Cruise & Travel Edition 99

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Contents

Cruise

Travel

September 2025 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 Sub-editor Claire Waddell Art director Catherine Martin Commercial director Phil Mahony phil@bigsplashmedia.com.au

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Advertising sales manager Vida Folden vida@bigsplashmedia.com.au Contributors and writers Jane Archer, Sue Bryant, Bernadette Chua, Lee Cobaj, Laura Jackson, Teresa Ooi, Chris Singh, Tiana Temple, Sue Wallace, Jeannine Williamson, Rebecca Wong Subscriptions Phone 02 8227 6486 – Australia Phone +612 8227 6400 – International cruisepassenger.com.au Cover: Lofoten Islands, Norway.

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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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Contents

OCEANS

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Upfront All the trends, news and talking points in the world of cruise and travel. We ponder the big questions, from why the AustralianNZ cruise industry is suffering to the raging debate about cruise ship dress codes.

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REVIEWS

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The lure of Allura

Set sail on Oceania Allura in the Adriatic and Aegean.

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Safari at sea

An unusual journey along Africa’s west coast with Crystal Cruises.

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A whole lot of love

Our experienced cruise journalist checks out how Carnival Encounter holds up against its critics.

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2/9/2025 9:42 am

RIVERS

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The latest river itineraries are heading to exotic locales.

A bonding trip for old friends through six cities on the Danube with Viking.

New loves, old flames REVIEW

Girlfriends afloat

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A mighty pair

The magic of India

A land-cruise tour with Uniworld and Oberoi Hotels.

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APT launches its second luxury vessel, Ostara, in less than three months.

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The tech and innovations revolutionising air travel throughout Asia.

Last word

Mourning the loss of expert travel shows in favour of celebs’ adventures.

FLY CRUISE SPECIAL SECTION

Cruise & Travel brings you our special round-up of the best in fly cruise, from destinations to ports and cruise extensions, and what the cruise lines are offering.

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Europe

History, fine food and wine + 48 hours in Rome.

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Travel

SPECIAL REPORT: New Europe: how to holiday on our favourite continent

SPECIAL REPORT FRENCH POLYNESIA

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Luxury to a T

Top: Enjoy stunning views from the spacious and elegantly designed Ba Bottom: Unwind in the Salon Lounge, a hub of onboard activities.

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Welcome

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Friendliest ports

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t’s not every day a cruise ship arrival feels like the homecoming of a beloved family member – but that’s exactly what happened in Port Vila, Vanuatu, earlier this year. After a 2024 earthquake rendered the port unusable for months, the island’s tourism lifeline was strangled. The markets fell quiet. Guides and taxi drivers found themselves with little work. The colourful bustle of the waterfront.

But in July 2025, Carnival Adventure finally returned, its decks lined with excited passengers. What they saw at the dockside was nothing short of extraordinary. There were so many tourist guides gathered at the gates that police had to limit access to keep the entrance clear. Local TV live-streamed the ship’s approach as the crowd swelled – schoolchildren in crisp uniforms waving handmade signs, kastom dancers stamping out rhythms in grass skirts, and choirs filling the air with harmonies.

Elderly women pressed flowers into passengers’ hands. Young men in painted headdresses beat drums in time with the ship’s horn. It was a celebration not just of tourism’s return, but of connection – a reminder that visitors are still seen as guests not intruders here. For the passengers, the welcome was almost overwhelming. Many stopped to hug their greeters or take selfies with the dancers. For the people of Port Vila, this was more than ceremony – it was survival.

In an era when cruise passengers can feel unwelcome, Vanuatu shines as a reminder that tourism, done right, is a partnership. It’s an exchange of smiles and stories, not just money. And sometimes, all it takes to turn a visitor into an advocate is the simple, human act of making them feel at home.

Contrast this with parts of Europe, where the relationship between cruise ships and locals has become… complicated.

In Amsterdam, official signs bluntly tell cruise guests they’re not welcome – the city council even voted to ban large ships from the city centre to combat “overtourism”, and now they are turning their attention to river ships. In Venice, mega-ships have been exiled to distant ports. In some Mediterranean hotspots, cruise tourists are charged extra for attractions and services, as if guilty until proven innocent.

At Cruise & Travel, we’ve created the Cruise Friendliness Index – a way of ensuring there’s a warm welcome as your vessel arrives at the dockside, and that you are treated like an old friend: not because locals are naive about tourism, but because they know it keeps their economies afloat, creates jobs and sustains small businesses.

/ Our Rating Method

For our Cruise Friendliness Index, we looked at five factors that together reveal how warmly a destination embraces its seaborne visitors. Each port is scored out of five in the following categories: Local welcome: Do locals greet ships? Are there volunteer ambassadors, cultural performances or community events?

Ease of arrival: Is it simple to get from ship to sights without feeling rushed, lost or gouged?

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World beating

Port Vila extends a rapturous welcome to Carnival Adventure.

Economic connection: Do passengers’ dollars clearly benefit small businesses, artisans, guides and taxi drivers.

Value for money: Are prices fair, with no “tourist tax”?

Overtourism pressure: Does the port manage cruise arrivals well, without overwhelming streets and attractions?

/ The Score Key

★★★★★ Outstanding: heartfelt welcome, smooth experience

and clear benefits to locals.

★★★★ Very good: friendly and efficient; just a few rough edges. ★★★ Average: pleasant, but not overly memorable or welcoming. ★★ Strained: signs of cruise fatigue/poor visitor management. ★ Unfriendly: visitors openly discouraged or unwelcome. CT

Peter Lynch, Editor-in-chief and publisher Cruise &Travel

1/9/2025 7:01 pm

HERE ARE OUR TOP DESTINATIONS FOR A WARM WELCOME

We would welcome your nominations at cruisepassenger.com.au

Cruise &Travel

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Port Vila, Vanuatu ★★★★★

As we’ve seen, this South Pacific gem wears its heart on its sleeve. Every arrival is a celebration, and your visit directly supports artisans, farmers and guides.

Napier, New Zealand ★★★★

Known for its Art Deco streets and sunny disposition, Napier’s waterfront comes alive when ships arrive. Volunteer ambassadors greet passengers, vintage cars line the pier, and the local brass band often strikes up a tune.

Eden, Australia ★★★★★

Cruise passengers here are a big help to small businesses, so locals still greet visitors with genuine friendliness, and ambassadors hand out a free guide.

St. George’s, Grenada ★★★★

This Caribbean harbour town bursts with spice markets, bright fishing boats and friendly faces.

Guides are plentiful, the beaches stunning, and visitors are embraced as part of the island’s lifeblood.

Komodo Island, Indonesia ★★★★

Arriving here feels a privilege. Guides, boat operators and artisans welcome visitors warmly, knowing the ships help preserve their livelihoods – and in turn, guests help fund conservation of the island’s famous dragons.

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Regent Voyage Collection

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Upfront

FLY ME TO MY CRUISE…

Australians are starting their cruise holidays at the airport in ever-increasing numbers. Peter Lynch explains why.

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ustralian cruisers are taking to the skies in record numbers. According to the latest data from Cruise Critic, searches for international sailings have surged, with Australians increasingly looking to Europe, North America and Asia for their next cruise adventure. Mediterranean searches are up 25 per cent, interest in the British Isles and Western Europe has skyrocketed by 270 per cent, while demand for transpacific voyages has soared a remarkable 229 per cent. Even once “niche” itineraries such as Greece, Canada & New England, and Hawaii are doubling in popularity.

It’s a trend being noticed across the industry: Australians are not just cruising more, they’re flying further to do it.

Australia is the world’s fourth-largest cruise source market, a remarkable figure for a country with such a relatively small population. In 2024 alone, 1.32 million Australians took a cruise, representing a nearly 6 per cent rise on the previous year.

However, while local itineraries – Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific – still account for the bulk of cruises taken, the real growth story lies offshore. Fly-cruise passengers jumped 29 per cent in just one year, meaning almost a quarter of Australian cruisers are now combining air travel with their voyage.

So, what’s driving this boom?

/ Declining local options

One major factor is the shrinking supply of local cruises. The retirement of P&O Australia, Disney’s withdrawal after the 2025/26 season, and reduced South Pacific deployments have all squeezed options closer to home. Projections show that Australia faces a 35 per cent reduction in cruise capacity by 2026/27, with six fewer homeported ships in the region compared to pre-pandemic days.

Cruise lines have been vocal about the challenges of operating here. Rising port charges, strict biofouling regulations and higher operating costs make Australia and New Zealand some of the most expensive regions 10

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in the world to deploy ships. For travellers, that means fewer choices and often higher prices.

The result? Australians, known for their love of cruising, are looking abroad.

/ The allure of global destinations

While supply pressures play their part, the real story is demand. Australians have always been adventurous travellers, and international fly-cruise itineraries now tick all the boxes: value, variety and immersive experiences.

Europe leads the way: The Mediterranean remains the dream cruise destination, but what’s surprising is the growth in niche itineraries. Interest in the British Isles (+270 per cent) and Greece (doubled) shows Australians are looking beyond the traditional Med hotspots.

North America rising: Alaska cruises are up 30 per cent, while Hawaii and Canada & New England have both doubled. These regions combine iconic natural scenery with worldclass cruising infrastructure.

Transoceanic adventures: Repositioning voyages such as transpacific and transatlantic sailings are booming, up 229 per cent and 142 per cent respectively. These itineraries offer a way to turn one holiday into two, linking continents by sea.

As one Cruise Critic analyst says: “Australians aren’t abandoning cruising – they’re upgrading the experience.”

/ The value equation

One of the surprising insights from recent data is that international cruises can actually be cheaper than local voyages. Flying to Singapore, for example, can save passengers up to 50 per cent compared to sailing from Sydney, even when airfares are factored in.

And with the Australian dollar under pressure, bundled packages that include flights, hotels, transfers and cruises are proving attractive. Cruise Critic reports a 38 per cent increase in clicks on bundled international packages, showing that travellers want

simplicity and value rolled into one. For many, this makes a fly-cruise not just a more adventurous choice – but an economical one.

Of course, fly-cruising depends on the flying.

Here too, Australians have seen a dramatic improvement. International air capacity has now reached 101 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. Major carriers including Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines are expanding routes, making it easier and cheaper to connect with global cruise hubs. Perth, for example, is already at 121 per cent of prepandemic international capacity, with Melbourne and Brisbane also growing rapidly.

This aviation recovery removes one of the biggest barriers to fly-cruising: accessibility.

More flights, better prices and expanded routes mean more Australians can choose an overseas cruise departure point without worrying about exhausting long-haul connections.

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/ Who’s cruising?

The average age of Australian cruisers is dropping – from 50.4 in 2019 to 48.4 in 2024 –with younger travellers preferring short-haul escapes and older passengers opting for longer fly-cruise adventures.

Spending habits also reflect a willingness to splurge on big trips. One in four Australians say they’re prepared to spend up to $10,000 per person, while some go as high as $20,000 for premium Europe or Alaska itineraries.

Meanwhile, the rise of river cruising highlights a growing appetite for cultural experiences. Bookings for Mekong cruises are up 83 per cent for 2025, while European favourites the Danube and Rhine remain strong.

The industry has taken note. Princess Cruises, for instance, is repositioning ships to Singapore and Japan, for its most ambitious Asia program yet. This makes sense for Cruise&Travel

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“AUSTRALIANS AREN’T ABANDONING CRUISING – THEY’RE UPGRADING THE EXPERIENCE.” Australians: Asia is closer than Europe or the Americas, culturally rich, and increasingly well-served by direct flights. A cruise out of Tokyo or Singapore allows travellers to enjoy an exotic holiday with far less travel fatigue.

Luxury and expedition cruising is also on the rise, with 41 per cent of Australians expressing interest in more premium offerings. That includes boutique river ships, Arctic expeditions and immersive themed voyages.

The numbers don’t lie: Australians are fly-cruising like never before. What began as a

response to fewer local options has quickly become a broader shift in travel behaviour.

Today’s cruisers want more than convenience – they want adventure, value and memorable experiences that go beyond home waters.

Europe is booming, North America is rebounding and Asia is poised to become the next big fly-cruise hub for Australians. Add in repositioning voyages, river cruising and premium expedition trips, and the choices have never been more diverse.

For the cruise industry, the message is clear: Australians remain some of the world’s most enthusiastic cruisers, but they’re demanding more complex, bundled and value-driven itineraries. Meeting them with inclusions and expert support will be the difference between winning or losing this evolving market.

Australians aren’t just cruising – they’re flying higher than ever. CT 11

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Upfront has officially launched sales for / To the Kimberley P onant its 2027 Kimberley season with 14

departures between May and August 2027.

The sailings will be offered on the company’s Le Jacques-Cartier and Le Soléal. Sailing between Broome and Darwin, the itineraries are designed for travellers who seek enriching encounters with nature, wildlife

and Indigenous culture. Each expedition includes daily expert-led shore excursions and onboard lectures hosted by industryleading scientists, naturalists or historians.

To celebrate the launch, Ponant is offering up to 30 per cent off the brochure fare as well as a free solo supplement available on five select departures.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection SHOP till •has partnered with Starboard Luxury you drop to bring dedicated Cartier, IWC

FEAST for the SENSES

• Qatar Airways has partnered with award-winning Australian chef Ross Lusted to launch new First and Business Class menus. Lusted, who is known for his culinary success at Sydney’s Woodcut and Melbourne’s Marmelo, has created a seasonal modern Australian menu. The new inflight dining experience is available on flights from Australia to Doha, and on Virgin Australia codeshare flights with Qatar. The First Class menu starts with Fraser Island spanner crab cakes with warragal greens; followed by Black Angus beef tenderloin with green beans; and finishes with “Textures of Chocolate”, a dessert of crispy rice with dark chocolate sauce. In Business Class, passengers start with a seared cured fish plate, followed by a main dish of lamb osso-buco style.

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Schaffhausen and Piaget boutiques on board Luminara. IWC will offer watch models making their at-sea debut, while Piaget will showcase exclusive jewellery and timepieces. Guests can enjoy private viewings and in-suite appointments, while personal shopping sessions with a brand ambassador can also be arranged. The yacht’s boutique will sell a Starboard curated range of accessories, including rare vintage Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags, originally created as bespoke pieces for private collectors, alongside Stella McCartney designs. Luminara embarked on its maiden voyage in July and is now cruising the Mediterranean, before its Asia-Pacific and Alaska journeys in 2026.

Cruise &Travel

1/9/2025 5:28 pm

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*Scenic Earlybird Savings from $3,500pp* is off the full fare and is based on cruise departure and suite. Prices are correct as of 18/08/25 based on voyage 171F040326.2 in category CA (Deluxe Verandah Suite). All prices listed are in AUD, per person, twin share and include taxes and charges and offers are strictly limited, not combinable with other offers and subject to availability until sold out. Single Supplement price on application. ±Save up to 50% off the suite upgrade on category CA or BA on voyages 171F040326.2. Offer ends 31 August 2025 or until sold out. ^Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, tide and ice conditions. The Submersible is not operational in New Zealand. +All drinks on board are included except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. #Spa treatments at an additional cost. Itinerary and experiences is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. For the full set of terms and conditions visit scenic.com.au/terms-conditions. ABN 85 002 715 602.

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Upfront

AUSSIES A newly built prestige ship is already breaking all the records, writes Peter Lynch.

love LUXE

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ustralians have joined the worldwide rush to book Seven Seas Prestige, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ new ship which has the world’s largest suite.

Scheduled for its inaugural sailing in December 2026, the ultra-luxe vessel is an all-balcony, all-suite ship that boasts some of the most luxurious areas at sea.

Lisa Pile, Vice President, Sales & General Manager, APAC, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, tells Cruise & Travel: “Even with over a year to go before her inaugural sailing, Seven Seas Prestige is already generating significant excitement.

“The ship’s debut has garnered enthusiastic support from travel advisors, widespread media coverage and strong industry buzz – all of which reinforce its status as a new benchmark in luxury cruising.”

The launch of the new ship broke the previous record for bookings on a launch day by 26 per cent. Even the Skyview Regent Suite, which starts from $40,000 a night, sold out on six of the 13 voyages. At time of print, the top-tier suite has been booked on all but one of the available itineraries.

The unprecedented bookings were a record – the best performance of a top-tier product that the cruise line has ever seen on the launch

“Even the Skyview Regent Suite, which starts from $40,000 a night, sold out on six of the 13 voyages.” day of a new ship. Pile attributes the demand for Seven Seas Prestige primarily to the cruise line’s dedicated and firmly established customer base.

“Regent Seven Seas Cruises has cultivated one of the most loyal ultra-luxury customer bases in the industry, a testament to the brand’s consistent delivery of an unrivalled cruising experience,” she says.

“Our repeat guests, who make up over 50 per cent of our clientele, trust Regent to exceed their expectations every time they sail.”

Advance viewing

From top (artist’s impressions only): Seven Seas Prestige; the Skyview Regent Suite’s dining area; Venue, a Mediterranean eatery.

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The two-bedroom Skyview Regent Suite on Seven Seas Prestige is presented as a premier option and described as “The Most Exclusive Address at Sea”. It spans 817 square metres and includes features such as ocean views, a private spa bath, an in-suite elevator, a fully equipped gym, a formal dining area and a glass-enclosed bar.

Guests in the Skyview Regent Suite are provided with private access to The Study, a dining room for up to 12 guests and a personal driver in every port of call.

According to Pile, interest from Australia’s high-net-worth individuals is running hot.

“Australian travellers are increasingly opting for extended European cruise holidays, typically ranging from 14 to 21 nights – or even combining back-to-back sailings – to maximise the value of long-haul travel to far-flung destinations,” she says.

“In addition to the length of voyages, there’s growing interest in cruising outside the peak summer seasons, with many Australians choosing to sail during April-May and September-October with the benefits of fewer crowds, cooler climates and good value for money when considering airfare and pre- or post-cruise land-based packages.” CT Cruise &Travel

1/9/2025 10:46 am

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*2026 Europe River Cruising Terms and Conditions: Super Earlybird Offers are subject to the Terms and Conditions found at scenic.com.au/terms-conditions and are based on per person, twin share in AUD. Valid for new bookings until sold out & subject to availability. Full payment is due 10 months prior to travel or within 30 days if booking within 10 months. Once sold out or if full payment is not received the standard offer will apply. Flight Offers: Flight offers are based on brochured journey dates & routing, airline & specific booking class of Scenic’s choosing & must be booked by Scenic. Any deviations to brochured journey dates or route may incur a surcharge. Economy Flights Included ‘up to’ the maximum value of $2,900 per person on selected Europe river cruises of 11 days or longer. If required airfare is higher than $2,900pp surcharges will apply. Business Class Flight Credit up to $4,500 per person applicable to Sapphire and Diamond decks on selected Europe River Cruises of 11 days or longer in Feb, Mar, July, Aug, Oct & Nov, or up to $3,500pp on selected dates in April, May, June & Sept and must be used towards flights to Europe. A $3,500 per person flight credit is available for guests booking on the Diamond and Sapphire decks on selected Portugal sailings of 11 days. Business Class Flight Credit is not combinable with Super Earlybird Savings offer. The offer excludes the Single Balcony Suite (Category BS). A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 per person is due within 7 days of booking (Art.3.3. of the Conditions). Prices based on STC230226.2W in Cat E suites. +All beverages on board are included except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Prices correct as of 20/08/2025. ABN 85 002 715 602

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Collaboration

TAKE COVER

near Australian shores!). Your policy Never leave port without sailing should include medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation, especially if you’re fly-cruise insurance. cruising in remote destinations or areas with

A

ustralians’ love affair with cruising is stronger than ever, with 1.32 million of us setting sail in 2024 alone. It’s easy to get swept up in dreams of crystal-clear waters, fine dining and unforgettable excursions. But before you pack your suitcase and passport, one critical item should top your checklist: purchasing the right travel insurance.

Delayed flights, missed connections, missed ports, lost luggage, itinerary changes, or even an unexpected illness can disrupt your dream getaway. 1Cover offers some key travel insurance advice to ensure smooth sailing.

/ Unique risks

limited healthcare. Ensure your policy covers pre-existing medical conditions, if applicable, and doesn’t exclude common cruise activities such as snorkelling, kayaking or guided hikes.

/ Cancellation and amendments protection

One of the most valuable aspects of insurance is trip cancellation and curtailment coverage. If you’re forced to cancel before departure or need to cut your trip short due to illness, a family emergency, or another covered reason, you’ll

‘Fly high, sail far… but don’t forget the safety net!’

Unlike a traditional cruise departing from your hometown, a fly-cruise involves multiple moving parts. A delayed or cancelled flight could cause you to miss your cruise embarkation. Look for a policy that includes missed departure cover, which offers reimbursement for reasonable costs to catch up with your ship at the next port.

Cruise insurance should also offer disruption of journey cover, which can be invaluable if you need to cut your trip short due to illness, injury or a family emergency.

want to recover the non-refundable costs of your flights, cruise, excursions and any onshore accommodation.

Since cruise itineraries can change due to weather or port issues, missed port benefit can compensate you for ports missed or reimburse you for missed prepaid tours. This can be hugely beneficial if you’ve spent a considerable amount on non-refundable tours and excursions.

/ Sea and shore health coverage

/ Luggage and personal effects

Medical care on board a ship is expensive and usually not covered by Medicare (even when 16

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Airports are notorious for misplaced baggage, and the last thing you’ll want when boarding

your cruise is to find yourself without your belongings. Look out for cruise policies with luggage delay and lost/stolen baggage cover, with adequate limits so you can grab some everyday cruise necessities. 1Cover also allows you to add high-value items, if you’re seeking higher limits for your more expensive belongings.

/ Buy early and compare

While it’s often a last-minute purchase, buying cover as soon as you book your trip maximises your coverage window and protects you from unforeseen events before departure. For instance, if you fall ill and can’t travel a month before departure, your policy can cover prepaid deposits and trip costs.

A little research can make all the difference when comparing travel insurance policies.

Don’t base your decision on price alone. Focus on coverage limits, exclusions and customer reviews. Look for providers that offer cruisespecific packages to ensure you’re covered both on and off board.

With the right plan in place, you can relax in the knowledge that you are protected every step and every nautical mile of the journey.

/ A final word from 1Cover

Fly high, sail far...but don’t forget the safety net!

Delays, lost bags or missed ports can sink your plans. Pack 1Cover Travel insurance for your next cruise – it’s the one thing you need when one thing goes wrong. Bon voyage – and safe sailing! CT For more information, visit 1Cover.com.au.

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Rough Cruise?

The One Thing You Need.

If you’re too ill to leave your cabin, or miss a port due to storms, you’ll be wishing you had Cruise Cover with 1Cover Travel Insurance. So before you head to sea, head to 1Cover.com.au. It’s the One thing you need when One thing goes wrong.

Visit www.1Cover.com.au for full terms and conditions and to read the Product Disclosure Statement. 1Cover Pty Ltd ABN 91 105 954 265, is a corporate authorised representative 269304 of CoffreFort Pty Limited ABN 66 125 358 518, AFS Licence No. 472457. This information is general advice and you should consider if this travel insurance is suitable for you before you buy it. This travel insurance is underwritten by HDI Global Specialty SE - Australia.

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Upfront

/ Green trains

L

a Dolce Vita Orient Express will debut two golf-themed itineraries across Italy this year.

These journeys have been designed to promote the country as a premier golf destination following the 2025 Italian Open. Each of the journeys will be accompanied by a professional golfer. The three-night Northern Greens itinerary will begin in October at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club – host of the 2023 Ryder Cup – just outside Rome, following a welcome reception at the La Dolce Vita Lounge in the city’s Ostiense Station. The train will subsequently tour locations including Franciacorta Golf Club, Royal Park I Roveri, Antognolla Golf Club and Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa & Golf Resort.

The second three-night journey, Italian Swing, will take place in November, with stops in central and southern Italy, including San Domenico Golf Club in Puglia, The Club at Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany, and Grosseto’s Argentario Golf Club – Italy’s only PGA-licensed facility.

VIKING’S new Vesta

• Viking has taken delivery of its new ocean ship, Viking Vesta, at a ceremony held at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy. Viking Vesta, which can accommodate 998 guests in 449 allverandah suites, will spend her inaugural season sailing the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. A variety of iconic itineraries are available from Barcelona to Rome as well as Venice to Istanbul. Viking Libra, the world’s hydrogen-powered cruise ship and capable of operating with zero emissions, will join Viking’s fleet in late 2026, and a second hydrogenpowered ship, Viking Astrea, is currently under construction, scheduled for a 2027 launch. Viking is expected to take delivery of 27 river ships by 2028 and 10 ocean ships by 2031.

