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On board Silver Nova • Mekong magic • Japan’s blooms boom Tahiti for winter sun • Europe on a plate • First in First Class

AUSTRALIA/NZ AU$14.95

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Cruise

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ADVENTURE GUIDE

Ends of the Earth 11 great expedition destinations

plus HOT OR COLD: WHICH WAY DO YOU LIKE YOUR HOLIDAYS ?

ADVENTURE GUIDE INSIDE

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Water wonders Indonesian islands beyond Bali

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Voyage

EXPERIENCE MORE OF EUROPE

with the world’s most awarded airline Enjoy an elevated travel experience with Singapore Airlines on your next European escapade, and let your holiday begin from the moment you step aboard.

FLY TO 13 CITIES ACROSS EUROPE WITH SINGAPORE AIRLINES. Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Copenhagen, London, Paris, Zurich and more. singaporeair.com

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Voyage

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2027

aboard VISTA

and

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SAIL AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE SHIP A new era of exploration begins. Pacific Explorer, Australia’s favourite ship, has been transformed into the Star Voyager, a new luxury vessel based in beautiful Singapore.

Be among the first to experience Star Voyager, where every journey is an adventure waiting to unfold.

Immerse yourself in luxury and comfort with our deluxe accommodation, enjoy spectacular entertainment, savour Asian and International culinary delights and stunning retail stores. Experience the thrills of the ocean at our Aqua Park and Waterslides.

Travel to iconic destinations in the region including Singapore, Jakarta, Koh Samui, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok and many more.

STAR VOYAGER – CONTINUE THE LOVE! BOOK TODAY!

BOOK NOW |

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CHOOSE FROM THREE AMAZING ITINERARIES STARTING AT US PP Nights Melaka [KL] – Jakarta Cruise Mar 26, 31; Apr 5, 10, 15 Nights Bangkok – Koh Samui Cruise Apr 20, 25, 30; May 5, 10 Nights Melaka [KL] – Ho Chi Minh Cruise Jul 6, 11, 16, 21

www.rwcruises.com |

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FROM SINGAPORE, HER NEW HOME

|

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resortsworldcruises |

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Contents

Cruise

Travel

April 2025 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

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Contributors and writers John Arlidge, Bernadette Chua, Nick Duerden, Danielle Demetriou, Robert Jackman, Rose Kelly, Steve Newman, Teresa Ooi, Joceyln Pride, Chris Singh, Michael Turtle, Ryan Ver Berkmoes Subscriptions Phone 02 8227 6486 – Australia Phone +612 8227 6400 – International cruisepassenger.com.au Cover: Freediving with whale shark in deep ocean. By Wonderful Nature.

Printed by IVE.

cruisepassenger.com.au

MULTI MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS 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 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Copyright Big Splash Media Pty Ltd. Opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and are not necessarily those of the publisher. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders.

Information provided believed to be correct at time of publication, however details can change at any time and all information, including prices, in this magazine should be considered general in nature only. No travel decisions should be made solely on the information provided. Always consult your travel agent.

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Contents 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 of tips and ideas to help you plan your next dream holiday.

OCEANS

36

Winter sun

French Polynesia is rising in popularity with cruisers.

REVIEWS

38

Striking gold

Silver Nova certainly makes a good impression while Down Under.

44

It’s a shore thing

Secrets to the best shore excursions on a New Zealand with Princess.

50

Small but mighty

Sailing New South Wales’ South Coast with Azamara Cruises.

56

Europe on a plate A food cruise in Europe with Windstar.

Cruise &Travel

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RIVERS

Subscribe & Save

62

Change is afloat

River cruising has big plans for the future with new ships, more immersive itineraries and new operators.

Never miss an issue of Cruise & Travel – subscribe today and get it home-delivered

REVIEWS

70

Bohemian rhapsody

Down the Mekong on a small boat trip in Laos.

76

62

Like a fine wine

A round-up of the rivers of France – from star rivers to those a little less obvious.

& TRAVEL

82

86

90

All you need to know about capturing the magic of Japan’s cherry blossoms.

Why the Philippines is the winning destination when it comes to culinary highs.

Venturing beyond Bali in Indonesia. Our guide on where to go.

Petal power

Foodie heaven

82

Island time

94

Better than the rest

You’ll save 33% off the newsstand price It costs just $49.99 for four issues of Cruise & Travel and our annual Cruise Planner Plus, receive our weekly newsletter Subscribe today!

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Sailing the Nile with Viking • Palau’s floating palace • Best new ships

cruıse READERS’ CHOICE 2024 passenger

ALL THE WINNERS

Which airline carrier is soaring highest in the first-class cabin.

98

Last word

What happens when you let your weekend away in Paris be dictated by TikTok.

AUSTRALIA/NZ AU$14.95

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Perfect paradise

The most desirable holidays away from the crowds 11/11/2024 1:25 PM

Visit our website: cruisepassenger.com.au Cruise &Travel

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Welcome

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Why the closing of P&O caused Australia so much pain

W

elcome to our Autumn edition of Cruise & Travel magazine. It marks the end of the 2024/25 cruise season, one that has seen an exciting array of ships sail our shores, including some new additions to the homebased armada.

Our review of Silver Nova (see page 38) is one of this issue’s highlights. She’s a beautifully designed new ship, and we will be seeing a lot more of her. Silversea is one of several lines plotting new routes around Australia and New Zealand.

We’ve also previewed sailings to French Polynesia, a close-tohome destination experiencing enormous growth. Heading into winter, the beauty of neighbouring island nations is not to be forgotten. Indeed, it is to be celebrated. Cruises to Fiji’s remote islands are a case in point. We have beauty and adventure at our doorstep, and the ability to make our holiday dollars more meaningful.

But we do have one concern: will there be ships to take us on those winter trips in the future?

Which brings us to a note of nostalgia and sadness. As we write, the P&O Australia brand is being shuttered. Two of its vessels have been transformed into Carnival fun ships, while a third is in Singapore being recast as Star Voyager, part of the new Star Cruises fleet.

P&O Cruises Australia holds a significant place in the history of Australian tourism. Australia is among the top five cruising nations in the world, and much of that is owed to this one line.

P&O Australia pioneered cruising in the region. It earned the nickname “the nursery” because so many Australians cut their cruising teeth on its decks.

Former senior executive at Carnival Ryan Taibel, in a eulogy to the line on LinkedIn, suggested: “For P&O’s thousands of loyalists – the ones who cruised multiple times a year – it’s a massive loss. And let’s not forget those of us who worked shoreside or onboard, plus the countless suppliers who kept the brand running behind the scenes.

“Yet, this feels bigger than just the closure of a cruise line.

When Carnival Corporation announced in June 2024 that P&O would be folded into Carnival Cruise Line, it felt like another chapter in a larger trend: the slow and steady Americanisation of Aussie culture.”

P&O’s roots lie in the early 19th century, with the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company. Its first cruise in 1932 marked the beginning of dedicated cruise holidays in Australia.

The company introduced various ships to the Australian market, each contributing to the evolution of the cruising experience. P&O Australia has been a large part of Australian culture – what Qantas is to the airline industry.

In its later years, P&O Cruises Australia focused on providing experiences tailored to the Australian market. The company offered a range of itineraries, exploring local destinations and 10

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Thanks for the memories

Pacific Dawn in Sydney Harbour.

those in the South Pacific, New Zealand and beyond. It was a true pioneer, opening up countries such as PNG to the cruising experience, investing heavily in infrastructure and training, setting up local businesses that thrive today.

Pioneers like line president Ann Sherry AO drove the line to modernise, pushed forward destinations in our region and upgraded with restaurants by chefs such as Luke Mangan. But in the end, with so many overseas lines sending new ships – Virgin Voyages, Disney, Celebrity – Australians drifted away from the home-grown line.

In 2024, Carnival Corporation announced that the P&O cruises Australia brand would be “sun setted” in 2025.

Carnival says it will be maintaining ships in Australia yearround. We hope it is a pledge that continues long into the future. CT Cruise &Travel

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P&O AUSTRALIA’S PROUD HISTORY

Cruise &Travel

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1/ THE INAUGURAL CRUISE

A pivotal moment in Australian cruising history occurred in 1932 when P&O conducted its first cruise from Sydney. The mail steamer Strathaird embarked on a seven-day itinerary, calling at Brisbane and Norfolk Island.

This pioneering voyage demonstrated the potential of leisure cruising in the region and laid the groundwork for the industry’s future growth.

2/ THE FAIRSTAR ERA

The “Fairstar” holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians. This ship became an iconic symbol of Australian cruising, particularly for family holidays. It served for many years and was affectionately known as the “fun ship”. For many, it was their first cruising experience and it contributed significantly to raising cruising to be a mainstream holiday option.

3/ POST-WAR MIGRATION

Beyond leisure cruising, P&O played a vital role in Australia’s post-World War II history. From 1945 to 1972, P&O ships transported over a million UK migrants to Australia under the “Ten Pound Pom” scheme. They were life-changing journeys for those seeking a new beginning in Australia.

4/ AUSTRALIAN-STYLE CRUISING P&O Cruises Australia distinguished itself by developing a unique “Australian style” of cruising.

This involved creating a relaxed, informal, and friendly onboard atmosphere that resonated with Australian travellers. P&O’s approach set it apart from other international cruise offerings.

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Connect With The Culture & Beauty Of

New Zealand & South Pacific Embark on a fully immersive cruise holiday with Princess’s award-winning shore excursions crafted by the help of locals, to regional experiences, like cuisine and entertainment on board so you can dive into local life while you sail!

Our flexible itineraries range from 5 days to 35 days, calling at ports in New Zealand’s greatest cities to the most beautiful Islands of the South Pacific. With convenient departures from Sydney & Brisbane, it’s time to set a course for adventure!

BOOK NOW | Contact your Travel Agent | 1300 159 654 | princess.com

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Upfront | Inspiration for today’s sophisticated traveller |

page

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Cruise &Travel

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Regent food excursions

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Upfront unlimited access to its flights across the US, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

Beyond the aviation sector, Eurostar has a Premium Pass for €7449 ($12,245) per year, which lets you travel business class between Paris and Brussels for €33 ($54) a time.

Meanwhile, Banyan Tree has a Habitat pass which allows you to advance purchase stays and redeem them across its 80 luxury properties.

SUBSCRIPTION HOLIDAYS: DO THEY WORK? Does the reality of unlimited travel match the fantasy, or will these deals prove to be a flash in the pan? Here’s what Robert Jackman found out.

W

e all know the feeling of not wanting your holiday to end. Now it turns out that one enterprising cruise company might have the solution to that problem – provided you’ve got the cash.

Virgin Voyages unveiled its new Annual Pass, allowing two travellers to enjoy unlimited cruises for an entire year. The cost of this veritable travel superpower? A cool US$120,000 ($189,259) for two people.

How many takers Virgin expects for its “all you can cruise” deal isn’t clear. But the venture is the latest example in a trend for travel companies to offer unlimited access to those willing to put up the cash.

In the summer, Wizz Air unveiled its famous “all you can fly” membership package, while several hotel chains (including Banyan Tree and CitizenM) have experimented with subscription packages over the years.

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We took a look at what’s on offer and examined whether a travel subscription is worth the asking price. / What sorts of deals are out there?

Virgin Voyages says it is now offering its unlimited Annual Pass, although you’ll have to contact its sales team directly to express your interest. The pass allows travellers aged 21 or over to take as many Virgin cruises as they like (provided they pay the taxes), taking advantage of routes across the Caribbean, the Bahamas and the Mediterranean.

Meanwhile, Wizz Air has relaunched its “all you can fly” yearly membership at €599 ($985).

Members can book seats on flights across the budget airline’s international network for a small fee of €9.99 ($16).

The low-cost United States airline Frontier has its GoWild! Membership for US$599 ($944) annually or US$149 ($235) monthly, offering

/ Why are we seeing more of these deals?

Sir Richard Branson says that Virgin’s cruise pass was inspired in part by a desire among digital nomads to “work from sea”. The fact that Virgin Voyages has made a point of accepting Bitcoin as payment might give you an idea of the kind of customer it has in mind.

Covid has played a role too. During the latter stages of the pandemic, a handful of airlines (including Etihad and Air Canada) launched unlimited travel schemes as a way of bringing in some cash during a difficult period.

It’s not clear what motivated Wizz Air’s “all you can fly” membership, but some travel experts have their own theories as to why the budget airline launched the deal.

“I think these schemes are often more of a marketing gimmick than anything else,” says John Grant, an aviation consultant at OAG. / Are these deals really as good as they seem?

Unlimited travel may sound like a dream come true, but the vast majority of these schemes tend to come with considerable limitations, which may dampen the reality.

Take Wizz Air, which charges its “all you can fly” members a flat fee for each flight they book.

Flights can be booked only within 72 hours of take-off, making it much harder to plan for your holidays when your return is uncertain.

“Though Wizz Air’s subscription offer may look enticing at first glance, passengers should look behind the headline price to find out if it’s such a great deal,” says Rory Boland, a travel expert at consumer group Which?.

“Once booking fees, seat selection and luggage costs are added on, travellers will see costs spiral – particularly as multiple journeys will be required to claw back the original cost of the subscription.”

Another common feature is that travellers may have to pay the taxes associated with their trips. This is the case for Virgin Voyages’ deal and Frontier’s GoWild! membership.

Factor in those costs and the promise of unlimited travel starts to look a little more complicated. / Do they even make business sense?

To give the short answer: it depends on who you ask. For example, Wizz Air says that its first round of “all you can fly” passes sold out in the summer and that customers have been asking Cruise &Travel

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“AIRLINES HAVE USED THESE SCHEMES TO FILL SEATS THAT MAY HAVE OTHERWISE BEEN EMPTY.”

Pass out

Endless cruising with a Virgin Voyages’ Annual Pass; Eurostar (left) offers a Premium Pass.

for more. But aviation experts doubt that the schemes will prove as profitable as the publicity materials might suggest.

“I’ve seen lots of airlines try this over the years with no success,” says Grant. He recalls the now-defunct airline British Midland quietly dropping such a scheme in the 1980s.

“Airlines have used these schemes to fill seats that may have otherwise been empty or to tempt price-sensitive business customers who are likely to travel on a repeat basis,” says John Strickland, an aviation expert at JLS Consulting.

He also suggests that airlines have more effective ways of making money through their sophisticated ticket-pricing systems. / What can go wrong with subscriptions?

Perhaps the most famous example (and a cautionary tale) is American Airlines’ AAirpass scheme from the 1980s, which offered unlimited flights for a one-off price of US$250,000.

At the time, American Airlines was low on funds and saw the scheme as a cost-effective alternative to borrowing money.

Over the years, though, the scheme turned out to be horribly unprofitable, with American Airlines calculating that one passenger alone had taken $21 million worth of flights.

The airline eventually abandoned the scheme, but not before ending up in messy litigation with customers who it claimed had breached the terms of their AAirpass agreement.

American Airlines is far from the only travel company to think twice about these kinds of deals. Etihad launched a subscription package in 2021, but appears to have withdrawn it from sale since then. / Has anyone made it work?

While travel companies don’t generally disclose their sales figures for individual routes and products, some appear to be making a go of the subscription model.

Virgin Voyages says that its previous subscription deals (notably its Season Pass, which lets you cruise as much as you like for up to 40 days) sold out, hence the unveiling of the longer Annual Pass.

Montreal-based Air Canada has been letting customers pay for unlimited travel on particular routes since 2020. For C$4301 (AU$4762), you can fly as much as you want across Canada for six months, which seems like a good deal. CT Cruise&Travel

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Upfront

/ Around the world with Viking

V

iking has launched its epic world cruises for 2026-27 – and business-class airfares from Australia are included. The World Voyage III departs Florida in December 2026 for 170 days on board the 930-passenger Viking Sky, visiting 41 countries across six continents with 82 guided tours and overnight stays in 18 cities. Passing through the Panama Canal, the ship will sail to Hawaii, Tahiti and New Zealand, before arriving in Sydney in February. The cruise continues up Australia’s east coast and through Southeast Asia, before rounding Africa on its way to Europe. Three shorter world voyages are on offer where passengers can join Viking Sky for part of the cruise. Departing Los Angeles in January, the World Discoveries itinerary sails the 125-day voyage to London, while the 153-day World Voyage IV continues on to Stockholm, the ship’s final destination. Alternatively, the World Cruise takes in the first 142 days of the voyage, disembarking in London.

PARIS Je t’aime

RITZY in ALASKA

• The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has revealed its inaugural voyages to the Last Frontier. In the northern hemisphere summer of 2026, superyacht Luminara will embark on 13 journeys calling at 11 ports throughout Alaska and ranging from seven to 11 nights. There will be scenic sailings to see the Hubbard and Sawyer glaciers, and stops at signature Alaskan ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. Luminara will also visit small-ship-only ports such as Klawock and Petersburg. Voyages depart either Whittier, Alaska or Vancouver, Canada between May and September. Some of the unique experiences on offer include helicopter tours over Mahoney Falls, kayaking on Klawock Lake and whale watching at Icy Strait Point.

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• Maybourne, the luxury hotel group behind iconic London properties such as Claridge’s and The Connaught, has announced it will open a palace-style hotel in Paris in 2027. The Maybourne Saint-Germain, within the historic 17th-century Îlot Saint-Germain building, will be the group’s first branded residence in Paris. The hotel’s 101 rooms will surround a serene inner courtyard, while a 30-metre pool will occupy the rooftop terrace. There will be six food outlets, including a Japanese restaurant, patisserie and salon de thé. Maybourne’s wellness and longevity brand, Surrenne, will be a central part of the project forming one of Paris’s largest luxury spa and health clubs.

Cruise &Travel

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The rise of SMALL SHIPS

• Ponant is expanding its presence in the luxury small-ship segment by taking a controlling stake in Aqua Expeditions, a line that regularly cruises the Kimberley and other Australian waters. Aqua sails some of the world’s most biodiverse and culturally rich regions and creates ships dedicated to sailing specific rivers, like the Amazon. It has small luxury vessels in the Galapagos, Indonesia’s

Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Spice Islands and on the Mekong. Ponant’s investment marks a significant step as it expands its luxury fleet into remote regions.

Ponant is owned by Artemis, a French investment house that controls luxury brands such as Gucci, Christies auction house and Chateau Latour. Ponant has been steadily growing its share of the lucrative small ship market with luxury vessels carrying about 200 passengers.

/ Asian exploration

C

arnival Cruise Line will send ships to Asia for the first time in history, with two Australian-based ships, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Luminosa, destined for the region. While the line has made Asian port calls on its repositioning cruises, this is the first time it will offer itineraries sailing to and from the region. In 2026, Luminosa will introduce a 14-day voyage from Tokyo to Singapore with the first sailing to include five inaugural visits for Carnival: Hong Kong; Osaka (Kyoto) and Fukuoka (Hakata) in Japan; Seogwipo (Jeju) in South Korea; and Keelung (Taipei) in Taiwan. Luminosa will also sail a 14-day voyage from Singapore to Brisbane via Bali.

Adventure is offering two itineraries in early 2027: a Sydney to Singapore cruise and a Singapore round-trip.

CATHAY goes GOURMET

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• Cathay Pacific has partnered with one of the world’s most-awarded Chinese restaurant brands, Mott 32, to offer fine dining in transit to guests in its first-class lounge. The Pier, First at Hong Kong International Airport will be serving a tasting menu of contemporary Chinese dishes, such as an amuse bouche of crispy mushrooms with green beans; crispy crab puffs; and hand-wrapped Sichuan pork dumplings. For mains, try the wagyu beef with aged tangerine peel, crispy black cod with golden garlic and chilli, or prawns with pickled ginger. Delicious!

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Upfront

/Crystal’s 2027

ISLAND life • The JW Marriott Hotel Group has just opened its second property in the Maldives and it’s just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Male’s international airport. The JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort sits on the atoll’s largest lagoon and features 80 private pool villas, including 47 overwater pool villas.

There is also a three-bedroom ocean residence with a spa bath, separate living rooms and a private pool. The property’s design draws on traditional Maldivian huts known as gedhoru, and floor-to-ceiling windows let in the picture-perfect views of the turquoise waters. There is plenty to do at the resort – you can hit up the spa, gym and lap pool for workouts; the 18

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voyages

I

concierge can arrange dolphin safaris or parasailing trips; or the entire family can take a cooking class together using fresh produce from the hotel’s garden.

