighted to be joining Silversea at such an exciting time in its long history as a leading luxury brand.  I look forward to working with the local team and our valued agent partners to grow the business and take Silversea to the next level.”

Adam will join Silversea on Monday 13 August 2018, based in the Sydney office and reporting directly to Roberto Martinoli.

Peter Shanks, Managing Director United Kingdom, Ireland, Middle East & Africa will oversee the Silversea team in Sydney on an interim basis until Adam joins the Silversea organisation on the 13th of August 2018.

Information supplied by: Silversea Cruises And  www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising!

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