Category: Ocean Cruises

Discovery Princess Marks Successful Sea Trials Milestone

December 23, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Discovery Princess Marks Successful Sea Trials Milestone

Princess Cruises, achieved a major milestone in preparation for the debut of its newest ship – Discovery Princess – with the completion of sea trials.

Discovery Princess set out to sea from the construction dock at Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and was put through a series of paces to test the steering, navigation equipment and propulsion. After a successful five days of trials, Discovery Princess is now back in the shipyard for further exterior and interior finishing to prepare for her maiden, seven-day Mexican Riviera cruise sailing roundtrip from the Port of Los Angeles on 27 March 2022.

The 3,660-guest Discovery Princess is the sixth and final Royal-Class newbuild and shares all of the spectacular style and luxury of her sister ships – Enchanted Princess℠, Sky Princess®, Majestic Princess℠, Regal Princess℠ and Royal Princess℠. With an array of innovative new experiences, guests will enjoy 270-degree sweeping views from the largest balconies at sea in the Sky Suites, unwind in ultimate comfort at The Sanctuary and indulge the senses with world-class dining options. Plus, Princess live entertainment presents mesmerizing new Broadway-style production shows that can only be seen in the state-of-the-art Princess Theatre.

In addition, Discovery Princess is the newest ship to join the fleet offering Princess Medallion Class Vacations which begins with the Medallion™, a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from expedited contactless boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship. In addition, guests can share their favourite cruise moments using MedallionNet, the best WiFi at sea, as well as stay connected with friends and family back home, work remotely anywhere on the ship, quickly post content and stream favourite movies and shows.

Discovery Princess will sail on a series of Mexican Riviera and California Coast voyages from 27 March – 24 April, 2022, before heading up the Pacific coast to begin a season of seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle.

Carnival’s latest Itinerary changes offer more opportunities to explore Australia

December 23, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Carnival’s latest Itinerary changes offer more opportunities to explore Australia

Carnival Crise Line: Itinerary changes offer more opportunities to explore Australia in 2022

In recognising ongoing international travel restrictions, Carnival Cruise Line has today announced it will be converting its April, May and June 2022 international itineraries to domestic sailings, providing more opportunities for guests to sail locally and support local tourism. With new research revealing that 54 per cent of Australians are planning at least one domestic trip to treat themselves[1], these changes offer guests even more chances to explore our beautiful backyard by sea.

Carnival Cruise Line recently conducted research into the fun and holiday habits of Australians, revealing that our most fun holiday is a tropical one in a warm destination with sea, sun and sand (32%). The research also found that a third of the nation (33%)[2] believes that Queensland would be the most fun state to visit.

To meet these desires, these new itineraries will visit one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the beautiful beaches of the Whitsundays and the vibrant rainforests of Tropical North Queensland. 

Booked guests and travel agents are being notified directly of the itinerary changes

[1] The University of Sydney, How much are Australians planning domestic and international trips?

[2] Research conducted in November 2021 by Pureprofile on behalf of Carnival Cruise Line, on a sample of over 1000 Australians, including 475 parents.

Le Ponant’s transformation

December 20, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Le Ponant’s transformation

Le Ponant, PONANT’s iconic three-masted sailboat, is undergoing a transformation to offer guests an exclusive travel experience. Entirely refurbished with a sophisticated new design by Jean-Philippe Nuel studio.

From June 2022, this legendary sailing ship will set sail again, offering tailor-made itineraries off the beaten track in Greece and Croatia. Sales are now open for 20 departures and 3 new itineraries.

On the programme, exclusive ports of call, sublime and wild landscapes, and a series of immersive activities including glass-bottomed kayaking, snorkelling, stand up paddleboarding, cycling and hiking, all in tune with nature.

 

“Croatia, under the sails of Le Ponant”

Pomalo – a word that means ‘living outside of time’ in Croatian – sets the tone for this sailing which will reveal the riches and wonders of the Dalmatian coast, Croatia and Montenegro. Le Ponant will sail from Dubrovnik to the magnificent Bay of Kotor, before dropping anchor near Mljet, an island renowned for its national park, Korcula, Komiza and the island of Vis, Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, the delightful Pučišća, and finally the Elaphite archipelago.

