Holland America Line (HAL) has removed the need for guests on "most voyages"

Holland America Line (HAL) has removed the need for guests on "most voyages"

MS Nieuw Amsterdam arriving early morning into Vancouver, photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Effective immediately, unvaccinated guests sailing on “standard protocol” voyages will no longer need a test prior to disembarkation.

 

Guests will also not have to provide evidence of vaccination unless they are required to do so by a destination.

 

"Our guests continue to show their excitement to return to cruising, and this is another step toward making it as easy as possible for them to safely explore the world in a way they love," said Gus Antorcha, president of HAL.

 

"Standard protocol" voyages now also include Panama Canal transits up to 15 nights and guests on "enhanced protocol" voyages will be provided additional information about protocols based on ports visited. 

Royal Caribbean’s New Terminal to Feature Galveston-Inspired Sculpture

Royal Caribbean’s New Terminal to Feature Galveston-Inspired Sculpture

Royal Caribbean Group's soon-to-be-opened terminal at the Port of Galveston will display the Galveston Beach Trio sculpture, designed by Brad Oldham Sculpture, according to a press release.

The cruise line's initiative to feature the sculpture in its new terminal is aimed at strengthening ties with the local community and celebrating local art and culture. Travellers will be able to enjoy the sculpture when the terminal opens on November 9, 2022, according to Royal Caribbean Group.

"Showcasing the history and culture of Galveston was our top priority in establishing this art installation in our new terminal, and we're thrilled to partner with Brad Oldham Sculpture to bring this vision to life," comments Joshua Carroll, vice president, of destination development, Royal Caribbean Group.

The sculpture, fashioned in stainless steel and lost-wax bronze, depicts a musical trio inspired by the port city's musical heritage, which includes Barry White, Joyce Fields and guitarist Joe Pena.

The Royal Caribbean Group team enlisted the help of Piper Faust Public Art to compile a list of Texas artists to be considered for the project and ultimately selected Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin of Brad Oldham Sculpture.

"Some of our best memories are from travelling together. We are honoured to create a permanent installation that cultivates the vacation vibe with an approachable music theme using native animals to make up the band,” said Brad Oldham.

This community-inspired feature is the most recent addition to Royal Caribbean Group's Blue Green Promise. The RCG has committed to engaging the Galveston community through the development and operation of its new terminal, with the incorporation of local arts and culture serving as the first step in this effort.

Royal Caribbean Returns to Thailand

Royal Caribbean Returns to Thailand

The Spectrum of the Seas from Royal Caribbean is featuring longer sailings, and more of Southeast Asia to explore in the coming months as she will embark on cruises with Phuket featuring as one the core stops on four- to seven-night cruises, joining popular destinations like Penang and Port Klang in Malaysia.

Sailings are open to book on Royal Caribbean’s website.

“Thailand is hugely popular with our guests from Singapore – its distinctive food, culture and welcoming locals have made the country a destination of choice for many, and we are thrilled to be able to visit Phuket again so travellers can fully experience the wonders and rich heritage of the Southeast Asian region,” said Angie Stephen, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International. “

Thailand’s travel and tourism industries can anticipate a lift from the weekly sailings Spectrum is scheduled to deliver into Phuket. We continue to work closely with governments in the region to connect our guests with new destinations, adventures, and experiences, and to become a gateway for fly-cruisers from around the globe looking to experience the spice of Southeast Asia.”

“As Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is the pearl of the Andaman Sea, with her magnificent beaches,  beautiful sunsets at Phromthep Cape and spectacular local culture and lifestyle. Tourists also love the distinct local architecture and row houses that speak to Sino-Portuguese influence, which today house museums, boutique hotels and cafes. Phuket’s famous cultural shows, as well as the Phuket Fantasy theme park which combines Thai arts and culture with cutting-edge light and sound, shows altogether make for a memorable experience for visitors to the island,” said Governor Narong Woonsiew, Governor of Phuket, Thailand.

Photo: Angie Stephen, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International, and His Excellency, Narong Wun Siew, the Governor of Phuket, doing the exchanges as part of the plaque and key ceremony in recognition of the return of cruise tourism in Phuket, Thailand.

Kelly Clarkson and Norwegian Celebrate Educators During Prima Debut in Galveston

Kelly Clarkson and Norwegian Celebrate Educators During Prima Debut in Galveston

Norwegian Cruise Line has commemorated the debut of its all-new Norwegian Prima, and the brand’s first-ever voyage from Galveston, Texas, with an exclusive concert by artist Kelly Clarkson, according to a press release. 