There are seven dining venues and bars, including a two-storey steakhouse and a craft cocktail bar.

f you missed out on the Crystal 2027 World Cruise, the luxury line has announced its itineraries for the first half of 2027 aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. The voyages will visit more than 170 destinations across six continents. Designed with Crystal’s sister brand, Abercrombie & Kent, guests will find luxury shore excursions at each port the ships visit. Shore excursions include gastronomic experiences in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, wildlife spotting in Alaska, tours of Japanese temples and wine tastings in Chile. While on board, guests will have access to a variety of programs including the only Casino de MonteCarlo at sea, performances by global entertainers, specialty dinners at the only Nobu and Beefbar restaurants on the ocean, and lectures from distinguished scholars and experts.

Cruise &Travel

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/Around the Apple Isle

C

oral Expeditions will launch new adventure itineraries to Tasmania to mark 10 years of expedition sailings to the Apple Isle in 2026.

Intrepid travellers can choose from various expedition adventures to Tasmania’s wild and pristine coast aboard Coral Discoverer, which accommodates just 72 passengers. Highlight cruises include a seven-night Sydney to Hobart voyage that takes in the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and a Wild Escape Tasmania voyage with nature walks on beautiful Maria Island.

• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has placed an order to build four of the largest cruise ships in the industry. The order is valued at about US$9.34 billion ($14.69b). The ships, which are set to rival the size of Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class vessels, will sail under the company’s namesake Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and accommodate 8300 passengers and crew in more than 5100 cabins. Built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the first ship will be delivered in 2030, with three sister ships delivered at two-year intervals. The ships will significantly increase capacity on NCL – currently the line’s largest cruise ship is Norwegian Encore, which holds just under 4000 passengers.

GO BIG

/Raffles opens on Sentosa

S

ingapore’s first all-villa resort, Raffles Sentosa, opened in March this year and features 62 villas ranging from one to four bedrooms. Every villa includes a private pool and outdoor terrace, while floor-to-ceiling windows give guests panoramic views of the tropical gardens and South China Sea. There are five restaurants and bars, with Italian, Cantonese and Japanese cuisines featured. The signature restaurant, Empire Grill, highlights authentic Tuscan dishes, while the Raffles Room serves the legendary afternoon tea.

The resort is perched on a hilltop in Sentosa, the Lion City’s island resort 15 minutes from the CBD. The Raffles brand was founded in Singapore, and has been an icon of the city since 1887.

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Collaboration

/ THE MEDITERRANEAN

LUXURY UNLEASHED Live like a Lord or Lady at sea on ultra-luxury ocean cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises, writes Teresa Ooi. REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

S

urround yourself with the medieval charm and iconic natural wonders that only the Mediterranean and Northern Europe can offer on a selection of holidays with Regent. These itineraries represent exceptional value and the most inclusive luxury experience.

Nobody does it better than Regent. For more than three decades, the ultra-luxury line has honed its ability to over-deliver, creating an experience that is unrivalled at sea. Every aspect of your voyage is meticulously designed for an unforgettable sailing.

When you step onto a Regent ship, you are entering a different way of life with luxurious space, elegance and comfort on the world’s most luxurious fleet.

From start to finish, you will be pampered by the warm hospitality of the crew, who are specially trained to take care of every detail and will help customise your voyage so it is truly your own.

The all-inclusive fare means you have unlimited shore excursions, unlimited WiFi, an open-bar policy with premium drinks and wine, and exquisite dining at speciality restaurants for no extra charge.

No matter how often you have been to the Mediterranean, you will find the big-hearted spirit of the region irresistible. It’s hard not to fall in love with its stylish, and sometimes rustic, resorts, islands and cities.

You will also relish its traditional dishes, made from recipes passed down for centuries.

Regent delights in offering immersive exploration of the ports and cities it visits. In the south of France, you can explore the village of Port Grimaud, designed in the 1960s with narrow waterways, arched bridges and colourful homes, before touring the medieval hilltop hamlet of Grimaud, which, in stark contrast, is filled with beautiful, restored 15th-century houses painted in glorious pastel colours.

• Coast to Coast Italy: Rome to Venice

If you like everything Italian and are also eager to savour the delights of Corfu in Greece, Kotor in Montenegro, and Rijeka in Croatia, then reserve your suite on the 10-night Coast to Coast Italy voyage on Seven Seas Splendor, which departs 2 July 2025.

A highlight of the shore excursion to Kotor is a visit to the tiny village of Perast with its ornate 17th-century Saint Nicholas Church. You will then take a boat to the amazing Gospa Islet, a man-made island where the Virgin Mary was once sighted. When you return to Kotor, go on a guided walking tour of the old town.

• Heritage Sites & Greek Isles: Istanbul to Venice (Trieste)

This 9-night voyage on Seven Seas Mariner departs Istanbul on 13 October 2025. After cruising the Aegean Sea, your first stop will be Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Once a powerful city during the Roman

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Beyond expectations

Clockwise, from top left: A Regent welcome; Capri; Corfu; the Aurora Borealis; Berlin; the opulence on board Regent.

Empire, it was also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis.

Visit the excavated treasures of this UNESCO World Heritage site, such as the 24,000-seat Great Theatre and the Terrace Houses, once inhabited by Ephesus’ wealthiest residents. Afterwards, it’s time for a lunch of Turkish specialities, before shopping for antique jewellery pieces.

/ NORTHERN EUROPE

Images of rugged coastlines and pretty storybook villages immediately come to mind when you mention Northern Europe.

If you have always dreamed of seeing the Aurora Borealis or the Midnight Sun, then you can head to the Scandinavian countries.

It’s as magical as it sounds.

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Regent offers a range of itineraries that discover the charms of Northern Europe while encouraging you to explore, dine and savour. From Amsterdam’s canals to Ireland’s castles, there is so much to see and do.

For its Northern Europe itineraries, Regent tends to overnight in Glasgow, Liverpool, Copenhagen, Berlin and Amsterdam. You can also sail from London to Reykjavik or vice versa; Paris to Oslo; and London to Edinburgh. The choices are vast.

12-night cruise on Seven Seas Navigator is designed for you.

The cruise departs Stockholm on 7 July 2025 and your first port of call is Helsinki. You will then cruise the Baltic Sea before reaching Klaipeda in Lithuania, then Gdansk in Poland and overnighting in Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen.

Make sure you visit the Danish royal family’s majestic Amalienborg Palace.

When Seven Seas Navigator sails into Berlin, make a beeline for the Brandenburg Gate and explore the city’s edgy art scene.

In free-spirited Amsterdam, there is lots to occupy your time besides taking a boat ride on its glistening canals. You can head out to two hamlets in the countryside that capture the Dutch people’s special relationship with the sea.

Volendam is full of fishing vessels and seafood vendors, while many locals in Marken still wear their colourful ancestral costumes. CT For more information, visit RSSC.com, call 1300 455 200 (AU) or 0800 625 692 (NZ), or contact a professional travel advisor.

• Promenades, Canals & Cafes: Stockholm to Amsterdam

If you adore the idea of visiting some of the most attractive cities in Northern Europe, such as Helsinki, Berlin, Copenhagen, Amsterdam or London, then this 21

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Upfront

DOWN by THE LAKE

/Yacht life

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mall boutique ship operator Unforgettable Croatia has revealed it is focusing on a new style of cruising. The Yacht Cruise Collection is designed for cruisers looking for a more intimate experience, and there are six sailings available from June to September 2025, cruising between Split and Dubrovnik or Zadar and Dubrovnik. There are berths for just 28 guests on the Alfa-Mario

mega-yacht, which was built in 2021.

Unforgettable Croatia refitted the ship in 2024 and sailings are tailored to hug the Croatian coast. The ship has a fitness area with a mini gym and sauna, a cinema room, and a jacuzzi on the sundeck. The onboard Beach Club offers complementary watersports such as jet skis, e-foils, SeaBobs, kayaks and paddleboards.

Breakfast and lunch are served al fresco and menus feature produce sourced locally throughout the sailing.

• Luxury hotel group Belmond has announced plans for the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales. The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, will launch in July 2025, offering a choice of three-night journeys between London Victoria and Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales, with the option to combine two journeys into one longer trip.

There will be 18 cabins as well as spa facilities.

Trips cost from £11,000 ($21,761) based on a double cabin, including a three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine and alcoholic beverages on board. The dining experience has been designed by chef Simon Rogan (of three Michelinstarred L’Enclume in the Lake District). Off-train excursions include a private tour and dinner at Hauser & Wirth Somerset art gallery and a visit to Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Cornwall.

Meet me at THE BAZAAR • Celebrity’s upcoming ship Celebrity Xcel is set to have a first-of-its-kind, multi-storey space. The Bazaar will not only be an activity and entertainment hub of the ship – it will also serve as an extension of the ship’s destinations. The Bazaar will be transformed day-by-day throughout the cruise, offering activities, entertainment and culinary experiences aligned with the culture of the port currently being visited.

Examples of what this will look like are an ever-transforming market selling local artisan products, onboard celebrations of a festival being held in the port town, and pop-up food experiences.

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WELLNESS in BANGKOK • Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, a new urban sanctuary, is about to open in the Thai capital.

The 52-room property occupies a secluded spot among the greenery of privately owned Nai Lert Park. The hotel integrates contemporary design with traditional Asian architecture, championing antiques and custom-made products from local artisans. In the atrium and reception area there will be a lounge bar and signature Italian restaurant Arva. On the same floor, a poolside bar spills onto the east-facing terrace and the hotel’s infinity swimming pool. The Aman Spa & Wellness Centre spans two floors and will house a medical clinic with an IV lounge and a cryotherapy chamber. The spa will offer an extensive range of hydrotherapy facilities and movement spaces, six spa therapy rooms, a dedicated Thai massage treatment room, and the unique and private Banya Spa House.

/NICE looks to ban large ships

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ne of the most popular French cruise destinations is looking to ban large-capacity ships. In January 2025, Mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi announced plans to ban ships of 900 passengers or more from docking in the city on the French Riviera. Cunard’s Queen Victoria carries 2061 guests, while Celebrity Equinox hosts

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2850 passengers. Even Oceania Cruises’ Vista with 1200 passengers would be banned from the French port. Celebrity Ascent’s 3260 passengers are slated to arrive in August, the peak of summer, while Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas are scheduled to make calls in September with 3602 and 4290 passengers, respectively. Nearby Cannes also saw 318,000 cruise passengers in 2024, compared to a population of 75,000. Cannes is also considering a ban to restrict large cruise ships from docking.

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Upfront

Haute CUISINE

• Oceania Cruises has revamped its Grand Dining Room menu, which will be rolled out on the line’s 1200-guest ship, Allura. The new menus will feature more than 270 brand-new recipes across the breakfast, lunch and dinner services.

Notable changes include a Signature Eggs Benedict section on the breakfast menu and a lunch menu inspired by chic French bistro dishes. At lunchtime, the Grand Dining Room transforms into La Brasserie to serve standout dishes such as blanquette de veau à L’Ancienne, a veal stew simmered in a creamy sauce with vegetables and pilaf rice. The dinner menu showcases reimagined much-loved classics such as beef Wellington with shiraz sauce, sautéed spinach and truffle mash.

/ Press play on

remote

S

eabourn has unveiled its 2026 itineraries to the Northwest Passage and Canadian Arctic.

Between August and October 2026, Seabourn Venture will sail six voyages ranging from eight to 24 days, traversing the historic routes of the Northwest Passage and Canadian Arctic, before sailing south to explore the Caribbean, South America and Antarctica. Seabourn Venture will offer two 24-day Journey Across the Northwest Passage expeditions between Reykjavik, Iceland and Anchorage, Alaska, as well as a 15-day Wild Labrador Coast: Missions, Fjords & Wilderness departing from

Reykjavik to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Highlight experiences include exploring the uninhabited Devon Island – known as “Mars on Earth” for its barren, rocky terrain and polar desert climate – and visiting residents to learn their stories and traditions in Cambridge Bay.

Tickled PINK

• Anantara Hotels & Resorts has opened its first property in India, the Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur. The five-star regal resort offers a window into a bygone era of India’s oldest dynasties. The 150 lovely rooms feature hand-crafted details such as intricate tikri glasswork, hand-carved woodwork and gold leafing. Accommodation options range from premier and deluxe to one- and two-bedroom suites.

All-day dining venue Amrit Mahal has an international buffet and à la carte Indian classics. During breakfast, live flute music starts the day off on a relaxing note. An exclusive dinner experience sees a private chef cook four delicious courses and each is delivered by butler to a different venue.

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MAKEOVER MADNESS

• The Pacific Explorer docked in Singapore, marking the end of her final sailing. Just four weeks later, she emerged as the brand new Star Voyager, having completed a US$50 million makeover. Aside from sailing from Singapore, the ship will start and finish in a number of Southeast Asian ports like Jakarta in Indonesia, Melaka in Malaysia and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Some of the changes include the Dream Dining Room, which fuses Asian and Western menu items; The Lido Restaurant that has seven different food concepts; the Velvet Lounge, which is an elegant watering hole with ocean views; as well as the brand new Symphony Spa for facials and massage therapies.

/ Take to the skies

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auck and Uniworld are set to launch new river ships over the coming years, along with new itineraries. Uniworld has announced the addition of three new Super Ships to its fleet, set to debut in 2027. The new vessels will have an average capacity of 120 guests, and they will be designed according to the destinations they visit. Tauck’s new ship, MS Serene will cruise on the Seine, while the MS Lumière will also operate in France and on Tauck’s cruises along the Rhône. The line has also released the first artist renderings for the new ships, with four detailed images showing the ship’s full exterior, Sun Deck, wellness area, and Category 5 suite. The Sun Deck features Cruise&Travel

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a swimming pool, full-service bar, and a generous allotment of shaded day beds. The wellness area, dubbed The Retreat, includes a fitness centre, massage treatment room, and lounging area (complete with coffee/juice/ snack bar) plus full floor-to-ceiling windows.

Each of the new ships will feature a generous offering of 28-square-metre Category 5 suites on the Diamond Deck, with the 125-metre MS Serene having 20 of the suites and the 135-metre MS Lumière boasting 22. They will also have two French balconies, a seating area and a king-sized bed.

EPICUREAN EXPLORER

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises has revealed 12 new food-focused excursions, discovering the cuisines of destinations in Asia and Europe as well as Canada and New England.

Limited to 18 guests per session, the Epicurean Explorer Tours are available to book for sailings on Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer. Experiences include a Plant-to-Plate Luncheon in Amsterdam, where cruisers take part in a chef-led lunch at Restaurant Kas; a chance to join celebrity chef Paul Cunningham in Ireland savouring seafood; and an opportunity to learn the art of teppanyaki and feast on Kobe beef in Japan.

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Upfront

A limited PREMIUM

• Thai Airways has officially launched its premium economy class offering on its two Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

The airline has not confirmed whether it will retrofit other aircraft with the premium economy product. Thai Airways premium economy is available on A330-300 services between the airline’s

Bangkok hub and Fukuoka in Japan, as well as Delhi and Mumbai in India. Thai Airways currently operates flights to 64 destinations worldwide, including twicedaily services to Frankfurt, London, Sydney and Melbourne. The new cabins feature 12 seats in a 2-2 configuration across the first three rows, and the seats come with adjustable head and leg rests, but no in-built entertainment systems.

/ Mickey and Minnie go small

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isney Cruise Line (DCL) has announced it will pivot to building smaller vessels to fulfil its goals of wider access to destinations and a reduced environmental impact. The decision comes at an interesting time as some cruise lines appear to be trending in the opposite direction, making ships larger with each iteration. DCL appeared to be heading the same route with the upcoming Disney Adventure set to be by far the largest ship in the fleet. However, the latest move reveals the family-friendly cruise line is thinking smarter, not bigger, for the future of its fleet. By 2031, DCL will have 13 vessels in operation worldwide. Its final Wish-class ship will hold 4000 guests, but the next three ships scheduled to be built will have a capacity of 3000 passengers each.

ORIENT in the ETERNAL CITY

• Rome is set to be the first location for an Orient Express hotel. The Orient Express La Minerva will open its doors this year, taking over the former Palazzo Fonesca site. The property overlooks the Pantheon in the centre of Rome and dates back to the 17th century. The hotel will have 93 rooms and suites. Features will include La Minerva Bar, home to the building’s historic skylight; as well as Voliera, a rooftop Mediterranean restaurant and bar; a spa; and meeting and events spaces including the Olimpo ballroom, which is decorated with Murano chandeliers and marble statues

by Rinaldo Rinaldi.

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Collaboration

GREAT WONDERS of EGYPT Explore the heart of this ancient destination on an A&K Sanctuary Nile cruise, exploring Cairo, the Great Pyramids and the fabled Valley of the Kings.

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ABERCROMBIE & KENT

ail the world’s longest river in style with A&K, aboard the elegant Nile Adventurer, an A&K Sanctuary, alongside a family of staff who are passionate about showing their incredible heritage. You’ll moor at A&K’s private docks and explore tombs and temples from Cairo to Aswan, some famous, some barely revealed to the outside world, while your resident Egyptologist uses vibrant artwork to bring gods and goddesses, and Egyptian, Roman and Arab empires to life.

Your days are adventures – whether you want to join an archaeological dig or visit a temple out of hours without a soul in sight – while your evenings on board are relaxed and cruisy. Recline on the top deck with cocktails, take a dip in the pool as the sun sets over the desert, and then dine on a three-course meal with wines to match on one of the elegant restaurant decks.

/ THE SUGGESTED ITINERARY • Four days in Cairo

Begin by exploring Cairo’s many layers, some ramshackle, some shiny and new, some with Parisian-style boulevards and souks fragrant with cinnamon and sumac. You’ll find mosques, museums, skyscrapers and the pyramids: it’s fair to say, Cairo amazes. A&K recommends you spend four days here, seeing as much as Cruise&Travel

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you can, while also relaxing in its pick of the city’s most luxurious hotels.

• Two days sailing to Aswan As you sail to Aswan, you’ll see various tombs and temples, one of the most beautiful of which is the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the Goddess Isis – of healing, birth and magic. Here, too, lies the archaeological site of Kom Ombo, whose temple is dedicated to the crocodilian god Sobek; indeed, you may spot his reptilian successors basking in the desert sun as you ply the Nile’s easy, fabled waters.

• Two days sailing to Luxor The grand finale is Luxor, an oasis in the Saharan sands and one of the world’s greatest open-air museums. In every direction are the same “wonderful things” that Howard Carter described during his excavations in 1922: the colourfully preserved Edfu Temple; the Temple of Luxor’s imposing obelisk; and, hidden away in the silent, rocky folds of the landscape, the iconic Valley of the Kings and the Queens.

/ DESIGNED BY A&K, TAILORED TO YOU

Tailored to you

From top: See the Great Sphinx outside Cairo; sail the Nile to Aswan; tour with a resident Egyptologist.

This Tailormade Journey is just the beginning of a trip into history, ready to be customised by you. Choose the hotels you want to stay in, enhance your journey with extra experiences, and tell these experts where else you want to go.

A&K have been designing luxurious experimental journeys since 1962 — there’s no one better to travel with. CT To find out more about A&K journeys to Egypt, visit abercrombiekent.com, call 1800 161 299 or contact your travel advisor.

Book it

THE WONDERS OF ANCIENT EGYPT Tailormade Journey Suggested length: 8 days Best time to go: Sep–May Priced from: $8495

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WORLD TRAVELLER OCEANIA CRUISES

What better way of embarking on a transformational experience than Oceania Cruises’ Around the World Cruise? By Teresa Ooi.

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hether you are a newly retired corporate chief or a digital nomad with plans to work remotely from your ship, going on a world cruise is a life-changing adventure.

Oceania Cruises’ 2027 Around the World Cruise offers a choice of three global explorations of varying lengths, taking you to some of the most exotic places on the planet. All itineraries depart Miami, with the shortest sailing to Doha over 127 days, while the longest cruise is a 244-day journey ending in New York.

