Combining bikes and boats is growing in popularity

Tours that combine biking and barging are all the rage, tourism operator UTracks reports.

Bike and boat holidays aim to combine the comfort of river and canal cruising with the freedom to explore well beyond the riverbanks.

And Europe’s waterways, from the flats of the Netherlands to France, Germany and the along the Danube, enable small vessels to glide into lesser-known ports while cruisers spend days cycling through river towns, vineyards and picturesque landscapes.

The Mediterranean, particularly along the coasts of Greece and Croatia, offer similar experiences at sea.

Guests can cycle village lanes, and rural backroads before heading back to their ship for dinner.

A range of routes are available and for the less energetic (raises hand), electric bikes are available for a supplement.    

https://www.utracks.com/bike-boat-information

How about 52 days at sea to sample "slow travel"?

Slow travel, particularly for retirees, or those with time on their hands, is a growing trend. 

How about taking your time and visiting 26 ports on one cruise? One such offering is Windstar Cruises' 52-day sailing from Singapore to Papeete, designed for those who want to take time and chill out. 

The cruise is being promoted as an example of the shift away from short, fast holidays to longer, more immersive travel, particularly for the retiree market - albeit those with cash to splash. 

The cost of this extravagance exploring Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and south-east Asia. comes in at under $500 per person per day. 

The 52-Day Cruise for Travellers Who Finally Have Time, is the Star Collector: Grand South Pacific Adventure. 

With prices starting from $21,553 per person and stops at ports throughout the South Pacific, the deal includes wifi, dining, unlimited select beers, wines and cocktails, gratuities, accommodation and more - if you snap up an "early bird" offer.

Windstar says: "This is slow travel at its most rewarding. Instead of ticking off one or two islands, guests will journey across the entire South Pacific, whether it’s French Polynesia’s biosphere reserves and the Marquesas’ dramatic valleys, or the lagoons of the Cook Islands and Tonga’s royal heritage".

The journey traverses Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea with overnight stays in destinations like Bora Bora, Fiji, Bali and Papeete, plus repeat visits to Moorea. 

The days at sea offers the chance to slow down, recharge and enjoy the simple luxury of uninterrupted time. It all sounds rather enticing. 

For more info see the Windstar Australia website or call 1300 749875. 

The website is a bit glitchy, however. I seriously doubt the cruise calls at Flissengen (Antwerp) on Day 21. That would be a serious diversion.

Aussies book ahead and want the best cabins, cruise data shows

Australians are taking a new approach to cruise holidays. 

New data from Cruise Guru reveals Aussies are booking bigger cabins, planning ahead and prioritising value. 

The new booking data released by Cruise Guru, one of Australia’s leading cruise specialists, has revealed major shifts in how cruise holidays are being planning and purchased. 

There is record demand for balcony cabins, signals that customers are planning further ahead and a renewed appetite for value-adds. 

Australians are continuing to book up, with balcony cabins now the most popular choice across all the  major cruise lines.

Cruise Guru booking data shows 48% of travellers booked balcony cabins and 11% booked suites in 2025, while inside cabin bookings were down across some cruise lines.

Cruise Guru CCO Michael Betteridge says this reflects a “quality over quantity” mindset.

“Aussies tend to love the fun and excitement of cruising but also want their own private sanctuary, views and the comfort that upgraded cabins offer," Betteridge says. 

"They see cruising as the best of both worlds and they’re willing to invest in that experience.”

Cruise Guru’s data shows a shift toward value-bundled fares.

“What we’re seeing is a shift from reactive buying to intentional planning," Betteridge says. "Customers are weighing total trip value, not just the headline price. Bundled inclusions succeed because they reduce decision fatigue and give travellers a sense of financial control over a trip that might be a year or more away.” 

Forward planning is also popular with an average lead time overall of around nine months. 

“While we have seen last-minute cruising demand, many itineraries are filled already," Cruise Guru reported. 

"We can see our Aussie clients planning more strategically. The desire to secure the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right cabin is pushing bookings further out. Customers have learned that waiting may mean missing out.”

Contact 13 13 03 to learn more or visit www.cruiseguru.com.au.

