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CRUISE PLANNER 2026
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All your cruising questions answered in one magazine
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
Welcome
Peter Lynch, Publisher
Take to the water Ocean and river cruising is growing as more people of all ages discover its many wonders.
Why you should cruise in 2026
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elcome to our annual cruise planner, this year bigger and better than ever. Australians and New Zealanders can be particularly proud of the past 12 months. Not only have they retained their position among the top five cruise nations in the world, but they have also seen a strong recognition as a cruising destination. Our Cruise Passenger Readers’ Choice Awards was a case in point. We had more than 5000 votes from passionate cruisers. And our CruiseTV show was particularly memorable, with an appearance on board Discovery Princess, the largest and most youthful ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, from the line’s global President Gus Antorcha, who had flown in from Florida.
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What he said was significant. “Australia is one of our most important markets. We’re committed to continuing our investment here, bringing more ships, more experiences and more joy to cruising Australians.” Globally, cruising is stronger than ever. In 2024, 34.6 million people took an ocean cruise – that’s a 9.3 per cent increase on the previous record year and a testament to cruising’s broad appeal across generations and geographies. These aren’t just holiday figures. They are a reflection of a lifestyle choice, a shift in how people choose to explore the world and connect with others. Trade journal Travel Weekly reports that cruising continues to grow not by small increments but in leaps, establishing new benchmarks for the industry. Closer to home, Australians are embracing sea travel with equal enthusiasm. In 2024, 1.32 million Australians took to the seas on a cruise – up 5.9 per cent from 2023, bringing us tantalisingly close to the pre-pandemic high water mark. It’s a sign that cruisers are not just
returning, but returning with energy, curiosity and a zest for discovery. And let’s not forget our friends in Aotearoa: in 2023, 86,300 New Zealanders cruised, making their own significant contribution to the strength of the Australasian cruising market. But the story doesn’t end with headcounts. According to the Australian Cruise Association, cruising accounts for billions in economic output, with millions of dollars flowing into our ports, attractions and local communities. That means more jobs, more businesses thriving, and more reasons for destinations to welcome cruise visitors with open arms – from cities to tuckedaway treasures like Eden, on the NSW coast. More regional ports are set to get ships in the future. And this year will see our first luxury river cruiser on the Murray – a venture that is proving popular with those who don’t want their holiday to start with a long flight. So if 2025 was a year of record growth and celebration, why is there so much buzz about 2026? Because cruising is evolving – and so are cruisers. CP 1
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Contents
CRUISE PLANNER January 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 Art director Catherine Martin Sub-editor Joanna Tovia Commercial director Phil Mahony phil@bigsplashmedia.com.au Advertising sales manager Vida Folden vida@bigsplashmedia.com.au Contributors and writers Bernadette Chua, Teresa Ooi, Lucy Jones Subscriptions Phone 02 8227 6486 – Australia Phone +612 8227 6400 – International cruisepassenger.com.au/magazine Printed by IVE Cover: A Princess cruiser relaxing in the adults-only area, The Sanctuary.
cruisepassenger.com.au
Contents / 2026 4-26
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Your guide to finding the best cruise for you and what to expect – from food and accommodation to shore excursions and amenities.
Why an ocean-going cruise might be right for you, and three standout cruise lines sailing the big blue.
Your next cruise
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Cruise essentials 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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Expert and honest answers to the most frequently asked questions about going on a cruise holiday.
Ocean
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Luxury
Why not indulge in the finer things in life and see the world in style – discover the latest in luxury cruising on board and ashore.
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Adventure
Journey to distant shores and little-visited locales on board a ship designed for exploring in comfort.
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Rivers
Sail along storied rivers, with time to wander and enjoy every stop.
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Destinations
Where in the world will you go in 2026? There’s a cruise itinerary to take you there. Cruise Planner 2026
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Getting Started
8 REASONS to cruise
It’s one of the fastest-growing trends in the travel industry, and cruising is one of the best ways to see the world. Here’s why you should consider cruising for your next holiday.
