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ISSUE 81 SUMMER 2020

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

We’re ready!

elcome to the summer edition of Cruise Passenger. We’re especially proud to bring you this issue, complete with our annual Readers’ Choice Awards and a special guide to what local lines are doing to restart holidays at sea. After an agonising pause, cruise lines have, at last, created a clear path forward. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, together with medical experts, created the Healthy Sail Panel; Carnival and MSC created their own teams of international physicians to produce guidelines; and America’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention published its own protocols for restarting the industry. On top of that, news of a vaccine grows daily, with expectations that one might be available in early 2021. In Australia and New Zealand, Cruise Lines International Association Australasia has been working with state and federal authorities to produce consensus around the restart of cruise. We look at what that will mean for your next cruise. And in our guide to the lines, we’ve invited cruise operators to tell us what they are doing to keep you safe, and preview what’s on offer in coming months. In some places, cruising has already restarted. Europe has seen river ships and vessels from MSC and Carnival Corporation take to the water. In Asia, Dream Cruises and Royal Caribbean are doing short cruises to nowhere. Dream Cruises’ World Dream booked 8,000 cabins in just a few days, such is the pent-up demand for a break at sea. In Australia, Coral Expeditions – proudly Australian ﬂagged and crewed – has started cruising out of Queensland and plans to expand. Our writers bring you reports from these pioneers of the new age of cruising. Our special reader survey told us what it will take to get you back on the water: health protocols and better, more ﬂexible cancellation options are well ahead of price in what Australian passengers want to see to help them decide what to book and with whom. And while refunds and cancellation policies have certainly been hot-button issues over the past nine

months – we have heard many of your individual stories – cruise operators have listened. Work has now been done to alleviate concerns, make cancellations reﬂect the age of COVID-19 and get money back to those who lost holidays thanks to the pandemic. We’re especially proud to bring you this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards. We included new categories covering the extraordinary efforts of crews during the onset of COVID-19 that saw them on the frontline of a truly frightening pandemic. We received hundreds of comments about the bravery and service of the men and women who make cruising so special. The awards have seen something of a changing of the guard, with lines like Viking, Hurtigruten, Norwegian, Regent, Oceania and Ponant reaping the rewards of maintaining ofﬁces and staff in Australia. They have created strong and loyal fans of our discerning readers. There are many lessons for cruise passengers and ship operators in this issue. We hope you enjoy it. Tell us what you think at cruisepassenger.com.au and subscribe to our magazine and newsletters. If you love cruise, you need our independent reviews and stories more than ever in 2021. Smooth sailing! Cruise fans are ready to get back on the water.

Peter Lynch Publisher, Cruise Passenger

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CONTENTS

cruıse passenger

Issue 81, Summer 2020

Editor-in-chief and publisher Peter Lynch peter.lynch@bigsplashmedia.com.au Deputy editor Bernadette Chua bernadette@bigsplashmedia.com.au Executive editor Teresa Ooi teresa@bigsplashmedia.com.au Art director/production manager Catherine Martin Sub editor Hannah Warren Advertising sales manager Vida Folden vida@bigsplashmedia.com.au Partnerships manager Kate Radcliffe kate@bigsplashmedia.com.au Digital manager Rupert Orchard Contributors and writers Sue Bryant, Bernadette Chua, Louise Goldsbury, Brittany Lazarus, Peter Lynch, Teresa Ooi, Javier Ortega Figueiral, Rebecca Rachel Wong. Subscriptions Phone 02 8227 6486 - Australia Phone +612 8227 6400 - International cruisepassenger.com.au/magazine Printed by IVE

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SUMMER 2020 6 / Cunard The iconic English line turns 180.

NEWS

10 / We’re ready! How cruise is prepared to sail again.

12 / New ships

The exciting lineup of launches in 2021.

CRUISE MEDIA AUSTRALASIA

Cruise Passenger magazine is published by Cruise Media Australasia Pty Ltd Suite 206, Level 2 46a Macleay Street Potts Point, Sydney 2011 bigsplashmedia.com.au Phone: +61 2 9356 8888 Managing director Peter Lynch All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Copyright Cruise Media Australasia Pty Ltd. Opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and are not necessarily those of the publisher. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. Information provided believed to be correct at time of publication, however details can change at any time and all information, including prices, in this magazine should be considered general in nature only. No travel decisions should be made solely on the information provided. Always consult your travel agent.

16 / Heroes of 2020

40 / MS Inspire Sue Bryant’s Plan B is a Rhine river cruise on this luxurious ship.

44 / World Dream Rebecca Rachel Wong takes a short cruise from Singapore to nowhere.

CRUISE GUIDE

48 / What you need to

know to choose your cruise.

52/ All about our favourite

lines, where they’ll sail, and how they’ll keep you safe.

READERS’ CHOICE

87 / The best of the best in cruising as voted by you, our loyal readers. 106 / Last word With tourists gone, Venice lacks a certain something.

This year taught us that not all heroes wear capes.

21 / Cruise capital Brisbane is ready to assume the throne with the opening of the Luggage Point facility.

SHIP REVIEWS

32 / Coral Discoverer Local line Coral Expeditions sails the Great Barrier Reef. Louise Goldsbury is aboard.

36 / MSC Grandiosa Javier Ortega Figueiral has all the details about a brave new world of cruise.

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A 15-NIGHT INDONESIAN BEACHES & NORTHERN AUSTRALIA PACKAGE FOR TWO WORTH $18,800

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FROM THE ARCHIVE

THE WAY WE WERE

Entertainment aboard SS Bothnia, circa 1880.

The line with royal connections turns 180 – here’s what life was like on board for the early Cunarders.

hen British-Canadian Samuel Cunard started experimenting with steamboats in 1840, little did he know his legacy today would include three iconic, world-famous ships. Cunard Line is well known for decadent Art Deco interiors, charming bell boys, high tea, fencing classes, upper-crust English service and royal connections. The story goes that the line wanted to name its ﬁrst luxury liner Queen Victoria. But when it asked King George V for permission to name the ship“after Britain’s greatest queen”, he replied that his wife – Mary of Teck – would be delighted. Cunard has come a long way in its 180 years. Starting as a mail service to Prince Edward Island, Canada, Cunard pioneered the ﬁrst Transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York – now one of the line’s most popular routes. Cunard has carried some of the biggest stars of the last 180 years, including Gregory Peck, Elizabeth Taylor, Senator Robert Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy and, of course, Her Majesty the Queen – who, in 2010, became the only known person to attend the launch of all three of Cunard’s Queen Elizabeths (QE in 1938, QE2 in 1967 and QE in 2010). Royal connections indeed.

Passengers in the gym onboard RMS Scythia, circa 1950 (Stewart Bale Ltd.).

The observation lounge and cocktail bar, Queen Elizabeth, circa 1960. 6

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FROM THE ARCHIVE

RMS Lusitania docks in New York after its record-breaking Atlantic crossing in 1907.

Elizabeth Taylor often sailed on Cunard.

Fact file

• Bathrooms made their first

appearance at sea on RMS Abyssinia and RMS Algeria in 1870, and ensuites were first introduced onboard RMS Servia in 1881.

• Cunard introduced the first

passenger ship to be lit with electricity when it launched RMS Servia in 1881.

• RMS Bothnia was notable for

having the first library at sea in 1874, while Queen Mary 2 currently has the largest library at sea with 8000 hardbacks.

• Queen Mary 2 also has the largest wine cellar at sea.

• RMS Franconia (1911) was the

first ship with a gymnasium and health centre, and RMS Aquitania (1914) had the first onboard indoor swimming pool.

• During WWII thousands of troops were transported by Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth.

• Queen Mary 2 undertook a full

circumnavigation of Australia in 2012, marking the first time a Cunard Queen completed the voyage.

Aerial view of Queen Mary, troops on board, circa 1945 (Stewart Bale Ltd.). cruisepassenger.com.au

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CruiseNews OCEAN • RIVER • ADVENTURE • PORTS

INSIDE

10 How cruise is ready to press play after the pause.

Kinky Boots on the Norwegian Cruise Line ﬂeet.

16 The heroes of the pandemic.

22 Onshore businesses that rely on cruise.

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CRUISE NEWS

After an extended pause, Australia’s cruise season is expected to go oﬀ with a bang, writes Peter Lynch.

ustralia’s cruise lines are promising exciting things to come, with new ways to tap into the “take a holiday at home” message using our own coastline. Coral Expeditions is already sailing out of Cairns and expanding its operations from Queensland to Tasmania. Its fiveship fleet offers low passenger numbers and an Australian or New Zealand crew. But the next big step will be when the government lifts its no-sail order and allows foreign-flagged ships to sail, expected to be after March depending on vaccine availability and the rate of new COVID-19 cases overseas. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has been quietly meeting officials from state, territory and federal governments armed with health protocols and the idea of basing ships in states so they sail only with state residents and never stray outside state waters. CLIA has also suggested to Australia’s travel agent community that they write to their MPs asking them to press for the government to consider the return of cruise as a matter of urgency. “CLIA is working closely with governments at many levels, but we welcome the help of our wider cruise community and encourage people to contact their local member of parliament,” said managing director Joel Katz. “We’ve put the word out to thousands of CLIA’s travel agent members and the wider industry… and have asked them to voice their support. “The important message we want to convey is that that cruise industry has a huge local presence and supports 25,000 jobs across Australasia. It’s worth

PRESS PLAY $5 billion a year to our economy and needs a well-planned pathway to revival.” Small ship luxury lines like Ponant have been eyeing the Kimberleys. APT’s Caledonian Sky and her two sister ships, with just 106 passengers and 75 crew, are also contenders for local cruising. Bubbles with New Zealand and even Singapore are on the table – and that’s when cruising will test the pent-up demand from 1.4 million Australians who haven’t been able to take their favourite type of holiday for more than nine months. While cruises on overseas ships are unlikely before next year, the big lines are determined to make it happen as fast as possible. The latest health protocols from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control are being studied by the federal government. A government spokesman told Cruise Passenger: “Australian Government departments are considering the parameters around the future resumption of cruise operations in Australia and are considering the international approach to resumption of cruise operations... “When it is appropriate, the cruise ship restrictions can be amended at any time to respond to changes in the domestic and global situation. Above all, the Government

will need to be assured that cruise ships can operate in a COVID-safe way and that the risk of transmission is acceptably low before cruise operations will be permitted in Australian waters again.” Meanwhile, the lines are readying new ships and experiences. Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, P&O Cruises and Royal Caribbean have all announced plans for 2021, whether they begin in the new year or at the start of Australia’s wave season in September. Carnival Cruise Lines’ President Sture Myrmell is bullish, saying two new P&O

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CRUISE NEWS

The next big step will be when the government lifts its no-sail order and allows foreign-flagged ships to sail.” Cruises vessels – Adventure and Encounter – will join the fleet months earlier than expected, ready to sail out of Sydney and Brisbane in April and May. “This investment in our fleet is a demonstration that P&O Cruises Australia is ready to lead the industry in bouncing back when government and public health authorities agree it is appropriate to begin sailing again,” said Mr Myrmell. “It is also a mark of respect for our many loyal guests as well as crew, fresh food suppliers, entertainers and musicians, shore tour operators and port

logistics partners who are looking to be a part of the resurgence of the Australian cruise sector.” Brisbane’s new, high-tech Luggage Point facility – which boasts great itineraries around the Whitsundays and beyond to PNG – is attracting many new vessels next year and making Queensland a major flycruise destination. Royal Caribbean plans to homeport Quantum of the Seas, a ship with capacity for almost 5000 passengers, at Luggage Point. P&O will base the new Pacific Encounter there, Princess will have Coral

Princess and Carnival Cruise Lines will have Carnival Spirit. Cruise lines are definitely buoyed by bookings. There was a surge in October for Princess Cruises’ 2021 season, which features five ships, including Coral Princess’s first roundtrip world cruise from Australia in 2022, the arrival of Royal Princess and the return of Emerald Princess and Sapphire Princess. Royal Caribbean is also sailing Serenade of the Seas out of Sydney alongside local favourite Ovation of the Seas. For the latest, see cruisepassenger.com.au cruisepassenger.com.au

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CRUISE NEWS

THE NEW GUARD Despite the upheaval of this year, ship-builders have been busier than ever, building and readying ships across the world for sailings in 2021. Brittany Lazarus reports. Cruise lines are gearing up for 2021 to be a year of new ships, new itineraries, and even new kinds of sailings for some brands.

CARNIVAL / MARDI GRAS The largest Carnival ship ever constructed, Mardi Gras will be delivered in February of 2021 and will be homeported in Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship’s name and dramatic new red, white and blue hull design are a nod to the ﬁrst Carnival Cruise Line ship, which entered service in 1972. The 5282-passenger ship will be powered by liqueﬁed natural gas as part of Carnival Corporation’s green cruising 12

platform and is made up of 21 decks – a new layout for the family line. The ship boasts Bolt, the ﬁrst rollercoaster at sea, as well as re-designed Carnival WaterWorks, SportSquare and main pool deck. For dining, favourites such as BlueIguana Cantina and SeaFood Shack are onboard, joined by new venues Shaq’s Big Chicken, Street Eats, RedFrog Tiki Bar and Emeril’s Bistro 1396.

Mediterranean cruises through to October. Like her sister ship Spectrum of the Seas, Odyssey will include Quantum-classspeciﬁc venues and activities the Music Hall, Royal Esplanade, Two70, North Star, the SeaPlex and RipCord by iFLY. Other popular features from around the ﬂeet include SkyPad, Lime & Coconut Pool Bar, Playmaker Sports Bar & Arcade, Splashaway Bay, FlowRider and Vitality Spa & Fitness Center. After October, she will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she will sail sixto nine-night Caribbean cruises through April 2022.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN / ODYSSEY OF THE SEAS April will see Odyssey of the Seas make her debut voyage from Civitavecchia, Italy as part of her seven- to 12-night Europe and

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CRUISE NEWS

Clockwise from left: Crystal Cruises; Royal Caribbean; Viking Cruises; Carnival Cruise Line; P&O Cruises.

With capacity for 2636 guests across 10 decks, there will be something for everyone. Pacific Adventure has all the P&O favourites and new range of features, including concepts from celebrity chefs Luke Mangan and Johnny di Francesco, Adventure Hotel, and Altitude nightclub. / PACIFIC ENCOUNTER Pacific Encounter will join Pacific Adventure and flagship Pacific Explorer in Australian waters from May 2021 with sailings from Brisbane. Very similar to Pacific Adventure, the ship will feature exclusive Byron Bay Beach Club, Altitude nightclub, celebrity chef concepts from Luke Mangan and Johnny di Francesco as well as a family pool area. Pacific Encounter has 12 guest decks and capacity for 2600 guests.

VIKING CRUISES / VIKING VENUS The first delivery of 2021, Viking Venus will make her debut in January. Viking Venus will be almost identical to her seven sister ships and is part of Viking Ocean Cruises’ schedule to build 12 new ships in 10 years. Sailing from several European ports, Viking Venus will offer accommodations for just 930 guests, allowing for a smaller crew to guest ratio. The ship will feature many of the activities and services found on large cruise ships, including multiple dining venues, bars, shops, a fitness centre and spa, pool with retractable roof, aft infinity pool and several entertainment lounges.

P&O / PACIFIC ADVENTURE Sailing into Sydney Harbour in April, Paciﬁc Adventure will lead the P&O ﬂeet refresh. While the waterslides will be added at a later date, the ship will be otherwise updated with a range of new offerings, including Byron Beach Club, and a dedicated family pool area with loads of activities and an all-weather retractable roof.

PRINCESS CRUISES / DISCOVERY PRINCESS The sixth and final ship in Princess Cruises’ Royal-class fleet, Discovery Princess, will be delivered in November 2021. The ship will have capacity for 3660 guests and will sail a series of Mediterranean itineraries before repositioning to spend the winter months in the Caribbean and South America. The ship will offer more spas than her sister ships, as well as a newly designed main pool deck, retreat pool and infinity WakeView aft pool. They will also be new kids' and teens' spaces and two Sky Suites offering space for up to five guests with two bedrooms and bathrooms and a 700-square-foot balcony.

accommodating 200 guests and a one-toone staff to guest ratio, the ship will meet Crystal's standards of luxury when it starts sailing in May. The ship will feature six dining venues, all-suite accommodations, a glass-enclosed solarium, The Marina fold out platform, high-end shopping, wellness spa and several lounges. Crystal Endeavour will sail to destinations in Alaska, Europe, Antarctica, Asia and South America.

MSC / VIRTUOSA Featuring the first fine art gallery at sea, MSC Virtuosa will launch in April 2021. With capacity for 4800 guests and 1700 crew, Virtuosa and sister ship MSC Grandiosa share the title of largest ships in the MSC fleet. Like other Meraviglia-class vessels, the ship will feature an LED-domed Promenade, with two new Cirque du Soleil shows per sailing, a large aqua park, more than a dozen dining venues, an F1 racing simulator and the exclusive MSC Yacht Club and Aurea Experience private areas. MSC Virtuosa will sail three- to 14-night Europe and Mediterranean itineraries. / SEASHORE In what MSC is calling an evolution of MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview, MSC Seashore is 16 metres longer and has more and larger main restaurants, casinos, and retail and ertainment areas. MSC Seashore will debut in the Mediterranean in August with a series of four- to seven-night itineraries until October. Following a repositioning voyage to Miami, she will then cruise the Bahamas and Caribbean through to April 2022, featuring a stop to their private island, Ocean Cay, Bahamas, on most itineraries.

CRYSTAL CRUISES / CRYSTAL ENDEAVOUR Taking the Crystal excellence to expedition ships, Crystal Endeavour will be the ﬁrst of a kind for the line. With just 100 suites cruisepassenger.com.au

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CRUISE NEWS

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES’ 2022/23 ITINERARIES Ultra-luxe line Regent Seven Seas Cruises has revealed 148 new sailings with voyages spanning Africa and Arabia, Alaska, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Canada and New England, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Ranging from seven nights up to the 143-night World Cruise, the line will visit seven new ports and include 105 overnight visits as part of the collection. Seven Seas Splendor’s new itineraries include maiden calls to Killybegs in Ireland, Kotka in Finland and Salerno in Italy, while Seven Seas Explorer will visit Bali in Indonesia, Beppu in Japan and Khasab in Oman.

New specialty restaurant for Wonder of the Seas Royal Caribbean has conﬁrmed specialty restaurant Izumi Teppanyaki will appear on China's new ship, Wonder of the Seas. It will be helmed by head chef Travis Kamiyama, of the Izumi restaurants found on every Royal Caribbean ship. On completion, the vessel will have capacity for more than 6300 passengers, claiming the title of world’s largest cruise ship from her sister ship Symphony of the Seas by more than 800 passengers. The debut date is not yet conﬁrmed after Royal Caribbean announced a delay to the planned 2021 maiden voyage. She will set sail to China for voyages from Shanghai in 2022.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE COMMITS TO ALASKA Holland America Line announced in October that it will send six ships to Alaska in 2021. This will be a massive relief for the region’s tourism industry, which has taken a battering from COVID closures. Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Oosterdam and Volendam will visit the region for itineraries that sail roundtrip from Seattle and Washington, USA, and Vancouver, Canada, or one-way between Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska, and Vancouver. Itinerary highlights include new seven-day Northbound and Southbound itineraries between Whittier, Alaska and Vancouver. Another drawcard is that eight famous chefs are tipped to curate onboard cuisine to reflect the flavours of America’s Pacific Northwest.

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CRUISE NEWS

Return to cruise: what you told us As the world’s waterways open up again, we asked how you feel about getting back onboard. By Peter Lynch.

e received thousands of responses to our survey in September. From sensible caution – many of you predicted the return to cruising would have to wait until 2021 – to entreaties to bring back the ships, almost all want to return to cruising once it is safe. Some 65 per cent of our readers have already booked or are planning a cruise in 2021, and 25 per cent said they would go as soon as they could. A quarter won’t go until a vaccine is freely available. Health and safety has become the single most important factor in deciding when to cruise and with whom, with 44 per cent telling us health protocols are vital before cruising can resume. Refunds and cancellation policies were the biggest gripe. Almost one in ﬁve of our readers said how a cruise line treated cancellations would be a deciding factor.

Cruise crews are ready to welcome you back.

Bargain prices were most important to only 16 per cent – a salutary lesson to lines that think they can win back passengers by slashing prices. Over half (55 per cent) of our readers have a cruise credit, but 44 per cent of them are unsure if they will sail with the same line. The size of the ship will be a big factor, with a third saying they will look at smaller ships and 10 per cent saying they will move to luxury lines. A huge 80 per cent want to sail Australia/New Zealand, but Europe remains strong at 25 per cent and Asia at 22 per cent. And, despite some biased news coverage, the industry received a round of applause for its handling of crisis, with 56 per cent saying it did the best it could. The results will be studied by cruise executives working out how to approach the market after a long pause. So far, response has been strong; Viking Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Princess Cruises have seen record bookings. Michelle Black, Viking’s managing director ANZ, told us: “We’ve seen a very positive uplift in demand across both river and ocean cruising with our guests eager to secure their next cruise and have something to look forward to.” “Our market-leading $500pp deposit and risk-free guarantee are also give our guests the conﬁdence they are looking for in these times so they can feel safe to dream and plan.” Regent Seven Seas said its newest world cruise, departing January 7, 2023, on Seven Seas Mariner, broke its booking record “within hours”, doubling the bookings of its 2022 World Cruise in the same time period. Set to be the line’s longest world cruise since 2011, the line also said it was “the longest waitlist for a world cruise in its history.”

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CRUISE NEWS

cruıse READERS’ CHOICE passenger

2020

HEROES OF T H E PA N D E M I C Which lines did it best? Peter Lynch reports.

t was the single biggest challenge ever faced by cruising – a global pandemic that meant hundreds of thousands of passengers and crew needed to be landed safely and repatriated around the world. All in an environment which suddenly became hostile – a maritime community usually united by the promise to help those on the sea suddenly refusing vessels safe haven, even though they carried elderly and sick passengers. No other industry faced the enormity of this task. But under this extraordinary duress, the crews of the world’s cruise liners stood up and performed admirably. As part of this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards, we asked Cruise Passenger readers who handled the pandemic best. Some 2,000 readers gave us their verdicts and the general consensus – 75 per cent of respondents – thought cruise lines did “the best they could” or handled the situation well, at odds with the headlines. The people’s verdict on the best of the best is a bit of a surprise. Viking, the ocean and river line that called a halt to cruising ﬁrst and longest, had a no-nonsense approach to refunds and has continued its cruise pause, won the largest number of plaudits. Local line P&O was a very close second, thanks to its prompt action and ability to land passengers quickly. And Princess Cruises, despite the Diamond and Ruby Princess disasters, was also a high performer thanks to its crew and its president, Jan Swartz, who turned up in Japan to personally greet passengers disembarking Diamond Princess. 16

One reader nominated Princess’s Captain Gavin Pears as especially deserving of recognition. “I was on the last Princess Cruise to leave Melbourne on the Golden Princess on the 10th of March 2020. Although I was aware that there may be a problem brewing with reference to a problem in China, we never envisaged how it would unfold,” the comment read. “The sea voyage over to New Zealand was perfect… Then we got as far as Akaroa and the seriousness of the looming Pandemic began to unfold.

