Cruise & Travel Issue 100

Cruise

Travel

World’s

TOP 100

CRUISES SPECIAL MAGAZINE

100

EDITION TH

How cruising has changed forever

+ READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS RESULTS AUSTRALIA/NZ AU$14.95

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WIN A $24,000 CRUISE FROM TOKYO TO ALASKA WITH FLIGHTS 18/11/2025 8:33 am

2026 Fine Wine All-Inclusive River Cruising

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All-inclusive dining and beverages+

Regional wine tasting

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Taste your way through Europe’s iconic wine regions in ultra-luxury Discover Europe’s storied waterways on an exclusive wine river cruise. Unwind in your spacious suite with butler service, savouring premium wines and up to five distinct dining experiences. Whilst personalising each day with Scenic Freechoice excursions and unique Scenic Enrich events.

Rhône Valley, South of France Sun-drenched slopes and mineral-rich soils yield wines with remarkable character in the Rhône Valley.

Delve into Tournon Castle’s cellar for an intimate tasting of robust Côtes du Rhône reds, then continue on to Châteauneuf du Pape to experience prestigious wines once enjoyed by Popes. From Avignon, journey into Provence for its signature rosés, enhancing your celebration of refined French flavours.

Experience on the 11 day Tastes of the South of France all-inclusive river cruise.

Departs 2 Aug and 19 Oct 2026. Cruise from $8,195pp*, Including $2,500pp Economy Class Air Credit*.

Bordeaux, France Bordeaux stands among the world’s most esteemed wine regions. Its temperate climate nurtures celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, alongside the elegant whites of Sauternes.

Explore the famed wine regions of Médoc, Saint-Émilion and Côtes de Bourg, visiting revered Grand Cru Classé estates before discovering the culture of wine at the interactive Cité du Vin museum.

Experience on the 8 day Tastes of Bordeaux all-inclusive river cruise.

Departs 29 Jun & 22 Oct 2026. Cruise from $5,695pp*, save up to $1,200pp*.

Rhine Gorge, Germany Vineyard-clad hills and fairytale castles frame one of Europe’s most enchanting waterways. Discover the story of Sekt sparkling wine in Koblenz, while the neighbouring Moselle Valley, the birthplace of Riesling, continues to inspire this region. Cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge with an on board tasting hosted by a local vintner, then visit a renowned multi-generational family vineyard steeped in tradition.

Experience on the 8 day Tastes of the Rhine all-inclusive river cruise.

Departs 12 Aug 2026. Cruise from $4,995pp*, with savings of up to $1,200pp*.

With Scenic, every moment is truly all-inclusive, where wine, culture, and ultra-luxury blend seamlessly.

Visit scenic.com.au/taste, your local Travel Advisor, or call us on 138 128 *Europe River Cruising 2026 Earlybird Terms & Conditions: Earlybird Offers are based on per person, twin share in AUD, not combinable with any other offer & correct as of 6 November 2025. 11 Day Tastes of the South of France river cruise from $8,195pp based on FRAC191026.1V in a Category E Suite. 8 Day Tastes of Bordeaux river cruise from $5,695pp based on BORD221026.1V in a Category E Suite. 8 Day Tastes of the Rhine river cruise from $4,995pp based on AMBC120826.2V in a Category E Suite. 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. A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 per person, due within 7 days of booking. Once sold out or if full payment is not received the standard offer will apply. The air credit cannot be exchanged for cash. Offer is not combinable with any other offers. Flight Credit: $2,500pp Economy Class Air Credit on selected Europe river cruises (excluding Portugal) of 11 days or longer. Must be used on Economy Flights from Australia to Europe & be booked by Scenic. Savings Offer: Save up to $1,200pp* on 8 day Europe river cruises. For full booking terms and conditions visit scenic.com.au/terms-conditions. +All drinks on board are included except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Prices correct as of 06/11/2025. ABN 85 002 715 602.

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Contents

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December 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 Joanna Tovia Art director Catherine Martin Commercial director Phil Mahony phil@bigsplashmedia.com.au Advertising sales manager Vida Folden vida@bigsplashmedia.com.au Contributors and writers Jane Archer, Sue Bryant, Bernadette Chua, Patrick Hamilton Courtney, Louise Goldsbury, Lucy Jones, Colin Nicholson, Teresa Ooi, Chris Singh, Tiana Templeman, Joanna Tovia, Sue Wallace, Amanda Woods Subscriptions Phone 02 8227 6486 – Australia Phone +612 8227 6400 – International cruisepassenger.com.au

Contents

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Cover: Quark Expeditions Printed by IVE.

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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

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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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OCEANS

Rediscovering Princess

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Upfront All the trends, news and talking points in the world of cruise and travel.

Join us aboard Discovery Princess before the ship calls Australia home.

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Homecoming Queen Gourmet dining awaits on Oceania Riviera, back for a second Australian season.

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The Viking Age

Sailing the waters of the original Vikings makes this cruise on Viking Jupiter all the more fascinating.

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RIVERS

& TRAVEL

River revolution

The White Lotus: where to next

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Why the next two years will be huge for river cruising.

REVIEW

Which of the Four Seasons hotels in France will it be?

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Uniworld super ship Does the latest ship from Uniworld deliver? We find out on a European cruise.

WIN

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A slice of the Med in Paris

The welcoming boutique luxury hotel J.K. Place Paris might just steal your heart.

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Japan’s golden triangle

You’ve seen Japan’s tourist beats, now go deeper and explore off the beaten path.

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Last word

The golden age of in-flight dining may be making a comeback.

FLY CHOICE CRUISE AWARDS READERS’ Your votes are in! See the winners in our Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025. Thank you to the almost 4000 readers who cast their votes on their favourite ships, cruise lines, food and activities, ports and destinations.

The awards reveal much about how the industry is changing.

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A SPECIAL MAGAZINE

READERS’ CHOICE 2025

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Wondering where to cruise next? With insights from Australia’s best cruise writers – who’ve sailed on every cruise line on every continent – our collection of the world’s top 100 cruises will make the choosing easier.

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Welcome

FROM THE PUBLISHER

How we played a part in travel’s biggest success story

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elcome to this very special issue of our magazine – we are celebrating 25 years of publishing and 100 editions.

When Cruise Passenger first went to print 25 years ago, cruising was a very different world. Ships were smaller, Wi-Fi was a novelty and ‘luxury’ meant white tablecloths and a corner suite.

A quarter-century on, the industry has reinvented itself – driven by innovation, sustainability and a hunger for new experiences.

Today’s cruise industry is the biggest turnaround in travel, with a growing armada of technologically brilliant vessels and fans who are getting younger and more savvy. Australia is now the fourth-largest cruise market in the world, with 1.32 million passengers annually either on homeported ships or flying overseas.

The birth of this success – coincidentally, though we’re happy to claim some credit – occurred with the publication of Cruise Passenger magazine and P&O Australia’s first ship, the Pacific Sky, in the year 2000. Over its six years sailing our waters, it has carried 275,000 passengers and proved the viability of our market to the world’s cruise operators.

Here are 25 remarkable changes that defined the modern era of cruising. We have covered them all for you.

/ Ship design & technology

1. The era of the mega ship Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (2024) shattered records as the world’s largest ship – complete with neighbourhoods, parks and more Cruise &Travel

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intimacy of private yachting with five-star indulgence. Hotel brands are entering the space, with Four Seasons set to launch a super yacht shortly.

/ Destinations & global expansion

Raise a glass

Cunard’s Queen Anne gives guests a front-row seat to the fireworks celebrations in Liverpool.

6. Private islands became headline attractions Perfect Day at CocoCay and MSC’s Ocean Cay set a new standard for curated beach escapes with waterparks, cabanas and eco-reserves.

Australasia will have its own in 2027 with Lelepa Beach Club in Vanuatu being the first.

7. New horizons: The Middle East and Red Sea Saudi Arabia and the Indian Ocean have emerged as the next great cruising regions, with worldclass terminals and new island developments.

8. River cruising’s renaissance Europe’s Danube and Rhine, the Mekong and the Nile, saw a boom in river ships offering cultural immersion and luxury on a smaller scale. Today, new entrants like Celebrity River cruising, Trafalgar and the continued expansion of the world’s largest fleet, Viking, promises further expansion.

9. Asia falls in love with cruising China, Singapore, Taiwan and Japan have built thriving homeport markets – bringing millions of first-time cruisers to the seas. This has opened new destinations for cruising.

10. Adventure goes upscale Expedition cruising exploded. Ships like Scenic Eclipse now sail to Antarctica and the Arctic with helicopters, submarines and spas on board, while Ponant Expedition’s Le Commandant Charcot travels to places never visited before.

/ Service, hospitality & onboard

experience

pools than some resorts. Today, it has two sisters coming into service and a third is being built.

2. Cleaner, smarter propulsion LNG-powered ships like AIDAnova and hybrid electric explorers like MS Roald Amundsen brought sustainability to the forefront. Soon, we were being promised hybrids with wind, solar and other propulsions being trialled.

3. Intelligent engineering at sea Today’s ships are run by data – AI-driven navigation, predictive maintenance and energy optimisation are standard.

4. A new aesthetic: light and luxury Gone are the dark, glitzy interiors. Modern ships like Silver Nova and Celebrity Edge introduced glass walls, open-air terraces and resort-style sophistication. Edge has a Magic Carpet that can convert from marine platform to cocktail bar and restaurant with the flick of a switch.

5. The rise of boutique yachts Smaller, design-forward ships – like Scenic Eclipse and Ritz-Carlton Yachts – fuse the Cruise &Travel

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11. Personalisation through tech Princess’s OceanMedallion revolutionised service, using wearables for cabin access, dining reservations, and drinks delivered to your deck chair. Many have followed, but at the heart of cruising are crews trained to deliver the most personalised service in travel.

12. Luxury gets layered Ship-within-a-ship concepts like The Haven and Yacht Club turned premium cruising into a private, concierge-led experience. Regent Seven Seas and Silversea deliver unheard of luxury experiences.

13. Dining without boundaries Fixed sittings have vanished. Today’s ships offer celebrity chef venues, flexible dining and cuisines from around the globe.

14. Wellness as a lifestyle Spas, yoga decks, salt rooms and vegan menus reflect passengers’ growing appetite for health and balance at sea.

15. Entertainment goes immersive Broadway hits, acrobatic aqua shows and technology-driven theatre have redefined onboard entertainment.

“THE INDUSTRY HAS REINVENTED ITSELF – DRIVEN BY INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY AND A HUNGER FOR NEW EXPERIENCES.” 16. Always connected Starlink internet ended the ‘digital detox’ days.

Cruisers now stream, Zoom and post in real time – from Antarctica to Alaska.

17. Solo travel finally welcomed It’s been a long journey from being charged twice for a cabin to Norwegian’s Studio cabins and dedicated lounges, which helped lead the shift towards solo-friendly cruising.

18. All-inclusive simplicity Premium and luxury lines like Viking, Celebrity and Virgin made transparency king – Wi-Fi, drinks and tips all built into the fare.

/ Sustainability & responsibility

19. Regulation reshaped operations The IMO 2020 sulphur cap and ongoing emissions rules pushed lines to cleaner fuels, scrubbers and smarter routing.

20. Single-use plastics banned Early pioneers like Hurtigruten proved sustainability can be seamless – inspiring fleet-wide bans across major brands.

21. Shore power takes hold From Seattle to Scandinavia, ports are electrifying. Ships now plug in and shut engines down, cutting emissions while in port. Still not fast enough, but progress.

/ Culture, demographics & market shifts 22. The new cruise generation Younger travellers, families and first-timers are redefining the demographic. Millennials now account for more than a third of cruisers.

23. The social media sea change TikTok and YouTube made cruising go viral – from balcony tours to the 274-night Ultimate World Cruise followed by millions online.

24. A post-pandemic evolution COVID brought in new protocols and innovations such as stricter hygiene, touchless tech and medical-grade air filtration – with many here to stay.

25. The comeback of the century After the global shutdown, cruising roared back stronger – 2024 broke records with 35 million passengers – and the horizon looks bright.

From riverboats to record-breaking megaships, cruising’s transformation over the past 25 years has been nothing short of spectacular. Here’s to the next quarter century. CT 9

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Upfront | Inspiration for today’s sophisticated traveller |

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Upfront

HOW WE’LL TRAVEL IN

2026

The crystals balls are out and predictions are that Australians will be chasing experiences with meaning in 2026. Peter Lynch finds it will be the year we travel for the story, not the selfie.

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rom Coldplay lighting up Perth to P!nk’s stadium tours and the longawaited return of Oasis, Australia has rediscovered the thrill of shared experiences in 2025. And that, say the experts, is reshaping how we travel.

A new World Travel Market Global Travel Report has identified a powerful new movement in global tourism: gig-tripping – the art of travelling for the experience.

The trend sees travellers planning entire holidays around a concert, festival or major cultural moment. The event becomes the anchor, and the destination becomes the encore. According to the report, the global travel industry is growing faster than the world economy itself, forecast to expand 3.5 per cent per year for the next decade and reach $24.6 trillion by 2035.

That growth is being fuelled by travellers – many of them Australians – who crave connection and meaning over mere mileage.

After years of disruption, younger Australians aren’t content with copy-and-paste travel itineraries. We’re looking for holidays that feel different. Maybe it’s a concert in London. Maybe it’s cruising through the Kimberley. Maybe it’s a food festival in Europe followed by a week of wine and wandering.

And the memories linger long after the bags are unpacked.

That spirit of connection is echoed in the Virtuoso Luxe Report 2026, which surveys thousands of travel advisors to track the evolution of high-end holidays.

The new luxury, Virtuoso says, isn’t about gilt and grandeur – it’s about purpose and personal meaning. Travellers are still spending, but they’re spending differently: more nights, fewer

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destinations, deeper experiences.

Private villas, boutique lodges and small-ship cruises are in, while fast-paced box-ticking itineraries are out. Sustainability has become the new mark of sophistication, with Virtuoso clients ranking environmental and cultural responsibility among their top priorities.

Technology is quietly amplifying this shift.

The WTM report highlights how AI and digital tools are transforming the way we plan and experience travel – not replacing the human element, but refining it.

Imagine a system that suggests a hidden jazz bar in Lisbon because it knows you love live music, or adds an extra night in Tokyo when your favourite band announces a show. Artificial intelligence, far from removing spontaneity, is helping us find it faster.

For cruisers, these global trends are good news. The Virtuoso Luxe Report points to expedition and river cruising as the breakout stars of 2026. Australians, long known for their love of the sea, are gravitating toward smaller, more immersive voyages – to Antarctica, Norway’s fjords, the Galápagos and our own Kimberley coast, which is experiencing a boom in ship visits and brands now sailing there.

Expedition ships are redefining luxury, pairing adventure with comfort and weaving education into exploration. Multi-generational trips are on the rise, too. Families spanning three generations are discovering the joy of sharing the same deck and sense of wonder.

Even at the very top end, the meaning of ‘luxury’ is being rewritten.

It’s no longer measured in thread counts or champagne brands but in moments: a Zodiac landing on Antarctic ice, a sommelier pouring pinot noir on a Danube riverbank, a stargazing

session on deck under the Pacific sky. These are the new trophies of travel – experiences that feel personal, memorable and real.

Both reports agree that Australians are embracing a slower, more conscious pace.

The rise of ‘cruise-and-stay’ holidays – combining a voyage with a land-based escape – reflects the new mindset: fewer flights, longer stays, greater immersion. Value is no longer about volume but about depth. The question isn’t “How many countries did I visit?” but “How deeply did I connect?”

So, as we look to 2026, the message is clear.

The best journeys aren’t the ones that move the fastest, but the ones that move us most.

Whether it’s a live show in Europe, a smallship cruise through the Arctic or a family reunion on deck somewhere in the South Pacific, the new golden rule of travel is simple: don’t just go somewhere – go for something. CT Cruise &Travel

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• Gig-tripping

Making memories

Kayaking in Antarctica on a Ponant cruise is an unforgettable experience.

Top 5 Travel Trends for 2026

From Glastonbury to the Rio Carnival, major events are becoming the reason to travel.

The WTM Global Travel Report confirms that travellers are building entire itineraries around cultural and entertainment moments – then extending their stays to explore beyond the headline act.

• Luxury with meaning

The Virtuoso Luxe Report 2026 reveals that luxury travellers now prize authenticity over

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opulence. Expect longer stays, smaller properties, immersive cultural activities and a focus on personal enrichment.

• AI-driven personalisation

According to WTM, artificial intelligence is shaping the next generation of travel – predicting preferences, tailoring itineraries and enhancing on-the-ground experiences. Yet the desire for a human touch endures: travellers still want expert advisors to refine what the algorithms suggest.

• Cruise and expedition boom

From river voyages through Europe to polar adventures, small-ship cruising is entering a golden age. Virtuoso data shows surging demand among Australians for expedition itineraries, multi-generational trips and ‘cruise-and-stay’ holidays that blend sea and shore.

• Sustainable, authentic journeys

Both WTM and Virtuoso note that travellers are increasingly choosing destinations that

value preservation and culture over mass tourism. Expect a shift toward emerging regions, off-peak travel and itineraries designed to give back as much as they take.

Source notes World Travel Market Global Travel Report 2025 – released at WTM London; forecasts industry growth and highlights AI and experience-led travel.

Virtuoso Luxe Report 2026 – based on surveys of more than 2400 advisors; identifies sustainability, meaningful luxury and expedition cruising as top trends.

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Upfront

Crystal’s NEW SHIP

• Luxury line, Crystal will bolster its fleet with three new ships with the first to be delivered in 2028. The first new ship, which will accommodate 690 guests, is expected to be completed by May 2028. The second new ship is expected to be delivered in 2020 and the third sister ship by 2032. The new ships will offer all-suite luxurious accommodation with private verandas and a wraparound promenade. There will also be accommodation for solo travellers. All new ships will offer fine dining, including Umi Uma and the Crystal’s recent partnership with Beefbar. Construction of the first new ship is scheduled to kick off next year at the Italian shipyard, Fincantieri.

The GODPARENTS • Oceania Cruises has named Food & Wine’s acclaimed Best New Chefs alumni as godparents for its newest ship, Oceania Allura at its christening ceremony in Miami on 13 November. The six celebrated chefs include Tavel Bristol-Joseph, pastry chef and Director of Hospitality for Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group; Katie Button, founder of the Curate restaurant group; Calvin Eng, chef and owner of the Celebrated CantoneseAmerican restaurant Bonnie’s; 14

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Aisha Ibrahim, the first female executive chef of the iconic Canlis restaurant; George Mendes, known for bringing modern Portuguese cuisine to New York and Lawrence LT Smith, known for his Southwestern cuisine. The 1200-guest Oceania Allura debuted on the Mediterranean in July. It has 12 culinary venues including four complimentary specialty restaurants – Jacques, panAsian Red Ginger, Italian Toscana, and Polo Grill. It will also have the new Creperie serving authentic French crepes, delicious Belgium waffles and bubble waffles and decadent Italian ice cream.

/ Cathay Pacific doubles down

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risbane and Perth will see increased Cathay Pacific flights to Hong Kong. The twice-daily schedule will stay that way throughout the entire year, rather than tied up in a seasonal uplift.

“We’re incredibly pleased to see increased flights for both Brisbane and Perth,” says Frosti Lau, Cathay’s Regional General Manager for Southwest Pacific. “Every new service is an opportunity to open more doors for our customers, and we’re proud to serve as a key gateway for both travellers and freight to Hong Kong and beyond from these two cities.” “Over the summer when travel numbers soar, Cathay Pacific will be operating over 80 weekly flights from Australia.” That tally includes the return of seasonal flights from Cairns and, from 11 November, Adelaide.

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• Abercrombie & Kent has revealed its 2027 lineup of Private Jet journeys. From a sweeping adventure across Africa to a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary designed by A&K founder Geoffrey Kent, the 2027 collection offers rare cultural access, wildlife encounters and A&K’s hallmark five-star service. Some of the highlights include a 22-day African journey, venturing deep into the Rwandan forest to see the gorillas and an Epic Islands and Landscapes: Around the World journey that includes four nights aboard an adventure yacht exploring the Galápagos Islands and witnessing sunrise from Easter Island’s ceremonial platforms. The pièce de résistance journey is the Hidden Horizons with Geoffrey Kent: A Private Jet Journey hosted by the A&K founder. Guests will dine in a secluded private estate steeped in Ottoman-era grandeur in Algeria; meet the Asantehene, king of the Ashanti Kingdom, in a private audience in Ghana, and much more.

Around the WORLD

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/Rail on the seas

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oyal Caribbean unveiled legendary new experiences coming to Legend of the Seas, debuting in July 2026.

Across Legend’s eight neighbourhoods, there will be 28 options including a new Hollywood-inspired supper club concept and Royal Railway – Legend Station, marking the first time an immersive Royal Railway experience will be on an Icon Class ship. The immersive dining spot first introduced on Utopia of the Seas will take diners on Legend to new destinations along the ancient Silk Routes by train, combining

entertainment, food and technology.

Guests will follow the travels of explorer Marco Polo on a five-course expedition of flavours and history through China, India, Italy and more.

The Hollywood Supper Club is designed for an evening of glitz and glamour with gourmet bites and cocktails, and a multi-course dinner experience takes guests through a journey of cinema from 1910 to the 1950s. There will also be all-new nightlife and entertainment offerings including Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the holiday brand’s only two-storey casino and more.

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Upfront

SECOND coming

Putting on the RITZ • The luxury hotel brand RitzCarlton will be making its debut in Fiji with a new 249-key resort. The Ritz-Carlton Fiji, Namuka Bay is expected to open in 2030 and will be situated in the heart of the spectacular Coral Coast occupying a 28-hectare beachfront site, just over an hour’s drive from Nadi International Airport. Designed to reflect Fijian culture and heritage, the resort is expected to comprise 166 guest rooms and suites, most with picturesque ocean views. In

addition, 83 villas are anticipated to have a private plunge pool and outdoor deck, whilst the 480-squaremetre Presidential Villa will have a 186-square-metre private pool, large balcony and yoga lounge. There will be seven diverse culinary experiences and outstanding recreational facilities supporting wellness and well-being, including two large pools, an exercise area, yoga studio, tennis courts, a bespoke children’s recreation centre and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, with plans for eight treatment rooms, a sauna, dip pools and a salon.

• In a major boost for the cruise industry, Oceania Cruises is set to announce that its luxury ship, Oceania Riviera, will return to Australian waters for a second season.

The ship, which embarked on its maiden Australian season this year, is already making waves. During its first season, Oceania Riviera has been charting a diverse range of itineraries that showcase the breadth and beauty of Australasia. From circumnavigations of Australia’s dramatic coastline to voyages taking in New Zealand’s fjords and South Pacific jewels, the itineraries reflect a growing appetite for immersive, destination-led cruising. The ship’s deployment also delivers tangible benefits on shore. Every time Oceania Riviera sails into port, it brings more than a thousand high-spending international guests – travellers who dine in local restaurants, book excursions and stay in pre- and post-cruise hotels.

/ Explora Journeys serves an ace

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xplora Journeys, the luxury cruise brand of MSC Group, has partnered with world-renowned tennis champion Jannik Sinner, who will serve as the brand’s new ambassador. Sinner’s rise to the top of professional tennis has been defined by skill, discipline and composure – qualities that resonate deeply with Explora Journeys’ approach to delivering transformative ocean travel experiences. “I’m honoured to join Explora Journeys as their Brand Ambassador,” said Sinner. “For me, wellness is not just about training – it’s about recovery and balance. I believe in the power of nature and mindful routines, and I see those values reflected in every experience with Explora Journeys.” Sinner was on board Explora II earlier this year and guests had the opportunity to meet with the tennis star. Guests were also able to take part in a Q&A session, where guests were invited to engage directly with Sinner. For the first time, they heard firsthand about his life, career and passions outside the tennis court.

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Upfront

A NEW IKON

“SCENIC IKON HAS ALREADY MADE WAVES BEFORE EVER TOUCHING THE WATER.”

Scenic is launching a luxury, value-for-money ship with more inclusions than ever.

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cenic has revealed a new class of ship called the Scenic Ikon at a global launch in Sydney attended by founder and chairman Glen Moroney.

It’s bigger than the Eclipse class, carries more passengers and offers more luxurious inclusions than ever. Moroney claims it is the best value in this class at $1200 a night. And with the inclusions, rating it against other luxury yachts, he could well be right.

It will have two helicopters and a submarine.

With the capacity for 270 guests, the ship is well up on the 228 in general and 200 in regions like Antarctica carried by Eclipse.

On board, there will be 135 suites ranging from 34 to 250 square metres. Also on board is a 1700-metre spa that spans two levels with nine vitality pools and a huge array of wellness and anti-aging treatments, and a marine park at the back.

The new ship represents the birth of an entirely new Scenic Ikon-class. When Scenic Eclipse was launched in 2019, it was a revolution.

Today, with hotel brands like Ritz-Carlton invading the space, Scenic needed to elevate its offering. And it has.

Moroney was also keen to point out the all-inclusive value at a price point of around $1200 a day. A journey on RitzCarlton’s Ilma can cost from $1580 a day.

Set to sail on her maiden voyage on 7 April 2028, Scenic Ikon has already made waves before ever touching the water – with her first two sailings completely sold out, and the third already 50 per cent booked, exclusively to Scenic’s loyalty guests.

/ The new flagship of Discovery

At 205 metres in length with a 24-metre beam, Scenic Ikon will be the largest and most technically advanced yacht ever built by the Scenic Group at its Croatian yard.

Moroney described it as “the most sophisticated Discovery Yacht ever conceived – built from the keel up by Scenic for guests who want to explore the world without compromise.”

Making a splash

Clockwise from top: Sleek and sophisticated Scenic Ikon, two helicopters will live on board, a spacious home away from home.

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Sailing from 7 April 2028, the ship will spend seven to eight months each year in the Mediterranean, before venturing south to Antarctica for the austral summer, continuing Scenic’s tradition of dual-season operation that blends indulgence with expedition capability.

The inclusions on Scenic Ikon certainly set it apart: personalised butler service, the spa, wellness, gym and fitness facilities, up to 15 culinary experiences, unlimited premium beverages, a specialty whiskey bar, culinary masterclasses, discovery adventures and Freechoice excursions as well as all tipping and return airport transfers. CT Cruise &Travel

14/11/2025 3:12 pm

Upfront

Two for COLOMBIA

• AmaWaterways has celebrated the launch of its second luxury river cruise ship in Colombia, called AmaMelodia, which is set to explore the Magdalena River. AmaMelodia will take up to 64 guests at a time, with the intimate ship built to maximise viewing of the Colombia jungle around it. Cuisine on board mixes local Latin American cuisine with more western-style dining, before guests go off to enjoy live music in the Main Lounge or relax in the sun-deck whirlpool. The ship honours Colombian culture and craftsmanship, with hand-made decor by local artisans making up the ship’s hallways and ingredients sourced from local suppliers.

• Royal Caribbean Group has announced a new private destination in Santorini.

The company said it continues to strategically expand its unrivaled portfolio of destinations and experiences, “creating new ways to deliver extraordinary vacations that resonate with guests.” The company has thus announced plans to bring the ultimate day to Santorini. Set to open in summer 2026, Royal Beach Club Santorini will welcome vacationers from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. As the first Royal Beach Club experience readies to launch in The Bahamas this December, Royal Beach Club Santorini is the latest in the company’s growing lineup of exclusive land-based destinations, which includes the top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay. With this announcement, the company extends its offering from two to eight land-based destinations by 2028.