Image: Giuseppe Anello, Scop.io

Cruise line infuriates passengers

 

Imagine booking an adults only cruise holiday and then being told that no, actually kids are being allowed on board.

That's what happened to northern hemisphere customers booked on "adults only" P&O Cruises voyages that have now been opened up to families with children, news hub Travel Mole reported.

Some unhappy customers, sold a dud, are not impressed. There have been no offers of compensation.

The cruise line said this week that it would reverse its previous policy and allow children on some sailings during peak holiday periods and in time for Christmas next year on long-time "adults only" ships Aurora and Arcadia.

On social media loyal P&O passengers have expressed disbelief and anger. One passenger wrote: “If I wanted kids around, I’d book Iona.” Another said: “I chose P&O for adult-only cruises. I’m not sure I’ll bother now.” 

Menus for children will be available together with baby changing and bottle warming facilities and both ships will now offer entertainment and activities for all ages to enjoy.

The cruise line said guests can apply for a full refund or reschedule their dates. Guests must notify the cruise line by December 1, 2025, if they wish to cancel or re-book.

Tone deaf Carnival UK & P&O Cruises associate vice president, sales and distribution Ruth Venn ignored the fact that those who booked for adult cruises will not be getting what they paid for.

“Recent CLIA data showed that multi-generational travel is a rising trend," she said. "Over 30% of families are now cruising with at least two generations onboard.

“In response to guest feedback and increasing demand we are excited to invite all ages to join Arcadia and Aurora on selected holidays, meaning the whole family can come together to experience these elegant ships."

I guess it is hard to defend the indefensible.

Arcadia and Aurora will continue to offer holidays exclusively for adults for the much of the year.

Just stay away: Barcelona to reduce cruise arrivals

Barcelona, the busiest cruise port in Europe, is moving to reduce cruising's impact on the city's over-stretched infrastructure.

The Spanish city is to reduce its cruise terminal capacity by the end of the decade as part of a broader push to rein in surging tourist arrivals.

News hub Travel Mole reports a new agreement between Barcelona City Hall and the Port Authority will see the number of cruise terminals cut from seven to five by 2030.

This move will lower the port’s maximum capacity for simultaneous cruise passengers from 37,000 to 31,000.

“This is the first time in history that limits are being placed on the growth of cruise ships in the city,” said Mayor Jaume Collboni.

The mayor, who has been vocal about addressing over-tourism, previously said he aimed to reduce the number of one-day cruise visits, which often lead to overcrowding at popular sites such as the Sagrada Familia.

The decision comes amid a surge in cruise activity.

Between January and May 2025, cruise ship calls to Barcelona increased by 21%, while passenger arrivals rose by 20% to 1.2 million, compared to the same period in 2024.

These figures marked an acceleration from the 20% overall growth in cruise passengers recorded between 2018 and 2024.

Barcelona has faced increasing push-back from residents over the impacts of mass tourism, including housing pressure, environmental degradation, and congestion at cultural landmarks.

Protests have become more frequent in recent years, highlighting growing frustration with the volume of short-term visitors.

Barcelona began pushing cruise operations away from the city center in 2018, culminating in the closure of the North Terminal at the base of Las Ramblas by 2023.

The port redevelopment plan - already underway - includes the demolition of older terminals and the construction of a new, more sustainable Terminal C, with shore power and expanded capacity for 7,000 passengers.

The overhaul also includes improved shuttle transport, digital crowd-monitoring systems, and a €90 million expansion of the Porta d’Europa bridge to better connect the port to the city. Completion is due in 2027.

Once complete, four of the five terminals will be privately operated by major cruise lines : Terminals D and E by Carnival Corp., Terminal H by MSC Cruises, and the under-construction Terminal G by Royal Caribbean Group. Terminal C will remain publicly owned.

Demolition of the current Terminal C is expected by the end of 2026, with the new terminal slated to open in 2028 and reach full operational capacity by 2030.

Demand continues to surge for Asian cruises

Demand for international cruising continues to surge, new data reveals. 

Cruise Guru, CLIA’s 2024 Online Cruise Agency of the Year, has revealed a significant shift in consumer interest towards international cruising, with Q1 2025 data showing a 19% surge in searches for international cruises compared to the same period last year. 

