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Amazon River Exploration And Antarctica’s Frozen Frontiers Highlight Holland America Line’s 2027–2028 South America And Antarctica Cruise Season

Holland America Line has announced its 2027–2028 South America and Antarctica cruise season, featuring immersive itineraries that take guests to some of the continent’s most iconic and remote destinations. Travelers will sail past the towering Pío XI Glacier, explore the Chilean Fjords, visit legendary landmarks like Machu Picchu, and encounter wildlife from penguin colonies to pink river dolphins — all while enjoying Holland America Line’s signature service and comfort. Guests can unpack once and visit up to six countries on a single itinerary. 

From November 2027 through March 2028, Zuiderdam and Oosterdam will transport guests to the heart of South America and the icy expanse of Antarctica. The season’s itineraries range from 14 to 31 days, with embarkation options in Buenos Aires, Argentina; San Antonio (Santiago), Chile; and Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. Each voyage is crafted to deliver immersive experiences, spectacular scenic cruising, and access to legendary landmarks. 

“Our South America and Antarctica itineraries are designed for travelers who want to go beyond the ordinary,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of itinerary planning and deployment at Holland America Line. “Whether you’re standing on deck as the ship glides past the Pío XI Glacier, riding the Train to the End of the World in Ushuaia, or walking among the wildlife of the Galápagos, every moment is crafted to deliver a sense of wonder and connection. We’re proud to offer access to places that few cruise lines reach, with the comfort and personalized service that Holland America Line is known for.” 

Spectacular Scenic Cruising 

Amazon River Exploration and Antarctica’s Frozen Frontiers Highlight Holland America Line’s 2027–2028 South America and Antarctica Cruise Season | 4Amazon River Exploration and Antarctica’s Frozen Frontiers Highlight Holland America Line’s 2027–2028 South America and Antarctica Cruise Season | 4
Scenic Glacier Alley, Chile (Credit: Holland America Line)

Holland America Line’s South America and Antarctica cruises feature nine scenic cruising opportunities, including a four-day Antarctic Experience, breathtaking views of the Pío XI Glacier, Glacier Alley, the Beagle Channel, and the Chilean Fjords. Perfectly sized ships bring guests closer to nature’s ultimate theater, offering panoramic views of towering icebergs, pristine glacier,s and dramatic coastlines. 

Overland Adventures 

Machu Picchu PeruMachu Picchu Peru
Machu Picchu, Peru (Credit: Holland America Line)

Overland adventures bring guests up close to South America’s most iconic sites. The journey to the legendary “Lost City of the Incas” reveals Machu Picchu’s extraordinary stone terraces, intricate temples, and perfectly fitted granite walls — each a testament to the ancient engineering skills of the Incas. Travelers walk the same paths once traversed by royalty, discovering a civilization that raised an entire city atop a remote mountain ridge. 

For those drawn to one of the world’s richest natural wonders, the Galápagos Islands Overland Adventure offers encounters with a truly unique ecosystem. Giant tortoises roam volcanic landscapes, blue-footed boobies display their vibrant feet, Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttle across black lava rocks, and marine iguanas bask in the equatorial sun. Each moment in the Galápagos reveals unmatched biodiversity and evolutionary marvels, making this adventure a highlight for nature enthusiasts. 

Explore Natural Wonders & Unique Wildlife 

Galapagos Tortoises Galapagos Tortoises
Galapagos Tortoises (Credit: Holland America Line)

South America and Antarctica offer a dazzling array of biodiversity, home to remarkable wildlife and vibrant ecosystems. From the ship, guests try their luck at spotting penguin colonies along Antarctic shores, pink river dolphins in the Amazon, and capybaras grazing beside winding rivers. 

On shore, excursion sites like Machalilla National Park, Torres del Paine, and the Soberania National Park canopy reveal rare wildlife and unforgettable landscapes. 

Itinerary Highlights 

28-Day Legendary Amazon Explorer (Zuiderdam, roundtrip Miami, Feb. 5, 2028): Sail deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest, with overnight stays in Manaus and visits to Parintins, Alter do Chão, Santarém, Boca da Valeria and Caribbean gems like Martinique, Barbados and St. Lucia. 