This is where the Quiet Confident Voice of our Captain not only reassured us, but was completely honest and timely with all the ramifications of what was really happening... “We knew that we were his major priority and I would love to personally congratulate him on his handling of what was a most unprecedented circumstance. “I will sail with him any time, anywhere, and have complete confidence in the way he can handle any crisis.” For the full results of the Readers’ Choice Awards, turn to page 87.

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18/11/20 12:56 pm

CRUISE NEWS

Captain Carl & the Washy Washy crew In times of great crisis, the most unlikely heroes appear. Here’s who you nominated as your champions. When we asked our readers who the real heroes of the COVID-19 cruise crisis were, the almost unanimous response was: The crew. While most admitted they couldn’t remember the names of remarkable individual crew members, some could. The biggest standout, with the most nominations, was Captain Carl Smith who, on the cusp of the pandemic, re-routed Azamara Pursuit out of South America and back to Miami after being locked out of every port in the continent. His actions and constant communications helped guests feel safe and at ease for the duration of their cruise, which unexpectedly included 18 sea days. Captain Smith was praised for being readily available to speak to, implementing vigilant sanitisation measures and leading his crew to do the same. Guests told Cruise Passenger they felt safer onboard Azamara Pursuit than they did when they returned to land, while others praised the captain for his eﬀorts to help guests get home in the midst of airport closures and ﬂight groundings. “He stayed on the Azamara Pursuit for over six months to ensure that guests and crew were safe and cared for,” said one. “When Pursuit was denied docking at port after port during Initial months of the pandemic, he was visible, communicative and comforting to all onboard. Such a great leader!”

He stayed on the Azamara Pursuit for over six months to ensure that guests and crew were safe and cared for.”

Captain Smith said he was honoured to have been nominated as the most outstanding crew member of the year by Cruise Passenger readers. “There were many difficult decisions to be made, and some very long days during the March cruise, and I honestly could not have done it without the fantastic support not only of our crew and office staff but also our guests,” he said. “I gave every single one of them a hug on their way down the gangway as they were leaving one of the last healthy environments on the planet, the last some of them would be receiving for quite some time.” Perhaps more surprising – though no less richly deserved – was the recognition given to Royal Caribbean’s Washy Washy Crew on Ovation of the Seas. The Washy Washy Crew, who sang their patented – and absolutely fabulous – song about handwashing at onboard dining venues, were commended not just for encouraging passengers to wash their hands but for remaining positive even when some passengers were overtly unkind and refused. Those passengers were gently reminded: “No washy washy, no yummy yummy.” The Washy Washy Crew made the essential act of washing hands before entering a communal area a little lighter and a lot more fun – something we could all do with a bit more of right now.

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18/11/20 12:58 pm

CRUISE NEWS

NORWEGIAN SPIRIT HEADS TO AUSTRALIA

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed a refurbished Norwegian Spirit will come to Australia and New Zealand for the 2021/22 local summer sailing season. She’ll sail on a number of eight, 10- and 12- day port-intensive itineraries departing Sydney and Auckland. Norwegian Spirit will have fresh staterooms and 14 new food and beverage venues. Further updated elements include a doubled-in-

size Mandara Spa, an expanded Pulse Fitness Center and the adults-only retreat Spice H2O. There will be new entertainment onboard, including Palace of Lights, a vibrant musical set in 1950s Cuba, and Elements, a visual feast of ﬂying, dance and magic. After a day of exploring ashore, guests can relax in one of Norwegian Spirit’s reimagined staterooms, with a variety of diﬀerent accommodation options available.

New Princess ship set to enchant

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE’S NEW SHIP Holland America Line’s Rotterdam celebrated its coin ceremony at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy on October 1. In keeping with the Italian shipbuilding tradition, Mai Elmar, executive director of Cruise Port Rotterdam in the Netherlands, served as the ship’s godmother and oﬃciated the ceremony. The Dutch coins minted in 1872 chosen to honour Rotterdam were welded to the deck of the ship to bring good fortune. Rotterdam can accommodate 2668 guests and, like her sister ships, will feature Rudi’s Sel de Mer brasserie and Grand Dutch café. Rotterdam is scheduled to launch in August and will spend her inaugural summer season in northern Europe.

Princess Cruises took delivery of its newest ship, Enchanted Princess, during a ceremony at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy in September. She was originally scheduled to launch in June but it was delayed due to COVID. The ship has many of the same features as others in its class, such as the dramatic over-the-ocean glass Seawalk, the Italian-inspired Piazza and the famous Princess Broadway-style shows, but Enchanted Princess will be the first ship to offer the luxurious five-person Sky Suites. The suites are located on the top deck of the ship and boast the largest private balconies on the line, at 700 square feet. Enchanted Princess is scheduled to set sail on December 19, homeporting in Port Everglades and sailing week-long cruises to the Caribbean. In May, she will head to Europe for a series of seven-night Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Civitavecchia.

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18/11/20 12:53 pm

CRUISE NEWS

aunching the world’s largest sailing vessel when the world is in the grip of a pandemic and cruising has been halted would appear a trifle risky. But if Stuart McQuaker, the man in charge of new cruise line Tradewind Voyages, felt he was sailing into the eye of a storm, he wasn’t showing it when he spoke with Cruise Passenger from his base in England. The flagship, the 162-metre five-masted Golden Horizon, is set to circumnavigate Australia in December 2021. Ever since the sailings were first announced, the agency handling the ship, Cruise Traveller, has seen record bookings as Australians rushed to secure their spot. “We are buoyed by Australians’ unwavering enthusiasm to cruise again,” says managing director Craig Bowen. “The pent-up demand is palpable. The strong bookings are very welcome this year, of course, and we expect the Australian sectors to sell quickly. We believe, post-COVID, that more travellers will seek the appeal of smaller ships.” Mr McQuaker is a fellow enthusiast. His love of the sea first lured him to Australia – he joined the Royal Navy and was commanding officer of the frigate HMS Northumberland when he first visited Australia, calling at Darwin, Cairns and Sydney. Two decades on, Golden Horizon will retrace almost the same route. She will spend two months circumnavigating Australia, offering various itineraries including Christmas on the Great Barrier Reef and New Year on the Gold Coast. Built to be an almost exact replica of France II, a 1913 ocean ship, she can accommodate 272 passengers with no inside cabins.

Golden Horizon gets wind in her sails

Golden Horizon at dock.

“Golden Horizon has onboard luxury and the facilities of a boutique cruise ship while retaining the charm, adventure and romance of a truly historic sailing vessel,” said Mr McQuaker. “It is also an eco-friendly sailing ship. Our philosophy is to follow the sun, using the winds and currents, to take us to magical beaches and port destinations in the luxury of a classic but contemporary ship.” He said that sailing on Golden Horizon will be a luxurious experience with ﬁne dining at the two-level restaurant and an informal lounge and bar on the upper deck for light, barbequed lunches and dinner. Wine and beer are included in all meals. Beverages at the bar and in the lounges will be extra. The ship will also have a gym, spa, library and a water sports platform with a collection of kayaks, sailing boats and paddleboards.

Golden Horizon is currently scheduled to embark on her maiden voyage in May from Harwich in England to Glasgow in Scotland and she will offer eight itineraries in Northern Europe before heading to Asia in autumn on her inaugural world voyage. From Europe, she will sail through the Suez Canal, and call at Muscat in Oman, before heading to India, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Bali. She will offer a 14-night itinerary from Bali to Cairns departing on December 8, followed by a 15-night voyage from Cairns to Sydney, a 16-night itinerary from Sydney to Adelaide, a 13-night from Adelaide to Fremantle and a 14-night journey from Fremantle to Bali. Prices start at £3149 per person ($5690). For more information about the circumnavigation itineraries visit cruisetraveller.com.au/tradewind2021 or call Cruise Traveller on 1800 507 777.

WIN A CRUISE Cruise Passenger readers can be among the first onboard Golden Horizon. Cruise Traveller is offering two lucky readers the chance to win tickets to the first sailing in Australia. See page 28 for details.

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18/11/20 12:54 pm

CRUISE NEWS

A FEATHERED FRIEND OF CRUISE A kiwi chick hatched at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa in October was the result of donations from cruise passengers that passed through the Bay of Plenty last summer. In a nod to the guests that supported the hatching, the chick was named Manuhiri, meaning ‘visitor’ in te reo Māori. Other suggestions in the 80-odd submissions included: Pounamu (treasured), Kaipuke (ship), Kaewa (to wander), and a few variations on the name Cruz. Tourism Bay of Plenty called the hatching of the healthy chick a “timely reminder of the positive impacts and regenerative possibilities of tourism.” “This Kiwi chick feels like a belated parting gift from some of the last cruise ship passengers that we had the privilege of welcoming to our shores. It’s a symbolic ‘mā te wā’ or ‘see you soon’ from the region’s cruise passengers.” October is Save the Kiwi Month. Kiwi numbers in the nearby forest dropped from around 50 birds in 1984 to just ﬁve in 2006. Now, there are approximately 13 kiwi in the forest and more are added each year.

WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS SHIP HEADS DOWN UNDER Regent Seven Seas Cruises has revealed new dates for Seven Seas Explorer’s inaugural Asia-Paciﬁc season. The world’s most luxurious ship will sail 14 itineraries in local waters between October 2021 and April 2022. A highlight is a 16-night voyage for cruisers looking to celebrate Christmas and New Year in style at some of Australia and New Zealand’s most iconic ports. Departing Sydney on December 20, the shore excursions include sampling Burnie’s gourmet cheeses in Tasmania or horse-riding along the secluded beaches of New Zealand’s Waipu coast. For those looking to venture a little further aﬁeld, Seven Seas Explorer’s 32-night cruise will explore a selection of South-East Asia’s most fascinating destinations.

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Farewell to Sun and Sea Princesses Princess Cruises has announced the sale of two of its Aussie-based ships – Sun Princess and Sea Princess – to undisclosed buyers. The ships have been sailing in Australia since 2007 and 2011 respectively and thousands of Australians have sailed on the two vessels. When Sun Princess arrived, she was the largest ship ever to sail under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, causing quite a spectacle. The original Sun Princess became a household name during the ’70s when hit TV show The Love Boat was ﬁlmed onboard. The newer Sun Princess, which graced our shores for 13 years, hosted Gavin MacLeod, who played Captain Stubing on The Love Boat, on Valentine’s Day when he visited Australia. Sea Princess has carried guests on six full world cruises since 2013 and prior to Australia, she sailed Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean.

18/11/20 12:46 pm

CAN BRISBANE STEAL SYDNEY’S CROWN?

The opening of Queensland’s new cruise terminal oﬀers a challenge to Sydney’s reign. By Bernadette Chua.

he battle for cruise is on with Brisbane’s sleek new Luggage Point terminal stepping on the toes of Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal. Four of Australia’s biggest cruise lines – P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises – have revealed they will homeport some of their newest ships in Queensland. Roy Cummins, CEO of the Port of Brisbane, says he hopes the Sunshine State will attract cruisers who would have considered NSW, particularly Sydney, as their first choice to sail from. “With ports and world-class tourism destinations along Queensland’s coastline as well as proximity to destinations like the South Pacific Islands, once international cruising resumes, we believe Brisbane is in an exciting position for the future,” he said. “We expect Brisbane to be central to the recovery plans for cruise lines, once agreement can be reached with the relevant authorities about the industry’s safe resumption.” The $177 million Brisbane International Cruise Terminal was due to open in October with 180 cruises from the new terminal planned, but COVID has put a pause on foreign cruise ships in local waters, officially until December 17. Still, the recent revelations that a number of big lines will send ships Down Under, alongside positive news about a vaccine, has restored faith that Brisbane’s cruise industry will make a comeback. Royal Caribbean will homeport Quantum of the Seas, one of the line’s most technologically advanced ships. “The arrival of Quantum will mark a big step up for Queensland cruising. She’ll be the newest, most technologically advanced, feature-packed ship ever to cruise from the state,” said Gavin Smith, managing director of Royal Caribbean International. “We wanted to offer a high-tech smart ship holiday to Queenslanders, sailing right from their doorstep – the

Top: Brisbane’s attractive riverfront CBD.

trek to Sydney is no longer needed for a Quantum-class experience. Queenslanders have shown themselves to be dedicated cruisers and we’re thrilled we can offer this type of holiday so close to home.... Out-of-town guests find they can kick their holiday up a gear preor post-cruise by adding in some adventures around Brisbane, the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast.” In addition to Quantum, P&O has dedicated the new Pacific Encounter, Princess Cruises will homeport Coral Princess and Carnival Cruise Lines will have Carnival Spirit in Brisbane. Mr Cummins said Queensland’s proximity to the South Pacific as well as local destinations such as Airlie Beach and the Great Barrier Reef makes the region attractive to cruise lines. “[We want] to attract more cruise vessels and offer more itineraries to grow Queensland’s share of the cruise tourism industry to deliver economic and tourism opportunities for South East Queensland and the state more broadly,” he said. “Lines are responsible for setting and managing their individual itineraries; however, Brisbane’s geography means it is uniquely placed as a homeport or port of call for many exciting short and longer cruise itineraries.” Forecasting prior to COVID-19 estimated that the new terminal could triple Brisbane’s cruise industry, bringing in more than 760,000 visitors annually and contributing $1.3 billion to the local economy. cruisepassenger.com.au

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20/11/20 9:50 am

CRUISE NEWS

#WeAreCruise campaign to save tourism jobs Words Joel Katz

aving been the ﬁrst travel sector to commit to 100 per cent testing of guests and crew worldwide, the cruise industry is well advanced in establishing global health protocols. As we work with governments and medical experts to maintain safety as the highest priority, it’s also important to show that the importance of cruising extends beyond our ships and the destinations we visit. This spring, CLIA Australasia launched a campaign to highlight the many other parts of our community that make up cruising, and the impact they've suffered as a result of the global shutdown. Rolled out online with an initial series of four videos, the #WeAreCruise campaign tells the stories of travel agents, tour operators and cruise line suppliers whose businesses have been devasted by the suspension of cruising. These businesses represent just a fraction of the 25,000 jobs across Australasia that are in jeopardy while our ships are at anchor – workers from farms, produce suppliers, beverage providers, technical support companies and many other parts of the travel supply chain. They are a key reason why our $5 billion-a-year industry needs an opportunity to move forward. While the suspension was the right response to COVID-19, there is an urgent need for a pathway towards resumption in Australasia with extensive health measures in place, so we can economically revive to businesses and communities around our region and get our cruise fans back to sea. When the time is right, we envisage a carefully controlled and phased resumption of cruising that works within border restrictions and involves protective protocols. Limited local itineraries for Australians only within Australia, and for New Zealanders only within New Zealand, will provide an opportunity for a measured resumption of cruising and a revival of economic opportunities for local communities. CLIA has been working with governments and health authorities to make this possible, but we appreciate the backing that cruise supporters can give. Look for the #WeAreCruise videos on CLIA’s Facebook and YouTube channels, and share them online. Visit WeAreCruise.org to ﬁnd out more. Joel Katz is managing director Australasia and Asia Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). 22

Providores ready to welcome you back Onshore suppliers are desperately awaiting the return to cruise and the boost to their businesses. In2food If you have eaten a meal on a cruise ship in Australia, you have tasted the fresh produce grown, prepared and delivered by In2food; the team supplies every cruise line that comes into Australia, New Zealand and the Paciﬁc Islands. Hundreds of tonnes of produce per week is delivered to cruise kitchens. It’s the end point of a long production line that includes buyers, market agents, growers, transport providers, stevedores, port agents, ship crew and security guards who all work together to get salad on your plate. When the cruise industry, which is responsible for $5.2 million in spending and more than 18,000 Australian jobs, was halted in March this year, so too did the business of many cruise line suppliers. Now they're counting down the days until they can return to doing what they love – making your cruise a memorable one by sharing the things they create. General manager of cruise ship supply and export at In2food, Paul Nelson, said his team is the most skilled in Australia, with more than 50 years of experience. “The relationships are amazing and everyone involved is like one family getting stuﬀ done around the country,” he said. “They are really excited to get back to what they love doing.”

Clockwise from above: Adora Chocolate Christmas trees; Larry and Bev Turner; Paul Nelson of In2food; the Glandore Estate team.

Adora Chocolates & Glandore Estate Wines Adora Chocolates and Glandore Estate Wines are a match made in heaven. A standard across all P&O ships, this tasting is always a hit. After great success onboard, the chocolate and wine pairing sessions were moved from the deep blue to the rolling green hills of the Hunter Valley, currently the only place on land you can take part in the experience.

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18/11/20 12:42 pm

CRUISE NEWS The locally owned Pambula venue boasts an oyster farm, a restaurant, a takeaway shop and an oyster bar, all of which are frequented by cruisers on a shore excursion in Eden. Shelley Check of Wheeler’s said having guests from cruise ships means, "We are able to share our beautiful Sapphire coast and our delicious oysters and oyster tour experience with visitors, interstate, intrastate and also international.” The team at Wheeler’s said they are looking forward to sharing their oysters and having that tourist buzz back. Although Wheeler’s pivoted toward local customers recently, offering home delivery and direct warehouse pickup, they are ready to welcome guests back to their tiny seaside town.

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery Larry and Bev Turner have been running Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery on Kangaroo Island with their family for 29 years. Having cruise ship passengers visit creates jobs at the distillery, and secures future business and sales for Emu Ridge. Bev is most looking forward to the happy atmosphere tourists bring. “It’s a huge bonus to get the influx of visitors on cruise ship days,” she says. “They are always a great bonus to us all”. A trip to Emu Ridge is steeped in history, not only the almost 30 years of eucalyptus oil distilling but also the broader history of Kangaroo Island. The sense of community also shines through; the on-site gift shop is a charming display of local people’s arts, crafts and produce. The Kangaroo Island Cider cellar door is also located at Emu Ridge and visitors can enjoy a tasting flight with a meal in the café or pick up a six pack to take home. Duane Roy, General Manager and Winemaker at Glandore Wines said he has lost count of the people who have visited the Hunter cellar door after tasting Glandore Wines on a cruise. The partnership has built an important foundation for business growth, even more important now the supply of 15,000 bottles per year to the ships has been paused. “I have always been amazed that such a large organisation would deal with a small winery, but the commitment from P&O to partner with small high-quality wine producers has never waivered in the 12 years we have been supplying them,” he said. Next time you find yourself on a P&O ship, Mr Roy recommends the ginger spiced truffle and Hunter Valley shiraz pairing – it’s his favourite.

Wheeler’s Oysters The Sapphire coast has been hit by two tragedies this year, first the bushfires and then the pandemic that stopped tourists rushing back to support the bush. Wheeler’s Oysters felt the impact of both. cruisepassenger.com.au

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18/11/20 5:17 pm

CRUISE NEWS

Can travel agents survive? A revamp of the commission system is necessary for our travel agents to keep working. Teresa Ooi reports.

ravel agencies have had little to no income since March, but they’ve been consumed with the onerous task of managing an estimated $10 billion worth of cancellations and refunds for four million Australians. “The impact on travel agents has been horrendous. Every travel agent in Australia has been devastated by the pandemic,” said Joel Katz, Cruise Lines International Australia Australasia managing director. “We’re hearing from travel agent members whose life work has been brought to a halt and everything they’ve worked for has been undone... These are often small operators and family businesses, who now have no real income. At the same time, they’re still working hard to look after their customers and maintain those personal relationships. [Governments must] provide support and assistance to businesses, but also discuss their plans for revival and reopening so businesses like travel agents can plan for their recovery.”

This year has raised the question of whether the current model – where travel agents are paid their commissions only when their clients actually board their cruise ship months later – is sustainable. According to the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), the industry is working on introducing a more “sustainable remuneration structure including a transparent fee for service.” AFTA CEO Darren Rudd said: “Travel agents are, in fact, only paid most of their commission after travel has actually taken place. This is the case across all bookings and not just cruise... [There is] a push for a new approach better suited to the new norm once we know what it is.” This means an agent can charge an outright fee as part of the overall price of the holiday rather than wait for their commissions to be paid at a future date – a change welcomed by travel agents. “How travel agents earn an income in the future will most certainly change,”

says Justine Sealey, managing director of Ramsgate Travel Service in Sydney. “The way most retail travel agencies operate is outdated; our main income source is third party suppliers rather than charging reasonable up-front professional fees for our knowledge, expertise and 24/7 service when clients are away.” Ms Sealey, who has been with Ramsgate for more than 30 years, added that agents also forfeit the commissions made on the original bookings when they secure cancellation and refunds for their clients. “All the commission earned... has been recalled and returned to clients, even though those earnings had already been spent on wages, rent and business running expenses.” Adam Vance, general manager of sales and marketing of Cruiseco, said some cruise agents have been charging up-front service fees for some time. In partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line, Cruiseco will pay an up-front 3 per cent commission to agents on all bookings on NCL cruises until 2023 made before the end of the year. Other lines are also working on paying more up-front fees to help retain the travel agents who have been their most successful cruise sellers.

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18/11/20 12:38 pm

CRUISE NEWS

Total eclipse of Ponant

A Norwegian debut Seabourn’s newest expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, will debut in Norway in December 2021. She’ll sail on a series of 10 to 14-day itineraries along the picturesque coastline of Norway. Norwegian winter voyages will oﬀer a new selection of both inclusive and optional expedition outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, dog and reindeer sledding, and ice ﬁshing. Dedicated excursions in search of the Northern Lights will include overnight camps at optimal viewing locations. In addition, there will be a new Seabourn signature event included for all guests on all voyages, such as a concert in the Northern Lights Cathedral. Seabourn Venture will also carry two six-seat custom submarines, expedition kayaks and 24 Zodiacs, providing additional opportunities for guests to explore Norway’s stunning winter landscape and diverse wildlife.

Luxury French cruise line Ponant has announced a Total Eclipse in the Weddell Sea Antarctic voyage for 2021. The 14-night expedition voyage on Le CommandantCharcot, departing Ushuaia, Argentina on November 30, 2021, will sail the challenging and icy eastern part of the Weddell Sea to view the total solar eclipse on December 4. This eclipse is unusual in that its path is east to west, a phenomenon only possible in polar regions, and is a rare occurance – the last one was in 2003. Shore excursions on the voyage include hot air ballooning and snowmobiling.