BEACH

babes

/ Euro Summer

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he Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has opened up its summer 2027 Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries on board Evrima and Ilma for booking. Sailing from April through October 2027, the season introduces 50 new voyages that pairs marquee cities with lesser-visited ports. The season also introduces 12 new ports of call across France, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Spain and Italy. Highlights of

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the new ports include La Rochelle, France and Zadar, Croatia, with its famed Sea Organ that transforms the movement of waves into music. In Northern Europe, additions such as Aarhus, Denmark and Travemünde, Germany deepen Baltic and North Sea itineraries, while San Sebastián, Santander and A Coruña showcase the diverse traditions of northern Spain. The luxury cruise line is also adding Tilbury, London as a new turnaround port.

14/11/2025 3:10 pm

Upfront

MO takes on AUSTRIA

• Mandarin Oriental opened its first hotel in Austria – Mandarin Oriental, Vienna – in October. Located in the city’s prestigious First District on peaceful Riemergasse, the hotel is ideally situated for exploring one of Europe’s foremost centres for music, culture and the arts. The hotel’s 86 rooms and 52 suites have been sensitively restored to combine modern comfort with the timeless charm of Viennese Art Nouveau.

At Le Sept, the hotel’s signature fine dining restaurant, expect an exquisite seafood-focused menu enhanced with French techniques and Asian influences. At the chic Atelier 7-Izakaya & Bar, Art Nouveau meets Japonisme and the food and drink are created with premium Japanese and Asian ingredients.

release also confirms a second Melbourne season in 2028.

Highlights include a brand new four-night itinerary to Norfolk Island • Carnival Cruise Line has announced and nine- and 10-night journeys to Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia; plans to sail from more homeports four-night Kangaroo Island escapes; than ever before in Australia and New Zealand in 2027/2028, the only a 14-night Mutiny on the Bounty & Fiji voyage, and much more. cruise line to sail year-round in this region. The 2027/2028 program includes year-round sailings from the marquee ports of Sydney and Brisbane as well as Carnival’s firstever seasons in Adelaide and Auckland. After returning from dry dock in March 2027, Carnival Adventure will homeport in Melbourne – marking Carnival Cruise Line’s first homeport season in the city in eight years. The latest program

Homeporting HEROES

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/ Winter belongs to the Mediterranean

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s Europe cools, the Mediterranean glows with quiet charm – and with Windstar Cruises, you can experience its warmth, history and allure away from the crowds. This is the season for slow travel, intimate encounters and authentic discovery. Sail into Spain on the Southern Spain Winter Escapes itinerary, where the golden light of Andalusia and the rhythm of flamenco create a captivating contrast to winter’s chill. Or escape to the sun-drenched Canary Islands Idyll – a haven of volcanic beauty and endless blue horizons. On Europe’s Winter Riviera, discover the French and Italian coasts at their most elegant – relaxed, radiant and free from the summer rush. Then trace history’s edge in Winter Italy and the Dalmatian Coast, exploring Venice, Rome and Croatia with unmatched serenity. With Windstar’s signature small-ship intimacy and boutique luxury, it is the perfect way to rediscover Europe’s most enchanting coastlines in their most magical light.

More information: deals.windstar.com.au/mediterranean

Cruise &Travel

14/11/2025 5:48 pm

Cruise

Sail Europe in Exceptional Crystal Style From sunny Mediterranean shores to the cultural gems of the Baltics and Northern Europe, explore these ultra-all-inclusive 2026 voyages – each elevated

by Crystal’s award-winning service, refined luxury, and world-class cuisine.

YOUR SAILING INCLUDES: UNLIMITED BEVERAGES* | MULTIPLE DINING OPTIONS | SPECIALITY DINING* | 24-HOUR IN-SUITE DINING BUTLER SERVICE | BROADWAY-STYLE SHOWS & TED-STYLE TALKS | ONBOARD ACTIVITIES: PADDLE TENNIS, PICKLEBALL & GOLF PLUS MORE | UNLIMITED WI-FI | GRATUITIES AND MUCH MORE *Please visit crystalcruises.com/amenities for terms and conditions

Liverpool — Amsterdam

Barcelona — Rome

Rome — Barcelona

8 NIGHTS FROM $8,600 PP 26 JUL - 03 AUG 2026 CRYSTAL SERENITY

9 NIGHTS FROM $11,100 PP 21 - 30 AUG 2026 CRYSTAL SERENITY

9 NIGHTS FROM $9,700 PP 22 SEP - 01 OCT 2026 CRYSTAL SERENITY

TO VIEW AND BOOK ONE OF OUR CURATED ITINERARIES, CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR, VISIT CRYSTALCRUISES.COM OR CALL 1300-503-640.

*Prices shown are in AUD per person based on a Double Guest Room with Ocean View, and subject to availability.

Prices correct as of 10 October 2025. Please see www.crystalcruises.com for full terms and conditions.

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Collaboration

CELEBRITY CRUISES

Double the fun

Celebrity Cruises is creating huge waves with the return of Celebrity Edge, and a refurbished favourite, Celebrity Solstice.

Peter Lynch finds out what’s on the horizon for the upper premium line.

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elebrity Cruises will boost its Australian presence next season, with Celebrity Solstice scheduled for four additional sailings following a major refurbishment in Singapore. The move, executives say, signals a stronger long-term commitment to the local market.

Tim Jones, Vice President and Managing Director, Australia and APAC, said Solstice’s return with added capacity reflects the strong connection Australians have with the ship.

“Solstice was in this market for the best part of a decade. Aussies love Solstice – she really does have a special place in their hearts,” Jones says. “With the multi-million-dollar refurbishment, including new venues, upgraded cabins and The Retreat Sundeck, she will be effectively as good as a new ship.

“And the four extra sailings mean more Australians will be able to get back on board.”

The refit in Singapore, due to be completed in 22

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March, will incorporate design elements from the newer Edge-class ships.

“There’s so much product from Edge that will bleed across onto Solstice,” Jones said. “Guests will see modernised cabins, refreshed dining and new venues that give Solstice the feel of a new build, but with all the character people here already know.”

Jones cautions, however, that Australians should not delay booking.

“My fear is that Aussies leave it too late, thinking Solstice is ‘our ship’ and always available. By the time they decide, a lot of capacity has been taken by other markets. If you want to sail her, the best advice is to book early.”

Alongside Solstice, Celebrity Edge will also sail in Australia for the full summer season. Edge was the first of the line’s new design series and remains one of its most recognisable ships, featuring the Magic Carpet cantilevered platform and expansive public spaces.

Giles Hawke, Vice President International, says Edge has been deliberately positioned in Australia.

“Australia is one of our three core markets globally, alongside the US and UK,” he explains.

“Placing Edge here was a straightforward decision. The ship has proven popular with Australians, while also attracting Americans and other international guests.”

Cutting-edge design

Clockwise from top: The Magic Carpet, contemporary design on Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Solstice at sea, two-storey martini hot tubs flank the Resort Deck pool, the Rooftop Garden invites guests to unwind.

/ Different Ships, Different Appeal Hawke and Jones emphasise that the two ships serve different passenger preferences.

“Solstice-class ships are known for their intimacy – bars like the Martini Bar and Passport Bar give them that smaller-ship atmosphere,” Hawke says. “Edge-class ships are bigger and bolder, with open spaces and striking features. The key is matching the right guest to the right ship.”

Jones adds: “Shorter itineraries and modern design features tend to attract younger travellers to Edge. Solstice appeals to those looking for longer sailings and a ship they already feel at home on.” CT

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2025-10-27 12:30 PM 14/11/2025 9:28 am

Upfront

Aman in SINGAPORE

• Aman has announced plans for its first property in Singapore. The luxury retreat will be in the new landmark Skywaters Tower, set to become the tallest building in the city. In it, Aman Singapore will host a hotel, a collection of branded residences, and a members-only Aman Club. The interiors will be designed by Kerry Hill Architects, known for defining the brand’s understated aesthetic. A full floor of expansive suites will have views across the skyline and South China Sea. Facilities will include a holistic Aman Spa, infinity pool and dining spaces that reflect Aman’s global culinary sensibilities. Aman Singapore joins a strong portfolio of forthcoming destinations including Dubai, Riyadh and Beverly Hills, alongside recent urban sanctuaries in Bangkok, Tokyo and New York.

/ Princess of the West

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n a huge boost for Western Australian cruise and tourism, Princess Cruises is planning to homeport a ship out of Fremantle in 2027. And Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia’s MD Joel Katz told Cruise Passenger it could be the start of even more cruise calls for the state if Broome is made a first point of entry for vessels coming to Australia. “Western Australia

is an extraordinary cruise destination and has a huge amount of potential for cruise tourism. Its vast coastline and unspoilt wilderness regions are incredible, and cruising is a natural choice to explore these areas – including many locations that are inaccessible or difficult to reach by land,” Katz said CLIA aims to encourage more regional deployment in WA, which would bring enormous economic opportunities to communities up and down the coast.

A refreshed Four Seasons

• The Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris has completed a three-year renovation that saw all 243 rooms completely renovated. The newly refurbished spaces feature “the largest guestroom layouts of any hotel in Paris”, with personal workspaces, curated libraries and private dining rooms. Every detail has been designed in a harmonious blend of classic Louis XVI-style furniture and contemporary artworks. The Penthouse Suite has been redesigned to let in natural light, and the views of the Eiffel Tower from the salons are nothing short of spectacular. The new Eiffel Parisian Suite has been transformed into a family apartment. With a master suite and two connected bedrooms, it offers flexibility and privacy, making it ideal for families.

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Cruise &Travel

14/11/2025 5:54 pm

Experience the majestic beauty of Alaska with Princess®, the highest-rated Cruise Line in Alaska* for over 20 years, offering unparalleled land and sea holidays to explore glaciers, national parks, and incredible wildlife— the ultimate way to truly experience the Great Land! Experience the NEW Star Princess® on her maiden season offering guests unprecedented views, luxurious accommodations and more.

*#1 in Alaska 20 times by the readers of Travel Weekly

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

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14/11/2025 9:31 am

Collaboration

SMALL-SHIP JOURNEYS PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Discover luxury voyages that immerse you in the beauty and culture of the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

B

ringing together the spirit of exploration and French-inspired refinement, the 2026 Europe Collection of thoughtfully designed itineraries showcases Europe’s cultural and natural diversity from the Greek Islands, Italy and the Adriatic Coast, to Scotland, Ireland and the Arctic Circle. Ponant

Curated itineraries

Adventures aboard Ponant Explorations’ refined, intimate ships are a rewarding way to see the iconic sights and hidden wonders of the world.

Explorations invites you to enjoy exclusive savings and added value for early bookings across three key offerings: European Grand Voyages: Ranging from 14 to 19 nights, double the discovery on back-to-back itineraries and save 10 per cent on the second voyage exploring between Copenhagen and London or Barcelona to Lisbon and more.* Cruise & Land Packages: Pair your European

small-ship voyage with a land package and receive AU$800 Ponant Plus credit.* Enjoy seamless experiences before and after the voyage, including curated city stays, guided tours and transfers in destinations such as Paris, Valletta, Edinburgh and Dublin. Each journey is designed to enhance comfort, continuity and immersion from start to finish.

Iconic Sailings: Small ships, big discoveries!

Guests can book on selected 2026 Croatia sailings, including the Relais & Châteauxaccredited sailing yacht, Le Ponant, to save up to 30 per cent off with the Ponant Bonus.* CT *These offers are valid for new bookings made before 15 December 2025, subject to availability.

Please see full terms and conditions on the website: au.ponant.com/europe-2026

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Cruise &Travel

14/11/2025 2:53 pm

Barcelona, Spain

THE EUROPE COLLECTION

GRAND VOYAGES, GREATER HORIZONS. Double the discovery on our combined itineraries and save on your 2026 European small-ship journey.*

Mahon Sardinia Cagliari LISBON Valencia Palermo PORTUGAL Palma de Mallorca Balearic Islands Trapani Sicily Cadiz VALLETTA MALTA Lagos Málaga

Gallipoli ITALY Corfu SPAIN Nafplion Cartagena Syracuse ATHENS Motril Porto Empedocle Sicily GREECE Gythio Tunis MALTA Monemvasia Algiers Melilla Annaba Valletta TUNISIA Mediterranean Sea MÁLAGA ALGERIA

North Sea COPENHAGEN DENMARK Wismar UNITED Harlingen KINGDOM Warnemünde Amsterdam GERMANY Ostend NETHERLANDS Scheveningen London BELGIUM Antwerp Caen Dunkirk North Saint-Malo Atlantic FRANCE Ocean La Coruña Bilbao Vigo SPAIN Leixões PORTUGAL LISBON

MEDITERRANEAN ISLAND JEWELS & IBERIAN TREASURES

FROM ATHENS TO MALAGA: ANCIENT SHORES & TIMELESS CITIES

A CULTURAL VOYAGE FROM THE NORTHERN SEAS TO IBERIAN SHORES

Valletta to Lisbon 10 October 2026

Athens to Málaga 22 October 2026

Copenhagen to Lisbon 26 August 2026

14-night cruise onboard Le Boréal

16-night cruise onboard Le Dumont D’Urville

19-night cruise onboard Le Champlain

11 ports of call visiting Portugal, Spain, Sardinia, Sicily & Malta.

16 ports of call visiting Greece, Italy, Malta, Tunisia, Algeria & Spain.

17 ports of call visiting Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, France, Spain & Portugal.

SPAIN

Barcelona

ITALY

Mediterranean Sea

from AU$17,199 AU$16,199 per person

from AU$19,199 AU$18,099 per person

from AU$24,099 AU$23,799 per person

in a Deluxe Stateroom with balcony

in a Prestige Stateroom with balcony

in a Prestige Stateroom with balcony*

*

*

1300 737 178 | au.ponant.com | or contact your travel agent Terms & Conditions: ‘From the Northern Seas to Iberian Shores: A Smithsonian Cultural Voyage’ itinerary is a combination of two itineraries back to back including EC260826 & EC050926; ;Mediterranean Island Jewels & Iberian Treasures’ itinerary is a combination of two itineraries back to back including BO101026 & BO171026; ‘From Athens to Malaga: Ancient Shores & Timeless Cities’ itinerary is a combination of two itineraries back to back including EU221026 & EU291026. All pricing and savings amounts are in Australian Dollars (AUD). Information and price are correct as of 3 October 2025 but may fluctuate due to changes in surcharges, taxes or currency. Offer price is based on Deluxe stateroom Deck 3 or Prestige Stateroom Deck 4 category as identified on advertising. Price is subject to change without notice at any time; First cruise is inclusive of any applicable Ponant Bonus discount rate at time of publication and is subject to change; Second cruise attracts back-to-back 10% discount excluding port charges and taxes; Standard payment and cancellation conditions apply; Offers are available for travellers departing from Australia and New Zealand. To redeem your credit, quote code COMBO10, when speaking to your preferred travel agent or PONANT Consultant. Not redeemable for cash. A strictly limited number of offers are available on selected itineraries and departure dates in selected suites/staterooms/cabins/room categories; Offer is combinable with PONANT’s free solo supplement offer, PONANT bonus savings, PONANT Join the club offer, PONANT yacht club benefits. Not combinable with any other offer. More terms and conditions may apply. Your booking contract is with Compagnie Du Ponant Pty Ltd (Ponant) and incorporates all the terms and conditions shown on au.ponant.com.au unless specified in these conditions; Ponant recommends that you read and understand your contract and ask Ponant or your travel agent if you require any clarification. Visit au.ponant.com for full terms and conditions. Photograph: © Adobestock.

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14/11/2025 9:33 am

Upfront

THREE for Regent

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises will build a new luxury ship scheduled for completion in 2033. The third Prestige-class ship will follow Seven Seas Prestige, to be launched in 2026, and a sister ship in 2030. It will accommodate 822 passengers and offer one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the luxury cruise industry. The yet-to-benamed ship will have all-balcony suites, with the ultra-luxury Skyview Regent Suite and Grand Loft Suites. Dining options will span 11 venues, including all-time favourites Chartreuse, Prime 7 and Pacific Rim, plus a new Mediterranean-inspired Azure restaurant.

/ Seabourn’s last frontier

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eabourn has revealed it will be sending the Seabourn Encore to Alaska in 2026 for the first time. The luxury cruise line has designed a robust program with 17 sevenday sailings and one eight-day sailing on board Seabourn Encore between May and September. Each of these voyages can be combined to make 14- or 15-day voyages, offering guests an even deeper exploration of Alaska and British Columbia. The ship

will make marquee stops such as Juneau and Ketchikan, while also visiting off-the-beatenpath destinations, narrow inlets and passageways not accessible to larger ships, such as Alert Bay, the Inian Islands and remote stretches of the Alaska and Canadian Inside Passage. Glacier viewing is a must in Alaska, and every Seabourn voyage will feature a glacier experience. The season will also offer more sailings into Glacier Bay National Park than any other luxury cruise line, allowing guests the rare chance to view multiple glaciers on a single journey.

Kimberley CALLING

• APT has unveiled its 2027 Kimberley Cruising program aboard the ultraluxurious Seabourn Pursuit.

APT has added two additional departures for 2027 to meet strong demand. Guests can now choose from cruises operating Broome to Darwin or in reverse, with the 10-day Kimberley Coastal Expedition once again showcasing the remote wonders of Australia’s spectacular northwest coastline. Each voyage offers an APT-curated program with signature experiences. Daily Zodiac adventures and expert-led lectures immerse guests in the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes and cultural stories. Highlights include navigating the powerful Horizontal Falls by Zodiac, a guided walk with Aboriginal custodians to ancient Wandjina rock art at Freshwater Cove, witnessing Montgomery Reef rise from the ocean with the tides, and seeing the thundering King George Falls.

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Cruise &Travel

14/11/2025 2:48 pm

Collaboration NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Refined & Relaxed Adventures CLOSE TO HOME

The reimagined Norwegian Spirit doubles down in local waters with new 2026 & 2027 itineraries.

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fter a significant bow-to-stern makeover valued at over US$100 million, Norwegian Spirit is returning to Australian waters from December 2025 with renewed confidence. With plenty of immersive itineraries across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, the revitalised boutique-style ship is set to elevate the adult-friendly experience cruisers have been loving since Norwegian Spirit first joined Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet in 2004.

The best of NCL is right at the doorstep of your newly refreshed stateroom. Every bar and lounge has been redesigned, and every dining experience appropriately elevated. Service has also been refined, presenting more personalisation with a high staff-to-guest ratio while you luxuriate in a community unconcerned with kids’ clubs and waterslides.

Between ports, sea days are all about choice – there are 14 dining options (including showstoppers Le Bistro and Onda by Scarpetta), nine bars and lounges, and poolside relaxation at Spice H2O. The onboard offerings are endless, giving you various ways to find your serenity at sea, whether it’s during a treatment at the indulgent Mandara Spa, a quiet moment of Cruise&Travel

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See Australasia and the South Pacific in style Above: Norwegian Spirit’s pool deck offers myriad ways to relax. Left: The ship’s recent makeover has made all lounges, dining areas and staterooms even more comfortable and inviting for guests.

contemplation in the soothing Thermal Suite, or at an energetic live show like Blazing Boots and Ignite the Night.

The sailing of Norwegian Spirit into Australian waters reinforces NCL’s commitment to the region after the ship successfully debuted here in 2022. Norwegian Spirit’s highly anticipated return mirrors the cruise line’s premium travel experience for mature guests, solo travellers and couples who thrive in smaller crowds and are seeking peace, relaxation, adventure and pampering. The cruise line’s expanding presence brings more ways for Australians and New Zealanders to explore their own backyard. Through 2027,

there’s opportunity for complete immersion with more than 50 itineraries ranging from four to 19 days.

Norwegian Spirit’s scope for the region is rich and ambitious, with a range of quick and extended getaways taking in the majesty of Milford Sound, exploring New Zealand’s great urban centres like Auckland and Wellington, and discovering Australia’s bountiful east coast with calls in ports like Eden and Hobart. A mix of the South Pacific’s iconic and lesser-known ports takes the adventure even further, with itineraries stopping in Noumea, Port Vila and Suva, along with Vanuatu’s stunning Mystery Island and Fiji’s tender port of Dravuni.

With Norwegian Spirit’s 2026 & 2027 itineraries now available to book, it’s a great time to lock in your adventure. CT 29

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Upfront

Silversea’s LARGEST collection

• Silversea has unveiled its largest ever voyage collection for 2027/28, with more than 400 new sailings to 600 worldwide destinations in over 100 countries.

There will be three new Grand Voyages with 30 maiden calls and exclusive access to iconic global events, including the Carnival in Rio, the Monaco Grand Prix, Japan’s largest cultural festivals (including Tokushima dance festival Awa Odori), and Puerto Rico’s San Sebastian Street Festival – all designed to leave guests with lifetime memories. The Grand Voyages in the Mediterranean, Asia and South America will focus on deeper cultural immersion, flexible travel and a slower pace of sailing. Silver Cloud will cruise in Japan, Southeast Asia and Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef, Ribbon Bay and Sandakan Bay. Silver Wind and Silver Endeavour will head to the Arctic and Greenland, with new destinations including Disko Bay, Ilulissat and Sisimiut. Silver Endeavour, Silver Cloud and Silver Wind will cruise to Antarctica with its majestic penguin colonies, towering glaciers and icebergs.

/ Hapag-Lloyd in the Kimberley

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he Kimberley is set to welcome another major international luxury player, with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises confirming that its 230-passenger expedition ship Hanseatic Spirit will operate in the region from 2028.

The move marks the German line’s first foray into one of Australia’s most soughtafter cruise frontiers. Fresh from its Antarctic season, the Hanseatic Spirit will head north to Australia in February 2028.

The vessel will embark on an 18-day maiden Kimberley voyage, with itineraries including the King George River, Montgomery Reef and Houtman Abrolhos Islands, off Geraldton. This deployment is part of a wider push by Hapag-Lloyd to increase its footprint in Asia Pacific. Its 516-passenger luxury ship Europa 2, once the world’s most luxurious ship, is scheduled to operate Australian coastal itineraries in 2027, visiting Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, before continuing to New Zealand and French Polynesia.

The coming of COMO • COMO Hotels and Resorts is set to open a second property in Australia in early 2028. The yet-to-be-named property on Melbourne’s St Kilda Road will occupy the first nine levels of the Carter Building, a development by design-led property group Orchard Piper and the Carter Group. The hotel

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will have 102 rooms and family suites, and a full-floor COMO Shambhala wellness centre. Guests (and locals) will be able to dine at COMO’s St Kilda Road restaurant, café and bar, where menus will celebrate the region’s seasonal produce and world-class approach to dining out. A state-of-theart fitness centre, 20-metre indoor lap pool and thermal experience will complete the line-up of luxuries.

Cruise &Travel

18/11/2025 9:05 am

/ New JESTA for Australians

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apan is set to introduce a digital travel authorisation system for foreign visitors from over 70 countries including Australia.

Named the JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), it will follow the same approach as the American ESTA and the New Zealand, European and United Kingdom equivalents. The visa is expected to launch in 2028 and is estimated to cost ¥1,500-¥4,000 (AU$15-$40) per person. Travellers will be required to submit details such as their flight, reason for visiting Japan, intended stay and date of departure.Australians will still be able to stay in Japan without a visa for up to 90 days at a time.

• Royal Caribbean has confirmed that the four cruise ships sailing to Alaska in its 2027 season are Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas. Bookings are now open for the 2027 itineraries, which will sail to various ports across The Last Frontier, taking in everything from the stunning scenery of Sitka and Juneau to

Four ships in ALASKA

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the colourful history of historic ports Skagway and Ketchikan. Passengers will be able to see more of Alaska’s stunning natural beauty than ever before while approaching the continent from different angles. With all four ships sailing, Royal Caribbean can welcome more than 13,600 guests to Alaska each week, touching on multiple ports while offering a broader range of onboard experiences like ice-skating and the popular Solarium.

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Collaboration OCEANIA CRUISES

EXPLORE THE WORLD IN STYLE with Oceania Cruises

Wondering which destination you’d like to cruise to next? Take your pick from Oceania Cruises’ upcoming voyages to some of the world’s most alluring locations.

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uch like creating the perfect dish, perfecting the right luxury cruise itinerary requires the perfect ingredients – gourmet dining, fine wine, stylish ships and exceptional travel experiences.

And much like its outstanding food experiences, Oceania Cruises has designed a collection of more than 230 sailings in 2027/2028 to whet your travel appetite.

Known as the world’s leading culinary and destination-focused luxury cruise line, these carefully curated voyages will take guests around the world. Wander through the ancient cities that dot the Mediterranean, discover the storybook charm of Northern Europe, experience the vibrant rhythm of the Caribbean, or be captivated by the mystical Far East – there is a sailing to suit every taste and occasion.

What Oceania Cruises does so well is curate unique and immersive shore excursions for guests wanting real insight into the destinations they visit. From an exquisite dinner at a stately château in Bordeaux, or an enchanting night safari in Singapore to a luxurious stay in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora – all experiences are designed to create lifelong memories for seasoned travellers and first-time cruisers alike.

With a fleet of eight luxury ships, each carrying no more than 1250 guests, Oceania Cruises strikes the right balance between spacious design and intimate atmosphere.

Each stateroom or suite features a contemporary design, supreme comfort and a smart layout. With nearly two staff for every three guests and one chef for every 10 guests, guests will experience a level of attention to detail that sets Oceania Cruises apart.

The Inclusions

• Every itinerary in the 2027/2028 Collection of Voyages includes the hallmarks of Oceania Cruises: attentive service, exceptional comfort and effortless elegance. Guests enjoy free speciality dining, gratuities and unlimited WiFi. Plus the choice of complimentary beer and wine or a generous shore excursion credit.

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Cruise &Travel

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Highlights of the 2027/2028 Collection of Voyages / Quiet Mediterranean

Drawing on the charm of its recently launched ship, Oceania Allura will sail her first-ever winter season in the Mediterranean, exploring the popular region during the cooler, lesstravelled months from November to March.

This will allow guests to linger longer when the ship overnights at various ports and to savour the rich local culture, traditions and markets without the big crowds.

Imagine having the time to people watch at local cafes or to enjoy an unhurried wander through the great museums of Rome and art galleries of Florence.

An incredible 10-day cruise from Trieste to Barcelona departs on 7 November, 2027 or consider the 10-day cruise from Rome to Istanbul departing on 9 February, 2028.

Oceania Cruises will also explore the French Riviera to the Turkish coast as well as the British Isles to Greenland’s fjords, during the winter season. Guests will have the chance to discover iconic cities such as Rome, Istanbul, Dublin and Stockholm as well as the Greek Islands of Milos and the Icelandic village of Djupivogur.

/ Return to Alaska

If Alaska is calling, we have good news. Oceania Riviera will offer a dozen Alaskan itineraries of seven to 11 days from Seattle. Choose a 10-day itinerary from Seattle to Seattle departing 24 May, 2027 or a seven-day Seattle-to-Seattle cruise departing 22 July, 2027. Those exploring the Last Frontier have a wide choice of onboard restaurants, such as Chef’s Market dinners at the Terrace Café, and cooking classes will be on offer at The Culinary Center.

/ Sunny South Pacific

For Oceania Cruises’ 59-day South Pacific Grand Voyage, you will set sail on Oceania Vista from Miami in October, 2027 before heading for the Panama Canal and then cruising to Hawaii, French Polynesia, Fiji and Australia. It’s the ultimate way to explore the region without boarding a plane. You can stay overnight and explore grand cities such as Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, then go island hopping in French Polynesia and Fiji. You will also visit the vibrant city of Sydney and soak in the majestic fjords of New Zealand’s Milford Sound.

The 96-day South Pacific, India, Arabia and Europe Grand Voyage is another terrific option.

This is an epic journey aboard Oceania Vista exploring diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes and iconic cities across various continents. Starting in Auckland, travellers will discover Southeast Asia’s hidden gems, the legendary monuments of Egypt and Mediterranean harbours. This is a once-in-alifetime voyage that encapsulates what it means to travel the world by sea.

/ Insights into Asia

Oceania Riviera and Oceania Vista will cruise in Asia in 2027/28 focusing on Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand. Guests will be able to take in the energy of bustling cities like Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo as well coastal villages and ancient temples.

