Travel 25th March 2025

ERCRUISING ay-to-day life on he Mekong River FUELYOURPASSIONS r for golfers, history ffs – even nudists GREEKISLANDS plore and relax a luxury

MEDITERRANEAN’S ICONIC SHORES

Barcelona to Istanbul or vice versa

29 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 23 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL: OCT-DEC 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; FEB-MAY JUL 2027

From AU$23,595pp in Deluxe Veranda

From AU$27,595pp in Penthouse Veranda

Roundtrip Barcelona, Spain

16 DAYS | 7 COUNTRIES | 9 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL: NOV-DEC 2025; JAN-FEB, OCT, DEC 2026; JAN-FEB, APR-MAY, JUN, AUG 2027

From AU$12,695pp in Veranda Stateroom

From AU$15,895pp in Penthouse Veranda

ICONS OF THE VIKING AGE

Bergen to Copenhagen or vice versa

22 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 17 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL: MAY-SEP 2027

From AU$19,795pp in Veranda Stateroom

From AU$24,895pp in Penthouse Veranda

ALASKA & THE INSIDE PASSAGE

Vancouver to Seward or vice versa

11 DAYS | 2 COUNTRIES | 7 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL: JUN-SEP 2025; MAY-SEP 2026; 2027

From AU$8,995pp in Veranda Stateroom

From AU$11,395pp in Penthouse Veranda

ANTARCTICA & SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND

Buenos Aires to Ushuaia

19 DAYS | 3 COUNTRIES

SET SAIL: NOV-DEC 2025; JAN-FEB 2026; MAR 2027

From AU$29,995pp in Deluxe Nordic Balcony

From AU$44,195pp in Nordic Junior Suite

SCAN FOR OFFERS

Roundtrip Cairo, Egypt

12 DAYS | 1 COUNTRY | 11 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL: FEB-MAR, MAY-JUN, AUG-DEC 2025; JAN-JUN AUG-DEC 2026; 2027

From AU$11,295pp in Standard Stateroom

From AU$17,295pp in Veranda Suite

PORTUGAL’S RIVER OF GOLD

Lisbon to Porto

10 DAYS | 2 COUNTRIES | 8 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL: JUL, NOV, DEC 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; 2027

From AU$7,995pp in Standard Stateroom

From AU$10,595pp in Veranda Stateroom

Ready to explore the world with Viking? Scan the QR code to discover more itineraries across all seven continents. Hurry, flight offers end 31 March 2025.

10 12 15 20 26 34 48

SILVERSERV

On board Silve ultra-luxe crui

RIVER OFDR

Drifting down Mekong on a V river cruiser

DIYADVENT

A maiden voy into lesser-exp regions of Chi

MARVEL-LO VOYAGE

A first-timer ge taste of the hig

SAILING INT FUTURE

What lies ahea the cruise indu

DELIGHTIN DOURO

Say hello to charming ports in Portugal

NIUELIKE ALOCAL

We talk to destination expert Sarah Porter

CONTACTS

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With eclectic culture, diverse landscapes and mouthwatering fare, the Land of the Rising Sun is one of contrasts Explore the best of Japan in modern luxury with this all-inclusive cruise holiday, brimming with exclusive extras

Return international flights to Tokyo

BONUS 2 Night hotel stay to explore Tokyo

12 Night Best of Japan cruise onboard Celebrity Millennium

BONUS Onboard beverage package including cocktails, spirits, wine, beer and soft drinks

BONUS Onboard wifi package

Onboard dining across a range of complimentary venues

Onboard entertainment including live music and performances

Onboard all port taxes and charges

Onboard prepaid gratuities

BONUS My Cruises package savings

Sit backand relaxon SentosaIsland

Once a British military outpost, Singapore s The Barracks Hotel Sentosa is now a boutique hotel Enjoy tranquil surroundings bespoke experiences and access to the island’s top attractions Stay four nights at the five-star hotel in a Premier

Room Enjoy daily breakfast afternoon refreshments and evening cocktail and canape hour Also includes a Barracks Heritage Tour From $1885pp, this deal is on sale until April 4 Airfares and airport transfers are additional Travel between June 1 to 29, and July 3 to September 15

Subject to availability and change Booking fees apply T&Cs apply ContactTravel Associates,0800 482776, orvisit travel-associates co nz

Havea shortbreak inSydney Sydney’s Potts Point is a mix of art-deco architecture, late-Victorian terraces and heritage mansions There are small laneways and hidden staircases that unveil

panoramic views of Sydney s harbour and skyline In addition, there are award-winning restaurants, hip bars, artisan bakeries and boutique shopping Visit the Potts Point Galleries explore Paddington Darlinghurst and Oxford St and it’s a 15-minute drive to Bondi Beach Walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens to Sydney Opera House or one train stop takes you to downtown Sydney House of Travel has a three-night package starting from $899pp share-twin This includes Air NZ return Economy Class (The Works) airfares three nights’ accommodation a bottle of wine and fruit platter Book before March 30 and travel from May 6 to June 24 T&Cs apply Contact Houseof Travel,0800 713715, or visithouseoftravel co nz

Cruisethrough Japan’sbeauty

Set sail on an exploration of Japan aboard the Diamond Princess This cruise will take you through historic cities, cultural experiences and scenic coastal landscapes Set sail for Beppu, Hiroshima, Kanmon Straits and

Shimonoseki before crossing into Korean waters with a call into Busan Sail back to Japan with visits to Nagasaki Miyazaki Kochi and Toba before cruising back to Tokyo Priced from A$3013pp (about NZ$3300) share-twin for a Princess Standard fare, which includes standard dining, accommodation and entertainment Flights are additional The cruise departs Tokyo on February 24, 2026 Prices are subject to change Contact Princess Cruises,0800 780717, orvisit princess.com

SailAustralia’s scenicand richcoastline Immerse yourself in pristine landscapes, marine life and cultural heritage on a sevennight round-trip cruise from Cairns aboard Coral Discoverer Departing in November and December the voyage with Coral Expeditions

Photos / City Stays The Barracks Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality filipefrazao Crystal Lodge supplied

includes expert-guided excursions, access to Xplorer Zodiacs and kayaks and daily lectures and briefings with guest lecturers Chefprepared lunch and dinner are paired with selected wines, beers, house spirits, juices and soft drinks, and there s 24-hour coffee and tea Fees are covered for the captain s welcome and farewell events, bridge access and entry to national parks, ports and cultural sites On board is a reference library and you’ll receive an expedition diary featuring photos and

videos of your journey Post-cruise transfers, tips, gratuities, and standardspeed Wi-Fi are also included Prices start from $8305pp twin-share with savings of up to A$2000 per stateroom Book by April 30 T&Cs apply Contact helloworld,0800 758787, or visithelloworld.co.nz

Fly withCanada’s thrillingzipline Nestled in the heart of the Coast Mountains Whistler Canada is a year-round

playground for outdoor enthusiasts and cosy-craving travellers Stay seven nights at the Crystal Lodge hotel, in the heart of Whistler Village Soar above the Fitzsimmons Valley on a thrilling zipline adventure featuring five lines, including a 732m zip with a 30-storey drop, treetop bridges panoramic mountain views and an eco-tour through Whistler’s old-growth rainforest Included in the deal is a Ziptrek Ecotours Adventure and return airport transfers From $1743pp, this deal is on sale until May 31 Travel between December 1 and April 29, 2026 Airfares are additional Subject to availability and change T&Cs apply Contact FlightCentre, 0800450 392,or visitflightcentre.co.nz

Cruising: Advice »

Ivy Carruth asks some cruising newbies what they learned and what they’d do differently next time

Here’s the thing about cruising it’s got a reputation Critics may scoff at the idea of buoyant megahotels packed to the rafters with bottomless buffets and forced fun, but first-time cruisers quickly realise the reality is far more nuanced By the time they’ve mastered the art of deck chair diplomacy and discovered the best entertainment isn’t always what’s on the main stage, they’re wondering why they didn’t do it sooner

What should first-timers know before planning that first foray into their waterborne wonderland? How do you make the most of the experience while dancing around the common missteps? Consider this your cheat sheet for firsttime cruisers: no seasickness, no sticker shock and no regrets

From sceptical to sold Fiona Sproles is a photographer who’d always wanted to visit the Aurora Borealis in Tromsø, Norway She knew this dream trip would be a costly endeavour without a guarantee she’d even see the spectacle she came to view It wasn’t until her partner, Sharon, spoke to a friend who was a travel agent that they learned of Viking’s Northern Lights cruise “Sharon cheekily put down the deposit and then came home and told me what she’d done,” she said

“Did I ever want to go on a cruise? Hard NO ”

Fits like a [white] glove

Viking was a good fit for Fiona and Sharon because it’s filled with enriching experiences like lectures and performances linked to the history and culture of the destination This is no aquavitsoaked party boat with roaming cha-cha queues It’s adults-only, and each ship caters to a sophisticated but unstuffy demographic Here, dining is to be dressed for, the library is stocked with the latest fiction, and the cuisine will always lean toward upscale local flavours Fiona is a convert

No judgement, just the journey

“We were a little nervous about our acceptance as a gay couple amid an older demographic but were put at ease within hours of boarding upon discovering that the cruise director, Brensley, had arranged a “meet and greet” cocktail evening for LGBTIA+ guests While we felt unhesitatingly accepted by everyone we met, the friendships we developed via this group remain to this day

“I didn’t appreciate how convenient cruises were until the trip; you unpack and repack once If we’d travelled to the exact locations with the same hospitality standards, we found we’d have spent much more money ”

Fiona’s top tips

● Choose the right itinerary on the right ship with the right cruise line Do your research

● Take homey, comfortable clothes and shoes appropriate to your destination

Tips for first-timers

● You never know how your stomach will react when the boat starts swaying Ask your GP for prescription travel-sickness pills to ensure you remain well

● Pack a small bag to carry with you This is great for being hands-free

without the anxiety of losing your lip balm, key, phone, etc

● You do you Relax, relate, and make the most of the excursions, but most definitely, do not watch Titanic, even though it’s in the media library

Family style

Kelly Markos and her family are avid travellers “We enjoy staying somewhere for a while to immerse ourselves into a whole new space, which is why cruising hadn’t been on our radar ” She and her husband, in addition to parenting two boys, own events venues, three catering wagons and a pop-up

wedding business, but still manage to holiday as much as possible with a month-long trip in the winter and 3-4 shorter trips in the year “We work hard then play hard,” she says Of her first cruise to New Zealand on Royal Caribbean, “there was lots to love The food, entertainment, built-in activities were fantastic ” She also loved the family time that being in one place all together afforded them Would she do it again? “The rushed single days on shore weren’t ideal We’d absolutely cruise again maybe in a different format, like on a river or in the Greek Isles "

Kelly’s top tips

● ‘Fresh air is a must ’ Getting a room with a balcony is high on her list of non-negotiables

● Break up the ship days by going into port, even if it’s just to look around and get a feel for the place The whole family loved the effortlessness of waking up each morning somewhere different to go and explore

● If there is an unused room available with disability access, jump on it They struck gold this way and found it to be about double the size of a regular room in their category

● Take advantage of the inclusions and understand how to maximise the experience for how you like to holiday Beverage packages and WiFi are included on some ships and not on others If you want them, it’s typically best to purchase them ahead of time instead of waiting until the cruise has begun

Cruising: Australasia »

Silver service

Silversea’s ultra-luxury cruise ship Silver Nova has made its maiden voyage in Australasia

Ashleigh Cometti was on board

Growing up, my mother always joked I had champagne taste

And for six days in late January, that was my reality

On board the Silver Nova as it traced its way around Aotearoa’s East Coast from Tamaki Makaurau to Poneke, with stops in Tauranga, Gisborne and Napier on the way, the champagne was abundant and served ice cold restocked in our twin room nightly

The lure of a child-free holiday proved too good an opportunity to pass up, so with bags packed full of White Lotus-inspired resort wear, my guest and I eagerly embarked on the ship from its Auckland port

Of Silversea’s fleet of celestial ships with names like Ray, Dawn and Moon Silver Nova is the largest, and this trip accommodated 728 guests and 544 crew onboard for its TransTasman journey which started in Auckland and ended in Melbourne

Our six-day, all-inclusive taster of the 16-day voyage was a masterclass in learning how to relax again, which was timely considering much of our summer had been spent building sandcastles or at the skate park with two kids in tow By contrast, we spent six glorious days losing track of the time or hour, our only concern being which cocktail to try next

The attention to detail was unlike anything we’d experienced before, with my guest commenting she felt the staff wanted to make the experience as relaxing and special as possible Nothing was too much trouble, no request too far-fetched every whim catered to with a smile

Suites

Our floating hotel suite was spacious and inviting, with an en suite boasting a bathtub, shower with either a rainfall or standard shower head, alongside a vanity with ample storage space to stash toiletry bags and heat styling tools

A walk-in wardrobe was equally sizeable, with double stacked sections in which to hang shirts or dresses, a set of drawers and cubby holes, plus overhead racks to stow suitcases

The twin-sized beds we slept in were incomparably comfortable, with a fully customisable pillow concierge allowing you to select from multiple stuffings according to preference

