Tag Archives: Australia

Elderly, disoriented passenger forced to disembark Celebrity ship

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By Tom Stieghorst

A 78-year old passenger was disembarked early from the Celebrity Millennium in Cairns, Australia, after she was found alone and disoriented in her cabin.

The cruise line said it took the step because was it concerned for the safety and well-being of the woman, identified as Adry Arnold.

Arnold’s husband was on a shore excursion at the time and couldn’t be reached.

In a statement, Celebrity said it carries thousands of guests every year with pre-existing medical conditions. “However, for their own safety and the safety of others, these guests must be able to care for themselves,” the statement said.

Arnold’s nephew criticized Celebrity, saying its response was “a disgusting way to treat anybody, let alone an elderly couple,” according to a report in the Cairns Post.

Cynthia Martinez, a spokewoman for Celebrity parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., said a member of its care team arranged transport to a local hospital for the couple, and that they would get a prorated refund for the unused part of their nine-day cruise.

She said a care team member contacted the Arnolds at the hospital, but that they requested no further contact be made.

Air/cruise package vacation Down Under: Not a hard sell

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Air/cruise package vacation Down Under: Not a hard sell

By Tom Stieghorst

*InsightA half-dozen agents got the news last week that they’re going Down Under,  courtesy of Celebrity Cruises.

To celebrate a new partnership with Air New Zealand, Celebrity held a drawing for a 10-day fam trip.

Winners were based on entries from sales of Australia/New Zealand Book & Go Packages, which included roundtrip air, a 12-night cruise, a beverage package for two, transfers and a three-night hotel in Sydney. *TomStieghorst

More than 500 packages were sold in August, Celebrity said.

But New Zealand is a very long flight from the United States, and an expensive trip to boot. How hard was it to sell those packages?

Not so hard at all. “I have no problem selling Australia and New Zealand,” said Diane “Dee Dee” Rangel, an agent at Sunrise Travel in Mission Viejo, Ca. who is one of the fam trip winners.

Rangel said she has sold about eight trips to the region over the past year, mostly to couples, but one to a family group.  From the West Coast, the air trip is only a little longer than flying to Europe, and promotions can help ease the cost, which Rangel put at $12,000 to $15,000 a couple.

For clients of Los Angeles based veteran Chuck Ragel, the flight is the biggest objection to the trip. “It’s more so for older people,” he said.

Ragel, who founded Sail Away Cruises & Tours 15 years ago after, coincidentally, leaving a position with Celebrity, said the draw for his clients includes unique wildlife, rugged landscape and the novelty of seeing the other side of the world.

He said Air New Zealand brings added value. “I’ve heard real positive things about the airline, so I’m looking forward to that,” he said.

Bonnie Snowhite, an agent at Travel of America, Covina, Ca., who was also selected for the fam, said that the air/cruise package is one of the most effective ways of selling Australia and New Zealand.

Snowhite said the Book and Go packages were sometimes priced under $5,000 per person. “Just the airfare alone can be $2,000,” she said. “If you can find a special rate with the air and cruise combined, its probably going to be the best value.”

Sun Princess cancels first sailing following £30m revamp

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Sun Princess cancels first sailing following £30m revamp

By Hollie-Rae Merrick

Sun Princess cancels first sailing following £30m revampThe first sailing following Sun Princess’s stint in drydock has been cancelled following a switchboard malfunction.

Sun Princess was due to embark on a 14-night Asia cruise ending in Fremantle, Australia, but Princess Cruises has cancelled the sailing following a malfunction in the ship’s switchboard. About 2,000 passengers were due to sail on the ship.

The cruise line said the issue resulted in limited onboard power, which hindered its ability to run hotel operations.

A statement from the line said: “Regretfully, we’ve made the decision to cancel the cruise scheduled to depart today in order to make the necessary repairs.

“The ship will resume service on September 3.

“We’re providing all passengers a full refund and a 100% future cruise credit. Additionally, we’re covering the costs for all return flights home and incidentals. A special team has been sent to Singapore to assist passengers.”

Sun Princess has been in drydock for two weeks, were it gained a new atrium with an International Cafe, a new sushi and seafood venue, an updated Horizon Court buffet and a refreshed Lotus Spa.

The next Sun Princess sailing is scheduled to depart Fremantle on September 3 for a 12-day Asia cruise ending in Singapore on September 15.