Tag Archives: Cruises

Return of the Cruise,

Return of the Cruise, Still in Uncharted Waters

Posted: July 29, 2022

Australia, Countries, Health & Safety, Uncategorized, , , ,

Cruising can transport you from majestic crystal clear waters to skylines of sprawling cities. But even if you are eagerly awaiting your next cruise — sadly, you may just have to wait a little longer.

It hasn’t been smooth sailing for the cruise industry during the global pandemic and as Australia continues to face setbacks (erm, thanks, Melbourne), the return of international and domestic cruise dates are still in uncharted waters.

At the beginning of the outbreak, ships such as the Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess were forced into quarantine when passengers tested positive for COVID-19.

Three months into the pandemic, more than 40,000 crew workers remained stranded at sea waiting to discover when they would be able to return to their own countries.

Other ships lie empty unable to dock as a result of the restrictions, Canada, the Cayman Islands, Australia, New Zealand and Spain have all extended their cruise ship bans until later this year, while the US have placed a sailing “pause” until September 15 at the earliest.

The Trans-Tasman Bubble

It was with a glimmer of hope that the Trans-Tasman Bubble (that’s the exclusive travel “corridor” between New Zealand and Australia ) was to reopen between Australia and New Zealand as early as July 1, but as New Zealand reported additional new cases of 19 (from two travellers from the UK bringing the virus back into the country), our hopes of cruising the horizon have been set back until at least September.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says that there are no specific dates set in stone, “We haven’t put an arbitrary timeline on it because that simply comes down to a judgement that does rely on daily data,” she told the press recently.  “This will be two-way decision making with anyone with whom we’re opening our borders up with.”

With an increase of cases in Australia recently, the date could be pushed even further back. But, Ardern has confirmed the bubble is still “on the horizon” despite the spike.

Australia’s largest domestic and international airline Qantas, heightened the travel severity, when CEO Alan Joyce stated that all international flying will be suspended unless a coronavirus vaccine is released, with the exception of New Zealand and a handful of other ‘travel bubble’ destinations.

“We might get trans-Tasman (travel) before then, we may get other nations opening up with bubbles,” but he doesn’t expect Qantas’ international network to restart “in any real size (until) July next year.”

It’s a Cruise-tastrophe

While this unprecedented global health crisis inhibits our international journeys for now, there’s still optimism flowing about for domestic small-ship cruise operators in Australia, but with Australia’s 2nd-largest city back into coronavirus lock-down, businesses are once again struggling to reboot.

Although, there’s still hope lingering. Domestic cruise companies such as Murray Cruises, operating the Murray Princess down the Murray River, and Coral Expeditions, operating “small-ship expeditions to exotic and remote locations surrounding Australia”, plan to resume business this month.

P&O Australia, one of Australia’s largest cruise companies, is still on a voluntary operational pause until October.

The Plan of Action

Just when domestic small-ship cruise operators thought we’d be able to cruise the shores surrounding Australia again, the Australian Tourism Restart Task force, who met for the eighth time on July 3rd, noted their concerns for restarting domestic tourism.

There has been, understandably, a lot of uncertainty about future travel plans. The Australia’s Tourism Restart Task force have stated that international travel should go ahead as previously planned.

The Trans-Tasman bubble travel should be the first to kick off the travel band-wagon, followed by other countries that are “safe” to travel to in October. International travel to approved destinations will begin by December 15, although there is a possibility that international travel to specific destinations will not resume as far as July 2021.

However, with Melbourne in current lock down (again), Australian borders still to reopen, international travel banned, and the second wave of the pandemic and the unknown future of a vaccine — there is still a difficult task ahead for the Australia’s Tourism Restart Task force, and for the future of travel in general.

Where Do We Go from Here?

While this unprecedented global health crisis inhibits our journeys for now, we are looking ahead with great optimism.

Hang tight - we’ll be smooth sailing in no time!

 

Cruisers over 70 years

Physician Form Not Required For Passengers Over 70

Posted: May 2, 2022

Health & Safety, , , ,

Cruisers over 70 years of age can breathe a sigh of relief, as they will not have the extra burden on there future cruise, knowing that they do not have to provide a letter from there medical physician enabling them to cruise…. When cruising resumes.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), initially directed that passengers over 70 years of age, or passengers with existing chronic health conditions, are required to have a signed letter from a medical physician – known as a “Fit To Travel” physician form -  which authorises they are fit and healthy enough to sail on their cruise.

So, anyone with heart, lung, liver, or kidney problems, immunodeficiency disorders including HIV/AIDS, cancer or diabetes can rest assure they will be able to sail.

The directive caused huge waves among avid cruisers over 70 who have previously cruise numerous time each year, and they were anxious that there cruising days were over, that there medical physician would have their hands tied, and not provide them the all clear, due to liability.

As previously reported passengers will likely still have to follow different health restrictions when cruising returns in the post-COVID world.

We all know that the number one concern for all cruise lines, is the safety and security of all passengers and cruise, so cruise lines are aiming to manage and alleviate any COVID-19 cases that may occur, with the majority of cruise lines aiming to curb possible crucial instances.