The ship also served as the special venue for this year’s Norwegian’s Giving Joy awards ceremony, during which Norwegian Cruise Line and Clarkson recognized 100 teachers with a free cruise and nearly $170,000 for the top three Grand Prize winners and their schools.

"It was such an honour to celebrate the 100 deserving winners of Norwegian’s Giving Joy program at Norwegian Prima’s inaugural sailing, which embarked from my home state of Texas!," said Clarkson. "Teachers are our true everyday unsung heroes, and they play an integral role in our society, not only shaping the future of their students but the future of their communities as well. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to participate in this program and give a special performance before they set sail on the trip of a lifetime."

Norwegian’s Giving Joy is a month-long campaign launched during National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2 – 6, 2022) to recognize deserving educators for their unwavering commitment to bringing joy to the classroom.

To celebrate these incredible individuals, and their often-times undervalued profession, as well as to kick off Norwegian Prima’s first voyage from the Lone Star State, Norwegian Cruise Line hosted a showstopping award celebration. Special guests included NCL President and CEO Harry Sommer; Norwegian Bliss Godfather Elvis Duran, American radio personality and host of "Elvis Duran and the Morning Show;" and superstar and godmother to Norwegian Encore, Kelly Clarkson, who delivered a stellar performance of her chart-topping hits including "Miss Independent," "Stronger," and "Since You’ve Been Gone." 

To conclude the Norwegian’s Giving Joy Award Ceremony, Sommer, unveiled the top three Grand Prize winners who received the most votes, awarding them with donations for their schools.

The Grand Prize winners are:

• Patricia Hosmer from Bayonne High School in Bayonne, N.J. ($25,000)
• Theresa Schrager from Falcon Cove Middle School, Fla. ($15,000)
• Anthony Stirpe from New Rochelle High School in New Rochelle, N.Y. ($10,000)

In addition to the expected donations to their schools, each of the Grand Prize winners received a big surprise – nearly $40,000 each in prize money thanks to Norwegian Cruise Line partners.

Royal Caribbean has reported its single largest booking day in its 53-year history

Icon of the Seas is the first ship in Royal Caribbean's new Icon class

It comes a week after the 7,600-passenger vessel was unveiled in Miami, the ship’s soon-to-be homeport, where it will sail a range of eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.

 

"The enthusiasm and excitement for Icon are undeniable in more ways than one," said Michael Bayley, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean International.

 

"The incredible response we have received from our loyal guests, vacationers new to cruising, crew members and travel partners continues to come in, and this is just the beginning."

 

The new ship features a range of firsts for the brand across eight "neighbourhoods", giving it the line’s "biggest-ever" focus on families.

 

The icon will sail year-round on seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami. Each cruise will visit the line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and a mix of destinations such as Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, Saint Maarten; and Basseterre, Saint Kitts.

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Disenchantment Bay

Carnival Adjusts Itineraries of Multiple Mardi Gras Departures

Carnival Adjusts Itineraries of Multiple Mardi Gras Departures

Carnival Cruise Line is adjusting itineraries of multiple Eastern Caribbean sailings onboard the Mardi Gras.

Affecting a total of 21 cruises with departure dates between December 2022 and April 2024, the change will see a call to San Juan, Puerto Rico, being replaced with a visit to Nassau, The Bahamas. 

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the itinerary alteration is part of a “operations plan refining.”

Any pre-purchased Carnival shore excursions for San Juan will be automatically refunded to their original form of payment, the company said.

New shore tours for the visit to Nassau will be available online shortly, Carnival added.  

After debuting in July 2021, the Mardi Gras continues to offer year-round departures from Port Canaveral.

Sailing from its Central Florida homeport every Saturday, the 5,200-guest vessel offers week-long departures to both the Western and Eastern Caribbean.

Visited destinations include Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatán and more.

In 2023, the LNG-powered ship is also set to offer a one-time cruise to the Southern Caribbean. Sailing in August, the eight-night voyage features visits to Aruba and Bonaire, as well as to Grand Turk.

Along with the Mardi Gras, two additional Carnival ships sail from Port Canaveral on a year-round - the Carnival Freedom and the Carnival Liberty.

Offering three- to five-night cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, the vessels will soon be joined by the Carnival Magic for the upcoming winter season.