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry association.

Cruise Guru said destination-specific searches jumped by 22.08% with Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, China and other south-east Asian destinations among the top regions searched in Q1 2025.

Asia emerged as the top region of interest with 22% selecting it as their preferred destination, surpassing traditional hotspots. 

“We are witnessing a clear shift in the way Australians are searching for cruises with our data showing a rising appetite for international itineraries, particularly in Asia," said Michael Betteridge, Chief Commercial & Operations Officer at Cruise Guru.

"Asia is an easy choice as it combines value, closer-to-home convenience and a sense of discovery as travellers seek new horizons beyond the traditional Mediterranean and South Pacific routes.”

Australia’s domestic cruising capacity has declined about 30% in recent years with changes expected to be felt in the coming seasons. Several cruise lines have adjusted their schedules or withdrawn ships from the region, creating a gap that’s prompting Australian travellers to look further afield.

Contact 13 13 03 or visit www.cruiseguru.com.au.

Cannes cracks down on cruise ship visitors

The French Riviera resort of Cannes is the latest popular destination to crack down on cruise ship numbers. 

From the start of 2026, ships accommodating more 1,000 guests will be banned from Cannes harbour.

And there will be an additional limit of 6,000 passengers per day allowed to visit the city, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Larger ships are not totally banned from visiting, but will have to tender further out at sea.

This is already the case for some of the largest ships now as the old port cannot accommodate the largest vessels.

The Cannes city council voted for new limits following the introduction of similar restrictions in nearby Nice and Villefranche.

“Cannes has become a major cruise ship destination, with real economic benefits," said Mayor David Lisnard. 

"It’s not about banning cruise ships, but about regulating and setting guidelines for their navigation.” 

Cruise ships get a thumbs up from New Zealand

While many destinations around the world are banning or restricting cruise ships the New Zealand government announced they will be permitted to continue sailing Milford Sound.

The decision came after calls to block cruise ships.

Government officials say they have struck a balance by allowing cruise tourism in Milford Sound Piopiotahi while funding $NZ15.2 million for infrastructure improvements and conservation.

“We are supporting the local economy and providing certainty for operators by enabling cruise ships and aircraft to continue to access the fjord,” said New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston.

Cruises are already restricted in the Sound and no more than two ships can visit per day.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) welcomed the decision.

“Milford Sound Piopiotahi is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural assets and the international cruise industry is strongly committed to protecting it,” the CLIA said.

“The cruise industry will continue to work closely with New Zealand authorities to ensure the appropriate management of cruise tourism.”

All visiting cruise ships must sign a deed of agreement with Environment Southland for managed access to the Southland coast.

Cruise line leaves passengers stranded with 24 hours' notice

You are just 24 hours away from departing on a short cruise for a long weekend when an email lands.

Sorry. Your cruise is cancelled.

That is what happened to 1800 passengers when P&O Cruises UK cancelled a three-day cruise onboard the Aurora this week: giving booked guests just a day’s notice.

The cruise line said the cancellation of Aurora’s three-day cruise to Zeebrugge was due to a scheduled maintenance delay in dry dock.

The cruise scheduled to depart from Southampton on Monday was cancelled on Easter Sunday.

Guests were unable to speak to the line’s customer services due to the contact centre being closed on Easter Sunday. That's service for you. 

And tough luck if you'd spent big bucks travelling to Southampton. .

“Following a delay to Aurora’s refit, we need to cancel Aurora’s cruise from Southampton to Zeebrugge,” the email said.

P&O Cruises said it will issue full refunds and offer a 20% future cruise credit. No mention of reimbursing for costs already incurred.

“We appreciate how disappointing this is for our guests who were booked to travel," a P&O Cruises spokesperson said, news hub Travel Mole reported.

The ship was in Rotterdam after scheduled refit and maintenance work ran over time.

The Aurora did welcome guests back onboard on Thursday and is now on a 12-night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords. 

Triple celebration for MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique this week marked significant milestones for three World Class ships in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The delivery of MSC World America (above), coincided with the coin ceremony - a traditional shipbuilding event - of MSC World Asia and the steel cutting for the newly named MSC World Atlantic.