From idyllic islands to iconic cities to off-thebeaten-path destinations, this circumnavigation of the globe is a voyage beyond imagination.

You’ll be sailing on board Vista, an elegant ship for only 1200 guests in residential-style luxury with all-veranda accommodations. All three sailings include the Exclusive Prestige Package of free extras: laundry, hotel-to-ship transfers, a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, and an onboard medical consultation, plus your choice of unlimited wine, beer and spirits or a shore excursion credit up to US$16,000.

CONTINENTAL EXPLORER Miami to Doha: 127 days from 6 January to 13 May 2027 Regions: South America, South Pacific, Asia 28

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• For those who prefer a shorter journey, the Continental Explorer sails the Around the World Cruise for the first 127 days. One of your first ports of call after departing Miami is Cartagena, Colombia. You will discover the walled Old Town and walk along the cobbled streets whilst admiring the colourful buildings.

Watch from Vista’s upper deck as you make a daylight transit of the Panama Canal, before stopping in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. Here you can drive into the mountains to old Antigua, the country’s colonial capital.

Sail along the coast of Mexico, before heading for a month of island-hopping across Hawaii, French Polynesia and Fiji. When you visit the sugary sands of Bora Bora, you can snorkel and swim with manta rays.

From there, journey on to Australia where you can explore the iconic Sydney Harbour, the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Then

“ON THESE EPIC VOYAGES, YOU’LL BE SAILING ON BOARD THE NEW VISTA.”

it’s off to Komodo Island in Indonesia for the Asian leg of the cruise.

For two months immerse yourself in Asia’s effervescent cultures, arriving in Japan just in time for the cherry-blossom season. You will appreciate the old imperial capital Kyoto and explore Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and craft, with its magnificent shrines and temples.

On her way to an overnight stay in Singapore, Vista winds through the Philippines so you can call on Coron, one of the best island destinations in the world, blessed with stunning beaches and coral reefs. Be sure to visit Kayangan Lake for a swim and admire this Cruise &Travel

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mountain lake that is one of the most photographed spots in the country.

From Singapore, there are port calls in Malaysia and Thailand on your way to Mumbai before crossing the Arabian Sea to conclude your unforgettable journey in the modern metropolis of Doha.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 180 DAYS Miami to London: 180 days from 6 January to 5 July 2027 Regions: South America, South Pacific, Asia, Arabian Peninsula, Europe • The world cruise continues onwards from Doha on the Around the World in 180 Days voyage. Over the course of this itinerary, you will discover more than 100 ports of call in more than 40 countries, and have the chance to visit more than 150 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The voyage takes you to Egypt, where near the port of Ain Sokhna, you can explore the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

that still exists, the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Vista will transit the Suez Canal, and travel from Athens to Rome to Barcelona, spending nearly a month on Mediterranean shores. Take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit two of Spain’s most majestic palaces in back-to-back days, the Alhambra of Granada and the Alcázar of Seville – both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Vista will round the Iberian Peninsula, staying overnight in beautiful Bordeaux, before concluding her journey in London.

EPIC GLOBAL ADVENTURE Miami to New York: 244 days from 6 January to 7 September 2027 Regions: South America, South Pacific, Asia, Arabian Peninsula, Europe • For the ultimate experience, relish 244 amazing days exploring the world aboard Vista on the Epic Global Adventure. This is the longest world cruise voyage option Oceania Cruises has ever offered. Following on from

Think global

Clockwise, from top left: A world cruise visiting Malta; and Japan; on board Oceania Vista with its spa; stunning atrium; and Red Ginger restaurant.

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your London port call (the point at which the Around the World in 180 Days voyage leaves off ), the Epic Global Adventure Voyage heads to Edinburgh, sailing to ports in the British Isles before cruising Scandinavia and the Baltic region.

In Tallinn, take a chef’s lead tour to sample modern Nordic dishes in historic locations around the stunning old town. In Norway, discover the majestic fjords, cascading waterfalls and stunning glaciers.

The epic voyage goes on to Iceland and Greenland, before continuing to Canada, New England and the final destination after an incredible 244 days at sea, New York. CT Bookings open now. For more information call 1300 355 200, visit oceaniacruises.com or contact your travel advisor.

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Upfront

LA with DELTA

• Delta Air Lines will launch non-stop flights between Los Angeles and Melbourne later this year with the service starting three times a week from early December. There are also plans to grow, as more long-haul aircraft enter the fleet. Delta’s latest generation of planes deployed to Melbourne feature 40 Delta One suites, 40 premium economy class, and 195 economy class seats, including 36 extra-legroom Comfort+ seats. The new flights will feed into Delta’s Los Angeles hub, where the airline provides onward connections to more than 40 cities across the US. The mid-morning flights will depart Melbourne on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in LA at about 6am local time.

/ Iceland turns on cruise

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he latest destination to see its cruise industry kneecapped by new regulations and restrictions appears to be Iceland.

Since the introduction of a US$18 ($28) fee per cruise passenger at the beginning of this year, industry voices have been expressing their frustration, and more than 10 ships have cancelled their Icelandic stops. The new fee is five times the amount that cruise lines had to pay before, and the country is now scheduled to see about 80 fewer cruise calls than last year. Sigurður Jökull Ólafsson, the chair of Cruise Iceland, says the fee was introduced without giving cruise lines a chance to prepare and schedule accordingly. “We would have, first of all, wanted to see this implemented in stages so it wouldn’t hit operations as hard as it does now,” he says. “It’s reasonable for this industry to contribute.

But it must be implemented with adequate notice.”

TEETOTALLERS unite

• Princess Cruises has widened its beverage packages to include options for non-drinkers. The new Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection debuted fleetwide in March. The selection of non-alcoholic beverages features up to 20 cocktails created in collaboration with Princess mixologists, cocktail artist Rob Floyd and the 2023 world’s number-one bar, Sips in Barcelona. Highlights of the collection include: Kylie Minogue’s non-alcoholic sparkling rosé; Betty Buzz’s all-natural mixers; Lyre’s non-alcoholic cocktails; and the 24K margarita crafted exclusively for Princess Cruises with Almave non-alcoholic tequila by Lewis Hamilton. The zero-alcohol beverages will be included in the Princess Plus package (from $110 per day) and the Princess Premier packages (from $140 per day).

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From ITALY with love

/ NCL to Asia

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orwegian Cruise Line has released more itineraries in Asia and committed four ships to the region until April 2027.

Norwegian Jade will make its Asian debut in October 2026, while Norwegian Spirit will offer Asia-Pacific sailings throughout 2025.

Guests can choose from seven departure ports and more than 50 itineraries ranging from seven to 14 days with extra time in port as well as overnight stays in destinations Cruise&Travel

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such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, Osaka and Tokyo. Norwegian Jade will sail 16 open-jaw voyages and two round-trip Tokyo voyages.

Itineraries span nine to 14 days, and guests can embark from Tokyo, Incheon, Hong Kong or Singapore. Norwegian Spirit’s highlight itinerary is a 15-day sailing from Taipei to Singapore. Norwegian Sky is currently sailing 11- to 14-day Asian escapes, while Norwegian Sun, following a debut visit to Asia in March, will return for a six-month season from October 2025.

• Abercrombie & Kent has launched three new Small Group Journeys spotlighting the beauty and cultural richness of Italy. The eight-day Venice and the Dolomites tour starts amid the cobblestone streets of medieval Asolo, then continues into the soaring Dolomites, tasting local cheese and wine along the route to Venice. Here, you’ll have an exclusive A&K opportunity to see a palazzo’s extraordinary art collection. The 12-day Southern Italy tour of Sicily, Puglia and the Amalfi Coast immerses you in the slow pace of rural life, as you enjoy Mediterranean food and tour ancient ruins. Highlights include an exclusive guided visit to Palazzo Francavilla historic estate and a three-night stay in Campania. There’s also an 11-day Cinque Terre and Jewels of the North Small Group Journey. The tours are limited to 18 guests.

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Collaboration

The good life

A scene to be seen at The Collective in The Rocks (left); cocktails and fine food are de rigeur at The Collective.

The Dining Room. Think snacks like king prawn cutlets with gribiche marie rose, pepperberry fried lamb ribs and decadent towers of Sydney’s freshest seafood.

Prefer to swim in a sea of understated elegance and scene-setting mood lighting? The Dining Room is The Collective’s big new play for Sydney’s increasingly luxurious dining scene, defined by a studied blend of understated elegance and contemporary design. The tireless work of Australia’s finest producers can be found all over the menu, from black lip abalone served with bottarga and black rice, and yellowfin tuna with blood plum, to baked short grain rice with bone marrow, tomato and harissa jam, and a one-kilogram Robbins Island wagyu rib eye.

A THE COLLECTIVE

ROCKIN’ THE ROCKS

Sydney’s most charming neighbourhood is going through its biggest transformation in years, with The Rocks welcoming The Collective from April, writes Chris Singh.

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he Harbour City’s most historic nightclub has waved farewell to the hard-hitting beats, expensive lighting rigs and flashy dancefloors. Owners Hunter St Hospitality are instead ushering in a new era for Sydney’s historic bolthole with a drinking, dining and entertainment precinct unlike anything the city has seen before.

Not only is the newly conceived precinct a toast to the good life, it’s also a luxurious lifestyle offering designed to complement The Rock’s picturesque spread of sandstone hotels, homes and shopfronts. Once doors swing open on The Collective, the area will have a rush of dynamism that’ll enliven these age-old cobblestoned streets, originating from the soaring archways, sandstone courtyards and hidden doors of the heritage-listed former bond store.

All these lie mere metres from the Overseas Passenger Terminal, propped up as the perfect option for shore excursions or cruisers demanding the best of Sydney, despite only having a limited time in port. When cruise ships dock at Circular Quay, The Collective is a matter

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of passengers walking five-or-so minutes up the hill towards The Rocks.

It’s an all-day affair as well. The Collective’s transportive sandstone facade flows into a whimsical hospitality and lifestyle scene that ties two new restaurants and four new bars in with Hunter St Hospitality’s long-standing Japanese stunner, Saké Restaurant & Bar, and one of the most beloved steakhouses in Sydney, The Cut Bar & Grill. This makes The Collective a lifestyle powerhouse from breakfast through to dinner, offering a great deal of options so you can play it your way.

Perhaps you want to immerse yourself in The Collective’s leafy, Parisian-inspired courtyard cafe, The Garden, a chic al fresco space ideal for high-quality coffee and breakfast in the morning, sandwiches in the mid-afternoon, or long leisurely lunches to fill the day. The charming al fresco cafe rotates into a thriving cocktail bar when the sun dips, acting as the social heart of The Collective with a curated menu of signature cocktails and an edited list of dining options from the venue’s new signature restaurant,

lthough world-famous nightclub The Argyle is no more, the building’s long legacy of entertainment lives on at The Dining Room’s twin bars, split into The Bar, ideal for afterdinner cocktails, and The Lounge, a 40-person space with its own private bar and DJ booth.

Threading The Collective’s new spaces together is Cloakroom, a cocktail bar so exclusive it can only fit 20 people at a time.

Hidden beneath the building’s historic arches, a frame of rich timber, warm lighting and plush seating is filled in with technique-forward cocktails and a signature martini menu.

The Rocks have remained largely unchanged for years, save the occasional restaurant opening. This is an area fiercely dedicated to preservation, but the need to sensitively step up to Sydney’s growing ambitions requires a delicate balance. Hunter St Hospitality have nailed that balance, making The Collective a touchpoint that passes The Rocks from one era to the next.

And it makes sense. This is the same crew that, just a 15-minute walk away, also operate the world-famous Rockpool Bar & Grill, considered one of the world’s 10 best steakhouses and a haven for gourmands after a hearty David Blackmore’s full-blood, dry-aged wagyu. Nearby, Hunter St Hospitality also has Spice Temple, a powerhouse of regional Chinese cuisine with signatures like Yunnan shredded white chicken with green mango, chilli and mint, and Shandong-style smoked tea duck. CT

HOW TO GET THERE

• The Collective will be a major playground for visitors arriving at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal, which is less than a five-minute walk away. Corralling The Rocks’ dining scene into something more focused, contemporary and collaborative means this treasured harbourside bolthole will be leading the charge for Sydney’s major dining revamp, working in perfect lock step with the cruise traffic that fills Sydney Harbour with curious explorers.

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River Cruise Collective

See the world differently Imagine our planet’s wonders without the crowds.

Welcome to river cruising – a world of difference.

Join the River Cruise Collective for news, reviews and deals straight to your inbox.

Sign up here: https://cruisepassenger.com.au/newsletter/

RIVER CRUISE COLLECTIVE WO R L D ’ S M O ST R E L A X I N G H O L I DAY

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Oceans 44 Princess in New Zealand | 50 Azamara in Australia | 56 Windstar in Europe

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Silver Nova

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Ocean Trends

In search of

WINTER SUN Australians have long headed to our nearer South Pacific neighbours during winter, but this year it’s French Polynesia that’s drawing the attention, writes Bernadette Chua.

Idyllic islands

Diving in French Polynesia; Ponant sailing off Bora Bora; Silversea passengers enjoy cultural shows; as well as tours into the islands' rugged interiors.

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old, windy days can be traded for bright-blue skies and tropical comfort in the South Pacific for those looking for a slice of summer in our chillier months. While many Australians still flock to Europe to explore the Mediterranean, the offerings closer to home combat the weak Australian dollar and expensive flight prices.

The classic South Pacific routes sail from both Sydney and Brisbane, visiting destinations such as New Caledonia’s Lifou in the Loyalty Islands, as well as Vanuatu’s Port Vila and Mystery Island. P&O Cruises Australia, now Carnival Cruise Line Australia, sails year-round from Sydney and Brisbane.

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But another area of the South Pacific is increasingly popular. Once upon a time, French Polynesia was considered too expensive and difficult to get to, and remained an exclusive holiday destination. In 2021, cruise ships of 1200 passengers or more were banned, with the country citing over-crowding and pollution.

Lines such as Aranui and Windstar Cruises have long operated in the region, while others were kept at bay.

It all changed in 2023 when the French territory announced it would double the allowed visitation numbers in a 10-year period, which enabled more ships to start exploring the region’s more than 100 scattered islands.

While it remains an exclusive destination, with a total of just 263,766 tourists in 2024, about 52,000 were cruise passengers departing on ships from Tahiti. This represents a 20 per cent increase on 2023, while about 62,000 passengers visited Tahiti on transit calls, which is 45 per cent more than 2023. The region forecasts it will receive 1058 port calls this year, and by 2026 will grow by a quarter on 2024 figures.

Earlier this year, Tahiti opened a brand-new cruise terminal in preparation. The terminal will be fully operational come July 2025, and will be able to handle turnarounds for up to three cruise ships simultaneously, with capacity for 2000 passengers.

This is the first cruise terminal to be built in Papeete, which has two cruise piers. The new terminal will have a dedicated area for local craftspeople as well as showrooms to showcase artwork by students of Tahiti’s students of the French Polynesia Center for Arts and Crafts.

Cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Ponant have now dedicated ships to French Polynesia for the coming years, homeporting and basing vessels for the fly-cruise market.

In its most extensive South Pacific season yet, Oceania Cruises will operate two ships – Nautica and Regatta – in 2025. The focus is a 10-day round trip itinerary from Papeete, just cruising in French Polynesia. The itineraries will also link the region with New Zealand and Hawaii as well as other parts of the US. Shore excursions include hiking, ATV riding and even scuba- or helmet-diving the reefs.

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Luxury line Silversea will operate its first full summer season in French Polynesia in 2026, basing the 392-passenger Silver Whisper in Papeete. The ship will make 17 voyages between April and September with seven-day cruises taking in the Society Islands and 14-day journeys also incorporating the Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands.

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates year-round in French Polynesia and has been in the region for 25 years. It is known for its boutique small

ships. The line offers seven-night voyages round-trip from Papeete. It visits Huahine, one of French Polynesia’s unspoiled gems brimming with archaeological sites, vanilla plantations and mountainsides filled with fruit trees and coconut palms, as well as Motu Mahana, where the company has a small private inlet for swimming. Paul Gauguin’s parent brand, Ponant, is also set to homeport Le JacquesCartier from September 2026 to March 2027 for its expedition-style voyages.

Windstar Cruises has increased its capacity this year, replacing Wind Star with the larger Star Breeze, and by 2027 intends to have two ships in French Polynesia. The line is also operating new 14-night cruises to the Marquesas Islands.

Local line Aranui, which has been sailing in French Polynesia for 40 years, has added new itineraries. There are now five-day cruises on the mixed freight and passenger vessels visiting the Tuamoto atolls. The 13-day voyages visit the remote Austral archipelago. CT

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Silver at sea

From left: Breezy onboard dining with a view of Whitehaven Beach; live music for a deck party.

SILVER NOVA IN AUSTRALIA

Silversea is sailing three ships in Australian waters in 2025, making the line’s commitment to voyages Down Under greater than almost any. Peter Lynch tries the sparkling Silver Nova.

SILVER NOVA STRIKES GOLD

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I

f you’ve read the tales of PG Wodehouse you’ll know that the relationship between a butler and his charge is special. It’s a bond, particularly since your butler is likely to know your every secret. Deependra – or Deep as he prefers to be known – our butler aboard Silver Nova, puts it this way: “I will be your shadow – whenever you turn, I’ll be there.” It sounds spooky. But it isn’t. Dressed in a formal black tailcoat and infectiously keen to ensure we try everything Silversea has to offer, Deep is a godsend.

He unpacks our luggage, deals with dry cleaning and ensures our favourite drinks are stocked in our suite’s bar fridge. He books restaurants and shore excursions. Like us, you’ll start your journey sure you don’t need him, and end it wanting to stuff him in your suitcase and take him home.

Service is at the heart of what makes Silversea, a luxury line with luxury prices, different. Silversea won Best for Service in our Readers’ Choice Awards last year, and sailing on Silver Nova we can see why.

Each afternoon, Deep offers canapes, caviar and champagne in our suite. It’s a tradition – and you won’t want to miss it. Our Veranda suite is blessed with a full-sized bath and Deep is keen for us to try one of three different salts he offers in huge jars.

There is a ritual to bath time: petals on the water, scented candles and, of course, more caviar, macaroons and champagne.

Who knew ablutions could be so much fun.

SILVER NOVA IN AUSTRALIA

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The suite life

This page, from top: Butler Deep is always on hand; Sydney provides a sparkling backdrop for Silver Nova.

We’re on board Silver Nova on her first season to Australia.

She is one of two revolutionary Silversea vessels sporting an asymmetrical design prioritising open space, natural light and a seamless connection with the sea.

She is sailing Australia voyages in 2025-26, and represents a strong commitment to our waters from the Royal Caribbeanowned luxury line. She will be joined by Silver Moon at the end of the year, and Silver Cloud will be sailing the Kimberley from June. Silver Nova is just two years old; another sign of the respect Silversea is paying to Australian guests. She’s one of only two vessels featuring design elements that make her stunning to sail on. The ship’s horizontal layout, a departure from traditional cruise ships, creates a sense of spaciousness.

The pool deck, a masterpiece of architectural ingenuity, emulates a beach club, with tiered levels, comfortable loungers and a stunning infinity pool. Loungers and cabanas offer unobstructed views of the ocean, giving guests the feel that they are on a secluded beach. The design allows for the most pool space per guest of any luxury ship.

Inside, that sense of spaciousness is everywhere. The asymmetrical design means you are constantly surprised by another a bar or seating area. For a ship with 728 passengers and 556 crew – a crew-to-guest ratio of 1.3 – she feels enormous.

Floor-to-ceiling windows are a hallmark of this ship, inviting the breathtaking panoramas of the sea into your personal space.

The materials are sumptuous, the textures inviting and the colour palettes soothing, creating an atmosphere of serene luxury. Everything is handmade, including the carpentry fittings in our suite.

Silver Nova is one of the most environmentally conscious luxury ships afloat, featuring a hybrid power system that reduces emissions and minimises its environmental impact.

This commitment to sustainability reflects Silversea’s dedication to responsible tourism.

There are nine different suite types concentrated on decks six to nine for the entire length of the ship, many facing the aft or rear of the ship. Best are the Otium Suites, with a large living Cruise &Travel

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A Culinary Odyssey

• Silver Nova’s dining venues offer a unique ambiance and a diverse menu, showcasing the finest ingredients and innovative culinary techniques drawing on the local cuisine.