14–15 Day South America Pathways: Chilean Fjords & Glaciers (Oosterdam, multiple departures): Cruise between Buenos Aires and San Antonio (Santiago), exploring Glacier Alley, the Beagle Channel, Cape Horn, the Pío XI Glacier and more.  

16-Day Inca & Panama Canal Discovery: Lima Overnight (Oosterdam, multiple departures): Cruise between Fort Lauderdale and San Antonio (Santiago), taking in the modern wonders of the Panama Canal and diving deeply into Fuerte Amador (Panama City) and Callao (Lima)’s unique cultures and distinctive local charm during overnight stays. 

22-Day South America & Antarctica (Oosterdam, Buenos Aires to San Antonio (Santiago), multiple departures): Spend four days exploring Antarctica’s White Continent, with scenic cruising through the Drake Passage, the Chilean Fjords and stops in Montevideo, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia and Port Stanley. 

31-Day Collectors’ Voyages: Combine back-to-back sailings for the ultimate South America adventure, with few or no repeating ports and maximum value.  

Have It All Early Booking Bonus  

For a limited time, when guests book 2027-2028 South America and Antarctica cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid crew appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. 

Guests can also take advantage of Holland America Line’s Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus. Mariner Society loyalty members can enjoy up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom. For the latest details, fares, and booking information, visit hollandamerica.com or contact a travel advisor. 

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Carnival Sunrise To Set Sail On New 2027/28 Itineraries From PortMiami

Carnival Cruise Line has announced its next wave of 2027/28 deployments, with Carnival Sunrise offering a variety of four- to six-day itineraries from PortMiami. Starting on May 6, 2027, the ship will continue to provide a popular short-cruise program to The Bahamas. Many sailings will visit Carnival’s exclusive destinations, Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. At the same time, several itineraries also call on Nassau in The Bahamas, giving guests convenient getaways that combine beloved ports with new Carnival experiences.

Carnival Sunrise Miami Sailings 2027/2028

Carnival Sunrise will also offer two six-day holiday itineraries in 2027. On Nov. 22, the ship will visit Celebration Key, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, and Montego Bay, Jamaica for a festive Thanksgiving cruise. On December 20, guests can enjoy a Christmas sailing featuring stops at Celebration Key, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands.

“Miami has long been a premier departure point for Carnival guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “With Celebration Key and RelaxAway now part of our 2027/28 sailings, guests can create two of the premier beach destinations in the Caribbean while enjoying some of The Bahamas’ most beautiful destinations.”

Cruising through spring 2028, Carnival Sunrise will complete more than 70 sailings, giving guests endless opportunities to explore these signature escapes to some of Carnival’s exclusive destinations. Celebration Key offers five distinct areas of fun, from beachside relaxation to family adventures, while RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, provides a more tranquil experience with pristine beaches and scenic surroundings. You can view all sailings here.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

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Norwegian Star Guests Score A Surprise Three-Day Cruise Extension

Guests booked on Norwegian Star’s 27th September 2026 sailing from Southampton have been told they are getting an unexpected bonus: three extra days at sea, free of charge.

Norwegian Star NCL

The extension follows a revision to the ship’s dry-dock schedule, with the vessel now spending longer at sea before heading to the yard for planned technical upgrades.

“Following a change in Norwegian Star’s scheduled dry dock for technical enhancements, your sailing has been extended from seven days to ten days,

“As part of this change, the itinerary has been adjusted.”

NCL communication to guests

Updated Ten-Day Itinerary

The original week-long voyage was due to visit Amsterdam, Zeebrugge, Le Havre, La Coruña and Oporto before finishing in Lisbon on 4th October.

Instead, the new ten-day route will add extra French and Spanish ports and finish three days later, on 7th October 2026:

  • 27 Sep (Sun): Depart Southampton
  • 28 Sep (Mon): Amsterdam (1 pm–9 pm)
  • 29 Sep (Tue): Zeebrugge (8 am–6 pm)
  • 30 Sep (Wed): Le Havre (8 am–9 pm)
  • 1 Oct (Thu): Day at sea
  • 2 Oct (Fri): La Rochelle (8 am–5 pm)
  • 3 Oct (Sat): Le Verdon (7 am–6 pm)
  • 4 Oct (Sun): Bilbao (8 am–5 pm)
  • 5 Oct (Mon): La Coruña (9 am–6 pm)
  • 6 Oct (Tue): Vigo (7 am–3 pm)
  • 7 Oct (Wed): Arrive Lisbon

No Extra Cost for Passengers

Norwegian Cruise Line said that all existing fares, promotions and packages will remain fully protected, meaning guests will not pay more for the longer holiday.