Dubrovnik, Croatia – Dubrovnik, Croatia – 8 days, 7 nights – 12 sailings from June to August 2022

 

“Island hopping from Dubrovnik to Athens”

On this unique cruise, Le Ponant will sail to the Peloponnese, to the island of Paxos, the port of Fiskardo on the island of Kefalonia, very close to Ithaca, the fortified peninsula of Monemvasia, the island of Kythnos and its scrubland landscapes, and finally Lavrio, a peaceful marina near Athens. Magnificent landscapes, full of emotion and history, between the Ionian and Aegean Seas.

Dubrovnik, Croatia – Lavrio, Greece – 7 days, 6 nights – From 28 August to 3 September 2022

 

“The Cyclades, in the wake of Le Ponant”

This sailing is an invitation to rediscover the wonders of the Greek archipelago, its islands of white rock, their picturesque white houses and the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. From the port of Lavrio, a short distance from Athens, Le Ponant will set sail for the Cyclades and the Saronic Islands with exclusive ports of call in Tinos, Polyaigos, Folegandros, Monemvasia, Kythnos, and finally Spetses.

Lavrio, Greece – Lavrio, Greece – 8 days, 7 nights – 7 sailings from September to October 2022

 

Bookings for summer 2022 departures now open

Image Credits: ©PONANT_Studio Jean-Philippe

Costa Firenze debuts in Dubai

December 20, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Costa Firenze debuts in Dubai

Costa Cruises strengthened its presence in Dubai with the departure of Costa Firenze’s first cruise, following the official opening of the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal. The new ship, whose design is inspired by the Florentine Renaissance, entered service last July and will offer a one-week itinerary in the Arabian Gulf throughout the 2021-2022 winter season.

Image Credit: Costa Cruises, Costa Firenza in Dubai

Costa Firenze’s debut in Dubai was marked by a double event linked to the city’s tourism development. The Italian company’s ship inaugurated the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal, the region’s first dedicated, purpose-built cruise port, in a spectacular ceremony that also included AIDAbella, from the Costa Group’s Germany-based AIDA Cruises. Costa Firenze also started the exclusive tours that take its Italian and international guests to discover Expo 2020 Dubai, in particular the Italian Pavilion, supported by Costa Cruises as a gold sponsor.

The Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal project is part of a strategic partnership between Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise company, and Shamal Holding, which aims to transform Dubai into the region’s leading maritime tourism hub. As the region’s first-ever dedicated, twin-terminal cruise port, Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal is capable of accommodating two large cruise ships simultaneously. Located in the heart of modern Dubai, the world-class facility spans over 120,000 square meters and includes two purpose-built terminal buildings that offer passengers and crew a safe, comfortable and seamless embarkation and disembarkation experience.

Together, six brands from Carnival Corporation – AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises and Seabourn – will visit the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal by 2023 and in total the six brands are expected by then to make 90 calls to the new twin-terminal cruise port. Costa Firenze will be homeporting weekly at Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal through March 2022.

Costa Firenze’s itinerary, which includes long stops at the ports of Dubai (two days) and Abu Dhabi (a full day, from 9am to midnight), allows guests to enjoy Expo 2020 Dubai to the fullest. Thanks to its collaboration with the Italian Pavilion, of which it is a gold sponsor, the company offers exclusive visits, which are true “grand tours” to discover the Italian excellence showcased at the Expo.

After a panoramic visit of Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Costa Firenze guests enter Expo without queuing up, with a privileged entrance, to discover this extraordinary exhibition, which includes about 200 pavilions. Among these, a main attraction of the tour offered by Costa is the Italian Pavilion, to which a special visit is dedicated, with guides in foreign languages.

Covering an area of 3,500 square meters, the Italian Pavilion is highly recognizable thanks to the three large “hulls”, which are covered with coatings made from food scraps and form the world’s largest tricolor of the Italian flag. The theme that runs through the pavilion is “Beauty connects People,” recognizing beauty as the element capable of combining multidisciplinary knowledge and skills of the past, present and future. The pavilion offers visitors a journey to discover Italian excellence, featuring a “garden of stories” and a synthesis of different elements, which are not exclusively related to the world of art and culture, but represent a social tale of the know-how of Italian companies.

