News

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral has welcomed her first guests aboard after completing a comprehensive multi-million-pound dry dock refurbishment at A&P Falmouth.

The ship underwent a two-week maintenance programme beginning on 1st December, during which significant upgrades were made both inside and out.

Onboard, the upgrades included the renovation of several cabins and bathrooms, a technical refurbishment of the Neptune Lounge, and the transformation of the former Palms Café into the new Thistle Restaurant.

The refurbished buffet venue now features a redesigned layout, refreshed seating areas, and updated buffet and drinks stations, making it the most significant internal project of the dry dock.

The ship’s WiFi capabilities were also enhanced to provide a more seamless experience for guests.

Externally, Balmoral underwent an ultra-high-pressure water blast of her underwater hull, received a coating of silicone antifouling paint to improve fuel efficiency, and had new propellers and bow thrusters installed.

A commitment to sustainability and local partnerships

Fred. Olsen CEO Samantha Stimpson highlighted the environmental and operational benefits of the dry dock.

“This has been an incredibly successful dry dock programme, allowing us to not only conduct important maintenance but also make some exciting enhancements for our guests – most notably our beautiful new buffet restaurant.

“The application of antifouling silicone paint to Balmoral’s hull will enable us to use less fuel, and teamed with other improvements we have made, including the upgrading of our propeller and stabilisers, will allow us to sail more efficiently and sustainably, whilst continuing to offer a comfortable and enjoyable experience on board.”

Fred. Olsen CEO Samantha Stimpson

A workforce of more than 700 people, including 350 Fred. Olsen crew and 30 apprentices from A&P Falmouth, helped complete the programme.

“Contracts such as these make a significant economic contribution to the prosperity of the UK and help support our workforce and apprenticeship programme. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines over the months and years to come.”

A&P Falmouth CEO David McGinley

Balmoral’s upgrades position her to offer guests an even more enjoyable and environmentally friendly cruising experience as she sets sail on her next adventure.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Disney Treasure encountered an unexpected hiccup when a malfunction in the Grand Hall’s sprinkler system caused an indoor rain shower on 15th December 2024. The 144,000-gross-ton ship, set to embark…

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A potentially alarming situation on Carnival Celebration was resolved after a 17-year-old passenger who went missing on the first night of the cruise was found safe.

The teen had reportedly fallen asleep in another cabin, prompting an early morning search on 23rd December 2024.

The Excel-class cruise ship, currently on a 7-night Christmas-themed Western Caribbean sailing from Miami, Florida, was midway through its first night when announcements were made alerting guests and crew of the missing teen.

Crew members swiftly enacted emergency protocols, including an exhaustive search of the ship and interviews with the missing teen’s travel companions.

Fortunately, the youth was located within the vessel, and an announcement confirmed their safe reunion with family later that day.

Missing persons on cruise ships remain rare

Modern cruise ships are equipped with advanced security measures, including extensive surveillance systems and trained security teams, making missing persons cases onboard exceptionally rare.

Over the past 20 years, it is estimated that approximately 10-20 passengers per year go missing from cruise ships – a very small number compared to the millions who cruise annually.

However the fact that announcements had to be made over the ship’s systems show that this wasn’t just a brief case of a teen wandering off for a few minutes, and there was enough concern that something seriously bad could’ve happened.

Carnival Celebration’s quick resolution reflects the efficacy of such safety protocols.

Following the incident, the teen and their family were able to continue enjoying their cruise, which features stops in Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral has welcomed her first guests aboard after completing a comprehensive multi-million-pound dry dock refurbishment at A&P Falmouth. The ship underwent a two-week maintenance programme beginning…

Disney Treasure encountered an unexpected hiccup when a malfunction in the Grand Hall’s sprinkler system caused an indoor rain shower on 15th December 2024. The 144,000-gross-ton ship, set to embark…

On 16th December 2024, Port Vila, Vanuatu, was struck by a devastating magnitude 7.3 earthquake, leaving the island nation grappling with widespread destruction, missing survivors, and mounting casualties. The quake,…

The holiday season has been marred for several cruise guests after a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2, currently sailing a transatlantic voyage. The 2,691-passenger ship departed…

The holiday season has been marred for several cruise guests after a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2, currently sailing a transatlantic voyage.

The 2,691-passenger ship departed Southampton, England, on 14th December 2024, bound for New York City, where it is scheduled to arrive on 21st December.