The importance of the occasion meant attendees included Captain Gianluigi Aponte, founder and group chairman of MSC, and Chantiers de l’Atlantique GM Laurent Castaing.

MSC World America is the 23rd ship in the cruise line’s modern fleet and is set to be officially named on April 9 in the US at the company’s new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal, the largest in the world.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, cruise division, MSC Group, said: “Today is a proud moment for all of us at MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique as we mark these major milestones in the development of our fleet.

"Our new flagship is a testament to our long-standing, innovative partnership spanning over 20 years, resulting in five ground-breaking prototypes and 19 ships.

"Together, we continue to push boundaries, combining cutting-edge design, the latest technologies, and a richness of experiences to set new standards in cruising and always striving to further improve the environmental performance of each ship. We look forward to raising the bar even higher with the upcoming MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic.”

A coin cermeony sees commemorative coins placed inside a ship as a sign of blessing during construction and to bring good fortune to the ship.

The third celebration was a steel cutting ceremony to officially start the construction of the line’s fourth World Class ship, MSC World Atlantic, due to enter service in 2027.

MSC World America's inaugural season from Miami starts on April 12.

She will sail alternating seven-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, San Juan, Puerto Rico and MSC Cruises private island Ocean Cay and seven-night Western Caribbean voyages to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, Isla de Roatan, Honduras, and Ocean Cay.

Glasgow keen to embrace cruise ships

 

While many cities around the globe are keen to be rid of polluting large cruise ships, Glasgow in Scotland is keen to embrace them.

A proposal is being mooted to bring large cruise ships down the River Clyde all the way to Glasgow city centre, news portal Travel Mole reports.

"Ambitious plans" would see cruise ships dock at the King George V Dock in Govan.

Greenock, further outside the city, is currently the cruise ship gateway to the city of Glasgow. It is 36km away. 

Operator Peel Ports has presented a proposal to West of Scotland Member of the Scottish Parliament Russell Findlay, who is supporting it.

“Seeing cruise ships coming up the Clyde into the centre of Glasgow would be a huge boost to Scotland’s biggest city and I’m delighted to give my party’s full support,” he said.

“If this happens, it has the potential to bring in huge numbers of visitors which would not only help benefit the economy but rejuvenate the riverside.

“I would urge the Scottish Government and city council to encourage rather than stifle enterprising ideas like this.”

Local councillor John Daly is another who is in favour of the idea.

“I wholeheartedly support the plans from Peel Ports to bring cruise ships to the heart of the city,” he said.

“I am proud to represent this city and will always champion proposals like this which could deliver a much-needed jobs boost for Glasgow.”

Peel Ports says allowing cruise ships down the Clyde into Glasgow have been "discussed in principle" many times without success.

“The Port of Greenock remains the Clyde’s cruise terminal, following the major investments into the facilities over recent years,” Peel said.

Unprecedented demand for small ship cruises to Japan

Following "unprecedented demand" for its 2026 sailings in Japan on board its newest ship, Star Seeker, small ship luxury cruise line Windstar Cruises has opened up its 2027 Japan itineraries for booking earlier than planned. 

The cruise line has also added an extra 2026 sailing date.

“Just months after announcing our 2026 plans in Japan, we’re nearly sold out,” says Windstar Cruises’ Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava.

“The combination of our return to Asia for the first time since 2023, along with the anticipation of a new ship and the fact that Japan is now one of the world’s most-visited countries, has created an excitement for this region that we have not seen before.”

Star Seeker will cross the Pacific from Alaska to Japan in early September of 2026, where Windstar will bring back its popular 10-night Grand Japan itinerary on five dates through October. 

The spring 2027 sailings will take place on seven dates from March through May.

Grand Japan highlights include scenic cruising the Inland Sea; sailing around the abandoned island of Hashima; visiting the Peace Memorial Parks of Nagasaki and Hiroshima; and calling on smaller ports like Takamatsu (famous for its gardens and udon) and Karatsu.

Cruisers can also extend their stay with the Kyoto & the Zen of Japan Cruise Tour, featuring inland tours to Kyoto where guests can bathe in hot springs, experience a traditional tea ceremony, and visit the Golden Pavilion.