Before repositioning to Norfolk in May, the Dream-Class cruise ship offers six- and eight-night cruises to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.

Itineraries include visits to popular ports such as St. Maarten, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, La Romana, Aruba, Bonaire, Princess Cays, Half Moon Cay and others.

Similar itineraries will be offered by the larger Carnival Vista during the 2023-2024 winter cruise season. 

MSC Euribia to sail from Southampton in 2023

MSC Cruises has revealed that the new ship MSC Euribia will offer sailings out of Southampton from October 2023 and throughout winter 2023/24.

Itineraries will include visits to destinations such as Amsterdam, Bruges and Paris. There will be five-night options, from £359pp, seven-night cruises starting at £499pp and a 21-night itinerary departing on 5 January 2024 and calling at Casablanca, the Canary Islands and Lisbon, with prices starting at £2,399pp.

Launching in 2023, MSC Euribia is set to be “a truly sustainable ship”, the line said.

It will be the second ship in the MSC fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas. The hull artwork, designed by artist Alex Flämig and called #SaveTheSea , was chosen to represent “MSC Cruises’ message of dedication to helping protect the marine ecosystem”, according to a statement.

MSC Euribia ‘leading sustainability’

MSC Cruises UK & Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso said: “We are committed to offering the best possible experience for our guests from the UK and Ireland and that is why our newest ship, MSC Euribia, will be in the UK during 2023 and 2024.

“Since our first full ex-UK season back in 2018, we’ve seen a huge demand for stress-free, no-fly cruises from Southampton on board MSC Virtuosa.

“Basing MSC Euribia in the UK will help us to build on this success by offering our UK customers the chance to experience one of the most impressive cruise experiences offering leading sustainability technology and cutting-edge design features.” 

Borealis Docks at Port of Cork to Wrap Up the Cruise Season

Borealis Docks at Port of Cork to Wrap Up the Cruise Season

The Borealis from Fred. Olsen was the last cruise ship to call at Port of Cork for the 2022 cruise season last week, capping off a successful restart for the port that saw over 115,000 passengers and 90 vessels visit, according to a press release.

The cruise industry is estimated to contribute €70 million to the national economy and €14 million to local economies such as Cork annually. This year, 90 cruise ships docked in the Port of Cork and Bantry Bay Port, returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to the port.

“We made many strides in rebuilding the sector to pre-pandemic levels and the outlook for 2023 is even more positive - with in excess of 100 vessels scheduled to call to the Port of Cork so far,” said Conor Mowlds, chief commercial officer, Port of Cork Company.

Some COVID precautions and practices were still in place this season, with many ships operating at 75 per cent capacity. Prior to the pandemic, the Port of Cork had planned for 100 cruise ships per year, while in 2022 it received 12 first-time calls, bringing the total number of calls to 81.

“The atmosphere in the town when a ship is in is just electric - not only from the influx of passengers on board visiting Cobh but from the many people who visit from all over the country to see these ships up close. It has been especially beneficial for Cobh tourism and trade,” added Johanna Murphy, president of, the Cobh and Harbour Chamber.

The docking of the MSC Virtuosa, which made its maiden call on September 29, was one of the season's highlights, as it became the largest vessel to dock in Cork this year.

Carnival Miracle Undergoing Scheduled Drydock

Carnival Miracle Undergoing Scheduled Drydock

The Carnival Miracle is currently undergoing a routine drydock in Astoria, Portland. Part of the ship’s regular maintenance schedule, the shipyard stay was confirmed by Carnival Cruise Line in May.

In addition to regular upkeeping and class work, the Spirit-Class vessel is set to receive Carnival’s new blue, red and white livery.

Created to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary, the new hull look was inspired by officers’ uniforms and features a navy-blue bow along with red and white accents running the entire length of the ship.

After completing the drydock, the Miracle is set to resume its cruise program on the West Coast on November 17.

On the date, the 88,500-ton vessel sails from Long Beach on a short cruise to the Mexican Riviera. The five-night itinerary includes full-day visits to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada before returning to Carnival’s cruise terminal in the Los Angeles area.

During the 2022-2023 winter season, the 2,124-passenger ship is also set to offer two-week cruises to Hawaii, as well as additional three- to six-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera and Baja California.

Closing out Carnival’s Spirit Class, the Carnival Miracle originally entered service in 2004.

Designed with a multi-deck atrium, a glass-enclosed pool deck and a large number of cabins with private balconies, the ship underwent a major refurbishment in 2015.

