On Board with Cruise Passenger

Australia's love affair with cruise is facing stormy waters as government regulation and high prices drive cruise operators away.  Editor-in-chief Peter Lynch and rose Kelly talk to the boss of the cruise lines own organisation Joel Katz about what's gone wrong and how we can fix it.

Join us as we chat with Chris Fundell from Globus Family Brands about his recent journey to Portugal aboard the Avalon Alegria. This brand-new ship on the Douro River offers an immersive experience, visiting charming towns, world-renowned vineyards, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Avalon Waterways continues to innovate, with enticing itineraries in France showing a 30 percent rise in bookings. Next year, look forward to new one-, two-, and three-week voyages on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, offering a blend of culture, history, and adventure. Don't miss out on the latest deals and offers from Avalon Waterways, perfect for planning your next getaway. Plus, stay tuned for an exciting competition announcement that could see you cruising in style. Subscribe at cruisepassenger.com.au/rivercruise to keep up with the latest in river cruising news and opportunities.

Embark on a journey through Europe's most enchanting waterways with our podcast, "On Board: The Ultimate Guide to Tauck River Cruising." In this episode, we sit down with David Clark from @tauck, a 99-year-old brand renowned for its exceptional travel experiences. Tauck's fleet of nine purpose-built ships explores Europe's great rivers, from the Rhine and the Danube to the Rhone and the Seine, visiting over 150 destinations by land, small ships, and rivers.

Hear about river cruising and WIN a cruise in Europe! River cruising - it's the most relaxing holiday in the world - and the most economical way to see fabulous destinations. Rosie and Peter from cruisepassenger.com.au talk to the experts and bust the myths about this great way to travel.

We talk to Love Boat actress Jill Whelan about life on the set of the famous TV series as Princess Cruises says they will slice the price of weddings on the sea. She reveals how she was fat shamed as a teenager and what she thinks of the new genre of reality TV shows. We also focus on why retiring at sea is a risk as another venture cancels sailings. And a new Fiji adventure cruise from Captain Cook Fiji to the remote Lau islands.

Regent Seven Seas Grandeur is the world's most luxurious ship. There's a US$6.5 million art collection, the only gold-and-jewel encrusted Faberge Egg at sea. Cruise Passenger talks to the man who created Grandeur about how he was told to "blow the budget!". And we've got a limited edition piece of Faberge artwork to giveaway!

Come with us on a luxury journey down Europe's least discovered river, famous for its fabulous wine regions. Teresa Ooi and Chris Fundel take us there.

For many cruisers, luxury is about attention to detail, or having a sense of space – being away from big crowds. Time, for instance, is a luxury for some. But one thing is quite universal: the need to travel. We take you onboard three beautiful cruise lines.

Listen to our special episode about Expedition Cruising as we talk about the new breed of adventurer seeking a sense of danger and excitement. We tell you all about cruise lines like Quark and its immersive Arctic explorations and, closer to home, Ponant offering a deep dive into the Kimberley with legendary guide Mick Fogg.

Bernadette Chua talks river cruising with big fan Peter Lynch who reveals the maths that make travelling through Europe on a river ship a no brainer

It's cruise month. And that means four weeks of celebrations and fabulous deals. Cruise Passenger's Bernadette Chua and Peter Lynch take an exclusive peak at the upcoming cruise season...and reveal their personal favourites. Hear how Bernadette beat Norwegian Cruise Lines' race track builders in a dramatic Formula1-style face off. And how Peter kissed a stingray in Tahiti.

He has been in travel for 25 years - and he is known as Mr Fixit for the rich and famous, chartering planes to escape coups in Africa and arranging the most luxurious retreats. But nothing beats the day ex Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke demanded a beer and a cigar in the middle of a desert. Dudley now works with Regent Seven Seas cruises - hear his amazing stories on our podcast.

It's the antidote to dieting: Regent Seven Seas Cruises has created 11 Epicurean Spotlight voyages and 128 shore excursions devoted to food. You'll taste the finest regional dishes from France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Turkey. Hosts Rose Jacobs and Peter Lynch tuck into a feast with Elsa McLean.  Are these the most mouthwatering cruises for foodie's ever?

Join the OnBoard crew of Rosie Jacobs and Peter Lynch as Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Elsa McLean talks about what it's like to see Alaska in luxury - and how a captain fooled his guests with a stuffed polar bear!

