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Cruising

June

View on St George island from Our Lady of the Rocks through arch. Perast, Montenegro.

Europe’s wallet-friendly alternative to Lake Como

This 10-night Mediterranean cruise on a $775-million luxury ship is a great way to discover lesser-known ports.

  • Fiona Carruthers
Eastern Greenland, Blosseville Coast.  Female polar bear with two young cubs.

Become a polar explorer, without giving up the luxuries

Ponant’s icebreaker vessel takes cruise passengers right into the icy Arctic circle.

  • Jane Cornwell

May

“There must be evolution,” says Alexis Quaretti, one of two newly appointed executive culinary directors for Oceania Cruises.

400 new recipes for one small ship? This is cruising for true foodies

New executive culinary director Alexis Quaretti is serving classical French cuisine, of course, but expect additional inventive menus from Oceania Cruises.

  • Jill Dupleix
The view over Portugal’s Douro River from Vinum Restaurant at Graham’s Port – an evening extravaganza courtesy of Viking Cruise Line.

On your next cruise, try a magical night onshore you won’t forget

Thanks to the growing popularity of cruising, luxury lines are coming up with ever-more exotic excursions on land – especially after sundown.

  • Jeff Allan and Fiona Carruthers
The Le Petit Chef dining experience is a must when on a Celebrity cruise.

Is this the cutest restaurant on water? Sea foodies seem to think so

An energetic and animated chef keeps fine dining lively on the ocean.

  • Fiona Carruthers
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A cruise around Antarctica provides time to soak up the beauty – and the ethereal silence.

How my cynicism gave way to tears of relief in Antarctica

It seems the Great White Continent has the power to “break open” even the toughest corporate warrior.

  • Alana Piper
Handpicked Wines boss William Dong with Sydney Symphony Orchestra members Alexandra Osborne  and Tim Nankervis at the Handpicked Cellar Door in Chippendale, Sydney.

Six ways to stay entertained for those staying home this winter

Not everyone is travelling abroad for the northern hemisphere summer. Cosy up in Australia on a rail trip with Journey Beyond, or indulge at The Victoria & Albert Guesthouse in the Blue Mountains.

  • Fiona Carruthers
Queen Anne’s Grand Lobby mixes tradition with a contemporary feel.

A Michelin-star chef and pickleball - after 184 years, Cunard pivots

Queen Anne is a litany of firsts for Cunard, including its first designated outdoor yoga space, along with mini golf, a pickleball court and an archery area.

  • Fiona Carruthers
Cruise ships docked in Charlotte Amalie Harbour, off Saint Thomas island.

Pirates, pampering, rum bars and more - the Caribbean has it all

The region has many drawcards in addition to its famous white-sand beaches and azure waters. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a tantalising taster.

  • Mark Mulligan
Torstein Hagen, the founder of Viking Cruises.

How this founder built a $7.7b fortune by banning kids

Torstein Hagen created Viking Cruises with a focus on wealthy holiday makers travelling without kids. It’s now set to bring him a fortune.

  • Pui Gwen Yeung and Anders Melin

April

Scenic Eclipse II arrives in Sydney on Friday morning.

Priciest global cruise arrives in Sydney

Cruising is back in vogue, particularly on super-luxury options such as the Scenic Eclipse II, which boasts two helicopters and a submarine.

  • Fiona Carruthers

December 2023

Why billionaire David Marriott goes strictly off grid for holidays

Three travel industry families reveal where they’re planning to get away from it all next year and what’s in store for their global businesses.

  • Fiona Carruthers
Welcome aboard DIsney Wonder! Your kids will love you for ever if you book a Disney cruise. But will you survive?

From baby races to hidden Mickeys: here’s what a Disney cruise is like

Finally, the brand’s cruise line has made its Australian debut. Our writer stepped aboard a sceptic. Not so his two children.

  • David Marin-Guzman

November 2023

Qantas and Virgin Australia make the day extra special for their passengers.

Why it’s a great idea to travel on Christmas Day, especially overseas

Don’t be afraid to spend December 25 on the move. It might be your most exciting present to yourself yet – and save you pennies in the process.

  • Fiona Carruthers and Ayesha de Kretser

Expedition leaders name the top wildlife and adventure trips for 2024

Turn the dial to adventure: spot NZ fur seals on Enderby Island, watch boobies dance in the Galápagos or snorkel with humphead parrotfish in the Seychelles.

  • Brian Johnston
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Silver Nova’s pool captures all the views. The pool on Silver Ray will too.

Love the sea? Here are nine new ships – and one refurbished

Plenty of shiny new hulls are already sliding down the slip rails to make fresh waves into the New Year.

  • Brian Johnston

October 2023

Satori

Secluded bays and vintage silverware? Try a charter yacht

Looking for the best time and way to cruise the Med? This boat for 10 with outdoor movies offers a whole new way to holiday.

  • Ute Junker
Justice Angus Stewart said that “to proceed with the cruise carried a significant risk of a coronavirus outbreak, with possible disastrous consequences, yet they proceeded regardless”.

Ruby Princess liner negligent, misleading in COVID-19 trip

Justice Angus Stewart found the cruise company knew, or ought to have known, about the heightened risk of COVID-19 infection.

  • Updated
  • Maeve Bannister
Heritage Line’s luxurious Anouvong cruises the upper Mekong between Luang Prabang and the Thai border.

Unwind on a Mekong River cruise: an ex-monk will show you how

Leave Western cares behind on this voyage into Asia’s lush Golden Triangle in Laos. Downing home-made whisky with a village elder is optional.

  • Trudy Harris
Church in Oia (Santorini, Greece).

What to expect on your first Greek Islands cruise

When cruising aboard Resilient Lady in a RockStar Suite, there’s only one way to spend your daytime shore excursions: like a rock star, in dark glasses and a cap.

  • Tony Davis

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/topic/cruising-1ms2