MSC celebrates two newbuild milestones

December 9, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on MSC celebrates two newbuild milestones

The Cruise Division of MSC Group and Chantiers de l’Atlantique has celebrated two significant newbuild milestones for the construction of the line’s next generation of environmentally advanced vessels. MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia will become the first LNG-powered vessels to join the MSC Cruises fleet next year representing an investment of €3 billion in Liquified Natutal Gas (LNG) ships with the construction on World Europa II due to commence in early 2023.

Float out of MSC’s first LNG powered vessel, MSC World Europa

These ships play an important role in the Company’s commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. LNG is by far the cleanest marine fuel currently available at scale and it virtually eliminates local air pollutant emissions like sulphur oxides (99%), nitrogen oxides (85%) and particles (98%). In terms of emissions with a global impact, LNG plays a key role in climate change mitigation and the engines of these two ships have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to standard fuels. In addition, with the subsequent availability of Bio and Synthetic forms of LNG, this energy source will provide a pathway toward eventual decarbonized operations.

It was also revealed that MSC Cruises and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique confirmed the installation of a fuel cell pilot plant on board MSC World Europa known as Blue Horizon. The technology will use LNG to convert fuel into electricity at one of the highest efficiencies of any power solution available today, producing electricity and heat on board. The fuel cell technology selected by Chantiers de l’Atlantique (CdA) and MSC Cruises is the SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) developed by Bloom Energy. The SOFC will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by about a further 30 percent compared with a conventional LNG engine without producing emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides or fine particles.  It also offers the advantage of being compatible with LNG, as well as several low carbon fuels such as types of methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. This project will form the building block for future larger installations and the beginning of an even closer collaboration between MSC Cruises and Chantier de L’Atlantique on R&D of fuel cell technology.

The traditional coin ceremony tradition took place as the keel was laid for MSC Cruises’ second LNG-powered ship, MSC Euribia, which will be one of the most environmentally high performing contemporary vessels built in France. Anne Claire Juventin Responsible for Quality Control from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique, and Valentina Mancini, Brand Manager from MSC Cruises performed the traditional maritime ritual as godmothers representing the ship owner and the shipbuilder when they placed two coins under the keel as the historical sign of blessing and good fortune for the project, and the ship’s operational life at sea.

MSC entire fleet back at sea in 2022

December 9, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on MSC entire fleet back at sea in 2022

MSC Cruises has confirmed that the Company’s entire fleet of 19 ships will be sailing during the northern hemisphere summer 2022 offering an outstanding choice of cruises.

With almost 500 departures to choose from, different length cruises, an incredible choice of convenient embarkation ports and a modern fleet of ships offering an unparalleled experience on board, there really is something for everyone. Enjoy round-the-clock onboard activities; award-winning entertainment; immersive kids and family programmes; refined, international dining; luxurious spas all whilst staying in stylish and comfortable accommodation. There’s an itinerary and ship to suit every type of holidaymaker, from short cruises in the Mediterranean, longer scenic cruises in Northern Europe through to beach cruises in the Caribbean – guests can book their dream holiday now.

Northern Europe highlights for summer 2022 include:

  • MSC Virtuosa offers itineraries between from Southampton (UK) 7 to 14 nights to the Norwegian Fjords, St Petersburg (Russia) via Sweden and Denmark and longer cruises to the Canary Islands (Spain), the Mediterranean, and Norway’s North Cape plus some mini-cruises of 3-4 nights.
  • MSC Grandiosa, embarking in Kiel (Germany) will offer seven-night itineraries with highlights including a combination of itineraries taking in destinations including Copenhagen (Denmark), Helsinki (Finland), St Petersburg (Russia), Tallinn (Estonia) and Flaam (Norway).
  • MSC Preziosa, embarking in Kiel (Germany) will offer itineraries between seven and 11 nights, with highlights including two alternative itineraries to the Norwegian Fjords or to St Petersburg (Russia) via Tallinn (Estonia), Helsinki (Finland) and Stockholm (Sweden).
  • MSC Poesia, embarking in Warnemunde/Berlin (Germany) will offer itineraries between seven and 14 nights including 11-night sailings visiting nine countries (an overnight in Russia, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark), and longer cruises to St Petersburg (Russia) via Tallinn (Estonia), Stockholm (Sweden) and Copenhagen (Denmark) and an epic 21 night cruise that includes calls to a number of destinations in Iceland and Greenland.
  • MSC Magnifica, embarking in Hamburg (Germany) will offer itineraries between ten and 14 nights to Norway or Iceland. The Norway cruise includes calls to Alesund, Honningsvag/North Cape, Tromso, Trondheim, Bergen and Kristiansand Iceland cruises includes calls to Reykjavik (overnight), Isafjordur and Akureyri) and Orkney Islands and Invergordon (Scotland, United Kingdom). Whilst Spitsburgen cruises include, Kristiansand, Andalsnes, Narvik ,Longyearbyen, Honningsvag and Nordfjordeid.

Western Mediterranean highlights for summer 2022 include:

  • MSC Meravigliawill homeport in Barcelona, calling the perfect itinerary for any sun-seeker: Cannes (France), Genoa, La Spezia and Civitavecchia (Italy), plus Palma de Mallorca (Spain).
  • MSC Opera will homeport from Genoa, and visit Palermo, other destinations include calls at Marseille (France), Barcelona (Spain), and the newly reinstated embarkation port of La Goulette (Tunisia) and Naples (Italy).
  • MSC Splendida will offer cruises from Genoa (Italy) to Marseille (France), one of Sicily’s most sought-after destination Siracusa, Taranto and its awe-aspiring beaches, plus returning to Civitavecchia (Italy)
  • MSC Seaview will offer yet the best part of Western Mediterranean, from Genoa (Italy), she will visit the historical ports of Naples and Messina (Italy), Valletta (Malta), Barcelona (Spain) and Marseille (France).
  • MSC Seaside: departing from Genoa, she will offer itineraries to Civitavecchia and, Palermo (Italy) and Ibiza and Valencia (Spain) and Marseille (France).
  • MSC Orchestra: the ship will perform cruises of 4-5 nights in Spring and from June will commence the new 10-night cruises calling Genoa (Italy) to Marseille/Provence (France), Malaga, Cadiz/Seville, Lisbon (Portugal) Alicante/Costa Blanca and Mahon/Menorca (Spain), and Olbia (Italy).
  • In Autumn, MSC Magnifcia will offer cruises 11-night cruises to Canary islands, Morroco and Madeira, whilst MSC Poesia offers 3-, 4- and 5-night cruises rounding our the season in the West Mediterranean.     

Eastern Mediterranean highlights for summer 2022 include:

  • With Trieste (Italy) as homeport, MSC Fantasia will offer calls to Ancona (Italy), Kotor (Montenegro), Bari (Italy), Corfu (Greece) and the picturesque city of Dubrovnik (Croatia). From September the ship will perform 11-night cruises that include Pireaus/Athens (Greece), Izmir/Ephesus and an overnight in Istanbul (Turkey)
  • MSC Musica will depart from Monfalcone (Italy),Katakolon/Olympia, Heraklion, Santorini (Greece) Bari (Italy
  • MSC Sinfoniaand MSC Armonia will both homeport from the heart of the Mediterranean, the Italian port of Venice from Marghera. Other exciting ports on MSC Sinfonia’s itinerary include Kotor (Montenegro), the infamous Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini (Greece) and Bari (Italy).MSC Armonia is putting a focus on gorgeous views with calls to Brindisi (Italy), Greek island of Mykonos and Greek mainland destination of Piraeus for Athens as well as Split and Zadar (Croatia).
  • A variety of spectacular destinations await guests aboardMSC Lirica departing from Piraeus/Athens (Greece), calling at Kusadasi (Turkey), Haifa (Israel), the islands of Limassol (Cyprus), plus Rhodes and Santorini (Greece) 

Caribbean highlights for summer 2022 include:

  • MSC Seashore, embarking in Miami (USA) will offer alternating seven-night itineraries to the west and east Caribbean to destinations including Nassua (The Bahamas), Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Ocho Rios (Jamaica), George Town (Cayman Islands), Cozumel (Mexico) with each cruise calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ own private island in The Bahamas.
  • MSC Divina, embarking in Port Canaveral/Orlando (USA), will offer cruises between three and seven nights to the Caribbean with destinations including Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico), Nassau (The Bahamas) with each cruise calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Far East highlights for summer 2022 include:

  • MSC Bellissima will sail a range of departures from China and Japan

Altitude on Arvia – sky high activities on Britain’s newest cruise ship

December 9, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Altitude on Arvia – sky high activities on Britain’s newest cruise ship

A high ropes experience, tropical-themed mini-golf and water splash zone will all form part of a new top deck Altitude experience on Arvia, P&O Cruises newest ship to be launched in December 2022.

Britain’s most environmentally-friendly ship, powered by LNG, has been designed as the “sunshine ship” and will include a number of “adventure firsts” set high up on the top deck.

Altitude Minigolf will include water hazards, tiki huts, “hippos” and night-time illuminations and the nine-hole course will be open throughout the day and evening.

Altitude Splash Valley will be a cooling aquazone for all the family with water jets, shaded areas and ocean views.

Altitude Skywalk is set 54 metres above the ocean and is the company’s first ever high ropes experience with varying courses to suit all abilities.

Sports Arena – an outdoor sports court for football, basketball, short tennis or cricket.

P&O Cruises’ second LNG-powered Excel class ship and sister ship to Iona is named Arvia, meaning from the seashore, and will join the fleet in December 2022. Arvia is the latest evolution in the P&O Cruises experience, embodying the newest trends in travel, dining and entertainment, and will be the epitome of a sunshine resort sailing year-round to the warmest climates.

The 185,000 tons ship, 345m in length, with 16 guest decks will feature Altitude Skywalk a unique high ropes experience, a swim-up bar and stunning infinity pool, a new restaurant Green & Co featuring Mizuhana serving a plant and fish-led menu, Ocean Studios cinema, 1,300sqm of shopping and the Oasis Spa and Health Club.

Margaritaville Sets Sail with Margaritaville at Sea

December 9, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Margaritaville Sets Sail with Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville announces Margaritaville at Sea, an offshore resort experience. The first cruise ship, Margaritaville Paradise, will offer the fun, escapism, and state of mind synonymous with the global lifestyle brand.

Departing on her first passenger sailing on April 30 from the Port of Palm Beach Florida to Grand Bahama Island, Margaritaville Paradise will include 10 passenger decks and 658 cabins in various stateroom categories. Following a multi-million investment and refurbishment, the ship’s cabins and common spaces will feature Margaritaville’s signature casual-luxe design with subtle nautical details and colours influenced by the surrounding sea, sand, and sky.

Margaritaville Paradise, formerly Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s flagship vessel, Grand Classica, will feature gourmet food and beverage options, including JWB Prime Steak & Seafood, Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria, Port of Indecision Buffet, LandShark Sports Bar, and Margaritaville Coffee & Pastry Shop as well as the Euphoria Lounge, Sunset Bar, and 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar. Additionally, the ship will offer onboard leisure activities and entertainment, including the Par-A-Dice Casino, a Stars on the Water Theatre, St. Somewhere Spa, Fins Up! Fitness Centre, pools, a retail shop, and more. The ship was built at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard and entered service as a pioneer ship. She has opened many new markets and frontiers during her lifetime, so it is fitting that Margaritaville Paradise will again be a pioneer for Margaritaville at Sea.

For more information visit you local cruise specialist or margaritavilleatsea.com

Royal Caribbean Reveals Four World-Class Ships Head to Alaska in 2023

December 9, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Royal Caribbean Reveals Four World-Class Ships Head to Alaska in 2023

Following a successful return to service in Alaska earlier this year, Royal Caribbean announces that they’ll return in 2023 for their second consecutive year with four ships in the region.

