NEWS UPDATE: Will the cruise ban end this month? Resilient Lady to call Australia home from 2023!

Join my private Facebook group for cruise deals, tips and advice - the more members we have, the better we’ll get! www.facebook.com/groups/CTGdeals Follow me on Facebook and Instagram: www.facebook.comn/thecruiseandtravelguy www.instragram.com/thecruiseandtravelguy Head to my website for great cruise and travel deals: www.thecruiseandtravelguy.com.au In the US, cruise lines are continuing to move forward with the removal of their onboard mask mandates. In line with the CDC’s new voluntary covid-19 cruise ship program, cruise lines are able to remove the requirement for guests to wear a mask onboard when at least 95% of passengers and crew are vaccinated. Guests are still required to wear masks whilst they’re in terminals and during boarding until at least later this month when US federal mask mandates are set to be reviewed. In certain settings onboard, masks may be required, but the prevailing industry movement supports the abolition of masks and for the most part, passengers are happy with the changes. Closer to home, a Tourism Round Table was held in Adelaide last week where a number of key political and industry players met to discuss all things travel and cruise. Federal tourism minister Dan Tehan was in attendance, as was Federal Finance Minister Senator Simon Birmingham. Travel agents from around the country, including Belle Goldie and Dennis Bunnik, took centre stage during the discussion. They shared with the ministers the ongoing impact of travel shutdowns and the devastation it continues to cause for businesses dependant on tourism. The agents’ pleas for financial support will be taken by the Ministers to Prime Minister and cabinet. Minister Tehan said that a commitment by the states to accept cruise ships within their ports would be key in the lifting of the federal cruise ban and that no one would be happier than him for that to happen. According to a Cruise Passenger article published this week, Mr Tehan said: “The Federal Government wants to see the resumption of large scale cruising to get our cruise sector back on its feet and to support the jobs and businesses that rely on the industry. I’m hopeful the cruise ban will be lifted by March 17 to ensure the resumption of the Northern Territory cruise season.” The hope is that the cruise ban is repealed before the government goes into caretaker mode in the lead up to the election, the inference being that if it doesn’t happen this month, then it may not happen until after the federal election. Whilst both state and federal governments are continuing to pass the buck, there are still signs of progress and with any luck, Aussies will head into April knowing with confidence when cruising will return to this country. Last week, Virgin Voyages made the announcement that some of us had suspected was coming. Resilient Lady, the cruise line’s third ship, will be making her way down under at the end of 2023. The 110k gross tonne adult only ship will embark on her journey south beginning with a voyage between Athens and Dubai departing the Greek capital on October 22nd, a second Dubai to Singapore leg will depart on November 5th and a final 15 night cruise from Singapore to Sydney will depart on November 20th. The 2700 passenger ship will arrive in Sydney on December 5th where it’s expected she will be home ported for a series of cruises to local destinations like New Zealand and the South Pacific. The line offers a modern, quintessentially Virgin take on cruising, with the brand’s usual flair for style and substance. Resilient Lady will launch in August 2022, which will make her one of the newest and most modern ships to ever call Australia home. The cost of admission includes onboard dining at all 20+ eateries, no extra-charge restaurants here, plus essential drinks which include filtered water, sparkling water, non-pressed juices, tea and drip coffee. Limiting the age of admission to a minimum of 18 makes for a more adult environment with entertainment options including late night cabaret and pop-up performances all around the ship. Resilient Lady’s should be based down under, most likely in Sydney, for a number of voyages starting in December 2023, but details of those cruises are yet to be confirmed. Thanks for watching!