S.A.L.T. Kitchen: This culinary hub is a cornerstone of Silversea’s S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program, offering regionally inspired dishes that reflect the destinations visited.

In Darwin, S.A.L.T. Kitchen’s menu featured Darwin Laksa, a local favourite known for its rich, spicy flavours — celebrated annually at the Darwin International Laksa Festival. Among the unique S.A.L.T. Lab classes on board was the immersive ‘Bold and Bright: Island Cuisines from the South Pacific’.

The Marquee: This outdoor dining space is brilliantly put together and offers casual dining with a selection of grilled meats and seafood, perfect for enjoying in the fresh sea air. It’s good for a healthy breakfast, and in the

evenings turns into a steak house – try grilling your meat on the hot stones.

Silver Note: This intimate venue offers a fusion of culinary delights and live jazz performances, creating a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere. My personal favourite, the food is innovative and the show is a lively, sophisticated mix of modern jazz.

The Dame: Despite a punchy $160 extra charge, this is fine dining at its best, with impeccable and knowledgeable service.

Perfect for a special occasion.

La Terrazza: This elegant restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine, with fresh pasta, seafood and regional specialties.

Atlantide: A sophisticated seafood and steakhouse restaurant.

Spaccanapoli: A relaxed outdoor pizza experience, serving authentic Neapolitanstyle pizza.

Culinary gems

Clockwise from above: Interactive classes at S.A.L.T Lab; choose your tipple in the S.A.L.T Bar; gourmet shore excursions are part of the S.A.L.T program.

“SILVER NOVA IS ONE OF ONLY TWO VESSELS FEATURING DESIGN ELEMENTS THAT MAKE HER STUNNING TO SAIL ON.”

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area, a dedicated dining area with table and minibar, and a very large balcony with a Jacuzzi on it, a new feature for Silversea. A wall of windows looks directly onto the sea. At 123 square metres including the veranda, these are the largest on the ship.

There are also Master, Signature and Medallion suites.

Silver Nova is a particularly civilised vessel designed for folks like you and me. Take the Otium Spa – indulgence is the watchword here. There are a range of rejuvenating treatments, from massages and facials to body wraps and aromatherapy.

But we loved that, as you left, you could try some chocolates or a glass of champagne. The fitness centre is equipped with stateof-the-art equipment, and personal trainers are available to guide guests in their fitness routines.

The ship’s enrichment programs offer a variety of lectures, workshops and demonstrations, providing opportunities for intellectual stimulation and personal growth. You can take bridge lessons or visit the library. The onboard boutiques offer a selection of luxury goods.

Our favourite space was the Dusk Bar. A saxophonist plays smoky tunes while you enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine and watch the sun go down. The perfect way to end the day.

Of course, Silversea is also known for its food and Silver Nova serves that up in spades. S.A.L.T. Kitchen, a kind of culinary hub, offers regionally inspired dishes that reflect the destinations visited. Silver Nova has a S.A.L.T. restaurant and a S.A.L.T cooking school – both firsts for Australia. They make dining an enriching experience for the soul as well as the body. CT

The Verdict

The ship: Launched in April 2023, Silver Nova is a new class for Silversea. Silver Ray is her sister ship. They are cleverly designed to feel like big ships and are packed with special spaces.

Where is it sailing? Silver Nova will be sailing a variety of cruises in Australia from the east coast and Top End, and sailing into Asia from June 2025.

Who’s is it for? Silver Nova is luxury vessel perfect for sophisticated travellers who want to see Australia in comfort and style. Silversea has exceptional offers on cruising in Australia. See more at silversea.com.

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Style in spades

From top left: Sauna with a view; the innovative pool deck; dreamy skies in the library.

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Farm Rio linen skirt, $523.

Loewe Paula’s Ibiza bucket hat, $790.

Shiny, happy people

Trunk show

Valentino Garavani linen shirt, $2001.

Etro swim shorts, $833.

Saint Laurent Cassandra clutch $1615.

Marni raffia bucket tote, $1323.

Hunza G swimsuit, $400.

Loewe marbled sunglasses, $500.

Tod’s leather loafers, $1090.

Farm Rio shirt, $404, and shorts, $302.

Church’s Fisherman sandals, $1547.

Kiton swim shorts, $455.

Escvdo Marea maxi dress, $2023.

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PRINCESS CRUISES IN NEW ZEALAND

It’s a SHORE THING

It’s a coin toss between the North and South islands of New Zealand – but with Princess Cruises you can get the best of both worlds. Rose Kelly discovers the shore excursion secrets of neighbours over the ditch.

etting sail from Sydney on the Royal Princess for a two-week lap of the Land of the Long White Cloud, our mission is not just to sit back and relax, but to experience the best adventurous shore excursions New Zealand has to offer.

While you might think that adventure equates with expedition – that’s not part of our journey with Princess Cruises. After a hard day of soft exploration, we are lucky to head back to a ship filled with dining options, spa and wellness, as well as plenty of entertainment.

Our first stop is Auckland. We just so happen to arrive on the national public holiday of Waitangi Day and we’ve already got a busy day planned. It’s a smooth ferry ride across to the adorable little neighbouring outcrop of Waiheke Island where our official first day of Kiwi-based adventures begin.

The island, known for its wine and produce, is also one of the best spots in New Zealand for zip lining.

As I strap myself in for the EcoZip Adventure I realise that the locals have one very distinct feature – their warmth.

There’s an immediate familiarity and sense of belonging that strikes me about the tour guides as they catapult me from platform to platform, treetop to treetop, and from one deathdefying leap to another.

Our lovely driver, Matheus, then whisks us along to the quaint little seaside town of Oneroa where we wander the adorable stores and sample the freshest local seafood at the Oyster Inn. The bistro and boutique hotel is known for its award-winning dishes and stunning coastal views.

Before the day is over, we descend upon one of the world’s most breathtaking vineyards, Mudbrick Winery, perched on the hilltops with a vista across the island. It’s reminiscent of the French countryside, with the fresh scent of lavender bushes and the buzz of giant bees humming through the warm breeze. Wine-tasters lounge in the sunshine on striped deck chairs while waiters swan past in crisp white uniforms serving drops of the celebrated local wines.

Immersive explorations

Clockwise, from left: Writer Rose Kelly enjoying the view; a Princess ship cruises through Milford Sound; traditional greeting at a Maori village.

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What to Pack

PRINCESS CRUISES IN NEW ZEALAND

• There are a few essential items you should pack for a trip such as this.

As you can guess, it includes your swimsuit, which also comes in handy if you’re enjoying the Enclave Spa on board and hot tubs ashore.

If you’re touring both the North and the South islands, you’re going to get a real diversity of weather conditions. Pack a light rain jacket, preferably one that is also warm and wind proof. This is particularly handy for the day cruising through the Fiordlands and the Sounds where the wind can pick up.

Bring a fabulous evening outfit for the formal night on board – most people still have a great deal of fun with this. Bring some really comfy walking shoes that you’ll live in for the majority of the shore excursions and layers for those days when you’re doing a variety of activities.

A small travel backpack and re-usable water bottle are also great to have for daily excursions. So is a small travel adaptor or power bank for your camera or phone since you’re going to be taking so many happy snaps.

On day two, it’s time to explore Rotorua and her surroundings. A trip to the North Island would not be complete without a visit to the geothermal phenomenon. The volcanic gods have spent thousands of years perfecting this landscape for us visitors to ponder. Thankfully the only eruption of the experience is laughter when we realise no one informed the Americans in the group of the local sulfur stench, and they assumed it was someone who had enjoyed too many eggs at the breakfast buffet.

With the colours and wonders of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland still fresh, along with the pungent odour, we hit up a Maori cultural tour at the Tamaki Maori Village in Te Pa Tu. I’ve seen numerous Haka warrior dances on TV before sporting matches. But seeing one in the flesh actually gives you goosebumps.

There’s an immediate hush of respect at the beauty and force of this ancient culture.

The days fly by faster than a zipline as we are introduced to one fascinating and unforgettable shore excursion after the next. One of my personal favourites is the walking tour of Wellington. I never imagined I’d be drawn to such a thing as a cheesy scone during a stop at one of the cafes.

It turns out that Wellington is as proud of their cheesy scones as Aussies are of Vegemite. Just take our guide Victoria’s word for it.

She is the expert of the cheesy scone, from the Big Foody Food Tours, and explains that the average Wellington café sells about 400 of the prized items on a daily basis. There are lists online and forums that debate the top 20 cheesy scone varieties. In fact, it’s fair to say, if New Zealand also had the tourism drawcards of Big Things, like the Big Banana and the Big Prawn, then Wellington would have the Big Cheesy Scone.

Speaking of food, you might be wondering what the dining has been like on board the ship. If it’s any indication, you’d think a Cruise&Travel

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“Our mission is not just to sit back and relax, but to experience the best adventurous shore excursions New Zealand has to offer.”

Colours & flavours

Clockwise, from top left: Sampling the local reds; Rotorua’s geothermal wonders; soaking in the Secret Hot Tubs; Wellington’s famous cheesy scones; oysters on Waiheke; Mudbrick Winery.

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foody food tour would mean a lack of desire for dinner. However, the specialty dining restaurant Crown Grill has the remarkable ability to reset your appetite. It could be the amazing crew including Petar, Carlos and Silviu, who magically appear throughout dinner and genuinely want you to experience the best meal of your life. Or it could be the fresh menu designed by Executive Chef Daniel Skrba, featuring osso bucco, linguini gamberi, salted caramel crème brulee… the list is endless.

Now, I could honestly rave about the massive variety of shore excursions that followed for the remainder of the trip. But there’s one that really stood out to me. It’s absolutely going to have to change its name very soon, but the Secret Spot Hot Tubs are truly an afternoon of bliss that I’ll take to the grave.

Sure, you can find hot tubs just about anywhere. But when you find them nestled in a native forest with birdlife singing and a gentle creek bubbling past, a canopy of light filtering through the treetops and stillness at last, then this is a once-in-a-lifetime hot tub experience. Good luck keeping this one to yourself! This is the one shore excursion that brings forest bathing to light and should be at the top of your list.

/ Our home away from home

There is one undeniable factor about this trip: while I came for the experience of New Zealand, there’s no doubt the most effective and affordable way to maximise this is via a cruise.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the experience of the ship itself. Royal Princess first set sail more than 12 years ago, making her one of the more mature ships in the Princess fleet. However, this by no means makes her tired or outdated. If anything, it makes her charming and familiar. There’s a flow on board among the crew, and also the guests.

Carrying 3560 guests, she’s just the right size to navigate your way around and yet never feel bored. The pool area is large and relaxed and there are glamorous breakout zones like the adultsonly retreat with cabanas and the fabulous Enclave Spa, which is brilliant after a long day exploring or on a windy sea day.

All in all, this cruise convinced me of one thing. The right trip, on the right ship, to the right destination can be both adventurous and re-energising at the same time. It’s amazing how a warm culture and fun new connections can be more uplifting than a Berocca and a good sleep-in. CT

Expert tips

Favourite meal: Favourite meal on the ship was the osso bucco at Crown Grill. While touring New Zealand it’d be crazy not to enjoy the lamb! And the desserts were always a must, especially the salted-caramel creme brûlée.

Insider tip: Purchase access to the Enclave Spa pass. Not many guests even know it’s there but for those in the know it’s like a giant hammam with a jet spa pool, steam and

sauna rooms, and heated day beds.

This is the place to be after a long day of shore excursions or on a windy day at sea. No kids and no phones. It’s absolute bliss.

My favourite shore excursion: The Secret Spot Hot Tubs near Rotorua was a surprise and top choice of the shore excursions. Let the natural thermal waters of your private cedar hot tub soak away your worries while you listen to the birdsong of the Whakarewarewa Forest and Puarenga. This place won’t stay secret for long!

Life on board

Clockwise, from top: Relaxing in The Sanctuary; fine dining at Crown Grill; suites are spacious and stylish.

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Loro Piana henley sweater, $2887.

Burberry quilted shell jacket, $2190.

Loewe Puzzle mini belt bag, $2865.

Expedition essentials

Trunk show

Johanna Ortiz Cabos Sueltos shirt, $1622.

Agolde denim shorts, $260.

Alemais Lula midi dress, $690.

Loewe bucket hat, $860.

Kathmandu hiking boots, $188.

Nivea Sun Protect, $12.99.

Barena twill cargo pants, $467.

Celine Homme twill pants, $1,509.

Adidas by Stella McCartney jacket, $1035.

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Saint Laurent calf-hair loafers, $1925.

Tom Ford overshirt, $6022.

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AZAMARA CRUISES IN AUSTRALIA

SMALL BUT MIGHTY

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Chris Singh joins world cruisers on their journey from Sydney to Eden aboard Azamara Onward.

“I Lightweight luxury

Azamara Onward sailing Sydney Harbour (left); enjoying the fruits of a tiramisu cooking class.

’ve worked on bigger ships before and they simply wouldn’t suit Azamara,” says Captain Jonas as I stalk the wide, old-school bridge like a curious child discovering a brand new world, my imagination pressing all the wrong buttons and tracing bright yellow radar echoes with my finger. “The reason these smaller R-Class ships are so popular is because of their size. No one floats into ports like we do.” I nod, admiring the confidence. Captain Jonas’ cocksure swagger isn’t unfounded; with a grace that’d be lost on a chunkier vessel, Azamara Onward swims seamlessly into the tiny Port of Eden on New South Wales’ deceptively dramatic Sapphire Coast.

This low-slung style of cruising is renowned for being reliably intimate and generously spaced; there’s no need to retreat to your cabin for privacy. With 684 passengers on board, the 27-year-old ship has reached its capacity as it muscles across the open seas from San Diego to the Thai port of Laem Chabang on an ambitious 87-day around-the-world journey. I immediately understand that bigger isn’t necessarily better in this industry.

“What’s that thing they call it now? Quiet luxury?” A friendly woman from Frankfurt muses, as she straightens her zig-zaggy designer necklace. The German couple spooning breakfast one table over at the excellent a la carte Discoveries restaurant are passionately schooling me, a first-time passenger, on Azamara’s many virtues.

They’ve been on 15 of these itineraries, conquered almost every upmarket and luxury line on Earth (according to them) and tell me this is their go-to. If there’s one thing avid cruisers love to talk about, it’s just how avid their cruise career has been.

“Some can be high-minded and we’ve encountered tension before, there’s no sense of community,” the perfect stranger continues. “We feel welcome here. No one is judged.” I start to wonder exactly how a ship’s social hierarchy works. Is it based on cabin class? Whether you got the standard or ultimate drinks package? But also, what’s the

point in breaking the fabulous sense of togetherness that can form on these nomadic seafaring vessels? A sense of community, rather than the lack of it, is part of what makes travel such an extraordinary, life-affirming experience.

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AZAMARA CRUISES IN AUSTRALIA Such snobbery must be a world away from the big-hearted warmth I experience as soon as I tear myself away from Sydney’s White Bay Cruise Terminal and reach for the welcome drink, a complimentary glass of sparkling wine that, importantly, doesn’t taste like an inexpensive box-ticking exercise.

/ Small ship, big vibe

Azamara Onward’s petite size doesn’t only have functional benefits. A varied international crew naturally means better service for fewer passengers. The cruise line proudly lists the allimportant staff-to-guest ratio as 1.7 staff for every two guests.

That’s an impressive feat for any large-scale hospitality venture and the natural benefits are more attentive, quicker service.

Which, of course, cuts waiting times and makes everything run more efficiently. You aren’t a number, you’re a guest.

Another, more abstract benefit is genuine relaxation. When the travel experience is held taut, kinks melt away and all that’s left is a bonafide holiday. The mind is clearer, the attention is more focused. This inner and outer calm often marks the difference between just another trip and a transformative experience.

The ship’s history has built up a lovely old-timey romance about it. Azamara Onward was delivered in 1999 for the longdefunct Renaissance Cruises, only to be reflagged for Princess Cruises in 2002. It sailed under that banner until 2022, when Azamara welcomed Onward into its fleet one year after the cruise line was sold by Royal Caribbean with designs on carving its own boutique identity.

While its frame aches with age, there’s contemporary polish in the parts that matter. The Lounge quickly becomes my favourite getaway with its elegant spread of comfortable armchairs, strategically placed to maximise views via the angled floor-to-ceiling glass windows. A dancefloor and stage in the middle hosts stock-standard cruise-ship entertainment, but I’m more interested in the sociability of the space. This place is full of life, whether it’s the group in the corner armed with name tags and wine glasses – one of many ice-breaker-style meet-ups on the ship’s rich daily schedule – or the couple on the other end squabbling over a game of Monopoly.

It takes no less than five minutes to reach my other prized spot, Atlas Bar. Dressed like a scene from a glamorous Hollywood

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Tips

• What to pack I’m glad I packed some comfortable walking shoes.

The walk in Eden isn’t intensive but the gravelly landscape is much smoother if you’ve got some grip. Both Prime and Aqualina have a dress code (strictly no shorts) so I advise at least one professional fit.

• Who is the cruise aimed at Both beginner and veteran cruisers who want to understand the world around them, not just see it.

• Secret tip The fun, relaxed atmosphere means everyone is up for a good chat. And cruisers are a fascinating, worldly bunch.

Strike up a conversation with anyone and I guarantee you’ll learn something new.

movie, the space – exclusive to Azamara Onward – is a clever avenue to bring the spirit of each destination on board. I cling tightly to my Old Fashioned, opting for a well-built classic, but the long list of signatures nods to a great variety of destinations.

Moving Onward

Clockwise, from above: On deck yoga; plant-based dish at Prime C; a Spa Suite; guest entertainer.

/ Culinary creds

“Our classic Aussie BBQ will be served on Deck 9 at 12pm,” a perky voice chirps throughout the ship on my second of two sea days. I saunter up from my Veranda Stateroom expecting the typical shrimp-on-the-barbie set-up but instead find an extravagant spread, made even better by the atmosphere. Chefs laughing with each other while searing top-shelf Aussie beef on the grill. Exceedingly polite guests filing through rows of sides and trying not to eye the massive dessert station. Tables set up in between the pool and the small, semi-circular stage, on which the ship’s multi-talented resident musician proves his worth. I could get used to this.

Yet my favourite meal is at specialty restaurant Prime, a finedining steakhouse tonight hosting a special wine dinner with Keith Hentschke, of the highly awarded Hentley Farm Wines, popping on board. The ship is steadily making its way towards Adelaide, so it makes sense to welcome a slice of the Barossa Valley. Award-winning wines pair beautifully with star dishes like an achingly tender beef Wellington. And your palate has never truly danced until it has welcomed the holy matrimony of rich lobster brioche and an immaculately clean Eden Valley riesling.

On the other side of the ship, at specialty restaurant Aqualina, pancetta-wrapped scallops play well with crispy squid and generous plates of texturally perfect pasta are best followed with classic dolci. While Prime’s design is more meaty and masculine, Aqualina favours a softer, gentle atmosphere.

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dinner. And the tiny Mosaic cafe is perfectly placed if you want to grab a coffee and a quick pastry while browsing the small boutique or enjoying entertainment at The Cabaret Lounge.

/ A shore thing

Azamara is well-regarded for many things. Its food and drink is a top-biller, but so is the admirable focus on building distinct and immersive shore excursions. Destination immersion may be the marketing term, yet empathy is the goal. Cruising is an economical and fascinating way to see the world. But when you get onto a line that really honours its destinations, you aren’t just seeing the world, you’re building a deep understanding of it.

The cruise line’s dedication to deeper shore excursions must be why I can’t stop thinking about the “Law of the Tongue”. I’d never set foot in New South Wales’ most southerly town before so am unfamiliar with its gruesome history of both slavery and whaling. Yet a guide taking us from Eden across to the other side of Twofold Bay into Beowa National Park doesn’t shy away from the area’s shameful past.

“Old Tom and his family couldn’t get enough of the lips and the tongue,” I hear, as I stare out onto a bay renowned for its

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A classic

The Atlas Bar; cooking demonstration on board; the 38.5 sq m Club Spa Suite.

theatricality and wild nature. As I’m told, 19th-century Scottish slave trader Benjamin Boyd imported cheap labour from the islands of Vanuatu and New Caledonia – a practice then known as “blackbirding” – when the Davidson Whaling Station was in full-scale operation.

