“Sickening thud for Australia’s travel agent community”: Carnival cruise ship relocated to US

“Sickening thud for Australia’s travel agent community”: Carnival cruise ship relocated to US

Due to uncertainty around the Australian cruise industry, Carnival Cruise Line has relocated Carnival Spirit to Jacksonville Florida.

The relocation to Florida follows the success of the resumption of cruising in the US but has left many in the Aussie travel industry frustrated.

According to the cruise line, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Spirit will return to Australia when cruise operations resume from their scheduled home ports of Sydney and Brisbane.

Dan Russel, the general manager of Brisbane based Clean Cruising said the shocking news “will come as a sickening thud for Australia’s travel agent community desperate to see a restart of cruising in Australia.”

“It is beyond doubt that the Carnival Spirit deployment away from Australia is a direct result of the indecision on the part of federal and state governments over the restart of cruising in Australia,” Russell said.

“Cruise lines are obviously getting frustrated with the lack of progress or clarity in Australia and at the end of the day they operate mobile assets, which can be deployed as and where needed.

“The Carnival Spirit deployment is particularly disappointing because it was to have been based full time in Brisbane at the still unused international cruise terminal.

“Hundreds of travel agents around Australia depend on cruising in full or in part and it is very worrying to see opportunity sailing away because of government inaction here.

“This is precisely why travel agents fanned out across Australia last week in a national day of action calling on MPs for the lifting of travel and cruise bans, allowing travel businesses to trade without restriction and calling for support for the travel industry recovery package put forward by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents.”

The national day of action that Russel mentions saw travel industry folk across the country picket outside the offices of key federal and state parliamentarians today to speak up about the industry’s unique struggle.

Many in the cruise industry were quite vocal at the national day of action as ships were banned from entering Australia until 17 February, for the twenty-third cruise cancellation announcement since the rolling cruise ban began in March 2020.

Latest News

  • Aviation
  • News

Air New Zealand adds Nathan McGraw and Scott Wilkinson to executive team

Air New Zealand has today made two new appointments to its executive team, appointing Nathan McGraw as Chief Safety and Risk Officer and Scott Wilkinson as Chief Commercial Officer. Nathan McGraw has worked in aviation for over thirty years, twenty of which have been with Air New Zealand. He has been heading integrated planning for […]

  • News

Caravan Living on the Rise: Aussies Seek Freedom, Flexibility, and Adventure on the Open Road

Caravanning in Australia is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity, attracting a broad range of people seeking the freedom to live on their terms, Canvas8 data shows. As the cost of housing continues to climb, caravanning offers a flexible and affordable alternative that allows individuals to explore the vast Australian landscape while retaining the comforts […]

  • Cruise
  • Food & Beverage

Holland America Line refreshes Rudi’s Sel de Mer specialty restaurant

Holland America Line has announced it is updating Rudi’s Sel de Mer with a relaxed Mediterranean bistro fool aboard Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam. The intimate venue features casual but classic Mediterranean dishes that reflect the cuisine of regional countries including Italy, France, Spain, and Greece. The new concept is rolling out in January and February 2025. […]

  • Road & Rail

Man with a caravan provides expert tips for making the right choice

As caravan buying surges for new year holiday makers, Crusader Caravans has provided expert tips to help Aussies make the right choice for their rig. A particular problem amongst new, and even seasoned caravaners is unintentionally overloading their rigs. This poses a major safety risk, can void insurance pay outs, and is an offence with […]

  • Destinations

Touring the Calanques of Marseille by boat

Marseille, one of the highlights of France’s stunning Mediterranean coastline, beckons travellers with ancient charm, lively markets, and unbeatable summer vibes. It also serves as a gateway to one of southern France’s most stunning natural attractions: the Calanques. For those seeking a serene summer escape, embarking on a day tour of the Calanques offers an […]

  • News

Troy Haas joins The World Travel and Tourism Council

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has welcomed Brownell CEO Troy Haas to its distinguished membership, bringing unparalleled expertise in global luxury travel. Founded in 1887, Brownell is North America’s oldest travel agency, rooted in innovation since its inception. What started as a bold venture with 10 intrepid travellers aboard the SS Devonia to Switzerland, has […]