CORAL EXPEDITIONS PLANS FOR TASMANIA Cairns-based Coral Expeditions aims to be in Tasmania by the end of the year, with the first voyage planned to depart from Sydney on Boxing Day. Six-night voyage A Yachtsman’s Cruise will depart in tandem with the Sydney to Hobart sailing boats and arrive at Hobart on New Year’s Day in time for the finish line celebrations. Following A Yachtsman’s Cruise, Coral Expeditions has 10- and 16-night itineraries planned to sail the coast of Tasmania departing between January and March. “Our SailSAFE plan has been approved by the Tasmanian Government and is more robust than any other travel or transport operator in Tasmania including planes, ferries, rail, coach, museums and attractions,” said Jeff Gillies , commercial director at Coral Expeditions.

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20/11/20 9:53 am

RIVER NEWS

RIVER ROUNDUP Farewell river buﬀet AmaWaterways with APT revealed that the river line will remove the beloved dining room buﬀet and will replace breakfast and lunch with à la carte dining. Rudi Schreiner, the line’s co-founder and president said AmaWaterways is installing show kitchens in the main dining rooms in 2021. “Guests will go up to the show kitchen station, select their culinary picks and the chef will prepare those and put them on the guest’s plate. We are working right now very intensely on two ships, AmaBella and AmaVerde, and converting them for this new environment.” 26

LUKE RETURNS TO THE MEKONG APT is oﬀering a cruise on the Mekong River with Australian-Vietnamese chef Luke Nguyen. Guests will spend two weeks exploring Vietnam, including seven nights cruising on the brand-new Mekong Serenity and six nights in ﬁve-star hotels. Guests will enjoy an authentic Vietnamese degustation with paired wines at Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam House and meet the extended Nguyen family during a tour of Old Saigon. The chef and author will also host a cooking class at GRAIN by Luke Nguyen in Ho Chi Minh City.

cruisepassenger.com.au

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18/11/20 12:40 pm

RIVER NEWS

Inland waters are gearing up for a bumper return season. Sue Bryant reports.

Viking Mississippi will ply the US river in 2022.

iver cruise lines are going all out for 2021, with two big hopes in mind: that there will be COVID-19 vaccine, and that lockdowns and border closures worldwide will be over. While a handful of European operators sailed the Rhine, Danube, Douro and French waterways last summer, the lines that depend on American and Australian passengers effectively missed the season. Viking, Uniworld, Scenic, Crystal, Emerald Waterways, APT, Tauck and Avalon Waterways simply didn’t sail. So it’s full steam ahead for 2021. But because so many lines are expecting to sail full as passengers redeem their future cruise credits, Avalon, Scenic and Emerald’s 2022 programmes have been launched early. Viking is already selling 2023. Incentives to book different lines include drastically reduced or zero single supplements, included drinks packages, cabin upgrades and early booking discounts. What trends can we expect? A focus on health and wellbeing, like Uniworld’s new Travelling Lite menus and the qualified Wellness Hosts on almost all sailings from APT offering classes and meditation. Avalon, too, has an Adventure Host on every European cruise to facilitate active excursions and lead yoga onboard. Getting to the port in Europe and in the US without flying will be easier than ever. In Europe, Uniworld has added two Cruise and Rail itineraries for 2021, combining Golden Eagle Luxury Rail through the Alps to Venice with a cruise on the lavish SS Venezia, the refitted River Countess. There’s also a new self-drive option, with parking at the port, and a range of cruises accessible by regular rail instead of Golden Eagle.

The US domestic river cruise market is expected to boom as Americans holiday closer to home. American Queen Steamboat Company will launch the 245-passenger American Countess on the Mississippi in March, having delayed from 2020. The inaugural voyage sails from Memphis to New Orleans. American Cruise Lines has launched its biggestever Mississippi season for 2021, with two new vessels, American Jazz and American Melody, and 15 new excursions. Viking, too, has put its new Viking Mississippi, launching 2022, on sale. These vessels will bring new choices to the Mississippi for those who prefer contemporary chic to flouncy Americana. Egypt will be in the spotlight in 2021. The glossy remake of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile should be an impressive showcase for the river and Viking, AmaWaterways and Uniworld are all launching new ships. In addition, there’s hope that the US$1bn Grand Egyptian Museum at Giza will finally open its doors. New ships are coming to Asia, too, although for now, the Vietnamese and Burmese borders are closed to leisure travellers, which puts the Mekong and Irrawaddy seasons in doubt. Once travel is possible, Uniworld plans to launch the lavish Mekong Jewel, while Viking launches Viking Saigon in August, also on the Mekong. In South America, Aqua Expeditions is positioning its sleek new Aqua Nera to the Peruvian Amazon. Uniworld has introduced the Amazon for the first time, sailing Aqua’s all-suite Aria Amazon in Pacaya-Samiri National Park, with a tour option including Machu Picchu. River cruise lines, like their ocean-going cousins, have put new health and cleaning protocols in place. Crystal is adopting the same approach as the ocean-going lines in Europe did in summer 2020, with guests only allowed ashore in official Crystal excursion ‘bubbles’. Whether river cruisers welcome the security this affords or find it restrictive remains to be seen.

Teens take to the river U by Uniworld, the river cruise line that is constantly reinventing itself, has now targeted perhaps the most diﬃcult market of all – teenagers. The line that started out chasing millennials and refusing boarding to anyone over 45 (a policy later abandoned) will now welcome “Gen Z on U” – a program exclusively for teens and their parents. Parents get to travel while their teens can hang out in the designated teen lounge, karaoke contests, foosball tournaments, camping on the rooftop, trivia nights, projector movie nights on the rooftop, onboard pretzel demonstrations and more. In 2021, U’s ships The A and The B will sail four itineraries: Amsterdam & Brussels Bound, Vienna Vibe, Eastern Europe Escape and Rolling on the Rhine. cruisepassenger.com.au

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20/11/20 9:21 am

READER COMPETITION

Tradewind Voyages (represented by small-ship cruise specialist Cruise Traveller) is offering Cruise Passenger readers a chance to win a once-ina-lifetime 15-night fly, sail and stay experience for two people aboard the new Golden Horizon – the world’s largest square-rigged sailing vessel. Your generous prize includes a onenight pre-cruise hotel stay with breakfast in the Nusa Dua area of Bali, a 14-night luxury tall ship cruise from Benoa to Cairns, and flights to get you to Bali from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth, and home from Cairns. Embark in Bali for the voyage east towards the Lesser Sunda Islands, 28

stopping off at sun-blessed beaches in Lombok – a surfers’ paradise. Visit Komodo to relax on one of the pink sand beaches or discover Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the Komodo dragon. Then set sail for the pristine islands of Sumba and East Timor before Golden Horizon turns to Australia. Visit Darwin, with its burgeoning foodie scene and Indigenous art galleries, then cross the Gulf of Carpentaria down to the worldfamous Great Barrier Reef and Cairns, where your journey ends. The 15-night package starts on December 7, 2021, and ends in Cairns on December 22.

Prize description/inclusions - Flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth to Bali and return from Cairns. - One-night pre-cruise hotel stay with breakfast in the Nusa Dua area of Bali. - One-way transfer from Bali hotel to port on embarkation day. - 14-night tall ship cruise aboard the NEW Golden Horizon by Tradewind Voyages from Benoa to Cairns. - All onboard main meals. - A selection of beers and wines with lunch and dinner onboard. - Use of onboard water sports equipment. - Onboard destination-expert speakers and cultural performances.

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18/11/20 10:26 am

READER COMPETITION

Win

a 15-night cruise for two on the world's largest sailling ship worth $18,800 Fly to Indonesia and sail back to Australia in splendid style.

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18/11/20 1:09 pm

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18/11/20 5:12 pm

CruiseReviews INSIDE

Coral Discoverer sails far from the coastline.

MSC Grandiosa's strict protocols lead the way.

MS Inspire's Rhine trip is short and sweet.

World Dream's cruise to nowhere.

MSC Grandiosa.

cruisepassenger.com.au

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18/11/20 12:21 pm

SHIP REVIEW: CORAL DISCOVERER

CRUISING AT LAST Coral Expeditions is sailing again. Louise Goldsbury cruises as far from shore as she can go.

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SHIP REVIEW: CORAL DISCOVERER

or the first time in Australia’s cruising history, the summer season has started with only one ship on the east coast: Coral Expeditions’ Coral Discoverer. After six months laid up in Cairns, the 72-passenger vessel departed October 14 on a sevennight cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef — a new itinerary that will run each week until December 2020. Exempt from the federal government’s ban on foreignflagged ships, the Australian-flagged Coral Discoverer with all-Australian crew has been approved to sail within Queensland under strict health and safety protocols. While other cruise lines continue to postpone their restart dates, Coral Expeditions devised a SailSafe Plan in partnership with a medical agency that lets people cruise in a world where COVID-19 still exists. The big step by the small company is a giant leap for cruising.

Right: Coral Discoverer at Fitzroy Island. Below: Coral Discoverer seen from Cook’s Look Walk, Lizard Island.

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SHIP REVIEW: CORAL DISCOVERER

+ Fact file

For booked guests, the new pre-cruise screening process starts with ﬁlling out health forms, followed by a GP appointment to check for coronavirus symptoms one week ahead of departure. They are also asked to self-isolate as much as possible for the next seven days, and then get a COVID-19 swab test 24 to 72 hours before boarding. Proof of a negative result is required by every passenger and crew member to be allowed on the ship. After spending the night before the cruise at the Pullman International hotel (included in the fare), guests are transferred to the wharf in a coach with a driver wearing a mask. Travelling within this virus-free ‘bubble’ is an important part of the trip and it continues onboard and on shore in each port of call. Finally, the fun can begin. Welcomed with hand sanitiser instead of Champagne,

passengers don’t kick off this cruise at a buffet lunch; they are seated in the dining room and served coffee, tea and scones. This enhanced waiter service — at breakfast, lunch and dinner — makes the cruise feel more luxurious but it’s used to avoid people congregating closely together or touching the food and tongs. In reality, it’s not so weird or different onboard. Nobody, except housekeeping staff, wears masks. Social distancing is enforced, which is easy enough for 46 people. Everyone’s temperature is checked daily by the onboard doctor, and she simply ﬁnds you when you’re wandering around so there’s no need to line up at a medical centre. On this voyage, Coral Discoverer ventures as far as Australians can currently cruise: to Osprey Reef, 90 nautical miles from the

Above: A green turtle at Sudbury Cay. Left: Predinner drinks onboard.

CRUISE LINE: Coral Eexpeditions VESSEL: Coral Discoverer STAR RATING: 4 MAX PASSENGER CAPACITY: 72 TOTAL CREW: 24 PASSENGER DECKS: 4 TONNAGE: 1,838 ENTERED SERVICE: 2005 FACILITIES: Dining room, bars, BOOKINGS: Seven-night Great Barrier Reef cruises are priced from $4750 a person (double occupancy) or $5290 (solo occupancy) and include $500 travel credit, meals, house wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, guided excursions, transfers and one night pre-cruise accommodation in Cairns. Subject to approval by the state government, Coral Expeditions also plans to oﬀer cruises around Tasmania on Coral Discoverer in early 2021. coralexpeditions.com

+ The verdict

HIGHS: Friendly crew create a welcoming ambience, while expedition staﬀ are always willing to assist. The Xplorer tender enables easy boarding from the deck. Great dining, with good variety of meals. LOWS: Evening entertainment is limited to documentary screenings and a trivia night. There is no elevator, pool, spa, gym or kids’ facilities. BEST SUITED TO: Couples and solo adventurers who enjoy snorkelling or diving and personalised service.

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SHIP REVIEW: CORAL DISCOVERER nearest point on the Queensland coast – which is further than Papua New Guinea, our nearest overseas neighbour, is located from the northern tip of Australia. Many passengers choose this itinerary, Outerknown Adventures of the Great Barrier Reef, specifically to dive or snorkel at the remote reef that is rarely visited by other operators. Fittingly, the first call is Cooktown, where Captain Cook’s cruising came to a sudden halt until the damage to his ship Endeavour was repaired and sailing restarted. At the James Cook Museum, heritage officer Harold Ludwick educates our group about the Indigenous perspective of the Endeavour running aground 250 years ago, describing how the Guugu Yimithirr people helped the British explorer and his sailors. An overnight sailing across the Coral Sea, typically in choppy conditions, takes us to Osprey Reef, a massive submerged mountain that is best explored by divers who can reach the deeper, less damaged sections. The next site, Ribbon Reef, is better for snorkellers, with exceptional water clarity, thousands of colourful fish and frequent sightings of green turtles and reef sharks. At Port Douglas, a river cruise meanders down the Daintree to spot crocodiles and native birds such as the collared kingfisher, shiny flycatcher and spangled drongo. At Lizard Island, a sunrise walk (two hours of steep climbing) leads to panoramic views of the surrounding ocean, and on Fitzroy Island, guests choose between another strenuous hike to a lighthouse, beach walks, kayaking, snorkelling and visiting a turtle rehabilitation centre.

Barefoot on the soft white sand at sunset, guests enjoy free drinks served at a makeshift bar set up by crew.”

Above: Xplorer on Lizard Island. Left: Crew members serve drinks on Sudbury Cay.

A blissful treat is pulling up to tiny deserted oases, such as Undine Cay and Sudbury Cay, in the ship’s tender, called Xplorer, which is easily boarded from the deck then lowered on a hydraulic platform into the water below. Barefoot on the soft white sand at sunset, guests enjoy free drinks served at a makeshift bar set up by crew in the evening, before heading back to Coral Discoverer for another delicious three-course dinner. Meals include vegan, vegetarian, meat, seafood, salads and soups, with a choice of two entrees, mains and desserts, accompanied by complimentary wine and beer. Breakfast and lunch dishes change each day, too. The spacious accommodation is another highlight, offering comfortable beds, ample storage, ensuite bathrooms, balcony or outside (porthole or larger window) categories and no inside cabins. Entertainment is low-key, with no shows or live music, leaving guests to relax, read a book from the library, watch a documentary or attend a presentation in the lecture room. As the first cruise available to Queenslanders since the industry shutdown in March, it was snapped up by keen cruisers, eager to get back out to sea. Many had several bookings cancelled by other lines this year, so some were surprised to find this sailing went ahead. Graham, cruising with his wife, said: “We do a lot of small ships but couldn’t find anything, so even though I wasn’t that interested in this itinerary, I just wanted to do something, whatever was happening.” Others had never been on a cruise nor heard of the company. First-time cruiser and solo traveller Christopher bought a GoPro to capture underwater photos (featured in this review). “The Coral Expeditions ad popped up on my social media,” he said. “The itinerary ticked many boxes such as visits to remote coral reefs and tropical islands that included snorkelling and diving in stunning locations... Everything was just right for me and I loved the experience.” cruisepassenger.com.au

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18/11/20 5:07 pm

SHIP REVIEW: MSC GRANDIOSA

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20/11/20 9:58 am

SHIP REVIEW: MSC GRANDIOSA

Europe’s bubble cruises

MSC Yacht Club. Inset: Onboard temperature checks.

Javier Ortega Figueiral was onboard MSC Grandiosa as it pioneered the return of cruising in Europe. Here’s what he found.

t the time of writing, Europe is still in the grip of the global pandemic. But MSC Cruises, one of the world’s biggest lines, has decided to be among the vanguard of the return of cruise, using the brand new MSC Grandiosa as its ﬂagship. Initially, Grandiosa is carrying out one-week cruises calling at Italian and Maltese ports. But deciding on a purely Italian itinerary with a Maltese twist was not the main novelty. What is radically different is the perception that travellers who book their cruise with this company are setting the precedent for those that will operate again in the coming weeks or months. Until an effective vaccine or remedy is found, extreme precautionary measures will be the norm for cruise travel. So what was it like? Everything starts with the protocol MSC cruises applies once you transfer between the capital’s main airport and the Civitavecchia maritime terminal, a port which competes with Barcelona for leadership in this sector in the Mediterranean. Arrival and access to the brand-new Amerigo Vespucci terminal is unusually quiet – travellers have certain arrival times or slots to avoid crowds. Before anything else, mandatory PCR tests are performed in an area of the cruisepassenger.com.au

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SHIP REVIEW: MSC GRANDIOSA

+ Fact file

CRUISE LINE: MSC Cruises VESSEL: MSC Grandiosa STAR RATING: NYR MAX PASSENGER CAPACITY: 4842 TOTAL CREW: 1703 PASSENGER DECKS: 14 TONNAGE: 181,000 ENTERED SERVICE: 2019 FACILITIES: Restaurants, bars, lounges, spa, gym, MSC Yacht Club, Aqua Park, ropes course, Promenade. BOOKINGS: msccruises.com.au

+ The verdict

HIGHS: Taking care of health matters has increased the feeling of quality onboard. It is interesting to cruise with MSC at this time: “safe” freedom this year has a very sweet taste. LOWS: It is diﬃcult to get people used to wearing a mask in daily life. It is even more annoying on vacation. For those used to enjoying freedom at ports of call, the loss of that is quite frustrating. BEST FOR: All ages of cruisers who want get back on the water and don’t mind the restrictions.

terminal. The protocol is clear from the very beginning – if you reject the health test, you will not get on board. The tests are fast; nasopharyngeal samples are taken in a few seconds, and then you await the results. MSC has invested heavily in onboard analytical devices that can perform up to 300 tests per hour. In 45 minutes, or at most an hour, the MSC staff gives out the result. If it is negative, you’re welcome on board with all cordiality. If it is not, the PCR is repeated and if it tests again are positive, a protocol is started in coordination with the health authorities that separates a passenger and their companions from the ship. For those given the all-clear, the checkin process is fast: the company provides an identiﬁcation card, which is also a cabin key, and a bracelet. The bracelet allows touchless payments for extra services and contains a chip that can track passengers to work out capacity and crowds. As its name promises, MSC Grandiosa is huge. It is 331 metres long, 41 metres wide and 18 decks high. At maximum occupancy with all available passenger beds occupied,

it can carry up to 6300 passengers or 4824 in double occupancy. All those passengers are served by a crew of 1700. MSC has signiﬁcantly reduced the capacity on these ﬁrst cruises, and our cruise was carrying just over 2000 passengers. It meant a great tranquillity in all the areas of the ship, and especially in the Yacht Club area, reserved for the occupants of suites, with an exclusive lounge, dining room, solarium and pool. Yacht Club passengers may have had many exclusive areas, but they were not immune from mandatory masks in all common areas. The only exception was in the pool and on the sun loungers, where a more-than prudent distance was maintained, and in bars and restaurants, where passengers can remove masks to eat or drink. So life on the ship itself goes on. Its shows, entertainment, meals, drinks, sunsets, and port departures are still enlivened by suitable music, though audiences have to wear masks. In the world of maritime transport, there have always been international medical regulations and global standards for disease surveillance and sanitation, as well as a blueprint for response to infectious disease.

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SHIP REVIEW: MSC GRANDIOSA

In fact, the sanitiser dispensers and gel bottles, which since the appearance of the COVID have become objects of daily use on land, have been onboard for years. Today, however, their use is mandatory. It is not invasive, but something that has quickly become accepted. The regulations also indicate minimums in terms of health personnel and facilities onboard. However, on Grandiosa, the facilities available to take care for medical problems are surprising. The ship’s medical centre can admit up to 11 patients at the same time. There is a dialysis room, laboratory, intensive care unit, pharmacy, X-ray and even a mortuary. And make no mistake, MSC Cruises is being extremely strict on adherence to its protocols. The line wants to keep this experimental bubble ship sailing and is keen to avoid any unnecessary health risks. In port, passengers are only allowed to go ashore in small groups of ten to 12 people and only on a shore excursion organised by the cruise line - small numbers of people who must minimise contact with the outside world in order to continue to allow the boat to be a safe place upon return. Remember total immersion shore excursions? They won’t be back for a while. There are strict instructions on what to do and what not to do on land: this includes avoiding entering premises, distancing from local people and only mixing with the group assigned. And bad news for local businesses that rely on tourists: passengers are told to avoid making purchases and eating or drinking in places not on the itinerary. Being so strict with people on vacation may be viewed with some scepticism. But it in times of COVID-19, this cruise line does not want to take unnecessary risks.

Being so strict with people on vacation may be viewed with some scepticism.”

Clockwise from left: the onboard hair salon; Chef Bruno Zaza; a fabulous theatre production.

On the second MSC Grandiosa sailing, a couple was refused re-embarkation in Naples after leaving a shore excursion to strike out on their own. In our cruise, a family of four saw their cruise come to an end because they ignored the instructions from company staff and local guides. They were not allowed to re-embark in Naples dock because they did something as seemingly innocent as wanting to go out for pizza instead of having the pasta that was served at the approved restaurant. They found their luggage and personal effects left at the terminal. These are not times to breach protocols and rules that all passengers sign up for when they start their cruise. Grandiosa will continue to sail like a bubble ship for the next few weeks. Strict measures make this cruise ship one of the safest places on Earth. It seems, for now at least, this is the only way to keep cruise ships sailing. cruisepassenger.com.au

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18/11/20 5:05 pm

SHIP REVIEW: MS INSPIRE

PLAN B Due to sailing restrictions, ocean cruisers are discovering the joys of inland waterways, writes Sue Bryant.

asked waiters were circulating with ﬁshbowl-sized glasses of Aperol spritz as MS Inspire glided past steep, vine-clad hills and distant castles under the pale sunshine of late summer. Although everybody was socially distancing, bundled up in scarves in the early chill of autumn, there was a carnival atmosphere on board – and it wasn’t even lunchtime yet. I put this partly down to the included drinks, which ﬂowed generously, and partly down to the fact that the passengers of Viva Cruises were just thrilled to be sailing again. 40

As much of the world locked down and the cruise industry ground to a halt in early 2020, the prospect of going on any kind of cruise seemed dim. But by June, a couple of river cruise lines had restart plans in place. German-owned Nicko Cruises set sail ﬁrst, with A-ROSA, CroisiEurope and Viva Cruises in pursuit. German cruise fans (and in the case of CroisiEurope, French), deprived of their normal ocean voyages, ﬂocked to book. I only just managed to squeeze onto a four-night minibreak cruise through the Rhine Gorge on Viva Cruises’ MS Inspire, which was sailing as full as the company’s new protocols allow, with 120 of us onboard out of a possible 134. “Around 70 per cent of our passengers are on their ‘plan B’,” said Marion Shoenherr, the ship’s cruise

Above: The curve of the Rhine at Boppard. Right: Düsseldorf.