A sitting room with a chaise sofa, flat-screen TV and coffee table, while the balcony made for the perfect spot in which to unwind with a glass of Champagne in the afternoons

It’s rare every room on a cruise liner has a window, let alone a balcony, but our host explained that while the Silver Nova’s spacious, asymmetrical design provides extra space for lounges, restaurants and bars, it also means that every suite comes with a balcony

Our room was made up twice daily, courtesy of housekeeper Isabella who ran a tight ship (excuse the pun) with freshly laundered towels and crisply folded bedding We joked that we only ever used a towel once

Service

Chester, our attentive butler was ready and waiting to fulfil any request, greeting us daily with a cheery: “Top of the morning to you” as

we crossed paths in the corridor

An on-call butler is just one of the elevated experiences you can expect on board the Silver Nova, with a 10-hour service spanning 7am-12pm, and 4pm-9 30pm

Bookable via the Otium menu on the inroom TV, a suite of butler services include the Hot Chocolate Menu, with your choice of white, milk or dark If your idea of relaxation is unwinding with a movie, ring through an order of truffleinfused popcorn to be delivered direct to your door

Twice, wanting to make the most of everything luxury cruising has to offer, we requested a tray of caviar for an afternoon aperitif, serviced ice-cold with accoutrements spanning shaved egg yolk and egg white, chives, diced red onion and cream cheese

One morning, we awoke to a delivery of iced chocolates which Chester set on the table on the balcony for us to enjoy as we soaked in the view of Gisborne from our anchorage in the harbour

We came to look forward to Chester’s oneliners each day Each one equally cheery as the last, including: “May the sun’s rays touch your beautiful faces today ”

Beyond sumptuous treat deliveries, butlers are also able to unpack and pack luggage at your whim, however we decided to do it ourselves His disappointment was palpable

On-board activities

Everywhere you turn there’s something new to explore poolside loungers on which to recline, plush day beds on the veranda to hole up with a book, or curved leather loungers with a panoramic view of the expansive sea that lay ahead

There’s no time to be bored with the suite of on-board activities, which included games of bocce, croquet, shuffleboard and cornhole on Deck 11, golf putting sessions, table tennis tournaments, trivia afternoons and hosted bingo sessions

Live music includes violinists, saxophonists and pianists, who rotate their performances daily in different locations, from The Shelter on Deck 3, Dolce Vita on Deck 5 and Dusk Bar on Deck 10

One afternoon, we joined a group at S A L T Kitchen for a watercolour painting class, where the brief was to paint Auckland’s skyline We were joined by a fellow journalist and another guest, and the activity made for a pleasant way to while away the afternoon

It didn’t take us long to find our sea legs, but for those who struggle with sea sickness the medical centre on Deck 2 provides patches should

you need them One particularly rocky evening did call for some swift closet reorganisation as our coat hangers made an unwelcome clanging soundtrack as we attempted to sleep

As our cruise was on the shorter side we didn’t have any sea days, rendering the nights we spent soaking in the sight of the sprawling ocean even more special

Our second night delivered a real life iteration of the phrase “cruising off into the sunset” a painterly sunset sky, awash with pinks and oranges as we departed Tamaki Makaurau for Tauranga

Better yet was waking up in a fresh location, the whole day spread out in front of you to enjoy as you pleased

Restaurants

Every morning, as we poured over the daily Chronicle left in our room during the turn-down service the evening before, we took great delight in deciding which of the eight restaurants we’d dine at that day

Would it be La Terrazza? With its full breakfast buffet complete with all manner of continental options including a smoothie bar, fresh fruit, cereals, deli meats, salads and poke bowls, alongside hot options like an egg station (not to mention three different types of bacon) interspersed with Asian fare

Or perhaps S A L T (Sea And Land Taste) Kitchen, with your pick of the Terrain menu which changes every three days depending on location, or the Voyage menu which remains the same throughout the trip

La Dame elevates French fare to new heights with its fine dining experience, while Atlantide is famed for its steak and seafood

For a quick bite, stop by the Arts Cafe which

offers a selection of pastries, sandwiches, juices and freshly brewed coffee, and casual diners will love The Marquee for its relaxed atmosphere, hot rock grill and sunny conservatory-style views Japanese restaurant Kaiseki delivered the freshest sashimi we’d had in a long time

From top, a veranda suite configuration can be adjusted to twin beds if required; The Marquee is open for breakfast lunch and dinner and is known for its hot rock grill; the view of Silver Nova from Mount Maunganui; the Otium Spa borrows inspiration from ancient Rome with marble accents and pillars; the thermal plunge pool Photos / Tim Faircloth

studio and nail salon, a fully equipped fitness studio with posture analysis and scheduled classes, as well as a relaxation lounge

The spa treatments on offer run the gamut from massages with one of five masseuses on hand to acupuncture, skin analysis consultations, appearance medicine treatments and a suite of facials

At the end of a long hallway, two sets of locker rooms for male and female guests, flanked by dry and steam sauna, ice bathing and a shared thermal plunge pool

If the thought of not getting your daily steps gives you anxiety, think again There’s a running and walking track on Deck 10 which encircles the upper floor, as well as a fully equipped gym with a group fitness schedule and posture analysis

Most afternoons, expect to find a sea of sleeping bodies sprawled out on the poolside loungers on Deck 10, books rested on bellies and sunglasses slung sleepily to the side

Shore excursions

There’s plenty for active relaxers, too, including a lengthy list of shore excursions depending on how adventurous you’re feeling

In Auckland, this includes city tours to explore local landmarks like the Sky Tower and Viaduct Harbour, alongside trips further afield to the Muriwai gannet colony and its farm surrounds Otherwise, guests could take the short ferry ride to Waiheke to experience the best the island had to offer, from its fresh, seasonal fare to its awardwinning wines

Tauranga promised similar city tours but added a few cultural experiences in the mix with a coach trip to Rotorua to explore its geothermal wonderland Exclusive Hobbiton tours ensured Lord Of The Rings fans could get closer to the action, while intrepid explorers had the option of visiting Lake Rotoiti and kayaking through its glowworm caves

In Gisborne, a steam train ride to Muriwai proved popular, as did the historic boat cruise which offered guests a unique view of Gisborne harbour A bit further afield, a Waipura farm adventure was a welcome experience for out-oftowners, as was a stroll around the Eastwoodhill Arboretum

Keen imbibers can select a cocktail from the menu at the moody S A L T Bar on Deck 10, or the champagne lounge on level 3 which proffers Silverseas own brand of Champagne: Duval LeRoy Brut Reserve Otherwise steep a cup of TWG from Singapore and unwind with a puzzle or board game in the Observation Lounge

Spa

It wouldn’t be a luxury cruise without a spa moment, and the Otium Spa references a Roman bathhouse with red marble pillars The waiting area offers a suite of treats and snacks “so you can indulge” our guide tells us And, surprise surprise: more champagne Isolated away from busy communal spaces on Deck 5, the spa encompasses a hair

For a better look at Napier’s Art Deco architecture, a drive through town in a vintage car was a unique experience There were multiple winery tours on offer, and we secured a trip to Abbey Cellars and Clearview Estate which was memorable for all the right reasons Clearview Estate offers a relaxed, understated vibe that belies the elevated wines produced there Abbey Cellars is equally lovely but busier, a bustling spot for large groups and social gatherings

Also in Napier was Silverseas S A L T excursion, a unique culinary experience that included a tour of Craggy Range winery accompanied by one of Silverseas’ food experts

To celebrate our final night onboard, we headed up to Deck 10 for Rock The Boat, a poolside party that kept the vibes high with a live band playing a mix of old and new songs that had everyone flocking to the dance floor The good times kept rolling with DJ Anthony, who typically is parked up at the Panorama Lounge on Deck 5 most nights from 10pm till late, but made a cameo on the pool deck instead As our time drew to a close, there were still plenty of spaces we’d had yet to explore countless cosy reading nooks on the upper decks, a quaint library with ceiling art by Artur Sulla, well-stocked bars fit for a nightcap I guess we’ll just have to come back In the words of our new friend, Chester: “In the whisper of goodbyes we must remember the good times we shared, for they are the memories that will last forever ”

River cruising: Vietnam and Cambodia »

Jane Phare reflects on the highlights of a 16-day trip to Cambodia and Vietnam, including eight days drifting down the Mekong River on a luxury Viking river cruiser

If there was one attraction on everyone’s bucket list on our Viking tour it was Cambodia’s ancient Hindu-Buddhist temple complex of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap If that had been missed off the itinerary there could well have been a riot, although quite a muted one because most of us weren’t spring chickens

Photos in travel ads don’t quite do Angkor Wat justice Its scale, its history and its age makes it quite breathtaking Some of our group were so taken with it they arranged private transport early the next morning to watch the sun rise

Built between the 9th and 13th centuries it was once the splendid dynasty of the Khymer kings

Now it’s a Unesco World Heritage site, slowly crumbling in the heat and humidity faster than time, money and resources can preserve it

Surrounded by a 5km long moat, the stillness of the water adds a serenity to the vast site as visitors cross the long entry bridge

Locals come to pay their respects, and young people pose for photographs wearing beautiful, rented costumes watched on by forest monkeys

The huge sandstone blocks were not only used to create the temples, they were tablets on which to carve stories about great battles, everyday life, mythical creatures and deities

They are carvings you could examine for hours

The scale of Angkor Wat’s aside, it was the nearby 12th century Ta Prohm Temple that I found the most fascinating A long pathway through woods takes visitors past a group of musicians playing traditional Cambodian instruments

All of them are missing limbs, blown off by landmines laid during years of war

River of dreams River of dreams

Ta Prohm lies ahead in all its decaying glory It lay abandoned for hundreds of years hidden by dense jungle which had slowly encroached, huge vines and trees pushing their way into structures

After 19th century French explorers came across Ta Prohm, the forest was cleared away

but little has been restored As a result, visitors too feel like they have stumbled across something magical It was here that scenes from the 2001 movie Tomb Raider were filmed

More highlights

● Cruising down the Mekong River from Cambodia to Vietnam on the luxurious Viking Saigon, watching the countryside, towns and cities slide by in an exotic mix of river traffic, fish farms, rice factories, rows of shanty houses, remnants of colonial architecture, golden temples and statues

There is never any shortage of something to see

Checklist

VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

GETTING THERE

Fly from Auckland to Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City (both Vietnam) as well as Phnom Penh International Airport in Cambodia with one stopover with several airlines including Air New Zealand China Eastern China Southern and Singapore Airlines

DETAILS vikingrivercruises com au

● The dazzling pot pourri of sights, sounds and smells that is Phnom Penh Walk the streets or catch a cyclo or tuk tuk to soak up the residents of this vibrant city weaving their way through life on scooters, in cars, or bicycles often laden with impossible loads hemmed in by a mixture of new buildings and the faded remnants of French colonial splendour, locals squatting on child-sized stools to eat their lunch at a street stall, and the bewildering tangle of black power lines attached to buildings that look like a playful kitten has got into someone’s knitting Don’t miss the splendid Royal Palace, lit up like Disneyland at night, and the National Museum while you’re out and about

● The startling contrasts: you might see a coffin transported on the back of a motor scooter; bullocks and cows living under stilt houses a short distance from skyscrapers; an old woman on a bicycle transporting vegetables through hundreds of scooters and cars; and an ATM that greets you by name at a market

● The Cu Chi network of tunnels, 70km from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City centre (Saigon), enabled Viet Cong to remain undetected by American and US-backed South Vietnam soldiers during the war Non-claustrophobic visitors can creep through the tunnels the tiny entrance holes have been made wider for Western-sized tourists and marvel at the ingenuity of a hidden army The Viet Cong “tunnel rats” lived underground in a series of zig-zagging tunnels that were easily booby-trapped to slow down any pursuing enemies They disguised the air holes for the tunnels in trees or man-made anthills, and filtered out cooking smoke through a long series of vents that emerged well away from the underground bunker

Jane Phare travelled to Cambodia and Vietnam as a guest of Viking

● The heat and humidity can sap your energy so take a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella; buy a traditional fan from a street stall

● Keep drinking water The toilet stops are plentiful and well timed

● Drape a wet scarf around your neck or under your sunhat to help you cool down

● Pack cool clothes, including an option that covers your knees, shoulders and cleavage a requirement when visiting some sites

● Wear flat shoes and take a few sticking plasters There are plenty of loose cobblestones steps and unexpected ridges to trip over

● Be cautious about street food Ask your guide for

a recommendation It might smell delicious but could mean you spend the afternoon in the bathroom rather than sightseeing (I did eat a crunchy dried cricket which the Cambodians jokingly call KFC Khymer Fried Cricket)

● When crossing a busy road in the larger cities put your hand high in the air step out and keep going Don t hesitate or change direction The scores of scooters and cars will veer around you Well that s the theory anyway

C i i Chi »

IDIY adventure

Ivy Carruth boards the Viking Yi Dun, a luxurious five-star ship, for its maiden voyage into lesser-explored regions of China

’m in Shanghai, newly aboard the fivestar ship Viking Yi Dun for 10 nights

Though I’ve visited China before, hitting the usual suspects like Beijing, Chengdu and Shenzhen, this passage is a first for me and the other 900 or so passengers on board In fact, it’s the inaugural sailing of this Chinese-flagged beauty We’re heading to some of the least-touristed parts of the country on a brand-new itinerary and doing it on a vessel aimed at the English-speaking visitors’ market If the thought of visiting the Great Wall Nation has proved too daunting in the past, perhaps a cruise to China is your own Silk Road?

