Tag Archives: Vacation

Leaders Chart Regional Cruise Growth Course in Newcastle, Australia

Posted on by
Reply

Leaders Chart Regional Cruise Growth Course in Newcastle, Australia

Seven councils and two peak tourism organizations from the Hunter and Central Coast met on June 12 as part of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding.

The aim is to unlock new opportunities for local businesses that can then benefit from the regional cruise industry in NSW.

The Port Authority of New South Wales said in a press release that the meeting marked the official launch of the three-year partnership led by the port.

The meeting was attended by:

  • Newcastle Council
  • Lake Macquarie Council
  • Cessnock Council
  • Singleton Council
  • Port Stephens Council
  • Maitland Council
  • Central Coast Council
  • Destination Sydney Surrounds North, and
  • Newcastle Tourism Industry Group.

The group aims to enhance cruise visitor experiences that support cruise growth and support local businesses to capitalise on increasing opportunities.

A key outcome of the agreement is joint funding for a part-time Cruise Coordinator. The individual will work with cruise lines to expand their itineraries, allowing passengers to experience the best of the Hunter and Central Coast regions.

Port Authority of NSW CEO John McKenna said the MoU agreement would support local businesses in developing tourism offerings tailored to capture the cruise market over the next decade.

“This partnership is about more than just welcoming cruise ships. It’s about showcasing the incredible experiences the regions have to offer, from the natural beauty of the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley’s world-class wine country to the vibrant energy of Newcastle itself,” said McKenna.

“It’s a win-win: Passengers get unforgettable experiences, and local businesses and communities benefit from the economic opportunities that come with a thriving cruise industry,” McKenna added.

Port Authority of NSW General Manager Cruise Martin Bidgood said: “This landmark agreement is a one-of-a-kind model for the Hunter and Central Coast region, drawing on the combined strengths of the local councils and peak regional tourism bodies.”

“It’s the natural next step following Port Authority’s planned expansion of cruise into Newcastle Harbour through a new 10-year license agreement with Port of Newcastle, announced in 2023,” Bidgood added.

Port Authority added that it draws on expertise from similar successful arrangements, such as at the Port of Eden.

Royal Caribbean to Expand Wonder of the Seas’ Casino

Posted on by
Reply

Royal Caribbean to Expand Wonder of the Seas’ Casino

Royal Caribbean International is expanding the casino onboard one of its Oasis-class vessels, the Wonder of the Seas.

According to a statement sent to guests, the venue will take over the area of the existing Crown Lounge on Deck 4.

As an exclusive space for guests on the higher levels of the company’s Crown & Anchor Society, the venue will be relocated to a different area on Deck 16.

“During this transition, the Crown Lounge will be closed from June 22-28, then reopen on June 29 on Deck 16,” Royal Caribbean said.

While the change takes place, eligible Crown & Anchor guests will take advantage of their perks in other parts of the ship, the company added.

“To keep the fun going, cocktail hour drinks can be redeemed at any bar or lounge. Plus, Diamond and Diamond Plus guests will enjoy extra cappuccino credits loaded onto their SeaPass cards, redeemable at Café Promenade,” Royal Caribbean continued.

Social100, Wonder’s teens’ club, will also remain closed during the transition period and is expected to reopen on June 29.

The Golden Room non-smoking casino will close on June 22 and reopen on July 13 as part of the expanded non-smoking gambling space on Deck 4.

According to the statement, the ship’s conference centres will be unavailable for guests during the construction period.

As the fifth ship in the company’s Oasis-class, the Wonder of the Seas entered service for Royal Caribbean in early 2022.

The 5,738-guest vessel is currently offering seven-night cruises to the Caribbean departing from Port Canaveral.

As the new Star of the Seas takes over the schedule from August 2025, the Wonder is set to reposition to Miami for short cruises to the Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean recently added a larger non-smoking casino to another Oasis-class ship, the new Utopia of the Seas.

After entering service in 2024, the vessel saw a new gambling room take over the space of its nightclub and comedy club.

Carnival Valor Sets Sail to New Orleans After Drydock

Posted on by
Reply

Carnival Valor Sets Sail to New Orleans After Drydock

The Carnival Valor sailed from Barcelona on Wednesday to kick off a repositioning voyage back to its homeport in New Orleans.

The Carnival Cruise Line vessel is now offering a 15-night cruise after spending a few weeks at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz.v

Before arriving at the Big Easy, the trans-Atlantic crossing will visit destinations in Portugal and Spain, including Málaga, Cádiz, and Ponta Delgada.

The Carnival Valor is then set to arrive in New Orleans later this month, resuming its regular schedule of cruises to the Western Caribbean.

Sailing from Louisiana along with the Carnival Liberty, the vessel offers a series of four- and five-night itineraries to ports in Mexico, including Progreso, Costa Maya and Cozumel.

As part of its routine drydock in Spain, the Carnival Valour underwent technical work, as well as class inspections and general maintenance.

Public areas and staterooms also received upkeep, including the replacement of items such as carpets, upholstery, and furniture.

In line with other Carnival ships, the 2004-built ship saw the addition of a new Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge.

Currently being rolled out to the company’s fleet, the military-themed venue pays homage to the sacrifices made by Armed Services personnel and their families.

Taking over the area previously occupied by the Skybox Sports Bar, the lounge serves a special menu, with part of its profits donated to humanitarian organisations.

Following the Carnival Valor, the Carnival Liberty is also being dry-docked at the Navantia shipyard in Cádiz.

As the fifth ship in Carnival’s fleet to visit a shipyard in 2025, the vessel is currently undergoing routine maintenance at the Spanish facility.

Other ships that entered drydock this year include the Carnival Sunshine, the Carnival Spirit and the Carnival Miracle.