Cruise & Travel 96

IMMERSIVE

• ATHENS (PIRAEUS) MONTE CARLO

SALERNO

• • •

EPHESUS (KUSADASI)

DEPARTS 20 APR 2025 DURATION 10 NIGHTS UP TO 73 EXCURSIONS

• • COPENHAGEN STOCKHOLM HELSINKI BERLIN (WARNEMÜNDE)

•

DEPARTS 27 JUN 2025 DURATION 10 NIGHTS UP TO 40 EXCURSIONS

Ours is an extraordinary world. And that is even before you have left the ship. For 30 years, Silversea has been pioneering ultra-luxury voyages to some of the most remote and breathtaking places on our planet. From the Mediterranean to Antarctica and beyond, when it comes to immersive and authentic exploration no-one takes you further. Contact your travel advisor, call 1300 306 872 or visit Silversea.com

December 2024

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 editors

Lucy Jones

Claire Waddell

Art director

Catherine Martin

Commercial director

Phil Mahony phil@bigsplashmedia.com.au

Advertising sales manager Vida Folden vida@bigsplashmedia.com.au

Contributors and writers

John Arlidge, Bernadette Chua, Annabel Fenwick Elliott, Sara Macefield, John O’Ceallaigh, Teresa Ooi, Jack Rear, Chris Singh, Alastair Sook, Francesca Syz, Alice Williams

Subscriptions

Phone 02 8227 6486 – Australia

Phone +612 8227 6400 – International cruisepassenger.com.au

Travel Cruise Contents

Cover: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima.

Printed by IVE. cruisepassenger.com.au

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

Managing director

Peter Lynch

14

Upfront

News from the world of cruise and travel: from new ships to just-launched cruises and about-to-open hotels, there’s plenty to add to your wishlist.

46

Class of 2025

Exciting new ocean liners about to make their debut.

Reviews

50 Millionaire’s row

Cruising with The RitzCarlton Yacht Collection.

56

Diamond is a girl’s best friend

A first-timer on board Diamond Princess

62 Monument for a modern age Sailing the Nile on Viking’s newest ship.

68 Ultra-luxury sails into Palau

A little-visited destination captures hearts of those on Four Seasons Explorer.

OCEANS & RIVERS

76

Six laps of luxury

Exclusive travel in all its incarnations – and the hotels that do each one best.

78

My life in travel

On a cruise with General Sir Peter Cosgrove.

80 Food fights

The airlines dishing out top-end treats to lure those who only fly at the pointy end.

84

River recharge

82

Safari on your smart phone

Uber is offering Cape Town visitors the chance to book the world’s cheapest safari.

A weekend at Calabash Bay Lodge on the Hawkesbury.

91

Last word

Why a visit to the Louvre is a miserable experience.

Your votes are in! See the winners and highly commended in our Readers’ Choice awards for 2024. Thank you to the almost 4000 readers who cast their votes on their favourite ships, cruise lines, food and activities on board, as well as ports and destinations. The big winners this year reveal much about how the industry is changing.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Best of the best

Welcome to my favourite edition of the year. Our summer edition is always a packed one – and this year’s is no exception. For a start, our Readers’ Choice awards are decided. Turn to the back page to read the full results in our special reverse cover section – and our thanks to all of you for voting.

Almost 4000 of our readers charted the changing course of cruise, with more awards for innovation, sustainable travel, going beyond with service and the all-inclusive packages that make cruise holidays such great value. The big winners this year – and there have been some exciting changes – demonstrate the trends that we’ve seen in how people choose their holidays.

And there have been some seismic changes. Cruise lines such as Regent and Norwegian are challenging hotels for supremacy in great cities like Rome with longer stays so passengers can soak up the culture, take part in authentic shore excursions and demonstrate there is much to gain from welcoming cruisers.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas have changed the Weekend Away, making it much more than a short break for the time-poor. This success story coming out of the US is now being repeated here in Australia with more weekend cruises being offered than ever before.

And lines such as Ponant and Silversea, who have demonstrated a real empathy with the environment and shoreside communities, have won plaudits from our voters as sustainable and caring cruising becomes an essential rather than a nice-to-have.

Another important and welcome change in the trends we’re seeing is the recognition that those who cruise also love land experiences. This is especially important for Australians who must travel long-haul to see their favourite destinations (no surprise our readers chose Europe as the continent they love to visit most). So more cruise lines are joining hands with land operators and offering the best of both worlds.

A great example is Crystal and Abercrombie & Kent – both brands known for luxury experiences, and now partners under joint ownership. But this is only one example. There’s Avalon Waterways and Globus, Uniworld and the Travel Corporation, and recently Regent Seven Seas Cruises and its partnership with luxury line Ponant has introduced “slow travel” cruises around the Mediterranean, visiting smaller ports for longer.

Land-based operators have not allowed the rise of cruising and its links to luxury land tours to go unnoticed. As a result, hotel brands Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons have built small luxury yachts and are offering these in conjunction with stays at their establishments. These are positive trends both for cruising and for those on land.

Our story on Palau is a case in point. The world’s fourth smallest state is determined to derive an income from tourism

– but not at any price. Four Seasons is now offering yacht tours of Palau as a precursor to opening a resort. But the government of Palau, which has a population of just 18,000 people, is acutely aware of how easy it would be to be overrun. They don’t want to become another Bali.

So despite recently opening direct air routes from Brisbane, Palau is after the discerning traveller. And Four Seasons yacht tours – with just 11 suites available – are certainly different. It’s an exciting, changing travel world and we are especially happy to record it. Indeed, we’ve been doing so for quite a while now.

Next year sees our 100th edition – that’s 25 years of charting the growth of cruise in Australia and beyond. We’ll be celebrating, and we hope you will join us and continue to enjoy our unrivalled coverage of travel and cruise. CT

Slow travel Ponant wins plaudits for its sustainable and caring cruising.

1/ SLOW TRAVEL

Ponant’s new way of meandering around the Med and Regent’s longer stays in port are designed to allow guests to appreciate the culture and mingle with the locals. See our On Board videocast with a Ponant captain on slow travel here: cruisepassenger. com.au/listen-to-the-latestepisode-of-the-on-board-withcruise-passenger-podcast/

2 / PARTNERSHIPS

The rise of cruise-andstay holidays means we all get to experience more – and operators offering these trips take away the pain of making sure schedules align.

3 / THE RISE OF THE SMALL YACHT

To some extent, this has been pioneered by our own Scenic and Emerald brands. These small ships open up a world of new destinations and spread the load of overtourism.

4/ THE WEEKEND CRUISE

OK, so the three- and four-day cruise to nowhere was certainly a favourite of brands like P&O and Carnival. But now the Weekend Cruise is attracting a whole new generation of younger passengers.

We’ve unveiled the ports of call for our exceptional cruises in 2026. Book Japan now and start dreaming.

Incheon (Seoul) — Tokyo

11 NIGHTS FROM $9,500 PP 25 MAR 2026 - 05 APR 2026

CRYSTAL SYMPHONY

Tokyo — Tokyo

13 NIGHTS FROM $11,200 PP 5 APR 2026 - 18 APR 2026

CRYSTAL SYMPHONY

Tokyo — Tokyo

21 NIGHTS FROM $16,300 PP 18 APR 2026 - 09 MAY 2026

CRYSTAL SYMPHONY

Upfront

| Inspiration for today’s sophisticated traveller |

There are valid reasons why visiting the world’s few remaining wildernesses are once-in-a-lifetime trips and not an easy option for all, argues Annabel Fenwick Elliott.

The greatest travel experiences should be unaffordable for the masses

What do Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands and a Botswana safari have in common?

Spacious, beyond beautiful, abundant with wildlife – all are among the last unspoilt places on Earth. Why? Because they are prohibitively expensive.

Were it not for that saving grace, these protected pockets would have, like every other “loved to death” destination on this planet, been ruined.

There are things for humans that should be cheap and accessible to all: healthcare, WiFi, education and vegetables. Others – meat and holidays, I’d argue – need to stay, as they once were, luxury items. Raising animals for food in a civilised manner costs money; there is no excuse for battery hens and factory-farmed pigs, just so we can gorge ourselves on highcholesterol fodder three times a day instead of once a week.

By the same token, visiting the world’s few remaining wildernesses should be a hard-saved-for, once-in-a-lifetime trip; not an easy free-for-all for the masses to boast about on social media.

I’m writing this from a tiny atoll in the Seychelles which, until I was invited to on a work trip, I had never heard of. Probably because it has only 11 villas and caters for the 0.01 per cent. North Island is hands down the most handsome, immaculate place I’ve ever stayed in my decade as a travel writer.

Sea turtles hatch undisturbed, giant tortoises meander beneath vibrant trees, and beaches are entirely free of the washed-up crisp packets that can be found on almost every other shore. It also costs upwards of $10,000 a night. I would never be able to afford a holiday here were it not a working assignment. Quite right, too.

I have to say, I agree with former United States president Donald Trump when, in 2017, he proposed a scheme that would triple the cost of entry fees to US national parks that are groaning under the pressure of too many hiking boots. In Yellowstone, one of the country’s oldest, the number of annual visitors has surged by more than 40 per cent over the past decade. Trump’s bill didn’t pass.

Emily Douce, the budget and appropriations director at the US National Parks Conservation Association at the time,

reasoned: “Our concern is that we don’t want to price people out of the parks.” I couldn’t disagree more.

TOn the rise

Kenya’s Maasai Mara national park has increased fees in response to a surge in visitors.

ake Bhutan, the majestic Asian country, which only opened to tourists in 1974, and did so on a “high-value, low-volume” strategy. To this day, tourists are charged a “sustainable development fee” of US$100 ($149) per day – in addition to tour and accommodation costs – the most expensive tourist levy in the world. As a result, it has remained pristine. Not only does this ample flow of tourist cash keep the nation in good nick for the next travellers, but it funds free healthcare and education for locals, among other things.

As for the Galapagos, nearly 80 per cent of its economy runs off tourism, yet it maintains stringent standards. Indeed, 95 per cent of its land is off limits and the areas you can visit are only

accessible in the accompaniment of a licensed naturalist guide. As such, Darwin’s former playground is still an ecological paradise and you can’t visit on a budget. The cheapest cruise package costs about $650 a night, and as of August 1, the Galapagos National Park entrance fee has been doubled and is now priced at about $300 per person.

In 2024, Kenya’s Maasai Mara enacted a similar raise in park fees – from US$80 ($119) to US$200 ($298) per day in peak season, in response to the ever-increasing juggernaut of safari vehicles that plague the land. Mike Collins, the managing director of tour operator Africa Sky, fears this rise may “result in safaris becoming more and more [for the] elite”. Again, if high prices are the only thing that can protect one of the last stretches on this planet where endangered lions and rhinos can roam free, then so be it.

“VISITING THE WORLD’S FEW REMAINING WILDERNESSES SHOULD BE A HARD-SAVEDFOR, ONCE-INA-LIFETIME TRIP.”

Does this mean that holidays in general should be cut off for all but the wealthy? No. By all means head to resorts that were built for the purposes of mass tourism. And for every Venice where locals are begging travellers to leave them alone, there are destinations that are only too happy to be welcoming more. Artificial islands, the likes of which are popping up all over the Maldives and the Middle East, seem like a good solution for the type of traveller who just wants a fly-and-flop break.

But if you want to set sail for Antarctica, where strict measures have prevented a single hotel from being built and no more than 100 cruise passengers are permitted at a landing site at a time, then expect to pay for the privilege. That is the cost of visiting a land where penguins don’t fear people and rubbish doesn’t exist. Long may it continue. CT

/ Celebrity spotting

Celebrity Cruises has released new 2026/2027 itineraries that cross the globe, including the line’s first ever 110-night world cruise. It will also launch the fifth Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcel, late next year to sail its inaugural season in Europe and the Mediterranean. The line is making a huge play for Europe, with eight ships in the region including three from the Edge series – Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Apex. Across the fleet, Celebrity will sail to more than 100 European destinations with 59 overnight stays. Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Solstice will return to Australia and New Zealand, sailing from Sydney and Auckland. Itineraries will visit

Mystery Island in Vanuatu, Tauranga in New Zealand and Lifou in the Loyalty Islands, among many more. Solstice will also sail Southeast Asia from Singapore, offering overnights in ports like Penang and Phuket.

Celebrity Millennium (pictured above) will again be homeported in Japan. In 2026, it will sail out of the brand-new, centrally located

CLUB CHIC

• Gleneagles in Scotland has long been one of the UK’s most revered hotels and sporting estates. In 2024, it celebrated its 100th birthday and unveiled the new Gleneagles Sporting Club. After playing a round of tennis or a horseback hack around the sprawling grounds, guests are welcomed back to the relaxing lounge. The area has a homey feel with cosy, comfortable seating and a self-serve kitchen pantry. There are new equestrian facilities, including an indoor arena and boot room, alongside two indoor tennis courts, three padel courts, and a climbing and bouldering wall. Private tuition is offered with some of Scotland’s finest coaches. There is also a courtside members’ lounge, inspired by classic vintage tennis clubs with cabana stripes, crisp whites and an air of casual sophistication.

Narita Terminal for the first time. Itineraries will offer more overnight stays and also include a visit to the culturally rich city of Hualien, Taiwan.

Celebrity Solstice will undergo a refurbishment before it sets sail on the 110-night Grand Voyage. Departing Canada on September 11, 2026, it will visit 15 countries across the Pacific and Asia before finishing in Hong Kong.

ENDS of the EARTH

• Luxury line Silversea has just broken ground on its first-ever hotel, to be built in Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost city on Earth. The property is designed to allow cruise guests embarking on the line’s Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise program (which crosses the Drake Passage by air) to stay in style. The 150-room property will be built in partnership with Chilean investors with completion scheduled for the end of 2025. Overlooking the Beagle Channel and surrounded by pristine forest, the hotel will feature views of the water and snow-capped Patagonian mountains. Amenities will include an expansive restaurant ideal for group gatherings, a bar and lounge, a fitness centre and a gift shop showcasing handicrafts and art by local artisans. Silversea is the only cruise line that homeports from Puerto Williams during the Antarctic season and a branded hotel allows Silversea to guarantee its guests a luxury experience from end to end.

ENCHANTING SHORES: FROM THE ENGLISH CHANNEL TO THE HEBRIDES(1)

Honfleur to Glasgow 14 May 2025

15-night Grand Voyage onboard Le Boréal

15 ports of call visiti ng France, Ireland & the UK

from $14,910 $12,270 per person in a Deluxe Stateroom with balcony *

FROM THE IBERIAN PENINSULA TO THE HEBRIDES(2) Lisbon to Glasgow 3 May 2025

26-night Grand Voyage onboard Le Boréal

23 ports of call visiti ng Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland, Wales & Scotland

from $23,800 $19,470 per person in a Deluxe Stateroom with balcony *

BALTIC CITIES & SCANDINAVIAN SPLENDORS(3) Copenhagen to Edinburgh 15 April 2025

20-night Grand Voyage onboard Le Champlain

17 ports of call visiting Denmark, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Norway & the UK

from $24,520 $22,150 per person in a Deluxe Stateroom with balcony *

THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION

Frontier for LUXURY YACHTING

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has set sights on the Asia-Pacific with 10 new itineraries visiting 28 ports across 10 countries, writes Chris Singh.

Since its debut with Evrima back in October 2022, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has reflected a giant leap forward for ultra-luxury cruising, marking the first time a premium hospitality company has taken to the high seas.

Flitting around the Mediterranean on a modern superyacht, working your way through five upscale restaurants and relishing in the various onboard amenities between port calls has redefined the yachting lifestyle as a fascinating resort-cruise hybrid. And it’s been a certified hit among those seeking a new standard of extravagance.

So watching The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection steadily expand its fleet is like discovering a brand new, beautifully ambitious

way to make your mark on the world. Not only has the collection welcomed a second ship, Ilma, but it’s now looking towards the delivery of a third: Luminara, Latin for “light.”

And with the boost in capacity, a swift (and long-awaited) expansion to the Asia-Pacific with 10 new itineraries on board Luminara, sailing between December 2025 and May 2026, with designs on 28 ports across 10 countries.

Satisfying the demand for unforgettable, highly personalised experiences, Luminara has been treated with a no-expense-spared design, o ering 226 spacious, family-friendly suites –each with private terraces – for up to 452 guests. While this is a significant boost on Evrima’s 298-guest capacity, Luminara still o ers one of the highest sta and space ratios on the sea.

Luxe Luminara Clockwise, from above:

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Luminara; Japan’s autumn leaves display; colourful sights of Vietnam; living room elegance on Luminara

Having unfettered access to world-class dining, an extensive wine collection and the signature The Ritz-Carlton Spa® while luxuriating in the freedom of the high seas, relaxing on the dynamic marina or engaging in some watersports is exciting enough. Then consider the port calls – the unmatched beauty of Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, the pristine scene of Philippines’ Puerto Princesa and the spritely souls of Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok and Hong Kong.

Defined by enriching experiences, immaculate design and peerless service, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s arrival into the Asia-Pacific region is an unmissable experience with a great variety of itineraries departing from either Tokyo, Singapore or Hong Kong.

/ 14-night Singapore to Hong Kong

Although Luminara will also serve the Mediterranean with its maiden voyage on a seven-night round-trip sailing from Rome in July 2025, one of its first Asia-Pacific itineraries is tailor-made for those who want to cap the year o in style.

Setting sail from Singapore on December 30, 2025, this 14-night journey will start with a New Year’s Eve celebration on board, before kicking o 2026 on the beaches of Koh Samui and rolling through the vibrant Thai capital of Bangkok.  Vietnam is also in sight, with passengers

exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels just outside of Ho Chi Minh City before making a port call in Hanoi and diving into the UNESCO World Heritage glory of Ha Long Bay. Then, of course, you have the unrelenting energy of Hong Kong with its exquisite hospitality scene and modern marvels.

/ 12-night Hong Kong to Singapore

On a 12-night trip on Luminara from Hong Kong to Singapore, departing January 13, 2026, the heart of this adventure finds itself hopping between the islands of the Philippines, touching the forested mountains and white sand beaches of Busuanga, El Nido and Puerto Princesa.

This itinerary is also perfect for passengers who want to explore the third largest island in the world, with the ship entering the dramatic Malay Archipelago to explore Borneo’s Bako National Park and visit the proboscis monkeys that swing through the treetops.

A total of eight ports are touched before arriving in the Lion City, giving passengers a highly focused, personalised experience that, like all The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection itineraries, can be individually shaped with custom private excursions in addition to select group excursions.

/ 10-Night Tokyo round-trip

March 20, 2026 is all about the land of the rising sun for Luminara. On this 10-night round-trip journey from Tokyo, the ship will bring guests closer to the cultural treasures of Japan.

Admire the country’s coastline from your private terrace before witnessing blooms blanket the grounds of Osaka Castle and accent the views of Mount Sakurajima, visiting floating shrines and Hiroshima’s sobering peace memorial, and admire the remains of Christian castles and cathedrals in the Nagasaki region.

Of course, much of the appeal lies in the irrepressible energy of Tokyo, one of the world’s most exciting cities and the seat of Japan’s best bars, restaurants and nightlife.

/ 12-night Tokyo to Hong Kong Tokyo, Osaka, Nagasaki, Seoul, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Some of the most culturally rich and exciting cities in the Asia-Pacific region are all in scope for Luminara’s 12-night adventure, setting sail from Japan’s capital on March 30, 2026.

Exploring Osaka’s bountiful food scene with Japan’s UNESCO-listed castles of Himeji, Nara and Kyoto will surely be a highlight, right alongside the dynamic South Korean capital of Korea where traditional villages offer authentic cuisine and crafts.

The tail-end of this journey features an overnight in the action-packed city of Shanghai where guests can experience a performance of the ancient art of acrobatics before sailing up and ending the trip in Hong Kong.  CT Learn more at ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com

COMO into CRUISING

• Luxury hotel brand COMO is entering the cruise market with an exclusive 11-day expedition voyage in collaboration with Natural World Safaris. COMO Journey: Into the Arctic will set sail on July 30, 2025, giving guests the opportunity to explore the remote northern Svalbard Archipelago in search of polar bears, arctic foxes and local reindeer. The vessel, M/S Polarfront, was formerly a Norwegian weather ship. It has been transformed into an expedition vessel with eight light-filled suites, each equipped with large portholes and ensuite bathrooms. It’s also fitted with both a sauna and a hot tub that will be available for relaxation on board during calmer seas. Expect classic COMO service and luxurious touches, including COMO Shambhala wellness experiences and the brand’s signature East-West fusion cuisine.

/Regent Reunion

Regent Seven Seas has announced plans for its special Reunion Cruise, which invites loyal guests to reconnect with cherished Regent personalities. The first Reunion Cruise in six years, the sevennight voyage will depart Miami on December 11, 2024 and visit ports across the Caribbean. At the heart of this sailing will be an illustrious group of retired Regent crew, who will join guests for dinners, cocktail parties and excursions. These figures include Captain John McNeil (inset), whose leadership continues to inspire Regent’s captains today; general

manager Davor Josipovic, renowned for his dedication to guest satisfaction; and the charismatic cruise director and assistant cruise director duo, Jamie and Dana Logan. There will be hosted shore excursions and Regent-themed trivia on board.

/Aman in the Maldives

Hotel group Aman is venturing into the Maldives, opening a property on a private island oasis in the Vaavu atoll. Comprised of a 52-key resort and 16 branded residences, Aman Maldives will be designed by longtime collaborator Kerry Hill Architects. The ultra-luxury property will have standalone pavilions ranging from one to three bedrooms, each with private pool. Some will be located on the main resort island and others will be dotted across its tranquil extensions. In addition, the property will enjoy a variety of restaurant venues, a beach club and several private dining locations. Situated on its own island dedicated to wellbeing, the spa will bring new experiences in health and rejuvenation, including two private Spa Houses. The property will also feature a dive centre and watersports – ideal for exploring the country’s pristine reefs.

By SEA & LAND

• Ponant has unveiled its 2025 European Collection, showcasing hidden gems and must-visit destinations. The luxury smallship line has also created a collection of unique sea and land experiences across the Atlantic coasts, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean for next year. On an 11-night journey between Lisbon and Honfleur, guests can extend their stay with a two-night

pre-cruise exploration of the city. Along with a five-star stay at the Altis Avenida Hotel, your cruise price will also include a guided visit to Mafra Palace, a Lisbon city tour with a tram ride and a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Extend a sevennight Glasgow to Bergen voyage with an extra night before your cruise at the five-star Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. The cruise-and-stay package includes a walking tour of the Scottish capital, whisky tastings, local lunch and transfers to Greenock port.

Dorchester duo for Dubai

• The Dorchester Collection has announced the launch of The Alba, the brand’s second property in Dubai, slated to open in 2028. Set on the Eastern Crescent of famed Palm Jumeirah island, it will be Dorchester’s first hotel by the ocean. Described as a “garden retreat”, the lush property has been designed by visionary architect Zaha Hadid and is valued at AED7 billion (about $2.84 billion). Overlooking Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa, the mixed-use development will house both a 95-room luxury hotel and private residences with pools, outdoor Jacuzzis, sundecks and sprawling terraces. The verdant grounds will feature tropical gardens, cascading waterfalls and tranquil lily ponds. Guests can relax in multiple infinity and vitality pools, and there’s a fitness suite and world-class spa, as well as private beach areas and sublime dining experiences.

WFIRST IN CLASS

elcome to Norwegian Aqua, a ship built around what people want. Feedback from guests helped shape the design of Aqua, Norwegian Cruise Line’s 20th vessel and first in its next-generation Prima Plus class, and the result is an insight into the changing preferences of modern cruisers. She has more deck space, larger public spaces and a diverse range of restaurants, as well as more suites in the exclusive ship-within-a-ship area, The Haven.