At the time, it received all of Carnival’s Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades, including the Alchemy Bar, the RedFrog Rum Bar and the Cherry on Top candy store.

Other features of the vessel include the Punchliner Comedy Club, a Serenity adults-only retreat, a classic American-style steakhouse, a nine-hole miniature golf course, a 14,500-square-foot health and wellness centre, and more.

In addition to the Miracle, six Carnival ships have completed scheduled drydocks in 2022, including the Carnival Luminosa

Meyer Turku at the Forefront of Cruise Newbuilds

Meyer Turku at the Forefront of Cruise Newbuilds

Meyer Turku has always been at the forefront of new technologies, Tim Meyer, CEO, said to Cruise Industry News, noting that the yard built the first LNG-fueled passenger vessel, the Viking Grace and that its sister yard in Papenburg delivered the first LNG-fueled cruise ship.

“It is important to understand that every time we build a prototype, we set very ambitious targets for GHG emissions and fuel consumption so that the new ship becomes more efficient. That becomes part of our building contract with most customers and, of course, by reducing the fuel consumption, we also lower our customers’ operating costs.

“Over the years, we have been introducing new technologies in our newbuilds, such as, for example, podded propulsion; air lubrication to reduce the hull’s resistance in the water; advanced wastewater treatment, ballast water treatment, and more, which eventually have become building standards for the cruise industry.

“Now, we are focusing on HVAC, which is a large energy consumer,” Meyer continued. “It is not necessary to cool down all the public rooms all the time, when there are no people present, for example, or staterooms when people leave.

“There is also the ventilation and exhaust from the galleys that used to run around the clock. We are now optimizing this, so it is only running when there is cooking going on.”

In addition, Meyer Turku is looking to develop a carbon-neutral cruise ship concept by 2025, working with suppliers, universities and research organizations, as well as the state of Finland.

“This is a very important effort and will be key to our success going forward,” Meyer said. “On one hand you have the ship itself, on the other hand, you have the shipyard, and then we have our network and supply chain that can be optimized.

“A cruise ship is like a small city; you have everything from water production to wastewater treatment and so on. The goal is to have all these systems working together as efficiently as possible, and with AI (artificial intelligence) we will be able to do just that.

“Another pillar is our people, so we are also focused on creating new competencies within the yard, looking at how we are working and developing new ideas for methods and procedures.”

As a shipbuilder, Meyer said the company can literally build anything. However, the key is that it must make sense.

“When you have a ship such as the Viking Grace running between Stockholm and Turku, then it makes sense to operate on LNG, as long as you have a fixed route. But if you have a cruise ship sailing all over the world that may not work if LNG cannot be bunkered. So, you have to adapt the product.

“The big question is what fuels will be available and where they will be available,” Meyer continued.

“Another factor that plays in is the energy density of marine fuels. Diesel oil has the most energy per litre; methanol has only half as much, LNG a little less than methanol; liquefied ammonia, liquid organic hydrogen carriers and liquefied hydrogen even less.”

Thus, future fuels could impact the design and general arrangement of future ships, tank space and bunkering frequency.

“What do zero emissions mean,” Meyer asked rhetorically. “Does it mean no exhaust only or does it also mean no sound and no vibrations? What is important for us is to look at different aspects, not only the cruise ships themselves but also the supply chain. Germany, for example, is studying how to make steel production more sustainable. As a shipyard, we cannot do all of this but work as partners with our suppliers.

“We have to look at the whole picture, and if you compare to what people do on land, let’s say they drive their car, heat their homes, prepare food, go to the theatre and so forth. If you add all that up on a per capita basis, I think cruise ships will come out quite well.”

Contrary to land-based hotels and resorts, there is no waste of energy on a cruise ship, according to Meyer, who said that is a challenge the shipbuilder has been tackling for years and continues to look for new solutions.

Excerpt from Cruise Industry News Quarterly Magazine: Fall 2022 

Icon of the Seas will have Royal Caribbean International’s "biggest-ever focus" on families

Icon of the Seas will have Royal Caribbean International’s "biggest-ever focus" on families, as the line looks to increase its share of the new-to-cruise market.

Icon launches in January 2024, and across the 28 stateroom categories, more than 80% of rooms sleep more than two people. The ship will feature the new Surfside neighbourhood, which is dedicated to families with young children. This is a key target audience for the line, which already carries between 200 and 600 children under six years old on each cruise. 

