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JuJunene 20202020 EditionEdition forfor COVID-19COVID-19 COVERAGECOVERAGE KEEPKEEP SAFESAFE –– DREAMDREAM CRUISINGCRUISING

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JUNE 2020 ISSUE 125 PRICE $10.60 (INCL GST) Since our last issue the Covid-19 virus has continued

June 2020 Edition for to spread and is truly a Global Pandemic with numbers affected continuing to increase. Both COVID-19 Australia and New Zealand have been on top of the COVERAGE situation with strict enforcement to limit its spread. KEEP SAFE – DREAM CRUISING Never before have we seen the Global Cruise Industry cease to operate. Much of what I wrote last time still sums up the situation. A great deal has been written about the future of cruising and how and when it will return, although in some countries limited cruising, river and ocean, is underway for This magazine has been produced in a controlled environment – Once received dispose of the plastic wrap responsibly and immediately wash your hands. locals. Hurtigruten’s MS Finnmarken has set sail from Bergen on their classic Featuring a comprehensive coverage of Global Cruising www.cruisingnews.com 1 for Cruise Passengers, the Trade and the Industry www.cruisingnews.com 12-day Original Coastal Voyage on the coast of Norway. Here in Australia

Front Cover – Raelene James Captain Cook Cruises sailed on a Murray River cruise in June and plan more cruises in July, August and September. Our international borders remain closed. The Federal Tourism Minister has admitted international travel won’t This Edition resume until next year. Qantas has cancelled international flights, except some New Zealand flights, until late October. Slow Recovery 4 There are many who would return to cruising tomorrow, but the industry will have to invest in new procedures that will take time to plan and make workable. Arnold Donald CEO and President of Carnival Corporation is quoted as saying “We continue to get bookings and so on. So we’re anxious to go, too. But we only want to do it when the time is right. We can’t just look wholly at cruise.” He added “Our highest responsibility and our top priorities are, and they remain, New Silver Origin compliance, environmental protection and the health and safety and wellbeing 8 of our guests, our crew and the people and the places we go.” Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its cruise line members have begun creating a new health framework to uphold the safety of guests and prepare for future operations in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz said the industry was working with medical experts and health authorities internationally to lay a new foundation for the cruise sector as it prepared for its long-term recovery. Year Round Expeditions 10 It is a slow process as there are so many restrictions to overcome around the world dealing with various countries and destinations. It is easier for hotels as they only have to deal with the local health authorities. Also cruising relies on air transport. The suspension of cruise operations is likely to cost Australia more than $1.4 billion in lost economic activity by mid-September and threaten the jobs of more than 4,800 people, according to analysis commissioned by Cruise Lines Celebrity’s 30 Years International Association (CLIA) Australasia. Conducted by economic analysts 12 and forecasters AEC Group, the analysis shows the shutdown has already resulted in an economic loss of almost $500 million to the end of May, which in the absence of the Australian Government’s JobKeeper program would have cost almost 1,700 Australian jobs. It forecasts that if the cruise suspension continues beyond its current date of September 17 and into the summer high- season, the economic loss to Australia would total a further $3.8 billion and place another 13,000 jobs at risk. Meeting Mighty Moai Let us hope that when our next issue is published in late August we will have 20 some good news to report. Please keep safe and dream cruising! Kerry & John Treacy

This magazine has been produced in a controlled The Genesis of a Stamp environment – Once received dispose of the plastic wrap 24 responsibly and immediately wash your hands.

Plus the latest news and Proudly Published in Australia by John Treacy & Associates. information on Global Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Passenger Cruising Every effort is made to ensure the information published is correct. www.cruisingnews.com 3 Planning for

aby John Treacyslow recovery!

Since the shutdown of the global cruise the time comes to sail again. Many other sectors may follow when it comes industry back in March this year much teams of people around the world to our response.” has been written about the future of are working in tandem with experts to As mentioned on page 3 in our Editors cruising and how and when it will return. ensure we learn as much as possible Say the suspension of cruise operations The industry is in the hands of the from these unprecedented events and is likely to cost Australia more than US Centre for Disease Control and exceed community expectations in our $1.4 billion in lost economic activity by Prevention, World Health Organization response.” mid-September and threaten the jobs and the various Health, Government Maritime policy work underway of more than 4,800 people, according Agencies and Ports throughout the within CLIA would define the specific to analysis commissioned by Cruise world. screening, cleansing and medical Lines International Association (CLIA) protocols that cruise lines would adopt Australasia. Confidence has to be restored in travel, globally, in addition to those already in particularly cruising – it will come back CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel place. strong, but will take time. Also it will Katz warned the economic cost in the need to adjust to the new regulations He said “while it was too early to meantime would extend far beyond and as Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean discuss specific procedures being the cruise lines themselves. chairman and CEO said “We will developed or the timing, the industry’s “Cruise tourism is worth $5.2 billion a innovate our products to meet the priority would be to ensure the safety year to the Australia economy and exciting demands.” and security of guests, crew and the supports more than 18,000 jobs. These communities that cruise lines visit. The jobs are spread across almost 50 Cruise Lines International Association challenges before us are great and (CLIA) and its cruise line members destinations and every state, including there is no quick fix, which is why we many regional communities and have begun creating a new health have embarked on a process that will framework to uphold the safety remote locations that have suffered be extremely thorough and will address enormously in the tourism shutdown. of guests and prepare for future the concerns that communities and The suspensions that cruise lines and operations in the wake of the COVID-19 authorities expect to see us confront.” crisis. governments have enacted worldwide Once finalised, the new protocols have been the right response as we CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel would provide further opportunity confront COVID-19, but there is an Katz said the industry was working with to communicate with industry enormous cost to those who make medical experts and health authorities stakeholders, government and the up the wider cruise community,” he internationally to lay a new foundation wider public to provide reassurance on said. “There are many thousands of for the cruise sector as it prepared for its future cruise operations. travel agents, tour operators, ports long-term recovery. “Our thoughts are with all those who and destinations, technical support “While cruise operations are suspended, have been impacted by COVID-19,” providers, and food and beverage we are using this time to define the Mr Katz said. “The cruise industry is not suppliers who support the cruise industry new landscape we will work within alone in having to confront this disease, and are suffering enormous financial and make sure we’re ready when but we will aim to set standards that stress.”

4 June 2020 CLIA has backed calls for the A “24/7 prevention schedule” will hygiene protocols and efficient guest JobKeeper allowance to be extended feature continuous disinfection of public interaction, which we will adopt as the for travel agents and others in the areas and high-traffic touch points such new safety norm for our fleet and we tourism industry. as elevators. Buffets and beverage hope for the industry too.” Mr Katz said “The cruise industry is taking stations will be full-service with staff He added “The public will be pleased a wide-ranging and holistic approach available to serve guests, Norwegian to know for instance, that all of Genting said. to planning for COVID-19 safety when Cruise Lines’ ships allow for 100 percent sailing can resume. While it is too The cruise line will expect passengers external fresh air to be filtered and soon to outline specific measures, the to employ enhanced personal supplied to each passenger cabin as industry is considering protocols that will hygiene. “All guests will be strongly well as on board public areas ensuring ideally entail a door-to-door strategy encouraged to engage in frequent a constant and healthy flow of fresh beginning at the time of booking handwashing, including when air throughout the vessels. Besides through to when a passenger returns entering food-and-beverage that, isolated wards are available in home. venues, and hand sanitizer will be the Medical Centre and cabins can CLIA cruise lines are using this time to prominently placed and easily be converted into quarantine rooms if ensure they learn as much as possible accessible throughout the ship.” required.” from COVID-19 and develop the best The cruise line has partnered with Genting Cruise Lines will also further possible response, so that the wellbeing destinations and tour operators to contribute to the publishing of a of passengers remains our highest have its health and sanitation protocols white paper for the cruise industry’s priority and the economic benefit of “extend to the shoreside experience.” prevention and response plan against cruising can return to communities “We will only visit safe, open ports of COVID-19, providing a comprehensive around Australia. call which may cause changes to and unified standard for the cruise Norwegian Cruise Line became the first itineraries,” the company said. industry to ensure the safety and well- major cruise line to offer specific details New ship features include medical- being of all cruising guests and crew. about health and safety protocols grade air filters that remove 99.95% of that will be implemented once service One preventative measure is for guests airborne pathogens and enhanced aged 70 years and above to provide a resumes. sanitation measures, increased doctor’s certificate of fitness for travel. Among them are reduced passenger medical teams and onboard medical capacity, onboard social distancing, centres equipped with testing kits. Ponant has announced a health monitoring throughout each Each ship also will have isolation comprehensive Covid-Safe protocol cruise and full-service buffets. accommodations should the need which compliments their already existing sanitary and hygiene measures. Prior to boarding, all passengers and arise. crew will undergo enhanced health The new protocols are just the start Agents will be key post COVID-19 Cruise screenings, Norwegian said, and of a wave of new technologies and Lines International Association (CLIA) those considered at risk will undergo enhancements they are rolling out, so MD Australasia Joel Katz believes. additional screening. Staggered that you can explore the world with the Shipyard owner Bernard Meyer has said embarkation and online check-in will ultimate peace of mind. the cruise market will need a decade be implemented to allow for physical Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO to recover. Meyer Werft is renegotiating distancing. Frank Del Rio said that no effort would cruise orders to avoid cancellations, To allow for adequate onboard social be spared to ensure that vessels are expects newbuild business won't distancing, Norwegian will reduce safe. NCLH has been working with resume for several years and will passenger capacity and limit guest Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former Food and cut capacity to keep afloat. Meyer counts in public areas. The cruise line Drug Administration commissioner, to called the current coronavirus crisis said that all onboard activities would establish best practices and protocols 'completely different' from challenges still be available but operated at a and assess the viability and practicality like the 1973 oil crisis, 9/11 and the reduced capacity and in some cases of implementing new technologies. 2008/09 financial crisis. 'Never before “slightly modified in order to ensure safe On 6 April Genting Cruise Lines has the complete cruise fleet with over social distancing.” Announced Comprehensive Onboard 400 ships stopped operating,' he said. Norwegian said it would implement Health Protocols for its Star Cruises and To get the industry underway we may touchless temperature checks Dream Cruises brands. see shorter cruises to nowhere, maybe throughout each cruise to identify “At Genting Cruise Lines, the safety a cruising bubble between Australia potential health issues. The checks and health of our guests and crew and New Zealand, but anyone over will occur upon returning to the ship are of paramount importance to us," 65 may have to jump some pretty high from a port of call, prior to all meals in said Kent Zhu, President of Genting hurdles to prove their health fitness prior dining venues and all activities in public Cruise Lines. “As a responsible cruise to boarding and the industry will have venues, and before disembarkation. company, it is our duty to adopt a to police health standards on board, They said their ships will be thoroughly pro-active approach to meet and particularly washing of hands. The cruise cleaned and disinfected prior to every also strive to exceed the growing public will also want to know about the cruise with standards developed in expectations and concerns of the medical support on ships and the costs partnership with the CDC’s Vessel public. As such, we have carefully that they face if they use those facilities. Sanitation Program. Embarkation reviewed our prevention and response The cruising industry will return in terminals will be sanitized continuously plan with the COVID-19 pandemic in and, where possible, fogged before mind to devise and provide enhanced the future after undergoing many and after each embarkation and and comprehensive measures across challenges and will appeal to a new debarkation. The cruise lines said that our fleet. We have taken the positive audience of passengers, but we are not all cabins, suites and public areas will opportunity during this hiatus period sure when it will be. be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected to also implement comprehensive It is in the hands of authorities and the at an increased frequency. It will use crew training to reinforce effective cruise companies to re-establish this electrostatic sprayers. cleaning procedures, health and great and enjoyable lifestyle.

