New wave of cruising

EXPLORE the most breathtaking and isolated spots, while indulging in private opulence. Jessica Hurt brings us the world's best cruises.

MORE Australians are enjoying cruising holidays than ever before. And, as the passenger numbers increase, so too do the choices.

It's a cliche, but one of the biggest advantages to cruising is being able to unpack once and avoid the hassles of busy airports and hotels.

Instead sit back and relax as you arrive at some of the world's most scenic destinations.

THE KIMBERLEY

Cruise control: Search for the elusive barramundi, enjoy heli-fishing surrounded by some of the country's most stunning scenery, swim in billabongs and enjoy energetic walks before returning to the luxury of a private cruise ship each night.

Location: The Kimberley, Western Australia.

Appeals to: Travellers looking to explore their own backyard in style, fishing enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.

Get me there: Adventure meets luxury on the Kimberley Wilderness cruise (from Broome to Wyndham), a 13-night odyssey which starts with a cocktail welcome on board the boutique cruise ship, True North, in the pearling port of Broome.

Day one starts with breakfast as you glide past Cockatoo and Koolan islands, before you get up close and personal with a Kimberley icon – the Horizontal Falls. Take a helicopter ride to experience the falls from a unique perspective. Catch your breath before you visit Leadline Creek which will be the first opportunity to "land a barra".

Contact: Call [phone].

CHILEAN WILDERNESS

Cruise control: Imaging being dropped off by helicopter to fly-fish in one of the world's most scenic and remote locations – southern Chile's magnificent Patagonia. Or experiencing an unforgettable day whale watching before trekking deep in the mountains. This cruise navigates some of the world's most breathtaking and isolated spots combined with specialised eco-tourism activities.

Location: Chilean Patagonia is on the southernmost tip of South America. It is where the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains meet, producing channels, rivers and lakes, some of them presumably still lying unseen by human eyes.

Appeals to: Animal and adventure lovers, angling and outdoor enthusiasts, cruising buffs and travellers with a thirst for unique experiences.

Get me there: Cruising is aboard the Atmosphere, a 28-passenger vessel fully equipped with two helicopters, jet boats, jet skiffs, drift boats, kayaks, catacrafts, inflatable rafts and a zodiac hurricane. After a hard day of exploring, guests can relax on board and make use of the thalassotherapy spa, sauna and massage service and traditional Chilean cuisine and wine.

Nomads of the Seas offers two specific week-long trips: ultimate fly fishing for angling enthusiasts and an eco-tourism program which combines environmental expeditions like whale watching, birdwatching and nature photography, with soft outdoor adventures such as rafting and horseback and helicopter rides.

Cost: Prices start from $15,712 a person for the ultimate fly-fishing tour, during low season.

RUSSIA

Cruise control: If you have cruised the Danube and the Rhine, the Russian waterways should be next on your list. A river cruise also appeals to travellers who may have already visited the region but are keen to explore it without the hassle of trains, planes and automobiles.

Location: Explore the mystery of the Volga, its quiet provincial towns as well as Russia's two greatest cities, Moscow and St Petersburg.

Get me there: The Travel Directors has a 26-day Russia adventure, The Waterways of Russia, The Baltic to the Caspian, which departs Australia on September 16.

Highlights of the tour include visiting the Venice of the north, St Petersburg, where you will enjoy sights such as St Isaac's Cathedral and the beautiful Summer Palace, the playground of the tsars.

Another highlight is a visit to the Winter Palace, which was finished in 1762 and was home to the tsars until the Russian Revolution in 1917. It now houses the Hermitage Museum, home to one of the greatest art collections in the world. But a tour of Russia wouldn't be complete without a visit to Moscow, Russia's capital.

Contact: Call The Travel Directors on 1800 641 236.

MAURITIUS

Cruise control: If you have cruised the South Pacific, broaden your experiences next year with a cruise which includes Mauritius, the Maldives and Madagascar.

Location: The Sun Princess South Africa and India Odyssey cruise leaves Fremantle next May and visits India, the Maldives, Seychelles, South Africa, Madagascar and Mauritius.

Appeals to: Beach lovers looking to indulge in some of the world's most picturesque islands.

Get me there: Princess Cruises has a one-off 46-night odyssey to South Africa and India on board Sun Princess, departing Fremantle on May 2, 2009, with fares available from $9957 a person, twin-share. The cruise visits Singapore, Malaysia, India, the Maldives, Seychelles, Madagascar, South Africa, Reunion Island and Mauritius.

Onshore excursions include discovering the old-world charm of Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles; travelling on the spice trail in Goa; visiting a traditional Zulu village in South Africa; and discovering Phuket's last virgin rainforest. Cruising is aboard the Sun Princess, which features more than 400 balcony staterooms, three spacious pools, two formal dining rooms, wine and caviar bar, pizzeria, casino, gym and spa.

AMERICAN NORTH-WEST

Cruise control: If you are a fan of European river cruising, but looking for a new destination to explore, river cruising is an ideal way to uncover the wonders of America's Wild West.

Location: Ports of call include Portland, Klickatat Dock, Pendleton, Clarkston, Port of Rainer and Astoria.

Appeals to: Travellers interested in exploring a "different" America.

Get me there: The region is home to lush coastal forests, waterfalls, canyons, bridges and dams.

Tour highlights include discovering Pendleton's Wild West past and the Pendleton Woollen Mills, opened in 1909 to weave blankets for the Indians and still in production today.

In Clarkston, Washington, the Hells Canyon jet boat ride takes travellers on a journey through North America's deepest canyon. Cruising is aboard the majestic Empress of the North, an intimate liner which has a guest capacity of 223 passengers. Staterooms cost from $3185 a person.

Contact: Call Travel the World on 1300 766 566.