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• Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has opened its first property in Japan, in the heart of the Shibaura district. The hotel’s relaxation pool and sundeck are perfect spots for unwinding throughout the day, followed by sunset

Tokyo LUXE

cocktails with stunning views of Tokyo Tower. The terrace features an observation deck with a lounge and fireplace overlooking Tokyo Bay. There are five restaurants and two bars, including a brasserie serving wood-fired pizzas, meats and seafood; a lobby

lounge which melds French and Japanese cafe culture; and artfully designed spaces serving Japanese cuisine, such as sushi and teppanyaki.

The Fairmont Tokyo has 217 rooms ranging from 52-278 square metres, situated on the 36th to 42nd floors.

DOUBLE the fun

• The expansion of Oceania Cruises heralds a new dawn for the line as it takes on the luxury market with more boutique-sized ships. Its latest vessel, Oceania Allura, was delivered earlier this year, along with the announcement of two more ships in addition to the two new Sonata-class vessels announced in April. This comes as the cruise line moves from the upper premium category into the luxury sector, while Regent Seven Seas Cruises has been elevated to ultra-luxury. The first Sonata-class ship, Oceania Sonata, will launch in 2027. The vessel will be larger than the Allura-class ships, with increased capacity for 1390 guests.

/ Pole to Pole

S

eabourn has unveiled its first-ever expedition Grand Voyage – the 94-Day Grand Expedition: Pole To Pole – on Seabourn Venture in 2027.

The expedition cruise starts from the High Arctic and sails to Antarctica and includes five days in Antarctica, three in South Georgia and three in the Falkland Islands, as well as six days in the Northwest Passage and a new three-day experience to the rarely visited Ellesmere Island in

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the Arctic Archipelago. Seabourn is offering benefits such as Shipboard Credit of up to $10,000 per suite, round-trip business class airfares, a submarine dive in one of the ship’s custom-built submarines and two kayak tours. The voyage starts on 17 August 2027 with an overnight stay in Reykjavik, Iceland, followed by a charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, where guests will embark the ship. Additional highlights include crossings of the equator, Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.

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Collaboration

EXPAND your HORIZONS

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

You’ve done the iconic European ports. Or have you?

Norwegian Cruise Line takes you to these dynamic destinations, offering new ways to explore the continent’s cultural riches, writes Chris Singh.

N

orwegian Cruise Line’s 2026/27 European itineraries are all about “more”. More port time to wander cobblestone streets and discover Old Town secrets; more overnight stays for immersive experiences; more relaxation in supreme comfort at sea.

With new sailings across the Mediterranean, Greek Isles and Northern Europe on its fleet of both smaller intimate ships and the revolutionary Prima Class vessels, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is rethinking European travel as deeper and more immersive.

stay in Istanbul and a choice of 22 diverse shore excursions, from a highlights tour that takes in the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia to visits to the city’s old neighbourhoods. With sailings in both 2026 and 2027, it’s time to flirt through the islands like never before.

/ 9-DAY CRUISE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN

Departing Barcelona in the late afternoon, Norwegian Viva’s 9-day Mediterranean sailing celebrates local life – lively cafes, charming people and authentic European adventure.

/ 10-DAY CRUISE TO THE GREEK ISLES

Departing from romantic Venice (Ravenna), this 10-day Greek Isles sojourn on Norwegian Viva, visits nine diverse ports, trading bustling narrow canals for Dubrovnik’s distinctive old town. With 31 shore excursions available and a late departure from Dubrovnik, there’s no cobblestone or defensive wall left unexplored.

NCL’s smart, locally focused excursions honour passengers who know exactly what they want. Revisit classics such as Athens’ Parthenon while experiencing authentic country life, mingling with locals in small villages and exploring ancient ruins across Kotor, Santorini, Rhodes, Kusadasi and Thessaloniki.

The journey culminates with an overnight 20

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Picture perfect

Clockwise, from top left: The magnificent Duomo, Florence; relax and recharge at NCL’s Mandara Spa; Norwegian Prima in Alesund, Norway; Norwegian Viva in Santorini, Greece.

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The region’s deep humanity shines between iconic experiences like under-the-Tuscan-sun Florence visits to see Piazza del Duomo and serpentine drives through Corfu.

Discover more of Nice at the medieval Èze village, uncovering its layers of history, or soaking in Monaco’s riches from Monte Carlo Casino to Monaco Cathedral. In Italy, taste Messina’s flavours and dive deep into the culture with exclusive experiences such as private piano concerts in Tuscany’s Volterra.

Sail through the Adriatic to Kotor, witnessing the high drama of Europe’s most beautifully preserved fortified city, before cruising to Split to experience the town’s cinematic magic.

With a new port every day of your incredible journey plus an array of 2026 and 2027 departures, there’s never been a better time to cruise the Mediterranean.

/ 9-DAY CRUISE TO THE GREEK ISLES

Set sail from Rome (Civitavecchia) aboard Norwegian Viva and explore the brightest treasures of the Greek Isles over 9 days. The first three days immerse you in Italy, discovering Neapolitan charms in Salerno, exploring tragic Herculaneum ruins or touring the stunning Amalfi Coast. In Catania, visit the town’s lively market or discover ancient Taormina’s highlights. Malta’s magnificent Valletta offers 16 shore excursions, from snorkelling off Gozo and Comino to exploring the former capital, Mdina.

Europe’s oldest city, Athens, beckons, while your late departure from Santorini means more time relaxing on the island. Ancient Turkey awaits in Kusadasi before an overnight Istanbul stay where shore excursions will see you zipping through the Grand Bazaar or exploring Dolmabahçe Palace.

/ 11-DAY CRUISE TO NORTHERN EUROPE

This 11-day adventure offered in 2027 showcases Europe’s most stunning destinations aboard Norwegian Prima. Begin in Reykjavik, then explore Iceland’s dramatic landscapes in

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“NCL IS RETHINKING EUROPEAN TRAVEL AS DEEPER AND MORE IMMERSIVE.” Isafjordur and Akureyri, where fjords and marine life await amid breathtaking scenery.

Norway reveals its three most beautiful towns: Ålesund offers spectacular Sunnmøre Alps views with extended time to explore this lesser-known gem; Måløy provides pristine swimming spots; and Bergen unveils regal history. These hidden gems will astonish you.

Amsterdam’s canal tours blend seamlessly into its vibrant artistic scene, while Brussels captivates with museums, fountains and gardens. Your journey concludes in Southampton, where the Mayflower Memorial and Tudor House Museum are a fitting finale to this Northern European itinerary.

By journey’s end, you’ll find a deeper understanding of Northern Europe’s absolute majesty, elevated throughout by Norwegian Prima’s new class of comfort.

/ 9-DAY CRUISE TO THE BALTICS

Go back in time with Norwegian Sun on this Baltic cruise. After being dazzled by the Art

Choices, choices

Choose from Norwegian Cruise Line’s intimate mid-sized ships for more focused destination-driven journeys, or cruise on the new Prima Class. There’s specialty dining on all NCL ships, such as upscale gems Le Bistro and Onda by Scarpetta. Legendary food to fuel a legendary journey is just the beginning, with spacious balcony rooms doubling down on premium features.

Take it to the next

level with The Haven

by Norwegian, a private sanctuary that feels like your own ship entirely. Nourish the soul at the award-winning Mandara Spa, and enjoy elevated entertainment at sea.

The comfort helps your adventure run like a well-oiled machine, cutting any stress out of the equation with all gratuities covered, a Wi-Fi package, unlimited premium drinks and specialty dining package*.

Nouveau architecture of Helsinki, Scandinavia’s great White City of the North, discover why Tallinn should not be so underrated. Thirteen shore excursions explore Europe’s most well-preserved medieval town and the enormous Seaplane Harbour.

Learn Viking history in Stockholm before continuing to romantic Riga, where you’ll explore picturesque Sigulda through River Gauja valley forests or head west to Jūrmala’s white sand beaches. Lithuania’s hospitable Klaipeda offers hands-on cooking classes or discovering Witches Hill’s history. After reflecting on Northern Poland’s beauty and Berlin’s fractured history, enjoy a late stay in Hamburg (Kiel) to hop between breweries or soak up Kiel’s maritime history.

An overnight stay in Copenhagen lets you expand your Scandinavian experience, following Hans Christian Andersen’s footsteps and capturing iconic attractions such as Tivoli Gardens and the colourful homes of Nyhavn. CT *Conditions apply, visit ncl.com.

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Upfront

ENCHANTING Princess

/ Small is wonderful

A

bercrombie & Kent has revealed new additions to a portfolio of more than 80 Small Group Journeys which are designed to take travellers off the beaten path. From the high-altitude salt flats of Bolivia to the sacred temples of Tibet, the five new journeys offer rare opportunities for cultural immersion, exclusive insider access and A&K’s signature

five-star service. The six-day Brazil: Ultimate Rio Carnival Experience includes a behind-thescenes look at a samba school, viewing the parade from a VIP box and an exploration of Guanabara Bay on a private cruise of Rio’s waterfront. In Saudi Arabia and Jordan, guests can explore Petra and AlUla – the archaeological masterpieces of the Nabatean civilisation – marvel at the rock-cut tombs of Hegra and visit a traditional Turkish Bath.

• Princess Cruises has unveiled its European season for 2027, with more than 200 sailings to 108 spectacular destinations. The 2027 season includes voyages across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, as well as Transatlantic crossings. Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess will take passengers to witness a solar eclipse on 14-day voyages departing 24 July 2027. In the Mediterranean, itineraries range from 7 to 42 days aboard Sun Princess and Enchanted Princess. Sky Princess will offer cruises of 7 to 31 days from Southampton, to explore Spain, France, Italy, Turkey, Greece and Malta. Majestic Princess will offer 14-day sailings to Iceland and Norway, 7-to-12-day voyages in the British Isles and a 12-day Oktoberfest itinerary.

Shop with the CHEF • Seabourn is expanding its culinary program to deepen guests’ connection to the destinations they explore. The cruise line will locally source as much food as possible – for example, it will source local sustainable wild Alaskan salmon. Seabourn is also expanding its signature complimentary Shopping with the Chef program, offering more opportunities for guests to join the ship’s executive chef on visits to local markets at various ports of call. The new ports where the experience will be offered include Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Penang, Malaysia; Nagasaki, Japan; Quebec City, Canada; as well as late-night market tours in Bangkok, Thailand, and Kanazawa, Japan.

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Silversea has started new and Come FLY •exclusive chartered flights for its with SEA guests who sail the Galápagos

Islands. The new program is designed to enhance the journey to and from the archipelago, eliminating a layover in Guayaquil and reducing travel time to two hours. And with pre- and post-cruise enhancements designed to make their adventure even more unforgettable, guests will experience the beauty of Quito and the Galápagos in a way only delivered by Silversea. The flights are exclusively reserved for Silver Origin’s passengers, and feature private check-in. Once on board, there is a dedicated in-flight meal and beverage service, blocked middle seats, and increased passenger space for a more comfortable flight.

/ W is for Florence

M

arriott International’s W Hotels brand has recently opened the W Florence in the Italian city centre.

Located near the Duomo, the property is housed in a landmark building that was once home to the Grand Hotel Majestic. It features 119 guestrooms, including a penthouse with a private terrace that offers views of the Duomo and St Lorenzo Cathedral. There will be several dining venues in W Florence, opening in phases. Tratto, a contemporary Italian restaurant helmed by the culinary collective Trattoria Contemporanea has already made its debut. Tratto operates the hotel’s main dining room and bar as well as its W Lounge, courtyard and room service. Two additional venues, the craft cocktail-focused Zefiro Rooftop and contemporary Korean and Japanese concept Akira Back, have recently opened. The hotel also offers a 24/7 gym, outfitted with cardio and strength-training equipment, as well as a central courtyard that can host private events.

EXPLORA expands • Explora Journeys, MSC Group’s luxury brand, has celebrated three milestones: the float-out of Explora III; the coin ceremony for Explora IV; and the steel cutting for Explora V. The fleet is set to expand to six ships in total.

Explora III will join the fleet in 2026, followed by two more ships in 2027, and another in 2028. The upcoming four Cruise&Travel

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new ships will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a transitional fuel that offers a substantial reduction in emissions compared to conventional marine fuels. These ships are also ready to use renewable alternatives such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG. Explora V and Explora VI will go even further, with the possibility of using nextgeneration fuel-cell technology capable of converting LNG into hydrogen to significantly reduce emissions at ports.

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Upfront

PRICE of a WARM WELCOME It might cost only $38 per passenger to turn the anti-cruise movement around. Go Norway! Bernadette Chua writes.

A

s European cities push back against cruise tourism, one cruise line has created an open collaboration with Norwegian coastal villages.

Hurtigruten announced it would be working with residents of Træna, Bessaker and Sæbø to create community-led experiences only available to guests sailing aboard its smaller Signature Line ships.

The activities range from church concerts to cultural museums, as well as self-guided tours and trying local cuisine. All these excursions are part of Hurtigruten’s new Open Village concept, which is designed to help travellers understand more about the local life of these remote areas, as well as directly supporting small towns with a lower population.

What’s the catch for passengers? None. There is no charge for cruisers to participate. Instead, on every visit Hurtigruten will contribute about $38 per passenger to each host. For a Hurtigruten ship carrying only 500 guests, that could amount to around $19,000.

While Norway has created a friendly and open

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dialogue with cruise operators, other cities such as Barcelona have not been as forthcoming.

Barcelona residents have targeted cruise tourists, with some even spraying water pistols at passengers and openly protesting on the streets during peak holiday periods.

Perhaps if they were paid $38 per visit, they might consider holstering their guns.

/ Small steps and celebrations

Træna is one of Norway’s oldest fishing villages, and guests will be given a booklet to help them enjoy a self-guided tour of heritage sites such as the Træna Local Museum and the Petter Dass Chapel. In Sæbø, passengers can take a tour of the Avalanche Centre or be treated to a live church concert.

And in Bessaker, the township will hold a village parade with traditional woodcarving as well as homemade cakes, coffee and a meatbased soup called sodd.

Bessaker has a population of just 170 people and about 12 local businesses will see a direct benefit from cruise tourism. These include food producers, activity operators and artists.

“For us in Bessaker, the Open Village contribution is about more than income – it is the foundation for growth and optimism in our community,” said Knut Johan Monkan of Coastal Host Bessaker. CT

Norway bound

Hurtigruten is working with small communities such as Træna; Hurtigruten’s Open Village concept ship in Saebo.

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1/9/2025 11:05 am

Upfront

To the ENDS of the EARTH

• Abercrombie & Kent has unveiled three new expeditions to sail the icy frontier of Arctic Svalbard, the wild shores of the British Isles, and the far-flung islands of French Polynesia in 2026. Highlights include an 11-day cruise aboard chartered ship Le Champlain, exploring the history of Guernsey and birdwatching for puffins off the coast of Wales. There is also an Arctic Wildlife Expedition in Svalbard, where guests can view wildlife such as walruses, reindeer, foxes and birds.

In French Polynesia, guests can visit an uninhabited atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago as well as trek to secluded waterfalls.

SPIRITED Sydney

• Following its 2026/2027 summer season in Australia and New Zealand, Norwegian Spirit will remain in the Pacific through December 2027. The ship will homeport in Sydney and visit Lautoka in Fiji, Papeete in French Polynesia, and Honolulu, sailing a total of 11 immersive itineraries across the region.

For 2027, there are six new itineraries including a cruise from Lautoka visiting Apia in Samoa, Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, and Bora Bora and Moorea in French Polynesia.

/ Mondrian Gold Coast opens

T

he Gold Coast has a new luxury address: the Mondrian group has opened the doors of its first property in Australia, Mondrian Gold Coast. The brand has outposts in Bordeaux, Cannes, Los Angeles, Miami, Seoul and many other places. But now Burleigh Heads is home to a 208-key beachfront property with multiple restaurants and 89 residential apartments. Studios are designed for couples, while one- and two-bedroom suites offer full kitchens, living and dining areas and laundry facilities. Two- and three-bedroom homes are set over two floors and include alfresco dining, direct beach access and plunge pools. Dining venues are Lito, an all-day Italian diner and lobby bar; Haven, which serves wood-grilled seafood; and the Haven Pool Club, which serves cocktails paired with resort-style snacks.

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/ Emerald expands

E

merald Cruises will see a big expansion in the next two years and is set to own a superyacht fleet in Europe.

The original yachts, which carry 100 guests in 50 cabins, with a crew of 72, and are 110 metres long so they can slip into small ports, were due to be joined by Emerald Kaia and Emerald Astra next year. But now they will have another sister ship by 2027. The new vessels will carry 128 guests, and boast the same sleek

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design and guest experience as others in the fleet, with enhancements shaped by guest feedback. Each yacht will offer all-suite accommodations, a Sky Deck with private cabanas and panoramic views, and a swim-up marina platform designed for effortless access to the water. Signature touches will include an open-air fitness area, the Elements Spa, multiple dining venues serving regionally inspired cuisine, and a tempting collection of water toys such as paddleboards and SeaBobs.

All ABOARD

• Reservations have opened for the first season of the Orient Express Corinthian, which will sail primarily in the Caribbean. The new luxury yacht will commence itineraries on 12 October 2026.

Departing from Lisbon, the yacht will undertake a transatlantic 14-night voyage to Barbados where it will operate exclusively until March 2027. The ship will offer two- to nine-night escapes over the Northern Hemisphere autumn and winter seasons. The sailing yacht will have 54 suites as well as five restaurants and private dining spaces. Also on board is a 115-seat cabaret and a state-of-the-art recording studio, as well as two pools and marina.

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Collaboration

SCENIC

A journey to

WELLNESS With Scenic Eclipse, discovery and indulgence blend seamlessly in an unrivalled wellness experience at sea.

p

icture a voyage where every moment is designed to nourish your body, enrich your mind and leave you rejuvenated.

Now imagine embarking on that journey in the most spectacular place on Earth – Antarctica – on board the all-inclusive, ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse.

From the moment you step on board your Discovery Yacht, the 550 sqm Senses Spa becomes your sanctuary. Here you’ll find a Vitality pool, infra-red chairs, salt therapy lounges and serene spaces infused with the aroma of essential oils. Treatments# use ESPA’s world-renowned luxury skincare, offering

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everything from rejuvenating massages to radiance-restoring facials – each one awakening your senses and enhancing your wellbeing.

Begin your mornings with included yoga or Pilates under the guidance of an expert instructor. Drift into mindfulness with meditation and Tibetan AQ sound bowl therapy. Strengthen and realign with body stretch and fitness classes, or explore balance and posture workshops.

Between excursions, enjoy sessions with the wellness team, learning techniques for pain relief, weight balance, and the energising effects of nutrition.

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Body and soul

Clockwise, from below left: Scenic Eclipse at Hanusse Bay, Antarctica; the Pilates studio; the Senses Spa sauna; kayaking Half Moon Island, Antarctica; Mawson’s Huts, Cape Denison; a submersive experience.

Wellness is also woven into every menu. With up to 10 culinary experiences and nine bars and lounges, Scenic Eclipse offers a world of flavour while ensuring light, nourishing options are always at hand. From plant-based delicacies and gluten-free creations to vibrant, locally sourced produce, the culinary team crafts dishes that inspire as much as they delight. Interactive cooking classes with Scenic’s chefs reveal recipes you can take home – so your journey continues long after you disembark.

At night, your suite becomes a haven of rest.

Your Scenic Slumber Bed, complete with pillow menu and 100-per-cent fresh air circulation, ensures deep, restorative sleep.

Beyond the ship, Antarctica itself becomes a wellness experience. The stillness of the ice, the unbroken horizons, and the enchanting wildlife invite a deep sense of calm. Take in this beauty from the deck or explore beneath the surface in Scenic’s custom-designed submersible^. For a fresh perspective, soar above in a state-of-theart helicopter^, enjoying panoramic views in perfect comfort.

In the polar regions, up to 20 Discovery Team experts support the enrichment of the mind by sharing their invaluable knowledge and passion for the surroundings – extending that feeling of wellbeing to mind and body.

Return from each day’s exploration to the warmth of the spa, letting the day’s experiences melt into pure relaxation. Evenings bring elegant entertainment, refined company, and the anticipation of another day of renewal and discovery.

This is more than a holiday. This is wellness redefined – a voyage that leaves you feeling transformed, revitalised and ready for the world. CT

Enriching voyages with Scenic Eclipse SOUTH PACIFIC DISCOVERY: NORFOLK, NEW CALEDONIA & FIJI

Departs: 4 March 2026 Island hop around the South Pacific, a region of glorious natural riches, strong local connections, as well as warm hospitality. Over 11 blissful days, encounter the abundant array of bird and marine life as you engage and learn about different cultures.

Back on board, rejuvenate your body with nourishing cuisine at one of the 10 dining venues.

SPAIN TO ANTIGUA:

12 DAYS OF OCEAN SERENITY

Departs: 4 October 2027 A transatlantic crossing like no other – from sunlit Tenerife to the pristine shores of the

Caribbean. Days at sea become moments of pure restoration, with expertly led Pilates classes, nutritional workshops and rejuvenating treatments in the Senses Spa. Evenings bring ocean sunsets, light, wholesome cuisine and the gentle rhythm of the ship beneath you.

ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & FALKLAND ISLANDS

Departs: 14 November 2026 Explore some of the world’s most remote and wild destinations on this ultimate Expedition Voyage.

Enrich your mind on this extraordinary journey that takes in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica.

Here, you will learn about the historical islands that have big

tales to tell. Inbetween immersive shore excursions, rest and relax in the spa, which will leave your body as enriched as your mind.

Now is the time to secure your Scenic Eclipse voyage of a lifetime. To learn more visit sceniceclipse.com, call 138 128 or contact your local travel advisor.

^Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, tide and ice conditions. # Spa treatments and private sessions at an additional cost. Alternative therapies are not available on all voyages, please enquire on board.

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Upfront On Edge

Australian/New Zealand cruisers have welcomed Celebrity Edge to our waters.

Cruise collaboration with Australia is a New Zealand Government priority, writes Bernadette Chua.

t

he New Zealand Government held a cruise summit in the middle of the year, saying the industry is “vital” to the country’s economy. New Zealand’s cruise industry has been hit hard by a decline, with some cruise lines visiting the country up to 70 per cent less and overall cruise visitation dropping by 40 per cent.

This “challenging environment” for cruise has led to more New Zealanders having to cruise overseas.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston described cruise as a “crucial” element of New Zealand tourism and said it is “vital” to partner with the industry moving forward.

“This meeting sets the sail for more collaborative and coordinated engagement with the sector to explore future opportunities for cruise in New Zealand while safeguarding our natural assets,” she said.

“The Tourism Growth Roadmap I released in June includes cruise connectivity as a workstream because of its role in the tourism ecosystem and in enabling economic growth.

It is vital we partner with the cruise sector to do this.”

A crucial element of reviving the cruise industry is collaboration between Australia

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TRANS-TASMAN TRANSFORMATION and New Zealand. Australia is also seeing a steep decline in cruise capacity, with the industry losing 35 per cent of capacity among big ships in just three years.

The relationship between cruise in Australia and New Zealand is symbiotic. Most cruises to New Zealand leave from Australia, meaning that when the Australian industry isn’t in a healthy position, it’s also extremely difficult for the New Zealand industry to grow.

This goes the other way, as well. Cruises to New Zealand are one of the most popular sailings out of Australia among passengers, particularly visitors arriving internationally.

They can also generally be priced a touch higher than sailings to the South Pacific.

This means that when the New Zealand cruise industry experiences any of the

numerous problems it has encountered over recent years, such as last-minute tax increases, ships being turned away for biofouling concerns, or industry uncertainty over future bans, this also discourages cruise lines from bringing ships to Australia.

Australia and New Zealand’s remoteness from the rest of the world already means cruise operators face higher fuelling costs, and it appears that adding regulatory difficulties in both countries as well as high port fees has been enough to make some cruise lines reduce their presence in the region.

To reverse this trend, it would take substantial collaboration and planning between the cruise industry and the governments of both countries to ensure a more cruise-ship-friendly environment is possible. CT

“New Zealand’s cruise industry has been hit hard by a decline, with … overall cruise visitation dropping by 40 per cent.”

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1/9/2025 11:13 am

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Upfront

COLD comfort

• Chimu Adventures co-founder Greg Carter has launched Terra Nova Expeditions, taking budgetconscious adventure seekers to the polar regions.

The cruises are priced from about $13,000 per person (by comparison, Viking’s Expedition offerings start at about $23,000 per person). Its flagship vessel, former cargo ship St Helena, has been refurbished into a 98-guest, classic expedition ship for modern Antarctic adventures. St Helena has undergone a $16.71 million renovation into a comfortable expedition ship with spacious cabins. It will also have a science laboratory and offer special VR headsets designed to reduce seasickness. The tailored itineraries allow for travellers to spend longer on the ice.