Scenic, the Australian owned shipping line, has launched the second of its exclusive Discovery Yacht series - and it is coming to Australia! This ultra luxury adventure yacht will sail the Kimberley region for the first time ever. We interview Jason Flesher, expedition director and all-round action man about life on board one of the world's most high end super yachts and what we can expect from her visit to Australia.

Cruise Passenger's Peter Lynch was at the high-profile launch of Oceania's new class of ship. The launch party featured Harry Connik Jnr and a 21-gun salute!  He and Rosie Jacobs talk to Oceania's Jason Worth about the line that boasts "the best cuisine at sea". 

Welcome to the latest episode of "On Board with Cruise Passenger". In this episode, Peter Lynch and Rose Jacobs interview Lisa Pile, Vice President of Sales and General Manager for the Asia Pacific Region at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, about their ultra luxe Voyage Collection for March 2025 - May 2026, but be quick they go on sale June 22, 2023.

Welcome to the latest episode of "On Board with Cruise Passenger". In this episode, Peter Lynch and Rose Jacobs interview Lisa Pile, Vice President of Sales and General Manager for the Asia Pacific Region at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, about the company's five new Grand Voyages departing in 2025 and 2026. These sailings range from 61 nights to 117 nights, taking you to some of the most spectacular destinations on earth onboard the world's most luxurious fleet. From the Grand Asia-Pacific Journey Sydney to Tokyo, to the Grand Arctic Adventure from New York to Barcelona, and the Grand European Sojourn roundtrip from Lisbon, these voyages are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Pre-registrations are now open, and reservations open on May 4. Don't miss out on the chance to embark on a luxurious global treasure hunt with Regent Seven Seas Cruises! Listen to the podcast now by clicking the link  #RegentSevenSeasCruises #GrandVoyages #LuxuryTravel #TravelGoals #OnBoardwithCruisePassenger #GlobalTreasureHunt #OnceInALifetimeExperience

Exciting news for cruise lovers! Oceania Cruises is launching its brand-new ship, The very impressive Oceania Vista, in Rome in May 2023. Featuring beautiful cabins, a grand crystal staircase, a Ralph Lauren-designed library with over 2,000 books, and the biggest Aquamar Spa and Vitality Centre, the ship offers a unique experience like the Spa offers holistic wellness encounters to encourage a lifestyle of health and longevity. With the finest cuisine at sea, destinations, and wellness programs, Oceania Vista is a great choice for cruise enthusiasts. Listen to Jason Worth the Oceania Cruises' Asia-Pacific VP sales and GM chat with Rose and Peter as we explore this wonderful new addition to the Oceana Fleet. PLUS, if you book within the next 7 days you will get an exclusive 3 bottle wine bundle on your arrival! Just mention #Onboard_Oceana when you book. For more information: Bookings Now Open For Oceania Cruises

It's the ultimate in Asian cruising - now Scenic's Far East expert Adam Burke takes you down the Mekong from Vietnam to Cambodia and Loas aboard a purpose-build luxury ship, stopping of so you can experience those Scenic exclusives: a dinner at Angkor Wat and feeding the monks.  This is a cultural cavalcade of unique experiences - and you can save if you book quickly.  #Vietnam #Cambodia #Rivercruising

...and do it in intimate luxury on the Paul Gauguin Cruise ship Welcome to On Board with Cruise Passenger, our exciting podcast adventure where we explore the beauty and culture of the islands in the South Pacific. Peter Lynch Rose Jacobs will be your guides. In this episode, we'll introduce you to the luxurious Paul Gauguin cruise liner. Named after the renowned French Post-Impressionist artist, this ship embodies the charm of French Polynesia. With its elegant design, exceptional service, and gourmet dining options, the Paul Gauguin offers a truly unforgettable experience. Our special guest is Bianca Bratton, Business Development Manager for PONANT and Paul Gauguin Cruises in New Zealand. Peter and Bianca share the delights of their first hand experiences: including meeting the happiest people on earth... the people of French Polynesia. Why? Find out by listening to the podcast!

Discover the height of luxury with Regent Seven Seas with Peter and Rose as your personal cruise directors. From ship to shore, Peter and Rose guide you through the best travel experiences. Today, it's time exploring the ultimate trip with Elsa Maclean who is the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Business Development Manager and Loyalty Ambassador. Listen as Elisa shares about the amazing experience of cruising 154 nights around the globe across six continents, 40 countries and 77 ports in pure luxury aboard the Regent Seven Seas Mariner.

