Cruise and Travel Winter 2026

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REVIEWS: Ponant in Japan • Crystal in the South Pacific • A new Celebrity Solstice

PACIFIC PARADISE 26 pages of close-to-home island holidays

AUSTRALIA/NZ AU$14.95

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RIVER CRUISING

Welcome to the hottest cruise trend today

EUROPE

The best of 2027 and beyond 5/6/2026 4:11 pm

Voyage

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Contents

Cruise

Travel

June 2026 Editor-in-chief and publisher Peter Lynch peter.lynch@bigsplashmedia.com.au Editor Bernadette Chua bernadette@bigsplashmedia.com.au Executive editor Teresa Ooi teresa@bigsplashmedia.com.au Head of revenue Belinda Harris

CONTENTS 10

Upfront All the latest news from the world of travel, including hotel openings, new cruise itineraries, upcoming ship launches, the latest travel trends, and an introduction to the world’s biggest sailing ship.

Sub-editor Joanna Tovia Art director Catherine Martin Advertising sales manager Vida Folden vida@bigsplashmedia.com.au Contributors and writers Jane Archer, Sue Bryant, Bernadette Chua, Teresa Machan, Tallis Boerne Marcus, Sarah Marshall, Chris Moss, Teresa Ooi, John Roberts, Joanna Tovia and Sue Watt.

Subscriptions Phone 02 8227 6486 – Australia Phone +612 8227 6400 – International cruisepassenger.com.au Cover: Moorea motu © David Kirkland Printed by IVE.

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SPECIAL SECTION CRUISING IN EUROPE

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Your ultimate guide to Europe’s best cruise itineraries, the unexpected appeal of cruising in the off-season, and amazing pre- and post-cruise land extensions to enhance your next trip.

MULTI MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Cruise & Travel magazine is published

by Big Splash Media Pty Ltd, Suite G01, 46a Macleay Street Potts Point, Sydney 2011 bigsplashmedia.com.au Phone: +61 2 9356 8888 Managing director Peter Lynch

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Copyright Big Splash Media Pty Ltd. Opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and are not necessarily those of the publisher. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. Information provided believed to be correct at time of publication, however details can change at any time and all information, including prices, in this magazine should be considered general in nature only. No travel decisions should be made solely on the information provided. Always consult your travel agent.

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SPECIAL SECTIONS SOUTH PACIFIC

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Read our 26-page feature on the South Pacific’s standout cruises and lesser-known islands you’ll want to plan a trip around. It’s a tropical paradise right on our doorstep!

Subscribe & Save Get the convenience of home delivery and never miss another issue of Cruise & Travel magazine. We will send it straight to your address.

It costs $85 for four issues of Cruise & Travel magazine including postage.

OCEANS

RIVER CRUISING

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See back page

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Could Asia be the new Med?

A stellar year

Why cruising to Japan, Indonesia and beyond is proving irresistible.

Europe’s rivers are enjoying one of their strongest seasons ever.

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Ponant’s cruise to Japan and Korea aboard Le Soléal is rich in culture and intrigue.

A stylish South Pacific sojourn

Crystal Serenity offers an intimate and luxurious cruise experience to Norfolk Island, Lifou and beyond.

Cruise &Travel

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Subscribe today!

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Travel

REVIEWS: Royal Caribbean • Norwegian • Aurora • Seabourn • AmaWaterways

COLD COMFORT Where to find luxury adventure

Ringing in the changes

Sacred Japan

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Plus, receive our weekly newsletter

AmaWaterways celebrates a new look and a new year.

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A new dawn

Join us on an action-packed Pacific crossing aboard the revamped Celebrity Solstice.

AUSTRALIA/NZ AU$14.95

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CHEERS!

On board a luxe beer cruise on the Rhine

NAMASTE

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Welcome FROM THE PUBLISHER

Winter wonderland

W

elcome to the winter edition of Cruise & Travel magazine. If, like us, you are looking for ways to escape the darker nights and chillier mornings upon us, we have some inspiration for you in the following pages.