 

Speaking in Miami to unveil the design of the ship, the line’s president and chief executive Michael Bayley said:  “On Icon our focus on family is probably the highest level it’s ever been. We’re going more and more towards delivering phenomenal vacations to families.”

 

Bayley said the new-to-cruise market was a “sweet spot” for Royal Caribbean, and that in 2019 the line carried more than one million people on their first cruise. He said offering short taster cruises is key, as clients then graduate to seven-night sailings.

 

From October 2023 Allure of the Seas will offer three- and four-day cruises from Port Canaveral. He added: “We think that once we get that message out to young families [about the facilities onboard], we’ll see a lot more new-to-cruise coming onboard Icon.”

 

Bayley said the brand’s family demographic is “vast from a marketing perspective”, adding: “Everyone is in a family, so we want to make sure that families have a fantastic vacation with Royal Caribbean. On Icon, whether you’re a grumpy old man or an innocent young kid, everyone can do their own thing and be super happy all day.”  

The icon will offer the three-storey Ultimate Family Townhouse, which has access to the new family-focused Surfside neighbourhood

He acknowledged that while school-age children were at school for the majority of the year, families with pre-schoolers can holiday throughout the year.  “That market is quite powerful. A young family is a big market, and we think it’s an under-served market and we think that Icon, especially with Surfside, is going to really deliver on that.”

 

He stressed that the ship caters for multigenerational families, highlighting the new neighbourhoods and features, including adults-only areas and the largest waterpark at sea. 

 

The Royal Caribbean team in Miami has spent more than one million working hours on the design process for Icon, in addition to time spent by external experts. It worked with 10 futurists to understand what consumers of the future would expect from holidays.

 

Bayley said: “Icon is the culmination of everything we’ve learnt in more than 50 years. We push the boundaries of what’s possible and what’s expected. This is the work of thousands of industry experts from around the world.”

 

New family cabins include the 285-square-foot Family Infinite Balcony, which sleeps six and borrows the Infinite Balcony concept from sister line Celebrity Cruises. It includes a bunk bed alcove for children at the rear of the cabin, with a secret den, a separate space for adults and a 50-square-foot balcony. 

The new Surfside neighbourhood houses the Ultimate Family Townhouse, which takes the brand’s existing Ultimate Family Suite concept and spreads it across three storeys, with 1,772-square-foot of internal space, alongside two balconies. Sleeping eight, it includes a slide, Lego wall, video games, movie theatre, karaoke and backyard that leads straight into Surfside.

The Family Infinite Balcony stateroom includes an area for children at the rear

MSC Cruises revealed the name of its second World-class ship

Carnival Luminosa Visits Singapore on Its Way to Australia

Carnival Luminosa Visits Singapore on Its Way to Australia

After being converted into a Carnival Cruise Line ship in Europe, the Carnival Luminosa continued its month-long voyage to Australia with a visit to Singapore, which was captured by the Singapore Cruise Society in these photos.

With no passenger onboard, the 2009-built vessel recently spent a day docked at the Asian port before departing for Brisbane – its new homeport.

Set to arrive at the Australian port later this month, the Luminosa will then start its maiden voyage on November 6.

On the day, the 2,260-guest ship departs Brisbane on a seven-night Great Barrier Reef cruise. In addition to two days at sea, the itinerary includes visits to Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas and Willis Island.

In the region through mid-April, the Carnival Luminosa offers additional cruises to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific before repositioning to Alaska for a summer program in 2023.

Before returning to Australia for the 2023-2024 season, the ship is also slated to sail Carnival’s longest-ever cruise.

The 30-day transpacific voyage sails from Seattle to Brisbane and features visits to Alaska, Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Transferred from Costa Cruises in September, the former Costa Luminosa blends Carnival’s service, food and signature features with the look and elements of its former operator.

While being prepared for its debut, the 92,000-ton vessel saw some of its public areas transformed to offer the signature experiences and spaces of the U.S.-based cruise line during a recent drydock in Italy.  

Keeping its décor and most original design elements, the ship received new venues like The Punchliner Comedy Club, Limelight Lounge, Piano Bar 88, Alchemy Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, Serenity Retreat and more.

In addition to Carnival’s new hull livery, the Luminosa also saw the addition of new dining venues such as Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Chef’s Table and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Following the Luminosa, two additional Costa ships – the Costa Venezia and the Costa Firenze – are set to join the Carnival fleet over the coming years.