/ BYE-BYE RACETRACK

One of the most noticeable changes is the absence of the famous racetrack from the top deck. According to NCL o cials, it was time for a change. “The racetrack was a great innovation,” says Harry Sommer, the President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “But I think after having it on five ships, it was time to do something di erent and we are really excited.”

Instead, it has been replaced with a rollercoaster and waterslide spanning three storeys, with twists and turns that wrap around the ship’s funnel. “It has a smaller footprint so it’s allowed us to put more family-type games on the two decks and I think people really appreciate these activities, which, for the most part, will be complimentary,” says Sommer.

/ WHAT’S NEW IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE?

In short, expect more. Many restaurants are far bigger, including the main dining rooms. Commodore has an increased capacity, from 417 to 490 seats, and Hudson’s will be able to accommodate 470 guests, an increase from 458 on Norwegian Viva. The line seems to have made the choice to expand the complimentary dining spaces in times of economic crunch, when specialty dining may be out of the budget. That’s not to say specialty dining is shrinking. The popular Hasuki Teppanyaki restaurant, which has been a big hit across the fleet, once had six stations for guests. On Aqua, you’ll find

Rhapsody in blue Clockwise, from above: The new Slidecoaster; views from Ocean Boulevard; Haven Duplex Suite.

When Norwegian

Aqua

launches

in the first half of 2025,

you might think you’ve seen the ship before. But in truth, she’s a whole new class of her own, writes Bernadette Chua.

nine tables each seating 18 guests. French restaurant Le Bistro has also increased capacity, bumping seating from 82 to 96.

But the biggest change for Norwegian Aqua compared to sister ships Prima and Viva is that there will be two new dining options. By popular demand, the new Sukhothai restaurant will debut on the ship, serving traditional Thai -inspired dishes like nam tok neua (spicy beef salad), gai pad king (marinated ginger chicken) and Thai cashew chicken.

In the Indulge Food Hall, which has elevated the humble bu et to a fun interactive experience with dedicated food stations, you’ll find a new plant-based eatery called the Planterie. Tuck in to healthy dishes like tofu poke bowls and Mediterranean goddess bowls.

/ AN ALL-NEW CLASS OF THE HAVEN

The Haven is the fastest-booked accommodation on any of NCL’s ships, according to Jovo Sekulovic, Vice President of Hotel Operations & Newbuild Delivery. In response, the cruise line has included 123 suites in The Haven, a significant step up from 107 on Viva. New for the brand are the two- and threebedroom Haven Duplex Suites. These expansive two-storey suites have been designed for multigenerational families and will feature separate living and dining areas, three bathrooms, spacious balconies and private hot tubs.

/ ARE YOU ENTERTAINED?

The cruise line recently announced two new shows for the ship – Revolution: A Celebration of Prince and Elements: The World Expanded. Revolution is a concert experience celebrating the music and life of Prince, charting his rise to global popularity as an icon of soul, rock and pop music. It will feature performances both on stage and o for a fully immersive experience. Guests can enjoy the show on the dance floor with the cast or watch from traditional theatre seating. The popular Elements show will be revamped for Aqua. It focuses on the four elements – earth, air, water and fire – combined with magic, aerial acrobatics, music and dance. CT

Breakaway ®, Naples, Italy

COOL CASTAWAYS

You may be familiar with cruise lines’ private islands in the Caribbean, but we could soon be getting our own, much closer to home. Until then, drool over some of the finest, with Bernadette Chua.

Royal Caribbean revealed in 2019 that it would be opening a private island in Vanuatu, designed for year-round sailings. The line has also recently been sending out surveys to guests, wanting to know what they want from a beach club.

You don’t need to be Robinson Crusoe or Richard Branson to live the private-island dream. Cruise lines such as Princess, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line have a throng of private islands, mostly in the Caribbean.

Some were once pirate hideaways, while others have been transformed from industrial wastelands into eco-reserves. Whether snorkelling along trails dotted with underwater treasures, swimming with pigs, soaring skywards in a balloon, ordering from a secret menu or sipping a cocktail under a palm tree, you’re guaranteed a unique experience aboard a cruise calling at one of these unusual islands.

/ Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the private island trend when it opened Great Stirrup Cay in 1977. Once a hideout for buccaneers, the island is a port of call on all NCL cruises in the Bahamas.

There’s the opportunity to snorkel through an underwater garden filled with 23 sculptures –among them mermaids, seahorses, camels and even a piano – or take a short boat trip to nearby Treasure Island to swim with pigs in the shallows. Back on dry land, thrill-seekers can see the beach from a completely di erent perspective on a series of zip

lines that start more than 36 metres above the ground. If that all sounds a bit much, spend your time chilling out in a cabana before heading for lunch at the 800-square-metre beach buffet.

The line is currently building a new $150 million pier at the island – large enough to accommodate two ships at the same time –which is scheduled to open in summer 2025. How to get there: Norwegian Cruise Line has six-night Eastern Caribbean round-trip voyages from Miami on Norwegian Encore

/ Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Situated 100km east of Miami, the transformation of an old sand-extraction site represents the largest private-island project ever undertaken by a cruise line. MSC Cruises’ $260 million four-year scheme involved establishing more than 75,000 plants – almost all of them native to the region – with marine biologists relocating 400 sections of coral to areas where they could thrive and grow. The waters around the island are now protected, and loggerhead turtles have returned to lay eggs on the beach. In keeping with the emphasis on the environment, the island has no swimming pools, waterslides or air-conditioned shopping malls. Instead, activities are low-key, including diving, kayaking, paddleboarding or climbing to the top of the landmark lighthouse. There’s also a marine research centre that provides passengers with an insight into the MSC Foundation’s conservation work. At night, dancers in elaborate costumes stage a lively Bahamian Junkanoo parade and a spectacular show illuminates the lighthouse tower with 20,000 energy-efficient LEDs.

How to get there: MSC has a 14-night Western and Eastern Caribbean round-trip from Miami aboard MSC World America. The itinerary includes two days at Ocean Cay.

/ Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Royal Caribbean International’s enclave 90 kilometres north of Nassau is about as family-friendly as it gets. Enjoy swimming at Oasis Lagoon, the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, which has a gently sloping area for little ones and a swim-up bar for mum and dad. Thrill Waterpark boasts the region’s largest wave pool and, if that’s not hair-raising enough, adrenaline-seekers can tackle Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America.

How to get there: Royal Caribbean has a six-night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day round-trip from Miami on Icon of the Seas

/ Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Wish you were here? No need to send a message in a bottle – Disney Cruise Line’s Bahamian island has its own post office, from which you can mail cards with a special Castaway Cay postmark. As you’d expect, the island is filled

with activities for families and children of all ages, and ships dock right on shore, so there’s no need to take a tender – great if you’re travelling with very young children. Disney characters also join in the fun (you can expect to meet Mickey and the gang dressed in laid-back island clothes) and there’s even a dedicated snorkel area dotted with sunken treasures, including a submarine from the classic Disney theme park attraction 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (plus a submerged statue of a certain mouse).

There is also an adults-only area at the aptly named Serenity Bay, set on a peaceful stretch of pristine beach.

How to get there: Disney Cruise Line has a five-night Western Caribbean round-trip from Fort Lauderdale on Disney Dream

/ Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

All Holland America Line sailings in the Bahamas visit this island. Ships from parent company Carnival take it in turns to call at Half Moon Cay, giving passengers a chance to bask on the horseshoe-shaped beach by the lagoon.

It’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts too. Birds – including Bahamian mockingbirds, great blue heron and snowy egrets – thrive undisturbed. Active visitors can hike to a panoramic lookout point near the ruins of a limestone dwelling from the 1700s, splash through the surf on horseback

or take a guided ramble to learn about the island’s history and nature.

How to get there: Holland America Line has a six-night Tropical Caribbean round-trip from Fort Lauderdale on Nieuw Statendam.

/ Princess Cays,

Bahamas

Princess Cruises’ private island, which occupies the southernmost section of the island of Eleuthera, has been welcoming passengers since 1992. Sustainability is high on the agenda – funds generated from recycling cans on Princess Cays go to support an orphanage in the Bahamas, while seaweed washed up on the beach is used for compost and fertiliser for the coconut trees. The island is also self-sufficient when it comes to water and seawater is desalinated to save drawing on local fresh water resources.

Activities are intended to be kind to the environment, so you’ll find watersports such as snorkelling, kayaking, catch-and-release fishing, sea-cycling on fat-tyred aqua bikes, paddleboarding and glass-bottomed boat trips. Shore excursions include the chance to feed curious stingrays and learn about Bahamian marine life, and there’s a craft market selling colourful locally produced goods.

How to get there: Princess Cruises has a six-night Eastern Caribbean with St Thomas round-trip from Fort Lauderdale on Sky Princess CT

All in the Bahamas Clockwise, from above left: Perfect Day at CocoCay; Princess Cays; Great Stirrup Cay; and Castaway Cay.

CRYSTAL

COLOURS of JAPAN

From the blush pink of cherry blossoms to the neon lights of Tokyo and the rich red of ancient torii gates, Japan is a kaleidoscope of colours. Visit this captivating nation with Crystal in 2026.

Japan offers a fascinating blend of ultramodern and ancient tradition, with a timeless culture woven into the fabric of everyday life. The contradictions are illuminating and captivating, and the rare opportunity to stand in a swirl of cherry blossoms is something you’ll never forget.

/ The itinerary

Crystal’s new 21-night cruise reveals Japan’s iconic sites during cherry blossom season, while also taking you off the well-worn path so you can experience some of the lesser-seen destinations in the country. You’ll stop at a total of 12 ports in Japan – plus four in South Korea – on a comprehensive round trip from Tokyo that takes in temples, islands, hot springs and two of the world’s most poignant cities.

Feel the vibrant urban pulse of Tokyo, where neon lights contrast with palaces and shrines. Savour the mouth-watering beef of Kobe, with

options to discover the Dotonbori district of Osaka, the timeless temples of Kyoto or the freeroaming deer of Nara. Don’t miss the historic splendour of Kochi Castle with its panoramic city views, while in Hiroshima and Nagasaki you’ll delve into Japan’s sombre history and moving peace memorials.

Discover 19th century architecture in Moji and wander the historic waterfront. In Hokkaido, active types can trek up well-kept paths to the summit of Mount Hakodate and see the famous snow monkeys bathing in steaming mineral waters. Turn back time in Sakata where the mysterious Geisha culture blends into a backdrop of Edo Period architecture, exquisite gardens and tea rooms.

Drink in stunning scenery at Aomori and soak in the natural hot springs of Kyushu Island. Marvel at the Mount Daisen volcano in Sakaiminato, and immerse yourself in the culture and history of Kanazawa. You’ll also journey to South Korea, a destination packed with natural beauty and cultural intrigue, with visits to the volcanic island of Jeju, bustling Busan, quirky Seoul, and the ‘beautiful waters’ of Yeosu.

/ Onboard indulgence

Crystal’s reimagined ships have returned with an even greater level of illustrious service. You’ll have a personal butler to assist you with just about any request throughout the trip, and you’ll travel in total comfort with spacious rooms and sweeping ocean views.

Ultimate Japan discovery

Clockwise, from top: Cherry blossom in bloom at Aomori; the legendary Shibuya crossing in Tokyo; Yokohama.

If you’re a foodie, this cruise is a dream. On board you can dine at Nobu’s UMI UMA and Giraudi’s chic restaurant Beefbar, both the only of their kind at sea. Enjoy fine-dining at Osteria d’Ovidio – soon-to-be curated by triple Michelinstarred Chef Massimiliano.

Add to this the incredible food you’ll savour all over Japan and you have one immersive and mouthwatering adventure. This is the ultimate discovery of Japan during its most enchanting season. CT

To find out more, visit crystalcruises.com, phone 1300 503 640, or contact your travel advisor.

/ HAL to the Last Frontier

With six ships designated for Alaska in 2026, Holland America Line has opened bookings. From April to September, guests can sail roundtrip from Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, Canada, or between Vancouver and Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska. Itineraries range from seven to 28 days and include the popular month-long Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice sailing. New for 2026, the 14-day Great Alaska Explorer cruise will now be offered roundtrip from Seattle, in addition to Vancouver. For guests looking to combine Alaska with the wildlife and rugged natural wonders of British Columbia, the Great Bear Rainforest cruise aboard Noordam departs April 19. Sailing roundtrip from Seattle, highlights include an overnight in Prince Rupert and scenic cruising in the Grenville Channel, Bella Bella and Johnstone Strait, with a transit of the Seymour Narrows.

PARIS, I LOVE YOU

• Just 30 minutes outside of Paris lies the century-old Château Mont Royal. The spectacular Louis XVI-style property opened as a hotel in the 1980s and, following an eight-month renovation, has now been reborn as the InterContinental Chantilly Château Mont Royal. Enveloped by the enchanting forests of Hauts-de-France, it blends a storied history with natural beauty and signature IHG style. The design of the hotel’s 109 guest rooms and suites is

inspired by the bucolic surroundings, the region’s equestrian traditions and the intricacies of Chantilly lace. Each room is flooded with natural light from expansive windows, balconies and terraces. The château’s former music salon is now gourmet restaurant L’Opera, where guests dine beneath majestic chandeliers and sky-high ceilings. The cosy Le Stradivarius bar occupies the original library and smoking room of the first owner, the composer Fernand Halphen. Spa Biologique Recherche has a sauna and wellness rooms for rejuvenating therapies.

Yacht life

• The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has taken delivery of its second ship Ilma at a handover ceremony in France. Measuring 240 metres, she is slightly larger than sister ship Evrima, which launched in 2022. The line’s third ship, Luminara, will set sail in mid-2025. Ilma offers 224 luxe suites plus five restaurants, seven bars and a wine vault. The ship has an expanded marina with a mezzanine, three dedicated fitness spaces and a plush Ritz-Carlton Spa. After an inaugural season in the Med, Ilma will move to the Caribbean. The brand also unveiled plans to expand its Yacht Collection to the Asia-Pacific region with 10 voyages on Luminara from December 2025. The cruises will visit 28 ports across 10 countries including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and Thailand.

The 2026 Collection of Voyages will see Oceania Cruises cover bucket-list destinations from Vancouver to Papeete, Istanbul to Barcelona, and Reykjavik to London. The collection will also feature 35 Grand Voyages across the line’s fleet of eight ultra-premium, small ships.

“Oceania Cruises is about discovering the magic of small-ship cruising, where the onboard experiences are just as exceptional as the destinations visited,” says Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises.

“On board our intimate ships, guests can tailor their experience exactly as they wish, whether that be indulging in a gourmet meal created by our esteemed onboard culinary team or setting out on a shore excursion – the choice is entirely theirs.”

Travellers can opt for sailings between seven and 67 days. As Oceania Cruises spends up to 50 per cent more time in each port, you’ll have the chance to explore further and immerse yourself more deeply in the culture of a variety of destinations.

Oceania Cruises’ 2026 Collection of Voyages will focus on enchanting Europe and breathtaking Alaska, where the landscapes will inspire you with their natural beauty.

In Alaska, marvel at the cobalt glaciers, pristine wilderness and majestic wildlife frolicking in their natural habitats. Go trekking in the Tongass National Forest or take a helicopter flight-seeing trip. Be charmed by the people of remote communities and witness the beauty of the Hubbard Glacier as you explore this spectacular corner of North America.

In timeless Europe, relive centuries of history from the ancient monuments of Turkey and Greece to the colourful coastal villages of Italy and France’s storied wine châteaux. Guests will also have time to uncover Spain’s remarkable Roman aqueducts, Norway’s breathtaking fjords and the Faroe Islands’ secluded settlements. You can also go on a chef-led market tour in Latvia, practice yoga in Croatia or enjoy a festive afternoon in an Irish pub.

Oceania Cruises will visit lesser-known yet equally alluring ports filled with character. Explore some of Europe’s oldest vineyards in Bozcaada, Turkey, or hike across Arrecife’s lunar landscapes to get an authentic glimpse of the traditions and rhythms of daily life. Overnight stays in ports such as Dubrovnik and Stockholm allow guests to experience cities at a relaxed pace and absorb their unique cultures.

In other vibrant cities such as Rome, Istanbul and Copenhagen, late departures mean you can experience historic landmarks after sunset. Truly explore each destination and even enjoy a leisurely dinner at a sidewalk eatery. You can also go for a sunrise walk in Reykjavik or Seville, and savour a freshly brewed coffee in a cosy town like Torshavn, Saint John or Kemi. CT

Oceania Cruises has unveiled more than 100 enticing sailings across Alaska, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in 2026, and Teresa Ooi finds the best itineraries.

OCEANIA CRUISES

Cruise your way Clockwise, from far left: Exploring Geiranger ord in Norway; Oceania Cruises in Malta; let Oceania Cruises take you to Iceland, Alaska and Italy.

Hear more about the voyages at On Board with Cruise Passenger

Highlights of the 2026 Collection of Voyages

• Riviera will return to Alaska in 2026 offering 14 itineraries for guests to experience the soaring glaciers and pristine wilderness of the Last Frontier.

Three ships Allura, Insignia and Nautica will sail the Mediterranean and offer more than 50 itineraries ranging from seven to 14 days.

Vista, Marina and Insignia will sail the Baltics, Scandinavia, Iceland and Greenland, offering 24 voyages ranging from seven to 18 days.

Marina will offer a special Solar Eclipse cruise in August from Copenhagen to Reykjavik to capture the celestial phenomenon.

Astronomer Dennis Mammana will be on board to explain the sightings.

/ Alaska

Guests will be able to experience the best of Alaska when the 1250-passenger Riviera returns with 14 itineraries in 2026. Discover the beauty of the Hubbard Glacier with helicopter rides, Zodiac expeditions, wildlife safaris and visits to ports including Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka.

/ Mediterranean

From sun-drenched beaches to old-world beauty and modern charisma, guests will visit vineyards in Santorini, have lunch at Capri and visit the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. With sailings aboard Allura, Insignia, and Nautica, choose from over 50

itineraries ranging from seven to 14 days, framed by iconic cities including Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Athens (Piraeus), Istanbul, Lisbon and Monte Carlo.

/ Canada and New England

September to October is the best season to visit this region, a time when you can take in the beauty and breadth of popular destinations such as Portland, Halifax and Quebec City. Vista has four different voyages with calls in Montreal, Sydney, Boston and Charlottetown.

/ Baltics, Scandinavia and Northern Europe

This region offers a vibrant blend of

medieval towns, cutting-edge culture capitals and majestic natural beauty. From Iceland’s sprawling lava fields, to the breathtaking fjords of Norway, you will be able to indulge in diverse experiences. Guests can choose from 25 voyages on board Vista, Marina and Insignia

/ Transoceanic

There are four transoceanic voyages ranging from 14 to 15 days, calling at boutique ports such as KailuaKona in Hawaii, the Canary Islands and French Polynesia.

Visit oceaniacruises.com, call 1300 355 200, or speak with a professional travel advisor to book.

Package DEAL

• Oceania Cruises is revamping its inclusions in response to guest feedback. The new Your World Included package will include all gratuities for crew in addition to other extras like specialty dining, non-alcoholic beverages, unlimited WiFi, group fitness classes and laundry service. However, alcoholic beverage packages and shore excursions will no longer be automatically included in fares, meaning guests will have to pay extra for those. “The change has come following feedback from guests, highlighting that they would prefer that we include amenities valued by all versus amenities valued by some,” said Frank A Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises.

/ Private property

Abercrombie & Kent is expanding its curated villas portfolio with a new Chianti collection of five private estates in Tuscany, available exclusively through A&K for the summer of 2025. These handpicked country houses, ranging from restored farmhouses to ancient towers, offer five to 10 bedrooms, a perfect retreat for multigenerational families and special celebrations.

Each villa has luxe features such as heated pools, outdoor kitchens, yoga studios, gyms, tennis courts and wine cellars. A dedicated local host and round-the-clock concierge service ensure every detail is seamlessly managed, from hosting private parties to securing top dining reservations, making for an unforgettable Tuscan experience. Special details include welcome and farewell dinners at the villa prepared by a local chef, personalised cooking lessons and wine tastings.

200 PORTS and 40 COUNTRIES

• Seabourn has announced an exciting program for 2026, with over 50 distinctive itineraries visiting more than 200 ports across nearly 40 countries. Seabourn Quest and Ovation will spend June to November in the Mediterranean. Visiting 17 countries, highlights include overnights in St Tropez, Taormina and Marseille, as well as the opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse on August 12 from the Balearic Sea. Seabourn Ovation will be off the Atlantic Coast of Ireland for the eclipse, before heading to Canada and New England. Itineraries will showcase the region’s stunning autumn colours and sail the St Lawrence River for the first time. In Asia, Seabourn Encore will sail her first season in Japan, cruising at the height of the cherry blossom season. From October, itineraries will focus on the autumn foliage of Japan and South Korea.

On tour

Visit

LOST WORLD

From the Incas to the Amazon: discover the secrets of Peru.

Experience the incredible diversity of Peru on a luxury adventure that takes you from the mystical beauty of Machu Picchu to the remote reaches of the Peruvian Amazon. Highlights include the colourful markets of Cusco, the Sacred Valley – a riverside oasis of villages, ruins and farms – and the mysterious Incan citadel nestled high up in the Andes. If this isn’t enough to fill you with wanderlust, follow your palate to Lima with its mouth-watering culinary scene.

/ Peru with the Experts

Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has been taking guests to Peru for more than 30 years and has a vast network of on-ground specialists who have lived their entire lives in Peru, taking you beyond the surface to experience the country and its people at their most authentic.

/ Venture into the Peruvian Amazon

A&K will launch its visionary brand-new riverboat Pure Amazon in mid-2025, which will cruise down the wild rivers in the Amazonian Basin. Catering to just 22 people, the riverboat allows for a blissfully uncrowded immersion into the sounds, textures and colours of the jungle. Scan the trees for long-limbed spider monkey and slow-moving sloth. Seek out pink river dolphins and watch rainbow birdlife dart through the canopy from the panoramic windows of your suite.

/ A Peru Itinerary Just for You

A&K also specialises in Tailor-Made Journeys to Peru, which are private and completely designed around your specific interests. Travel with your own driver and an expert local guide, who’ll each illuminate the country with insider access and one-of-a-kind inspiration. CT

To learn about all of A&K’s journeys through Peru, visit abercrombiekent.com.au, contact your travel advisor, or call 1300 589 717.

MachuPicchu & the Amazon

• Luxury Small Group Journey

On this luxurious adventure, you’ll savour fresh ceviche in Lima with a local gourmand and wander the winding alleys and colourful markets of Cusco. Experience a gentle hike with llamas in the Sacred Valley, then take a 1920s-style train to the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu – staying at the only hotel on the site. Rise with the sun to walk through the Incan citadel in the early morning mist before the crowds arrive. Venture into the jungleclad waterways of the Amazon for a fournight cruise aboard brand-new riverboat Pure Amazon where you’ll enjoy birding walks, fishing trips, night safaris and more. 13 days from $25,720 per person.

Machu Picchu, spot birdlife and admire the Sacred Valley, alongside experienced A&K guides.

ABERCROMBIE & KENT

WELLNESS on the WATER

• Scenic has unveiled new Wellness Retreat Cruises on board six-star Discovery Yacht Scenic Eclipse. Guests will engage in masterclasses on healthy cooking and creating antioxidant smoothies, and participate in immersive workshops about massage techniques and headache relief. Daily activities focus on holistic fitness, like yoga, Pilates, stretch, dynamic circuit training and

2025: A Space Odyssey

calisthenics. Specialised foot fitness sessions promote stability and balance, fitball workouts alleviate back pain, and meditation and sound healing with Tibetan bowls promises to relieve stress. Guests will also benefit from a variety of lectures and classes led by wellness experts. While the first wellness cruise has already departed, there will be a second 10-day Wellness Retreat sailing from Barbados to Spain from April 24, 2026. The third Wellness Retreat from Panama City to Santiago will depart on October 26, 2026.

