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Huge news for avid cruisers

Those planning to embark on a cruise can leave their masks behind, as Covid mandates on board have finally been scrapped. NSW premier Chris Minns announced the change of rules for cruise passengers on Monday, saying, “We need to get life back to normal.” Previously, the rules around cruising were quite strict in the face of several Covid outbreaks on ships around the world, with passengers over the age of 12 needing to provide proof of vaccination prior to embarking. Travellers also had to abide by enforced mask-wearing when embarking and disembarking the ship, and had to present a negative Covid test prior to departure. The NSW government announced on Monday that they had formally signed paperwork that removed the rules from the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols, which also covers travellers embarking from Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. Mr Minns said it was time to “get life back to normal”. “We have scrapped these rules because they aren’t needed anymore,” he said. “Passengers can take their own decisions to look after their health before and during a cruise.” Tourism Minister John Graham welcomed the change in regulations, but also thanked the government for implementing the safety rules at the height of the Covid pandemic. “The 2023 winter cruise season in Sydney is on track to be one of the strongest on record and it is fantastic even more people can now participate,” he said. “These protocols were important after Covid but were not intended to continue in perpetuity and I thank the sector for how they have handled the additional requirements placed upon them.” While the remaining states have yet to formally rescind the rules, the federal health body has advocated for the removal of the Covid public health measures. Image credits: Getty Images

Cruising

The biggest surprise for first-time cruisers

Cruising is a holiday option that has grown in popularity in the past few years. Life at sea has been great for some Over60 members and for others, it was a bit of a shock. Here are the surprises Over60 members had on their first cruise. 1. “2012 cruise on Pacific Jewel, the second last day my husband blocked the toilet everyone came from nowhere. Staff were magnificent, we laugh about it now but we had a perfect cruise.” – Jenny Taylor 2. “The ridiculous price of drinks.” – Dave Brimecombe 3. “Beautiful birthday cake delivered to my cabin.” – Ursula Cupitt and “Cake free on my birthday.” – Carol Heffernan 4. “How calm the ship was and how well it rode through the rough seas, loved every bit of it.” – Beverley Dwyer 5. “Golden Princess in 2015 broke down for four hours in the Tasman Sea once generators were going [so we had a] big party top deck.” – Joy Swanson 6. “In 2004 on the Pacific Sky, the staff all remembered your name... been on 10 now and am not stopping any time soon.” – Vicki Shaw 7. “Our cabin flooded but they did launder all our things that got wet.” – Jennifer Grace 8. “My first surprise was how small the room was, they must have used a wide-angle lens when they took the pictures for the brochure.” – Valarie Hawkins 9. “We got upgraded to a balcony cabin on the Arcadia in 2014. My first trip back to England since we arrived as £10 poms in March 1952.” – Peter Andrews 10. “Having a very rough trip but not getting sea sick.” – Wendy Fidler 11. “How to be relaxed.” – Margaret Hunter 12. “The size of the ship.” – Veronica McDonald 13. “Wonderful humour! Everyone’s enjoying their holiday!” – Judy Leak 14. “A little man sitting on my toilet with shoes on and after a loud scream I realised he was made of toilet paper.” – Elizabeth McDonald 15. “In 1972, Iberia cyclone and no stabilizers and I was the only passenger in First Class(!) that didn’t get sea sick! Who knew!” – Sue Cassell What was your biggest surprise on your first cruise? Let us know in the comments below.

Cruising

Vodka cruiser reveals giant new bottle

There are plenty of Aussies who would have fond memories of dancing away with a Vodka Cruiser in hand. Fans will be excited to know that the popular ready-to-go drink has had a massive upgrade. In celebration of its 21st birthday and the reopening of dance floors across Australia, Vodka Cruiser will be giving 21 lucky Aussies a chance to get their hands on the impressive 3.1L Double Magnum bottles – available in fan-favourite flavours Wild Raspberry, Juicy Watermelon, and Lush Guava. The winners will be able to invite four friends each to the Magnum Cruiser experience. The humungous bottles, which replicate the classic Cruiser in a glamorous Champagne-esque design, can hold almost 11 standard Cruisers and require two bar staff to pop and pour. Speaking about the launch, Brand Manager of Vodka Cruiser, Michael O’Donoghue said: “It’s been a tough few years for bars and clubs across the country. “While we weren’t able to celebrate Vodka Cruiser’s 21st birthday last year with the ups and downs of the pandemic, we are beyond excited to really get the party started in 2022 by launching the Cruiser Magnums with our partner venues. The Magnum Cruiser experience will be available in Sydney at the Marlborough Hotel; in Melbourne at Billboard The Venue; in South Australia at The Highway and The Jetty Bar; and in Cairns at Gilligans. To enter, you can head over to Vodka Cruiser’s entry page on <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/c7CACvl1lzI7y7gqLfzkuUy?domain=facebook.com">Facebook</a> and share your favourite flavour of vodka. Images: Facebook.