In Asia, guests can choose from an array of expertly curated shore excursions, be it taking a chef-led culinary journey through Kyoto, dining outdoors to the chants of a traditional kecak dance in Bali, cycling through the Vietnamese countryside, or lazing on a private beach on an island in the Philippines.* CT *Offers, fares and itineraries are subject to change or withdrawal without prior notice. Visit OceaniaCruises.com for current pricing.

For more information call 1300 355 200, visit oceaniacruises.com or contact your travel advisor.

Cruise of a lifetime

Clockwise from far left: Oceania Allura at Split, Croatia; suite veranda; the library aboard Oceania Allura; French restaurant, Jacques; Oceania Cruises is renowned for its exceptional food.

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14/11/2025 2:22 pm

Competition

WIN THE EXPLORATION OF A LIFETIME! From Japan’s Cherry Blossoms to Alaska’s Wild Frontier, WIN an amazing $24,000 holiday

Cruise & Travel magazine invites you to enter for your chance to win an unforgettable 24-day luxury cruise holiday from Tokyo to Vancouver, valued at $24,000 and brought to you by Cruise Passenger, My Cruises and Explorations by Norwegian.

THE GRAND PRIZE:

Sail aboard Regatta on a spectacular voyage from Japan’s tranquil shores to the wilds of Alaska. Departing April 19, 2027, this journey blends five-star comfort with adventure and discovery.

“From cherry blossoms to calving glaciers – this is travel at its most extraordinary.”

YOUR PRIZE FOR 2 ADULTS INCLUDES:

- Return economy flights from your nearest Australian capital city to Tokyo, returning from Vancouver - Two nights in Tokyo before embarkation - 22-night cruise aboard Regatta in a Balcony Stateroom - All-inclusive freestyle dining - Beverage package and specialty dining package - Wi-Fi package and onboard entertainment and enrichment - USD $50 onshore explorations credit per port - Prepaid gratuities and port charges.

PRIZE VALUE: $24,000 TRAVEL DATE: APRIL 19, 2027 FOR TWO ADULTS

“Two lucky travellers. One extraordinary voyage.

Memories to last a lifetime.”

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HOW TO ENTER:

It’s easy to set sail towards your dream cruise – simply scan the QR code to enter.

Entries open: November 15, 2025 Entries close: February 8, 2026 Scan & win: Place your phone camera over the QR code to visit the competition page instantly. No forms, no fuss – just scan, enter, and you could be cruising from Tokyo to Vancouver in 2027.

SCAN HERE TO ENTER

Cruise

Travel

Cruise &Travel

14/11/2025 4:58 pm

Upfront

EUROPE by rail-cruise

• Golden Eagle Luxury Trains has partnered with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises for 2026, bringing travellers some of the world’s finest cruise and rail journeys. Beginning in April 2026, touring across France will be a highlight and incorporate the iconic Paris-toIstanbul route by train. This special itinerary will combine with Uniworld’s grand Paris and Normandy cruise to deliver 15 days of fully inclusive luxury. Sail from Paris on the S.S Joie de Vivre ship for seven nights, then join the famed Golden Eagle Danube Express to journey through central Europe to Istanbul.

The Uniworld-Golden Eagle partnership focuses on European destinations from the Swiss Alps to the Danube.

/ Delectable dining

H

X Expeditions has revamped its dining options with a new themed menu to reflect global flavours. Guests will now be able to enjoy a rotation of international menus from Filipino, Indian, Italian and South American cuisines at Restaurant Fredheim onboard MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen when exploring various global destinations, including pole-to-pole expeditions. The Filipino

Aqua in the ARCTIC

menu inspired by the family recipes of HX’s Filipino crew, who make up almost 70 per cent of the staff across its fleet. Dishes include tuna ceviche with coconut cream and fish roe; traditional tamarind soup with prawns and okra; crispy pork belly with adobo sauce and a soft poached egg; and the Filipino classic, salted caramel and banana custard ice cream. The line will also host South American dishes, as both ships are stationed in Argentina during the Antarctic season, and classic Indian cuisine.

• Aqua Expeditions has unveiled full details of its new summer Arctic season, with bookings now open for 2026 voyages in Svalbard and the Arctic Circle.

Launching on 30 May 2026, Aqua Lares will offer five- to 14-night expeditions through Svalbard and the Norwegian Arctic, and dual-destination sailings that combine the Arctic

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with the Scottish Isles. The vessel has 15 cabins, including three expansive Owner’s Suites.

Expect world-class cuisine by renowned chefs, and small-group excursions supported by five private tenders, kayaks, paddleboards, mountain bikes, diving gear and more. Each summer, Aqua Lares sails deep into the Norwegian Arctic,

offering passages through Svalbard and beyond. Departing from Longyearbyen or Tromsø, depending on the itinerary, Aqua Lares takes guests to see the bird cliffs and historic whaling outposts of Alkehornet, Gravneset and Smeerenburg; plus Zodiac expeditions to see polar bears, walruses, bearded seals and more.

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Upfront

/From Rome with love

F

ollowing the opening of the luxurious Orient Express La Minerva in April this year, the brand has revealed exclusive Signature suites that merge history and modernity. The Rome hotel is located just a few steps away from the Pantheon, and the design and décor reflect the property’s location. Artist-architect Hugo Toro sourced and crafted much of the furniture with Italian artisans. “From the Orient Express Suite, the largest and most exclusive, to La Minerva Suite, a rooftop retreat paying tribute to the Roman goddess, each space tells a story. The Obelisco Suite frames Bernini’s iconic elephant and obelisk, while the Stendhal Suite, once home to the illustrious writer, evokes timeless elegance,” said the hotel firm. The opulent Orient Express Suite, which is 190 square metres, has separate dining and living areas as well as a private kitchenette.

Awaken the SENSES • Six Senses Fiji is expanding to include three new residences set to open from early 2026. Each residence offers the privacy and comfort of a home away from home, with the full support of the resort’s world-class services. Guests have their own Guest Experience Maker, a fully equipped kitchen, an expansive private pool with a deck and a free resort nanny service for up to eight hours a day. Ideal for multi-generational families and groups seeking a private, yet fully serviced retreat.

Set away from the main resort, the three residences enjoy a prime, secluded location with their own private beach and marina, offering guests the ultimate in privacy and connection to Fiji’s spectacular natural surroundings.

The CENTURION

• The Thinking Person’s Cruise has just welcomed nine new river ships for sailings across six countries. And in doing so, the company has also named its 100th ship, marking an uncommon milestone at a ceremony in Basel, Switzerland.

The nine new river ships will be sailing on the Rhine, Maine, Danube, the Seine, the Douro, the Mekong and the Nile.

With the new delivery, Viking now has more ships than any other cruise line across all its categories. “We have always been quite different from others in the travel industry,” said Torstein Hagen, Viking’s Chairman and CEO. “Over the last 28 years, we have grown from four ships to more than 100 – a fleet size that no other line has achieved – and we have done so because of our innovative approach.”

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Return DOWN UNDER

• Boutique cruise line Azamara has announced an extended return to Australia and New Zealand for the 2027/2028 season.

The line will be arriving earlier and staying longer than ever before over 23 itineraries. Azamara Pursuit will arrive into Asia via Hong Kong in August 2027, sailing through to April 2028.

Among the highlights are two new Australian ports – K’gari (Fraser Island) and Gladstone – as well as a two-night stay in Hobart over New Year’s Eve, celebrating Tasmania’s Taste Festival and Sydney to Hobart festivities. Guests can also look forward to Azamara’s return to Brisbane and a round-trip New Zealand journey, offering more depth and discovery than ever.

• Qantas has announced more flights for customers to Rome with the airline extending its seasonal flying and adding an extra weekly service, almost doubling its capacity for 2026.

The airline will extend its seasonal Perth-Rome service by eight weeks from May 3 to October 23 and increase frequency from three to four flights per week during peak season.

This longer season will run across the northern summer, capturing Rome’s transition from late-spring and early

La Dolce VITA

autumn, providing greater choice for customers travelling to Rome and onward throughout Italy and Europe.

Qantas first launched its nonstop service from Perth to Rome in 2022, making history as the first nonstop flight between Australia and continental Europe by any airline.

Since then, the national carrier’s Rome service has carried over 70,000 passengers, giving Australians the fastest route to Rome and making it easier than ever for Italians and Europeans to make Perth their first stop when visiting Australia.

/Going bananas

A

bercrombie & Kent has announced that Gorilla Forest Lodge has officially reopened, following a complete rebuild.

The A&K Sanctuary is perched high in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half the world’s remaining 1000 mountain gorillas. The lodge is the only luxury accommodation inside the park gates, with the reimagined property a triumph of conscious design. Guests can wake to the symphony of the rainforest, trek alongside gorillas in their natural habitat, and return to exceptional comfort. The lodge’s location means guests are never far from these magnificent creatures, with gorillas occasionally wandering onto the property itself. Beyond gorilla trekking with Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, guests can also look out for giant forest hogs and red-tailed monkeys, along with 350 bird species, including the vibrant African green broadbill.

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Collaboration

TRAVELMARVEL

JOURNEY BACK IN TIME Travelmarvel is making it possible for more Australians to cruise the Nile, writes Peter Lynch.

T

here are few places on earth where history feels more alive than in Egypt.

To truly know Egypt, though, you must leave Cairo and follow the river that gives it life – the Nile is the thread that ties the ages together. The good news is, Travelmarvel is returning to Egypt with a new Egypt and Jordan program of premium itineraries – and a new ship. Launching in 2026, purpose-built river ship Travelmarvel Sirius blends modern comforts with ancient wonder – and there’s no better way to explore this breathtaking part of the world. With space for just 124 guests across 62 elegantly appointed cabins, Travelmarvel Sirius offers the intimacy and exclusivity of a boutique hotel, but with ever-changing scenery gliding past your window.

Every cabin features modern amenities and large viewing windows; there’s a quiet pleasure in waking to the soft glow of dawn over the Nile

– the same sunrise that once warmed the faces of the pharaohs.

Days begin and end on the Sun Deck, where you can stretch out on a reclining lounge, sip a cool drink from the Tutankhamun Terrace Café, or take a dip in the swimming pool. The atmosphere is pure tranquillity. Dining aboard Travelmarvel Sirius is another highlight.

The Nefertari Restaurant will serve both international dishes and Egyptian specialities – aromatic tagines, grilled meats and fresh Nile perch, accompanied by select local beer and wine. In the Ramesses Lounge & Bar, evenings unfold over conversation, music and cocktails.

Evenings also bring the spirit of Egypt to life with local folklore performances, traditional music and a Galabeya Party – where guests don colourful Egyptian attire and celebrate under the stars. It’s these moments that turn a cruise into a memory. CT

Ancient Marvels, Modern Value

• Starting at just $6395 per person – a saving of $4600 per couple – there are three Egypt itineraries (two include Jordan). The flagship 11-day Treasures of Egypt and the Nile itinerary invites travellers to step back in time on a perfectly paced journey through Egypt.

Guests will have the chance to explore the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, the temples of Luxor and Karnak and the Temple of Hathor at Dendera. What I love most about Travelmarvel’s approach is its balance. Each day offers a seamless blend of expert-guided exploration and time to absorb the moment – to watch the river drift by and imagine the centuries that have flowed beneath its surface.

Discover Egypt

Clockwise from top left: Ramesses II at Luxor Temple, the ancient city of Jerash in Jordan, traditional river feluccas on the Nile, a slice of local life, the pool on Travelmarvel Sirius.

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*Co Au

CRUISE EGYPT, MY STYLE CRUISE IN STYLE ABOARD TRAVELMARVEL’S NEWEST RIVER SHIP, TRAVELMARVEL SIRIUS FROM �6,395 PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE*

TREASURES OF EGYPT AND THE NILE

SAVE UP TO �4,600

per couple*

Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza

3 Cairo

Discover Egypt aboard Travelmarvel's new contemporary river ship, Travelmarvel Sirius. Cruise the captivating Nile River from Luxor, exploring grand monuments and bustling bazaars, while enjoying personalised service, guided tours and more.

Blending contemporary style with Egyptian flair, this modern ship features elegant social spaces and just 62 spacious cabins.

With a high crew-to-guest ratio, Travelmarvel Sirius offers a personalised Nile cruising experience.

EGYPT

• Seven-night Nile River cruise aboard Travelmarvel's new river ship, Travelmarvel Sirius

Dendera Valleys of the Kings and Queens Luxor Karnak

• Three nights in premium accommodation

Nile River 7

Esna Edfu Kom Ombo Aswan

Coach Cruise Private flights included Stay (no. of nights)

CAIRO RETURN 11 DAYS DEPARTS SEPTEMBER 2026 – APRIL 2028

• 25 meals, plus select local wine and beer included with lunch and dinner on board your Nile River cruise • Fully escorted by a team of experts, including a qualified Travelmarvel Egyptologist Tour Director and Cruise Director • Transfers, port charges, tipping and entrance fees

Abu Simbel

• Exclusive charter flights within Egypt, as per the itinerary, including to and from the temples of Abu Simbel EGT11

• Discover the ancient Luxor Temple and visit the incredible Temple of Hathor at Dendera

1300 208 135 | travelmarvel.com.au Or speak to your travel agent

Part of APT Travel Group

*Conditions apply and subject to availability. From price for EGT11 based on 12 September 2026 departure. See: travelmarvel.com.au, search tour code and view tour for full conditions.

Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd. ABN 44 004 684 619. ATIA accreditation. #A10825. TM-3758-CP

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14/11/2025 9:36 am

Winter Belongs to the Mediterranean Surrounded by wonders like the magnificent Cinque Terre, the culturally transcendent Alhambra, and the Belém Tower monument, it is easy to fall in love with the Mediterranean. With unique cruise itineraries, Windstar brings you closer to this spectacular part of the world.

E XC LU S I V E OF F E R A pre-cruise hotel stay, all-Inclusive perks and great savings off your cruise fare*.

*Terms & conditions apply, contact for more information

For more information, contact 1300 749 875 or email reservations@windstar.com.au

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Oceans 50 Homecoming queen Oceania Riviera | 56 Viking Jupiter in Scandinavia

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Discovery Princess

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Ocean Trends

The Next 25 Years:

HOW AUSTRALIA COULD BE THE BIG NEW CRUISE DESTINATION

By Peter Lynch, Publisher

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he past 25 years has transformed cruising from a niche preoccupation into an Australian mainstream staple, culminating in the nation securing its place as the world’s fourth largest source market.

Yet, as we embark on the next quarter-century – from the present day to 2050 – the industry faces a critical paradox: unprecedented, resilient consumer demand is actively being countered by structural capacity constraints.

The next two decades will be defined not just by technological innovation, but by political will, as Australia determines if it can create the

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competitive conditions necessary to secure the new fleet of ultra-modern, eco-efficient ships already being launched globally.

The rewards could be huge. We are a big country – girt by sea. We are also surrounded by Pacific nations. We could be the new Caribbean, attracting foreign tourists with minimal impact on our own country.

This is the era where policy, port development and the diversification of offerings – from private Pacific islands to burgeoning domestic river routes – will shape Australia’s successful maritime future.

/ Explosive demand and demographic shift

What’s driving the next 25 years remains the Australian consumer’s enduring enthusiasm for holidays at sea. Despite recent global challenges, passenger numbers have returned strongly, confirming cruising’s integration into the national holiday calendar. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) forecasts this boom will continue, with Australasia expected to see passenger numbers soar to 1.72 million by 2028. This surge represents an anticipated 460,000 additional cruisers over just four years.

This growth is being driven by a profound demographic shift. Cruising is no longer viewed strictly as a retirement activity; the average age of Australian cruisers has fallen significantly to 48.4 years – younger in the case of lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.

Globally, Generation X and Millennials are the most enthusiastic, with 65 per cent of the world’s cruise travellers belonging to this younger generation. This influx of younger families and travellers ensures sustained demand well past 2050.

But Australia is also a hugely attractive destination for Asians and Americans. And this is where the real opportunity lies for us and our Pacific neighbours.

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highest-yielding vessels, its ports must respond in kind. Every CLIA-member ship currently under construction through to 2028 (except expedition vessels) is designed to have shore power capabilities. These vessels must plug into the local grid while at port to eliminate at-berth emissions. If Australian ports, particularly Sydney, fail to invest in this core sustainable infrastructure, they risk being bypassed by the most modern, efficient ships in favour of fully prepared ports elsewhere. White Bay will have shore power soon – but no-one is talking about the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

/ New map of Australian ports

Land of opportunity

Australia could develop a series of ports that specialise in cruise calls, like Eden on the New South Wales South Coast.

/ New ships and destinations

The vessels arriving in Australian waters over the next 25 years will change dramatically, driven by both commercial scale and international regulation.

Cruise ships globally have become enormous floating cities, with the largest ships today already twice the size of their counterparts in 2000. This trend toward mega-ships accommodating thousands of passengers is a huge opportunity for inbound tourism.

Disney’s biggest ship, Disney Adventure, will sail virtually on our doorstep. And great cruising regions like Japan, Taiwan and now Southeast Asia are within reach.

Imagine a series of ports around Australia that specialised in cruise calls. Islands in the Pacific developed to take larger ships.

But we need continuous, proactive infrastructure development in Australian ports to remain relevant.

The most critical shift is the move toward environmental sustainability. The IMO 2025 Standards, expected to be adopted this year and implemented in 2027, aim to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by around 2050.

For Australia to attract the newest and Cruise&Travel

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The intense demand for cruise holidays can’t be met by Sydney and Brisbane alone.

Places like Townsville, which completed a major channel upgrade to accommodate ships up to 300 metres long, are already positioning themselves as next-generation cruise hubs, expecting a record number of ship visits in the coming season.

South Australia is also focused on leveraging its infrastructure to increase regional dispersal and encourage investment in new port products and experiences.

We have major international drawcards like the Kimberley and Queensland’s Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.

In New South Wales, the government is committed to doubling passenger numbers by 2040 and is actively seeking a viable third cruise terminal – such as the potential site at Wollongong – to address the current capacity squeeze on existing Sydney facilities.

/ Private islands

Royal Caribbean is set to fundamentally reshape the South Pacific itinerary map with the planned opening of its Royal Beach Club at Lelepa, Vanuatu, in 2027.

This will be the first private cruise destination in the Southern Hemisphere. Royal Caribbean’s CEO has already stated that “if you’re sailing out of the Australian market, you will be going to Lelepa”, suggesting a high percentage of local sailings will be directed toward this venture, following the successful model employed in the Caribbean. Importantly, the development team has tailored the destination specifically for Australian and New Zealand tastes, focusing on the cultural connection and appreciation of the island’s natural beauty, rather than simply replicating the theme park model found elsewhere. If it is a success, more will surely follow. Possibly tailored to Asians.

/ The rise of fly-cruise, river and adventure The proportion of Australians opting to travel overseas to start their cruise holiday – the ‘fly-cruise’ market – is already rising sharply, moving from 15.2 per cent in 2023 to 18.5 per

“THE AVERAGE AGE OF AUSTRALIAN CRUISERS HAS FALLEN TO 48.4 YEARS.” cent in 2024. This segment is focused on long-haul destinations, with the Mediterranean, Asia and Alaska being the most popular destinations outside the local region.

The reverse is true of Americans and Europeans. At one point, Norwegian’s sailings out of Sydney were just 10 per cent Aussies, meaning welcome foreign earnings from overseas tourists. All nationalities are seeking bundled and value-driven international itineraries, relying on the industry to coordinate flights, cruises and pre/post-cruise land stays.

River cruising is gaining significant momentum, with Cruise Passenger’s River Cruise Collective surveys showing four out of five Australians are open to trying one. This growth, which globally is expected to rise at a compound annual growth rate of over 10 per cent between 2025 and 2035, is driven by the desire for unique experiences and cultural immersion in Europe, Asia and beyond.

/ Securing the next 25 years

But while we are growing, the future is perched precariously between demand and a lack of supply at home.

Despite booming consumer demand and a forecast market growth rate of over 10 per cent through to 2033, the capacity is already plateauing due to high operational costs.

Securing the next 25 years of prosperity requires immediate, collaborative policy intervention. Cruise Passenger, along with industry bodies, has been calling for the Australian Government to adopt a federal ‘whole-of-government’ strategy, akin to the successful planning seen in the UK and New Zealand. This strategy needs to include: • Port reform: Tackling the soaring costs and regulatory complexity in major ports like Sydney, which are driving cruise lines to redeploy capacity elsewhere.

• Harmonisation: Rationalising the layered federal, state and local regulations to increase certainty for global fleet planners.

• Future-proofing: Incentivising investment in essential, sustainable infrastructure like shore power to attract the newest, greenest vessels.

The Australian market has demonstrated boundless appetite for cruising. The challenge is ensuring that the supply side – the ships, the ports and the regulatory environment – can not only meet this demand but compete effectively against global markets to retain Australia’s hard-won status as a major cruising nation. CT 43

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here is something quintessentially Australian about Princess Cruises. Maybe it’s the nononsense value proposition. Perhaps it’s the service and staff. Ships like Crown Princess are already sold out for the 2025/26 season, so Princess is obviously doing something right. It may not be brash and brassy, or feature surf pools and flying machines, but it does somehow capture the essential Australian spirit.

The country’s favourite premium brand is celebrating 50 years in Australian waters, making Princess our oldest brand (P&O Australia was shuttered after 92 years).

The cruise line is celebrating in style, with its biggest and newest ship, Discovery Princess, spending four months sailing local cruises, as well as well-oiled Princess itineraries in Fiji and New Zealand.

By 2026-27, a third of the Princess fleet will be based in the Asia-Pacific, reflecting the region’s growing appetite for premium cruising, and opening up some great options for Australians and New Zealanders.

It’s been a while since I’ve sailed the line, so boarding the ship in Singapore for a short cruise to Port Klang, Langkawi and Penang was irresistible. It had just arrived from a repositioning cruise. Yet almost 600 Aussies were on board for our short leg.

Its journey to Sydney has already sold out, with Australians keen to say they were among the first to sail it.

There’s a lot to love about the Love Boat brand. As reassuring as a pair of comfortable slippers, the buzz of the Piazza, the Captain’s meet-and-greet, the champagne tower, the formal nights all seem a little like a homecoming.

Captain Tony Ruggero is made in the Princess mould. Over his 26 years with the line, he stood for 45 minutes as a long line of passengers in their Sunday best queued to be photographed next to the ship’s most senior officer.

A picture with your mother? Certainly. Hugging your baby?

Why not? The conga line went on, and the patient and obliging captain kept the smiles coming for shots that will go around the world, given the ship’s passenger list of Aussies, Chinese, Singaporeans, Indians and Americans.

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Welcome aboard

Clockwise from top left: Discovery Princess piazza; Captain Tony Ruggero greets guests; Discovery Princess sails into Langkawi.

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DISCOVERY PRINCESS

REDISCOVERING PRINCESS

Princess Cruises might have been created for Australians – the no-nonsense premium brand has been sailing here for 50 years. Peter Lynch went aboard Discovery Princess before her debut Down Under.

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Voyage

DISCOVERY PRINCESS Ruggero has already become a bit of a local hero. As Discovery Princess sailed out of Singapore, he spotted a blaze under the iconic infinity pool of the city’s Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

Amazingly, no-one had noticed, so his actions were much appreciated as staff were dispatched to put out the fire.

Discovery Princess is the last of the Royal Class line. And its deployment to Australia represents something of a bold statement from a line that has been a firm favourite and about to celebrate an incredible half century in Australia.

There has been much discussion about capacity issues and the health of our local fleet. With this ship, Princess is reaffirming its commitment to Australia and the region.

/ What’s on board

While the newer Sphere-class ships – Sun Princess and soon Star Princess – are bigger by 700 passengers, Discovery Princess is still a mighty ship, and at less than four years old it features a host of amenities that are new to the Australian market. It has more of just about everything: food choices, luxury and space.

Launched in 2022 at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard, it carries 3660 guests, attended by 1346 crew, across 1830 staterooms. Its Royal Class lineage is evident everywhere – from the cascading glass atrium and luxurious spa to the adults-only Sanctuary and seamless MedallionClass technology.

We found MedallionClass a real boon. You can go anywhere

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A taste of Asia

Clockwise from top left: The Sanctuary is for adults only; Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur; calling at Penang; unmistakably Singapore.

on the ship and use it without fuss. It opens your stateroom door – yes, I complained to my cabin steward the door lock was broken, and smiling, he pointed out that the sensors unlock it as you approach.

It’s your new best friend – indeed, it’s a bit of a fashion statement. You can wear it on a watch strap, around your neck or nattily clipped to your belt. And it’s a status statement: Gold, Ruby, Platinum or Elite.

Discovery Princess Sky Suites are the ultimate indulgence, boasting the largest balconies at sea with 270-degree panoramic views. Suite guests also enjoy private access to The Sanctuary, the adults-only retreat where serenity reigns.

The Lotus Spa is one of the largest afloat, anchored by The Enclave – a thermal suite featuring aromatic steam rooms, arctic showers and a vast hydrotherapy pool surrounded by warm mosaic loungers.

Fitness enthusiasts will find a fully equipped gym, stretching classes and yoga sessions with ocean views. With four pools and 10 hot tubs, there’s no shortage of ways to unwind.

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Fact file

Class: Royal Class Built: 2022 – Fincantieri, Italy Gross Tonnage: 145,000 Guests: 3660 Crew: 1346 Staterooms: 1830 Homeport: Sydney, Australia (Dec 2025 - Apr 2026)

Itineraries: 12 round-trip

cruises – 2 Fiji, 5 New Zealand, 5 South Pacific/Australian coastal itineraries Sky Suites: Largest balconies at sea (270° views) The Sanctuary: Adults-only retreat and spa area The Enclave: Thermal suite with hydrotherapy pool and arctic showers Dining: Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, The Catch by Rudi, Chef’s Table Lumiere Casual: Gigi’s Pizzeria, Slice, Swirls, International Café, World Fresh Marketplace Bars & lounges: Bellini’s, O’Malley’s Irish Pub, Good Spirits at Sea Specialty experience: 360: An Extraordinary Experience Pools & hot tubs: Four pools, 10 tubs, Vegas-style casino

Youth & teen centres:

Dedicated facilities.

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Voyage

genuine warmth add flavour to every meal. “Carlos cooks the calories,” Henrique quips, “I take the credit.” They feature in a culinary show in the Princess Theatre. It’s hilarious.

/ Entertainment

DISCOVERY PRINCESS / A floating sanctuary

Discovery Princess is certainly expansive. But it is also serene.

The design language is confident: marble, glass and soft tones create an atmosphere that is just right for premium guests, and nudging luxury in a lot of areas. Our balcony stateroom features the famous Princess bed, elegant furnishings and a balcony for coffee or a glass of wine. The layout is clever, with storage, a desk and plenty of power points.

The culinary offerings are excellent. Our sailing was a test, with a full complement. It passed with flying colours. Princess has always been known for its culinary consistency, and this ship takes that up a notch.

Signature restaurants like Crown Grill and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria have always been good – Crown Grill’s surf and turf, crab cakes and French onion soup are legendary. Now, The Catch by Rudi, new to Australia, and the dazzling Chef’s Table Lumiere, where a curtain of light encircles diners, will surprise and delight. Its 360 dining experience, exclusive to Discovery and Enchanted Princess, is an immersive, multi-sensory culinary journey that fuses technology, storytelling and cuisine.

We meet a host for cocktails before being led to a secret location – a huge circular room with a table for 20. Through seven courses with matching wines, we are taken on a visual and culinary trip around Europe. Clever projections onto our table mean we can break Greek plates and watch a chef ride his scooter around Italy. It costs $229 a head in Australia, which sounds steep. But it is quite special and the wines are excellent.