Afterward, the vessel will continue on a 28-night journey through the Caribbean, visiting ports including St. Maarten, Dominica, and Barbados.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on December 19 that 100 passengers, representing over 4 percent of the 2,430 onboard, along with seven of the 1,237 crew members, have been affected by the illness.

Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

Cunard Line has initiated enhanced cleaning protocols to mitigate the outbreak. Infected passengers have been isolated, and stool specimens are being collected for testing to determine the cause.

It is unclear whether all passengers will need to disembark in New York for additional deep cleaning before embarking on the subsequent Caribbean leg of the itinerary.

The CDC defines such cases as acute gastroenteritis (AGE), which includes “three or more loose stools within a 24-hour period or vomiting accompanied by symptoms like muscle ache, headache, abdominal cramps, or fever.”

A spate of holiday outbreaks

Queen Mary 2 is one of several ships grappling with illness outbreaks during the holiday season. The ship last experienced a significant outbreak during a 2012 Christmas cruise, which affected over 200 passengers.

In December alone, similar outbreaks have been reported on Holland America Line’s Rotterdam and Zuiderdam, as well as P&O Cruises’ Ventura.

On Rotterdam, 83 passengers and 12 crew members fell ill on a Caribbean sailing, while 74 guests and four crew members were affected on Zuiderdam. Both ships are operating out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

Ventura, sailing the Canary Islands from Southampton, reported an unspecified number of cases of what was suspected to be AGE or norovirus earlier this month.

AGE and norovirus are highly contagious, often spreading through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. The CDC notes symptoms may take up to 48 hours to appear and can last three days, meaning the duration of an entire cruise can be impacted.

Cruise lines are working to contain the illnesses through isolation of symptomatic passengers, limiting buffet services, and increasing cleaning efforts.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Disney Treasure encountered an unexpected hiccup when a malfunction in the Grand Hall’s sprinkler system caused an indoor rain shower on 15th December 2024. The 144,000-gross-ton ship, set to embark…

On 16th December 2024, Port Vila, Vanuatu, was struck by a devastating magnitude 7.3 earthquake, leaving the island nation grappling with widespread destruction, missing survivors, and mounting casualties. The quake,…

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Disney Treasure encountered an unexpected hiccup when a malfunction in the Grand Hall’s sprinkler system caused an indoor rain shower on 15th December 2024.

The 144,000-gross-ton ship, set to embark on her maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida, on 21st December, is currently giving a preview of her grandeur to media and travel professionals in the days leading up to the sailing.

I was on one of these cruises – luckily, not the one when this incident happened but the one just prior to it!

“An apparent technical glitch in the HI-FOG (fire suppression system) in the Grand Hall of the Disney Treasure produced an indoor rain shower for about three minutes earlier today,”

Witness statement

The incident occurred at an ideal time for such a malfunction, as no paying passengers were on board and the crew had ample time to address the issue.

Similar incidents highlight sprinkler system importance

Disney Treasure’s quick response avoided any significant disruption.

Crew members immediately cordoned off the affected area, used industrial-grade dryers to address the soaked carpet, and ensured no damage to the hall’s paintwork or Aladdin-themed décor, including the statue of the genie’s lamp.

Guests attending the preview event reported minimal impact on their experience, with festivities continuing as planned, though the main hall floor remained inaccessible for part of the day while it dried.

Sprinkler malfunctions, while rare, aren’t unique to Disney Cruise Line.

Royal Caribbean recently experienced two similar incidents. On 31st October 2024, a Halloween party on Symphony of the Seas triggered the sprinklers in the Royal Promenade, activating the ship’s watertight doors and soaking guests.

A second event occurred on Harmony of the Seas on 16th November, 2024, though the cause remains unclear – rumours it was caused by smoke from a pizza oven haven’t been confirmed.

These occurrences underscore the importance of functional sprinkler systems, which are essential for shipboard fire safety despite occasional malfunctions.

Maiden voyage preparations remain on track

Thanks to the quick action of Disney Treasure’s crew, the Grand Hall is expected to be in pristine condition for the ship’s first official passengers.

With drying completed and no lasting effects reported, guests embarking on the maiden voyage should enjoy the magical welcome Disney Cruise Line has planned.

The 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary will include stops at Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas.

