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
CT16_OFC.indd 2
WIN A $24,000 CRUISE FROM TOKYO TO ALASKA WITH FLIGHTS 18/11/2025 8:33 am
2026 Fine Wine All-Inclusive River Cruising
SNPR10514 v2 Rivers WINE Cruise CT16_002_003_ScenicJT.indd 2 Passenger DPS v2.indd 1
6/11/2025 4:20 13/11/2025 4:16 PM pm
SNPR1
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.
4:20 PM
SNPR10514 v2 Rivers WINE Cruise CT16_002_003_ScenicJT.indd 3 Passenger DPS v2.indd 2
6/11/2025 4:20 13/11/2025 4:17 PM pm
Voyage
CT16_004_005_Oceania.indd 4
13/11/2025 4:19 pm
CT16_004_005_Oceania.indd 5
13/11/2025 4:19 pm
Contents
Cruise
56
Travel
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
cruıse
Cover: Quark Expeditions Printed by IVE.
cruisepassenger.com.au
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
25 passenger
C
E
L
E
B
R
A T
Y
E
A
R
Cruise
I
N
G
S
Travel REVIEWS
44
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.
6
CT16_006_007_Contents.indd 6
OCEANS
Rediscovering Princess
14
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.
50
Homecoming Queen Gourmet dining awaits on Oceania Riviera, back for a second Australian season.
56
The Viking Age
Sailing the waters of the original Vikings makes this cruise on Viking Jupiter all the more fascinating. Cruise &Travel
17/11/2025 8:56 am
RIVERS
& TRAVEL
River revolution
The White Lotus: where to next
64
Why the next two years will be huge for river cruising.
REVIEW
Which of the Four Seasons hotels in France will it be?
90
72
Uniworld super ship Does the latest ship from Uniworld deliver? We find out on a European cruise.
WIN
88
A slice of the Med in Paris
The welcoming boutique luxury hotel J.K. Place Paris might just steal your heart.
93
Japan’s golden triangle
You’ve seen Japan’s tourist beats, now go deeper and explore off the beaten path.
96
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.
cruıse
A SPECIAL MAGAZINE
READERS’ CHOICE 2025
World’s
passenger
A $24,000 LUXURY CRUISE FROM TOKYO TO ALASKA WITH FLIGHTS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CRUISE PASSENGER, MY CRUISES AND EXPLORATIONS BY NORWEGIAN.
TOP 100
CRUISES Chosen by an expert panel
Brought to you by Cruise
SIMPLY SCAN THE QR CODE TO ENTER
Travel Magazine and
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. CT016_100 Best Cruises_001_Cover.indd 3
Cruise &Travel
CT16_006_007_Contents.indd 7
6/11/2025 1:06 pm
7
14/11/2025 6:16 pm