Dorothy Says It's Time to Visit OZ

Australia that is.  Carnival Cruise Lines recently announced that it would send a ship (the 2,124 passenger Carnival Spirit) to Australia for the first time in late 2012.  The Carnival Spirit itineraries will include 8-12 night sailings to the Pacific Islands and 13-night sailings to New Zealand. 

In a "mine is bigger than yours" move Celebrity Cruise Lines issued a press release last Tuesday stating that it would send a BIGGER ship, the Celebrity Solstice (2,850 passengers), to Australia for the 2012-2013 season (the Celebrity Century, 1,814 passengers, will be there this coming winter). 

On the heels of that announcement Holland America rang in today with the news that it would send TWO ships, the 1,926 passenger Oosterdam and  the 1,432 passenger Volendam to Australia in the winter of 2012-2013 (Mine may not be bigger, but I have two of them). 

No word yet from Royal Caribbean, but since they usually win the "bigger" contest can we expect their press release next?  I'm predicting it!

So, should your travel wish list include the land of Kangaroos & Emus (and mine certainly does - been there once but it was far too brief a visit); look for good airfares - there should be some great cruise deals down under in a year or so!