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Cunard announces additional Queen Mary 2 ship visitCunard announces additional Queen Mary 2 ship visit
Cunard has announced it will host an additional ship visit on Queen Mary 2 to coincide with the luxury cruise line’s return to Liverpool next week. The world’s only ocean liner will arrive in Cunard’s spiritual home* on 6 September – the first time Cunard has returned to the city since the historic naming ceremony of Queen Anne in June. She will depart for Cork in Ireland on 7 September. Her voyage to Liverpool started in New York on Friday (23 August), where she commenced her 400th crossing of the Atlantic. She arrives in her homeport of Southampton today (30 August) before departing this afternoon for a British Isles cruise. The flagship will be making her eighth call at Liverpool and is expected to attract huge numbers of spectators to both sides of the Mersey. And to mark the occasion, Cunard’s flagship will now host two ship visits for its travel agent partners in the region, on 6 and 7 September, from 3.45pm to 9.30pm, and 9.45am to 2.30pm, respectively. Up to 30 spaces are available on each. The visit on 6 September will focus on the line’s award-winning entertainment offering and feature a Champagne afternoon tea in the Champagne Bar, a tour of the ship and the opportunity to see an exclusive early evening performance in the Royal Court Theatre. Agents on the 7 September visit will also have a tour of the ship, followed by a three-course lunch in the Britannia restaurant and then free time to explore. Agents secured their places via the Shine Rewards platform, Cunard’s agent loyalty programme. Tom Mahoney, Director of UK Sales at Cunard, said: “We can’t wait to welcome our travel agent partners on board Queen Mary 2 in Liverpool, our spiritual home. First-hand experience is the most effective way for the trade to immerse themselves in everything we do, allowing them to broaden their product knowledge and build their confidence when selling Cunard. It’s also a privilege to be returning to Liverpool – a city that Cunard shares a unique 184-year association with.” 31 August, 2024 -
New ships and more port calls signal a busy cruise season ahead
New ships and more port calls signal a busy cruise season ahead
August 30, 2024 – Australia will welcome a proud fleet of 62 spectacular cruise ships this summer, bringing billions of dollars in economic activity to dozens of ports and destinations around the country. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said the 2024-25 summer would be another busy season for cruising, in line with strong consumer sentiment among Australian cruise fans. “Australia will host a total of 62 cruise ships over the 2024-25 summer season, which is among the busiest schedules we’ve seen in local waters,” Mr Katz said. “The number of ships is slightly down on the 70 hosted last year, but many are staying longer and making more port calls. The total number of visits will be up 3% to 1,904 port calls, which creates enormous tourism opportunities for local communities.” Among newcomers to the Australian cruise scene this year will be Silversea’s Silver Nova, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun and Cunard’s Queen Anne which will make their maiden visits in November, December and February respectively. In January, PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT will embark on her inaugural season north of Australia, before operating in the Kimberley. CLIA will host close to 850 delegates at its biggest ever Cruise360 Australasia conference in Sydney today. A total of 28 speakers and panelists will take part, offering global insight to an audience of travel agents, cruise line executives and industry stakeholders from across Australia and New Zealand. Mr Katz said the intention to cruise remained strong among Australian travellers, according to CLIA research. “Australia has always been one of the world’s most passionate cruise markets, and this enthusiasm continues,” Mr Katz said. “Of Australian travellers who have cruised previously, 77% say they will cruise again. Even among travellers who have never sailed before, 70% say they are open to taking their first cruise.” A total of 25 CLIA cruise lines will operate ships in Australian waters between October and April, including: Azamara Cruises’ Azamara Pursuit will sail a variety of cruises in the region, arriving in Geraldton in mid-December then sailing the Great Australian Bight with visits to Albany, Esperance and Kangaroo Island before making her way across the Tasman for a series of New Zealand voyages. Pursuit will also be in Sydney Harbour over the New Year period and will cruise back through the Bight to Hong Kong as she departs Australia in late February. Azamara Onward will also sail in Australian and New Zealand waters from mid-February as a part of a World Cruise itinerary. The two