After her maiden voyage, Disney Treasure will alternate between week-long Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, promising enchanting experiences for every guest.

Related posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

On 16th December 2024, Port Vila, Vanuatu, was struck by a devastating magnitude 7.3 earthquake, leaving the island nation grappling with widespread destruction, missing survivors, and mounting casualties. The quake,…

The holiday season has been marred for several cruise guests after a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2, currently sailing a transatlantic voyage. The 2,691-passenger ship departed…

P&O Cruises has been spotted using tags to help combat the issue of guests reserving sun loungers without using them. Sun lounger reservations are a controversial topic on cruise ships….

Cruise demand surged in 2024, with Pacific Island cruises standing out with a 135% increase compared to 2023, according to new data from Iglu Cruise. The Cruise Lines International Association…

On 16th December 2024, Port Vila, Vanuatu, was struck by a devastating magnitude 7.3 earthquake, leaving the island nation grappling with widespread destruction, missing survivors, and mounting casualties.

The quake, centred just 19 miles from Port Vila, occurred at 12:47 pm local time and was followed by aftershocks reaching magnitudes of up to 5.5.

Amid the tragedy, Carnival Cruise Line has stepped forward with a $60,000 donation to ProMedical Vanuatu, a critical paramedic service assisting in search and rescue operations and providing emergency medical care.

“Carnival Corporation & plc is donating $60,000 to first responder, ProMedical Vanuatu. The ProMedical team worked around the clock for the first 48 hours after tragedy struck in Port Vila, searching for survivors in the rubble and helping provide critical medical care to the injured,”

“This donation has been made possible thanks to all of Carnival Corporation & plc cruise lines operating in the region – Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Cunard, and P&O Cruises Australia as well as the generosity of P&O guests,”

Carnival statement.

The donation will help ProMedical Vanuatu continue its vital work in Port Vila, which is home to over 49,000 residents.

Vanuatu faces a long road to recovery

The capital city of Port Vila, located on Efate Island in Vanuatu’s South Pacific archipelago, has suffered significant damage, including to government buildings housing key embassies, as well as power and water supply disruptions.

The port area itself has been severely impacted, with landslides isolating the shipping terminal and burying sections of the wharf.

Caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai has declared a state of emergency in Port Vila and imposed a curfew in the hardest-hit areas from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., set to last until at least December 23.

Compounding the crisis, a low-pressure system is approaching Vanuatu, threatening heavy rains and the possibility of a cyclone. In a Facebook video, Vanuatu President Nikenike Vurobaravu warned of “cascading hazards” and urged caution in affected areas.

Cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and others, have suspended ship calls to Port Vila until damage can be fully assessed and necessary repairs are completed.

Carnival has pledged to remain in contact with Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office and offered its ships for additional assistance if required.

Related posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

The holiday season has been marred for several cruise guests after a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2, currently sailing a transatlantic voyage. The 2,691-passenger ship departed…

P&O Cruises has been spotted using tags to help combat the issue of guests reserving sun loungers without using them. Sun lounger reservations are a controversial topic on cruise ships….

Cruise demand surged in 2024, with Pacific Island cruises standing out with a 135% increase compared to 2023, according to new data from Iglu Cruise. The Cruise Lines International Association…

P&O Cruises’ ship Arvia undertook a rescue mission this week after spotting a fishing boat in distress. According to guests posting on Facebook group P&O Arvia Caribbean Season, the crew…

P&O Cruises’ ship Arvia undertook a rescue mission this week after spotting a fishing boat in distress.

According to guests posting on Facebook group P&O Arvia Caribbean Season, the crew of the cruise ship spotted the distress flares from the fishing boat, which was drifting at night having lost power.

Because the battery on the fishing boat had completely died, the owner hadn’t been able to call for help, so had resorted to sending up distress flares.

The crew were able to bring Arvia close to the fishing boat, where they were able to donate a new battery to the owner.

This restored power to the boat, allowing it to return home.

A video of the incident can be viewed on the Facebook group.

The passengers were full of praise for the quick actions and generosity of the crew, commenting on how lucky it was that Arvia had been passing the fishing boat.

Cruise ships to the rescue

This isn’t the first time a cruise ship has come to the aid of a smaller vessel in distress.

Over the years, cruise ships have played a vital role in assisting seafarers in emergency situations, thanks to their advanced communication equipment, medical facilities, and trained crews.