There are casual favourites like Gigi’s Pizzeria, Slice, Swirls, and the World Fresh Marketplace – though on a ship this size, timing is important. Our tip for World Fresh Marketplace: sit at the back deck overlooking the infinity pool. It’s a great view, and few go there. The bar scene is humming: Bellini’s, the new O’Malley’s Irish Pub and Good Spirits at Sea. We loved meeting culinary double act Executive Chef Henrique Sparrow (Spain) and Carlos Marques, the Portuguese Director of Restaurant Operations. Their playful banter and 48

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Onboard excellence

Clockwise from top: The exclusive 360 dining experience; a moment of solitude in the Wake View Infinity Pool; one of the culinary delights served in the multi-sensory 360 dining experience.

The Princess Theatre stages productions like Rock Opera, a dazzling blend of pop, classical and rock music performed with extraordinary precision. Spotlight Bar is a new show that features storytelling through song. Magic to Do features an illusionist and songs.

Elsewhere on the ship there are comedians and magicians, and Princess Live!, a venue for cabaret acts, game shows and concerts. We also love Movies Under the Stars, which transforms the pool deck into a floating cinema.

/ Discovery Princess itineraries

Discovery Princess will be home-ported in Sydney until April 7, 2026, offering 12 round-trip cruises during its first Australian season. It will feature: - Two voyages to Fiji - Five cruises to New Zealand - Spectacular South Pacific and coastal Australian itineraries, including a Sydney Swans Members’ Cruise (January 15-18, 2026). Princess is the official cruise partner of the Swans.

After the season wraps, the ship will reposition via French Polynesia and Hawaii, continuing its journey back to the Northern Hemisphere – the kind of grand voyage Princess loyalists love. CT

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Paul Smith polo shirt, $778.

Loewe Puzzle Edge bag, $7367.

Summer finds

Trunk show

Ancient Greek Sandals clogs, $885.

Johanna Ortiz straw bucket hat, $775.

Jacque Marie Mage sunglasses, $2233.

Kartik Research shorts, $538.

Julietta Elsa resin cuff, $530.

Bottega Veneta swimsuit, $1150.

Zimmermann lace tunic, $1126.

Bottega Veneta raffia tote, $3910.

Agua by Agua Bendita dress, $2675.

Zimmermann Rhiannon dress, $950.

Adidas sneakers, $215.

Miu Miu sunglasses, $957.

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Voyage

Breathtaking

Milford Sound is one of many destinations guests can visit on an Oceania Rivieria itinerary.

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Homecoming OCEANIA RIVIERA

QUEEN

Fabulous itineraries, gorgeous suites and new Down Under Abundance culinary experiences await on the stylish, food-centric Oceania Riviera, writes Sue Wallace.

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Voyage

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S

OCEANIA RIVIERA

leek, slick and sophisticated are three words that describe Oceania Riviera and she’s set to do a second Southern Hemisphere season spoiling guests with gourmet dining and lavish surrounds.

The small, luxurious ship, one of eight in the Oceania Cruises fleet, proved so popular during last year’s inaugural Australia-based season, it’s back again.

The 2026 Australia and New Zealand season will run from November 2025 to March 2026, with a diverse range of 14- to 35-day itineraries, with departures from multiple ports across the region.

For Australian and New Zealand cruise fans, it’s an opportunity to enjoy Oceania’s signature luxury without hopping on a plane to Europe and beyond. Expect all the glamour feels as soon as you board Riviera, where you are made to feel special from the moment you are warmly greeted by staff.

Australian and New Zealand guests generally love dining and trying new flavours and dishes and there’s plenty of that on this ship, which carries the mantra ‘the finest dining at sea’.

Riviera will also be the only Oceania Cruises vessel in the region to offer exclusive itineraries with a gourmet dining focus.

With its inclusive specialty restaurants and the culinary program, it’s the perfect ship for foodies. The new Down Under Abundance is a culinary experience inspired by Australia and New Zealand’s rich ingredients. Located at The Culinary Center, a state-of-the-art cooking school at sea, it celebrates the freshest offerings from the ocean, mountains and vineyards.

One of the showstopping features, while you’re wandering around on board, includes the sparkly Lalique grand staircase.

Crafted in France from two tonnes of pure crystal by 37 Lalique artisans, it took more than 1600 hours to create.

The artwork is outstanding too – how often do you come face to face with a Picasso? There are more than 20 pieces done by the great artist between 1927 and 1968. As well as paintings that stop you in your tracks, there are look-at-me sculptures and delicate glassworks from the 19th century, as well as eclectic modern pop art.

/ Accommodation and food

The intimate ship, which accommodates 1250 guests, has a generous feeling of space wherever you go and there’s plenty of room for all to move around comfortably.

My stylish suite features Oceania’s signature Tranquility Bed, which lives up to its name – it has 1000-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and an ultra-plush pillow-top mattress. It’s no wonder I want to linger. Bulgari amenities grace the Italian marble bathroom and its roomy shower. My butler, Horacio, keeps everything looking pristine and is always ready to help.

The spacious balcony is perfect for marine life spying and room service breakfasts. Quality bespoke decor gives the suite a polished, understated elegance, and it features soothing grey and blue hues.

It’s a foodie’s dream on board Oceania Riviera, with specialty restaurants and excellent eateries. The ship offers three main venues, plus four specialty restaurants inclusive in the fare. La Reserve by Wine Spectator has multi-course degustation menus paired with premium wines, but attracts a surcharge.

The elegant Grand Dining Room, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning crystal chandelier, is the place to linger over breakfast, indulge in delicious lunches and devour multiCruise&Travel

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Gourmet fare

Cooking classes are just the beginning on an Oceania cruise dedicated to offering guests the ‘finest dining at sea’.

course dinners. Think old-world charm with crisp linen tablecloths, sparkling glasses and silverware. Classics including salmon supreme, sirloin steak and herb-crusted chicken are always available as well as exciting, themed menus. I chose the global cuisine, indulging in soft shell crab, chicken tikka salad, tamarind braised grouper fillet and a knockout mango sticky rice. The all-new Executive Chef’s Tasting Menu is also popular, while Aquamar Vitality Cuisine is perfect for those watching the kilograms.

The Italian-themed Toscana is a firm favourite too – it’s impossible to resist the fabulous breads and the trolley load of the world’s best olive oils and balsamic vinegars. I had delicious risotto, the best veal, and it was a toss-up between the classic tiramisu or molten dark chocolate cake.

The Polo Grill, a classic steakhouse, showcases prime beef with sides such as truffle mashed potato and steamed asparagus spears. The Maine lobster and Cajun-style salmon are excellent choices for seafood lovers.

The Asian-inspired Red Ginger is the home of bold flavours and a swish setting. The lobster pad Thai and miso-glazed sea

Expert tips • Favourite meal on board

Oh là là – it has to be the oh-so-stylish French-inspired restaurant, Jacques, that looks just like an elegant Parisian bistro with exquisite dining and decor to match. I dined on Carpaccio de Saint-Jacques, Homard Thermidor à ma façon, filet de boeuf Rossini and the best crêpe Suzette.

“It’s a foodie’s dream on board Oceania Riviera, with specialty restaurants and excellent eateries.”

• Insider tip

Bunker down in the intimate Library, near Baristas, with its small nooks and velvet gem-coloured chairs. There’s interesting reading material and intriguing model ships.

• What to expect

Riviera is a slick ship with fabulous dining options and excellent staff. There’s plenty to do with fun activities by day and a chance to dance the night away.

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Voyage

OCEANIA RIVIERA bass has a following and there’s a chopstick ‘library’ to choose from. Love fine French dining? Jacques is a French-inspired fine-dining restaurant named after star chef Jacques Pepin, Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Advisor.

For a special occasion, Reserve by Wine Spectator and Privee serves a seven-course degustation menu and a three-hour, sommelier-led experience ideal for wine lovers.

For casual dining, Terrace Cafe features a special destinationthemed Chef’s Market Dinner, while poolside Waves Grill has excellent burgers, pizza and artisan ice cream. Baristas is my goto for good coffee and tasty bites, drinks and pastries.

Afternoon tea is a fun experience in the elegant Horizons Lounge where you can nibble on dainty sandwiches and enjoy rich cakes and scones topped with cream and jam daily, along with white-glove service. A talented quartet sets the scene.

If hunger pains strike at midnight, there’s always room service.

Speaking of service, I find it attentive but not intrusive. My butler, Horacio, is ready to assist with dining and spa bookings when required.

/ What to do on board

I enjoyed going to interesting lectures about Alaska on my recent cruise. Other guest speakers engaged audiences with thought-provoking lectures, post-show talkbacks and handson demonstrations.

You can discover your artistic bent at the Artist’s Loft, learn computer skills, line dancing and crafts. Activities include golf,

Foodie delight

The Culinary Center is an onboard highlight of a gourmetfocused Oceania Riviera cruise.

paddle tennis, pickleball, croquet, bocce ball and shuffleboard. A dip in the pool, a workout at the gym and a movie keep me busy on sea days. I also mastered the secret of a perfect crêpe Suzette and tarte Tatin with dynamic executive chef Kathryn Kelly at the impressive Culinary Center. We toasted our dessert success with a delicious berry spritz cocktail.

When it’s time for a little me-time, I head for the chic Aquamar Spa + Vitality Centre. It’s the perfect place to unwind, whether it is chilling out on the heated tiled lounges with the best sea views or taking a dip in the outdoor pool. Massages, facials and treatments leave you feeling like a million dollars – just what you want when heading out for an evening of fun.

Dress in hues of blue for the new Blue Horizons Party, a stylish soirée recently launched on all ships. Polished stage productions, cultural performances, game nights, movie nights, dancing and music, themed deck parties and world-class concerts keep you entertained. Love karaoke? There’s a chance to sing your heart out in Horizons. CT

Upcoming Itineraries

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New voyages combine destinations including Mystery Island in Vanuatu, Dunedin in New Zealand, and Kangaroo Island in South Australia, with iconic ports such as Sydney. Guests can expect a perfect balance of discovery and familiarity.

Excursions include chef-led Culinary Discovery Tours to local restaurants or seeing a destination through the eyes of local fishermen and farmers.

• Azure Atolls to Auckland An 18-day cruise

• South Pacific Archipelagos This 19-day cruise from Sydney to Papeete visits Nouméa, Mystery Island, Lautoka, Suva, Nuku’alofa, Vava’u, Apia, Pago Pago, Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Huahine and Moorea. It departs 10 December, 2025.

• Melanesian Marvels

from Papeete to Auckland stops at Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Rarotonga, Alofi, Pago Pago, Apia, Suva, Nuku’alofa and Bay of Islands. It departs 6 January, 2026.

• Outback to Verdant Bali

This 14-day cruise from Sydney to Bali visits Brisbane, Whitsunday Island, Cairns, Cooktown, Darwin, Komodo and Bali.

It departs 8 February, 2026.

A 21-day cruise from Bali to Sydney visiting Komodo, Kupang (West Timor), Darwin, Port Moresby, Alotau, Honiara, Luganville (Espiritu Santo), Port Vila, Lautoka, Suva and Nouméa. Departs 22 February, 2026.

Cruise &Travel

14/11/2025 1:40 pm

Gigi Burris Jeanne fedora, $835.

BODE Phantasm fringed jacket, $3065 and skirt, $2420.

Cruise-ready

Trunk show

Chloé cropped embroidered jacket, $6200.

Slowear trousers, $576.

Saint Laurent Gaby bucket bag, $3620.

Khaite Chronos earrings, $4020.

Ghiaia cashmere polo shirt, $1607.

Valentino Garavani scarf, $660.

Dries Van Noten silk dress, $3235.

Brunello Cucinelli sneakers, $2062.

Bennett Winch weekend bag, $5386.

Manolo Blahnik slingbacks, $1535.

Celine sunglasses, AU$789.

Bell & Rose BR-03-A watch, $11,116.

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Voyage

The

VIKING AGE

VIKING IN SCANDINAVIA

Sailing the waters of the original Vikings makes this Viking cruise all the more fascinating, writes Amanda Woods.

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Norwegian colour

Bergen is a superb embarkation port for a Scandinvian cruise aboard Viking Jupiter.

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Voyage

A

VIKING IN SCANDINAVIA

s I walk towards a round white church under a clear blue sky I’m seeing Denmark in a whole new light.

A couple of days earlier we’d been in Copenhagen, a city I’d spent happy days and nights in before. Now I’m getting my first taste of Danish island life on a gorgeous Baltic Sea dot off the Swedish coast known as Bornholm and it’s love at first bite.

After driving past bright yellow canola and green grass fields against blue sea and sky scenes, we’d arrived at the largest of Bornholm’s round churches, Østerlars. Four of Denmark’s seven medieval round churches can be found on the island, and Østerlars, dating back to around 1150, is believed to be the oldest. As we enter, our guide points out a huge rune stone where the unusual addition of a Christian cross marks a transition time from paganism to Christianity on the island, and as we step inside I find a white round core with murals around the top that gives the church a completely different feeling and flow to those with classic aisles.

When we’re dropped back to our ship at the end of our complimentary two-hour tour of the island, I head straight into the old market town of Rønne to explore. In 2017, the World Craft Council declared Bornholm the first European World Craft Region in recognition of the island’s creative arts and crafts traditions and, as I walk down cobblestone lanes lined with historic half-timbered and brick houses, I discover 150-year-old ceramics factory Hjorths Fabrik and 19th-century market town house Erichsens Gård, both must-visit spots.

Our 15-day Viking Homelands cruise from Bergen to Stockholm has brought me back to places I’ve been to and loved before, while introducing me to new destinations. Highlights as we cruise from Norway to Denmark, Germany, Poland, Estonia and Sweden are sailing through Norway’s spectacular fjords, visiting castles and palaces, including the Christiansborg Palace

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Travel heaven

Clockwise from top left: Explorers’ Lounge; infinity pool; Nordic charm; Explorers’ Dome; all staterooms have balconies; Viking cruising through the majestic fjords of Norway.

in Copenhagen, and the postcards come to life in the old towns of Gdansk and Tallinn.

After dreaming for more than 20 years of seeing Tallinn, I’m hanging on every word of our local guide’s commentary as we stroll around Estonia’s capital city. Tallinn’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town has been declared one of the bestpreserved medieval cities in Europe and when our walking tour is over I’m in travel heaven wandering down laneways and exploring galleries and boutiques in pretty courtyards. So much so that as we sail away I’m already making plans to come back just four months later to start a Baltic States and Poland land tour with Explore Worldwide.

As well as introducing me to some new places, this is my first Viking cruise and it feels fitting to be sailing Viking style in the Viking homelands. Starting with six days in Norway gives me the chance to share some of my favourite scenery in the world with my mother, who had never been this far north before. As we sit on our balcony for the early morning sail into the majestic

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Expert tips • Favourite meal on board

A window seat table for two with Eidfjord views in The Restaurant. We clinked champagne flutes before dining on seared scallops with mint pea puree and a lamb duo of braised lamb shoulder and herb-crusted lamb chop before finishing with little baked Alaskas.

• Insider tip

In the cooler months, the Sports Deck at the top front of the ship is seriously underappreciated. We had it all to ourselves for lunch on a sunny day in the fjords and, surprisingly, only a few other people visited it briefly to take photos on the sail into Stockholm. Happily rugged up in blankets, my mother and I felt like we had a VIP space as we sipped mimosas and sailed into one of the most beautiful harbours in the world.

“We sailed into one of the most beautiful harbours in the world.”

Eidfjord, we’re sharing a moment I’ll always remember.

Our ship, the Viking Jupiter, carries a maximum of 930 passengers which, on our cruise, is made up of 80 per cent Americans with Canadians, British, Irish and 78 Australians.

The casino- and child-free ship has more of a ‘thinking person’s cruise’ theme, where you can listen to live classical music and attend lectures on local history, art, architecture and geopolitics.

Viking Jupiter also has its own planetarium and, while I was too slow to get a ticket to one of the few live talks by the resident astronomer in the 26-seat Explorers’ Dome, I was able to book a seat for the Experience the Aurora documentary instead.

When it comes to entertainment, special guests including the gifted improvising pianist Harry the Piano join the ship for oneoff shows in the theatre, where the Viking Jupiter Vocalists also take guests down memory lane with shows including The Beatles and ABBA Songbooks. Those who want to kick on can join the late-night dancing and sing along with the Viking Band in the Torshavn bar. On special nights the Pool Deck is

• Favourite shore excursion

Viking cruises include complimentary excursions in every port and our three-hour Tallinn Old Town Walk was a standout. After starting at Toompea with a visit to the onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, our guide led us down through the Old Town to some of the most interesting spots and best vantage points in the city, while sharing fascinating insights as well as great local tips on how to spend our free time in the city.

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Voyage transformed into a dance floor or an under-the-stars movie theatre where we lie back on sunbeds as the movie snacks come out.

After telling my mother she simply has to try Norway’s brown cheese known as brunost while we’re in Scandinavia, I’m happy to find the caramel-flavoured goat cheese is available every day on heart-shaped waffles with berries and maple syrup in Mamsen’s. The café in the Explorers’ Lounge is a top spot to try Norwegian specialties including open-faced sandwiches and the fluffy sponge suksessterte (success cake).

Other ways to dine include The Restaurant and World Café, where regional specialities change daily, the Pool Grill with casual bites, afternoon teas in the Wintergarden and the speciality Manfredi’s Italian and Chef’s Table restaurants. Incabin or private balcony dining on the all-veranda ship is easily organised through room service and, while the Aquavit Terrace is usually an outdoor extension of the World Café buffet, it has its own pop-up cooking station moments including Norwegian hot dogs wrapped in potato flatbread.

The Aquavit Terrace is also where you find the outdoor hot tub and I’m surprised to have the whole terrace to myself at

VIKING IN SCANDINAVIA

Onboard ease

Clockwise from top: Balconies provide a spot to slip away; understated luxury in the atrium; Manfredi’s.

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times. While the brisk Scandinavian spring weather keeps most people indoors, I happily slip into the hot bubbles and raise a glass of cold bubbles to ports as we sail away.

Meanwhile, downstairs in the LivNordic Spa, guests can embrace a different kind of hot and cold therapy using the steam room, snow grotto, hot tub, cold plunge, thalassotherapy pool and cold bucket shower.

While anyone can use the hot and cold elements when the spa is open, I sign up for a Nordic Bathing Ritual to learn more about their history and benefits. After the spa closes to other guests, we lie on lounges around the pool to be led through a meditation before a gentle dry skin brushing. After alternating between getting hot and steamy in the sauna and rubbing snow over our flushed skin in the snow grotto, things take an unexpected turn when the spa therapist asks who would like to be hit with birch leaves first.

After becoming slightly alarmed by the loud thwacking sounds as she slaps the people before me, when I assume the position with my hands high on the sauna glass in my swimmers I discover it’s strangely soothing. As the smell of the birch leaves fills the sauna, I smile as I embrace a very Nordic sensory experience while we sail through this corner of the world where it all began. CT

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Seven continents. Endless discoveries.

One Viking

DISCOVER THE VIKING DIFFERENCE

VIKING.COM CT16_056_061_VikingJT.indd 61

14/11/2025 9:39 am

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with love...

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime to discover ancient wonders and hidden treasures along the Nile.

AmaWaterways invites you to experience Egypt’s next great luxury journey.

Contact your preferred travel advisor or AmaWaterways: 1800 867 126 | amawaterways.au

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14/11/2025 11:26 am

Rivers 68 A&K’s Pure Amazon launches in Peru | 70 Tauck celebrates 100 years

page

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Uniworld’s Super Ship

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River Trends

River

REVOLUTION

The next 24 months will be huge for the river cruise industry with not only new ships launching, but new brands entering the market.

I

n 2026, sister touring brand to Uniworld, Trafalgar, will be launching its first ever river cruise line, aiming at a younger market. It has promised a new class of purpose-built ships designated to launch in 2028.

But for next year, while it dips its toes into the European waterways, it will be chartering Uniworld’s luxurious vessels.

The move signals a fresh wave of competition for established names like Emerald Cruises, Avalon Waterways, Scenic and Viking, giving travellers a richer range of choices – from five-star luxury to contemporary, familyfriendly adventure.

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Tauck has revealed it will be launching five new European river cruises for 2027, in response to high demand and strong year-overyear growth. Tauck’s growing fleet will also welcome two new riverboats: the MS Saudade, sister ship to the MS Andorinha on the Douro, and the MS Reverie, sister ship to the MS Serene on the Seine.

Uniworld too, has announced four new ships and the luxury boutique river cruise line is launching six new itineraries in 2027. Three of the new ships will be in the Super Ship category – S.S. Audrey, S.S. Marlene, and S.S. São Rafael – and offer itineraries on Portugal’s Duoro River.

/ Trafalgar

Trafalgar’s new ships won’t mimic the plush opulence of Uniworld’s gilded salons. Instead, as Interim CEO Touring Melissa DaSilva explains to Cruise Passenger, they will capture Trafalgar’s long-held ethos of “accessible, authentic and fun travel.”

“Our ships will be more contemporary in nature,” she says. “Think natural textures, pops of colour, flexible spaces that transform from reading rooms by day to speakeasies at night.

“We’re including multiple dining venues, interconnecting cabins for families, and even expanding our self-service laundry – perfect for travellers spending more than a week on board.”

Each of the two new-build vessels will sail the Rhine and Danube, while a third chartered Uniworld ship joins the fleet in 2027 on the Seine, sailing from Paris.

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with the intimacy of river travel. For Australians, who make up a significant share of Europe’s river cruise market, Trafalgar’s trusted name and contemporary ships could be an enticing combination.

With more brands, styles and price points than ever, river cruising is no longer a one-sizefits-all experience – it’s a kaleidoscope of choice on Europe’s great waterways.

/ Viking

DaSilva teased that a “new class of vessel reflecting Trafalgar’s spirit” will follow in 2028.

For its debut season, Trafalgar will operate the Trafalgar Reverie and Trafalgar Verity, two boutique ships that were previously part of Uniworld’s collection. The ships, each accommodating around 128 guests, offer floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies on most decks, stylish dining rooms and a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Rather than competing head-to-head with luxury players, Trafalgar aims to bring its experience-led travel philosophy afloat.

Expect onboard baking demonstrations, regional performances and the brand’s signature Be My Guest and Make Travel Matter experiences woven into daily itineraries.

“Travellers are looking for more immersive and interactive experiences,” DaSilva says. “Our itineraries will include local connections – from dining at a family-owned winery in Austria to hearing Cold War stories from a Bratislava non-profit. It’s about leaving the cruise with a

deeper understanding of the region.”

The line’s approach mirrors a broader shift across the industry. “Travellers want the convenience of a fully planned journey but the freedom to choose what fits their interests,” says DaSilva.

Trafalgar will offer optional excursions alongside inclusive highlights, allowing guests to tailor their own pace of exploration – or simply enjoy the ship’s evolving social spaces.

River cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments in travel, and brands are expanding rapidly to meet demand.

Lines such as Emerald, Viking and Scenic have already diversified their offerings to attract younger and multi-generational audiences with flexible pricing and active excursions.

/ Celebrity River Cruises

Royal Caribbean’s Celebrity River brand will launch 10 ships aimed at the luxury end of the market. Trafalgar’s entry adds another dynamic layer – marrying its decades of touring expertise

Viking, the world’s largest river cruise line, continues to expand each year and will have a total of 112 river ships around the world by 2028. In February, Viking announced a further eight of its signature Longships to be built by longstanding partner, German shipyard Neptune Werft. The ships will sail in Europe and launch in 2027 and 2028. They also represent an enhanced commitment to sustainability, with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system that significantly reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

/ Emerald Cruises

Emerald will add just one new ship to the fleet in 2027, Emerald Lumi. It’s the line’s first purpose-built ship to sail the Seine, with round-trip itineraries from Paris, and Frenchinspired cuisine and wine on board.

The ship joins Emerald Astra, which will start sailing the Rhine, Moselle and Danube in 2026. In recent weeks, Emerald Cruises also announced it has already opened pre-bookings for the 2027 season – the earliest release in its history. “Travellers are booking further out and seeking fresh ways to experience Europe in comfort and style,” said Ken Muskat, president of Scenic Group, USA/LATAM. CT

New on the river

Clockwise from opposite top: Celebrity Compass; Celebrity River Cruise lounge; Tauck’s MS Andorinha; Trafalgar Verity stateroom; river cruising has never been more popular.

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Collaboration

A VINTAGE VOYAGE SCENIC with SCENIC

Embark on a journey through Europe’s legendary vineyards on Scenic’s new wine-themed river cruises – a celebration of fine wine, regional cuisine and centuries of savoir-faire.

f

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rom the aromatic rosés of Provence to the honeyed whites of Sauternes and the rich reds of Saint-Émilion, central Europe is the birthplace of the world’s best wines. On a thoughtfully curated wine-themed river cruise with Scenic, you’ll experience the generations of careful cultivation that have gone into these legendary vintages.

Launching in 2026 and returning in the 2027 season, Scenic’s new itineraries will guide you through the finest wine regions in Central Europe and France. You’ll be immersed in centuries of winemaking culture, visiting storied vineyards, meeting the latest generation Cruise &Travel

14/11/2025 1:02 pm

Scenic’s Wine Itineraries

Wine country

Clockwise from left: Vineyards of Saint-Émilion, demonstration at Scenic Culinaire, fine food and wine is a focus on Scenic itineraries, Scenic Sapphire glides

by Avignon.

• Tastes of the South of France – a wine cruise

11 days, Lyon to Lyon Set sail from Lyon, the gastronomic heart of France, to meet passionate winemakers, hike through stunning riverside vineyards and drink wine in historic châteaux. On this immersive cruise through the south of France you’ll sip rosé in Provence, visit the villages of the Côtes du Rhône and enjoy tastings at boutique Beaujolais vineyards.

Exclusive experiences take you into grand palaces and cathedrals for moving private concerts, into a Michelin-starred restaurant for a cooking demonstration, and to truffle farms for indulgent tastings. Cruising on the custom-built Scenic Sapphire, you can learn how to make French fare from an expert Scenic chef in the Scenic Culinaire cooking school and delight in a dessert buffet from a local pâtissier.

• Tastes of Bordeaux – a wine cruise

“THE AUTHENTIC FOOD CULTURE IS BROUGHT TO LIFE EVERY DAY AS YOU EXPLORE THE FLAVOURS AND STORIES OF EACH DESTINATION.” of family winemakers and tasting the vintages that have made them famous.

While these river cruises follow some of the most iconic routes through Europe, the itineraries have been reimagined for lovers of food and wine.

With unique excursions and bespoke onboard experiences, these cruises will show you the world’s great gourmet regions in signature Scenic all-inclusive, ultra-luxury style. / The Scenic difference Unrivalled inclusions and luxurious Scenic Space-Ships designed especially for each destination, deliver a river cruise experience in a class of its own. With smaller guest numbers than most river ships (up to just 163 guests), you’ll enjoy ultra-attentive service – including butlers who go to the nth degreee to anticipate your needs. On board, unwind in the serene wellness and salt therapy lounge, enjoy complimentary premium beverages and a fully stocked mini-bar, and personalise each day Cruise&Travel

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with Scenic Freechoice activities or e-bike explorations.

In Bordeaux and the South of France, Scenic immerses you in the region’s gourmet culture with the exclusive Scenic Culinaire cooking school and a range of special events that bring local delights on board. Sit down to indulgent wine and chocolate pairings, learn how to make the perfect French dish, or join a chef as they select local ingredients from the busy morning market.

The authentic food culture is brought to life every day as you explore the flavours and stories of each destination. Enjoy a choice of up to five onboard dining experiences, from casual to fine dining, and rest easy knowing everything – gratuities, dining and even airport transfers – are all included, so you can focus on having a wonderful time. CT Are you ready to sip your way through Europe with Scenic? Visit scenic.com.au or see your local Travel Advisor to find out more.

8 days, Bordeaux to Bordeaux The birthplace of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, Bordeaux is one of the world’s most famous wine regions. Cruise through these legendary vineyards and be introduced to winemakers who have been perfecting their craft for generations.