ships will make a grand entrance into Sydney Harbour together on February 20. Carnival Cruise Line is offering fun for everyone with an array of exciting itineraries across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Carnival Luminosa arrives in Brisbane in November for her homeport summer season, while Carnival Splendor is based year-round in Sydney. Carnival Cruise Line delivers fun, memorable holidays to families and friends at great value. Celebrity Cruises will return to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific with the award-winning Celebrity Edge from 22 October. Showcasing the signature Edge Series for a second season, Celebrity Edge will embark on 17 sailings ranging from three to 14 nights. Departing from Sydney and Auckland, she will visit an impressive collection of 26 ports during her six months in region, from the dramatic landscapes of Dunedin to the pristine beaches of the Australian East Coast and Fiji. Celebrity Solstice will also return to local waters for two turns departing from Sydney on 19 October for Asia and then 9 April for Fiji and the Transpacific. Coral Expeditions has 103 departures scheduled for 2024-25 across the purpose-built fleet of three Australian-flagged expedition ships including the yacht-like Coral Discoverer (72 pax), and sister ships Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer (120 pax). In its 40th year of operations Coral Expeditions has a record number of forward bookings. Along its position as the largest Kimberley cruise operator, Coral Expeditions will sail the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, Cape York and the Torres Straits and has increased to a six-departure season in Western Australia’s Abrolhos and Coral Coast. Cunard is celebrating 100 years of sailing to Australia this summer. Queen Elizabeth will arrive in October for a homeporting season from Sydney, with the third edition of the Great Australian Culinary Voyage and the inaugural Australian Literature Festival At Sea being some of her season’s highlights. In February, the brand-new Queen Anne will make her maiden voyage to Australia on her world cruise. Disney Cruise Line is returning to Australia and New Zealand for a second season of cruises from October 2024 through to February 2025. The magical sailings aboard the Disney Wonder will bring enchantment and cherished Disney friends to local shores with itineraries ranging from two to seven nights, sailing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland. The magic of Christmas will also be celebrated on board select sailings from 24 November 2024 to 3 January 2025. Guests will delight in enchanting holiday-themed entertainment plus meet some favourite Disney friends in their jolly holiday attire. Heritage Expeditions Australasia’s only family-owned and -operated expedition cruise company celebrates its 40th anniversary with bucket-list voyages aboard its luxurious 140-guest flagship Heritage Adventurer. As Southern Ocean cruise pioneers, the line’s voyages will sail from New Zealand to the Subantarctic Islands of Australia and New Zealand, into the ‘heart of Antarctica’, the Ross Sea, along Australia's iconic Kimberley coast, and around New Zealand's three main islands. More intimate New Zealand cruises around Fiordland, Stewart Island and Marlborough Sounds are offered on the luxurious 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer. Holland America Line’s Westerdam arrives in Sydney on 17 November for an exciting summer taking guests around Australia and New Zealand. Guests can choose from a range of enticing itineraries, including a 35-day circumnavigation of Australia departing 17 November, visiting stunning destinations including Cairns, Bali, Broome and Hobart. MSC Cruises is preparing for its World Cruise 2025 which will see MSC Magnifica take a 116-night voyage around the world visiting 50 destinations across 21 countries and five continents. From 4 March, she will head Down Under to enjoy an extended tour of New Zealand and Australia as one of the last international ship visits to round off the cruise season. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun will make her Australian debut this summer, arriving in Brisbane on 18 December after a leisurely 18-day French Polynesia and South Pacific sailing. She will sail a selection of 12-to-15-day voyages between Australia and New Zealand, including a new collection of brand-first itineraries to the Great Barrier Reef and South Pacific between Cairns, Australia, and Lautoka, Fiji, which is also NCL’s first turnaround in both ports. Oceania Cruises is preparing for an exciting return to Australia and New Zealand with the better-than-new Insignia, Regatta and Nautica all sailing in local waters. Sixteen destination-intensive itineraries will grace Australian and New Zealand ports, with 11 voyages embarking or debarking in Sydney or Auckland. A 34-day circumnavigation