Norwegian Star cruising through the vast blue ocean

Pre-paid service charges, beverage or dining packages will also stay at their original prices, while the number of specialty-dining meals and WiFi minutes will increase to match the extra sailing days.

Adjusting Travel Plans

Those who have already booked return flights or onward arrangements after the original 4th October arrival will need to adjust their plans.

With nearly a year’s notice, however, there is ample time for passengers to rearrange travel if needed.

Why the Schedule Changed

Norwegian Cruise Line has not disclosed the precise reason for the shipyard adjustment, though such changes are common.

cranes at shipyard

Yard timetables can shift because of other vessels’ refits, labour or supply-chain constraints, or changes in dry-dock capacity.

The Norwegian Star, a 91,740-gross-ton ship carrying around 2,300 guests, will enter dry dock after completing this voyage before resuming service with a 14-night transatlantic crossing from Southampton to Miami on 20th November 2026.

Passengers on that subsequent sailing are advised to stay alert for any further schedule tweaks.

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P&O Cruises Quietly Raises Drink Package Prices Ahead of Winter Season

P&O Cruises, part of the Carnival Corporation & plc family, has quietly increased the cost of its onboard drinks packages – with prices now up by as much as 12% on some options.

P&O drinks

The updated pricing came into effect in late October 2025 and was first spotted by guests browsing the cruise line’s website.

The company has not issued any formal announcement to booked passengers about the change.

New Prices and Package Options

P&O Cruises offers four drinks packages covering everything from soft drinks to premium spirits. The new daily rates per person are:

  • Refresh – £16 (was £14.45): on-tap fountain soft drinks and juice only
  • Alcohol-Free – £29 (was £26.95): soft drinks, coffees, teas, bottled juices, water, and mocktails
  • Classic – £50 or £55 (was £48.85): most alcoholic and soft drinks, excluding premium brands
  • Deluxe – £60 or £65 (was £60.50): all-inclusive, covering the full range of beverages

You’ll see that there are now two prices for the packages that include alcohol – Classic and Deluxe.

In a change for the cruise line, the price of these packages will vary depending on your sailing length. Guests sailing 15 nights or more will pay the lower prices (£50 per night for Classic, £60 per night for Deluxe) but on cruises of 14 nights or fewer, the higher prices will apply.

Arvia

This means the Refresh package has risen by 10%, Alcohol-Free by nearly 8%, and Classic by either 2% or 12% depending on your sailing length.

The Deluxe package has slightly decreased by less than 1% if you’re on longer cruises. Otherwise it has risen by around 7%.

The small drop in the top-tier package price on longer itineraries suggests that P&O may be trying to encourage more passengers to opt for the all-inclusive option, which continues to represent the best value for those who regularly purchase premium drinks.

However, the vast majority of guests will be on sailings of 14 nights or fewer, and so will still be paying a higher price.

Factors Behind the Increase

Pricing for drinks packages can fluctuate depending on ship, sailing length, and itinerary demand. Typically, shorter or high-season sailings carry higher daily rates.

Guests who pre-book drinks packages before sailing can save up to 20% compared with onboard pricing.

Those who have already purchased packages for upcoming cruises will not be charged extra, as pre-paid rates remain locked in.

However, if you’re booked on a longer cruise and you have the Deluxe package, you may wish to consider cancelling it and rebooking it at the new lower rate.

A Wider Trend Across Carnival Brands

The quiet price adjustment follows similar moves elsewhere in the Carnival family.

Carnival Cruise Line recently increased the cost of its internet plans, prompting speculation that more price updates could be on the way across the group’s brands – including Princess Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and Holland America Line.

While each brand operates independently, pricing changes often occur across multiple lines in the same period as part of wider corporate reviews or cost adjustments linked to supply prices and onboard demand.

P&O’s updated drinks package rates now bring it closer in line with comparable offerings across other major cruise lines.