The 2027 spring dates also offer the potential to experience Japan’s famed cherry blossoms, and Star Seeker’s accommodations are poised for ample spring season sightseeing as most have balconies and infinity windows.

Windstar's early booking offer includes a free upgrade to All-Inclusive Fares (valued at US$99 per day or $157 per day),which bundle in wifi, gratuities and unlimited select beer, wine and cocktails, plus $200 onboard credit per stateroom.

The offer expires February 28, 2025.

To find out more call Windstar Australia on 1300 749 875 or email reservations@windstar.com.au.

Mexico hits cruise ships with new taxes

Add Mexico to the list of countries that is fighting back against the intrusive and costly wave of cruise ship visits.

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has been spooked after the Mexican government passed a new tax on cruise passengers.

Cruise passengers will face an additional US $42 per person in taxes on top of the current average of US $20 in other taxes and fees the FCCA says is required to visit Mexican ports, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The association says this effectively prices Mexican ports out of the cruise market - which may well be the idea given the increasing cost of catering for cruise ships and the damage they cause the environment.

The law was passed without consultation or any input from the cruise industry, the FCCA says, adding the new tax could disrupt the travel plans of over 10 million passengers expected to visit Mexico in 2025.

“We appreciate President [Claudia] Sheinbaum’s assurance that the change will happen slowly and that she’s instructed federal officials to work with our industry, but we haven’t heard from anyone yet,” FCCA CEO Michele Paige said.

The FCCA says member lines are "eager to collaborate with the government to gain clarity on the details of this implementation and work together to chart a constructive path forward".

“Mexico has long been a cornerstone of the cruise market, that has delivered significant economic benefits to both the industry and local communities,” said Paige.

“However, the unilateral decision to eliminate the in-transit tax exemption without engaging industry stakeholders undermines our partnership.”

The association says cruise ship calls generate over $1 billion in direct spending annually and support more than 20,000 jobs across various sectors.

The FCCA wants Mexican officials to engage in immediate dialogue to address industry concerns.

“Joint efforts between the government and the cruise industry are essential to creating sustainable growth that benefits all parties,” Paige added.

“We are hopeful we can work together to find solutions that preserve Mexico’s vital role in the cruise market.”

Image: Lauren Hudon, Scop.io 

Hot tubs on cruise ships could give you more than a nice soak

Using hot tubs on cruise ships could give you a whole lot more than you were expecting. 

US health officials have warned of potentially serious health risks soaking in cruise ship hot tubs, news portal Travel Mole reports. 

Cruise ship hot tubs have been linked with several cases of Legionnaires’ disease.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says eight cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported “from a single cruise ship.”

Less than helpfully, the agency did not name the ship or cruise line. Nothing gets in the way of making money in the US. 

The cases were reported between November 2022 and April 2024.

A CDC investigation found hot tubs were the likely source of the bacterial infections.

It saud four additional cases of Legionnaires disease were found on a second cruise ship from January to June 2024.

It said hot tubs were again the likely source.

“Epidemiologic, environmental, and laboratory evidence suggests that private balcony hot tubs were the likely source of exposure in two outbreaks among cruise ship passengers,” the CDC report stated.

“These devices are subject to less stringent operating requirements than public hot tubs, and operating protocols were insufficient to prevent Legionella growth.”

The bacteria can affect the lungs, causing cough, fever, muscle aches and shortness of breath. Which does not sound like fun. 

Fjord fiesta: Norway clamps down on cruise ships

Norway is the latest nation to clamp down on polluting cruise ships.

The Norwegians have flagged strict zero emissions regulations to help protect their pristine fjords.

Starting from 2026, small vessels up to 10,000 gross tonnage must have zero emission technology fitted to sail the fjords and other coastal routes, Travel Mole reports.

But Norway has given large cruise ships a more generous deadline of 2032 to install zero emissions tech.

The government acknowledges it will take time for the largest ships sailing in Norway to become compliant.

“The goal is to preserve the spectacular fjords and create sustainable tourism,” said Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, the climate and environment minister.

“The zero-emission requirement will drive technology development, reduce emissions, and ensure the World Heritage fjords remain attractive tourist destinations.”