Our writers have been casting their eyes to the Pacific and, in particular, destinations like Tahiti. At a time when global headlines are dominated by uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and concerns over international travel, destinations that offer azure waters, welcoming people and sun-kissed beaches just a few hours flying time from Sydney or Brisbane are just what we need. You’ll love our special report on the Pacific, and new direct flights make travelling a lot easier than the long and complicated trek to Europe.

Another area springing to life thanks to the uncertainty around air travel is Asia. Our trends report on how the region is awakening to the opportunities with fresh ship deployments and more appealing itineraries is an eye opener.

Not that the trials and tribulations of getting flights and travel insurance is putting our readers off the annual trek to Europe.

Our writer who made the journey herself to sail the newly refreshed Sun Princess in the Mediterranean found 550 happy Australians sailing with her. Many had decided to run the gauntlet of the government’s ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory. Faced with losing their cruises, their message was: “Life’s too short”.

We sympathise. Which is why Cruise & Travel supported the travel industry’s campaign to downgrade the warning so insurance would apply to those who had no choice but to fly with Middle Eastern airlines.

It’s no surprise to us that so many of our readers are in Europe.

Cruise passengers continue to demonstrate a resilience that sets them apart from almost every other sector of the travel industry.

A recent survey of just under 1000 readers conducted by our sister publication, cruisepassenger.com.au, revealed just how confident cruise travellers remain. More than half have already booked at least one cruise this year. Even more striking, another large group told us they are actively looking to book.

Cruise travellers understand something many are only beginning to rediscover: travel remains one of life’s greatest investments. It connects us with different cultures, broadens our understanding of the world and reminds us that curiosity is often the best antidote to uncertainty.

But our survey did reveal some fascinating changes in Australia’s intrepid travelling enthusiasts. For generations, Europe and the Mediterranean dominated the dream lists of Australian travellers. They still hold enormous appeal, of course.

But increasingly, cruise passengers are discovering that some of the world’s most exciting destinations are right on our doorstep.

Japan is now among the most sought-after places for Australian travellers. With the fall of the yen, this great cultural destination has become a bit of a bargain. And with abundant cruise and land experiences on offer, Japan is having a moment.

Wherever your next voyage takes you, we hope this edition provides inspiration, ideas and perhaps even the spark for your next great adventure. CT

CRUISE TRAVELLERS UNDERSTAND SOMETHING MANY ARE ONLY BEGINNING TO REDISCOVER: TRAVEL REMAINS ONE OF LIFE’S GREATEST INVESTMENTS.”

Hidden gem

Raja Ampat in Indonesia is on the radar of a growing number of cruise enthusiasts.

MY FAVOURITE FIVE

I keep returning to my five personal favourites – places that, for me, perfectly capture the magic of travel in our part of the world.

1. Tahiti

There are few places on earth that deliver such an immediate sense of wonder. Whether arriving by ship through the dramatic volcanic peaks of French Polynesia or watching the colours of a South Pacific sunset melt across the lagoon, Tahiti remains one of cruising’s most romantic destinations. The islands possess a rare combination of natural beauty and cultural warmth that stays with visitors long after they return home.

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2. Singapore

Then there is Singapore, a city that seems to reinvent itself every time I visit. Few destinations blend tradition and innovation quite so successfully. One moment you’re wandering through historic shophouses or vibrant hawker centres; the next, you’re gazing at futuristic architecture that feels decades ahead of its time. As a cruise gateway, Singapore has become one of the most exciting embarkation ports in the world.

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3.Malaysia

Malaysia is another destination that continues to surprise and delight.

From the extraordinary food culture of Penang to the modern energy of Kuala Lumpur and the natural beauty of Langkawi, Malaysia offers remarkable diversity within a relatively compact geography.

4.Indonesia

Indonesia may well be the region’s great emerging cruise story. Beyond Bali lies an immense archipelago of thousands of islands, many still largely untouched by mass tourism.

The Spice Islands, Komodo National Park and the spectacular waters of Raja Ampat are attracting a growing number of expedition and luxury cruise vessels. These journeys offer something increasingly rare in modern travel – genuine exploration.

5.Hong Kong

And then there is Hong Kong.

Despite the many changes the city has experienced over recent years, I still find it one of the world’s most exhilarating destinations.

The skyline remains among the most dramatic on earth, the food scene is extraordinary, and the blend of eastern and western influences creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Arriving by sea remains one of travel’s great experiences.