www.cruisingnews.com 5 HEALTH & SAFETY PROGRAM

At Norwegian Cruise Line, your health and safety are our number one priority. We are ever-evolving our safe cruising program — taking every precaution to protect you. This is just the start of a wave of new technologies and enhancements we are rolling out, so that you can explore the world with the ultimate Peace of Mind.

ALL-NEW AIR FILTRATION Installation of medical-grade air-filters, H13 HEPA, that remove 99.95% of airborne pathogens to ensure the air you breathe is clean. H13 HEPA filters are fine enough to catch particles of COVID-19.

ENHANCED SCREENING PROTOCOLS All guests and crew will undergo an extensive INCREASED pre-embarkation health screening. There will be touchless temperature checks and continuous SANITATION MEASURES monitoring of guests and crew throughout your All ships are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected voyage. Checks will occur: prior to every voyage in accordance with company protocols, which are developed in partnership with CDC’s Prior to embarkation Vessel Sanitation Program. Our 24/7 prevention schedule Upon returning to the ship while in a port of call will feature continuous disinfection of public areas and Prior to all meals in dining venues high-traffic touch points. Prior to activities in public venues Prior to disembarkation

EXTENDED SHIP TO SHORE SAFETY We’re partnering with our local destinations and tour operators to ensure safety RESPONSIBLE measures extend shoreside. We will only SOCIAL DISTANCING visit safe, open ports of call which may cause changes to your itinerary. Keeping To provide even more space for responsible our guests up-to-date with the latest social distancing, guest capacity on board will be confirmed changes is a top priority. reduced. Staggered embarkation and check-in process will be implemented for proper social distancing. In addition, we are committed to reducing capacity in all public areas. ENHANCED MEDICAL RESOURCES Onboard medical centers will be fully equipped with the latest testing kits and medical supplies, including onboard testing for COVID-19. We are increasing our medical team fleetwide, and we're adding a new dedicated Public Health Officer on every ship.

For more information, visit ncl.com/PeaceOfMind.

6 June 2020 Steel Cutting Underway Construction has begun on Scenic and outdoor plunge pools and a 1:1 MKM Yachts confirmed an agreement Eclipse II, the second Discovery Yacht guest-to-staff ratio. with the Croatian Government to from the Scenic Group in their ocean The move demonstrates the commence shipbuilding operations fleet, at the Rijeka shipyard in Croatia. confidence the Australian-owned in a dedicated separate section of The steel cutting of Scenic Eclipse II business has in the luxury yacht market the existing Maj 3 Shipyard in Rijeka. marks the first build of five new custom- in a post COVID-19 world. “This outcome has been the result of built vessels planned for the next Glen Moroney, owner and Chairman, a massive effort by our entire Croatian six years across the group. A newly the Scenic Group commented: “This team, and in particular, our new developed company, MKM Yachts, heralds an exciting moment for the Managing Director of MKM Yachts, wholly owned by the Scenic Group, will Scenic Group as we continue to Sasa Čokljat,” said Moroney. “The now take full responsibility for all new develop our luxury ocean ships under Croatian Government has committed ocean ship builds in their fleet starting both Scenic and Emerald Cruises to supporting the redevelopment of with the construction of Scenic Eclipse brands.The entire team is excited to the shipyard and assist in the funding II. see the project underway and look of our new building program, which will The new 228-guest (200 in Polar forward to welcoming guests on board comprise five custom built vessels over regions) Scenic Eclipse II will feature this magnificent Discovery Yacht.” the next six years. All vessels will be of two six-guest helicopters, one six-guest Once complete, Scenic Eclipse II will the highest 6-star standard with the submarine, 10 dining options, indoor be the sister ship to Scenic Eclipse. ability to navigate the polar regions.”

Planning for 2021/22 Royal Caribbean International has opened 2021/22 Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific holidays for sale, to allow our loyal guests to forward plan next year’s summer holiday. Quantum of the Seas will join sister ship, Ovation of the Seas, sailing from Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal. Radiance of the Seas will sail from Brisbane’s International Cruise Terminal. Together they will offer two to 14 night sailings around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Royal Caribbean is working with local health and government authorities to ensure proper safety procedures are in place for both guests and crew. Discussions with ports and local communities are ongoing. We will not sail until we know we are ready. Customers are offered increased flexibility on their bookings with adjusted cancellation policies, including our Cruise with Confidence policy, which allows cancellations up to 48 hours before a guest sails, and a future cruise credit good through 31 December 2021 or 12 months after the cancelled sailing.

Float Out of Seventh Ocean Ship Viking has announced its seventh ocean ship, the 930-guest Viking Venus, was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time that the new ship touches water. Scheduled to debut in early 2021, Viking Venus will spend her maiden season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe. “We started Viking’s ocean project eight years ago, and together with Fincantieri we have built the world’s most beautiful ships. We are pleased to celebrate this important milestone in the construction of our seventh ocean ship,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “As the world continues its path to recovery from COVID-19, we remain focused on the future, and with strong bookings for 2021 and the enthusiasm of our guests, we are optimistic about what is to come. I would like to thank our partners at Fincantieri and everyone working at the yard in Ancona for the hard work and dedication on the building of Viking Venus, and we look forward to welcoming her to our fleet early next year.” Following a two-day process that set Viking Venus afloat, she was then moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out. Viking’s ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that can host 930 guests.

www.cruisingnews.com 7 Silversea Welcomes Silver Origin to its Fleet from De Hoop Shipyard, Silversea’s “We welcome the beautiful Silver executives took a tour of the Origin to our fleet as the first ship since completed ship for the first time and the start of our collaboration with were present for the official flag Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.,” says ceremony. Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President “It was a very proud moment for me & CEO. “The ship demonstrates how to attend Silver Origin’s official delivery fruitful our collaboration has been, ceremony in person, and to welcome while providing an indication of the Silversea’s first-ever destination-specific great success to come. With Silversea’s destination expertise and the Silversea Cruises has taken delivery of ship to our fleet. I am very grateful to invaluable support of the RCL group, its first-ever destination-specific ship, all involved in the build, especially the we have pushed the boundaries of Silver Origin, from Dutch shipyard De professionals at De Hoop Shipyard,” ultra-luxury travel in the Galapagos Hoop. An intimate ceremony, held said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio. “In on Wednesday 3 June, 2020, marked September 2013, Silversea became the with Silver Origin. I want to extend the first in-person cruise ship delivery first cruise line to launch an ultra-luxury my gratitude to all those involved, since the pandemic prompted a ship in the Galapagos Archipelago. We including my colleagues at both global lockdown. Select Silversea have invested our accrued know-how Silversea and RCL, but especially to top executives—including Manfredi into the design of Silver Origin. Every the De Hoop Shipyard who overcame Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Chairman; Roberto element of the ship has been designed many challenges to complete the Martinoli, President and CEO; Damien with the destination in mind and ship.” “It has been extremely rewarding O’Connor, SVP Hotel Operations & tailored to enhance the experience to work on this project, and we Onboard Revenue; and Barbara for travellers, while fostering a deep are proud for having been able to Muckermann, Chief Marketing sense of respect for this magnificent deliver the ship in spite of the external Officer—attended the ceremony in ecosystem and everything that inhabits challenges,” says Patrick Janssens, Rotterdam. Joined by representatives it.” CEO of De Hoop Shipyard.

Odyssey of the Seas The Odyssey of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International's new ship, is progressing well at Meyer Werft, the shipbuilder in Papenburg, Germany. An updated timeline for the ship’s delivery and launch has not been revealed. Royal Caribbean International has announced the new Odyssey of the Seas will homeport in Port Everglades starting in November 2020, but this may change.

Celebrity Cruises Marks 30th Birthday 27 May, 2020 marked the 30th birthday time at RCL predates the acquisition and our shoreside team members,” she of Celebrity Cruises by reflecting on its of Celebrity Cruises; giving me unique added. journey to push the limits of traditional perspectives in watching Celebrity Since joining the RCL family, Celebrity cruising and create a unique modern grow from day one. I was a District Cruises has sailed to all seven continents luxury experience at sea. Established Sales Manager in New England, at the and launched three series of ships. In in 1990 by the Greece-based Chandris time, and Celebrity was a formidable 2000, the company introduced the Group, the line became part of Royal competitor that really started to Celebrity Millennium Series, the first new- Caribbean Cruises Ltd. seven years later change the complexion of premium build vessels for the brand following in 1997. Celebrity Cruises now boasts 14 cruising. For me, Celebrity’s legacy Celebrity’s acquisition by RCL. It was stunning ships and thousands of team will be setting modern luxury cruising followed by the Celebrity Solstice members from over 60 countries. standards that are Celebrity’s to own, Series in 2008 with five additional Over the years, Celebrity Cruises has and then resetting and raising the casually elegant ships emphasizing the delivered a number of industry firsts bar, again and again. It is that spirit intersection of indulgence and fun. and innovations including: introducing of pioneering that continues to take More recently, in 2018, the Celebrity specialty dining (2000); the creation the brand and our guest experiences Edge Series was introduced to critical of the modern luxury cruise category to new heights – and I’m not just acclaim, with the first-in-series Celebrity with the introduction of the Solstice talking about the view from the Magic Edge being named to Time Magazine’s Series (2008); the first solar panels at Carpet,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president World’s Greatest Places to visit list sea (2008); the first American female and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “As we in 2019. In addition, the line began captain of a cruise ship (2015); the look ahead to the post-pandemic Magic Carpet, the first cantilevered world we will sail in, there is more operating three smaller expedition ships dining venue on a cruise ship (2018); the progress to be made in our industry. I that sail the beautiful Galapagos Islands first ship to replace plastic water bottles am confident Celebrity – and the entire including the 2019 debut of Celebrity (2018); and the first all-female bridge RCL family – will continue to lead every Flora, the first purpose-built ship for the and leadership team to command a step of the way. Our next 30 years will islands. cruise ship (2020); among many others. be even more incredible thanks to the Turn to page 12 for a special feature “Having recently celebrated my 35th ongoing support of our travel partners, report by Peter Plowman regarding Anniversary with the company, my our loyal guests, our Captains and crew, Celebrity Cruises.