Celebrity Cruises Marks Australia and New Zealand Return

Celebrity Cruises Marks Australia and New Zealand Return

Saturday marked a new beginning, as Celebrity Cruises celebrated its highly anticipated return to Australian and New Zealand waters.

On Saturday, the Celebrity Eclipse set sail from Sydney, Australia, on a 12-night itinerary exploring the ruggedly scenic wilderness of New Zealand.

According to a press release, this voyage is the first of 17 sailings departing from Sydney and Auckland through April 2023, and the first for Celebrity Eclipse in Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific waters.

“The return Down Under has been long-awaited but someday has finally arrived! Celebrity Eclipse is the first Celebrity ship to sail this region for 930 days - a momentous occasion for the brand and our team members who have worked so hard to get to this point; and the first of many wonderful sailings ahead,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “Returning to this region is another significant milestone in the industry’s global recovery, as we sail forward into a bright future.”

Celebrity Cruises Vice President and Managing Director of Australia and APAC, Tim Jones, added, “We’ve been patiently waiting for this moment for so long, and to finally see the freshly painted blue hull of Celebrity Eclipse slice through the waters of Sydney Harbour didn’t disappoint. We were one of the remaining major cruise markets to return to service, and we are proud to be contributing to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific tourism industries once more, alongside rebuilding the economy of crucial coastal communities.

“Continuing our momentum in the region, next year we’ll be taking the guest experience to the ‘Edge’ with the debut season of Celebrity Edge Down Under! It’s the great outdoors that make this region truly exceptional and we can’t wait to welcome an equally exceptional ship that’s been uniquely designed to connect guests with their surroundings. Whether you’re flying Down Under to join us, or stepping aboard from your front door, Celebrity Edge is a chance to explore our exotic landscapes like never before, all while sailing in complete luxury. ” 

Pacific Adventure Enters Service for P&O Australia

Pacific Adventure Enters Service for P&O Australia

The new Pacific Adventure is officially debuting for P&O Cruises Australia today. Third and final vessel to join the brand’s fleet, the newly transformed cruise ship is kicking off a year-round program of cruises from Sydney.

For its first revenue sailing, the 2,600-guest vessel is departing the Australian port for a three-night themed voyage to nowhere.

In addition to two full days at sea, the “Comedy Cruise” includes special activities onboard, such as adults-only shows, comedy workshops and more.

Continuing its inaugural season, the Adventure is set to offer three- to 12-night cruises that visit several domestic destinations in Australia, including the Sapphire Coast, Tasmania, the Great Barrier Reef and more.

The longer itineraries also feature visits to popular cruise ports in the South Pacific, New Zealand, Fiji and more.

Built for Princess Cruises, the Pacific Adventure originally entered service in 2001.

Before debuting for its new operator, the former Golden Princess underwent a major refit that added new attractions and public areas, in addition to P&O’s signature features.

According to the company, the 109,000-ton vessel now carries the cruise line’s contemporary look and feel, offering an array of “memorable experiences, unforgettable dining options, ultimate relaxation, thrill-seeking waterslides and ziplining.”

Among the new additions is The Byron Beach Club, a private retreat available for certain suite categories, complete with a pool, spas and outdoors seating.

The Adventure also showcases many brand favourites, including Luke’s Bar & Grill by Luke Mangan and 400 Gradi by award-winning Melbourne chef Johnny di Francesco.

After a long operational hiatus, P&O Cruises Australia resumed revenue service in May 2022. At the time, the Pacific Explorer became the first cruise ship to welcome guests back into the country.

The Pacific Encounter followed suit in August, kicking off a series of itineraries departing from the Port of Brisbane. 

Carnival Radiance Offers Its First-Ever Cruise to Hawaii

Carnival Radiance Offers Its First-Ever Cruise to Hawaii

The Carnival Radiance is currently sailing its first-ever cruise to Hawaii.

Temporarily moving away from its regular schedule of short cruises to Baja California, the Carnival Cruise Line vessel departed Long Beach for the 14-night journey on Oct. 16.

The itinerary sails to Honolulu, Kahului, Nawiliwili and Hilo, and also includes a short call to Ensenada, Mexico, before returning to Carnival’s homeport in the Los Angeles area.

Originally set to be offered by the Carnival Miracle, the cruise was transferred to the Radiance in May.

At the time, Carnival said the change of ship was necessary due to the required drydock maintenance on the Spirit-Class vessel.