/ New Vikings

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iking has revealed an extensive collection of European itineraries – 14, in fact – spanning the Mediterranean, United Kingdom, Ireland and Scandinavia in 2026 and 2027.

Ranging from 15 to 36 days, each of the new voyages combines two or more of Viking’s most popular itineraries for in-depth exploration. The itineraries include a Jewels of the Mediterranean voyage that explores the landmarks of Italy, Tunisia, Spain and France. Guests can see Palermo’s World Heritage sites and immerse themselves in Sardinian culture. There are also

overnight stays in Barcelona and Florence. New for 2027 is a 20-night Barcelona to Tromso voyage, which traces the Iberian Peninsula during the quiet season.

Guests can explore Moorish culture at Granada’s Alhambra and Norway’s peaks and icy fjords.

CELEBRITY facelift

• One of Australia’s favourite cruise ships, Celebrity Solstice, is undergoing a huge makeover along with its sister ships.

Celebrity Cruises announced it will spend about $380 million refurbishing all five ships in the Solstice class over the next five years. As part of the refurbishment, there will be eight new experiences, including four new-to-sea spaces, and many redesigned favourites. Innovations include reinvented outdoor escapes with enhanced views, new restaurants and entertainment designed to create moments of connection with loved ones, as well as a redesigned stay with all-new stateroom categories and ship-wide stateroom upgrades.

The refurbishment on Celebrity Solstice will be completed before the ship sails again in March 2026, cruising around Alaska, Hawaii and Fiji before exploring Southeast Asia.

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VILLA life

• A new 111-key hotel from Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has opened on the French Riviera on the picturesque Cap d’Antibes.

Located a stone’s throw from the century-old original hotel, Villa La Guettière comprises two Provençal buildings, a main house and a guest house, that collectively offer nine ensuite bedrooms. The staff at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc will service the villa, so guests feel like they are in a five-star hotel.

There will be concierge, butlers, housekeepers and security services available. A private chef will also be available for up to 12 hours per day, catering everything from leisurely breakfasts to alfresco aperitifs, serving tailored menus that showcase the best of the local ingredients.

Boutique

CROATIA

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Sail around the islands of the Adriatic in comfort and style, visiting ports the big ships can’t reach.

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nforgettable Croatia’s 2026 program features 144 seven-night cruises, including a new Hidden Gems itinerary between Sibenik and Opatija.

Between May and October, as many as nine luxury ships, with no more than 19 cabins each, will navigate the Dalmatian coast with destinations including Split, Dubrovnik, Sibenik, Trogir, Hvar, Vis, Korcula and Opatija, as well as Mljet and Krka national parks. It’s the newest fleet of small ships in the country, including new-build MV Aretis (pictured) – one of the most stylish vessels ever built in Croatia. Visit unforgettablecroatia.com.

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Collaboration

DELVE DEEPER with Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises has released an irresistible collection of 2027/2028 voyages, and Teresa Ooi discovers the magic of a sailing with the luxury line in Europe, Alaska and beyond.

OCEANIA CRUISES

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he beauty of Oceania Cruises’ tempting collection of 2027/2028 voyages is that they cover diverse destinations around the globe, coupled with more overnight stays and elegant ships to take you there.

The newly released itineraries are designed to take guests to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, explore the rich Alaskan wilderness, the vibrant capital cities of Asia, and the sandy beaches of the South Pacific.

More overnight stays complement each of the voyages, allowing guests to tick off those bucket list experiences such as a sunset gondola ride through the storied canals of Venice, or a journey through Singapore’s famed night safari.

/ Close to home

The luxury cruise line has revealed the stunning new Kangaroo Route, which departs from Sydney on February 26, 2027. The 129-day sojourn, on board the sophisticated Oceania Vista, visits 80 ports across 34 countries and four continents.

It will be a journey of fine food and wine combined with in-depth cultural experiences Oceania Vista, the stylish ship for just 1200 34

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guests, will hug Australia’s east coast, visiting ports such as Mooloolaba, Whitsunday Island, Cairns and Darwin, before sailing towards Asia.

She then heads to calls at Komodo, where guests can see the ancient dragons; the colourful cities of Japan; and the fervent capitals of Southeast Asia.

Making her way towards India and the Middle East, before sailing through the lush islands and ports of the Mediterranean and finishing this wonderful journey in Southampton, England.

/ European voyages

Europe has always been a popular choice among Australian travellers, and Oceania Cruises’ 2027/2028 array of itineraries will deliver unparalleled experiences.

Delve into art and history at the Vatican in Italy; watch flamenco dancers and savour Spanish tapas; or be awed by the vast out-ofthis-world landscapes in Iceland – there are European voyages to suit every taste.

Get lost in the beauty of Fado music and Vinho Verde when visiting Portugal on a 13-day voyage between Lisbon and Rome, with stops at Seville, Malaga, Barcelona and Cannes.

Meanwhile, Australians have developed a fascination for the Land of Fire and Ice, and Oceania Cruises has some bewitching Baltic and Northern Europe cruises which visit Scandinavian destinations such as Denmark, Finland and Sweden, as well as Central European countries such as Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

Embark on a beautiful 15-day voyage from Stockholm during the European summer, where the days are long and the flowers are in bloom.

The cruise calls at destinations in Sweden, Denmark and Norway, before finishing in the modern city of Reykjavik.

/ Tropical heat

These wide-ranging journeys range from the tropical islands of the Caribbean to the equally blessed archipelagos of Asia and the South Pacific. Guests who sail these unique itineraries can spend overnights in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore at length.

And closer to home, there are sailings from Australia through New Zealand’s mystical Milford Sound and visits to the famed vineyards in wine country.

/ Call of the wild

Seeing Alaska’s majestic glaciers, immersing yourself in the Tlingit heritage of the tiny Klawock community, and experiencing the region’s untamed wilderness will be some of the lasting memories of an unforgettable Oceania Alaska cruise.

Cruising to Canada and New England and visiting historic cities such as Montreal and Boston will be an amazing adventure, especially when you experience the natural beauty of the Saguenay Fjord National Park. From North America, you can also go on a transoceanic journey from Miami to Bermuda or from Vancouver to Japan.

There is a 17-day itinerary aboard Oceania Riviera from Tokyo to Vancouver departing 27 April 2027, calling at Sendai, Miyako, Muroran, then crossing the International Date Line east to Kodiak, Homer and Anchorage in Alaska.

The ship then spends three days cruising the Hubbard Glacier and Seymour Narrows, before arriving at your final destination of Vancouver.

/ Farewell to an icon

In November 2027, Oceania Cruises will bid farewell to Oceania Insignia, one of the first ships to join its original fleet. The ship will sail its final cruise exploring the British Isles, Nordic shores and the Baltic Sea, calling at iconic ports such as Monte Carlo, Venice, Athens and Bodrum on the Turkish Riviera.

Travel the world in style with Oceania Cruises.

Visit oceaniacruises.com, call 1300 355 200 or contact your travel advisor.

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Across the oceans

Clockwise, from far left: Twelve Apostles, Victoria; Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland; onboard dining at Red Ginger; Oceania Vista in Santorini; Kyoto, Japan.

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1/9/2025 11:16 am

Upfront

/ Call of the Cormorant

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ilversea has unveiled highlights of the land offerings available at the world’s southernmost hotel, The Cormorant at 55 South in Puerto Williams, Chile – scheduled to open in January 2026. Guests will be able to choose from a variety of guided excursions and activities. The surrounding area is home to a remarkable array of bird species, including the cormorant, dolphin gull,

upland goose and yellow-billed pintail. Guests can also spot native horses and guanacos, as well as marine life such as dolphins, whales and seals in the nearby Beagle Channel.

For those looking for more active experiences, there is kayaking in the Beagle Channel as well as hiking along various trails through Parque Municipal Ukika passing through Magellanic subpolar forest.

ROAM, if you want to

• Bookings are open for Oceania Cruises’ new Kangaroo Route sailing – the first time the luxury line has had a world cruise depart from Australia. The 129-day Around the World voyage will visit more than 80 ports across 34 countries and four continents on Oceania Vista. Leaving Sydney on 26 February 2027, the 1200-guest ship will spend more than two months in Asia. From the idyllic isles of Indonesia to the captivating contrasts of ancient and modern Japan and the vibrant, spiritual landscapes of India, Oceania Vista will continue to the desert metropolises of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, and onward to mythical Egypt as a prelude to the Mediterranean. Oceania Vista will then visit Greece, Italy, Croatia and Spain, before concluding in London.

• Celebrity Cruises will return to sail in local waters for its 2027/28 season, with overnight stays in Adelaide and Cairns.

Celebrity Edge and the recently renovated Celebrity Solstice will both head to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, taking guests to 33 destinations including the Great Barrier Reef and Kangaroo Island. The line will offer 175 itineraries to more than 180 unforgettable destinations across the globe from Sydney to Santorini, Japan, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and New England.

AUSSIE

sleepovers

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Collaboration

The WILD SPIRIT of IRISH GOLF The island of Ireland is a complete golfers’ paradise – truly a whole-in-one destination.

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reland is a proving ground for golfing legends. These dramatic landscapes trace the edges of a wild island, echoing the upper echelon of golfing greatness. More than 400 courses, including a third of the world’s true links, lie scattered across the island from the heights of the Wild Atlantic Way to Ireland’s Ancient East.

Golfing greatness is threaded into the fabric of these storied courses.

Royal Portrush hosted The Open in 2019 and again in 2025. With the Ryder Cup returning to Adare Manor in 2027, Ireland’s blockbuster golfing history continues to build.

Here, the game breathes wild and free. You’ll taste salt air at Royal County Down in Northern Ireland, where wind-whipped fairways stretch between the Irish Sea and the Mourne Mountains on the world’s No.1 course.

The same wild spirit lives at Ballybunion, Lahinch and Adare Manor, where the landscape becomes

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your playing partner and weather your most formidable opponent.

Beyond the marquee names lies Ireland’s depth. Trace the Wild Atlantic Way, where Carne’s unforgiving landscape challenges the toughest of golfers. County Sligo (Rosses Point) and Enniscrone distil golf to its purest form. Northern Ireland’s Concra Wood, and Portmarnock Golf Club, County Dublin, add to a range of options for all skill levels. The variety is without equal.

Travel between regions is refreshingly seamless, meaning a single trip can weave together icons and hidden gems. One day finds you singing traditional songs in a historic pub. The next has you teeing up at Mount Juliet in Ireland’s Ancient East before exploring woodland trails on horseback. In Ireland, each swing, stop and stay feels authentically epic. CT

Ballybunnion, County Kerry

Adare Manor, County Limerick

Rouse’s Bar, Ballina, County Mayo

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For your chance to win, scan the QR code.

Discover more at Ireland.com/Golf

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Upfront • Princess Cruises will homeport two ships, Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess, in Singapore for the 2026/27 cruise season, the same number of ships that it will have in Australia. This signals a major change – in the 2023/24 season, Australia had four Princess ships and Singapore just one. Princess will offer 30 cruises from Singapore in the 2026/27 season, compared to 14 in the 2025/26 season, an appealing option for those looking to fly-cruise. Aussies love Princess ships, and Australia is the world’s fourthlargest cruise market. Princess will homeport Royal Princess and Grand Princess in Australia.

Asian PRINCESS

DREAMY Dreamliners

• Air New Zealand has launched a new Dreamliner experience, and all 14 Boeing 787-9s in its fleet will be updated to the new cabin layout by the end of 2026.

Passengers can expect new seats in every cabin, an all-new inflight entertainment system with larger screens, clever storage options, and additional privacy in the premium cabins. The new Business Premier seats have sliding privacy screens, wireless charging, a 24” inflight-entertainment screen and a full lie-flat recline with a headrest lift for movie-watching or mid-flight novels. There will also be four new seats in the Business Premier cabin, and customers can book Business Premier Luxe as a paid seat selection.

/ Voyage Collection

R

egent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled 234 new sailings for its 2027/28 Voyage Collection.

The new sailings will visit Africa, Arabia, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and South America. There will be 19 new ports of call, five epic Grand Voyages and a 133-night 2028 World Cruise.

There will be a 32-night circumnavigation of Australia on board Seven Seas Mariner. A total of six voyages will be on offer, ranging from 14 to 32 nights where guests can experience Darwin, Perth and Kangaroo Island. The New Zealand sailings will include visits to Wellington, Christchurch and Rotorua, as well as the majestic fjords of Milford, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds. Both Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Splendor will cruise in Australia and New Zealand. The collection voyages will have 60 overnight stays in destinations such as Lima (Callao), Peru; Reykjavík, Iceland; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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NEW XCEL venues

• Celebrity Cruises has unveiled four new venues, due to launch on the line’s newest ship, Celebrity Xcel. There will be a new poolside area, an arcade lounge, a new Celebrity Flagship store and a redesigned spa. The Celebrity Pool Club is an all-day, all-night poolside area which has new pool valets offering chilled towels, card games, sunscreen and storage for personal items. Celebrity Xcel will also introduce a 24-hour games room, Attic at The Club, with retro games such as Pac-Man, NBA Showtime and Golden Tee, as well as pool, darts, foosball and shuffleboard. The Spa on Celebrity Xcel is the biggest yet and will feature Celebrity’s first-ever Hydra Room, the newest of eight therapeutic experiences in the Thermal Suite. The area features a warm, bubbling pool with massaging jets, and heated lounge chairs that offer soothing muscle relaxation. Spa-goers can soak up their daily dose of sunshine at The Spa’s new Vitamin D Deck.

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/ Bali bliss

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uxury hotel brand Waldorf Astoria will open its first property in Bali in late 2027. Set on the beach in Nusa Dua, the hotel will have 71 expansive villas and 68 guest suites, along with multiple dining destinations. Among them will be a chic beach club and Peacock Alley, a refined cliffside restaurant and pool terrace crafted as an ode to the brand’s original

hotel in New York City. One of the resort’s most anticipated culinary experiences is The Ledge by Dave Pynt, an awardwinning concept that builds on the success of Pynt’s acclaimed restaurants, The Ledge at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and Burnt Ends, his Michelinstarred restaurant in Singapore. There will also be a host of activities – from a fitness centre and pools overlooking the Indian Ocean to a dedicated kids’ club.

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Upfront

A Star in ALASKA

• For 2027, Princess Cruises has unveiled its largest Alaska season yet: 17 itineraries and the return of Star Princess. The line will deploy eight ships and offer stays at five wilderness lodges and visits to Glacier Bay National Park. From Ketchikan to Juneau, cruisers will enjoy the state’s most scenic ports.

Headlining the season is Star Princess, the first of the line’s Sphere-class ships to sail in Alaska. She’ll be joined by fleet mates Coral Princess, Discovery Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Island Princess, Royal Princess and Ruby Princess, which will offer everything from week-long Glacier Bay adventures to 16-day voyages from Los Angeles.

/ The mouse is leaving

the house

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isney Cruise Line has confirmed that Disney Wonder’s 2025/26 season will be her last in Australia. Yahoo Travel quotes “Tristan” from the line’s “shoreside guest services leadership team” as saying: “We are currently going to be sailing in the Australia and New Zealand region up until February 2026.

We will not return for the 2026/2027 season. However, we’re always looking at different destinations to explore with our guests, along with our crew members.

Sailings from Australia and New Zealand

remain on our list for future consideration; however, since future itineraries have not been released past the 2026/2027 season, we’re not able to make any comments on that.” Cruise & Travel reported that previously scheduled visits have now been removed from the Sydney cruise schedule for 2026/27 – they had already disappeared from the Melbourne schedule. If this is the last season for Disney in Australia, there are surely many Aussies who will bite the bullet and book a cruise for this season – and those cruisers also deserve time to be able to plan and budget for their holiday.

Rosewood in DUBAI

• Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will open its first property in Dubai in 2029, set along the pristine sands of Jumeirah Beach, with views to Dubai’s skyline. It will include a 195-key hotel and eight private garden villas. Guests will enjoy a private beach and beach club, four distinct dining venues and a dedicated wellness centre, as well as immersive art, music and culinary programming.

There’s also an Explorers Club for kids.

The adjacent Rosewood Residences Dubai will offer 63 residences and five beachfront villas, and access to a 24-hour concierge service, spa, padel court and private cinema.

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Cruise &Travel

1/9/2025 2:22 pm

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Upfront

Dapper

DINNER DENIM

It’s a cruise debate as old as the sails on a schooner: Can denim jeans – even the coolest brands – ever be worn on a formal night?

Peter Lynch investigates.

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aise the subject of cruise-ship dress codes and stand back as guests erupt and take sides. On the one hand, there are the staunch conservatives, those that cling to formal meaning formal – jackets, trousers and formal shirts at the very least, black tie at its starchiest.

On the other side stand the elegant-casual brigade, maintaining that stylish need not be too formal: think Zegna, Gucci and Canali.

In an age where comfort reigns supreme and “smart casual” is a universally accepted fashion mantra, there remain very few venerable institutions that still cling to dress codes with the tenacity of a barnacle to a ship’s hull.

In these sartorial strongholds, jeans are often viewed with the same apprehension as rogue waves or an empty champagne flute. If there is one word that instantly divides cruise fashionistas, it’s “denim”. It’s as if jeans, with their sturdy twill and rebellious origins, will unravel the very fabric of refined cruising.

But why this denim dread? Why this phobia over a garment that has clothed cowboys, rock stars and even royalty?

Now one of the industry’s biggest bastions of conservatism, which also boasts the world’s most luxurious fleet, has taken a bold step.

From this month, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has updated its “elegant casual” evening-dress code to be more relaxed. Guests can now wear something called “refined denim” and dress sneakers. Not everyone is happy. Some Regent guests are already concerned about the impact this will have on what is supposed to be a refined and elevated luxury experience.

Here at Cruise & Travel, where the office tux gets a regular workout, we have some sympathy with this argument. When people dress up, they show respect to both their surroundings and

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fellow guests. So, dressing down can be rude and uncaring. After all, a cruise ship’s fine dining hall on formal nights is something very special – and long may that remain the case.

I remember quizzing the president of Cunard, a bastion of style with strict dress codes for Gala evenings and where jeans were not accepted in the main dining rooms, on whether he would ever drop the dress code.

“Absolutely not,” he replied, horrified. “It’s what makes Cunard a special experience!

Without it, we would just be like everyone else.”

Perish that thought!

Seabourn, Crystal, Oceania and Windstar all say jeans should not be worn in dining rooms during the evening. Even P&O’s “Black Tie and Celebration Nights” invitations explicitly state they do not accept denim in venues.

Some cruise lines or individual cruisers may argue that very dark, unripped, “designer” jeans can be acceptable if paired with a dressy top or jacket.

And it is certainly true that actual enforcement of dress codes can vary by ship, staff, and the overall vibe of the cruise.

On some lines, especially more casual ones, you might see people in jeans even on formal nights, and they might not be turned away. On luxury and more traditional lines, enforcement is generally stricter.

We always advise: check the dress code before boarding. And then go with the flow. Dress codes can be a beacon of sartorial splendour in an ever-more casual world. And no-one wants flip-flops and Hawaiian shirts to become de rigueur for formal nights, do they? CT 43

1/9/2025 11:44 am

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1/9/2025 11:45 am

Oceans 46 Cruising on the new Oceania Allura | 59 Our verdict on Carnival Encounter

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Crystal in Africa

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Voyage

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1/9/2025 11:52 am

The lure of

ALLURA

OCEANIA CRUISES

Oceania’s new Allura promises affordable luxe – and lots of irresistible food.

Sue Bryant puts it to the test.

Table times

XWorld-class service aboard Oceania Allura (left); where the cocktail is king.

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p Voyage

each and gold were beginning to streak the sky, and a glass of ice-cold rosé had just been delivered to our table on the aft deck. But I was inside, cruising the buffet, overwhelmed with choice and, let’s face it, greed. It was Chef’s Market Dinner in the Terrace Café and fittingly, the theme was Italian, as we’d just sailed from Ravenna.

Mountains of scarlet tomatoes sat alongside creamy burrata and buffalo mozzarella. Roasted eggplants and zucchini glistened with extra virgin olive oil. Individual arrangements of prosciutto and cheese, garnished with sprigs of fresh rosemary, whispered “eat me”. Trays of handmade pasta waited to be tossed in a marinara sauce with fragrant basil. And this was before I’d even reached the dessert section, where crispy cannoli oozed sweetened ricotta.

Expectations are high when it comes to dining on Oceania’s brand-new Allura. This is, after all, the cruise line that has trademarked the phrase “The Finest Cuisine at Sea”. It’s a bold claim and one I intended to put to the test on a six-night cruise through the Adriatic and Aegean Seas from Trieste to Athens.

Allura is a near-replica of its sister, Vista, which launched in 2023. The ship is all soothing, stylish interiors in tasteful neutrals and gorgeous textures, from soft, buttery leather to silvery gauze. My Concierge-level stateroom was a vision of cream, stone and pale gold. Covetable art from Latin American artists adds pops of colour throughout. A Hockney-blue pool shimmers on the pool deck. And there are included places to eat at every turn; 11, to be precise, which is a phenomenal choice on a ship that carries 1200 passengers.

Allura looks and feels like an ultra-luxurious ship. It’s cool and chic, whereas I’d describe sister brand Regent as having more of an opulent, grand-hotel vibe. However, the big difference between Oceania and the ultra-luxury lines such as Regent,

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Luxury lapped

Clockwise, from right: The Grand Staircase on Oceania Allura; The Finest Cuisine at Sea; Horizons bar and observation lounge; the Aquamar Spa.

Silversea, Crystal and Seabourn is that this is not an all-inclusive product. Soft drinks, decent coffee, pretty well all dining and crew tips are covered, but you’ll pay extra for alcoholic drinks and shore excursions.

There are also multiple offerings of fancy, wine-paired tasting menus; much was made on my cruise of the unveiling of a new and extravagant lunch in association with celebrated French winemaker Gérard Bertrand ($175 per person plus tips) which is a set menu featuring caviar, foie gras and beef short rib, ending with a gold leaf-embossed chocolate mousse.

These bolt-ons, the cruise line reasons, are so you can build your own voyage and not have to pay for other people’s drinking or dining habits. While there were more than enough dining choices for me without adding on the wine-paired events, I did welcome the Prestige Select drinks package, which costs US$69.95 per person per day, including tips. For a luxurious ship

OCEANIA CRUISES

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Expert tips

• My favourite meal: The Chef’s Market Dinner in the Terrace Café; I loved this because of those incredible tomatoes, the authentic cheeses and the handmade pasta. There’s an event like this on every cruise, albeit with a different theme.

Don’t miss it.

• What to pack: Allura is smart casual throughout, so you can leave the ballgown at home.

Evenings are a little dressier – cocktail dress for women and smart pants and a decent shirt for men is fine. One evening, there was a “Blue Horizon” party in Horizons, which I’d known nothing about and skipped as I didn’t have any blue outfits.

• Secret tip: Get a table on the aft deck of the Terrace Café before sunset. You can then order a pizza from Waves Grill, which is squeezed between the buffet and the pool (and which I didn’t find an especially romantic setting for dinner), and they’ll bring it to you.

Sorted – excellent pizza, outdoor dining and a gorgeous sunset. Also, book a Concierge Level stateroom and you get free access to the big whirlpool and exclusive sundeck in front of the spa, which is much more tranquil than the main pool area.

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“The ship is all soothing, stylish interiors in tasteful neutrals and gorgeous textures.”

such as Allura, this is actually quite reasonable; once you’ve kicked off the evening with a cocktail in Martinis and had a few glasses of wine with dinner and a nightcap, you’re in profit, as it were.

While this isn’t the kind of ship where you’d expect round-theclock entertainment, there was a surprising amount to do. I love the idea of the Artist Loft, where you can perfect your technique in, say, watercolour painting, at no extra cost. You could learn how to create TikTok videos at the LYNC Digital Center, also at no cost, or for a very reasonable $89 per person attend a cookery class in the Culinary Arts Center. We joined a Greek cooking class, which was fantastic, making pastitsio, the Greek answer to lasagne; eggplant salad; a refreshing Metaxa ginger spritz; and a simple but perfect dessert of strained Greek yoghurt, crushed walnuts and Greek honey.

We tried as many of the restaurants as possible. Allura was only in its second week of service, so you can forgive a few hits and misses, but there were way more hits. I was pleased to see the return of Jacques, the French bistro originally masterminded by renowned French chef Jacques Pepin, Oceania’s longstanding culinary advisor. Jacques was replaced by an American restaurant, Ember, on Vista, which clearly didn’t go down well with guests as Ember has been quietly phased out.

The goat cheese soufflé in Jacques was exquisite: intense and crispy around the edge, hot and fluffy in the middle. My dining companions opted for mains of filet mignon or lobster thermidor – and in some cases, both. Executive culinary director Alexis Quaretti later told me that a tonne of tenderloin and a tonne of lobster are loaded onto the ship every fortnight.

