P&O Cruises’ flagship Pacific Explorer has returned to her Sydney home sporting new features and attractions following a stunning makeover. Popular dining outlets, Luke’s and 400 Gradi, have been given a striking new look during Pacific Explorer’s recent dry dock. Both major theatres along with several of the ship’s public spaces have been revamped while new games activities and accommodation choices for families have been introduced. Dining and restaurants: The ship’s popular dining outlet Luke’s which overlooks the pool on the top deck, has been transformed into a stylish yet relaxed res ..read more

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, in collaboration with The Nader Museum, opened the public voting for its first ever Call to Artists. The submissions for the masterpiece to be featured at Norwegian’s new state-of-the-art terminal were narrowed down to 20 local artists, who will be celebrated at the Gary Nader Art Centre in Wynwood, Miami. The public had an opportunity to help choose the winner by reviewing the 20 finalists’ submissions and submitting a vote . Voters ne ..read more

THE Australian Government has announced the suspension of all international cruise ship arrivals for 30 days, effective from midnight last night, and has advised all Australians to “reconsider their need for overseas travel at this time”. The Government has also enacted a 14-day self-isolation rule (CW breaking news) for anyone arriving to Australia from overseas, with states and territories to determine penalties for those that do not comply. “In specific cases where we have Australians on cruise ships then there will be some bespoke arrangements…to ensure the relevant protections are put in ..read more

For the first time in maritime history, an all-female bridge and onboard leadership team set sail March 7th, commemorating International Women’s Day. Led by Captain Kate McCue, the first American female cruise ship captain, who was accompanied by 26 other women representing 16 different countries, the award-winning Celebrity Edge sailed out of Port Everglades and began its seven-day Caribbean journey. Retiring Pilot Boat Captain Cheryl Phipps, one of only a few female pilot boat captains in the country, led the ship out to sea. Also, in celebration of International Women’s Day, Celeb ..read more

Royal Caribbean International latest game-changing ship Spectrum of the Seas sailed out of Sydney Harbour 29th February on her first humanitarian cruise in support of Australia’s volunteer first responder community, who worked tirelessly during the recent bushfire crisis. Carrying over 3,500 dedicated volunteer first responders and their families, Spectrum of the Seas’ first complimentary 4-night coastal cruise returned to Sydney on Wednesday 4th March. The second “Thank You” cruise will follow the same itinerary from 7-11 March. With over 12,000 registrations received and in re ..read more

A number of cruise lines have significantly altered their cancellation policies in the wake of ongoing COVID-19 anxiety, offering guests more flexibility when rescheduling cruise trips. Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) has introduced its Cruise With Confidence policy, meaning guests booked on RCI or any of its brands, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara or Silversea Cruises, can cancel up to 48 hours prior to any cruise departure. Clients will receive full credits, usable on any sailing departing in 2020 or 2021, & applies to cruises leaving on or before 31 Jul. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) matched RCL ..read more

Cruise ships are staying longer Down Under and there are some excellent deals to be had. The Australian cruise season has been extended, with popular cruise ships, including Sapphire Princess and Queen Elizabeth, sailing in our waters. The move is the result of the coronavirus in Asia, and means thousands more cabins, port calls and itineraries for Aussie cruisers. This week, Princess Cruises and Cunard announced they would be extending the Australian season for an extra 60 days, meaning that this is the best time to snag deals. There are cruises which are priced from as little as $69 p ..read more

Celebrity Silhouette has undergone a 42-day revamp ahead of its summer season based in Southampton. The Solstice-class vessel’s makeover is part of Celebrity Cruises’ $500 million project to update nine ships across the fleet and bring them in line with Celebrity Edge and the incoming Celebrity Apex, due to launch next month. This latest revamp included the addition of six new staterooms, all-inclusive area The Retreat for suite passengers, cocktail bar The Entertainment Court and casual dining restaurant Craft Social, formerly known as Cellar Masters. All staterooms and suites have been fitte ..read more

MSC Cruises announced that the MSC Meraviglia has been given a clean bill of health by Mexican health officials following medical checks on a crew member and a young female guest who both had common seasonal flu after the vessel arrived in Cozumel, Mexico. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises, said: ”The Mexican authorities followed the correct maritime protocols whereby a ship in advance provides medical records of any passenger or crew member who is or has been unwell to the next port she visits.” Health experts boarded the ship to check the medical condition of one crew membe ..read more

Virgin Voyages has cancelled its March introduction events of the Scarlet Lady in New York and the ship will instead sail straight to Miami, its homeport. Said Virgin in a prepared statement: “In light of the current news headlines, we want to ensure everyone feels it is the right time to celebrate with us. We understand people may want to focus on other things at the moment, so we have made the decision to reschedule our upcoming Showcase Tour stop and events in New York City. We plan to sail back to New York soon for you to visit her. “We have absolutely no health concerns or issues onboard ..read more