• Sir Richard Branson, the eccentric 74-year-old billionaire, has signed on to co-pilot Space Perspective’s first space balloon flight. Space Perspective plans to send paying customers to the stratosphere using a giant, hydrogen-filled balloon and an eight-passenger crew capsule called Spaceship Neptune. Branson made recordbreaking hot-air balloon flights across the Atlantic and the Pacific in 1987 and 1991 respectively. Now, the landmark mission into space is expected sometime in 2025. Branson has also invested in Space Perspective, which is reported to have raised US$100 million to date.

/ Perfect Prestige

Ultra-luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises has commenced construction of its latest ship, Seven Seas Prestige, at the renowned Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Slated for a 2026 launch, the ship is the first of two in Regent’s Prestige class. It’s the first new ship class in 10 years, following the highly successful Explorer class, which was launched in 2016. New features include a redesigned palatial Regent Suite, new accommodation categories, new dining experiences and an impressive space-toguest ratio. Prestige will continue the line’s commitment to o ering “the most inclusive luxury experience at sea”, with fares that include specialty dining, fine wines, gratuities, WiFi and a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay for guests in Concierge Suites and above. Or splash out on the Ultimate All-Inclusive Fare to include flights, coach transfers between airport and ship, and a US$500 credit with the Blacklane private executive chau eur service.

Why Cruise With Princess®?

Love is all about the journey and at Princess, it’s at the heart of everything we do. As the original ‘Love Boat®’, Princess Cruises is renowned for its innovative ships and world-class service, across our 16 luxurious appointed ships. Here are the top reasons why we think you will love sailing with Princess.

Unmatched service with MedallionClass®

Imagine hassle-free boarding, keyless entry to your stateroom, and on-demand service anywhere on the ship all from a 20-cent sized, wearable Medallion.

Terrific Value

Booking Princess Plus* means receiving amazing value with Wi-Fi, room service, drinks and more!

330 Destinations Over 7 Continents

Beyond the shores, immerse yourself in the essence of each destination with our onboard regional experiences.

Holiday with ease

Explore multiple destinations with the ease of unpacking only once, all for a fraction of the cost of a land-based holiday!

Discover Croatia with us in 2025 Award Winning Croatia Yacht Cruises

ISLAND HOPPING DESTINATIONS INCLUDE DUBROVNIK, KORČULA, HVAR, BRAC, SPLIT, TROGIR, ŠIBENIK, ZADAR, LOSINJ, OPATIJA

Explore the Dalmatian Coast by Luxury Motor Yacht

8 days, gourmet dining, all excursions included

• Set sail on the most sought after and luxurious vessels built in 2021

• Choose from 7 night itineraries covering the Northern or Southern coast

• Enjoy delicious on board dining accompanied by drinks with meals

• Mingle with up to 36 likeminded English-speaking guests

• Take part in immersive daily excursions led by expert guides

• Enjoy refreshing daily swim stops in crystal clear bays

• With complimentary Wifi, tea, coffee and filtered water

/ Feast for the Senses

Six Senses has announced new properties for Milan and Lake Como. Set to open in 2025, Six Senses Milan will sit in the heart of the artistic Brera quarter. Of the 68 rooms, 15 will be suites, two of which will have private plunge pools. Guests can relax in the tranquil internal courtyard, and dine in the specialty restaurant or gourmet deli featuring seasonal produce. The signature Six Senses Spa will o er a range of hightech, high-touch treatments, and the rooftop bar and sky pool also make a splash. Six Senses Lake Como will take over the historic Grand Hotel Cadenabbia, the first hotel to open on the shores of the lake in 1820. The Cadenabbia di Griante area is rich in history, art and nature, which has drawn emperors, monarchs, writers and celebrities to its sparkling shores over the centuries. Slated to open in 2028, Six Senses Lake Como will have 102 rooms and suites within the six-storey property.

TAUCK’S new EUROPEAN LAND TOURS

Ama’s COLOMBIA sailing delayed

• AmaWaterways has been forced to push back the inaugural sailing of AmaMagdalena in Colombia to March 2025, with sister ship AmaMelodia to follow in June. The voyage was originally set to depart in November this year. AmaWaterways said the additional months would allow the company to finalise the “essential infrastructure for its new river cruise destination”, as it

• In 2025, Tauck will celebrate its 100th anniversary with four new land journeys – in Italy, Switzerland, France and England. The quartet of new itineraries includes A Week

In… Piedmont and A Week

In… Switzerland, which expand the company’s popular collection of eight-day tours all titled “A Week In…”. The Piedmont itinerary takes guests wine tasting, tru e hunting and cooking around the region. Stays overnight are in boutique properties such as Boscareto Resort & Spa in Serralunga d’Alba as well as the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees & Spa in Stresa. Additionally, Tauck will o er two extended itineraries: the 14-day Paris, Dordogne and Bordeaux and the 11-day England and the West Country. The latter will include a guided tour of Chavenage House, a 400-year-old Cotswold manor home.

becomes the first major river cruise line to sail Colombia’s Magdalena River. Collaborating with local communities and officials to develop the necessary infrastructure, AmaWaterways will also launch nine custom-designed excursion boats for guests to explore secluded areas rich in biodiversity, opening up parts of Colombia rarely seen by travellers. Shore excursions will allow guests to interact with indigenous communities. Guided by locals, these tours not only enhance the cultural experience but also provide valuable employment opportunities.

Globetrotting

Ultra-luxury line Regent

Seven Seas Cruises® has revealed an exciting collection of voyages for 2026-2027. With 173 new itineraries, there is a cruise for every traveller. Set sail on a voyage that takes you beyond the ordinary.

/ The 2026-2027 Voyage Collection

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’® fleet of six stylish vessels – Seven Seas Navigator®, Seven Seas Voyager®, Seven Seas Mariner®, Seven Seas Explorer®, Seven Seas Splendor® and Seven Seas Grandeur® – represent true indulgence at sea.

In this new season, they will take cruisers around the world, with itineraries focused on Africa and Arabia, Alaska, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Canada and New England, the Caribbean and Panama Canal, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America and the South Pacific.

As well as the 140-night 2027 World Cruise, the collection features four new Grand Voyages which range from 60 to 82 nights. Two of the Grand Voyages conclude in Sydney, representing a unique opportunity for Australian cruisers.

Eight newly created Immersive Overnights sailings in Europe, unique to Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, offer an overnight stay in nearly every port of call. That means evening explorations or sunrise strolls in cities such as Barcelona, Paris, London and Monte Carlo.

Additional highlights include new opportunities to sail Alaska from Seattle, and the Caribbean from Galveston, Texas and Tampa, Florida. Set off on South American adventures taking in Drake Passage and the Arctic Peninsula, or on one of four Icelandic sailings.

Closer to home, five itineraries begin or end in Sydney, including a new 10-night round-trip cruise that visits the Sapphire Coast, Melbourne and Tasmania. New Zealand itineraries include tours of the world-famous fjords of Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sound, and seven port-

Living it up Clockwise, from left:

Cruising the glaciers in style with Regent Seven Seas Cruises®; specialty restaurant Compass Rose; Regent Suite dining.

Hear the adventures on Regent Seven Seas Cruises® at On Board with Cruise Passenger

intensive itineraries in Japan will show you a new side of the Land of the Rising Sun.

/ Spotlight voyage: Golfing with Annika Sörenstam

Experience a sensational 14-night Spotlight Voyage around Britain and Ireland hosted by Annika Sörenstam, widely considered to be the greatest female golfer of all time. The ideal cruise for golf enthusiasts, you’ll be sailing on board the new Seven Seas Grandeur®, departing London (Southampton) on June 23, 2025. Combine the best of luxury cruising and championship golf on this unique voyage that will visit some of the sport’s most iconic destinations and legendary greens. Guests will be fully immersed in the centuries-old sport with the opportunity to play on six prestigious courses including past British Open hosts

“EIGHT IMMERSIVE OVERNIGHTS SAILINGS IN EUROPE ... OFFER AN OVERNIGHT STAY IN NEARLY EVERY PORT OF CALL.”

Royal Lytham & St. Annes in England, and Turnberry’s Ailsa Course in Scotland, plus The Strand Course at Portstewart Golf Club in Northern Ireland.

/ Regent and the Rocky Mountaineer

The Regent and Rocky Mountaineer Experience is the most luxurious adventure on land and sea. The journey begins as guests step aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train to enjoy two days of all-inclusive GoldLeaf Service, traversing the majestic landscape from Ban to Vancouver.

The panoramic windows of the luxury bi-level, glass-dome coaches o er breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, including dazzling turquoise lakes and dramatic canyons. With impeccable GoldLeaf Service, indulge in delectable, regionally inspired cuisine prepared by executive chefs. Once in Vancouver, board Seven Seas Explorer® for a seven-night voyage through the Inside Passage to Whittier, Alaska.

/ The Regent Seven Seas Cruises experience Promising the ultimate indulgence with The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet® and The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience®, Regent Seven Seas Cruises® is a cut above.

Guests will immerse themselves in local culture with included unlimited shore

excursions at every port of call. You can choose from a remarkable menu of Regent Choice Shore Excursions (for a nominal fee), which include unique tours with themes such as Epicurean Explorer, Wellness, Eco-Connect and Behind the Design.

All the while, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’® Unrivalled Space at Sea® makes for the perfect homecoming and place for rest and relaxation. The abundance of space on each elegant, perfectly sized ship, and one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the industry, ensures guests receive the best in service and care.

Dining onboard a Regent vessel is unmatched with a variety of sensational specialty venues that will satiate the appetite of any discerning gourmand, all included in your fare. Choose from beloved French restaurant Chartreuse, elevated steakhouse Prime 7, authentic Italian at Sette Mari, tantalising Asian-fusion at Pacific Rim, and the ever-changing menu of Compass Rose.

Additionally, premium beverages, valet laundry service, pre-paid gratuities, unlimited access to spa facilities, unlimited Wi-Fi, in-suite minibar and much more is included in Regent’s All-Inclusive Cruise Fare. CT

For more information, visit RSSC.com, call 1300 455 200 (AU) or 0800 625 692 (NZ), or contact a professional travel advisor.

/ Riviera’s big expansion

Riviera Travel is preparing for a busy couple of years with new ships in the pipeline, new themed itineraries and new solo departures. With two ships, Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose, already slated to launch in 2025, the river cruise line recently announced a third new ship, Riviera Resplendence, to join its fleet in 2026. The 178-passenger Riviera Resplendence will feature

the cruise line’s largest suites, measuring between 16 and 32 square metres, as well as a new split-level bar and restaurant, gourmet restaurant Mosaic, a sundeck with pool, fitness centre and spa and wellness area. New themed itineraries on the Danube and Rhine rivers will focus on immersive experiences for travellers passionate about gastronomy, gardens and music. And a dedicated sailing for solo travellers will do away with costly single supplements. Departing in August 2026, the Medieval Germany itinerary creates a welcoming atmosphere for independent cruisers.

CUT-PRICE cruising

• Discount supermarket chain ALDI is venturing into the holiday market. ALDI’s first drop of budget packages include picturesque escapes to Surfers Paradise and The Whitsundays, international jaunts to Fiji, Thailand and Hawaii, and a range of tours to South Africa, Europe and China. Cruises are also on the menu, with sailings from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises across Australia, the Pacific Islands and Japan. ALDI Holidays has partnered with Ignite Travel Group to create the packages, and guests can customise their holidays with their preferred airlines, departure airports, adjustable lengths of stay and a choice of room upgrades.

GIRL POWER

• Uniworld, the line that delivered millennial ships and a host of other firsts, is now launching one more: womenonly cruises. These bespoke itineraries o er a chance to focus on specific interests and activities that appeal to female travellers. This could include wellness programs, cooking classes, wine tastings or cultural excursions. Sailing on the Rhône and Saône rivers, cruisers will discover Arles, made famous by Van Gogh, and visit Avignon’s majestic Palace of the Popes. They’ll discover the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine, hike the vineyards of the Rhône and pedal through Lyon, a city of cyclists.

The Kimberley

Explore by small ship, the Australian way Venture where the powerful forces of nature create a wilderness wonder beyond compare. Encounter the extraordinary on a journey that is uniquely yours. Sail with a small group of 120 guests, with every need anticipated by your exceptional crew. Plot your path on the bridge or relax with expert guides as they share their passion for the natural world.

Discover unforgettable together with Coral Expeditions.

Remote destinations | Responsible exploration | Service beyond expectation

Treasures of the Mekong

EMERALD CRUISES

Mekong Cruise during the region’s fantastic Green Season, when the region’s lashings of rain not only suppress the heat but enliven these lush, green landscapes.

Green Season is not only ideal because of the sumptuous visuals strewn throughout the region, but Emerald Cruises also celebrates the occasion by offering two extra days on applicable itineraries from July to September. Simply pay for eight days and enjoy a 10-day cruise, giving you more time to explore, and more time cruising in Cambodia.

From the thunderous backstreets of Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll sail off on the Southeast Asian adventure you’ve always dreamed of, packing plenty of action among those more intimate moments where excursions will highlight parts of Vietnam and Cambodia that visitors don’t usually see. Or you can do the same itinerary in reverse, starting in Siem Reap and ending with a few nights in Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant city.

Discover the best of Mekong River on a voyage to see the wonders of this Southeast Asian gem. Chris Singh explores the best itineraries from Emerald Cruises.

Between the sprawling ancient ruins of Angkor Wat and the immeasurable beauty of Ha Long Bay, the mighty Mekong River flows alongside some of the world’s most richly rewarding and unforgettable sites. A river cruise along this arterial neck, which threads through several countries for a remarkable 4350 kilometres, is essential for those looking to maximise their time exploring Southeast Asia.

The specific section of the Mekong that kisses both Vietnam and Cambodia is best explored on a 13-day cruise tour aboard Emerald Harmony, taking an in-depth approach to the region with 15 excursions – including visits to UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites – and 30 meals included.  You’ll be in awe as the luxury, custom-built vessel departs from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City and glides its way to stops like the provincial city of Sa Dec and the remote island

of Cu Lao Gieng, before moving through exciting bucket-list destinations like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Go even deeper with the included EmeraldPLUS excursions, offering illuminating cultural experiences such as folk singing on a historic Vietnamese island, Cambodian circus performances and traditional Apsara dance performances in Siem Reap.  Emerald Cruises’ Mekong itineraries are flexible in scope so you can adjust your experience according to your preferences. For even deeper immersion into the wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia, you could take the 21-day Grand Tour on Emerald Harmony. Or you can opt for a 10-day Meandering Majestic

However you choose to explore, Emerald Cruises unlocks an immense part of the Mekong River while also highlighting hidden gems, giving you the ultimate Southeast Asian journey. Plus, break those shore excursions up with days aboard the supremely comfortable Emerald Harmony with its high staff-to-guest ratio, intimate design and luxurious amenities. With all itineraries available until the end of 2026, now is the perfect time to tick this dramatic location off your cruising bucket list. CT

Eight-day Mekong River cruises start from $4640 per person. For more information, visit emeraldcruises.com.au or call 1300 286 110.

Hidden gems of Green Season

From top: Vietnam’s rice paddies; Angkor Wat in Cambodia; Emerald Harmony on the Mekong.

NEW VESSELS for Tauck

• River line Tauck will be expanding its European fleet, with two brand new, custom-designed riverboats launching on the Seine and Rhône in 2026. Both vessels will accommodate 130 guests, with more suites and larger cabins than other riverboats of similar size. On board, 80 per cent of cabins will be 21 square metres or more. Tauck will also introduce new 16.7 square metre Category One cabins, featuring expanded bathrooms and no single supplement. Communal and outdoor spaces have been thoughtfully reimagined to enhance comfort while showcasing the beauty of the Seine and Rhône rivers. Guests can expect to enjoy the exceptional service Tauck is known for, from world-class dining to carefully crafted shore excursions and thoughtful attention to detail.

/Zen state

Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing, an exquisite property nestled in the heart of a traditional hutong neighbourhood, has opened its doors. With just 42 beautifully appointed courtyard houses, this marks the group’s second hotel in the Chinese capital, o ering a blend of luxury and local culture. Immersive dining experiences include Yan Garden, where Michelin-starred Chef Fei crafts superb

Cantonese cuisine; authentic regional Italian at the relaxed Vicini; Maple Lounge, serving fine teas in a tranquil courtyard; and Tiao, a contemporary cocktail bar o ering innovative drinks and upscale Beijing-inspired bar fare.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental provides guests with a transformative experience beyond relaxation, featuring private treatment suites, a teahouse, healing space and fitness centre.

A STAR is BORN

• Royal Caribbean’s new Icon-class vessel Star of the Seas is getting closer to its debut. Setting sail in August 2025, Star will have similar features to sister ship Icon of the Seas, including its innovative neighbourhoods, 40+ bars and restaurants, and record-breaking waterslides. There will also be a brand-new restaurant, Lincoln Park Supper Club. This will have a 1930s feel, inspired by old-school Chicago, and pairing multi-course meals with live entertainment. Star of the Seas will be going where it’s hot, straight to the Caribbean. She’ll sail a range of seven-night vacations out of Port Canaveral, visiting Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay private island. The line is also building a new beach club, which will be based in Cozumel, Mexico. It’s set to open in 2026.

Coral in the KIMBERLEY

• Coral Expeditions has revealed its 2026 season launch with 46 departures between March and October across three vessels. Highlights of the 2026 season include “cruise, fly and explore” packages, and the introduction of two new nature and photography themed seven-night voyages departing in September 2026. These voyages will

operate round-trip from Broome and take in Western Kimberley highlights along with the natural sanctuaries of the Lacepede Islands and Rowley Shoals. All the Coral Adventurer’s scheduled departure dates from Darwin are timed to align with The Ghan rail journey allowing you to seamlessly join these two iconic experiences together. Reduced solo supplements of 25% will be offered on all available dates throughout the entirety of 2026.

/Back in the family

Travelmarvel has launched its 2025 Europe Coastal Cruising program. As part of it, MS Caledonian Sky will return to the APT family, sailing with Travelmarvel for the first time in the Mediterranean. From April to October 2025, the season includes 13 itineraries, including two extended combination journeys. Key highlights of the new itineraries include the eight-day Greek Island Explorer, cruising from Athens. The 15-day Mediterranean Treasures from Venice to Istanbul takes guests along the coastlines of Croatia, Montenegro, Italy, Greece and Turkey. The 15-day Adriatic & Aegean Delights from Venice to Athens calls at Dubrovnik, Kotor, Italy’s Puglia coast, and Delphi and Mykonos in Greece. The 11-day Highlights of Canary Islands and Madeira travels from Tenerife to Porto. Highlights of the trip include celebrating Porto’s winemaking traditions at a local port cellar.

Oceans & Rivers

CLASS OF 2025

Peter Lynch looks at the exciting new ocean liners that will make their debut in 2025.

/ NORWEGIAN AQUA

The newest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Class, Aqua, is set to sail in the first half of 2025 out of Miami, Florida. The ship, which will carry up to 3571 guests, is touted as being designed for “each experience to flow into the next” and will showcase first-of-its-kind experiences such as the Aqua Slidecoaster, a rollercoaster and waterslide meshed into one. The dining venues will also cater for more guests and there will be new dining options such as the fleet’s first-ever dedicated Thai restaurant and a plant-based food outlet.

/ STAR PRINCESS

In October 2025, Star Princess joins its sister ship, Sun Princess. Featuring the same central atrium popular in Sun Princess, Star Princess will also include spaces such as The Dome, an entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini; a Piazza with a glass sphere; and Princess Arena, a configurable theatre that allows Princess to produce a variety of entertainment concepts using LED lighting and a circular stage so that there are no bad seats in the house. The ship will also have two new accommodation options – the Reserve and

Signature Collections – which come with extra perks such as dining benefits and complimentary wine in your cabin.

/ OCEANIA ALLURA

Slated to set sail in July 2025, Allura will be Oceania Cruises’ eighth ship and will accommodate 1200 guests. The standard staterooms will start at 27 square metres. There is also an expansive new Culinary Center and accompanying Chef’s Studio where guests can enjoy cooking demonstrations. Onboard enrichments include art classes at Oceania

Cruises’ much-loved Artist Loft; numerous guest speakers; and sommelier demonstrations during exclusive Sommelier’s Choice and Cellar Master’s Classic Wine Pairing Luncheons.

/ VIKING VESTA

Launching mid-2025, the 998-guest Viking Vesta will join sister ship Viking Vela – which is on track to debut in December 2024. Classified as a small ship, it will spend its inaugural season sailing popular itineraries in the Mediterranean and Scandinavia.

Viking sticks to its “no children, no casinos” motto for Vesta, appealing to “thinking adults” who want to sail in luxurious surroundings. The all-veranda ship features fine-dining such as The Chef’s Table and Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant. There’s the Nordic Spa and several cabin options including Explorer and Owner’s suites.

/ DISNEY DESTINY

The new Disney Destiny will bring Disney, Pixar and Marvel heroes and villains to life throughout the dining, accommodation, kids club and entertainment o erings. Exclusive to Disney Destiny, the line’s in-house production team showcases Hercules with comedy and music from the famous 1997 animated film. At the Worlds of Marvel, there will be special appearances from the likes of Spider-Man while the menu ranges from classic American fare to rich African flavours.

For those with a sweet tooth, the lovable Edna from The Incredibles has hung up her sewing kit and repurposed her lab to turn out some beautiful sweets and desserts. For the adults, De Vil’s, taking a cue from 101 Dalmatians, is a stylish lounge, nestled in the Grand Hall. The cocktail menu is designed around Cruella’s

First looks Clockwise, from left: Aurora’s Douglas Mawson; prepare to be entertained on Disney Destiny; the pool on Viking Vesta; NCL’s Norwegian Aqua

New Ships

opulence – martinis, old-fashioned cocktails and high-end bubbles are on the cards.

/ LUMINARA

Luminara will be the third in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection series. There are 10 voyages varying from 10 to 15 nights between December 2025 and May 2026, which will see Luminara departing from either Hong Kong, Tokyo or Singapore to explore 28 ports across 10 countries in the region, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand.

The intimate superyacht has a capacity for just 452 guests accommodated in spacious ocean-view suites with private terraces. There are five restaurants, six bars and a wine vault.

As an all-inclusive experience, guests can indulge in non-motorised watersports from a marina-style platform while at anchor.

/ DOUGLAS MAWSON

Adventure buffs should be excited when Aurora Expeditions’ newest state-of-the-art small ship, Douglas Mawson, sets sail in 2025. Taking a maximum of 130 adventurers on board for its Expeditions, and just 154 on Small Ship Cruises, the ship boasts Aurora’s most extensive range of staterooms, a heated outdoor swimming pool and two restaurants. In its inaugural season, Douglas Mawson will offer new itineraries in a nod to its namesake’s own Antarctica voyage, departing from Hobart before sailing to the Atlantic Coast, British Isles and Mediterranean.

/ FOUR SEASONS YACHT I

The ultra-luxury hotel group Four Seasons will launch the first of two yachts in late 2025. Enjoying 95 suites with extensive terrace decks, guests can expect to be engulfed in luxury and space where size does matter. Suites range from 500 to nearly 10,000 square metres. The extraordinary Funnel Suite offers three bedrooms across four levels of living space, a private splash pool, outdoor gym and an almost 465-square-metre exclusive terrace.

Guests can expect to enjoy fine dining across 11 restaurants and lounges, a dip in the 20-metre saltwater pool and watersports adventures from the yacht’s bespoke transverse marina.