Also different on Allura is Baristas, the coffee shop, which is bigger by popular demand. It’s like a proper Italian cafe, right down to the grumpy barista, with coffee aficionados, including the ship’s officers, propping up the bar in the morning, gossiping 49

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Able comfort

OCEANIA CRUISES and waiting for their espresso. There’s a bakery up here serving flaky croissants in the morning and irresistible quiches at lunch, hot from the oven. A new feature is a creperie. My husband managed to squeeze in a banoffee crepe in the name of research and pronounced it excellent. To make way for this, the ship’s library has been moved and is now a gorgeous, tranquil space on Deck 14, outside the Horizons lounge.

Aquamar was a hit for me, as I love healthy food; the poke bowls and salads here were excellent. Red Ginger, the Asian restaurant, has several new Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes, including miso sweet-potato mousseline and soft-shell crab tempura in a bao bun. I stuck to the classics: a next-level delicious duck and watermelon salad and a not-quite-spicy-enough Thai red chicken curry.

With all this eating, time ashore to burn some calories was welcome. From Rijeka in Croatia we did a half day in nearby Opatija, an enchantingly old-fashioned coastal town. This is where, with the advent of the railway, wealthy Viennese would escape to the seaside. Opatija does indeed feel like a slice of Vienna-on-Sea, all magnificent Belle Epoque mansions in pastel shades, and grand cafés where locals sip their morning coffee amid subtropical gardens.

In Ravenna, I checked off a long-held ambition to see the church mosaics. The starlit skies and biblical figures in the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, a tribute to a Roman empress who died in 450 AD, are so exquisite that they inspired Cole Porter to write the song “Night and Day” when he visited on his honeymoon.

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From top: Pool deck; a veranda stateroom; immersive stretch and yoga fitness classes.

We kayaked around the ramparts of the old city of Dubrovnik, which was a revelation to me, having visited the city dozens of times but never seen it from this perspective, low on the water.

We pulled up along the coast in a vast sea cave, hauling the kayaks up onto a pebbly beach and plunging straight into the cool water.

In Kotor, Montenegro, it was just too hot to do anything other than mooch around the beautiful medieval city, cats snoozing in the sunshine, the aroma of the first pizzas of the day on the warm breeze. We had an impromptu olive oil tasting in a local deli, followed by a salted pistachio gelato that’s possibly the best I’ve ever tasted.

So, who will enjoy Allura? The majority of the passengers are from North America, with a smattering of Brits and Australians.

Most are 55-plus, with an appreciation of good food and wine but a desire for affordable luxury. While it’s not a party ship, unless you head up to Horizons late at night, it has a happy buzz. I loved the entertainment, too: Dutch crossover opera singer Isabel Commandeur was spectacularly good, raising hairs on the backs of necks with her rendition of ‘The Prayer’ in a duet with cruise director Paul Baya.

Australians might be surprised by the lack of an outside bar for sundowners; we certainly were, although the cocktails and mellow piano tunes by Alexandr in Martinis were a pleasant enough way to kick off the evenings. I also found the Aquamar spa eye-wateringly expensive: the cheapest facial or massage was $199 plus a tip, which could be off-putting for some.

But essentially, Allura is a genuinely lovely ship. Oceania has really upped its game with its last two newbuilds and will, I reckon, give the ultra-luxury lines a real run for their money. CT

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Gianvito Rossi 90 suede espadrilles, $1645.

Tom Ford Liza clip-on earrings, $2182.

The Aegean muse

Golden Bear varsity jacket, $1393.

Bottega Veneta loafer, $1853.

Trunk show

Bernadette maxi shirt dress, $1857.

Brunello Cucinelli cardigan, $3217.

Loewe + Paula’s tote, $1200.

Andres Otalora dresss, $1690.

Zegna wool-blend trousers, $1650.

Brunello Cucinelli loafers, $1283.

Brunello Cucinelli shorts, $1187.

Erdem blouse, $1110, and skirt, $1650.

Celine Eyewear Triomphe sunglasses, $936.

Loewe + Paula’s Ibiza shirt, $1393.

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Voyage

SAFARI at SEA CRYSTAL

From the octopus of the desert to a sociable seal, Jeannine Williamson has some surprise encounters on Crystal’s out-of-the-way voyage.

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Stranger things

An out-of-theordinary journey to Africa’s west coast; (inset) Crystal Symphony calling on the island country of São Tomé.

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A CRYSTAL

s the sun climbs overhead in a cloudless sapphire sky, I stare down in silence at the tangle of long, strapshaped leaves by my feet. Many are brown and frayed at the tips, while others stretch out like tendrils from the low woody stem across the parched sand of the Namib Desert.

Doubtless, if I’d sighted one of the “big five” that go hand in hand with safaris in the southern part of Africa my initial reaction might not have been so underwhelming. But we’re not in the grasslands and savannahs inhabited by lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo, and as our guide talks about the extraordinary Welwitschia mirabilis – or octopus of the desert – there are audible “wows” and people in my group start taking photos.

Found only in this coastal desert in Angola, it’s one of the longest-living plants on Earth. With tenacious roots stretching more than 30 metres to seek sparse underground water supplies, and leaves absorbing any sea fog and dew that comes its way, it can live for up to 2000 years in the harshest of climates.

The determined and seemingly indomitable plant certainly demands respect. It turns out to be one of many surprises on this unusual fly-cruise itinerary that takes us through five countries, from Tema, the port city outside the Ghanaian capital of Accra, to Benin, São Tomé and Príncipe, Angola and Namibia.

Africa, the world’s second-largest continent, offers a vast range of landscapes and experiences, yet it’s only recently that a small number of cruise lines, such as Crystal, have started visiting the less-travelled western shores. Indeed, there’s something of a pioneering atmosphere on Crystal Symphony and I don’t meet many other passengers – including seasoned cruisers from Australia, the US and UK – who have been here before.

/ Voodoo rituals and life on stilts

Crystal is now owned by travel company Abercrombie & Kent and the two have combined their seafaring and land-based expertise, with culture-rich sailings to destinations off the mainstream cruise charts, yet accessible with regular flights from Australia.

One of our first stops is Cotonou, Benin, the birthplace of Voodoo, which is a way of life for many of its inhabitants. Far removed from the stereotypical image of dolls impaled with

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Desert to sea

Clockwise, from far left: Ganvie village fishermen, Benin; a dancer’s welcome to Ghana; Angola’s Welwitschie mirabilis; life in Ganvie stilt village; Cape fur seal, Walvis Bay Lagoon, Namibia; Benin’s Sacred Forest.

vengeful pins, the reality is a recognised religion based on honouring nature and different spirits.

Our guide explains this as we gather in a tranquil, sacred forest in Ouidah, surrounded by effigies of Voodoo gods, where roosting fruit bats hang from trees.

A big draw in Benin is the stilt village of Ganvie, a cluster of homes, shops, schools, churches and even a medical centre, constructed on skeletal wooden poles, above the water of Lake Nokoue. The villagers live almost exclusively from fishing, and we watch them cast nets as we float in a small boat through their waterborne community, which originated in the 17th century when members of the local Tofinou needed to find a way to escape slave hunters.

/ One of the world’s least-visited destinations

A day at sea brings us to São Tomé, one half of the dual island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, lying 250 kilometres off the African coast in the Gulf of Guinea, and the second-smallest and second-least populated African country after Seychelles.

It’s also one of the least-visited places on the planet. With limited flights, and even fewer cruise ships, only around 35,000 travellers get here each year. We feel very privileged.

While we board a minibus, the refreshing lack of mainstream tourism means some visitors might end up being taken around

Expert tips • My favourite meal:

Impossible to pick just one, as even the buffet on Crystal Symphony resembles a top restaurant where you just happen to serve yourself. But I loved the first at-sea outpost of the chic yet laid-back Monte-Carlo-based Beefbar.

While carnivores are in for a treat, don’t be fooled by the name as the creamy avocado hummus topped with pomegranate seeds and caramelised pistachios, followed by cauliflower “chateaubriand” with green tahini sauce, kept this vegetarian very happy.

• What to pack: Take layers.

The area around Walvis Bay is often cloaked in fog, which doesn’t clear until midday, and mornings can be on the cool side. And don’t forget to pack something for Crystal’s signature white-night party.

• Secret tip: Emirates and Qatar Airways fly from Sydney and Melbourne to Accra with one stop. There are also return flights from Cape Town to Sydney and Melbourne, all with one stop.

• Book it: The 12-night Tema (Accra) to Cape Town cruise on Crystal Symphony, departing on 11 December 2025, starts from $7100.

• Find out more:

visit crystalcruises.com

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CRYSTAL

in a school bus. And our charming part-time guide Paulo can usually be found teaching history to schoolchildren or driving a taxi around town.

The lush volcanic island was uninhabited until the 15th century, when Portuguese explorers arrived and started growing coffee. We sip the mellow brew in an old coffee plantation building, now a museum, before heading to Saint Nicholas Waterfall. A youngster offers us freshly picked wild raspberries from the forest, while his friends cool off under the cascade. There’s a flutter overhead and we glimpse the iridescent plumage of a bronze-naped pigeon, São Tomé’s national bird.

/ Small ship sailing

Back on Crystal Symphony, this is small ship sailing at its finest.

Even more so as after Abercrombie & Kent took over the ship and sister vessel Crystal Serenity in 2022, the passenger capacity was reduced. A multimillion-dollar refurbishment saw suites being enlarged and Crystal Symphony’s guest count going down by 28 per cent, from 848 to just 606.

As a result, the ship never feels crowded, except for the intimate Avenue Saloon piano bar which is the go-to afterdinner spot on our sailing. Elsewhere, it’s easy to book specialty restaurants such as Nobu and the recently introduced Beefbar, which along with an open bar are all covered in Crystal’s allinclusive fare that also takes care of – always good news for Australians – gratuities.

/ The sounds of history

A different Africa

Clockwise, from above left: Sampling wild raspberries; the final stop in Cape Town; the markets of departure port Tema in Ghana.

Everywhere we go, there’s a musical backdrop. In each port, the hypnotic and pulsating sound of drums carries on the breeze as we finish breakfast and energetic dancers in elaborate costumes start performing on the quayside long before the gangway opens.

In Cape Town we don’t even have to leave the ship as the theatre stage is given over to Ingoma, a troupe of singers and dancers whose performance is deeply rooted in local culture.

Particularly captivating is the high-energy gumboot dance where the performers stamp, clap and slap their rubber footwear in unison to create a rhythmic beat with no other instruments. Today it’s joyful and exuberant, but it’s sobering to learn this dance evolved in South Africa’s gold mines during the segregated apartheid era. Workers, sometimes chained together, were issued gumboots as the harsh working conditions often involved working in partially flooded mines. Forbidden to talk to each other, they created a means of coded communication by slapping their boots and rattling their chains.

Similarly, much of the coastline we visit has links with the slave trade, which was at its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries when millions of Africans were forcibly shipped to the Americas, many of them initially tricked into believing they were leaving their tribes for a better life.

It’s a chilling, discomforting but irrefutable part of history and I am pleased the subject is never side-stepped by our guides or the ship’s guest speakers, who all talk about it with candour.

/ Wildlife wonders

Prior to Cape Town, our last stop is Namibia’s Walvis Bay, where the wide sand spit is home to around 50,000 Cape fur seals. We see our first one before we even leave the harbour when Julius, so-called by the crew, hauls himself up the ladder of the small expedition boat and settles on the deck.

We learn he was cared for by the skipper after suffering an injury as a youngster and now drops by for a fish breakfast. In return, he provides passengers with a close-up look at his double-layered coat and external ear flaps, both characteristics of the largest fur seal species.

We might not have seen the type of things you expect on a traditional African safari, but I left this cruise with many memories that will last a lifetime – albeit mine won’t be anywhere near as long as the age-defying Welwitschia mirabilis. CT 56

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Cruise &Travel

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Brunello Cucinelli shorts, $1941.

Saint Laurent Gaby Vanity shoulder bag, $5975.

Oris + Marylebone Cricket Club watch, $5153.

Safari chic

Trunk show

Patagonia Iron Forge Pants, $139.95.

Tom Ford suede field jacket, $12,953.

Dior Eyewear DiorCannage sunglasses, $957.

Tom Ford silk crepe de chine shirt, $3860.

Eugenia Kim fedora, $724.

Tom Ford Eyewear Guillame sunglasses, $845.

Zimmermann “Cascadian” swimsuit, $697, and matching pants, $852.

La DoubleJ silk-twill dress, $2100.

Columbia Newton Ridge hiking boots, $153.

Loewe wool trousers, $1333.

Cruise&Travel

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Johanna Ortiz “Zea Palm” dress, $1670.

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Smooth sailing

P&O hits the waves as Carnival Encounter.

CARNIVAL ENCOUNTER

T

he absorption of the P&O fleet into Carnival has received a mixed response, with some one- and two-star reviews for Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure. One cruise blogger posted a blistering piece, but a Cruise & Travel poll of nearly 400 readers gave the new ships an approval rating of 70 per cent.

Even as a specialist cruise journalist who has been covering the industry for years and has previously travelled on both ships, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would my sailing on Carnival Cruise&Travel

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A WHOLE LOT of LOVE

Tiana Temple was one of the first cruise journalists on board the new Carnival Encounter – and while some others have been disparaging of the reformed P&O ship, she loved her experience.

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CARNIVAL ENCOUNTER

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Carnival of flavours Clockwise, from far left: Dining at Dragon Lady; Luke’s Bar & Grill; the promenade deck; Italian cuisine at Angelo’s.

The Indian curries at lunchtime were also good, as was our complimentary multi-course dinner at Dragon Lady, where the food was hot, ideal for sharing and arrived right on time.

In fact, we found the food on our Carnival Encounter sailing to be pretty much identical to when we sailed on the ship in its P&O Cruises days: right down to the rather ordinary burger from Luke’s Burger Bar, which had a beef patty that lacked flavour, and French fries that looked a lot like the free ones you could get elsewhere on the ship. Why did we pay for another burger when the one we’d had on Pacific Encounter was disappointing? Good question, lesson learned. Save your money and put it towards an à la carte dinner at Luke’s Bar & Grill or Trattoria, both of which were excellent.

Encounter be enjoyable or a frustrating cruise experience spoiled by the three most common causes of complaint: disappointing food, poor service and no changes to the cabins?

Here’s my take on what you can expect on board, based on my recent sailing.

/ Food: mainly the same, with a few exceptions

P&O Cruises never set out to be a line known for its fine cuisine, and neither does Carnival. The food aims to be tasty with broad appeal, and most of the time it succeeds.

On our three-night sailing, the complimentary venues were consistent, with The Pantry having some of the best Chinese takeaway dishes I’ve had in years. There was enough spice to make them interesting but not enough to turn other diners off.

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CARNIVAL ENCOUNTER Speaking of paying for food, there was one change we noticed: an increase in the number of chargeable options in the complimentary dining venues. There’s no need to pay more, but if you have your heart set on a particular dish and are unwilling to consider the other complimentary options, you may have to. You’ll also still have to pay for ice cream. This is the same situation as when Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure were sailing for P&O Cruises, so it is nothing new – which has drawn criticism.

We previously reported that one of the complaints is that some things haven’t changed enough and the new ships don’t have all the perks and amenities that typically come with a Carnival sailing. This is true, but we didn’t miss the complimentary late-night pizza or soft serve. We were happy with the free pizza that is available until 4pm and we could enjoy it in the upmarket surrounds of Trattoria, a specialty restaurant that usually costs extra. This beat the pool deck, hands down.

/ Decor: slightly tired

Of all the complaints levelled at the new Carnival ships, the one about the lack of changes in the cabins rang true. When you’re

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A pleasing encounter

Clockwise, from above: Balcony Queen suite; heart of the ship, the Atrium; Blanc de Blanc Uncorked; fun on board; arriving in Airlie Beach.

surrounded by upmarket décor in the public areas, it’s easy to forget the ship you’re sailing on is 23 years old. Except perhaps when you’re inside your cabin, as we discovered on Carnival Encounter.

Aside from new carpet and bed linen, our accommodation hadn’t been renovated since the ship finished sailing as Star Princess for Princess Cruises in 2018. Seven years later, the decor and artwork seemed old-fashioned and didn’t match the ship’s otherwise contemporary look.

Our cabin also had none of the modern conveniences, such as an interactive television, which are standard on newer ships, although the bedside lamps with a USB charging port were handy. While our balcony stateroom was in good repair, there was no denying it was looking rather tired.

If you’re like us and know what the cabins will be like before you get on board, you will probably have a similar reaction to ours. We noticed our accommodation was showing its age, but this didn’t impact our overall cruise experience as we were out and about most of the time.

However, passengers who weren’t aware that the cabins hadn’t been recently renovated would likely have a different reaction.

/ Staff: hard working, friendly and engaged

And the criticisms that made the least sense based on our cruise? The ones about poor service, a lack of smiles, and confused crew. We braced ourselves for an unhappy ship – and, believe me, we’ve sailed on a few – but the service was good, and the staff we encountered and observed were working hard to please passengers.

That said, it was easy to understand how difficult it must have been for the crew on some of the earlier cruises as they struggled to learn the new back-of-house systems while dealing with a full ship. On our sailing, the staff’s good humour and enthusiasm added significantly to what was already an enjoyable cruise. CT

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The Verdict

• If you’re expecting a fancy

experience on Carnival Encounter or Carnival Adventure, or one with the razzle-dazzle of a “new ship”, you could be disappointed. In fact, this is perhaps the ships’ biggest downfall. Not because the new Carnival ships don’t deliver on their promise of a fun, affordable and enjoyable cruising experience – our sailing certainly did – but because their transition isn’t fully complete. Sometimes the upmarket surroundings also make it easy to forget you’re not on a more upmarket line. Provided you keep your expectations reasonable, there is a lot to love on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, including P&O Cruises’ favourites Blanc de Blanc Uncorked and Luke’s Bar & Grill, that you get to enjoy for a little while longer.

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“The service was good, and the staff we encountered and observed were working hard to please passengers.”

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1/9/2025 1:25 pm

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30/7/2025 4:39 pm 1/9/2025 2:13

Rivers 66 New river routes | 74 Viking on the Danube | 78 APT Ostara launches

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Uniworld in India

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River Trends

NEW LOVES & OLD FLAMES Adventurous Australians have begun to look at new river routes, writes Bernadette Chua.

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iver cruise lines such as Abercrombie & Kent, APT, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways and Tauck have begun to release new itineraries, not just in exotic locations but also throughout Europe and Asia.

The Douro River in recent years has emerged as a fast-growing destination, with AmaWaterways, Travelmarvel (APT’s sister brand) and Avalon Waterways recently launching new vessels in Portugal.

/ Pyramid scheme

APT has told Cruise & Travel that the company has seen strong interest in Egypt, with enquiries growing for cruises along the Nile. The allAustralian brand, which has yet to launch its 66

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new itineraries, will start the voyages in 2026.

Travelmarvel CEO David Cox says that while the Egypt program isn’t yet on sale, the 2026 season will be released later this year and is already generating strong interest. And despite geopolitical issues in the Middle East, he says Australians are pragmatic.

“We’ve seen pent-up demand for this iconic destination building for years, and we’re backing that demand with a serious commitment – including a dedicated Travelmarvel ship on the Nile. This is a destination our travellers have been asking for, and we’re confident it will become one of the most sought-after regions in our portfolio,” says Cox. He also believes that by 2026, many Australians will feel like it’s the time to tick the destination off their list.

“Australians aren’t naïve travellers – they do their homework,” says Cox. “They’ve been watching Egypt with interest for years, waiting for the right time. With significant investment from the Egyptian government in tourism and

security, and with the backing of a trusted operator like Travelmarvel, they now feel confident making that long-held dream a reality.

“We’re always listening to our guests and Egypt is a destination they’ve been asking us for, loudly and clearly. When we explore new regions, it must be the right destination at the right time, and it must deliver on the quality and value our guests expect. Egypt ticks every box.”

As a sneak peek of one of the highlight itineraries launching later this year, guests Cruise &Travel

1/9/2025 2:57 pm

“AUSTRALIANS [HAVE] BEEN WATCHING EGYPT WITH INTEREST FOR YEARS, WAITING FOR THE RIGHT TIME.”

Destination favourites

Clockwise, from left: Vietnam with Avalon Waterways; upcoming trips to Egypt with APT; Provence and European cycling tours with Tauck.

will enjoy a seven-night cruise on the Nile aboard Travelmarvel’s river ship and three nights in Cairo with guided visits to icons such as the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.

Passengers will then have the option to extend with seven nights of guided touring through Jordan – taking in the city of Petra, the ancient capital of Amman, the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Rum and the tranquil waters of the Dead Sea.

/ Always Asia

Avalon Waterways has been sailing on the Mekong since 2018 and in recent years, the company has seen a huge increase in bookings for the Asian voyage.

“We have seen a resurgence of interest in our Avalon Waterways itineraries along the Mekong in Asia – itineraries that cover Vietnam and Cambodia, and four cruise routes that include Thailand too,” says a spokesperson for the company.

“Bookings are up 83 per cent for the 2025 season compared to 2024, and we’re already seeing a 50 per cent increase for 2026 based on the same time as last year.

“Vietnam has emerged as one of the major growth destinations for the Australian market over the past year, with easy air access, rich cultural experiences, incredible history and great food, all at a very affordable price. For Avalon, we also have a standout onboard experience … an average of just 30 guests and a maximum of 36 on our ships in Asia, so we offer a more intimate and personal way to explore.”

/ More up for Europe

Earlier this year, Tauck announced new river itineraries that include the Danube, Rhine, Douro and French waterways. They include: The Blue Danube; Exploring the Douro, Plus Lisbon & Madrid; Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence; and Rendezvous on the Seine.

“Whether it’s exploring the wonders of the world on a small ship cruise, embarking on an enriching land tour, or sailing through iconic waterways on a European river cruise, Tauck provides world-class experiences,” says Tauck Australia Managing Director David Clark.

Avalon Waterways said the expansion of its European itineraries, particularly in France, was based on guest feedback.

“Understanding the experience guests are seeking is key to shaping our product offering.

We regularly issue global and local surveys to explore the kind of excursions and activities our guests are interested in, and we also ask where they want to be cruising next,” says a spokesperson.

“A great example of that is France. In our last survey, the country came out as the most desired destination for our guests, so for 2025, we expanded our French offering by 33 per cent and launched our first itinerary in the Bordeaux region, Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages.

“As expected when cruising through a region known for its vineyards and wines, we have many food and wine experiences that really resonate with guests. Tasting merlot in Médoc wine country or sampling oysters fresh from the bay in Arcachon have quickly become guest favourites.

“We’ve also found that our active excursions, particularly cycling through Bordeaux or the local vineyards (combined with a wine tasting), are very popular.” CT 67

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River News

/Seray’s Egypt sojourn

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&K Sanctuary has revealed its new riverboat, Nile Seray, will launch in 2026, the fifth vessel from the luxury brand. Nile Seray will be the largest and most spacious riverboat from the company; the entry-level suites are 33 square metres with floor-to-ceiling windows and Juliet balconies. It will accommodate 64 guests across its 32 elegant, modern suites. Two magnificent suites will boast full private balconies with outdoor spa pools. There will be two restaurants, and the top deck will have canopied daybeds, a swimming pool and an outdoor bar from which to enjoy wraparound views of the Nile valley.

The wellness space features two spa treatment rooms alongside a well-equipped gymnasium. Nile Seray sails between Aswan and Luxor on four-night voyages. Shore excursions will include insider access to some of Egypt’s best archaeological sites on the Nile’s west bank.

AFRICA calling

Full STEAM ahead

• The new, luxury Australian Star paddlesteamer on the Murray River will launch in late November – but she is already 90 per cent sold out for 2026. The three-night itineraries are fully booked but there is availability on seven-night itineraries sailing in January and February 2026 and from June onwards. Australian Star will have 19 river-view staterooms with ensuite and private deck; a bar, lounge and viewing deck; plus a fine-dining restaurant.

There will be lifts to all cabins and an expansive outdoor relaxation area. Murray River Paddlesteamers’ third vessel, Australian Sky, is scheduled to be completed in 2027.

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• Zambezi Cruise & Safaris has a new river ship, Zambezi Trader, which will offer magical holiday itineraries on Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made lake. The “Trader”, as it is affectionately known, will offer sailings of two to four nights between the lake and Msuna Island, which is about a three-hour drive from Victoria Falls. The cruise will allow guests to visit four iconic southern African destinations in one itinerary: Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, the Zambezi River and Chobe National

Park. Excursions along the river’s tributaries will include game viewing, bird watching and fishing. Zambezi Cruise & Safaris plans to add game drives and walks into the wildlife-rich private Devil’s Gorge conservancy in 2026.