I’ve got loads more information on P&O drinks packages and the P&O drinks menus, if you’d like to know more.

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Royal Caribbean Unveils Summer 2027 European Cruise Line-Up With Six Ships and New Santorini Experience

Royal Caribbean International has announced its summer 2027 Europe season, featuring six ships sailing from ports across the continent – including an Icon-class vessel and several new itineraries.

Mariner of the Seas

Highlights include Mariner of the Seas’ first-ever deployment from Southampton, new ports such as Tangier, Morocco, and the debut of the Royal Beach Club Santorini, a new exclusive shoreside experience for select Mediterranean itineraries.

The season will also mark the first time guests can combine sightseeing across Santorini’s famous whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches with time at the Royal Beach Club Santorini, part of Royal Caribbean Group’s growing collection of land-based destinations.

Sales opened early to Crown & Anchor Society members on 29th October, and then opened to the general public on 30th October 2025.

New Shoreside Experiences and European Expansion

The Santorini beach club is part of the company’s “Ultimate Santorini Day,” blending guided tours of the island’s landmarks with a luxury beach retreat.

Royal Beach Club Santorini

Details, including the exact location and entry costs, have not yet been disclosed, but the concept follows the model of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, opening in The Bahamas in December 2025.

Three ships – Rhapsody of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas – will visit the new Santorini club.

Royal Caribbean’s parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, confirmed earlier this month that the Santorini beach club will be open to guests sailing with both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

Where Each Ship Will Sail in Summer 2027

Legend of the Seas (Icon Class)

Legend of the Seas

The 5,610-guest Legend of the Seas, entering service in July 2026, will spend her second summer in the Mediterranean, sailing Western Mediterranean itineraries from both Barcelona and Rome.

Rhapsody of the Seas (Vision Class)

The Rhapsody of the Seas cruising the ocean

Carrying 2,040 passengers, Rhapsody of the Seas will operate from Athens, sailing 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruises visiting Greece, Turkey, and Egypt – including calls to Royal Beach Club Santorini.

Mariner of the Seas (Voyager Class)

Mariner of the Seas slides

Making her Southampton debut, the 4,000-guest Mariner of the Seas will offer a variety of cruises ranging from two-night short getaways to nine-night voyages. Destinations include Porto, Seville, and the Norwegian fjords, as well as stops in Denmark.

Explorer of the Seas (Voyager Class)

The Explorer of the Seas fun filled deck shown on a bird's eye view

Based in Barcelona, Rome, Ravenna, and Athens, Explorer of the Seas will offer Eastern and Western Mediterranean itineraries, visiting Italy, France, Spain, and the Adriatic ports of Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece.

Odyssey of the Seas (Quantum Class)

Odyssey of the Seas

Operating from Rome, the 4,284-guest Odyssey of the Seas will sail 7-night Greek Island cruises, with calls in Mykonos and Santorini, where guests can experience the new Royal Beach Club.

Brilliance of the Seas (Radiance Class)

Brilliance of the Seas pool deck

The 2,145-guest Brilliance of the Seas will homeport in Ravenna, sailing 7-night Greek Island and Croatia cruises, also featuring the Santorini beach club as a key highlight.

Reduced European Capacity

While the line-up of ships coming to Europe has been given the typical fanfare of a new season launch, it is worth noting that 2027 actually sees a reduction in capacity for Europe, in terms of ship size at least, when compared with 2026.

Brilliance, Explorer, Legend and Odyssey will all be returning to Europe in 2027 after a 2026 season sailing the continent, but two of the ships are changes. Harmony of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas are sailing in Europe in 2026, replaced by Rhapsody of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas.

That’s a drop in passenger capacity of around 5,500 berths – mainly due to the departing Harmony of the Seas, an Oasis-class ship that can host over 6,700 guests at maximum capacity.

However, the overall 2027 capacity will likely be similar, as there are more itineraries available – 51 cruises are offered for 2026, with 57 offered for 2027.

