Carnival resumes cruises to Fiji
Carnival Australia has confirmed that four of its cruise lines - P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line - have resumed scheduled calls to Fiji, following the devastating Cyclone Winston. The organisation has also donated A$125,000 ($135,161) to Save the Children Australia's Fiji relief efforts. The decision to resume calls was made based on advice from port agents and local authorities, who reported that Fijian communities were again able to welcome cruise visitors. Carnival Australia executive chairman Ann Sherry said it was important for the company to "again contribute to the economic life of the country at a time when it is needed most".
Royal Caribbean changes cancellation policy
From March 7, passengers on Royal Caribbean who want to cancel an upcoming cruise without penalty will have to allow more time than before. Under the company's old policy, passengers booked on cruises of one to five nights could cancel their trip up to 60 days before sailing without attracting a fee. The new policy requires cancellation at least 75 days before departure and changes the sailing length from one to four nights. Cruises in this time category cancelled between 74 and 57 days incur a fee equal to the deposit paid, while sailings cancelled 28 to 15 days incur a fee of 75 per cent of the total price.
