Tag: cruise news

Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Cruise News LIVE 🚢 New Itineraries, Rising Fees & Is Aussie Cruising in Trouble?

Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Cruise News LIVE 🚢 New Itineraries, Rising Fees & Is Aussie Cruising in Trouble?

by | Apr 15, 2026 | | 0 |

Welcome back to Deb & Matt Chat LIVE 🚢

This week we’re breaking down some of the biggest cruise industry updates — from new itineraries and ship changes to rising costs and what’s really happening in the Australian cruise market.

🗞️ This week’s cruise news:

🇯🇵 Princess Cruises expands Japan & Asia season
A huge new deployment with ships homeporting in Tokyo and dozens of itineraries across Asia

🇫🇯 Fiji Princess to be retired after grounding
Following a recent incident, the ship will be removed from service and replaced with a new vessel

💸 MSC raises gratuities
Passengers will see higher daily service charges, with more increases expected across the industry

⛽ Fuel surcharge concerns return
Cruise executives warn rising fuel costs could impact pricing and future cruise fares

🇦🇺 CLIA report: Record demand BUT warning signs
Australians are cruising in record numbers — but the industry warns Australia is losing ships and competitiveness

🌏 StarCruises boosts Asian itineraries
New flexible itineraries and extended port stays across Asia for 2026

💬 Join us LIVE as we break it all down!

👉 Are cruise prices about to rise again?
👉 Is Australia losing its place as a cruise destination?
👉 Would you cruise Asia over the South Pacific?

👍 Like & Subscribe for weekly cruise news
📺 Deb & Matt Chat — Life, Cruise & Travel

Key topics this week include:
Cruise news 2026, Cruise price increases, Cruise gratuities increase, Princess Japan cruise season 2027 and 2028 , Fiji Princess Retirement, Cruise Industry in Australia, clia report australia cruise, cruise fuel surcharge and More Asian cruises 2026, cruise updates live

Read More
Deb & Matt Chat on YT: LIVE! Cruise Chaos 😳 Overbooked Ship, Grounding Incident & New Fees Explained

Deb & Matt Chat on YT: LIVE! Cruise Chaos 😳 Overbooked Ship, Grounding Incident & New Fees Explained

by | Apr 8, 2026 | | 0 |

Welcome back to Deb & Matt Chat LIVE 🚢

This week we’re breaking down some of the biggest cruise news stories — from passenger perks to cruise chaos and industry changes happening right now.

🗞️ This week’s cruise news:

🇰🇷 South Korea introduces instant tax refunds for cruise passengers
A major policy shift allowing cruise guests to claim VAT refunds more easily during port visits

⛽ Fuel surcharges return?
StarDream Cruises has introduced new daily fuel charges — raising concerns other cruise lines could follow

🚢 Discovery Princess overbooked
Passengers were offered compensation and even free cruises not to board due to high demand from over booking.

⚠️ Fiji Princess runs aground
A cruise ship ran aground near a famous island location — all passengers safe but the ship is damaged

🇦🇺 Virgin Voyages invests in Australia again
New Aussie sales team signals a renewed push into the Australian cruise market

💬 Join us LIVE as we break it all down and hear YOUR thoughts!

👉 Would you accept a free cruise to give up your spot?
👉 Are fuel surcharges coming back across the industry?
👉 Is cruising getting too unpredictable?

👍 Like & Subscribe for weekly cruise news
📺 Deb & Matt Chat — Life, Cruise & Travel

This week we will be discussing an exciting range of topics including, cruise news in 2026, cruise fuel surcharge, discovery princess overbooked, cruise overbooking explained, fiji princess grounding, cruise ship accident fiji, south korea cruise tax refund, virgin voyages australia return, cruise industry news, cruise industry updates

Read More
Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Cruise News LIVE 🚢 Lelepa Controversy, Virgin Returning? A New Terminal & New Ship Reveal

Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Cruise News LIVE 🚢 Lelepa Controversy, Virgin Returning? A New Terminal & New Ship Reveal

by | Apr 1, 2026 | | 0 |

Welcome back to Deb & Matt Chat LIVE 🚢

Tonight we’re breaking down some of the biggest cruise news stories this week — from controversy in the South Pacific to major cruise line moves and brand-new ship announcements.

