Monday 14 November 2022

[podcast] Brisbane berthing debacle


After over 2 years of bans on most cruise ships and struggles to restore air capacity, the Port of Brisbane will now only accept one cruise ship at a time, with calls from Regent Seven Seas, Silversea (2), Viking (2), Oceania, Asuka and The World - and others now cancelled after having been booked in good faith. Let's hope that this mess can be corrected as soon as possible. Deep Waterfrontage in Australia is coveted and all should learn that cruise ships can successfully co-exist with landside developments - and indeed prosper as they do in other ports around the world. It is the only way forward and Governments must help facilitate this. The grab for our berths must stop. Click to listen! https://lnkd.in/gaeDah7Y

Monday 7 November 2022

Westerdam calls in Sydney marking the return of Holland America Line to Australia


Itinerary highlights include 14-day Christmas Cruise from Auckland to Sydney

Holland America Line celebrates 150th anniversary in 2023, one of the longest operating travel companies in the world

 
Westerdam captured at Circular Quay on 7 November 2022



Holland America Line's Westerdam was the line's first ship to return to Sydney since the pandemic. It is Westerdam's first season in Australia and New Zealand waters.

Westerdam arrived in Sydney Harbour after her repositioning voyage from Vancouver and will be homeported in Sydney for her 2022-23 Australian and New Zealand wave season, during which she will sail four itineraries around Australia and New Zealand ranging from 13 to 15 days.

At 283 meters long and 32 meters wide, Westerdam can carry 1,964 guests in 984 staterooms, looked after by approximately 800 crew.

Westerdam arrived at on Monday 7 November at 11am, giving her passengers two days to head ashore and explore Sydney and environs, generating substantial spend and bolstering the State's tourism economy.

"Our sailings in Australia and New Zealand will ensure local cruisers will have a close-to-home travel experience which goes way beyond what you could find in any guidebook", Holland America Line VP Sales and Marketing Ryan Taibel said.

"Our programming brings the destination to life via immersive shore excursions, stimulating port talks and Port to Table cooking classes which make the most of the very best in local produce. There is no better way to explore our own backyard than with Holland America Line", Mr Taibel added.

Westerdam features some of the line's lauded entertainment venues such as B.B. King's Blues Club and Lincoln Center Stage, exemplary dining experiences including celebrated steakhouse, Pinnacle Grill, and Italian specialty restaurant, Canaletto.

Thursday 15 September 2022

Princess Cruises Unveils Largest Ever Ship – Sun Princess®

Epic Sphere Atrium, First Ever Geodesic Dome, Innovative Entertainment Venues and Premium Suites Headline the largest Princess Ship ever built


Princess Cruises today revealed a stunning new and bespoke ship platform that will be the brand’s largest ship ever accommodating over 4,000 guests. The new Sun Princess will boast stunning views, expansive venues, innovative entertainment venues, multi-story dining rooms and next level stateroom accommodations while remaining true to the smooth clean lines and design aesthetics inspired by the Seawitch icon and popularised in the original “Love Boat” TV series and returning the venerable “Sun Princess” name back into operation.

Tuesday 28 June 2022

Cairns Welcomes Coral Princess to Tropical North Queensland



Coral Princess visits are expected to generate $6.6M for Cairns over the winter season

Local tourism operators welcomed the arrival of Coral Princess, which today made her maiden call to Queensland’s tropical north, Cairns.

Saturday 23 April 2022

Virgin Voyages is set to call Australia home


 Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s award-winning cruise line that hit the high seas in 2021, is now setting its sights on Australia and New Zealand, today announcing its plans to make its new home port in Melbourne in 2023.

Sunday 17 April 2022

P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Explorer Returns to Sydney



P&O Cruises Australia’s flagship, Pacific Explorer, received a spectacular welcome home to Sydney this morning with a ceremonial ‘water cannon salute’ celebrating her arrival – marking the start of the rebuild of the $5 billion a year Australian cruise industry.

Thursday 14 April 2022

CLIA: End of cruise suspension signals revival for thousands of Australians




Australia will begin rebuilding its multi-billion-dollar cruise industry after this weekend, as cruise lines work to bring back economic opportunities for thousands of local businesses throughout the country.