Taste the culture

Diving into new destinations is thrilling until the anxiety creeps in Don’t let that kill your curiosity Cruising serves up tailor-made adventures with zero hassle, offering guided excursions that give you a taste of local culture without the stress of figuring it all out yourself

Sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones you’d never find on Google or in English If you relish in the “doing” and not the designing, this freedom from logistics is a comfort Instead of navigating crowded train stations, deciphering exotic menus or sorting transportation to a remote overly hyped cultural site, simply pluck your pick from the bespoke offerings and off you go

or feast on the culture

A cruise encompasses convenience and a “build your own adventure” getaway Aboard the Yi Dun, all the staff are Chinese and delighted to interact with us The cuisine is a step beyond “Asian-inspired”, providing a low-stakes opportunity to conduct your own food tour with a bit of this and a bit of that (though there are still cheeseburgers for the die-hards)

My hands-down favourite was a kelp dish with mouth-numbing Sichuan spice and prawns, though I found the Chinese delicacy, abalone, overrated I loved the comforting rice porridge, congee, for breakfast a big winner over the cereal I usually shovel in absentmindedly The marriage of unfamiliar ingredients and textures is something to be explored, and what better way than on a cruise?

From top, Zhoushan is one of the cruise’s stops; the Viking Yi Dun s maiden voyage offers a stress-free way to explore China s lesser-known destinations in luxury; the ship is the first Chinese-flagged cruise ship designed specifically for English-speaking travellers

Photos / 123RF supplied

Craft your dynastic detour

The most difficult part is choosing

At our first stop in Zhoushan, I transcribe the Chinese characters of fabled Buddhist prayers on to handmade paper with a pen that dances in gold ink It’s extraordinarily meditative Around me, the monks, whose faces are mirrors of harmony, embody my longing to decelerate “Take the pen, take the paper,” the Master tells us via a translator We roll it up and carry it back to the bus, then back to the ship like it’s a blueprint for recreating that peace we felt; maybe it is

In Dongtou, a district of 168 islands in the prefecture of Wenzhou, we delve into the art of sea mud pottery in Mr Fung’s tiny gallery with no presence on social media Crafting the clay into a medium that can be worked with is an arduous process that takes six years, but the materials are local, plentiful, and given freely by the sea We’re led to a private studio and presented with a pre-fired mug, then invited to create our design with watercolour

His English isn’t bad; certainly better than my Mandarin He tells us, “The ocean tells the story here Strive for natural and organic versus finished and perfect ”

Another plus to cruising in China? Adding an extension to places such as Mongolia, Tokyo, Hong Kong or Guilin is more cost-effective than booking a separate trip, allowing you to see more of the region and making the most of your longhaul flights

PRACTICAL MATTERS

Nothing ruins a trip more quickly than being illprepared so keep these essential tips in mind

VISA REQUIREMENTS

New Zealand citizens can enter China visa-free for up to 15 days for tourism business visiting family and transit purposes CURRENCY

The renminbi (RMB) is often called the yuan Credit cards may be accepted in some places but I was surprised by the number of vendors that don’t take them and forget paying with your device To avoid disappointment download Alipay and WeChat Pay both widely used in China If you re in a rural area you might not have access to WiFi or data so take plenty of cash BEST TIMES TO VISIT

If this is your first time, consider your tolerance to different weather conditions In the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (Sept to October) crowds are thinner and the weather is welcoming without extremes STAYING IN TOUCH

China has strict internet censorship (the Great Firewall ) blocking Google Facebook Instagram and more Download a VPN before arriving to access your usual sites and stay connected TIPPING

Though tipping in China is not yet standard and has in the past been considered rude most passengers tipped tour guides and bus drivers in yuan as they exited the tour The tips were accepted gratefully On Viking tipping is included in your fare yet additional gratuities can be given for exceptional service

With poolside cocktails, silent discos and indulgent dining, Celebrity Edge proves cruising can be perfect for y travellers, writes Bonnie Jansen

I’m not exaggerating when I say that as soon as I disembarked from the Celebrity Edge voyage, I was already trying to convince my friends to join me for the next girls’ trip on a cruise

Don’t get me wrong, it was unreal experiencing my first cruise holiday with my mum plus she’s basically one of the girls anyway but I couldn’t help but wonder what an incredible time I would have on board with my mates

It’s no secret, cruises often come with the stereotype of being the ideal holiday for the retired easily accessible, packed with activities, and a fantastic way to see the world

It’s a concept I respect, and one I would definitely encourage for seniors given the valuefor-money experiences a cruise offers

However, my four-night trip from Sydney to Tasmania on the Celebrity Edge revealed there’s much more to it and it’s far from being just a holiday for the elderly

My theory starts with cocktails poolside and ends with a silent disco No age demographic would embrace both of those activities more than someone in their 20s or 30s

With no “ship” experience to compare it to other than the Cook Strait crossing Interislander, I was a cruise sceptic turned cruise convert in the space of a few days

Cruising offers the perfect blend of luxury, fun,

relaxation, and intrigue truly catering to anyone’s idea of a perfect getaway

Stepping aboard the Celebrity Edge for the first time, I felt as if I’d entered a different world imagine a brandnew shopping mall or a holiday resort paradise

After settling into the suite, which was impressively spacious considering we were on a ship, I headed straight to the Martini Bar

With a Porn-Star Martini in hand, live music playing, and the bustling casino and restaurant around me, I was in my element and had a hunch that this was going to be an unforgettable few days

Mum and I explored the entire ship, revealing a delightful mix of rooftop pools, running tracks, games, entertainment, a spa, countless bars and restaurants, and an all-you-can-eat buffet It was a pleasant surprise, albeit slightly overwhelming My only concern was: how would we fit it all into just four nights?

An all-inclusive package proved to be essential, allowing us to indulge in a variety of

cocktails, beverages and delicious kai without constantly worrying about the impact on our bank accounts

With eyes bigger than my stomach, I savoured the diverse cuisine on offer, imagining how much my foodie friends would enjoy this experience “The girls” with their plates of cheese and crackers poolside, getting a little tipsy while basking in the Aussie sun

Luckily for me, my mum knows how to have a good time and make the most of a new experience After being in awe since arriving on the ship, we embraced the first night in the best way possible

I’ll never forget the face of my 52-year-old mum as she sang her heart out at the silent disco

Although I couldn’t technically hear her as I was also jamming to the various playlists on offer you could tell through her passion, boogie-ing and smile that she was loving it

While we enjoyed mingling with the older folk joining freestyle dance circles and conga lines Mum and I discussed how much more fun we

might have had, had a younger crowd been on board We joked that maybe I could have been Rose from the Titanic film, meeting her Jack

Aside from the rocking and slight sea-sickness feeling Mum and I suffered the next morning, we recognised there could be worse places to be while dealing with a hangover With almost every food and beverage on offer to satisfy any cravings, you’re sure to cure any dusty feelings

More importantly, Celebrity Edge has everything you need when in desperate need of rest and relaxation It is an aspect the Celebrity Cruises clearly prioritises and one they promote alongside luxury

Whether you’re being ushered poolside for a massage sample or encouraged to explore the spa services, the waitstaff and housekeeping are always at your service, eager to top up your glass or prepare your bed for your return

You can sleep in, enjoy bubbles for breakfast, relax by the pool, involve yourself in games and activities, or hit the gym and no one bats an eye It’s your holiday to own

We were made to feel like celebrities The saying “chivalry never dies” was truly embodied by the attentive service, particularly in the way

waiters ensured that the women at the table were served first

The rest of our trip was spent doing much of that relaxing mainly from The Retreat lounge another add-on that I highly recommend With a private lounge, hot pools, sun decks and bars, it’s an aesthetic and Instagram-worthy set-up that’s hard to leave With 360-degree views of the seemingly endless Tasman Sea, you’re guaranteed that R&R The shows put on each night were exceptionally entertaining a combination of fresh, hip, and fun I low-key felt bad for the retired holiday-goers who may not have been familiar with the continuous hit songs covered by the performers Celebrity Edge also boasts a nightclub with themed events, and live music at various bars and restaurants across the ship They certainly beat anything along the Auckland Viaduct or Ponsonby Rd

The excursion to vineyards and oyster farms in Tasmania was just as picture-worthy With fresh oysters, prawns, locally made icecream, and wine on the menu you can’t go wrong

While I don’t have children of my own and do enjoy being around kids, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I appreciated their absence on this trip

There’s nothing quite as off-putting as lounging by the pool only to be disrupted by playful splashing, or a baby crying while dining at a restaurant or viewing a show Thankfully, I don’t recall encountering many of those disturbances

The cruise line doesn’t exclude children and offers plenty of activities and entertainment for all, but it’s not heavily marketed toward families with young kids

Perhaps this is why I felt a cruise holiday was just as suitable for young people as it was for older folks Celebrity Edge had a real “adultsfirst” vibe to it making it a more appealing holiday

Despite being on a contained vessel in the middle of the Tasman Sea, it was surprisingly easy to feel a sense of freedom and fun

I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday with mum and the patrons we met on board, but I’m even more excited about the prospect of a cruise holiday with the girls

Here’s to breaking stereotypes and hoping that fellow young adults end up booking the same dates as us

celebritycruises com

Cruising: Bahamas »

Marvel-lous voyage

Can eight days on the MSC Meraviglia turn a novice cruisegoer into a permanent one? Matt Martel finds out.

The first few hours on a cruise ship are a loud, emotional display of first-day-of-school jittery nerves as grown adults attempt to find their rooms and navigate the numerous bars and the massive buffet

At least, that is what I did

I’m not alone in this Beers start about 1pm and mojitos not long after At 5pm I’m drinking a blue cocktail made of sugar and god knows what in something called the Panorama Bar Dinner, with wine, is at 7pm and bed is about 9pm I wake at 1am to listen to the ocean waves Welcome aboard the MSC Meraviglia, a 171,598-tonne floating city cruising from New York to the Bahamas

On my first full day, breakfast is served in the cabin before a ship’s tour consisting of several impressive numbers: 1036 staff on board “here to make sure you have the best time possible” (those who interact with guests are required to know at least four languages), 5000 guests and 61,000 crystals in the Swarovski staircases

Buried in the ship is a 96m promenade with two storeys of restaurants and boutiques on either side It has a curved screen for a roof that displays scenes a bit like in Harry Potter

With a steel band playing and lots of talking, it is a loud environment At one end, manly men attempt to break some sort of Guinness world record for pulling a heavy rope off a spool One of our party, a cop, manages to do it in 58 seconds and is temporarily second best In another area, parents and kids try to beat the record for most throws of a beachball No Guinness records are at risk of being broken today

MSC has 22 cruise ships, with more on the way, and about 800 container ships The family-owned company controls 20% of global shipping container capacity and has 200,000 employees It plans to be carbon neutral by 2050

I learn children travel free on many cruises and solo parents with a kid get a discount, rather than paying for two adult tickets or a room

supplement On cruises 10 days or fewer, there’s no minimum age for children The youngsters get a lot of activities, including various clubs depending on age group Teens get a space with bean bags, good Wi-Fi and screens just like home

Staff will pick your kids up from dinner and babysit as late as 2am You’d hardly have to see them

One of the surprises of going on an eight-day cruise is that you are forced to just stop Generally, there’s no sightseeing to be done There are no chores

You can just unwind and listen to the waves, or percolate in the sauna Fancy a beer and a swim at 10am? No problem Want to stay up late watching shows or taking part in trivia nights? Come right in You are welcome

I spend an unconscionable amount of time in bed with the balcony door open and the constant noise of the ocean hitting the ship as it slices through the sea It is about 25C most of the time, with calm sailing I relax

We stop at Cape Canaveral and Ocean Cay, the latter of which MSC went to the trouble of buying so it could offer its cruise-goers an island where locals don’t get annoyed by relentless cruise ship visits

MSC Meraviglia (Italian for “wonder”) is a complete world It has 2214 rooms, bars and restaurants tailored to every interest, three pools, a waterslide, and two theatres One plays Broadway shows and the other has a Cirque du Soleil-like experience called Carousel In the Broadway theatre, we watch a show called Journeys, an up-tempo 50-minute song and

dance routine featuring old-time hits from Europe a journey across the continent through music Eleven energetic dancers and singers gave it their all with everything from Danny Boy to a Moulin Rouge high-kick routine

The next night I see a show called House of Houdini The act’s highlight is a superbuff guy hanging off a rubber rope doing high-speed spins It is truly impressive, but weirdly all any of the women in my group could talk about afterwards was how goodlooking (and buff) the man was The singing was also great a string of hits worthy of Pitch Perfect (and that’s not a complaint)

