NewsBite

BEST NEW OCEAN SHIPNorwegian AquaHere’s why cruisers will be excited about the debut of Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Aqua in April: first, its mind-blowing hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide. The Aqua Slidecoaster will take thrill-seekers through two different courses over three whole storeys of twists and turns around the ship’s funnel.Not into thrills and spills? No worries, Aqua will also have the first Prince show at sea. The headline production Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, developed in partnership with Prince Legacy LLC, will celebrate the late seven-time Grammy Award-winning artist through his hits. Norwegian Aqua will sail seven-day Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Florida.
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BEST NEW OCEAN SHIP

Norwegian Aqua

Here’s why cruisers will be excited about the debut of Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Aqua in April: first, its mind-blowing hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide. The Aqua Slidecoaster will take thrill-seekers through two different courses over three whole storeys of twists and turns around the ship’s funnel.

Not into thrills and spills? No worries, Aqua will also have the first Prince show at sea. The headline production Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, developed in partnership with Prince Legacy LLC, will celebrate the late seven-time Grammy Award-winning artist through his hits. Norwegian Aqua will sail seven-day Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Runners-up:MSC World AmericaThe 6762-guest MSC World America is set to make quite the splash when she makes her debut in April. The Family Aventura district features a 90-degree vertical drop slide, through a trap door, no less, before twisting and turning brave adventurers to a splash zone.
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Runners-up:

MSC World America

The 6762-guest MSC World America is set to make quite the splash when she makes her debut in April. The Family Aventura district features a 90-degree vertical drop slide, through a trap door, no less, before twisting and turning brave adventurers to a splash zone.

Celebrity XcelSo far, Celebrity Cruises is keeping details of the 3250-guest Celebrity Xcel under wraps but what we do know is the fifth Edge-class ship will be even more spectacular than her sister ships, and that’s saying something. Stand by for the big reveal in November.
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Celebrity Xcel

So far, Celebrity Cruises is keeping details of the 3250-guest Celebrity Xcel under wraps but what we do know is the fifth Edge-class ship will be even more spectacular than her sister ships, and that’s saying something. Stand by for the big reveal in November.

BEST NEW ITINERARYSilversea Grand Australia voyageLooking to see more of Australia but not keen on ultra-long drives or endless flights? In 2025, Silversea is offering a new way to visit 23 destinations in complete luxury aboard the new Silver Nova. We’re talking butler service, unlimited caviar and Champagne. The Grand Australia 47-day voyage takes in wish-list destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef as well as the big cities.Another plus? In select destinations, Silversea will feature its cuisine-focused S.A.L.T excursions. In Adelaide, for example, there’s a foraging tour through Adelaide Botanic Garden with chef Tom Tilbury, culminating in a four-course lunch paired with local wines at the new Botanic Lodge.
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BEST NEW ITINERARY

Silversea Grand Australia voyage

Looking to see more of Australia but not keen on ultra-long drives or endless flights? In 2025, Silversea is offering a new way to visit 23 destinations in complete luxury aboard the new Silver Nova. We’re talking butler service, unlimited caviar and Champagne. The Grand Australia 47-day voyage takes in wish-list destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef as well as the big cities.

Another plus? In select destinations, Silversea will feature its cuisine-focused S.A.L.T excursions. In Adelaide, for example, there’s a foraging tour through Adelaide Botanic Garden with chef Tom Tilbury, culminating in a four-course lunch paired with local wines at the new Botanic Lodge.

Windstar Cruises' wellness itinerariesNoting the trend in wellness travel, Windstar Cruises is introducing The Mind, Body and Spirit Collection focusing on mindfulness, exercise and a healthy diet across four itineraries in 2025.
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Windstar Cruises' wellness itineraries

Noting the trend in wellness travel, Windstar Cruises is introducing The Mind, Body and Spirit Collection focusing on mindfulness, exercise and a healthy diet across four itineraries in 2025.