Cruising along these tranquil waterways, you’ll experience the authentic French way of life and the gourmet culture that infuses the everyday. Immersive Scenic Freechoice excursions and Scenic Enrich events will take you deeper into each destination, from caviar tasting at a sturgeon farm to cycling through picturesque villages and a private classical concert in Château d’Agassac. On board, enjoy exclusive wine and chocolate pairings or join an engaging cooking demonstration in Scenic Culinaire.

• A taste of the Rhine – a wine cruise

8 days, Basel to Amsterdam From the aromatic whites of the Alsace to crisp sparkling in the Middle Rhine, and the iconic rieslings of the Rheingau and Moselle Valley, this is a journey into the heart of the Rhine’s best wine regions. Visit the Fritz Ritter winery, where the same family has been making wine for nine generations, and hear the stories that have shaped each vintage. Along the way, explore bustling capitals and tiny medieval outposts, gaining insight into the way the continent has changed over the centuries.

Explore the grandeur of Baden-Baden, enjoy a private concert inside the Baroque Rastatt Palace, and marvel at Fabrique des Lumières, a breathtaking digital art installation in a 19th-century gasworks.

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River News

BIG NEWS for Uniworld

• Boutique luxury river line Uniworld will be launching four new ships and six new itineraries in 2027. Three of the new ships will be in the Super Ship category – S.S. Audrey, S.S. Marlene and S.S. São Rafael – and offer itineraries on Portugal’s Duoro River. Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich are the inspirations for the S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene. They will have a similar design and layout to sister ship S.S Emilie, which debuted earlier this year. S.S. Emilie pays homage to Gustav Klimt with Art Nouveau features and bold, gold accents. Fellow Super Ship, the S.S. São Rafael, is brother ship to the S.S. São Gabriel.

The PERFECT partnership • AmaWaterways has announced a new partnership with Mandarin Oriental, a huge name in hospitality across the globe. The brands will come together to create holidays that mix land travel and cruise, transitioning between comfort and luxury on the ground to the waterways. The new holiday packages will launch from 2026, with new pre- and post-cruise experiences set to be available across a range of iconic European cities, such as Barcelona, Paris, Prague, Vienna, Amsterdam, Geneva,

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Madrid and Zurich. For an idea of what your pre- or postcruise experience might look like, picture private drivers and guides whisking you around a city, daily excursions based around culinary and cultural activities, Mandarin Oriental accommodation and everything being organised with door-to-door, allinclusive luxury.

/A&K launches Pure Amazon

A

&K’s first South American riverboat, Pure Amazon has begun sailing through one of the world’s most biodiverse nature reserves in Peru. The 22-passenger boat journeys through the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve on three, four and seven-night itineraries in 21,000 square kilometres of protected Amazon wilderness. Guests will be able to spot pink river dolphins, three-toed sloths, macaws, spider monkeys, black caimans and giant river otters. They can also go fishing for piranha and kayak through the narrow river tributaries. There are exclusive excursions to a bilingual teacher training project, traditional bombo baile performances and medicinal plant cleansing rituals.

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EUROPE RIVER CRUISING 2026 MAGNIFICENT EUROPE

A NEW ERA IN RIVER CRUISING For nearly a century, APT Luxury Travel has redefined the art of exploration, setting the standard for curated cruising and touring worldwide. Our newest river ships – APT Solara and APT Ostara – represent a new generation of luxury river cruising.

With seven world-class onboard culinary experiences – including Grüner Bar & Dining, a world-first concept that elevates dining to new heights – these vessels offer the most dining options among European river ships.

Enjoy exceptional service with a high crew-to-guest ratio, and luxuriously appointed suites and interiors designed by the award-winning Australian team at Hecker Guthrie. Step aboard to experience European river cruising like never before, where elegance meets modern sophistication.

BUDAPEST TO AMSTERDAM

Incredible Experiences • •

Visit Vienna’s City Palace for a cocktail party and private classical concert.

Enjoy lunch and a show featuring songs from The Sound of Music in Salzburg.

Inclusions • • •

14 nights aboard APT’s brand-new river ships, APT Solara or APT Ostara.

All meals, premium beverages, excursions, transfers, port charges, porterage and gratuities.

Unrivalled dining choices with seven world-class culinary experiences on board, including in-suite dining service in all suites.

15-DAY RIVER CRUISE

From $8,995 pp twin share*

Save up to $1,400 per couple* 1300 373 460

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APT Travel Expert

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FLIGHTS INCLUDED*

NETHERLANDS

AMSTERDAM  GERMANY

Andernach 14 Würzburg Bamberg APT Solara/Ostara Rüdesheim Nuremberg Miltenberg Passau Dürnstein Rothenburg Vienna SLOVAKIA Regensburg Melk Salzburg Bratislava Linz AUSTRIA

BUDAPEST 

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Search trip code: EUMCR15

aptouring.com.au

*Conditions apply and subject to availability. From price for EUMCR15 based on 20 November 2026. See: aptouring.com.au, search tour code and view tour for full conditions.

Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd. ABN 44 004 684 619. ATIA Accreditation #A10825. APT-6813-C&T

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14/11/2025 9:43 am

Collaboration

TAUCK

Tauck celebrates

100 YEARS of

INNOVATION

Tauck has sailed into a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, celebrating 100 years of innovation and adventure while reaffirming its commitment to transformative travel, gratitude and volunteerism, writes Chris Singh.

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he passion and purpose that have kept this family-owned company at the forefront of travel for a century will continue to define its next 100 years as Tauck delivers new life-changing experiences while supporting a thriving, interconnected world.

Travellers can look forward to an evolved collection of adventures in this next century, all underpinned by the values established by founder Arthur Tauck Sr. in 1925. Those values are well known to Tauck regulars: always do the right thing, and deliver more than what’s expected.

It’s these guiding principles that have taken Tauck across seven continents and into more than 100 destinations, broadening the scope of immersive luxury travel while ensuring a positive environmental, social and economic impact wherever it goes.

The company’s appetite for exploration is sharper than ever. As Tauck Chairman Dan Mahar puts it, “It feels like we’re just getting started, and we can’t wait for the future.” In that case, consider Tauck 100 years young, ready, willing, and more than able to channel a century’s worth of insight into a new era of travel. One that’s constantly exploring new modes of discovery and new ways to go the extra mile for its guests. / How Tauck is building the future of travel Tauck’s dedication to making meaningful, authentic travel experiences accessible and relevant for guests is firmly focused on the future. Innovative new concepts like Roam by Tauck are leading the charge. Designed for travellers in their 40s and 50s,

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Discover the world

Clockwise from far left: Making new friends, onboard relaxation, MS Andorinha’s pool, The Retreat on MS Serene, excursions are included, Tauck’s river ships are made for exploring.

this small-group program is capped at just 16 guests per departure to offer a better balance between flexibility, active adventure and signature Tauck experiences.

Roam by Tauck will debut at least five new journeys in 2026, expanding to 12 itineraries across six continents by 2027. But that’s just one example of how the company is shaping the future of innovative travel.

Its formidable presence on Europe’s historic waterways will only grow with the imminent launch of two new custom-built riverboats.

Designed with the highest standards of comfort and elegance in mind, these new ships will make their debut on the Rhône and the Seine in 2026, reflecting years of refinement and listening to guest feedback. / New ways to explore Europe with Tauck Ms Serene, a 125-metre-long riverboat carrying a maximum of 124 guests, will serve the Seine with the same confident sense of purpose for which Tauck is known. Its layout offers more space throughout, with 80 per cent of the 62 cabins measuring at least 21 square metres.

Public areas are as lively as they are refined.

The resort-style sun deck includes a pool, outdoor bar and shaded al fresco dining areas.

The Retreat, a new wellness space on the upper Diamond Deck, has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river, a fitness centre, massage treatment room and a relaxed lounge serving fresh juices, coffee and light bites.

Between enrichment lectures, culinary demos, local entertainment and themed events, Ms Serene will reveal the Seine in a whole new Cruise&Travel

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way. The ship will sail itineraries such as the 12-day Cruising the Seine, plus Paris & London journey, with highlights like an exclusive dinner at Château du Taillis with live music, afterhours visits to London’s Churchill War Rooms and early access to Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny.

The Tauck difference, that true allinclusiveness, will make this journey unforgettable. Guests can relax knowing all gratuities are taken care of, and every adventure is included.

Think private shore excursions, distinctive experiences and two nights at the gracious Rosewood London, a short walk from Covent Garden. You can even choose between a visit to Château de Versailles or a walking tour of Montmartre. With 28 meals and all transport arranged, the wonders of the Seine will unfold around you with ease.

Likewise, Ms Lumiere will bring the same reimagined design to the Rhône. The 135-metre-long vessel carries just 130 guests across 68 cabins, offering one of the best staff-to-guest ratios on Europe’s rivers with 50 crew on board. From Paris to Lyon, Viviers and

Monte Carlo, it’s the ideal way to see the Rhône Valley in comfort and style. / 2027 bookings are now open With 2027 bookings available, now’s the time to plan ahead for journeys like the 12-day Blue Danube journey, which dives deep into the River of Kings, visiting Prague, Bratislava, Vienna and Salzburg. Tauck’s network opens doors few others can, from an exclusive evening gala dinner at an incredible Viennese palace to a private tour of Prague’s Baroque libraries and Strahov Monastery.

Or perhaps Portugal calls. The familyfocused, 10-day Douro Discovery takes you from Madrid’s historic Casa de Campo and the colourful streets of Porto to the golden valleys of the Douro, where 2000 years of winemaking history await.

You might take a three-wheeled taxi through Porto’s maze-like lanes, cycle the rolling vineyards of Vinho Verde or listen to traditional music echoing through Salamanca and Guimaraes. Whatever you choose, Tauck makes it possible, combining ease and authenticity in a way only a century of expertise can deliver. CT

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Voyage

UNIWORLD SS ELISABETH

Uniworld’s

SUPER SHIP

Does the latest ship from luxury line Uniworld deliver?

Colin Nicholson shares his verdict on a river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel.

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niworld Boutique River Cruises’ SS Elisabeth launched in spring 2025, joining sister ship SS Victoria on the Rhine. They are both part of the line’s ‘Super Ship’ fleet and look identical from the outside, but each has its own bespoke details.

SS Elisabeth is a departure from Uniworld’s trademark sumptuous décor (showcased on board SS Antoinette), offering instead a different form of luxury – the luxury of space. SS Elisabeth carries just 110 passengers, rather than the typical 150-190 you usually find on ships of this size.

Even more remarkably, all of SS Elisabeth’s sailings out of Amsterdam run entirely on plant oil and recycled cooking oil and fats – as do SS Victoria and SS Antoinette’s itineraries departing from the Dutch capital – thereby reducing the vessel’s carbon footprint by approximately 80 per cent.

Overall score: 8/10

Style and character: 7/10 Befitting a ship with so much space, SS Elisabeth has a light, modern, open feel. The lounge, especially, is unusually bright and airy thanks to its unique glass roof, and features nested cream chairs with dashes of blue and elegant stripe detail. The Cruise &Travel

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contemporary classic look with art deco twists extends to the spiral staircase and dining room, where you can always secure a table for two.

Cabins: 9/10 Luxury of space

Uniworld’s SS Elisabeth is more modern and spacious than the line’s other river ships, but just as luxurious.

Save for the 16 smaller cabins, all are unusually large and well sound-insulated. Expect king-size beds (with a choice of pillows) facing the window, walk-in wardrobes, double basins, showers with handrails, Nespresso machines, kettles and complimentary minibars.

Windows slide down (rather than across), so you don’t get the full Juliet balcony feel, but the air conditioning is easy to use and responsive. Panelled walls and concealed ceiling and floor lights keep the restful feel.

Food and drink: 7/10 SS Elisabeth has just one dining room, which, with its wave and beach motifs and velvet brass-studded dining chairs in teal, helps to create an intimate feel (it’s split in two by a central section).

At breakfast, there’s a choice of eggs or the day’s special alongside a buffet. Lunch is also served buffet-style: expect a

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Voyage

solid if uninspiring choice of chicken, fish or roast of the day, as well as a vegetarian and salad offering.

Four-course, waiter-served dinners include local specialities such as foie gras and escargots in France alongside classics like tender beef sirloin and lava pudding – all accompanied by some superb local wines.

Elsewhere, the main lounge bar is incredibly well stocked, with cocktails and branded spirits included in the fare, as well as a wide non-alcoholic selection. The more functional bistro bar is good for grabbing a coffee and pastry before and after excursions, while the sun deck bar opens for longer sailings.

Service and facilities: 8/10 SS Elisabeth is staffed by 51 crew, the same number as ships carrying twice as many passengers, and they’re friendly and attentive. Facilities include a decent gym (rowing and cycling machines, bands, balls, a bench and weights are all present and correct) while gentle yoga and stretch classes take place every morning on either the sun deck or lounge dance-floor, depending on the season.

You’ll also find a spacious indoor pool with sunlit glass walls and powerful jets that, unexpectedly, is open 24/7. Eight bicycles are available to borrow too.

Entertainment and excursions 7/10 Sadly, the Steinway piano was left untouched on my sailing, with entertainment limited to three acts: a convivial trio of Dutch crooners performing big band favourites; a singerguitarist belting out American country and rock requests; and a violinist playing beautiful classical versions of movie themes and rock ballads.

The ‘Make Travel Matter’ excursions, however, were a highlight. My night-time trip to Rheinstein Castle included an introduction by the owner, who had plenty of stories he was only too happy to regale us with.

Elsewhere, the vinegar tasting tour in Venningen, where we donned medieval-style capes for a tour of the cellars, was equally unique and informative.

Value for money 7/10

Almost everything is covered in your fare, from drinks and excursions to gratuities – although the American guests on my sailing still tipped the tour guides. CT 74

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“SS Elisabeth is staffed by 51 crew, the same number as ships carrying twice as many passengers, and they’re friendly and attentive.”

Need to know

• Excursions

All aboard

Destinationinspired food, elegant interiors and fabulous excursions are an enticing mix.

Excursions in Uniworld’s Masterpiece Collection cost extra and include a trip to the Black Forest ($245) to see how cuckoo clocks – which were invented here in 1738 by Franz Ketterer – are made, as well as a day-long cookery course ($310) in Venningen. Here you’ll learn how to cook with vinegar, explore different types, and discover flavour profiles and culinary uses. These excursions run concurrently with the excellent complimentary tours, so you won’t miss out on exploring the destination du jour if you don’t book one.

• Access for guests with disabilities?

An elegant but small cylindrical lift akin to the teleporter in Star Trek links all cabins to the lounge and dining room, but not the spa or sun deck, from which some excursions depart.

Cabins are spacious and have bathrooms featuring showers with handrails.

• Family-friendly?

Uniworld was one of the first to offer family-friendly river voyages with its Generations family program aimed at tempting younger guests on board. Interconnecting cabins also help make SS Elisabeth suitable for families.

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UNIWORLD SS ELISABETH

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INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE & THE SACRED GANGES A Journey Like No Other

UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEYS CRAFTED IN UNPARALLELED LUXURY From India’s most decadent hotels by Oberoi, to Uniworld’s Ganges Voyager II, take in the beauty of the Taj Mahal to the spiritual rhythm of the Ganges.

Luxuriously all-inclusive, culturally immersive, and utterly unforgettable.

ONE-OF-A-KIND AWARD-WINNING SHIPS | CAREFULLY CURATED EXPERIENCES EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY | HIGHEST SERVICE STANDARDS | OUTSTANDING CUISINE

VISIT UNIWORLD.COM/AU | CALL 1300 370 792 | SEE YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR

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30/7/2025 pmam 14/11/20254:39 10:21

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SPECIAL REPORT

HONG KONG

This thriving city is the perfect port to explore before or after a cruise.

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HONG KONG: SPECIAL REPORT

WHERE EAST MEETS WEST Why Hong Kong should be your next getaway

/ Q&A WITH AESHA SCOTT

H

ong Kong’s intrinsic East-meets-West aesthetic has inspired travellers for generations. It’s a city that moves fast; restless, creative, endlessly curious, yet quiet and contemplative when it matters the most.

Between skyline cocktails and street food alleys, there’s always a quiet temple courtyard or mountain trail waiting to stoke the soul.

It’s this balance, between momentum and mindfulness, that makes Hong Kong so magnetic for travellers of all kinds.

The city’s diversity is its strength.

Winter bursts with marathons, parades and festive lights before spring blooms into art fairs and cultural celebrations. Summer brings dragon boat races, while autumn fills the air with lanterns, dance and food festivals.

All the while, Hong Kong keeps reinventing itself, finding new ways to surprise and delight visitors.

Among those drawn in is Below Deck star Aesha Scott, who’s developed a deep affection for the destination. What keeps her coming back is the seamless blend of cultures: the food, the people, the sense that everyone here shares the same pulse. She finds joy in the city’s markets, the smell of crispy egg waffles, and the easy warmth of locals who fill every encounter with heart.

Aesha’s favourite escape is Tai O, a fishing village on Lantau Island where stilt houses and sea breezes soften the city’s pace. She also

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Hong Kong is known for being a blend of East and West, and old and new. Which side of the city’s personality surprised you the most during this itinerary? I think, for me, it wasn’t a certain side I preferred but rather the blend that made it so magical. Being in a hugely populated foreign city, the Western influence was definitely comforting. Everyone speaks English and walking along the waterfront almost feels like you’re walking along Darling Harbour.

However, for those wanting to embrace the experience, you have plenty of eateries with more typical local cuisine, markets that embrace long-established styles of shopping and cooking, day trips to traditional villages, and friendly locals who have lived there for generations who are only too happy to share their history with you. I was surprised at how seamlessly these two worlds integrate and celebrate each other rather than resisting the blend.

For the love of Hong Kong

Above: The skyline framing Victoria Harbour is an iconic sight. Below: Aesha Scott is a repeat visitor.

loves Cheung Chau, an island where time seems to drift, while temples like Pak Tai tell stories older than the skyline. With more than 260 outlying islands offering gorgeous hiking opportunities, thrilling water sports and hidden beaches, there are plenty of ways to slow the big-city rhythm.

Back on the mainland, the energy shifts again. Think bottomless eats in Central, street art in historic Sham Shui Po and vibrant energy in Yau Tsim Mong. Trees rise as tall as towers. Old meets new. Hong Kong just feels alive, offering a city that never stops moving, but always makes room for your story. CT

If there is one experience in Hong Kong that you will tell your friends about, what is it and why? My favourite experience was visiting Tai O fishing village. The village is on the island of Lantau, and we travelled there by coach after we got to the top of the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. The village is traditional, with a large number of stilt houses built over the water. We were able to take a boat downstream through the houses, explore inside one of them, and then wander through the back streets observing their quiet way of living. It was fascinating to see! After that, you can wander the main village streets and look through their cute shops, and buy yourself a traditional Tai O egg waffle or a woven bamboo fisherman’s hat.

What was the biggest surprise about your time in Hong Kong? The biggest surprise for me was how easy it was to get around despite the huge population. The MTR was very easy to use and we never waited for more than two minutes to hop on one (that sounds made up, but it isn’t). If you don’t want to take the MTR there are endless easy options for ferries, and taxis are very reasonably priced too (make sure you have cash for these).

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HONG KONG: SPECIAL REPORT

48 HOURS IN HONG KONG

It pays to be decisive on this dynamic island. Here’s how to pack all the action into just two days. / DAY 1

Morning Calm Hong Kong’s hyperkinetic energy by soaring above the city on the famous Peak Tram. This all-metal icon has been elevating locals and visitors alike since 1888, a moving testament to the island’s blend of vintage charm and sharp modernity. Ascend 369 metres as the city unfolds amidst greenery framed by glimmers of harbour and hidden valleys. At the summit, step onto Sky Terrace 428, where one of the world’s most inspiring skylines rises in layers of glass and mist between mountain and sea. Back inside Peak Tower, choose from dim sum to diner classics in a breakfast spread as diverse as Hong Kong itself. Take the Peak Circle Walk for more stunning views of the south side, pausing to admire the way sunlight dances off the harbour waters below while you enjoy Hong Kong’s natural side.

Afternoon Descend from the clouds into Old Town Central, where skyscrapers melt into a maze of heritage streets and vintage storefronts.

This beating heart of Hong Kong is a lively mix of old and new, bursting with visually stunning moments at every turn. Wander alleyways lined with old buildings and boutique shops, hunting for bargains at spots 80

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like Absolute Vintage and Glue Associates.

Pause at heritage temples and murals, soaking in local aromas and catching glimpses of daily life unfolding in narrow streets. For a taste of tradition, settle into the legendary Luk Yu Tea House for dim sum and indulge in plates piled to the heavens with shrimp dumplings and Siu Mai. Afterwards, grab some famous HK-style egg tarts at Tai Cheong Bakery. Visit Tai Kwun’s galleries and courtyards, then stop at Dragonfly for a drink. When the sun dips, wander back through the lively streets of Central, ready to let Hong Kong’s nightlife and harbourfront views carry you into the evening.

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Hong Kong life

Shop, dine and explore by day, then discover the city by night. Don’t miss district Mong Kok, which turns into a vibrant, neon-lit playground of bars, night markets, street food stalls and restaurants.

Evening As night falls, catch the Star Ferry across the action-packed Victoria Harbour to the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade. Stroll along the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong’s prestigious walk of fame, and pause to watch A Symphony of Lights, a pulsating nightly show that bathes skyscrapers in vibrant colours and lasers.

Sample street snacks like claypot rice and curry fish balls amid the nightlife. It’s a short walk to innovative museum-shopping hybrid K11 Musea, where some of the island’s most unique boutiques are open until late. End with Shanghainese at Yè Shanghai, where upscale Shanghainese comes wrapped in spectacular harbour views. Finish the evening with a cocktail at Ozone, perched atop the RitzCarlton, where the city’s spark stretches below you.

/ DAY 2

Morning Wake up early to explore the historic Kowloon Peninsula, where shopping, art and culture blur into one. Step back in time in Mong Kok at Kam Wah Cafe. This lively cha chaan teng (a classic Hong Kong-style cafe) dates back to 1960 and serves time-honoured recipes like freshly baked pineapple buns, flaky egg tarts and French toast. Catch a train down to the waterfront to explore Harbour City, a one-stop shopping paradise with over 400 retailers mixing local and international tastes.

Take a short walk to the Hong Kong Museum of Art to learn about the unique cultural legacy of Hong Kong’s connection across the globe. HKMoA, the first public art museum of the city, is now custodian of an art collection comprising over 19,700 items.

Afternoon Head to Sham Shui Po, one of the island’s most authentic and dynamic neighbourhoods with a deep cultural pull that’s been defining Hong Kong for centuries. Creativity flourishes beside legendary food outlets, while modern boutiques sit next to heritage shops. Stop by Kung Wo Beancurd Factory for lunch, leaning Cruise&Travel

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on the century-old institution for its silky tofu pudding and enjoying the delicate sweetness of this fresh dessert. Art lovers should make their way to Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, a nine-storey cultural hub packed with galleries and workshops. Shoppers will love Ki Lung Street’s fabric and creative markets, where colours, textures and crafts fill the senses and invite unhurried exploration.

Evening You’ve seen Mong Kok by day, but watch it truly come alive at night. This is Hong Kong at its most cinematic, with brightly lit signs and narrow streets packed with bars like J.Moon Lounge and the equally chic Moonkok.

Explore the cocktail scene before heading to Octavium, a two-Michelin-star restaurant.

The six-to-eight-course tasting menu showcases decadent Italian flavours with refined international touches, proof of Hong Kong’s global palate. For something louder,

follow the rhythm of Wan Chai’s vibrant bars and live-music rooms over on Hong Kong Island. Ready for something a little quieter?

End your evening at The Old Man, one of Central’s most acclaimed cocktail bars, where Hemingway-inspired creations (try the Cat in the Rain or The Sun Also Rises) and a mellow atmosphere offer a graceful close to the night. CT

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HONG KONG: SPECIAL REPORT

WHAT TO DO IN HONG KONG

Hong Kong offers something for everyone, no matter what the time of year. / Arts & Culture

Hong Kong’s proud sense of identity fuels an impassioned arts scene. Year-round festivals keep creativity in motion, from springtime highlights like the Hong Kong Arts Festival and Art Basel, to celebrations of pop culture, digital art and music, like the world-renowned Clockenflap. Anchoring the city’s artistic pulse is the West Kowloon Cultural District, where the striking M+ Museum showcases contemporary art and design, and the Hong Kong Palace Museum displays imperial treasures in sleek modern galleries. Across Victoria Harbour, Tai Kwun revives a historic police compound with exhibitions and live performances, while the Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan envelops visitors in incensefilled halls that celebrate centuries of literary and martial devotion.

/ Great Outdoors

Beyond the skyline lies Hong Kong’s wild outdoors, where misty peaks, quiet beaches and subtropical forests surprise even seasoned travellers. Easily reached from Hong Kong Island, the Dragon’s Back hike traces rolling ridges above Shek O before descending to Big Wave Bay, where sunbathers and surfers share a picture-perfect coastline. For something closer to the city, head to Victoria Peak via a scenic 45-minute hike from Central or the historic Peak Tram, where panoramic trails showcase Victoria Harbour at its best.

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The city’s smaller islands offer a slower pace: Lamma Island’s breezy coastal paths link fishing villages and hidden coves, while Cheung Chau charms with seaside trails and Kwun Yam Wan Beach, popular for kayaking and windsurfing. Out west, Tai O’s mangroves and stilt houses reveal a quieter, traditional side of the city.

/ Culinary Culture

Hong Kong is defined by its global palate, offering a remarkable mix of cuisines and fusions that have inspired the culinary world

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/ UPCOMING EVENTS • Hong Kong Sevens

The premier tournament on the World Rugby Sevens Series brings all the action to the futuristic Kai Tak Stadium, pitting the world’s best men’s and women’s teams against each other in a weekend of high-energy competition.

(17-19 April, 2026) • Hong Kong Arts Festival

Escape the city

It doesn’t take long to leave Hong Kong’s tall buildings and bustling streets behind in favour of peaceful nature walks with sweeping views, quieter islands and a choice of beaches.

for decades. Michelin-starred dining spans showstoppers like Ta Vie, where modern French precision meets poetic plating, and T’ang Court, a cornerstone of Cantonese fine dining celebrated for its authentic dishes.

Classics such as Yat Lok’s roast goose and Sushi Shikon’s impeccable omakase reveal just a glimpse of this gourmet gateway into Asia’s many flavours. The city’s cocktail scene is equally exceptional, with six bars on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, including Bar Leone, named the World and Asia’s No. 1 in 2025, alongside Argo, Coa, Penicillin, The Savory Project and Gokan. Each brings bold, boundary-pushing drinks that confirm the city’s status as a world-class destination for cocktail connoisseurs. Retro cha chaan tengs, cafés serving milk tea and pineapple buns, and dai pai dongs (food stalls) dishing out stir-fried noodles and curry fish balls capture Hong Kong’s authentic, everyday flavour.

independent labels, making it one of Asia’s most iconic retail destinations. Across the water, Central’s LANDMARK Hong Kong combines high-end brands, fine dining and lifestyle boutiques under one roof. SOGO in Causeway Bay is a local favourite, its Japanese-style department store experience drawing visitors and residents alike. For a change of pace, the bustling Ladies Market in Mong Kok bursts with souvenirs, street fashion and vintage treasures, while nearby Sham Shui Po has evolved into a hub for edgy designers and second-hand gems.

/ Family Friendly

Hong Kong is packed with experiences to spark the imagination of all ages. On Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland blends familiar magic with local charm, from character parades and fireworks to the new World of Frozen, where kids can step inside Elsa’s kingdom. Ocean Park pairs rollercoasters with sea life encounters and gentler rides for

Since 1973, Hong Kong has passionately pursued a full scope of the arts, presenting performances across music, dance, theatre and opera that blend cutting-edge contemporary with storied tradition. (Late February to late March) • Wine & Dine Festival

Central Harbourfront transforms into a gourmet playground against the city’s famous skyline, with award-winning food, wine pavilions and live entertainment over four vibrant days.