Expanding the Royal Beach Club Portfolio

The Santorini development is part of Royal Caribbean Group’s wider plan to grow its land-based experiences from two to eight destinations by 2028, following the model of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Upcoming projects include:

  • Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (The Bahamas) – Opening December 2025
  • Royal Beach Club Cozumel (Mexico) – 2026
  • Perfect Day Mexico – 2027
  • Royal Beach Club Lelepa (Vanuatu) – 2028

With the addition of Santorini, Royal Caribbean is expanding its presence in Europe while offering guests new ways to combine authentic local exploration with premium resort-style relaxation.

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Carnival Announces Year-Round Deployment In Mobile, Alabama

Carnival Cruise Line has announced its next wave of 2027/28 deployments, including the return of year-round deployment in Mobile, Ala., expanding the cruise line’s capacity in the region with a Conquest-class ship sailing from the home port for the very first time. Beginning May 15, 2027, Carnival Valor will start offering a variety of six- to eight-day sailings from the home port visiting The Bahamas, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key. Before making her transition, Carnival Valor will complete her deployment in New Orleans with a five-day sailing on May 1, followed by two four-day cruises to Mexico on May 6 and May 10.

“Mobile has been an important part of the Carnival family, and we’re thrilled to mark the return of year-round deployment with our first-ever Conquest-class ship serving the market,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “This is a big win for our guests who love the convenience of cruising close to home, and for the community that has supported us for many years. Carnival Valor will bring even more opportunity for fun, and we can’t wait to welcome our guests aboard.”

Carnival Valor will also offer two 14-day Carnival Journeys sailings as part of her deployment from the home port. On Sept. 26, Carnival Valor will sail a 14-day itinerary to the Caribbean and Panama, including stops in Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Cartagena, Colombia; Colón, Panama; Limón, Costa Rica; Cozumel, Mexico; Aruba; and Curaçao. On January 16, the ship will offer a 14-day Southern Caribbean sailing visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Aruba; Curaçao; and Celebration Key. The ship will also host an extraordinary seven-day Thanksgiving sailing on Nov. 20, visiting Key West, Fla., as well as Nassau and Celebration Key.

Carnival Valor offers guests a dynamic onboard experience with a variety of dining options, engaging entertainment, and exciting activities for all ages. From thrilling water slides to relaxing spa treatments, the ship delivers the perfect blend of fun and relaxation for all types of travelers. Until Carnival Valor arrives, Carnival will continue to serve Mobile on a seasonal basis with Carnival Spirit from October 2026 to April 2027. To view all new sailings now open for sale, click here.

Carnival Glory and Carnival Conquest Continue Sailing from Florida

Carnival Glory will continue sailing from Port Canaveral, offering a variety of three- and four-day cruises, while Carnival Conquest will continue to operate from Miami, offering a variety of three- to five-day sailings. Both ships will offer a range of itineraries visiting The Bahamas, including Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

On November 1, Carnival Conquest will offer an 11-day Carnival Journeys sailing, visiting iconic Caribbean destinations, including Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Celebration Key, and St. Thomas. On Nov. 19, the Conquest-class ship will offer another Carnival Journeys sailing visiting St. Lucia; Guadeloupe and Martinique, French West Indies; St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles; St. Thomas; and Celebration Key. To view all sailings, click here.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line- Opens in new window and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit carnival.com- Opens in new window, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

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Carnival Cruise Line Celebrates Home Cruising With New Program

Carnival Cruise Line has announced plans to sail from more homeports than ever before in Australia and New Zealand in 2027/2028, underscoring its commitment as the only cruise line to sail year-round in this region.

The world’s most popular cruise line today released its 2027/28 program, announcing continued year-round sailing from the marquee ports of Sydney and Brisbane, as well as Carnival Cruise Line’s first-ever seasons in Adelaide and Auckland.

After returning from dry dock in March 2027, Carnival Adventure will homeport in Melbourne — marking Carnival Cruise Line’s first homeport season in the city in eight years. The latest program release also confirms a second Melbourne season in 2028.

Carnival Cruise Line’s new program includes:

Carnival Adventure and Carnival EncounterCarnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter
Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter (Photo by Carnival Cruise Line)
  • Over 200 cruises across four ships
  • 39 destinations to be visited across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific
  • Taking more than 500,000 guests on memorable holidays over the 12 months

“Carnival is sailing from five homeports in Australia and New Zealand in 2027/28, and we remain the only global cruise line committed to sailing in this region year-round,” Carnival Corporation & plc Country Manager Peter Little said.