of Australia aboard Regatta during the festive season calls into Whitsunday Island (Airlie Beach), Cairns, Darwin, Fremantle, Melbourne and Burnie. Meanwhile, New Zealand highlights include the Bay of Islands, tastes of stunning wines in Napier, Wellington’s spectacular vistas, and Te Puia’s hot springs. P&O Cruises Australia is set to embark on its final summer season at sea, offering over 80 sailings from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, visiting destinations such as the Pacific Islands, Great Barrier Reef, Moreton Island, Kangaroo Island, Tasmania, Exmouth, and more. In March 2025, Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will join the Carnival Cruise fleet, sailing year-round from Sydney and Brisbane as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter. PONANT’s expedition vessels Le Jacques-Cartier and Le Laperouse will conclude their Kimberley season at the end of September 2024. Le Laperouse will then sail Cairns to Bali exploring Northeast Australia and Indonesia. Le Jacques-Cartier will embark on an exploration of Indonesia in October, and Australia's South Coast and Tasmania from December. From January, she will explore New Zealand with journeys from Auckland to Lyttelton and a new itinerary from Auckland to Cairns via New Caledonia. From December, Le Soléal will explore New Zealand, including two departures to its Subantarctic Islands, as well as Northeast Australia and Indonesia. In January, PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT’s new 30-guest expedition vessel, PASPALEY PEARL, will embark on her inaugural season in Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands, before turning to the Kimberley. Princess Cruises has Royal Princess returning to Sydney for her second homeport season and she will be joined by Crown Princess and Diamond Princess. Crown makes her debut season in Australia, becoming the largest ship Princess has ever homeported here year-round. In June 2025, Crown Princess will make her inaugural 113-night world cruise voyage from Sydney. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Explorer will return to Australia and New Zealand for the third time, in December 2024, offering three captivating itineraries including a 16-night Bali to Sydney voyage, a 14-night festive season cruise from Sydney to Auckland, and another 14-night Auckland to Sydney sojourn. Meanwhile, Seven Seas Voyager sails into Australia in January 2025 on her Singapore to Sydney Pristine Australian Wilderness cruise, visiting Indonesian and Queensland ports on the way to Sydney, and embarks on an 18-night sailing from Auckland to Bali (Benoa) in March 2025. Royal Caribbean is looking forward to an unforgettable 2024-25 season sailing from Australia. The summer season features the return of two award-winning ships Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas alongside fan-favourite itineraries and more weekend sailings from Australian shores than ever before. Friends and families can soak up new sun-sations and choose from a variety of more than 40 domestic and international cruises on Quantum and Ovation to visit idyllic locales across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Scenic Luxury Cruises will operate the ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse II in Australia, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Kimberley region, and the West Australian coastline including the Abrolhos Islands. In New Zealand, the ship will cruise both the North and South Islands including the beautiful Bay of Islands and Fiordland. In expedition mode, Scenic Eclipse II will venture into the rarely visited East Antarctica and the Ross Sea, where passengers will experience the majestic ice landscapes and unique wildlife. Seabourn cruises allow guests to experience bucket-list destinations while unwinding with stunning views from their suites. Seabourn Quest arrives in Melbourne on 10 January for a summer exploring the wonders of Australia and New Zealand. Quest follows Seabourn Pursuit’s majestic maiden season exploring the Kimberley in 2024. Silversea will unveil its groundbreaking Nova Class ship, Silver Nova, with a spectacular debut in Australian waters at the end of 2024, marking the start of its Australia and New Zealand season. Silversea's cutting-edge ship will set new standards with pioneering sustainability, brand new S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program, and unparalleled wellness amenities. In addition to Silver Nova, Silver Muse will offer opulent voyages through Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania from December to March and deliver unforgettable experiences. Other CLIA cruise lines visiting Australian waters this season include Aida Cruises, Costa Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Hapag-Lloyd, Nicko Cruises, and P&O Cruises UK. 30 August, 2024 -