It may be a European company operating in the Bahamas, but meal portions are definitely USAstyle At the steak house Butcher’s Cut, I order a 28-day-aged bison steak, served with mac and cheese and a variety of sauces It is a serious piece of meat and I manage to eat about twothirds The steak was well-cooked and tasted like a leaner version of beef The next night we have teppanyaki, followed a day later by specialty seafood

Buffet meals are included in the price, with a supplement charged for the individual restaurants They are all busy, but you could quite happily eat at the buffet for a week The problem is always just eating too much MSC being an Italian firm, the pizza was excellent I loved meeting people from all over the world, but especially the diversity of Americans From Kyle and Niles from Omaha to prison guards from Pennsylvania and a Dominican guy from New York, who doesn’t drink or eat gluten The Penn guys love cruising They’ve done more than a dozen This one was US$850 including drinks

But parking at the port was nearly as much as the cruise Next time they’ll work something different out

The drinks here are not standard pours They are “American pours”, from the bottle with no measure, which means you can easily find yourself five negronis deep chatting to people from around the world about life or politics while eating buffet pizza at 1am

That is the magic (and misery) of a cruising holiday It gets you out of your zone

I’m told a few times that you are either a cruise person or you are going to be So many of those I talk to go on many, many cruises They knowledgeably discuss the merits of pricing strategies, ships and companies Plenty of people were doing the same cruise next week they won’t even get off when we get back to New York Others have cruises booked for months ahead It is a way of life for them a cheap-ish all-ages holiday and escape from the grind These are cruise people

Sadly, I do not think I am cruise people, but I adore those who are They’ve found their thing and it involves lounging in the sun with a cold cocktail, enjoying an abundance of dining options or other, less expected activities One guy I spoke to, a chef from Washington DC, booked a follow-up cruise for next month so he could have another go at the rope pull challenge on the Guinness Book of Records Day He did it in 58 seconds The world record is 31 seconds He is going to be taking a lot of cruises

The ins and outs of an off-ship excursion

My excursion from Florida’s Port Canaveral is a two-hour kayak trip in the brackish waters of the Indian River Lagoon State Park We’re searching for manatees and the small local dolphins that live in the large estuary We don’t see manatees, though in days previously there had been eight in the area, but we see plenty of dolphins close to our kayaks, as well as huge grey herons, diving osprey and other bird life It is a lovely antidote to the hustle and bustle of the ship

The water is mostly calm, but choppy as we get further out It feels good to be doing something physical after days on board True, I could have used the gym, but who wants to do that on holiday?

On return to Meriglivia, we’re informed that a rocket will launch that afternoon from the Kennedy Space Centre, not too far from our dock While I wait, I photograph the hundreds of birds that circle overhead including more pelicans than I’ve seen anywhere

The rocket is from Elon Musk’s SpaceX and carries his Starlink satellites Although the rocket itself is little more than a speck, the flames trailing behind it are spectacular as it quickly lifts off and arcs overhead, before disappearing into the atmosphere The noise arrives about 10 seconds after launch and it is as good as the visuals

purchased in 2015 and docks at six times a week It was an abandoned sand mine and MSC removed more than 6000 tonnes of derelict equipment and gear, as well as fixing contaminated soil and other environmental dangers in a US$200 million restoration project

They’ve gone far beyond just writing a cheque to get a permanent base They’ve planted 75,000 plants and shrubs and 5000 trees Millions have been invested to create what will be an ecosanctuary with significant local involvement and outreach Ecologist Owen O’Shea has worked with a team to build coral nurseries offshore that will allow for future significant amounts of coral reef Once coral is split and seeded it “grows like weeds”, he says

O’Shea’s team is also identifying coral that is less susceptible to warming oceans to create future resilience More than 400 individual hard coral colonies were relocated from the debris littering the island’s coast

Later this year, a public eco centre will open on the island to give visitors an easy way to experience and learn from O’Shea’s work His vision, and that of the MSC Foundation, is for Bahamian teens and students to be able to come to the island to learn conservation techniques to benefit the whole country, which is already the world’s biggest shark sanctuary

Next stop is Ocean Cay, a 42ha island that MSC

For now, Ocean Cay is a tropical paradise that you can circumnavigate in under an hour It has plenty of safe swimming beaches, food venues and excursion opportunities Your ship food and Wi-Fi packages work here, too

Since the afforestation started, back in 2016, the island has begun attracting more and more wildlife, such as nesting turtles and abundant birdlife Green iguanas have also made it to shore and are now plentiful

However, these cuties are an invasive species and local staff are working out the best way to remove them msccruises co nz

Review » ROOM CHEC

How does Emirates’ compare to its swan Business-Class offer Jenni Mortimer flies Auckland to Du return to find out.

Flying 16 hours in economy is no easy feat and glancing up at those in Business Class, green with envy, can leave you wondering if you should have married for money not love

While your inflatable neck pillow slowly deflates and your flight socks grip tighter than skinny jeans in 2008, those lucky ones ask the cabin crew to make up their lie-flat bed while slipping on bamboo cotton pyjamas in a spacious bathroom But when push comes to shove, is the upgrade actually worth the extra cash? What does the extra money buy you and does Economy hold its own in a cabin-class version of David v Goliath?

I fly 16 hours from Auckland to Dubai Economy on an Emirates A380 and return on the same plane in Business to find out exactly how the classes compare PRICE

For Auckland to Dubai Business Class will set you back around three to four times more than Economy for the return journey

Economy: Around $2369 return Business: Around $10,329 return BEFORE YOUFLY

Economy: Customers travelling in Economy don’t get lounge access or priority boarding and board based on row I was able to select a standard seat on the app prior to boarding but selecting a seat in a prime spot or with extra legroom or recline was an additional cost Customers can also note dietary requirements for special meals at least 24 hours before their flight

Business: Business Class customers get access to the Emirates Lounge before flying, where I was able to relax and enjoy a hot meal and complimentary beverages before take-off They also have shower facilities and rooms for those needing to work in peace As a Business passenger, I had priority boarding and was able to board right from the Emirates Lounge in Dubai Business Class customers can pre-select any seat for free as well as make early meal selections online FOOD ANDDRINK

Economy: I was pleasantly surprised to be offered a hot towel shortly after take-off as well as a menu to make selections from The food was fresh, healthy, generously portioned and came with stainless steel cutlery I had a brown rice salad for an entree mushy but palatable followed by a delicious main of panfried salmon with steamed greens and couscous Dessert was lemon crumble cake and a small chocolate It’s worth noting that time between main meals, 12 hours, did feel too long and I was starving by the time breakfast arrived two hours before landing I wolfed down scrambled eggs with mushrooms and spinach with a side of fruit and coffee Business: The food service is where Business Class really shines and once on board I was offered a glass of champagne before take-off and a hot towel while I perused their extensive cocktail menu before ordering hot nuts and a martini For my appetiser I opted for a mezze platter, which came immaculately presented before an entree of king salmon, followed by a prawn and rice dish For breakfast it was pancakes with blueberries and fresh fruit and a selection of pastries My seat also came with drinks and snacks already stocked in a cubby within easy reach

The iconic Emirates Sky Lounge flying bar at the back of the cabin was busy and full of people taking a break from their seats It felt a bit like a bar in any bustling business district on a Friday afternoon with a great vibe, and made the Business Class experience feel truly special

Economy Class Business Class

COMFORT/SEAT ANDSLEEP

Economy: While I was lucky to get a row to myself, enabling me to lie almost flat for the journey, the seats were pretty roomy and comfortable with a pitch of 81-86cm and 44 45 width If I didn’t strike the jackpot with an empty row I imagine I wouldn’t have got quite such a good stretch of sleep seven hours but the sleep I got was generally pretty comfortable as I stacked up three tiny pillows to make it work When I woke up I was offered a hot towel to refresh

Business: The lie-flat seats, as expected, were much more luxurious with ample legroom when seated and a cubby for your legs to tuck into When I was ready for bed a member of the aircrew kindly assisted in making up my bed, complete with mattress topper, duvet and pillow while I slipped into the complimentary bamboo cotton PJs in the bathroom

At 5ft 10 I was basically the exact length of the lieflat’s capacity I was able to get about seven to eight hours of sleep during the flight but enjoyed being able to stay in a flat position and watch movies and munch on seat snacks for the rest of the journey AMENITIES

Economy: In a truly rare Economy experience, passengers were given an amenity kit containing toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs, an eye mask and socks The bathroom had White Company hand soap and lotions as well as a communal perfume and cologne The toilet was huge by Economy standards, with a full-length mirror, lovely finishes and a decentsized sink

Business: Shortly after take-off I was given a super luxe Bulgari bag and amenity kit containing Bulgari face lotion hand lotion perfume and lip balm The kit also contained Rexona deodorant tissues a dental kit a brush/comb a hair tie mirror and earplugs The Business Class Toilets came stocked with Bulgari amenities in Emirates signature scent The toilet was large though not much more so than Economy with an extensive stock of spare amenities I was also given bamboo cotton PJs, a matching eye mask and slippers

ENTERTAINMENT

Economy: Emirates Ice entertainment system was complimentary and came with everything you could need Basic headphones were provided but I opted for my own noise-cancelling ones Wi-Fi was available in paid and complimentary options

Business: Business has the same entertainment system with the same decent selection of recent releases and classic movies My seat came with a 23-inch HD TV, noise-cancelling headphones and complimentary Wi-Fi

SERVICE

Economy: My trip in Economy was made memorable by some of the best service I’ve ever experienced on long-haul Richard, the flight manager, was a true Kiwi legend and made sure I was well taken care of The entire cabin crew were friendly and constantly checking in on passengers to ensure their needs were met

Business: Business Class crew were also friendly immaculately presented and offered a few extras like coat check They took their time to familiarise themselves with passengers a luxury economy staff don t always have The service felt worthy of the price of Business and passengers were made to feel they were getting what they paid for

VERDICT

Ultimately both experiences left me impressed with Economy Class coming with much more than I expected for the price The small touches like warm towels, amenity kits and menus made me feel like I was getting more than a cattle-class experience In Business Class, everything is of a finer calibre and they don’t miss a beat when it comes to service comfort and culinary delights If you have got the cash and are looking to fly in total comfort it’s well spent on this experience

But for me and my pocket, if I were to do it again, I would be booking myself into Economy and hoping I got Richard and his crew, as it was their service that made 16 hours in Economy an uncharacteristically charming experience

Cruising: Focus on the future »

Sailing into the future

What lies ahead for the cruise industry? Chris Stead asked some of the world’s biggest cruise lines to give us a peek into their crystal ball

It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, nobody was cruising But a forced absence has made the hearts of cruisers grow fonder The industry is booming, experiencing growth of 6 7% year-onyear By 2030, the market size is expected to surge to $68 billion, and the world’s biggest cruise companies are fighting to be the most popular port of call

So how will cruising change to meet the growing interest? From what we are being told, it looks like cruising will diverge down two distinct paths

Big vs Small

For the family-focused Royal Caribbean fleet, the future of cruising isn’t just about being bigger, it’s about being the biggest Already home to the world’s largest cruise ship, the company is reaching for the clouds “Royal Caribbean will continue to push the boundaries of holiday experiences with cutting-edge ships in the revolutionary Icon Class,” Gavin Smith, vicepresident and managing director of Royal Caribbean for Australia and New Zealand, says For Smith, the killer features of these future cruise ships will revolve around “game-changing spaces and elevated suite experiences”

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vice-president and managing director of the Asia Pacific region Ben Angell also speaks to a future of more “Our first [in many] Prima Plus Class ships, Norwegian Aqua, will offer more space to relax, diverse dining options, upscale health and wellness facilities and world-class entertainment ”

But there is movement at the other end of the scale, too Celestyal believes these bigger and more elaborate vessels will be juxtaposed with increased numbers of small-ship cruises

“Cruise travellers are increasingly prioritising authentic destination immersion, seeking deeper connections with the places they visit and opportunities to tread like a local and explore lesser-known towns and villages, alongside their bucket-list destinations,” reveals Celestyal’s chief commercial officer, Lee Haslett

“Smaller ships allow us to dock in ports that larger vessels cannot, meaning we can offer more unique and intimate experiences, which is what the modern traveller is seeking ”

Aqua Expeditions chief executive and founder Francesco Galli Zugaro agrees that smaller ships will “minimise dependence on local infrastructure, which often struggles to keep up with the rapid growth of the cruising industry”

“Ships are going to become smaller, more intimate, and closer to providing a private yachting experience It allows for a more meaningful connection with the world ”

Angell believes NCL can’t ignore either market “[We have] seven new builds in the pipeline until 2036, designed to meet the rapidly rising global demand for cruising and delivering different types of ships to cater for a wide range of travellers and preferences ”

A focus on sustainability

Environmental concerns will also play a key role in the way cruise lines think about future features

“We expect sustainable solutions to play a

is set to become a cruise powerhouse, with new itineraries and

has seven new ships planned through to 2036,

more significant role: ships with sails, batteries, and modern engines using alternative fuel types, says Hurtigruten’s chief operating officer, Gerry Larsson-Fedde “We are planning our next generation of ships to use batteries charged with shore power ”