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Explore the Wonders of Asia

Exciting experiences and extraordinary adventures await as you explore Japan and Asia with Princess®. From the moment you step aboard, you’re transported into the heart of Japan — where every detail is a perfect blend of cultural discovery and elevated comfort at sea. Delight in captivating rakugo performances, unwind in tranquil Japanese‑style baths, try your hand at sushi‑making, and sip saké under a canopy of stars as anticipation builds for the journey ahead. Ashore, Japan reveals itself in breathtaking colour. Wander through timeworn temples, savour matcha in Kyoto’s historic teahouses, and stroll along sakura‑lined streets that feel like stepping into a dream. From neon‑lit cities to serene coastal towns, each destination offers a new chapter of Japan’s rich heritage and timeless beauty.

Beyond Japan, your voyage continues through some of Asia’s most captivating ports — from vibrant markets and ancient sites to dramatic coastlines and world‑class cities. Whether you choose a short escape or a journey of up to 35 days, Princess makes exploration effortless: unpack once, enjoy authentic experiences at your own pace, and return each evening to the comfort of your welcoming stateroom. With Princess, you can unpack once and seamlessly explore Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam discovering ancient traditions, lush forests, beautiful beaches and tranquil retreats as each new port reveals another side of Asia’s rich cultural tapestry.

BEST OCEAN CRUISE LINE OVERALL

BEST PASSENGER CRUISE LINE

BOOK NOW | Contact your Travel Agent | 1300 159 654 | princess.com

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Upfront | Inspiration for today’s sophisticated traveller |

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Ritz-Carlton in Asia

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Upfront

Luxury isn’t enough for the 0.01 per cent – now they want to be do-gooders on holidays too, helping underprivileged communities whilst staying in $4800-a-night hotels.

Susan d’Arcy finds out how the other half travel.

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recently travelled on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a new luxury sleeper train.

I was impressed with its exquisite design, Michelin-quality dining and especially the decadence of a cabin with a proper double bed. Given each couple was paying at least $28,000 for the two-night journey from Rome to Piedmont and back, I had expected over-thetop opulence on board. What surprised me, though, was that the Orient Express chiefs believed the key to the train’s success would be introducing its privileged passengers to humble, family-run businesses and local communities during the daily excursions. Lunch might be in a rustic trattoria where nonna’s dog snuffles around under the tables in search of scraps.

Welcome to the new age of luxury holidays.

These days, when industry experts describe the travel aspirations of the world’s wealthiest, they

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HOW THE

SUPER-RICH SPEND MILLIONS ON TRAVEL TO SAVE THE WORLD

could be reciting from the beauty pageant contestant’s handbook. It’s no longer enough for the one percenters to park their yachts in St Barts for Christmas – they are more interested in travelling the planet, helping underprivileged communities, doing conservation work and spending quality time with family. Bad news for the paparazzi and those amused by OTT events such as the Bezos-Sanchez Venice-takeover wedding – but for the rest of us, this newfound altruistic tourism is a merciful relief.

I spoke to the United Kingdom’s top superluxe travel advisers, who told me what their clients have been spending money on recently. / Conservation work and education projects Debra Fox, managing director of upmarket tour operator Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), explains: “We’re seeing a shift from material luxury to experiential luxury – people want something meaningful. Families are joining conservation teams for rhino-tracking in Kenya or contributing to education projects in Peru.”

These charitable acts don’t come cheap. The Kenya trip, staying at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a private 40,000-acre estate for a maximum of 50 guests spread across three boutique lodges, can cost as much as $169,000 for four for a week, excluding international flights. The Peruvian adventure costs at least $103,000 for four people, also without flights.

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Bellini Travel, who was an adviser on how the rich holiday for TV shows Succession and The White Lotus, has also noticed the change.

“One client is a passionate environmentalist so she spent a morning in the Venetian Lagoon with [the environmental scientist] Jane da Mosto,” she says, “then went to Umbria to spend a day with [the eco campaigner] Livia Firth and her twin brothers at their biomimic farming project, Quintosapore.”