The Davidson family would take advantage of the Pacific Islanders’ unique communion with the orcas of the area, who would help trap migrating humpback whales so they could be herded and harvested. As a reward for the orcas’ devious work and misplaced loyalty, they were treated to the lips and tongues of the butchered whales. This sacrosanct deal between human and orcas is the kind of context I didn’t expect from what I thought was just going to be a moderate hike to the stately looking Boyd’s Tower.

I imagine leaving with that kind of rich, unfiltered lens is another essential piece of the worldly puzzle for passengers who’ve been living on board since the ship left San Diego. CT

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Thom Browne polo shirt, $1495.

Celine Homme loafers, $1278.

Gucci wool cardigan, $3024.

Valentino Garavani head scarf, $1110.

East Coast

Trunk show

Polo Ralph Lauren midi dress, $730.

Altuzarra Lydia dress, $1955.

Toteme The Sport sneakers, $700.

La Ligne sweater, $433.

Mr P. shorts, $188.

Bell & Ross Diver watch, $6349.

Gucci sneakers, $1686.

Celine Homme T-shirt, $928.

Zimmermann mini dress, $815.

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Bottega Veneta earrings, $1480.

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Gourmet discovery Clockwise from left: Local delicacies in the alleyways of Saint Malo; Baguettes fresh from the oven; Traditional port from Cálem.

“E

verything you need to know about French food is right here,” says Star Legend Head Chef, Joseph Kalynuik, his distinctive voice cutting through the buzzy vibe of Saturday morning shoppers. It’s the busiest day of the week in Marché des Capucins, Bordeaux’s largest market, and we’re on a ‘shop with the chef’ jaunt, one of the featured activities on a Windstar Cruises’ James Beard Foundation cruise.

Over the next few hours our group of 20 eager gourmands follow Chef Joseph through the labyrinth of narrow aisles as he selects everything from cheeses decorated with pretty flowers to canelés de Bordeaux, baguettes baked in a woodfired oven, rustic looking terrines, whole fish, tons of prawns and the juiciest looking peaches I’ve ever seen. “We want the food we serve onboard to tell the stories of the places we’re sailing,” he says.

ALL PHOTOS BY JOCELYN PRIDE

/ One of a kind

WINDSTAR CRUISES IN EUROPE

Specialised food cruises are gaining notoriety, discovers Jocelyn Pride.

EUROPE ON A PLATE

Windstar is the Goldilocks of the cruise industry. Across a fleet of six carrying between 148 and 312 passengers, the boutique-style yachts are nifty enough to manoeuvre into uncrowded harbours, yet equipped with all the features of a luxury liner.

As the only cruise line officially partnered with the James Beard Foundation, a non-profit organisation focussed on nurturing and honouring chefs across North America, the range of eateries onboard the Star Legend is quite staggering. Through clever design, every millimetre of space is used creatively. Verandas restaurant, a la carte or buffet by day, transforms into Candles, a special occasion pop-up at night. Amphora, the grand dining room, has a completely different menu every evening featuring at least one James Beard Foundation dish showcasing the backstory of the chef. Then there’s Cuadro 44, a speciality Spanish restaurant; the funky Star Grill on the pool deck; the sleek Yacht Club for snacks and light breakfasts; and a Cruise&Travel

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Voyage WINDSTAR CRUISES IN EUROPE

depicting ‘ladies in waiting’. Or going for a jog around the entire city wall of Saint Malo and punting along a canal in Marais Poitevin, known as the green Venice of France.

/ A touch of magic

cocktail bar with a changing selection of canapes.

And as an all-suite ship, imaginative use of space continues.

Each evening our suite magically turns into a dreamy bedroom draped with netting opening onto the Juliette balcony and soft lighting throughout the lounge/dining area creating the perfect setting to order room service for a cosy night in.

/ Excursion immersion

Travelling on a specialised James Beard Foundation itinerary elevates the gastronomy experience, and has attracted a full ship. The majority of our 310 shipmates have cruised with the company at least once, one couple I meet are on their ninth.

“We booked as soon as this cruise was announced,” says Barb, a foodie from Boston.

Boarding the Star Legend in Lisbon, over 10 glorious days and nights we eat and drink our way through Portugal, Spain and France. Many excursions, like shopping with the chef, are centred around the flavours of the places we visit. In Porto, we board traditional wooden boats and sail along the Douro River marvelling at the mosaic of colourful houses sprawled along the hilltops, before turning the history pages in the underground cellars of Cálem (circa 1859), and tasting their famed port wine matched with cheeses and chocolates.

Bordeaux, needs no introduction, but presents a dilemma for where to go for an afternoon of exploration and wine tasting – Saint Emillon or Medoc? Soft merlots paired with a small charcuterie board in picture-perfect Saint Emillon wins, and Medoc is on the next time list.

In Saint Malo, we head off with other oyster lovers to taste the piece de resistance of the juicy molluscs. Tucked into the coast of Brittany, the tiny walled village of Cancale is oyster central.

The sea looks like a patchwork quilt of nets as oyster beds stretch along the coast line, and trodden oyster shells replace beach sand, and are used for steps and pathways. We sashay through the carnival atmosphere amid the brightly coloured stalls spilling along the promenade where fishers shuck their oysters to order. It’s then onto La Ferme Marine de Cancale to witness the intense process of carrying on the tradition of family-owned oyster farming and savour a generous tasting platter, that surpasses all expectations.

And sometimes it’s spontaneous meanders that unearth memorable moments, like wandering through the neighbourhood of Canido de Ferrol on the north coast of Spain, home of more than 400 ‘meninas’ – street art paintings 58

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As part of the James Beard Foundation experience, a celebrity chef and a team of esteemed wine connoisseurs travel with us, always at the ready for questions, specialised wine tastings and cooking demonstrations.

Author of several cooking books, restaurant owner, Top Chef competitor, recipient of many culinary awards and Chair of the James Beard Foundation Awards Committee, chef Tanya Holland is as lively as the dishes she cooks. A champion of inclusivity in modern kitchens and with a knack for blending the flavours of southern American food with a twist of French influence, she enlightens a packed auditorium through life stories, tips and techniques as she creates dishes over a series of demonstrations that we are able to order on the evening menus.

Maybe I’ll try to replicate the recipes at home. Or maybe I won’t. I strongly doubt I’ll ever make a chef or sommelier, however a culinary cruise adds another dimension to a travel experience – it’s a window to our world, one bite at a time. CT

Book it

• Windstar has a range of James Beard Foundation cruises departing during 2025 including the 11-day Baltic Beauty onboard Star Legend departing from Stockholm on June 29 (approximate price from $12,500 per person); the nine-day Adriatic Archipelagos & Greek Goddess onboard Wind Surf departing from Venice on August 27 (approximate price from $10,900 per person) and the 12-day Southeast Canadian Explorations onboard Star Pride departing from Montreal on October 7 (approximate price from $13,600 per person). windstarcruises.com

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Expert tips

Cruising just right

Clockwise from far left: A stylish Star Balcony Room; Colourful street art in Canida de Ferrol; The elegant Amphora restaurant; Exploring the canals of Marais Poitevin.

What to pack: One thing I love about Windstar is that there are no formal nights. Dress code is clearly stated for the various onboard venues, e.g. no swimwear in the public lounges and restaurants; relaxed elegant clothing after 6pm in the restaurants. Pack comfy walking shoes for excursions and deck shoes are great for around the ship. Layers are the key for day wear – a jacket you can squash into a daypack will come in super handy, and make sure you have a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. The onboard shop has a good stock of incidentals if you forget anything.

Favourite shore excursion: La Rochelle was new to me and a walking tour winding through the cobbled streets was a great introduction to this pretty French harbour town. Oozing history and charm we wandered past half-timbered houses and medieval towers before sitting at a long table in a lively street café eating local oysters and drinking wine produced a few kilometres away.

Favourite meal: When every meal feels like you’re celebrating a special occasion, it’s hard to pick a fave. After watching a cooking demo with celebrity guest chef Tanya Holland creating her Creole shrimp and grits speciality, that night I chose it as a starter. I followed with James Beard award-winner Paul Berglund’s recipe of poached Atlantic salmon with cucumbers and dill crème fresh as main and topped it off with dessert of hot bittersweet chocolate souffle. Although it sounds decadent, here’s the thing about Windstar dining – the portions are like their ships – Goldilocks sized.

Insider tips: Amphora has no assigned seating and the staff have a lovely way of welcoming everyone to the restaurant by asking if you’d like to share a table with others or not. Tables sizes range from two to eight, so it’s a great way of meeting people.

Don’t let the boutique sized ship fool you – the entertainment is high class and innovative. The hottest seat onboard is the Crew Show, which happens towards the end of the cruise.

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Rivers 62 The future of cruising | 68 APT’s new riverships | 76 France’s waterways

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Mekong Kingdoms in Laos

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River Trends

CHANGE IS AFLOAT Big changes are coming in river cruising, as the focus turns to new and adventurous ships, destinations and experiences.

Bernadette Chua finds out what’s happening.

T

here is a renaissance of the river cruise industry, and over the next three years we will see huge changes to what the experience might look like. New ships, more immersive itineraries, unchartered destinations and new operators will enter the market.

According to research compiled by Cruise & Travel’s River Cruise Collective, major operators are already seeing more bookings from younger travellers, plus an increased demand for active shore excursions and longer European itineraries.

These cruisers want more wellness and active activities, immersive food experiences and educational tours.

Guests are also looking to new and undiscovered destinations, which has prompted cruise lines to investigate more remote and intrepid rivers on which to sail.

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/ The new kids on the block

The influx of younger guests and multigenerational families to river cruising has encouraged Celebrity Cruises, which is well known for its premium ocean ships, to announce its entry into the market. Leveraging the award-winning design of its Edge-class ships, the company has 10 riverships planned, and they will be based on the sleek and modern design of its ocean-going vessels.

But will this work? Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity’s parent brand, thinks so. Across the three brands – Silversea, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean – the company’s executives have revealed that half of their 7.5 million guests

intend to take a river cruise or already have.

“We know they will enjoy Celebrity’s elevated offering on the river,” says Royal Caribbean’s president, Jason Liberty.

Celebrity officials promise that the new riverships will feature the premium elements of its Edge-class vessels. They will carry 180 passengers and inherit the “elevated design and sophistication of the Edge series ocean ships”.

The company has also indicated it intends to build the largest riverships in the market.

Two ships are slated for launch in 2027; the next two will follow in 2028 and 2029. The vessels will be constructed by the Netherlandsbased TeamCo, and Celebrity has its eye set on

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17/3/2025 12:13 PM

launching the ships on the Danube between Amsterdam to Budapest.

President Laura Hodges Bethgel says, “I am beyond thrilled to share a groundbreaking milestone for Celebrity Cruises as we sail into a bold, new venture: Celebrity River Cruises! We redefined travel on the ocean, and now we’re ready to bring our signature, elevated vacations to the world’s most iconic rivers.”

/ Aussie, Aussie, Aussie

This year, APT will launch an all-Australian fleet, designed by Australians, for Australians.

As the company approaches its 100th birthday celebration, the line will roll out two new ships – APT Solara and APT Ostara.

The line’s chief marketing officer, Jason Shugg, is keen to emphasise that, despite all the flashy new hardware, the company’s laser-sharp focus on Australian luxury travellers will remain at APT’s heart.

“It’s about the Australian traveller and satisfying their requirements. These two amazing riverships were designed by an Australian architectural firm. We’ve got an Australian food consultant. So, we’re really trying to bring a sense of home and a sense of Australian luxury to the European rivers,” he says. “And given the numbers, that’s resonating really strongly at the moment.”

CEO David Cox says, “Today’s Australian travellers are looking for the perfect balance Cruise &Travel

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Changing tides

Clockwise, from top left: Celebrity Cruises is entering the world of rivers; new river destinations in South America; inside A&K’s Amazon riverboat; top deck on APT’s newest riverships.

between immersive experiences and indulgent luxury. It’s not just about the destinations; it’s also about connecting with like-minded people and having meaningful moments.

“Our guests want a mix of adventure and relaxation. They seek opportunities to explore and indulge, whether it’s socialising in a group or enjoying private time. To meet these demands, we’ve invested heavily in our infrastructure, ensuring our accommodations and ships offer unparalleled comfort.”

The other exciting point about APT is that it is investing heavily in its local Murray River product.

“There are two parts to the opportunity,” says Shugg. “One is to have something like a Murray in between trips – not everyone is going to

travel to Europe or North America every year.

Having something like this a bit closer to home is one of the main motivations for the Murray selling so well.

“And the other opportunity is as Australians get a bit older, they are less likely to fly, and they want something closer to home. So, this fills another gap.”

/ Luxe Amazon listing

Just as regular ocean cruisers turn to the rivers, so are luxury travellers, looking for more unique and bespoke experiences.

Abercrombie & Kent, the luxury tour operator and owner of ultra-luxury cruise company Crystal, will launch its first rivership on the Amazon River, Pure Amazon.

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River Trends

“UNTIL NOW, EXPLORING THE MAGDALENA RIVER REGION IN COMFORT AND EASE WAS COMPLICATED, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE”

Down south

From top: Visits to indigenous communities feature in new Amazon cruises; artist’s impression of A&K’s riverboat Pure Amazon.

A&K Travel Group CEO Cristina Levis says, “This venture embodies our unwavering commitment to delivering experiences that are not only luxurious but also deeply enriching and sustainable.”

Described as a floating boutique hotel, the new riverboat features just 10 double cabins and two single cabins. The cabins are built with local materials and artistry, promising expansive views through their floor-to-ceiling windows.

The guest-to-staff ratio is 1:1, including an onboard cruise director.

With a history of expedition travel at the helm, A&K’s itineraries for the new Peruvian riverboat will range from three to four nights with experiences that delve into the rich cultures of the Amazon. Passengers will explore the backwaters of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, which are filled with wildlife and indigenous communities. The region is home to pink river dolphins, as well as three-toed sloths, and is known as a bird-lovers’ paradise.

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Guests can opt to combine the river cruise with an immersive seven-night itinerary, including the Maranon and Ucayali rivers, with journeys starting and ending in the port town of Nauta.

Activities on offer are on the adventurous side also, with fishing, jungle walks, kayaking and canoeing, stargazing by night, and breakfasts aboard the skiffs.

The cuisine on board is also designed to embrace the Amazonian heritage, with the riverboat’s restaurant serving food that includes local recipes and produce. The restaurant itself is designed to let the Amazon in, with views to match. / Go remote AmaWaterways will this year become the first major river cruise line to sail on Colombia’s Magdalena River. The specially designed AmaMagdalena was due to start sailing in March but its launch has moved to later this year.

The launch of sister ship AmaMelodia is also slated later this year. Both ships are currently under construction and the cruise line is finalising the essential infrastructure for its new destination. But there will also be a few hurdles.

The company has been working with local communities to develop the region. There are nine special excursion tenders that will allow guests to explore the biodiverse areas. Local guides will lead these excursions.

“This is the first time a major river cruise line is offering a journey of this nature on the Magdalena River. We’ve encountered challenges that are simply part of being pioneers,” says AmaWaterways co-founder and president Rudi Schreiner.

He adds, “Opening a new river to the world is not easy, but it’s exactly these bold steps that allow us to offer our guests new experiences.”

Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice-president, says, “Until now, exploring the Magdalena River region in comfort and ease was complicated, if not impossible. Our river cruises are changing that, offering the seamless experience AmaWaterways is known for, while also providing exclusive access to culturally significant and often inaccessible destinations.” / New in Europe Recently launched is Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ latest Super Ship, S.S. Elisabeth.

Boasting some of the largest suites on Europe’s rivers, the ship has been designed to sail from Amsterdam and can accommodate 110 guests in 55 suites and staterooms. S.S. Elisabeth will sail an eight-day Castles Along the Rhine itinerary between Amsterdam and Basel from March to November 2025, before running holidaymarkets cruises over the Christmas period. CT Cruise &Travel

17/3/2025 12:11 PM

River News • Emerald Cruises is adding a new Star-Ship, Emerald Astra, in 2026.

What’s more, the line is also planning extensive upgrades to its river fleet across Europe. Emerald Astra will be able to host up to 180 guests and is set to sail the Rhine, Main and Danube in 2026. The Greek and Latin origins of Astra translate to “star” and Emerald Astra will be the seventh Star-Ship. The ship will have classic Emerald Cruises amenities such as the pool/cinema combination, a sun deck with panoramic views, and multiple dining options. All the interiors have also been updated with a sleek and contemporary design, aiming to take in the atmosphere of the European cities and towns the ship visits.

SEVENTH

heaven

/ Rivers of the world

I

n celebration of its 50th anniversary, Uniworld will host its third Rivers of the World cruise in 2026, travelling across three continents. Departing on April 16, 2026, the journey will begin on the S.S. Emilie, the luxury line’s newest ship. The journey kicks off in the city of Brussels, where guests will sail to Amsterdam, before joining a mystery cruise to a surprise destination. Guests will then board S.S. Joie de Vivre in Paris for a French river cruise along the Seine, with stops throughout

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the heart of the city and the surrounding countryside, before taking a first-class train to Lyon. From there, passengers will sail to Avignon on S.S. Catherine before enjoying a few nights in the quaint Mediterranean fishing port of Cassis. Guests will then fly to Cairo for five nights at a luxury hotel and sail the Nile on the S.S. Sphinx for an adventure in Egypt, including a visit to Abu Simbel and to the Grand Egyptian Museum. The final leg of the journey will be spent in Jordan, where guests will visit destinations such as Petra and the Dead Sea.

KISS the Blarney Stone

• Barge company European Waterways has announced it has acquired Ireland’s only luxury barge, the Shannon Princess. Cruising Southern Ireland’s River Shannon since 2003, the ship has been operated by husband-and-wife duo Ruairi and Olivia Gibbons.

Designed to accommodate up to 10 passengers, Shannon Princess has spacious ensuite cabins, a panoramic saloon, and an expansive sun deck with a spa pool ideal for al fresco dining and relaxation. Experiences offered aboard Shannon Princess include private whiskey tastings, guided tours of castles as well as onboard cooking demonstrations, live traditional Irish music and private visits to stately homes.

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River News

DISNEY in FRANCE

• Adventures by Disney is introducing a new river cruise for 2026, sailing through southern France along the Rhône River.

The seven-night itinerary aboard AmaKristina will take guests from Lyon to Provence, visiting destinations such as Tournon,

Viviers, Avignon and Arles.

The itinerary will feature Disney storytelling and activities for families, including Junior Adventurer programs. Highlights include active sightseeing such as biking and kayaking beneath the Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct, culinary experiences around local cheese and chocolate, art activities, and history tours.

/With compliments

A

maWaterways has started a new program, offering a variety of complimentary pre- and post-cruise land packages on select 2025 and 2026 European sailings. Cruisers can extend their journey from two to four nights on a land package that includes four- or five-star accommodation and daily breakfast. It’s a tempting offer with enriching city tours and excursions, convenient transfers and luggage service between hotel and river ship, as well as the services of an AmaWaterways Cruise Manager who remains with the group throughout their river cruise and land journey. An example of an extension would be a stay in Brittany on an Impressions of the Seine & Paris sailing.

Guests can explore the seaside resort town of Dinard, tour the walled city of Saint-Malo and visit the magical island monastery of Mont Saint-Michel.

Amazonian adventures

• Delfin Amazon Cruises has announced the return of the Delfin I. Following a full-scale, three-month renovation, the vessel redefines authentic elegance, comfort and sustainability. The newly refurbished ship features oversized suites with private panoramic terraces, two of which include private whirlpools for an indulgent retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows immerse guests in the rainforest, and on the top deck guests can unwind in a newly designed lounge area or savour cocktails at the bar. The culinary team has curated a flexitarian menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients with plant-based options, as part of an initiative to support sustainable food systems.

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14/3/2025 4:21 PM

River News

A NEW DAWN

The launch of APT’s sleek new river ships is just another successful step in the company’s close to 100 years in travel, writes Peter Lynch.