Zambezi Trader has 29 cabins and suites across three decks, including five family suites.

There’s also a cocktail bar, pool deck, private dining room and a lounge.

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SMITHSONIAN adventures

• AmaWaterways has announced 42 new departures in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys for 2027.

Among the highlights are two new itineraries: Grand Waterways of France: Cruising Normandy, Burgundy and Provence; and Along the Mekong: Charms of Vietnam and Cambodia. Eleven itineraries showcasing Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Rhône will also return in 2027. Each journey features opportunities to engage with a diverse array of experts, from art historians and archaeologists to scientists and anthropologists. Optional pre- and postcruise land packages, hosted by an AmaWaterways cruise manager, allow you to delve even deeper into each destination. The special travel program was developed by the Smithsonian Institution.

/2026 sees record bookings

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valon Waterways has reported record-breaking bookings, surging demand and a growing portfolio of experiences. With sales for 2026 17 per cent ahead of 2024 and already seven per cent higher than 2025 (at the same time last year), the line has attributed its success to new itineraries and destinations as well as trending themed cruises. The Romantic Rhine itinerary is Avalon’s most popular and continues to captivate with castles, cobblestones and endless charm from Amsterdam to Basel. On the Danube, guests are embracing two distinct stories and itineraries: Danube Dreams for the classic upper stretch and Balkan Discovery for the less-travelled Lower Danube. In France, Paris to Normandy remains a bestseller, followed by Avalon’s newest cruise – the wine-rich Bonjour Bordeaux itinerary.

On the Mekong River, bookings are up 76 per cent.

The line has also found its Active & Discovery cruises are very popular with younger river cruisers.

Viking’s first INDIA FORAY • Viking has announced its first river voyages in India will be on Viking Brahmaputra, a new 80-guest vessel designed specifically for the Brahmaputra River. Scheduled to debut in late 2027, the riverboat will set the standard for modern river voyages in India. It will sail between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in Assam as part of Viking’s Cruise&Travel

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new 15-day itinerary, Wonders of India. In addition to an eight-day river voyage, the itinerary includes a guided land program with stays in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The three-deck Viking Brahmaputra will host 80 guests in 40 staterooms. Featuring Viking’s signature Scandinavian design, all staterooms and suites will have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a veranda.

The ship has a spa and fitness centre and an open-air bar on the upper deck.

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UNIWORLD IN INDIA

The magic of

India casts a spell on land and river.

Uniworld’s 13-day journey uncovers the opulence and history of this intriguing country, writes Sue Wallace.

INDIA W

omen dressed in saris the colour of jewels, men stripped to the waist washing, scatterbrain goats running along the riverbank and children making mud pies – welcome to life along India’s sacred Ganges River. Considered the lifeblood of India, the river snakes its way 2525 kilometres through India and Bangladesh.

It is mesmerising watching river life play out from aboard the elegant Ganges Voyager II on Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ tour, “India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges” from New Delhi to Kolkata. The trip features a seven-day river cruise and a five-day land tour, which is a perfect combination and introduction to beguiling India.

The land tour visits India’s famous Golden Triangle, the captivating cities of New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. It doesn’t take long to fall under the spell of these places. The sights, smells, colours, food and music of India all intrigue – but above all, it’s the people I find mesmerising. At times, it’s overwhelming as you are immersed in the day-to-day minutiae of the population, but that’s India for you.

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The luxe touches, perfected at three magnificent Oberoi hotels, balance the more confronting scenarios of everyday life.

The Oberoi New Delhi is an iconic luxury hotel and has a fascinating history and a style that captivates, while the Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra offers stunning views of the nearby Taj Mahal and has an inviting pool.

At Jaipur’s sprawling Oberoi Rajvilas, we are greeted with rose petals fluttering down from the rooftop while pretty peacocks parade in the manicured grounds.

Oberoi Hotels and Uniworld are a match made in heaven, providing a seamless transition from land and river travels, which will appeal to Australian cruise fans. Our excursions are entertaining and informative with expert guides.

As temperatures climb, it’s a treat to return to the boat or hotel and be greeted with a cool drink and an icy cold towel.

Uniworld makes it all a luxury experience as nothing is left to chance – buses, rickshaws, guides and boats appear without fuss and on time.

/ Highlights on land

Without doubt, it’s the knockout Taj Mahal that simply stops me in my tracks the first time I lay eyes on this beauty. It is hot and crowded late in the afternoon, but the symbol of eternal love commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his adored wife, is striking.

It sits on the south bank of the Yamuna River and despite seeing many photographs over the years, nothing prepares you for its sheer beauty.

One of the seven wonders of the world, it took 22 years to build and today remains India’s top tourist attraction. As crowds gather late afternoon, there’s a little jostling for the best sightseeing positions but at dawn the following day, few gather.

It’s well worth the early rise and 6am visit when we have this beauty virtually to ourselves before temperatures soar.

Book It

• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ 13-day “India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges” tour is offered January-March and SeptemberDecember. A four-day pre-cruise tour to Udaipur and a three-day, postcruise visit to Varanasi are also offered.

Like no other

Clockwise, from above: Varanasi on the Ganges; the Taj Mahal; the Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra; the Amber Fort, Jaipur.

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Expert Tips

UNIWORLD IN INDIA Other highlights include Jaipur, known as the pink city thanks to ruler Sawai Ram Singh II, who turned the city pink to impress the Prince of Wales in 1876. Many of the historic buildings remain pink today.

Jaipur’s bazaars are famous for their traditional Rajasthani crafts, and we fall in love with jewellery, textiles, carpets, artwork, pottery and beautiful saris in a swirl of bright colours.

New Delhi with its broad boulevards became India’s capital in 1931 when the British moved it from Kolkata to New Delhi. A new administrative city just south of the old city was created.

We visit some of the main attractions, including India Gate and Humayun’s Tomb.

For a change of pace, it’s a fun rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk market. Our driver dodges taxis, bikes, pedestrians and monkeys with great skill on a hair-raising ride, and deserves a generous tip.

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Pretty in pink, Jaipur

Clockwise, from above: The Hawa Mahal pink palace; the Oberoi Rajvilas royal resort; colourful spice stalls in the bazaar.

• What to wear: Lightweight, loose-fitting linen and cotton clothes are best. Opt for comfortable walking shoes, as pavements are often uneven.

Long-sleeved shirts, skirts and pants protect against harsh sun.

Take a wrap for cold indoor air conditioning. Shorts and skimpy tops are not suitable for sacred sites and temples.

• What to pack: Bring medications, sunscreen and insect repellent from home.

• Pro tips: Visit the Taj Mahal early in the morning when crowds are at their most minimal. Don’t drink tap water, and make sure bottled water is properly sealed.

• Flight advice: Check baggage allowance on various airlines, so you aren’t stung at the airport.

There are plenty of things to splurge on.

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/ Highlights on the river

Our guide, Vickas Mehre, makes history come to life as we explore small regional areas and discover many attractions, often unseen on other tours.

“This river is much more than just water; it’s a river like no other that is sacred to Hindus,” he says. “It is the root of the Hindu religion; it’s about life and death and has a spirituality of its own.”

Highlights include fun and educational excursions, which vary from the stunning temples of Kalna built in 1809 to colourful city markets. The city of Chandannagar with its French-inspired leafy boulevard and the authentic artisan village of Matiari are other highlights. The duo Bengali towns of Murshidabad and Baranagar boast surprising and beautiful architectural monuments.

The cruise line has curated an itinerary that visits incredible rural towns and villages that are off the beaten tourism path.

“When you pair that with the classic golden triangle, it gives a balanced perspective – huge cities with fabulous hotels and tiny villages rarely seen by tourists,” says Uniworld’s Australia and New Zealand managing director, Alice Ager.

/ The ship

Ganges Voyager II accommodates 56 guests with 36 staff and reminds me of a floating five-star hotel with every comfort.

My chic and spacious Colonial Suite is the perfect haven after a busy day of sightseeing. It features a king bed, floor-to-ceiling windows and a French balcony that is just perfect for river watching. There are teak floors, a large bathroom well stocked

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Rich in history

Ganges Voyager II (above), and its Viceroy Suite (below); Kathgola Palace Museum, Murshidabad.

with Kama Ayurveda products and Indian-inspired decor.

My favourite haunt on the ship is the sundeck, where you can relax in sunlounges under shady umbrellas, sipping a fruity cocktail. The elegant lounge is where informative nightly port talks and entertainment are staged.

There’s also an emphasis on wellness with daily yoga classes, Ayurvedic spa treatments and massages offered.

/ Dining is an adventure

Indian and Western dishes star under the helm of Executive Chef Mayukh Choudary, who has an impressive culinary background working in top hotels throughout India before joining Uniworld. Each region and community boasts unique dishes and culinary traditions.

“I like to give guests a taste of authentic Indian dishes and there are always alternatives for those who may want other options,” he says.

My favourite meal is an outstanding onboard celebration dinner which included treats such as prawn biryani, aloo bhaja (shallow-fried potato with onion) and began mirch ka salan (a Hyderabadi dish made with eggplant and green chilli). Delicious desserts included royal makhana kheer (puff lotus seed with condensed milk) and jalebi with rabri – crispy deep fried fennel cake with milk.

Months later, when I hear the word India, my heart still skips a beat – it was an exhilarating adventure from start to finish, both on and off the water that will remain with me forever. CT 73

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High notes

Clockwise, from left: Reception Atrium aboard Viking Egil; a Viking Longship glides through Budapest; the ship’s Aquavit Terrace.

VIKING ON THE DANUBE

Girlfriends AFLOAT

Laughter, culture, music and great wines are all part of a sedate but surprising trip through six cities along the Danube, writes Laura Jackson.

t

The surreal attraction is really designed for the under-10s.

Which is why two middle-aged women laughing hysterically on board – conspicuously not accompanied by any children – really stuck out like a sore Tom Thumb on a Monday in March.

My pal Mill and I have been friends since we studied music together at university and lived in a flatshare for several years in our twenties – an experience neither of us could have predicted would come in handy for sharing a cabin on a river cruise ship a quarter of a century later.

We’d been intending to take a trip for years, having seen each other grow across the decades via two marriages (me) and two sons (Mill). A seven-night Danube Waltz route through central Europe on the 190-passenger Viking Egil was spot-on, taking in places we’d studied during our degree: Bruckner’s Linz, Schönberg’s Vienna, Liszt’s Budapest. It would be a cultural holiday through four countries sliding from genteel city to city but with enough home comforts to satisfy two always-on-thebrink-of-burnout fortysomethings. The toy railway set the tone early. Neither of us will regret skipping Linz’s fancy Ars Electronica Center in favour of howling until even our calves hurt on a novelty train.

Our cruise had started two days before in the Bavarian city of Passau – the first of six on the river route – reached by flying to Munich and transferring 90 minutes by road. Even though the city was nicknamed the Venice of Bavaria, my expectations for it weren’t high compared with those for other big hitters on the route, including Krems an der Donau, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. The day was grey and misty, with sombre bells pealing on Sunday morning from the city’s 53 churches, as we stepped out in our group of about 15, for the first of the daily walking tours included in the fare.

Our guide, Ugar Yolci – who studied law at the University of Passau and was well versed in the city’s Napoleonic and Gothic history – ricocheted us around the key sights with a sense of humour. We learnt about the colour coding of shopfronts from a time when few could read: pharmacies are green, bakeries pink and breweries yellow. We wandered down a narrow lane, Höllgasse, just off the Danube, to see tide marks on the medieval buildings from floods that subsumed the city in 2013.

On board Egil, we easily got into a groove. We were up for breakfast at seven-ish – part buffet, with some à la carte options – and off the boat for a morning walking tour. We returned for most lunches, then spent afternoons exploring or reading and lazing on the yacht-style Aquavit terrace at the stern. Our smart cabin on Deck 3 also had a lounge area, big sliding doors facing

he Grottenbahn – aka the “Dragon Express” grotto railway – in Linz, Austria, seemed the type of old-school analog fun you only really encounter in certain corners of the world these days. Inside an old fort tower at the top of the 539-metre Pöstlingberg mountain to the west of the city, the train’s front was shaped like a huge dragon’s head with wings.

There was nothing “express” about it, though. During three slow laps of a circular track built into a man-made cave in Edwardian times, it chuffed out dry ice and tooted into the tunnel.

Meanwhile, to the sides, a dozen tiny dioramas depicted frankly nightmarish scenes of grotesque dwarfs, giant grasshoppers and weird mushrooms inspired by Grimms’ fairytales.

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VIKING ON THE DANUBE

the balcony, and enough drawers and hangers for the incalculable volumes of Zara frocks we’d brought with us. The bathroom’s underfloor heating was a welcome upgrade on our student days.

In the airy restaurant, with communal tables of between six and eight, we could sit where and with whom we liked. The other passengers were mostly couples and mostly Americans, with a few Brits and Canadians in the mix, and dinners made for lively conversation between Republicans and Democrats. We rotated around retired folk who worked in finance in Chicago, farmers from Wyoming, and a multi-gen family from Illinois.

Meals such as burgers and grilled salmon were always on the menu, but each evening local specialities peppered the selection according to the destination. There were marillenknodel (apricot dumplings) in Austria and halusky (savoury dumplings) in Slovakia. It was as if we were dining at a really good neighbourhood bistro with regionally sourced ingredients and delicate presentations.

Evening entertainment was high quality, too. At Linz, a professional violin and piano duo from the Anton Bruckner Private University performed a set of Mozart and Elgar classics, while in Bratislava local opera singers and musicians belted out Puccini to Bizet arias.

I barely felt the ship moving – at less than 10 years old, it should be a smooth ride – but that’s important when you’re on a river that can twist and meander, especially through the Wachau valley. The most beautiful stretch was before Krems an der Donau, with sights such as the baby-blue tower of Dürnstein Abbey unspooling on a perfectly sunny morning.

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“Billed as a wine tasting, it felt more like an all-dayer thanks to stealth pourings of grüner veltliner and schnapps.”

Waltzing the Danube

Clockwise, from far left: Classic Vienna; Regensburg; a Viking Longship Explorer Suite and the Hild Lounge & Bar; Göttweig Abbey, Austria; Buda Castle, Budapest.

At Krems our first stop was Göttweig Abbey, a 10-minute coach ride south, dating from the 18th century after a fire destroyed the medieval original. We toured the magnificent baroque building with its frescoes designed to trick the eye. As this is a working monastery, we were graciously ushered from the ornate chapel at midday for prayers, leaving plenty of time to buy wines produced by the monks in the gift shop.

Which got us in the mood for that afternoon’s excursion to the winemaker Mörwald’s (from about $185 per person). Erhard Mörwald and the winery’s dirndl-donning guide Trinka Stumpfer were as sparky as their wines on board our ship: Mörwald and his family supply 100,000 bottles a year to Viking.

They took eight of us on a tour around the vaulted brick cellars that Erhard built by hand. Billed as a wine tasting, it felt more like an all-dayer thanks to stealth pourings of grüner veltliner and schnapps. I left with yet another bottle of the region’s zweigelt in my rucksack.

One of the misunderstandings levelled at cruises is that you can’t get under the skin of a place in a day, but I’ve never found that to be true. While I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited Vienna on city breaks, I’d never cruised to the Austrian capital and this trip was an opportunity to see a part of town that was new to me, accompanied by a local expert.

On the first morning we joined the group tour, for a whiz around the city via coach to the gold-frescoed joy of Matthias Church. Then Mill and I made our own musical pilgrimage, walking from the dock through the city centre, past the synagogue, to the Franz Liszt Memorial Museum, dedicated to the 19th-century composer famed for his solo piano works.

Our final morning, a Saturday, brought torrential rain. From the window of our cabin we could see the tempting Gellert Thermal Baths and we made a run for it, drenched before we’ve even got in the 36°C pool.

While this trip served up lots of intellectually serious moments (classical music performances, Jewish history and quirky museums), it also brought what we both needed so badly: a lot of impromptu laughs at some of central Europe’s most joyously unexpected experiences. CT

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A MIGHTY PAIR APT

APT has taken luxury on Europe’s rivers to new heights with its new river ships.

APT Ostara is now sailing alongside sister ship APT Solara, writes Jane Archer.

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ust two months after unveiling its first APT-branded river ship in Europe, APT has done it again. Vessel number two, APT Ostara, launched in June and, just like its sister ship (APT Solara, for those who haven’t been keeping up), it has set a new standard for luxury on Europe’s rivers.

From the quality of the finish to the exceptional cuisine, there is so much to love about this vessel. The service is excellent, the look more akin to a private yacht than a river ship, and it never feels crowded even though there are 133 on our cruise (mostly Australians, with a handful of Brits), which is not far short of its capacity of 154.

Even more notable, there are six places to eat (seven if you count room service, which is available during mealtimes), which is way more than many other vessels of this size. Several are by invitation-only, so everyone gets to try them all once (but book one of the Owner’s Suites, of which more later, and you get extra dining privileges).

/ A restaurant that moves

We were impressed with the food in all the restaurants on Ostara but for added wow, it’s hard to beat the Grüner Bar & Dining.

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Next level

Entry to the floating European-style Grüner Bar & Dining (above); APT’s new luxury river ship.

When Ostara is sailing, it’s accessed from the back of Deck 3; once in port, the crew press a button and the whole thing – the seating, galley, bar and all – lifts hydraulically onto the sundeck.

And if you don’t believe that’s what happens, check out the hole on Deck 3 where the restaurant used to be. It really is technology gone amazing.

Grüner is open for lunch and dinner, and you need invitations for both meals. The menus are different, but portions are designed to be shared, which works if you and your partner have the same tastes – if not, you can each order what you fancy.

For lunch, that means anything from chilled cucumber soup for starters (just to be clear, that is not for sharing!) to German sausage or pork schnitzel (my choice, and so good) for a main.

Dinner courses are labelled “small”, “medium”, “large” and “sweet”, and they are not kidding. The grilled chicken with pomodoro spaghetti looked meagre, but after the “medium” open striploin sandwich, and over-indulging with bread and yummy hummus for the “small”, it was quite enough.

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APT Vegemite), while dinner is a served three- or four-course meal with salads, soups, meat, fish and vegetarian options.

You are also free to drop in for light breakfasts and lunches at the front of the Salon (APT’s name for the lounge), but in the evening the eatery morphs into the invitation-only Annie’s Table, which serves a three-course French-inspired menu.

So that’s four eateries ticked. Number five is the Daystar Deck, an area of the sundeck between the wheelhouse and front of the ship, where they fire up a barbie twice per cruise as long as the weather plays ball.

It wasn’t looking good for our cruise, but someone up there was watching out for us because right on cue, the clouds cleared and the sun came out. And so did kebabs, calamari, German sausages, steak, salads, fruit. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who snuck back for seconds.

/ Saving the best until last

Crème de la crème Clockwise, from above: Solara’s lobby; fine dining at Grüner; find your favourite tipple; the Owner’s Cellar; and Salon Lounge.

chocolate mousse. Naturally there was a different wine poured with each course. The food was delicious – the steak was tops for me – but we were equally impressed by the tempo of the meal, personal service and sensible portion sizes that didn’t leave you feeling stuffed.

That was the same in all the eateries and APT’s contribution to health and wellness. There’s also a small gym and spa room on Ostara – massages are anything from 30 minutes to an hour – and 10 electric bikes that can be borrowed for free or used on bike tours. When time allows, Amy, one half of Ostara’s entertainment duo, hosts meditation, line-dancing and fitness classes, and she and partner Ludo also take folk out hiking.

And then there is the Owner’s Cellar, an elegant eatery within Bistro Saison designed like a wine cellar, which is invitationonly and sits just 16 people.

We were welcomed with champagne and munched our way through a tasting menu that started with a cauliflower veloute and moved on to a classic prawn cocktail; pike perch cooked with nuts, grapes and grapefruit; tender sirloin steak; and finally a 80

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Expert tips • Favourite meal: I enjoyed

all the food served (although a bit more oomph in a curry one lunchtime would have been nice) but the stand-out was Annie’s Table: a platter of cold meats, olives, eggplant mousse and roasted peppers to start, a delicious confit of duck to follow, and a crème brûlée to round it all off. Just perfect.

• What to pack: This depends on when you are travelling. Summers in Europe are generally warm and dry (although there are exceptions, as on this trip!) while winters veer from cold to freezing, so woolly jumpers and hats, gloves and scarves are a must. On board, it’s very casual. Gala night is an excuse for dressing up if you feel inclined.

• Secret tip: APT doesn’t supply water bottles, plastic or otherwise, so take your own. They can be refilled at the tea-andcoffee water station in the Salon.

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“NATURALLY THERE WAS A DIFFERENT WINE POURED WITH EACH COURSE. THE FOOD WAS DELICIOUS – THE STEAK WAS TOPS FOR ME.”

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Voyage meanwhile, 14 suites have teak-like panelling reminiscent of a ship’s cabin of old. Instead of curtains, the windows (two in each room, but they don’t open) have slatted wood-effect blinds that open and close at the touch of a button.

In all rooms, images taken by Australian photographer Nicholas Wilkins showcase the highlight places visited along the rivers between Amsterdam and Budapest.

/ Castles and cities

APT

/ The suite life

As befits a river ship selling itself on luxury, all rooms on Ostara are suites. The best are the eight Owner’s Suites on Deck 3, which have a separate sitting area and balcony and come with free laundry and a spa treatment, plus a second invitation to the Owner’s Cellar for those on the 15-day Magnificent Europe cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest.

Most rooms are like ours though. They are a bit smaller but look lovely, with a super-comfy bed, a panorama window that opens halfway at the touch of a button, plenty of storage, a stylish Smeg kettle, and a good-sized bathroom with a Butler-style sink and glass-enclosed shower. I was promised that bathrobes are on the way.

In a nod to APT’s roots, the interior design was the work of Melbourne-based Hecker-Guthrie and is both spectacular and very different to the norm on rivers.

Acres of white wood panelling give the ship a nautical look and add a feeling of space; there are beechwood banisters and furniture, rope-entwined pillars and an eye-catching sculpture in the lobby stairwell that resembles a fishing net. On Deck 1,

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Cabin fever

Watch the river glide by from your cabin’s panorama window; an Owner’s Suite.

Most passengers were sailing from Budapest to Amsterdam on an iconic journey through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and Holland. If you’re coming all the way from Australia, it’s an amazing two weeks ticking off everything from castles and cities to historic towns and villages with picturesque half-timbered houses and an obsession with either beer or wine.

We joined them at their half-way mark, in Nuremberg, for an eight-day Highlights of the Rhine and Main cruise to Amsterdam that has more than its fair share of delightful old towns, castles, churches, quirky stories and, of course, plenty of beer and wine.

With APT, all tours are included in the price – even when there is a choice of excursions, which is a neat touch. On walking tours, we were divided into groups, with one set aside for slow walkers.

Easy-to-use Quietvox receivers are provided, so you can hear guides without having to crowd around them.

The full cruise features three exclusive Signature Experiences.

On our section, we had champagne with a real-life princess in her castle. She told us the story of the “house”; its history, how it was seriously damaged in the world wars, and her journey renovating it, before we were given free rein to look around.

APT’s other tours were really good, but the princess was so interesting and so gracious that is the one we will never forget. CT

Book it

• APT Ostara is sailing 15-day Magnificent Europe cruises between Amsterdam and Budapest until late December this year and from March to December in 2026, with prices from $9695 per person including drinks, tips, excursions and Wi-Fi. Our one-week cruise between Nuremberg and Amsterdam (or vice-versa) is available on selected dates, as are cruises between Nuremberg and Budapest.

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Loewe leather messenger bag, $7046.

Toteme crystal and onyx earrings, $1030.

Adidas Originals SL 72 OG, $185.

Classic European

Trunk show

Paul Smith suede jacket, $3509.

Dries Van Noten trench coat, $3460.

Celine Homme leather weekend bag, $6809.

Rag & Bone Henley T-shirt, $312.

Celine Homme sunglasses, $614.

Tom Ford silk-twill trousers, $2998.

Róhe satin pants, $380.

Bettter “Denibermuda” shorts, $855.

Liberowe linen blouse, $1431.

Tom Ford cashmere polo shirt, $2749.

Khaite “Dane” jeans $1110.

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From

COLOMBIA

with love...

The Unparalleled River Cruise Experience With the guest at the heart of our operations for over 20 years, AmaWaterways offers river cruise experiences on some of the world’s most stunning rivers in Europe, Asia, Egypt, Africa and now in South America.

Family owned and operated by pioneering river cruise professionals, AmaWaterways is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable ship design; modern and spacious ships and amenities; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options); and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine.