(Late October)

younger visitors. The Ngong Ping 360 cable car turns transit into adventure, gliding high above the island’s hills toward the Big Buddha, who sits patiently at the top of a grand staircase. Across the harbour, the Hong Kong Science Museum invites curiosity with hands-on experiments and interactive exhibits. And at Monopoly Dreams, little ones walk through a life-sized version of the beloved board game, complete with themed rooms and 3D surprises. CT

/ Shopping

Hong Kong’s shopping scene is as dynamic as the city itself, mixing international luxury with local character. At K11 Musea on Victoria Dockside, designer boutiques like Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta share space with immersive art installations, blending gallery and retail for a one-of-a-kind experience. Harbour City, stretching along Tsim Sha Tsui’s waterfront, has hundreds of stores, from flagship fashion houses to Cruise&Travel

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HONG KONG: SPECIAL REPORT

WHERE TO EAT

From fine dining to street foods, Hong Kong’s dining scene is a melting pot of flavours to suit every taste and level of bravery.

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ong Kong’s dining scene is precise and prolific, with seemingly endless Michelin stars scattered across its skyline. At the summit stands Lung King Heen, once the world’s first three-Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, and still shining under Chef Chan Yan Tak, whose artistry turns dim sum into poetry. It shoulders the awardwinning dining options at Four Seasons along with Caprice, also with three stars, where French indulgence is measured with local

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finesse. The Chairman, a one-star favourite, elevates traditional Cantonese with sharp, local flavours. Innovation thrives in these streets. You’ll find it at Roganic, where British farm-to-table meets Hong Kong precision, and Amber, offering contemporary French haute cuisine. You’re gifted even more culinary creativity at Rùn, with its refined Cantonese gastronomy. Man Wah delivers cinematic skyline views with dishes rooted in heritage, and Duddell’s pairs art and

Cantonese flair with utter confidence. Hong Kong’s Michelin-ordained spread reflects a dynamic and ever-evolving global palate.

/ Bib Gourmand delights

Hong Kong’s Bib Gourmand selection celebrates restaurants where flavour, value and authenticity matter more than formality.

Across more than 60 spots, these kitchens chart the city’s appetite for quality and diversity. At Sing Kee, wok-fried clams and typhoon-shelter crab capture the heart of Cantonese cooking, while Tsim Chai Kee’s towering noodle bowls deliver comfort in its purest form. Samsen channels Thailand’s street energy into Wan Chai, its boat noodles rich and layered. Sister Wah keeps brisket devotees returning for slow-simmered perfection, and Tim Ho Wan’s dim sum remains a crowd favourite. Tai Woo continues to impress with classic seafood dishes, Takeya brings Tokyo’s izakaya warmth to Hong Kong, while L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon’s flawless cuisine embodies refined French artistry in motion. Across neighbourhoods and streets, Bib Gourmand spots offer everything from casual noodles and seafood to international flavours, showing how Hong Kong’s appetite embraces both the familiar and the new.

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Tastes of Hong Kong

Streetside stalls sellings noodle bowls and quick bites are as worthwhile trying as the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.

pineapple buns hot, sweet and dripping in butter. Markets like the Ladies Market and Temple Street are more than shopping destinations. They are stages for everyday culinary theatre, where locals and visitors taste the city in bite-sized form and soak up the energy that makes Hong Kong feel alive.

Together with many others, they demonstrate that exceptional food thrives everywhere in the city, from lively street corners to hotel dining rooms.

/ Local dining favourites

Hong Kong tastes best on the move, at a crowded counter or under a flickering sign.

Hop Yik Tai fills bowls with rice rolls dressed in soy and sesame, delicate in texture but packed with taste. Bakehouse draws lines for buttery egg tarts still warm from the oven, while Hing Kee fills Temple Street with the scent of claypot rice and clinking beer bottles.

Fei Jie keeps the night alive with skewers of squid offal and other favourites that vanish almost as soon as they hit the grill. Mammy Pancake turns egg waffles into crisp-edged comfort, while street food stalls sell curry fish balls and skewered squid, quick bites that capture the city’s vibrant energy. Oi Man Sang preserves the dai pai dong spirit, the open-air street stalls where locals gather over wokfired noodles and lively conversation. Kam Wah Café, a classic cha chaan teng, serves

/ Icons of Hong Kong

Some restaurants have become part of the city itself, shaping how Hong Kong eats while reflecting its distinctive blend of cinematic nostalgia and pioneering modernity. Ho Lee Fook, opened in 2014, has quickly earned recognition for inventive Cantonese dishes that feel unmistakably of the city. Mak’s Noodle proves that perfection can fit in a porcelain bowl – fine egg noodles, fresh shrimp wontons and a broth generations in the making. Lin Heung Tea House, open since 1926, offers dim sum from steaming trolleys in a transportive dining room little changed over the past century.

Australia Dairy Company, a legendary cha chaan teng, has been serving scrambled eggs, milk tea and simple comfort since 1970, a daily ritual for countless Hongkongers.

Meanwhile, at Yee Shun Milk Company, locals swear by the hot ginger milk custard and cold double-skin milk puddings that seem to arrive in seconds. These icons show that Hong Kong’s culinary identity is built both on enduring traditions and on bold new creative voices. CT

/ Q&A

TV personality Aesha Scott shares her favourite places to eat in Hong Kong.

Which meal was your personal favourite and what dish would you recommend a first-time visitor must try? My favourite was the meal at Madame Fù, although that’s hard to fully decide because everywhere we ate was absolutely extraordinary! The dim sum variety at Madame Fù was excellent and flowed perfectly. There was a wide variety of textures and flavours, from the more gelatinous steamed dumplings to the crispy chicken with black truffle and chive sauce. My favourite morsel was the Char Siu Puff – so delicious!

Tell us about the street food on Cheung Chau island. What was that experience like? The street food was a party for the senses.

We tried the fresh mango mochi; I’d never had mochi with fresh fruit in it before – it was delicious. We also tried Yau Char Kwai, or Chinese Fried Dough Sticks, a typical local breakfast item.

Did you find any challenges with the more authentic Hong Kong food experiences? I can be a bit squeamish with more authentic foods, especially after participating in The Amazing Race with the food challenges, but luckily this foodie tour had great options for all levels of bravery. The first two stops had very Western-influenced food, with a pineapple bun (a white bun with a sugary coating) I dipped into milk tea, and a meat-and-cheese toastie. The rest of the stops had more Cantonese, locally influenced fare, and you could dip your toe in as far as you wanted. For example, we stopped at a family-run dumpling restaurant where we could watch the sweet older woman sit and expertly fill and fold dumplings on a back table.

What were your thoughts on the local seafood scene? Being right on the water, you can’t get fresher than what you are being served at these waterfront restaurants.

Hing Lok was a fabulous experience.

[My fiancé] Scott [Dobson], being a seafood lover, dived into the mantis shrimp fried with garlic and fresh calamari, whereas I went for the sweet and sour chicken and fried noodles.

Divine, and something for everyone!

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HONG KONG: SPECIAL REPORT

Why you should

FLY-CRUISE TO HONG KONG / CRUISE LINES THAT VISIT

- Azamara - Carnival Cruise Line - Celebrity Cruises - Crystal - Cunard - Dream Cruises - Explora Journeys - Hapag-Lloyd - Holland America Line - MSC Cruises - Oceania Cruises - Ponant - Princess - Regent Seven Seas - Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - Royal Caribbean - Viking - Seabourn - Silversea - Windstar

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ailing in and out of Hong Kong offers the chance to experience an extraordinary blend of modern convenience, cultural richness and regional exploration.

You can spend a day or two indulging in vibrant street markets, skyscraper views and exceptional Cantonese cuisine before boarding your ship at the stunning Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

Located at the former airport in Kowloon, Kai Tak is one of Asia’s most modern cruise terminals – built to handle large vessels, with streamlined check-in, dedicated baggage and transport facilities, and a rooftop park offering sweeping harbour views. Just 10 kilometres from the city, there is ample public transport for passengers to come and go when ships are in town.

From Hong Kong, you can easily sail to Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and beyond – the city serves as both a gateway to Mainland China and wider Asia, making it an ideal embarkation point for east Asia and Southeast Asia sailings.

Hong Kong is a pre- and post-cruise’s delight. You might explore the luxury malls of Tsim Sha Tsui, savour dim-sum brunches and local street food, wander around ancient

temples or visit art galleries. On returning you might extend your stay to roam night markets, shop Hong Kong designer labels, sip rooftop cocktails overlooking Victoria Harbour, and soak in the city’s dazzling skyline and light show.

For smaller boutique ships (those of Viking, for example), it’s possible to moor right in the heart of the ‘Fragrant Harbour’ (Victoria Harbour) and witness the city’s incredible nightly light show from the deck – it’s a very special way to begin or end your cruise.

/ Highlights of the Hong Kong cruise experience:

- Embarkation at Kai Tak, benefiting from modern facilities and ease of access - Shopping, dining and cultural immersion

before departure and after arrival - A wide range of itineraries across Asia, making the city an ideal cruise homeport - Smaller ships get spectacular harbourfront moorings directly in Hong Kong waters.

Hong Kong has homeported cruise lines and hosts many as a turnaround port picking up passengers: - Royal Caribbean International Spectrum of the Seas: expanded homeport season with multiple roundtrip sailings from Hong Kong in 2025.

- Costa Cruises Costa Serena: repeated Hong Kong itineraries - Holland America Line Westerdam: includes Hong Kong roundtrip ‘Collector’ cruises - Star Cruises Star Voyager - Astro Ocean Cruises Piano Land. CT

Convenient cruise terminal

The modern Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is quick and easy to get to from the city by public transport.

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14/11/2025 10:22 am

Hotels & Resorts

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ow do you create anticipation for an anthology television series when each season starts anew? Well, Mike White, the creator of The White Lotus, has clearly understood the power of a decadent hotel to whet the appetite for drama, mystery and exquisite visuals.

There was feverish gossip around where seasons two and three of the now cult-status HBO show would be set, and predictions are currently ablaze for the fourth instalment.

What we know already is that the chosen country is France – this makes sense; think of the fashion, food and Gallic glamour – but where exactly remains to be seen.

The show’s partnership with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts narrows it down considerably – although some of season three was filmed at other hotels in Thailand, specifically Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok and two Anantaras. There are three Four Seasons properties in France, each of which would result in a very different show. So where are they, and which is the most likely option?

/ Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat

The obvious choice is the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, truly deserving of the adjective ‘iconic’. This grand dame of the French Riviera sits atop a leafy peninsula, gazing out over the waters of the Mediterranean.

The hotel opened in 1908 and has plenty of pedigree to go with all its glitter; past guests include Elizabeth Taylor, Winston Churchill

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The White Lotus:

WHERE TO NEXT?

Mike White’s hit show is coming to France – Patrick Hamilton Courtney takes a look at the country’s trio of Four Seasons properties.

and Aristotle Onassis. There’s no laurel-resting either and standards are still lofty – the property was recently awarded three Michelin Keys (the hotel equivalent of stars). It’s appeared on screen before too, including in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.

You might recall that fan-favourite Belinda (Natasha Rothwell), The White Lotus in Maui’s capable spa manager in season one, came into a large sum of money at the end of season three – easily enough to swap her future position from stressed employee to pampered guest. It seems likely she will return in season four, given there is still unfinished business where Greg, the shady husband of her late friend Tanya, is concerned.

If she wanted to check out the hotel’s wellness facilities, she would likely be impressed. First off, there’s the fantastic Club Dauphin, with its heated saltwater swimming pool built above the rocks. Then there are the blissful outdoor spa cabanas and treatments, such as an on-trend lymphatic drainage massage.

Our verdict: Despite its cinematic setting, the Riviera might be just a bit too obvious. Crucially,

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“THE CHOSEN COUNTRY IS FRANCE – THIS MAKES SENSE; THINK OF THE FASHION, FOOD AND GALLIC GLAMOUR” visually and conceptually it could be a bit too much like the Italian outing from season two.

Viewers could end up with a sense of déjà vu, but if there are going to be multiple locations, it seems likely this could be one of them.

/ Four Seasons Hotel Megève

This hotel would be a wildcard. The White Lotus goes skiing. A decidedly French way of holidaying, after all, and a nice change of scenery from the three previous sun-and-sand settings. Think of the propensity for dramatics, from avalanches to après. Lots of room for a signature mystery and for things to turn dark amid the snow.

The Four Seasons Hotel Megève also offers some real high-net-worth heritage, too. The ski resort of Megève was originally developed by the Rothschild banking family as a French alternative to Switzerland’s St Moritz, and this hotel is a collaboration between Four Seasons and the Rothschilds. The resort remains one of the most expensive places to ski in the world and would offer the producers some truly breathtaking B-roll.

The hotel is of a classic alpine chalet design, with a healthy dose of pine and sheepskin throughout. Dining options include Japanese restaurant Kaito – very White Lotus – and the Idéal 1850, an outdoor terrace restaurant with prime views of Mont Blanc.

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Our verdict: Though this would make for excellent viewing, it’s well known that White is allegedly averse to colder climes, with one executive producer on record as saying he thinks a ski-themed season is, as such, unlikely.

/ Four Seasons Hotel George V

That leaves one option: the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris. This ‘Palace-grade’ hotel, one of just 12 in the city, is widely considered among the most impressive places to stay in France.

This would be the series’ first city-based romp; a challenge for sure without guests in a resort-type setting that they rarely leave. But what a city to choose. Paris is well known as a favourite place for Americans to reinvent themselves on a European jaunt (this very concept spawned the hit Netflix show Emily in Paris, which, coincidentally, has also used all

Which hotel will it be?

Clockwise from top: Killer views from Four Seasons Hotel George V, the Paris hotel’s lavish interiors, ski resort Four Seasons Hotel Megève, the iconic Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, Le Club Dauphin pool.

three of these hotels as filming locations).

Catnip, then, for the lost souls that constitute the White Lotus’s American guests. And there’s historic form, too. The hotel, which opened in 1928, was originally financed by an American businessman and became the go-to address for transatlantic guests arriving by ocean liner.

For dinner, guests could take their pick from three-Michelin-starred La Cinq (subject of an infamous Jay Rayner review in 2017), twostarred L’Orangerie or one-starred Le George.

Breakfasts take place in the sumptuous Galerie and there’s even a gorgeous Belle Epoqueinspired spa for Belinda ($1000 Ritual of Life treatment, anyone?). Expect shots of characters making getaways down the Seine, the Eiffel Tower twinkling behind an argument and a forbidden kiss in the Tuileries.

Our verdict: According to one of Telegraph Travel’s resident Paris experts, this is the hot tip, at least as a primary location. Americans on a grand tour would likely want to see the Côte d’Azur too, so it could be that in a reversal of season three, most of the action takes place in a city, with escapades to the beach (the GrandHôtel du Cap-Ferrat has a helipad, luckily, as Belinda wouldn’t want to be taking the TGV).

Thailand felt like the spiritual home of the White Lotus concept – the show was always bound to eventually end up there. But France is a great choice for a fourth act and choosing a city such as Paris would promise the allure and mystique we’ve come to expect, but with enough difference to keep viewers intrigued. CT 89

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Hotels

A SLICE of THE MED IN PARIS Bernadette Chua experiences one of the best stays of her life – a private Parisian property that has stolen her heart.

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oused in the former Norwegian embassy, the stylish J.K. Place Paris is a slice of Mediterranean paradise set in the heart of The City of Love. Each J.K. Place property is known for its home-away-from-home ambiance, and this one is no exception. It is the Italian brand’s only outpost in France, and the group has carefully picked an exclusive location in the 7th arrondissement, considered to be one of Paris’s most sought after areas.

Tucked away behind the Assemblée Nationale, walk down Rue de Lille for 200 metres and you’ll be at the steps of Musée d’Orsay. Cross Pont de la Concorde, and you’re a stone’s throw from the Tuileries and The Louvre.

Like all its other properties, privacy is something that’s valued among its guests. J.K. Place Paris feels more like a private residence than an ultra-luxury hotel.

The concierge tells me that many of J.K. Place’s customers are repeat guests and love the warm hospitality and unpretentiousness of its properties.

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Vive l’amour

Clockwise from top: Beautiful J.K. Place Paris; refined dining; carefully curated interiors; art and antiques abound.

Designed by Italian architect Michele Bönan, he has brought his eclectic flair and eye for detail to the interiors. When you walk through the iron-clad gates and into the beautiful lobby, you’ll find the space filled with heavy art and fashion books, elegant antiques, velvet armchairs and marble fireplaces, masterfully paired with tribal masks, porcelain busts and contemporary artwork.

The hotel is not big, but along with just 29 rooms, you’ll find a pool, spa, well-equipped fitness room, a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and a lovely covered courtyard for aperitivo hour. / Sleep Each of the suites has been individually designed to be discreet and private. The soaring ceilings and light furnishings give a spacious feel to each room, and ours had simple touches like beautiful bouclé chairs and rustic wooden desks.

Walk through the doors and you’re greeted with a small lobby Cruise &Travel

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area which cascades into the expansive suite. Each room comes complete with a leather-bound espresso coffee machine, a mini-bar and bowls of fruit.

The rooms all have a large walk-in closet and a double vanity bathroom, with a separate WC and shower. While most rooms only have showers, they are well-sized and the Dyson hair appliances are always a plus.

In other rooms, some are adorned with four-poster beds, elegant wall mouldings and chic, geometric-printed curtains.

What’s so lovely though are the simple touches – the best bedside slippers, replenished water, complimentary soft drinks and freshly cut flowers. / Dine and drink The dining room is in the internal courtyard of the property and is located behind the lounge area, which opens into an internal courtyard cocooned by a glass ceiling.

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Hotels

area is a sexy bar with carved wall motifs, reminiscent of abstract Picasso sculptures. It’s the perfect place to have a drink before meandering for a meal at Casa Tua. There is a lovely selection of French and Italian wines and a great mix of classic and contemporary cocktails. The negronis are hard to go past but do try Vento di Capri. The famed brand is J.K. Place’s flagship restaurant – the fourth for the hotel, which serves classic Italian fare that’s authentic and unfussy.

Surrounded by oriental wall coverings and blooming orchids, coupled with velvet armchairs and banquettes, you feel like you’re in a greenhouse when dining in the airy space.

Aside from the food and the decor, what’s so charming about Casa Tua is the charismatic staff who make the time and effort to converse, get to know you and joke around.

Stick to the Italian classics like the vitello tonnato or the burrata with colourful beets and tomato confit to start, while all the pastas on the Primi Piatti menu are delectable – the tortellini and gnocchi with San Daniele crudo are the stars. For secondi, pick the veal chop Milanese or octopus served with olives, red onions and turnip tops. And if you still have room, no Italian meal is complete without a tiramisu.

We didn’t venture down for breakfast, but the room service spread is incredible. Hang out your requests before 3am and in the morning, you’re greeted with either healthy and light options of granola, muesli and yoghurt or omelettes, eggs benedict and delicious quiches. All breakfasts come with fresh, warm pastries.

For those feeling a little saucy in the morning, you can sip on mimosas, but my favourite was the iced matcha latte.

Luxury stay

Clockwise from left: Casa Tua charms with its food, decor and service; elegant stairway; one of just 29 rooms.

There is also a dedicated sauna and steam room. The gym is well equipped with Technogym treadmills, elliptical trainers, rowing machines and weights as well as yoga balls and Pilates mats. There is a lovely spa, which unfortunately we didn’t get to use. The concierge team told me the treatments use the super skincare brand Noble Panacea, which was developed by Fraser Stoddart. The British American chemist won a Nobel peace prize and was knighted before his death. / The verdict Without a doubt, J.K. Place Paris is one of the best ultra-luxury hotels I have ever stayed in. Aside from the great rooms and amenities, the property is also in a great location, just a short walk away from the big sights and great dining areas of Saint Germaine, without compromising privacy.

Its warmth and hospitality are the cherry on the icing of an already fabulous product. The property is not over the top and showy but artfully curated to make its guests feel at home. CT Priced from around $1500 per night. 82 Rue de Lille, 75007, jkplaces.com

/ Amenities For an intimate boutique hotel, the indoor heated swimming pool is expansive and the perfect place to unwind, especially after a day of walking. It’s such a treat for a Parisian hotel and guests can bask in the warmth on the surrounding loungers.

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Destinations

Secrets of

JAPAN’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE You’ve seen Japan’s tourist beats, now go deeper as Chris Singh guides you off the beaten path.

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combination of favourable exchange rates, a surge in non-stop flight routes, and Japan’s geographical closeness has seen the country overshoot expectations to become the top destination for Australian travellers.

According to this year’s Virtuoso Luxe Report, Japan ranked ahead of Italy, Greece, Croatia and Fiji as the most desired global destination for 2026, with Tokyo and Kyoto claiming the number one and number two most desired cities for travel in the year ahead, respectively.

That’s no mistake. Nor is it a surprise. Japan offers an extraordinary range of experiences: nature to bathe in, lessons to learn, food worth travelling for, and a powerful sense of spirituality that dances around each historic temple. The country’s famously precise culture, unwavering commitment to craft and seamless transport systems tie it all together, making travel here uniquely rewarding.

By now, you’re likely familiar with Japan’s so-called Golden Triangle, the well-worn trail following the historic Tokaido Road linking the ancient capital Kyoto and nearby Osaka with the ultra-modern capital of Tokyo. Yet between these three icons lies a world often overlooked, coloured with restorative mountain towns, centuries-old craft traditions and quiet Cruise&Travel

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Local favourites

Above: Swan boats at Inokashira Park. Below: Views of Mount Fuji from Kamakura.

moments of contemplation that many travellers brush past.

Most visitors race onto the Shinkansen, seeing little more than flashes of countryside through the window. While firsttimers chase bucket-list moments, returning travellers know that Japan’s true beauty lies in the details. It’s those smaller cities, the lesser-known neighbourhoods, the detours between destinations and hidden temples that you didn’t have time for on your previous visit. From Tokyo’s hidden creative enclaves to Nara’s quiet mountain escapes and Osaka’s under-the-radar dining districts, these are the places revealing many different angles to Japan’s Golden Triangle. / TOKYO Tokyo’s scale can be overwhelming, but its magic lies in its lesser-known neighbourhoods. In Jimbocho, the city’s historic book district, secondhand stores overflow with vintage paperbacks and rare editions, a reminder of Japan’s literary heart. Ryogoku tells a different story, where visitors can step inside sumo stables and traditional chanko hotpot restaurants to glimpse the spirit of Japan’s ancient sport. Over in Tsukishima, Monja Street surprises with a single strip of 80 restaurants dedicated to the savoury pancake dish, monjayaki.

Catch the Keio Inokashira Line from Shibuya to Kichijoji,

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Destinations Need to know: To stay overnight, check into Wakamatsu Honten ($$), a historic ryokan offering traditional tatami rooms, kaiseki dining and soothing onsen baths.

where the sprawling Inokashira Park wraps around a pond perfect for paddle boats and cherry blossoms. On the same train line, trendy Shimokitazawa hides a maze of vintage shops and lively izakaya alongside a growing suite of modern food precincts. Meanwhile, Nakameguro channels a European feel with cherry blossom-lined canals and boutiques, while nearby Ebisu hums with stylish wine bars and inventive restaurants.

Need to know: To get around to all these under-the-radar neighbourhoods, stay near Tokyo, Shibuya or Shinjuku Stations.

Check into Four Seasons Otemachi ($$$$) just metres from the tracks of Tokyo Station. The hotel is easy walking distance from the upscale bars and high-end shopping of Ginza, and has its own award-winning restaurant, Michelin-starred French kitchen est. For a deeper immersion into Tokyo’s neon-washed nightlife, stay at Kimpton Shinjuku ($$$) with its calm design brilliantly contrasted with Tokyo’s liveliest district.

‘Little Edo’ charms with Edo-period merchant houses, canals and bridges best explored by boat.

/ KAMAKURA Just under an hour from Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station, Kamakura offers a slower pace and a nostalgic charm that feels worlds away from the capital’s neon thump. Stroll its narrow streets lined with artisanal cafes, boutique shops and temples, heightened by the city’s seaside lifestyle. Hase-dera Temple rewards visitors with sweeping ocean views and a hillside of multi-coloured hydrangeas in bloom, while the Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kōtoku-in is a must-see. Komachi-dori hums with energy, where local bakeries, sweet shops and casual eateries serve everything from freshly made dorayaki at Kamakura Beniya to perfectly grilled seafood at Wadatsumi.

For coffee lovers, Cafe Kamakura Yama offers a serene garden setting and meticulously brewed pour-overs. As the afternoon wanes, head to the coast: the town’s beaches are ideal for a peaceful walk along the sand during golden hour. The small city’s soulfulness is infectiously patient and restorative, making it a great day trip for when Tokyo gets a bit too loud.

Need to know: We recommend staying in Tokyo and making the day trip out to Kamakura, but if you’d like to stay the night, then check in to the four-star Hotel Metropolitan ($$) with its spacious rooms and contemporary design. / OSAKA Osaka is the city of soul food and elevated street dining. Its famously outgoing locals, endless takoyaki stalls and neon-lit energy make it just as exciting as Tokyo, but look beyond Dotonbori’s luminous streets and you’ll find quieter corners that reveal its true character. In historic Shinsekai, old-school diners and retro arcades recall the Osaka of decades past, while Nakazakicho offers narrow lanes filled with cafes and vintage shops. If whisky is your calling, catch the JR Kyoto Line to the legendary Yamazaki Distillery, pitched dramatically at the foot of Mt. Tennozan, for one of the world’s most coveted whisky tastings and tours. Book well ahead of your trip and why not also plan to visit Osaka’s famous Suntory Whisky House.

/ NARITA CITY Most travellers pass through Narita without realising one of Japan’s most rewarding stopovers lies just beyond Tokyo’s largest airport. At Naritasan Shinshō-ji Temple, wander through the vast complex of pagodas and incense clouds before making your way down Omotesando Street, a charming strip lined with traditional shops and unagi restaurants. Just behind the temple, Naritasan Park stretches across 16 tranquil hectares of ponds, bridges and plum trees. It’s especially beautiful in spring and autumn. Beyond the temple, Narita’s landscape folds into gentle farmland and flower fields. A short drive away in Sawara, the Suigō Sawara Aquatic Botanical Garden blooms with over a million irises and hundreds of lotus varieties, while the Sawara Historic District, nicknamed ‘Little Edo’, charms with Edo-period merchant houses, canals and bridges best explored by boat.

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Need to know: To stay close to the action, base yourself near Namba or Umeda. Check into W Osaka ($$$$), a slick, designforward hotel rising above Shinsaibashi’s luxury stores, with bold interiors and a lively bar scene. For something more intimate, InterContinental Osaka ($$$) offers a calm, minimalist retreat in the business district. / KYOTO Kyoto may be a beautiful ancient city synonymous with tradition, but its more distinctive sights often lie beyond the city’s main temples and tourist trails. About an hour southeast of the city, the Miho Museum is worth the detour. Designed by I.M. Pei, the futuristic glass-and-steel structure emerges from forested hills like a mirage, housing an indoor-outdoor collection of ancient art and artefacts. The journey to get there, through a tunnel and suspension bridge, is as breathtaking as the museum itself. Back in Kyoto’s western hills, seek out Ōtagi Nenbutsuji Temple, where 1200 whimsical stone statues, each carved with unique expressions, observe from moss-covered terraces. Nearby, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji holds a quieter, more solemn beauty, its thousands of weathered Buddha figures standing as silent memorials to the souls once buried here.

Follow Saga Toriimoto Street from Adashino’s gate to find a preserved lane of thatched-roof houses and traditional tea shops comparable to the historic streets of Gion.