Angell agrees “alternative fuel sources, shore power and improved port infrastructure”, will play a key role “[For NCL] there will be a singleminded focus on innovation to ensure a more efficient, personalised and sustainable cruise experience ”

Zugaro at Aqua Expeditions expects the sustainability of ships carrying fewer than 100 people to attract cruisers “This aligns with the carrying capacities imposed by national parks and other protected areas to safeguard fragile ecosystems As a result, the focus will be on small groups, ensuring intimate, low-impact experiences in harmony with nature ”

Haslett says, “Smaller ships are the answer to combat over-tourism and encourage more responsible practices ”

On-board activities

What of the future of on-board activities? Royal Caribbean’s ships will continue to deliver the “biggest” experiences “We’re always looking ahead,” says Smith “Think of the largest water park at sea on Icon of the Seas or the largest dry slide at sea, The Ultimate Abyss, on Utopia of the Seas ”

Angell believes it’s variety that will make cruising great “There will be even more activities and dining destinations on board so

that every type of traveller can essentially ‘custom design’ their own holiday to suit their interests The heightened focus on wellness is also influencing restaurants and menus ”

Haslett believes future ships will do more to deliver luxury “We’re seeing a desire for affordable luxury, which is why we have introduced two luxurious Grand Horizon Suites to Celestyal

Discovery Guests staying in suite accommodations enjoy premium perks, too Along with our speciality dining restaurants, these luxury touches are a sign of things to come ”

Destinations the next frontier

Whether betting on big, or betting on small, all the cruise lines we spoke to believe the most fantastic feature of future cruise lines will be destinations

At Royal Caribbean, Smith expects private experiences to lead the way

“Future holidays will offer even more bespoke adventures [such as] private island getaways like Perfect Day at CocoCay

remote and less commercialised locations, such as fiords, the Northern Lights, and small, authentic ports,” confirms Larsson-Fedde

NCL is investing significantly in Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, so Angell is in full agreement, saying cruise lines will be “investing in private islands and beach clubs, including enhancing existing ones”

Destination is the main focus of low occupancy vessels, too

“Smaller, more intimate ships, allow access to

“Destinations will become increasingly remote, exotic, natural and authentic,” Zugaro agrees “The emphasis will shift towards integrating with local communities, national parks and biodiverse ecosystems while maintaining a very small environmental impact ”

Meanwhile, we can expect regions still underserviced by cruises to get more love

“We are currently putting a new destination on the map the Arabian Gulf,” says Haslett “The Gulf is perfectly positioned for stopover trips for those visiting Europe from New Zealand We believe the region’s blend of iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems delivers culturally rich, unmissable experiences ”

At NCL, Angell is expecting Asia to be a hotspot “There is significant potential for future growth via a diverse range of ships and itineraries There will be considerable development in both port infrastructure and ships servicing the region, which will only further increase the appeal ”

One thing for sure is that travellers will be spoilt for choice Whether you go big or small, it’s clear the cruise lines are investing in the promise of a gold rush at sea

2025 On Sale

Cruising: Themed cruises »

From historical mo thrilling sporting ev your favourite tune

Tiana Templeman f 10 ways to indulge y personal passions o

Nudist Cruise | Bare Necessities Tour and Travel

No need to pack your evening wear but you’ll need plenty of sunscreen on this 14-night roundtrip cruise from Cairns to Vanuatu on Scenic Eclipse II Not surprisingly, there’s no dress code on this nudist cruise, although guests must cover up in port, on their veranda and in the dining rooms (except for the Yacht Club and the “bare buffet” at Azure Cafe) Aside from no one wearing clothes, the rest of the experience on this Bare Necessities charter is the same as you’ll find on most luxury cruises

Priced from NZ$24,000pp twin-share cruisebare com

Whisky Trail Cruises on board the Scottish Highlander | European Waterways

What’s your

fancy?

The charming eight-passenger Scottish Highlander is a first-class canal barge with a traditional Scottish country house ambience that will warm your heart almost as much as the whiskies that feature on this six-night Whisky Trail cruise Along with spectacular Scottish countryside and plenty of drams, you’ll also indulge in traditional Scottish fare like salmon, game and seafood On board and on shore, you’ll be accompanied by the hotel barge’s experienced crew who will take care of your every need and refill your whisky glasses regularly

Priced from NZ$9580pp twin-share europeanwaterways com

Australia and Bali Golf Cruise | Azamara Cruises

Perfect your swing on a cruise that takes you to

play half a dozen golf courses in style Sailing from Sydney to Singapore on February 5, 2026 on board Azamara Pursuit, this 22-night golf cruise comes with the chance to play at courses including Spalding Park, Royal Fremantle and the Bali National course in Indonesia Once you arrive at the ship with your clubs, you’ll only see them again at each golf course where they’ll be waiting for you in a cart, ready for tee off Non-golfing partners are also catered for with city excursions, spa options and the ship’s fivestar amenities

Priced from NZ$10,580pp twin-share (plus golf fee for playing guests) perrygolf com

The Love Boat Celebration At Sea | Princess Cruises

“Set a course for adventure, your mind on a new

romance” on this round-trip seven-night Western Caribbean The Love Boat Celebration at Sea cruise departing on November 16 Regal Princess will take you on a journey down memory lane with some of the show’s best-known actors including Bernie Kopell (Doc), Fred Grandy (Gopher), Ted Lange (Isaac) and Jill Whelan (Vicki Stubing) If your love for your partner is still exciting but not necessarily new, you can renew your vows with the cast officiating, complete with a commemorative certificate

There is also Love Boat-themed trivia, cocktail making with Isaac the bartender, panel discussions with the actors and more

Priced from NZ$2670pp twin-share princess com

Cruising: Themed cruises »

From p30

Paris to Normandy WWII Remembrance and History Cruise | Avalon Waterways

Discover the history of World War II as you sail round-trip from Paris on a seven-night allinclusive Avalon Waterways’ WWII Remembrance and History Cruise Join a history expert for tours to Normandy’s World War II landing beaches, the Pointe du Hoc monument, the American Cemetery, and the museum of Les Invalides, where you will discover stories of bravery and learn about the military strategies behind World War II Travelling companions who don’t share their partner’s passion for war history can choose from the cruise’s regular touring options, such as food and wine tours, visits to chateaus and other sites such as Claude Monet’s gardens, or a bike ride along the Seine This itinerary is offered in June each year and books out well in advance

Priced from NZ$7910pp twin-share avalonwaterways co nz

Japan Photography Cruise with Ewen Bell | Heritage Expeditions

Take your travel photography to the next level on this 16-night round-trip expedition cruise from Osaka and sign up for workshops and onlocation shoots with award-winning photographer Ewen Bell Departing on May 14, and only available to a maximum of eight guests, this exclusive photography programme encompasses urban and landscape photography, and also offers the chance to try your hand at travel portraiture In addition, you’ll enjoy Heritage Expeditions’ delicious food and wine, and the line’s extensive programme of included excursions

Priced from NZ$21,395pp twin-share (including the workshop) heritage-expeditions com

Australian Open Tennis Cruise | Carnival Cruises

Get off the couch and get on board Carnival Adventure on January 19, 2026, for a trip from Sydney to Melbourne where you’ll experience

world-class tennis at the Australian Open Officially partnering with Tennis Australia, this Australian Open Tennis Cruise includes two days in Melbourne to attend the Australian Open, a Ground Pass ticket and transfers from the ship to Melbourne Park On board, there are meet and greets with tennis personalities and a photo opportunity to hold the AO trophies, plus multiple dining opportunities, evening entertainment and viewing screens showing the tennis

Priced from NZ$1610pp twinshare carnivalcruises com au

Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra | Cunard Perform on stage in a choir backed by the UK’s National Symphony Orchestra on a transatlantic cruise from New York to Southampton on board Queen Mary 2, departing on September 3 With no ports on this itinerary, you’ll enjoy a full programme of musical events hosted by composer and conductor Anthony Inglis and backed by the British National Symphony Orchestra Along with two classical symphony concerts, don’t be surprised if you spot the orchestra’s principal performers dropping in to

join the ship’s musicians in the Royal Court and Queens Room for a song or three

Priced from NZ$2200pp twinshare cunard com

Spotlight on Heritage with Ancestry | Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Join Kyle Betit, co-founder of AncestryProGenealogists, on board Seven Seas Voyager and discover how genetic genealogy transformed Europe

Departing on October 31, you’ll spend 14 nights sailing from Venice to Rome and attending entertaining lectures that bring the subjects of ancestry and genealogy to life If you’re tracing your own family tree, you can also sign up to receive one-on-one guidance from an expert genealogist who has researched your personal history This all-inclusive cruise takes care of everything, from dining and drinks to shore excursions, Wi-Fi, laundry and more

Priced from NZ$11,990pp twin-share rssc com

The Ultimate Wiggly Adventure Cruise | Royal Caribbean

[On the Love Boat] you can renew your vows with the cast officiating, complete with a commemorative certificate

Join Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and Shirley Shawn the Unicorn on one of six Wiggly Royal Caribbean sailings departing from Sydney or Brisbane during the 2025/26 cruise season On these sailings, you (and your littlies) can do the Hot Potato at Wiggly dance parties, watch live performances in the main theatre and participate in activities like story time with your favourite Wiggles characters All the usual cruise ship fun, the kids’ club, bumper cars, boogie boarding on the FlowRider, wining and dining are also available

Priced from NZ$1600pp twin-share royalcaribbean com

River cruising: Portugal » Delight in Douro

The Rhine, Danube, and Rhone Rivers dominate river cruising itineraries, but Portugal’s Douro River is equally impressive, writes Tiana Templeman

Ships that only operate in Portugal Portugal’s river ships are designed to pass through the Douro River’s locks and its narrow, shallow sections While these ships may be smaller than standard river ships, staterooms are the same size and there are plenty of dining options and excursions available Another bonus is it’s easier to get to know your fellow travellers with fewer people on board

The perfect mix of famous cities and rural charm

If you’re after a comprehensive introduction to Portugal, one of these sailings is a great option Along with sampling those well-known custard tarts and spending time in cities such as Lisbon and Porto, a Douro River cruise also visits charming smaller ports One of my favourites was Favaios, a town that’s only home to a few thousand people but so famous for its moscatel wine and four-cornered bread there’s a whole museum dedicated to them Both are delicious

Spending time in Spain as well Most Douro River cruise itineraries include at least one day in Spain Some sailings begin in Madrid, while others hop across the Spanish/ Portuguese border for a day trip to Salamanca where you can join an included guided tour of its Unesco World Heritage-listed highlights, explore the world’s foremost Art Deco and Art Nouveau museum or sit at a cafe or bar near the main square and soak up the atmosphere

Sailing during the day and sleeping better at night Local maritime law bans sailing at night on the

hop across the border into Spain for a day trip to Salamanca; top, cityscape of

Douro due to its treacherous shoals, rocky outcrops and currents

This doesn’t just keep cruise tourists safe; with no docking, undocking and late-night navigation of river locks keeping you awake, you’ll also enjoy much better sleep on a Douro River cruise You also won’t

France

River cruising: Portugal »

From p34

Alto Douro Wine Region has gleaming white quintas (wine estates) dotting the hillsides along the river, and vines growing in crumbling schist rock rather than soil In spring and summer, wildflowers carpet the ground and autumn sees the hills covered in shades of red, gold and bronze as the vines change colour And the wine is even more impressive than the scenery

Raise a glass to wine experiences

The town of Porto has been central to port wine production for hundreds of years, but there are plenty of other wine experiences on this itinerary as well Along with docking at Vila Nova de Gaia in Porto where port warehouses line the shore and visitors can try the city’s namesake drink, you’ll also visit historic quintas, taste Portugal’s vinho verde, which has a gentle fizz, and sample wine in historic places such as the palace featured on the Mateus rose wine label

Swimming and sipping while you sail Portugal can get hot so most ships have a pool on the top deck Add deck chairs for taking in the scenic views, a bar with perfectly chilled local wine and a cooling river breeze, and you have the perfect way to spend a leisurely morning or afternoon It’s likely your ship will drop passengers off for an excursion then sail further along the river to pick them up at least once If you aren’t keen on the scheduled activities and the weather is good, it is worth staying on board to make the most of the pool, the views and those fabulous local wines

Experience Europe’s deepest river lock

Sailing during the day also means you get to experience Carrapatelo, the deepest lock in Europe Passengers gather on the top deck as the ship sails through two towering black doors that clang shut behind it, water pours into the lock and the ship is lifted 35 metres above the river’s lower level in minutes It doesn’t take long before the lock is full, the doors in front open and your voyage continues along the river as if by magic

Stay longer and experience more One of the greatest joys of a Douro River cruise

From above, smaller ships, fewer crowds, and top-tier excursions make Douro River cruises a standout alternative in Europe; Viking includes an overnight stay and a guided tour in Lisbon at no extra charge; along the way sample those well-known custard tarts Photos / Viking River Cruises 123rf

GETTING THERE

Travellers can fly from Auckland to Lisbon or fly from Auckland to Porto with a stopover Several airlines operate the routes including Emirates Air New Zealand Qantas and Qatar

DETAILS

vikingcruises com

is making your own discoveries thanks to multiple overnight stays In Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, you can head out to a bar and listen to Portugal’s haunting traditional Fado songs whispering tales of love and longing as you enjoy a glass of port in the town where the drink began Some cruise lines, such as Viking, also include an overnight stay and a guided touring programme in Lisbon at no extra charge These longer stays mean you have time to fully immerse yourself in each destination instead of just dropping in for a day After all, a cruise on the Douro River is a voyage to be savoured

nights cruising Tokyo roundtrip onboard Diamond Princess®

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ITINERARY: Tokyo Akita Toyama Tsurgua Sakaiminato, Busan (South Korea), Nagasaki, Tokyo

Cruise departs: 20 Sep & 25 Oct 2025

YOUR CRUISE INCLUDES:

• 7 nights cruising Athens to Barcelona onboard Celebrity Xcel®

• Main meals & entertainment

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OFFER: 75% off 2nd guest + Book a Suite and SAVE up to $750 per stateroom!*

UPGRADE to an ALL INCLUDED PACKAGE for unlimited drinks & basic Wi-Fi*

ITINERARY: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Ephesus, Valletta, Barcelona Cruise departs: 18 Jul 2026

Cruising: Mediterranean » Lashings of luxury

Rebecca Barnes wants for nothing when sailing in the Mediterranean on

The sky is a cloudless blue, the drinks are chilled to perfection, and the ocean gently laps the shore Taking in our surroundings from our front-line sun loungers at a chic Mykonos beach club, we muse, could life be any sweeter?