T

here are new, revolutionary river vessels. New international and local partnerships. New offices.

And now, a brand-new logo and tagline: “Everything to a T”.

But if the biggest test of APT’s rebirth as it approaches 100 years in travel is the launch of its Australian-designed sleek new river ships, the team at Melbourne HQ appears unfazed. The vessels are already 80 per cent sold out. So there won’t be any flashy film-star godmothers at the European launch.

In keeping with APT’s reputation for seamless delivery, the ships will simply sail on schedule. APT isn’t a brand that makes a fuss, even when it is executing some of the biggest changes to the business in almost a century.

“Our goal with the new branding and tagline is to reinforce APT’s position as a leader in luxury travel. We want to create clear awareness that APT is synonymous with exceptional luxury experiences,” says CEO David Cox. “The tagline highlights this, while ‘since 1927’ is a nod to our rich heritage.

It’s also a reminder of why customers

trust us – nearly a century of delivering outstanding travel experiences.

“Australian luxury travellers have evolved significantly over the past decade. They’re more educated, more aware, and have higher expectations than ever before. They’re looking for something unique, and we’ve worked hard to evolve alongside them, ensuring what we offer meets – and often exceeds – those higher expectations.” He adds that the work certainly isn’t finished.

“River cruising remains a cornerstone of what we do, and we’re exploring exciting opportunities to expand in that space. Plans for more ships are underway, but not just on rivers.”

Despite all of the reassurance about remaining true to its core, APT is still prepared to take risks. The extraordinary success of APT’s work with Murray River Paddlesteamers took the company by surprise.

APT to a T

From top: New river ship APT Ostara; APT Travel Group CEO David Cox; the Australian Star paddlesteamer; dining aboard APT Ostara.

“IT’S SOLD INCREDIBLY ... WE’RE NOW LOOKING AT WHAT MORE WE CAN DO ON THE MURRAY.” 68

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“It’s been fantastic, and it caught us a little bit by surprise in terms of how popular it has been. It’s going to be great.

It’s sold incredibly – so much so that we’re now looking at what more we can do on the Murray. That’s really exciting.”

APT helped design the $6.5-million Australian Star, which is currently under construction in Mildura. The ship launches in June to offer all-inclusive year-round three-, four- and seven-night cruises on the Murray River from Echuca in Victoria. It’s Australia’s first five-star river ship and the largest wood-fired paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere.

If it works – and initial sales are so strong a second vessel is now a real possibility – a few people in the travel industry will be kicking themselves for not seeing the potential.

Cox says, “The response to the new ships has been phenomenal. We’ve placed a big emphasis on the onboard experience, increasing the crew-to-passenger ratio to provide more personalised service and introducing six dining venues to offer guests a variety of options.

“The main dining room intentionally doesn’t fit every passenger at once – this was a deliberate decision based on customer feedback. People want choice and flexibility, and having a dedicated concierge to help guests plan their dining experiences adds that extra layer of service.

“Looking ahead, our priority is to consistently deliver these elevated experiences with the same level of excellence. We set ourselves up with this new innovative style and we will deliver.” CT Cruise &Travel

17/3/2025 12:06 PM

From

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with love...

The Unparalleled River Cruise Experience With the guest at the heart of our operations for over 20 years, AmaWaterways offers river cruise experiences on some of the world’s most stunning rivers in Europe, Asia, Egypt, Africa and now in South America.

Family owned and operated by pioneering river cruise professionals, AmaWaterways is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable ship design; modern and spacious ships and amenities; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options); and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine.

1800 867 126 | amawaterways.au

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14/3/2025 4:23 PM

Voyage

Leisurely Laos

Mekong Kingdoms’ Bohème (left); pressing pause as the sun sets.

U

nder a cloudless blue sky, with forested mountains rising in the background, water buffalo graze next to the Mekong River. At the water’s edge, corn grows on small makeshift farms that will be submerged in a few months when the wet season begins.

From the bridge of the Bohème, the newest luxury cruise boat in Laos, Captain Houm Phanh Sihongthong and I look out through the windows at the tranquil scene.

“I love everything about the Mekong River,” he tells me. “The people, the countryside. From here to Vientiane, I know it all – the sandbanks, the low water, the deep water, everything.”

Captain Sihongthong has been traversing the Mekong in Laos for 35 years, much of that time on his own cargo boat hauling teak felled from the forests. Now his shipments are shipmates and he’s happily at the helm of the Bohème, launched by luxury operator Mekong Kingdoms last December. I’m one of the first passengers to travel on board.

At 50 metres long and three decks high, the Bohème is the largest boat to cruise along the Laotian stretch of the Mekong, yet it has only 13 cabins and a maximum of 26 guests. Intimate but also serenely spacious, its indulgence comes not just from the beautifully appointed design and exquisite meals. It’s also the personal attention of 18 crew members looking after such a small group of passengers.

Before we even start cruising, minutes after boarding, everyone gathers on the top deck for a traditional Baci ceremony, a centuries-old Laotian custom known as the “calling of the soul”. Food offerings on bamboo leaves have been arranged in front of five local elders who chant the blessings for our voyage before each tying strands of white cotton around our wrists. Some passengers will keep them on for the entire trip.

It’s an early taste of local culture, but we’re never far from experiences like this. A leisurely journey on the Bohème takes five nights between Luang Prabang and Vientiane in either 70

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BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY MEKONG KINGDOMS

Michael Turtle discovers a different side of the Mekong River on a small boat trip in Laos.

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MEKONG KINGDOMS

Expert tips

• Favourite meal on the trip: Chef Khone creates an epic Land Harvest & River Catch dinner that works its way up with a prawn roll, truffle Caesar salad, and wild mushroom soup to the main course of Angus beef and tiger prawn or local chicken and wild salmon, all finished off with a red velvet cake and ice cream.

• Insider tip: Be sure to accept the offer of a night at the Avani+ Hotel in Luang Prabang to explore more of the UNESCO-listed royal capital, including the ornate temples and the morning tradition of monks receiving alms.

• What to pack: Shore excursions can involve a bit of rough walking, so good shoes and sun protection will come in handy. Attire is quite casual on board, even for meals, so dressing for the warm weather is the best choice. And because there’s WiFi on the boat, you might even want to bring your gadgets.

• Flight tips: The best flights to Vientiane and Luang Prabang are through either Bangkok or Hanoi, with Vientiane offering more options. Between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, there are cheap 45-minute flights with Lao Airlines, or the new high-speed rail takes less than two hours.

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direction. Along the river between the two main cities, local life plays out on the water and on the shore: the longtail boats of fishermen puttering past, the colourful roofs of temples peeking out from behind palms, wisps of smoke rising from fires next to huts.

Over the days, I watch it all pass by from different parts of the boat. A popular area is the collection of couches and reclining chairs on the large sunprotected top deck, while the expansive dining room next to it has glass doors down both sides for similar uninterrupted views... but with airconditioning. On the middle deck, thick orange floor loungers catch the sun right at the front of the boat. But perhaps my favourite vantage point is from my suite.

The Bohème has three types of cabins. There’s one Royal Suite, an opulent room twice the size of any other (60 square metres), with a private sundeck, freestanding bath and dedicated butler service. But the other 12 cabins are similar to each other – six Deluxe Suites on the lower deck that are slightly larger (30 square metres), and six Premier Suites (26 square metres) on the middle deck that have a slightly better view.

I’m in a Premier Suite, a beautiful space that feels like an extension of the scenery, with elegant blond-wood flooring, Laotian handwoven textiles as a bed throw, and an orchid in a pot by the queen bed. Rustic touches such as two wooden director’s chairs around a small circular table are complemented by modern features including a

Sights & experiences

Clockwise, from top left: Learning about the region’s flavours; relaxing with a massage; giving alms to local monks; visiting Kuang Si waterfalls; dining on local delicacies on board.

Nespresso machine, sound system and minibar.

The cushioned daybed by the window is where I sit to do some reading and watch river life flow by, although the shower in the bathroom also has a window (with blind, don’t worry!) lest you miss anything.

The Premier Suites are on what’s known as the “Legends Deck”, where each room is named after a local myth. Mine is called Pha Hung after one of twin mountains at the heart of a story of starcrossed lovers, a prince and princess who were destined to marry but were torn apart by the greed and jealousy of others and took their own lives from despair.

Pha Hung mountain doesn’t look so despairing when we reach it, although the morning sun does give it an almost ethereal glow. It’s here we jump ashore to visit Pak Ou Caves, two caverns amid dramatic limestone cliffs that are filled with thousands of golden Buddha statues, a place of worship for centuries, radiant yet reverent.

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MEKONG KINGDOMS Pak Ou Caves is just one of the main attractions along the Mekong where we stop to explore, another highlight being Kuang Si Waterfalls, set among a verdant and humid forest, where water tumbles over the main 60-metre fall and into a series of smaller cascades between turquoise pools large enough to swim in.

Even more rewarding, perhaps, are the visits to some of the local villages, so close to the water that the Bohème can just pull into shore and let us wander up. At the Ban Chan Neua pottery village, which started making ceramics for the royalty in Luang Prabang 400 years ago, we join a workshop to make our own piece from clay. (Despite a potter called Somgee trying to help, my attempt at a tea cup resembles more of a wonky bowl.) And at the Ban Xang Khong paper-making village, I also fail to produce anything comparable to the artisans’ works, although the owner of the business, Veomanee Douangdala, is just proud to be able to share the skills that have been passed down for generations.

“Supporting the local businesses helps us to preserve our cultural tradition,” she says. “If visitors come and understand the value of these handmade crafts, then they will continue.”

All of these shore excursions are included, as are meals and drinks. The bar in the lounge area of the top deck is always open and, along with the standards you would expect, bartender Nou can whip up his own concoction, the Hidden Gem, with apple juice, honey, vanilla and gin. Nou also hosts a mixology class where you can learn to make some of his favourite cocktails.

To my mind, though, the real star is Chef Khone, who creates magnificent meals drawing inspiration from Laotian cuisine but still accessible to any palate. A typical four-course lunch one day is a starter made of riverweed and pork, a soup and 74

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“SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES HELPS US TO PRESERVE OUR CULTURAL TRADITION.” Natural rhythms

From top: Balcony on Mekong Kingdoms’ Bohème; experience traditional Laotian customs in land excursions.

salad buffet including a duck larb, main course of stir-fried prawns or traditional braised chicken, and a dessert of fresh fruit and local coconut dumplings. In the evenings, dinners are even more elaborate, with five courses served with wine by the eternally friendly waiters.

Compared to its more tourism-dependent Southeast Asian neighbours, Laos still feels much slower, where you’ll fit better into the natural rhythm of the country if you take the time to savour the food, the culture, the landscapes. When mountains tell of mythology and traditional crafts are still practised on the water’s edge, a journey along the Mekong is probably the best way to see Laos – which, as Captain Sihongthong says, would be nothing without its river. CT Cruise &Travel

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Dima Ayad satin shirt, $1186.

Polo Ralph Lauren swim shorts, $172.

Celine Homme suede tote, $4953.

Laotian luxe

Trunk show Roxanne Assoulin earrings, $143.

Dries Van Noten leather sneakers, $900.

Zimmermann Wylie dress, $1505.

Chloé Salomé sunglasses, $607.

Maison Margiela chambray shirt, $1239.

Polo Ralph Lauren pants, $456.

Kapital suede sandals, $1604.

Bode linen shirt, $1500.

Birkenstock Boston suede clogs, $248.

Gucci cargo shorts, $2428.

Moncler Grenoble backpack, $2198.

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LIKE a FINE WINE

From well-trod favourites to diminutive backwaters, there are few finer ways to discover France than via its glorious rivers, writes Steve Newman. he problem with river cruising is that you often get blindsided by “star rivers”. There are several waterways around the globe that just must be travelled, but benefits can be found if you shop around. Nowhere is this truer than in France.

You can explore the châteaux of the Loire and the wonders of Paris on the Seine, while a trip down the Rhône brings you Van Gogh’s favourite café and the opportunity to dance “sur le Pont d’Avignon”, for a small fee.

The trouble is, stars come with crowds, so looking beyond the obvious is a good idea. I defy anyone to gaze at the roof of the Hospices de Beaune on the Saône and not be mesmerised by its geometrical beauty, or walk the streets of Strasbourg on the Ill and not believe you’re back in medieval times. Sail the great rivers, of course, but don’t forget the little guys.

The Seine

France’s finest

From left: Abbey of Saint-Germain d’Auxerre on the Yonne; town of St Emilion on the Dordogne.

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• The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the highlights of this cruise with a personal commentary on the 1066 Norman invasion as you move along its length. The Cathedral in Bayeux is also worth a visit, as is that of the ancient capital Rouen.

A visit to the D-Day beaches at Arromanches is soothed by walking around the harbour at Honfleur, with its narrow five-storey houses that seem to have been squashed together like the keys on a piano. Do try the local Calvados.

Cruise: Riviera Travel’s 8-day The Seine, Paris and Normandy River.

Ports: Paris, Giverny, Rouen, Caudebec.

Best deal: From $3649 per person for 23 October 2025 departure.

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“Exploring France by travelling on three of its rivers … you’ll also lock eyes on the towering 2000-year-old Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct.”

The Gironde, Dordogne and Garonne

• Bordeaux is a world capital of wine, so as you might expect, names normally associated with supermarket shelves such as Saint-Emilion and Cadillac are part of this cruise. Entered through one of its seven medieval gates, St Emilion has a charming cobblestone village where Grands Crus Classé wines and beautiful architecture are a perfect match.

Similarly, part of the central square in Libourne is surrounded by the traditional arcades and is especially lively on market days.

At Blaye, Vauban’s 17th-century citadel is a military masterpiece complete with village and ramparts to explore.

Cruise: Scenic’s 8-day Bordeaux Affair.

Ports: Bordeaux, Libourne, Blaye, Cadillac, Bordeaux.

Best deal: From $5595 per person for 19 August 2025 departure.

The Rhône, Saone and Seine

• Exploring France by travelling on three of

its rivers, with extended stays at ports of call to explore their hinterland, is a great way to truly discover the country. This cruise offers a private, after-dark concert in Rouen’s cathedral and a visit to the Normandy beaches.

You’ll also lock eyes on the towering 2000-year-old Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct and view the private rooms at Versailles as Marie

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Antoinette saw them. In Beaune, taste local camembert along with some of the world’s finest Chardonnay wines, and in Giverny, take a stroll through Monet’s beautiful garden at the house where the painter lived for over 40 years.

Cruise: Uniworld’s 15-day Grand France.

Ports: Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Lyon, Mâcon, Rouen, Paris.

Best deal: From $12,159 per person for 27 July 2025 departure. Price includes flights.

The Ill

• Technically, you’ll see more of Germany than France on this journey, but the River Ill, which surrounds the Unesco-listed Grande Île at the centre of Strasbourg, is worth an honourable mention.

The pink-sandstone facade of the Gothic-style Strasbourg Cathedral, with its cache of ancient murals and astronomical clock, looms large.

Canals branch off from the main river course creating scenic walkways and bridges, adding to the allure of the ancient cityscape. Explore the red, half-timbered houses of Bernkastel and play spot the castle as you sail further south along the Rhine Valley.

Cruise: Avalon Waterways’ 11-day Rhine and Mosel (Southbound).

Ports: Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel.

Best deal: From $5704 per person 6 July 2025 departure. Price includes return flights and rail travel.

France, while Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne lets you visit the grandeur and magnificence of Fontainebleau. Barbizon has a fascinating eponymous art museum and the studios of Rousseau and Millet, who lived and worked here.

Cruise: Great Rail Journeys’ 7-day Waterways of The Yonne, Paris and the Petite Seine.

Ports: Paris, Melun, Barbizon, Moret-Loing-etOrvanne, Sens.

Best deal: From £2649 ($5260) per person. Price includes return Eurostar from London.

The Rhône and Saône

• There is something magical about Arles. Not just that you can sit in the café where Van Gogh watched the world go by then walk a few yards to explore the virtually intact Roman amphitheatre, but the slow pace of life is all around.

From Marseille in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, you will cruise the Rhône and

The Yonne and Loing

• The waters of the Yonne north of Paris are too shallow for bigger boats, so this cruise lets you experience a quieter slice of French history and life. The Cathedral Saint-Etienne in Sens was one of the first gothic cathedrals to be built in Cruise &Travel

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Canal du Midi

• The Mediterranean section of the 18th-

then the Saône rivers through Provence and into rich wine lands... and on to Lyon and then overland to the magical city of Paris.

Cruise: Tauck’s 14-day La Belle Vie: The Rhone, Geneva & the Riviera.

Ports: Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, La Camargue, Avignon, Chalon-sur-Saône, Lyon, Geneva.

Best deal: Priced from $12,690 for 30 July 2025 departure.

The Saône

• Passing through Burgundy — a wine region that needs no introduction — this cruise lets you visit walled towns including Beaune with its beautiful 14th-century hospices complete with glazed tile roof and Tournus, which in turn offers its remarkable Romanesque Abbey SaintPhilibert. You’ll berth at towns that reverberate with the names found on sought-after red wine labels, finally arriving at the culinary and architectural box of delights that is Lyon.

Cruise: AmaWaterways’ 7-night Flavours of Burgundy.

Ports: Dijon, Seurre, Chalon-sur-Saône, Tournus, Mâcon, Lyon.

Best deal: From $6588 per person for a 30 October 2025 departure.

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century-built Canal du Midi is often referred to as both a technical innovation and a work of art. Between Portiragnes to Béziers alone, you’ll cross an aqueduct over the River Orb and ascend a seven-lock flight of unique, oval gateways.

With a visit to the double-walled city of Carcassonne and also Pézenas, Languedoc’s ancient capital, a truffle hunt, a private wine tasting and passing through Europe’s oldest canal tunnel, this cruise lets you get under the skin of Provence.

Cruise: European Waterways’ 6-night Classic Canal du Midi.

Ports: Marseillan, Portiragnes, Béziers, Capestang, Sallèles d’Aude, Le Somail.

Best deal: From €5250 ($8634) per person for cruises throughout 2025.

The Loire

• The chateaux of the Lofpontire will always be

a draw, and while this cruise has an all-day excursion to discover them, Nantes is a jewel in its own right. The castle of the Dukes of Brittany, giant mechanical elephants – yes really – and taking coffee in La Cigale, the wonderful 19th-century Belle Epoch Brasserie, are essential sites to tick off.

Explore Angers with its Terra Botanica, a plant-themed amusement park, the

Château d’Angers and its Apocalypse Tapestry and the museum of St Nazaire. The 96-guest MS Loire Princess adds to the experience as a luxury paddle steamer designed specifically for the river.

Cruise: CroisieEurope’s 6-day The Loire Valley, a Royal Legacy Cruise.

Ports: St Nazaire, Nantes, Anciens, Chalonnessur-Loire, Nantes.

Best deal: From $2625 per person for 4 July 2025 departure.

The Rhône and Rhine

• This cruise offers something special. The chance to experience and compare the Provençal lifestyle of Arles with the Franco-German culture of Strasbourg. In essence a cultural journey along the Rhône and the Rhine. Explore Avignon’s grand Palace of the Popes and Cologne’s majestic cathedral, both Unesco sites.

Savour Lyon’s rich culinary traditions and the Rhineland’s hearty flavours and admire the landscapes that inspired Van Gogh in the Netherlands and Provence.

Cruise: Viking’s 14-day Lyon, Provence and The Rhineland.

Ports: Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Tournon, Vienne, Lyon, Burgundy, Basel, Breisach, Strasbourg, Speyer, Rudesheim.

Best deal: From $10,595 per person for 30 July 2025 departure. Price includes return flights. CT

Romantic riverside

Clockwise, from top left: Pont du Gard over the Gardon; the Canal du Midi; Arles on the Rhone; fairytale Château de Chenonceau on the Loire.

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These are the adventures of a lifetime, every time.

Call 1300 589 717, speak to your travel advisor or visit www.abercrombiekent.com

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&Travel 82 Cherry blossom in Japan | 86 Fun in the Philippines | 94 Flying first class

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Japan

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Petal

POWER How Japan turned the season of blooms into one of the most successful campaigns ever, writes Danielle Demetriou.

t

hey may not be as punctual as Japan’s famed bullet trains – but they are no less iconic. They are swooned over during picnics. They are painstakingly painted.