Three bold, returning favourites, Ovation, Quantum and Radiance of the Seas, will be joined by Enchantment of the Seas to offer families and all travellers a variety of ways to experience the Last Frontier and its majestic glaciers, breathtaking wildlife and charming towns.

From Mendenhall Glacier to the Inside Passage, to onboard memory-making thanks to unique experiences such as simulated skydiving on RipCord by iFly and taking in awe-inspiring views through acres of glass, vacationers have in-store cool thrills from one day to the next.

Ovation and Quantum of the Seas – Cruising from: Seattle

  • On Ovation’s cruises, departing on Fridays, travellers can discover the best of Alaska from one charming town to the next. Extended stays also offer adventure seekers more time to explore in Skagway, Alaska, where one can retrace the steps of the historic Klondike Gold Rush and visit a restored 19th-century railroad depot; and state capital Juneau, Alaska, which offers dogsledding across Mendenhall Glacier and explorations of centuries-old mining trails. Plus, vacationers can head to the road less travelled at Ward Cove near Ketchikan where they can take in the unspoiled scenery along the Tongass Narrows and the wildlife that calls it home, like sea lions, bald eagles, and porpoises.
  • Departing on Mondays, Quantum’s stunning itineraries will bring travellers up close to the massive Dawes Glacier after sailing through the impressive Endicott Arm, alongside visits to four coastal communities, including Ketchikan, Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia. When heading ashore, travellers can look forward to immersing themselves in the local culture while at destinations like Sitka and Icy Strait Point, Alaska, home to the rich history of the Tlingit and activities ranging from kayak island-hopping to whale watching and fishing.

Radiance and Enchantment of the Seas – Cruising from: Seward and Vancouver

  • Radiance will, once again, sail alternating southbound and northbound itineraries that
  • depart from Seward and Vancouver. Travellers will have the opportunity to discover the region’s
  • magnificent landscapes firsthand when visiting Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Skagway, and as they sail
  • the Inside Passage and by Hubbard Glacier.
  • Enchantment makes its way to the Pacific coast for its debut Alaska season, sailing roundtrip from Vancouver. Vacationers have in store more glaciers than one, Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm fjord, and inspiring destinations like Haines, Ketchikan – the gateway to the wild landscapes and seascapes – Skagway and Juneau.

P&O’s Pacific Partnership Supports PNG’s Conflict Islands’ Turtle Nesting Season

December 9, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on P&O’s Pacific Partnership Supports PNG’s Conflict Islands’ Turtle Nesting Season

A record number of community conservation rangers are preparing the way for nesting marine turtles to come ashore in the Conflict Islands, Papua New Guinea, in a program supported by the guest-funded P&O Pacific Partnership.

Sixteen rangers – double the number in 2020 – are removing debris and clearing coastal erosion to provide a clear path for the turtles to lay their eggs as part of the work undertaken by the Conflict Islands Conservation Initiative (CICI).

Their work marks the beginning of the annual nesting season which includes tagging and monitoring endangered Green and critically endangered Hawksbill marine turtles and giving turtle hatchlings the best chance of survival.

Recruitment and training of the rangers, who are all from neighbouring PNG islands, is part of the CICI’s partnership with P&O Cruises Pacific Partnership program to monitor marine turtle populations and to develop a long-term tagging and nesting program.

The Conflict Islands are one of the most remote inhabited archipelagos in the world, and since 2016 P&O has taken guests on memorable holidays to Panasesa Island, one of 21 coral cays in the atoll.

In 2018, valuable guest donations to P&O’s Pacific Partnership helped CICI launch its first Turtle Sanctuary and unique Turtle Interaction Tour which allowed guests to feed baby turtle hatchlings and learn about the important sustainability work happening on the ground in the Conflict Islands.

The CICI team was also able to upgrade its eight 2,500-litre tanks used to house hatchlings prior to their release into the Coral Sea, and install a bronze saltwater pump to improve water flow and the overall health and environment of the nursery facility.

Last year, the CICI also celebrated the record release of 13,672 endangered turtle species as part of the charity’s long-term tagging and nesting program.

P&O Cruises Australia guests can continue to show their support for the efforts being carried out by the CICI by visiting www.cici.org.au/donate.