elcome aboard!

What’s not to love

about cruising? Check

into your cabin, meet

your attendant and

unpack – once only. Bliss. Change a few

times a day if you wish, go to the gym or

pool, take a class, play trivia or dance the

night away. Pop back to your cabin at will.

No big bags to carry. Go ashore with just

a day pack. Simple.

Cruising offers a holiday where you can

visit multiple cities, even different

countries, in comfort without the hassle

of constant security and passport checks,

using different forms of transport, waiting

at airports, only for flights to be delayed.

Everything is organised for you.

Some might say cruising isn't for them,

but this is changing and with good reason.

Cruising can be for everyone and at all

price ranges for every type of traveller:

families with children, adults only, singles,

groups, adventurers and those who want

to take the stress and worry out of travel.

Australia is the world’s fifth-largest

cruising nation, with 1.35 million

passengers getting on board in recent

years. Ships are being refurbished, new

and larger vessels are being developed,

with 122 new ships due to be finished by

2027. New vessels are due to arrive in
      Australia this year and next, with Brisbane
      and Melbourne increasing the amount of
      ships departing from their ports. While
      Australasia and the South Pacific remain
      the most popular, there are significant
      numbers preferring the fly/cruise option to
      exotic destinations for ocean or river travel.
      Ships come in all shapes and sizes, from
      around 100 passengers to more than
      5,000. Each has its own charms, so what is
      important is to find the right ship and the
      right cruise line for you.
      Having been on a range of cruises,
      from a converted Russian ice-breaker in
      Antarctica, to great value P&O in the
      Pacific, the exclusive Silversea, and the
      huge Celebrity line in the Mediterranean,
      I've discovered that each has its pros and
      cons. Smaller ships like Silversea, with 100
      to 600 guests, have a more intimate vibe,
      are all-inclusive, and offer comfort and
      elegance, which attracts loyal passengers.
      The Celebrity line, which ships up to 3,000,
      gives myriad choices, with large well-
      equipped gyms and a variety of highly
      entertaining shows every night featuring
      top-notch talent flown in to different ports.
      Viking positions itself as 'the thinking
      person’s cruise' – each cruise caters to
      travellers with curious minds and
      adventurous spirits. It offers historical and
      cultural programs on board. Or explore

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:

True North adventures in

the Kimberley; where you

can dine with a view (inset);

pool-deck perfection on

board the Silversea's Silver

Spirit. OPPOSITE: The

Viking Sky cruises through

Seven Sisters Waterfall in

Geiranger, Norway.

O L

@lyndeymilan

delicious.com.au 15