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SHIP REVIEW: MS INSPIRE

director. “Their ocean cruises were cancelled but they just want to be on the water. For Germans, it’s an addiction. We’re seeing a lot of people coming who might not have considered river cruising for another 20 years – and they’re saying, what a pity they hadn’t discovered it earlier.” Viva is owned by Switzerland-based Scylla Cruises, which charters ships from Tauck, Riviera Travel and German operator Phoenix Reisen, among others. As Tauck didn’t operate European river cruises in 2020, Viva snapped up the opulent MS Inspire, complete with Tauck branding and Tauck’s five-star standards, selling cruises at bargain prices. The line will operate Inspire again in 2021, along with sister ship MS Treasures. Inspire is one of the most luxurious ships on which I’ve sailed in Europe, all sparkling chandeliers and cruisepassenger.com.au

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SHIP REVIEW: MS INSPIRE

gleaming brass, with palettes of sapphire blue, silver and pale gold. The cabins are magnificent, especially the 22 double-width suites, with two French balconies, a walk-in closet and a generously sized bathroom with powerful rainforest shower. There are eight doubleheight loft suites, too, a novelty for a riverboat. We’re all so used to living with COVID restrictions in Europe that the health protocols on board seemed like second nature. We wore masks to walk around the ship, but not while sitting. One-way arrows direct passengers around the sun deck, lounge and corridors. We had our temperatures checked every day. The steam room and sauna were open, but only for one travel party at a time. You’re allocated a table for all meals and can turn up whenever you like. Personally, I will not mourn the demise of the buffet or the regimentation of fixed dining times; heading into dinner at 8pm suited me just fine. The menu had certainly not suffered from becoming all à la carte, either; everything was exquisitely presented, from smoked duck breast, forest mushroom soup and delicate fillets of sea bream to brioche filled with forest berries and vanilla cream.

Clockwise from top: MS Inspire; Mainz; the onboard lounge; a spacious stateroom.

My 494-kilometre voyage, round-trip from Düsseldorf, neatly packed in the highlights of the gorgeous Middle Rhine, with six stops in four days. Throughout the first evening, we headed south through Germany’s flat, industrial heartland, factories lining the banks. I left my curtains open as night fell and nodded off soon after we passed Cologne Cathedral, dazzlingly lit in the darkness. By morning, the scenery had changed. Andernach hugs the banks just before the river cuts its way through the Hunsrück and Taunus mountains to create the craggy Rhine Gorge, all 65 kilometres protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Andernach is a pleasant, if unremarkable town, where half-timbered houses and vine-shaded beer gardens line the banks against a backdrop of steep hills. It does, though, have one incongruous star attraction: the world’s tallest coldwater geyser, a jet of carbonated water that shoots 55 metres out of the ground every two hours with a terrifying roar, drenching onlookers with a soupy, mineral-rich mist. This region of Germany lies over a fault zone and the geyser startled a group of prospectors in 1903, gushing forth as a 1,125-foot borehole was sunk to exploit carbon dioxide for mineral water. As I walked up the gangway back to the ship, cleaning the gunk from the spray off my sunglasses and camera, I noticed tiny streams of bubbles in the water below. The Rhine is actually fizzy here in patches. Port calls on this short itinerary were smartly timed to be mornings and evenings, leaving long, dreamy afternoons of sailing, during which I’d open my balcony doors and let the river breezes in as we drifted past vineyards in vertical green stripes and castles with ivycloaked Rapunzel towers. Boppard is one of the prettiest towns in the Rhine Gorge and we docked in the late afternoon sun to a setting of geranium-filled squares and crooked houses in shades of dusky pink, cream and peach. I signed up for a Funzeltour, which turned out to be my kind of sightseeing. Our guide Michael and Dhana, a winegrower, towed a wooden rumble truck, packed

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SHIP REVIEW: MS INSPIRE with bottles of wine and rattling over the cobbles as we explored on foot. Everywhere we stopped, in ancient squares and at the town’s original Roman walls, a new wine was produced for sampling. Dhana explained its provenance, while Michael brought 2,000 years of history to life. You need to be up early to see the best of the scenery in the gorge. At sunrise the next day, shafts of light pooled on castles perched high above the river, guarding every bend. At the Loreley Rock, 122-metre cliffs tower over swirls and eddies so dangerous that river trafﬁc lights are necessary to guide ships through a narrow gap. A statue of a nymph, the Loreley, watches over the river in tribute to Heinrich Heine’s 1824 poem about a mysterious siren whose hypnotic singing would lure sailors to their death. The atmospheric old city of Mainz was heaving on a Saturday afternoon, its medieval squares crammed with market stalls selling seasonal plums and chanterelle mushrooms. I hadn’t encountered such crowds since before lockdown and was slightly unnerved but

the streets of the pedestrian zone are wide and Germans are compliant when it comes to wearing masks and social distancing. Once we were all back on board, Captain Nurdin spun Inspire in a nifty U-turn to start the journey back north, stopping at the wine-growing village of Rüdesheim. In normal times, Rüdesheim would be heaving with tourists, riverboats lining the banks and large parties swigging local wine in the many taverns. Now, it was strangely quiet. Music drifted out of some of the pub gardens but the empty streets were a stark reminder of the damage COVID has caused to Europe’s tourist industry. Viva Cruises is selling this Rheingau Experience four-night cruise for 2021, again, for exceptionally competitive prices. Given the beauty of the ship, the high standard of food and the fact that drinks are included, this short cruise represents superb value. Excursions cost extra; as most passengers are European and prefer to do their own thing, the line has wisely kept them optional. If you don’t mind this and are looking for a short but sweet taste of the Rhine Gorge, I’d snap this one up fast.

+ Fact file

CRUISE LINE: Viva Cruises VESSEL: MS Inspire STAR RATING: 4 MAX PASSENGER CAPACITY: 130 TOTAL CREW: 39 PASSENGER DECKS: 4 LENGTH: 135 m ENTERED SERVICE: 2013 FACILITIES: Dining rooms, sun deck, lecture theatre, spa BOOKINGS: 13 departures for Rhinegau Experience from March 27, 2021, from $985 pp twinshare. viva-cruises.com/en

+ The verdict

HIGHS: Creative menus, luxurious accommodation and competitive pricing. LOWS: Social distancing rules means there’s very little life in the bar after dinner. BEST SUITED TO: Those seeking a luxurious and time-eﬃcient way to enjoy the Rhine Gorge.

cruisepassenger.com.au

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18/11/20 12:05 pm

SHIP REVIEW: WORLD DREAM

A RETURN TO THE SEA ON

WORLD DREAM 44

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18/11/20 12:03 pm

SHIP REVIEW: WORLD DREAM

Enhanced health and safety protocols on one of Singapore’s ﬁrst sailings didn’t take the joy out of cruising for Rebecca Rachel Wong.

s I stood on World Dream’s deck and watched Singapore recede, an overwhelming sense of anticipation came over me. Like most travellers, I’ve been stuck in my home country the past year and have been patiently waiting for the chance to travel again. To my pleasant surprise, the Singapore government approved cruises-to-nowhere last month. Dream Cruises’ World Dream is the ﬁrst ship

The exclusive Palace pool deck.

to restart operations in early November, solely for Singapore citizens and residents. Granted, I’m not visiting another country on a cruise to nowhere. But as someone who loves being out as sea, it was very much the perfect getaway. Of course, cruising in the COVID-19 era isn’t quite as it was. I used to take for granted the quick boarding process – now, World Dream passengers must report at speciﬁc times to take a Covid-19 swab test before embarkation. The whole exercise takes about an hour, including ﬁlling in an online health declaration, registration, temperature checks, swabbing at test stations and waiting for your results. Once my swab test proved negative, I waited another two hours at Marina Bay Cruise Terminal

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SHIP REVIEW: WORLD DREAM

before boarding the ship. All passengers are also issued a small, pink ‘MICE pod’ for contact tracing. The pod has to be carried everywhere onboard and alerts passengers if they are clustered too closely together. Long wait aside, the rest of my voyage was smooth sailing (no pun intended) and honestly, not starkly different from cruising pre-COVID. Most of Dream Cruises’ health and safety protocols are already implemented at public places on land. These include the wearing of masks and temperature checks at each entry point on board, such as restaurants, the theatre and pool decks. Hand sanitiser dispensers are installed at most entrances and some restaurants have mobile hand-washing stations. To aid contact tracing, you’re required to tap your room keycard at each entry point. Safety ambassadors have been hired to ensure guests adhere to social distancing measures and the crew is vigilant in reminding guests to pull their masks above the nose. I was quite tickled by the captain’s daily announcements in which he reminded guests to wash their hands, even going into detail on proper technique! Despite all the protocols, I never once felt policed but I was impressed by how seriously the line and its staff prioritised guests’ health and safety. 46

And though the pandemic has put a temporary end to self-serve buffets and deck parties, there was still plenty to eat, see and do on board. To those asking if cruising is safe and worth doing in this climate, my answer is a resounding yes. Here are the highlights of my threenight cruise: / FACILITIES The only post-COVID difference worth noting is World Dream’s refurbished health centre. We were given a tour by the medical officer, Mark, who is on call 24/7. It was reassuring to see more facilities and equipment, such as isolation wards dedicated to COVID testing. Dream has also invested in a $109,000 PCR COVID-

testing machine, which also detects 22 other respiratory viruses such as H1N1. In the event a patient does get diagnosed with COVID, the ship is equipped with seven isolation cabins and 34 additional cabins for close contacts. All onboard activities are immediately ceased if a guest tests COVID-positive, and the ship heads back to Singapore within five to six hours to evacuate passengers. Rest assured − you won’t be turned away from the port and stranded at sea. / ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES Lounge performances, karaoke and parties are still banned for now, which means you won’t find much nightlife on board. As per local government regulations, the sale of alcohol isn’t permitted after 10:30pm, but you can order drinks in your room. Even with the limitations, Dream succeeds in keeping guests occupied. The cruise timetable is filled with activities for all ages: craft workshops, dance and fitness classes, wellness talks, Nintendo game sessions and family-friendly movies at the Zouk Beach Club. Capacity limits are placed on the main pool and Jacuzzis but with passenger numbers halved, we never found ourselves having to make pool reservations. At its peak hour in the late afternoon, there were only about 10 people on deck.

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SHIP REVIEW: WORLD DREAM

+ Fact file

CRUISE LINE: Dream Cruises VESSEL: World Dream STAR RATING: 4 MAX PASSENGER CAPACITY: 3376 TOTAL CREW: 2000 PASSENGER DECKS: 14 TONNAGE: 150,695 ENTERED SERVICE: 2017 FACILITIES: 12 dining options, bars and lounges, two pools, 10 whirlpools, water park, Zouk beach club, adventure park, mini-golf, theatre, casinos, duty-free shops, ﬁtness centres and spas, sports deck, kids club, art gallery. BOOKINGS: Two- and three-night cruises to nowhere until December 30 are only open to Singapore residents. A three-night sailing in a balcony cabin costs around $455; plus $60 for COVID-19 test. dreamcruiseline.com

+ The verdict

HIGHS: Uncrowded decks, the vigilant but friendly crew, excellent Palace service and waterslides. Also, the chance to cruise again. LOWS: Waiting an hour to get a swab test was no fun. The test on disembarkation was speedy − under 10 minutes. BEST SUITED TO: Multi-gen families and cruisers looking for a serene getaway without crowds.

Clockwise from left: Umi Uma teppanyaki; the Palace pool deck; the writer is served at the buﬀet; the writer washing her hands at a mobile station at a restaurant.

I also had fun at the waterslide park, rock-climbing wall and ESC Experience Lab, which is packed with VR games. While the Zodiac Theatre’s capacity has been reduced to 250 guests, Dream ensures everyone gets a chance to catch their highlight Christmas show. Two shows were held on the final evening, with showings assigned based on deck number, and the theatre undergoes extensive fogging after each show. / DINING All-inclusive dining is available at The Lido and Dream Dining Room. At The Lido’s buffet, servers now dish out food for you and only five guests are allowed per table. This didn’t affect my dining experience; in fact, being served my food meant that I didn’t go overboard in piling my plate. The friendly servers are happy to give you as much as you want and don’t shoot you judgmental looks if you come back for seconds or thirds. There was hardly any bottleneck or even queues when I visited during lunch on my first sailing day. However, I felt that the food variety was rather limited in comparison to other cruise lines. Being an international buffet, it surprisingly lacked signatures like pizza and juices.

As a Palace guest, I was entitled to meals at the exclusive Palace restaurant – highly recommended – as well as other specialty restaurants on board. My favourite was Umi Uma Teppanyaki, where our chef delighted us with his knife-twirling antics and expertly grilled fillet mignon with garlic fried rice. / ACCOMMODATION We stayed in a Palace Suite, conveniently positioned near the Palace’s private elevators, which take you up to the private pool, spa and gym. At 37 square metres, the cabin was sizeable, pristine and well-appointed. The bathroom was spacious, with both a bathtub and shower − a luxury one doesn’t always get in other cabin categories. I enjoyed the exclusive bath amenities for Palace guests, as well as the complimentary minibar, chocolate-dipped strawberries and pastries. Suite guests enjoy a 24-hour dedicated butler service, and my butler Clarence was extremely patient with my requests. He even managed to find a seamstress to fix a tear in my clothing. Most importantly, the Dream Bed was an absolute delight. With lots of pillows and a luxe duvet, I could have stayed there all day. cruisepassenger.com.au

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An Adventure Like No Other Circumnavigate Australia aboard the world's largest squarerigged sailing vessel

Only 140 Cabins

Inaugural World Voyage

Experience an adventure like no other aboard the new Golden Horizon, the World’s largest square-rigged sailing vessel, as she undertakes her inaugural world voyage including a circumnavigation of Australia in 2021/2022. Visiting a mix of iconic and remote ports of Australia, you can partake in the full circumnavigation of Australia – or choose a leg of the voyage to discover a region you have always wanted to visit.

Bali to Cairns 15 Nights | 9 Ports Starts 07 Dec 21

2021/22

You’ll love the relaxed, casually elegant ambience on board a ship which perfectly marries rich sailing heritage and modern luxury, with a sustainable twist – sailing without using propulsion, wherever possible.

Bali to Bali 73 Nights Cruise & Stay Starts 07 Dec 21

Adelaide to Fremantle 14 Nights | 10 Ports Starts 21 Jan 22

All onboard meals, beer & wine with lunch & dinner

Just 140 cabins - all with Ocean views

Authentic Sailing Experience

Cairns to Sydney 16 Nights | 8 Ports Starts 21 Dec 21

Fremantle to Bali 15 Nights | 9 Ports Starts 03 Feb 22

Sydney to Adelaide 17 Nights | 12 Ports Starts 05 Jan 22

Great savings available on combination voyages

For pricing and information call 1800 507 777 visit www.CruiseTraveller.com.au/tradewind2021 or contact your travel agent

Voyages include 1 night pre-cruise or post-cruise hotel stay and transfer to port on embarkation day. Ports are subject to change. For full terms and conditions please see our website. We reserve the right to correct errors.

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CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22

Cruise Guide 2021/22

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CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22

Choose your cruise

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18/11/20 11:52 am

CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22

ust in time for the start of the 2021 cruise season, we’ve been looking at what the major shipping lines have done to get you back on the water and make your holiday safer. And they have been doing a lot. The historic cruise pause was a tragedy. But the changes that are now in place or about to be put aboard ships should see holidays at sea or on inland waterways become, once again, among the safest. We asked the leading lines a series of questions that will help you decide who to book with in the coming months. Their answers are in the pages of this guide, which will be constantly updated online at cruisepassenger.com.au. Here’s what you can expect:

HEALTH PROTECTION

Once vaccines are available, cruise lines will almost certainly expect passengers to show they have been tested before being allowed onboard. But that won’t stop screening before embarkation and during a cruise for both passengers and crew. In some cases, temperature checks will be made before each meal. Some lines are installing hospital-like medical facilities, with everything from isolation wards to, in some cases, ventilators. Masks are required where social distancing is difficult. AIR FILTRATION

Cruise lines are using new technology to ensure air filtration systems are stateof-the-art. Some are installing MERV 13 filters, which are fine enough to filter viruses, similar to those on aircraft. Others are ensuring air doesn’t circulate between cabins. Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has developed a “safe air” system which uses UV-C lamps, for type C ultraviolet rays applied in combination with the ship’s air conditioning system to radiate airflows with a short wavelength light that hits organic particles and prevents the circulation of air pollutants such as viruses, bacteria and mould. SHORE EXCURSIONS

First up, only shore excursions that have been arranged by the cruise company are likely to be allowed, to ensure that guests are kept within a healthy “bubble”. Reports have already circulated of travellers who have wandered off from

official tours being refused reboarding because they could be a danger to other passengers. Embarkation will mean more temperature checks and hand washing. These rules are not just important to the ship; they are also vital to making communities on shore feel safe so they will welcome cruise passengers again. DINING

A bit of a return to the past here, as free and easy eateries give way to formal meal times and bookings. There is no other way to ensure social distancing regulations. But most ships can accommodate specific requests, and guests will be asked to nominate times and venues a little earlier than usual. The buffet hasn’t gone – but self-service has, meaning wait staff serve food. Otherwise, fine dining remains the order of the day and you may even find more alfresco options than usual. ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES

The show must go on, they say. And on most cruise lines it will, though booking will become a little more important and increased show times will be available to accommodate smaller seating capacities. The same goes for activities, where bookings will be important for the most popular rides, slides and pools. TECHNOLOGY

One legacy of the pandemic is how it has accelerated the adoption of technology by cruise lines. Some were already ahead of the pack: Princess Cruises’ OceanMedallion, for instance, allows for contactless payments and ordering of food and drinks, and lets crew understand where everyone is at any time. Other lines are adopting similar technologies for more touchless interactions and better internet connections to manage bookings will be essential as forward planning for numbers becomes more important. SERVICE WITH A SMILE

Yes, even under that mask, cruise service is legendary – and more essential now than ever. Thankfully, crew training and testing and even more attentive service make a cruise holiday the best – and safest – kind you can take. Look out for regular changes and updates to policies and itineraries at cruisepassenger.com.au/cruiseguide cruisepassenger.com.au

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CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22

Avalon Waterways Your cruise, your way.

valon Waterways sees river cruising differently. They know that it’s not about looking a certain way, but about feeling a certain way. You’ve earned your time to breathe. The time and space to step out and see the world your way. Delight in the difference and comfort, leaving the rules behind but not the luxury. With 16 years of innovation in river cruising, backed by more than 90 years of experience in the travel industry, they’ll expertly show you a world less seen – both from the comfort of your Panoramic SuiteSM and outside of it. 52

Savour the freedom to do it all or just a little.”

Unpack once and indulge more in your own private suite aboard the river cruise ﬂeet. Drink in the view of quaint towns and villages from the unique vantage point. Tempt your tastebuds with decadent delicacies prepared by our renowned chefs. Choose your own adventure and create your own memories. Savour the freedom to do it all or just a little. With river cruises covering Europe, Asia and South America, they can help bring your dreams to life. And while the world has changed, what remains certain is Avalon Waterways’ steadfast commitment to guest safety, comfort and peace of mind.

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CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22

SAFETY

5 ways they’re keeping you safe

valon Waterways has developed a new Avalon Assurance program to safeguard the health and happiness of travellers throughout their Avalon river cruise. Avalon has established a Global Health & Safety team dedicated to ensuring that the cleanliness of all operations exceeds today’s standards from start to ﬁnish. The Avalon Assurance program currently features several major categories and protocols that span guest experience touchpoints – all of which are being shared, explored, reviewed and renewed accordingly.

WELCOME ABOARD

Please note that these guidelines may evolve, and for the latest information please visit avalonwaterways.com.au/health -and-safety.

FRESH AIR

CLEANEST SHIPS

Eighty per cent of Avalon Waterways cabins are Panorama Suites, oﬀering guests an Open-Air experience on each ship. In addition to Avalon’s Open-Air staterooms, the air in its ships is not circulated between staterooms, only within an individual stateroom and mixed with fresh, outside air.

Avalon is going above and beyond their already stringent policies with the deep-cleaning and disinfection of each stateroom during turnover, dining areas between meals and shared items such as bicycles or umbrellas after use. To further advance Avalon’s new Assurance protocols, they’re also introducing top-of-the-line Electrostatic cleaning systems and UV disinfecting systems; adding more hand sanitiser stations; replacing buﬀet and self-serve stations with crew services; and hourly disinfection (at a minimum) of all public areas.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

CREW & EDUCATION

Avalon has new embarkation procedures that provide travellers with a safe start to their journey. Among the new protocols are mandatory health screenings for all guests and crew, including touch-free temperature checks when arriving and returning to the ship, and luggage disinfection prior to boarding. Cruise Directors, Adventure Hosts, dining, housekeeping and reception staﬀ, drivers and local guides wear face masks when with guests, ensuring the spread of joy, not germs. Masks are available to guests as needed throughout your journey.

River cruising presents guests an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the world around them, docking in the heart of destinations. Avalon will continue to deliver this, with more space for social distancing including reducing ship capacity and alternative dining venues as well as providing guests and crew with masks for use as needed or required.

Ensuring a happy, healthy Avalon crew is also a top priority. Standards include required medical screenings and certiﬁcates of health, new social distancing in crew living quarters and ongoing training in PPE use and hygiene. In addition, Avalon Waterways is reviewing excursion standards and protocols with partners across the globe. Together with Avalon’s Global Health & Safety Team, guests’ safety and enjoyment remains their number one focus.

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CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22 THE FLEET At Avalon Waterways, innovation is their passion. Their vessels ooze reimagined luxury, just the way you want it. From the moment you step aboard the modern, award-winning cruise ﬂeet, you’ll know you’re in safe hands. In fact, they’re one of the youngest ﬂeets on the European waterways, which means they have curated your trip to include the largest staterooms, most innovative technologies, most inspired designs and most remarkable service possible. With their panoramic suites, world-class amenities and refreshing on-shore excursions, you’ll experience your own slice of heaven aboard Avalon Waterways.

THE CABINS The moment you step aboard, you will see their passion for detail redeﬁnes relaxed luxury. They’ve mastered the art of blending luxury with comfort and now they’re blurring the line between outside and in. Not only are their Panorama Suites℠ 30 per cent larger than the industry standard staterooms, their wall-to-wall and ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows open wider than any other, creating river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony℠ and an open invitation to discover and dream. And speaking of dreaming, in the Panorama Suites℠, they’ve turned the beds to face the window, for the sweetest dreams ever. Even if you’re a seasoned traveller, you’ve never seen the world like this.