8 June 2020 MSC Cruises Looks Ahead The Swiss-based cruise line has reconfirmed its full northern summer program for 2021, starting in March 2021, which will include two new ships currently under construction and a series of new or enriched itineraries and homeports. Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises, “Our ships will return to service only when the time is right, in phases and by region, and following guidance from the relevant national and international health and other regulatory authorities and the support of a new operating protocol especially focused on health and safety. We have now also confirmed our full northern summer program for 2021.” The program will feature all 17 vessels currently part of the Company’s fleet as well as the two new ships currently still under construction, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Seashore, for a total of 19 and offers guests a huge amount of choice and flexibility with cruises to suit everyone from mini-cruises of 3 or 4-nights, standard 7-night cruises to Civitavecchia. capitals or the Mediterranean in longer cruises of 9, 11 and 14-nights Nine to 12-night cruises will also be mid-August, 12-nights to the Canary Islands and a 7-night cruise calling to MSC Cruises’ three innovative, award- available from Genoa, Italy in late the “Northern Pearls” of Hamburg, winning Seaside-class ships, designed summer to Morocco, the Canary Germany; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; to bring guests closer to the sea, will all Islands, Madeira and Portugal, Greece Zeebrugge, Belgium and Le Havre, be deployed together for the first time and Israel with MSC Poesia calling at France. in the Western Mediterranean. These the beautiful port of Haifa. ships – MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview and New for summer 2021, MSC Lirica will MSC Preziosa will offer 9 to 14 night MSC Seashore – have been designed be deployed from Venice, Italy and will itineraries from Hamburg with destinations in Ireland, Iceland and for the warmer weather with more also offer embarkation in the northern North Cape and Spitzbergen in generous outdoor space and are the Italian port of Trieste with a stunning Norway. perfect ships for guests who want to itinerary calling at Zadar, Dubrovnik enjoy the sunshine and stunning ocean and Split in Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro Known as “the ship for all seasons”, views in this popular cruise region. and Corfu in Greece. MSC Meraviglia will offer 7-night cruises from Miami in Florida departing MSC Seashore will now come into In addition, MSC Musica, MSC every Saturday, while the classic and service from 1 August 2021 due to Orchestra, MSC Opera and MSC charming MSC Armonia will offer new the delay that was caused by the Sinfonia, will offer 7-night itineraries also shorter 3-and 4-night getaway cruises temporary closure of the shipyard departing from Venice and calling at due to the COVID-19 pandemic also from Miami departing on Mondays the Greek islands, Montenegro and and Fridays and calling at Ocean Cay and for this period, MSC Fantasia will Croatia. temporarily cover her itinerary (with MSC Marine Reserve. From 8 May the brand new state-of- guests receiving a shipboard credit of New for next summer, the elegant MSC the-art MSC Virtuosa will spend her €100 for this change.) MSC Seashore Divina will sail for the first time from Port first summer season with 7- to 14-night will have the highest ratio of outdoor Canaveral, Florida – a new homeport cruises from the German port of Kiel, space per guest of any ship in MSC for MSC Cruises – and offer a mix of alternating between the fjords and Cruises’ fleet and will offer the popular 3, 4 and 7 night cruises departing on the Baltic capitals, with all itineraries itinerary calling at the Italian cities Sundays and Thursdays. With this new offering embarkation in both Kiel and of Genoa and for visits to Pompeii, home port, MSC Cruises’ guests will Naples; Messina, Sicily; Valletta, Malta; Copenhagen, Denmark. now have the option of exploring the Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, The famous fjords of the Norwegian Orlando area pre- or post-cruise and France. west coast and the Baltic Capitals extending their holiday experience. She will be joined by sister ships MSC can also be enjoyed on a 7-night Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will Seaside and MSC Seaview in their to 14-night (back to back) itinerary remain a key highlight of cruises in the Genoa homeport and operate ever- available on MSC Splendida and she Caribbean, with all three ships calling popular 7-night cruises that sail the will also offer longer 10 and 11-night at the private island destination in The world’s most glamourous sea. The cruises to the Baltic capitals or North Bahamas. Company will return to Tunisia from Cape. For those guests looking for even more August when MSC Fantasia performs MSC Magnifica will homeport in personal service and private facilities 7-night cruises from Genoa calling Southampton, UK and offer 7-night there is the exclusive MSC Yacht Club at Marseille, Barcelona, the port of itineraries to the magical fjords on Fantasia, Meraviglia and Seaside La Goulette in Tunis, Palermo and of Norway, 14-nights to the Baltic class ships.

www.cruisingnews.com 9 Brisbane Cruise Terminal Update

Solar Car Park – Rendering

Boarding Bridge

Construction is on track for the new the 270m long elevated passenger approximately 160 homes. Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, walkway has been installed. Asphalt is After construction is completed, the which is scheduled to be completed being progressively laid across all the new cruise terminal will undergo an mid-year. The broader disruption of car parking areas and landscaping extensive operational readiness phase, Covid-19 has seen Port of Brisbane has also begun. The two passenger in which all key stakeholders will be and its principal contractors adapt boarding bridges are also on their invited to participate in a series of to ensure the site complies with all way to Brisbane -- very specialist familiarisations and trials of systems and government public health directives. pieces of equipment which will enable processes. Importantly, construction has passengers to transit from the terminal Most importantly, this will ensure the supported local jobs and long-term, it building elevated walkway to the many parties operating the Brisbane is hoped the new terminal will play a vessel in a secure and comfortable International Cruise Terminal on key role in the cruise industry’s recovery manner. cruise days – the cruise lines, border in Queensland. The new cruise terminal will also agencies, security personnel, cleaners, The terminal’s location at Pinkenba, include an 800kW solar shaded car retail and café operators, and more – north of the Brisbane River, is truly park. The solar shade structures on Car are comfortable and familiar with the transforming. Major construction Park 1 – the Premium car park located new facility, and helping to deliver the activities for the wharf are complete, closest to the terminal building – will world-class passenger experience that the two-storey terminal building is generate around 1,300MW of power Brisbane and South-east Queensland well advanced inside and out, and each year, the equivalent of powering has been waiting for!

Hurtigruten launches year-round Norway expedition beauty of the below the colourful Northern Lights on Midnight Sun. With dark polar nights. fewer ports, and Hurtigruten will offer year-round longer stays, we’re departures from Bergen to the North offering guests a Cape with MS Trollfjord, one of the more active and most popular ships in Hurtigruten’s fleet. immersive way Sailing directly from the fjord capital of to experience Bergen, MS Trollfjord will maximise the Norway’s culture, time spent exploring the Norwegian landscape coastline to North Cape and back, and history. including off-the-beaten-track Hurtigruten is the destinations such as Reine in Lofoten, local Norway Fjærland and Træna. expert and Hurtigruten continues to grow: from There will be Year-round departures we bring more than 127 years of 2021, it will offer new ways to explore from Dover on the MS Maud (currently expertise and passion to the Norway the Norwegian coast – with full-year the MS Midnatsol) to the North Cape Expedition concept,” says Damian departures directly from Norway, the with two new summer itineraries – one Perry, Managing Director Hurtigruten United Kingdom, and Germany. also exploring the British Isles, the other Asia Pacific. “The year-round Norway adding southern Norway to its itinerary. Powered with biofuel and packed Expedition Cruises expand our support with green technology, three small, to and engagement with local From Hamburg Hurtigruten will offer spacious, custom-built Hurtigruten communities and businesses along this year-round departures to the North expedition cruise ships featuring extraordinary coastline.” Cape on the fully upgraded MS Otto modern Scandinavian design will Sverdrup (currently MS Finnmarken). The new itineraries have been operate expedition voyages along handcrafted by Hurtigruten experts, MS Otto Sverdrup, MS Maud and MS the Norwegian coast. Year-round with flexibility in mind. Offering Trollfjord offer a unique, spacious, departures from Bergen, Dover, and more time in port for more in-depth small-ship experience and authentic, Hamburg will start from January 2021. experiences, the itineraries change intimate and up-close adventures on “Our year-round Norway expedition with the seasons to take best the Norwegian coast. cruises offer an exciting new way to advantage of the unique experiences Originally built for the legendary explore the Norwegian Coast across all offered at different times of year, Bergen to Kirkenes route, all three ships seasons from the magic of the Arctic either under the Midnight Sun in the will see major changes before entering winter and the Northern Lights, to the seemingly eternal summer days or their new expedition cruise service.