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There is really something for everyone
The beauty of today’s cruise ships is that you could be travelling with someone who has completely different interests, but you will both still have a great time. Whether you want to go skydiving or enjoy a massage in the spa, there will be something that appeals. The larger the cruise ship, the more variety there is on board, and even premium cruise lines cater for children. Many cruise lines, like Princess and Royal Caribbean, offer a wide range of shore excursions – half your group can go horse riding on the beach while the others go on a culinary adventure through local towns and markets. Choose your own adventure. If your holiday is designed to be more about the destination, river cruising might be just your cup of tea. The ships are smaller and you’re likely to visit multiple ports in one day.
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You only have to unpack once
Forget about the excel spreadsheets and packing cubes. Plus, you won’t have to worry about those pesky aeroplane weight limits. Especially on longer holidays, you get to enjoy yourself rather than have to worry about packing, unpacking and packing again as you travel. Luxury lines will even have butlers to unpack your luggage for you. Regent Seven Seas, Scenic and Ritz-Carlton offer all-inclusive prices, which means you pay one fare for most specialty dining, drinks and shore excursions. Premium lines like Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises bundle Wi-Fi, drinks and some specialty dining options into generous packages.
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It’s an easy way to see the world
Cruising can give your passport a good workout. It’s easy to spend two weeks in one destination but cruising gives you a good snapshot of multiple places, especially in regions like Europe and South America. You can come home boasting that you’ve seen seven or eight countries in just a two-week period. Cruise lines these days offer fabulously immersive shore excursions where you can eat or tango with the locals. And remember, cruising can take you to some of the most remote destinations in the world, some of which are only accessible by ship. Ponant and Scenic Ocean take you deep into the heart of Antarctica to see the area’s incredible wildlife. Both lines have built ships designed to cut through thick ice. They have expedition leaders and scientists on board who will give you a great insight into The White Continent. Paul Gauguin has permanently based its ship in Tahiti, which means you can explore remote islands more in depth with experts and locals.
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It’s affordable
You can get some great deals if you pick a cruise holiday. The cost of flights, hotels, transfers, food and activities are at an all-time high. But the price of sailings has never been cheaper. Contemporary and premium cruise lines like Holland America Line, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Cunard often have great fares around Australia, South Pacific and New Zealand. It’s also never been a cheaper time to cruise in the Mediterranean in peak season. You can sail around these areas from around $100 per night, which will include your cabin, included dining as well as entertainment. Not bad value! Luxury lines also bundle everything – booze, food, entertainment and shore excursions. When you work out the cost, compared to staying in luxury hotels and flying around the world business class, it is great value. Cruise Planner 2026
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You can take the family
It’s a great time to cruise with the family – especially a multigenerational family. Modern cruise lines Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises have pioneered VIP areas designed for luxury cruisers who want to travel with their grandchildren and children. Cruise ships are designed for the family market. There are plenty of activities for the kids to keep themselves occupied, and there are great kids’ clubs that are generally included in the price. From six-month-old bubs to tweens and teens, cruising is a perfect and safe way to holiday. And if mum and dad want some peace and quiet, there are also babysitters on board to help take care of the kids. When the entire family wants to spend time together, there are go-kart tracks, slides, waterslides, VR gaming areas and more for everyone to enjoy.
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You can bring out your inner adventurer
The amazing thing about cruising is that it will take you to spectacular destinations and untouched areas. You can ride waves on Zodiacs and kayak among icebergs, but also participate in conservation research, listen to talks and workshops from the expedition team, and use the science and reference facilities on board the ships. Ponant, Scenic and Paul Gauguin offer great expeditions around the world. And each are led by a team of expedition leaders, many of which have worked in the field. Some of the amazing places Ponant, for instance visits, is the Kimberley. The line has a dedicated team to show guests ancient Indigenous rock formations as well as naturalists to study the wildlife in this gloriously untamed part of Australia.