Royal Caribbean Group signs agreement with Meyer Turku for next Icon Class ship
Royal Caribbean Group signs agreement with Meyer Turku for next Icon Class ship
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) announced today that it has signed an agreement with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku to order a fourth Icon Class ship for delivery to Royal Caribbean International in 2027. The agreement also includes options to build a fifth and sixth Icon Class ship. “Building on the incredible momentum and market response to the launchof Icon of the Seasand the excitement for its sister ship,Star of the Seas, coming in 2025, we’re thrilled to join with Meyer Turku once again to expand our roster of Icon Class ships and continue our future growth plans,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Since its debut, Icon has changed the game in vacation experiences and exceeded our expectations in both guest satisfaction and financial performance.” “This is great news for Finland. Royal Caribbean Group’s long-term partnership will continue to have a positive impact on our employment and economy,” said Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland. “Their commitment and investment in Finland speaks volumes about the strength of our maritime cluster and our world class shipyards.” The first ship in the Icon Class launched in January 2024 as a first-of-its-kind vacation and introduced an all-encompassing lineup of experiences that combines the best of every vacation – from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure. The next ship in the lineup will continue to deliver revolutionary experiences as it joinsIcon,Star of the Seas(launching in 2025) and the yet-to-be-named third Icon Class ship (launching in 2026). With this announcement, Royal Caribbean Group continues to drive its moderate capacity growth to help guests turn a vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations. "This order is an important milestone for the future of shipbuilding in the maritime network in Finland,” added Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku. “WithIcon of the Seas, our team, consisting of the shipyard and partners, have built an extraordinary ship in respect of naval architecture, energy efficiency and customer experience. This is yet another recognition of the professionalism of our personnel and of our leadership in the maritime industry's innovation and green transition. The options underline the strong outlook of our order book.” Known for its history of delivering best-in-class ships, this also expands upon Royal Caribbean Group’s longstanding relationship with Meyer Turku. With this order, Meyer Turku will have built 21 ships for Royal Caribbean Group over 28 years. The anticipation for Royal Caribbean Group’s newbuild pipeline continues to grow, with seven new ships on order, and two shipyard options. This year alone, the company welcomed four new industry-leading ships, including Royal Caribbean International’sIcon of the SeasandUtopia of the Seas, Silversea’sSilver Rayand TUI Cruises’Mein Schiff 7. This order also comes on the heels of the company’s announcement for a seventh Oasis Class ship, set to debut for Royal Caribbean International in 2028. “Icon of the Seasis unlike anything the world has seen before, and we’re just getting started,” added Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We are leading the vacation industry in developing new experiences for our guests to create lifelong memories, and we continue dreaming and evolving to deliver more ways to chill and thrill.” This agreement is contingent upon customary conditions, including financing. 27 August, 2024 -
Royal Caribbean Star Of The Seas Takes Center Stage To Deliver Ultimate Family Holiday
Royal Caribbean Star Of The Seas Takes Center Stage To Deliver Ultimate Family Holiday
Royal Caribbean International’s Star of the Seas will soon double the world’s best holiday count in one of the world’s top travel destinations, and the full lineup of unrivalled experiences in store has been revealed. From thrills like the fastest and tallest waterslides to 40-plus ways to dine and drink combined with adventures in idyllic destinations like the cruise line’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, the next combination of the best of every holiday sets the stage for everyone to make memories from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. To dive into the exclusive details and book the highly anticipated 7-night holidays on Star, adventurers can visit Royal Caribbean’s website. In August 2025, every type of family and holiday-maker can experience the acclaimed features first introduced by Icon of the Seas and even twists to fast favourites, like new restaurant Lincoln Park Supper Club – a 1930s Chicago-inspired spin on the supper club experience that pairs multiple courses with live entertainment. On deck is everything from the six