10 June 2020 Silversea Unveils Second Ship for Australia as Part of Summer 2021/2022 Itinerary Release The new season incorporates twelve Silver Dawn, with an unprecedented two, longer holiday cruises: a 10-day sailings in Australasia with two ships exploration of the Amazon Christmas voyage on 18 December based in the region for the first time. River: Sailing round-trip from Fort 2021 and an 11-day New Year’s voyage Silversea Cruises has unveiled 86 new Lauderdale, this Grand Voyage on on 28 December 2021. itineraries for summer 2021/2022 with their newest vessel will take guests Feelings of exclusivity in the departures between October 2021 and deep into the gems of South America, Caribbean, with an emphasis on the April 2022. The new program features with multiple calls in Ecuador, Peru, small islands, as well as calls at the voyages in Australia & New Zealand, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil. classic destinations: Departing from the Caribbean, South America, A highlight of the voyage, guests Fort Lauderdale and Bridgetown, Silver Galapagos, Middle East and Asia. will travel down the Amazon River to Spirit and Silver Whisper will journey Of particular note is an expanded Manaus on the trip on a lifetime. through the Caribbean, unlocking program of close-to-home sailings in our As well New itineraries on both Silver the region’s authentic charm for region with the newly-refurbished Silver Shadow and Silver Moon in the guests in both small and emblematic Shadow joining the flagship Silver Muse Middle East and the Persian Gulf are destinations. In the Eastern Caribbean, as the second Silversea vessel to be planned, plus new adventures in the guests will discover the islands of St. based Down Under. Maiden calls in the Indian Ocean’s iconic destinations Barts, Grenada, and St. Lucia, while global program are Phillip Island and of India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar: A Mérida in Yucatán, Belize, Guatemala, Geelong in Australia; Manama, Bahrain; maiden call in Manama, the capital and Honduras await in the Western Miyako, Japan; Makassar, Indonesia; city of Bahrain, will highlight a new Caribbean; and Aruba, Bonaire, and Vigan Salomague, the Philippines; itinerary in the Persian Gulf aboard the Curacao will fascinate travellers in the Puerto Bolivar, Ecuador and Kingstown, new 596- passenger Silver Moon; while south. St. Vincent. Other highlights will include: calls in Muscat, Luxor, Petra, the Suez Silversea’s World Cruise, the 12 new close-to-home voyages aboard Canal, Israel, and Rhodes will showcase Tale of Tales 2022: Journeying two ultra-luxurious Silversea ships: the the best of the Middle East on a number from 65°S to 65°N, Silver Whisper elegant 596-guest Silver Muse and of remarkable itineraries on both ships. will visit 69 destinations across 32 the completely reimagined 388-guest In addition, two itineraries offer a three- countries, departing 6 January 2022. Silver Shadow will take guests deeper day call to Yangon, including a Silver Accompanied by a celebrated line- into our region than ever before. While Moon voyage departing on Valentine’s up of illustrious creative’s, Silversea’s travellers will gain fresh perspectives of Day in 2022. guests will transit the Panama Canal, quintessential favourites, they will also 30 Galapagos voyages aboard cruise the Chilean Fjords, step foot delve deep into the lesser-travelled new 100-guest ship Silver Origin are on land in Antarctica, walk among jewels of Tasmania, Melanesia and scheduled, including longer holiday the spectacular wildlife of South Indonesia’s Java Sea. Guests will options of 10 and 11 days: The newly Georgia, relax on remote beaches also enjoy two brand new itineraries launched destination-specific Silver in the Seychelles, admire Petra in between Cairns and Sydney, uniquely Origin will form deep connections Jordan, discover the Holy Land and combining ports of call in Queensland, between Silversea’s guests and the the highlights of the Mediterranean, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Galapagos Archipelago on 30 new before exploring the natural wonders Wales in one voyage. voyages between October 2021 of Northern Europe, as well as enjoying There is a 74-night circumnavigation and April 2022. The acclaimed 7-day many more once-in-a-lifetime of South America aboard new ship itineraries will be supplemented with experiences.

www.cruisingnews.com 11 FEATURE STORY

Celebrity Cruises 30 Years by Peter Plowman

Horizon and Zenith in Bermuda

Celebrity Cruises, now well established in the Australian summer cruise market, commenced operating 30 years ago, and has an interesting background with strong links to Australia. The first Celebrity cruise departed on 1 April 1990, possibly not the most auspicious date on which to commence a new venture. However, while the name was new, the company behind Celebrity Cruises was Chandris Line.

The Chandris company was formed At the end of 1977, Chandris Line from New York between May and in 1911 by John D Chandris, and withdrew from the Australian trade, October, which were highly prized. after his death in 1945 came under and Anthony Chandris concentrated Although Fantasy Cruises ships had the control of his sons, Dimitri and on the cruise market. In 1982 Chandris been going to Bermuda for many Anthony, primarily operating cargo formed Fantasy Cruises to operate in years, they had not operated under ships and tankers. By the late 1950s, the the North American market, and the a contract. In 1988 there were five brothers were looking at expanding fleet was expanded with second-hand contract ships operating to Bermuda, into passenger shipping, Dimitri being tonnage. In August 1983 the former but only two of them were continuing interested in the cruise trade in the Lloyd Triestino liner Galileo Galilei, built after 1989. Mediterranean, and forming his own in 1963 for the Italy to Australia trade, Chandris was keen to obtain a company, Chandris Cruises, in 1960. was purchased, entering service for contract for Fantasy Cruises, but The same year Anthony Chandris Fantasy Cruises as Galileo in October the Bermuda Government would formed Chandris Line and established 1984. only consider upmarket companies a passenger service from Greece to Anthony Chandris died suddenly on 28 with modern liners, and the current Australia. Although the two companies November 1984, and his son, John A Fantasy ships were not in this category. had identical funnel colours, they were Chandris, took control. In April 1988, an However, the liner being built would run as totally separate entities. order was placed with Meyer Werft in be ideal, so John A Chandris decided By the 1970s, both companies Germany for the first passenger liner to to create a new upmarket company were struggling financially and on 1 be built for Chandris, to enter service in to operate the ship, and in April 1988 November 1974, Chandris Cruises and 1990 for Fantasy Cruises, with an option Celebrity Cruises was established. Chandris Line amalgamated their for a sister ship. Further negotiations with the Bermuda operations into a single company with Government resulted in Celebrity a combined fleet of nine passenger However, events in Bermuda would being awarded two five-year vessels controlled by Anthony have a major influence on Chandris contracts, both starting in 1990. Chandris, while Dimitri Chandris began and the new ship. The Bermuda While the new ship to enter service in building a chain of resort hotels in Government offered several five-year May 1990 could take up one of the Greece. contracts to provide weekly cruises contracts, Celebrity needed another

12 June 2020 ship for the second contract. It was San Juan for a season of winter cruises Caribbean Cruise Line made a US$500 decided Galileo would be sent to the in the Caribbean. Meridian also cruised million bid, which was topped by Lloydwerft shipyard at Bremerhaven in the Caribbean during the winter a US$510 million bid from Carnival in October 1989 for a US$55 million months from Port Everglades. Celebrity Cruise Line, so RCCL raised their bid rebuilding into a luxurious modern Cruises was a success from the start, to US$515 million, which Carnival cruise liner and then be transferred to and late in 1990 exercised the option countered with a bid of US$525 million, Celebrity Cruises. with Meyer Werft for a sister to Horizon. but on 2 July 1997 an agreement was The interior of the ship was totally Named Zenith, it was handed over to reached between Celebrity and Royal transformed, and external alterations Celebrity Cruises on 29 February 1992 Caribbean, under which Celebrity were equally drastic, the superstructure and went to Port Everglades, which Cruises would continue to operate being extended almost to the stern. would be its home port throughout the as a separate entity within the RCCL The funnel was modernised and year. organisation, and their ships would not painted a darker blue than the regular Meridian, Horizon and Zenith quickly be renamed. Chandris colour, but retained the gained an excellent reputation, and The third new ship, Mercury, which was white 'X', though in a more stylised by the middle of 1992 Celebrity was identical to Galaxy, entered service form, with a series of narrow white contemplating building more ships, in November 1997, at which time bands. Galileo was renamed Meridian, provided finance could be obtained. the oldest ship in the Celebrity fleet, and commenced the Celebrity On 21 October 1992, a New York Meridian, was sold to a Singapore Cruises operation with a cruise from company, Overseas Shipholding based company, Sun Cruises. It began Port Everglades on 1 April 1990 to Group, signed a joint venture cruising in the Far East as Sun Vista, but, Antigua, St Thomas and Nassau, and agreement in which the Chandris on 21 May 1999, sank in the Strait of then began the contract cruises to Group held a 51% interest, while OSG Malacca after an engine room fire. Bermuda. the other 49%. In March 1993, Celebrity Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean Meanwhile, the new ship being Cruises placed orders with Meyer Werft Cruise Line provided funds for the built in Germany, which had been for the construction of three liners, the construction of a quartet of larger liners named Horizon, was handed over to first to be delivered in 1995, with the for Celebrity Cruises by the French Celebrity Cruises on 30 April 1990, at others to join over the next two years. shipyard, Chantiers de l.Atlantique which time it was the tenth largest On 30 November 1995 Celebrity at St Nazaire. They would be the first passenger liner in service in the world, Cruises took delivery of the first of cruise ships to be powered by gas measuring 46,811 gross tons, with the new vessels, named Century, turbines, similar to the engines then accommodation for a maximum of which was 70,606 gross tons and had being used to power the latest wide- 1,798 passengers. The external design accommodation for 1,778 passengers. bodied jet aircraft. The first of the new was not appreciated by everyone, The next vessel, Galaxy, was ships, the 90,228 gross ton Millennium, especially the oblong twin windows slightly larger, 76,522 gross tons with departed Amsterdam on 1 July 2000 instead of round portholes for all accommodation for 1,896 passengers, on its maiden cruise, which went to the cabins, some of which were located in and commenced its maiden cruise Baltic. A maximum of 2,449 passengers the squared-off stern. Internally the ship from Fort Lauderdale on 21 December could be accommodated in 1,019 was decorated in a rather restrained 1996, cabins, of which 78% were outside and manner, without any of the glitz of most While Celebrity Cruises was popular 586 had a balcony. other modern cruise liners. with passengers, Overseas Shipholding The second ship, Infinity, was delivered Horizon departed New York on Group were not making as good a to Celebrity on 23 February 2001, and Saturday, 26 May, on its maiden cruise return on their investment as had departed Fort Lauderdale on 3 March to Bermuda, maintaining weekly been expected, and in 1997 Celebrity on its maiden cruise, and on 1 October sailings until October 27, and went to Cruises was offered for sale. Royal 2001, the third new ship, Summit, was