To make a reservation contact your preferred travel advisor or AmaWaterways on 1800 867 126 | amawaterways.au

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SPECIAL REPORT

FLY CRUISE

Look to Europe, Asia or the Americas for your next fly-cruise adventure.

page

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EUROPE

EVERYBODY’S FAVOURITE

In the world of cruising there’s nowhere quite like Europe, says Jane Archer.

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hether you want to visit world-class cities, go kayaking in deep fjords, walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans and Greeks, see medieval castles or taste wine in the vineyards where it was grown, you can on an ocean or river cruise in Europe.

Almost every cruise line in the world has ships there in summer and voyages of a week, fortnight or more that offer a perfect escape from winter down under. Several lines stay in the Mediterranean in winter too, catering for a growing band of travellers who want to see the sights when the weather has cooled and the crowds have gone home.

There truly is a cruise to suit everyone and every budget. Big or small ships; ultra-luxury

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vessels with champagne on tap; floating playgrounds with waterslides, climbing walls, kids’ clubs and umpteen places to eat and drink – you’ll find them all in Europe. And that’s before you start on the river ships with spacious suites, butlers and everything included in the price.

No wonder Australians love cruising in Europe, especially the Mediterranean. The latter is the biggest-selling cruise destination for Australians outside our region (Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific), according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and numbers are increasing each year as more choose fly-cruise itineraries in long-haul destinations.

/ Fly-cruise trend

That trend will only continue upwards as cruisers are enticed with exciting new ocean-going and river ships and itineraries from the likes of Oceania Cruises and Viking, which both have new ships sailing in the Mediterranean this year, respectively Oceania Allura and Viking Vesta.

Also this year, AmaWaterways unveiled a third ship, AmaSintra, on the Douro River in

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/ Where to cruise

northern Portugal, and Viking upped its appeal with shiny new river ships on the Douro, the Seine in France and the Rhine, Main and Danube through Central Europe.

APT, meanwhile, has been wowing guests with its luxurious new APT Solara and APT Ostara, which are also sailing the Rhine, Main and Danube.

Looking ahead to 2026, Royal Caribbean International’s new Legend of the Seas will make history as the first Icon-class megaship (think waterslides, restaurants and more than 7000 passengers) to sail the Mediterranean.

There are also another two Viking newbies, Viking Mira and Viking Libra, on the way, while Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ ultra-luxury all-suite Seven Seas Prestige, launching at the end of 2026, will make its Mediterranean debut in 2027.

Cruising on the Continent

Clockwise, from left: Bordeaux; the Shetland Islands; Athens; the winter cruise favourite, Europe’s Christmas markets.

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When it comes to cruising, Europe splits neatly into three – the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the rivers.

The Mediterranean is by far the most popular as it’s home to Rome, Florence, Venice, Athens, Barcelona and Istanbul, as well as second-tier cities such as Nice, Naples, Monte Carlo, Malaga, Valletta and Dubrovnik.

And once they have been ticked off, there’s plenty more to see, such as Split, Ajaccio, Palermo and Cartagena, the spectacular Roman city of Ephesus, near Kusadasi in Turkey, and Pisa’s famous leaning tower.

Oceania Cruises’ Istanbul to Lisbon cruise in November 2026 is a good way to see favourite destinations in Greece, Italy and Spain, as well as hidden gems such as Zadar in Croatia and Koper in Slovenia, and at 39 days it makes the most of the long flight to Europe.

Northern Europe includes the Baltic, which has history, culture and more than its fair share of magnificent cities, and the Norwegian fjords, which are scenic wonderlands. Cruises around the UK take in castles, the Beatles and remote islands; frozen Greenland and volcanic Iceland offer chills and thrills.

Hang on for Viking’s 29-day Baltic Jewels and Midnight Sun cruise in 2027 and you’ll take in the best bits of it all on a journey from Stockholm to London via Poland, Berlin, the fjords and Scotland’s wild Shetland and Orkney Islands.

Spanning both regions, Princess and Oceania have solar-eclipse sailings lined up for August 2026, which will be off Spain, Portugal and Iceland at the moment of

totality, but you need to book quickly because they are selling fast.

/ River cruising

If the rivers are calling, take your pick from tulip-themed cruises in spring, leafy valleys and lush vineyards in summer and getting in the festive spirit in Germany’s colourful Christmas markets in winter.

There are voyages through France, Germany, northern Portugal, the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as epic journeys that link the North Sea and Black Sea, which between them dip into everything from history and art to wine, while active sorts can go walking, hiking and cycling.

Can’t decide? Uniworld River Cruises’ 22-day Ultimate France voyage in 2026 pairs the line’s Brilliant Bordeaux, Paris & Normandy and Burgundy & Provence itineraries, so you don’t have to choose. Or go for AmaWaterways’ Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals cruise for a castles-cathedrals-andchocolate fest through Holland, Belgium, Germany, France and Switzerland. CT

GETTING THERE

• Between them, Qantas, British Airways,

Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways have flights from Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Canberra, which connect via hub airports in Singapore, Qatar, Dubai and Abu Dhabi to their own or partner airline flights to Europe’s main ocean and river cruise departure ports and cities: these include London, Barcelona, Rome and Athens for ocean cruises and Amsterdam, Prague and Munich for river cruises. Exceptionally Qantas also has non-stop flights from Perth to London, Rome and Paris.

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EUROPEAN PORTS

World-class museums, ancient history, an unfinished cathedral and a very Little Mermaid are among the attractions in Europe’s leading port cities, writes Jane Archer. / BARCELONA, SPAIN

The cruise capital of Europe, Barcelona is loved by cruise lines for its deep-water berths and by passengers for its easy 15-minute shuttle transfer between city and port. Once on shore, cruisers can enjoy the buzz along La Rambla, a boulevard packed with portrait painters, living statues, flower shops and restaurants, and explore the narrow streets and squares in the Gothic District (Barri Gòtic). Don’t miss Gaudí’s stunning Sagrada Família unfinished cathedral.

Which lines sail from there? Viking, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Crystal, Scenic

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/ ROME, ITALY

It might say Rome on the itinerary, but ships dock in the port of Civitavecchia, some 70 kilometres from the city. There’s a regular train service between the two (it takes 70-80 minutes). The drive is about 1.5 hours.

It’s a bit of a trek, but worth it to see the world’s largest open-air museum. The Colosseum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, the ancient Forum: they’re all there – and that’s before you even start on the Vatican and spectacular Sistine Chapel. Remember to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, because you’ll want to come back.

Which lines sail from there? Crystal, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking, Princess Cruises, Regent

Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Oceania Cruises, Scenic

/ COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

On Denmark’s east coast, Copenhagen is the busiest port in the Baltic. Large ships dock at Ocean Quay, eight kilometres from the city centre, smaller vessels tie up at Langelinie Pier, a pleasant 30-minute walk along the waterfront to the city (although there is also a bus) that takes you past the famous – and very

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/ AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Ocean-going ships are gradually being moved away from Amsterdam to Ijmuiden, a port 41 kilometres northwest of the city, but a few still dock in town, a short walk from the main attractions. The city is also a hub for river ships. Canal cruises are a good introduction to the city. Visit the Rijksmuseum to see Rembrandt’s famous The Night Watch. Nemo science museum is fun for families. The Anne Frank House is a must.

Which lines sail from there? Viking, Crystal, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Scenic

/ BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

small – Little Mermaid statue. Highlights more worthy of your time include a canal boat ride, Tivoli Gardens fun fair (best visited after dark) and Carlsberg Brewery. Head to Nyhavn for a local lunch with great views.

Which lines sail from there? Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Scenic

/ SOUTHAMPTON, UK

Some cruise lines list Southampton as London, but don’t be fooled: it’s 128 kilometres from the capital (about 75 minutes by train). It might be tempting to head to London anyway, but with Portsmouth’s historic dockyard (think HMS Victory) and the pretty cathedral town of Winchester on the doorstep, there are plenty of other options. There are also excursions to Stonehenge, and car lovers will want to race to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu (about 25 minutes from Southampton).

Which lines sail from there? Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Top picks for shore excursions

Clockwise, from above: Great Market Hall, Budapest; Stonehenge, England; Tivol Gardens, Denmark; Ortaköy Mosque, Istanbul; La Sagrada Família, Barcelona.

/ ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus Strait, guarding the entrance to the Black Sea. It is exciting, busy and packed with sights that range from palaces and centuries-old churches to bustling markets selling everything from rugs and jewellery to spices.

Remember to haggle. Ships dock at a new – and novel – underground terminal in Karaköy (Galata). Most attractions are across the Galata Bridge, which spans the Golden Horn.

Walk over for the views. The Blue Mosque is spectacular. For something different, take a walking tour of the historical Ottoman Inns.

Which lines sail from there? Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking

The capital of Hungary has hilly Buda on one side, flat Pest on the other and the River Danube running between the two. Tours visit medieval-looking Fisherman’s Bastion (it is actually only 130 years old) and Heroes’ Square. Don’t miss the Moorish-style Dohány Street Synagogue and the colourful Central Market with stalls piled high with everything from paprika and pastries to pálinka (a fruit-based spirit). River ships dock on both sides of the river in the centre of town, so many sights are within walking distance.

Which lines sail from there? Scenic, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, AmaWaterways CT

/ ATHENS, GREECE

Athens is a fabulous city and easy to explore on foot. Start at the Acropolis, a citadel high above the city that dates back to the 5th-century BC and houses the Parthenon, a beautiful temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena. At the parliament in Syntagma Square, watch the absorbing military ballet of the elite soldiers who guard the Presidential Mansion. The Plaka, a maze of narrow streets lined with souvenir shops and restaurants, is very touristy but a good place for lunch. Cruises depart from Piraeus, 30 minutes outside Athens by bus, train or car.

Which lines sail from there? Scenic, Viking, Crystal, Oceania Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise&Travel

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48 HOURS IN ROME

Wondering how to spend 48 hours in the Eternal City?

Jane Archer has some educated suggestions.

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/ DAY 1

Morning Strap on the walking shoes and get a good map, because you’re off on a DIY “getting-toknow-you” tour to get a real feel for Rome’s magnificence. This is a great way to explore the city’s backstreets – keep a lookout for a somewhere for lunch later – and discover its historic squares (hello, Piazza Navona).

Be sure to find your way to the baroque Spanish Steps, which Mission Impossible fans will recognise from the 2023 Dead Reckoning Part One movie, and the spectacular Pantheon. A masterpiece of Roman engineering, the Pantheon was built

by Emperor Hadrian between 118-125 AD converted into a church in 608 AD and has a massive dome supported only by columns on the outside of the building. Pre-book tickets to skip the queues.

Afternoon If nowhere leapt out at you for lunch on your morning walk, grab a quick pizza or pasta at Gusto (Piazza di Sant’Apolinare) near Piazza Navona and then set off for part two of the tour, the Colosseum and Forum. It’s worth Cruise &Travel

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FAST FACTS

“TRASTEVERE … LOVED

BY LOCALS FOR ITS COFFEE SHOPS, COBBLED STREETS AND STREET FOOD LIFE.” planning ahead and getting a guide for this part of the trip (getyourguide.com has options) to bring the history of ancient Rome to life, as to the uninitiated the Forum looks like a lot of rubble. In fact it was business centre of ancient Rome, where people came to shop and make speeches, and where justice was administered.

Highlights include the Arch of Titus, the Via Sacra, the remains of shops and the Arch of Septimus Severus, erected in 203 AD to celebrate his victory over the Parthians.

Night You’ll want a couple of hours of downtime at the hotel to freshen up, but you’ve not got long because there’s one last place to see before dinner – the Trevi Fountain. It’ll likely be packed with tourists, but no visit to Rome is complete without viewing this deliciously over-the-top piece of baroque depicting Neptune flanked by two Tritons, each with a sea horse representing the different moods of the sea. Battle through the crowds to get to the

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• Accommodation: For five-star luxury try the five-star Westin Excelsior on the Via Venito, a short walk from the Spanish Steps. Rome Life Hotel is a more boutique option near the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain.

• How to get there: Qantas, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways have one-stop flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to Rome Fiumicino Airport. The Leonardo Express train runs from the airport to Termini station in the city every 15 minutes. Journey time is 32 minutes. Taxi transfers are usually longer – 40 minutes or more – due to traffic. edge and throw a coin – right hand, left shoulder – to ensure your return visit to Rome. Now you can eat. Nearby Trattoria al Moro (Vicolo delle Bollette) has been going since 1920 and is popular with the locals, which says a lot.

/ DAY 2

Morning Today starts with a trip to the Vatican, the smallest state in the world, to see the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica (and take a selfie with the most famous balcony in the world!). Be sure to pre-book skip-the-line tickets online for the museums and adhere to the time slot to avoid any queues. A recommended route takes visitors through

Living history on every corner

Clockwise, from far left: Rome street life; the Colosseum; Terrazza Borromini; Vicolo delle Bollette; Trevi Fountain; the Pantheon.

the museums, but for everyone the highlight has to be the magnificent ceiling fresco in the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo. St Peter’s is the largest basilica in the world, with room for an incredible 20,000 people and is free to enter (but the skip-the-line ticket helps if there’s a long security queue). If you’re feeling fit, climb up to the dome for views across the city.

Afternoon Stay on the west side of the river because lunch today is in Trastevere, a neighbourhood south-east of the Vatican loved by locals for its coffee shops, cobbled streets and street food.

Stop off at Trapizzino (Piazza Trilussa) for a pizza pocket (think stuffed takeaway pizza) before peeking inside the medieval Basilica di Santa Maria, admiring the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola and taking in the views from Gianicolo hill. A huge monument salutes Garibaldi, the hero of Italian unification, who fought a fierce battle here in 1849 against papal-backed French forces trying to restore the power of the popes after the 1848 revolutions that shook Europe.

Night How better to spend your last evening in Rome than eating sushi and drinking cocktails as you enjoy the city sights from a different perspective – the River Tiber? The Sushi Experience tour (romeboat.com) runs Monday to Wednesday from April to October, sets off at 6pm, takes 75 minutes and cruises under bridges and past many of the city’s top sights. Once the boat trip is over, it’s time to see the city from above, from one of its rooftop bars. Most of the bars belong to hotels, but you don’t have to be a guest to visit.

Terrazza Borromini on the 5th floor of the Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj Hotel has views over Piazza Navona, but you will need a reservation. CT 91

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CRUISE EXTENSIONS

Before you race off to join your ship, let your cruise line organise a few nights on land, writes Jane Archer.

EXPLORE ATHENS / Norwegian Cruise Line

History, culture, myths and legends come together on this three-day stay in Athens, which bolts on to multiple voyages from the port of Piraeus. Day two explores the city and includes a walking tour of the ancient Acropolis, and day three journeys along the Athenian Riviera to the majestic Temple of Poseidon before an included Greek lunch and transfer to the port. Prices from $1320 per person for two nights at the Divani Caravel Hotel with breakfast.

STOCKHOLM MAJESTIC REALMS / Oceania Cruises Strap on your dancing shoes because day four of this pre-cruise tour visits Stockholm’s ABBA Museum, celebrating the life and songs of Sweden’s famous four. You’ll visit the 17th-century Drottningholm Palace, the royal family’s private residence, the historic towns

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of Sigtuna and Uppsala, and the fascinating Vasa Museum, showcasing a 300-year-old warship that sank before it had even left the harbour. From $4059 per person for three nights at Stockholm’s Grand Hotel and two three-course lunches.

BEST OF BAVARIA / Scenic Germany’s King Ludwig II might have been mad, but he still managed to build the deliciously over-the-top Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the highlights of this newfor-2026 five-day tour from Scenic, which pairs with its Gems of the Danube river cruise.

There are also overnight stays and tours in beer-loving Munich and medieval Nuremberg.

From $7220 per person for a 12-day cruise tour including four hotel nights with breakfast, a one-week full-board cruise and excursions.

CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY / Viking Prepare to be amazed at Cappadocia’s extraordinary landscape of volcanic rock formations and caves on this three-night tour ahead of cruises from Istanbul. It includes dinner and a local dance show in one of the caves, a drive through the so-called “fairy chimneys”, and an optional hot-air balloon ride. From $2399 per person for three hotel nights (two in Cappadocia, one in Istanbul), most meals and guided tours.

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ROME & TIVOLI TREASURES / Regent Seven

Seas Cruises

History and culture come together on this three-night tour available to those embarking on selected Regent cruises departing from the Italian port of Civitavecchia. There’s a full day to explore Rome, ticking off the Vatican Museums, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum and more, and an excursion to Tivoli to see the town’s magnificent Villa D’Este gardens.

Prices from $3947 per person for three hotel nights with breakfast, guided tours and transfers.

ENCHANTED ITALY / Silversea Florence is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and it’s yours to explore on this four-night pre-cruise tour. There are two nights in the city and a guided walk that visits inside the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s statue of David. On day three, transfer to Rome, where included tours tick off the city highlights and the Vatican Museum. You’ll then join your ship in Civitavecchia. From $6470 per person for four hotel nights, two breakfasts, two lunches, transfers and sightseeing.

HOTEL D’ANGLETERRE, COPENHAGEN / Crystal If you’re adding pre- or post-cruise hotel nights to a luxury cruise, you’ll want to stay in an equally lavish hotel. Cue the D’Angleterre, a landmark building in the centre of Copenhagen that dates back to 1755 and has

its own Michelin-starred restaurant, Marchal.

The property is just steps from Stroget, the city’s main shopping street, and Nyhavn, a lively spot with canal-boat tours and restaurants galore. From $2450 a night for a deluxe room, including breakfast and transfers to or from the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS OF SPAIN / Princess Cruises Say hola to history, art and flamenco on this six-night land tour from Madrid to Barcelona, which shows off the highlights of both cities and includes a night in Valencia, home of paella, where there’s an included dinner (no prizes for guessing what’s on the menu). After two nights in Barcelona, you’ll transfer to the port to join your cruise. From $7587 per person for a 13-day cruise tour including six hotel nights with breakfast and sightseeing, and a one-week full-board cruise.

BIARRITZ BASQUE COUNTRY / Uniworld

River Cruises

Why did Queen Victoria, Charlie Chaplin and Frank Sinatra love Biarritz? All is revealed (spoiler alert: great beaches and grand hotels) on this four-day tour offered ahead of

More time, more magic

Clockwise, from far left: Presidential Guard, Athens; spice market, Istanbul; Copenhagen; Lisbon tram; Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany.

Uniworld’s Brilliant Bordeaux cruise. You’ll stay in the Hotel du Palais, the former palace of French empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, and enjoy a walking tour of Biarritz and excursion to the Basque towns of Bayonne and St Jean de Luz. From $2199 per person for three hotel nights, including breakfast.

LISBON & MADRID / AmaWaterways A Douro River cruise in Northern Portugal with AmaWaterways is wonderful, but why stop there when you can top and tail the trip with city stays in Lisbon and Madrid? The former has ancient trams, yummy pasteis da nata (custard tarts), fado houses and stories of the legendary Portuguese explorers who discovered the new world. In Madrid, see the city sights and set out to the walled city of Toledo on included tours. From $3255 per person for three hotel nights in each city including breakfast.

BEST OF AUSTRIA & SWITZERLAND WITH ROMANTIC RHINE / Avalon Waterways The hills are alive with The Sound of Music on this 18-day cruise-tour, which spends two nights in Salzburg where the iconic movie was filmed. Palaces, castles, lakes, mountains and picturesque rail journeys through the Swiss Alps await as you travel from Vienna to Basel to join a seven-night cruise on the Rhine River to Amsterdam. From $13,248 per person for 10 hotel nights with breakfast, six dinners and transfers, and a one-week full-board cruise with selected excursions. CT

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ASIA

READY, SET, GO

Australian cruise fans are flocking to Asia, which looks set for bumper seasons, writes Sue Wallace.

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any Australian holidaymakers are choosing Asia for their next cruise, enticed by exciting new itineraries, shorter travelling times and better value.

Ships are also being relocated and launched to meet the popularity hike that Asian-based cruises are experiencing.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Managing Director in Australasia & Asia, Joel Katz says about 44,000 Australians cruised in Asia last year, which is a 42 per cent increase over the year before.

“Cruising offers a lot of advantages in Asia and the centre of gravity in tourism growth is shifting away from traditional Europe and North America hubs,” he says.

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“More cruise lines have been announcing deployments in Asia and exploring more of the region through an increasingly diverse choice of itineraries.”

Katz says an Asia cruise removes the hassle of getting between destinations and arranging accommodation, and for the budget conscious it means most of their major costs are included in the one fare.

“At a time when exchange rates aren’t favourable in many other parts of the world, an Asia cruise can offer excellent value,” he says.

The rise of destinations including Japan, Korea and Penang in Malaysia is also increasing the popularity of Asia cruises, as is the opening of new turnaround ports and new air routes, particularly in China, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand.

For the first time in its history, Norwegian Cruise Line will deploy the most ships in Asia for an extended season of bucket-list voyages from 15 departure ports. They include Auckland, New Zealand; Bali (Benoa) Indonesia; Bangkok (Laem Chabang) Cruise &Travel

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Thailand; Manila, Philippines; Papeete (Tahiti), French Polynesia; Seoul (Incheon) South Korea; Singapore; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan; Canada; Sydney, Melbourne and for the first time, Cairns, Australia; and Lautoka, Fiji.

Princess Cruises has recently announced its most expansive Japan season ever for 2027, featuring two Japanese-built, sister ships – Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess – sailing from the Tokyo region throughout the entire season. Princess will offer 45 cruise destinations across six countries with 78 total departures and 50 unique itineraries from the Tokyo region.

Royal Caribbean is delivering more ways to holiday in 2026-27, with action-packed cruises from Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Two- to nine-night cruises will be offered on Spectrum of the Seas to Asia’s most popular destinations, including Tokyo, Osaka, Mount Fuji, Okinawa, Nagoya and Hakodate

AIRLINES AND ROUTES

• Indonesian airports such as

Palembang, Belitung and Semarang have been upgraded to serve regional cruise hubs, including Singapore.

• Scoot, which operates flights from 11 cities in Indonesia, has plans to add more, while parent company Singapore Airlines has increased flights to Denpasar, Bali to cope with demand.

• Garuda, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are also expected to increase flights to benefit fly-cruise demand.

• Indonesia’s AirAsia has new launches including Jakarta–Manado and Surabaya–Bangkok, as well as Australian cruise-linked destinations including Perth, Darwin, Cairns and Adelaide.

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Variety is the spice

Clockwise from top left: Seokeodang Palace, Seoul; ornamental lanterns, Hoi An; Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud; Norwegian Spirit, Hong Kong.

in Japan, Busan and Jeju in South Korea; and Da Nang and Hue in Vietnam; as well as China.

New experiences include the first-ever eight-night adventures to Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji and Nagoya.

Royal Caribbean is also expanding its presence in Hong Kong, starting November 2026, with a combination including Ishigaki and Okinawa, Japan, and other tropical and cultural hotspots. The Hong Kong adventures also include a new “cruise-to-nowhere” experience, offering world-class entertainment, premium dining and stunning ocean views.

Big Disney Cruise Line news will see the launch of the all-new, Singapore-based Disney Adventure, its biggest ship ever, with its maiden sailing on December 15 this year. The ship will accommodate 6000 passengers on three- and four-night itineraries, with all days at sea. It’s Disney’s first expansion into Asia, with another new ship planned to launch in Japan in 2029.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Vice-President of Sales and General Manager Asia Pacific, Lisa Pile, says Asia’s proximity and accessibility have seen it become a popular cruise destination for ultra-luxury guests.

“AN ASIA CRUISE CAN OFFER EXCELLENT VALUE.” Shorter and more direct flight routes from Australia to embarkation ports such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo make these destinations very popular, according to Pile.

“Most Australian travellers are familiar with the larger cities in Asia; however cruising allows you to discover many of the smaller, more boutique ports and cities, and the remote coastlines of Asia,” says Pile.

“Many Asian currencies like the Japanese Yen, Korean Won, Indonesian Rupiah, Thai Baht and Vietnamese Dong offer better value for Australians, making Asia a compelling alternative to Europe and the Caribbean.”

Regent’s 2026/2027 itineraries include a series of multi-day visits to Singapore; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and Shanghai, China. Ports include India, Indonesia, South Korea and Sri Lanka, as well as eight maiden calls to Hirara (Miyakojima), Sakaiminato, Kanazawa, Akita and Oarai in Japan; Kupang (West Timor) and Lombok (Lembar), in Indonesia; and Melaka in Malaysia.

Viking will introduce the new 80-passenger Viking Tonle to the fleet in October, its second ship on the Mekong.