BEST NEW RESTAURANTLove by Britto, Star PrincessWhen Princess Cruises launched the new Love by Britto specialty restaurant on Sun Princess last year, it was onto a winner. Fitting in with Princess’s “Love Boat” heritage, this is a restaurant made for romance. Diners were universally impressed and requests for reservations skyrocketed.When Princess’s new ship, the 4300-guest Star Princess, launches in September, Love by Britto will be even larger, allowing for more availability. Brazilian artist Romero Britto, known for his pop art, has teamed with chef Rudi Sodamin to create a menu of love-themed dishes with fabulous names like Lionel Richie’s “All Night Love” and specialty cocktails. After her inaugural Caribbean season, Star Princess will sail on Alaskan itineraries in 2026.
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BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Love by Britto, Star Princess

When Princess Cruises launched the new Love by Britto specialty restaurant on Sun Princess last year, it was onto a winner. Fitting in with Princess’s “Love Boat” heritage, this is a restaurant made for romance. Diners were universally impressed and requests for reservations skyrocketed.

When Princess’s new ship, the 4300-guest Star Princess, launches in September, Love by Britto will be even larger, allowing for more availability. Brazilian artist Romero Britto, known for his pop art, has teamed with chef Rudi Sodamin to create a menu of love-themed dishes with fabulous names like Lionel Richie’s “All Night Love” and specialty cocktails. After her inaugural Caribbean season, Star Princess will sail on Alaskan itineraries in 2026.

Runners-up:Aqua Expeditions x PonantAqua Expeditions vessels already have exceptional cuisine, and now it has been acquired by French luxury brand Ponant, cruisers can expect this to continue. Ponant works with Ducasse Conseil, a company headed by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse.
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Runners-up:

Aqua Expeditions x Ponant

Aqua Expeditions vessels already have exceptional cuisine, and now it has been acquired by French luxury brand Ponant, cruisers can expect this to continue. Ponant works with Ducasse Conseil, a company headed by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse.

Pink Agave on Brilliant LadyVirgin Voyages’ fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, launches in September, and like her sister ships, she will feature what could be the best Mexican restaurant at sea, Pink Agave.
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Pink Agave on Brilliant Lady

Virgin Voyages’ fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, launches in September, and like her sister ships, she will feature what could be the best Mexican restaurant at sea, Pink Agave.

BEST EXCURSIONSScenic’s Danube in Depth river cruiseIt’s not about ticking off sights on Scenic’s 10-day Danube in Depth river cruise – this is an itinerary that offers immersive experiences where you can savour life along the second-longest river in Europe. Just some of the options from Budapest to Munich (or vice versa) include the chance to take part in three cooking classes (Goulash! Potato dumplings! Linzer torte!) and sample local beer in Nuremberg’s underground rock-cut cellars. There’s active adventures such as cycling to Klosterneuburg Monastery on the outskirts of Vienna, and kayaking between Germany and Austria on the Inn River. And there’s also a visit to Göttweig Abbey in a new excursion where a local guide talks through the abbey’s magnificent frescoes as well as its staircase, the largest Baroque staircase in Austria.
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BEST EXCURSIONS

Scenic’s Danube in Depth river cruise

It’s not about ticking off sights on Scenic’s 10-day Danube in Depth river cruise – this is an itinerary that offers immersive experiences where you can savour life along the second-longest river in Europe. Just some of the options from Budapest to Munich (or vice versa) include the chance to take part in three cooking classes (Goulash! Potato dumplings! Linzer torte!) and sample local beer in Nuremberg’s underground rock-cut cellars. There’s active adventures such as cycling to Klosterneuburg Monastery on the outskirts of Vienna, and kayaking between Germany and Austria on the Inn River. And there’s also a visit to Göttweig Abbey in a new excursion where a local guide talks through the abbey’s magnificent frescoes as well as its staircase, the largest Baroque staircase in Austria.

Runners-up:Explora Journeys’ Mayan tourNew luxury cruise brand Explora Journeys’ excursions take deep cultural dives. On the seven-night Journey to the Playground of the Maya, there’s the chance to meet Mexican wrestlers, and walk in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway.
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Runners-up:

Explora Journeys’ Mayan tour

New luxury cruise brand Explora Journeys’ excursions take deep cultural dives. On the seven-night Journey to the Playground of the Maya, there’s the chance to meet Mexican wrestlers, and walk in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway.