On the money Clockwise, from right: APT Ostara; Four Seasons’ yacht; the library on board Oceania Allura; The Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara

“Designed by award-winning architects, these ships will carry just 154 passengers, promising an intimate and personalised experience for each guest.”

/ VIKING TONLE

No name will loom larger than Viking in the river cruise world in 2025. The company will assert dominance with 10 new riverboats sailing across three regions. Viking is introducing two intimate 82-guest vessels, Viking Amun and Viking Thoth, purpose-built for Egypt.

But in Southeast Asia, the 80-passenger Viking Tonle will set sail on the Mekong River, offering a blend of serenity and discovery as it winds through Cambodia and Vietnam on the line’s popular 15-day Magnificent Mekong route. With its spa, al fresco Sky Bar and staterooms

featuring private verandas or French balconies, Viking Tonle will provide a relaxing retreat between adventures in the vibrant cities and tranquil villages along the Mekong.

/ AMAMAGDALENA

AmaWaterways will welcome its new AmaMagdalena in Colombia in January 2025, followed by its sister ship, AmaMelodia, in June 2025. Both ships will offer luxurious amenities, including a hair-and-nail salon, a fitness room, a massage room and a stunning al fresco pool. With spacious suites and cabins, these ships are

tailor-made for travellers looking for an intimate experience along the lush Magdalena River.

/ APT SOLARA AND OSTARA

APT will introduce two new river cruise ships, APT Solara and APT Ostara, along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers in 2025. Designed by award-winning architects, these sister ships will carry just 154 passengers, promising an intimate and personalised experience for each guest. From what we can see, the vessels are a blend of modern elegance and timeless comfort that will appeal to APT’s discerning clientele.

/ S.S. ELISABETH

In 2025, Transcend’s initial riverboat – formerly the Crystal Mahler from now-defunct Crystal River Cruises – will become S.S. Elisabeth for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, under charter from Riverside Luxury Cruises. As an identical sister ship to 2024’s S.S. Victoria, Elisabeth will carry 110 guests in 55 staterooms and suites up to 70.5 square metres, some with walk-in closets and fireplaces. Options extend to two-bedroom cabins and venues will include a fine-dining restaurant, rooftop bar and grill, snack bistro, massage room, gym and pool. CT

THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION

ROW

Sara Macefield boards a superyacht to discover that the passengers on board are very different from the usual cruise crowd.

Make an entrance

A stylish afternoon tea on The Ritz-Carlton’s Evrima (left); a smooth embarkation.

I’d waited five years for this reunion, fondly imagining it among the minarets and earthy romance of Casablanca, where the eponymous Oscar-winning movie still casts a nostalgic shadow. Admittedly, this was never going to match the Hollywood classic’s emotionally charged liaisons, and the reality, as we drove along choked highways winding past towering ultra-modern hotels in a battered excuse of a taxi, was less than evocative.

But as we pulled into the port, there ahead of us was Evrima, gleaming like a precious pearl in this industrial wasteland, all sleek lines and smooth contours, contrasting starkly with the surrounding battalion of dusty cranes and tightly stacked shipping containers.

The last time I’d set eyes on this glamorous mega-yacht was in October 2018 when the bare metal hull slid down the slipway of the Galician shipyard where it had been constructed, into the waters of the North Atlantic, ready to undergo its seaworthy tests. It was a moment of celebration, cementing the arrival of upmarket hotel giant The Ritz-Carlton into the world of ocean cruising with the first of three lavish superyachts managed under its offshoot The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

This glitzy newcomer promised to bring the gold-standard world of hotel hospitality to the oceans. Yet its inaugural trip was plagued by complications: shipyard problems, the Covid pandemic and resulting supply issues delayed Evrima’s launch eight times before the mega-yacht finally cast off on its maiden voyage from Barcelona in October 2022 – two and a half years behind schedule.

As I walked up the gangway, I was keenly anticipating how this “new era of yacht-style cruising” – costing upwards of $1900 a night – would compare with more traditional high-end ocean-going experiences.

The differences were immediate and obvious. There was no grand atrium or reception, but instead the Living Room, a chilled lounge area flowing across the yacht’s breadth. This was the central hub where guests gathered, immersing themselves in books from the library or gathering for apéritifs and hors d’oeuvres to the lilting notes of live music.

Fact file

Capacity: 298 guests

Tonnage: 25,400

Year built: 2021

Owner’s Suite: 101 sq m, plus 59 sq m terrace

Terrace Suite: 28 sq m, plus 7.5 sq m terrace

Dining: Evrima Room, S.E.A., Talaat Nam, The Pool House, Mistral.

Glitzy cruise newcomer Evrima’s Loft Suite (above); the impressive ship (below); fine food and exquisite cocktails are de rigueur (left).

Wellness: The Ritz-Carlton Spa, The Salon and The Barber, The Fitness Studio.

Dress code: Yacht Casual; Yacht Sophisticated for restaurant dining. No formal nights.

Evrima’s cool and contemporary vibe is reminiscent of boutique hotel chic, with muted shades of fawn and chocolate, smoky dark woods and leather panels, enlivened with flashes of sienna, emerald green and tangerine. Modernist artworks adorn walls and fill spaces.

Such effortless class extends to our two-level loft suite, one of six different types on this all-suite ship, packing in wow factor with an upstairs living area plus balcony or “private terrace” and a downstairs bedroom (where my first instinct was to start playing with the electronic blinds and touch-pad lighting controls) and marble-cloaked ensuite.

With just 298 guests, I found the ambience aboard Evrima more cliquey than on other exclusive ships. Maybe because, having joined this cruise partway through, everyone had already chummed up, but I missed the camaraderie that is normally such an intrinsic part of small-ship voyages.

But then, Evrima doesn’t attract the usual cruise crowd. They’re a younger bunch, mainly Americans and largely in their 50s, with about half never having cruised before and 40 per cent dipping their immaculately manicured toes into The Ritz-Carlton waters after sampling the chain’s hotels. What bound them together was a wealthy aura radiating from their reassuringly expensive wardrobes and suspiciously smooth complexions.

This was a world of the understated and uber-rich, as demonstrated in Evrima’s designer boutique, where I gawped at Cartier watches and Chanel bags retailing for a cool $10,970, though I was too late for the three Hermès Birkin bags costing almost $35,500 a piece, which had already been snapped up.

THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION

Book it

As we sailed towards Tenerife we dined in style at the five restaurants – a decent tally for such a petite vessel, delighting in the curries and noodles of Asian specialty Talaat Nam, succulent surf and turf at the delightful open-air Mistral and exquisite melt-in-the-mouth beef carpaccio in the Evrima Room main restaurant. Unlike traditional cruise ships, there was no bu et venue, but the Pool House casual dining spot did a good job of breakfast bites and lunchtime burgers and poke bowls.

The main gourmet draw – and the only venue costing extra –was S.E.A., led by chef Sven Elverfeld from Aqua, The RitzCarlton’s property in the German city of Wolfsburg which has three Michelin Stars, where our seven-course “culinary journey” of unique flavours was beautifully presented, though I wasn’t convinced it justified the $625 per person charge.

But I began to question if it was just me, as prices didn’t seem to be an issue for this moneyed crowd, with talk of a Brazilian family splashing around $4000 on wines during a single meal – easily done when the wine list brims with vintages costing

• Evrima is currently sailing in the Caribbean, but will reposition to Europe in April 2025, along with sister ship, the recently launched Ilma. A 10-night sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona on Evrima, including ports of call at Seville, Tangier, Malaga, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca and Mahon, costs from US$13,100 (about $19,890) per person including gratuities, drinks and WiFi.

four figures, topped by a bottle of Montrachet Grand Cru 2006 for a wallet-busting $30,000.

Life on board

The Pool House with whirlpools and water misting to keep you cool; dine al fresco at Mistral; spa treatments on the private terrace.

Laying claim to one of the highest space-ratios at sea meant Evrima never felt crowded, with two infinity pools and hot tubs dotted on di erent sun decks, though inclement conditions meant the Marina Terrace and its water toys at the ship’s aft were disappointingly o limits.

To boost the yacht’s family appeal, there’s a Ritz Kids club; empty on our sailing, though it was the opposite story for The Ritz-Carlton Spa, whose five treatment rooms, all with al fresco terraces, enjoyed a steady throng of patrons.

Reminders of The Ritz-Carlton heritage were all around, with its distinctive crest adorning ship stationery and our super-soft bathrobes. So how did Evrima live up to its hallowed lineage?

There’s no doubt this relative newcomer ticks the same opulent boxes. With a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly one-to-one, including our own personal concierges, service was assuredly attentive (as it is on other luxury cruise lines), though a little fine-tuning wouldn’t go amiss.

But as a swanky head-turner, this superyacht holds its own in the most stylish of ways, promising an enticing taste of the jetset lifestyle that’ll make you feel like a million dollars – whatever your bank balance reads. CT

THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION

Universe

Puttin’ on the Ritz

Trunk show

NN.07 Henry 6636 shirt,

Hartford swim shorts, $228.

Creed Amber Universe Delphinus, $409.

Toteme wrap dress, $1300.

Hunza G Nadine bikini, $315.

sunglasses, $3280.

Cara Cara Colomba playsuit, $1029.

Zimmermann Ottie shirt, $880, and midi skirt, $1020.

Loewe Anagram T-shirt, $915.

Jacques Marie Mage Mojave $352.

Johanna Ortiz Finding The Way midi dress, $2362.

Loro Piana Naoki straw hat, $1603.

Nike Air Pegasus 2005 sneakers, $230.

Loewe Puzzle Fold tote bag, $4411.

DIAMOND

is a girl’s best friend

First-time cruiser Alice Williams discovers the joys of sailing on Diamond Princess, which is back in Australian waters after six years.

“Whales!” called an ecstatic stranger from the deck of Diamond Princess as I walked past a window, on my way to the bar for sunset hour. I looked around to see who she was manically waving at, then realised it was me.

“And dolphins!” she shrieked and pointed at the sea – in case I thought they might be elsewhere. I cast a longing look at the piña colada being poured five steps away, then chose the natural world.

Bellies pressed against the railing, this stranger and I whooped at a pod of dolphins peeling in and out of the waves made by the wake of the ship. Then, as the yolky sun cracked out across the horizon, a single fur seal popped a sweet little face out of the waves and looked at us as if to say, “Please stop screaming.”

Two weeks back on land and I’m still not entirely convinced that the experience wasn’t somehow engineered by our Cruise Director, but as a first-time passenger what would I know? Maybe this kind of magic happens every cruise.

Onsen on the sea Diamond Princess’s traditional onsen experience at Izumi bathhouse.

/ The Love Boat promises something for everyone…

Back in the 1970s, when The Love Boat introduced cruising to the world, the popular TV series was actually filmed aboard various Princess ships. Keeping the romance alive, the line plays the series’ tune from the ship’s horn during sailaway.

When Diamond Princess arrived at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal after six years, the buzz around its return had the same vibe as a school camp. Passengers dutifully handed their piles of luggage to porters, all decorated with swing tags from cruises past, and cheerfully drifted into boarding lines.

Having just completed a 22-day repositioning voyage from Yokohama, Japan, and on its way to its temporary homeport of Melbourne, Diamond Princess would be at capacity with about 2706 guests on the cruise.

Walking into the Grand Plaza onboarding is quite an experience. The spectacular piazza glows with a million lights bouncing off the honey-coloured wood, and the eye is drawn from the sweeping staircases to the glass-fronted lifts whizzing passengers to their cabins.

Last refurbished in February 2023, there’s a little tension

“EXPERT CHEFS SKILFULLY CRAFT FRESH DISHES RIGHT BEFORE YOU, DELICATE AS ORIGAMI.”

between the ship’s aesthetic within the design – think Japaneseborn, as she was the first Princess Cruises ship to be built in a Japanese shipyard, with very influential Italian parents. The fitout is both elegant and comfortable.

Instead of offering meals in one main dining room, Diamond Princess serves the same evening menu to sit-down diners in five different venues: Vivaldi, Savoy, Pacific Moon, Santa Fe and the larger International Dining Room.

Then there are the extra-cost dining options where, for me, the standout dining experience was at Kai Sushi, the only bona fide sushi restaurant in the Princess fleet. Here expert chefs skilfully craft fresh dishes right before you, delicate as origami.

Another culinary highlight was the lobster ravioli at Sabatini’s, the Italian specialty restaurant. Sabatini’s has an impressive menu, including one of the best fried-calamari dishes I’ve ever had, on land or sea.

The buffet had a wide and changing spread with the ramen bar a favourite, second only to the obscenely chewy double-chocolate cookies. There are also casual walk-up options such as the Trident Grill for burgers, a pizza bar and a

Taste of Japan

Clockwise, from above: Sauna in Izumi Japanese Bath House; a champagne welcome; fresh fish is the star at Kai Sushi; a standout dining experience at Kai Sushi.

PRINCESS CRUISES

Brazilian churrascaria. Room service was efficient – no order took longer than 15 minutes – and it was definitely the best avenue for good coffee.

/ Pampering and entertainment

My first onboard destination that wasn’t food-motivated was the Izumi Japanese Bath House, a key feature that distinguishes Diamond Princess. The beautiful onsen experience is designed to evoke the tranquillity of Japan’s famed hot springs. With gender-segregated facilities that include indoor and outdoor baths, steam rooms and hot tubs with ocean views, it felt like an exclusive sanctuary.

Open to all, the full-service Lotus Spa includes a pool, a sauna and steam-room areas. You can also select spa services within The Sanctuary. Prices fluctuate based on treatment type and length, with discounts offered for multiple treatments booked at the same time. Pricing on beauty treatments such as saltcleansing scrubs, cellulite reduction therapy and facials ranges from $150 to over $300 per session.

There is also a spacious fitness centre and gym loaded with

Book it

• To kick off her 2024-25 winter season, the ship will begin offering various itineraries departing from Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane. These four- to 14-night voyages visit popular locations in South Australia, such as Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln, as well as destinations in New Zealand, including Auckland, Tauranga and Dunedin.

• In early 2025, Diamond Princess will also be offering cruises to

Tasmania, Queensland and New South Wales. Notable stops on these routes include Hobart, Port Arthur, Eden, Newcastle, Airlie Beach and Cairns. This schedule is part of Princess Cruises’ upcoming three-ship winter season in Australia and New Zealand.

• After completing its time in Australia, Diamond Princess will head back to Asia on a 22-night voyage to Japan. Departing Sydney on February 21, 2025, the repositioning cruise will make stops at eight destinations before reaching Yokohama.

Fit for a princess

From top: The Secret Silk, a Broadway-calibre show on a cruise ship; staterooom on board Diamond Princess

high-tech equipment that I did not avail myself of, in part because I was on board for only two days (from Sydney to Melbourne) but mainly because I didn’t want to. Working out is for real life, I was there for the fantasy.

And my fantasy was served in silks at the nightly theatre show, The Secret Silk, created by acclaimed composer Stephen Schwartz. Known worldwide for his work on Wicked, Godspell and Pippin, Schwartz’s show brings mythical beings to life through a blend of puppetry, contemporary song and dance.

The Secret Silk is Princess’s third time working with the Oscar, Grammy and Tony Award-winning composer. Adapting a Broadway-calibre show to a cruise-ship stage takes exceptional skill, and you can see that expertise here in everything from the artful costumes to the weightless choreography.

/ We’ve been expecting you

There’s an excellent range of accommodation on board Diamond Princess: two-bedroom family suites that sleep up to eight; suites with all Club Class perks (including complimentary minibars); balcony staterooms; porthole-view cabins; and interior rooms.

Mine was an immaculate balcony stateroom decorated in caramel-brown wood with a gloriously comfy queen-size bed; a desk; plenty of closet space; a bathroom with a shower; a large flat-panel television; and a mini-fridge. WiFi access was stable and speedy and, thanks to your clever little Medallion – a piece of wearable tech the size of a 20-cent coin – your cabin door unlocks like magic as you walk up to it.

Even more impressively, the Medallion allows you to order food and drinks directly to your deck chair; allows your server to know your name as you sidle up to the bar; and helps you track down your travel companions anywhere on the ship. I saw not one but two sets of parents tracking down wayward children this way. CT

PRINCESS CRUISES

Glitter like diamonds

Trunk show

and

Veronica Beard Ellette blazer, $1293, and pants, $862.

Gucci twill blazer, $3722, and trousers, $1762.

Matiere Premiere Santal Austral Extrait, $599.

Roxanne Assoulin earrings, $140.

Destree Amoako jacket, $622.

Jean Paul Gaultier swimsuit, $500.

Maison Margiela Tabi flats, $1815.

Tohum magnesite ring, $1023.

Orlebar Brown Giles linen shirt, $558.

Costarellos Malvina gown, $3242.

Judith Leiber Couture Rose American Beauty clutch, $7495.

Adidas Originals + Wales Bonner sneakers, $403.

VIKING SOBEK

MONUMENT for a MODERN AGE

Despite the troubles in the Middle East, tourists are returning to Egypt, spurred by new ships and a new wonder – the world’s largest museum. Peter Lynch reports.

ever wondered what architectural monuments we, as a generation, will be remembered for? It’s a great question to ponder as we gaze on the great tombs and temples of the pharaohs in Egypt.

Dubai would be up there, with billions spent on majestic buildings and taming the desert. Shanghai, London and Paris certainly have structures worthy of historic note.

Our own Sydney Opera House, a modern expressionist masterpiece, also needs to be a contender. But it occupies a relatively modest 1.8 hectares. In stark contrast, the Karnak Temple in Luxor sprawls over 80 hectares, making it the largest ancient religious site in the world and roughly 44 times the size of the Opera House.

Old meets new The impressive new Grand Egyptian Museum (right); Viking Sobek plying the Nile.

We are sailing the Nile aboard Viking Sobek, the line’s newest ship on this great waterway and named after an Egyptian crocodile god. Her sister ship, Viking Hathor, bears the epithet of the goddess of fertility.

Both were christened at a remarkable ceremony at the Karnak Temple site. And Viking couldn’t resist getting into the history of the location and occasion, inviting The Honorable Edward Herbert to be godfather of the Hathor His great-great-grandfather, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, was the benefactor for the world’s most famous Egyptologist, Howard Carter, whose excavation uncovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun 102 years ago, on November 4, 1922. It is rumoured he died of the Tutankhamun curse. His work sparked enormous global interest and a whole industry trying to uncover

the secrets of Egypt’s great rulers, whose obsession with death led to the creation of the massive monuments that are among the planet’s biggest tourism drawcards.

Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, is betting big on Egypt. The line runs the world’s biggest river fleet at 70 vessels, and it has another 17 ships on order by 2027.

On the Nile, Viking sails six ships and another four are under construction, giving it the biggest fleet on the world’s longest river. It’s a bet that seems to be paying off. He recently revealed Egypt 2025 was pretty much sold out on all ships, an astonishing position considering there were so few tourists in 2023.

This river is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations on Earth, but its proximity to recent Middle Eastern unrest hit tourism – and the Egyptian economy – hard.

But pragmatic travellers are returning. Canberra’s Department of Foreign Affairs recently updated Smartraveller’s advice on Egypt to “exercise a high degree of caution in Egypt”. That’s a significant step down from earlier warnings to “reconsider travel plans”.

Hagen is one of cruising’s most canny operators. Egypt suits his view of what a Viking guest wants to a tee. He describes his company as “the thinking person’s cruise line”. You’d be hard pressed to find a destination that is more thought-provoking than Egypt.

“With its abundance of cultural treasures and ancient antiquities, Egypt has always been a destination of great interest to curious travellers, including our guests,” waxes Hagen. “We believe our ships are by far the most elegant vessels sailing the Nile River, and we look forward to introducing even more explorers to this fantastic destination in the years to come.”

He certainly has a point about the ships.

Experience Egypt Clockwise, from below left: The buffet, Aquavit Terrace and Sun Deck on Viking’s Nile ships; the Great Pyramids; the Grand Egyptian Museum.

We are among the first travellers on board Viking Sobek. She has just 82 guests and a crew of 48. It is, in true Viking style, light, bright and Scandi chic, and packs a lot into her almost 72 metres, including 41 outside staterooms, a library (yes, they have Death on the Nile), a small infinity pool and sun deck, the Aquavit Terrace and lounge, a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area for al fresco dining, and a bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

We are staying in one of the veranda staterooms, which runs to 22 sq m with a private balcony. Of course, this comes with Viking’s much-loved value package of included shore excursions, wine and beer with meals, free WiFi, no kids and no casinos. It’s a winning formula. Add Egypt’s incredible allure and it is proving a compelling case for travellers everywhere.

Viking sent 20,000 to Egypt this year – and bookings are stepping up. The problem is capacity – there just isn’t enough to meet demand. Viking Sobek and Hathor are twins, as are Viking Osiris and Viking Aton. Additional ships in the Egypt fleet include Viking Ra and MS Antares, a smaller more traditional Nile vessel. They’ve been tailored to the market: modern, state of the art vessels in an ancient land.

Our suite is on level 2 – brilliantly located near the free coffee machines, concierge desk and one floor up to the restaurant and bar. The ship has four floors topped by an upper sun deck. There’s a pool deck with lounge and terrace; the dining level; and then two decks of suites and guest services. The plunge pool may be small, but the back of the ship on a sunny day is a wonderful place to sit in the cooling water and take in the sights of this great land. Viking Sobek has no gym or spa and, while the food at lunch and dinner is excellent and there are always local dishes, the action is on shore.

Egypt’s big five

1 / Grand Egyptian Museum

Modern take on creating a monument, this huge museum already holds thousands of exhibits but eventually the centrepiece will be the cache of items discovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamun.

2 / The Pyramids and Sphinx

Just outside Cairo, climb in, walk around and marvel at how an ancient civilisation managed to solve the problems of building some of the most complex constructions ever.

3 / Valley of the Kings

Egyptian rulers were obsessed with their legacy after death, and went to extraordinary lengths to hide their final resting places, digging deep into the mountainside and even killing or maiming construction workers in a bid to stop them stealing their wealth. A balloon ride over this site is spectacular.

4 / Luxor

The temples of Luxor and Karnak are huge and among the largest religious buildings. Karnak covers about 1.5 kilometres and was a place of pilgrimage for nearly 2000 years. The area of the sacred enclosure of Amun alone could hold 10 average European cathedrals.

5 / Abu Simbel

Built by Ramesses II in ancient Nubia, four 20-metre statues sit in pairs flanking the entrance. But perhaps even more of a miracle is that the complex was relocated in its entirety in 1968 to avoid it being submerged by the Aswan Dam reservoir.

“EGYPTOLOGISTS … GUIDE US THROUGH BUSTLING MARKETS, COLOSSAL TEMPLES AND TOMBS, AND MASSIVE MUSEUMS.”

Egyptologists Hannan El Deib and Sherine Barakat guide us through bustling markets, colossal temples and tombs, and massive museums while regaling us with stories of great Egyptian leaders that are better than any Netflix series could ever dream up.

We all know the story of Cleopatra, queen of Egypt from 5130 BCE and the original femme fatale, but did we know just how skilled a diplomatic negotiator she was as she battled to stop the rival Roman empire from stealing Egypt’s natural resources? Or what about the queen who pretended she was a man because ancient Egyptians weren’t ready for a female leader?

Their stories are a constant collision between what we know from history and entertainment, and what we know from the ever-evolving world of science and fact. And luckily, Egyptian hieroglyphics give us a lot of clues. We now know just how advanced Egypt was in terms of medicine, construction and logistics. It’s both humbling and awe-inspiring.