The requirements include the use of alternative fuels, including biogas for smaller vessels, and the ability to hook up to shore power.

Norway has several fjords listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Image: Visit Norway 

New Zealand slugs cruise ships with increased costs

The New Zealand Government has dealt a financial blow to cruise ship operators - and they are not happy about it.

New Zealand has revealed a hike in border processing fees for cruise ship guests of 88% - scheduled to take effect from December 1.

The Cruise Lines International Association Australasia and the New Zealand Cruise Association both hit out at both the cruise fee hike and the lack of notice, news portal Travel Mole reported.

The say cruise lines won’t be able to pass on the increase to passengers, who have already booked and paid for their cruises.

The trade groups warn it could severely impact cruise traffic to New Zealand with with forecast that passenger numbers are down around 22% this year.

They say New Zealand is one of the most expensive markets for cruise operation costs.

NZ Cruise Association CEO Jacqui Lloyd said: “Cruise lines carefully plan and budget their operations two to three seasons ahead, leaving no room to pass unexpected cost increases to passengers.

“These financial burdens fall squarely on the cruise lines.”

It is not clear why cruise lines would not build such contingencies into their forward planning.

The processing cost for travellers arriving by cruise ship will increase from $11.48 to $21.54, an increase of $10.06 per passenger. This represents an extra $30,000 in costs for a ship carrying 3000 passengers.

 

The CLIA and the NZCA are pushing for urgent meetings with the New Zealand Customs Service and government officials.

Cruise ship staffer goes on stabbing rampage

When you get onboard a cruise ship the last thing on your mind is that you might be stabbed by a crew member.

Except that is what happened when a staffer on the Norwegian Encore allegedly went beserk.

Ntando Sogoni, 35, a South Africa national, is in FBI custody after allegedly attacking several people with a pair of scissors during an Alaska cruise this week, Travel Mole reported.

He was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and could face up to 10 years in jail..

Sogoni was taken to the on-board medical centre for evaluation after he was spotted by other crew members trying to deploy a life raft.

While there, he reportedly attacked a security guard and a nurse in an examination room.

He then went into another room, grabbed scissors and stabbed a guest and two other security officers.

FBI Public Affairs Officer Chloe Martin said there were no life-threatening injuries.

“This was an isolated incident, and no threat to other passengers,” she said.

Sogoni was handed over to the FBI in Juneau, Alaska.

A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors, the US Justice Department said in a statement.

Multiple cruises cancelled as new ship will not be ready

When you book a cruise on a brand-new ship you are taking a big risk: as thousands of would-be cruisers discovered this week.

Princess Cruises has announced new ship Star Princess’ debut will be delayed by months - and that nine planned cruises have had to be cancelled, Travel Mole reported.

Princess and leading Italian ship builder Fincantieri announced a mutual decision to postpone the delivery of the Sphere Class ship from July 29, 2025, to September 26, 2025.

So bad luck if you have a booking.

“Despite our relentless pursuit to deliver the ship in late July, it has become evident that additional time is required,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.

The new inaugural sailings of Star Princess will be round-trip from Barcelona and include an 11-day Mediterranean cruise on October 4, 2025, and a seven-day Mediterranean cruise on October 15, 2025.

They will precede a 14-day transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on October 22, 2025, for the ship’s first Caribbean season.

Guests booked on any of the cancelled voyages will be given three options: book any Princess cruise worldwide, including aboard the new Star, sister ship Sun Princess, or any other Princess ship.

Guests who elect to re-book will receive future cruise and onboard-credits depending on the cruise they select.

But customers will also have the option to cancel and receive a full refund, which you'd expect many of them to take.

Star Princess is the second in the new Sphere Class of ships for Princess, following sister ship Sun Princess, which debuted in February.

These ships feature The Dome, an industry-first geodesic feature on the top deck, and The Sphere, the suspended glass Sphere Piazza at the centre of the ship.

Meet the man who wants to re-create the Titanic

 

Dear world. Meet Clive Palmer, controversial Australian businessman and failed politician.

Palmer, 69, is the man behind a bizarre project to build a life-sized replica of The Titanic.

Blue Star Line chairman Palmer announced today that design plans for Titanic ll were being finalised.

