It’s time to get your cruise expert on, as we fill your internet browser with more cruise news than you’ll know what to do with. We suggest you take notes.

Carnival takes kids for free

Carnival Cruise Line is taking the children of Australia to sea for free in an encore ‘kids sail free’ sale which offers families thousands of dollars in holiday savings.

On sale until March 13, 2017, the third and fourth guests in a room will cruise for free on select Carnival sailings from Sydney this year.

Fares start from $749* for a four-night cruise to action-packed Moreton Island on Carnival Spirit departing Sydney on August 17, 2017, the equivalent of just $1498* for a family of four – a saving of more than $1278.

South Pacific cruises are also available with a ten-night cruise to New Caledonia and Vanuatu on Carnival Spirit departing Sydney on June 13, 2017, priced from $1099* per person for the first two guests, with a family of four paying just $2198 – a saving of more than $1628.

Meanwhile a 12-night cruise to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji, departing August 21, 2017, on Carnival Spirit, is priced from just $1699* per person delivering a saving of nearly $3068 for a family of four.

Pacific Dawn Makeover Begins

P&O Cruises’ Pacific Dawn has begun a multi-million dollar transformation in Singapore which will include the installation of two spectacular waterslides on her top decks.

Over the coming days, the ship will be fitted with a range of new features including a state-of-the-art waterpark and the addition of The Pantry, an international market place of fresh food outlets which will replace the traditional ship buffet.  Among its features will be a new Mediterranean-inspired offering called Nic and Toni’s and a new seafood restaurant, Shell & Bones.

Uniworld unveils new brochure

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has unveiled its 2018 Boutique River Cruise Collection to the Australian market in-line with the inaugural visit of Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld.

The World is Your Canvas, is Uniworld’s new brand campaign with its message woven into the more contemporary looking brochure.

With no two Uniworld voyages or ships alike, guests are encouraged to ‘craft their own masterpiece’ thanks to the one-of-a-kind Exclusive Experiences, masterfully designed architecture that’s themed to the destinations they sail to, luxurious all-inclusive service – and as the brochure states, “You deserve the best, and your voyage is completely up to you.”

The new collection now features each of Uniworld’s 2018 itineraries from around the globe – Europe, Russia, Egypt, India, China, Vietnam and Cambodia; with more than 30 unforgettable adventures in all.

Cruise from WA to Bali

P&O Cruises is introducing a different way for holidaymakers to experience Indonesia with its cruises from Fremantle now offering a sleepover in Bali.

Already a beloved holiday destination for many Australians, P&O is making a cruise to the region more appealing with its first overnight stay on April 13, 2017.

The overnight call features in the cruise line’s 12-day Indonesian cruises departing Fremantle on April 9 and May 28, 2017, which also include visits to Komodo Island, Lombok and Probolinggo. The May departure is priced from $899* per person quad share.

With more time available, P&O is offering a range of immersive shore excursions including a traditional Balinese farming experience where guests travel to a village and spend a day with a local family, working in a rice paddy as well as harvesting coconuts. Other popular day trips include whitewater rafting on the Ayung River and a tour taking in Uluwatu Temple and the picturesque Bukit Peninsula.

Oceania Cruises Launches Brand New Cruise Atlas

Oceania Cruises has launched a brand new and comprehensive Cruise Atlas, tempting guests to visit the four corners of the globe, whilst enjoying The Finest Cuisine at Sea™, uniquely personalised service and an elegant casual ambiance.

The Cruise Atlas brings to life exciting destinations in Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australia, the Baltics, Canada, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Mexico, New England, New Zealand, Northern Europe, the Panama Canal, Scandinavia, South America and the South Pacific, showcasing 365 hand-picked ports of call, across numerous eclectic itineraries. All six of Oceania Cruises’ luxurious fleet – Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Marina, Riviera and Sirena – are featured, with sailings encompassing April 2017 to November 2018.

Complete with stunning images, the Cruise Atlas details a vibrant range of spectacular port-intensive itineraries as well as the lavish experience afforded to guests whilst on board.

The Cruise Atlas can be ordered online at https://www.oceaniacruises.com/request-brochure/.

APT adds small ship cruising to Tasmania line-up for 2018

Luxury cruise and tour operator APT has added small ship expedition cruising to its popular Tasmania program.

Departing for the first time in January 2018, APT’s 14 day Tasman Coastal Cruise itinerary will incorporate a six night classic land tour with a seven night cruise along Tasmania’s ruggedly beautiful southern and eastern coastlines on board the Coral Discoverer.

The cruise will allow guests to discover the tiniest nooks of the Tasman Wilderness World Heritage Area, see the Bruny Island lighthouse through mariner’s eyes and experience the crystal waters and stunning beauty of Maria Island and Freycinet National Park.

