NEWS UPDATE: Aussie Minister Keen for Cruising! Princess Swaps Royal Out | Pac Adventure Almost Done

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 Head to my website for great cruise and travel deals: www.thecruiseandtravelguy.com.au Follow me on Facebook and Instagram: www.facebook.comn/thecruiseandtravelguy www.instragram.com/thecruiseandtravelguy There is finally light at the end of the tunnel - it’s there, it might be dim, but it’s there! This week, NSW released it’s roadmap out of rolling lockdowns which although contingent on reaching 70% double dose of vaccination, gives the whole country hope about what is to come. And in that vein, Australia’s minister for tourism, Dan Tehan this week stated that he is very keen to see cruising up and running again. The minister continued to explain that the return of cruising nationally is contingent on the individual approval of states and territories, as well as the approval of the Australian Health Protection Principle Committee. His hope is that achieving a national rate of 80% vaccination would put Australia in a strong position for the resumption of international cruising. The minister’s comments at least provide hope that within government, the plight of the cruise industry is finally being recognised and that efforts are ongoing behind the scenes for its resumption. On a personal note though, I’m once again disappointed that international cruising is the focus. CLIA, cruise lines and individuals have long been calling for the resumption of domestic operations - there is clear evidence from overseas that domestic operations with proper health protocols in place, do not pose any further risk to an individual than going to the local shopping centre. I hope to see this sentiment echoed in plans shortly. In Italy, Pacific Adventure’s dry dock is complete! The 290m, 109k gross tonne ship has had the striking P&O southern cross livery painted on to her bow. As well, P&O Australia have reported that the ship now sports new dining venues onboard including from celebrity chefs Luke Mangan and Johnny Di Francescro. P&O’s modern take on the cruise ship buffet, The Pantry, has also been installed onboard. New public spaces including the Adventure Hotel and Blue Room will offer a range of entertainment from Australian musicians when operations resume. As yet, there haven’t been any further photos or updates about the Pacific Adventure’s most noticeable physical attribute. Some call it the trolley handle, others the spoiler, but this space perched up high on deck 17 will be a hub of nighttime activity. On Golden Princess it was known as Skywalkers Night Club, on Adventure it will be the aptly named Altitude Nightclub and I’m sure it will remain the place to be every night. Pacific Adventure remains in Trieste, this time in wet dock, where her transformation continues. Thanks to my viewer Les for alerting me to this next development - Holland America has cancelled a range of cruises scheduled between January and May 2022 with affected guests offered alternative voyages for 2023. The voyages include all Australian, New Zealand, Asian, South American and Antarctica itineraries during this period. Affected guests can also opt for a full refund if the replacement voyage is not to their liking. Similarly, Princess have pulled the Royal Princess from Australian service between August and October 2022. The Sapphire Princess will fill in for her sister ship, sailing the same advertised itineraries. To facilitate the change, a range of voyages onboard Sapphire Princess scheduled between September and November from the port of Los Angeles have been cancelled. Princess have also updated their health mandate for all US departures through to the end of this year - all guests, irrespective of age must be fully vaccinated in order to sail. Royal Caribbean is also making its long-awaited return to the city of Los Angeles. The line will be home porting the Navigator of the Seas in LA in late November, marking the end of over 10 years of Royal Caribbean’s absence from the American west coast. Thanks for watching, and see you soon!