Fly-cruise options for 2022 from Australia
Australians impatient to return to the water can consider these fly-in options while they wait for domestic restrictions to lift.
Australia’s many cruising aficionados are waiting, yet again, to see if the federal government will allow their favourite mode of transport back into the country. While fully vaccinated international visitors will be welcomed to our shores from February 21, the rolling ban on cruise ships has been extended until April 17.
Meanwhile, the siren call of the ocean, the tranquility of rivers and the thrill of expeditions are drawing Australians overseas on fly-cruise itineraries. Eager to make up for lost time, luxury travellers have booked out round-the-world voyages and splurged on bucket-list trips.
Multigenerational cruises are back in favour for overdue family reunions. Longer holidays on smaller ships are also popular, according to travel agents, with the best and most expensive suites selling first.
For those desperate to cruise away as soon as possible, these exhilarating voyages are setting sail this year.
■All prices are twin-share.
Russian Far East
Aurora Expeditions’ newest ship, the 130-passenger Sylvia Earle, has some epic one-way itineraries, such as an 18-night crossing from Alaska to Japan. In the far eastern reaches of Russia, watch brown bears catching salmon on black-sand beaches against a backdrop of volcanoes. Soak in coastal hot springs beside waterfalls; meet nomadic reindeer herders; spot puffins, sea otters, orca and beluga whales. Discounted by 20 per cent, this Kamchatka and Chukotka cruise is priced from $19,196 a person, including pre or post-cruise hotel accommodation. Land-based extensions are offered in Tokyo, Vancouver or Toronto and Niagara Falls. Departs Anchorage, August 14.
North Pole
After a successful dry-run voyage, a maximum 245 passengers will embark on Ponant’s mission to reach the geographic North Pole on zero-emissions electric battery power. The 15-night expedition is aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first hybrid-electric polar cruise ship powered by LNG. Explore by hovercraft, swim in a dry suit in Arctic waters, and go hiking, snowshoeing and ice fishing, while looking out for polar bears, walruses and narwhals. Equipped with two laboratories and research equipment, the ship’s first departures are in July but the August itinerary includes Greenland and Iceland. From $53,830 a person; departs Longyearbyen, August 22.
Britain
Here’s an adventure to add to your trip to Britain. Seabourn’s 12-day Inaugural Wild and Ancient British Isles is scheduled on the luxury line’s first purpose-built expedition ship, which debuts in April. Seabourn Venture conveniently departs from its London mooring in Greenwich on the River Thames. Castles, kayaking, Viking-founded islands andNeolithic stone monuments are highlights. Other stops include Dublin, the whisky distillery hub of Islay, and Edinburgh. Don’t miss a ride on the submersible to see World War II shipwrecks or Staffa’s hexagonal rock formations. From $26,999 a person. Departs London, April 10.
Italy
Italophiles, line up for this 11-night indulgence with several evening departures and an overnight stay in Venice. Azamara Onward’s christening and maiden voyage spends two days in Livorno, allowing time for Tuscany day trips to Florence and Pisa, before calling at Rome, Sorrento, Amalfi, Ancona and Bologna (Ravenna). With a bonus stop in Montenegro, explore UNESCO World Heritage site, Kotor. From $3223 a person; book by March 31 to receive a 15 per cent discount and $US500 onboard credit. Departs Monte Carlo, May 2.
Red Sea
Archaeological sites and Greek islands dominate this voyage from Jordan on a sparkly new 100-passenger yacht, Emerald Azzurra, which is due to start sailing in March. Explore the Great Pyramids of Giza, Sharm el-Sheikh, Petra, Cyprus, Turkey, Rhodes and Santorini, and transit the Suez Canal. Operated by Australian company Emerald Cruises, the 11-night Red Sea trip ends in Athens. From $7881 a person, departs Aqaba, March 22.