“Carnival Cruise Line has answered the call from our interstate and New Zealand guests who’ve been asking for more opportunities to book a convenient and great value cruise holiday, and we’re delighted to be offering voyages from Adelaide, Melbourne and Auckland as well as our traditional ports of Sydney and Brisbane.”

The voyages are expected to be in high demand among multi-generational families and groups of friends, who can spend precious time together on a fun and convenient holiday onboard a cruise ship.

Adelaide grandmother and Carnival Cruise Line fan Shirley Van Hout said, “When I heard the news, I was ecstatic. It’s about time Adelaide has a cruise ship, as it would mean easier access. What’s good about cruise is everything is under one roof.”

Carnival Adventure will be homeporting in Adelaide, Melbourne, Auckland, and Sydney. Carnival Splendor will continue to homeport year-round in Sydney, while Carnival Encounter will be based year-round in Brisbane and will be joined by Carnival Luminosa in the summer.

Auckland (May – July 2027)

Carnival Adventure will take guests on a brand-new four-night itinerary to Norfolk Island, alongside a selection of longer nine- and 10-night journeys to Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia for a total of nine departures, ending with a four-night one-way voyage from Auckland to Sydney departing July 29, 2027.

Melbourne (January – February 2028)

Beginning Jan. 31, 2028, Carnival Adventure will start her second Melbourne homeport season, offering a mix of two- to three-night getaways as well as four-night Kangaroo Island escapes for a total of eight departures, ending with a two-night one-way voyage from Melbourne to Adelaide departing Feb. 25, 2028.

Adelaide (February – March 2028)

Carnival Adventure’s Adelaide sailings will include two- to four-night short getaways as well as a five-night South Australia coastal itinerary visiting Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln, for a total of five departures, ending with a three-night one-way voyage from Adelaide to Sydney departing March 14, 2028.

Sydney (year-round)

Guests can choose from an extensive mix of sailings, including two- to five-night getaways with calls to Moreton Island, Philip Island, Eden, and Tasmania, as well as more extended tropical holidays, including nine- to 10-night voyages to Vanuatu and New Caledonia and eight- to nine-night Great Barrier Reef cruises.

The program also features the popular six-night Melbourne Cup cruise, 12-night Fiji & South Pacific, and 14-night Mutiny on the Bounty & Fiji sailings.

Brisbane (year-round)

Carnival will offer guests four-night Airlie Beach cruises as well as three-night Getaway sailings perfect for a quick escape.

The program also features six- to seven-night Great Barrier Reef cruises, as well as eight- to nine-night South Pacific voyages, including 14-night Mutiny on the Bounty & Fiji and 10-night Papua New Guinea voyages.

For the first time, Carnival will introduce a brand-new nine-night Tasmania itinerary sailing from Brisbane, calling at Hobart, Port Arthur, and Eden, as well as for the first time, scenic cruising in Great Oyster Bay.

For more information on Carnival Cruise Line’s 2027/28 program visit carnival.com.au- Opens in new window or your local travel agent or call 13 31 94.

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Family Demands Answers After 80-Year-Old Left Behind by Cruise Ship and Found Dead on Remote Island

An Australian family is demanding answers after 80-year-old Suzanne Rees was found dead on Lizard Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef, after being left behind by her cruise ship.

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

The tragedy occurred on Saturday, 25th October, when Ms Rees, from New South Wales, joined fellow passengers from the Coral Adventurer on a guided hike to Cook’s Look, the island’s highest peak.

The vessel, which was on the first leg of a 60-day circumnavigation of Australia, departed the island at sunset before realising several hours later that one of its guests was missing.

When the ship returned, a large-scale search was launched involving the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), local police, and helicopters using spotlights to sweep the island through the night. Her body was discovered the following morning.

Queensland Police said a report into the “sudden and non-suspicious death” would be prepared for the coroner.

Daughter Accuses Operator of “Failure of Care and Common Sense”

Speaking publicly for the first time, Ms Rees’s daughter Katherine Rees said she was “shocked and saddened” that the Coral Adventurer had left “without my mum”, whom she described as healthy, active, a keen gardener and bushwalker.

“From the little we have been told, it seems that there was a failure of care and common sense,” she said.