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Seasickness? Don’t worry about that
If the open ocean might not be your cup of tea, river cruising is a great alternative to see cities in Europe, exotic regions in Asia and even the depths of South America. River lines like APT, Avalon Waterways, Scenic, Tauck, Travelmarvel, Uniworld and Viking offer fabulous itineraries through Europe, with some extremely unique shore excursions. You can watch private concerts in historic castles in Bavaria, meet vignerons along the Douro River in Portugal, or dine at Michelin-star restaurants. River cruise ships are smaller – they tend to only cater for up to 200 people. And while they might not have huge spas and gyms, water slides or huge public spaces, the focus is on the destination. Lines like AmaWaterways are exploring lesser-known regions like Colombia’s Magdalena River. And others explore the Nile to see some of Egypt’s lesser-known archaeological sites.
“The culinary journey is not just on land, it’s on the ship! Most cruise lines have restaurants that serve cuisines from around the world.”
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You can eat your way around the world
The culinary journey is not just on land, it’s on the ship! Most cruise lines have restaurants that serve cuisines from around the world. Cruise lines have made a concerted effort to source sustainable and local produce, not only supporting the local community, but also showcasing the real flavours of the destinations they visit. Lines like Oceania and Regent Seven Seas even have cooking schools on board their fleet. You’ll learn how to cook like the locals. They also have dedicated culinary shore excursions where you can meet with chefs and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants. CP
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Cruise Selection
Our guide to
CHOOSING YOUR CRUISE With so much choice, picking a cruise can seem daunting. Peter Lynch advises on the trends that will help you find the right one for you.
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ruising holidays are entering one of their most dynamic eras yet. New ships, new styles of travel and a rapidly changing manifest of passengers mean there are more reasons to give cruising a try than ever. More than a third of cruisers are now under 40. At the same time, luxury cruising, river voyages, adventure expeditions and long-stay ‘residential’ cruises are all soaring in popularity.
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So how do you choose the right cruise for you? Start by asking yourself a few questions. / How much time do you have? One of the biggest myths about cruising is that you need weeks off work. Not anymore. Short cruises of two to four nights are now firmly part of the market, especially from Australian ports. These ‘cruise weekends’ are ideal if you
want to try cruising for the first time, or if you are travelling with kids and have limited annual leave. Carnival and Royal Caribbean, in particular, have refined short cruises into high-energy, great-value breaks with plenty happening on board. Themed cruises are a great start: everything from tennis to the Melbourne Cup, or the Wiggles to Australian rock music. If you are looking for a longer holiday, how about a 69-night journey across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Africa with Regent Seven Seas, including overnight calls in Bali and Singapore? Sail to Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Seychelles and Madagascar before ending with more unforgettable overnight stays in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. / Budget-friendly or the suite life? Cruising now spans everything from fun, budget-friendly ships to ultra-luxury floating hotels. In Australia, Carnival presents amazingly cheap holidays, Royal Caribbean offers a resort on steroids, while Princess and Viking offer premium value. At the other end of the scale, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Silversea and Ponant all offer fully inclusive holidays and gorgeous ships. Regent’s top suites are huge, at more than 800 square metres. Top hotel brands are muscling in, launching yachts that take their Cruise Planner 2026
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luxury lifestyle to the water. Ritz-Carlton is one of the best, and now has three yachts taking between 124 and 140 passengers. Scenic takes luxury to the world’s most extreme destinations aboard its Discovery Yachts. / Don’t overlook river cruising River cruising is no longer just for seasoned travellers. In 2026, the river cruise market is expanding with new brands, casual onboard atmospheres and family-friendly cabin options. But what really makes river cruising stand out is the ability to travel through up to five countries, unpacking only once and enjoying included cultural shore excursions at every town and city. Cruise Passenger’s River Cruise Collective carried out a test which proved that a river cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest was up to $15,000 cheaper than a land tour and hotel stays. And on a river cruise, almost everything is included! Uniworld’s unique vessels, AmaWaterways’ global fleet, Avalon Waterways’ new ships and APT’s truly revolutionary new vessels designed for Australians really set river cruising apart. Trafalgar Tours’ entry into European river cruising is a game-changer, offering accessible pricing, interconnecting cabins and flexible spaces that transform from daytime lounges to evening entertainment. Celebrity Cruises is also set to enter the river market in 2027 — a clear sign this sector is going mainstream. / Come fly with us Australians and New Zealanders have long had a love affair with Europe and the Mediterranean. Next to local cruises, the Mediterranean was for many years our most popular cruise destination. Princess has new ships in the region, Ponant’s small luxury ships take you where the crowds cannot reach, and Regent stays longer, offering overnights in great cities like Rome. The UK and the Baltics are big for Viking.