Need to know: Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto ($$$$) is built on a 12th-century pond garden treasured by locals for over 800 years. In the centre, a modern tea house hosts traditional tea ceremonies with visiting maiko (apprentice geisha) and geisha entertainers. For a more central location, check into Hotel Graniva ($$), which is inside JR Kyoto Station and surrounded by both train and bus lines, so you can easily get around to Kyoto’s more far-flung treasures.

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Under the radar

Clockwise from left: The Great Buddha of Kamakura, Miho Museum, Mount Yoshino cherry blossoms, Ōtagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple in Kyoto, the charming Sawara Historic District.

/ NARA You’ve seen the deer of Nara Park, but this city offers so much more. Just over an hour south of Kyoto by train, Mount Yoshino rises in a cascade of cedar forests, shrines and temple roofs. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yoshino forms part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, an area that has drawn monks and poets for more than a thousand years. In spring, its slopes are famously draped with more than 30,000 cherry trees, planted in four tiers that bloom at different altitudes to create a pink wave that rolls up the mountain. Begin your visit at Kinpusen-ji temple, a centre of Shugendo mountain worship where the vast wooden hall houses towering guardian statues. Wander uphill past smaller temples and teahouses to Yoshimizu Shrine and continue towards the secluded Nyoirinji and Yoshino Mikumari Shrine, each valued not just for their spiritual qualities, but outstretched views over the land.

Need to know: We recommend staying in Kyoto or Osaka and making the day trip out to Yoshino. If you do want to stay in the area, Yoshinoso Yukawaya ($$$) is a 300-year-old ryokan with healthy traditional food and a bathhouse overlooking the valley below. CT

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Extravagant menus were once commonplace at 35,000ft, until health and safety intervened. Now a few bold airlines are sparking a revival, writes Robert Jackman.

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ost of us like to complain about plane food, but what adds insult to injury is the fact that practically everyone on earth knows that things didn’t used to be like this. We’ve all seen the old photos of smartly dressed passengers tucking into a spectacular luncheon of roasted meats and platters filled with fresh fruit and vegetables.

Have we really fallen as far as the nostalgic memes on Facebook might suggest?

Unfortunately, yes. That’s according to Fred Finn, a lifelong aviation enthusiast who holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s most frequent flyer. In his memoir Sonic Boom, he details how he flew with Pan Am throughout the 1970s, including on its iconic Boeing 707.

“It was the best experience I ever had in the skies,” he tells me over a video call. “Every meal was cooked on board and the attendants were trained at The Savoy in silver service. You would order at the beginning of your flight and then be taken to the dining area after an hour or so.”

banquet. At the same time, Alaska Airlines plyed passengers flying between the US and USSR with lashings of Russian caviar and veal Orloff, while Qantas famously offered fresh lobster and oysters to passengers on its trail-blazing ‘kangaroo’ service between London and Sydney.

Then there’s Concorde. Menus from its heyday are enough to make the modern traveller green with envy, filled with excessive delights like lobster canapes and roast guinea fowl. The Daily Telegraph (London) aviation expert John Arlidge took several flights on Concorde during the 1990s. Though he says that – when it comes to culinary luxuries – what he remembers even more fondly is the pre-flight service.

“When you walked into the Concorde Room at JFK, you would be greeted by two attendants carrying trays,” he recalls. “On one there were flutes of vintage Krug and on the other there was a Desperate Dan pile of bacon sandwiches with brown sauce. Talk about the perfect way to begin a three-hour flight to London.”

/ Flying’s delicious golden age Pan Am may be regarded as the pinnacle of in-flight luxury, but it was far from the only post-war carrier with a reputation for culinary excellence. During the 1960s, American Airlines’ legendary Royal Coachman service had an extravagant menu – beef consommé, sautéed chicken breasts – designed to echo a state

“EVERY MEAL WAS COOKED ON BOARD AND THE ATTENDANTS WERE TRAINED AT THE SAVOY IN SILVER SERVICE.”

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/ How health and safety killed plane food Are such days gone forever? While it’s easy to look back in amazement at what flying used to be like, any aviation nerd will tell you that the idea of an in-flight banquet just isn’t possible today.

For a start, there are the rules against bringing things like sharp knives and uncooked meat on board. Then there’s the radically different design of the modern (much safer) passenger jets, with their smaller galleys and more compact seating areas. Plus you have to factor in that airline tickets cost a tiny fraction of what they used to, even adjusted for inflation.

Instead, the vast majority of airline meals are cooked in large kitchens close to the airport – usually by third-party companies – before being brought on board to be reheated. The meals aren’t exactly a gourmet delight, and are often loaded with sodium to compensate for the loss of taste we experience in the air. / The airlines that still succeed at in-flight dining Still, that hasn’t stopped a handful of airlines from going the extra mile when they can. Every now and then, an airline manages to buck the trend and come out with a legendary meal that stands the test of time. One example is Air Asia’s take on Nasi Lemak, which developed such a cult reputation amongst travellers that the airline was able to open a bricks-and-mortar restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.

Are there any modern plane meals that deserve to join it in the hall of fame? “The biryani in Qatar Airways’ business class has to be my favourite airline meal of all time,” says frequent flyer Gilbert Ott, editor of God Save the Points. Rhys Jones from Head for Points looks forward to Malaysia Airlines’ satay service, while Las Vegas restaurant owner Ross Mollison says the food on Japan’s ANA is as good as you’d find at a decent Tokyo restaurant.

Of course, the best pleasures in life don’t have to be complicated. Look at Neil Perry, the long-serving chef for Qantas, who famously had the airline install a toaster in its A380 planes, in order to provide passengers with generous helpings of hot toast and Vegemite during their flight. “British Airways and Marmite should take note,” says John Arlidge, who rates the Aussie airline’s cuisine as being the very best.

Whisper it, then, but could we even be entering a new age of in-flight dining? If you’re boarding certain carriers, the very thought will be utterly preposterous (that’s assuming you get a meal at all). But if you’re lucky enough to be turning left on one of the luxury airlines, you may well have a very different assessment.

Even with the best chefs on board, it certainly won’t be anything like the belt-loosening banquets they used to have in the 1960s – but with the lethargy and bloating that often accompanies long-haul flights, that might be no bad thing. CT Cruise &Travel

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Readers’ Choice | Discover all the winners of our 2025 Readers’ Choice cruise awards |

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elcome to another great year of the Cruise Passenger Reader’s Choice Awards and thank you to everyone who voted. It’s been a huge year for the cruise industry with new ships launching across all categories. Our readers have continued to lean into the upper premium and luxury segment, and we are seeing more Gen X cruisers and millennials starting to cruise with their families.

All-inclusivity is becoming an important consideration for cruisers, and now the premium and upper premium lines are starting to package and bundle things like specialty dining, drinks, shore excursions and more. This is one reason why, for the first time, Oceania Cruises has won the Best Cruise Line award. It has stormed the market with new vessels over the past two years and there are plans for more.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has once again won the Best Luxury Line category. With its standout vessels dripping in beautiful artwork, a brilliant shore excursion program and exceptional service, it is a deserving winner.

Last year, we introduced a new category – the Best Upper Premium Line, where we are 98

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Viking was your pick of the bunch this year.

An enormous amount of work goes on behind the scenes to improve our lives at sea. From the design of our suites to the food served from galleys, the cruise industry has made tremendous strides. As a result, the winners of our awards are at once a reflection of old loyalties and new relationships.

APT has had a renaissance with the launch of two revolutionary river ships – the identical APT Solara and APT Ostara. These ships won the Most Innovative Ship category. Aside from the all-Australian design, they are the first river ships to have a space on hydraulics that turns into a bar and restaurant.

Princess has once again won multiple awards, taking out the Best Premium Line category and Best for Entertainment. It has looked further than the stage, and at its 360 dining experience on ships like Discovery Princess, it has incorporated food and entertainment.

On the new Star and Sun Princess ships, The Dome, a pool during the day and entertainment

hub by night, hosts fantastic live shows.

AmaWaterways has come away, for the first time, as the Best River Cruise Line. With new ships on the never-sailed-before Colombia River and its extensive program in Europe, Egypt, Africa and Asia, it also has the largest ship sailing on the Danube, the AmaMagna.

Uniworld has reclaimed its position as the Best Luxury River Line with its opulent ships, each vessel designed to reflect the destinations it visits. The brand also has huge plans for 2027 with the launch of more vessels.

And, for the first time, a river cruise line has won the Best for Shore Excursions category.

Tauck has made its mark with unique and exclusive programs taking guests to Michelinstarred restaurants exclusively hired out by the company, and private meetings with lords and ladies in Europe’s castles.

What’s next? That’s what makes cruise so exciting. Enjoy reading about our awards. But enjoy what the next year brings even more!

Thanks again for voting. CT

Bernadette Chua, Editor Cruise &Travel

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YOUR WORLD INCLUDED ™

Gourmet Speciality Restaurants In-Suite and In-Stateroom Dining Unlimited WiFi Sodas, Speciality Coffees & Teas Still & Sparkling Vero Water® Juices, Smoothies & Gourmet Ice Cream Group Fitness Classes Laundry Services Shipboard Gratuities

WINNER OF BEST CRUISE LINE AND BEST FOR FOOD

THE FINEST CUISINE AT SEA®

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READERS’ CHOICE 2025 WINNER

READERS’ CHOICE 2025 WINNER

BEST CRUISE LINE

BEST FOR FOOD

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We are honoured to be named Best Cruise Line and Best for Food in the 2025 Cruise & Travel Readers’ Choice Awards.

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AWARD-WINNING ITINER ARIES SMALL SHIP LUXURY™

Thank you to the readers of Cruise & Travel and everyone who voted for Oceania Cruises — we truly appreciate your support.

VISIT OCEANIACRUISES.COM | CALL 1300 355 200 OR CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR

For full terms & conditions that apply, please visit OceaniaCruises.com/terms. All rights reserved. Ships’ Registry: Marshall Islands. NCL Australia Pty Ltd ABN 8060 7578 781.

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* WINNER

• For the first time, Oceania Cruises has taken out the top gong in the Cruise &

Travel awards. The line has now positioned itself in the luxury sector and our readers have given Oceania their vote because of its service, smaller ships, immersive shore excursions and exceptional food.

The line’s well-appointed ships sail to an array of destinations, including the Mediterranean, South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, North and South America, and Alaska, calling in at more than 400 ports.

Over the past two years, Oceania has launched two new flagship vessels – the Oceania Vista in 2023 and Oceania Allura in 2025 – both with expanded dining options that include venues such as the specialty French restaurant, Jacques, named after the line’s founding Executive Culinary Director, Jacques Pepin. On board, there are more wellness options and larger suites that span up to 185 square metres.

Oceania Cruises has also revamped its included offerings, which comprise all specialty restaurants, unlimited Wi-Fi, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, 24/7 room service, as well as access to the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center.

Oceania Cruises has eight vessels in its armoury, combining older and newer vessels that can host up to 1250 guests. The line’s smaller ships, such as Oceania Sirena, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, exude elegance. Their intimate size (they each accommodate up to 670 guests), as well as the convivial onboard atmosphere, make these vessels the perfect ships to explore smaller ports.

Every itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to ensure guests spend more overnights in port, experience local culture firsthand and visit off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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PRINCESS

• Known for its premium style of cruising, great food and wide array of accommodation, Princess has come a close second. With sailings around the world, as well as a fleet of ships based in Australia, Princess is praised for its Broadwaystyle shows and excellent service.

Above: Luxury line Oceania Cruises just keeps on getting better. Right: Princess Cruises is stylish and fun.

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APT SOLARA & APT OSTARA * WINNER

• This year saw the launch of two new river cruise ships that

have changed the face of the river industry. Just when you thought you’ve seen everything, APT comes along with two luxury vessels that accommodate just 154 passengers.

This is the first time a river vessel has won the Most Innovative Ship award and it is well deserved.

APT Solara entered service in April, while APT Ostara followed just a month later. The identical ships are the first to have a restaurant that literally moves from one deck to another. When the ship is sailing, the Grüner Bar & Dining is accessed from the back of deck three; when it’s in port, crew press a button and the entire venue, seating, galley, bar and all, lifts hydraulically up to the sundeck. Once there, it doubles as a walk-up bar where passengers catching a few rays or enjoying the views from the sundeck can refuel with their favourite tipple.

Unlike other river ships, there is no main dining room that seats everyone at once; instead, there are six different places to eat, plus the option of room service, all with their own look and feel (APT calls them dining experiences) so guests can chop and change between venues as the mood takes them.

APT Solara and APT Ostara’s interior look and feel was the work of Hecker Guthrie, a Melbourne-based design firm that had never worked with a cruise company. The result is something very different on the rivers, neatly blending clean lines with a light, bright, yet cosy vibe and nautical touches here and there.

Right: The new Oceania Allura.

Below: APT’s Grüner Bar & Dining can move between decks.

+ Highly Commended

OCEANIA ALLURA • The newly launched Oceania Allura doesn’t just look gorgeous, but the quality and style of the build shows that nothing has been overlooked. There are almost a dozen different places to dine on board the 1200-person ship, including a new Japanese-Peruvian menu in Red Ginger as well as 270 new dishes in the Main Dining Room.

Oceania decided to do away with inside cabins and now all rooms either have French balconies or verandas to suit a range of budgets.

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REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES * WINNER

• Ultra-luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises has been chosen by Cruise & Travel readers as the Best Luxury Line once again. It comes as no surprise at all, as each Regent ship delivers excellence in dining, service and accommodation, as well as exceptional experiences on and off the ship. The beauty of the Regent experience is that it is all-inclusive – once you step on board the ship, you don’t ever have to think about pulling out your credit card. In every suite – whether it be the Regent suite or a deluxe veranda suite, you’ll find an amazing amount of space, with sumptuous décor and a butler to tend to your every need.

In 2024, the line debuted the Seven Seas Grandeur, which delivered jawdropping design as well as an incredible art collection. A Fabergé egg takes centre stage and a custom-made bronze and glass bonsai cherry tree is the main attraction outside the Pacific Rim specialty restaurant. Next year, Regent will debut the beautiful Seven Seas Prestige, and the line has already teased details before its arrival. At the pinnacle of the accommodation offerings is the new Skyview Regent Suites. At over 836 square metres, these bespoke suites have private in-suite elevators, second-floor private terraces, a private gym, and more.

The successful Culinary Arts Kitchen will return on Seven Seas Prestige, where guests will learn how to make dishes that are indicative of the regions they visit, which then ties in beautifully with the Epicurean Explorer Tours on land.

Guests can choose from a variety of shore excursions that take them to local markets to find exotic spices, savour gourmet meals by famous chefs or visit rolling vineyards to sample the best vintages of the region.

Right: Scenic’s luxury ships are all-inclusive.

Below: Regent cruises are a standout on every level.

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SCENIC OCEAN

• Scenic’s all-inclusive model, high level of service and unique shore excursions have solidified the line’s place in the luxury sector. The well-appointed Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II not only explore the sunny destinations of the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Australia, but the vessels are also designed for luxury in the polar regions.

On board, there’s free-flowing premium wines and spirits, gourmet cuisine and butlers for every suite. The spa has a Salt Therapy Lounge, Infared Sauna and Vitality Pools.

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Best Upper Premium Line

VIKING OCEAN

* WINNER

• Known for its unique blend of contemporary luxury and cultural

exploration, Viking Ocean’s fleet offers all-veranda intimate vessels catering for up to 998 passengers. The ships have been designed to navigate access to most ports around the world.

Dubbed as the ‘Thinking Person’s Cruise Line’, the no-kids, no-casino policy has been popular with adult cruisers. The wide array of enrichment programs on and off the ship, guest lecturers and destination-focused cruises make Viking a hit with Cruise & Travel readers.

The sleek Scandinavian-inspired ships have an abundance of public space, including the Explorer’s Lounge that boasts panoramic views and the Nordic-inspired Spa and Wellness Centre. The beauty is that the therapy rooms, like the Snow Grotto, Sauna and hydrotherapy pool, are included in the price of your fare.

For guests, all meals including specialty dining venues and room service are included as part of your Viking cruise, as is Wi-Fi, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, as well as activities like entertainment and enrichment lectures.

Guests are also offered one complimentary shore excursion in each port, with the option to pay for alternative experiences.

Don’t miss the lovely afternoon tea in the glass-roofed Wintergarden, the traditional Italian cuisine at Manfredi’s or a food and wine pairing at the stylish Chef’s Table.

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CUNARD

• With its rich maritime history, Cunard has long been a favourite among traditional cruisers. Known for its iconic dark bows and red funnels, the line has been sailing since 1840.

On board, guests will find classic décor and white-gloved service and it’s one of the few lines where guests can learn ballroom dancing and take fencing classes. Afternoon tea is still served on board and guests can opt for formal wear at dinner. At the upper end of suite categories, Grill-class guests have access to butlers and to the Queens Grill restaurant.

Above: Viking offers no-kids, no-casino cruising. Right: Cunard’s classic cruises are a reader favourite.

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PRINCESS CRUISES

* WINNER

• What sets a premium cruise line apart from contemporary is that these

companies aim to provide a more luxurious experience while not breaking the bank. These lines will have more inclusions, may appeal more to adults, and also offer fabulous dining and entertainment options.

This is why, by a huge margin, Princess Cruises has once again won this category. The line’s outstanding ships give guests all the big-ship takeaways, but with a sophisticated touch and approach.

Princess is renowned for its dining options, which include specialty restaurants like the steakhouse Crown Grill and the Italian Sabatini’s. The entertainment on board is also world-class, with Broadway-style shows that dazzle every evening and live bands in the bars.

Princess is particularly popular among families with older children, multigenerational groups, groups of Gen X friends, solo travellers and couples looking for romantic escapes.

For the 2025/26 season, the Crown Princess and Discovery Princess will homeport in the region, while the 2026/27 season will see the Royal, Grand and Crown Princess sail from Australia.

Princess last year launched the new Sun Princess, the first of its Sphereclass ships. The vessel features a new multi-level, glass-covered deck called The Dome, which by day is a pool and by night is a stage. The Sun Princess also boasts 30 restaurant and bar venues with special highlights like Love by Britto, a dining experience celebrating love in partnership with Brazilian painter Romero Britto and the new Sanctuary Collection. This part of the ship has 80 Signature Collection Suites, 123 Mini-Suites and 12 Premium Deluxe Balconies. Guests staying in this area have access to exclusive private dining and relaxation areas.

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CELEBRITY CRUISES • Celebrity Cruises is a worthy runner-up this year. With three ship classes – Millennium, Solstice and Edge – the line has continuously evolved its ships with cutting-edge designs such as the cantilevered Magic Carpet and Infinity Verandas, which have revamped the traditional balcony cabins so there is much more space for guests. The cruise line is also lauded for its wonderful dining options and culinary experiences. The Edge-class ships have four main dining venues and a host of specialty restaurants. Australia is included in some of Celebrity’s sailings in 2026-2028.

Right: Celebrity’s Magic Carpet.

Above: Princess ships will continue to be a familiar sight in Sydney Harbour.

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Best for Families

ROYAL CARIBBEAN * WINNER

• Indoor skydiving? Surf simulator? Waterparks, ice skating rinks and ziplines? When it comes to actionpacked family fun, Royal Caribbean is hard to beat. And with Disney’s exit from the Australian market, you won’t find a more family-friendly line sailing out of local ports.

Operating the largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean has the space to keep everyone entertained around the clock. With a fleet of 30 vessels, you can go anywhere in the world – even to a private island owned by the line. A huge range of cabin configurations means there’s something to suit families of every size, from budget-friendly interior cabins with bunk beds to the over-the-top Ultimate Family Suite. Set over two storeys, it has a slide, air hockey table, in-suite cinema with video games and a Royal Genie to grant your every wish.

With onboard restaurants ranging from buffets to poolside burgers, pizza, sushi and Italian, you’ll find something for even the pickiest eater. Family Time Dining lets you get the kids fed early in the main dining room and promises to have them finished within 40 minutes.

The kids’ clubs are next level, with options from babies to teens. The Adventure Ocean program has dedicated science and art spaces, a theatre with special kids’ shows, and supervised hangout spots for the older ones. The late-night party zone runs from 10pm to 2am, so parents can enjoy a well-deserved night out.

+ Highly Commended

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE • For the upcoming season there will be two Royal

Right: Onboard family fun with Carnival. Below: Royal Caribbean is a blast for kids of all ages.

Caribbean ships in Australia – Anthem of the Seas sailing from Sydney and Voyager of the Seas sailing from Brisbane. The line has formed an exclusive partnership with local icons The Wiggles for six exclusive ‘Wiggly Sailings’ that will feature special entertainment, live concerts and character meet-and-greets with Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus and Wags the Dog.

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN * WINNER

• Indoor skydiving? Surf simulator? Waterparks, ice skating rinks and ziplines? When it comes to actionpacked family fun, Royal Caribbean is hard to beat. And with Disney’s exit from the Australian market, you won’t find a more family-friendly line sailing out of local ports.

Operating the largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean has the space to keep everyone entertained around the clock. With a fleet of 30 vessels, you can go anywhere in the world – even to a private island owned by the line. A huge range of cabin configurations means there’s something to suit families of every size, from budget-friendly interior cabins with bunk beds to the over-the-top Ultimate Family Suite. Set over two storeys, it has a slide, air hockey table, in-suite cinema with video games and a Royal Genie to grant your every wish.

With onboard restaurants ranging from buffets to poolside burgers, pizza, sushi and Italian, you’ll find something for even the pickiest eater. Family Time Dining lets you get the kids fed early in the main dining room and promises to have them finished within 40 minutes.

The kids’ clubs are next level, with options from babies to teens. The Adventure Ocean program has dedicated science and art spaces, a theatre with special kids’ shows, and supervised hangout spots for the older ones. The late-night party zone runs from 10pm to 2am, so parents can enjoy a well-deserved night out.

+ Highly Commended

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE • For the upcoming season there will be two Royal

Right: Onboard family fun with Carnival. Below: Royal Caribbean is a blast for kids of all ages.

Caribbean ships in Australia – Anthem of the Seas sailing from Sydney and Voyager of the Seas sailing from Brisbane. The line has formed an exclusive partnership with local icons The Wiggles for six exclusive ‘Wiggly Sailings’ that will feature special entertainment, live concerts and character meet-and-greets with Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus and Wags the Dog.

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Best Contemporary Line

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE * WINNER

• The votes are in and Norwegian Cruise Line has come out on top in the Best Contemporary Line category. Designed to suit all types of travellers across different budgets, NCL ships appeal to a range of cruisers. Whether you’re a couple looking for a more intimate experience, or a multigenerational family that wants plenty of onboard activities and dining options, the cruise line really does offer something for everyone.

The fleet of 19 ships is split across nine classes, which vary in size and amenities on board. The newer vessels in the Prima-class is where you’ll find a multitude of dining options, the sumptuous ‘ship-within-a-ship’ concept, The Haven and plenty of rides – like the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide at sea. NCL’s entertainment team is at the forefront of designing shows that have never been seen before; on Aqua, the highoctane, adrenaline pumping show Revolution: A Celebration of Prince is a masterful tribute to the artist.

The decadent Haven offers luxurious accommodation and a private dining area, bar and pool separate from the rest of the ship. Solo travellers are also treated to their own sanctuary with cabins designed specifically for singles.

For those looking for a smaller ship experience, the line recently refurbished Norwegian Spirit, which will be dedicated to the APAC region. In 2020, the ship received a $100 million renovation; its staterooms, dining areas and lounges have all been modernised. The beauty of Norwegian Spirit is that it has been designed for longer journeys and, because of its size, it can navigate into smaller ports and spend more overnights in destinations.

Right: Royal Caribbean is popular with Australians.

Below: NCL appeals to all kinds of cruisers.

+ Highly Commended

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

• Boasting the world’s largest ships as well as a range of different classes of vessels, Royal Caribbean is a firm Australian favourite in the contemporary category. The line’s new Icon-class has attracted plenty of attention with its Royal Promenade area, waterparks, array of food and beverage options and accommodation choices. Locally, Australia will have Quantum of the Seas based out of Brisbane and Anthem of the Seas sailing from Sydney.

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Near or far, NCL gives you more.

Experience more of the world with NCL®, from convenient close to home cruises to inspirational itineraries around the

globe. Take your pick from 21 spectacular ships, sailing to over 400 destinations worldwide with more time in port†. Back

on board relax at our award-winning Mandara Spa®, be captivated by incredible entertainment at sea or enjoy world-class dining with more variety of cuisine than any other cruise line for an elevated culinary journey that satisfies every palate

and craving. From the historic treasures of Europe and the rich cultures of Asia, to discovering beauty on your doorstep in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, NCL has a perfect holiday for everyone.

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READERS’ CHOICE 2025 WINNER BEST

CONTEMPORARY

LINE

Norwegian Viva®, Santorini, Greece

21 Spectacular Ships • 400+ Destinations • Immersive Itineraries Close to Home & Around the Globe Choose from seven departure ports in Asia’s most impressive cities.

Discover the South Pacific with departures from Sydney, Lautoka & more.

Explore the best of Europe with late stays & overnights in port†.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Norwegian Spirit®, Moorea, French Polynesia

Istanbul, Turkey

Contact your travel agent, call 1300 255 200 or scan the QR code to visit ncl.com †Applies to select sailings. ©2025 NCL Corporation Ltd. NCL Australia Pty. Ltd. ABN 80 607 578 781. Ships’ Registry: Bahamas and USA. 2889500 11/25.

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Best for Adventure

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READERS’ CHOICE 2025

* WINNER

+ Highly Commended

• The French expedition line is a firm favourite among Cruise &

Travel readers, and Ponant’s array of intrepid itineraries and purposebuilt ships have earned it the accolade of Best Adventure Line once again. Ponant has proven time and time again that there are still remote corners of the seas left to be discovered.

In September 2024, the hybrid-electric icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot, took passengers and scientists to the North Pole of Inaccessibility – a stretch of the Arctic where no human had dropped anchor before.

Ponant’s Science Program, tied to its expedition itineraries, is designed to attune guests to environmental concerns and engage in conservation efforts while they sail on their adventure.

The line’s fleet accommodates only around 250 guests per ship.

Aside from cold-climate regions, Ponant has stamped its mark as the leader in expedition cruising in the Kimberley, South Pacific and South America.

The onboard experience is second to none. With superb cuisine, spacious accommodation, indulgent spa and wellness offerings and luxurious public spaces, guests experience five-star service after a day filled with adventure and adrenaline-pumping activities.

Ponant’s vessels are smaller than most other cruise ships and can access regions and boutique ports where larger ships can’t visit.

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HX Above: Ponant’s expedition cruises explore remote regions.

Below: HX combines science with adventure.

• HX has been taking curious travellers and sailors on adventures since 1896, particularly around the Norwegian Fjordlands where they have a long and storied history. But the HX of today now visits destinations like the Galapagos Islands, South America, Iceland and Alaska, as well as the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada. HX has science centres on board some of its ships so guests can get closer to the destinations they visit.

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Best for Yachts

SCENIC

* WINNER

• Scenic has once again won this prestigious category, delivering exceptional service on the Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II. Scenic’s all-inclusive approach, as well as its intimate and gentle atmosphere, has seen it take out the Best Line for Yacht category for three years in a row.

Cruise & Travel readers mentioned Scenic’s extensive itineraries that stretch from the Kimberley all the way to the Arctic. Guests have use of helicopters, submersibles, floating hammocks, Seabobs and kayaks, bringing the fun to their adventure cruise.

The adventure-led ships are designed though, for guests to experience yacht life on board. There are 10 sumptuous dining venues on both vessels, including specialty fine-dining venues like the French-inspired Lumiére, the Asian fusion restaurant Koko’s, as well as the exclusive Chef’s Table.

