| Odell over the moon

AHEAD of their return to Australia later this year, both Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) are delighted that the federal government is paving the way for the return to cruise in the country, according to the lines’ Senior Vice President & Managing Director Steve Odell.

The cruise industry generates $5 billion for the Australian economy each year, and both lines are eager to resume operations in the country to support its tourism industry and local economy.

RSSC’s Seven Seas Explorer will sail her local maiden voyages in Dec, while Oceania’s Regatta will return to Australia the same month.

Regent has completely sold out its inaugural season in Australia, which consists of five immersive itineraries aboard Seven Seas Explorer, departing Singapore on 12 Dec, and visiting ports including Java, Bali, Thursday Island, and more.

Meanwhile, Oceania’s Regatta will return to the region at the end of this year for a series of nine destination-immersive sailings throughout Australia, as well as New Zealand and the South Pacific, from Dec to Mar.

The season will begin with a 14-day voyage from Sydney to Bali, departing 12 Dec.

“We know there is strong pent-up demand from Australian travellers looking forward to seeing our ships in local waters again later this year,” Odell said.