Cruising your way
Clockwise, from above: Uniworld offers lavish suites; Regent’s luxury suites are grand in size; Norwegian Cruise Line ships are enticing for all ages.
Recently, Japan and Asia has come to the fore, with Singapore becoming a hub for short cruises, while Princess has a third of its fleet in the region, and Royal Caribbean is sailing from Southeast Asia. Flights can be included, and most lines now offer additional small group tour extensions so you can maximise your time overseas. / Adventure cruising isn’t just for explorers Expedition cruising has moved well beyond Antarctica. In 2026, adventure-style cruises include remote islands in Indonesia, where diving with whale sharks is just another excursion, and wildlife-rich regions like the Galápagos. There are also culturally immersive
shore excursions – Ponant specialises in these. And science labs bring cruising with purpose – Viking, Aurora and others offer an expedition team with expert knowledge. Younger travellers are particularly drawn to this sector, which blends comfort with activity. Think Zodiac landings by day, excellent dining by night. / Sustainability is important New cruisers are increasingly asking how their holiday is delivered – not just where it goes. Environmental technology, reduced emissions, responsible tourism and community engagement are now major decision factors. Cruise lines are investing heavily in sustainability, and progress is being tracked closely across the industry. If this matters to you, it’s worth asking how a line operates, not just what it offers on board. They all have sustainability policies online. What to watch out for? Community engagement is important. Ponant, for instance, asks indigenous people whether it is OK to bring passengers onto their land – even in the Arctic. If this is important to you, ask yourself: are local people benefiting from my visit? / Wellness is no longer optional In 2026, wellness is central to cruise design. Travellers are actively choosing ships based on gym quality rather than the size of their buffets. Spa facilities and healthy dining options, fitness and mindfulness programs are more prevalent. Scenic’s Discovery Yachts and river cruise Space-Ships, recently taking out the Cruise Passenger Readers’ Choice Award for Wellness, have a 550-square-metre Senses Spa, a Pilates and yoga studio, and experienced therapists. AmaWaterways has wellness hosts on board every vessel. Cruises are increasingly seen as restorative breaks, not just indulgent ones, appealing to travellers across all age groups.
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Cruise Selection
“Every traveller today is seeking moments, not just destinations – unique experiences that make memories and give their friends FOMO.”
/ All-inclusive value versus headline price Cruise holidays generally include meals, entertainment and activities. But new cruisers can be surprised by some onboard costs, like drinks packages, coffee packages, gratuities, Wi-Fi and shore excursions. It’s what makes choosing your cruise a tricky business. Cruise Passenger (cruisepassenger.com.au) has many guides on how to get the best value from your cruise price. What you need to know is: the cheapest fare isn’t always the best value. It’s why cruise lines that include a shore excursion, Wi-Fi, drinks with meals and gratuities are better value – think Viking, Travelmarvel and Emerald – and why luxury lines like Regent, Oceania, APT, Silversea, Scenic, AmaWaterways and Avalon are actually great value. Because you don’t need to spend an extra cent.
South Australia, as well as Sydney. Royal Caribbean has made Brisbane its home, and intends to open a private beach resort at Lelepa in Vanuatu. Celebrity has Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Solstice in Australia. Luxury lines Silversea, Ponant and Seabourn have vessels in Kimberley and elsewhere. And Oceania Riviera is in Australia for five months, bringing an extra dash of luxury to our cruise fleet. Of course, world cruise ships visit during our wave season, including Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Navigator.