Long before the discovery of penicillin, ancient Egyptian

Life on the Nile Clockwise, from top: The pool deck on Viking Sobek; publisher Peter Lynch on tour; Captain of Viking Sobek, Soliman Mohamed.

physicians utilised mouldy bread to treat infected wounds. This practice inadvertently harnessed the antibiotic properties of the mould. Even their iconic black kohl eyeliner served a medicinal purpose, helping prevent eye infections in the dusty, arid climate.

At 6650 kilometres, the Nile is the artery that keeps the heart of Egypt beating. And it takes river vessels past some of the planet’s greatest marvels. We are sailing a truncated version of Viking’s 12-day Pharaohs and Pyramids itinerary. It sets a cracking pace.

Like most Viking guests, we fly into Cairo and stay at the Nile Ritz-Carlton, a grand dame on the banks of the river with stunning views of the water and the city skyline. It’s wonderfully located just a few steps from the pink-clad Egyptian Museum, home of Tutankhamun’s gold funeral mask – a rock star of the Egyptology industry. We see the mask on a private evening tour.

But this once great institution is now a poor cousin of the new Grand Egyptian Museum – know as the GEM. It’s a fabulous new addition to the world stage of museum greats, and when completed will be the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilisation.

The collection, consisting of tens of thousands of rare and unique archaeological finds, has a new home in a museum site built on the plateau of the pyramids of Giza, just two kilometres away. Eventually, King Tut’s golden mask will be there too.

A window at the back of the museum allows visitors to see the Pyramids of Giza. But that is nothing to the pinch-me feel of a visit to the real thing, where visitors constantly marvel at the feat of building these giant tombs.

Next stop is Luxor – a true Egyptian gem of a city, with its grand hotels, graceful felucca sailing boats and hot-air-balloon rides over the burial grounds of the Valley of the Kings.

Viking has been winning plaudits for its Nile itineraries. Viking Osiris was named one of the “Best New Cruises” in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List 2023” and the “Best Luxury River Cruise of 2024” in Forbes’ “Best Luxury Cruises” list. CT See more and special o ers at cruisepassenger.com.au or viking.com.

VIKING SOBEK

$910.

Nile River

Trunk show

NN.07

Vancouver suede hiking boots,

1449 jacket, Loro Piana Naoki straw hat, $1604.

Balenciaga Army messenger bag,

Bottega Veneta midi skirt, U$4770.

Marina B Quarta 18kt gold earrings with diamonds and gemstones, $53,105.

Bottega Veneta gold-plated earrings,

Wardrobe. NYC parka, $2890, and wide-leg pants, $1485.

Isak $436. $1850.

$1199.

Zimmermann Ottie linen minidress, $1495.

Le Monde Beryl linen ballet flats, $735. Loewe + Paula’s Ibiza silk-satin trousers, $2650.

Portuguese Flannel linen shirt, $209.

FOUR SEASONS EXPLORER

Ultra luxury sails into PALAU

A new Four Seasons superyacht is at the heart of Palau’s plan to become the next Seychelles, not another Bali. John O’Ceallaigh reports.

When I told friends I was visiting Palau, the most common response I received was: “Sounds lovely – but where is that exactly?” A lack of brand recognition isn’t usually something to strive for, but Palau doesn’t see it that way. As other countries around the world grapple with the impact of mass tourism, remaining under the radar is a key objective of this island nation.

About 650 kilometres northeast of Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Palau is home to just 18,000 people, making it the fourth-smallest sovereign state on the planet. Though it comprises about 340 islands, only nine are inhabited. Many of the others are entirely untouched and set in spectacular clusters of towering limestone and coated from shoreline to peak in ancient tropical forest.

Just 41,227 tourists visited the country in 2023 and less than 1200 of those were from Australia. But with the recent launch of direct flights from Brisbane, these isolated islands are now more accessible than ever.

Despite a potential Aussie influx, the government is determined to protect paradise. In 2020, the Palau National Marine Sanctuary was established, covering 80 per cent of the country’s waters, an area larger than France. Since 2017, every tourist who enters has been obliged to sign the Palau Pledge, a commitment “to act in an ecologically and culturally responsible way on the island, for the sake of Palau’s children and future generations of Palauans”. Which is not to say tourists are unwelcome. Palau still needs to consider economic necessities –

Small wonders

The Four Seasons luxury floating resort in Palau (left); relaxing on board Four Seasons Explorer

FOUR SEASONS EXPLORER

especially when the country’s close relationship with the US means its citizens can easily study and settle there, an arrangement that has seen a considerable brain drain. However, it’s keen to bypass the high-impact, low-spending tourism model seen in places such as Thailand, in favour of fewer big-spending luxury travellers.

It certainly isn’t the only country doing its best to deter backpackers in favour of the wealthy. During the pandemic, Fiji implemented the Blue Lanes initiative to attract superyacht-owning billionaires looking to rent out entire islands. In Bhutan, visitors pay a sustainable development fee of US$100 ($149) per day – putting it beyond the reach of budget travellers. Palau’s strategy involves partnerships with upmarket airlines (don’t expect Jetstar to be landing soon), substantial tourist taxes (more on which below) and a careful hotel development policy that focuses on highend properties. It wants to become the next Seychelles or Maldives, not another Bali.

All of which makes the recent arrival of Four Seasons, the first international hospitality brand to establish a presence in Palau, entirely unsurprising. Launched in October 2023, Four Seasons Explorer isn’t a hotel but a plush 39-metre catamaran that is now undertaking voyages around the sprawling archipelago. Its rolling cruises have no fixed departure dates, so incoming guests can arrive when they please and stay for as long as they want.

After landing in Palau, a tender will ferry them to the larger vessel – wherever it might be. Once on board, they’ll enjoy a Palau experience without comparison in terms of service standards, cuisine, activities and overall extravagance. Passengers reside in one of 10 staterooms or the grand master suite. Mornings begin with yoga on the deck, and days are spent attending nature talks and cultural tours, kayaking, snorkelling and diving. It’s about as close as you’ll get to owning your own superyacht.

Four Seasons operates more than 100 properties around the world, but the concept is breaking new boundaries for the company and represents the first stage of a broader, long-term investment in the country. Construction of a Four Seasons resort on an uninhabited island near the capital, Ngerulmud, will begin shortly. Already it is offering training programs for Palauans to learn the fine art of luxury hospitality, including placements at Four Seasons resorts in the Maldives. Another course involves teaching youngsters how to dive so they might become future scuba instructors.

I got a sense of the impact such commitments are having when I was picked up at the airport by Kaali, a Palauan woman in her early 20s who recently concluded her training in the Maldives and now looks after Four Seasons Explorer clients. Her role meant she wouldn’t need to consider emigrating, and during our drives she proved a fascinating ambassador for the country.

Around Palau on the Explorer Clockwise, from top: Cultural shows; diving from the superyacht; cocktail hour; waterways tours; beachfront massages; an Explorer Suite.

On board

• More superyacht than cruise ship, Four Seasons Explorer promises ultra-luxury indulgence even in the most remote corners of the world.

Accommodation: Ten 20 sqm State Rooms with ensuite bathroom, private refrigerated bar and large porthole window. One 45 sqm Explorer Suite with private sundeck, daybed and teak furnishings.

Dining: The onboard restaurant serves a la carte menus that change daily. Meals are inspired by Palauan cuisine, with influences from Asia and the West. Dine indoors at the restaurant or al fresco on the deck. There are also two bars.

Wellness: There’s a small spa area on the Sun Deck, with treatments derived from traditional Palauan healing therapies. Yoga classes are also held on this deck.

Extras: Free WiFi (when in range), onboard videographer, thrice-daily housekeeping, laundry service, reef-friendly sunscreen.

Book it

• Stays on board Four Seasons Explorer Palau in the entry-level State Rooms start from about $6500 per room per night, based on double occupancy. This includes meals, diving, snorkelling, non-motorised watersports, most activities and excursions, and taxes but excludes alcoholic beverages. Visit fourseasons.com/ explorerpalau

I learnt about the Palauan language (ancient, unique and resilient, but newly vulnerable because children are increasingly enmeshed in English-language material online), funeral customs (locals consult a specific Facebook page to find out which ones to attend on any given weekend) and media (despite its tiny size, Palau has five radio stations).

Because Palau is so small, I was even able to meet the president. The son of a conservationist, diver and early tourism entrepreneur, Surangel S Whipps Jr is heavily invested in Palau’s current tourism strategy. He shared a story with me of how, in around 2015, when Palau received a record 170,000 tourists, mostly from China, locals poached hundreds of protected clams from a marine sanctuary to serve illegally in restaurants. “We wanted to discourage that kind of activity,” the president told me.

It was incidents like this that precipitated an enhanced focus on environmental protections, including the establishment of the Palau Pledge and the introduction of new tourist taxes, including the Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee, added to every airline ticket to fund conservation initiatives. To engage in waterbased activities, tourists also need to purchase a 10-day permit costing between US$50 ($75) and US$100 ($149), with funds directed towards the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

Such extra costs will deter many more priceconscious travellers from holidaying in the country, but they’ll barely be noticed by the privileged guests booking a stay on Four Seasons Explorer. Though meals and most activities are included, a couple will pay about $6500 a night. It’s incredibly pricey, but as we sailed alone through pristine, primordial landscapes still completely untouched by man, I understood why Palau can command such a premium.

Sprouting from the water like mushroom caps, emerald islands were cloaked in bowed ferns and soaring breadfruit trees. Within the canopy we’d sometimes spot native Palau fruit doves, with their violet crowns and wings in vivid lime green. Occasional landings facilitated introductions to Palau’s culture and troubled history. At Airai, one of Palau’s 16 states, local women in colourful skirts woven from hibiscus bark performed ancient songs and dances. At Peleliu, rusted tanks and skeletal military ruins stood as relics of a Second World War confrontation between American and Japanese troops in which

thousands perished. It was hard to fathom how something like this could occur in a place that now seemed so peaceful.

Most on board had come to Palau to take to the water. Palau’s reef is in robust good health and its waters o ers some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving. Each evening, the avid divers among our group rhapsodised about encounters with manta rays and kaleidoscopic corals that were among the most vibrant they’d ever seen.

I was happy enough snorkelling. Alone in a sheltered cove one calm morning, I cut through waters so still and dazzlingly clear it somehow felt like I was flying through the air rather than swimming. Yellowed leaves from the trees above me spiralled slowly downwards towards a coral carpet that shimmered with iridescent flashes of amethysts, peppermints and tangerines. For all the bells and whistles the Four Seasons Explorer o ered on board, it was having the opportunity to experience such beauty, hundreds of miles from anything resembling mass tourism, that felt like the ultimate luxury. CT

Remote journeys Sunbaking with a view aboard Four Seasons Explorer; natural

wonders of Palau.

FOUR SEASONS EXPLORER

Goods sunglasses,

Bottega Veneta Cassette Intrecciato

Intrecciato bag, $745.

Veneta

Pacific Island

Trunk show

$426.

Frescobol Carioca Rafael Panama hat,

Eres Atmosphere silk pareo, $700.

Zimmermann Pop pants,

Loewe + Paula’s Ibiza bucket hat, $990.

bag, $4450.

Bottega

rubber clogs, $865.

Valentino Garavani Metamorphos shirt and shorts,

$1299.

$2183 each.

Moncler Genius + Suicoke slides, $622.

Olympia Le-Tan Noix de Coco clutch, $2974.

Eres Comete swimsuit, $1017.

Paravel Aviator Trunk suitcase, $1163. Loulou Studio Demeter midi dress, $865.

LUXURY SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS

From the timeless traditions of India and the ancient ruins of Peru to the extraordinary wonders of Morocco, our Luxury Small Group Journeys take you across the globe in consummate comfort and style. Travelling with intimate group sizes averaging 14 guests on expertly designed itineraries, you’ll stay in the fi nest hotels and enjoy unrivalled insider access to the most iconic sites, often before the crowds arrive. Resident Tour Directors and expert guides o er an enriching experience through their own understanding of the destination and its culture, ensuring your trip is one you’ll never forget.

With over 70 itineraries around the world, our Luxury Small Group Journeys are waiting for you to discover the world’s most exquisite destinations.

Taj Mahal & the Treasures of India

Explore India’s greatest treasures as you visit the Taj Mahal, seek the graceful Bengal tiger and witness a holy rite beside the sacred Ganges — all while staying in royal palaces turned luxury hotels.

14 days from $19,375 pp

Departs Jan–May & Oct–Dec 2025

Peru: Machu Picchu & the Amazon

Experience the incredible diversity of Peru on a luxury adventure that ranges from mesmerising Machu Picchu and the treasures of the Sacred Valley to remote reaches of the Peruvian Rainforest, where you cruise along the Amazon River.

13 days from $25,720 pp

Departs Jul–Aug & Dec 2025

Splendours of Morocco

Explore exotic Morocco, from the timeless walled city of Fes to the bustling medina in Marrakech. View local Berber life in the ruggedly beautiful High Atlas Mountains and stay at A&K’s Private Desert Camp nestled among the towering dunes of the Sahara.

12 days from $17,165 pp

Departs Jan–Jun & Aug–Dec 2025

Call 1300 589 717, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au or contact your travel advisor to find out more.

&Travel

All-out luxury | 80 Cruise with Sir Peter Cosgrove | 82 Uber safari

After more than 25 years of writing about luxury travel, I can’t help feeling relieved that the definition of “luxury” is changing, or at least expanding, to mean more than just types of travel that are showily expensive (it’s not the 1980s anymore, people).

Now it can mean a whole, well, wealth of things. So what are the most common types of luxury travel today, to whom do they appeal, and where can we go to experience them?

1 / Conspicuous luxury

The most obvious of the luxuries, this appeals to all but the most socially principled to at least some degree. While it may feel absurd and out of touch given the state of the world, who wouldn’t say “oh go on, then” if presented with a key to a room with a fancy four-poster bed, a champagne-stu ed minibar and a terrace with a double daybed and a hot tub? Which is why television comedy-dramas such as The White Lotus and Succession, both of which superbly satirise rich white people on holiday, have led to a frenzy of bookings at all the conspicuously luxurious hotels featured in them.

Where: You don’t get much more conspicuously luxurious than Atlantis The Royal in Dubai – a dizzyingly sparkly luxury resort with 43 floors, suites with private pools suspended in mid-air and eight restaurants by celebrity chefs. Who goes: Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kendall Jenner. What you’ll find there: A branch of Louis Vuitton; the biggest bu et breakfast you’ve ever seen; a fountain that breathes fire every 15 minutes.

Six laps of luxury

Exclusive travel means different things to different travellers. Francesca Syz reveals the six styles of luxury – and the hotel that does each one best.

2 / Classic luxury

This luxury can veer into conspicuous territory because, frankly, who’s going to tell Claridge’s in London or Ra es in Singapore they can’t have all those gilt-edged mirrors, marble pillars and twinkly crystal chandeliers? But what sets a classic hotel apart is its storied past, the warm welcome you get from the doorman and the general sense of regal splendour. In really good classic hotels, they remember your name and how you like your martini mixed.

Where: Ballyfin, County Laois, Ireland – a 200-year-old Regency pile that’s now one of the country’s finest hotels (and which you whizz around in complimentary bikes and golf carts). Who goes: The Clooneys – they booked the whole thing out for a family reunion – and Kim Kardashian, who has stayed twice.

What you’ll find there: Ballyfin bath bombs; a horse and carriage to trot around the parkland; a mosaic floor imported from Pompeii.

3 / Quiet luxury

Do you like understated, elegant things but not shouting about them? Welcome to the world of quiet luxury, or stealth wealth, where people have money but like to avoid splashy displays of it, especially on holiday. They tend to prefer staying in one-of-a-kind privately owned hotels and villas, rather than big corporate chains. They don’t go to places to “see-and-be-seen”, but rather for wonderful, personalised service and experiences, all served up in a supremely comfortable setting, where guests are treated like valued old friends.

Where: Reschio, Umbria, Italy – a sprawling ancient estate with a rustic-chic hotel hewn from a crumbling castle and villas from re-imagined farm buildings, owned and run by Count Benedikt Bolza, his wife Donna Nencia and their family.

Who goes: Gwyneth Paltrow, Anthony Hopkins, Liv Tyler.

What you’ll find there: Pure-bred Andalusian horses; leather-bound sketch pads for holiday doodling; homemade Reschio gin.

4 / Secluded luxury

This one’s all about hiding away from everything and everyone (except the people you want to be with, of course), somewhere a bit off the beaten track – or even in the middle of nowhere, where you’ll have few interruptions. It could be a cave or a castle; you might be left to your own devices (“we’ll air drop your next food parcel this time next week”) or waited on hand and foot, with sandwiches, soufflés and sommeliers on tap. Where: The car-free private island of Eilean Shona, across a briny loch on the west coast of Scotland. Owned and run by Richard Branson’s sister Vanessa and her children, there’s a main house sleeping 18 and 10 smaller cottages. Who goes: Kate Winslet, Kate Moss, Anthony Horowitz.

What you’ll spot there: Seals sunbathing on the rocks; steaming bowls of island-foraged mussels; peaty, tea-coloured water in your free-standing tub.

5 / Affordable luxury

What’s affordable for one person is not necessarily affordable for another. But personally, I would define affordable luxury as somewhere offering its guests an exceptional experience for less than the rest. Forget bidets and butlers, I don’t care about those, I want a warm welcome, a simple, chic room with a quality bed and a restaurant serving fabulous food. Oh, and an outdoor pool and views that make you go “oh my God”, if you can swing it. In short, I want Anemomilos.

Where: The white-washed, family-run Anemomilos, on the under-the-radar Cycladic island of Folegandros, Greece, is pretty close to perfection, offering all of the above and more. Who goes: Margot Robbie and friends were spotted there right after Barbie hit our screens last summer.

What you’ll spot there: Chic canvas beach bags on your bed on arrival; astonishing views of the Church of Panagia; heavenly day beds by the pool.

6 / Sustainable luxury

Most people would rather try to protect the planet than trash it, especially if they are given the option to do so by choosing a hotel or resort that is doing its best to function with a lighter carbon footprint and to the benefit of the local community. Given “luxury” and “sustainability” are not obvious bedfellows, a lot of hotels are claiming to be eco-friendly when they’re not doing anything meaningful. Those catering to the top end of the market have less excuse not to do the right thing and, fair play to them, some are rising admirably to the challenge.

Where: The Brando in French Polynesia, a chic, eco-conscious resort that was the first in the world to obtain LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) Platinum Certification, the US Green Building Council’s highest accolade, and operates exclusively using renewable, non-fossil energy.

Who goes: Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, Pippa Middleton, Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé (who celebrated her 42nd birthday there last year).

What you’ll find there: Cashmere-soft sand, hermit crabs, hammocks.

GENERAL SIR PETER COSGROVE

“We just enjoy the excitement of being on a cruise.. You invariably meet the most interesting people.”

General Sir Peter Cosgrove has lived a legendary life. The former soldier has received the highest honours in the Australian military, led peacekeeping missions around the globe and served as Governor-General of Australia. He will soon be sharing his remarkable experiences and in-depth knowledge of geopolitics on a series of cruises through the Kimberley, Northern Europe and the Arctic operated by APT and sailing on Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit. It’s an opportunity to hear his remarkable story first hand.

What do you and your wife enjoy most about ocean cruises?

We just enjoy the excitement of being on a cruise. And we’ve been lucky enough to go on great high-end cruises; we love them. The first attraction is the professionalism you experience on board [ships like APT and Seabourn] and the choice of journey is great. The second attraction is you invariably meet the most interesting people. You make friendships on these cruises and [because you’re acting as a host and presenter] you become a bit of public property. Next, you go ashore! You get to go on the voyage, and you see what the guests see. And that’s fantastic.

You’ll be on board cruises to the Kimberley, Northern Europe and the Arctic. Have you been to any of these destinations before?

Not on a cruise like this. I’ve sailed past the Kimberley on other cruises that were out to sea, but not one that’s sort of grasshoppering along the coastline. I’ve also done it as a soldier, way, way back in the 1970s when I headed up a thing called Operation Beachcomber. And then more recently, I was over that way on a

After travelling the world for more than 50 years as a soldier, peacekeeper and diplomat, General Sir Peter Cosgrove can now take a more leisurely approach, hosting a series of luxury cruises with APT in 2025.

number of different military visits. We have obviously been to Scotland. I was knighted at Balmoral. I’ve been there with the British Army, visiting military bases, but not by sea. We’ll probably pass places that don’t appear on the map, including a nuclear submarine base and some maritime patrol bases that are protecting Britain, but I won’t be breaching any confidences about them.

And which new ones are you excited about?

I haven’t been to the Shetland Islands. I’ve never been to the Faroe Islands, I’ve never been to the Channel Islands, and I’ve never been to Iceland or Greenland. So, to me, that’s going to be exciting.

What experiences are you looking forward to in the Kimberley?

Around Broome, we’ll probably be observing from the seaward side, places I’ve only seen from the land before. The unique sights like the Horizontal Falls, the plethora of marine life on that route from Darwin around Broome, and the crocodiles. Hopefully, we won’t get too close to any crocodiles!

You’ll be talking about the history of places like Iceland and Greenland on these cruises. How do you balance storytelling and historical content in your presentations?

When we’re going around these destinations, I’ll be talking about some of those very grim areas of huge battle in the seas around that strategic waterway linking the Arctic Circle down into the North Atlantic and the North Sea, and the strategic lifeline it constituted during World War II. Now, we’ll be there in July. So the weather in the northern summer ought to be reasonably benign, but people won’t have to have to make much of a paradigm shift to imagine that the convoys would go on all year round for

Leading man Clockwise, from left: General Sir Peter Cosgrove; Seabourn Pursuit in the Kimberley; pool on Seabourn Venture

years and years with huge, huge loss of life. Ending up in the water in those areas, you’re going to die, simple as that, and the numbers will prove it. And I’ll have those sorts of numbers. I won’t make it an unenjoyable thing, but it will be part of the history. We’ll have many experts talking about Iceland, Greenland and the islands and communities, as well as the history and present administration of those areas. I won’t try to interfere with that, but I’ll bring some history to it.

You’ve had quite a few royal visits. Could you tell us about some of those experiences that you’d share with the guests?

When William and Catherine visited Australia in 2014, they stayed with us at Government House. They had a picnic that was just the two royals and their baby, where they found a grotto where

the paparazzi couldn’t see them. Later, they were strolling up the manicured lawns of Government House and little Prince George, who was a bouncing 18-month-old at the time, was climbing all over the Duchess and Lynne, my wife. I’m chatting to the Prince and Lynne to the Duchess, the baby is still climbing all over, and Lynne says, “Would you like me to take him?” And William says, “Why, yes.” I amuse everyone with that story.

You met the Queen several times too, haven’t you?

Yes, I probably met her more than any other Australian Governor-General. Almost every time we travelled north of the equator, we’d go to the UK, and I’d always offer a call on the Queen, and she often said yes. Well, she never said no. So, we’d always go and spend some time.

When people ask me who’s the greatest woman, or even one of the greatest figures of my life, I will say the Queen. When we’re bobbing around Scotland on Seabourn, I’ll say that.

You’re quite an experienced cruiser and host. What would you say are some unique highlights you’ve experienced on Seabourn cruises compared to others?

There is a scale to it. Most Seabourn cruises offer what might be called very high-end onboard experiences and carefully curated port calls and expeditions. But there’s a crucial difference – [on other ships] you’ve got around 2000 passengers, whereas on Seabourn, there may be less than 300. So, there will be nobody that says “Oh, we didn’t get a chance to meet so and so.” CT As shared with APT.

Mile high meals

Airlines are turning to caviar and champagne as they go to war over feeding their wealthiest passengers, writes John Arlidge.

Take off treats This page: Champagne and canapes on Emirates (left); Qatar Airways’ new business class caviar service.