Celebrity Mercury in Sydney

www.cruisingnews.com 13 Meridean Celebrity Century handed over to Celebrity Cruises. The all the other Celebrity Cruises ships had An order for two vessels of a totally fourth ship in the class, Constellation, the prefix "Celebrity" added to their new design had been placed with the entered service in May 2002. names. STX shipyard at St Nazaire in France, The Celebrity Xpeditions sub-brand was Soon three more ‘Solstice’ Class ships and the first, the 130,818 gross ton launched in 2004 with the charter of entered service, Celebrity Equinox in Celebrity Edge, entered service on 9 the 2,842 gross ton Sun Bay that was 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010 and December 2018 from Fort Lauderdale. operating cruises in the Galápagos Celebrity Silhouette in 2011, By then With accommodation for 2,918 Islands, which was renamed Xpedition. a fifth ‘Solstice’ class ship had been guests in 1,450 staterooms, Celebrity Celebrity Cruises expanded their ordered, which was slightly larger, Edge features a 90-ton movable operation to Australia in the summer being delivered in 2012 as the 125,366 floating platform cantilevered of 2007/08, when Mercury operated a gross ton Celebrity Reflection. As these over the starboard side that can series of six one-way cruises between ships entered service the earlier ships, be used both as an entertainment Auckland and Sydney, arriving there Horizon and Zenith, were transferred to centre and a convenient way of for the first time on 22 December 2007. other operators. getting passengers into tenders. For the following summer season the Celebrity Cruises returned to the Celebrity Xpeditions expanded its larger Millennium was programmed to Australian cruise market in November operation in the Galapagos Islands operate a longer series of cruises from 2011 with Celebrity Century operating in June 2019 with a dedicated ship Sydney, commencing on 14 November a series of cruises until March 2012. By built in The Netherlands, the 5,739 2008. the end of that year Celebrity Galaxy gross ton Celebrity Flora, which has In 2005, the first ship of what would and Celebrity Mercury had both been accommodation for 100 passengers. become the ‘Solstice’ class had been transferred to other operators. On 1 April 2020, the thirtieth anniversary ordered from Meyer Werft in Germany, The Celebrity presence in the of their first cruise, Celebrity Cruises had and the 121,878 gross ton Celebrity Australian market was enhanced with a fleet of ten modern liners in three Solstice began operating weekly the arrival in Sydney on 9 December distinct classes, ‘Millennium’, ‘Solstice’ cruises from Port Everglades on 23 2012 of Celebrity Solstice, which would and ‘Edge’, along with two smaller November 2008. With accommodation become an annual visitor to these modern Celebrity Xpeditions vessels for 2,850 passengers in 1,425 cabins, shores in future summer seasons. For based in the Galapagos Islands. Later the public spaces featured a new style the 2014/15 summer Celebrity Century in 2020 a sister ship to Celebrity Edge, of ‘sleek minimalist décor’, and diesels also operated a series of cruises from named Celebrity Apex, will enter provided the power for two Azipod Sydney, but soon after was transferred service, with a third ‘Edge’ class ship propulsion units. It was also in 2008 that out of the fleet. due to enter service in October 2021,

Celebrity Millennium

14 June 2020 Celebrity Solstice Celebrity Flora a fourth in October 2022, and a fifth in 2024. When the ‘Millennium’ class liners entered service they had dark blue hulls, but this was changed to white after a few years. However, the latest ‘Edge’ class ships have been given dark blue hulls, and this is now being extended to the ‘Millennium’ and ‘Solstice’ class ships as they undergo regular maintenance. So far only Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Silhouette have been repainted. Celebrity Edge From a small start with one upgraded second hand ship, Celebrity Cruises has developed into one of the major cruise lines in the world today. Of course, the coronavirus pandemic has had a major effect on Celebrity Cruises, with their entire fleet laid up. If previously announced plans are followed, Celebrity will be doubling their presence in Australia for the 2020/21 summer cruise season when Celebrity Eclipse will be based in Melbourne from 23 December for a series of cruises, while Celebrity Solstice will operate its ninth season of cruises from Sydney. Celebrity Summit

Celebrity Silhouette

www.cruisingnews.com 15 AvAvalonalon WWaaterwaysterways Best in European River YOUR DREAMS ARE JUST AROUND THE BEND

WhereCruise will you with go when confidence the time is right? Perhaps you will drift down the Danube to discover fairytale castles and storybook BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE settings or meander cobblestone paths of medieval villages along the Moselle? Or maybe you travel off-the-beaten path to untouched, tradition-rich sites along the magical Mekong? 90+ YEARS 95% Wherever your journey takes you, your dreams are just around the river bend. We are too … anxiously awaiting the chance to say, “Welcome Aboard.” Flexible booking Exceptional Swiss family- 90+ years of CLIA 95% customer Until that joyous day comes, dream on! We certainly are. terms health & safety owned business experience accredited satisfaction rating standards

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16 June 2020

200609_AW21_HappinessFlows_DPS_NEW_JUN.indd All Pages 11/6/20 3:14 pm AvAvalonalon WaWaterwaysterways Best in European River YOUR DREAMS ARE JUST AROUND THE BEND

WhereCruise will you with go when confidence the time is right? Perhaps you will drift down the Danube to discover fairytale castles and storybook BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE settings or meander cobblestone paths of medieval villages along the Moselle? Or maybe you travel off-the-beaten path to untouched, tradition-rich sites along the magical Mekong? 90+ YEARS 95% Wherever your journey takes you, your dreams are just around the river bend. We are too … anxiously awaiting the chance to say, “Welcome Aboard.” Flexible booking Exceptional Swiss family- 90+ years of CLIA 95% customer Until that joyous day comes, dream on! We certainly are. terms health & safety owned business experience accredited satisfaction rating standards

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www.cruisingnews.com 17

200609_AW21_HappinessFlows_DPS_NEW_JUN.indd All Pages 11/6/20 3:14 pm RIVER CRUISE NEWS

Viking’s New Mississippi River Cruises Viking has opened reservations to the in the future, I public for its inaugural Mississippi River am pleased to cruises, launching 2022. The company’s introduce a first custom vessel, Viking Mississippi, new, modern will debut in August 2022 and will sail way to explore commerce and culture.” voyages on the Lower and Upper this great river. We invented the The highly anticipated announcement Mississippi River, between New Orleans concept of modern river cruising when of Viking’s arrival on the Mississippi and St. Paul. we got our start 23 years ago—first on is the most recent milestone as the Currently scheduled ports of call on the rivers of Russia and then in Europe. company continues to expand its these new Mississippi River cruises Since then, many people have come fleet and destination-focused travel comprise seven U.S. states: Louisiana to appreciate the unique exploration (Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans that comes with river cruising—but offerings. In January 2020 the company and St. Francisville); Mississippi (Natchez currently there are very few options to unveiled Viking Expeditions, with the and Vicksburg); Tennessee (Memphis); do so on American rivers,” said Torstein first 378-guest purpose-built expedition Missouri (Hannibal, St. Louis); Iowa Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Our ship, Viking Octantis, launching in (Burlington, Dubuque and Davenport); guests are curious travellers, and they January 2022 on voyages to Antarctica Wisconsin (La Crosse); and Minnesota continue to tell us that the Mississippi is and then North America’s Great Lakes. (Red Wing, St. Paul). the river they most want to sail with us. A second expedition vessel, Viking “At a time where many of us are at No other waterway has played such Polaris, will debut in August 2022, sailing home, looking for inspiration to travel an important role in America’s history, to Antarctica and the Arctic.

The Path Forward to “Welcome Aboard” In anticipation of setting sail on circulated between staterooms; only umbrellas after each use and Focus the world’s waterways once more, within an individual stateroom and on Crew Health & Education. Ensuring Avalon Waterways has developed a mixed with fresh, outside air; New a happy, healthy Avalon crew is also NEW Avalon Assurance program to Technology to Ensure Cleanliness. a priority. Standards include required safeguard the health and happiness of To further advance Avalon’s new medical screenings and certificates of travellers throughout their Avalon river Assurance protocols, the company is health, new social distancing in crew cruise vacation. also introducing new, top-of-the-line living quarters and ongoing training “The world has changed but what technologies including Electrostatic in PPE use and hygiene. In addition, remains certain is our steadfast cleaning systems and UV disinfecting Avalon Waterways is reviewing commitment to our guests’ safety, systems; Touching Hearts, Not Hands. excursion standards and protocols with comfort and peace-of-mind,” said Avalon’s new assurance protocols will partners across the globe. Pam Hoffee, managing director of also ensure more risk-free and hands- “We will continue to review and Avalon Waterways. “To that end, we free services onboard, such as more update our Assurance initiatives have established a Global Health & hand sanitizer stations throughout as we make the pivot back to the Safety team dedicated to ensuring the ship (including all public areas); world’s waterways. We are looking at that the cleanliness of all operations replacing buffet and self-serve 1September 2020 for that,” said Hoffee. exceeds today’s standards from start- stations with crew services and hourly “While we place a spotlight on guest to-finish.” disinfection (at a minimum) of all public safety and well-being, we will also The river cruise operator’s new Avalon areas; Blending Cultural Proximity with deliver to our travellers a wonderful Assurance program currently features Social Distance. River cruising presents vacation. An escape that invites them seven major categories and protocols guests an unparalleled opportunity to to take. enjoy the world around them, docking that span across guest experience part in the joy of discovering new in the heart of destinations. Avalon touch-points – all of which are being places, new people and new cultures will continue to deliver this, with more shared, explored, reviewed and – everything they already expect from space for social distancing including renewed, accordingly. They include: an Avalon Waterways vacation.” Welcome Aboard. Avalon has plans to reducing ship capacity and alternative Avalon Waterways’ Global Health unveil new embarkation procedures dining venues as well as providing that provide travellers a safe start to guests and crew masks for use, as & Safety team is made-up of health their journey. Among the company’s needed or required; Commitment and safety experts around the world, planned changes are mandatory to the Cleanest Ships. Avalon has adhering to – and building upon – the health screenings, including touch- an unwavering commitment to ship standards set forth by the European free temperature checks and luggage cleaning procedures. Some new steps Centre for Disease Prevention and disinfection, prior to on-boarding; that go above-and-beyond its already Control (ECDC), the Center for Fresh Air – Inside & Out. Eighty percent stringent policies include: Deep- Disease Control (CDC), World Health (80%) of Avalon Waterways cabins cleaning and disinfection of each Organization (WHO), Cruise Lines are Panorama Suites, offering guests stateroom during turnover – including International Association (CLIA) an Open-Air experience on each soft goods; disinfection of all dining and United States Tour Operators ship. In addition to Avalon’s Open-Air areas between meals and disinfection Association (USTOA) staterooms, the air in its ships is not of shared items such as bicycles or

18 June 2020 ®

VENTURE TO THE WHITE CONTINENT EXCLUSIVE BRAND NEW 30-NIGHT ULTRA-LUXURY EXPEDITION CRUISE TOUR - COMMENCES 14 FEB 2022

Join us on Valentine’s Day 2022 in Buenos Aires for an exclusive 30-night, ultra-luxury expedition cruise tour HIGHLIGHTS incorporating 21 nights on the brand new, purpose-built PC6 FOUR SEASONS, BUENOS AIRES TANGODINNER SHOW & 4-night Stay Polar Class expedition ship, Seabourn Venture. Set in the exclusive Recoleta neighbourhood, Four Seasons Seabourn Venture will feature 132 luxurious oceanfront veranda is a combination of an early- 20th-century mansion and a suites and will bring the expedition experience to life in true contemporary high-rise, offering Seabourn ultra-luxury. As part of the tour, Seabourn Venture the best of modern comfort with European-style glamour. will visit Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. ARCHITECTURALSUSTAINABLE ARAKUR HOTEL, USHUAIA

2-night Stay DESIGN Our tour also incorporates stays at Four Seasons Buenos Located in a privileged environment, on a natural balcony Aires, Tango show & dinner, Arakur Hotel & Resort Ushuaia, inside reserva natural cerro all flights, transfers and if you book early, we’ll include a alarkén, Arakur is much more than a luxury hotel –it is an experience 3-night stay post-tour at the Belmond Das Cataratas, Iguazu that will be etched in the memory Falls with our compliments. of its visitors. LAUNCH IN 2021 SEABOURN VENTURE 21-night Cruise Brand new innovative design, created specifically for the ultra- luxury expedition traveller. Inclusive of all meals, drinks, daily shore excursions and onboard activities.