🗞️ This week’s cruise news:

🌴 Lelepa controversy grows
Concerns have been raised by Indigenous leaders in Vanuatu about Royal Caribbean’s plans for a private beach club, including environmental impact and consultation issues

🚢 Virgin Voyages eyes Australia return
Virgin Voyages is “doubling down” on the Aussie market, recruiting locally and planning a comeback after pulling ships from the region

🏗️ New Auckland cruise terminal announced
Auckland unveils Te Waharōa, a major new cruise terminal set to open in 2027 to support larger ships and growing demand

🚀 Hero of the Seas revealed
Royal Caribbean announces its next Icon-class ship, packed with new features and set to launch in 2027

We’ll also be chatting about anything that comes up in the cruise world this week — so jump into the chat and be part of the conversation!

👉 Whether you’re planning your next cruise, comparing cruise lines, or just love cruise life — this is the place to be.

💬 Join the LIVE chat
👍 Like & Subscribe
🔔 Turn on notifications

📺 Deb & Matt Chat — Life, Cruise & Travel
Lelepa Royal Caribbean controversy, virgin voyages australia return, auckland cruise terminal 2027, hero of the seas royal caribbean, cruise news australia 2026, cruise industry news, royal caribbean updates, cruise ship news, south pacific cruise news, cruise live stream

Read More
Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Cruise News LIVE: Ships Stuck, Carnival Controversy, Lelepa Updates & Spa Secrets EXPOSED

Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Cruise News LIVE: Ships Stuck, Carnival Controversy, Lelepa Updates & Spa Secrets EXPOSED

by | Mar 25, 2026 | | 0 |

Welcome back to Deb & Matt Chat – Life, Cruise & Travel 🚢

Tonight’s LIVE stream is packed with breaking cruise news, industry insights, and some serious questions about how cruise ships really operate behind the scenes…

👉 Here’s what we’re diving into:

🛳️ Six cruise ships stuck in the Arabian Gulf — what’s happening and what it means for global itineraries
👉 Based on latest reports, ships are unable to reposition due to regional disruptions

🐦 Carnival controversy — passengers told to stop feeding birds onboard… but why is this such a big deal?

❌ Carnival Splendor cancels a 2027 New Zealand cruise — chartered out from under booked guests… is this fair?

🌴 Royal Caribbean Lelepa update — what we know, what’s included, and what it means for Aussie cruising

🧖‍♀️ The truth about cruise ship spas (OneSpaWorld deep dive)
Who actually runs them? Who is responsible for your experience? And does service vary ship to ship?

🚢 PLUS:
✨ New ultra-luxury ship from Four Seasons
✨ Captain Kate McCue takes the helm — what this means for the industry

💬 We want YOUR thoughts:
👉 Would you still cruise if your ship got redeployed or cancelled?
👉 Have you ever had a bad spa experience at sea?
👉 Is Lelepa a game changer?

📅 We go LIVE every week covering cruise news, tips, and real experiences from onboard ships around the world.

👍 Like & Subscribe to support the channel
🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss our next cruise adventure

Read More
Deb & Matt Chat on YT: New Royal Caribbean Deployments for Australia South Pacific Lelepa

Deb & Matt Chat on YT: New Royal Caribbean Deployments for Australia South Pacific Lelepa

by | Mar 24, 2026 | | 0 |

Royal Caribbean has officially revealed its 2027/2028 Australia & South Pacific cruise deployment — and we’re breaking it ALL down.

We’re here to discuss the 2027-2028 Royal Caribbean itinerary for Australia! This video breaks down the specific ship details, departure days, and what’s missing from the schedule. Join us for some essential travel tips and cruise news as we share our predictions and thoughts on this exciting australia travel update. We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments!
In this full studio analysis, we dive deep into:

🚢 Which ships are coming to Australia (Anthem & Voyager)
🌴 South Pacific itineraries, ports & destination trends
🇳🇿 New Zealand cruise offerings (and the BIG catch)
📊 Cruise lengths, sailing patterns & departure days
🔁 Island double-ups and itinerary strategy
😮 What surprised us… and what disappointed us

We also take a closer look at:

⁉️Lelepa updates (and what’s missing…)
⁉️Inclusions vs expectations
⁉️Royal Caribbean’s strategy for the Australian market

If you’re planning a future cruise — or just love cruise news — this is your ultimate breakdown of the 2027/28 season.

👇 Let us know in the comments:
Would you book one of these itineraries?