If you are fortunate enough to take a Qatar Airways business class flight from Melbourne or Sydney to Doha these days, you are in for a new treat. Qatar is the first airline to serve caviar in business class. Airlines usually only serve it in first class, and even then, not all airlines.

Qatar Airways offers business class passengers 15g of Baeri caviar, imported from the Caspian Sea, served in the traditional way with garnishes of crème fraîche, chopped chives, chopped red onion and crumbled hard-boiled egg. It is paired with Balik-style salmon, blinis and Melba toast. You can enjoy it at any time during the flight (but, alas, only once).

The service has started on 13 routes to and from Doha, including London, Paris, Hong Kong and Singapore. Xia Cai, Qatar Airways’ new product chief, says the “exclusive” menu adds “an extra touch of luxury”. Qatar Airways already serves Imperial Beluga caviar in first class and the extension to business class will make it one of the biggest caviar customers in the world.

The upgrade, ordered by Qatar Airways’ new chief executive, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, is the most recent salvo on the new front line of airline competition. The top carriers are running out of ideas for snazzy new suites, showers, bars and lounges to lure the lucky few who can a ord to fly in business and first class, so they are turning to gourmet food and wine.  Airlines have long battled for chefs. Qantas holds Sydneysider Neil Perry close – and it’s not hard to see why. The winner of the Icon Award at the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards 2024 is regarded by many as the most innovative chef in the sky. Many of the meals served on the flying kangaroo’s long-haul routes are designed to either wake you up or put you to sleep, to help nudge you on to the timezone of your destination and minimise jet lag – vital when heading Down Under.

For dinner, expect roast chicken broth with shiitake mushrooms and sugar snap peas, followed by a steak sandwich and, for dessert, pistachio cake with vanilla rose cream. “Protein, complex carbohydrates and dairy generate tryptophan, which produces melatonin [the

Star chefs in the sky Clockwise, from left: Gnocchi alla Romana features on Qantas’s seasonal menu; Singapore Airlines’ Monica Galetti; Galetti’s fillet of cod; Neil Perry has worked with Qantas since 1997.

sleep-inducing hormone],” Perry explains. Breakfast is bircher muesli, followed by a bowl of cauliflower, mint, chickpeas and a poached egg with harissa dressing, with a flat white or two. “Spice stimulates the metabolism and wakes you up,” says Perry.

Singapore Airlines, which has worked with Gordon Ramsay, is about to launch new onboard menus from Samoan-born New Zealand chef Monica Galetti, who learnt her trade at Le Gavroche and is a judge on the BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals. She will create four seasonal menus which fuse her South Pacific roots with her classical French training for premium customers.

“PEOPLE ARE FREQUENTLY SURPRISED AT THE AMAZING VINTAGES WE UNCORK ONBOARD.”

– Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates

Airlines are also keen to sign exclusive deals for wines and spirits. Emirates has invested nearly US$1 billion in its champagne and wine program with six million bottles in cellars – more than any other airline – and sole rights to serve Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013, Dom Pérignon Vintage Rosé 2008, Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2 2004, Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Blanc 2013 and Veuve Clicquot Vintage Blanc 2015. It’s the only airline to serve Hennessy Paradis Cognac (only in first class).

Sir Tim Clark, the president of Emirates, deals directly with top vineyards. “We buy en primeur and invest to lay down millions of bottles until they are at their best. People are frequently surprised at the amazing vintages we uncork on board. Some are so rare and desirable that top restaurants would charge the price of an air ticket for a bottle.” Emirates also o ers a lengthy cocktail list with three di erent martinis. This would have been a welcome sight for the late Queen Elizabeth II, who liked the classic gin cocktail before entertaining in the royal suite of the jets on which she flew.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad has exclusive rights to serve Cipriani’s signature Bellini, which comes in a branded bottle. There is a nonalcoholic version, too. It alone o ers 2016 Billecart-Salmon with caviar in first class and Duval-Leroy’s Femme De Champagne Grand Cru 2002 with afternoon tea in the Residence, the three-room mini apartment on its A380.

Singapore Airlines has the exclusive rights to serve Krug Grande Cuvée with caviar in first class and suites. There’s 2013 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, in case – gasp! – you don’t care for Krug. The carrier is also the only airline to o er 19-year-old Glenmorangie whisky.

The battle for hearts and stomachs at 39,000ft even extends to snacks and co ee. Emirates serves salted popcorn, edamame with rock salt, lobster rolls and Wagyu beef sliders. Singapore Airlines has a co ee menu with beans from Brazil, Ethiopia, Guatemala and Jamaica.

The best cheeky snack of all? Qantas has a toaster in its Airbus A380s, enabling cabin crew to whip up Vegemite on toast whenever you fancy it. CT

“You’re going to be seeing elephants and rhinos from a Toyota Prius? Is that safe?!” Whenever I told someone I was going on a South African safari with Uber, this was their predictable reaction.

Uber Safari is the company’s latest headlinegrabbing Go Anywhere experience, following Uber Seaplane, a 35-minute flight above the Scottish Highlands; Uber Balloon, taking tourists into the skies above Göreme National Park in Turkey; and Uber Yacht, which offered a taste of the high life in Ibiza.

Though all the experiences have only been available for a limited time, Uber Safari is the most ambitious yet and runs for just four months during South Africa’s peak season between October and February.

During that period, any user in Cape Town will find an Uber Safari button in their app. Clicking it will allow them to select a Friday or Saturday and book a safari. They will be picked up from their chosen Cape

Town location and driven out to Aquila Private Game Reserve for a buffet breakfast, before they get into a proper safari vehicle to go and find the lions.

There are a limited number of Uber Safaris available: five every Friday and five every Saturday, so competition to bag one will undoubtedly be fierce. Best of all is the price. At ZAR3550 (about $300) per car, the cost could be as little as $75 per person. When you consider that holidaymakers often fork out tens of thousands of dollars to see the Big Five, Uber’s offer looks more than a little tempting.

There is a reason why people pay big money to go on safari, of course. Experienced guides – who can find the animals you want to see, manoeuvre visitors into the best spots and, crucially, ensure everyone gets home safely –are worth stumping up for. So, what would Uber’s $75-per-person safari be like?

Contrary to expectation, there was not a Prius in sight. The branded Uber Safari vehicles all come from the Uber Black line –

Visitors to Cape Town are being offered the chance to book what might be the world’s cheapest safari, writes Jack Rear.

SAFARI on your SMART PHONE

Book it

The Uber Safari is available to any user in Cape Town via the Uber app until February 1, 2025, for ZAR3550 ($300) per car. It can be booked up to 90 days in advance.

Mercedes and BMWs rather than the economical but decidedly less luxurious Toyota hybrid cars that make up most of its fleet.

Comfort is an important factor here, because riders will spend more time in their Uber car than anywhere else. From central Cape Town, it takes a little more than two hours to reach the game reserve northeast of the city. The route takes us through the Stellenbosch wine region and our driver quickly becomes a tour guide, pointing out some of the most famous wineries and providing a potted history of South Africa.

Beyond the vineyards lay the spectacular Hawequas mountains, all stony cloud-wreathed peaks and deep rivercut ravines. Road signs implore drivers not to feed the baboons. Then it was into the Karoo, a dusty semi-desert wilderness. Here, the tarmac turned to dirt track. A Prius would have struggled to cope. In one hair-raising moment, the dust cloud kicked up by the car ahead obscured our driver’s view of a lorry coming in the opposite direction, which we were lucky to avoid.

Majestic though it is to see a lion in the heart of the Karoo, those I witnessed were relaxing just yards from a fence. I did occasionally feel like I was at an open-range zoo. Because Aquila is a managed landscape rather than truly wild, there are fewer species to see, too. If you’re desperate to see hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs, water buffalo or honey badgers, forget it.

On the plus side, the Karoo provides a stunning backdrop. On my game drive I looked out at a vast stormfront looming over distant mountains and witnessed the golden rays of waning sunlight over the dusty plains.

There are some advantages to a small reserve like Aquila, too. The experienced rangers know the animals individually, including where they like to hang out.

“I MANAGED TO SEE FOUR OF THE BIG FIVE IN THE SPACE OF 20 MINUTES.”

Arriving at the game reserve, we tuck in to our breakfast of pastries, fresh fruit and coffee, then swap the comfort of a blacked-out Mercedes for a classic safari vehicle: green 4x4 with a canopy roof and no sides. “Better to take photos from,” grins our ranger as he starts the vehicle up with a dull roar.

At just 10,000 hectares, Aquila is a far smaller proposition than South Africa’s best-known safari spot, the two-million-hectare Kruger National Park. And, as a reserve, its wildlife is carefully managed. In fact, the lions are kept separate from the prey animals and fed by rangers (our guide suggested it would be too expensive for the reserve to replace its antelope if the lions were let loose). If you’re looking for nature red in tooth and claw, you won’t find it here.

Sightings are guaranteed. I was introduced to Harry the ostrich, a friendly fellow who enjoyed putting his whole head inside our truck and giving my shirt buttons a curious peck. I was told he has pinched phones and sunglasses from unwary tourists in the past.

We pass a crash of rhinoceroses and a mother giraffe with her week-old (but already 6ft-tall) baby, all happy to languidly watch our vehicle as it hums down the road in front of them. I was also thrilled to see the smaller animals: a mongoose skipping through the dust, pausing on its hind legs to watch us; and a spotted eagle owl darting into the air when our vehicle drew too close.

On the long drive back to Cape Town, I certainly didn’t feel short-changed. Could my Uber Safari have been wilder? Undoubtedly. But I managed to see four of the Big Five in the space of about 20 minutes, and dozens of other species besides. I’d felt the dust of the Karoo settle on my skin. I’d watched a sunset turn a herd of giraffes into black silhouettes. That all this is, albeit temporarily, being offered for $75 per person – not much more than a ticket to Sydney’s Taronga Zoo – is worth celebrating.  CT

Uber on safari Set out in style from Cape Town (right); animals up close in Aquila Private Game Reserve.

RIVER recharge

Surrounded by national park and accessible only by water or air, Calabash Bay Lodge is a little piece of wild luxury in the leafy Hawkesbury. Teresa Ooi finds it’s the perfect weekend escape.

Not even the occasional lashing of rain could dampen our heightened spirits as we carefully made our way down the slippery road of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to our weekend abode on the Hawkesbury River. Decked in wet weather gear and clad in solid walking boots, we’re warmly welcomed at the wharf by Manny, chef-cummanager of Calabash Bay Lodge, who ferries us to the house. It takes just 10 minutes in a comfortable runabout, which gently cuts across the still waters.

We are staying at the plush and contemporary, four-bedroom Calabash Bay Lodge – those in the know have dubbed it the “Ferrari of the River”. There are sweeping riverfront views from all three storeys that end at a private mooring with its own runabout. The small boat has a canopy and a powerful, four-cylinder, 50 horsepower engine. It’s perfect for pootling along the river to have a stickybeak at other waterfront properties. And there are some amazing houses cleverly built into the cli escarpment with more views to die for.

Calabash Bay Lodge is surrounded by pristine eucalypt bushland and ancient sandstone cli s fronting straight onto the Hawkesbury River. Winding creeks meet eucalypts and rock cli s, deep inside Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

The persistent rain and cold temperatures don’t dampen our excitement. Calabash is a warm and welcoming getaway. We find ourselves drawn to the fireplace in the main lounge, a place to gently recharge, rejuvenate and restore. The house can only be reached by boat (or seaplane). So leave your designer stilettos and dresses at home; this is all about

all-weather gear, thick jeans, sturdy walking boots and a raincoat.

Manny is an experienced chef and convivial host who can fire up a private three-course meal at the lodge. He lives about five minutes away in the adjoining bay and loves Berowra Waters, where he and his Kiwi wife brought up their two girls.

“The girls only know life by the water – they are very comfortable to go by boat, they are good swimmers and love the lifestyle here,” Manny proudly says. By the end of the weekend, we understand why. “Life on the Hawkesbury was beautiful during Covid. We were isolated from Sydney and just continued living our lives by the water, undisturbed by Covid restrictions – it was bliss,” he adds.

The calming effect of the river, the remoteness and tranquillity are compellingly restorative – helped, no doubt, by the sleek, modern amenities and sustainable touches, from organic paper towels and biodegradable

Luxe lodging

Clockwise, from far left: Calabash Bay Lodge; the tranquil Hawkesbury; riverfront views; family meals at the beautiful dining table; one of four stylish bedrooms.

sandwich bags to Zip Hydro Taps dispensing sparkling, plain and hot water at your fingertips.

At the heart of the lodge is one of the best designer kitchens I’ve ever been in. The main benchtop is generously large with designer stools for guests or family members to gather round while someone prepares the meal. Almost every cooking appliance – fridge, ovens, microwave, dishwasher – is within just a short step. There is a beautiful, oval wooden dining table in front of picture-perfect windows facing the river. Many hours are spent sitting here reading, eating, sipping a glass of red or simply dawdling while admiring the changing water scene in front.

There’s one bedroom with ensuite on the ground floor. Upstairs there are three additional bedrooms including the master bedroom with a king-sized bed and ensuite – and more of those river views. The other two bedrooms share a large bathroom with rain shower and bath tub. A large shared balcony is easily accessible from the bedrooms.

At the back there are steps leading to a small yoga studio on the rooftop with a bird’s-eye view of the river. Below the main house, there’s a comfortable sitting area and dining table for 10 where Manny can rustle up a mean barbecue, if you so wish.

Book it

Calabash Bay Lodge is priced from $1500 per night with a minimum two-night stay. Visit wildluxury.co/ calabash-bay-lodge. For a custom quote for small groups contact: relax@wildluxury.co

For keen kayakers, there are several to choose from, plus paddleboards and a double canoe. There’s also a fridge-freezer stocked with bait for anglers keen to snare flathead, bream, whiting or mulloway. Sadly, after two attempts, once at dusk and another at dawn, my angler partner has several bites but did not catch any. Perhaps, the next time round.

If you’d like to explore further afield, book the Ultimate Hawkesbury Pearler’s Package, which includes two nights at Calabash Bay Lodge, a private boat tour from the lodge to Broken Bay Pearl Farm in Mooney Mooney, a three-course private chef meal at the lodge, and a bottle of sparkling on arrival. Prices start at $930 per person for a group of six.

You can also experience a VIP arrival by seaplane from Rose Bay or Palm Beach. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the hatted riverfront restaurant Berowra Waters Inn, then land on the calm waters right out the front of Calabash Bay Lodge. CT

An ICON REBORN

Minutes from Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal, the newly reimagined Sofitel Sydney Wentworth blends rich history with modern luxury, writes Alice Williams.

Originally opening the doors of its striking, curved exterior in the 1960s, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has turned the covers down for thousands of guests, from newlyweds to world leaders.

Over the decades, luminaries such as King Charles III, Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, Bill Gates, Marlon Brando and Sophia Loren have checked in. The hotel has also welcomed political heavyweights, including Vladimir Putin, Margaret Thatcher and George W. Bush, quietly declaring its global status as a haven for power and glamour.

With 436 guest rooms and suites and expansive public areas, the grand property was an architectural landmark of the post-war minimalist style. Originally owned and operated

by Qantas, it quickly became Australia’s premier international hotel, synonymous with elegance and sophistication, embodying the spirit of a golden era in jet-set culture.

The refurbishment of the Wentworth,which coincides with Sofitel’s 60th anniversary this year, has been a thoughtful revival of glamour that once defined the hotel and travel more universally. They’ve also created a beautiful dining and drinking precinct, featuring two restaurants and two bars, including an outdoor terrace bar.

With the extensive refurbishment of the five-star Wentworth hotel, Sofitel’s sanctuary is an exceptional offering for cruise passengers looking to elevate their time in Sydney, and a gateway to the city’s most iconic attractions.

A stone’s throw from the harbour, and with it the Opera House and world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Wentworth’s impressive shadow borders the Royal Botanic Garden and is a brisk five-minute walk from the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

/ A legacy of luxury in the digital age The vision to integrate the hotel’s heritage with

contemporary luxury in the digital age means the renovation needed to span every aspect of the guest experience, starting with the striking new entrance. A sleek bronze façade gives way to a modern lobby bathed in soft, golden light, inspired by the famous Sofitel ritual of welcoming guests with candlelight.

An open-plan space, designed with homages to the hotel’s 1960s roots, it offers a series of intimate lounge settings for guests to relax and socialise, subtly integrating the charm of a bygone era.

The thoughtful revamp didn’t skimp on modern convenience, either. The grand Wentworth Ballroom, which is just one of the hotel’s 15 event spaces, has been given a technological facelift.

While tastefully staying faithful to its architectural heritage, including the glorious mirrored ceiling, Wentworth Ballroom now boasts one of Australia’s largest LED screens. It offers a grand setting for events of up to 750 guests and is one of Sydney’s largest ballrooms. When it comes to where to lay their head, guests can choose from well-appointed standard rooms to expansive suites, with

SOFITEL LUXURY HOTELS

“THE ROOM INTERIORS CELEBRATE THE ESSENCE OF 1960S DESIGN, FEATURING RICH MATERIALS AND SOFT, SCULPTURAL FORMS EVOKING A SENSE OF NOSTALGIA.”

some suites o ering a glimpse of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The room interiors celebrate the essence of 1960s design, featuring rich materials and soft, sculptural forms evoking a sense of nostalgia.

Each boasts a Nespresso machine, customisable lighting, luxurious heritage-listed bath and Balmain amenities, alongside the signature Sofitel MyBed™ and turndown experience. The hotel gifts a Wellness Bag to each room – an innovative portable gym designed to promote balance on the go.

The idea here is to enable guests to maintain their fitness routines either within the hotel or at iconic Sydney landmarks such as the Botanic Garden and the Sydney Opera House, both of which are within walking distance.

/ Welcome to Club Millésime

The pièce de résistance of the revamp has been the introduction of the Sofitel Club Millésime. Guests who book luxury club rooms, Prestige suites, platinum ALL members and above, or those who simply purchase a day pass, are granted access to this exclusive retreat. Serving as a perfect extension to any high-end cruise

experience, guests enjoy all-day dining and refreshments from breakfast to afternoon tea or Apéro Chic – delicious hors d’oeuvres and pre-dinner drinks.

Club Millésime also serves as an executive lounge, o ering an excellent place to get down to business. Complimentary services include shower facilities for early arrivals, a concierge, premium internet and a dedicated area for arrival. CT

Inside Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Clockwise, from top left: Introducing modern touches like self check-in; the grand revamped lobby; the heritage-listed hotel’s entrance on Phillip Street; a Prestige Suite; the Heritage Bar; the Guest Relations desk.

A journeyculinary

SOFITEL LUXURY HOTELS

Four stunning new venues at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth offer guests and Sydney locals the best of food and drink. Chris Singh discovers the new food and beverage offerings.

/ An incomparable dining scene awaits With a new light cast on its sizable shadow, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth leaps to the forefront of Sydney’s dining scene courtesy of two restaurants and two bars, each directed by the prominent hospitality group House Made Hospitality.

With all four venues vastly different from one another, the luxury hotel is able to offer an incredible range of experiences. Grab some upscale Vietnamese-French food before sipping on a nightcap to the sounds of live jazz, or dine on top-shelf farm-to-table dishes before enjoying super-sized cocktails on the fifth-floor terrace.

The beauty in Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s curated hospitality is the promise that each and every guest can choose their own adventure.

/ Hanoi flirts with Paris at Delta Rue

A customised vintage trolley, stacked with ingredients, navigates emerald green banquettes and swathes of teak as staff build elevated, produce-forward banh mi for guests at their tables.

The quirk is just one of the many ambient details pushing Delta Rue as something Sydney’s changing dining scene has needed for years: a sharp, well-dressed hybrid of Vietnamese and French flavours in an opulent 150-seat dining room, preceded by an intimate Champagne bar and extended by a breezy 60-seat terrace.

Inspired by the glorious excess and symbolism of Hanoi’s Old Quarter circa 1920, Delta Rue is fashioned as the emblematic heart of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. It’s where guests go to eat and drink exceptionally well, splashing out on duck and foie gras spring rolls and punchy sugar-cane prawns before forking through Hanoi-style roasted John Dory and Hoisin-glazed lamb shoulders, all the while clinking flutes of fine French Champagne or working with a list of signature cocktails such as the Asian twist on the classic French 75 with Pommery Champagne, pomelo vermouth, pear eau du vie and finger lime extract.

Meeting the lively, fresh flavours of Vietnam with the rich, technique-forward proteins that

Francophile diners are so familiar with is a stroke of genius from House Made Hospitality, which has already built up goodwill in Sydney with nearby restaurants Lana and Grana at Hinchcliff House and Martinez. With Delta Rue, the hospitality group has placed Sofitel Sydney Wentworth at the centre of Sydney’s culinary conversation.

/ Tilda maps the story of Australian farming Tilda’s sophisticated twists on contemporary Australian flavours are a highlight reel of the country’s best small-scale producers. With studious simplicity, these produce-forward dishes offer a deep connection to the land, spurring a hyper-local approach that flavours everything from textural house-made pasta to land and sea proteins cooked over charcoal.

In stark contrast to Delta Rue’s globe-trotting flavours, Tilda is a storybook of Australia’s dense produce, with dishes such as coral trout tartare kissed with cucumber, trout roe and verjus; indulgent crab toast with seaweed butter, avocado and caviar; and charred octopus with almond cream, red pepper and sea parsley. The extensive menu flits through pasta options such as tiger prawn ravioli and rigatoni with beef cheek ragu; live seafood; a sizable list of steaks; and a nostalgic dessert menu that includes options such as upside-down pineapple cake with whisky anglaise and lemon, and cheesecake trifle served tableside.

But the dizzying amount of food options is only half the story, where small details turn into grand statements such as a $39 bread and butter service: a trolley with AP saltbush focaccia, Pepe Saya butter, macadamia, jersey milk cheese, wildflower honey and wattleseed.

The earthy tones of the Australian landscape are mirrored in the smooth, seamless interior design, moving away from the ornamental, conceptual work at Delta Rue and towards a calmer, muted aesthetic.

/ The Golden Age twinkle of Bar Tilda

Given the hotel was a fixture during the golden age of travel, Bar Tilda is an appropriately slick symbol of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s worldly

grip on grandiosity. The vibrant cocktail den comes from the mind of House Made Hospitality’s Jason Williams, who has opened some of the most endearing hotel bars in the world, including Long Bar at Raffles Singapore. Here, Williams has used legendary moments in Australian pop culture to inform a fun, approachable cocktail menu best served with a side of live jazz taking the bar into the night.

/ An iconic new bar for Sydney’s social scene

With its history of hosting Hollywood’s hottest stars, such as Marlon Brando and Audrey Hepburn, the hotel’s open-air terrace bar is an essential piece of the picture.

The U-shaped fifth-floor Wentworth Bar spills out onto the all-weather terrace, following the building’s sinuous architecture with an even spread of seating, a spritely atmosphere, and designs on becoming Sydney’s best al fresco watering hole.

An extensive Champagne list and equally adventurous cocktail menu are lifted by globe-trotting bar snacks, pitching Wentworth Bar as an homage to the property’s history as Australia’s ambassador to the rest of the world

But as serious as the offering is, there’s also a great deal of fun. House Made Hospitality has borrowed an idea from New York’s legendary NoMad Hotel, throwing dramatic, large-format ‘cocktail explosions’ – super-sized cocktails that are shareable and interactive – onto the Wentworth Bar menu, an atmospheric must when the bar is at its busiest and Sydney’s best DJs are thrown into the mix. CT

Wine and dine Clockwise, from top left: Tilda Head Chef Nathanael Merchant (left) and Precinct Executive Chef Elliott Pinn; dish of marron mafaldine; Wentworth Bar; Delta Rue; Tilda; Bar Tilda’s Martini Experience; bánh xèo at Delta Rue; lemon and cheesecake trifle.