BELMOND DAS CATARATAS, IGUAZU FALLS 3-night Stay A gem beside Brazil’s Iguazu Falls. Surrounded by lush rainforest, this pastel-pink hideaway grants exclusive access to the park - with private tours of both the Argentinian and Brazilian side of the falls.

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www.cruisingnews.com 19 For more information visit www.latitude33.travel or call 1300 636 848 Meeting Mighty Moai (Part 1) By Robert Miller 8 a.m. Sunday 1st March saw us at Brisbane airport boarding a Qantas A330 for the short hop to Auckland where we took a shiny new Air Tahiti Nui 787 Dreamliner for the nearly 5-hour flight to Papeete, capital of Tahiti. On arrival in Papeete, in torrential rain, we were transferred to the Royal Tahitian Hotel for three easy days, strolling in the lush green gardens and listening to the gentle rolling of the ocean. Having been to Papeete a couple of times, we did not do much sightseeing, just sat back and relaxed. Papeete is not much of a town, but Tahiti itself is a very pretty island with happy friendly people. The following Tuesday, at the numbing stamped by staff at the entry kiosk platter of sliced meats and cheeses. hour of 3 a.m., we flew with LATAM before we were allowed in – A fair We spent 5 terrific days in Rapa Nui, Airlines, again in a Dreamliner, to and reasonable price to maintain the and were given unlimited use of one Hanga Roa, capital of Easter Island, extensive parks. of the family’s two cars. Tiare’s Swiss known by the locals as Rapa Nui. Exiting from immigration and husband Peter, hence the name of the On arrival at Mataveri Airport, as with customs, we were driven to our all visitors, we purchased the obligatory accommodation, the Hare Swiss property, was in hospital in Santiago so National Park entry ticket for US$80 Bungalows, where we were greeted by we were unable to meet him. “Hare” is each, valid for ten consecutive days. our lovely host, Tiare, and welcomed the Rapa Nui word for house, so Hare At each park we visited, they were with a bottle of Chilean wine and a Swiss: Swiss House.

20 June 2020 The following Tuesday, at the numbing the two cultures. Chile provides the in one piece from the quarry bedrock. hour of 3 a.m., we flew with LATAM infrastructure on the island, including Some had a “Pukau”, a top-knot or Airlines, again in a Dreamliner, to the roads, although the Rapa Nui pays crown, added later, carved from red Hanga Roa, capital of Easter Island, no tax – and it shows! scoria in a quarry called Puna Pau. known by the locals as Rapa Nui. With loins suitably girded, (opposite Red is the sacred colour in Polynesia. On arrival at Mataveri Airport, as with side of the road, rain, in a left-hand There is one statue, still unfinished, all visitors, we purchased the obligatory drive manual car) we ventured out around 70 feet tall, estimated at 270 National Park entry ticket for US$80 to the streets to begin exploring. The tons. Cavities were initially left open on each, valid for ten consecutive days. roads were basically packed down many of the heads where eyes, made At each park we visited, they were mud, deeply rutted with house-sized from coral and red scoria stone, were stamped by staff at the entry kiosk potholes, not helped by intermittent subsequently inlaid. before we were allowed in – A fair heavy rain. Among other obstacles All moai were positioned to face and reasonable price to maintain the were herds of wandering horses and inland. However at Ahu Akivi, the 7 extensive parks. cattle, introduced by missionaries in statues there face the sea, which is the 19th century, which did not hurry Exiting from immigration and 3 km away, but overlook a village out of our way. However we enjoyed customs, we were driven to our which used to be in front of the Ahu. and survived the challenge! accommodation, the Hare Swiss The first full platform excavation Bungalows, where we were greeted by It was a thrill to see our first Moai statue and restoration on the island was our lovely host, Tiare, and welcomed up close – they are huge, and quite undertaken at Ahu Akivi in 1960. ubiquitous on the island. Some go with a bottle of Chilean wine and a A fascinating historical event, having back several centuries, estimated even platter of sliced meats and cheeses. taken place over decades, is The as far as c. 1000 CE, till around the later Birdman Competition held annually We spent 5 terrific days in Rapa Nui, 17th century when carving ceased. in September. Young, fearless, strong and were given unlimited use of one Utilising basalt stone picks, they were and important young men in their tribe of the family’s two cars. Tiare’s Swiss carved at the quarry on Rano Raraku would scramble down the cliffs from husband Peter, hence the name of the Volcano, from lapilli tuff, a hardened the village of Orongo to the ocean property, was in hospital in Santiago so volcanic ash, to embody the spirit of and swim 2 km on a reed surfboard we were unable to meet him. “Hare” is Rapa Nui ancestors. the Rapa Nui word for house, so Hare to an island called Motu Nui, where Once completed the statues were Swiss: Swiss House. they would attempt to secure the transported, with great precision and first newly-laid egg from the nest of a All 3 bungalows are single storey difficulty, and erected on platforms Sooty Tern. This egg was placed in a ground level, very comfortable, known as an “Ahu”. The quarry pouch on their head, and they then spacious and airy, with en-suite, and a contains 397 moai in various stages of swam back to Orongo, where the first nice balcony overlooking the ocean carving still standing on the slopes of to arrive with the egg still intact was and gardens which invite a stroll down the quarry, though many are tilted or declared the winner, and rewarded to the sparkling blue Pacific. It was with fallen, and weather worn. More are with special privileges. The headman this view we enjoyed our wine each partially or completely buried. Carving of the winner’s village was declared evening. Tiare brought us continental just one moai, by a team of workers the Island chief for a year. breakfast every morning, again with under the guidance of a master fruit, meats and cheese etc. carver, could have taken up to two We visited many moai resting on their Annexed in 1888, Easter Island is a years. The winds on the slopes of the Ahu, some in groups, some alone. One province of, and governed by, Chile. quarry were fierce and made climbing memorable evening was spent at Ahu However relations between the Rapa the paths treacherous. In fact, turning Tahai where there are five moai, and Nui and Chileans are not always a bend, I was suddenly blown off my watched a spectacular sunset behind warm and friendly – having said that, feet, causing a nasty gash on my knee. them over the ocean. there is some intermarriage between These monolithic statues were carved (Part 2 Next Issue)

Papeete RH Photo Paul Gauguin in Papeete

www.cruisingnews.com 21 PhotoGALLERY From the Tim Ryan Collection

Artania Black Watch at Honnisvag

Black Watch at Tromso

Golden Princess

Mein Schiff 1 at Copenhagen Meinschiff 4 at Geiranger

MSC Magnifica at Station Pier MSC Magnifica Golden Princess and Spirit of Tasmania

22 June 2020 Pacific Princess and Spirit of Tasmania

MSC Meraviglia at Copenhagen Polarlys

Pride of America at Honolulu Radiance of the Seas and Costa Deliziosa

Rogaland at Stavanger Seven Seas Navigator

Star Princess at Honolulu Ventura

www.cruisingnews.com 23 Wonga Wonga H C Berry Wonga Wonga Dickson Gregory The Genesis of a Stamp by Peter Plowman

In February 2019, I received an Email that read: – “I am a researcher for stamp design at Australia Post. We are considering a stamp issue to mark the 150th anniversary of the first “regular” Sydney-Auckland-San Francisco mail steamship service, the messy beginning of which you detail in Across the Pacific. I was hoping to talk to you about this and about possible visual material relating to the first steamships used, particularly the Wonga Wonga. I attach images of two steamships. One is by H C Berry, titled Wonga Wonga, and appears in Douglas Wilkinson’s Early NZ Steamers (1966); the other is by Charles Dickson Gregory, and titled ‘unidentified’ in the State Library of Victoria Collection. The latter looks identical to a b&w reproduction of an illustration by Gregory in the Wilkinson book. I can see the two attached do not depict the same vessel, and Wilkinson does note rumour of a second vessel named Wonga Wonga. I thought you may be able to shed some light on this conundrum. If you are up for a conversation on this episode of history, I wonder if you would mind giving me a call.” Hilary