THE FOOD From morning breakfast to elegant dinners, they free your taste buds from the ordinary. Using the freshest local ingredients, the talented chefs prepare mouth-watering recipes from the region through which you’re travelling and present them in a variety of inspiring settings accompanied with world-class wines and beers with lunch and dinner. The FlexDining℠ approach to onboard dining dispenses with strict seating times and limited restaurant options. Choose the onboard dining venue that suits your mood – from a breezy alfresco lunch at the Sky Grill, to an elegant four-course dinner in the glass-walled dining room. Wherever you choose, you’re guaranteed endless views from every vantage point with ﬂoor-toceiling windows throughout.

THE ACTIVITIES You’re invited to select the included tours, adventures and events that interest you most, so you can enjoy your cruise your way. Choose a Classic excursion and join a local expert as they guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations and the must-see sites. If you prefer immersing yourself in the destination’s unique culture with inspiring and interactive hands-on activities that are designed to speak to your interests, then choose one of their Discovery excursions. If increasing your heart rate is more your thing then embark on an Active excursion and choose from a guided jogging tour to biking, paddling and hiking your way through scenic locales.

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CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22

D EST I N AT I O N S

Where they sail

mbark with Avalon on your choice of 80 cruises on 10 rivers through 20 countries in Europe, Asia, and South America. Discover the European continent on its legendary rivers from the North Sea to the Black Sea. From the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea, discover timeless tradition and beauty on the Rhine, Danube, Seine, and Rhône – to name a few. Explore South America with a cruise on the Amazon or an expedition to the Galápagos. Discover ancient traditions on the Mekong in Southeast Asia, the sacred Ganges in India, or the mysterious Nile in Egypt. Cruise your way with countless combinations of land stays before or after your cruise.

2021 Mekong Discovery - On this unique and inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise through Cambodia and Vietnam, you’ll be immersed in the cultures and ancient traditions as you sightsee and spend time with locals in interesting places along the mighty Mekong River.

2022 Romantic Rhine - The beautiful banks of the Rhine River are spotted with vineyards, castles, and palaces. This cruise sails through stunning views of Amsterdam, Cologne, the Rhine Gorge, Strasbourg, and the Black Forest on the romantic and remarkably beautiful Rhine.

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17/11/20 2:58 pm

CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22

Carnival Cruise Line Carnival oﬀers free-spirited, family-friendly fun at great value.

ounded in the United States in 1972, Carnival Cruise Line is both the largest and most popular cruise line in the world. With 23 ships operating worldwide – soon to be 24 when the all-new Mardi Gras joins the international ﬂeet – millions of guests chose the fun of a Carnival Cruise last year. Australia’s Carnival ships, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Spirit sail year round from their respective homeports of Sydney and Brisbane. With more than 45 onboard activities to enjoy every day, both ships have been designed with fun in mind and offer families and couples fun, memorable holidays at great value.

THE FLEET

SHIP AMENITIES

Homeported in Australia since 2012 and featuring the unmistakable Green Thunder waterslide as well as 16 bars and lounges, Carnival Spirit introduced Australia to the fun of a Carnival cruise. Upon her scheduled return to Australian waters in 2021, Spirit will transition to her new Brisbane home, giving Queenslanders more opportunity than ever to experience all the fun that Carnival offers. Following an extensive Aussie transformation, Carnival Splendor arrived in her new homeport of Sydney in December 2019, becoming the newest and largest ship to call Australia home.

Carnival Cruise Line ships are packed with things to see, do, taste and try. Both ships in Carnival’s Australian ﬂeet offer a huge range of options, including the thrilling Green Lightning and Green Thunder waterslides, relaxing in the spacious adults only Serenity area, indulging at the spa or getting stuck into one of 45 possible activities a day. Carnival Cruise Line tempts passengers with more than 20 restaurants, bars and lounges on both ships offering an array of dining options from 24-hour free pizza and ice cream, tasty burgers at Guy’s Burger Joint and ﬁne dining at Fahrenheit 555 or the indulgent 12 courses of the Chef’s Table.

Carnival Spirit introduced Australia to the fun of a Carnival cruise.”

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CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22

ITINERARIES

H E A LT H A N D S A F E T Y

With two dedicated ships sailing year-round from Australia, Carnival Spirit and Carnival Splendor boast a variety of unique itineraries, from backyard experiences in Australia and New Zealand to cruises through the beautiful South Paciﬁc.

Great Barrier Reef The largest coral reef system on the planet and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is the pride of Australia. On an itinerary featuring several amazing ports, guests will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful beaches of the Whitsundays, wander through the vibrant rainforests of Tropical North Queensland and browse the numerous galleries and restaurants in the coastal city of Cairns.

New Zealand Our southern neighbour boasts mountain ranges, lakes, rivers and a long coastline of sandy beaches – perfect for both adventure seekers and nature lovers. Carnival Cruise Line guests can explore the North and South Islands by sea and discover the spectacular views of Fiordland National Park, the rich cultural history of Dunedin, the metropolitan hub of Christchurch, and the jewel in New Zealand’s crown, the Bay of Islands.

Moreton Island Moreton Island is the world’s third largest sand island. With its crystal clear lakes, abundance of rare wildlife and endless white sandy beaches, it’s an aquatic playground and marine sanctuary that can only be described as heavenly. Try quad biking on the sand dunes, snorkel through the Tangalooma wrecks and hand-feed wild dolphins.

“Our highest responsibility and top priorities are always compliance, protecting the environment, and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in communities we touch, and our Carnival employees both shipboard and shore side.” - Arnold Donald, President and CEO Carnival Corp & PLC

100% TESTING COMMITMENT 100 per cent testing of passengers and crew on all ships, with a negative test required for any embarkation.

REDUCED CAPACITY On return to service, Carnival will sail at reduced capacity to facilitate physical distancing for a COVID-safe operation.

MEDICAL STAFF IMPROVEMENTS Enhanced medical staﬃng, facilities, equipment, onboard testing capabilities, and isolation resources.

RIGOROUS CLEANING STANDARDS Enhancements to already-frequent sanitising of all public surfaces, food stations, staterooms, and public bathrooms. Nightly deep cleaning of all highly traﬃcked areas.

carnival.com.au.

Carnival will return to cruising in a carefully phased, regional approach beginning with local cruises – likely domestic itineraries for Australians only. Carnival will be guided by governments and health authorities on the appropriate time to resume sailing, and will continue to engage with governments around the country so they can play a part in Australia’s tourism recovery.

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CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22

Coral Expeditions Australia’s pioneering cruise line leads remote, immersive expeditions.

oral Expeditions leads small groups of adventurous explorers on all-inclusive expeditions in Australia and the Asia-Paciﬁc region. Known for personal service and warm local hospitality, their small ships provide an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The Australian and New Zealand crew and Expedition Team love to share their knowledge; as well as expedition lectures and interpretation, you’re welcome to join engine room tours, chat to the chef or visit the captain on the bridge. Coral Expeditions has many years’ experience exploring the wilderness areas of the Kimberley, Arnhem Land, Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania. International destinations include New Guinea, New Zealand, Indonesia, Madagascar, Seychelles, Japan and the South Paciﬁc. As an ecotourism operator, Coral Expeditions works towards environmental and sustainable tourism. Lectures and interpretation promote environmental responsibility and cultural appreciation, and small group sizes ensure there is minimal impact on the communities and environments visited.

THE FLEET

SHIP AMENITIES

Coral Expeditions has built a ﬂeet of world-class small ships, with two new ships added to the ﬂeet in 2019 and 2020. Purpose built for expeditions, they have a shallow draught for coastal exploration, and bluewater capabilities for ocean cruising. With a maximum of 120 guests on Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer, and 72 guests on Coral Discoverer, these small ships feature spacious lounge and bar areas, communal dining, and expansive open decks. A guest lounge in the open bridge welcomes you to observe the captain at work. A unique tender deployment system enables you to walk safely from the deck onto the tender for shore excursions.

Onboard, the spacious staterooms are all outside facing, and many have private balconies. Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer feature expansive Bridge Deck suites with horizon bathtubs. Decorated with large prints from Coral Expeditions explorations, Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer also feature Indigenous art collections. Coral Expeditions chefs are inspired by destination ﬂavours and prepare cuisine from fresh regional produce, while the wine cellars hold a curated selection of Australian wines and unique beers. During your expedition, enjoy educational lectures, art or photography workshops, cooking demonstrations, movie and trivia nights, between immersive destination-focused shore excursions.

Coral Expeditions chefs are inspired by destination ﬂavours.”

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CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22

ITINERARIES

H E A LT H P R O T O C O L S

Coral Expeditions itineraries focus on remote destinations that provide an experience of nature or culture that is truly immersive and authentic. Known to pioneer expedition cruising in various regions, Coral Expeditions now travels to over 40 countries and is always adding to their expedition schedule, though Australian cruising remains a focus. The Kimberley With three decades of experience, Coral Expeditions voyages in the Kimberley are imbued with local knowledge. The classic 10-night voyage between Darwin and Broome immerses you in an ancient landscape, as you discover ancient rock art, cruise up King George River to the thundering Falls, take a thrilling zodiac ride through Horizontal Falls, and shower under King Cascade. Spot wildlife and enjoy sunset drinks on remote beaches on this adventure into the Australian wilderness.

Papua New Guinea With multiple itineraries into New Guinea and Micronesia, Coral Expeditions offers exciting opportunities to explore a vibrant natural world and learn about remarkable cultures. The 12-night Forgotten Islands of Papua New Guinea itinerary from Kavieng to Cairns sails to far-ﬂung islands. Discover palm-swathed islands lassoed by dazzling beaches in the Louisiade Archipelago and be welcomed in the Bismarck Archipelago to witness heart-pumping cultural displays.

Tasmania Coral Expeditions has been exploring Australia’s island state since 2016. Coral Discoverer enters the pristine wilderness for a 10-night exploration of the south-east coast. Discover rugged mountain ranges culminating in soaring coastal cliffs, a compelling convict history and a bounty of local fare, cool-climate wines, and artisanal spirits. The itinerary goes from Hobart to the otherworldly remoteness of Port Davey, the wildlife refuge of Maria Island and the perfect crescent of Wineglass Bay

THREE-TIER SCREENING Coral Expeditions’ SailSAFE Plan takes a preventative approach. A three-tier screening process includes selfevaluation, GP visit, and PCR COVID-19 test, with negative results required to board.

ONBOARD BUBBLE The pre-screening protocol for guests and crew, including shore-support crew, creates a protected onboard bubble, while physical distancing is in place for dining, lectures and shore excursions.

MEDICAL TEAM A medical professional, with onshore medical support, joins each voyage to carry out daily health and temperature checks onboard and assist in case of any illness.

SANITISATION

A complete sanitisation plan includes the fogging of all stores and luggage, frequent sanitization of all public surfaces, crew PPE, and hand hygiene stations placed throughout the vessel.

SHORE VISITS Most shore visits are in unpopulated areas. If towns are visited, full risk assessments and shore protocols are in place, with alternative stops available if required.

coralexpeditions.com

Please note that these guidelines may evolve, and for the latest information please visit coralexpeditions.com.

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CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22

Cunard The most famous ocean liners in the world.

ounded in 1840, Cunard is a pioneer in luxury cruising. Our three exceptional ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth – carry guests in unparalleled style and our destination knowledge is incomparable. An unforgettable experience begins the moment you step on board. Our ships transport you to some of the world’s most iconic destinations, while our famous White Star Service ensures every journey is extraordinary. Sailing with Cunard, you’ll enjoy a world of freedom and possibility. Try fencing, learn to tango, listen to an astronaut, or simply relax with a cocktail in one of our beautiful atriums. Each afternoon, our white-gloved waiters serve you the perfect tea in the Queen’s Room, along with fresh scones with cream and ﬁnger sandwiches. Just one of the many experiences we hope you’ll relish. The magic is in the details – timeless interiors, spacious cabins and elegant dining are the hallmarks of Cunard – and we look forward to sharing it with you.

THE FLEET

SHIP AMENITIES

The sight of Cunard’s ships and their distinctive red and black funnels always causes a stir wherever they dock. Let Queen Mary 2, their flagship and the world’s only ocean liner, transport you on the iconic Transatlantic Crossing between Southampton and New York. On Queen Elizabeth, you’ll immerse yourself in her evocative Art Deco elegance while sailing to Australia, New Zealand, Alaska and Asia. And Queen Victoria will delight you with her elegance. Join her as you sail throughout Europe or, indeed, even a World Voyage. In 2022, Cunard welcomes a new ship to the fleet, the first new Cunarder for 12 years. With her arrival they’ll have four ships in service for the first time since 2000.

With options from healthy to hearty, when it comes to dining, the challenge is deciding. Whether it’s an unforgettable culinary experience at the Verandah restaurant, or traditional High Tea in the Queens Room, you can dine where your mood takes you. Each day onboard offers endless opportunities to try something new. Hotfoot it to a tango lesson, spend an afternoon in a martini mixology class or enjoy the blissful indulgence of a hot-stone massage. And when it comes to entertainment, the Royal Court theatres are the perfect setting for West End-calibre shows. You may also spot familiar faces, including writers, ﬁlmmakers, and even the occasional astronaut, invited to give talks for Cunard Insights program.

Each day onboard oﬀers endless opportunities to try something new."

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H E A LT H P R O T O C O L S

ITINERARIES

Cunard invites you to embark on an elegant World Voyage, visit far-ﬂung and exotic destinations or holiday a little closer to home. Australia’s Gardening Voyage December 14-22, 2021, 8 nights, Queen Elizabeth Setting sail on December 14, 2021, Cunard’s inaugural gardening voyage offers a wonderful opportunity to indulge your love of horticulture while enjoying a voyage on Queen Elizabeth in Australia’s glorious southern waters. Leading gardening experts and well known personalities will join this special eightnight voyage to share their latest knowledge and garden trends with guests during informative talks and dinners.

Southampton to Sydney January 10 – March 6, 2022, 55 nights Queen Mary 2 On this sector of Queen Mary 2’s iconic World Voyage, enjoy 55 nights onboard our ﬂagship ocean liner. Venture to Spain and Greece, before transiting the Suez Canal and making your way on to Jordan, Dubai and Sri Lanka. From there, explore the wonders of Hong Kong and Singapore, then on to Vietnam before making your way back to Australian shores where Darwin and the Whitsundays await.

North Cape and the Northern Lights October 11 – November 11, 2022, 13 nights, Queen Victoria Go in search of the ethereal Northern Lights with Queen Victoria on this 13-night adventure to far Northern Europe. Sail through the majestic Norwegian fjords including the ports of Åndalsnes and Stavanger. In the remote ports of Tromsø and Narvik, enjoy overnight stays to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and catch a glimpse of the magniﬁcent Northern Lights.

COVID-19 TESTING BEFORE EMBARKATION All guests and crew will undergo health screening and testing for COVID-19 before boarding.

CLEANING & VENTILATION SYSTEMS Every area of the ship will be rigorously and regularly cleaned and disinfected and additional hand sanitising stations will be provided. Onboard ventilation systems will be enhanced to provide improved ﬁltration and increased fresh air onboard.

FACE COVERINGS & SOCIAL DISTANCING. Everyone on board will need to adhere to the most up-to-date guidance regarding the use of face coverings and social distancing, which will be in place in all public areas

MEDICAL FACILITIES ON BOARD Medical centres operate onboard each Cunard Queen, staﬀed around the clock by fully accredited doctors and nurses to help support your health needs.

SHORE EXPERIENCES You can still go ashore and explore the amazing ports, however, initially only with organised and vetted shore experiences who will comply with all current policies and procedures.

cunard.com

Please note that these guidelines may evolve, and for the latest information please visit cunard.com/ sailing-with-conﬁdence.

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Dream Cruises Asian at heart, international in spirit.

verything Dream Cruises does is motivated by bringing their guests’ dreams to life according to their motto: “We are Dream Makers”. The brand was born of the belief that, just like them, their guests are hungry for new experiences and new discoveries. They aim to inspire guests with the ﬁnest offerings from around the world and new dreams through captivating experiences. Dream Cruises offers the most expansive itineraries in the region, bringing you the best of Asia, including perhaps the most unique destinations of them all – the ships themselves. Their modern ships are bursting with entertainment and excitement, but they’ve also left plenty of space for some much-needed relaxation. They are here to feed your imagination, to indulge your senses and to bring your dreams to life. The perfect family holiday, romantic escape or adventure leaves you transformed, happier and more inspired. So take a journey with them and let your dreams set sail.

THE FLEET

SHIP AMENITIES

With three ships in service and two new builds on the way, Dream Cruises ships are vessels for your dreams, featuring state-of-the-art technology, world class restaurants, international brand boutiques, spacious staterooms with European bed linen, and legendary service. But it’s what these things unlock and what they inspire in others that makes the Dream brand truly exciting. The Palace is a luxury ship-within-a-ship concept offering an unprecedented level of service and comfort in exclusive facilities, including the luxurious comfort of the private pool, exclusive restaurant and chic bar. Dream’s luxurious ships take you to a world far away from the distractions of everyday life from the minute you step onboard.

A delightful haven of complete peace and quiet or a grand two-bedroom villa perfect for lavishly entertaining newfound friends? It’s your dream holiday, so choose your dream accommodation. Have an international culinary experience at one of the countless restaurants; whatever your taste, they’ll serve you the best of it. Dance under the stars at an epic nightclub, marvel at a three-story 360-degree bar, rub shoulders with connoisseurs at Champagne and whisky lounges – the bar scene on Dream Cruises is one of the most fun and glamorous at sea! The programme of events, performances and signature shows will leave you rewarded, enriched and hugely entertained.

The bar scene on Dream Cruises is one of the most fun and glamorous at sea!”

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ITINERARIES

H E A LT H P R O T O C O L S

Sometimes one destination isn’t enough, so Dream’s itineraries bring you the best of Asia, with everything from beach retreats, adventure and offbeat cultural escapes to exclusive designer stores and gourmet cuisine. Embark from ports in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia or New Zealand and return with new dreams to share. Individual itineraries Dream Cruises was one of the ﬁrst cruise lines to resume operations during COVID times. Explorer Dream has been operating successfully in Taiwan for the last three months, offering short islandhopping itineraries. At the beginning of November, World Dream resumed operations from Singapore offering

domestic cruises to local residents. Dream Cruises plans to operate all their scheduled itineraries across South East Asia once all restrictions are lifted. In the interim, with their excellent health and safety protocols in place, they are able to offer safe and happy cruising Seacations where they can.

EMBARKATION & DISEMBARKATION Mandatory temperature and infrared fever screening, pre-boarding health declaration and fast-track COVID testing on embarkation. Staggered embarkation/ disembarkation to minimise congestion.

FRESH AIR 100 per cent external air is ﬁltered and supplied to all cabins and public areas. Air ﬁlters and cooling coils to be checked, cleaned and replaced as required.

GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS Frequent cleaning, sanitisation and disinfection of all cabins. Removal of food items in a timely manner. Linens professionally cleaned and disinfected at high temperatures.

PUBLIC AREAS All public areas sanitised frequently, especially during peak hours such as embarkation, disembarkation, returning from shore excursions and meal periods. Sanitiser dispensers at all venues.

FOOD HYGIENE All venues and galleys cleaned and sanitised regularly during and after service. Seating arranged for ample spacing; disposable cutlery provided on request. Buﬀet no longer self-service. Procurement from safe destinations only.

dreamcruiseline.com

Please note that these guidelines may evolve, and for the latest information please visit dreamcruiseline. com/en-au/travel-advisory-updates

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Holland America Line For Explorers. For Foodies. For Music Lovers.

or more than 145 years, Holland America Line has been introducing guests to new places and new cultures, witnessing ﬁrsthand the transformative power of travel. Those who discover with Holland America Line are endlessly curious, looking to go beyond typical tourist experiences. They’re not looking for waterslides, go-karts or roller coasters when they cruise. They are explorers who appreciate oneof-a-kind experiences with local cultural insights and unique shore excursions for an authentic experience. They are foodies who want unrivalled experiences in food, wine and spirits. They’re music lovers who appreciate the best in live music – exclusively onboard at Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Rock Room and more. And they want to pursue these passions on perfectly sized, refreshingly uncrowded ships that combine classic design with contemporary elegance – all with service that attends to every detail, every day. private, are welcoming sanctuaries featuring a host of modern details and amenities: - Complimentary 24-hour in-room dining - Daily housekeeping - Nightly turndown service - Deluxe bathrobes - Elemis Aromapure bath amenities Unrivalled culinary experiences The Culinary Council®of world-renowned chefs designs our onboard culinary experiences in a variety of dining options, including specialty restaurants, pop-up dining and the exceptional Dining Room. The epicurean discovery continues ashore with culinary shore excursions in partnership with FOOD & WINE®magazine.

THE FLEET Known for their sophisticated style, spacious public areas and wraparound decks, these perfectly sized ships always have a sunny corner that you can call your own. Each Holland America Line cruise also features gracious, friendly service from a crew whose goal is to always be available but never in the way. Their genuine warmth and personalised attention earn rave reviews that turn ﬁrst-time guests into loyal returning guests.

SHIP AMENITIES Suites & staterooms The artfully inspired staterooms, of which most are ocean-facing and many have teaklined verandahs for dining alfresco or sunbathing in 64

The best in live music Days and nights are ﬁlled with lively, soul-stirring music by an all-star cast of musicians. There’s music for every taste at Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard and more.

These perfectly sized ships always have a sunny corner that you can call your own."

Exclusive onboard activities Whether it be at the Digital Workshop powered by Windows, the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, or one of the Explorations Central (EXC™) programs and live entertainment, enjoy a wide array of engaging opportunities for exploration, entertainment and relaxation.

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ITINERARIES More than 500 carefully crafted itinerary options ranging from 1 to 128 days, visiting 100 countries and territories, sailing all seven seas. Over 470 unique ports of call – more than any other premium cruise line. Holland America Line are truly the destination experts. 32-Day Australia Circumnavigation Oosterdam: Nov 20 - Dec 22, 2021 Sydney – Airlie Beach – Townsville – Cairns – Great Barrier Reef (scenic cruising) – Darwin – Dili – Komodo Island – Broome – Exmouth – Geraldton – Fremantle (overnight) – Albany – Port Lincoln – Adelaide – Kangaroo Island – Melbourne – Burnie – Sydney

H E A LT H P R O T O C O L S 14-Day New Zealand Discovery Oosterdam: Jan 20, Feb 3 & 17, March 3, 17 & 31 Sydney – Port Arthur – Hobart (overnight) – Milford Sound – Fiordland National Park (scenic cruising) – Dunedin – Christchurch – Picton – Wellington – Napier – Rotorua – Auckland (itinerary may vary by departure) 25-Day South Paciﬁc Crossing Oosterdam: Apr 14 - May 8, 2022 Sydney – Noumea – Lifou – Lautoka – Dravuni Island – Savusavu – Pago Pago – Honolulu – Lahaina – Nawiliwili – Victoria – Seattle

HEALTH SCREENING All guests and crew will undergo health screening and testing for COVID-19 before boarding.