She added that police had told the family it was a hot day when her mother began to feel unwell on the climb.

“She was asked to head down, unescorted. Then the ship left, apparently without doing a passenger count. At some stage in that sequence, or shortly after, Mum died, alone,” Ms Rees said.

She now hopes a coronial inquiry will “find out what the company should have done that might have saved Mum’s life”.

Search Effort and Investigation

A spokesperson for AMSA confirmed it was first alerted to the missing woman around 9 pm on Saturday by the ship’s captain. Search crews returned to the island but called off operations in the early hours before resuming at first light on Sunday, when Ms Rees’s body was found.

Coral Adventurer

Witness Traci Ayris, who was sailing nearby, told the ABC that she saw search helicopters circling the island during the night.

“We knew she was dead because they called everyone back from the search immediately,” she said. “And no-one went to the spot that the chopper was hovering over until later that day when the police arrived.”

Ms Ayris described the mood among those nearby as “very sad in this paradise to have this tragedy occur. It should have been a happy time for that lovely lady.”

AMSA said it takes the safety of passengers and crew on commercial vessels “very seriously” and is working with Queensland Police and other agencies to investigate.

The Coral Adventurer’s operator, Coral Expeditions, confirmed that staff had contacted the family and were offering support.

“While investigations into the incident are continuing, we are deeply sorry that this has occurred and are offering our full support to the woman’s family,” said Mark Fifield, the company’s chief executive. “We are working closely with Queensland Police and other authorities to support their investigation.”

Questions Over Cruise Procedures

The Coral Adventurer carries up to 120 passengers with 46 crew and operates small-boat tenders to transport guests to remote shore excursions.

The ship has since continued its voyage to Darwin, though an investigation will take place once it docks.

Every cruise I have sailed on has systems in place to help track guests who have gone ashore, to make sure nothing like this happens.

If someone doesn’t return to the ship, the ship may leave if it assumes they have gone exploring on their own, or via a third party tour, and not made it back to the ship.

But they would definitely make contact with the missing guest, or alert the authorities if they noticed an elderly guest hadn’t returned and was likely alone.

As the investigation continues, Ms Rees’s family says they hope her death will prompt a review of how expedition cruise operators monitor guests ashore.

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Crew Member Disappears After Falling Overboard Near Italy During Viking Star Voyage

A crew member aboard the Viking Star was observed falling overboard on Monday while the ship was transitioning from Greece to Italy.

In a communiqué shared with USA Today, a Viking Cruises representative said the event occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 27. “The vessel’s emergency protocol was activated promptly, and a comprehensive search mission was initiated in collaboration with the Italian Coast Guard,” the firm stated.

The coast guard informed the outlet it received a notification “of a crew member going overboard” while the vessel was nearly 100 nautical miles southeast of the Calabria coastline in Southern Italy.

On Facebook, travelers shared updates about the search efforts. One mentioned the ship “halted for over four hours.” Another uploaded a video of aerial operations to locate the crew member.

According to CruiseMapper, the ship is on a seven-day journey through the Mediterranean. The Star first set off from Athens, Greece on Oct. 23 and is projected to reach Rome, Italy, on Oct. 30.

Viking confirmed to USA Today that the crew was permitted to resume the voyage on Monday evening.

“We are profoundly saddened by what has transpired,” the firm expressed. “Our hearts are with the family of our crew member, and we will continue to provide support during this challenging period.”

According to a 2020 report from the Cruise Line International Association, the premier trade organization in the industry, there were 212 man overboard occurrences across member cruise lines from 2009 to 2019. Out of these incidents, only 48 resulted in successful rescues.

Just last week, a cruise passenger aboard the Norwegian Jewel went overboard on Monday, Oct. 20 while the cruise was navigating from Ponta Delgada, Portugal to Miami.

In an Oct. 21 TikTok, an individual claiming to be on the same ship stated passengers were alerted to a man overboard around 2 a.m.

On the Norwegian Cruise Line forum on Reddit, one user noted crews had “restricted access to the outside walking deck to prevent passengers from interfering with the crew during the search operations.”

“The announcement was made before 3 a.m. ship’s time, and five hours later the ship continues to retrace its route conducting search operations,” the Oct. 21 post read.

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