They are obsessed over in poems. They are cited as a symbol of the transient nature of life. And they are diligently sprinkled on Starbucks lattes.

For centuries, springtime in Japan has long been synonymous with one (very pink) thing: its sakura cherry blossoms – plus the nation’s near-spiritual appreciation of the delicate pink blooms.

It’s pretty much impossible to think of spring in Japan without an image of a sea of cherry trees awash with perfect pink blooms instantly coming to mind – be it surrounded by Tokyo’s cloud-brushing concrete skyscrapers, in the foreground of the looming triangular form of Mount Fuji or on the forest-wrapped grounds of a remote mountainside temple.

Every year, under the meticulous gaze of armies of official sakura forecasters, the small buds burst into flowers on trees across the archipelago, starting in Okinawa on the southern tip, before sweeping slowly north across the country and finishing in Hokkaido.

The springtime sakura frenzy has poignancy in the rich symbolism of the flowers. Their short-lived existence taps into a long-held appreciation of the beauty of the fleeting nature of life, as echoed across the nation’s cultural heritage, from tea ceremonies to wabi sabi ceramics.

The blossoms also, quite literally, symbolise new beginnings, with April 1 being the first day of both the financial and academic year in Japan. In a nutshell? The cherry blossoms are not just pretty pink flowers: they are the floral embodiment of Japan’s most deep-rooted cultural and philosophical beliefs.

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Like many things in Japan, its cherry blossoms – and the nation’s unwavering passion for them – smoothly tap into both the ancient and the modern. From as early as the eighth century, elite imperial courtiers paused to appreciate the delicate pink cherry blossoms known as sakura before indulging in picnics and poetry sessions beneath the blooms.

Fast-forward more than a millennium and the flowers that launched a thousand haiku are no less revered in modern-day Japan, with the fevered countdown to sakura season seeping into countless elements of daily life. The moment Valentine’s Day chocolates are cleared from supermarket, konbini (convenience stores) and department store displays, the all-pink retail revolution begins: plastic cherry blossom flowers and countless sakura-flavoured treats appear on shop shelves (from cherryblossom-and-butter crisps and sakura mochi rice cakes to cherry blossom Pepsi).

The countdown excitement is heightened further by the televised Cherry Blossom Forecast which offers a petal-by-petal analysis of the advance of the blooms – known as the cherry blossom front – as they sweep from the south to the north of the archipelago.

When the blooms actually arrive (as confirmed by teams of meticulous cherry blossom officials), it is time to indulge in one of the nation’s all-time favourite pastimes – hanami, which literally translates as “looking as flowers” and refers to flower appreciation picnics under the blooms.

This involves a microcosm of society – from salarymen and students to housewives and grannies – gathering on tarpaulins in parks and nature spots across the country to indulge in hanami picnics (some civilised, some surprisingly drunken).

Forecast: In bloom

From left: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo; Nara’s deer grazing under the blossom.

/ When to go

Fortunately for those planning a trip, the task of forecasting the exact arrival of the cherry blossoms is taken very seriously in Japan. Since 1951, teams of meteorologists have been dispatched to monitor the advance of the cherry blossom front – sakura zensen in Japanese – as they burst into bloom.

Today, it is a hi-tech affair, with forecasts and scientists undertaking complicated mathematical equations that fill television screens in the build-up to their appearance.

Officials traditionally observe the pale pink blooms of the yoshino cherry tree – Japan’s most common type – with the season declared open when at least five or six flowers have opened on a sample tree in any given area. The flowers bloom for around a week before the so-called “sakura snow” effect starts and they float sadly off the trees.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the dates can fluctuate – some years, they are early, following a spell of warm weather, while in other years, chiller temperatures delay their arrival or downpours cut short flowering.

But the first blossoms generally appear in Okinawa in January and slowly move up the archipelago, passing through Japan’s central islands (including Tokyo and Kyoto) in late March and early April, before progressing further north and hitting Hokkaido in early May. As a result, generally speaking, it’s a safe bet to book a trip to cover the last week of March 83

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Ultimate Guide

Insider tips A taste of spring

Expect a cornucopia of adventurous sakura-tinged dishes, from sakura rice cakes to sakura petal beer. In addition, a whole raft of spring treats is also on offer in restaurants at this time of year, such as clams and bamboo shoots. Be adventurous!

Essential reading

Follow in the footsteps of tea masters and poets and get inspired by the cherry blossoms.

Many, many books explore the world of sakura, including The Sound of Water, a selection of 200 translated haiku including bite-sized poems by masters such as Basho, Isso and Buson, and Cherry Blossoms by James T Ulak and Howard S Kaplan, an illustrated hardback book devoted to cherry blossoms in Japanese art and culture, in all their pink glory.

Hanami time

Embrace the sakura spirit and put together a DIY hanami picnic. Pick up food – ideally a seasonal bento box from a local supermarket or depachika (the basement food hall of a department store). Next, stop by a konbini for drinks, disposable cups and a tarpaulin – and simply find a space beneath a blossoming tree.

Warm up

Springtime can be chillier than expected. At konbini you can pick up another indispensable hanami accessory – self-heating packs known as kairo which can be inserted into pockets or stuck onto clothes to warm you up when temperatures drop.

and the first week of April, for those keen to catch the blooms in Tokyo or Kyoto, plus many other spots. (This year, in Tokyo, blossoms are likely to appear March 19, peaking around March 26, while Kyoto will start around March 26, peaking April 4, according to current forecasts.)

/ Where to go Tokyo

The capital is always a good starting point.

Despite the concrete and skyscrapers – or maybe because of the omnipresence of the man-made over nature in the sprawling megalopolis – Tokyoites are evangelical in their enthusiasm for all things sakura. This is reflected in the packed parks and riverside spots – often with the so-called sakura police having to herd crowds and guide queues in the busiest locations.

Luckily for city-dwellers, many parks are carefully choreographed with clusters of cherry trees, precisely for this purpose. Highlights include Ueno Park, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous public spaces (also home to a string of top museums, shrines and ponds), which attracts epic-sized crowds to admire its 1000-plus blooming cherry trees. A more sedate alternative is Shinjuku Gyoen, a surprisingly serene and beautifully maintained park a short walk from the neon blare of Shinjuku, with 1500 cherry trees and expanses of lawn.

Another cult spot is Nakameguro, a creative neighbourhood south of Shibuya, with a cherrytree-lined canal: perfect for an evening stroll, the trees are lit up with lanterns after dark while the canalside roads bustle with food and drinks stalls.

Kyoto

The former ancient capital is perhaps the ultimate venue for cherry blossom appreciation – and it’s also one of the busiest. Those prepared to brave the crowds are spoilt for choice. The best flower spots include Maruyama Park, packed with hanami picnickers from day to night, the Kamo River, lined with large cherry trees, the bloomfilled Imperial Palace Park, and the Philosopher’s Path, which runs alongside a cherry tree-lined canal, leading to a string of temples and shrines.

For a more luxurious – and secluded – taste of Kyoto’s cherry blossoms, consider checking into Aman Kyoto, where the painterly pink blooms can be found in the exquisite hidden gardens that form the heart of the escape.

The south

It all starts at the bottom – more precisely, the far-flung southernmost subtropical islands of Okinawa, home to Japan’s first cherry blossoms.

The blooms – often bell-shaped and a deeper pink than other regions – arrive in mid-January, with viewing spots including the wild forested Yanbaru area in the north of the main Okinawa island.

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The spirit of sakura

Clockwise, from right: Suwa Shrine, Nagasaki; blossoms frame a lion statue in Kyoto; treats on sakura plates for hanami parties; crowds at Ueno Park, Tokyo.

illuminated with lanterns on the grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage site every night during its sakura season.

Next up is Kyushu, Japan’s third biggest island, famed for its warm climate, hot spring onsen baths, volcanoes and delicious cuisine. Kumamoto is a popular spot, with its tiered castle creating an image as pretty as a woodblock print when its 1000-plus cherry trees bloom.

For the perfect overlap of sakura and onsen, check into Hoshino Resort Kai Yufuin, a sleek Kengo Kuma-designed hotel scattered around tiered jewel-green rice fields, with contemporary outdoor baths offering cherry blossom views.

Honshu

One lesser-known beauty spot is Gifu, a mountainous prefecture on the central island of Honshu, which is home to the Takayama Spring Festival, when ornate floats, handcrafted using centuries-old artisan techniques, are paraded across bridges, down lanes and past clusters of cherry trees throughout the city of Takayama.

Kinosaki Onsen, a hot spring resort in southwestern Hyogo prefecture, is another fine spot to combine bathing and blossoms. Check into a traditional ryokan and soak in onsen baths against a backdrop of picture-perfect cherry blossom trees that line its streets and riverbanks.

The north

Those keen to avoid the crowds would do well to travel later – and, following the flow of the cherry blossom front, head further north.

Hitome Senbonzakura in Miyagi prefecture offers an eye-catching vista of 1000 cherry trees lining a river against the striking backdrop of snowcapped mountains.

Kakunodate is another cherry blossom gem, famed for its romantically weeping cherry trees, brought to the region from Kyoto hundreds of years ago by local samurai.

And the final hurrah of Japan’s cherry blossom celebrations can be found in Hokkaido, the northernmost island. The main city Sapporo is awash with cherry blossoms (Maruyama Park and Hokkaido-jingu shrine in particular) while the adventurous can squeeze in some skiing with sakura views. Sapporo Teine, the site of the 1972 Winter Olympics, is a short drive from the city and open to skiers until early May. Niseko is a good spot to visit too; while it’s most famous for its buzzing (and stylish) skiing and snowboarding spots, its off-season beauty is perhaps one of Japan’s best-kept secrets. CT Cruise &Travel

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Book it / How to get there

For many, Tokyo works as a good starting point. Fly into Tokyo Haneda if possible (rather than Narita) as it’s much closer to the city centre. Alternatively, for those keen to focus more on Kyoto and southern regions, fly into Kansai International Airport, just outside Osaka – a perfect springboard for exploring Kyoto, Kyushu and beyond.

Those keen to explore the cherry blossom trail beyond Tokyo should look into buying a Japan Rail Pass before they travel. They must be purchased outside Japan and collected upon arrival at the airport but offer massive savings on expensive bullet train rides, making it easy to travel between cherry blossom hotspots across the archipelago.

/ How much does it cost?

Some things can get expensive in Japan, especially if you are staying at higher-end hotels and eating at Michelin-starred restaurants. For a typical two-week holiday, Australians can expect to spend about $4000-$6000. Flights, though, can be cheap with prices starting at $790.

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Philippines

Why the Philippines is

FOODIE HEAVEN

The national slogan is: it’s more fun in the Philippines. Teresa Ooi discovers that’s true – especially when it comes to food.

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repare to pig out. The Philippines’ national dish is lechon – a whole young pig roasted over a charcoal spit and served at every celebratory meal. You’ll find it everywhere alongside succulent, extra-large lobsters half the length of your arm, wagyu beef, and adobo chicken cooked with soy sauce, vinegar, peppercorns and garlic.

Then there’s exotic balut – a native Filipino food that is really a boiled egg but with a 86

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semi-developed duck embryo inside. It is an acquired taste, not meant for the faint-hearted.

The Filipinos are big meat-eaters – pork, chicken and duck are among the favourites. But they also adore their seafood, especially fresh fish and lobsters, locally caught from their pristine waters. Vegetables don’t get much of a look in, but there’s always plenty of white rice occupying centre stage on the dining tables – it is, after all, their staple.

We are holidaying in the energetic capital city of Manila, with its charming Spanish colonial architecture juxtaposed against soaring skyscrapers. Traditional food markets pulsate in the shadows of high-rise shopping centres and residential blocks in the Makati district.

It is a city of sharp contrasts. Wealthy Filipinos live in safe districts such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Quezon City, while the down-and-out live in makeshift Cruise &Travel

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Heritage collection

Clockwise, from left: Hotel Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar; Filipino street food; Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar’s hotel in Manila; the national dish of lecon.

shacks built along the main Pasig riverbanks.

While most beach-loving Aussies head for one of the country’s 7600 islands, such as Boracay with its renowned breathtaking sands and stunning sunsets, Manila is now very much on the tourist map. Hip shopping centres and fine-dining restaurants have sprung up to entice tourists. Manila makes the perfect starting point to explore the rest of the Philippines, and there are direct flights for the nine-hour trip for as little as $600.

The Philippines has been strongly influenced

by Spanish culture, much of which you can still witness throughout the country today. The Spanish occupation began some five centuries ago, and Spain brought Catholicism, unity for the many outlying islands and strong architecture. In 1898, Spain was defeated and the Philippines became a territory of the United States, which explains the predominance of English with a lilting Filipino twang. The Treaty of Manila established the independent Philippine Republic in 1946.

Manila is also a shoppers’ paradise. Locals love to hang out at glitzy shopping malls where top brands market their haute couture. At the other end of the scale, one of Manila’s biggest Cruise &Travel

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indoor flea markets is Greenhills Shopping Centre. It sells almost everything from nonbranded clothes, shoes, handbags, electronics, toys and food to pearls. Bring cash and make sure you bargain – Filipinos are good natured and will give you some discounts. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs and local delicacies such as dried mangos and crispy pili nuts.

No visit to Manila is complete without a walk through the old-world Intramuros, home to the Spanish landmark Fort Santiago with its shrine to national hero José Rizal. Also known as the Walled City, it was built to fend off any foreign attacks. Within its thick walls, there is the Manila Cathedral and the beautifully intricate 16th-century San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are horse-drawn carriages, known locally as kalesas, that can take tourists around Intramuros for a fee.

When you visit the National Museum of the Philippines, you will immediately be drawn to the huge painting of Spoliarium by Filipino painter Juan Luna. He spent eight months completing the oil painting which depicts dying gladiators – it’s quite a confronting and evocative painting, which won a gold medal at an exposition in Madrid in 1884.

The National Museum also operates national museums dedicated to the Fine Arts, Anthropology and Natural History – all four museums are located within the same complex.

Give yourself ample time to go through some of the amazing exhibits.

If you like to see public art with landmark murals and sculptures outside of the museum confines, then head to Bonifacio Global City, an integrated central business and lifestyle district with awe-inspiring residential buildings and elegant shopping, dining and entertainment facilities. BGC takes pride in calling itself a “City with a Soul” – rich with parks, open spaces, vibrant street life and public art.

With its thousands of islands, the Philippines archipelago is often thought of as a paradise.

Sun-chasers need not look far to find their patch on the beach and die-hard divers have plenty of choice to find the perfect diving spot.

We took a trip to Sorsogon, a coastal province close to Subic beach, the pink-sand holiday haven renowned for its fresh lobsters and pristine water. We rode the waves in a small boat to the beach where locals had put up a marquee. Our barbecue of lechon, lobster, chicken and salads was a feast, and the waters

Feast for the eyes

Clockwise, from top left: A typical Filipino feast; the National Museum of Fine Arts; markets in Manila; surfing in Sorsogon province.

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were crystal-clear and so clean that many of us took a dip. Now I understand why so many tourists make a beeline to the Philippines for sun, sea and salt.

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bout three hours from Manila is Central Luzon. We stayed at a heritage, ecotourism destination called Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, located in Bataan district.

It is a curious, Disneyland-style man-made tourist resort, the brainwave of Jose Acuzar, a Filipino businessman and owner. The resort development is made up of dozens of “heritage casas” ranging from mansions to wooden stilt houses, which have been painstakingly restored by a team of artisans housed on the site.

Each historic structure was meticulously dismantled before being reassembled by architects. In cases where an authentic reconstruction was not possible, materials that were as close to the original were used to complete the project. Today, there are 63 heritage homes at the resort. No wonder Acuzar won an award for the Best Historic Hotel in Asia and the Pacific.

Perhaps the most amazing area of the resort is a series of canals that allow for boat rides Cruise &Travel

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where you take in the atmosphere of the different casas. The black-sandy beach is a five-minute walk away and you can order a lavish three-course dinner in the privacy of your casa with accompanying musicians. There’s always a live folk-dance performance, such as singkil and tinikling, in the evenings.

Manila is home to a number of chic restaurants which have taken dining to the next level.

Blackbird in the historic Nielson Tower, the country’s first commercial airport in the heart of Makati, has been lavishly redeveloped as an Asian contemporary venue. The extensive menu and impeccable service are second to none.

Try Cork Wine Bar in Bonifacio Global City for great steaks, oysters, pan-seared salmon and cheesecake, and a comprehensive wine list. A small band with a captivating singer sets just the right tone for the bar, which is popular among the local glitterati.

The Philippines is not a cheap destination. If you want to take in the highlights of Manila in style, eat well at elegant restaurants and visit some of its surrounding islands, you must be prepared to pay.

But it’s worth it. CT See more at philippines.travel.

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“NO VISIT TO MANILA IS COMPLETE WITHOUT A WALK THROUGH THE OLD-WORLD INTRAMUROS, HOME TO THE SPANISH LANDMARK FORT SANTIAGO.”

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Indonesia

Siren call

Clockwise, from main: Swimming with whale sharks; traditional local dishes; temples of Borobodur.

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Outside of the country’s most famous island, you’ll feel like an honoured guest rather than merely a tolerated interloper. Ryan Ver Berkmoes finds out more about our closest Asian neighbour.

encounter as you go about your day. In the simplest of guesthouses, you might just feel like a visiting auntie or uncle.

With growing tourism has come easier travel.

As Bali has become a sensation, hardly a week goes by without more airlines announcing flights to the island from airports worldwide.

And from Bali, it’s easy to reach the rest of Indonesia. Now is truly the time to give all of Indonesia a go.

/ Where to go Flores

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or many, knowledge of Indonesia’s 17,000-plus islands stops at one: Bali.

But as the famous island becomes ever-more sodden with visitors, people are turning their attention to the many other extraordinary islands in this vast archipelago strung along the equator for almost 5000 kilometres.

But just trying to decide where to go once you commit to venturing beyond the culture, beaches and nightlife of Bali can be daunting.

You can revel in extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage sites, fabulous surf breaks, wildlife found nowhere else on the planet, diving that will make you understand why scuba was invented, and a range of rich traditions almost as myriad as the number of islands.

As the Indonesian government pushes for tourism to develop beyond Bali, you can find wonderful places to stay in seemingly obscure corners of the archipelago – places that everyone else hasn’t been to. Once remote – to outsiders – islands such as Flores are now well and truly discovered and enjoying their close-ups. Yet even as the number of people visiting each year drives bar charts ever upwards (figures vary, but a 10 per cent increase in annual visitors is the trend, with 2024 seeing more than 13.9 million international visitors Indonesia-wide), outside of Bali, you’ll never feel like one of the tourist hordes.

In fact, travelling around Indonesia, you’re more likely to feel like an honoured guest than merely a tolerated interloper. The traditions of hospitality run deep and manifest everywhere, from the often surprisingly welcoming immigration officials (when was the last time you read that?) to pretty much everyone you Cruise &Travel

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The rising star of Nusa Tenggara, the long series of islands starting with Lombok east of Bali, Flores is instantly famous for its fearsome native fauna, the Komodo dragon. These ill-tempered 2.5-metre-long monitor lizards are known for their voracious appetite and deadly bites. You can see them in action at the nearby national park, which, more placidly, is also renowned for its superb diving and wondrous white and pink sand beaches.

All of these delights can be enjoyed on day trips from Flores’s main town of Labuan Bajo, which has a long waterfront known for great restaurants, good nightlife and scarlet sunsets.

And Labuan Bajo and the dragons are just the start on Flores: driving east across the island, you encounter lush rainforests, active

Getting there

How to get there Bali and Jakarta are excellent hubs for reaching much of the rest of Indonesia.

Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas fly to Bali multiple times a day. There are six direct flights between Sydney and Jakarta every week. You can also fly through Singapore with Singapore Airlines.

Garuda and Qantas offers four direct flights a week from Melbourne to Jakarta.