adrenaline-pumping waterslides at Category 6 waterpark and seven pools – one for every day of the week – to the Surfside neighbourhood designed for young families and what will be one of only two suspended infinity pools at sea – the adults-only Hideaway. “Star of the Seas is the second bold act of this exciting, new era of holidays first introduced with Icon of the Seas, and it’s putting the world’s best holiday on the map at yet another top travel destination,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Between Miami and Port Canaveral (Orlando), more adventurers than ever can set their sights on the only holiday that combines the best of all holidays – from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure – with experiences that have and will continue to make headlines and memories for years to come.” Star is set to bring more of the revolutionary Icon Class combination across eight neighbourhoods that are destinations in themselves, with everything from restaurants and bars to live entertainment and more. The highlights include five neighbourhoods unique to Icon and Star: Thrill Island – There are thrills of all kinds with Category 6, the first waterpark at sea when introduced on Icon, and its six record-breaking waterslides – from family raft slides to a drop slide and mat-racing duos; Crown’s Edge, the part skywalk and thrill ride 154 feet above the ocean; plus longtime favourites, the FlowRider surf simulator and mini golf, and spots to grab a bite and drinks like Basecamp and Desserted. Chill Island – The three-deck slice of paradise is home to four of seven pools, each with different vibes and prime ocean views, including swim-up bar Swim & Tonic and Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea. With live bands and DJs, and places for drinks and quick, casual food just steps away, like The Lime & Coconut, holiday-makers can chill day and night. Surfside – The neighbourhood designed for young families is where they can stay and play all day together and without compromise. There’s everything from ways to splash, with kids and tots at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay and grown-ups nearby at Water’s Edge pool, to spots to grab a bite like Surfside Eatery and The Lemon Post bar – all with options for adults and kids. AquaDome – The tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot at night atop of Star is back with wraparound ocean views, deck-defying shows with high divers, aerialists, robots, dancers and more at the marquee AquaTheater; and food and drinks to take it all in at the AquaDome Market food hall, the Rye & Bean bar, Hooked and The Overlook bar and Overlook Pods for jaw-dropping views. The Hideaway – Hidden 135 feet above the ocean, the adults-only spot combines all the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world with a suspended infinity pool – joining the only other pool of its kind on Icon – a DJ, dedicated bar, a terrace with whirlpools and uninterrupted ocean views. The tried-and-true favourites reimagined on Icon round out the best-selling Icon Class holidays on Star, from the Royal Promenade with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, the jaw-dropping Pearl – the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture – and 15-plus restaurants, bars and lounges to the open-air Central Park lined with more than 30,500 real plants and alive day to night with restaurants like the new Lincoln Park Supper Club, live music at Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues, convenient pick-up windows for sushi and champagne, and more. Plus, the ultra-luxe and exclusive Suite Neighbourhood. Star is also joining the newly debuted Oasis Class holiday, Utopia of the Seas – the ultimate short getaway – when it arrives in Port Canaveral (Orlando). By next summer, holiday-makers celebrating any occasion or just getting away can head to Central Florida and have their pick of the best of both worlds – a weeklong Caribbean holiday, a 3-night weekend or 4-night weekday getaway to The Bahamas, with weekend energy from beginning to end; or both. Also upping the ante when it comes to destinations and joining the expanding lineup of Royal Caribbean’s standout experiences will be the opening of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas – the first of the Royal Beach Club Collection – in late 2025. Holidays on Star are open to book on Royal Caribbean’s website. Media can find assets and more information on www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com/Star. 27 August, 2024 -
Celestyal offers free cruises to Olympic medallists
Celestyal offers free cruises to Olympic medallists
