Cruisepilot News

Cruises Disrupted in the path of Hurricane Irene

Article posted: September 1st, 2011 by Cruisepilot | No Comments »

Hurricane Irene has been responsible for causing major disruptions across eastern United States with dozens of cruise ships being affected.

Holland America Line’s Veendam schedule was disrupted due to strong winds and rough seas, forcing the cruise ship to arrive back in New York one day early.
Holland America’s Maasdam was forced to amend her itinerary, cancelling and replacing the scheduled stops due to strong winds and rough seas.

Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas was forced to cancel its call to the private island, CocoCay which had been extensively damaged due to the storm. Royal Caribbean (and Carnival Cruises) were also caught up in controversy when they had to leave hundreds of passengers behind in San Juan.

Other cruise ships itineraries affected include NCL’s Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Sky; Celebrity Summit; Princess Cruises, Caribbean Princess; Carnival’s Pride, Glory, Fantasy, Fascination and Sensation and the Disney Dream.

Passengers affected by the devastation have been offered differing levels of compensation. Carnival passengers abandoned in San Juan were offered free accommodation and flights to the next port whereas sources allege that Royal Caribbean passengers on the whole were not.

Should you own personal travel insurance cover these costs, or should the cruise line be responsible? What are your thoughts?

Fire & Ice Lite Options for 2012 released!

Article posted: August 25th, 2011 by Cruisepilot | No Comments »

Cruisepilot has recently announced the release of its lighter Fire & Ice program for 2012.
Perfect for those who wish to enjoy the contrasts of Hawaii and Alaska, the two lighter options are sure to be a popular choice.

Fire and Ice Summer Splendour combines the stunning Hawaiian Islands, Canadian Rockies and Alaska in one 25 night value fly/Cruise/Rail/Tour package. Departing in the height of the Northern Hemisphere’s summer this package offers peak season holidaying at value season pricing. For more details of itinerary and pricing click here.

Fire & Ice Spring Delite, departing Australia in May 2012 is an ideal introduction to the splendours of Hawaii and Alaska. At 18 nights, this fly/cruise package allows the flexibility of exploring the highlights of the regions. With an optional 12 night Canadian Rocky add on, YOU CHOOSE how much (or little) you wish to see.

For more details of these exciting new Fire & Ice programs click here.

World First: Queen Mary 2 to circumnavigate New Zealand (and Australia)

Article posted: June 24th, 2011 by Administrator | No Comments »

Cunard Line has announced its first ever circumnavigation of New Zealand for March 2013 on board the regal Queen Mary 2. The planned 2012 circumnavigation of Australia has seen strong sales, so the NZ itinerary was a natural choice to provide even greater variety for passengers.

The 12-night NZ circumnavigation will sail from Sydney on 07 Mar 2013, with a longer option also on offer: a 19-night NZ voyage from Sydney to Fremantle departing the same day.

This history-making itinerary will go on sale for a limited time on 13 July, with pre-registrations
available from 5pm on 4 Jul. This will give all Australians and New Zealanders one extra day ahead of the global launch to secure their booking.

2013 world voyages ofQM2 and Queen Victoria will go on sale at 10pm on 14 Jul, with pre-registrations also available from 5pm on 4 Jul.
All clients who book before the end of this year will be eligible for discounts and onboard credits, while past guests will enjoy extra savings.

To register your interest please contact a Cruisepilot Cruise Consultant on 1300 795 433

1 million dollar charter

Article posted: June 22nd, 2011 by Administrator | No Comments »

A UK woman has paid $1 million to charter the 208-passenger Seabourn Spirit for her birthday cruise. The party will embark on a seven-night Eastern Mediterranean voyage as part of the celebrations.

The woman, a regular traveller on Cunard and Seabourn, was looking to do something different for her birthday this year and loved the suggestion to charter a ship!

The birthday guests will fly via private charter onboard a 757 to and from Venice for the voyage. They will then be treated to entertainment and menus specially chosen by the birthday girl herself!

Wouldn’t it be nice to be invited to a birthday party like that!

For more information on Seabourn, or if you are fortunate enough to be in the position to charter a cruise, please call one of Cruisepilot’s Specialist Cruise Consultants on 1300 795 433 or 0800 423 016.

Our Hurtigruten cruise around the Norwegian coast

Article posted: June 9th, 2011 by Cruisepilot | No Comments »

Thank you to Pat & Paul R for submitting their account of their recent Norwegian coastal cruise.

12 day Hurtigruten cruise around the Norwegian coast from Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen.

We are not usually cruise ‘fans’ but enjoyed this particular one very much indeed, as it was smaller, friendlier and less formal than most cruises.  Our ship, the MS MIDNATSOL, carries not only several hundred round-trip passengers but is also a ferry boat for those making shorter trips – some with cars – and carries post and cargo.

The ship is modern and comfortable, with excellent food served in a well-appointed dining room. Drinks were rather expensive, but then they are everywhere in Norway.  Our cabin lacked a carpet but was nevertheless cosy and equipped with plenty of cupboards and shelves for our belongings.  The fact that the small but adequate bathroom had underfloor heating and a hairdryer, was a much appreciated bonus! 

The voyage itself provided some spectacular scenery, picturesque ports and harbours and an insight into Norwegian daily life.  All the excursions we took were good, but the highlights for us were visiting the North Cape, listening to a Midnight Concert in the ‘Arctic Cathedral’ in Tromso and taking part in a thrilling Sea Eagle Safari. 

Our fellow passengers were a mixture of many nationalities, mostly Canadian, German, American, English,  French, and Italian with a few Australians.  We met some lovely, like-minded travellers on the voyage with whom we soon became firm friends, and this added to the overall enjoyment of it.

Thank you, Cruisepilot and Hurtigruten, for a very memorable holiday.

If you wish to send in your cruise & tour stories and/or photos, please email Cruisepilot Marketing at info@cruisepilot.com.au