When I rang Hilary on the number possibility there may have been three career in New Zealand waters until provided in the Email she told me ships named Wonga Wonga, so which being wrecked on 2 May 1866 off Australia Post was giving consideration painting was of the right Wonga Greymouth. I was able to confirm this to issuing two stamps in March 2020 Wonga for the stamp? was the vessel depicted in the painting depicting the first two ships involved by H C Berry. I found that in 1854 the Australasian in the first regular mail service to the Steam Navigation Company had The ASN Wonga Wonga was 662 United States in 1870, Wonga Wonga three ships being built for them in gross tons, 207.2 feet long with a and City of Melbourne, provided Glasgow, to be named City of Sydney, beam of 25.3 feet, had three masts, suitable illustrations could be located. Telegraph and Wonga Wonga. What and accommodation for 54 saloon, This project immediately attracted my was quite amazing was my discovery 50 intermediate and 120 steerage interest, and I was pleased to offer my that at exactly the same time a small passengers, and seemed to be the assistance. Australian firm, Graham, Sands and vessel depicted in the painting by F The first sailing on the new mail Company, of Melbourne, was having C Johnson. However, further research service was made by Wonga Wonga two ships built for them in Glasgow, the found that the ASN Wonga Wonga from Sydney on 26 March 1870, first to be named Storm Bird and the had been cut in two and lengthened being followed on 27 April by City second Wonga Wonga. It seems they by 37 feet in 1868. At the same time of Melbourne, both ships being were a speculative venture, as Storm new boilers and improved engines chartered from the Australasian Bird was offered for sale when it arrived were also fitted, and because of this Steam Navigation Company. My in Melbourne on 13 October 1854, a second funnel was added. This was first action was to search for suitable as was their Wonga Wonga, which the appearance of the vessel when it illustrations that could be used on departed Glasgow on 11 August, and was chartered to operate the first mail the stamps, but in the case of City of reached Melbourne on 17 December. service from Australia to San Francisco, Melbourne this proved quite difficult The ASN Wonga Wonga was launched and matched the painting done by with nothing of sufficient quality being on 15 May 1854 and left Glasgow on 21 Dickson Gregory, so that was definitely found. Fortunately this ceased to be a September for Australia, via the Cape the one required for the stamp. problem when I was advised by Hilary of Good Hope. This Wonga Wonga Hilary asked me to provide some that a decision had been made to arrived in Sydney on 14 December. biographical notes on the artist. I did produce only one stamp, which would Each Wonga Wonga had an iron hull, not know very much about Dickson feature Wonga Wonga. single propeller and one funnel, but in Gregory, other than his having written appearance and size they were quite It was immediately obvious the two books that were in my collection, different. The Graham, Sands ship was images Hilary had found were of two one of which was illustrated by many 108 gross tons, 107 feet long with two different ships, and just to confuse of his own paintings, including the one masts and accommodation for 12 matters further I located a painting of Wonga Wonga. What I had thought cabins, and 20 steerage passengers. by F C Johnson of a ship named would be a relatively straight forward Wonga Wonga with a single funnel Soon after arriving in Australia the matter soon became complicated but of a totally different appearance smaller vessel was sold to an Auckland when I discovered that there had been to the Berry painting. This raised the company, and had a successful two maritime artists in Australia named

24 June 2020 Charles Dickson Gregory, one shown painted birds.’ The Dictionary of GREGORY, CHARLES DICKSON (Active as 1850 – 1920, the other 1871 – 1947. Australian Artists states, ‘Gregory’s from c 1890, Melb). Painter, Jeweller. youthful Australian years were also He worked for the firm of Alfred Felton The first one was born in London, artistically productive. He painted and was known for marine paintings, but brought to Australia in 1851 and numerous watercolours of ships, which, although similar in style, lack the spent the next twenty-two years in including Sailing Ship Preussen, SS finish of G F Gregory. The two were not the country. He developed a sizeable Katoomba, City of Hobart, Sophia related. reputation as a maritime artist, and Jane, and Wreck of the Admella.’ was a founding member of the I found there was a Gregory family of Victorian Academy of Fine Arts in 1870. Unfortunately, this is incorrect, as the maritime artists in Australia, including He went back to Britain in 1873 and painting of Sophia Jane referred to a father and son named George never returned to Australia. Apparently is definitely by the second Charles Frederick Gregory, whose dates were he became well known in Britain Dickson Gregory, as it is one of the shown as 1821 – 1887 and 1857 – 1913, painting both landscapes and ships, colour plates included in his 1929 book. as well as another son, Arthur Victor which he signed as Charles Gregory. Also, the paintings of Katoomba and Gregory, 1867 – 1957. Among the City of Hobart are also in his book, paintings I had seen in books over the The second of the name was born in though in black and white, while the years were some signed by both G F Melbourne in 1871, and spent most of painting titled Wreck of the Admella is and A V Gregory, and I had wondered his life involved in the jewellery trade, clearly signed by the second Dickson if they were related to Charles but had a life-long interest in ships, Gregory. Preussen was a five-masted Dickson Gregory. However, further though painting ships was just a hobby. sailing ship built in 1902 and wrecked in research made it clear that Charles Possibly to separate him from the other 1910 that never came to Australia, and Dickson Gregory was not related to painter of the same name, he signed is probably by the first Charles Dickson this Gregory family, and I have been his paintings as Dickson Gregory, and Gregory. This leaves a question mark able to ascertain he had no family in 1929 included many of them in his over the authenticity of any work listed connection with the elder Charles book, Australian Steamships Past and as being painted by the first Charles Dickson Gregory either. It is just a very Present, which included his painting of Dickson Gregory in Australia. interesting coincidence. Wonga Wonga. Surprisingly, there is no entry at all for Dickson Gregory’s painting of the About the first of the name, The the second Charles Dickson Gregory Wonga Wonga is reproduced on the Encyclopaedia of Australian Artists in the Dictionary of Australian Artists, $1.10 stamp issued by Australia Post states, ‘He produced a large volume while the Encyclopaedia of Australian on 3 March. My journey to verify both of work while in Australia including Artists is rather dismissive of his work, the the ship and the artist was certainly an watercolours of marine subjects and entry merely stating:- interesting one.

Wonga Wonga F C Johnson Wonga Wonga $1.10 Stamp

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www.cruisingnews.com 25 Sunset Cruising in Longreach by Raelene James

With the current interstate and caravan park. We promptly boarded After the sunset, the second part of overseas travel restrictions in place, the Longreach Explorer and headed our evening commenced. We were now is the perfect time to visit and straight up to the top viewing deck. treated to a fabulous two course support Queensland rural and remote After a warm welcome from the crew, meal at the Smithy's Outback Dinner communities. the trip down stream commenced. and Show. The adults enjoyed the local delights of Barramundi or Steak, Planning an exciting outback The Captain provided an interesting while a special kids menu kept the adventure to Longreach and guided tour and commentary about little ones happy. Traditional billy tea beyond will not disappoint. Not only the river whilst we enjoyed spotting and damper finished off the dining is Longreach home to the well-known the various wildlife and nibbled on the experience. QANTAS Founders Museum and the platters provided. The kids were asked Australian Stockmans Hall Of Fame but if they wanted to "drive" the boat Sitting under the stars on a beautiful also the multi-award winning Thomson which they excitedly responded "Yes!" spring evening, the live stage River Drover's Sunset Cruise. The river Just before sunset we anchored at performers entertained the crowd cruise was the highlight of our outback Sunset Bend to watch the sun go with a good old fashioned sing-a- experience. long to Aussie bush favourites, which down and feed the river turtles. It continued on the bus ride home. Our afternoon started with the was captivating observing the clear, courtesy bus picking us up from outback skies and provided many This is definitely a must-do if you are our accommodation at the local photo opportunities. heading to Longreach.

26 June 2020 Spectacular Lady Elliot Island by Raelene James

There are no words to describe the could walk out and observe a huge Our time on the reef went so quickly experience that is Lady Elliot Island variety of sea life and clusters of coral. and easily we could have stayed there – the most southern tip of the Great It was then our time to get on the longer. Barrier Reef. glass bottom boat and head out to The resort provided a delicious hot and Our one-day adventure started at our our snorkel destination. This did not cold buffet lunch with a huge array of departure point in Hervey Bay. After a disappoint! After a short tour around desserts. Drinks and ice creams were short 40 minute flight on a small charter the reef, spotting turtles, fish, coral and available to purchase from the fully so much more, we put on our snorkel plane we arrived on the island. stocked bar. gear and jumped in the water. Our kids The resort staff provided a guided tour varied in age from seven to 15 and we The last activity for the day was a of the facilities and gave us an itinerary were very grateful to the wonderful walking tour around the island and for the day. staff who assisted the younger ones visiting the information centre with so the adults could also enjoy the interesting displays on the history of the We devoured our welcome drink, experience. What a treat it was to see island and sea life, including a large organised a locker for the day, and three turtles swimming very close and whale skeleton hanging from the roof. were quickly off getting our snorkel so many different types of reef fish. The equipment (included in the cost). The real highlight (there were so many!) All too quickly we were back on the tide was going out so we headed to was the coral. So many different plane. Lady Elliot Island is a must-do. It the eastern side of the island. The kids colours, shapes, types and formations. will not disappoint.

www.cruisingnews.com 27 Gavin Smith appointed Chairman of CLIA Australasia Cruise Lines Joel Katz said Mr Smith brings “Sture Myrmell has been a committed International exceptional industry experience and and authoritative leader for CLIA as Association (CLIA) leadership to the association at a time our industry capped off an exceptional Australasia has when the cruise sector is working to period of growth and development announced the establish a new foundation for its future within Australasia,” Mr Katz said. “He appointment of operations. has been a big part of our success as Gavin Smith as its new “Gavin Smith has been a well-known an industry and will continue to be an Chairman following the important contributor to CLIA as we association’s annual and respected leader for our industry address the testing environment of this general meeting in Sydney today. for several decades, having been a key player in the growth and evolution new decade.” The Managing Director Australia and of cruising in Australasia and the New Zealand for Royal Caribbean As CLIA Australasia Chairman, Mr South Pacific,” Mr Katz said. “He will International (RCI), Mr Smith takes over Smith leads a newly formed Executive from outgoing Chairman Sture Myrmell, provide invaluable guidance for our Committee that also comprises Stuart the President of Carnival Australia and organisation as we work to confront Allison (Princess Cruises), Ben Angell P&O Cruises Australia, who concludes the unprecedented challenges ahead (Norwegian Cruise Line), Sarina Bratton his two-year term. Mr Smith returns to of us and rebuild confidence through (Ponant), Lynne Clarke (MSC Cruises), the role, having previously served as the new health measures cruise lines Steve Odell (Regent Seven Seas CLIA Australasia Chairman from 2011 are developing.” Cruises & Oceania Cruises), Andrew to 2015, and was also on the Board of Mr Katz thanked Mr Myrmell for his Millmore (Windstar Cruises, Virgin CLIA Europe from 2016 to 2019. dedication to CLIA and paid tribute to Voyages), and Sture Myrmell (P&O CLIA Australasia Managing Director his work as Chairman. Cruises Australia).