When to go Much of Indonesia is tropical, with rain possible at any time and equatorial temps and high humidity year-round. The major exception is the Raja Ampat Islands, where the dry season (best for diving) is October to April. This is also when there’s more rain across Java, Bali, Sumbawa and into Flores, although it shouldn’t stop you from visiting. Popular areas of Indonesia such as Bali get even more crowded than usual in July and August.

When to book Flores and Yogyakarta can be booked on relatively short notice as there’s a wealth of places to stay. One cautionary note for Flores is that access rules to see the Komodo dragons are regularly in flux, so check that some draconian advance reservations scheme hasn’t been implemented. Holidays in remote areas require more advance planning. Begin several months ahead to arrange tours for the orangutans of Tanjung Puting National Park. The same goes for the best surf resorts in Sumbawa (cheaper options need no advance booking). Plan your journey to the Raja Ampat Islands as far in advance as possible.

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Indonesia

volcanoes, countless (empty) beaches, captivating towns such as Ende, and a panoply of cultures and religions. Once you reach Maumere, you can catch a flight back to Labuan Bajo, Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia.

Where to stay: Stay right on the waterfront, an easy walk from day-trip boats and nightlife at the imposing Meruorah Komodo (rooms from $200) where the top rooms have superb views.

Leaving Angel Island Eco Resort (all-inclusive from $400) may be the hardest thing you do in Flores as it’s on an idyllic beach-rimmed island near Labuan Bajo.

Yogyakarta

Bali and especially its uber-popular town of Ubud are continually – and rightfully – lauded for their culture, but Java was the cradle of today’s Balinese culture and Yogyakarta (commonly called Yogya or Jogja) is at the core of Indonesia’s cultural and artistic heritage. It’s a university town, where students from across the archipelago come to study the nation’s traditions that stretch back across the millennia. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Kraton, a walled city within the greater city that dates to the 18th century and is a fascinating and vibrant hub of temples, museums, markets, schools, mosques and homes for its 25,000 residents.

Across Yogya are lavish palaces. Day and night you’ll be treated to performances of music, dance and even the historic wayang or shadow puppets that have been a way of life on Java for 92

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centuries. Along with the huge, buzzing student population comes lively nightlife with all manner of cafés and bars along narrow lanes for every taste.

Day trip destinations include gallery-filled hill towns and laid-back beaches. Two sights not to miss are Prambanan, the jaw-dropping complex of Hindu temples dating to the eighth century, and, of course, Borobudur, the UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the great treasures of Asia. This vast temple will have you in awe every hour you’re there.

Where to stay: Yogya’s most historic hotel is the luxurious Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta (rooms from $280), a grand 1918 pastiche of Javanese, Chinese and European design. In striking contrast, the Harper Malioboro (rooms from $180) is a stunning celebration of modern design in a high-rise package.

Kalimantan

The Indonesian portion of the fabled island of Borneo, Kalimantan shares borders with portions belonging to Malaysia and Brunei.

Much of the island remains dense rainforest

and far off the beaten track for all but scattered residents and hardy explorers. However, even as it gains fame as the new home of Indonesia’s capital, Nusantara (which is being finished in fits and starts in the coming decades), there are corners of the island welcoming visitors now.

First among them is Tanjung Puting National Park on the south coast across the Java Sea from Jakarta.

It’s no surprise that the park is Kalimantan’s top lure for visitors when you learn that it exists to protect its famous residents: orangutans.

These tool-using great apes with their enigmatic faces and long, limber arms live in the trees along jungle rivers. Visitors travel in houseboats called klotoks which afford up-close views of the orangutans and the rainforest. It’s an extraordinary and immersive experience.

Visitors usually start in the town of Pangkalan Bun, which has an airport with flights for the quick hop from Jakarta. You can spend a couple of days aboard the klotoks gliding amid the rainforest and spotting the wildlife as part of a tour, or spend additional time in one of the area’s hotels or lodges.

Where to stay: Rising above the riverfront, the Mercure Pangkalan Bun (rooms from $100) is a strikingly modern hotel with luxe amenities.

Right on the edge of the park, Rimba Orangutan Ecolodge (rooms from $160) is deep in the rainforest and reachable only by klotok.

Sumbawa

The next island over from Bali’s popular neighbour to the east, Lombok, Sumbawa receives a tiny fraction of Indonesia’s visitors, yet offers a huge range of world-class active pursuits, from sought-after surf breaks to superb diving and sublime mountain-climbing.

Everything is linked by the island’s main highway, which offers the sort of traffic-free cruising that is but a dream for the Bali denizens trapped on a Bukit day trip.

All an adventure

Clockwise, from above left: Kenawa Island, off Sumbaya; orangutan; morning in Kalimantan with the Dayak tribe; an Indonesian phinisi sailing boat; floating market in Kalimantan.

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What to book

from $2800) is a luxury tented resort in the lush wilds of Pulau Moyo, an island off the north coast known for its rainforest and diving.

Raja Ampat Islands

Its shape defies description. On the west coast, you’ll find Supersuck, considered by many surfers to be the world’s best left break. Towards Sumbawa’s east end, Pantai Lakey has another string of renowned breaks. And the island has many more – some close to beautiful dive spots where it will be just you and the sea life.

Climbers may want to tackle the 2722-metre remains of Gunung Tambora, a once-huge volcano. When its top blew off in 1815, in the largest recorded explosion in modern history, it gave Europe what was called the “year without summer”.

Sumbawa is a deeply conservative island but welcoming. There are a few fine resorts and day trips cater to its activities.

Where to stay: Part of the Aman chain, the Amanwana (three nights all-inclusive double Cruise &Travel

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Way up in Indonesia’s northeast are the 1500 islands that comprise Raja Ampat. Here the visual wonders under the sea far outnumber those living above the waves. This patchwork of rainforested islands, ringed with beaches of a quality that’s notable even for a nation of notable beaches, merely serve as respites for some of the world’s most extraordinary diving.

Countless species, from sharks to rays to every size and type of tropical fish, are found amid a plethora of walls, reefs and ridges. It’s the destination of a lifetime for divers the world over and even non-divers revel in the sublime beauty of the islands and the luxuries of the resorts, where stays of at least a week are the norm and everything is handled, from transport to these outposts and top-flight daily dive trips.

Where to stay: Rooms on stilts allow you to see the sharks swimming below at Kri Eco Resort (all-inclusive cottages for one week start at $1800 per person). Choose from overwater villas or beachfront bungalows on a private island at Misool (all-inclusive accommodation for one week starts at $2200 per person). CT

SET SAIL Sea Trek Sailing Adventures offers journeys aboard two large traditional sailing ships throughout eastern Indonesia, including trips along Flores and in and around Raja Ampat. These luxurious trips feature many activities above and below the water, and are guided by experts in Indonesia’s biodiversity and cultures. seatrekbali.com SPOT ORANGUTANS Orangutan Applause is a communitybased tour operator that leads small groups into Tanjung Puting National Park. They have deep knowledge of orangutans and are experts at spotting them. Their most popular trip is a three-day, two-night adventure aboard one of the old wooden klotoks, which costs from $600 per person.

Accommodations are rustic, although you have the boat to yourself: it’s just you and the crew as you glide silently through the rainforest looking for the orange-hued primates. orangutanapplause.com SURF’S UP Nayaka Surf School is a Lombok-based surfing outfit that runs trips at the neighbouring island of Sumbawa.

It has a six-day program of the famed breaks along the west coast that starts at about $1000 per person. This takes in the world-famous Supersuck and a score of other breaks, including some reachable only by boat. Most skill levels are accommodated and lessons are available. nayakasurfschool.com

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Flight Trends

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Airlines are battling to bring back first class and make it bigger and better than ever. So which carrier is soaring highest? John Arlidge finds out.

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ometimes it really is better to travel than to arrive. After spending years stripping out first-class cabins, airlines are racing to bring them back bigger and better than ever.

Carriers are installing new private apartments in the sky. Caviar and grand cru vintages are on the menu and ritzy travellers can enjoy new technological innovations, such as speakers built into the headrest of seats, so they don’t have to wear headphones.

The reason for the luxury arms race at 39,000 feet? The appetite for upscale travel is back with a vengeance.

“Demand has exceeded our expectations and travellers aren’t blinking at first-class fares,” says Sir Tim Clark, the Briton who runs Emirates.

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“First class is key to British Airways,” said the airline’s CEO, Sean Doyle, when he unveiled the flag carrier’s new first suite.

First class will soon be available on 65 per cent of BA’s long-haul flights – more than any other global carrier apart from Emirates.

At the airport, all carriers have fast-track check-in, security and boarding. Once on board, there’s free Wi-Fi, fancy amenity kits, highthread-count bed linen and the flight-attendantto-guest ratio is one for every 3-4 passengers.

But each airline is different in its own way.

Here’s what the main carriers are offering now or will be rolling out soon.

QANTAS

Pros: Qantas has the most elegantly understated, yet luxurious first-class cabin ever created.

Cons: The new first suites will only be available on four routes: London and New York to Sydney and Melbourne.

How much? Likely return fare from Sydney to London during June is priced from $20,190.

Vanessa Hudson, who runs Qantas, has an enviable problem. She is trying to work out how profane a fare she can charge for the greatest aviation experience since Concorde dipped its beak: first class non-stop from London and New York to Sydney.

The first cabin on the Qantas Airbus A350 that will make the 21-hour journey starting in 2026 will be the best ever created.

There will be six large, enclosed suites, arranged in a 1-1-1 formation across the front of two rows of seats. Each will come with a 61cm-wide reclining seat, a separate 198cm-long bed, wardrobe, 32-inch TV and dining table that can comfortably seat three people.

Each of the six stowage compartments in the suite is integrated into the surfaces and closes flush. The touchscreen controls for the seat position and lighting are discreetly mounted in a panel in the wall, and there’s wireless charging built in.

BRITISH AIRWAYS

Pointy end

Clockwise, from top left: The Qantas A350 First suite; Emirates’ onboard bar and lounge; Qantas’s current offering on the A380.

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Pros: BA first-class customers use Heathrow Terminal 5, the best hub terminal in Europe.

Cons: The new first-class cabin is being introduced downstairs on the Airbus A380, instead of upstairs.

How much? Return fare from Sydney to London during June is priced from $15,277.

The British flagship carrier has not been at the races in recent years but last November CEO Sean Doyle unveiled a mini-room at 39,000ft for each first-class passenger. It will be rolled out on the airline’s A380s next year.

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Flight Trends

of any height can find the most comfortable position. The suite is big enough for two to dine together. The walls of each suite are 152cm high and the door closes for total privacy. The suites will be arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration across the cabin.

BA has done away with the conventional retractable divider at waist height. Instead, a floor-to-ceiling dividing wall retracts to create a shared lounge space.

The missing pieces? No chauffeur transfers, nor from the Concorde Room at Terminal 5 to the steps of the jet.

EMIRATES

Pros: Food and wine, service, showers and chauffeur drive make Emirates first in first class, overall.

Cons: The suites are now relatively small compared to its rivals.

How much? Return fare from Sydney to London during June is priced from $18,948.

Once customers take their seats in one of 14 203cm-long suites on the upper deck of Emirates’ A380s they are offered Dom Pérignon champagne, paired with unlimited caviar. As well as champagnes, Emirates has the best selection of Burgundy wines in the sky.

When it’s time to sleep, passengers can change into hydra active pyjamas. Billions of capsules applied to the fabric release naturally moisturising sea kelp. Chamomile sleep oil and a pillow mist help you to nod off.

Waking up is easy. There’s a cappuccino and a shower, where passengers can enjoy bath and beauty products from the Irish organic luxury brand, Voya. First-class passengers also have access to the bar at the rear of the business-class cabin on the upper deck of the A380.

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SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Pros: With only six suites, Singapore Suites is the most exclusive first-class cabin in the sky (until Qantas’s Airbus A350 launches next year).

Cons: No chauffeur-driven transfers and no arrivals lounges at any airport, even Changi.

How much? Return fare from Sydney to London during June is priced from $20,519.

Passengers booked in Suites – Singapore Airlines’ primo cabin – have their own terminal building with a private immigration desk at Changi Airport. After clearing check-in and security, an escalator leads directly to the Private Room. Total time from kerbside to a Dom Pérignon 2009 apéritif is less than five minutes.

The A380 superjumbo is the only plane big enough to accommodate Singapore Suites. A private corridor on the upper deck leads to a cabin with just six suites. If you travel with a companion, the divider between two of the suites can be lowered to create a double bed.

The seat is upholstered in tobacco-brown Poltrona Frau leather and faces forward for take-off. After take-off, it swivels through 360 degrees. There’s a separate 190cm-long bed that drops down from the wall between each suite.

Sky high

Clockwise, from above: Singapore Airlines’ new Suite; Etihad’s Lobby bar between First and Business.

ETIHAD

Pros: Etihad’s new home airport, Zayed International, is the best hub in the world.

Cons: Its A380s are showing their age.

How much? Return fare from Sydney to London during June is priced from $27,337.

The Abu Dhabi flag carrier’s decision to bring back into service its mothballed Airbus A380 superjumbos has re-introduced the most luxurious air travel experience outside a private jet. The Residence is an 11.6 sq m, three-room micro apartment where the “living room” is big Cruise &Travel

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enough for two adults to sit on seats upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather. There’s a large dining table and a private mini-bar. A corridor leads to a bathroom with a shower. The double bed sits in the jet’s nose cone.

Behind the Residence in the first-class cabin are nine suites, arranged in a 1–1 configuration.

Each has its own sliding door and comes with a leather seat and separate chaise longue that converts into a 200cm-long bed. It converts back to a chaise longue without you having to leave your seat – another first for first class.

Adjacent apartments can be joined to create a double bed so that couples can sleep together.

LUFTHANSA

Pros: Lufthansa’s new first suite will be installed on its Boeing 74cv 7s, an ageing yet iconic jet that many still regard as the Queen of the Skies.

Cons: Sydney to London routes often require two stops and a mix of classes may be required.

How much? Sydney to London return during June is priced from $18,373.

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“Demand has exceeded our expectations and travellers aren’t blinking at first-class fares.”

Germany’s flag carrier Lufthansa recently launched its upgraded long-haul top-end cabins, known as “Allegris”, and has opted for maximum privacy in its new first class. Each suite has ceiling-high walls and a sliding door that fully closes. After Etihad’s Residence, Lufthansa is the best for couples travelling on an overnight flight since the centre suite is a double suite with a double bed with no divider.

This First Class Suite Plus “conveys the feeling of privacy and individuality similar to a hotel room – only at an altitude of eleven kilometres,” says Jens Ritter, Lufthansa CEO. The design of the entire cabin is elegantly minimal. Black leather and black fabrics are offset with back-lit wood finishes. CT

Ones to Watch

• Speaking to CNBC last year, Qatar Airways CEO Badr Al-Meer said he will soon unveil a new first-class suite “combining the experience of flying commercial and executive jets”.

Qatar has already created a business-class product that is better than many of its rivals’ first-class offerings: the QSuite. Its new first-class will, therefore, have to set a new standard at the pointy end.

Expect a private room with floor-toceiling walls, an onboard chef cooking meals to order, spa-like bath-rooms (but no showers) with limited-edition Armani amenities.

Swiss is updating its first-class cabin with its new SWISS Senses service this year and Air France will also launch its all-new La Premiere first-class.

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Last Word

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hen I heard the news that Paris was to close its last tourist information office in January, now requiring visitors to go online for inspiration, a little piece of my heart closed with it. I’ve fond memories of these Parisian hubs of local knowledge. At 16, I went on a school trip to the French capital, where we were required to find something called “le syndicat d’initiative”. Here, we were promised, we’d find experts to guide us to various cultural landmarks. We were to tick off these cultural landmarks in our exercise books as we went.

Several of us didn’t even know what such a place might be – an initiative syndicate sounded like something dystopian dreamt up

by Margaret Atwood – but it was within these bureaux that we first got to speak our high school French to actual French people, who helped us locate the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.

And now they are no more. But then we’re living in the screen age these days, aren’t we? While that final tourist office did help 150,000 sightseers in 2024, a decade previously it was over half a million, and so the inference is unequivocal: visitors today travel

by TikTok. The trouble with this is that TikTok skews young, and not all of us are.

As my not-young wife and I travel there by Eurostar one early February morning, I download the app, and suddenly, in my 50s, I’m part of the modern world. I do not wish to suggest here that I’m a technophobe – I have been switching my own computer on and off all by myself for the past 30 years – but in the same way that my daughters won’t listen to any music I recommend on a point of teenage principle, so I baulk at the prospect of gazing into my phone while a gurning twentysomething American

PARIS BY TIKTOK

I let social media plan my weekend in Paris – it involved lots of queues, writes Nick Duerden.

all in. I didn’t catch the name of the boeuf restaurant. “Did you favourite the post?” my wife asks. “Favourite?” I say. The tourist office would have given me a map and marked its location with a cross.

By the time we arrive into Gare du Nord – freezing cold, light drizzle – my iPhone battery has already plummeted to 48 per cent.

This is concerning. I am here with my wife not just because I like her company but because her

“We spend 15 minutes queueing for macaroons in Le Marais before wondering what we’re doing. We don’t even like macaroons. ” instructs me on how to butter my muffin.

Nevertheless, needs must, and once we’ve cleared the tunnel, I start scrolling. Oh, but there’s so very much content. I’m warned to avoid the 18th arrondissement (“dangerous”), not to let strangers attach a bracelet to my wrist (“they’ll make you pay for it”), alongside an awful lot of hard recommends for hot chocolate, and a restaurant someone once went to where they ate a nice plate of boeuf.

It all passes so fast – the average TikTok video lasts just a minute and so it’s difficult to take it 98

CT13_098_099_Last Word_Subs.indd 98

phone is newer and its juice lasts longer.

Mustn’t lose her.

Paris had been our first weekend away together back in the 1990s, a notionally romantic weekend in a grotty two-star hotel.

This time, the accommodation is a vast improvement. If La Fantaisie, in the 9th arrondissement, looks fetching on Instagram, it’s even better in real life. The staff are delightful, and there’s birdsong in the lift.

The corridors smell of lavender.

An hour later, phone charged, TikTok has

encouraged us onto the number 40 bus whose commuter route is fetching enough for tourists, weaving through Abbesses and up into Montmartre, its cobblestone streets flanked with boulangeries and flower shops. After watching the sunset from the top of the hill, we make our way back to the hotel for cocktails in the swanky rooftop bar, where the city reveals itself to be very nearly as photogenic as Venice.

Inspired by a post in which a young woman with Emily in Paris vibes suggests hiring a moped, we do just that, a zippy electric thing with an impatient throttle. As my wife clings behind me shouting directions, we weave through traffic to Canal St-Martin with its hipster cafés, and then to the Promenade Plantée, a disused viaduct and the precursor to New York’s High Line, with its elevated view of the streets below.

We spend 15 minutes queueing for macaroons in Le Marais before wondering what we’re doing. We don’t even like macaroons. “We can say no to TikTok, right?” I plead. Instead, we cross the Place des Vosges to join another line, this one at the café Carette for its famous chocolat chaud. The wait for an inside table is 30 minutes, and so we brave one outdoors. It is 2°C but, my phone taunts, feels like -1°C. My battery is on 15 per cent. The hot chocolates cost €12 ($19.70) each.

T

hanks to social media, there are queues everywhere. Instagram dictates that you cannot just eat a croissant, you have to photograph it. Some businesses encourage this, others not so much. In the queue for celebrated bookshop Shakespeare and Company, I am scolded for trying to take a photograph of the sign that reads “No Photographs”.

It is because of the queues that we rise stupidly early on Sunday in order to avoid them, making our way back to Abbesses, and to one of the more inexplicable TikTok-friendly destinations: an ‘old-fashioned’ photo booth where youthful Italians, Germans and Japanese are waiting to have their pictures taken like folk did in olden times. My question of “why?” is presumed rhetorical; no one answers.

It’s only when we’re back on the Eurostar that I realise TikTok didn’t send us to the usual suspects, not even the Eiffel Tower. No matter; I’ve seen it before. But it did lead me to places I wouldn’t have seen otherwise, off the beaten track, down serpentine alleyways, to a lovely hotel and a truly fabulous place for sandwiches.

The city, it seems, is in safe hands with its #Influencers. CT Cruise &Travel

17/3/2025 10:23 AM

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