One well-documented case occurred in December 2018 when Royal Caribbean’s Empress of the Seas rescued two stranded fishermen near Grand Cayman. The fishermen had been adrift for 20 days without proper food or water after their vessel’s engine failed.

Crew members provided them with medical care, food, and water before coordinating with local authorities to transfer them to safety. News agencies at the time called it a “Christmas miracle”

Cruise ships will occasionally help refugee boats in distress too, bringing refugees onboard and then dropping them with the nearest suitable authorities.

These incidents highlight the role cruise ships can play in maritime safety. With their large size, sophisticated equipment, and experienced crews, cruise ships are often well-placed to assist smaller vessels in need.

Crew members are trained to handle emergency situations, and the ships are often in constant communication with maritime authorities, enabling a swift and coordinated response.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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P&O Cruises has been spotted using tags to help combat the issue of guests reserving sun loungers without using them.

Sun lounger reservations are a controversial topic on cruise ships. The problems arise when guests reserve a lounger with their towels but then leave to go and enjoy the rest of the ship’s facilities.

This often means other guests struggle to find a lounger to use, despite loungers being left with just towels reserving them for hours at a time.

P&O has instructed crew to start using tags to note down the times that loungers are being left unattended.

As reported by a passenger on Arvia, the crew are walking around the pool areas every 30-40 minutes, and attaching a tag to any unattended loungers that have been reserved with towels or other times.

The tags have the time written on them to show how long they are left unattended.

When crew complete their next walk-around, they are checking the tags and then removing the belongings of any loungers that haven’t been returned to, freeing up the lounger for other guests.

Several guests have reacted positively to this, calling it a “Brilliant idea” with some even saying they were being put off cruising by other selfish guests who hog loungers, only to barely use them.

P&O Cruises is not the first cruise line to introduce a similar system, with many cruise lines reacting to the widespread issue.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Cruise demand surged in 2024, with Pacific Island cruises standing out with a 135% increase compared to 2023, according to new data from Iglu Cruise. The Cruise Lines International Association…

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Cruise demand surged in 2024, with Pacific Island cruises standing out with a 135% increase compared to 2023, according to new data from Iglu Cruise.

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has forecast cruise demand to grow by 10% annually from 2024 to 2028. More than 37 million passengers are expected to cruise in 2025, a 7% increase from 2024.

According to Iglu Cruise, several key regions experienced a rise in demand in 2024, with the Pacific Islands, Asia, and South America seeing the most significant growth. The analysis compared passenger interest from 2024 to 2023.

The Pacific Islands led the surge with a 135% increase, while Asia saw a 48% rise, and South America’s demand increased by 35%. Antarctica, Central America, and the Canary Islands also saw notable increases of 31%, 25%, and 20%, respectively.

“Cruisers have been channelling their inner Moana over the last 12 months more than ever, as more ships are sailing around Bora Bora, Tahiti, the Tuamotu Archipelago and more,”

Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer, Iglu Cruise

The data highlights a global resurgence in cruising, with European cruises also increasing by 8%.

What’s driving the demand?

The rise in demand is being driven by new itineraries, additional ship deployments, and unique shore excursions.

For the Pacific Islands, cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Paul Gauguin Cruises, and Oceania Cruises have ramped up operations in the region.

Similarly, Asia’s growing popularity has been fuelled by demand for Japan’s cherry blossom season, iconic landmarks like Mount Fuji, and popular destinations such as Singapore, Nagasaki, and Hong Kong.

“The popularity of Asia has been boosted by a phenomenal level of demand for Japan,”

Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer, Iglu Cruise

South American cruises have seen renewed interest, with itineraries combining tours of iconic sites like Machu Picchu and Iguazu Falls with immersive exploration cruises departing from Buenos Aires and Ushuaia.

Antarctic cruises remain popular for adventurous travellers seeking bucket-list experiences, with voyages through Drake Passage and scenic routes past the South Shetland Islands and King George Island.

In Central America, the Panama Canal remains a major draw, especially with full transit sailings offering a chance to marvel at this iconic engineering feat.

The Canary Islands saw an influx of ships from MSC Cruises and Marella Cruises, with more itineraries catering to European travellers seeking winter sun and balmy temperatures.

