Cruise Recap – 4th November 2011 - Cruise Recap

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Cruise Recap – 4th November 2011

Friday, 4 November 2011

Click here to download our first ever OBrochure Cruise Experience Guide

It was hurricane ‘Qantas’ as opposed to ‘Rina’ that caused several cruise lines to amend itineraries or do their best to help passengers actually embark their ships this week.

Newly arrived Radiance of the Seas delayed her departure from Fremantle in order to ensure as many passengers could make it aboard as possible and Princess Cruises arranged alternative flight arrangements for some of Sea Princess’ passengers.

The whole debacle got me thinking more about travel insurance. I take this out every time I travel overseas but never do domestically. Whilst there were some issues in claiming refunds for those affected, it certainly has made me consider taking it out every time I travel now.

What are your thoughts?

Yours in cruising,
Natalie

Cunard’s QM2 receives facelift

In preparation for her eighth birthday in January 2012, Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, will head to the Blohm & Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany for a refit.

Independence of the Seas returns to America

Royal Caribbean’s Freedom-class vessel, Independence of the Seas will return to America for the winter 2012-13 season, sailing from Port Everglades.

TV channel for Voyages of Discovery

In a first for the online cruise community, Voyages of Discovery have launched a new online TV channel.

‘AquaLab’ keeps guests cool on Disney Fantasy

The all-new ‘AquaLab’ will debut onboard Disney Fantasy when she launches next year and will offer guests a variety of ‘water experiments’ created by Donald Duck’s nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie.

Qantas causes cruise ship shuffle

Cruise lines affected by the grounding of Qantas flights over the weekend have taken measures to ensure their passengers have the best chance of reaching their ships with minimal delay.

Royal Advantage for Splendour

Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas has entered dry dock at at the Navantia shipyard in Cardiz Spain ready for her USD$35 million ‘Royal Advantage’ refurbishment.

Carnival increases gratuities

Carnival Cruise Lines’ travel agent web site was updated earlier this week with the news that its gratuity guidelines will increase effective from 1 December 2011.

New passenger emails for P&O

Passengers set to embark on a P&O cruise will now receive a tailored series of personalised emails from a host of cruise luminaries including Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry, the ship’s captain, the cruise director and shore tour manager.