Appointment Cruise Line Crystal Has Closed Silversea Cruises has appointed Adam Radwanski to the Its Sydney Office position of Managing Director for Asia Pacific. He joins from “These certainly are unprecedented times and it is with Qatar Airways. deep regret that we announce the closure of Crystal’s Silversea president and CEO Roberto Martinoli said: “We are Sydney office,” said Karen Christensen senior vice president delighted to welcome Adam Radwanski to Silversea Cruises. and managing director for Australasia at Crystal. The Adam’s wealth of leadership experience will contribute to operational, as well as sales and marketing duties of our cruise line’s continued growth in the Asia-Pacific region.” Crystal’s Sydney office, will be transitioned to Genting Cruise Silversea also thanked outgoing managing director Adam Lines’ team in Sydney under the direction of Michael Goh, Armstrong, who is joining Contiki as its global CEO, for his president of Dream Cruises and head of international sales contribution to the company’s success in the region. for Genting Cruise Lines.

New Team at Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Cruises has announced Sales team, Emma Mumford joins their new team for Australia and New Celebrity as Head of Marketing, Zealand. responsible for Trade and Brand Cameron Mannix, who recently strategy and communications, held a tri-branded position heading bringing her wealth of experience up Field Sales, has been promoted from Cruiseco and other world-class to Celebrity’s Director of Sales for brands. Tenneal Baker also joins the Australia. Cameron is joined by three marketing team as PR and Social previously tri-branded team members, Manager, driving the earned media Nicole Stojic, Jessica Jones, and strategy through extensive skills gained Daragh Robbins, who now exclusively from previous hospitality and tourism represent Celebrity and provide their roles, including most recently with Photo – Standing Fiona Heron, Cam Mannix, dedicated attention to Trade Partners. Club Med. Further rounding out the Susan Bonner, Jessica Jones, Emma Mumford – New starters further deepen and bring team, Anamaria Torres Mosquera joins Sitting Lauren Lloyd, Hannah Taylor, Nicole Stojic& Anamaria Torres Mosquera breadth of travel industry experience Celebrity as Commercial Manager, with the launching sales team also bringing over five years of industry Series continues to expand with including Fiona Heron who returns to experience in Revenue Management. Celebrity Apex and three more new the brand from Scenic Luxury Cruises Lastly, Lauren Lloyd brings her extensive ships added to the Modern Luxury & Tours and Hannah Taylor who joins experience in executive and office fleet, coupled with the current travel Celebrity most recently from Wendy management to the team after landscape bringing added pressure on Wu Tours. Nicole, Jess, and Daragh working at AMP Capital for many travel partners too, now is the perfect will be based in New South Wales, years. time for the brand to commit to a covering a broad region of trade The Celebrity Cruises team is led by dedicated team to support Australia partners throughout Australia. Fiona Susan Bonner who was named in and New Zealand. We are still building will be based in Queensland to support January as Managing Director and the team and I am extraordinarily agents in the region and Hannah Vice President of Australia, New grateful for talented and committed will be responsible for Victoria, South Zealand, and Asia. “Our guests here professionals who have joined Australia, and Tasmania. have a long-standing love affair with Celebrity thus far as we start this In addition to the newly announced the Celebrity brand. As the Edge journey,” said Susan Bonner.

28 June 2020 Vegemite along with children’s drawings board and take cruises again and also and messages of hope. The crew support those regional towns and cities returned that generosity of spirit and who rely on the investment you make to gathered nightly on the deck to clap for their communities every time you come the Illawarra community then collected onshore and buy a coffee or take a tour. and donated money for Wollongong CLIA, the organisation representing Emergency Housing. Princess Cruises the cruise lines, is developing extensive also donated $50,000 to the Mission to health and hygiene plans to ensure the Seafarers in Port Kembla. Over on our highest level of confidence can be given west coast, Captain Morton Hansen of to the cruising public and the crews. We the Artania recorded a heartfelt video will work closely with our members to to thank communities in Fremantle and support the roll out of these plans across Perth. cruise destinations to give peace of mind From the ACA desk: Communities in Gladstone and Brisbane for passengers around their onshore In the last two months also made care packs for the crews to experience as well. we have watched farewell and thank them recognising Our members are also being creative our cruise industry the important role those ships play in the in developing ways that you can still go through major Queensland economy. connect with them while cruising is on changes, never seen It may be some months before we see pause. I encourage you to take a virtual before, and I think it’s the Australian Government allow cruise visit to Taronga Zoo via Taronga.TV or go fair to say we hope ships to return but in the meantime there behind the scenes with a Sydney Opera we never see again. is a great deal of activity happening. House tour or enjoy a palace tour or a But I remain constantly impressed by our According to a recent survey conducted lecture at Viking.TV. industry’s “R ‘n R” response which to me by Your Travel and Cruise, travel agents, And then, we look forward to welcoming now stands for Resilience and Recovery! nine out of ten Australians would consider cruise ships and passengers again when We have sadly farewelled all cruise ships cruising again with one obvious caveat the time is right. and their crews from Australian waters – being assured that stricter health and Further Details – and all media enquiries: but not before we saw incredible acts hygiene plans are in place. Jill Abel, Chief Executive Officer of kindness. Community members in We are encouraged by these results Australian Cruise Association Wollongong pulled together 1,200 care and also by the bookings we are Tel/Fax: +61 3 6223 7334 packages for the crew onboard Ruby already seeing coming in showing us Mob: 0419 511 966 Princess including chips, Tim Tams and that consumers want to get back on [email protected]

to do so, it will. Demand remains strong is a time to really be able to live through bookings are up for 2021 and beyond. a stark understanding of what tourism We continue to have 100% border closure brings to our shores. Of what cruise and are pinning our hopes on safe gives to our smaller regions by way of hubs, with Australia firmly in our sights. economic boost and visitation. Auckland Our NZ Government God bless em, so city centre sadly remains zombie like , far, has continued to collaborate with many offices have not reopened in our the industry and are supportive of the CBD, we have zero visitors, now more What on earth could make the Auckland cruise returning to our shores. Maritime than ever we need the vitality a ship mooring dolphins funding withdrawal NZ, New Zealand Customs and Ministry berthed in Auckland brings. of Transport are meeting to discuss how by Auckland Council and the Mayor Here in New Zealand we have won half cruise might re-start and we, the industry get a mere swift side glance, eye roll the battle however we now need to are included. We are requesting that and a muttered ‘oh well that will keep’? get on with the other half, which some the cruise suspension of June 30th not Apparently a pandemic can. A mere might say is even more difficult. We be extended, that ships be permitted wee nudge in the guts compared to must learn to live pre vaccine with this what else the cruise industry is facing. to return empty to NZ which in turn thing, keeping our economies going However I am fearful of using this would provide safe harbour until we can and working together again to create platform to scream and yell, to hold start again. Imagine beginning with a incredible immersive experiences that court about the injustices faced to all of domestic drive, a beautiful culinary cruise the cruise industry provides. us, the bloody awfulness that this virus has (lots of kiwi pavlova) throughout regional created for everyone in this world. No New Zealand much still unexplored, Kevin O'Sullivan one has escaped its impact and we are starting with kiwis first until it is deemed Chief Executive Officer all weary. safe to invite nations included in the safe New Zealand Cruise Association This is a critical time and one the cruise hub corridors. Debbie Summers industry is using to its very best abilities A positive of this crisis is having gone from Executive Director IDNZ/Chairman in creating even safer environments to the perception of over tourism here in New Zealand Cruise Association sail again and when this is practicable New Zealand to chronic under tourism, it [email protected]

#WeAreCruise He Waka Eke Noa www.cruisingnews.com 29 Farewell In recent months the industry has Holland America Line President Published announced that several well known Orlando Ashford left the company at February, April, June, August, NNE WI R October & December executives have resigned. the end of May. Ashford headed the Publisher/Editor Leading the list is Azamara President premium cruise line within the Carnival John Treacy Corporation family of brands and had 2 and CEO Larry Pimentel along with Rick 0 S 1 7 D C R been at the company for nearly five Associate Editor R A Meadows from Seabourn, Orlando U AW ISE Y Kerry Treacy INDUSTR Ashford from Holland America, Gordon and half years and led a rejuvenation Advertising Ho from Princess Cruises and Terry of the brand through an emphasis on John Treacy & Associates enhanced onboard entertainment, live Ph + 61 7 3349 6788 Thornton from Carnival Cruise Lines. PO Box 2005, Mansfield All have played important roles in the music and culinary experiences. Queensland 4122, Australia cruising industry and it is sad to see Marketing wiz Gordon Ho who led Email: [email protected] them move on. the “Come Back New” campaign for Web Site Before joining Azamara in January Princess Cruises has left the cruise line. www.cruisingnews.com 2010, Larry Pimentel was President, He joined Princess in 2013 after working Design & Layout with the Walt Disney Co. for 18 years. CINCO Solutions CEO and co-owner of SeaDream Yacht Club from 2001 to 2009. He He established Culinary partnerships Proudly Published in Australia by served as President and CEO of with chocolatier Norman Love for Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Line 'Chocolate Journeys,' chef Curtis from 1992 to 2001, and was President Stone for his SHARE restaurant at sea and CEO of Classic Hawaii, a tour and Ernesto Uchimura for the Ernesto operating company, from 1983 to burger as well as the Sleep program ABN 71 083 652 019 | ISSN 1447 - 2112 1992. Carol Cabezas, who's served as with Dr. Michael Breus who brought the chief operating officer of Azamara for Princess Luxury Bed fleetwide. Also PUBLISHER of special custom editions for three years, will now lead the brand. Clean Cruising and Worldwide Cruise Centres. Terry Thornton retired after 31 years Rick Meadows has retired from at Carnival Cruise Line. He joined Seabourn and Carnival Corporation Carnival in 1989 as manager of special projects and held numerous positions Photos this issue – Scenic, Silversea, after 35 Years Of Service. He was President of Seabourn and in this role across the organization in marketing, Meyer Werft, Hurtigruten, Brisbane Cruise had overall executive responsibility, itinerary planning and deployment, as Terminal, MSC Cruises, Viking Cruises and leading all business and global well as his most recent role as senior CLIA. operations for the luxury cruise line. He vice president of nautical and port held this position since 2011, when the operations. He made many visits to company moved its headquarters to Australia and always made himself Seattle from Miami. available to promote the industry.

AUGUST 2020

Cruising’s Next Larry Pimentel Rick Meadows Chapter

Plus a comprehensive coverage of Global Passenger Cruising Orlando Ashford Gordon Ho Terry Thornton

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30 April 2020 From the Jonathan Crabbe Collection Taken in Sydney

Artania

MSC Magnifica

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32 June 2020