The 14 day Tasmanian Coastal Cruise is priced from $7,995 per person twin share and features in APT’s new Tasmania 2017/18 brochure, which is now available to agents.

Accompanying the brochure is a range of APT Tasmania Superdeals, including Earlybird Savings of up to $500 per couple on some tours, and savings of up to $750 off the solo supplement on selected itineraries and dates.

Cunard icons meet in Sydney

Queen Mary 2 recently sailed into Sydney with her younger sister Queen Elizabeth for a Royal Rendezvous which marks 10 years since the Cunard flagship first visited Australia.

Creating a spectacle for Sydneysiders, the magnificent 345-metre long Queen Mary 2 is spending the day in Circular Quay, while Queen Elizabeth is anchored at Athol Buoy near Taronga Zoo.

The visit of the two Queens comes almost a decade to the day since Queen Mary 2 first sailed into Sydney, staging a Royal Rendezvous with her older sister, the now retired QE2, which brought the city to a standstill as locals flocked to the foreshore.

Queen Mary 2 is visiting Australia as part of her 118-night world voyage which will see her spend 23 days in local waters including her first short roundtrip cruises from Melbourne and Sydney. The 2080-guest Queen Elizabeth is calling at Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns as part of her 120-night world voyage.

Crystal hosts ‘All Exclusive’ event in Perth

Portrait from left to right: Ricky Crannitch, Business Development Manager; Edie Rodriguez, CEO, Chairman & President; Karen Christensen, Senior Vice President & Managing Director; and Kimberley Taylor, Vice President, Marketing & PR

On Monday 13 February, Crystal’s CEO, Chairman & President, Edie Rodriguez, together with Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Karen Christensen, hosted 100 key agents and their clients at the University of Western Australia for an ‘All Exclusive’ soirée in the grounds of historic Winthrop Hall.

As the evening unfolded, Rodriguez enlightened guests on Crystal’s rapid expansion from being a cruise company to an All Exclusive luxury lifestyle and hospitality company. From  the recently christened Crystal Esprit and the upcoming Crystal Endeavor for Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises, the soon-to-be unveiled Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler for Crystal River Cruises, as well as the launch of Crystal AirCruises’ ultra-luxe Boeing 777.

The event culminated in a seated concert inside the grand hall by Western Australian Symphony Orchestra’s lead Cellist, Michael Goldschlager.

Viking’s third ship launches maiden voyage

Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Sky, the third ship in the fleet, has embarked on its maiden voyage, departing from Rome’s Civitavecchia port to Barcelona.

The 47,800 tonnes, 930 passenger Viking Sky joins award-winning near-identical fleetmates, Viking Star and Viking Sea, in offering a destination orientated cruise experience, with few days at sea, long days in ports and more overnights in key destinations than offered by other lines.

Viking Ocean Cruises’ latest addition begins her season by sailing itineraries throughout the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, before making her way to officially be christened under Norway’s “midnight sun” on June 22 in Tromsø – a nod to Viking’s Norwegian heritage.

She will then sail Scandinavian and Baltic itineraries over the European summer; before crossing the Atlantic in September, and finishing out the year in the Americas and the Caribbean.

Hurtigruten starts construction of first hybrid expedition ship

The Roald Amundsen will be the greenest cruise ship the world has ever seen. After much hype and excitement this environmentally forward vessel has started construction and is due to launch in 2018. MS Roald Amundsen will be the world’s first expedition cruise ship powered by hybrid battery technology.

An influential Norwegian polar pioneer from the era when the company began has received the honour of lending his name to this incredible ship. Roald Amundsen, is an iconic figure in history being the first man to plant a flag on the South Pole.

The hybrid engines will reduce fuel consumption substantially and allow for periods of completely emission free sailing.

The direction of design has revolved around modernity, prime quality and comfort. The interior of the new vessel is inspired by nature and will remind travellers of the picturesque landscapes that surround them. Clean, fresh and simplistic Scandinavian design will be reached with natural and predominantly Norwegian material.

The Hurtigruten team direct in Australia and New Zealand are taking bookings on this new vessel right now.

Silversea’s new ship gets green light

Silversea Cruises, the world’s leading luxury cruise line, has celebrated the successful completion of sea trials by its new flagship, Silver Muse.  Rigorous assessments were conducted from Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa where the ship is currently under construction.

Ahead of its formal christening in Monaco on 19 April 2017, the ultra-luxury ship underwent extensive speed, vibration, noise, endurance and propulsion tests with Silver Muse successfully passing all assessments in accordance with international rules and regulations.

Calling at 34 countries and 130 ports in 2017 alone, Silver Muse will redefine ocean travel, enhancing the small-ship intimacy with spacious all-suite accommodations that are the hallmarks of the Silversea experience. A remarkable 52 UNESCO World Heritage Sites feature in Silver Muse’s 2017 itinerary, from ancient Greek temples through to historic Caribbean fortresses.