Food & Wine

Five themed cruisers for 2022 and beyond

<ol> <li>Meow meow | A cruise for cat lovers</li> </ol> Cat-obsessed cruise goers, unfortunately, cannot bring their cats on this cruise. But what they can do is meet like-minded people to chat about and share photos of their favourite furry feline friends. Activities on this cat-themed cruise include trivia, a scavenger hunt and a cocktail party. <ul> <li>Date: 27 October 2022</li> <li>Destination: Mexico</li> <li>Cruise Line: Carnival</li> <li>Ship: Paradise</li> </ul> You can learn more about this <a href="https://meowmeowcruise.com/">cruise here.</a> <ol start="2"> <li>Scrap booking cruise | For those who love to scrapbook </li> </ol> Cruise and Crop is a cruise company offering scrapbooking cruises where guests can enjoy making scrapbooks together. But the fun doesn’t stop there! On certain cruises, you can also try your hand at card making, embroidery, knitting, jewellery making and other crafts. <ul> <li>Date: 17 dates in 2022</li> <li>Destination: Various</li> <li>Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean</li> <li>Ship: Various </li> </ul> Learn more about this <a href="https://www.cruiseandcrop.com/">cruise here.</a> <ol start="3"> <li>Knitting cruise | A cruise for those who love to knit</li> </ol> Craft Cruises offers a range of cruises where craft lovers can get together to improve their knitting skills will classes and workshops. On-board knitting instructors will advise guests about any local yarn stores in the ports of call. As well as knitting, Craft Cruises also offers cruises themed around crocheting, needlepoint, hand spinning and beading. <ul> <li>Date: 9 dates in 2022</li> <li>Destination: Various</li> <li>Cruise Line: Holland America Line</li> <li>Ship: Various</li> </ul> Learn more about this <a href="http://www.craftcruises.com/">cruise here</a>. <ol start="4"> <li>The 80’s cruise | For those who want to relive a slice of the 80s</li> </ol> The 80s Cruise is a non-stop all-inclusive concert with 20 bands including The Human League and Belinda Carlisle. Guests can enjoy parties on the pool deck and themed costume parties such as the ‘Decade of Decadence Prom’ and ‘Pop Icon Night’. <ul> <li>Date: 5 March 2022</li> <li>Destination:Caribbean</li> <li>Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean</li> <li>Ship: Mariner of the Seas</li> </ul> Learn more about this <a href="https://www.the80scruise.com">cruise here.</a> <ol start="5"> <li>The country music cruise | For those who love country music </li> </ol> Get your stetsons ready for The Country Music Cruise – a themed party at sea with nightly country music performances and the chance to meet the stars. Country music fans can enjoy seminars, autograph sessions, line dancing and country karaoke. <ul> <li>Date: 22 January 2023</li> <li>Destination:Caribbean</li> <li>Cruise Line: Holland America Line</li> <li>Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam</li> </ul> Learn more about this <a href="https://countrymusiccruise.com/">cruise here.</a>

Cruising

The secret “kit” cruise ship employees bring to every job

Cruise ship employees have revealed their own “life saving” kits to deal with the pressures and demands of staff life. One former worker, Joshua Kinder opened up about life onboard a cruise after more than five years of employment. Working as a drummer, Kinder revealed there is a “kit” to brighten their day or make it just a bit better. “With us we would bring the lifesaving first-aid kit that every forlorn crew member aboard a ship of darkness needs,” he wrote in his book Chronicles of a Cruise Ship Worker. “A red satchel filled with positive attitudes and optimistic outlooks, a sturdy hand powered bilge pump, a couple of gas masks hooked up to oxygen tanks, diving gear in case we found ourselves with unexpected reef in our crew quarters, a lifetime supply of coconut and pineapple scented air fresheners to mask the smell of our cabin. "A warm wool blanket for when the ship thermostat gets stuck on the setting labelled ‘ice cream freezer’.”’ The former employee also added: “A thin sheet for when said air conditioning breaks down, horse tranquilisers to be used when the ship is placed in Red Alert, the obligatory bottle of haberno hot sauce to mask the otherwise unpalatable foods served in the crew mess.” Joshua then humorously wrote every employee would need a life raft in case they need to jump ship. Despite there being a few “essentials” you could probably skip out on, there are some that are absolutely crucial to get through ship life.