Demand for Mediterranean cruises, meanwhile, increased by 13%, with larger cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line opting to base some of their newest ships in the region. Transatlantic crossings, particularly the iconic Southampton to New York voyage aboard Queen Mary 2, also saw renewed interest.

European cruises from ports like Southampton, Dover, and Liverpool remained steady, with itineraries to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark gaining traction among those seeking scenic summer sailings.

With cruise demand set to grow further in 2025, cruise lines are expected to continue expanding their itineraries and ship deployments in these high-interest regions.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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A cruise meant for celebration turned chaotic as a violent confrontation erupted aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas just one hour after the ship departed from San Pedro, California, bound for Ensenada, Mexico.

The incident unfolded when an allegedly intoxicated passenger began hurling racial slurs, profanity, and threats before launching into physical assaults.

Video footage captured by fellow passenger Christopher Mikhail, who was celebrating his birthday and anniversary onboard, shows the dramatic scene as it played out.

The unruly guest is reported to have kicked a crew member in the face, punched another passenger, and chased guests through the hallways of the ship.

Crew members quickly stepped in to contain the situation, armed with zip ties, towels, pepper spray, and handcuffs.

“They just waited for him to kind of run out of energy,”

Christopher Mikhail, passenger aboard Navigator of the Seas

Mikhail described the ordeal as something straight out of a SWAT team movie, noting that the aggressive passenger was eventually subdued and placed in one of the ship’s two holding cells for the remainder of the trip.

Royal Caribbean has not released a public statement on the matter, but reports indicate that the crew’s response was swift and efficient.

Mikhail said he spent the remainder of his holiday recounting the incident to Royal Caribbean management and the FBI.

The Navigator of the Seas was on a short weekend cruise to Ensenada, Mexico, and had departed from the Port of Los Angeles.

Despite the unsettling start, there were no reports of significant delays to the ship’s itinerary.

Incidents like this highlight the challenges cruise lines face in maintaining onboard safety. Although cruise ships have security teams trained for such events, confrontations like these can disrupt the guest experience, especially when they happen so early in a voyage.

Royal Caribbean has a policy of zero tolerance for violence or unruly behaviour aboard its ships. It is likely that further investigations will be carried out, with the potential for legal consequences for the offending passenger.

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Carnival Cruise Line has revealed fresh details about its upcoming integration of P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, with the ships set to be rebranded as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.

The move will double Carnival’s presence in Australia, with Carnival Adventure homeporting year-round in Sydney alongside Carnival Splendor, while Carnival Encounter will call Brisbane home, joining Carnival Luminosa during the Australian summer season.

The rebranding is scheduled to begin in March 2025, with both ships receiving significant upgrades and redesigns to align with Carnival Cruise Line’s signature “Fun Ship” experience.

“This transition presents a unique opportunity to combine the best of P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Cruise Line as the brand expands its footprint in Australia,”

Kara Glamore, Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Key Carnival features such as the famous Fun Squad, 80s Rock-N-Glow Party, and Silent White-Hot Night will be added to the ships.

Guests can also look forward to free unlimited daily pizza from 11 am to 4 pm, with an additional charge for pizza outside these hours.

For families, Carnival’s popular Turtles program for toddlers under two years old will be introduced, allowing parents to drop off their little ones for supervised activities.

Additional family-friendly entertainment includes Build-a-Bear workshops and sensory kits from KultureCity.

Retaining P&O Cruises Australia’s fan-favourites

While the ships will embrace new Carnival features, several popular elements from P&O Cruises Australia will remain onboard. This includes Luke’s Bar & Grill, Luke’s Burgers, and New Zealand Natural ice cream.

Passengers will still be able to enjoy The Edge Adventure Park with its zip lining and climbing challenges, as well as exclusive access to the Byron Beach Club for guests staying in suites and select mini-suites.

The Blanc de Blanc show, known for its high-energy, cabaret-style performances, will also continue entertaining passengers on the newly branded ships.

“P&O fans will recognise many of their favourite dining and entertainment options, while experiencing the added fun and flair that Carnival is famous for around the world,”

Deborah Cogin, Vice President of Guest Experience

Carnival expects nearly 600,000 guests to sail from Sydney and Brisbane combined in 2025, solidifying its status as the only cruise line offering year-round sailings from Australia.

The two new ships will offer a variety of itineraries, including trips to Vanuatu, New Caledonia, the Great Barrier Reef, and even longer journeys to Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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