Managing Director ANZ Michelle Black says there’s been strong demand for the Mekong River voyages and this new ship will introduce even more curious travellers to the rich history and culture of Vietnam and Cambodia. CT 95

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ASIAN PORTS

There’s an expanding list of Asian ports with rich cultures offering Australian cruisers exciting adventures and a taste of wonder, writes Sue Wallace.

and the Central Post Office. Ben Thanh Market and the Jade Emperor Pagoda are colourful centres to visit. Dining is an adventure ranging from stylish restaurants to street markets. The main cruise port, Phu My Port, is about two hours from the city centre.

Which cruise lines sail there? Scenic, Viking, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, Crystal

/ BALI, INDONESIA

Bali is a perfect place to spend a few days pre- or post-cruise with its many luxury hotels and resorts at Nusa Dua and along the coast.

Nearby Ubud in the hills is a great escape with picturesque rice terraces, tropical landscapes and art and cultural experiences. For family fun, slip and slide at the iconic Water Bom Bali with its many water-based rides and activities, dining and massages. For a memorable experience, climb Mount Batur at sunrise for spectacular views and visit Tannah Lot for magnificent sunsets. Bali’s main cruise terminal is at Benoa, about 10 kilometres from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Which lines sail there? Viking, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Crystal

/ BANGKOK, THAILAND

/ SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE

Singapore is a vibrant destination with many attractions. The futuristic Gardens by the Bay with the Super tree Grove, Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome are spectacular. Universal Studios, the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari are great family attractions. Catch a gondola to pretty Sentosa Island, and for the best bird’s-eye view, step aboard the Singapore Flyer. Wander through city areas including colourful Little India, China Town and Kampong Glam. Singapore has great dining, from five-star restaurants to hawker centres and food courts. Enjoy a Singapore Sling at the iconic Raffles Singapore. There are two cruise terminals, Marina Bay and Singapore Cruise Centre.

Which lines sail there? Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Crystal, Scenic, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea

/ HONG KONG

For knockout views of the city and the harbour, catch the iconic tram to Victoria Peak, known as The Peak, then head out on a scenic walk. For families, Hong Kong 96

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Disneyland has all the attractions, including fun rides and character parades. The Star Ferry is a great way to experience Victoria Harbour and take in the city views, night or day. The double-decker trams known as the Ding Ding are also a nostalgic attraction for a trip through the city centre and Happy Valley.

Dining is a culinary journey with the city offering everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling street stalls. Hong Kong has two major cruise terminals, including Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui and the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

Which lines sail there? Viking, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Holland America Line, Cunard

Bangkok is a great place for both high-end shopping and colourful day and night markets, including Chatuchak Weekend Market, where you can purchase everything from souvenirs to electronics. Attractions include the Grand Palace and Buddhist temples, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho with its enormous reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun. Beautiful Thai silk and its history features at the iconic Jim Thompson House, where the king of silk lived before disappearing in Malaysia. Take a klong tour of the Chao Phraya River in a traditional longtail

/ HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis , which has a dynamic blend of history, culture, great food and shopping. Attractions include the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market and the Saigon Opera House. French colonial architecture stars at Notre Dame Cathedral Cruise &Travel

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cruises may also dock at the nearby Cai Lan International Cruise Port.

Which lines sail there? Uniworld, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Viking River, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line

/ MY THO, VIETNAM

Local colour

Clockwise, from left: Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya, Thailand; drying incense sticks, Hanoi; Angkor Wat in the evening sun; Mepeed procession, Bali.

boat. Bangkok’s main cruise terminal is Laem Chabang Port, about two hours from Bangkok.

Which lines sail there? Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Crystal, Seabourn

/ SHANGHAI, CHINA

In Shanghai, lofty skyscrapers contrast with the “old” Shanghai – visit the Old Quarter with a walk along the colonial Bund, a stroll through the Old Town and a visit to the beautiful classic Chinese Yu Garden. On the other side of the river, you can see the towering, futuristic buildings of the modern Pudong district. Take a fast lift to the observation deck on the 118th floor of China’s tallest building, the 121-storey, 632-metre-tall Shanghai Tower. The Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal serves as the main hub for international cruise ships. It is 25 kilometres from Shanghai.

Which lines sail there? Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Crystal, Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line

/ MANILA, PHILIPPINES

/ KOBE, JAPAN

Kobe, on Osaka Bay in central Japan, is home to the Ikuta Shrine, dating back to the 3rd century and one of the country’s oldest Shinto shrines. You can enjoy a bird’s eye view from antique cable cars that connect Kobe to Mt. Rokko. Kobe’s Nada district is famous for sake.

Sorakuen is a traditional Japanese landscape garden in the centre of Kobe. The Port of Kobe has two dedicated terminals for passenger ships, including Naka Pier Passenger Terminal and the largest terminal facility in western Japan, Kobe Port Terminal.

Which lines sail there? Princess, Ponant, Princess, Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Azamara, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea

/ HANOI, VIETNAM

Hanoi retains the style and charm of yesteryear. Visit the Old Quarter, where there are many small temples, including Bach Ma, honouring a legendary horse, plus Đong Xuan Market, selling household goods and street food. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can start your day with tai chi at 6am.

Watch a show at the beautiful Hanoi Opera House, which was modelled after Paris’s Palais Garnier with Italian marble floors and ceilings decorated with French murals. Cruise ships that visit Hanoi typically dock in Halong Bay, not directly in the city of Hanoi. The main port for international cruise lines is the Halong International Cruise Port. Some

My Tho is a city in the Đong Thap province in the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam.

Named after the My Tho River, it was the traditional gateway to the Mekong Delta, known as the rice bowl of Vietnam. Visitors can enjoy a Mekong River Delta day trip and will find plenty of exotic fruits plus the best produce of the Mekong Delta.

AmaWaterways offers Mekong River cruises that include My Tho as a port of call, specifically on the AmaDara ship. The cruises often start or end in Ho Chi Minh City and include a transfer to My Tho for embarkation or disembarkation.

Which lines sail there? AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Viking River, Uniworld

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

The resort town in northwestern Cambodia is the gateway to the ruins of famed Angkor Wat, the seat of the Khmer kingdom from the 9th to 15th centuries. The vast complex of intricate stone buildings makes up the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Angkor Night Market is a top destination for an authentic shopping experience showcasing local artisan goods.

Step back in time at the Angkor National Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artefacts and exhibits. Siem Reap is a river cruise destination where ships dock on the Tonle Sap lake, and passengers are transported to and from the city by ferry or motorcoach. The main docking area for cruise ships is near Chong Khneas, south of Siem Reap.

Which lines sail there? AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Viking River, Uniworld CT

In Manila, you will find Spanish colonial architecture along with modern skyscrapers.

Intramuros, a walled city in colonial times, is the centre of Old Manila. There’s the baroque 16th-century San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and former military prison. The Ayala Museum features four floors of cultural and art and history exhibits.

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila centres on Filipino art through the ages. The main cruise ship terminal is the North Port Passenger Terminal at Manila North Harbour.

Which lines sail there? Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line Cruise&Travel

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FLY CRUISE

48 HOURS IN SINGAPORE

An eclectic blend of culture, nature and modernity, Singapore is the perfect city escape before or after your Southeast Asia cruise.

Rebecca Wong guides your tour. / DAY 1

Morning Begin your morning at YY Kafei Dian at Beach Road. This beloved old-school cafe is known for pillowy kaya buns, traditional coffee and a bustling local crowd.

After breakfast, stroll over to the nearby Raffles Hotel, one of Singapore’s most storied luxury hotels. Enjoy a Singapore Sling at The Long Bar, then sneak down to the hotel’s Writers Bar. This lesser-known hideaway was graced by literary greats such as Rudyard Kipling and Ernest Hemingway.

Next, visit the National Gallery Singapore.

The museum is home to more than 9000 works from Southeast Asia, including masterpieces by prominent local painters such as the late Georgette Chen.

Insider tip: sign up for a back-of-house tour to explore restricted areas of the former Supreme Court, such as the prisoners’ dock.

Afternoon After admiring the art, head to National Kitchen by Violet Oon inside the museum.

The colonial-chic restaurant serves up elevated Peranakan classics such as dry laksa, beef rendang and codfish with tamarind.

Continue to escape the heat at Gardens by 98

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the Bay, where the new Jurassic World: The Experience awaits. This immersive exhibit brings to life the Jurassic World film franchise through life-sized animatronic dinosaurs nestled within the Cloud Forest conservatory.

Highlights include an 8.5-metre-tall Brachiosaurus and a fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex.

After your indoor nature retreat, head to DORS at Design Orchard, a shopping centre showcasing Singaporean designers. The building features a changing roster of more

than 80 local labels, from fashion and jewellery to homewares, displayed in a bright market-style layout.

Night Come dusk, head to Chinatown. Beyond the main streets, slip into Keong Saik Road. Once a red-light district, it’s now lined with bars and indie eateries. Dine at The Coconut Club for refined nasi lemak.

After dinner, head to The Lemon Stand Comedy Club in Bugis. It hosts a mix of international and Singapore-based stand-up acts in an intimate, theatre-style setting.

Complimentary popcorn means you can settle in and laugh the night away. Shows begin at about 8pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays.

For a nightcap, visit Dimple on Purvis Street. This discreet 30-seat speakeasy is inspired by Hong Kong’s dim-sum heritage.

Inside lies a serene lounge serving crafted cocktails alongside Hong Kong-style bar bites.

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/ DAY 2

Morning Begin your day immersed in nature at Rainforest Wild ASIA, which opened in March 2025 within Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve. This 13-hectare adventure-based zoological park houses 36 species of rainforest wildlife – from François’ langurs to saltwater crocodiles – across eight themed zones.

Come by 9am to beat the breakfast crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures before the midday heat. Start your day with simple, localstyle bites at Rangers Café.

After breakfast, begin with the Forest Floor, home to hog deer and mouse-deer. For the adventurous, there’s the Karst Loop Trek, with rope bridges and limestone cliffs. Visit the Watering Hole mid-morning to see sun bears and tapirs, then finish at the Canopy where free-roaming langurs thrive in their natural habitat.

Afternoon After your jungle adventure, it’s time for an island escape at Sentosa. Enjoy lunch at Tanjong Beach Club, which reopened in February 2025 with a new look, gorgeous pool and a refreshed wood-fired menu.

Post-lunch, spend your afternoon on Sentosa’s quieter side. Begin with a leisurely walk at Fort Serapong, a once-restricted Second World War coastal battery now open

Day to remember

Clockwise, from top left: Gardens by the Bay; Buddha Tooth Relic temple; Mandai Wildlife Reserve; high tea, National Kitchen; Singapore sling.

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to the public. It offers jungle trails, war relics and sweeping views over the harbour.

Next, wander through the new Sensoryscape, a 350-metre-long art-andnature corridor linking Imbiah and Beach Station. As dusk falls, the gardens come alive with ImagiNite – a sensory display of ambient soundscapes, digital projections and illuminated flora.

Night Return to the city via the Sentosa Cable Car, which glides quietly above the HarbourFront skyline. Dismount at Mount Faber Station just in time for dusk, and take a slow, leafy walk to Faber Point, where soft-lit walkways and panoramic southern views offer a final golden-hour moment.

End the night at Arbora Hilltop Garden & Bistro, a tucked-away dining terrace surrounded by jungle canopy. The restaurant puts an Asian spin on Western classics, with dishes such as pasta hokkien mee and cempedak bread-and-butter pudding. Enjoy a glass of wine, warm dessert or cocktail in the open air as city lights twinkle below – a fitting end to your time in Singapore. CT

“COME DUSK, HEAD TO CHINATOWN.” • ACCOMMODATION Luxury: Mandai Rainforest Resort by

Banyan Tree offers forest villas and panoramic views of the Upper Seletar Reservoir. Prices start from about $480 per night for a rainforest villa.

Boutique: The Warehouse Hotel.

Restored industrial heritage meets sleek design at Robertson Quay.

Rates from $436 a night.

Mid-range: The Clan Hotel, a modern, centrally located hotel with a rooftop pool and Asian touches. Rates from $450 a night.

• FLIGHTS FROM AUSTRALIA Sydney to Singapore: Non-stop daily

flights by Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Scoot, averaging eight hours.

Melbourne to Singapore: Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Scoot and Jetstar offer daily non-stop flights averaging eight hours.

Perth to Singapore: Direct flights by Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Scoot and Jetstar have an average flight time of five hours.

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FLY CRUISE

CRUISE EXTENSIONS

Cruise lines are providing exciting fly-cruise extensions in Asia, enabling travellers to further immerse themselves in rich cultures and thrilling experiences, Sue Wallace writes.

Spend extra time in a port city and you’ll soon gain a deeper understanding of the destination, whether it’s before you board your cruise or make it the finale of a holiday.

Here’s a selection of what’s on offer.

WONDERFUL TAIPEI PRE-CRUISE TOUR / Norwegian Cruise Line

Multi-day and night land-based Cruisetours are available in five cities, with four-day, three-night programs in Tokyo, Singapore, Taipei in Taiwan and Incheon in South Korea.

A three-day, two-night program is also available in Bangkok. The 17-day Taipei Cruisetour on Norwegian Sun from Taipei, departing 21 February 2026, offers a four-daythree-night tour. It includes accommodation with breakfast, airport transfers, a visit to Longshan Temple, a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and ship transfer. Price: $1160 per person.

TOKYO: THE GREAT METROPOLIS PRE-CRUISE TOUR / Oceania Cruises

This land package includes a tour of the 7th-century Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and the soaring Tokyo Tower, an iconic symbol of

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Tokyo. Other highlights of this three-night pre-cruise tour may include a deep dive into Tokyo’s fascinating Shogun history or Japan’s rich art tradition at superb museums. A visit to glamorous Ginza, Tokyo’s top shopping and entertainment district, is also offered.

Price: $2199.

GRAND INDOCHINA & LUXURY MEKONG INCLUSIVE EXTENSION / Scenic

This starts in the ancient capital of Hanoi, home to French and Vietnamese culture. It includes a two-night cruise on Halong Bay, with its lush islands and soaring limestone karsts. From there, travellers explore Hoi An and Hue in Central Vietnam. Be dazzled by the bright lights of Ho Chi Minh City before boarding the five-star Scenic Spirit for an immersive seven-night cruise along the

Mekong. In the ancient city of Siem Reap, marvel at the temples of Angkor Wat and the traditions of Khmer culture, before flying to the World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang in Laos. Price: the cruise and extra four nights are inclusive $18,450.

TWO-NIGHT PRE-CRUISE BANGKOK THAILAND / Viking

Start a fabulous Southeast Asia journey with extra days discovering the wonders of dynamic Bangkok. Viking offers an exciting multicultural city experience with many sights and attractions, including ancient palaces, temples, parks, museums, traditional dance and theatre performances and worldclass shopping. It includes a two-night hotel stay, breakfasts, guided tour and all transfers.

Price: from $999.

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international cuisine, a sake bar, a fitness centre and outdoor pool. Prices: Varied at each hotel

HALONG BAY PRE- OR POST-CRUISE TOUR EXTENSION / Uniworld

Extended horizons

Clockwise, from left: Mengia Longshan Temple, Taipei; giant panda of Chengdu; yum cha dim sim, Hong Kong; Halong Bay, Vietnam.

HONG KONG CITY OF CONTRASTS FOUR-DAY PRE-CRUISE / Regent Seven Seas Cruises

RSSC offers a range of hotel packages pre- and post-cruise, as well as short stays. The Hong Kong package includes visits to city attractions. Guests can enjoy a ride on the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak, then explore some of the nature trails. They can also experience the Star Ferry on Victoria Harbour, admiring the famous Hong Kong skyline, and stroll through the Tang Dynasty Nunnery and Garden. A visit to the Hong Kong Palace Museum is recommended.

The package includes accommodation, transfers and activities, with some meals.

Price: from $3761.

CHENGDU PANDAS PRE-CRUISE HONG KONG EXTENSION / Silversea

Love panda bears? Silversea gives guests a chance to get up close and personal with these cute animals with a special package. Guests fly to Chengdu for four days of activities. It includes a visit to historic Jin Li Street that showcases the culture of the Three Kingdoms Period and local folk customs. Time will be spent at the Dujiangyan Panda Habitat assisting panda keepers with their daily duties. The package includes four nights’ accommodation, flights, meals and tours.

Price: $6100 pp twin share.

rituals, and dine on futuristic foodie innovations. Highlights include a trip on the fast Bullet Train. Travellers will also float above volcanic landscapes on the Hakone Ropeway aerial tramway, experience the ritual of kimono dressing and tea ceremonies, and sail across sapphire waters – and spot Mt Fuji, on Lake Ashi. Transfers, accommodation and meals, entrance fees and activities are included. Price: from $8500.

FAIRMONT HOTEL STAY IN SINGAPORE / Princess

Princess takes the hassle out of selecting a hotel stay with a pre-booked Fairmont Singapore package. Located in Singapore’s Bras Basah arts hub, there’s a choice of 15 dining options and an outdoor pool. Willow Stream Spa provides gym facilities, along with a range of body treatments and afternoon tea.

There are also hotel packages available at Hotel Nikko Narita Airport, which is close to the Naritasan Shinshoji temple, Sakura-noYama Hill and Museum of Aeronautical Sciences. It features a seasonal outdoor pool, a restaurant, a coffee shop, a bar and a free airport shuttle. Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo has stunning views over central Tokyo and is just minutes away from the best of Shinjuku’s Skyscraper District. Guests can enjoy

The stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Vietnam’s Halong Bay star in this four-day package that incorporates a stay at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel and the luxe vessel Paradise Legacy – or similar. It includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner and visits to Titov Island, a pearl farm or kayaking to Tien Ong Cave and Cua Van Fishermen’s Village. Transportation and transfers throughout the extension are included.

It’s available on the Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong cruises.

Price: from $2369 per person.

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA IMMERSION PACKAGE / AmaWaterways AmaWaterways offers pre- and post-cruise extensions for Asia river cruises, enabling guests to explore Southeast Asia in depth. Packages can include stays in Siem Reap in Cambodia, and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, with combination options. It is possible to add a three-night pre-cruise stay in Siem Reap or a two-night post-cruise stay in Ho Chi Minh City, or to combine both. Price: there’s a two-for-one offer on some cruise packages.

YOUR WAY EXTENSION PROGRAMS / Avalon Waterways

Avalon’s Your Way program enables guests to customise a trip by adding pre- or post-cruise extensions in Asia. The packages include hotel stays, transportation between cities, and guided sightseeing tours with optional excursions. Avalon Siem Reap and Avalon Saigon cruise the Mekong River, navigating between Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Prices: varied. CT

HIGHLIGHTS OF TOKYO AND HAKONE PRE AND POST CRUISE / Crystal This four-day package puts Japan in the spotlight, proving it’s a destination like no other. Time travel through the nations’ unique history, learning about its ancient Cruise&Travel

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FLY CRUISE

AMERICAS

GO WILD FOR THE AMERICAS

You could spend a lifetime ticking off all the cruise experiences in North and South America. Jane Archer looks at the options.

T

he American continent stretches more than 30,600 kilometres from the top of Alaska to the tip of Argentina and in between offers some of the world’s most diverse cruising experiences. Wild landscapes, gleaming cities, colonial history, vast deserts – the Americas, north and south, have it all.

Alaska is an adventure wilderness where towns have a charming backwaters feel, bears roam the rainforests, and vast glaciers creep through mountains down to the sea. You can go whale-watching, kayaking, and hiking in the footsteps of prospectors who raced here in the late 1800s in search of gold.

Head south and you come to Los Angeles, from where cruises cross the Pacific to Hawaii 102

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and explore the Mexican Riviera ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and colonial Mazatlan, where daredevils dive into rockstrewn pools for a $1 tip.

Further south is Panama, a country cut in two in the early 1900s, when the US built a canal to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Cross to the Atlantic, and the US mainland has the ports of Galveston in Texas, and Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral in Florida, from which millions of cruisers a year set sail for the Caribbean. New York is another Caribbean gateway, but also the jumping-off point for cruises to Bermuda in summer and the Canadian ports of Quebec and Montreal in

autumn, the latter to see the breathtaking New England fall foliage.

All that before you even get to South America, where wildlife cruises explore the Amazon – not the wide expanse in Brazil, but the upper reaches in Peru where only small river boats can go – and cruises visit glaciers and transit the spectacular Chilean fjords.

You can go island-hopping in the Galapagos, some 900 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, Cruise &Travel

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GETTING THERE

• Qantas, Qatar Airways, Emirates, British

where the animals have no fear of humans.

From Ushuaia, the town at the very tip of Argentina, ships venture 1000 kilometres over the Drake Passage to the frozen lands of Antarctica.

/ In for the long haul

All these places are appearing on the cruise radar as more Australians choose fly-cruise itineraries in long-haul destinations – an increase of 29 per cent between 2023 and 2024, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. Alaska remains the top spot, with the Caribbean and Hawaii and the US West Coast vying for second place.

Those travelling to these far-flung places tend to be older, as they have the time to explore beyond their local region (Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific).

Lucky them. They not only have a wealth of experiences to choose from, but they can take their pick from a wonderful variety of ships and itineraries. There are resort-style ships that hold several thousand passengers and have so many restaurants you need two weeks to try them all, and luxury all-suite vessels with a few hundred guests and drinks (even champagne), tips and Wi-Fi included.

Both Royal Caribbean International and

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As far as the eye can see

Clockwise, from left: New England, USA; The Galapagos, Ecuador; performers in Mexico; Valparaiso, Chile; Alaska’s natural beauties.

Princess Cruises launched new ships in the region in 2025 – respectively the mega 7000-plus passenger Star of the Seas, and Star Princess, which holds 4300. The latter is making its Alaska debut in 2026 with cruises from Seattle.

Norwegian Cruise Line also added a new vessel in 2025 – the 3571-passenger Norwegian Aqua – and 2026 will see the arrival of sister ship Norwegian Luna, sailing to the Caribbean from Miami.

If something smaller appeals, Uniworld River Cruises’ Amazon voyages on the river ship Aria Amazon take just 32 passengers, while Avalon Waterways has island-hopping wildlife cruises in the Galapagos on the 20-passenger Infinity.

Airways, Etihad Airways and Cathay Pacific offer a huge variety of flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra that connect through Asia or the Middle East to onward services on their planes or with partner airlines to key port gateways in the US and South America, including New York, Miami, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Montreal, Seattle (for Alaska) and Houston (for Galveston). Some routes might require two stops. Qantas has direct services from Sydney to Santiago, the capital of Chile, from where LATAM has onward services to Buenos Aires, and American Airlines flies to Miami.

/ Hey Magdalena

In 2025, AmaWaterways became the first river cruise line to offer overnight cruises on the Magdalena River in Colombia. The seven-night sailings, between Cartagena and Barranquilla, include street jazz, birdwatching. and an exclusive mardi gras party in Barranquilla. Cruises are on two river ships, AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia.

New in autumn 2026, look out for a 12-night voyage from Seattle to Alaska from Regent Seven Seas Cruises that includes calls into Klawock and Sitka, off-roading through rainforest, and sea-kayaking. The line also has new sailings from Galveston to Honduras, Belize, Mexico, Jamaica and chic St Barts.

In July 2026, Oceania Cruises has a food lovers’ voyage to Alaska with guest chef Claudia Pépin, daughter of Jacques Pépin, the line’s executive culinary adviser. Claudia will host cooking demonstrations, join Q&A sessions and help prepare a Chef’s Market Dinner.

In 2027, Oceania’s Insignia sets off on a South America Farewell Tour from Lima to Miami. Sectors are from 12 to 33 days, or you can choose a 54-day voyage from Valparaiso to Miami that sails through the Chilean fjords to Antarctica (no landings) and along the lower reaches of the Amazon River. CT 103

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FLY CRUISE

AMERICAS PORTS

There’s so much to discover in North and South America’s port cities – and that’s before you even start your voyage, writes Jane Archer.

US AND CANADA MIAMI, USA

Known as the cruise capital of the world for the hundreds of ships and millions of passengers who pass through the port each year, Miami is a lively city with great beaches, Art Deco buildings, and fun land-and-sea Duck tours. Little Havana offers a taste of Cuba; Bayside Marketplace has music, restaurants and shops. A free Metromover, looping around downtown, Omni and Brickell, offers a handy way to get around. The port is near Bayside and enormous.

Who sails from there? Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises

SEATTLE, USA

Seattle is blessed with a lot of rain (there is a reason why it is known as the Emerald City) but don’t let that put you off. There are museums

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dedicated to art, pop and science; Starbucks cafés around every corner; and an aquarium with a seriously ugly giant Pacific octopus. Don’t miss the views from the towering Space Needle and lively Pike Place Market. A little way out of the city, in Everett, you can tour the massive Boeing Factory. Cruises depart from Pier 66, right on the waterfront, or Pier 91, 15-20 minutes from the city centre.