Heritage Expeditions’ Subantarctic Islands voyagesHeritage Expeditions is partnering with Nikon ambassador and multi-award-winning seabird photographer Rachel Bigsby on two Subantarctic Islands voyages in 2025 for in-depth wildlife photographic lessons.
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Heritage Expeditions’ Subantarctic Islands voyages

Heritage Expeditions is partnering with Nikon ambassador and multi-award-winning seabird photographer Rachel Bigsby on two Subantarctic Islands voyages in 2025 for in-depth wildlife photographic lessons.

BEST EXPEDITIONAurora Expeditions’ Douglas Mawson departing from TassieAustralian-owned Aurora Expeditions’ newest state-of-the-art small expedition vessel, Douglas Mawson, will set sail from Hobart in December on a voyage retracing the polar pioneer’s Australasian Antarctic expedition over a century ago. Adventurers on board the 24-day voyage, Mawson’s Antarctica, will spy towering ice cliffs and huge tabular icebergs as well as colonies of emperor and Adélie penguins, orcas patrolling for prey, and snow petrels.Weather permitting, the vessel will visit Mawson’s Huts at Cape Denison. Another bonus for expeditioners? The voyage departs from a local port and returns via New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands to Dunedin, so there’s no need to travel all the way to South America. And no need to worry about rough seas. The cutting-edge vessel has a streamlined Ulstein X-Bow which cuts through the swell, as well as Rolls-Royce dynamic stabilisers.
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BEST EXPEDITION

Aurora Expeditions’ Douglas Mawson departing from Tassie

Australian-owned Aurora Expeditions’ newest state-of-the-art small expedition vessel, Douglas Mawson, will set sail from Hobart in December on a voyage retracing the polar pioneer’s Australasian Antarctic expedition over a century ago. Adventurers on board the 24-day voyage, Mawson’s Antarctica, will spy towering ice cliffs and huge tabular icebergs as well as colonies of emperor and Adélie penguins, orcas patrolling for prey, and snow petrels.

Weather permitting, the vessel will visit Mawson’s Huts at Cape Denison. Another bonus for expeditioners? The voyage departs from a local port and returns via New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands to Dunedin, so there’s no need to travel all the way to South America. And no need to worry about rough seas. The cutting-edge vessel has a streamlined Ulstein X-Bow which cuts through the swell, as well as Rolls-Royce dynamic stabilisers.

Runners-up:Coral Adventurer meets The GhanAll scheduled departure dates of Coral Expeditions’ Coral Adventurer Kimberley voyages from Darwin are timed to align with The Ghan rail journey, allowing travellers to experience two iconic experiences together.
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Runners-up:

Coral Adventurer meets The Ghan

All scheduled departure dates of Coral Expeditions’ Coral Adventurer Kimberley voyages from Darwin are timed to align with The Ghan rail journey, allowing travellers to experience two iconic experiences together.

Arctic Canada with HX HX has introduced new Arctic Canada sailings for 2025 with an array of enrichment programs and cultural ambassadors to connect expeditioners with Indigenous communities.
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Arctic Canada with HX 

HX has introduced new Arctic Canada sailings for 2025 with an array of enrichment programs and cultural ambassadors to connect expeditioners with Indigenous communities.

BEST RIVER CRUISESViking ships on the NileThis year, two new Viking river vessels will set sail on the Nile with Viking Amun and Viking Thoth joining the fleet. Both vessels, which feature a distinctive square bow, will accommodate 82 guests and serve as the base to explore the ancient ruins of Egypt on the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids round-trip from Cairo. On board, an expert Egyptologist will share the history and culture of Egypt. Off the ship, highlights include the chance to float over Luxor’s West Bank on a balloon ride.
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BEST RIVER CRUISES

Viking ships on the Nile

This year, two new Viking river vessels will set sail on the Nile with Viking Amun and Viking Thoth joining the fleet. Both vessels, which feature a distinctive square bow, will accommodate 82 guests and serve as the base to explore the ancient ruins of Egypt on the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids round-trip from Cairo. On board, an expert Egyptologist will share the history and culture of Egypt. Off the ship, highlights include the chance to float over Luxor’s West Bank on a balloon ride.