FitzRoy chats to me from Assisi, where she is about to take some clients to the town’s little monastery at San Damiano to have lunch with the Franciscan friars. FitzRoy is too discreet to reveal prices, but she usually suggests a generous four-figure donation as a way of thanking them.

The well-off may want to help others, but they want to do it in style. A&K says two out of three of its private jet journeys for next year are already sold out. These trips take up to 48 passengers and include a 25-day conservationfocused wildlife safari, starting in Japan to spot snow monkeys and finishing with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, with stops to nod at Madagascar’s lemurs, Kenya’s big five and the whale sharks of the Philippines. If you have a spare $254,000 you can book one of the remaining seats. Meanwhile, Jennifer Farquhar from VistaJet, a private-jet platform, notes an increasing demand for family trips, with one in four flights now having a child on board. Recent trips that VistaJet has organised include a scientific expedition to Antarctica for four costing $348,000.

Commentators have spotted this migration from conspicuous to conscious consumption.

“THE WELL-OFF MAY WANT TO HELP OTHERS, BUT THEY WANT TO DO IT IN STYLE.”

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Big spenders

Clockwise from left: Suite Cabin on La Dolce Vita Orient Express; Rooftop Front Suite at Grand Hotel Tremezzo; uber-rich travellers want to support worthy wildlife projects; Orient Express.

Management consultancy Bain predicts the luxury goods sector will continue to shrink. This is not because the super-rich are tightening their belts due to the cost of living, but because they are abandoning designer labels for doing good instead. / The rise of high-price hotel rooms Elegant Resorts, which sells luxury holidays worldwide, has recorded a 50 per cent increase year on year in the number of bookings in Europe worth more than $131,000 and a 60 per cent increase in those costing $188,000-plus.

Many of these customers are multi-generational groups heading to resorts such as The RitzCarlton Tenerife, Abama, instantly recognisable for its terracotta Moorish-inspired architecture, or the Villa Sola Cabiati at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como in Italy, where Taylor Swift recently holidayed.

Luxury hotels are as expensive as they’ve ever been. Even the ‘cheapest’ bedrooms at top properties in London, like Claridge’s, The Dorchester, The Peninsula and Raffles London at The OWO, cost north of $1360 a night. Next year’s new openings, such as the Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch and Cambridge House in Mayfair, are expected to charge similar sums.

It’s worse in Europe. Virtuoso is a global network of luxury travel specialists whose

members reported eye-watering room rates at popular European resorts last summer.

Speaking on a Virtuoso Luxe Report panel, Kimberley Davey, director of Kimberley Anne Private Travel, remarked that top-tier resorts such as the Tuscan grande dame Hotel Il Pellicano, which is jet-set central in the high season, charges $8800 for an entry-level room. / Billionaires turn Indiana Jones If billionaires aren’t doing good, then they’re turning to adventure. Cookson Adventures’ bread-and-butter business is bespoke action trips with a minimum spend of $203,000 per booking, and they can run to as much as $13 million. A recent holiday for thrillseekers in Norway involved daredevil activities such as a tandem skydive and a night in a portaledge camp, where the guests’ tent was suspended from a sheer cliff hundreds of feet above the ground. They filmed themselves throughout for their own Netflix-style documentary as a memento.

Then there’s the rise of the health-conscious who want hyperpersonalised programs at medi-spas that offer state-of-the-art screening using hospital-grade equipment. Frances Geoghegan, founder of Healing Holidays, explains: “Guests’ personal doctors often liaise with the clinic’s experts to create an integrated care plan. Guests fly in by private jet. On site, every moment is orchestrated: bespoke menus, curated sleep environments, private access to the spa.” A week at Swiss medi-spa Clinique La Prairie can easily add up to $122,000. Likewise, a visit by private jet from London to SHA Mexico for its tailored longevity program could rack up a bill of $300,000.

Jules Maury, of Scott Dunn Private, an invitation-only club for the luxury tour operator’s VIP customers, says super-rich holidays are no longer a display of wealth.

Instead they are a statement of intelligence, discretion and thoughtfulness. “Conscious consumption is at the centre,” she says.

“Whether it’s supporting family-owned estates or travelling on vessels with strong environmental credentials, our guests want their journeys to contribute meaningfully.” CT 9

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