What you can expect from cruising in 2016
Thousands of New Zealanders jumped on a cruise last year and there’s certainly no signs of this slowing. With cruise season just around the corner we’ve taken a look at what to expect in 2016.
New additions to fleets
All signs are leading to another record-breaking season for the cruise industry with the expansion of P&O Cruises’ fleet to five ships expected to make a big difference. Joining the Pacific Dawn, Jewel and Pearl will be the fully refurbished and redesigned Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden.
P&O Cruises' senior vice-president Sture Myrmell says, “The maiden visit of one ship is always a big occasion, but to have two ships make their first Sydney call together, accompanied by their three big sisters, will make history. It's going to be amazing.”
More ships available
For the first time ever Royal Caribbean is set to have four ships sailing closeby in Australian waters. In December, Royal Caribbean is set to unveil its new Quantum-class ship called Ovation of the Seas. Bookings opened in June and there were reportedly thousands of calls in the first 24 hours!
Broader choice of itineraries
Princess Cruises will have five of its 18-strong fleet visiting nearby Australia. This is set to open a range of cruising possibilities with more itineraries choices than ever from short breaks to places like Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Singapore, as well as longer services to popular Pacific Islands and New Zealand routes.