🎥 Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:19 Royal Caribbean Australia Overview
07:20 Ports and Destinations
08:36 Island Cruise Doubles
10:42 New Zealand Destinations
11:23 Lengths of the Cruises
11:42 Anthem Sailing Length
12:07 Voyager Sailing Lengths
13:23 Departure Days
16:21 The New Zealand Catch
17:29 Surprises
18:37 Lelepa Downsides
19:02 Lelepa Inclusions
20:28 Final Thoughts

👍 Don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for weekly cruise news, reviews and deep dives.

#DebAndMattChat #RoyalCaribbean #CruiseNews #AustraliaCruise

Read More
Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Royal Caribbean Lelepa OFFICIAL! 🇻🇺 What This Means for Aussie Cruising | LIVE

Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Royal Caribbean Lelepa OFFICIAL! 🇻🇺 What This Means for Aussie Cruising | LIVE

by | Mar 18, 2026 | | 0 |

Tonight on Deb & Matt Chat LIVE, we’re diving into one of the biggest cruise announcements for Australia and the South Pacific 🌴🚢

Royal Caribbean has officially revealed Royal Beach Club Lelepa in Vanuatu 🇻🇺 — their first exclusive destination in the South Pacific, launching from 2027.

So what does this actually mean for cruisers? 🤔

We break down:

🌴What’s included at Lelepa (beaches, food, adults-only areas & more)

🛝How it compares to Perfect Day at CocoCay

🤯Why this is a HUGE move for Australian cruising

👀The confirmed direction for Royal Caribbean in Australia

🤔Will this lead to more ships, bigger ships… or even year-round cruising?

💬 Plus — we want YOUR thoughts live in the chat!

👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE CHAT
📺 Deb & Matt Chat — Deep & Meaningful Cruise Conversations

Read More
Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Cruise News LIVE: Carnival Encounter Issues, Royal Caribbean Changes & More

Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Cruise News LIVE: Carnival Encounter Issues, Royal Caribbean Changes & More

by | Mar 11, 2026 | | 0 |

Welcome back to Deb & Matt Chat LIVE for another week of cruise news, industry updates and live discussion with our cruise community.

Tonight we’re covering several major cruise industry stories including:

🚢 Carnival Encounter controversy
Passengers returning from the ship’s dry dock are reporting incomplete renovations, leaks in cabins and areas of the ship still resembling a construction site.

🥤 Royal Caribbean quietly removes a popular drink package perk
The Coca-Cola souvenir cup will no longer be automatically included with premium drink packages, meaning guests must now pay extra if they want Freestyle machine access.

🛳 Celebrity Solstice returns from dry dock
The ship has received new venues including Sunset Park, Trattoria Rossa and Fine Cut Steakhouse as part of a major modernization program.

💎 Regent Seven Seas sees strong demand for Australia
The ultra-luxury line says its upcoming Australian winter season is almost sold out and may expand operations down under.

🏆 CLIA Cruise Industry Awards announced
Australia and New Zealand’s top cruise travel agents were honoured at the industry’s biggest awards night in Sydney.

⚓ New incentives to attract cruise ships to NSW ports

🏰Disney Adventure Arrives in Singapore
5 years of Disney Magic awaits cruisers from Singapore on the newest and biggest ship in the Disney fleet, Disney Adventure. Recently christened by the ships godparent – Robert Downey Jr.

PLUS we’ll share our experiences, answer questions and discuss what these stories mean for cruisers in Australia.

Join the conversation LIVE!

👍 Like
💬 Comment
🔔 Subscribe

Read More
Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Dear Michael Bayley… We Have 3 Wishes for Royal Caribbean in 🇦🇺👀

Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Dear Michael Bayley… We Have 3 Wishes for Royal Caribbean in 🇦🇺👀

by | Feb 19, 2026 | | 0 |

We filmed this at dinner onboard  ⁨@RoyalCaribbeanAUNZ   Anthem of the Seas Cruise Ship— and it might be our cheekiest video yet 😅

Dear Michael Bayley…

We have THREE humble wishes:

🇦🇺 Year-round Royal Caribbean cruising in Australia
🌴 An announcement date for Lelepa
🥧 And… we need to talk about the goat cheese tart

During the Captain’s Corner onboard Anthem, Matt asked about year-round cruising in Australia — and the whole theatre CHEERED. 👏

So we thought… why not make it official?