Asia
Roundtrip from Singapore, this two-week sailing on Silver Shadow trip takes in Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. Combine the buzz of Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City with the beaches of Phuket and Langkawi, the rainforests of Sumatra, and the art and food of Penang. Prices start at $7600 a person, including dining, drinks, butler service and shuttles into each port. For an extra $3000, Silversea’s new door-to-door fare adds private transfers from your home and a daily shore excursion. Departs Singapore, November 24.
Peru
A day at Machu Picchu elevates Uniworld’s 14-night Peruvian Amazon tour, following a week of river cruising on stunning 16-suite ship Aria Amazon. After a train journey to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay, guests are transferred to the mountain-top citadel, with a guided trek and lunch. The rest of the land-based week explores Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Activities on the cruise range from canoeing and swimming in the Amazon’s rivers to guided walks in the jungle. Departs Lima, October 5; $20,399 a person.
Antarctica
A once-in-a-lifetime experience deserves the world’s most luxurious discovery yacht. Scenic Eclipse has its own helicopters to provide unbeatable aerial views, while its custom-built submarine takes guests beneath the pristine waters. Hike, kayak and learn about the wildlife, geology and history from a 20-member team of experts. The start of the season, in early November, presents Antarctica in its most immaculate condition for wildlife sightings and dazzling scenery. From $18,535 a person; includes butler service, drinks, dining at 10 onboard venues, and a hotel stay in Buenos Aires. Departs Buenos Aires, November 10.
Transatlantic
The classic cruise for ocean lovers is a non-stop crossing of the Atlantic on legendary liner Queen Mary 2. The last one of the year arrives in time to see New York’s Christmas decorations. Inside cabins are available for as little as $1199 a person, but upgrading to a suite for $5499 provides a much larger room with balcony, the services of a steward and superior dining at a reserved table in the exclusive Princess Grill restaurant. Departs Southampton, November 13.
Dubai to Africa
Finish the year with Oceania Cruises’ month-long odyssey, Sands to Safari, on the freshly redesigned ship Nautica. Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Mumbai, Goa, Male, Mahe, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Durban and Cape Town are just some of the amazing ports of call. Compare the snorkelling in the Seychelles, the Maldives and Fujairah (UAE), and go on safari in Kenya’s Tsavo East National Park or South Africa’s Hluhluwe Game Reserve. From $12,240 a person; includes eight excursions, drinks and dining in the ship’s exceptional restaurants. Departs Dubai, December 7.
Mississippi River
Celebrate the holidays in America’s Old South on this river cruise along the Lower Mississippi. Sail from Memphis, the birthplace of blues and rock ’n’ roll, to the food, jazz and nightlife capital of New Orleans. Exclusive to Viking, guests get after-hours access to Elvis Presley’s Graceland, decorated in festive style. View the Christmas light displays of historic homes in Natchez and Baton Rouge, savour Cajun cuisine and learn about the Civil War in Vicksburg. From $5995 a person, all-inclusive; Viking Mississippi departs Memphis, December 17.
Fiji
For the next few months, the closest international cruising destination for Australians is Fiji. Blue Lagoon Cruises is not quite five-star, but it is adults-only. Departing every Friday, the 68-passenger ship Fiji Princess sails from the palm-fringed Mamanucas to the private beaches of the Yasawas. Swim with manta rays, try kava, meet locals at a village feast, dine on the sand at sunset, or pretend you’re Tom Hanks on the island where Castaway was filmed. From $3702 a person for seven nights; three and four-night options also available. Departs Port Denarau every Friday.
One of Australia’s leading marine experts, Dr Penny Berents, will be guest lecturer on Reef Endeavour on a May sailing to the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands. The full seven-night itinerary takes passengers to limestone caves and turquoise lagoons and through spectacular volcanic landscapes. Monoriki, the island where Tom Hanks’s Castaway was filmed, is also on the agenda. Coral planting and scuba diving are optional activities. From $3301 a person. Departs Port Denarau, May 28.
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