Celestyal is giving away a free cruise to all athletes from Team GB who won a medal at the recent Paris 2024 Olympics. The cruise line – which has headquarters in Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games – has launched the special offer to celebrate Team GB’s success across a range of sports. Great Britain achieved their third highest tally in Paris, collecting 65 medals - 14 golds, 22 silvers and 29 bronzes - matching their total medal haul from London 2012. All medal winners can choose from a selection of complimentary cruises including: A seven-night ‘Steps of Paul’ voyage, departing Athens on October 12, 2024, onboard Celestyal Journey, calling at Thessaloniki, Kavala, Istanbul, Dikili, Kusadasi and Patmos. A selection of seven-night ‘Desert Days’ voyages departing Doha on Celestyal Journey. Eight options are available sailing between December 2024 and March 2025, calling at Khalifa Bin Salman, Dubai, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. A selection of seven–night ‘Idyllic Aegean’ voyages departing Athens on Celestyal Journey. With 14 options available sailing between May and October, 2025, calling at Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion (Crete), Santorini, Mykonos and Milos. A selection of seven-night ‘Heavenly Adriatic’ departing Athens in 2025 on Celestyal Journey. With four options available sailing between April and August 2025, calling at Kotor, Split, Venice or Bari and Katakolo for visits to nearby Ancient Olympia. Celestyal’s Greece itineraries also offer the ‘National Geographic Day Tour – The history of the Olympic Games in Athens’ shore excursion, led by National Geographic-trained guides. During this, guests can trace the evolution of the Olympic Games on an in-depth tour of Olympic sites and discover how ancient Greek athletes continue to inspire the country today. The tour includes an opportunity to meet a former Olympic athlete for an exclusive viewing of the Olympic Sports Complex. Onboard Celestyal Journey, athletes will be able to benefit from the Sozo Spa experience, which features a series of Ayurvedic treatments, a fully equipped gym, thermal beds and steam rooms. Dining options include the Taverna and Thalassa restaurants, Grill Seekers, modern Asian fusion at Pink Moon, and poolside Mediterranean street food at the Greek Deli. Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal said: “Following years of exceptionally hard training and the pressures of competing at an Olympic Games, both mentally and physically, there’s no better way for our Team GB heroes to unwind and relax than on a Celestyal cruise. Onboard, they can enjoy our extensive wellness programme, indulge in authentic and fresh cuisine and explore wonderful ports of call. We look forward to welcoming our medallists and their guests onboard with our renowned warm hospitality – congratulations to all of our cherished Olympians.” To book their sailing, they need to contact Celestyal via email at [email protected] by September 30, 2024. 27 August, 2024 -
Cruise lines put on a show for biggest ever Cruise360 exhibition
Cruise lines put on a show for biggest ever Cruise360 exhibition
August 26, 2024 – A total of 37 cruise lines will lead the biggest cruise trade exhibition ever held in the Southern Hemisphere this week as Cruise360 Australasia gets underway in Sydney. Hosted by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Friday’s Cruise360 exhibition will bring together leading cruise lines alongside ports, destinations, tourism operators and other travel providers, offering 48 exhibitors in all. “This year’s exhibition is the biggest we have ever hosted and there will be more time available for delegates to explore the show,” said CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz. “The exhibition is an essential element of Cruise360 Australasia and it provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with sales representatives and learn more about the latest opportunities in cruising, one-on-one.” To be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, this year’s sold-out Cruise360 Australasia conference and trade exhibition will attract a record crowd of close to 850 CLIA travel agents and cruise industry representatives. Under the theme Embrace the Future, it will offer a conference program designed to equip travel agents with the latest insight to help them cater to new clients and grow their cruise business. A total of 28 industry experts will take the stage, including six international leaders. “Our 2024 conference will help CLIA members understand the forces shaping the Australasian cruise market and the many opportunities presented by a thriving cruise sector,” Mr Katz said. “We will hear from experts on how to reach new-to-cruise travellers, and discuss the growing opportunities available in areas like luxury cruising, expedition cruising, and experiential travel.” This year’s Cruise360 Australasia conference will be preceded by a sold-out River Cruise Showcase on Thursday afternoon, providing a special focus on the diverse range of holidays available on inland waterways. The conference will also include a harbourside cocktail event to welcome delegates on Thursday night. Further information and program details are available at Cruise360 Australasia. 26 August, 2024 -