Runners-up:Magnificent Europe with APTAPT’s 15-day Magnificent Europe itineraries will showcase two new ships, the ultra-luxury Solara and Ostara, this year. Each ship hosts 154 guests who will experience the innovative Grüner Bar & Dining, which lifts via hydraulics from Deck 3 to the upper sundeck for sunset dining with 360-degree views.
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Runners-up:

Magnificent Europe with APT

APT’s 15-day Magnificent Europe itineraries will showcase two new ships, the ultra-luxury Solara and Ostara, this year. Each ship hosts 154 guests who will experience the innovative Grüner Bar & Dining, which lifts via hydraulics from Deck 3 to the upper sundeck for sunset dining with 360-degree views.

Uniworld family cruises on the Rhine Uniworld is offering family sailings along the Rhine as part of its Generations collection. The voyages are packed with culturally and historically significant experiences.
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Uniworld family cruises on the Rhine 

Uniworld is offering family sailings along the Rhine as part of its Generations collection. The voyages are packed with culturally and historically significant experiences.

BEST NEW LOCAL CRUISEPS Australian Star on the MurrayAPT is joining forces with new vessel PS Australian Star on the Murray River from August to offer sailings of four, five and eight days. The eight-day Retreat to the Murray departing Melbourne return aboard the luxury 38-passenger vessel will explore destinations from Torrumbarry Weir to Echuca with an APT tour director. There’s a riverside barbecue under the stars, Indigenous sites to witness, a winery tour and guided lantern tours. On board, sit down to fine cuisine in the sleek Randell Dining Room or a drink in the stylish Hopwood Lounge, both offering incredible views.
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BEST NEW LOCAL CRUISE

PS Australian Star on the Murray

APT is joining forces with new vessel PS Australian Star on the Murray River from August to offer sailings of four, five and eight days. The eight-day Retreat to the Murray departing Melbourne return aboard the luxury 38-passenger vessel will explore destinations from Torrumbarry Weir to Echuca with an APT tour director. There’s a riverside barbecue under the stars, Indigenous sites to witness, a winery tour and guided lantern tours. On board, sit down to fine cuisine in the sleek Randell Dining Room or a drink in the stylish Hopwood Lounge, both offering incredible views.

Runners-up:The Wiggles x Royal CaribbeanPack your skivvies! In November, Royal Caribbean is teaming up with the Wiggles to launch the Ultimate Wiggly Adventure at sea. Six Wiggly sailings will feature character events and live concerts.
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Runners-up:

The Wiggles x Royal Caribbean

Pack your skivvies! In November, Royal Caribbean is teaming up with the Wiggles to launch the Ultimate Wiggly Adventure at sea. Six Wiggly sailings will feature character events and live concerts.

Carnival’s new additionsCarnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter will set sail in Australian waters in March. The former P&O ships will be refreshed with new youth programs, activities and free pizza.
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Carnival’s new additions

Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter will set sail in Australian waters in March. The former P&O ships will be refreshed with new youth programs, activities and free pizza.

BEST NEW PORTAustral IslandsWe all know that “Tahiti looks nice”, and Bora Bora has some of the world’s most spectacular turquoise lagoons, but until recently, the Austral Islands, the southernmost group of islands in French Polynesia, remained a secret. Aranui Cruises has started sailing to this remote archipelago where cruises on the mixed freight and passenger vessel Aranui 5 call into the five inhabited islands of Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rapa. Visitors can expect emerald lagoons, rich cultural experiences and lush mountainous landscapes. The next 13-day voyage departs April 5, with two more to follow this year.
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BEST NEW PORT

Austral Islands

We all know that “Tahiti looks nice”, and Bora Bora has some of the world’s most spectacular turquoise lagoons, but until recently, the Austral Islands, the southernmost group of islands in French Polynesia, remained a secret. Aranui Cruises has started sailing to this remote archipelago where cruises on the mixed freight and passenger vessel Aranui 5 call into the five inhabited islands of Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rapa. Visitors can expect emerald lagoons, rich cultural experiences and lush mountainous landscapes. The next 13-day voyage departs April 5, with two more to follow this year.

Runners-up:Nuuk, GreenlandThe recent opening of the international airport means cruising in Greenland has become even more alluring. Consider Viking’s 12-night Into the Northwest Passage aboard Viking Octantis round-trip from Nuuk in August and September.
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Runners-up:

Nuuk, Greenland

The recent opening of the international airport means cruising in Greenland has become even more alluring. Consider Viking’s 12-night Into the Northwest Passage aboard Viking Octantis round-trip from Nuuk in August and September.