Cruising

First-time cruiser? Which cruise ship is best for you

Booking your very first cruise can be an extremely overwhelming experience. With all the options available to us, it is hard to decide which decision is the right one for you. All the choices, from relaxing cruises with luxurious destinations to a glamorous holiday by sea that takes you to the best destinations, can sometimes come with a hefty price tag. Carefully considering what type of experience you want to have for yourself Is extremely important, while also factoring in the departure port, the length of your trip and your budget. Here are just a few things to consider if you’re a first-timer. Luxury If you’re seeking indulgence and luxury, then Celebrity Cruises might be the pick for you. The interior designing is elegantly refurbished, so you feel like you’re getting bang for your buck. The line also dabbles in cuisine dining choices including French, Italian, Asiana and so many more as well as having beautifully decorated restaurants and top-of-the-line service. Value While P&O does come with a few extra fees, like paying for poolside burgers and ice cream, the cruise line has perfectly catered to the customers of Australia – adding smart refurbishments, celebrity chef restaurants, new menus and a neverending list of itineraries. Cruise deals are constantly offered by P&O, so if you’re looking for an inexpensive getaway, they might be the cruise for you. Carnival Cruise lines is an alternative option and comes at an extremely affordable price. The downside is it’s also a family favourite spot. Although there are adult-only spaces, this may not be your prime option if you’re looking for a trip far away from children. Relaxation Princess Cruises is not like any other line available in Australia and New Zealand. While a little pricier than a value cruise, Princess Cruises offer hot deals and bonuses as well as upgrades to balcony cabins and extra spending money to spend onboard. Relaxation and peace is promised if you choose to travel with Princess as they offer an adult-only pool area, as well as sanctuaries to enjoy the calmness of the ocean. Celebrity Cruises are also a premium cruise line which is a cut above other ships. Not only does it offer luxury, it promises an oasis to put your feet up and forget your worries. Will you travel with any of these cruise lines? Let us know in the comments below.

Cruising

First-time cruiser? The tips you need to know

Booking your very first cruise might seem a little overwhelming, as there are so many options and more than enough information to overload your brain. Here’s a guide to getting your first cruise right so it’s a breeze onboard. Book through a specialist It is easy to see a cheap cruise deal online and jump at the offer, but if this is only your first cruise, it pays off to consult a travel agent that will make sure you end up on the cruise line vessel that is just right for you. Travel agencies that are specialised to specifically sell cruises will most likely be the ones who offer the greatest knowledge and be inquisitive enough to book the cruise that’s perfect for you. Get to know your fellow passengers To someone who has never travelled on a cruise liner before, every holiday ashore on offer can look the same. They’re not, of course and different lines are made to attract completely different types of people. Getting to know the type of cruise lines that are on offer and who they attract can tell you what you can expect while onboard. There are many different types of demographics you’re likely to find on a cruise – from university students to retirees, and large groups to solo travellers. If you’re interested in ensuring you’re connected to likeminded people, then checking out which cruise is best suited to you is the smartest and safest option. Try a mini-cruise Short cruises are cheaper and are often easier to travel on if you’re wanting to ‘sample’ a line before you jump head in to an 11-day voyage! Cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and P&O offer ‘samplers’ out of Australian ports with one to three nights onboard. The offers on deck are much similar to longer cruises but slightly adjusted so you get a taste of everything. Get organised! No excuses Having a rough idea of what you want to do while on your voyage is necessary if you want to do as much as possible while cruising. To avoid exhaustion, boredom or even an empty, cashless pocket then research the ports you are docking at, the excursions on offer for you and the activities on board. Most cruise ships offer special tours of the whole vessel on the first day, which is specifically aimed at first-timers. It’s a good idea to opt for one of these in order to get to know your ship a little bit better. Don’t be afraid to complain If you are onboard and are unhappy with something, such as the location of your cabin, your seating allocation at dinner or even a dirty deck – do not suffer in silence. Most of these things can be fixed. If you’re having issues with your dinner partners, speak to the head waiter – they are used to dealing with sticky situations so that everyone has the smoothest ride possible. For any other problems, visit the friendly staff behind the reception desk as they are there to help. Take your own tea bags This tip may seem a little strange, but cruise lines only tend to stock brands that you have never heard of, except for Lipton’s Yellow Label tea bags. Don’t be afraid to bring your own, especially if you have a favourite brand or flavour. Either way, do not expect to have a nice, steaming cuppa. A lot of the time, the boilers are never hot enough on a cruise ship at the buffets. Although Aussie cruise lines are a little better than other international cruise ships, don’t expect too much better and be prepared to be disappointed. All in all, enjoy your time on board, it never lasts for as long as you would like it to. After your first, you’ll be booking in a new cruise date before you have even gotten home! What are some of your cruise tips for newbies if you have tried one out? Let us know in the comments below.