Princess Cruises noted are working with public health officials, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, to create and execute best practices to protect the health of all guests and crew. That means, enhanced screening before embarkation to additional sanitisation procedures on board.

Princess will also refuse boarding to those with underlying severe chronic medical conditions, what these are has not been confirmed.

Passengers must be aware that if they fail to accurately divulge any illness or medical issues on the pre-cruise health declaration, will be disembarked at the next port of call and even may face legal prosecution.

The health and safety prerequisites involving notes from a medical physician has been altered across Royal Caribbean’s brands, including Celebrity Cruises and Azamara,  and Royal Caribbean.

COVID-19 Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises Unveil New Health Protocols

Posted: April 29, 2022

Health & Safety, , ,

Princess Cruises is rolling out a few new health practices for its ships, the first in a progression of new rules it hopes to roll out when cruises get back to normal post COVID-19.

Among the more crucial factors are potential fines or prosecution for any individual who presents a false pre-boarding health questionnaire.

These protocols are intended to be equally thorough and compliant and are assertively acclimating to amendments as they take place.

Princess cruises are working meticulously with public health officials, which comprising the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), in addition to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), to outline and set up best practices to safeguard the wellbeing of guests and crew.

The new set of regulations are divvied into before your cruise, embarkation and onboard. Several guidelines are an extension of the practices implemented in late February and early March.

So, what should you expect?

Before You Cruise

Princess Cruises will build its surveillance of COVID-19 outbreaks and will make the suitable amendments to itineraries to areas that are affected.

Princess Cruises will likewise keep up its policy of declining the boarding to booked passengers who meet an range of measures comprising any individual who has been in contact with an alleged or confirmed case with COVID-19; anybody experiencing a fever or flu like symptoms before they embark; and anybody with serious chronic health conditions.

Guests and crew members who full under these criteria’s will be not able to cruise, with booked passengers obtaining a future cruise credit or full refund.

Embarkation

On embarkation day, cruisers will be thoroughly screened, beginning with compulsory temperature checks of all guests and crew. Cruisers who present with a fever or flu like signs will be refused boarding, paying little heed to their latest travel history. All cruisers who are denied boarding because of sickness will be given a full future cruise credit or refund.

Cruisers will likewise be obliged to complete another health declaration before boarding explicitly intended to screen for COVID-19. During the cruise, anybody found to have falsely answered will be disembarked at the following port of call. Moreover, any individual who does not divulge signs of sickness may face prosecution.

Cruise Terminals will likewise experience elevated sanitation on embarkation and disembarkation days. Procedures will incorporate meticulous cleaning of all surfaces that have may been touch prior and after each cruising, just as misting every terminal before embarkation and debarkation.

Hand sanitisers will be placed throughout the terminal, and all passengers with pre-cruise transfers will be provided hand sanitiser before boarding buses and transfer shuttles from airports and hotels to the cruise terminal. All buses and shuttles will be sanitised prior to anyone getting onboard.

Each terminal will have hand sanitisers place throughout, and all passengers with transfers will be given hand sanitiser before boarding there means of transport and transfer shuttles from airports and lodgings to the cruise terminal. All forms of transport will be disinfected before anybody gets onboard.

 

Onboard

Food Service

Where conceivable, food service will be by crew members, with crew keeping an eye on all food stations, the buffet and ice cream machines. If this is not possible due to design limitations – a number of Princess buffets on new or refurbished ships have serving islands to diminish traffic, making crew service unconceivable - devoted staff will be presented to care for these stations and guarantee they are cleaned and decontaminated consistently.

In any self-service zones that remain, serving utensils will be restored on a regular basis.

Crew members will likewise be positioned at all hand-washing sinks and additionally at hand sanitisation dispensers at the doorway to all dining areas to remind guests to wash their hands before entering.

Sanitation and Cleaning

Princess has set up extra sanitation and cleaning measures for the entire fleet including:

  • Frequent sanitation of tables, seats, menus and surfaces in eateries and bars prior to and following service hours
  • Regular open deck sanitation of all outdoor furniture, mini-golf and sports gear and equipment
  • Additional cleaning of all surfaces frequently touched by guests in all public areas and lounges, restaurants, lobbies, corridors, elevators, handrails, public phones, counters, public displays, medical centers, gangways, casino chips, games, slot machines, fitness machines, children’s toys and security screening equipment
  • Stateroom surfaces including fixtures will be cleaned twice a day with specific regard for door handles, bathrooms and surfaces that are regularly touched
  • During cases that guests or crew show flulike symptoms, their staterooms will get a more comprehensive cleaning
  • Additional hand sanitizers will be placed in areas where there is higher traffic by guests and crew
  • The temperature in all washers and dryers will be increased for extra sanitation of washed items, including bedding, tablecloths, towels and napkins
  • Guest laundromats will likewise be set to the greatest washer/dryer temperature settings
  • More frequent cleaning and sanitation of public toilets
  • All public lounges and restroom doors will be propped open to minimize entryway handling
  • Increased number of hand sanitizer dispensers during tendering

Crew Training

Princess will likewise be expanding its crew training to strengthen continuous hand-washing and to urge crew to refrain from hand contact with guests. Crew will likewise be urged to report guests who present indications of illness (coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and so forth.).

