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Keen-eyed cruisers, including one of my viewers, had earlier this week noticed that Carnival Australia voyages for the month of January were no longer available for booking. Previously, the cruise line had suspended their Australian voyages into mid-January, but as of yesterday, that suspension has officially been extended once more. The official announcement confirms that Carnival Splendor voyages from Sydney have been suspended through to and including February 7 2022, while Carnival Spirit sailings from Brisbane through to and including February 20 2022 also got the chop.
The cancellation is highly disappointing, to say the least. It indicates that Carnival are not anticipating that cruising will return within the next four months - but is that a premature decision? After a painfully slow start, the Australian vaccination program has gathered steam and we’re now on the path to one of the highest vaccination rates in the world. The state of NSW is edging closer to an adult vaccination rate of 90%, and other states are not far behind. International travel is, for the first time in almost two years, back on the cards and looks likely to begin starting up from next month. NSW has a new state Premier, Dominic Perrottet, and within two days of taking office he’s already announced an expedited re-opening schedule, and only last month, he went on the record as NSW state treasurer claiming that cruising should recommence when international borders open - in his words, “It doesn’t make sense when we open our international borders for people to fly overseas to go cruising without being able to do so here.” Well, come next month that’s exactly what will start to happen. Royal Caribbean meanwhile are persisting with their NSW cruise season, kicking off with a 4 night cruise on December 13th. With a new leader at the helm, perhaps there will finally be some positive steps taken towards the successful resumption of the Australian cruising industry.
Despite this though, CLIA are continuing to call on the government for a comprehensive plan to resume cruising which as yet has not been forthcoming.
Looking ahead, it seems very likely that the Grand Princess will be returning to Melbourne. Provisional booking information for Melbourne’s Station Pier indicates that the Grand Princess will return to the city for the 2023/2024 summer season. Princess was due to launch their 2023/2024 Australia/NZ and world cruise program this month, but according to a trade email, working out the finer details has caused a delay. The season launch is now expected in early December. Based on Australian port bookings, it looks like the launch will involve voyages onboard Grand Princess, Majestic Princess, Royal Princess and Coral Princess.
Furthermore, a member of my private Facebook group (join using the link in the description) spotted the Rhapsody of the Seas on a Brisbane port schedule. The ship was previously based in Sydney, departing our shores for the last time at the end of our 2015 summer season. I had the chance to sail on her in 2012 and loved my time onboard. There are a number of port entries for Rhapsody around the country, indicating that she may be here between during the 2023/2024 summer season. She’s one of the older ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, and her arrival would, ironically, be a departure from the cruise line’s current focus on the latest and greatest technological marvels calling Australia home, such as Quantum and Ovation of the Seas. More choice is more choice though, and I would be very happy to see Rhapsody back in our waters. Let’s be honest, at this point I’d make do with a hole-riddled bath tub.
P&O Australia have announced what is to be, as far as I know, their first ever circumnavigation cruise. The Australian Explorer voyage will depart in June 2024 from both Sydney and Brisbane. Sister line, Princess, regularly operate the same voyage and it is notorious for selling out as soon as bookings open. It’s expected that the ship will spend around 28 nights circuiting the country with a particular focus on the spectacular Kimberley Coast in Western Australia. Smaller segments should also be available for booking. The Australian Explorer cruise goes on sale on October 13th and if you’re interested in saving your spot or booking a cruise for 2022 and beyond, you can contact me.
Thanks for watching and see you soon!
Негізгі бет NEWS UPDATE: 28 day P&O Australian Explorer Cruise, plus Carnival cancels through to February 2022!
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