Cruising

5 items first-time cruisers don't want to forget

Before you set sail on your first cruise, there are plenty of things you need to get in order. Not only do you need to book the best cruise bargain, prepare all your travel documents, budget for your holiday and board the ship, but just like all trips you need to make sure you have packed appropriately. It can be confusing to pack for your first cruise as you try to cater for all the activities, themed-nights and possible weather scenarios, that you will encounter. But thankfully, first-time cruisers can learn from the mistakes of others and find out which items should definitely be included in your luggage. Scroll through the gallery above to see which items you can’t forget on a cruise. What item do you always pack with you on a cruise? Let us know in the comments below.

Cruising

Confessions of a first-time cruiser

I'd always been pretty sceptical about cruising. While I realised there are far worse things than travelling about in a floating resort, having someone else organise everything for you for a change, it hardly seemed adventurous. Much of the thrill of travel, I was convinced, comes from planning your own perfect journey, losing yourself in the alien backstreets or backcountry of your chosen destination and having the freedom to wander wherever you like without worrying about making it back to the ship on time. But when the opportunity presented itself to join the Azamara Journey's maiden voyage around the North Island, I couldn't pass it up. I was intrigued to find out what life aboard a luxurious boutique liner was like. Would it be full of ancient Americans gorging on bland down-home fare from the buffet, stopping every so often to be herded like polo-shirt wearing cattle around each port stop? In some ways, it kind of was. But it was so much more: from the moment mum and I set foot onboard we encountered pleasant surprise after pleasant surprise. Sipping on welcome glasses of Champagne, we settled in to the first of many oversized meals in the elegantly casual Windows restaurant. Unable to resist the piles of locally-sourced seafood, roast lamb, fresh salads and desserts at the buffet, we immediately became the cliched gluttonous cruise guests. Perhaps we're just simple creatures after all: satiated stomachs equal satiated hearts. Docked in our hometown of Auckland the first day, we felt no need to explore, so dedicated ourselves to exploring the ship, from the lavish-looking restaurants to the equally opulent "drawing room", spa and casino. Sprawled on double-bed sized sunloungers that evening, complimentary margaritas in hand as we took in performances by award-winning Pacific Island and kapa haka groups, we had to admit we were both cruise converts (with the already expanding waist lines to prove it). And then the storm struck. Waking in the night to the sound of something crashing off the desktop, we peered out our cabin porthole to a wall of swirling water. It was like peering through the window of a washing machine. When it was finally time for breakfast, we staggered along the halls to the stairwell, unsure whether our unsteadiness was a consequence of the storm, the addictive margaritas or both. The rocking and rolling did little to dull our appetites (we couldn't get enough of the salmon gravlax and scrambled eggs) but others were visibly sickened; the line outside the medical centre for free pills ever lengthening. <img width="430" height="242" src="https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/i/w/k/y/g/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349.1iw8p5.png/1493944622550.jpg" alt="Watching American and British guests learn poi and hula dances was a highlight." class="photoborder" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Watching American and British guests learn poi and hula dances was a highlight. When we reached the Bay of Islands, I spontaneously booked the only tour to the Hole in the Rock that would get me back on time, realising seconds later, as another torrential downpour hit, that it probably wasn't the best day to be heading out in an inflatable speed boat. The rain felt like an onslaught of tiny arrows as we surfed surprisingly large waves. It would have been exhilarating if I hadn't been afraid of my phone flying off the edge. But even grey skies don't dull the beauty of the bay. Sky TV founder Craig Heatley's glass-walled 'bach' on Moturoa Island is still one of the most envy-including sights I've set eyes on. The storm prevented us from visiting Tauranga so we spent a day of enforced relaxation at sea before heading to Hawke's Bay and Wellington. We took advantage of Azamara's longer-than-usual port stays, exploring on our own rather than shelling out for the overpriced excursions. Wherever we wandered though, the generous buffets were never far from our minds, drawing us back for lunch and the odd snack. <img width="433" height="244" src="https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/i/w/l/r/o/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349.1iw8p5.png/1493944622550.jpg" alt="It didn't take long to acclimatise to a life of doing nothing." class="photoborder" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> It didn't take long to acclimatise to a life of doing nothing. Evenings were spent enjoying wine, tapas and live music in the "living room" with its floor-to-ceiling windows showing off coastline that must look much as it did before humans made it there. The oversized armchairs enhanced the sense of being older Kiwi versions of Alice in Wonderland; naive souls transported to a world where the comical and nonsensical soon became the norm. Mum and I were guiltily slogging it out in the gym when we cruised into Wellington and spotted a pod of dolphins hurtling toward the ship, ducking and diving in a vision of pure happiness. Suddenly, they were everywhere, escorting us into the capital like aquatic Azamara staff. Show over, we made the most of our last cruise supper before reluctantly leaving the cosy bubble that had been our temporary shelter from the big, bad world. Turns out a life (or at least a week) of floating and eating isn't so bad after all. More information: azamaraclubcruises.com Cruising there: A 14 night Tasmanian and New Zealand voyage, departing from Sydney on February 8, 2018 on Azamara Journey. Prices start from $6129 for an interior stateroom. A 10 night Arabian Gulf and Emirates Cruise, departing Dubai on November 14, 2017 on Azamara Journey. Prices start from $3813 for an interior stateroom. Cost includes alcoholic beverages, barista coffee, gratuities and self service laundry. See azamaraclubcruises.com for more information. The writer was a guest of Azamara Club Cruises. Written by Lorna Thornber. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/cruising/92203529/confessions-of-a-cruise-ship-virgin" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Image credits: Monique Ford/Lorna Thornber via Stuff.co.nz.