Scenic also takes pride in its wellness offerings – the Senses Spa comes equipped with saunas, steam rooms and Vitality pools, as well as a cold plunge pool. There are specialised classes dedicated to yoga, Pilates and stretching, and masterclasses taught by expert chefs on healthy cooking.

Scenic’s open-bridge policy invites guests to visit the captain whenever they wish, and the vessels have a dynamic positioning system that allows access to untouched beaches that many other vessels can’t offer. In 2028, Scenic will launch a new class of yacht, the Scenic Ikon, which will be larger than the Eclipse-class and will sail the Mediterranean for the majority of the year before offering expedition voyages in Antarctica.

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Right: RitzCarlton’s luxury yacht-cruising is off to a flying start. Below: Scenic does yachting right.

+ Highly Commended

RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION

• The ultra-luxury hotel brand is the first to venture into the cruising space and has done a splendid job of making its mark. The company has redefined luxury yacht-cruising and currently has three yachts sailing. All suites on the Evrima, Ilma and Luminara have balconies, and concierge services are available to all accommodation categories. There are intentions for the yacht brand to bring a yacht to the Australian/New Zealand region.

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Best River Line

AMAWATERWAYS * WINNER

• For the first time, AmaWaterways has won Cruise & Travel’s Best River Line Award. Our readers have lauded AmaWaterways for its sleek and contemporary ships, the destinations it sails, the line’s seamless service and its robust shore excursion program.

The family-owned and operated company operates 23 ships sailing in Europe as well as an additional six vessels dedicated to Southeast Asia, Egypt, Africa and Latin America.

Whether you’re sailing on the picturesque Douro River, taking a wine trip through Bordeaux, or getting out there on an African safari, there is an itinerary suited for everyone.

What AmaWaterways has done so well to capture the hearts of its readers is the personalised and uncrowded experience on board. It has also mastered the art of wellness and activities on and off the ship, and as the first river line to offer complimentary bicycles for guests, it now offers full biking programs complete with expert leaders and support vehicles.

Culinary experiences on board AmaWaterways are also highly regarded, with the cruise company a proud member of the internationally recognised La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Tables et Auberges de France.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, and talented chefs prepare exceptional dishes inspired by regional flavours, showcasing locally sourced ingredients.

All cabins and suites on AmaWaterways vessels frame river views and the interiors are contemporary with striking pops of colour and luxe finishes.

Right: Avalon Waterways appeals to active cruisers. Below: AmaWaterways makes bike riding easy.

+ Highly Commended

AVALON WATERWAYS • Avalon Waterways has perfected the art of contemporary river cruising with its great array of shore excursions, sleek ships, elevated dining and awardwinning suites. Suite Ships average just 150 guests, which gives travellers much more space. And while the brand has fabulous service, it’s all the pampering without the puff. You’ll find younger river cruisers on board due to the plentiful hiking, biking and active shore excursions on offer.

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Best Luxury River Line

UNIWORLD

* WINNER

• It’s two in a row for Uniworld as our readers name it the Best Luxury River Line again in 2025. Its fleet of Super Ships are unashamedly opulent, with richly patterned wallpaper, plush furnishings, marble bathrooms and original artworks. Expect grand staircases, chandeliers studded with sapphires, priceless antiques and enough gilt finishes to put the Palace of Versailles to shame. Each ship is inspired by the destinations it sails, so you’ll find beautiful azulejos tilework on the S.S. Sao Gabriel sailing in Portugal, and enjoy Venetian glamour on board S.S. La Venezia as you sail through Italy.

In every stateroom and suite, you’ll sleep on a handcrafted bed from Savoir of London and bathe with toiletries from Asprey. Stay in a suite and you’ll have a butler on hand to help with everything from preparing a pre-dinner cocktail to ironing your newspaper.

All-inclusive fares are one of the true hallmarks of a luxury line. Once you step on board your Uniworld ship you won’t spend another cent. Sumptuous meals, all-day drinks (including fine wines and top-shelf spirits), shore excursions, 24-hour room service, WiFi, airport transfers and more are all covered. Food is a highlight on a Uniworld cruise, with a farm-to-table philosophy that puts authentic recipes made with local ingredients on your plate every day. Each ship has multiple restaurants, with the S.S. Joi de Vivre offering six dining options including a French bistro, supper club and Chef’s Table in the kitchen.

Big things are on the horizon for Uniworld, with seven new ships to launch by 2027. Film buffs will want to cruise on the S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene, inspired by screen icons Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich. Uniworld is also branching out into ocean cruising, launching a small expedition yacht, Aqua Blu, in partnership with Aqua Expeditions.

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Above: Uniworld’s shore excursions are all included. Right: Tauck ships carry an average of just 110 guests.

+ Highly Commended

TAUCK

• This is the first time Tauck has been awarded a place in this highly competitive category. The 100-year-old, family-owned company has been cruising the rivers of Europe for more than 30 years and has perfected its unique style of boutique luxury. Tauck’s ships are a similar size to other ships on these rivers but carry an average 110 guests – far fewer than competitors. That means you’ll enjoy more public space, larger cabins, highly personalised service and a tranquil atmosphere on board. The ships are also a big hit with solo luxury travellers, offering spacious single cabins and no single supplement.

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Best for Food

OCEANIA CRUISES

* WINNER

• Oceania Cruises makes it a record eight years in a row in this category,

once again taking out the title of Best Line for Food. It’s easy to see why.

Their tagline is ‘The Finest Cuisine at Sea’ and every ship delivers on that promise. The magic starts from the top – it’s the only cruise line to have two revered Master Chefs of France on the payroll, Executive Culinary Directors Chef Alexis Quaretti and Chef Eric Barale. There’s also a Culinary Advisory Board filled with foodie legends and state-of-the-art galleys that wouldn’t look out of place in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

There are four unique open-seating restaurants on Oceania’s smaller ships and an impressive 12 on new ships like Oceania Allura and Oceania Vista. Dine on French classics at Jacques (named after the line’s original Executive Culinary Director, Jacques Pépin), Italian at Toscana, innovative Asian at Red Ginger and mouthwatering steak at Polo Grill.

The coffee is also excellent – a rarity at sea – with baristas turning out flawless lattes alongside pastries still warm from the oven. All specialty restaurants are included in your fare (apart from a few private experiences) and the menus change regularly, so there’s something new for even the most regular Oceania guest.

The culinary immersion goes beyond what you see on your plate.

Exquisite wine pairings are on offer, including signature Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon vintage champagne matching. Join a cooking or mixology class in The Culinary Centre, where sessions are themed around the destinations you’re visiting. Exclusive Culinary Discovery Tours will give you an inside look at the local food culture ashore, from market shopping and farm visits to restaurant meals.

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Above: Jacques is one of Oceania’s many impressive dining options.

Right: APT is redefining river cruise food.

+ Highly Commended

APT

• Australian line APT’s two new river ships, APT Solara and APT Ostara, launched in 2025, have seriously upped the ante for river cruise dining. With six restaurants on board (seven if you count room service), they have twice as many dining options as you’d find on a standard river ship. Several are by invitation only, so we recommend booking one of the Owner’s Suites to try them all. In a world-first, Grüner Bar & Dining can be raised by hydraulics from deck three up to the sun deck while the ship is docked, making for spectacular views over the port.

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Best for Activities

ROYAL CARIBBEAN * WINNER

• Royal Caribbean takes out this highly competitive category again this year, thanks to its constant onboard innovation. On a Royal Caribbean cruise, the ships are the destination – floating cities packed with outdoor adventures, games, entertainment and much more.

It starts with those one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll only find on Royal Caribbean ships. Catch a wave on the FlowRider surf simulator, feel the wind in your hair on a Ripcord by iFLY indoor skydive and take in the world’s most famous ports from more than 100 metres above sea level in the North Star observation pod. On Quantum Class ships, Seaplex is a one-stop entertainment extravaganza with roller skating, bumper cars, ice skating, sports courts, laser tag and arcade games. Ever wanted to run away and join the circus? The trapeze school will have you swinging with the best of them.

Across other ships in the fleet, you can challenge your friends in the escape room, enjoy the thrills and spills of the largest waterpark at sea, brave the sky-high ropes course, scale the rock-climbing wall, tee off at mini golf, and ride the zipline all the way across the deck. For something a little more relaxing, join the daily classes in everything from salsa dancing to sushi making. Belt out a tune in the Star Moment karaoke studio, test your skills during an interactive game show or just relax with a movie under the stars.

On Oasis Class ships, the AquaTheatre features the deepest pool at sea; it’s flanked by 9-metre diving platforms that set the stage for mesmerising high-dive performances. More world-class shows are held in the Two70 theatre where cutting-edge tech transforms two storeys of 270-degree windows into anywhere in the world.

Below: The fun never stops on Royal Caribbean.

Right: Racing around with Norwegian Cruise Line.

+ Highly Commended

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE • Coming in a close second, Norwegian Cruise Line promises some of

the most adrenaline-pumping activities at sea. Zoom around one of the largest racetracks at sea (found on Breakaway and Breakaway Plus ships), climb a dizzyingly high ropes course and walk the plank, which extends 8 metres from the ship. Huge waterparks have everything from towering waterslides to fun splash pads for kids and immersive gaming lets you play against your fellow cruisers in augmented reality laser tag or trippy virtual worlds. On Norwegian Aqua, the Slidecoaster is the world’s first hybrid waterslide and roller coaster.

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Cruise&Travel

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Discover why Princess is Australia’s highly awarded cruise line!* Experience the award-winning excellence of Princess Cruises® as you embark on the journey of a lifetime. With 17 spectacular ships sailing to 345 destinations across all seven continents, Princess connects you to the world – one unforgettable moment at a time. Princess has been voted Best Premium Cruise Line for 11 consecutive years by Cruise Passenger readers, who also awarded us Best Entertainment and Best Service. We’re honoured to be recognised as a highly awarded cruise line in Australia*. *Based on Cruise Passenger Reader’s Choice Awards

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READERS’ CHOICE 2025 WINNER BEST PREMIUM LINE

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READERS’ CHOICE 2025 WINNER

READERS’ CHOICE 2025 WINNER

BEST FOR SERVICE

ENTERTAINMENT

passenger

passenger

BEST FOR

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

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Best for Service

PRINCESS CRUISES * WINNER

• We saw a big upset this year in the Best for Service category.

Traditionally, it’s been won by the ultra-luxury lines with butler service and white-glove dining so it was something of a surprise to see premium line Princess come out on top. But our readers told us how much they appreciate the Princess crew’s warmth, dedication and attention to detail.

It’s one of the reasons the line has some of the highest rates of returning passengers in the industry.

This approach to service is summed up in Princess’s official C.R.U.I.S.E. credo: Courtesy, Respect, Unfailing In Service Excellence. Every member of the crew has been trained to follow these guidelines, ensuring the whole ship works together harmoniously to create memorable moments.

Our readers highlighted the personalised service they’ve experienced, with favourite crew members remembering their preferences and making every day run like clockwork. Everything is designed with your enjoyment in mind, and the crew will feel like family by the end of your voyage.

At the same time, this award shows that great service doesn’t have to mean over-the-top indulgence. A relaxed approach suits the typical Princess cruiser, making them feel at home on board.

Princess Cruises takes their service up a notch with technology, as seen in the MedallionClass experience. The Medallion is a small wearable device that enables faster boarding, stateroom entry and navigation on the ship, and WiFi access. It also lets you find your friends and family on board, send messages, save events that you’d like to attend, and contact the crew to have food, drinks or anything else you need delivered to you anywhere on the ship.

Right: Regent’s level of service is impeccable.

Below: Princess cruisers love the crew’s warmth and dedication.

+ Highly Commended

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

• Regent has come in second again in the service category.

Expect exceptional ships and impeccable service, though butler service is only available for Penthouse Suites and above.

With a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:1.5 across its fleet of elegant boutique ships, Regent’s aim is that every crew member will know your name by the end of your cruise, along with your drink order and how you like your eggs. The launch of the new Seven Seas Prestige in 2026 promises a new legacy of exclusivity, so expect even more from Regent in the future.

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Best for Entertainment

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READERS’ CHOICE 2025

* WINNER

• A surprise new winner for the Best in Entertainment category this year, our

readers have recognised Princess Cruises for its commitment to fresh new shows, interesting performance spaces and a stellar cast.

The new Sphere Class ships (Sun Princess and Star Princess) are the pinnacle of at-sea entertainment with shows unlike anything you’ve seen before. Guests will enjoy arena shows like Meridien, a cinematic love story; Stage Struck, a celebration of musical theatre; and Illuminate: A Spectacle of Joy, an immersive experience set beneath a velvet circus tent. The technologically advanced Princess Arena is a versatile, in-the-round set-up that can seat up to 1000 guests.

For more intimate performances, The Dome is a unique glass-enclosed space on deck, the first of its kind ever built on a cruise ship. Inside, be entranced by candlelit classical concerts that blend sight, sound and cinematic storytelling as well as aerial acrobatics from the French-Canadian Cirque Éloize.

Across the rest of the fleet, the exclusive Magic To Do show is a first-of-its-kind partnership with Broadway icon Stephen Schwartz, a three-time Oscar-winner and composer of Wicked, Pippin and Godspell. It’s a Broadway-calibre musical that combines some of Schwarz’s best-known songs, new works created especially for Princess, and plenty of magic. On Royal Princess, you can watch another Schwartz exclusive – The Secret Silk, an Asian folklore tale with puppets.

Away from the theatres, there’s more entertainment to be found across Princess’s ships. Enjoy live music, game shows, comedy, magic and illusionists, and movies under the stars. There’s even an interactive version of the famous singing show The Voice, complete with auditions, performances and the spinning chairs – the audience gets to choose the winners.

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+ Highly Commended

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE • Cruise & Travel favourite NCL has slipped back a spot in this category this year, but our readers still rave about the entertainment offerings. Big-name international productions, sizzling dance performances and live music of every genre will keep you entertained each night of your cruise. Step back into 1960s Liverpool with a Beatlesesque gig at The Cavern Club, laugh along to the latest live comedy act, play interactive Wheel of Fortune, or put on your brightest whites to dance the night away at the H2Glow deck party. Night owls will want to hit the Bliss Ultra Lounge nightclub, open until the small hours.

Right: NCL entertainment is world class.

Above: Princess wins for its at-sea shows and fresh concepts.

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Best for Wellness

SCENIC

* WINNER

• A cruise is the perfect opportunity to relax and focus on yourself. Our

readers think the best place to do this is on a Scenic ship. On both its river Space-Ships and ultra-luxury oceangoing Discovery Yachts, the wellness facilities are unmatched.

Almost a decade ago, Scenic introduced its unique Salt Therapy Lounges on European river ships and is still the only river cruise line to offer them. The salt brick walls and precise humidity and temperature setting will soothe your tired muscles after a busy day on shore. You’ll find these lounges on the 6-star Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II as well, though they are even fancier. Designed by renowned German company KLAFS, you can relax on heated stone lounges with music playing through Bose headsets while breathing in the dry salt mist that benefits your respiratory system and skin.

The yachts also feature infrared saunas, steam rooms, therapeutic showers and multiple vitality pools. Indulgent treatments in the huge Senses Spa use lush ESPA products.

If you like to stay fit on board, head for the Pure yoga and Pilates studio, the only one of its kind at sea. Sessions include aerial yoga using cloth slings suspended from the ceiling, TRX suspension training and mindful meditation. Scenic also runs dedicated wellness ocean voyages, where the focus is on holistic health and healing. The itineraries have more days at sea with minimal ports, so there’s more time to experience everything on board.

With a schedule of fitness classes, special events, workshops and masterclasses, you’ll feel like a new person when you disembark.

The next-generation yacht Scenic Ikon will launch in 2028 and takes wellness to a whole new level. The expanded spa will span 1700 square metres across two levels, with nine vitality pools and a huge range of specialised treatments.

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+ Highly Commended

CUNARD

• Though it traditionally offers a more old-world style of cruising, Cunard has put a renewed focus on its wellness offerings in recent years. And our readers have taken notice. Cunard’s new Wellness at Sea program (in collaboration with luxury bible Harper’s Bazaar) features a range of signature experiences and tailored programs themed around recovery, relaxation or energisation. The new Pavilion Wellness Café serves a plant-forward menu plus smoothies, pressed juices and ‘health shots’ with ingredients like turmeric and ginger. Special Wellness at Sea voyages are guided by experts who can give you the tools you need to continue your health kick back on dry land.

Right: Cunard has a renewed wellness focus.

Below: Aerial yoga is just one of many Scenic offerings.

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cruıse passenger

From

AmaWaterways

with love...

READERS’ CHOICE 2025 WINNER BEST RIVER LINE

AmaWaterways is proud to be recongnised by readers as Best River Line 2025.

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

AmaWaterways is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable ship design; modern and spacious ships and amenities; wellness activities; and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine.

Thank you for voting us Cruise Passenger’s Readers’ Choice Best River Line 2025!

We look forward to welcoming you on your next river cruise journey.

amawaterways.au

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Best for Accommodation

AVALON WATERWAYS * WINNER

• On Avalon Waterways ships, beds face the wall-to-wall window, rather than the traditional set up where the bed runs parallel to it. It’s one of those innovations that seems obvious in retrospect but only a handful of lines have implemented it. It means you can relax in bed, open the curtains and watch the ever-changing views unroll before you.

Better still, you can open the window to almost the entire width of the cabin, so your stateroom effectively becomes one giant open-air balcony.

This revolutionary style of balcony is the star of the line’s signature Panorama Suites and top-of-the-line Royal Suites, and a big hit with Cruise & Travel readers. While many outdoor balconies effectively steal space from the cabin, these open-air balconies bring the outside in without making things feel tight. The windows open sideways (rather than the standard top down) and the opening is over 2 metres across in Europe and an incredible 3.3 metres on Avalon Saigon in Asia. This vast wall of glass is the largest standard window in river cruising.

Space is a big feature of Avalon Waterways’ accommodation. Staterooms and suites are more spacious overall than the river cruise average. The 18.5-square-metre Panorama Suites are 30 per cent larger than average and Royal Suites can be up to 28 square metres. On Avalon’s newer ships in Europe, you’ll find two full decks of Panorama Suites making up as much as 80 per cent of the accommodations on board.

They’re big on style too – many cruisers say it feels more like floating in a boutique hotel than travelling on a river ship. Egyptian cotton linens, marble bathrooms and L’Occitane products make Avalon Waterways ships the perfect blend of luxury and comfort.

Right: Space and opulence abound on Oceania ships.

Below: Windows open to create balconies on Avalon ships.

+ Highly Commended

OCEANIA CRUISES • The opulent Owner’s Suites on Oceania Cruises’ newest ships Oceania Allura and Oceania Vista are up to 223 square metres. That’s about the same size as your average Sydney house, though considerably more luxurious. They also come with 24-hour butler service, catering to your every whim.

Oceania’s entry-level staterooms still feature floor-to-ceiling windows, complimentary minibar and gourmet chocolates at turndown. It’s this consistent and considered approach to luxury that made our readers vote Oceania Cruises into second place for accommodation in the 2025 awards.

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Best for Shore Excursions

TAUCK

* WINNER

• What happens on shore is just as important as the facilities on board, and this is one area where Tauck really shines. You told us how much you like the line’s small group sizes, handpicked local guides and authentic experiences, making it a worthy winner of this category. And with every shore excursion included in the fare, Tauck cruises also represent some of the best value around.

Tauck has fewer guests on board its river ships, and this philosophy carries over into shore excursions. Smaller groups make for a more intimate experience and the chance to get even closer to Europe’s treasures. There’s a focus on cultural immersion and connecting with the locals, from artisans and artists to historians and chefs. Tauck guests get to enjoy experiences unavailable to other travellers, like exclusive classical concerts, gala dinners in grand palaces and tastings at private vineyards. It’s also one of the few lines that runs dedicated family river cruises in Europe with tailored shore excursions.

That could be a guided scavenger hunt through the Louvre or an evening in a German castle with archery lessons and medieval games.

On its small ship ocean cruises, you can choose cultural itineraries or intrepid expedition voyages with shore excursions to match. Enjoy an evening with a geisha in Japan, tour a private villa in Palermo, explore the Sistine Chapel after hours and visit a family farm in Iceland to learn about their traditional way of life.

Tauck expedition cruises visit Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos Islands and the Panama Canal. Shore excursions here are guided by experienced naturalists or passionate adventurers. Wildlife encounters, mountain hikes, Zodiac cruises and ocean kayaking will thrill even the most experienced cruiser.

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PONANT

• Ponant takes silver again this year, with our readers highlighting its signature style of immersive experiences on shore. Each excursion is led by naturalist guides, wildlife photographers or experts from the worlds of art, science, culture or cuisine. Cruising to some of the world’s most remote destinations, Ponant guests have the opportunity to interact with Indigenous communities and learn about their strong ancestral traditions. Small ships and off-the-beatentrack ports mean excursions are always intimate, and you can expect the same level of five-star luxury you enjoy on board – and a real commitment to sustainability.

Right: Ponant cruises to remote destinations.

Above: Tauck offers exclusive excursions.

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Best for Sustainability

PONANT EXPLORATIONS * WINNER

• Ponant makes it two years in a row as our readers name it Best for Sustainability. The luxurious French line believes travel must be a responsible act and that taking guests to the farthest corners of the globe can only be done with care and respect. With 13 ships in the fleet, from ultra-luxury catamarans to intrepid icebreaking expedition vessels, Ponant offers an incredible diversity of cruises from the sparkling waters of the Seychelles to the icy extremes of the polar regions.

In 2024, Ponant became the first-ever cruise line to earn Green Globe certification, an internationally recognised standard for sustainable tourism. It is only awarded after a detailed assessment based on 44 criteria and 380 indicators, and the certification process needs to be carried out again every year. Ponant continually reduces carbon emissions and improves energy efficiency across the fleet, has almost entirely removed single-use plastics, uses desalination and wastewater treatment systems to reduce water usage, and selects suppliers based on a short supply chain.

Through the revolutionary Swap2Zero program, Ponant is aiming to launch the world’s first carbon-neutral transoceanic vessel in 2030. This next-generation cruise ship will combine fuel cell technology, marine carbon capture, and wind-assisted propulsion to achieve near-zero carbon emissions.

Ponant is also committed to protecting marine life and vulnerable ecosystems. The Ponant Science program regularly welcomes scientists onto the ships, taking them to inaccessible regions to learn more about the ocean. Indigenous communities and their traditional knowledge are placed at the centre of onshore explorations. In the Kimberley, for example, Ponant offers immersive Indigenous-led experiences.

Right: Hurtigruten is committed to sustainable cruising. Below: Ponant has Green Globe certification.

+ Highly Commended

HURTIGRUTEN

• Norway is leading the way when it comes to sustainable tourism, so it makes sense that Norwegian-based line Hurtigruten is also at the forefront. The fleet utilises certified biofuels, advanced propellor blades and control systems, shore-power connectivity, and state-of-the-art wastewater systems to minimise its impact.

Hurtigruten has also eliminated single-use plastic and composts ships’ onboard food waste to be used by local farmers growing fresh produce for the ships. Like first-place Ponant, Hurtigruten is working towards launching a zero-emissions ship in 2030 – we can’t wait to see who comes out on top.

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Best Cruise Port

SYDNEY

* WINNER

• Sydney makes it four in a row, taking out the title of Best Cruise Port again in 2025. We have to agree with our readers – there’s nothing like docking right in the heart of the world’s most spectacular harbour. Even the most seasoned cruiser can’t resist standing on deck or out on their veranda as their ship sails through the heads and past Australia’s most famous landmarks.

Perched on the edge of Circular Quay right between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, the Overseas Passenger Terminal is arguably the world’s most picturesque place to dock. Stroll off your ship and it’s just a few steps to Sydney’s top restaurants, bars and tourist attractions. Wander the historic streets of The Rocks, Australia’s oldest suburb; walk across the bridge to admire the view; or hop on the new light rail to explore George Street, Chinatown and beyond.

Some smaller ships dock at White Bay in the inner harbour.

While it’s a little further away from the action, it does mean you get the once-in-a-lifetime experience of sailing beneath the Harbour Bridge. Then, it’s just a quick taxi ride or shuttle bus trip into the city.

Once you’ve docked in Sydney, there’s so much to see and do.

Catch a wave at the world-famous Bondi Beach, then celebrate with a drink at Icebergs overlooking the iconic Bondi ocean pool. Talk to the animals at Taronga Zoo, which sits on a hillside overlooking the harbour. Learn about the area’s ancient Indigenous roots on a guided tour or soak up some contemporary art at an award-winning gallery. Sydney is also close enough to places like the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley that you can easily visit them on a day trip while in port.

Right: Brisbane is becoming a popular port.

Below: Sydney is a spectacular city to sail into and stay a while.

+ Highly Commended

BRISBANE

• The capital of the Sunshine State is fast emerging as Australia’s second-most-important cruise port. After a revamp worth close to $200 million, some of the world’s largest cruise ships can now call at Brisbane and ships are starting to homeport in the city year-round. Almost 150 vessels visited Brisbane in the last wave season, and it’s perfectly positioned for short cruises along the Queensland coast, and to New Zealand and the South Pacific. Shore excursions can take you into the city, to spectacular Stradbroke Island, into the lush hinterland, and in search of Australia’s iconic wildlife.

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READERS’ CHOICE 2025

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SNPR1

Antarctica, All-Inclusive, Ultra-Luxury

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READERS’ CHOICE 2025 WINNER

READERS’ CHOICE 2025 WINNER

BEST FOR YACHTS

BEST FOR WELLNESS

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Argentina

Buenos Aires 1

Ushuaia Drake Passage Antarctic Peninsula Lemaire Channel

Spacious Suites with Butler Service

Emperor Penguins, Snow Hill Island

Our award winning Discovery Yachts, as chosen by you, create the ultimate experience of a lifetime for only up to 200 guests in Antarctica.

Gain deep insights from your expert Discovery Team while joining all-inclusive excursions

by Zodiac, kayak and stand-up paddleboard. Soar above by helicopter^ or dive below by submersible^, and on early-season voyages, witness the largest Emperor penguin colonies ≈

at Snow Hill Island with an exclusive helicopter landing excursion .

Your journey is pure indulgence – all-verandah suites with butler service, rejuvenation in the 500m² Senses Spa , and up to 10 world-class culinary experiences. #

Antarctica in Depth 13 Day Voyage | Departs 2027 & 2028 INCLUDES: One night stay in Buenos Aires | Internal flights All meals & beverages+ | Excursions by Zodiac, kayak & stand-up paddleboard~ Wellness facilities, gym, Pilates & yoga studio | Airport transfers & tipping A special thank you to Cruise&Travel for the prestigious awards and acknowledgment.

South Shetland Islands Snow Hill Island Antarctic Circle

101S

Taste of Argentina & Brazil 10 Day Extension Sunset drinks at the peak of Rio’s Sugarloaf Mountain Watch the sunrise over Iguazú Falls Stay at luxurious Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires City tours in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires

Includes: Small Group Escorted Tour Selected Dining Expert Tour Director & Local Guides Scenic Freechoice Excursions Enquire for pricing tour code OSAB

Book now to save on your Scenic Eclipse cruise with our Super Earlybird and Limited Time offers.

Visit sceniceclipse.com, your local Travel Advisor, or call us on 138 128 *Deposit of 20% is required within 7 days of booking. Full payment required 10 months prior to departure. 10 Day Taste of Argentina & Brazil Extension (OSAB) is at additional cost. ^Flights on board two helicopters, helicopter experiences including the Snow Hill excursion from October 2025 to November 2026 and submersible experiences are at an additional cost, subject to availability and regulatory approval, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather and ice conditions. #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board are included except for a very small number of rare fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. ~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations. For the full set of terms and conditions visit scenic.com.au/terms-conditions. ABN 85 002 715 602.

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J O U R N E Y W O R T H Y O F

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VISIT RITZCARLTONYACHTCOLLECTION.COM, CALL +61 02 8552 0210 OR CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL.

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