Western AfricaWith ships eschewing the Red Sea, this is becoming the region to explore in 2025. Azamara has a 21-day Western Africa Cruise aboard Azamara Pursuit sailing from Lisbon this October with visits to Senegal, Namibia and Gambia.
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Western Africa

With ships eschewing the Red Sea, this is becoming the region to explore in 2025. Azamara has a 21-day Western Africa Cruise aboard Azamara Pursuit sailing from Lisbon this October with visits to Senegal, Namibia and Gambia.

BEST ENTERTAINMENTRoyal Caribbean’s Star of the SeasThere’s a lot to look forward to in terms of entertainment on board Royal Caribbean’s new 5610-guest Star of the Seas when she launches in August, with the headline production being the at-sea debut of the Broadway-style Back to the Future: The Musical. Add The Lincoln Park Supper Club, a 1930s Chicago-inspired experience pairing eight courses with live music. See phenomenal aquatic aerobatic skills on show at the AquaTheater and theatre on ice at Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena at sea. The ship will sail from seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Port Canaveral, Florida.
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BEST ENTERTAINMENT

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas

There’s a lot to look forward to in terms of entertainment on board Royal Caribbean’s new 5610-guest Star of the Seas when she launches in August, with the headline production being the at-sea debut of the Broadway-style Back to the Future: The Musical. Add The Lincoln Park Supper Club, a 1930s Chicago-inspired experience pairing eight courses with live music. See phenomenal aquatic aerobatic skills on show at the AquaTheater and theatre on ice at Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena at sea. The ship will sail from seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Runners-up:Seven Seas GrandeurLove Tina Turner and Stevie Nicks? Piece of My Heart: A Tribute to Women in Rock will debut on Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Grandeur in May.
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Runners-up:

Seven Seas Grandeur

Love Tina Turner and Stevie Nicks? Piece of My Heart: A Tribute to Women in Rock will debut on Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Grandeur in May.

Disney DestinyDisney Cruise Line’s newest vessel, Disney Destiny, set to launch in the Caribbean in November 2025 will offer a heroes and villains theme. Expect interactive performances from Marvel characters.
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Disney Destiny

Disney Cruise Line’s newest vessel, Disney Destiny, set to launch in the Caribbean in November 2025 will offer a heroes and villains theme. Expect interactive performances from Marvel characters.

BEST ON-BOARD BARSOceania AlluraOceania ships are renowned for their culinary experiences so it makes sense that their newest vessel, Oceania Allura, will be offering exemplary choices for both dining and imbibing. Among the bar offerings will be Founders Bar where ready-made Negronis come direct from a wooden barrel. Plus, there will be interactive and customised cocktail experiences.The Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar experience in the Terrace Café, for example, offers custom-made options to sample plus the opportunity to craft your own. Then there’s the Moët & Chandon Champagne Experience, a three-course pairing extravaganza featuring rare vintages teamed with such dishes as Mediterranean sea bass tartare, which could be the perfect experience to pair with a sailing in the Med.Oceania Allura will debut in July and sail on such itineraries as the 10-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise taking in Monaco, Rome and Santorini.
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BEST ON-BOARD BARS

Oceania Allura

Oceania ships are renowned for their culinary experiences so it makes sense that their newest vessel, Oceania Allura, will be offering exemplary choices for both dining and imbibing. Among the bar offerings will be Founders Bar where ready-made Negronis come direct from a wooden barrel. Plus, there will be interactive and customised cocktail experiences.

The Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar experience in the Terrace Café, for example, offers custom-made options to sample plus the opportunity to craft your own. Then there’s the Moët & Chandon Champagne Experience, a three-course pairing extravaganza featuring rare vintages teamed with such dishes as Mediterranean sea bass tartare, which could be the perfect experience to pair with a sailing in the Med.

Oceania Allura will debut in July and sail on such itineraries as the 10-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise taking in Monaco, Rome and Santorini.

Runners-up:LuminaraThe third vessel in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Luminara will feature six bars, and a wine vault. She’ll set sail closer to our shores offering itineraries in the Asian region during her inaugural season from December.
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Runners-up:

Luminara

The third vessel in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Luminara will feature six bars, and a wine vault. She’ll set sail closer to our shores offering itineraries in the Asian region during her inaugural season from December.

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