Cruising

Why there's never been a better time to be a solo cruiser

The days of paying double or being squashed into a substandard cabin are over. Welcome to the age of the solo cruiser! More solo cabins Plenty of cruise ships now offer dedicated cabins for singles with all the features of the larger rooms. New build ships in particular are pencilling them in from the very beginning and even older ships are slotting them in during renovations. Take a look at Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America, Cunard, Royal Caribbean and P&O World Cruises. And don’t worry that you’ll be stuck in the broom cupboard – the new breed of studio cabins are stylish, well organised and in prime position. Keep in mind that these cabins are limited, so you’ll need to book early. Goodbye to single supplements Traditionally, a single supplement can be as much as 100% of the fare, meaning you will be paying double. Cruise lines have recognised that this is out of reach for many cruisers, so you can find some great deals on offer. Single supplements can now be as low as 10-25% of the original fare, so you’ll get the use of a double cabin for only a little more. Specialty travel agents As the solo cruising market grows, specialty travel agents are springing up to cater just to them. These experts will get you the best cabin and the best deal, so you can let them do all the legwork. In Australia, agents like Encounter Travel, Travel With Me, Holidays, Two’s A Crowd and many more can book your cruise. A quick Google search will point you in the right direction. Cabin matching programs If you’re looking for a travel buddy, either because you want to share the cost or you’d like to make a new friend, then a cabin matching program could be for you. Some cruise lines, like Holland America, run these themselves and will match you with a partner of the same sex before you sail. Travel agents can also help you find a mate or you can join a cruise Facebook page or message board to seek out one yourself. Extra onboard features With more solo travellers onboard, cruise ships will go out of their way to take care of them. Norwegian Cruise Line in particular has built special singles’ lounges where you can relax with other solo passengers. Many will organise special ‘meet and greet’ cocktail parties so that the singles can get to know each other. They can also pair you up with another solo buddy for some of the onboard activities like dance classes or tours. And you will always have someone to sit with for dinner if you want them. Have you ever taken a solo cruise? Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2016/10/6-tips-for-doing-laundry-on-a-cruise/">6 tips for doing laundry on a cruise</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2016/10/7-tips-to-make-your-cruise-crew-love-you/">7 tips to make your cruise crew love you</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2016/10/the-cruise-of-a-lifetime-through-the-oxford-canal/">The cruise of a lifetime through the Oxford Canal</a>

Cruising

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Huge news for avid cruisers

The biggest surprise for first-time cruisers

Vodka cruiser reveals giant new bottle

Five themed cruisers for 2022 and beyond

The secret “kit” cruise ship employees bring to every job

First-time cruiser? Which cruise ship is best for you

First-time cruiser? The tips you need to know

5 items first-time cruisers don't want to forget

Confessions of a first-time cruiser

Why there's never been a better time to be a solo cruiser

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