While historical sites are an important part of Greece and its history, this time our chosen excursion does not involve touring ancient monuments in the searing heat pampering is the order of the day as we are whisked to a private area and our drinks orders swiftly taken

We’re looked after like VIPs until the time comes to board our home away from home, the 746-guest Regent Seven Seas Grandeur, the line’s latest ship

We’re sailing from Athens around the Greek islands, including Mykonos, Corfu and the lesserknown ports of Gythion and Katakolon, before disembarking in Dubrovnik, Croatia

On board, we’re in ultra-luxury territory: elegant interiors with fastidious attention to detail, priceless artwork, attentive butlers, and crew who intuitively know your name and favourite drink within minutes of meeting you

The ship is home to a multimillion-dollar art collection including Picassos, with the jewel in the crown a bespoke, ocean-inspired Faberge egg, the first to permanently reside at sea find it in the atrium on deck five

The atmosphere is exclusive but not stuffy, and we feel as comfortable wandering around in our gym wear as we do when dressed for dinner, although this is laid-back luxury, so Louboutins are most definitely not required (although you

absolutely can if you want)

While sailing on this ship is not the cheapest option for cruise-lovers, when you consider that it’s an all-inclusive voyage you’ll want for nothing, and will even find a chilled bottle of champagne in your suite on arrival you might be surprised at the value on offer

Regent raises the bar pretty high when it comes to accommodation: from entry-level suites to the one-of-a-kind and “most exclusive address at sea” Regent Suite, arguably the finest on the ocean

Our 43sq m superior suite (there are 88 of them on board) is furnished with Laurent Perrier on ice, a walk-in closet, a sumptuous outwardsfacing bed, a minibar stocked with guest preferences, and a generously proportioned balcony you won’t find any inside accommodation on a luxury cruise ship

The bathrooms are equally impressive: ours features plenty of L’Occitane products, loads of storage, a marble-appointed bath, shower and super-soft Italian bathrobes

En route to dinner, we bump into our smiley Captain Aris in the glass elevator, who extends an invitation to dine with him one evening, but in the meantime we make do with a table for two at the atmospheric Pan Asian restaurant Pacific Rim, which features a striking, custom-made Bonsai tree sculpture at the entrance

Without exception, the speciality dining venues on Grandeur are designed to make guests feel like they are dining at a high-end restaurant on land that is until you look out on to the expansive ocean

Other highlights include Compass Rose, which

The glittering and grand Compass Rose restaurant

Photo / Regent Seven Seas

has to be a contender for the most elegant main dining restaurant at sea, and Chartreuse, which serves French cuisine in a chic setting that evokes a fine dining restaurant tucked away in a Parisian side street

After an epic evening of eating, drinking, and dreaming in a bed swathed in 400-thread-count Italian bedlinen, we board one of Grandeur’s tenders the next morning and head ashore to explore the sleepy town of Gythion in the southern Peloponnese

With its postcard-pretty harbour, neo-classical buildings and rows of waterfront tavernas in contrast to the hip party paradise that is Mykonos, Gythion is delightfully and authentically Greek, and there are few tourists around, despite it being June

This is because you can’t fly here access is via boat or road; weekending Athenians regularly do the three-hour drive from the capital

As well as being one of the best-looking ships on the ocean, Grandeur is easy to navigate the designers have done a superb job of ensuring the spaces and venues flow and connect seamlessly, making it a breeze to get around

For me, the definition of luxury is having the time and space to kick back and relax in comfort, and space is something that the Regent delivers in spades

Top tip: stay on board when other guests are ashore and you’ll probably have the pool and spa

Cruising: Mediterranean »

From p39

DETAILS

A Spotlight Barcelona to Athens cruise on board Regent

Seven Seas Grandeur departs on September 25, calling at Toulon, Tuscany (Livorno), Rome, Sorrento/Capri, Valletta, Argostoli, Gythion and Mykonos. rssc.com

facilities all to yourself

Our days on Grandeur are unashamedly lazy with lots of lounging (and plenty of available sunbeds), lunching al fresco at the pool grill, and indulging in a spa treatment or two there’s also a tranquil relaxation area at the aft of the ship with heated Jacuzzis and sink-into loungers Sportier sailors are also catered for with a jogging track, paddle tennis, shuffleboard and mini golf

Another highlight of this itinerary is the island of Corfu with its historical old town, which is a treat to stroll around, even during the busy summer months

During a morning excursion to the popular village of Paleokastritsa on the west coast of the island, we board a small boat and head out to explore the sea caves and marvel at the crystal clear water, before sitting down to a typical Greek meze lunch in the nearby village of Lakones

We end our Mediterranean deep-dive in walkable Dubrovnik, with its historical charm, distinctive architecture and rich culture

A three-minute cable car ride whisks us 412m above sea level to Mount Srd, where we take in the views of the Unesco-listed walled old town and shimmering Adriatic Sea

Reflecting on the journey, I realise that, when you do the maths, a luxury cruise is actually a lot more attainable than people might think

“Impressive ship, does it cost a lot to sail on her?” a local cafe owner in Gythion had inquired as we sipped iced coffee under his shady tarpaulin

“You’d be surprised, it’s actually good value when you add up everything that’s included,” I replied

Sailing on the gorgeous Grandeur may be seen as only for lottery winners, but nothing can put a price on the laid-back lifestyle unlocked on this exceptional voyage

The Islands of Indonesia

A tropical Odyssey from Australia to the lush and idyllic islands of Indonesia.

King George Island

If you ’ ve dreamed of visiting Antarctica but crossing the Drake Passage puts you off, this is the cruise for you

Discover The Islands Of Japan

Explore some of Japan’s iconic highlights alongside lesser-known and rarely-visited islands and destinations on one, unforgettable all-inclusive voyage.

Papeete to Auckland

Island hop from Papeete to Auckland via Aitutaki, Mystery Island, Noumea and Norfolk Island! 17 days of South Pacific magic!

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Fremantle Western Australia to Valparaiso

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Cruising: Alaska »

What happens when you accept a last-minute Regent Seven Seas Explorer cruise to the Alaskan wilderness but all the shore excursions have been snapped up? Quite a lot, writes George Block

The moment the plane touched down in Anchorage after a bumpy evening flight from Seattle, it dawned on me that I should probably make some plans for the next few days

I had accepted a relatively last-minute offer of a trip aboard Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer, which was sailing from Seward, Alaska, to Tokyo across the northern Pacific

Due to the late booking, the shore excursions to Kodiak Island and Dutch Harbour in the Aleutian Islands had all been booked by eager paying customers, who snapped up the tours and prime restaurant seats as soon as they became available Fortunately, a quick google while on the tarmac revealed Kodiak, famously home to about 0 7 bears per 2 6sq km, had a good network of roads and trails to explore

On a previous visit to the US, I had used the Turo car rental app to book a car and it had all worked well, at a cheaper rate than offered by the big agencies So I fired up the app and was pleased to see a Nissan Frontier 4x4 ute was available I ticked yes to bear spray for $5 extra on top of about $210 for the day

Leaving the airport, we were taken to the Lakefront Anchorage Hotel, resembling a Queenstown lodge from the 1980s, the only difference being stuffed moose heads abounded rather than deer and chamois

Go your own way

It was on the shores of Lake Spenard, used as a runway and airport for dozens of mostly privately owned seaplanes

The following day we were met by driver and guide Guiellermo, who was a lawyer in his native Panama but pivoted to tourism as worker shortages in the US meant the odds of getting a green card were higher He said he came to the northern frontier state for employment opportunities, and to be able to hunt game with a bow and arrow

Guiellermo said there were two things you needed to know about Alaska: recreational cannabis is legal and there’s no sales tax

Exploring Seward

The next morning he drove the contingent of foreign journalists hosted by Regent two hours south from Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, to the small port town of Seward We skirted the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet, named after James Cook who explored the area in 1778 in search of the Northwest Passage by William Bligh, later commander of HMS Bounty during the mutiny

The scenery as we traversed the wide roads was like that around Fiordland in winter but on a much larger scale, far less over-touristed, and with significantly more moose per square kilometre Before heading over Moose Pass on the Seward Highway we stopped in at the Alyeska Resort, a luxury skiing lodge where guests step out right into the aerial tram to access the mountain Arriving at Seward, a small-but-busy fishing

and cruise port clinging on to the end of a fiord below towering mountains, we boarded the Seven Seas Explorer, an almost embarrassingly palatial Italian-built cruise liner, for the two-week voyage across the Northern Pacific to Japan

The ship sailed down the fiord into Resurrection Bay, passed the massive Bear Glacier and out into the Gulf of Alaska as the winds rose and the waters chopped up, bound for Kodiak Island, where we were to arrive the following morning

George Block explored Kodiak in a sturdy fourwheel-drive ute; the island is home to about 0 7 bears per 2 6sq km Photos / NZME

Checking out Kodiak

Kodiak is the second largest island in the US, and home to the country’s largest Coast Guard base

It’s rugged, heavily forested and its original inhabitants, the Sugpiaq Alaska Native people, were joined by Russian fur traders in the 18th century; more settlers from the US arrived after the Alaska purchase in 1867

After docking, those who had secured the excursions headed off to their bear-viewing trips on Zodiacs, while we traipsed along the waterfront past fish processing plants find our ute

The sturdy four-wheel drive was sitting on the waterfront, keys in the lockbox and a can of bear spray, resembling a small fire extinguisher, in the console We piled into the ute and, after grabbing some provisions at Walmart, were off

There are only about 150km of roads on one small populated corner of the huge island, and we explored most of them Heading north, we ended up at White Sands Beach for a short hike

DETAILS

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering a North Pacific Crossing from Vancouver to Tokyo departing on September 17, 2025, for a 19-night voyage rssc co

through the forest, always slightly wary a bear could pop out, and following instructions to make noise so as not to surprise one

For better or worse, we didn’t end up seeing a bear but spotted lots of eagles, deer and other wildlife in the other-worldly and primordial landscape

After this, we drove about an hour south to Pagashak at the end of the roading network, a stark treeless landscape that is home to the Pacific Spaceport Complex

After a bit of off-roading, we ended up on a beach that felt like the end of the world, studded with thousands of small fossils

For lunch we drove most of the way back into town, stopping at Rendezvous Bar & Grill in Womens Bay just before the main settlement It is run by Toni Munsey, who was born on the island and had a classic Kodiak childhood; her father ran a lodge called Munsey’s Bear Camp, flying the children into town for supplies in their plane

Munsey said they don’t get many cruise passengers, being slightly out of town and off the beaten track, but she prefers catering to locals in any case The locals are still here in February when the cruise people are long gone, she explains

The menu at Munsey’s never changes and they cut their own potatoes for the seafood chowder, using Munsey’s mother’s recipe I ordered the cod burger and chowder which were fresh and flavoursome

“The cod comes from a cannery that knows how I feel about fish,” says Munsey

Back to Kodiak, we had an hour or so to look around town before the cruise ship left and there was the feeling the place was shutting down for winter Then it was sadly time to fill up and say goodbye to the Nissan Frontier and return to the chandeliers and lavish meals of the Seven Seas Explorer, for a day and two nights’ sailing along the Alaskan Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands before arriving at Dutch Harbour

Located on an island adjoining Unalaska,and the main population centre in the Aleutian Islands, Dutch Harbour is the top commercial fishing port in the US by volume It’s home to the lucrative but dangerous crab fishery made famous in the Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch The place is seriously remote and feels like the end of the Earth, with towering, treeless hills and wild seas It was the scene of the Battle of Dutch Harbour in 1942 and the concrete gun

emplacements still atop the hills remind us it’s one of the few parts of the US to experience foreign bombardment by the Japanese outside Pearl Harbour