/ Aussie, Aussie, Aussie (and NZ) Australia and New Zealand remain among the world’s top cruise regions, contributing A$7.32 billion to the Australian economy and supporting more than 22,000 jobs. And there is nothing like stepping straight onto your vessel from your own city, saving air fares and fuss. While there is ongoing discussion about red tape and port access, the region’s appeal ensures cruise lines continue to invest, bringing more ships, itineraries and choice for local travellers. Our year-round foursome of Carnival vessels offer value and continue to be popular. The good news is that lines sailing here are bringing in newer, better ships. Princess’s fleet will soon include vessels in Fremantle and
/ Residential cruising is a thing Cruising isn’t just a holiday anymore – for some, it’s a lifestyle. Extended voyages and residential cruising are attracting retirees, remote workers and experience-focused travellers. Living on board for weeks or months offers flexibility, community and a slower way to see the world. It can also be cheaper than staying on land or in a retirement village. The World was, for many years, the only full-service residential cruise ship, attracting the likes of philanthropist Ros Packer, who owned two apartments on the luxury vessel that sailed around the world, stopping en route at places guests picked. Now, there are other lines – and new ones in the offing.
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Taste sensations
Onboard dining has evolved, with international cuisine and a variety of restaurants now the norm.
/ Experiences now sell cruises Every traveller today is seeking moments, not just destinations – unique experiences that make memories and give their friends FOMO. Expect more exclusive cultural events, private concerts, after-hours site access and destination-led storytelling. Lines like Azamara, Scenic, Regent, Ponant and Princess are leading the way in providing unique experiences that introduce local culture to guests in a unique and exclusive way. What do we mean? How about the Beyond Ordinary Collection tour offered by Windstar, which involves a private helicopter flight over the Masada fortress, the Syrian-African Rift, the Dead Sea and the Qumran Caves before reaching Jerusalem? Upon landing, a private tour of the sacred sites of Jerusalem is provided, complete with a lavish lunch. Or how about Gourmet Dining at the Summit of Germany’s Highest Mountain? Tauck guests opting for this experience get to take a cogwheel train up the Zugspitze. At nearly 10,000 feet, they enjoy an authentic alpine lunch surrounded by stunning vistas that span four countries (Germany, Italy, Austria and Switzerland). / Try cruising and a tour Many cruise lines, especially luxury and river lines like Viking, Azamara, Silversea, Seabourn, Uniworld, Scenic, Holland America and Emerald, offer pre- and post-cruise extensions (land packages, hotel stays, tours) to explore destinations further before or after your cruise, with river lines specialising in adding cities like Paris or Prague, while ocean lines often focus on deeper land excursions like Alaska or UNESCO sites. These packages bundle hotels, transfers and guided tours with your cruise, and allow access to iconic spots (like Denali in Alaska or European cities) not possible on single-day excursions. Do compare costs, as independent booking might sometimes be cheaper, but extensions offer convenience. Cruising in 2026 is no longer one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re 30 or 70, time-poor or timerich, budget-conscious or luxury-focused, there’s now a cruise style designed around how you want to travel. The key is knowing what matters most to you: time, comfort, experience, value or adventure. Now sit back and enjoy the experience. CP Cruise Planner 2026
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Experience Europe’s rivers in a way only Tauck makes possible
Named in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards” list of top River Cruise Lines for 16 consecutive years, Tauck delivers a river cruise experience that goes far beyond the expected. Each journey is fully inclusive and designed to connect travelers with the true heart of Europe through privileged access, intimate group exploration, and cultural moments available only to Tauck guests. Travelers step off their riverboat and into living history with expert local guides who share deep personal insight. They enjoy private evenings inside palaces, châteaux, and moated castles reserved solely for Tauck guests. They meet artisans, vintners, and chefs who open their workshops, kitchens, and cellars in ways that bring each destination to life. Throughout the journey, iconic cities and timeless river landscapes unfold without lines, without crowds, and without worry. Every day brings a deeper sense of connection. Every moment is cared for with warmth, expertise, and thoughtful service. Tauck creates river cruising as it should be: personal, immersive, and beautifully elevated.
For more information, contact your travel advisor.
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