In this episode, you will learn about life in Antarctica from David McGonigal, an author, historian and expert on The White Continent. Hear why David continues to return to the South pole an estimated 130 times in the past 26 years.

Despite recent mishaps, visiting Antarctica is still one of the wonders of the world. Our editor Peter Lynch, on his first trip to The White Continent, finds out all you need to know from luxury French expedition line Ponant's expedition leader Ryo Ijichi, including clothes to buy and what to look out for!

Mick Fogg, Director of Expeditions and Destination Development, Asia Pacific for Ponant tells the On Board podcast team about why the Kimberley is his favourite place to visit - and what guests can expect from the arrival of the line's sailing vessel Le Ponant next year. Listen to the podcast and find out how you can get 25% of extra value on your cruises with Ponant.

A cruise on Avalon Waterways promises small ships with big experiences, few people and more of everything else. We speak with the cruise line in our latest podcast episode about its vast range of choice, renowned relaxed luxury and, of course, the award-winning Panorama Suites with beds that face the ever-changing views.

Regent Seven Seas has a particular dedication to bringing fine art to the high seas. The Seven Seas Splendour alone features museum-quality pieces from more than 200 artists. In our latest episode of the On Board with Cruise Passenger podcast, we talk ship with Steve Odell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Asia Pacific region for Regent Seven Seas about the line's investment in artful cruising. He tells us about the meticulously curated onboard collections, lectures from art historians offered during days at sea and about the galleries on shore at about 450. different ports.

We chat with Steve Odell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Asia Pacific region for Regent Seven Seas Cruises about the luxurious line's launch its 2024/2025 itineraries. Guests can choose from 160 different itineraries taking them to more than 450 destinations around the world in as little as seven or as many as 150 nights. Plus, listen to learn how you can win lunch aboard a ship when it's in Sydney.

The Cruise Passenger team talk to Steve Odell, Senior Vice President andManaging Director of the Asia Pacific region, about Regent Seven SeasCruises' stunning series of four itineraries for the 2024-25 called Grand Journeys. And one lucky listener can win a lunch for two on one of the vessels in December.

We chat with Steve Odell from Regent Seven Seas Cruises about the 150-night world cruise set to sail in January 2025. With 684 very lucky guests on board, the Seven Seas Mariner covers five continents and almost 100 ports of call. Listen in for a truly unique giveaway for lunch aboard the Seven Seas Explorer, the most luxurious ship ever built, when it's in Sydney. It's an experience that no money can buy.

The team goes into cruising locally and finds the best bargains. We talk to the kings of "traditional" ships, CMV. Plus, the first review of Richard Branson's cheeky Scarlet Lady.

This week, Peter, Rose and Bernadette speak exclusively with Aussies affected by the recent crisis of fires and drought and with the leaders of the cruise industry who are coming to the rescue. We address how vital it is for cruising to help with supporting our communities in need of support via tourism, along with plenty of fun banter and a great competition for our listeners.

With the new year - and a new decade just around the corner, Rose, Peter and Bernadette explore the oceans of exciting new cruise trends forecast for 2020. New ships, top destinations, fun themes, the latest technology, younger generations and exciting experiences… 2020 is set to be a massive year for cruise.Don't forget to listen out for our COMPETITION: You can win a 7-night Ponant Luxury Expedition cruise to Alaska – with return flights – for two people, valued at $22,000.And join us again for a fun-filled year of cruising podcasts in 2020!

Expedition cruising takes in some of the remotest parts of the world, amazing scenery and wonderful wildlife including polar bears and penguins. Rose, Peter and Bernadette explain how you can become an intrepid explorer. And Expedition cruise line Hurtigruten tell us about the world's first battery powered expedition ship...and offer our readers $9,000 off a suite in a very special deal.

We explore all things luxury this week - from destinations, to ships, shore excursions and even luxury expedition. Peter, Rose and Bern are joined by Monique Ponfoort from Ponant for an exclusive insight into the very best of ocean cruising.

This week's On Board Cruise Passenger podcast looks at river cruising, and contains an exclusive money-off deal from Teeming River Cruises and the chance to win almost $30,000 of cruises.

This week Rose, Peter and Bernadette explore the realms of ocean cruising, from the good to the bad and everything in between.

What does the future hold for cruise passengers, their ships and destinations? Rose Jacobs, Peter Lynch and Bernadette Chua bring in some experts to take a peek at how things are changing for the better.