A local who worked in the crab fishery said he made about $80,000 for six months of hard graft involving 18-hour days while at sea, in extremely tough conditions This was contingent on the captain and crew finding a good spot for crab

In Unalaska, we visited the Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Ascension, built in 1825 Eagles sat on its spires eyeing salmon in a nearby

stream Another local, Devon, said he was an Orthodox Christian, attracted to the island for its history with the church, which remains strong He told us the island was beautiful in summer when the berry bushes flowered In winter? “Not too bad, only 15 and a few feet of snow,” said Devon

The sturdy four-wheel drive was sitting on the waterfront, its keys in the lockbox and a can of bear spray, resembling a small fire extinguisher, in the console ready to go

It was time to return to the boat, and while the Aleutian Islands are infamous for their wild weather, the sea was calm and sky clear as we sailed out of the harbour That was until the water rippled in the distance and excitement blossomed through the ship as passengers spotted a pod of humpback whales that appeared to escort the ship out of the harbour

It was to be our last sight of land for several days during a sometimes rocky crossing of the northern Pacific And in the end, I was pleased we were able to forge our own way on the two remote islands, rather than be constrained to tours

SAVE $4860 PER COUPLE

DEPARTS: 14 Aug 25

SAVE $4860 PER COUPLE SAVE $4860 PER COUPLE

YOUR 11 NIGHT HOLIDAY INCLUDES:

• Return Economy class airfares from Auckland

• 2 nights Ho Chi Minh with breakfast & sightseeing including City Tour, Chu Chi Tunnels & Ben Thanh Market

• 7 nights onboard AmaDara including all meals

• 2 nights Siem Reap with breakfast & sightseeing including Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei & Angkor Thom

• Port taxes

YOUR 12 NIGHT HOLIDAY INCLUDES:

• Return Economy class airfares from Auckland

• 3 nights Siem Reap with breakfast & sightseeing including Angkor Thom, Ta Proham, Banteay Srei Temples & Angkor Wat

• 7 nights River cruise onboard AmaDara including all meals

• 2 nights Ho Chi Minh with breakfast & sightseeing including City tour & Chu Chi Tunnels

• Port taxes

ACCOMMODATIONS Comfortable staterooms or suites ✓ DINING All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, often featuring regionally inspired cuisine with fresh local ingredients

✓ DRINKS Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, as well as sparkling wine at breakfast

✓ SHORE EXCURSIONS Choose from up to five complimentary shore excursions each day, catering to a range of interests and activity levels in every port

✓ SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS AND DINING VENUES Access to a variety of dining venues, including the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table ON YOUR AMAWATERWAYS

✓ ENTERTAINMENT Onboard entertainment and daily activities

✓ WI-FI Complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the ship

✓ TRANSFERS Comfortable coach transfers between hotel and ship (if you have a land package)

Pacific Islands: Niue »

Niue like

From renting a car to secret swimming spots, Niue Tourism’s destination expert

Sarah Porter reveals what first-time visitors to the island should know

How did you get to know Niue so well?

In 2010 my husband had the opportunity to work in Niue to help develop the tourism industry I headed up for a week with him to see what it was like and whether we wanted to move there with our two young kids We immediately fell in love with Niue and within a few weeks packed a container and Niue became our home We had the most wonderful three and a half years living there with our young family After a few months, I was asked to run the supermarket, which was a wonderful way to get to know the local community

What are must-do experiences for first-time visitors?

The ocean in Niue is gin-clear with visibility of up to 70 metres It’s a paradise for snorkelling and scuba diving, and the fishing is awesome as well Humpback whales also migrate from July to October, and visitors have the opportunity to swim with them, which is incredible

What are your favourite hidden spots?

My favourite place in the world is Avaiki Cave This magical swimming spot is only accessible at low tide, and it’s like something out of a James Bond movie You walk down a track through a cave and come out on to the reef flat On your right is a large cave with stalactites, amazing colours and a pool big enough to snorkel in, but small enough to feel like your own private oasis Every time I return to Niue, a swim at Avaiki is a must for me The last time I was there, low tide was at 6 30am and watching the sun come up in my happy place was true bliss

What’s the best way to get immersed in the local culture, traditions and community life?

We say you arrive in Niue as a visitor and leave as a friend as it’s such a warm and friendly community Everyone speaks English but learning one or two Niuean words is a lovely gesture You’ll meet locals everywhere you go and see the same smiling faces throughout your stay You may have an island tour with Vanessa, then go fishing with her partner, BJ That night your dinner will be prepared and served by BJ’s sisters, Pauline and Milla You may even end up having a round of golf with Niue’s Prime Minister

throughs to explore and did I mention the gin-clear water?

What are some of the best snorkelling and diving spots?

Niue is one of the largest coral atolls in the world, so the reef runs around the island, which makes snorkelling and diving really accessible You don’t have to venture to outer reefs, and you simply head down one of the many sea tracks and drop into a reef pool that’s brimming with fish and colourful corals It’s worth heading outside the reef with one of the island’s snorkelling operators though, as the resident dolphins usually join you for a play Scuba diving is my happy place, and the geology of Niue means there are amazing caves, chasms and swim-

What are some must-try local dishes?

I love Niue’s raw fish (ota) when it’s marinated in coconut cream, lime, chilli, etc The seared sashimi at Vaiolama is amazing, as are the fish tacos at Hio Washaway is only open on Sundays and does the best fish focaccia (as well as awesome burgers) You also must have an iced coffee at Fana, laced with local Niue honey or vanilla, and, only on Fridays, they do their version of a Big Mac, the Fana Mac, which is insane If there’s a local show day on in one of the villages, head along and try some food prepared in the umu (hangi) Takihi is like breadand-butter pudding, with layers of pawpaw and taro cooked in coconut cream and totally addictive

safe they feel There are derelict houses and old vehicles around, but lawns are always mown, and you won’t see rubbish Niue’s community takes a lot of pride in the land and ocean; sustainability and looking after the environment is a top priority

Top tip for someone planning their first trip to Niue?

Go for longer than you think Most visitors go for one week, but if you can stretch that do it There is so much to do, explore and experience You need to be an active relaxer to get the most out of Niue, and you’ll have so many wonderful shared memories with your travel companions

How easy is it to get around the island, and what’s the best way to explore?

What are visitors often surprised by? Visitors comment on how clean Niue is, and how

Many visitors don’t realise how big Niue is it’s 64km around the ring road, and four times bigger than Rarotonga For this reason, everyone needs a rental car, and you can just head off and explore the island

NASCAR & Route 66!

The ULTIMATE Route 66 Adventure! July 2nd –

July 30th 2025

Gilligans has created a special 29Day, Route 66 package that also includes premium tickets to NASCAR on the streets of Chicago!

The tour starts with SIX nights of track-side accommodation for the NASCAR street race! Outstanding RESERVED seated tickets for both days of racing!

After the racing is finished, you’re headed west to Los Angeles for an epic 21-day odyssey, driving old Route 66 across heartland America

This 21-day self-driving tour across Route 66 is more than just a trip for the blokes: It’s not all about chrome and tailfins, burgers, diners or museums.

The tour is a once in a lifetime insight into heartland America, portrayed across 2,448 miles of tarmac ribbon from Chicago to L.A.

You’ll experience a hearty dose of Americana, but more importantly, you’ll meet some amazing folk, who happily share their personal stories of Route 66.

Package Includes Flights, Accommodation & Rental Car!

Inclusions:

„ Return Economy flights to and from the USA

„ Welcome dinner & 4th July celebrations in Chicago!

„ Great accommodation at the Palmer House Hilton‘trackside’ at the Chicago Street Race

„ See Shane van Gisbergen on the streets of Chicago in NASCAR!

„ Brilliant 21- days on our exclusive ‘Self-drive Route 66 Tour’ from Chicago to Los Angeles

„ Premium Rental car (with all insurance and oneway fees included!)

„ Stay at GREAT Hotels & enjoy some stays at iconic Route 66 Motels!

„ Spend a day at the Grand Canyon!

„ Includes THREE nights in Fabulous Las Vegas!

„ USA mobile phone provided, with unlimited calling, text and data for the duration of the tour

„ Comprehensive Route Book and our APP with full turn by turn Route 66 navigation!

„ Travel

„ Fuel (approx US$400 total)

„ Lunches, dinners, personal spending

„ Breakfasts in Las Vegas NOT included

Wednesday July 2nd 2025!

Cruising: Trends »

This is how we do it

What’s next in cruising? Nannette Holliday looks at five of th top cruise trends that are shaping the way we sail in 2025.

Cruising has enjoyed a considerable resurgence, almost exceeding post-pandemic figures in 2024, and 2025 is already setting a record pace With significant increases in first-time and younger cruisers, companies realise they must offer more

While there may be fewer bargains to be found, cruise line itineraries in 2025 and beyond now include more immersive experiences to explore and restore, exclusive wellness spaces to rest and rejuvenate, healthier meal alternatives, more memorable on-board dining experiences and curated culinary and cultural shore excursions

Health and wellbeing

Wellness tourism is a booming, multimilliondollar industry on land and at sea Cruise lines have upped their social spaces, indulgent spa treatments and speciality dining experiences to suit solo travellers, multi-generational families, and couples who want ways to reconnect through serene spa time together, cosy dining venues, and romantic settings for sunset cocktails

Luxury cruise lines are expanding their spa and fitness offerings to include yoga, meditation, mindfulness, reconnection with nature, and nutritious foods and beverages

Celebrity Edge AquaClass guests have yoga mats, in-room fitness amenities, pillow selection menus, eco-friendly shower products and healthy room service menu options Plus, exclusive access to Blu restaurant with vegan, vegetarian, lean fish and meat dishes, a spa concierge in the SEA Thermal Suite and beauty and wellness treatments, yoga, Pilates classes and a personal trainer in the AquaSpa

Regent’s Explorer-class ships have a hydrothermal suite with an aromatic steam room, infrared sauna, cold room, and heated ceramic lounges Their Serene Spa & Wellness treatment rooms include a mind and body spa menu, couples’ suite, Jacuzzi, fitness classes, healthy dining options and wellness-themed shore excursions such as soaking in thermal springs, beach tai chi and sunset yoga Relax in a dedicated studio for meditation, calisthenics, Zumba classes, guided Pilates, and yoga sessions on Scenic’s two Discovery Yachts, Scenic Eclipse I and II Also, join daily lectures, workshops and healthy cooking classes presented by wellness experts, and try Tibetan bowl sound healing to improve sleep, boost your immune system and reduce stress For additional benefits, book a tailored Spa Holiday voyage

Regent launched 15 immersive overnight sailings in 2025, including more experiential travel to leisurely explore local culture, cuisine and customs They overnight at almost every port of call, some for two or even three nights Their culinary-focused shore excursions are crafted in collaboration with local chefs and experts, providing unforgettable gastronomic journeys through Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Prima Class ships now offer more to see and more port time in 400 destinations This month, their first Prima Plus Class ship, Norwegian Aqua, will bring even more exclusive dining options, spacious accommodation and enhanced on-board guest experiences

Beyond MSC Cruises’ many renowned food destinations, the company has curated culinary shore excursions and on-board dining experiences Next month, MSC World America will launch the first Eataly restaurant at sea

Multi-generational benefits

More than a quarter of cruise guests today sail in groups of three to five generations Princess, Disney, and Royal Caribbean cruise lines are all seeing more multi-generational, young families, and now Millennials and Gen Zers opting for a cruise holiday

They are attracted by the vast array of activities, entertainment options, multiple dining venues, kids and teens clubs and the value of cruising with its comfortable, luxury accommodation and multiple destination exploration without the hassle of airports, flights and peak-season accommodation costs

Multi-generational groups are choosing cruises for milestone celebrations as they offer numerous spaces, something for every family member, and are more cost-effective get-togethers

Millennials and Gen Z are attracted to the shorter, two to fournight “seacation” cruises where everything is handled

include Africa, Portugal, Eastern Europe, Egypt and Colombian voyages

More river cruise ships and longer itineraries

River cruising has evolved rapidly over recent years It has always been more appealing because it allows guests to explore whole regions or countries easily, sailing into the heart of villages and countries

A succession of new ships is debuting on popular European rivers and in newer destinations such as Colombia, Portugal and Egypt The focus is on cultural experiences, immersive activities, themed cruises and creative itineraries

Expedition, eco-friendly, remote and unusual destinations

A notable trend is the growing appetite for exploration travel over traditional flop and drop sunlover holidays Guests are looking for cruise experiences that focus on relaxation and cultural immersion

This year, NCL introduced deeper destination immersion itineraries that include more time in port, overnight stays and diverse shore excursions

Interest has also soared in adventure destinations, natural wonders and pristine landscapes Hurtigruten’s “coolcations” Northern Lights and Astro tourism cruises include an expert Aurora Chaser who notifies guests when the “lights” are happening

Packages include a range of off-board immersive activities by sleigh or snowmobile, discovering quaint Norwegian towns, and staying in a glass igloo in Finland

With the increase in multigenerational group bookings, many AmaWaterways ships offer interconnecting rooms and triple and quad share The average guest age has dropped to between 55 and 59 years