SANITATION PROCEDURES Expanded disinfection methods using emerging and advanced technologies that are proven eﬀective against Coronavirus and other germs plus extensive sanitisation of transfer coaches and terminals.

GUEST EXPERIENCE Responsible physical distancing in terminals, on board ships, on private island and during shore excursions, Additional handwashing facilities and hand-sanitising stations and redesigned common areas.

HEALTH CARE The award-winning Shipboard Medical Centers have facilities with critical care capabilities, and are modiﬁed with dedicated air handling systems with 100 per cent fresh air supply and HEPA exhaust ﬁltration.

VENTILATION SYSTEMS Enhanced filtration systems and other technologies to optimise air exchange rate and purification onboard plus HEPA filtration systems to key areas.

hollandamerica.com

Please note that these guidelines may evolve and for the latest information, please visit bit.ly/HALprotocols

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Hurtigruten World leader in expedition travel.

uilding on its explorer heritage dating back to 1893, Hurtigruten is perhaps best known for its operation along Norway’s western and northern coast. It expanded beyond Norway to become a leader in polar region explorations, renowned for its itineraries to Antarctica, Iceland, Greenland, the Northwest Passage and Svalbard. Today, 127 years later, Hurtigruten’s footprint includes most of the world. Being the world leader in exploration travel comes with great responsibility. Hurtigruten drives for sustainable global operations. Its business and 66

Being the world leader in exploration travel comes with great responsibility.”

sustainability ambitions link directly to several of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. It was the first major travel company in the world to ban all unnecessary single-use plastic. It banned heavy fuel oil in their ships a decade ago and advocates for a worldwide ban. It also launched the world’s first hybrid battery-powered cruise ships: MS Roald Amundsen in 2019, and MS Fridtjof Nansen in March 2020. The Hurtigruten Foundation supports various sustainability projects to ensure the guests of tomorrow enjoy the same meaningful travel experiences as the guests of today.

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SAFETY

5 ways they’re keeping you safe

o ensure all voyages are safe for both guests and crew, Hurtigruten has introduced several new procedures. Safety is their number one priority so it’s important that you understand how they work to protect against infectious diseases onboard their ships. They start with requiring a self-declaration to conﬁrm you do not have any COVID-19 symptoms and you have not had contact with anyone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days. They may refuse embarkation for guests with incomplete information to ensure the safety of you, your fellow passengers and their crew on your sailing.

GETTING ON & OFF

Please note that these guidelines may evolve, and for the latest information please visit hurtigruten.com.au/practical-information/ health-and-safety/#safer-together

SOCIAL DISTANCING

CLEANING

To facilitate social distancing, Hurtigruten will limit the number of guests in restaurants, lecture halls, swimming pool, sauna and gym. Guests will be oﬀered several time options for meals and activities. Incabin services and ﬂoor markings for appropriate distance are other measures that facilitate safe social distance for our guests and crew. You are asked to open a cruise account where all purchases are registered on a touch-free card to limit the use of cash and frequent contact with payment terminals.

In addition to thorough daily cleaning, the entire ship is fully disinfected each turn-around. During expedition cruises, we do a full disinfection of the ship every day. Public areas are disinfected with electrostatic spray proven to eliminate COVID-19. Cabins are disinfected with a disinfectant proven to eliminate viruses on all surfaces. External partners are used to implement planned and unannounced hygiene inspections on all ships. Heating, ventilation and air con ﬁlters, and the quality of the drinking water are regularly checked.

MASKS AND FACIAL COVER

HEALTH SERVICE

You must complete a self-declaration form before you travel. Negative COVID-19 tests will be required by all crew and guests before embarking on expedition cruises. A contactless fever scan to check your temperature will be performed upon embarkation and before each meal, and crew may check it again at any point during the voyage. You must disinfect your hands when embarking or disembarking. The number of people who embark and disembark the ship at any given time is regulated.

Face masks will be required for all passengers over the age of 12 during embarkation and disembarkation, in hallways, stairways, lecture halls, in the Science Center and whenever social distancing is challenged. On Norwegian Coastal Voyages, you may bring your own mask or buy medical masks on board. For Expedition Cruises, masks will be provided at no cost. Both medical and cloth masks are allowed for guests. Crew are required to wear medical masks in public areas, food handling areas, during housekeeping and maintenance in passenger cabins.

Along the Norwegian coast, a nurse is onboard as part of the crew and ships are never far from land and access to the onshore health service. Expedition ships always have a hospital, a doctor and at least one assistant nurse on board. There is also a dedicated Health & Safety Oﬃcer on board, whose task it is to coordinate and ensure the quality of infection control on board.

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CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22 THE FLEET Hurtigruten currently has 16 ships sailing on Coastal and Expedition voyages. With the launch of two hybrid-powered expedition ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, Hurtigruten has opened a new chapter in advanced and sustainable discovery. Explore the world in maximum comfort with maximum care for the environment. From the innovative hybrid engines that enable you to glide into pristine wilderness, to the elegant modern cabin furnishings, every detail is considered with your adventure in mind.

THE CABINS Hurtigruten’s superbly designed accommodations create the perfect setting to relax after a day of exploration. The most exquisite cabins on the ship, Expedition Suites, feature luxurious furnishings, private balconies, private hot tubs, and large windows for spectacular views. Expedition Suite guests enjoy separate Suite Check-in, a welcome gift, complimentary laundry service and minibar. Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of the Arctic Superior cabins; a range of bedding conﬁgurations are available. The Polar Outside cabins oﬀer incredible views and modern comforts. Cosy Polar Inside cabins (not available on Roald Amundsen or Fridtjof Nansen) mostly have separate beds where one doubles as a sofa.

THE FOOD Your voyage isn’t just about the sights and sounds; it’s a feast for all your senses. To delight your tastebuds, the team of talented onboard chefs creates sumptuous multi-course meals. On Expedition voyages, these can be enjoyed at Lindstrom, the ﬁne dining restaurant featuring classic Scandinavian design, modern art and premium comfort to set the mood. You can also dine at Aune, the ship’s main dining room, or Fredheim, an informal meeting place. The chefs craft dishes that reﬂect the cuisine of the region we are sailing in, immersing you in the culture even more. A range of tempting plant-based dishes are integrated as essential options into all menus. Norwegian coastal voyages include Norway’s Coastal Kitchen featuring local produce sourced along the 34-port route.

THE ACTIVITIES Sleep in a tent in remote and stunning Antarctica, visit amazing UNESCO sites, experience fascinating cultures, snorkel in crystalclear waters, or rush through the tundra on a dog sled. On a Hurtigruten expedition cruise, with more than 400 adventures to choose from on four different continents, you’ll be sure to find something that suits you. Onboard, join the Citizen Science Projects in the Science Center, the heart of each ship’s scientific and education activities. Alternatively work out at the gym, relax in the Wellness Center with a pampering treatment, sit in the sauna or hot tub and enjoy the scenic views or swim in the infinity pool. On Norway coastal voyages choose from over 70 different excursions with a range of seasonal experiences both at sea and on shore. 68

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D EST I N AT I O N S

Where they sail

urtigruten is the world’s largest expedition cruise line, operating from pole to pole and across the entire Arctic. They invite guests to visit the most spectacular nature and wildlife on our planet and help them experience 28 UNESCO sites. They strive for sustainable operations and destinations through their daily operations, sourcing, and partners. The footprint they leave behind is one they are proud of because, in addition to preserving these destinations, their existence contributes to positive changes and sustainable development. Hurtigruten prides itself on offering unique experiences in remote areas of the world, in a way that leaves the smallest environmental footprint possible.

2022/23 • Alaska • Antarctica • British Isles • Caribbean & Central America • Europe • Greenland • Iceland • North America • Northwest Passage • Norway • South America • Svalbard

hurtigruten.com.au cruisepassenger.com.au

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Norwegian Cruise Line Sail with the World’s Leading Cruise Line.

ail across oceans, hop around islands and Feel Free to holiday your way with Norwegian Cruise Line. Where unpacking happens once and relaxing, exploring, and superb dining can happen whenever you like. Their award-winning ships are designed for you to enjoy as you choose while cruising to beautiful destinations around the world. Feel Free to twist and shout in The Cavern Club, the legendary Liverpool club where a live Beatles cover band will have you rockin’ to classic hits. From Broadway musicals to live music and hilarious comedy, it’s showtime — all the time — on all of their ships. When it comes to settling in for the night, NCL offers a wide range of contemporary and comfortable accommodation options. With dramatic, ever-changing views from your private balcony, enjoy a new perspective almost every day. Take to the sea and ﬁnd out what it means to Feel Free.

THE FLEET

SHIP AMENITIES

Start your engines on the thrilling, two-level race track on board their newest ships — Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy – and experience all the other activities that are part of their onboard ThrillPlex zones. Catch some sun and a sea breeze along The Waterfront as you discover your favourite restaurant or bar. When the sun goes down, your evening heats up. Check out a comedy club or enjoy the best of Broadway at sea. There’s something exhilarating (or relaxing) for everyone around every corner of a Norwegian ship.

Welcome to a cuisine scene unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Dine how you want, when you want and wherever your palate leads you with a range of complimentary and specialty restaurants, and no ﬁxed dining times or pre-assigned seating. When it comes to entertainment on board, NCL sets the standard. Enjoy award-winning Broadway shows including Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Kinky Boots and Jersey Boys. Wherever you decide to unwind, there’s a choice that’s right for you – from Studios for solo travellers to Suites for families.

Dine how you want, when you want and wherever your palate leads you."

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H E A LT H P R O T O C O L S

ITINERARIES

Swim with dolphins in the blue waters of the Hawaiian Islands, witness a 30-ton whale leap out of the Paciﬁc Ocean in Alaska, or explore Europe and relive the epic battles once held at the Colosseum. Norwegian Cruise Line Shore Excursions let you experience the world around you — and on your time. 7-Day Hawai‘i, interisland from Honolulu Immerse yourself in the rich culture, incredible landscapes and delicious cuisine of Hawai‘i on this one-of-a-kind cruise from Honolulu on Pride of America. Visit four islands in seven days with overnight stays in Maui and Kaua‘i. With NCL you’re on an island each and every day, which means you’ll have plenty of time to explore on shore. This is how you Hawai‘i.

7-Day Western Mediterranean from Barcelona From the spires of Gaudi’s Grand Cathedral to ancient libraries and colosseums, this part of the world is a treat for the senses. And the best way to explore is aboard Norwegian Epic. You’ll treasure stops in picturesque ports like Cannes and Majorca. And enjoy your time at sea with Broadway entertainment and a wide variety of dining.

9-Day Baltic round trip from Copenhagen Set sail for an exciting holiday steeped in history, art and culture. Travel through Tallinn’s Old Town within the medieval city walls among watchtowers, graceful spires and winding cobblestone streets. From St. Petersburg, head to Pushkin to visit the Tsar’s Village – ranked one of the masterpieces of the art world. Experience the Baltic by land and by sea with NCL.

SCREENING PROTOCOLS All guests and crew will undergo a pre-embarkation health screening. There will be touchless temperature checks and monitoring of guests and crew throughout the voyage.

AIR FILTRATION Strategic installation of medical-grade air-ﬁlters to provide cleaner air for guests. The upgraded H13 HEPA air ﬁlters are capable of removing 99.9 per cent of airborne pathogens.

SANITATION MEASURES All ships are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to every voyage in accordance with company protocols, which are developed in partnership with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.

MEDICAL RESOURCES Onboard medical centres to be enhanced and equipped with testing kits and medical supplies, including onboard testing for COVID-19 as available.

SHIP TO SHORE

Collaborating with local destinations and tour operators around the globe to extend the line’s robust health and sanitation protocols to the shoreside experience.

ncl.com

We are constantly evolving our Safe Cruising Program - taking precautions to protect you. For the latest information please visit ncl.com/peaceofmind

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Oceania Cruises Savour the world with The Finest Cuisine at Sea®.

ceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, expertly crafted itineraries with a focus on destination immersion, and outstanding value define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product. The brand is positioned as the cruise line of choice for travellers seeking a truly refined and casually elegant travel experience aboard small, luxurious vessels. Oceania Cruises’ commitment to culinary excellence shines from beginning to end, from sourcing the highest quality artisanal ingredients and distinguished chefs from around the globe, to state-of-the-art galleys and an impressive ratio of culinary staff to guests. Each port-intensive voyage is an invitation to discover your next travel story, with extended, evening and overnight calls in a refreshing mix of marquee and boutique ports and a range of immersive land programs and shore excursions, including Go Local Tours and Culinary Discovery Tours™.

THE FLEET OceaniaNEXT signals a new era for Oceania Cruises, with its four 684-guest ships – Insignia, Nautica, Regatta and Sirena – completely transformed to reach a new level of elegance, grace and timeless design. These ships are now better than new, with entirely new suites and staterooms, and designer residential furnishings from Baker and Donghia adorning public spaces. The re-inspiration of the 1250-guest Marina and Riviera includes a tony new lounge and coffee bar, stylish designer touches, and luminous new fabrics and ﬁxtures to compliment the suites and staterooms. The atmosphere onboard is best described as elegant casual, with museum-quality art, thoughtful design choices and a courteous and relaxing pace. 72

SHIP AMENITIES From reading in the library to sipping ﬁne vintages at a wine tasting, a wonderful spectrum of enriching activities awaits. Attend an engaging guest lecture in anticipation of your next destination or learn to prepare a variety of dishes at The Culinary Center*. Embrace your inner artist at Artist Loft**, crown the night with a musical or simply lose yourself in deep relaxation with a signature treatment at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. Enjoy a romantic dinner for two at Transformed a distinctive open-seating speciality restaurant for to reach a no additional cost. Retire to your spacious suite or new level of elegance, grace stateroom oasis, which affords the ultimate in luxury. and timeless *Available onboard Marina & Riviera design.” **Available onboard Marina & Riviera and on Insignia world cruises

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ITINERARIES

H E A LT H P R O T O C O L S

Expertly crafted voyages aboard Oceania Cruises’ small, luxurious ships call on more than 450 ports across Europe, Alaska, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, New England, Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Tahiti and the South Paciﬁc, including on epic 180-day Around the World Voyages. Splendours Down Under Sydney to Auckland – 14 Days Departs January 7, 2022, aboard Regatta Enjoy a night in trendy Melbourne and visit Tasmania before reaching the dazzling shores of New Zealand, where natural marvels such as Milford Sound and the Bay of Islands offer an alluring contrast to the dynamic cities of Christchurch and Wellington. Features visits to Melbourne, Burnie, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Rotorua and the Bay of Islands.

Domes of Discovery Jerusalem to Barcelona – 22 Days Departs September 4, 2022, aboard Nautica What fuels your creative fire: art, history or music? Or simply a stunning view? You’re sure to be inspired on this extended voyage through the Mediterranean. Features overnights in Jerusalem and Venice and visits to Limassol, Rhodes, Kusadasi, Syros, Athens, Tirana, Dubrovnik, Split, Kotor, Igoumenitsa, Argostoli, Taormina Amalfi, Rome, Portofino and Marseille.

North Sea Wayfarer Oslo to Lisbon – 28 Days Departs September 13, 2022, aboard Marina Discover beguiling ports lining the Baltic Sea and across Northern Europe on this unforgettable journey, with longer stays letting you immerse yourself in destinations. Enjoy overnights in St. Petersburg and Bordeaux and visits to Stockholm, Kotka, Tallinn, Riga, Visby, Gdansk, Copenhagen, Warnemünde, Aarhus, Amsterdam, Tilbury, Bruges, Le Havre, Dublin, Cork, Biarritz, Gijon, Vilagarcía and Oporto.

ENHANCED CLEANING A 24/7 prevention schedule features continuous ship-wide disinfection and daily fogging of all suites, staterooms and public spaces utilising a natural and non-toxic hospital-grade oxidant.

AIR FILTERS Strategic installation of medical-grade air ﬁlters that can remove 99.9 per cent of airborne pathogens and are ﬁne enough to catch particles of COVID-19.

MEDICAL FACILITIES Enhanced onboard medical teams will have the latest virus-testing equipment. Each ship will have a dedicated Public Health Oﬃcer and be equipped with isolation accommodations.

HEALTH SCREENING All guests will undergo pre-embarkation health screening. New socially responsible check-in process that includes a state-of-the-art touchless temperature screening.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Partnerships with local destinations and tour operators to ensure health and sanitation protocols extend to the shoreside experience, including embarkation terminals, tour coaches, and attractions.

oceaniacruises.com

Please note that these guidelines may evolve, and for the latest information please visit oceaniacruises.com/health

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P&O Cruises Experience a place Like No Place On Earth.

ruise away with P&O Cruises Australia and discover a holiday that’s Like No Place On Earth. Enjoy days and nights ﬁlled with entertainment, relaxation and world-class cuisine. There’s so much to do but it’s your choice – to do it all or do nothing at all. There’s jam-packed family fun, activities ranging from adrenaline junkie to low-key, and perfect chill and relaxation spaces. You’ll ﬁnd something for everyone at P&O Cruises. 74

CREATURE COMFORTS Enjoy the comforts of home onboard. The only diﬀerence is you won’t have to lift a ﬁnger.

ONBOARD & ON SHORE Choose from exciting onboard activities and shore tours at every destination.

AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR GUARANTEE They’re straight up. That’s why they only bill in Australian dollars with no US dollar inﬂation, guaranteed.

MORE WAYS TO CRUISE Find the perfect cruise for you with departures from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Cairns and Fremantle.

FEAST YOUR HEART OUT Every day is a new dining experience. There are up to 12 diﬀerent dining experiences included in your fare.

ONE PRICE, ONE AMAZING HOLIDAY Your fare includes accommodation, main meals in designated restaurants, most entertainment, kids clubs and travel to amazing destinations.

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CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22

H E A LT H Y C R U I S I N G

Healthy cruising with P&O At P&O Cruises the health, safety and well-being of their valued guests, the communities they visit and their loyal crew, is their top priority. P&O’s health and safety practices have always been of the highest standard and they are working closely with some of the best minds in medical science, public health and infectious disease control to understand the challenges posed by the virus and how to best mitigate its spread. P&O will resume cruising when society is ready, with enhanced health measures developed in conjunction with government health authorities, public health experts, local ports and the Cruise Lines International Association. As Australia and the world re-opens, P&O will continue to learn and adjust their health and safety practices accordingly.

ONBOARD HEALTHCARE

ONBOARD VENTILATION

P&O will offer health checks as appropriate during the cruise for guests & crew. Crew will be trained in all COVID-19 health protocols and a team of medical staff, including highly qualified doctors, will be onboard. As far as possible, the latest COVID-19 testing capabilities, medication that improves COVID-19 clinical outcomes, and dedicated onboard quarantine rooms will be provided should they be needed.

There will be enhanced fresh air distribution into public spaces and staterooms, and fresh air supply and HEPA exhaust ﬁltration may be used in key areas such as onboard medical centres and isolation rooms.

BEFORE WE LEAVE

CLEANING & SANITISATION

PHYSICAL DISTANCING

All crew and guests will be required to complete a pre-embarkation health screening in accordance with prevailing health best practices. This may include touch-free temperature checks where necessary. Those identified to be at risk will be asked to undergo an additional health evaluation by medical staff. Ships and terminals will be thoroughly sanitised between cruises. Boarding will be staggered, managed by adjusting the flow, timing, and size of groups to ensure responsible social distancing.

At P&O, we’ve always strived to oﬀer a clean and sanitised onboard environment. We will routinely use a safe disinfectant that’s clinically proven to quickly kill novel coronaviruses. Staterooms will be cleaned daily and high traﬃc public areas will be frequently sanitised. Additional hand sanitisation stations will also be provided throughout the ship for your convenience.

Responsible social distancing will be managed by adjusting the ﬂow, timing, and size of groups. Social distancing is important on board our ships, and we encourage it where necessary.

The above protocols are still in development. You can stay up to date with our enhanced health and safety measures as they develop at pocruises.com.au/healthycruising cruisepassenger.com.au

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CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22 THE FLEET P&O is thrilled to announce the next stage of our fleet transformation. In 2021, Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will join their current flagship, Pacific Explorer. The fleet will offer the signature experiences, entertainment and programmed activities that sets a P&O cruise holiday apart. On a P&O Cruise, you’ll soon discover that there is something for everyone. Welcome to cruising Australian style!

THERE’S ROOM FOR EVERYONE From spacious family suites to sweeping ocean views, P&O has accommodation for every occasion, with soft beds, fluffy towels, and plenty of space for you to relax. The rooms have been thoughtfully designed to give you that home away from home feeling. Plus, each room is serviced daily so you can spend more time relaxing. Are you looking to indulge? Book a suite or select mini-suites and enjoy the benefits of the exclusive Byron Beach Club, the line’s new relaxation area, located on the top deck of Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter – the perfect spot for a relax ing day at sea with unrivaled ocean views. No matter how you cruise, there’s a perfect place for you on a P&O cruise.

THE FOOD Treat your tastebuds to a new dining experience every day with menus that change daily. Your cruise fare includes up to 12 dining experiences at our onboard restaurants and dining outlets where you’ll enjoy innovative, fresh and fantastic food at every meal. P&O has a range of speciality restaurants onboard so you can enjoy everything from a celebrity chef dining experience by Luke Mangan to a meal from award-winning Melbourne-based chef Johnny Di Francesco. Enjoy extraordinary dining for a nominal cover charge or à la carte pricing. Sit and savour the line’s famous coﬀee at one of the cafés or try a long-time favourite with a scoop of every ﬂavour of delicious New Zealand Natural ice cream. They’re guests’ favourites for a reason!

THE ACTIVITIES Every day, you’ll have the chance to choose from 60 exciting onboard cruise activities. Get your adrenaline rush at our adventure park at sea, P&O Edge, or unwind at the Elemis at Sea spa or simply recline on a deck chair and watch the world go by – it’s entirely up to you! After sundown, enjoy the line’s one-of-a-kind onboard parties like the Bianco White Party and the legendary P&O Gatsby Party, featuring local musicians, DJs and performers. Better yet, the whole ship is invited! In-between party nights, be sure to check out the entertainment program, which includes live music, shows, comedy and more.

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CRUISE GUIDE: 2021/22

D EST I N AT I O N S & C R U I S ES

Choose how you cruise

iscover a love for cruising on a Short Break or go further aﬁeld and enjoy the best of the South Paciﬁc Islands. With accommodation, main meals, activities, entertainment and travel to worldclass destinations included in your fare, there’s a cruise for everyone

P&O Australia & New Zealand There’s no place quite like our home. P&O will take you to some of the most spectacular destinations in Australia and New Zealand, from world-famous sights to some of our best kept secrets. Discover a whole new world right on your doorstep.

as you experience some of the most incredible and untouched spots on Earth.