LUXURY HOTELS

Step back in time

The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth was originally built in 1823 as the Wentworth Hotel. The man behind the vision was Charles Wentworth, a prominent figure in Australia’s history, who played a pivotal role in discovering the passage across the Blue Mountains and founded The Australian, our first independent newspaper, which was later housed within the Wentworth Hotel.

Today, Wentworth’s name still hangs above the city’s most prestigious hotel, serving as a testament to his legacy and influence.

In the early 1950s, Qantas Airways needed larger premises for its Sydney terminal and international conference market. After much searching, Qantas executives turned to the Wentworth Hotel as the solution.

Recognising an opportunity to redefine luxury travel, Qantas integrated its terminal and o ces into the Wentworth.

This move not only met operational needs but also elevated the Wentworth Hotel to new heights of sophistication and convenience.

The Wentworth seamlessly transitioned from a historic past to modern iconic status, embodying the spirit of the Golden Era, o ering travellers a sophisticated haven for rest, recreation and new experiences.

In the 1960s, the Wentworth Hotel was the backdrop for cutting-edge fashion shoots and runways by top fashion magazines such as Vogue, Woman’s Day and Flair. Its modern design and chic spaces made it the go-to venue for capturing the latest trends: an icon of style that has transcended eras, the hotel stands as a testament to timeless elegance and sophistication. CT

“AN ICON OF STYLE ... THE HOTEL STANDS AS A TESTAMENT TO TIMELESS ELEGANCE AND SOPHISTICATION.”

From the archives Clockwise, from top left: The Wentworth always knew how to throw a party; a 1967 Louis Féraud fashion shoot at the hotel; the original lobby; Princess Diana stayed at the Wentworth in 1983; the hotel’s distinctive semicircular design.

SOFITEL

Why MONA LISA isn’t smiling

The Mona Lisa isn't smiling because she isn't happy. A visit to the Louvre has become a miserable experience writes Alastair Sook.

Like bindweed blighting a beautiful garden, queues trail across the Cour Napoléon as I arrive at the Musée du Louvre on a weekday lunchtime. When an attendant informs me that, without a prebooked ticket, it could take two hours even to reach the middle of the courtyard and the glass-and-metal pyramid (the museum’s principal entrance) from which the queues sprout, any hope for a speedy, in-and-out visit disappears. Sacré bleu! There are nearly half a million objects in the Louvre’s collections, but today I only want to see one. Trouble is, it is the world’s most famous painting, and thousands of others are clamouring to see it, too.

Earlier this year, the Louvre’s director, Laurence des Cars, acknowledged the “public disappointment” that visiting Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic half-length portrait of a Florentine noblewoman, known as the Mona Lisa, can elicit. “We feel we’re not doing our job properly,” she reportedly told sta , while floating the idea that it could be moved underground to accommodate the crowds – who, in recent years, have included the occasional protester, such as the environmental activists who threw pumpkin soup at the painting, or the fellow disguised as an elderly woman in a wheelchair who smeared cream across its protective glass. Are things really that bad? Spoiler alert: they’re worse.

After shu ing through a full-body scanner and having my bag X-rayed, I file into the museum’s subterranean foyer, a soulless

shopping mall overheated by that greenhouselike structure above, to begin the long trudge to the Salle des Etats, one of the largest rooms in this former royal palace. Here, like some withered mummy preserved in a sarcophagus, the Mona Lisa is entombed in climatically stable conditions inside a bespoke display case, fitted with bulletproof glass and set, with sombre pomp, on a colossal wall painted midnight blue.

Even last year, when numbers were still recovering after the pandemic, the Louvre attracted almost nine million visitors; and that’s with a cap of 30,000 tickets per day to guarantee, according to an o cial release, “an optimal experience”. Yet, most visitors, many of whom have never been to the Louvre before, head straight for the Denon Wing, where a large number of its best-known artworks, including Leonardo’s masterpiece, may be found – causing an almighty logjam. Moreover, in their mania for a selfie with La Joconde (as Leonardo’s painting

“Model

nose, today, seems properly out of joint. I don’t blame her. While she has no suitors whatsoever, her rival around the corner is attended by a chaotic horde, like a superstar above a mosh pit. Kettled by large black screens, as well as a dozen guards, this jostling, irritable mass of people inches forwards without respite, already holding aloft phones (along with the odd child on a parent’s shoulders). After 30 or so seconds at the front of the scrum, yet still behind retractable barriers positioned several metres away (so that it’s impossible to study the painting in any detail), I’m ushered along by supervisors hollering, “Avancez, s’il vous plaît! Avancez!” It is, by any measure, a deranged, abysmal way to encounter art; if anything, the conclusion of a recent report – that the Mona Lisa is considered “the world’s most disappointing masterpiece” – doesn’t go far enough. As for engaging with the surrounding masterpieces, by the likes of Titian and Veronese: forget it.

Kendall Jenner posted a picture of herself – posing, peculiarly, barefoot – up close and personal with the Mona Lisa.”

is known in France), these day-trippers in baseball caps seem oblivious to the astonishing art they might pass en route. A massive marble head of the Roman emperor Hadrian’s deified young lover Antinous? Whatever! A fresco depicting Venus and the Three Graces by Sandro Botticelli? Who cares? Along the way, tiny reproductions of the Mona Lisa beside arrows appear on signage, but they’re not easy to spot, resulting in an enervating art-historical round of Where’s Wally?.

In the Grande Galerie, which contains Italian paintings that most museum directors would kill for, barely anyone lingers before several other pictures by Leonardo – including La Belle Ferronnière, a portrait of a lady-in-waiting who appears narked at the best of times, but whose

To make matters worse, celebrities seemingly play by di erent rules. To titillate her 292 million Instagram followers, model Kendall Jenner posted a picture of herself – posing, peculiarly, barefoot – up close and personal with the Mona Lisa, captioned, “The Louvre at midnight”. Just Kendall and Lisa, and not another soul in sight: how much did that photo opp cost? (A spokesperson for the Louvre confirms that Jenner “paid” for a “private evening visit”, but says the amount “will not be disclosed”.) “She is older than the rocks among which she sits,” the 19th-century art critic Walter Pater once rhapsodised about the Mona Lisa. “Like the vampire, she has been dead many times, and learned the secrets of the grave.” Today, the Salle des Etats is the centre of museum hell. CT

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WELCOME

Welcome to another great year of the Cruise Passenger Readers’ Choice Awards and thank you for everyone who voted. There has been a monumental shift that reflects the changes we are seeing in the industry. Not only are cruisers leaning towards the upper premium and luxury segment, but we are also seeing more multigenerational families, as more millennials are starting to cruise.

Silversea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are big winners this year, taking out awards in the Best Cruise Line and Best Line for Service categories, as well as Best Luxury Line.

This year, we have also introduced a new category – the Best Upper Premium Line, where we are seeing an emergence of lines tailored for those moving towards the luxury segment.

Our awards reflect those changes. Our readers have enjoyed some of the newest hardware and best luxury products in the past year.

It all points to the enormous amount of work going on behind the scenes to improve our lives

at sea. From the design of our suites to the food served from galleys, the cruise industry has made tremendous strides. As a result, the winners of our awards are at once a reflection of old loyalties and new relationships.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas was voted as this year’s Most Innovative Ship and is attracting many in the new-to-cruise market. It’s the biggest ship to launch and has many advancements such as an expanded neighbourhood design as well as new entertainment, dining options and rides.

Norwegian Cruise Line has also come out as a big winner this year, taking out Best Contemporary Line and Best Line for Entertainment. Its new ship, Norwegian Aqua, which will launch next year, will be introducing a brand-new production, Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, created by its inhouse team.

Oceania Cruises has once again taken out the award for Best Line for Food. This year, the line has gone beyond the culinary offerings on its

ships and has introduced more gastronomy-led shore excursions, where guests can cook with locals, as well as specialty food-focused voyages. On the world’s rivers there has also been movement. Avalon and Scenic still enjoy most of the love, but Uniworld has worked hard this year to woo the luxury river aficionado with great success.

Luxury has become a strongly contested area. Many ask: what is luxury? It’s really a very traditional mix of great service, fine ambience and brilliant hardware. Being treated as an individual and having your desires recognised. Pampering, of course. But in an exclusive and individual way. Regent Seven Seas Cruises continues to dominate this increasingly popular area.

What’s next? That’s what makes cruise so exciting. Enjoy reading about our awards. But enjoy what the next year brings even more!

Thanks again for voting. CT Bernadette Chua, Editor

Best Cruise Line REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

* Winner

• Considered the epitome of luxury cruising, Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers an ultra-luxurious experience, with state-of-the-art vessels and exceptional shore excursions in over 550 destinations from Arabia to the South Pacific. The fleet of six ships, each hosting fewer than 750 guests, boasts elegant interiors and art galleries at sea, featuring enormous tapestries, artworks by Picasso and Fabergé, and hand-cast bronze bonsai cherry trees. Regent’s Seven Seas Grandeur showcases an $11 million art collection, alongside stylish and sophisticated decor that promises a sense of opulence extending to every corner.

Guests will also find 503 sparkling crystal chandeliers, unlimited high-speed WiFi, and gourmet dining that spans modern French cuisine to Pan-Asian delicacies, with more than 130 dishes to sample. The ship offers specialist lectures covering topics from war history to winemaking, a state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Kitchen for cooking enthusiasts, and a high-tech spa featuring a zero-gravity wellness massage on a quartz crystal bed.

Readers highlight the attentive butler service, regularly restocked mini-bar, complimentary laundry service and stunning styling as standouts

The opulent Regent Suite, spanning more than 400 square metres, offers two lavish bedrooms (one with a four-poster bed), a marble-clad bathroom, a full dining and living room, three walk-in wardrobes, and a wraparound balcony complete with a heated whirlpool. Guests in the Regent Suite are treated to daily canapés, a personal butler, access to The Study (a private dining room for up to 12 guests), and a private car and guide for exploring onshore.

+ Highly Commended VIKING

• Viking is known for its smaller ships, destination-rich itineraries and cultural immersion. On board, modern Scandinavian design blends comfort with style. Its smaller vessels allow access to exclusive ports and the line is particularly praised by guests for its silver service and all-veranda staterooms.

Enjoy allinclusive luxury with Regent Seven Seas Cruises (above); Viking’s small ships are a reader favourite.

Most Innovative Ship ICON OF THE SEAS

* Winner

• First introduced in 2016 and launched in November 2023, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is truly a game-changer. It represents something different to everyone: a thrilling escape for passengers, an economic boost for ports, a second home for crew and a postpandemic success story for Royal Caribbean International. To those involved in its design and construction, this 250,000-ton ship, the largest ever built, is a floating innovation lab.

The ship boasts features never seen at sea on this scale. Its highlights include the largest waterpark at sea, with six waterslides, as well as nine whirlpools and seven pools, including the first-ever suspended infinity pool on a cruise ship. With 40 dining options and eight distinct “neighbourhoods”, passengers can tailor their cruise experience like never before.

Iconic structures like the AquaDome, the largest glass and steel structure ever lifted onto a ship, and The Pearl, a massive steel sphere weighing more than a Boeing 747, push the boundaries of cruise ship design. Technological innovations include excess cold from the ship’s 4000-cubic-metre LNG tanks assisting air-conditioning, and heat recovery systems aiding freshwater production. The ship’s size is equally impressive: at 365 metres long, with 20 decks (18 for guests), it can accommodate 5610 passengers at double occupancy, or up to 7600 at full capacity, making it the largest and most advanced cruise ship afloat.

The mighty Icon of the Seas is a gamechanger (below); the small but also mighty innovator Avalon Alegria

+ Highly Commended AVALON ALEGRIA

• On a smaller scale but no less innovative, Avalon Alegria is a 102-passenger river cruise ship designed specifically for Portugal’s Douro River. The ship’s airy design, with panoramic windows and an open layout, gives it a bright, spacious feel. Avalon Alegria is especially known for its large cabins, with beds that face the water providing stunning views. The 37 Panorama Suites feature floor-toceiling windows that open up to 2.1 metres wide, turning the entire room into a balcony — a clever innovation that makes the rooms feel more luxurious and expensive.  Smart deck plans and cosy hidden spaces add to the intimate charm of this standout river ship.

Best Luxury Line REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

* Winner

• Once again, Cruise & Travel readers have voted Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) the best luxury ocean cruise line. It comes as no surprise as all RSSC ships deliver style, class and sheer luxury from bow to stern. Regent also takes pride in offering an all-inclusive experience – everything is included from fine dining, top-label champagne and beverages to shore excursions and concierge assistance. In fact, it is often said once you board your Regent ship you can forget about carrying your credit card with you – simply lock it up in your suite safe. No matter which suite you book from the rock star Regent suite at 412 square metres to the deluxe veranda suite at 28.6 square metres, you will find unrivalled space. You’ll also find a generous-sized balcony in 99 per cent of suites across the fleet.

When the line debuted its sixth ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, last year, its catch cry was Heritage of Perfection – keeping with tradition to deliver jaw-dropping luxury and design. Star attraction was the ship’s art collection, with a Fabergé egg taking centre stage and custom-made bronze and hand-cast glass bonsai cherry tree sculpture at the front of Pacific Rim, the ship’s pan-Asian specialty restaurant.

Guests will never go hungry on board Seven Seas Grandeur. More than 130 new dishes are on the menu from the ship’s signature main restaurant, Compass Rose, to Prime 7 – the elegant steakhouse.

Grandeur’s sister ship is Seven Seas Splendor, launched in 2020. There’s also Seven Seas Explorer (2015) billed as the Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built. The remaining three older ships include Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Navigator. The three newest ships can each accommodate 744 guests.

+ Highly Commended SILVERSEA

• Silversea has a long history in small ship luxury cruising. Founded in 1994, the line celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Silversea takes pride in offering an all-inclusive experience where guests enjoy free-flowing premium wines and spirits, gourmet cuisine and butlers for every suite. There are just 350 suites on its largest ships, which can berth right in the heart of exceptional destinations. Silversea has a fleet of 13 ships and its newest is Silver Ray, launched in 2024 as sister ship to 2023’s Silver Nova

Refined luxury on board Regent’s ships (above); Silver Wind sails beneath Tower Bridge, London.

READERS’ CHOICE

Best Upper Premium Line OCEANIA CRUISES

* Winner

• There’s a fine line separating a premium cruise from one that is Upper Premium. In the case of Oceania Cruises, it’s all about food and the cuisine served on board. While Oceania is not as all-inclusive as many luxury lines, you will find delectable options included in your fare. Food is the star on board, hence the line’s catch-cry of the “finest cuisine at sea”. The line’s newest ship, Oceania Vista, has an amazing 12 dining options including new venues such as Aquamar Kitchen, concentrating on healthy eating, and Ember, featuring American cuisine. Vista regularly holds wine-pairing dinners and tastings. It also has the amazing Culinary Center, a state-of-the-art cooking school where guests can learn the tricks of the trade from expert chefs at their own private cooking station.

The ship claims to have the most spacious standard staterooms, and Ralph Lauren furnishings give a wholesome yet elegant feel to its suites. Vista also has six staterooms dedicated to solo travellers, which offer private balconies and access to the exclusive Concierge Lounge. Vista can accommodate 1200 passengers, which the line considers its ‘sweet spot’ – perfect for cruising the Mediterranean where larger ships are finding resistance to the impact that thousands of guests can have on local communities.

Next year, Oceania will debut Allura, a sister ship to Vista and the eighth ship in its fleet. Allura will take mixology to the next level with new cocktail experiences, including partnerships with iconic brands, innovative techniques like flavoured smoke bubbles and low- or no-alcohol recipes.

+ Highly Commended VIKING CRUISES

• The ‘thinking person’s cruise’ line with no kids and no casinos is very popular among Cruise & Travel readers. Expect sleek Scandi-type interiors, a neutral palette and understated staterooms on destination-focused cruises that promise culturally enriching experiences. Don’t miss the decadent afternoon tea in the glass-roofed Wintergarden or dine in the fresh sea air at the revolutionary Aquavit Terrace. Traditional Italian cuisine awaits in Manfredi’s or enjoy elegant food and wine pairings at the stylish Chef’s Table.

Grand Dining Room, Oceania Cruises (above); Viking has a fleet of 13 ocean ships.

More

Breakaway ®, Naples, Italy

Best Premium Line PRINCESS CRUISES

* Winner

• Defining a “premium” cruise line can be a bit confusing, but it generally refers to large ships, though not the mega-ships you might find in the Contemporary category. Premium lines offer similar itineraries yet their focus leans more towards creating a luxurious experience rather than appealing to the budget-conscious. Due to their size, these ships often dock further from city centres, unlike smaller luxury vessels, but they will also visit more exotic destinations.

Princess Cruises has secured the top spot in our People’s Choice Award for premium cruise lines this year for many reasons. While structurally similar to other premium lines, Princess has a distinctive aesthetic that sets it apart. It excels at blending classic and modern luxury, offering an elegant mix of traditional and contemporary design.

Our People’s Choice survey reveals that Princess Cruises is particularly popular among families with older children, multigenerational families, solo travellers and couples seeking a romantic escape. The atmosphere on board is quieter and more mature, with fewer young children and no waterslides at the pools. A standout for readers was the large Japanese onsen on Diamond Princess, along with the comprehensive wellness offerings at the Lotus Spa. Princess Cruises consistently delivers a sophisticated yet relaxed experience, offering a refined approach to premium cruising.

+ Highly Commended CELEBRITY CRUISES

• Part of the Royal Caribbean family, Celebrity Cruises is a worthy runner-up this year. With three ship classes – Millennium, Solstice, and Edge – Celebrity wants to reimagine what a premium cruise can be. Its Edge-class ships, in particular, feature cutting-edge designs, including Infinite Verandas, which eliminate the traditional balcony to create a more spacious cabin layout.

Celebrity Cruises is also lauded for its premium dining options and the culinary experience on board is top-tier, with four main dining venues on Edge-class ships.

Poolside chic on Princess Cruises (bottom); Celebrity Apex in Norway.

Best Line for Families DISNEY CRUISE LINE

* Winner

• With all five ships in Disney Cruise Line’s cleverly themed fleet built for maximum family fun, it’s no surprise to see DCL take out our Best Line for Families award for the third year in a row. The distinctive Disney design language has given these ships a great deal of personality, starting with the Mickey Mouse-inspired colours that bring the vessels to life with a black hull and white superstructure, gold trims and giant red funnels.

With a sixth ship, Disney Treasure, making its debut at the end of 2024, the line has an increasingly large scope for kid-friendly activities including Disney-themed parties, activities, interactive dining experiences and meet-and-greet sessions with all the studio’s iconic characters. DCL’s kids’ program caters for children aged three to 12, tweens and teens, providing numerous age-appropriate clubs, hangouts and activities. Group babysitting and playtime are available for babies six months and older, and there are also family lounges and arcades available on all ships.

When it comes to keeping the entire family satisfied, Disney Cruise Line keeps the brand’s legacy alive.

+ Highly Commended ROYAL CARIBBEAN

• With big, resort-style ships just made for play, Royal Caribbean offers cruises curated for families and multigenerational groups. The large stock of connecting staterooms and unique configurations attract families of all sizes, especially those with older kids. The comprehensive Adventure Ocean Youth Program on board keeps kids entertained with age-appropriate activities. Then there are the waterparks, skydiving and surf simulators, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, dodgem cars, sports courts, teen-only nightclubs, karaoke rooms and cutting-edge arcades.

Beloved Disney characters at sea (above); family fun on Royal Caribbean.

Best Contemporary Line NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

* Winner

• Although it dates back to 1960, Norwegian Cruise Line has a commitment to modernity and lavish contemporary design, as well as value-driven features for all budgets. NCL’s fleet of 19 world-class vessels regularly turn heads at the most coveted ports, owing to the vibrant design of each ship’s hull and imposing silhouette cut by gems like the fresh Norwegian Viva and the striking Norwegian Sun, a favourite with Australian cruisers.

Innovative accommodations within the swanky Haven promise privacy and luxury on a budget-conscious vessel. There’s fun aplenty with industry-first features like competitive go-kart tracks on Viva, Prima, Bliss, Encore and Joy, where guests can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour while looking out over some of the world’s most majestic locations.

Viva, the line’s latest ship, is the perfect picture of contemporary cool with a dynamic food hall where you order from iPads and a cutting-edge galaxy pavilion with futuristic games, virtual-reality titles and escape rooms. Given Norwegian’s pioneering pedigree, we can’t wait to see what’s new on board Norwegian Aqua when it’s delivered in March 2025.

Norwegian Sun in Sydney Harbour (above); one of seven pools on Icon of the Seas.

+ Highly Commended ROYAL CARIBBEAN

• Royal Caribbean boasts the world’s biggest ships, so all eyes were on the cruise line in January 2024 when the 7500-guest Icon of the Seas set sail. The adventurous behemoth is the first in the line’s new Icon Class and features the largest water park at sea plus its own biodiverse Central Park with more than 33,000 live plants. Royal Caribbean’s dramatic scale builds on fantastical features that make these giant ships endlessly exciting, from rock-climbing walls and ice-skating rinks to indoor skydiving, surf simulators and dodgem cars.

Best Adventure Line PONANT

* Winner

• In a time when it feels like every corner of the globe has been mapped, Ponant proves there are still remote places to discover. In September 2024, Ponant’s luxury hybrid-electric icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot, took scientists and passengers to the “North Pole of Inaccessibility” — a stretch of the Arctic that had eluded explorers for nearly a century and where no human had ever dropped anchor.

What made Ponant the winner here is its nexus of luxury and small-group adventure, offering intimate voyages with only about 250 guests. These journeys take travellers to some of the world’s most challenging yet stunning destinations, including the Arctic, Iceland and Greenland, areas difficult to visit with any degree of comfort. Closer to Australia, Ponant crafts unique itineraries in the South Pacific and Papua New Guinea. Ponant’s all-inclusive voyages feature expedition activities, superb cuisine and a touch of French elegance. Despite the rugged locations, onboard accommodations are sumptuous, with indulgent spas, multiple dining venues and unique underwater lounges. Smaller than the majority of cruise ships, Ponant’s vessels can access polar regions and boutique ports where larger ships can’t go.

+ Highly Commended SCENIC EXPEDITION

• The two Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yachts are all about the views, with state-of-the-art Swarovski telescopes in the Observation Lounge and binoculars in every suite. Cruise & Travel voters raved about the opportunity to take to the skies in one of two onboard helicopters or dive beneath the surface in the unique submersible. A fleet of Zodiacs ensures guests can venture into the heart of every destination, while kayaks and stand-up paddleboards allow for close encounters with nature.

Ponant visits remote islands in Papua New Guinea (below); Scenic Eclipse in Antarctica.

Best Line for Yachts SCENIC

* Winner

• Scenic excels in delivering a yacht-like experience with personal touches and exceptional service. Known for its all-inclusive approach, the atmosphere on board is one of casual sophistication, with attentive yet discreet hospitality.

Scenic’s expansion from river cruising into ocean and expedition cruising has been met with acclaim, particularly for its adventure-focused vessels, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II. Readers called out their helicopters, submersibles, inflatable trampolines, floating hammocks, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and Seabobs that allow guests to experience adventure in style.

Features like the open-bridge policy, which invites guests to visit the captain whenever they wish, and the dynamic positioning system that allows access to remote, untouched beaches without needing to drop anchor, provide unique experiences that larger ships just can’t offer.

One of Scenic’s key differentiators is the advanced technology on board its yachts. The recently launched Triton 660/9 AVA submersible, Scenic Neptune II, descends up to 100 metres below the surface and features a transparent acrylic hull, offering guests a 270-degree view of the underwater world.