Windstars Brand-New Star Seeker Features 112 Spacious Suites
Windstars Brand-New Star Seeker Features 112 Spacious Suites
Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises is unveiling a first look at its Star Seeker – a 224-guest, brand-new ship that will debut in January of 2026. Star Seeker will have 112 spacious suites, all but ten featuring a full private veranda or floor-to-ceiling infinity window. The ship also boasts five dining options (all are included in Windstar’s cruise fare), a full-service spa with a grand entrance from the deck above, a fitness facility, and a fresh take on the line’s iconic Watersports Platform, which turns the ocean into an infinity pool by letting guests access the sea directly from the ship. “Guests aboard Star Seeker will experience a sense of tranquility in their suites; they are designed to be an oasis for relaxation,” says Stijn Creupelandt, vice president of hotel operations at Windstar Cruises. “We used light wood and a soothing color palette of light blues, greens, and natural browns – elements that reflect our Star Class style. Inspired by the sea, sky, and landscapes, these colors and textures create a serene atmosphere perfect for a relaxing getaway. In the ship’s public spaces and restaurants, you’ll find more vibrant hues inspired by sunrises and sunsets, including warm yellows, golds, and oranges, ensuring a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort throughout the ship.” Star Seeker features two Horizon Owner’s Suites, a new suite category for the line, at the aft of the ship on deck 7, which can be combined with adjacent suites for more space and multi-generational families. Each comes with a wrap-around balcony offering spectacular vistas — perfect for evening cocktails or a private dinner. The two suites are Star Seeker’s most luxurious and spacious offerings; however, the ship has a full menu of suite offerings with 12 different accommodation types to choose from, many allowing triple occupancy. Star Seeker has 72 suites with large verandas where guests may sit outside and enjoy the view and fresh air. New for Windstar, 30 infinity suites feature a large floor-to-ceiling infinity window that slides down half-way from the top to open the suite to refreshing sea breezes. As on all Windstar ships, there are no interior cabins. Star Seeker’s 10 Oceanview suites have plenty of natural light and a view of the sea, a walk-in mosaic glass shower, and an inviting queen bed which can be converted into two twins if desired. All suites include a fully stocked mini-bar and refrigerator, interactive TV, safe, fresh fruit, and waffle weave robe and slippers. The four highest suite categories – Horizon, Star, Classic, Deluxe – add other amenities such as an Illy espresso machine, Canapes service, and fresh flowers. Star Seeker is under construction in Portugal. The maiden voyage will be a Transatlantic sailing in early January from Malaga to Miami. After a christening event in Miami where the cruise line is headquartered, Star Seeker will sail its first voyage in the Caribbean and offer more cruises in the Caribbean before heading up the West Coast of the United States to Alaska for a full season of summer cruises. From there, the ship will sail to Japan and bring back the line’s popular Japan itineraries before heading to Southeast Asia. Details on Star Seeker’s Caribbean, Alaska, and Japan cruises will be announced first to Yacht Club members (loyalty members) and travel advisors - giving them priority access to book. In early September, Star Seeker’s itineraries will be announced publicly and available for all to book. Windstar will debut an additional new sister ship, Star Explorer, in December of 2026. 25 August, 2024 -
Cruise industry calls on Government to overturn crippling NZ tourism tax
Cruise industry calls on Government to overturn crippling NZ tourism tax
August 21, 2024 – Cruise lines have called on the New Zealand Government to overturn plans for a 136% increase in cruise visitor fees, which threatens to accelerate an alarming downturn in cruise tourism around the country. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today warned a multi-million dollar increase in border processing fees planned by New Zealand Customs would worsen a costs crisis that was already harming New Zealand businesses and local communities. “While cruise tourism is at record levels internationally, New Zealand destinations face a 22% fall in cruise visitors during the upcoming summer season, largely due to high costs and regulatory complexities,” said Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz. “Cruise lines have been forced to reduce their deployments in New Zealand, which is now one of the most expensive destinations in the world for cruise operations,” Mr Katz said. “Even before this Customs increase, New Zealand communities are facing estimated losses of at least $157 million in reduced tourism over the 2024/25 season.” Mr Katz said the New Zealand Customs Service proposal would add millions of dollars in costs to cruise operations, despite warnings from cruise lines that existing costs had become prohibitive. “New Zealand is one of the most desirable cruise destinations in the world and cruise lines have invested heavily over many years to develop international cruise operations in local waters,” Mr Katz said. “Cruise tourism is ordinarily worth more than $500 million a year to communities around the coast of New Zealand, but this is now threatened by a succession of exorbitant cost increases by ports and government agencies.” CLIA and its cruise line members have called on the New Zealand Government to intervene in the planned Customs fee increase and adopt a whole-of-government strategy to foster a well-managed cruise tourism economy. CLIA has welcomed the National Cruise Strategy announced recently by the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA), which aims to increase the economic and social benefits of cruise tourism through collaboration between government, ports and destinations, tourism operators and cruise lines. 21 August, 2024 -
Princess Cruises secures flight allocations with Jet2 for Mediterranean cruises in 2025
Princess Cruises secures flight allocations with Jet2 for Mediterranean cruises in 2025
Princess Cruises has announced it has secured flight allocations with Jet2.com, the UK’s third-largest airline, to provide guests with convenient travel options from four regional airports in the UK to the Mediterranean in 2025. Through Plane Sailing, Princess Cruises’ air travel booking service, guests can secure regional flights from Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Newcastle to combine with a Mediterranean cruise on Majestic Princess. All flights include 22kg hold luggage and 10kg hand luggage per person. A dedicated white label website means that Princess Cruises guests will be able book Jet2.com flights, access and manage their booking, pay to pre-book seating, and purchase additional luggage in advance using their cruise booking reference. “These flight allocations with Jet2.com allow our guests to coordinate their air travel with their cruise itinerary, enhancing their holiday planning experience and offering greater flexibility and security. This collaboration underscores Princess Cruises’ commitment to providing exceptional service and convenience, making it easier for our guests to start their dream Mediterranean cruise from a location closer to home.” Eithne Williamson, vice president Princess Cruises UK and Europe, said. Williamson continued: “Jet2.com is known for its award-winning customer service and extensive flight network, which aligns perfectly with Princess Cruises’ dedication to delivering a premium holiday experience. With limited availability on flights and Princess Cruises’ 2025 Mediterranean season in high demand, we encourage guests to secure their flight and cruise whilst they can, to ensure they don’t miss out.” 19 August, 2024 -
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines partners with Jet2 for 2025 Mediterranean fly cruise programme
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines partners with Jet2 for 2025 Mediterranean fly cruise programme
Between October and November 2025, Fred. Olsen’s smaller ship Balmoral will play host on a range of Mediterranean sailings, with Jet2.com to operate chartered flights from London Stansted and Manchester. With cruises ranging from seven to 12-nights, guests will have opportunities to take in the charming cliff-top towns of Cinque Terre and the Amalfi, the beautiful Bay of Kotor and the enchanting Greek islands. Ashore, they can discover the origins of Flamenco dancing, sip Jerez sherry, wander the Dalmatian markets and witness Krka Waterfall. Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Services at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are really excited about this new partnership with Jet2.com for Balmoral’s 2025 Mediterranean fly-cruise programme. They are renowned for their customer service, and as such will complement the high standard of service that our guests come to expect from us. This collaboration highlights our commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests, before they even step foot aboard one of our ships. A fly-cruise is perfect for guests who want to maximise their time ashore, by reducing the time in sailing from the UK. Plus, guests can tailor their holiday by booking onto consecutive fly-cruises for those looking to enjoy a longer autumnal break in the sunshine.” Fred. Olsen’s fly-cruise fare includes economy flights and transfers to and from the ship, a luggage allowance of 22kg, plus 10kg of hand luggage. 19 August, 2024