P&O Short Breaks You don’t have to go on a big trip to enjoy that holiday feeling. P&O Short Breaks are only two to ﬁve nights long so you can enjoy all the fun and excitement of a cruise anytime you like.

P&O Islands For 88 years P&O has been cruising to the idyllic South Paciﬁc islands. With the most knowledgeable and respected local guides to show you the ropes, you’ll be able to stretch your horizons and relax your mind

P&O Voyages You’ll be immersed in more experiences and adventures on 13- to 18-night P&O Voyages. You can spend time taking a class, taking in natural wonders or just taking time for yourself.

P&O Main Events Enjoy the biggest events in Australia’s calendar, from Christmas to the Melbourne Cup, while holidaying on the high seas.

pocruises.com.au.

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Paul Gauguin Cruises This overwater ‘bungalow’ sails!

ahiti, Bora Bora, the Marquesas Islands, The Tuamotus, the Cook Islands... More than any other destination, French Polynesia and its South Pacific neighbours encapsulate that exotic island escape that we all dream about. Paul Gauguin Cruises have been opening the wonders of French Polynesia and the South Pacific to guests for more than 20 years, providing a relaxed and authentic immersive Polynesian experience at sea. Le Paul Gauguin’s shallow draught, nimble size and limited guest capacity, combined with luxurious amenities, genuine world-renowned Polynesian hospitality, sophisticated refined cuisine and cultural encounters, make it the perfect all-inclusive ‘overwater’ option to experience the diversity and relaxed atmosphere of French Polynesia.

THE FLEET

SHIP AMENITIES

Le Paul Gauguin is an elegant luxury vessel, especially designed for sustainable navigation in Polynesian waters. Her shallow draught allows her to get in close to shallow lagoons and isolated islands, maximising stopovers and exploration. With a 1 to 1.5 crew per guest ratio, Le Paul Gauguin is a true cocoon of personalised comfort and elegance. Its 166 tastefully decorated staterooms and suites all have external views, with 70 per cent having their own balcony or veranda. The Gauguines and Gauguins, local Polynesian hosts onboard, bring a genuine Polynesian experience throughout your voyage, sharing their culture, performing various traditional songs and dances.

All 166 staterooms and suites have external views, 70 per cent having private balconies or verandas. Guests can enjoy French and Polynesian gastronomy at one of the three restaurants, and various bar and lounge areas including one on the pool deck. The Algotherm Spa offers treatments for moments of sheer relaxation. The ship’s marina gives access to complimentary waterbased activities including snorkelling, jet ski or scuba diving (surcharge applies), and children aged seven to 15 can take part in the Moana Explorer program offering daily activities from island excursions, science activities and crafts. Guests can also access two private beaches in Bora Bora and Taha’a’s Motu Mahana, exclusive to Paul Gauguin Cruises.

Local Polynesian hosts onboard bring a genuine Polynesian experience."

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H E A LT H P R O T O C O L S

ITINERARIES French Polynesia and the South Paciﬁc Islands are among the last natural paradises on Earth. Each Paul Gauguin Cruises itinerary has been meticulously designed to allow guests to explore the pristine shores, turquoise waters, local cultures, rich marine life and idyllic landscapes of these exceptional islands in comfort and luxury. Tahiti & Society Islands Set sail on Le Paul Gauguin for an unforgettable introductory eightday voyage to French Polynesia. This wonderful cruise whisks you away to some of the region’s most iconic islands including Bora Bora and Moorea, home to exceptional coral reefs, sumptuous lagoons, pearl farms and white sandy beaches. You’ll also visit Huahine’s fascinating archeological sites and enjoy relaxing time on Motu Mahana, an idyllic private islet off Taha’a.

Society Islands & The Tuamotus This 11-day voyage lets you marvel at the world’s most beautiful lagoons in Bora Bora, and discover the ‘inﬁnite lagoon’ of Rangiroa, Polynesia’s biggest atoll with its wall of sharks and rich marine wildlife. You’ll have the chance to visit the Rangiroa black pearl farm and explore the Fakarava UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, or opt for a scenic seaplane ﬂight over the lush landscapes of Taha’a and the remains of WWII from above.

Marquesas, the Tuamotus & Society Islands A 15-day itinerary that combines the best of French Polynesia. In the Marquesas Islands, immerse yourself in Polynesian culture: ancient crafts in Fatu Hiva, sculpted works in Tahuata and 7,000 petroglyphs in Taiohae. Visit the Fakarava UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Tuamotus, dive with eagle rays, blacktip sharks and exotic ﬁsh. Visit pineapple plantations or relax on unspoilt beaches, including a private beach on Motu Mahana.

MANDATORY TESTING All guests and crew members are required to complete a mandatory PCR test prior to travelling. If test results are positive, boarding will be denied.

COVID-SAFE ZONE All boarding is controlled for guests and crew, consisting of a body temperature check and a disinfection tunnel for people, personal eﬀects and goods/ merchandise; provision of protection kits, reminder of health protocols.

ONBOARD MONITORING All onboard spaces are regularly disinfected. Also, supplied protection kits, social distancing, mandatory protection for crew and continuous air replenishment, with 100 per cent fresh air ventilation in all staterooms.

ONBOARD HOSPITAL Daily monitoring, rapid diagnosis completed by onboard doctor and nurse available 24/7. Testing and sampling carried out regularly in high-risk areas and on high-risk surfaces.

MONITORED EXCURSIONS To preserve and maintain onboard sanitary bubble, shore/land excursions only take place in COVID-safe regions.

au.ponant.com/paul-gauguin

Please note that these guidelines may evolve, and for the latest information please visit au.ponant.com/ paul-gauguin-sail-with-conﬁdence

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PONANT World Leader of Luxury Expeditions.

ONANT has been sailing the seas for more than 30 years and is currently the only cruise line to sail under the French flag. Embark on a unique concept of sea travel onboard intimate modern luxury ships with a capacity of up to 135 staterooms and suites, offering curated itineraries and authentic experiences in remote places not accessible by larger ships. Enjoy thrilling Zodiac® rides along Australia’s Kimberley coast, explore New Zealand’s rarely visited subantarctic islands, land amongst penguin rookeries in Antarctica or reach secret coves and coastlines in the Mediterranean. Onboard the world’s youngest fleet of state-ofthe-art, environmentally friendly luxury ships, enjoy refined and personalised atmosphere throughout your voyage, including French-inspired cuisine, open bar, 24-hour room service, spa facilities, outdoor pool, complimentary Wi-Fi and more.

THE FLEET

SHIP AMENITIES

The PONANT fleet is comprised of 11 small luxury expedition ships and one three-masted sailing ship. PONANT’s small-capacity ships boast 32 to 132 staterooms and suites, 95 per cent with private balconies. PONANT’s hybrid-electric polar luxury explorer vessel, Le Commandant-Charcot, is due to be delivered in 2021. The youngest and most modern fleet in the world, PONANT’s ships are designed for luxury expedition cruises and yachting. PONANT’s fleet is fitted with cutting-edge equipment to ensure both the safety of our guests and crew and, more importantly, respect and preservation of the areas and communities we visit, as part of PONANT’s zero footprint philosophy.

With French-designed contemporary interiors and ambiance onboard their ships, guests can enjoy luxury amenities, superior comfort, and personalised service – the feeling of being on board one’s own personal yacht. Enjoy reﬁned gastronomy and wine selections at various restaurant facilities, relax at one of the outdoor and indoor bars and lounges, take a swim in the outdoor inﬁnity pool, or get pampered at the spa by SOTHY’S™. PONANT’s EXPLORER series also feature Blue Eye, a multi-sensory underwater lounge. All staterooms and suites offer complimentary 24-hour room service, Hermès bathroom amenities, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Guests can enjoy... the feeling of being on board one’s own personal yacht.”

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ITINERARIES

H E A LT H P R O T O C O L S

PONANT’s luxury expedition sailings take guests to the wildest and most far-ﬂung parts of the world; from pole to pole and all the way around the circumference of the Earth. All itineraries offer immersive experiences both on and off the ship, with expert guides and lecturers available to make your trip as in-depth as possible. Australia’s Iconic Kimberley Set sail for the grandiose landscapes of the Kimberley and discover one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines – in your own backyard! Uncover billions of yearsold landscapes and ancient rock art, listen to stories of the Dreamtime and explore mangroves, home to the world’s largest living reptile. With its impressive waterfalls, sandstone gorges, and spectacular tidal phenomena, the wild lands of the Kimberley are the promise of an exceptional adventure!

Emblematic Antarctica Embark on a 10-night polar expedition cruise to the heart of the icy realm – the Antarctic Peninsula. Encounters with the wildlife will be one of the highlights of your experience: Gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins, humpback whales, seals, and a multitude of seabirds. Each day, whether on land, aboard your ship or during a Zodiac® outing, you will be surrounded by an awe-inspiring décor, ranging from icebergs to ice ﬂoe and ancient glaciers.

Expedition to Charcot & Peter I Islands Be among the few people on Earth who have approached two islands beyond the Antarctic Polar Circle, onboard Le Commandant Charcot (see image below), the ﬁrst hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by LNG. This unique itinerary will provide an opportunity to approach Charcot Island, the largely untouched island that attracts numerous seabirds, and Peter I Island, on which it’s estimated only around 600 people have ever set foot.

MANDATORY TESTING All guests and crew members are required to complete a mandatory PCR test prior to travelling. If test results are positive, boarding will be denied.

ONBOARD MONITORING

All onboard spaces are regularly disinfected, plus supplied protection kits, social distancing, mandatory protection for crew and continuous air replenishment, with 100 per cent fresh air ventilation in all staterooms.

ONBOARD HOSPITAL

Daily monitoring, rapid diagnosis completed by onboard doctor and nurse available 24/7. Testing and sampling carried out regularly in high-risk areas and on high risk surfaces.

MONITORED EXCURSIONS To preserve and maintain onboard sanitary bubble, shore/land excursions only take place in COVID-safe regions.

au.ponant.com

Please note that these guidelines may evolve, and for the latest information please visit au.ponant.com/ sail-with-conﬁdence

cruisepassenger.com.au

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Princess

Connecting you to loved ones and extraordinary destinations.

rincess understands the world is a little uncertain right now, yet when it is safe to sail again they look forward to exploring this big, beautiful world with you soon. For more than 50 years, Princess® has been taking guests to incredible destinations around the globe and they are making plans to connect you with inspiring lands and cities when the time is right. Princess® lets you get the most out of your destination with More Ashore late night departures on select ports, Local Connections exclusive shore excursions and the Across the Ditch program on New Zealand departures. Princess MedallionClass™ is expanding to more ships in the ﬂeet so more guests can enjoy a personalised and effortless holiday. Stay connected with fast and reliable Wi-Fi, order food and beverages to your location on the ship and ﬁnd your travelling companions with ease. MedallionClass™ also offers a TrulyTouchless™ experience from staggered boarding, to contactless payment and keyless stateroom entry.

SHIP AMENITIES Food: Step aboard for a wondrous culinary journey. From hand-tossed pizza and more casual dining options to dazzling multi-course gourmet dinners, you’ll ﬁnd enticing food and dining options to suit your taste. Specialty dining venues* include SHARE by Curtis Stone, The Chef’s Table Lumiere, The Salty Dog Gastropub, Crown Grill Steakhouse, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and more! *Dining venues vary by ship. See princess.com. Charges apply for specialty dining

THE FLEET The Princess fleet comprises 15 ships worldwide, and they are thrilled to introduce their newest ship, Enchanted Princess®. Enchanted Princess® offers Princess MedallionClass™, new dining experiences, the most pools and whirlpool hot tubs in the Princess fleet, world-class entertainment venues, their signature soaring Piazza and more. The Princess fleet cruising from Australia in Summer 2021/2022 includes five spectacular ships – Royal, Emerald, Sapphire, Coral and Pacific Princess®. Every Princess ship is a destination in itself, with wide-ranging amenities, elevated culinary experiences and delightful activities. 82

Accommodation Your stateroom is where you rest and recharge between adventures. That’s why every room is equipped with the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, 100 per cent jacquard-woven cotton linens and our SLEEP program created by board-certiﬁed sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus. From interior staterooms to full suites, unwind in any of the stateroom types.

Casual dining options to dazzling multi-course gourmet dinners.”

Activities / Entertainment: From being entertained at Movies Under the Stars®, The Voice of the Ocean and Broadway-calibre production shows to relaxing in the adults-only sanctuary or Lotus Spa… On a cruise with Princess®, the choice is yours.

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C R U I S E H E A LT H

ITINERARIES Princess® has taken guests to some of the planet’s most fascinating places across 380 destinations worldwide. In summer 2021-2022, explore a little closer to home. From the treasures of Australia and the cultural wonders of New Zealand to the island paradises across the Paciﬁc, discover it all with Princess®. 13-night New Zealand roundtrip Sydney Enjoy Princess®’s unique Across the Ditch enrichment program onboard, marvel at Fiordland National Park’s spectacular scenery, bask in the beautiful Bay of Islands and more.

10-night Queensland roundtrip Sydney There are wonderful adventures to be had in your own backyard. Stroll some of the world’s whitest sand, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef or explore Daintree National Park.

See princess.com for more cruises.

6-night Southern Australia Explorer roundtrip Melbourne Sip local wines in the Barossa Valley, explore Kangaroo Island on a 4WD safari or wildlife discovery and swim with sea lions or explore the rugged coastline in Port Lincoln.

HEALTH SCREENINGS

Princess is screening everyone at embarkation and requiring pre-travel testing for COVID-19. They’ll also conduct health checks throughout the cruise when necessary.

ENHANCED SANITISATION They’re thoroughly cleaning everywhere from embarkation terminals to staterooms and public areas with a safe disinfectant that kills coronaviruses.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING They’re managing group sizes in venues and staﬀ serve food at buﬀets. Where physical distancing cannot be maintained, guests will be required to wear masks.

MEDICAL CARE Princess is fully prepared, with a highly capable medical team and critical care facilities, as well as COVID-19 testing on all ships.

VENTILATION

They’re maximising fresh air and enhancing air ﬁltration within the ships’ HVAC systems. Air is replaced throughout public spaces and staterooms every ﬁve to six minutes.

princess.com

Princess continues to adapt to the ever-evolving situation. More details about health and safety protocols will be available closer to departure, so you have the most up-to-date information.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises An Unrivalled Experience™.

egent Seven Seas Cruises is the leading luxury cruise line, delivering An Unrivalled Experience™ for more than 25 years. Guests enjoy all-suite accommodation, nearly all with private balconies, which are among the largest at sea, as well as highly personalised service throughout lavish public areas and expansive outdoor spaces. Unique to Regent, unlimited complimentary shore excursions are available in every port, making it the only truly all-inclusive cruise line. Fares also include specialty restaurants and alfresco dining venues, ﬁne wines and spirits, entertainment, unlimited internet access, free valet laundry, pre-paid gratuities, transfer between hotel and ship and one-night, pre-cruise hotel packages for guests staying in Concierge-level suites and higher.

THE FLEET

SHIP AMENITIES

Regent’s award-winning fleet delivers style and class from bow to stern, throughout every region of the world. The line’s five immaculate, spacious, exquisitely appointed ships are the pinnacle of safety and refinement, where there’s never a crowd and every luxury is included. Carrying no more than 750 guests, the line’s spacious and stylish ships – Seven Seas Splendor™, Seven Seas Explorer®, Seven Seas Mariner®, Seven Seas Voyager® and Seven Seas Navigator® – form The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet. Regent’s newest ship, Seven Seas Splendor™, is the next iteration of luxury cruising, from her elegant décor to the crowning 412-square-metre Regent Suite — she is luxury perfected.

Regent’s luxurious ships feature all-suite accommodation that range from 28 to 412 square metres and are complemented by private, furnished balconies. Stroll about the ships and you’ll ﬁnd beautiful, curated works of art accentuate the understated elegance and superior craftsmanship of a true home away from home. Nothing elevates travel quite like cuisine. Enjoy authentic and delectable dishes from a choice of seven specialty dining options and complement time onboard with as many shoreside tours and experiences as you wish with Regent’s FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions or pre- or post-cruise land programme on select sailings.

Enjoy authentic and delectable dishes from a choice of seven specialty dining options."

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ITINERARIES

H E A LT H P R O T O C O L S

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the ideal way to experience the history and culture of the world’s most magniﬁcent destinations with sailings ranging from seven nights up to 143 nights. Spend more time exploring ashore with early arrivals, late departures and many overnight stays in port. Stunning fjords & powerful tsars Copenhagen to Stockholm Seven Seas Splendor® July 8, 2022 | 18 nights Up to 72 free shore excursions Charmed countrysides and quaint medieval towns awaits you in this voyage from Copenhagen to Stockholm onboard Seven Seas Splendor. Northern Europe is a wonderland of past and present stories, often gilt with myth and magic, priming each port of call with new memories yet to be unveiled.

Ancient temples & sacred sites Round trip Tokyo Seven Seas Explorer® March 14, 2023 | 14 nights Up to 40 free shore excursions The arrival of cherry blossoms in the spring has been an important part of Japanese society for more than a thousand years. This round trip sailing from Tokyo will fully immerse you into the Japanese lifestyle and culture. Enjoy a FREE three-night land programme.

AIR FILTERS Installation of medical-grade air ﬁlters that are capable of removing 99.9 per cent of airborne pathogens and are ﬁne enough to catch particles of COVID-19.

MEDICAL FACILITIES Enhanced onboard medical teams will have the latest virus-testing equipment. Each ship will have a dedicated Public Health Oﬃcer and be equipped with isolation accommodations.

HEALTH SCREENING All guests will undergo pre-embarkation health screening. New socially responsible check-in process that includes a new state of-the-art touchless temperature screening.

SHORE EXCURSIONS Partnerships with local destinations and tour operators to ensure health and sanitation protocols extend to the shoreside experience, including embarkation terminals, tour coaches, and attractions.

rssc.com

Please note that these guidelines may evolve, and for the latest information please visit rssc.com/ HealthSafetyProtocols

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OUR 2020 WINNERS

NEWCOMERS & OLD FAVOURITES

elcome to our Readers’ Choice Awards for this, the most extraordinary year in our 25 years of publishing. We thought long and hard about whether we should run these awards at all, given 2020 saw only three months of cruising. But we know how much our readers and the cruise lines look forward to the results so they can use them to choose their next journey or improve their services. Votes this year were down on our usual numbers, for perfectly understandable reasons, but our readers answered 42,000 questions and spent an average 8.5 minutes giving us their views.

As well as our usual questions, we also asked who handled the pandemic best. We loved the comments about individual crew members. And while we’ve picked out the best, the most common comment was: “They were all great, so nominating one individual is impossible.” You’ll find those winners on pages 18 and 19. To those who took our survey, our heartfelt thanks. We know cruise lines will study your verdicts, so you’ve helped fellow cruisers and the industry through a difficult time. We would also like to thank our regular sponsor Singapore Airlines. All of us will be back next year, when our awards night will return. Peter Lynch, Editor-in-Chief

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is the line that set a new standard •in This luxury cruising: perfection. Now, for

cruıse READERS’ CHOICE passenger

the ﬁrst time, ultra-luxury brand Regent Seven Seas Cruises has snared the gong for the most prestigious and coveted award in the luxury sector. What sets the line apart is its highly personalised service and attention to detail in everything from its cuisine, suites, amenities and range of activities onboard to the immersive destination experiences on shore. You will dine well on RSSC ships, at the main dining room Compass Rose or at chic French restaurant Chartreuse. After dinner, head for the Constellation Theatre to be mesmerised by lavish stage productions or meander to the Connoisseur Club for another Regent tradition – cognac and a cigar. RSSC has 148 new voyages, including world cruises, in 2022 and 2023, with 17 maiden calls at ports across Arabia, Asia, North America, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED / PONANT

Luxury line Ponant oﬀers expedition •cruises with more than a touch of

Left: Minigolf and Champagne on RSSC. Above: Fine dining on Ponant.

French chic to some of the most remote parts of the world. One of the most talked-about features of Ponant ships is the underwater lounges with windows giving passengers a whale’s eye view of the sea life outside, for a multi-sensory underwater experience of wild destinations including Antarctica and the Kimberley.

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WINNER

is Australia’s favourite type •of This cruising, so it’s hardly surprising there are lots of contenders. But, once again, Princess Cruises has been awarded Best Premium Cruise Line. The line’s onboard food, cocktails, fun activities and Broadway-class entertainment all at affordable prices, are just some of the reasons Cruise Passenger readers are such big Princess fans. Some of the tempting dining options include Share by Curtis Stone, the Chef’s Table, Salty Dog Gastropub and the classic Crown Grill Steakhouse. The line has unveiled plans for its 2021-22 Australian season, with Royal Princess and Coral Princess cruising in local waters, the return of Emerald Princess and Sapphire Princess, and the first world cruise on Coral Princess setting sail from Australia in 2022. The reshuffle of ships will see Ruby Princess and Majestic Princess head to Alaska and North America, and Diamond Princess leave Asia.

Above: An ondeck massage on Princess. Below: Viking Star.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / VIKING

For an ocean line that is just five •years old, Viking has managed to set a new benchmark in this category. Nudging luxury, its catchphrase “No kids and no casinos” absolutely nailed the premium cruise market around the world and Australia is no exception. With its streamlined Scandinavian design and ambience combined with an all-inclusive experience, Viking is fast becoming a favourite among Australian cruisers. Its ocean-going fleet offers itineraries to Australia, Asia and Alaska on 930-passenger ships – the right size, according to our surveys, for postpandemic cruising. cruisepassenger.com.au

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BEST CONTEMPORARY LINE P&O CRUISES cruıse READERS’ CHOICE passenger

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For the fifth year in a row, homegrown line P&O Cruises has taken the title of Best Contemporary Cruise Line. The sale of two favourites, Pacific Dawn and Pacific Aria, while sad, makes way for new vessels Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter to join the modernised fleet in 2021. P&O’s contemporary style of cruising is exemplified through diverse dining experiences, including concepts from Australian chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan and award-winning Melbourne-based chef Johnny Di Francesco. There will also be exciting new spaces like the Byron Bay Beach Club and live music venue the Blue Room onboard Pacific Adventure. Flagship cruise liner Pacific Explorer stays contemporary with cool onboard features and partnerships with fresh Australian companies, like the Archie Rose dedicated gin bar, based on the Sydney distillery. P&O has also pioneered new destinations, building infrastructure in Papua New Guinea. 90

Above: P&O at sail. Below: FlowRider on Royal Caribbean.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Royal Caribbean’s onboard activities, •such as surf simulator FlowRider, the Aqua Theatre, laser tag arena, zip lines, trapeze school and sky diving simulator iFly, are a testament to the cutting edge and innovative nature of the line. Contemporary food options are also to be expected, with Ovation of the Seas offering 18 eateries, ranging from Jamie Oliver’s Italian to experimental venue Wonderland.