“We are very pleased to announce that after unforeseen global delays, we have reengaged with partners to bring the dream of Titanic ll to life. Let the journey begin,’’ Palmer said.

“The government lockdowns sent the cruise industry into a long-term shutdown but shipping is back in full business with passenger numbers now surpassing pre-Covid levels.

“We are getting the best ship-builders, designers and engineers in the world back on deck to build Titanic ll.’’

The bombastic Palmer says the project enjoys the continued support of Finnish-based ship design and marine engineering company Deltamarin.

Deltamarin has undertaken a review of the Titanic II project ensuring the vessel will be compliant with all current safety and construction regulations as well as meeting Blue Star Line’s design criteria, he says.

Other global partners include V.Ships Leisure who will be responsible for project support, building supervision and ship management services; and Swedish marine architecture and interior design company Tillberg Design, whose portfolio includes classic ocean liners Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2.

“Blue Star Line will create an authentic Titanic experience, providing passengers with a ship that has the same interiors and cabin layout as the original vessel, while integrating modern safety procedures, navigation methods and 21st-century technology to produce the highest level of luxurious comfort,’’ Palmer said.

“We are bringing in some of the best designers in the world for cruise shipping to make sure nothing is overlooked and we have a specification that is far, far superior than the original Titanic. It will be the ship of love and the ultimate in style and luxury.

“The essence of this venture is to offer passengers an unparalleled journey back in time, immersing them fully in the opulence and splendour of life aboard the original Titanic, thus bridging a century with a voyage of unparalleled elegance.’’

The ship will follow the original - and disastrous - journey, carrying passengers from Southampton to New York, but she will also circumnavigate the globe, "inspiring and enchanting people while attracting unrivalled attention, intrigue and mystery in every port she visits".

Titanic ll will weigh approximately 56,000t, comprise nine decks and will be designed to recreate the grandeurs of its namesake. The vessel will have an overall length of 269m and a width of 32.2m. It will feature 835 cabins including 383 1st class, 201 2nd class and 251 3rd class rooms, catering for up to 2,435 passengers.

The new ship will feature modern technology and the latest navigation and safety systems.

Titanic II will be powered by a diesel engine and will feature four smoke stacks like the coal-powered Titanic.

“In 1912 the Titanic was the ship of dreams. For over a century Titanic’s legend has been powered by mystery, intrigue and respect for all she stood for,’’ Palmer said.

Given his track record, a lot of people are betting it won’t happen. Like many of his plans. 

MSC ensures cruise guests stay connected

One of the biggest downsides of cruising can be slow and super-expensive wifi connections. 

One cruise line addressing the issue is MSC Cruises, with two-thirds of its ships now equipped with SpaceX’s Starlink onboard connectivity. 

MSC, the world's third-largest cruise line, says the fleet roll out program will be completed in three months. 

The low earth orbit solution is providing faster internet speeds, improved wifi in cabins and public spaces, reduced latency levels and lower operational costs for 15 of the cruise line’s fleet of 22 ships, MSC Cruises says. 

The first of MSC Cruises’ vessels to be equipped with Starlink was MSC Magnifica in December 2022.

MSC Cruises has seen on board bandwidth consumption continue to rise, driven by both the increase in the number of connected devices and the number of apps that guests like to use.

Starlink will provide MSC Cruises with enough capacity to keep up with the future requirements of its guests, crew and also the technical requirements of its fleet of vessels.

MSC Cruises’ ships currently equipped with Starlink are MSC Divina, MSC Euribia, MSC Fantasia, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Lirica, MSC Magnifica, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview and MSC Virtuosa.

MSC Opera and MSC World Europa will be added in March and the line’s other five ships set for enhanced connectivity ahead of the northern summer 2024 season are MSC Armonia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Splendida.

EXPLORA I, the first of six luxury ships of MSC Cruises’ sister company Explora Journeys, is also equipped with Starlink and EXPLORA II will be fitted with the enhanced connectivity when she sets sail in August.

MSC Cruises offers a ‘Browse Internet Cruise Package’ and a ‘Browse & Stream Cruise Package’ onboard its fleet that are tailored for its guests to cover the connection and number of devices needed during a sailing.