NEWS UPDATE: More Aussie Cruise Cancellations | Crystal Evades Arrest | ATAG Day Makes Headlines!

Watch my interview with Belle: https://youtu.be/ezQ_tWMtK1I 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 This week, Aussie travel agents banded together under the umbrella of ATAG - the Aussie Travel Action Group. The goal was simple, to get in front of elected officials and make them hear the cries of an industry that is truly on its knees. The mainstream media caught on to the action and main instigator, Belle Goldie spent the day in front of both the microphone and cameras making headlines around the country. If you haven’t yet watched my interview with Belle, make sure you give it a view after you’ve watched this week’s news update. I’ve popped a link in the description below. The day was a success in many ways, bringing to the fore the continuing issues that many agents are facing working in a crippled industry. Agents highlighted the lack of financial support, as well as government apathy. I hope to connect with Belle again soon for an update on this important cause. In the wake of this industry-initiated action, our local cruise lines Carnival and P&O have both announced a further extension to their pause in operations. Carnival have suspended its departures through to and including 31 May on the Sydney based Splendor - and through to and including 29 May on the Brisbane based Spirit. P&O have cancelled their voyages through to and including 28 May this year - which means their first voyages are currently set to be winter getaways. Sounds romantic. You know, if they happen. Weeks ago I brought you the news that Tahiti was banning large cruise ships from a number of its idyllic islands. This will directly affect many of the transpacific cruises that meander through the South Pacific between N America and Australia. One of the highlights on those itineraries was always a stop in Bora Bora. Well celebrity have just announced that Raiatea, the second largest of the Society Islands after the island of Tahiti, will replace Bora Bora. The new island destination looks just as spectacular as her neighbours and I’m sure passengers won’t feel short-changed. Crystal cruises are in a bit of a pickle in the States. Last week I brought you news that their parent company Genting HK filed for bankruptcy and as a result, Crystal suspended its voyages through to April. It seems the company has left a few unpaid bills in its wake. One company has filed a lawsuit in the US federal court claiming they are owed millions in unpaid fuel bills. As a result of the suit, a US federal judge ordered the seizure of the ship. To circumvent the arrest warrant, instead of ending its cruise in Miami as planned, Crystal Symphony was redirected to the Bahamas to ensure the warrant couldn’t be executed. It’s 300 or so passengers were transferred via ferry to Florida, leaving around 400 crew members onboard and unsure of what comes next. Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady were only launched within the past two years or so, but already the fledgling cruise line has announced a revamped cabin design. Virgin Voyages emailed its agent partners this week describing the intended changes - saying: “We've added extra-special touches from beautiful wooden finishings to handpicked artwork that will make your Sailors feel right at home“ Personally, based on the the reviews I had watched, I felt the cabins looked a little cold and it seems others felt the same and communicated that to the company. These proposed changes definitely add an air of warmth to the somewhat stark ambience of the existing design and also show that Virgin Voyages is actively listening to feedback - always a positive sign. Both Azamara and Silversea have updated their health protocols in recent days, with each line now requiring their passengers to have had a vaccine booster if they are eligible for one, in order to sail. Otherwise, the policy remains that all guests must have had their second dose at least 14 days before departure. The new booster requirement comes in to effect for both lines from March 1st. Thanks for watching, and see you soon!