Before resuming its regular program of three- and four-night cruises to Catalina Island and Ensenada, the Radiance also replaces the Miracle on a five-night voyage to the Mexican Riviera.

Sailing from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, the cruise is set to depart on Oct. 30 and includes visits to Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas.

The Carnival Radiance debuted in December 2021, kicking off the program of short cruises on the West Coast ever since.

Formerly the Carnival Victory, the 2000-built vessel was completely rebuilt as part of a $200-million refit that included new public areas, cabins and features.

Highlights included Carnival’s latest beverage and entertainment spaces, such as Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant, Bonsai Sushi and the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub.

The 101,509-ton ship also received the second sea-going unit of the Big Chicken, a restaurant created by Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal.

Other new features included the Heroes Tribute Bar, which salutes those that serve in the Armed Forces, and the Liquid Lounge, home to Carnival’s award-winning Playlist Productions shows.

With a capacity of nearly 3,000 guests, the Radiance is part of Carnival’s three-ship Sunshine Class.

New Neighbourhoods and Features for Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

New Neighbourhoods and Features for Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's New Icon of the Seas will feature eight neighbourhoods, including five brand-new adventures and three bold, returning favourites.

The company said that each one is a destination in and of itself filled with an array of experiences, live entertainment and ways to grab a bite and a drink so that everyone can make memories their way every day.

Thrill Island – Vacationers can test their limits, scale new heights and reach top speeds at the centre of thrill. This lost island adventure is home to highlights like Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides: Pressure Drop and its 66-degree incline make it the industry’s first open free-fall slide; the 46-foot-tall Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea; Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, the first family raft slides at sea with four riders per raft; and Storm Chasers, cruising’s first mat-racing duo. Living on the edge takes a new meaning with Crown’s Edge. Part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride, it culminates in a surprising, shocking moment that will see travellers swing 154 feet above the ocean.

Chill Island – Among the seven pools on board, four are in this three-deck slice of paradise. There’s a pool for every mood, each with prime ocean views: the vibrant Swim & Tonic, the line’s first swim-up bar at sea; Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea; Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat; and the serene, infinity-edge Cove Pool. Plus, The Lime & Coconut returns with four locations, including Royal Caribbean’s first frozen cocktail bar.

Surfside – Introducing a neighbourhood made for young families from end to end, where adults and kids ages six and under will want to stay and play all day. Grownups can soak up the endless views at Water’s Edge pool, as they keep an eye on the kids at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. Only steps away are dining options, places to lounge, a bar, the signature carousel, an arcade, Adventure Ocean, and Social020 for teens.

The Hideaway – Tucked away, this neighbourhood 135 feet above the ocean combines the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world and the uninterrupted ocean views only a cruise can offer. The first suspended infinity pool at sea is at the centre of it all, and it’s surrounded by a multilevel sun terrace with whirlpools, a variety of seating and a dedicated bar.

AquaDome – Perched at the top of Icon, what’s in store is a transformational place unlike any other. In a tranquil oasis by day, guests can take in wraparound ocean views and an awe-inspiring waterfall as they enjoy a bite or drink. By night, it becomes a vibrant place great for a night out, complete with restaurants, bars and the cruise line’s marquee aqua shows at the next-level AquaTheater. The signature entertainment venue takes artistry and cutting-edge technology to new heights, with a transforming pool, four robotic arms, state-of-the-art projection and more.

In addition, a grander Royal Promenade features its first floor-to-ceiling ocean views, plus more than 15 restaurants, cafes, bars and lounges; a more lush and livelier Central Park has more ways to dine and be entertained; and the largest Suite Neighborhood is three decks of luxury, offering a multilevel suite sun deck – The Grove – that has a private pool, whirlpool and dining, and a two-story Coastal Kitchen.

More returning favourites include experiences like new takes on mini golf at Lost Dunes, rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak, and Absolute Zero, Royal Caribbean’s largest ice arena, and dining venues such as Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar on the Royal Promenade and the Asian-inspired Izumi in Central Park.

The ship will feature 28 stateroom categories, the company said. There are new layouts made for families of three, four, five and more, like the Family Infinite Balcony and Surfside Family Suite – with kid's alcoves tucked away from the adults – and the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, complete with its own white picket fence and mailbox. When it comes to views, among the best are from the brand’s first Sunset Corner Suites and Panoramic Ocean Views in AquaDome.