Additionally, Scenic’s commitment to sustainability is evident, with new ecofriendly technologies and green-certified furnishings that ensure passengers can enjoy their cruise with minimal environmental impact.

Scenic’s sister brand, Emerald Cruises, has also made waves in the yacht cruising sector, launching two stylish 100-passenger vessels.

+ Highly Commended RITZ-CARLTON

• As the first luxury hotel brand to take to the seas, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has redefined yacht cruising. Its first ship, Evrima, carries just 298 passengers, but has five restaurants and six lounges. The second ultra-luxury superyacht, Ilma, launched in September 2024 and Luminara will follow in 2025. The Ritz-Carlton fleet provides delicious, indulgent luxury, and claims the highest space-to-guest ratio at sea plus a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.2.

Zodiac excursion, Scenic Eclipse (below); An elegant RitzCarlton Yacht.

READERS’ CHOICE 2024

AWARD - WINNING ACCOMMODATIONS, EXCEPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS, FLEXIBLE DINING OPTIONS AND A UNIQUE RELAXED LUXURY ATMOSPHERE. THIS IS THE AVALON DIFFERENCE.

EXPERIENCE THE AVALON DIFFERENCE

Our innovative Panorama Suite SM design makes the scenery the star

Fewer guests means more space on board and bigger suites and staterooms

Flexible dining with world-class menus and dining styles to suit every taste

Receive beer and wine with your meals, & a complimentary happy hour each night

Enjoy a wide range of daily excursions, with Classic, Active and Discovery options

Our crew makes you feel at home with exquisite service throughout the cruise

Best River Line AVALON WATERWAYS

* Winner

• For the third year running, Cruise & Travel readers have voted Avalon Waterways the winner of the Best River Cruise Line category. Readers consistently raved about the exceptional accommodations on board, like the Panorama Suites with floor-to-ceiling windows that turn the living room into an open-air balcony. The beds are positioned to face the windows rather than a wall, making for stellar views from the moment you open your eyes. Avalon suites are, on average, more than 30 per cent larger than the industry standard.

Because no two travellers are alike, Avalon offers guests the ability to customise their excursions to suit their taste and pace. So, whether you are sailing on the Danube, Rhine or Moselle, you can take advantage of Avalon’s special-interest shore excursions catering for active travellers. You could even hop on one of the bikes or e-bikes and ride to the next town to meet the ship.

Onboard cuisine is prepared by Avalon’s executive chefs, who serve up decadent four-course dinners paired with complimentary wine and beer. The line has introduced the Avalon Fresh menu where guests can opt for energising juices at breakfast, specially crafted salads at lunch and high-protein plates at dinner. There are also vegetarian and vegan choices at every meal.

Avalon sails all over the world, with 14 river ships in Europe, one in Asia, one in Africa and two in South America. There are also special interest itineraries that cater to your passions, ranging from wine appreciation and gardening to beer tasting and photography.

+ Highly Commended VIKING CRUISES

• On Europe’s rivers, Viking is a dominant fixture. The distinctive longships are spacious, with full-sized balconies and the largest suites in Europe, and have been carefully engineered to get you closer to the destination. In the US, Viking Mississippi has been purpose-built for its river and accommodates 396 guests in 193 staterooms. Viking also operates six ships on the Nile, with four more to be delivered by 2026, each carrying just 82 guests in Scandi-chic style.

Spacious suites on Avalon Waterways (above); Viking Hermod in France.

Best Luxury River Line UNIWORLD

* Winner

• Again and again, our readers called out the luxurious features of the Uniworld ships, most specifically the opulent décor. Velvety padded walls, fabulously erupting potted orchids, original artworks, seating as studded with buttons and tassels as a Victorian crinoline. Floors of gleaming tiles, walls clad in polished wood and brass. Wrought-iron balustrades, armchairs plump as marshmallows. Corridors are marvellous, with Impressionist-style oil paintings in gilt frames. These are ships that make a statement, where a day on board isn’t a travel convenience but an experience in itself.

Though the suites may be more compact than some others in this category, all are beautifully appointed. Fabulous finishes, fine fabrics, a feeling of grandeur and a fully stocked minibar. They are immaculate, with two housekeeping visits a day, and the Savoir bed and sheets will ruin you for anything else.

Onboard dining has always been a big focus for Uniworld. Breakfast and lunch are taken buffet style, while evenings feature four-course meals. The food and drink is fresh, delicious and plentiful, and always curated to reflect the itinerary. All but the most premium beverages are included in the cruise fare.

As well as beautiful ports and guided walking tours, our readers also spoke highly of their fellow passengers – which is unusual. “In this atmosphere we were surrounded by like-minded individuals who appreciated this experience. We made many new friends.”

Uniworld’s butler service (below); Scenic’s shore excursions are next level.

+ Highly Commended SCENIC

• When it came to our runner-up Scenic, it was the shore days that shone. Wineries, castles, distilleries, walking tours, truffle hunting. Ships even have a clutch of 20 e-bikes that they keep on board for guests to explore. In the evenings, be captivated by signature Enrich events like a string quartet performance at a chateau or an after-dark visit to the magnificent Bassins des Lumières in Bordeaux. Readers also called out the quality of the chefs aboard, praising skills that you would find in world-class restaurants. In the cabins, readers loved the Scenic Sun Lounge, a unique all-weather balcony that opens the entire space.

Best Line for Food OCEANIA CRUISES

* Winner

• Cruise & Travel readers have their clear favourites, and when it comes to dining, the obvious choice is Oceania Cruises. This Upper Premium cruise line has been voted the Best Line for Food for seven years in a row. But that’s to be expected when you’re serving “the finest cuisine at sea” and constantly refining your overall offering in the endless pursuit of culinary excellence.

Oceania frequently updates the menus across its many prestigious, highly regarded restaurants, which are all included in the fare (apart from select wine-paired dinners on Oceania Marina and Riviera). The sense of dynamism is a big reason why readers love dining on an Oceania cruise, whether that’s fleet favourites like the Asian-inspired Red Ginger and Italian Toscana, or new concepts like Aquamar Kitchen, which has been added to Oceania Marina after debuting on Vista in 2023. New ship Allura will make its debut in 2025 with a new culinary venue, Crêperie, serving French-style crepes, Belgian waffles and ice-cream sundaes.

The gourmet experiences continue with best-in-class, hands-on cooking classes in the Culinary Centre, found on Riviera and Marina, and signature Culinary Discovery Tours ashore. Each edible innovation ensures Oceania stays the frontrunner for foodies.

+ Highly Commended CELEBRITY CRUISES

• Celebrity Cruises continues its strong showing for gourmands in 2024 with a compelling collection of upscale dining venues. The cruise line’s imaginative spread of restaurants and bars has long been a favourite of Cruise & Travel readers, best represented by the epic 29 food and beverage experiences on board Celebrity Edge. Not only do you have the complimentary offerings of Normandie, Tuscan, Cosmopolitan and Cyprus, as well as the uber-stylish Eden Cafe and poolside Mast Grill, there is also the unique Magic Carpet, a cantilevered floating platform that can reach as high as 13 stories above sea level. The unrivalled variety is unlike anything else at sea.

Innovative dining on Oceania Cruises (bottom); Seafood tower at Raw on 5, Celebrity Edge

READERS’ CHOICE 2024

Best for Activities ROYAL CARIBBEAN

* Winner

• In a highly competitive market, cruise lines are working harder than ever – not only to get people on board, but to keep them happy while they’re there. Royal Caribbean took the top spot for onboard activities this year by going beyond the traditional offerings with sky-high adventures and cutting-edge digital experiences.

Our readers mentioned one-of-a-kind experiences like surfing on the FlowRider simulator and skydiving in the iFly wind tunnel, as well as multiple sports courts, zip lines, rock-climbing walls, ice skating rinks, dodgem cars, mini golf and augmented-reality adventures.  Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line to feature ice-skating shows and spectacular acrobatic water performances in its AquaTheater, found on Oasis-class vessels.

Readers mentioned other unforgettable experiences that can’t be found on your everyday cruise, like robotic bartenders and Broadway-quality productions of Mamma Mia! and Grease across the fleet. The Two70 venue on Quantum-class ships is another standout, combining robotics, aerial performances and virtual concerts to deliver a multi-sensory spectacle.

Allure of the Seas’ Comedy LIVE and Symphony of the Seas’ The Attic offer late-night comedy sets that rival those of New York’s top clubs. Stay up late for interactive shows like Love and Marriage, Battle of the Sexes and the famously wild Quest game show.

+ Highly Commended DISNEY CRUISE LINE

• With decades of experience captivating audiences, Disney’s fleet offers magical experiences for the young and young at heart. Start the day with character breakfasts, enjoy afternoon tea with Snow White, and continue the fun into the evening with lively performances of Disney classics like Beauty and the Beast and Frozen. There are also plenty of spaces where the grown-ups can relax and escape, like an adults-only pool and sun deck for quiet downtime, and a cluster of 18+ venues that open after 9pm, including pubs, champagne bars, live-music lounges and nightclubs.

Zip-lining on Wonder of the Seas (above); Meet-and-greets on Disney Cruise Line.

Ours is an extraordinary world. And that is even before you have left the ship. For 30 years, Silversea has been pioneering ultra-luxury voyages to some of the most remote and breathtaking places on our planet. From the Mediterranean to Antarctica and beyond, when it comes to immersive and authentic exploration no-one takes you further.

Contact your travel advisor, call 1300 306 872 or visit Silversea.com

* Winner

Best Line for Service SILVERSEA

• Service is at the heart of the Silversea experience. The luxury line is known for its exceptional hospitality, with a staff-to-guest ratio close to 1:1, creating a level of attention that’s rare among even the most exclusive cruise lines.

While many claim to prioritise customer care, Silversea takes it to the next level, offering personalised butler service in every suite. You’ll also benefit from twice-daily housekeeping and attentive butlers who cater to almost any request. Want a cheese platter with wine? Or perhaps freshly popped popcorn for a movie night in? Your butler is happy to oblige. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, let the crew know. They take pride in making these moments special and they’ll go out of their way to help you celebrate. Your butler will stock your suite with your choice of beverages and pillows, and even set your breakfast table with a white tablecloth and full silverware.

Though great service can never be guaranteed, the intimate size of Silversea’s ships and their luxury price point create an expectation of highly personalised and thoughtful care. The staff are proactive, not just reactive, ensuring your preferences are remembered – whether it’s your go-to cocktail by the pool or your breakfast coffee. From carrying your buffet plate to escorting you to your table, Silversea’s crew elevates the cruise experience to a level comparable to that of a five-star hotel.

gold class service

+ Highly Commended REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers equally high standards of service and the entire crew will know your name before the cruise ends. Whether arranging your ideal dining setup, booking shore excursions, or ensuring your suite is perfect, Regent staff really are dedicated to making your stay as comfortable as possible. Guests staying in Penthouse Suites or higher benefit from a personal butler, expertly trained to provide a seamless luxury experience.

Expect

on Silversea (below); Crew become friends on Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Best Line for Entertainment NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

* Winner

• There’s never a dull moment on a Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary. With a passion for high-octane entertainment, Norwegian maintains its reputation for glitz and glamour with captivating aerial acrobatics performances, Broadwaystyle shows and musicals, comedy clubs, live music, dance and interactive game shows.

The fleet’s cutting-edge entertainment is made possible by state-of-the-art theatres and dedicated in-house production teams. Big name shows come straight from the stage, like Jersey Boys, Six and Beetlejuice. Sing along to The Choir of Man, a high-energy music-and-dance show; feel the beat of Burn the Floor’s Latin dance spectacular; or hear all your favourite artists in the Vegas-style Legends in Concert, the longest-running tribute show in entertainment history.

There’s an equal focus on live comedy, music and themed parties that keeps NCL brimming with activity so guests have something fun to do each night at sea. Step back into the days of The Beatles at the Cavern Club, get in the cruise mood at the famed Sailaway Party on the pool deck, or dance the night away under the stars at H2Glow.

+ Highly Commended ROYAL CARIBBEAN

• From Broadway-style musicals to shows on ice and water, Royal Caribbean’s ambitious entertainment program is boundless. Hop on board Harmony of the Seas to catch a showing of Grease before heading to the AquaTheater for The Fine Line. Or perhaps you’d rather dive head first into the many shows on board Icon of the Seas, from the highly advanced Aquadome with its shape-shifting waterfalls and dazzling light displays to masterful performances at the Dueling Piano bar.

Broadway musical Jersey Boys stars on Norwegian Cruise Line (below); Royal Caribbean’s AquaTheater.

READERS’ CHOICE 2024

Best Line for Wellness VIKING CRUISES

* Winner

• Imagine starting your day with an oceanfront jog, followed by a Pilates session overlooking the waves and, later, a consultation with a nutritionist. Wellness cruises are booming and, according to Cruise & Travel readers, Viking leads the way with its holistic offerings. The Nordic Spa nurtures the body with traditional Scandinavian rituals that promise complete relaxation and revitalisation at sea.

At the core of the experience is the Thermal Suite, offering everything from a thalassotherapy pool to heated ceramic loungers, creating a serene space for passengers to unwind. Jump between the steamy sauna and the icy snow room, where authentic flakes float down from above. The hot/cold cycle not only rejuvenates the body but is also believed to boost energy levels and promote weight loss. This is followed by invigorating dry skin brushing with birch twigs.

Cupping therapy after a sauna enhances the relaxation process, while a Swedish deep-tissue massage works wonders to release tension and improve circulation. The spa’s design, featuring authentic Nordic ash, pays homage to Norse mythology and the legendary Yggdrasil tree, said to connect the heavens and earth.

Unlike many cruise lines, Viking includes access to premium services like the Thermal Suite as part of its standard offerings, without any extra fees. (Though you will have to pay for treatments.)

+ Highly Commended CELEBRITY CRUISES

• Celebrity Cruises came in a close second this year. A collaboration with renowned designer Kelly Hoppen created a sophisticated and calming environment aboard Celebrity Edge and Apex. With over 120 treatments available, it breaks new ground in cruise wellness. The Sea Thermal Suite offers eight unique experiences, including the Crystalarium, where warmth and healing energies emanate from an amethyst centrepiece. Hot yoga classes are available or relax on the Spa Wave MLW Amphibia table, designed for light therapy and muscle recovery.

Viking’s muchadored Nordic Spa (above); yoga on board Celebrity Cruises.

READERS’

CHOICE 2024

Best Line for Accommodation UNIWORLD

* Winner

• Owing to its boutique sensibilities, Uniworld’s great range of lavish suites has seen the cruise line named the Best for Accommodation in 2024. The individuality and design-forward approach means suites transform according to destination, maintaining an effortlessly chic aesthetic elevated by a generous sense of space. This imaginative and seamless way of connecting vessels to their destinations is a concept that’s obviously played close to the hearts of Cruise & Travel readers, adding a lovely sense of place to the company’s many different itineraries across Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.

Still, the high degree of detail and careful design is only half the story, with immaculate service also a major reason why Uniworld’s accommodations are considered in a league of their own. The exceptionally comfortable Savoir Beds, all-marble bathrooms and daily restocked minibars are lifted by exceptional service: the result of butlers trained at England’s prestigious Ivor Spence Butler School. Depending on your suite category, extras such as espresso machines are also included, adding to the highly considered experience that Uniworld curates so well. Whether it’s the S.S. Antoinette’s swathes of Brazilian marble or the new S.S. Victoria with its signature French balconies, it’s clear Uniworld’s offering has struck a chord with our readers.

+ Highly Commended CELEBRITY CRUISES

• Be it a stateroom, suite or villa, it’s hard to be disappointed with any accommodation on a Celebrity Cruises ship. A generous sense of space and wide range of options has given this premium cruise line a distinct edge in the industry, offering larger living areas, bigger bathrooms and a king-size bed in 99 per cent of cabins. One need only look at top-tier options like the Iconic Suite, with its floor-toceiling windows, or the two-storey Edge Villa on Celebrity Ascent to really get a sense of this cruise line’s design prowess, favouring elegant, light-filled spaces with a comprehensive set of creature comforts and in-room automation.

Plush furnishings set Uniworld apart (above); Celebrity Cruises’ Iconic Suite.

Best Line for Shore Excursions SILVERSEA

* Winner

• Silversea emerged as the clear winner in the Best Line for Shore Excursions category for this year’s awards. Readers consistently praised the line for its booking process: once your cruise is confirmed, you can select excursions right away, regardless of your sailing date, and each port features at least one included shore excursion.

With groups capped at just 25 people, each excursion promises a more intimate and wellorganised exploration. A great tip one reader shared was that all Silversea’s daily activities, including the ones you have personally reserved, will appear on your TV every day, so make sure to check them.

“Don’t just assume the message is an ad for a future cruise,” she warns. If there has been a change to your reservations or a special notice about a shore excursion, that’s where you’ll find it first.

On expedition ships like Silver Cloud, passengers are grouped for Zodiac excursions right from the outset, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Readers raved about the attentive and knowledgeable expedition teams, with a few calling them the highlight of their journey.

With an impressive staff-to-guest ratio, you get the feeling of having a personal guide with you to explore the most remote corners of the world, from the diverse wildlife of the Galapagos to the breathtaking icebergs of Antarctica.

Silversea stands out for its small group shore excursions (below); see polar bears with Ponant.

+ Highly Commended PONANT

• Taking the runner-up spot is Ponant, celebrated for its remarkable itineraries and immersive experiences, particularly aboard renowned icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot. Readers highlighted the unique combination of expedition and excursion formats, where bilingual naturalists lead Zodiac adventures, ensuring all guests are engaged and informed. With a maximum of 250 passengers, the intimate atmosphere also allows for agile and personalised shore excursions. Ponant makes it easy to pre-book included and optional experiences up to two months before your cruise. Guests appreciated the thoughtful design of Ponant’s excursions, which blend cultural immersion with adventure.

Best Line for Sustainability PONANT

* Winner

• Is it any surprise that Cruise & Travel readers named Ponant the Best Line for Sustainability in 2024? The ultra-luxury French company led the industry earlier this year when it became the first-ever maritime cruise line to earn Green Globe certification, pointing to advanced sustainability initiatives and industryleading eco-friendly innovations. The accolade was bestowed upon 12 of Ponant’s 13 vessels, including all four sister ships in the acclaimed Le Boréal series, all six Ponant Explorers, sailing yacht Le Ponant and the cruise line’s impressive Le Commandant Charcot, a revolutionary hybrid-powered luxury icebreaker that was launched in 2021. The ship hosted 31 scientific missions in 2023 to support research into marine ecosystems and environmental changes.

Ponant is committed to reducing its environmental footprint, developing new power sources for its ever-more-efficient vessels. Since 2019, the entire Ponant fleet has been getting by on low-sulphur marine gas oil with a sulphur content 13 times lower than current maritime standards. Over the next few years, Ponant will introduce special catalytic systems across its entire fleet to significantly reduce carbon oxide emissions. The company also promises to deliver a ship designed for zero CO2 equivalent emissions with its Swap2Zero project, forming a large part of its efforts to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Sustainable excursions on Ponant (below); Aurora Expeditions’ high-tech vessels protect the environment.

+ Highly Commended AURORA EXPEDITIONS

• Polar travel expert Aurora Expeditions achieved B Corp certification earlier this year, validating the cruise line’s commitment to sustainability. The purpose-built Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle vessels doubled down on eco-friendly features like anti-fouling coating to increase fuel efficiency and minimise adverse environmental impacts; the use of biodigesters to turn food waste into water; and a cutting-edge Ulstein X-BOW to support better energy efficiency, lower speed loss and acceleration levels. In 2025, Aurora Expeditions will introduce the ship Douglas Mawson, which will be another strong addition to the cruise line’s sustainability banner as it leads the charge in high-tech features.

Best Cruise Port SYDNEY

READERS’ CHOICE 2024

* Winner

• For the third consecutive year, Sydney takes the crown in this category. There’s nothing quite like sailing into Sydney Harbour to spark a lasting appreciation for its breathtaking natural scenery, vast waterways and iconic skyline. The harbour is safeguarded by Sydney Harbour National Park, which preserves the islands, coastline, wildlife and ancient Indigenous heritage.

The city’s top attractions are set right beside the state-of-the-art Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay, where most large cruise ships dock. Stroll to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, catch a ferry to Manly and Taronga Zoo, or jump on the sleek new light rail to travel along historic George Street into the heart of the city. Smaller vessels are welcomed at White Bay in the inner harbour, just a short taxi or shuttle ride from the city centre. Docking here means you’ll also get the unique experience of sailing beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Sydney Harbour is always buzzing with major events that capture both local and international attention. On New Year’s Eve, Sydneysiders flock to the harbour foreshore to watch the world-famous fireworks display. Boxing Day brings another spectacle, with onlookers gathering to cheer on the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, a gruelling 628 nautical mile journey. The harbour also shines in winter, as Vivid Sydney lights up its shores throughout June.

+ Highly Commended BRISBANE

• Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT) made a strong debut in June 2022, earning it the highly commended award. The Queensland capital has long been a top-ranking container port, but this $177 million terminal means it can welcome even the largest cruise vessels.

Just 15 minutes from the airport and 30 minutes from the CBD, BICT offers convenience for travellers. And while Sydney may boast scenic harbours, Brisbane is stealing the spotlight when it comes to nightlife, so plan an extra evening in the city for some after-hours fun.

Spectacular

Sydney Harbour (above); rising cruise hub Brisbane.

READERS’

Best Destination for Cruising EUROPE

* Winner

• Europe stands out as a cruise destination for its rich diversity, offering something for every traveller. Whether you’re sailing around the azure waters of the Greek Isles, visiting medieval harbours in the UK, or exploring the scenic landscapes of Scandinavia, Europe’s ports provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Cruising in Europe offers access to both iconic cities and off-the-beaten-path treasures, found on unique, immersive itineraries.

Choosing a cruise in Europe simplifies travel logistics in a sprawling continent with a multitude of borders. With most major lines, you can pre-book excursions when you reserve your cruise, giving you the flexibility to plan your days in advance or venture out on your own. In terms of value, European cruises are often more affordable than traditional land travel. Even luxury cruise lines can yield a lower price per night than five-star hotels, with additional perks and exclusive excursions – plus no need for costly transfers.

Each day in Europe brings inspiring experiences, with new ports and new adventures just over every horizon. One evening, you could be watching the sun set over Naples, then the next morning awake to the sight of Sicily’s Mount Etna. Feast on fresh seafood in Brittany, then join the jet set on the beaches of the Côte d’Azur.

In the Mediterranean, explore Greece, Croatia, Italy and Spain, or focus on the Baltic nations along the Adriatic. Northern Europe also beckons, with routes covering England, France, Scandinavia and Iceland.

+ Highly Commended NEW ZEALAND

• In 2024, the Cruise Lines International Association ranked New Zealand as one of the top destinations for Aussie cruisers. And our readers agree. NZ has long been a beloved destination for ocean-going explorers. In fact, up until the 1960s, most travellers still arrived in the country by sea. Today, more than 25 cruise ships visit its shores each year. The country’s 15,000 kilometres of stunning coastline, jewel-like islands and breathtaking landscapes offer a diverse range of natural beauty, perfect for exploring by sea.

All the colour of a fishing village in Malta (above); New Zealand fur seals.

RIVERS OF THE WORLD CRUISE

16 April to 5 June 2026

Embark on a 50-Night River Cruise Celebrating Uniworld’s 50th Anniversary

A world cruise on the most incredible rivers – ALL IN ONE LIFE-CHANGING JOURNEY From Brussels in Belgium to Amman in Jordan, this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

• Exquisite five-star cuisine & unlimited premium beverages • Daily excursions & exclusive private experiences

• Dedicated Travelling Concierge for your entire journey • All internal flights, hotels, porterage and transfers throughout • Surprises along the way, in Uniworld style