There will likewise be an expanded inventory of personal protection equipment available throughout the fleet, and on certain voyages, guests facing crew might be required to wear masks.

Medical Evaluations

All crew who display signs of extreme respiratory illness will be required to visit the medical center onboard for a complimentary clinical consult; guests are ” strongly urged” to do the same.

Princess will give a medical screening and, when fitting, test for COVID-19 for any individual who shows signs of flu, respiratory distress or fever.

Wresting Chris Jericho

Hey Wrestling Fans, Jump Onboard This Cruise

Posted: September 26, 2022

Countries, Onboard Features, ,

Theme cruises are popular, and offer the chance to enjoy a most loved hobby or activity and increase your knowledge into a wide assortment of subjects - from food and wine to music, culture and history.

Programs may include special guest speakers, performances by noted entertainers, theme-related shore excursions and the chance to interact with leading figures in a particular field. Theme cruises are very popular and often sell out early.

Artists appear to be the most omnipresent theme cruises. There are likewise up and coming cruises for fanatics of Styx, Nick Jonas, Train, and even Elvis (Well perhaps not The King himself).

In any case, there’s been an achievement in the domain of theme cruises: Chris Jericho is holding a music and pro wrestling cruise, and there will be real wrestling matches held onboard Norwegian Jade.

The cruise exhibited via “Sea of Honor” competition named Ring of Honor hosted by none other than pro wrestling commentator Jim Ross, who is best known as the long-term play-by-play commentator for WWE.

Will You Get Bored To Death On A Cruise?

Posted: January 16, 2023

Onboard Features, Tips and Advice, ,

For someone who typically likes to Island hop, or stay and explore a city for days a cruise may sound boring to them. Let me tell you it’s far from boring!

Even though cruise ships enchant most guests with their well-appointed facilities– like the bionic bar onboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas where you are served your favourite drink by a robot – and apart from all that all the pure unrivalled experiences, some cruises are intended to involve even the most easily jaded traveller.

Imagine stopping in breathtaking countries, with scenery you have never before seen.

Cruise ships are a destination in their own right. Where you finish up is virtually inferior to the experience. Some cruises take people to far-flung locations to really see the sights.

Scenic cruises that regularly have land in sight can engross the easily bored.  Such places, like Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska where you can glide through the fjords, providing a great view of ice walls, tidewater glaciers and snow-capped mountains.

The Mediterranean

Something new to see every day

The Mediterranean has the prospect to give you something new to see every day. Your days are jam-packed with sightseeing and the nights with entertainment on the ship … or total relaxation.

It is virtually impossible for you not to discover new sights – even if it’s just strolling through a small village or fleeing to a rocky beach swarming with people.

South America

Visit the iconic Machu Pichu

While most companies have consistent cruises in South America, others present distinctive one-off cruises.

Yet again, regular stops and being adjacent to the coast are drawcards. Pontant cruises stops at Mogo Mogo Island in Panama then at the city of Guayaquil in Ecuador, with its striking Spanish majestic design, before making your way to numerous destinations in Peru and Chile. These include the port of Callao in Lima – a gorgeous Chilean town with exquisite beaches and iconic Machu Pichu.

Going south to the Chilean city of Castro – renowned for its many waterfront houses on stilts.

Pacific Islands

Cascade Waterfalls in Vanuatu is a must see

Daily stopovers in the Pacific Islands are not logistically easy, typically the cruise takes a few days to get to these Pacific Islands from Sydney or Brisbane – time for you to delight in sunbaking, relaxing and the various sanctuaries onboard.

Spend the entire day in Port Vila in Vanuatu, and visit customary Melanesian villages where you can take part in a welcome ceremony.

Then lay your eyes on Vila’s Cascade Waterfall or The Blue Lagoon. The waterfalls are located a mere 15 minutes outside of Port Vila. The waterfall is not accessible for people who use a wheelchair, or have mobility issues as you’ll need to climb to the waterfall. But, if your able to get up close and personal with the waterfall you won’t be sorry.

For those more motivated to leisure, you can enjoy watching marine life in a glass-bottomed boat.

South-East Asia

You’ll never be bored on a cruises through central China along the iconic Yangzi River

Similar to Europe, some of the famous rivers of South-East Asia offer exhilarating cruises. But, as a substitute to European architecture and scenery, there are Buddhist temples and rice paddy fields. The low-boredom cruises are thriving.

Cruise along one of the world’s great river systems the Mekong River, flowing 4,909 km through six countries: China, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Vietnam gaining an insight into authentic local life.

Also, cruise along the Irrawaddy River past famous Buddhist temples, as well as cruises through central China along the iconic Yangzi River.