If you agree with us:

👉 LIKE the video
👉 SHARE it with your cruise friends
👉 TAG Royal Caribbean & Michael Bayley in the comments

Let’s see if this makes it to Miami 👀

#RoyalCaribbean #AnthemOfTheSeas #CruisingAustralia #DebAndMattChat
@RoyalCaribbean
We address Michael Bailey with three requests, focusing on the possibility of year-round cruising in Australia. As dedicated Royal Caribbean cruise ambassadors, we believe the Australian cruise community deserves this exciting development. We offer cruise tips and travel tips for those eager to explore the world on a cruise ship.

Read More
Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Cruise News LIVE: Royal Caribbean Leak, Disney Farewell & Norwegian Drama

Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Cruise News LIVE: Royal Caribbean Leak, Disney Farewell & Norwegian Drama

by | Feb 18, 2026 | | 0 |

Tonight on Deb & Matt Chat Wednesday Live, we’re breaking down a huge week in cruise news — including a major Royal Caribbean deployment leak for Australia’s 2027–28 season.

Here’s what we’re covering:

🚢 A Royal Caribbean “oopsie” that revealed which ships are coming to Australia for 2027–28
🏰 Disney Cruise Line says farewell to Australia as Disney Wonder departs
🇦🇺 A new ultra-luxury winter season for Australia with Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas Cruises
⚓ Federal inspectors board Carnival Encounter after allegations — Carnival says “no deficiencies found”
💰 Activist investor Elliott pushes for major changes at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
🛳 Norwegian orders multiple new ships through 2037, including 227,000-ton vessels
🚢 Carnival Encounter enters dry dock

This is one of the most significant weeks for Australian cruising in 2026 — and we’re unpacking what it all means for future deployments, ship sizes, luxury cruising and market direction.

Join us LIVE from Australia 🇦🇺

👍 Like
🔔 Subscribe
💬 Jump into the chat

Read More
Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Cruise Cancellations, New Ship Class & Record-Breaking Ships | Cruise News LIVE

Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Cruise Cancellations, New Ship Class & Record-Breaking Ships | Cruise News LIVE

by | Feb 4, 2026 | | 0 |

This week on Deb & Matt Chat, we’re breaking down four major cruise industry stories that are shaping cruising in 2026 and beyond.

🚢 Carnival itinerary changes affecting South Pacific cruises
🚢 Why Conflict Islands (PNG) have been removed following the sale of the port
🚢 Royal Caribbean Group announces a brand-new Discovery Class of ships
🚢 What the Discovery Class means for future ship size, design and itineraries
🚢 Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure sets a new record, becoming the largest cruise ship to transit the Panama Canal
🚢 MSC Cruises expands Yacht Club to more ships – plus its growing presence at major global events like the Miami F1

This live stream is about what’s changed, why it matters, and what it means for cruisers, especially those sailing from Australia.

💬 Join the live chat
❓ Ask questions
🗣 Share your thoughts on where cruising is heading

👍 Like the stream
🔔 Subscribe for weekly cruise news & discussion
🛎 Turn notifications on so you don’t miss future lives

#CruiseNews #CruiseLive #CruiseIndustry
#CruiseNews #CruiseLive #AussieCruising #DebAndMattChat

Read More
Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Cruise Chaos, Loyalty Shake-Ups & the End of P&O | Aussie Cruise News LIVE

Deb & Matt Chat on YT: Cruise Chaos, Loyalty Shake-Ups & the End of P&O | Aussie Cruise News LIVE

by | Jan 28, 2026 | | 0 |

The 2026 Cruise Live Series officially kicks off! 🚢🎉
This week on Deb & Matt Chat, we’re covering one of the biggest weeks in Australian cruising so far this season — and yes, we were on board for part of it.

Here’s what we’re unpacking LIVE:

✅ Our summer cruising recap
✅ Major loyalty changes with Royal Caribbean Group Points Choice
✅ Anthem of the Seas breaks down – will our next cruise be cancelled?
✅ The end of an era on board the final Aussie classics Cruise
✅ Are we about to hear more about a new Royal Caribbean ship class?

Whether you’re cruising in 2026, loyal to Royal Caribbean, or feeling nostalgic about P&O themed cruises — this one’s for you.

💬 Join the live chat, ask questions, and cruise into 2026 with us.

👍 Like
🔔 Subscribe
🛎 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss future Cruise Lives!

Read More
Loading

Recent Comments

No comments to show.