Tauck offers a selection of European river cruises with onboard activities and shore excursions tailored for families with children 4 years and upwards The average family group is eight and spans three generations

While Princess and Royal Caribbean cruise lines have chosen to build larger ships, Disney has ordered four new vessels with a capacity of 3000 guests From 2027 to 2031, these sustainable, low-environmental-impact ships will have access to a broader range of destinations The new ships are lighter in design and aim to save fuel They’ll use liquefied natural gas that will also be compatible with hydrotreated vegetable oil and renewable methanol fuels By 2031, Disney’s 13 vessels will provide guests with multiple vacation offerings

Travellers are also booking consecutive cruises, lining up two or even three cruises to extend their holiday, thus providing a deeper destination immersion Top trending destinations in 2025 for bucket list experiences

There has also been a demand for longer river cruise itineraries, more on-board and on-shore experiences, preand post-cruise land packages, cruise departures during cooler months, extended seasons, and alignment with major local events

First-timers, solos and working on board

Today, around one-third of Australian and New Zealand cruisers are under 40 They are among the most passionate cruisers

First-time cruisers now account for 30% of guests There has also been an increase in younger generations booking cruise holidays because they appreciate the benefits of meeting all their needs from the moment they step aboard, visiting multiple countries, and only unpacking once Solo travel is another growth area and not just in cruising Operators now provide promotional fares for solo travellers and specifically designed guest cabins

With Gen Z, Australian and New Zealand women travellers topping the list for solo holidays, Hurtigruten and several other cruise lines, including some river cruises, support the trend with reduced or no single supplement offers on select itineraries These have been sellouts

Working-from-home trends have given way to more people working from anywhere, and many cruisers effortlessly blend work and travel across multiple destinations and countries with quality on-board Wi-Fi

Another trend is “set-jetting” to iconic locations from books, movies and TV shows, particularly around the Mediterranean, where cruise itineraries include a collection of these cultural and cinematic gems

SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS

JOIN AN ADVENTURE TO REMEMBER AND MEET LIKEMINDED TRAVELLERS ON ONE OF THESE VERY SPECIAL TOURS

Rails Revisited Wellington & Beyond

15-20 May 2025, 6 days from $3,990 pp

Join us on the iconic Northern Explorer Train, journeying from the North Island’s heart to vibrant Wellington Perfect for train enthusiasts, this unforgettable adventure celebrates the romance of the rails!

Springtime in the Wairarapa

18-22 Sep 2025, 5 days from $2,875 pp

Explore Wairarapa’s vibrant gardens, including the Blossom Valley Festival at Aston Norwood Gardens Visit stunning private gardens and discover horticultural treasures of national and regional significance on this spring tour

Hurunui Garden Festival

29 Oct - 2 Nov 2025, 5 days from $4,390 pp

Experience the Hurunui Garden Festival, exploring diverse North Canterbury gardens From whimsical to grand estates, enjoy visits to enchanting gardens, with an overnight stay in Christchurch and a day in Hanmer Springs.

Preservation Inlet Cruise

5-13 Sep 2025, 9 days from $7,990 pp

Explore New Zealand’s remote southern fiords aboard the Milford Wanderer, cruising Preservation, Chalky, Doubtful, Dusky, and Breaksea Sounds, with beach landings, kayaking, and unique wildlife encounters

South Island Rail Highlights

24-30 Sep 2025, 7 days from $5,570 pp

Perfect for train lovers! Explore the South Island with two iconic train journeys: the Coastal Pacific from Blenheim to Kaikōura and the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass, plus private railways and historic sites

Taranaki Garden Festival

31 Oct – 4 Nov 2025, 5 days from $2,250 pp

Join our five-day tour of the 2025 Taranaki Garden Festival Explore Pukekura Park, Tūpare, Pukeiti, and private gardens, discovering festival highlights, stunning horticulture, and hidden gems not usually open to the public.

Whanganui Historic Homes

17-20 Sep 2025, 4 days from $2,395 pp

Whanganui’s preserved buildings and private historic homes, dating 1880–1915, offer a glimpse into New Zealand’s past A local historian guides this exclusive tour, exploring settlement, lifestyle, and design.

Whanganui Creative Trail

15-18 Oct 2025, 4 days from $2,870 pp

Discover Whanganui’s vibrant arts scene, featuring glass works, pottery, mosaics, and more Home to the Sarjeant Gallery, the town boasts open studios and galleries showcasing the creativity of local artists

Forgotten World Discovery

7-9 Nov 2025, 3 days from $2,470 pp

Explore New Zealand’s Forgotten World on a 43-km railcart adventure, scenic jetboat ride, and guided Waitomo Caves tour Visit Ōtorohanga Kiwi House, Marokopa Falls, and Mangapohue Natural Bridge on this escorted journey

Cruising: Disney »

CHILD’S PLAY

Kids adore Disney magic but can four adults find their fun on a Disney cruise?

Julia D’Orazio hops aboard to find out

The mother and adult daughter duo The crazy, fun-loving aunt The token gay Sydney “husband” This line-up may sound like a sitcom cast, but this is my travelling party We may be a peculiar group on a Disney Wonder cruise, holidaying on a children’s dream boat sans minors in tow But with that said, how does the cruise fare for us big kids at heart among a sea of adolescents?

A Disney cruise has cross-generational appeal Unlike a theme park, a bed is on standby when tired from fun, allowing “play, eat, sleep and repeat” routines to shuffle I’m told the youngest passenger is only 6 months old; the oldest is 90 I’m almost midway between the two I grew up in the 90s when blockbusters The Lion King, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast were released And although I’m decades past my age of innocence, spellbound rewatching 2D animated characters sing/dance/ prance on video, my awe for all things Disney endures It’s only now the magic shifts from screen to sea

Our four-day Disney live-action adventure begins in Sydney, embarking at White Bay Cruise Terminal, with sailing time maximised in one of the world’s most scenic harbours The short itinerary includes a day in Hobart before docking in Melbourne As one of the smallest in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet, the Disney Wonder is perhaps testing the waters with Oceania’s enthusiasm for a floating amusement park The 300m-long ship has 875 staterooms across 11 decks, accommodating 2713 passengers This is what’s considered an “intimate cruise”

DETAILS

A four-day Disney Wonder cruise from Melbourne starts from $6322 (four people). disneycruise. disney.go.com

Entering the ship through an ornate art nouveau, ocean-themed atrium leaves a spectacular first impression It pays homage to The Little Mermaid and features a cast iron statue of Ariel – my maritime idol – with sea-swept hair along the ship’s asymmetric grand staircase Two storeys overlook the lobby, with gold balustrades wrapping each floor An oversized red glass flower chandelier is suspended over stencilled bubble blue and white carpets The rest of the ship’s decor follows suit in the extra stakes, seamlessly blending eras and realms

Each travelling party receives a personal welcome over the mic, with a larger-than-life nautical-dressed Mickey greeting all guests

Seeing the iconic mouse, I shock myself with my immediate demeanour changing to childlike giddiness I’m not the only one starstruck; my group is just as wide-eyed The reaction becomes commonplace seeing characters galivanting about, and there are no qualms about joining a conga line dominated by kids for a meet-andgreet

Before stepping foot into the stateroom cabin, we head straight to the Americana-themed buffet at Cabanas, enjoying harbour views The dining experiences only get better There are eight food outlets on board, including Palo The contemporary fine dining adults-only restaurant speaks to my heritage (and stomach), with the

From top, even without kids, adults can embrace the Disney magic with themed outfits and character meetand-greets; the Disney Wonder pool area; on Disney Wonder Frozen is presented like never before Photos / Julia DOrazio Disney

Northern Italian menu offering classics with a twist Besides watching Disney films, my favourite childhood pastime includes eating Nonna’s leftover lasagna for breakfast; this restaurant serves it for brunch

While others opt for a ginormous Mickey Mouse-shaped waffle, I order back-to-back carbs: wild mushroom ravioli presented as four giant pillows and a hearty slab of lasagna The entree woodfired goat’s cheese and sun-dried tomato pizza, is also a winner Pasta, pizza, prosecco, no screaming kids around: I’m in my ideal pleasure state

The ship’s larger dining rooms are more onbrand and vivacious, including The Princess and the Frog-inspired Tiana’s Palace, dishing Louisiana-style cuisine; Tritons with seafood fare; and Animator’s Palate, the immersive black-and-white drawing board restaurant bringing sketches to life alongside Pacific Rim plates

Apart from mealtimes, we bypass the ship’s dedicated family and youth areas; there’s no need to visit Instead, days gravitate around adultsonly Quiet Cove Pool and Signals Bar Yet, I’m dismayed to learn the ship’s Bibbidi Bobbidi

Boutique costume hire is only available for kids

Is one ever too old to dress like a princess? Luckily, we’ve come prepared with a Disneyinspired wardrobe I have two Ariel outfits, including a red wig, which is on par with the boldness of my mum and aunt Meanwhile, my “husband” confuses Disney with Mardi Gras attire, but unsurprisingly, it all blends in on this colourful cruise

I feel comfortable getting into character mode without judgment, and there’s no shortage of events to show off and shine The Walt Disney Theatre is the ship’s entertainment heart, with multiple Broadway-worthy productions, including Frozen, Disney Dreams and The Golden Mickeys awards show The latter two brim with peak nostalgia and feature characters and musical numbers across Disney’s catalogue

The night-time deck parties, complete with theatre and fireworks, draw everyone together I look around to see children having the time of their lives, as are we It’s a feel-good time for all Proof you don’t need kids as an excuse to tap into your imagination and have a bit of fun

Julia D Orazio was a guest of Disney Cruise Line

TRAVEL INSURANCE

David Wallace, sales director at Allianz Partners, has the know-how on this holiday essential

It’s something we like to think we’ll never need and in most cases, probably never will but Kiwis are still being urged to book travel insurance as soon as they book their holidays

On this week’s episode of Trip Notes, the Herald’s travel podcast, David Wallace, sales director at Allianz Partners, joined host Lorna Riley to discuss what you need to know when it comes to this holiday essential

He said that while people may associate travel insurance with things like missing luggage or broken phones, you never know when things could go wrong

“Travel insurance is there for the big times when things go wrong,

“[For example], one of our customers was hit in the head by the propeller of a boat while snorkelling in Fiji While the iPhone replacement is important, having critical care in Fiji [and] bringing them back to New Zealand, having experts there throughout that journey, they’re the moments of truth for us, and critical things to think about when considering whether travel insurance is important for you ”

There are two main types of travel insurance

“There’s a comprehensive policy that will cover nearly everything and provide you quite a high level of cover I suppose it’s almost the Rolls-Royce-type cover so that if something goes wrong, you know you’re well and truly covered

“And then there’ll be a more essentials or a basic-type policy that will cover some of the core things, but maybe not to the same value that it might be with a more comprehensive policy

“As well as that, for those who are regular travellers, you can get a multi-trip policy or a frequent-flyer policy, which will cover you for a whole 12 months So if you’d like to go and visit the family in Australia and see them a few times a year, then it might be worthwhile getting a policy that keeps you covered and saves you having to go in every time you book a new trip ”

Wallace said that a third of claims coming in at the moment are coming from people cancelling a trip before they get to the airport, which

highlights the need to get this booked early

He cited Cyclone Alfred that hit Australia recently, and how people rushed to get insurance once they saw that it was coming and might disrupt their trip but no coverage would take place due to the event already taking place

And while you may think that you don’t need to get insurance for your family trip around New Zealand, Wallace said that those same costs can come up here

“People going to their favorite holiday park down in Taupo or catching a ferry across to the South Island, it may seem like it’s reasonably small outlay compared to a big European trip, but all of those costs are costs on a household

“Not being able to take that trip due to cancelling it due to your own medical reasons, weather impacting the ferry sailings, or

something else going wrong, would mean that you can at least get that money back through a claim and enjoy that trip sometime later ”

The same goes for Australia, even though New Zealand has a reciprocal agreement to cover most healthcare

“So while we’re not paying American-style medical bills in Australia, just the cost of a few hundred dollars out of pocket for an ambulance might be unplanned

“Similarly, if you’ve got delays and cancellations due to weather, you want to know that you’re not losing that money if it’s something that the airline’s not going to refund you for ”

Listen to the full episode for more on what you need to know about travel insurance

SOUTH ISLAND GOLD RAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Return / Door to Door* EX: Auckland, Warkworth, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatane, Waihi, Whangarei, Napier, Gisborne, New Plymouth + MORE! MORE AREAS AVAILABLE!!

HIGHLIGHTS: TRANZALPINE TRAIN, SHANTYTOWN STEAM TRAIN, TAIERI GORGE RAILWAY, OAMARU VINTAGE RAILWAY, CHRISTCHURCH, SHANTYTOWN, FOX GLACIER, TSS EARNSLAW STEAM SHIPCRUISE ON LAKE WAKATIPU + WALTER PEAK DINNER, QUEENSTOWN, MILFORD SOUND, BLUFF, CATLINS, DUNEDIN, OLVESTON HOUSE, LARNACH CASTLE DINNER, OAMARU, MT COOK