Who sails from there? Oceania Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Princess Cruises

NEW YORK, USA

The Empire State Building, movie-location tours, riding the Subway, a Broadway show, shopping on Fifth Avenue ... they’ve all got to be on the list in New York. No wonder it’s the city that never sleeps. There isn’t time. The MoMA is a must for art lovers; for a slice of history, head to Ellis Island, the gateway to the

US for more than 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954, and climb the Statue of Liberty. Cruises depart from the downtown Manhattan Cruise Terminal, on the West Side of 12th Avenue, or Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.

A few use Cape Liberty Port in Bayonne, New Jersey.

Who sails from there? Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International (Cape Liberty)

VANCOUVER, CANADA

Lucky Vancouver. It has the snow-capped Rockies, a beautiful harbour buzzing with seaplanes, and Stanley Park – 400 hectares of beaches, forest and wildlife. Hire a bike and cycle around. Gastown is one of the city’s

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oldest neighbourhoods and loved for its Victorian houses, cobbled streets and trendy boutiques. Museums and art galleries tick off the cultural stuff. Capilano Suspension Bridge is the fun side of the city, but you need a head for heights. Ships sail from Canada Place, on the harbour front.

Who sails from there? Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking, Crystal, Princess Cruises

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Everything about Rio de Janeiro is breathtaking, whether the view from the 30-metre-high Christ the Redeemer statue (take the cog railway train or hike there through Tijuca National Park); the sunset from Sugarloaf Mountain; or the colourful Selaron Steps, decorated with more than 2000 tiles. The city is also home to fabulous beaches that have been immortalised in song (hello Copacabana and Ipanema) and the world’s biggest carnival, which hits the streets in February. Cruises depart from Pier Maua, a short distance from downtown Rio. Who goes there? Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Abundance of choice

Clockwise, from above left: A cruise in the Americas cruise could lead you to fascinating ports such as Miami, Lima, Vancouver or Cartagena.

with its grand cathedral, archbishop’s palace and city hall. Miraflores has upscale shopping; bohemian Barranco has art galleries and a lively nightlife. The cruise port is in Callao, 10 kilometres from the city centre.

Who sails from there? Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises. Uniworld River Cruises and Avalon Waterways use Lima as a gateway for Amazon River cruises from Iquitos.

CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

Cartagena’s fortress, built by the Spanish to keep out pirates keen to get their hands on the country’s gold and emeralds, is spectacular, but save your wows for the Old Town, which is a beauty with coloured houses adorned with floral balconies and still enclosed by stout

walls that were added in 1586. Inside is the magnificent cathedral and Palace of the Inquisition (now a museum). The cruise port is about four kilometres from the Old City.

Those cruising the Magdalena River with AmaWaterways will join their ship on the Canal del Dique, in the Getsemani district.

Who sails from there? Royal Caribbean International, Crystal, AmaWaterways

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

Dubbed the Paris of South America on account of its grand boulevards and opulent architecture, Buenos Aires is an exciting city with lively bars and the best steakhouses in the world. Head to colourful La Boca to watch locals tango in the street and visit the elaborate Recoleta Cemetery, where former First Lady Eva Peron is buried. Don’t miss an evening dinner and tango show. Ships dock on the Rio de la Plata, about 0.8 kilometres from the city centre.

Who sails from there? Oceania Cruises, Viking, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Princess Cruises CT

LIMA, PERU

In Lima, the capital of Peru, the pisco sour was invented at the turn of the century. The city is also renowned as the culinary capital of South America, with excellent restaurants and street food. When not eating or drinking, get a feel for the city’s colonial history at Plaza Mayor Cruise&Travel

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FLY CRUISE

48 HOURS IN NEW YORK CITY Every day feels like an adventure in New York City, a metropolis of passion and purpose. Chris Singh knows how to squeeze the best of everything into just 48 hours

/ DAY 1

Morning Begin your journey in the Financial District, where New York’s story began. The cobbled Stone Street and emblematic Wall Street lead to the relaxed lifestyle of Seaport for a pleasant start. Nearby, Parisian retailer Printemps offers a theatrical shopping mecca with a jewellery box design, making use of mosaics and modern art to thread luxury shopping and dining across 10 primary areas, 106

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framing brands such as Maison Margiela and Givenchy. Walk on over to the historic Fraunces Tavern for a hearty Irish breakfast in an 18th-century icon. This legendary watering hole doubles as a museum and ode to the American Revolution; it’s where George Washington famously gave a farewell address to his officers in 1783.

Afternoon After exploring the historic streets of FiDi, take yourself to Mercer Labs near One World Trade. The immersive museum is split into dramatic spaces with exhibitions pounding a profound twist onto the art-meets-technology trend. Cross to the Oculus and stop to admire the dove-inspired architecture before catching the 1 train to Christopher St. It’s a short walk to the irrepressibly stylish Dante West Village, where class-leading martinis pair perfectly with full-flavoured burrata salads and fine cheese boards. Grab dessert from Magnolia Bakery and stroll over to SoHo to shop fashion’s trendiest boutiques (most ship to hotels). Decompress in the kitschy Elizabeth Street Garden; it’s how New Yorkers recharge their souls in this kinetic city.

Night Catch an early show at the Comedy Cellar after soaking in the bohemian charms of McDougal Street. Escape the busy strip before nightfall, taking your pick between the improvisational Smalls Jazz Club or showtunes-exclusive piano bar Marie’s Crisis.

For casual, L’industrie serves up the best new-wave slices in town with toppings like fig

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Taking a bite of the Big Apple

jam and bacon, or walk further east to Barbuto for a sit-down dinner. This waterside Italian restaurant breathes brilliant textural pastas and classic pizzas with an old-school New York vibe. Dial in some romance with a quiet walk downtown alongside Hudson River Park before grabbing a nightcap at Leonessa.

Carved into a terrace of the Conrad New York Downtown hotel, the intimate rooftop bar feels like a sanctuary, caging you from New York’s shoutier side.

/ DAY 2

Morning Grab breakfast at your hotel and catch the 4 from Wall St to Aire Ancient Baths on the Upper East Side. Designed vertically, this rework of a European bathhouse is a maze of salt baths and cold plunges set to candlelight.

Continue your wellness journey with a walk through Central Park, before The Frick Collection opens its doors at 10:30am. Henry Clay Frick’s palatial Beaux-Arts mansion presents Renaissance masterworks in situ, showcasing rarities from Rembrandt, Bellini and others. Engaging exhibitions meet architectural distinction at the Guggenheim, lifting its iconic spiral with increasingly modern programming banked on exploratory modern art. Try and tackle The Met if you’re deep into an arts binge, or head to The Surrey for lunch.

Afternoon Casa Tua serves indulgent Mediterranean cuisine, from handmade pastas paired with gold-standard cocktails in an intimate setting, highly favoured by celebrities. Afterwards, head to the Theater District and book into a matinee performance for an afternoon escape, beating the quintessential Broadway drum.

Skip over to Bar Sprezzatura: a transportive rooftop aperitivo bar ferrying you straight to the Italian Riviera, opposite in both direction and atmosphere to the inescapable lights of Cruise&Travel

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Times Square. You’ll need to cross the dramatic canyon of billboards and tourists, however, to reach Top of the Rock. The famous observation deck soars even higher with the new Skylift, distilling that enormous view into a thrilling 360-degree experience as you slowly spin in the face of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers.

Night After you’ve watched sunset from the top of Rockefeller Centre, head to the bottom for dinner at Naro. This gorgeous Korean restaurant is dynamic and constantly changing, alchemising new flavours from traditional ingredients with a progressive drinks program exploring different styles of soju. See New York City from a completely different perspective at Summit One Vanderbilt, where cutting-edge technology blends elements of art and design to frame the intense skyline in many interesting ways. The complete reimagining of the observation deck experience takes place over a series of themed rooms, tying together your experiences over the past few days with a futuristic take on this bombastic cityscape. Walk to 42nd Street Terminal and catch the Subway back to your hotel for a well-earned sleep. CT

Clockwise, from far left: Summit One Vanderbilt; Modern Haus hotel; Aire Ancient Baths; Magnolia Bakery treats; Mercer Labs.

• ACCOMMODATION Luxury: The Wall Street Hotel is

owned by Australia’s Paspaley family, mirroring the opulent lifestyle of one of the world’s biggest pearl companies. Rates start from about $1649 a night.

Boutique: ModernHaus is powered by contemporary art and sharp design, offering a prime location on the edge of SoHo for luxury shoppers and culture hoppers alike. Rates start from about $1242 a night.

Mid Range: Hilton New York Times Square calms the chaos of New York’s busiest intersection with its tranquil gallery entrance, warm sky lobby and spacious rooms. Rates start from around $700 a night.

• FLIGHTS FROM AUSTRALIA Sydney to New York: Qantas flies

direct to New York via Auckland with a flight time of 20 hours and 40 minutes. You can also fly to Los Angeles or Dallas with Delta, United or Qantas and connect to New York.

Melbourne to New York: Flights from Melbourne mostly travel via Los Angeles with the an approximate travel time of about 23 hours. Delta, American Airlines, United, Qantas and Virgin Australia all offer the route.

Perth to New York: Singapore Airlines offers daily non-stop flights to Singapore, averaging five hours.

Connecting flights to New York are offered daily by Singapore Airlines, averaging 18 hours.

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FLY CRUISE

CRUISE EXTENSIONS

Do and see more with cruise lines’ pre- or post-cruise tours or hotel extensions, writes Jane Archer.

OAHU EXPLORER / Norwegian Cruise Line

Culture, rainforest and hula dancing come together on this three-day tour, which bolts on to NCL’s cruises around Hawaii – but it’s Pearl Harbor, scene of the surprise Japanese attack in 1941 that brought the US into the Second World War, that promises to be the highlight. The story is told in the Visitor Centre; on the USS Missouri, you can see where the Japanese surrender was signed in 1945. From $6730 per person for an 11-day cruise-tour with three hotel nights, room-only with excursions and a seven-night full-board cruise (4 March 2026 departure).

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SEATTLE MARRIOTT WATERFRONT / Oceania Cruises Forever linked to the TV comedy series Frasier, Seattle has plenty to entertain those staying a few nights ahead of an Alaska voyage with Oceania, not least the views from the top of the Space Needle and trips underground to see the original city. The Marriott is on the waterfront, close to the excellent aquarium.

From $589 per person per night room-only, including transfers between the airport, hotel and ship.

PERU, AMAZON & THE CHILEAN FJORDS / Scenic

Never one for doing things by halves, Scenic has lined up an amazing one-off 26-day land and sea adventure that visits Lima, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, includes a cruise on the Amazon River and ends in the Chilean capital of Santiago – from where you’ll transfer to Valparaiso for an ocean voyage to Ushuaia. From $41,050 per person departing 22 October 2026, including nine hotel nights with breakfast, selected lunches and dinners, four nights full-board on the Amazon and a 12-night full-board cruise to Ushuaia.

PRISTINE ALASKA / Viking

This six-night fully escorted tour slots onto the end of Viking’s Alaska & the Inside Passage cruise and takes passengers on a wild journey from Anchorage to Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Fairbanks, with cable-car and jetboat rides, wildlife tours, a salmon barbecue, and a Chena and Nenana river cruise among highlights along the way. From $5999 per person for six hotel nights, most meals and eight guided tours.

CANADIAN MOSAIC: OTTAWA & MONTREAL / Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Leafy parks, botanical gardens and a spin around Montreal’s La Grande Roue (big wheel) await in this tale-of-two-cities pre-cruise tour offered ahead of Regent’s Canada and New England sailings. A Montreal tour takes in the city’s basilica and tastings in Jean-Talon Market; a full-day excursion to

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“WHEN IT COMES TO WATERFALLS, NOTHING BEATS IGUAZU FALLS.” Ottawa visits the Canadian Museum of History. Prices from $2884 per person for three hotel nights with breakfast and transfers.

MAJESTIC CANADIAN ROCKIES / Silversea

Hop on this six-night tour ahead of an Alaska cruise and you’ll start in Calgary, have two nights in Banff, two days aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train (the overnight in between is in Kamloops) and three nights in Vancouver before joining your ship. From $8220 per person (based on 2025 prices) for six hotel nights with breakfast, Gold Leaf Service on the train, transfers and sightseeing.

BEACH HOUSE HOTEL, FORT LAUDERDALE / Crystal Just 48 kilometres from Miami, Fort Lauderdale has its own huge cruise port, as well as long sandy beaches and trendy hotels and restaurants. It also has more than 480 kilometres of navigable waterways, earning it the title Venice of the Americas. Go sightseeing on the hop-on, hop-off water taxi.

From $1000 per room per night, including breakfast and transfers to or from the ship.

HISTORIC AMERICA / Princess Cruises

Get ready for a deep dive into US history on a journey from Washington DC to New York that visits historic Williamsburg and Philadelphia, and includes trips to museums and war memorials, the former homes of Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, Civil War battlefields and more.

From Philadelphia, you’ll transfer to New York to join a cruise to Canada and New England.

From $8893 per person for a 14-night cruise-tour including seven hotel nights with breakfast and a one-week full-board cruise.

MEDELLIN & PANAMA CITY / AmaWaterways

It’s all about coffee and canals in these cities, which AmaWaterways offers as optional bookends around its cruises on the Magdalena River in Colombia. There’s coffee tasting in Medellin; from Panama City, a tour visits the famous canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. From $5660 per person for six

Linger and discover

Clockwise, from above left: Seattle; Machu Picchu; the Galapagos Islands; the Magdalena River; the Rocky Mountaineer; exploring the Amazon.

hotel nights (three each in Medellin and Panama City) with breakfast and two lunches in Panama.

RIO DE JANEIRO & IGUAZU FALLS / Uniworld River Cruises

When it comes to waterfalls, nothing beats the spectacular Iguazu Falls between Argentina and Brazil. See for yourself on this four-night tour, which bolts on to Uniworld’s Amazon river cruises. There are two nights in Rio de Janeiro, with tours to the monumental Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain, and two nights in Iguazu, where you’ll get wet, wet, wet on a boat ride up close to the falls. From $5839 per person for four hotel nights with breakfasts, two lunches and return flights between Rio and Iguazu.

FROM THE INCA EMPIRE TO THE PERUVIAN AMAZON WITH GALÁPAGOS CRUISE / Avalon Waterways

Take a walk on the wild side on this cruisetour that starts with two nights in Lima and ends with an island-hopping cruise around the Galapagos, where animals have no fear of humans. In between, you’ll visit Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Quito, and have three nights cruising the Amazon. From $24,664 per person for 18 days, including 10 hotel nights with breakfast, a three-night Amazon cruise and a four-night Galapagos cruise, both full board, and tours. CT Cruise&Travel

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Airlines

PUTTING the FUN BACK into FLYING From rooftop pools to Michelin meals at 35,000 feet, even the briefest flight in Asia can be a delight, writes Lee Cobaj.

C

an you remember the last time you actually enjoyed flying? If your answer is “yes”, you’ve probably been in Asia. On my recent flight from Hong Kong to Singapore, I checked my bags at Cathay Pacific’s in-town drop-off, which is available from a day in advance up to 90 minutes before departure.

I then hopped on the Airport Express for the Wi-Fi-enabled 24-minute journey to the airport.

Once at the airy, Sir Norman Foster-designed Chek Lap Kok Airport, I breezed through facial recognition gates and glided past a security checkpoint using X-ray machines that eliminate the need to remove laptops and other devices.

Within an hour of leaving home, I was settled in Cathay Pacific’s newest lounge, The Bridge, with a breakfast smoothie and a bowl of wonton noodles. My three-hour flight departed exactly on time. My economy-class lunch was sweet and sour pork from Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Yat Tung Heen. Alcoholic drinks were included, and dessert was a tub of Häagen-Dazs ice cream.

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At Changi, my bags were already on the belt, and I sailed through another set of biometric facial recognition gates, having completed my electronic landing card before setting off.

While I was there, I could have swung by Jewel, the steel-and-glass, donut-shaped mall featuring the world’s largest indoor waterfall cascading through its centre. If I’d been in transit, I might have visited the airport’s rooftop pool, complete with sun loungers, yellow parasols and runway views.

Both of these airports have reshaped the world of air travel. Hong Kong International Airport is a groundbreaking reclamation and engineering project, with light-filled terminals seamlessly connected to the city and beyond. Singapore Changi Airport goes further, not just adding amenities but reimagining airports as techdriven leisure spaces, with free movie theatres, a butterfly garden, sleep lounges, award-winning restaurants and a gigantic rain vortex.

While these two mighty Asian hubs might steal most of the thunder, they’re not alone in offering exceptional airport experiences.

Multilingual robots at Seoul’s Incheon Airport carry luggage and guide passengers to their gates – just scan your boarding card for assistance.

Self-driving vehicles transport travellers with mobility issues, while meal-delivery droids bring food and drinks straight to your location, so you don’t have to hunt for a restaurant.

Robots aren’t just in Korea – you’ll find them at Nagoya Airport in Japan, including one that plays the trumpet, and at Tokyo’s Narita. At

Nagoya, visitors can also soak in a 41°C onsen with runway views. At Narita, those with time to spare can head to the nearby JAL Agriport to pick strawberries, harvest grapes or dig up sweet potatoes, depending on the season.

Thailand’s airports might not be quite as advanced – although Bangkok Suvarnabhumi is slowly rolling out facial recognition – but you can still enjoy a 30-minute pre-flight massage in Chiang Mai’s departure lounge for less than $10, or play a round of golf on an 18-hole course sandwiched between two live runways at Bangkok’s Don Mueang. Lights signal when golfers must pause to allow planes to land.

E

xciting innovations aren’t limited to airports. Taiwan’s Starlux, named “Most Improved Airline” at the 2025 Skytrax Awards, was founded in 2020 by the ex-chairman of EVA Air. The boutique airline now serves 29 destinations across 11 countries.

Along with boasting one of the youngest fleets in the skies – its Airbus A320neos, A321neos and A350-900s have an average age of just 2.8 years – Starlux has distinguished itself with a signature scent (a mix of leather, woods, iris and violet), branded toilet paper stamped with spacemen, and cabin lighting modes themed for Chinese New Year, White Christmas and the Moon Festival.

I was lucky enough to fly with Starlux last year on a business-class hop between Taipei and Macau. I was bowled over by the BMW Designworks aesthetic, which felt chic and Cruise &Travel

1/9/2025 2:42 pm

original, in charcoal greys and muted golds, with murals of metallic flowers adorning the bulkhead walls. The seats came with sliding doors, mood lighting, Bose headphones, wireless charging pads and 17.3-inch 4K touchscreen TVs. The safety video featured a cast of aliens, and the menu offered a choice of breakfast or a selection of Spanish tapas, along with Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs champagne served by affable, multilingual cabin crew.

The Starlux suites are perhaps only rivalled by Cathay Pacific’s new Aria suites, which launched earlier this year. On a recent flight between Hong Kong and Heathrow, I luxuriated in a softly lit cabin more reminiscent of a boutique hotel, decorated in muted caramel shades with rich tweeds, bronze accents, and slatted screens separating the galley.

I closed the door to my private pod almost immediately after take-off and spent the next 14 hours savouring meals from two of Hong Kong’s top Michelin-starred restaurants – French fine

dining from Louise and exquisite Cantonese fare from Duddells – sipping award-winning wines and catching up on the latest movies on cinematic 24-inch 4K screens, the most advanced in the skies.

I was especially impressed by the tech, which includes free Wi-Fi, nearly imperceptible wireless chargers, Bluetooth connectivity, gaming, and a screen symbol showing when the toilets are occupied. Later, I indulged in lush Bamford amenities and enjoyed a blissful eight hours of sleep on my amply padded lie-flat bed, complete with fluffy duvet and pillow mist.

I’ve yet to experience the business-class suites on Japan’s largest carrier, All Nippon Airways (ANA), designed by Kenzo Kuma. Styled as “The Room,” these seats are hidden behind sliding panels and measure a whopping 97 centimetres across – wider than two of British Airways’ 44-centimetre economy seats – and 183 centimetres long. Even ANA’s economy seats boast a generous 86-centimetre seat pitch.

Out of this world

Clockwise, from far left: A cleaning robot in Incheon airport; Starlux’s business class pod; the Jewel Rain Vortex at Singapore’s Changi airport.

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“I spent the next 14 hours savouring meals from …

Hong Kong’s top Michelinstarred restaurants.”

Both ANA and Japan Airlines also have aircraft fitted with TOTO electronic toilets, featuring warm seats and wash-and-blow-dry settings. Korean Air sports a chic new electricblue livery, and business class seats with a “honeymoon mode”, where the middle partition fully retracts for couples to cuddle. While Singapore Airlines plans to roll out new business and first class products in mid-2026.

That said, you don’t have to splash out to enjoy top-tier service from Asia’s airlines. Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Starlux and Cathay Pacific all provide USB ports, power sockets and meals even on short flights. Low-cost carrier AirAsia has been named the “World’s Best Low-Cost Airline” at the Skytrax World Airline Awards for an astonishing 16 consecutive years. Its success comes from affordable fares, consistently good service, and a vast network.

AirAsia’s meals have proved so popular that the airline now sells its signature dishes – nasi lemak, green chicken curry and pad Thai egg wraps – on the ground in Santan restaurants across Malaysia. And SIA’s spin-off Scoot was crowned the “World’s Best Long-Haul Low-Cost Airline”, thanks to friendly, reliable service and fares as low as $330 return between Singapore and Perth. What’s not to enjoy? CT

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Last Word

O

nce upon a not-so-long-ago, travel shows were something more than pretty postcards with a voiceover. They were thoughtful, inquisitive, sometimes even daring: they might dig into the culture, challenge expectations or reveal a hidden truth, rather than just hunt for the Insta-worthy shot.

But the travel documentary is fading fast, replaced by what some writers call “tick-list TV and celeb-driven ‘adventures’”.

In Australia, the serious travel show isn’t so much buried as under leisurely renovation.

The Great Outdoors, once a staple of homegrown travel-magazine TV, was resurrected in late 2024 with a new team of hosts, trying to blend epic scenery and vibrant culture with a modern sheen. Meanwhile, Getaway, the marathon of feel-good resort tours and destination snapshots, continues on Channel 9 – but as an advertorial for Scenic Tours.

Enter Travel Guides, the new poster child for the reality-travel hybrid. The show states its methods front and centre: ordinary Aussies – but let’s call them “everyday travel critics” – head off on paid holidays to the world’s hotspots, then deliver candid, sometimes brutally honest ratings of their week-long trips.

Narrated by comedian Denise Scott, the charm lies in the delightful contrast: one person’s paradise is another’s “holiday-fromhell”. With eight seasons and a Logie for Most

“LIKE THE POLITE TRAVEL COMPANION BEING NUDGED ASIDE BY THE GIGGLING INFLUENCER.”

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RIP

THE INTELLIGENT TRAVEL SHOW Peter Lynch mourns the death of expert travel shows and the birth of celebrity-led travel infotainment.

Popular Lifestyle Program in 2025, it’s undeniably beloved. But despite its Aussie warmth, it represents a shift away from insightful exploration to feel-good relatability and sharp ratings.

Why this shift? Reality TV values spectacle over substance. The classic travelogue – and its promise of cultural insight, ethical questioning and journalistic curiosity – is expensive. Reality formats are cheaper, faster, and happier to let celebs flail through resorts for our amusement.

Viewers, often suffocated by endless feeds, lean into the browsability rather than depth.

And producers… well, they know that chaos, celebrity or that accidental cringe moment in

Thailand sells more ad time than another earnest explanation of local customs.

If you remember the elegant voice of Michael Palin and his thoughtful dissection of landscapes and history, this shift must feel like the polite travel companion being nudged aside by the giggling influencer holding a selfie stick.

Yet Travel Guides has roots in a lineage of docu-reality hybrid: it’s not all bad – it retains the honesty of opinion, the spontaneity of real reactions, and a touch of local insight via comparisons, albeit in bite size. And dare I say, for many, watching Kevin and Janetta rate Kakadu or Switzerland, or the Fren family’s ructions over pizza in New York, it provides a kind of post-pandemic comfort, when we long to travel but can only laugh tracking someone else’s holiday faux pas.

Veteran American travel writer Rick Steves says TV travel shows and YouTubers baiting clicks with “grossout” foreign food and world bucket lists often cause more harm than good.

They promote the “superficial aspects of travel and tourist traps” and “exaggerate a destination’s potential dangers for comedic effect”.

Still, let’s be clear: the “serious travel show” – the one that made you yearn for connection with people and place, not just with celebrity or spectacle – is on life support. The Anthony Bourdains and Joanna Lumleys have been replaced by idiots abroad. CT

Sadly missed

The death of Anthony Bourdain has only furthered the demise of the educated travel documentary.

Cruise &Travel

1/9/2025 5:02 pm

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