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BEST ADVENTURE CRUISE LINE PONANT WINNER

whale watching on a Zodiac •toFrom kayaking in the Norwegian fjords, French luxury line Ponant takes great pride in giving guests the finest experiences at sea in the most rugged parts of the world. With its fleet of small expedition ice-breaker ships carrying experienced expedition leaders, Ponant traverses the world from Antarctica to Papua New Guinea, taking passengers to distant regions to immerse themselves in unspoilt nature. Its Explorer-class ships can accommodate up to 184 guests and operate with a crew of around 112. They are contemporary in design, each with two restaurants and a spa, and are designed to provide absolute comfort for passengers. The line’s latest environmentally friendly ship, Le Bellot, which runs on liquefied natural gas and electric generators, is scheduled to debut in April next year.

Right: Hurtigruten under the Northern Lights. Below: Ponant in South Georgia.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / HURTIGRUTEN

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Norwegian line Hurtigruten was once used as the country’s postal ferry service but it has evolved into a sophisticated, environmentally friendly brand that takes guests on expedition cruises all over the planet. What’s so special about Hurtigruten is that on expedition trips, there are naturalists, lecturers and working laboratories onboard rather than casinos.

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BEST LINE FOR ACTIVITIES ROYAL CARIBBEAN WINNER

• The line with the largest cruise ships

in the world has been named the best for activities for the fifth year running, and no wonder. All Royal Caribbean ships offer the most contemporary and innovative activities for the whole family. Australian favourite Ovation of the Seas is set to impress for another season with fun features including the iFly, for a skydiving-like thrill; the North Star’s panoramic view of the sea; and famous surf simulator FlowRider. Quantum of the Seas has a bold lineup of activities for her first Australian season, with iFly, North Star and FlowRider, as well as laser tag, and mind-bending puzzles in an all-new Royal Escape Room. Serenade of the Seas is home to a mini-golf course, rock-climbing facilities, cooking classes and plenty of activities for the little ones at Adventure Ocean.

Left: An arial performer on Carnival. Below: Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Storm waterslide.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE Coming in a close second, Carnival •Cruise Line offers something for

everyone onboard, with the steepest waterslide at sea, dive-in poolside movies, Cloud Nine Spa, painting and jewellery design workshops, video game arcade and more. Carnival sets family fun activities at the top of its priority list.

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BEST FOR FAMILIES CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE cruıse READERS’ CHOICE passenger

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At a time when many lines have abandoned families in favour of the lucrative older markets, Carnival Cruise Line’s welcoming familyorientated approach to cruising is a winner. Carnival cruises offer an array of activities and entertainment onboard, as well as dining options for even the pickiest of eaters, all at an affordable price. Carnival Spirit and Carnival Splendour are both sailing Australia for the 2021 summer season and are equally packed with wholesome family fun – a Carnival upper deck is the closest thing to an amusement park at sea. Carnival Spirit features the Green Thunder waterslide, Hasbro the Game Show, and a collaboration with Dr Seuss. Dining options like Pizza Pirate and Swirls keep the young and young at heart smiling on long sea days. Carnival Splendour also offers minigolf and dive-in movies. Carnival may not have every whiz bang go-faster goody or tech delight, but they know how to make mums, dads and kids feel at home.

Above: Sweet treats for kids on Carnival. Below: Pacific Explorer at sea.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / P&O CRUISES

Kids’ clubs, waterslides, adventure •parks, sports, talent time, music lessons and more are present on each and every P&O cruise. Parents can send the kids off for a full day of entertainment or join them in a variety of activities and shore excursions for whole-family fun. But it’s not just about children. Check out any deck on a P&O ship, and you’ll find multi-generational cruising. Yep, grandma and grandad will also be there,

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BEST OCEAN LINE PRINCESS CRUISES cruıse READERS’ CHOICE passenger

2020

WINNER

It’s the fifth year in a row that •Princess has won this prestigious award. And perhaps, after eight months that have seen the line attract all the wrong headlines because of the global pandemic, it is the sweetest victory of all. Australia has long had a love affair with this premium line. Earlier this year, Princess revealed its commitment to the Aussie market with the announcement that Royal Princess, Emerald Princess, Sapphire Princess, Coral Princess and Pacific Princess are returning for the 2021/22 wave season, making it Australia’s biggest homeported line by far. Along with the fabulous entertainment of Broadway shows, fine-dining restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs, and decadent accommodation, Princess’s ships are also bringing its Medallion technology to the region. Every guest is given a piece of wearable technology called the OceanMedallion which unlocks their staterooms, orders food and drinks from anywhere on the ship and plans their shore excursions. Further abroad, Princess sails to nearly every corner of the earth with itineraries to the Americas, Europe and the Caribbean. Their latest ship, Enchanted Princess, boasts the new lavishly furnished Sky Suites, which can accommodate five guests, offer the largest suites at sea and come with a butler for hosting your own private dinner parties. 94

Above: Princess at sea. Left: Royal Caribbean’s pool deck.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / ROYAL CARIBBEAN

family friendly line, which boasts •theTheworld’s biggest ships, has been voted Australia’s second favourite brand. In 2021, we will have Quantum of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, visit our shores. Like Ovation of the Seas, she has fantastic rides and activities like iFly and FlowRider, as well as a large range of dining options including Tuscan delights at Jamie’s Italian.

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BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE VIKING CRUISES WINNER

Founded by Norwegian billionaire •Torstein Hagen when he purchased four ships in Russia in 1997, Viking Cruises has grown into the world’s leading river cruise line. All its ships are identical – with clean, Scandinavian design, lightfilled staterooms and expansive public spaces – which makes return cruisers feel instantly at home. Viking ships are spacious, catering for about 190 guests on each ship. The line takes pride in “no nickel and diming” so wine and beer are included during meal times along with at least one complimentary shore excursion at each destination. Viking river ships sail in Europe, Egypt, Russia and Asia and, from 2022, in the USA. The new Viking Mississippi will sail the eponymous river and visit seven US states on four itineraries.

Left: Avalon’s Panorama Suites. Below: Avalon on the Rhine.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / AVALON WATERWAYS Waterways is known for •itsAvalon one-of-a-kind Panorama Suites,

with wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows for the best views on the water. Its fleet of river ships sail in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, and offer a variety of special interest cruises. It also introduced Active & Discovery sailings, in which excursions are tailor-made to guests’ activity level preferences, ranging from energetic experiences to interactive discoveries.

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BEST LUXURY RIVER CRUISE LINE AVALON WATERWAYS WINNER

For the second year running, Avalon •Waterways has taken the gong for Best Luxury River Cruise Line, thanks to the ambience of relaxed luxury onboard its fleet. The line takes pride in providing excellent food, unstuffy service and impeccable attention to detail. Avalon’s offering of themed cruises and shore excursions catering for guests’ preferred level of activity is what sets the line apart. Avalon has also fine-tuned the design of its Panorama Suites, in which the beds face the wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows for the best river views and guests can choose the firmness of their beds and pillows. Its flexible dining options with no strict seating times mean guests have the freedom to decide where and when they dine – from an alfresco lunch at the Sky Grill to a four-course dinner in the dining room.

Left: Scenic Opal. Below: Avalon Passion.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / SCENIC

Scenic has grown from a river cruise •company to a river, ocean and tours group but river cruising in its Spaceship fleet is still what it is best known for. Its all-inclusive river cruises have long been a favourite – though new contenders in the market and a few missteps in its treatment of passengers during the pandemic have eroded its position.

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BEST FOR DINING OCEANIA CRUISES cruıse READERS’ CHOICE passenger

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dedicated culinary journeys •andWith an onboard cooking school, it comes as no surprise that Oceania Cruises has won the award for best dining for the fourth year running. Sailing on the luxurious fleet, guests will enjoy signature specials from the godfather of French cuisine, Jacques Pepin, and fabulous Asian fusion at Red Ginger nightly. Meal variety is essential and menus change daily, offering choices of at least ten appetisers, soups and salads and twelve mains at dinner. Other dining options available to suit a range of individual tastes include The Bistro, Toscana, Polo Grill, Terrace Café and Waves Grill, as well as complimentary room service. Oceania also won praise for culinary shore excursions such as visits to local markets with the ship’s chef to find fresh produce and make local dishes.

Above: Strawberry tart from Oceania. Right: Signature dessert on Princess.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / PRINCESS CRUISES

The wide variety of dining options •onboard a Princess Cruises ship earns the line a Cruise Passenger highly commended nod. Not only does Princess boast Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity chefs but the signature food offerings of all kinds always hit the spot. The Designed for Fresh motto is evidenced in every meal.

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BEST FOR BEST SPA/WELLNESS PRINCESS CRUISES cruıse READERS’ CHOICE passenger

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WINNER

The Lotus Spa onboard Princess •Cruises’ fleet has a reputation among those who love being pampered. As well as traditional treatments like facials and hot stone massages, the cruise line also offers its guests access to a special aromatherapy thermal suite called The Enclave. This VIP area has a dedicated hydrotherapy pool, therapeutic jets as well as a Turkish-style bath called a hammam. In adults-only retreat The Sanctuary, couples can indulge in their own private cabana where Princess serves their specialty spa cuisine, consisting of lighter and fresher dishes. The standout feature in The Sanctuary is the option of an open-air massage while you watch the sea roll by. The Lotus Spa Fitness Centre has spinning classes available as well as access to weights and treadmills but to achieve the ultimate zen, Princess offers special yoga classes and tai chi sessions on the deck. 98

Above: On-deck yoga with Princess. Right: The thermal suite on Holland America.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / HOLLAND AMERICA LINE A newcomer to the category, premium •Holland America Line gets a nod for the luxurious pampering services it offers. Its Greenhouse Spa & Salon has exotic pampering skin, body and hair treatments on its menu. On certain Holland America Line ships, you’ll find spa suites and staterooms located in quiet enclave of the ship so guests can spend their voyage relaxing.

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BEST FOR SERVICE REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES WINNER

White-gloved butlers and •impeccable hospitality have put luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises in top spot for best service for the second year in a row. While every cruise line offers fantastic hospitality, Regent goes above and beyond with its luxury offerings. With each suite comes a personal butler who will cater to your every whim, restock the mini-bar with premium wines and liquor of your choice, unpack and launder your clothes, shine your shoes and ensure your freshly made up room is waiting for you when you return from your day exploring in port. Staff also shine in public areas. In the dining room, the maître d’, the sommelier and the wait staff make each dining experience feel like guests are in a Michelin-starred restaurant. And should you desire anything that’s not on the menu, the staff will cater to the best of their ability.

Right: A Cunard crew member. Below: A butler on Regent.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / CUNARD Known for its Art Deco interiors, •sweeping ballrooms and grand

staircases, traditional luxury line Cunard has lovely, obliging service. Guests in the Grill Class experience exceptional assistance and Cunard’s charming bell boys, decked out in the red uniforms, are unmissable for their iconic attire as much as for their attention to detail.

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BEST SHORE EXCURSIONS PRINCESS CRUISES WINNER

cruise lines exploring more of •theWith world, brands have gone above and beyond to offer their guests immersive and educational shore excursions. This year, Princess Cruises has again won this category, one that is incredibly important to Cruise Passenger readers. While the line offers fabulous excursions to the top food and wine destinations in the world, unspoiled natural environments, and culturally and historically important sites, Princess also takes their guests to communities that need support the most. At the beginning of 2020, Princess took guests to visit the bushfireravaged South Australian destination of Kangaroo Island. Guests on Sun Princess were welcomed with open arms by local tour operators, who took them to some of the island’s natural wonders as well as to visit local food and wine providores.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / VIKING CRUISES

With one included in the price at •every destination, and with destination a focus of their river, ocean and (soon) expedition cruises, Viking’s shore excursions cover a wide range of interests. Whether you love arts and culture, adventure activities or food and wine, Viking offers it all. The line also advises the fitness level of each activities, which is incredibly handy.

Right: Viking in Dubrovnik. Below: A Princess foodthemed excursion.

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BEST THEMED CRUISES P&O CRUISES cruıse READERS’ CHOICE passenger

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WINNER

It’s no surprise that Australia’s •homegrown cruise brand has won this year’s award for best themed cruises. Sailing out of Brisbane and Sydney, P&O Cruises offers short voyages themed around food, sport and comedy. One of the favourites is the annual State of Origin cruise, which sees fans from both Queensland and NSW come onboard alongside famous footy players from the Blues and the Maroons, who will be available for photo and autograph opportunities as well as Q&A sessions. P&O hosts an annual cruise to the Melbourne Cup, the race that stops the nation, with an onboard lineup of fashion, entertainment and culinary delights. The line also hosts comedy cruises, with an impressive lineup of Aussie comedians and a partnership with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival that includes an exclusive comedy show for P&O guests at Melbourne Town Hall.

Above: An Elvisthemed P&O cruise. Right: A Christmasthemed Royal Caribbean cruise.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Royal Caribbean cruises around the •world offer guests interesting themed sailings. Organisations and production companies charter ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet to host cruises with themes such as country music, holidays and motorbikes. There are even tattoothemed cruises where you can get inked onboard if you dare.

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BEST CABINS NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE cruıse READERS’ CHOICE passenger

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WINNER

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest •ships have some of the most stunning accommodation at sea. Staterooms are spacious and sophisticated, and filled with useful amenities like USB ports. Club balcony suites, family balcony and balcony staterooms all have comfortable seating areas, convertible drop down beds and plenty of storage space, making them perfect for a family of four. The high-end suites in Norwegian Cruise Line’s exclusive VIP area, The Haven, come with their own sitting rooms and dining areas and are beautifully appointed with unique pieces of artwork. Select Norwegian ships also offer award-winning studios that are designed and priced for singles. 102

Top: Norwegian’s Haven-level suites. Above: A Viking stateroom.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / VIKING CRUISES

Once again, Viking Cruises’ loyal •followers highly ranked their clean, sophisticated and chic stateroom designs. The warm pinewood finishes combined with modern fixtures make Viking staterooms a classic, and the most welcoming place to start and finish a day of cruising.

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BEST FOR SUSTAINABILITY HURTIGRUTEN WINNER

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Former postal carrier service line Hurtigruten is leading the charge of creating environmentally sustainable options for the future. The Norwegian line recently unveiled MS Fridtjof Nansen, featuring a revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system. She is a sister ship to the hybridpowered Roald Amundsen, launched last year. Roald Amundsen is propelled by electric motors and internal combustion engines, which the line claims cuts fuel consumption by 20 per cent. Across the fleet, guests won’t find any unnecessary single-use plastic items onboard and can forgo having their room cleaned every day to save on supplies and water. The line has plans to roll out more hybrid ships that are battery operated and also run on fuel from dead fish and organic waste. Hurtigruten has signed a long-term agreement with Norway-based Biokraft to supply climate-neutral liquefied biogas.

Left: A Viking excursion on Lofoten Island. Below: Roald Amundsen in Antarctica.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / VIKING CRUISES

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Viking Cruises has pledged to work towards a more sustainable future. In 2018, the Scandinavian line announced that it would build two more ships at Vard Holdings Limited, which is known for constructing the world’s most environmentally friendly ships. Its focus on natural environments at destinations – with education and thoughtful excursions – is another plus.

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BEST ENTERTAINMENT PRINCESS CRUISES WINNER

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For the fifth year in a row, Princess Cruises takes the crown for the best entertainment at sea. The one-of-a-kind Princess productions are a combination of vibrant stage sets and international performers playing out modern hits and timeless classics in state-of-the-art Princess theatres and right across the ship. With rock ‘n’ roll, magic, opera, pop and a few interesting crossovers, Princess cruises have it all. The Grammy Award-winning composer of Wicked, Steven Schwartz, has created an exclusive musical for Princess ships called Magic to Do, featuring a mash up of the best musical numbers from his Broadway shows, along with a few originals. Less formal but equally entertaining shows include world class magicians and illusionists, top comedians, live music, disco deck parties and street entertainers in the piazza.

Left: P&O’s Sideshow Alley. Below: Performers in the Princess Theatre.

HIGHLY COMMENDED / P&O CRUISES

true to their catchphrase, •‘Ain’tStaying no party like a P&O party’, the homegrown line has slid into second place. Next year will see Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure join Pacific Explorer and ready to entertain. Comedy, ’80s, Elvis Presley and country-music themed cruises are all on the P&O agenda for 2021.

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BEST AUSTRALIAN PORT SYDNEY WINNER

Sailing into Sydney Harbour is a •bucket list item for many keen cruisers.

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Arriving at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in the heart of the city, guests step off their ships straight into historical area The Rocks, within walking distance of high-end and high-street shopping and fine restaurants with views of the busy harbour. Outside the city, Inner West suburbs are buzzing hubs filled with breweries, op-shops and trendy cafes, and in the opposite direction lies Bondi’s worldfamous beach. With the addition of White Bay cruise terminal, Sydney can host a range of cruise ships in all sizes, and the proximity of both terminals to train stations and the airport makes it easy to transit domestically and internationally.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED / BRISBANE Queensland’s capital will soon •have a new cruise terminal at

Luggage Point. The opening has been delayed, but when it opens, world-class ships will homeport and visit here for sailings to the South Pacific and elsewhere in the state, including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Great Barrier Reef. The city itself is a modern metropolis.

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BEST TRAVEL AGENT BICTON TRAVEL

2020

WINNER “No doubt 2020 has been one of the •most challenging years for the travel

Carole Smethurst with son and co-owner Phil.

industry, but the industry has proven how resilient and important we are for millions of travellers. The personal relationships we’ve built with travel partners over 20 years have eased some of the challenges

in this year of refunds and cancellations. Without our dedicated team and trusted partners, we couldn’t do what we do to assist our loyal clients. Thank you to our clients and readers of Cruise Passenger for once again acknowledging the important role accredited travel agencies provide to the wider community.” – Carole Smethurst, owner. cruisepassenger.com.au

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LAST WORD

here’s been a high tide and Piazza San Marco is criss-crossed with raised wooden walkways. The exquisite façade of the Duomo, with its prancing bronze horses, is reflected in a still pool of seawater like a mirror. A moody, grey mist hangs in the air. Venice is almost empty at what should be a grand finale to Europe’s summer season. Just a few clusters of tourists wander around. Some say they’ve never seen the city so beautiful and indeed, there are benefits, provided you’re not trying to make a living. The queue to get into the Doge’s Palace is tiny; normally, it would snake around the block. There are no gondolas under the Bridge of Sighs. Fish are clearly visible in the greeny-blue canals. I ask Piero, a local guide, what the mood is like here. “Too many tourists, now not enough tourists,” he shrugs. “Nobody is satisfied.” While the focus at present is on COVID, before the pandemic, overtourism was the hot topic in Europe, with Venice at its heart and cruising seen as the culprit. The No Grandi Navi (No Big Ships) campaign in Venice continues to push for vessels measuring more than 40,000 gross tons to be banned from the Venetian Lagoon and the Giudecca Canal, the waterway that takes ships right past Piazza San Marco. Some 6,000 workers who depend on cruising for an income staged a protest in October to keep cruise ships coming to Venice but the anti-cruise sentiment – and the conscience of the cruise lines – is already having an effect. Royal Caribbean, for one, will homeport Rhapsody of the Seas

Grazie mille, cruise What’s Venice like without the crowds? A bit like spaghetti without the bolognese, says Sue Bryant. The issues, nonetheless, are multiple, according to No Grandi Navi. Pollution, waves that erode the ancient pilings on which the city is built, and the risk of accidents like the one in 2019, when MSC Opera crashed into Uniworld’s River Countess, docked on the Giudecca. But the anti-cruise lobby is up against powerful forces. For a start, Italy is a major ship builder, producing many of Carnival Corporation’s ﬂeet at the Fincantieri shipyard. The world’s biggest cruise

“Too many tourists, now not enough tourists,” he shrugs. “Nobody is satisﬁed.” at Ravenna, 150 km to the south, instead of Venice in 2021. Trieste is another option but it’s nearly two hours’ drive, which puts paid to a quiet wander ashore after dinner. Cruise passengers, in any case, are only part of the problem; Venice receives 30 million visitors annually, but only 1.23 million of these arrive on cruise ships. 106

operator has contributed an estimated €30 billion over 30 years through its partnership with the yard. Italy’s prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, was a guest (virtually, of course) at the launch of Carnival Corporation ship, Enchanted Princess, in September at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone, just outside the city.

Of course, Venice looks lovely without the crowds. Slow, sustainable tourism with a focus on local products and, ideally, a ban on selﬁe sticks, would be the dream as we emerge from the pandemic. Perhaps a tourist tax, or a more sensible distribution of visitor arrivals, as Dubrovnik has done, is the answer. But the city is dying. It’s so expensive that Venetians themselves don’t want to live there; the population has declined from 175,000 after the second World War to around 52,000 now. While La Serenissima without the tourists is undeniably atmospheric, it’s a bit sad, too. A string quartet valiantly scratches out Strauss waltzes to a handful of day trippers sipping €9 cappuccinos outside the famous Caffè Florian. Even the gondoliers, my guide says, are offering discounts. Most of them look grumpy, so I don’t approach them to try my luck. Cruise lovers are certainly missing Venice this year. But maybe Venice – like so many cities around the world – is missing cruise passengers, too.

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18/11/20 3:09 pm

ABOVE AND BEYOND Right now, the cruise industry is working to redefine health measures globally so that itâ€™s ready when the time comes to resume sailing.

Working in tandem with medical experts and health authorities globally, the industry is striving to learn as much as possible from the global pandemic and exceed community expectations in its response.

Cruise lines are making significant changes in their operations, so they can move forward responsibly as the world recovers from COVID-19.

Visit www.cruising.org.au for more information about the important work the cruise industry is doing.

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16/11/20 9:57 am

MORETON ISLAND, BRISBANE

Q U E E N S L A N D, A U S T R A L I A’ S PA R A D I S E F O R C R U I S I N G Queensland is famously known as the place where life is “beautiful one day, perfect the next”. It’s a destination that boasts spectacular scenery and unparalleled nature experiences. The amazing variety of natural beauty – including five World Heritage listed sites, stunning beaches, tropical islands, vast Outback and ancient rainforest – establishes Queensland as the ideal place to experience the best of Australia. With 14 cruising destinations along the coast, a year-round calendar of events, unique nature and wildlife and exhilarating adventure experiences, Queensland is ready to welcome you.

QUEENSLAND.COM

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16/11/20 10:02 am