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The Age
2 days ago
- The Age
Twenty spectacular destinations best seen by ship
The non-cruise way Nothing wrong with Norway's roads, but do you want to be focused on the tarmac amid all this scenery? Besides, Norway is bigger than you might think. It's a 26-hour drive from Bergen to Tromso, and much longer if you hug the fjord-indented coast. The cruise way Days that last long into the evening will have you pinned to the deck, your floating opera box onto the drama of Norway's island-scattered, indented and mountainous coastline. Besides, there's no better way to see a fjord than from the middle of it, your ship dwarfed by colossal cliffs and spritzed by waterfalls. Going ashore From the port of Vik, hop aboard a train on the rightly famous Flam railway, one of the world's steepest and scenic as it hauls you past fjord cliffs, frothing rivers, waterfalls and tidy farming villages. The return by road is just as stunning and takes in a stop at wooden Hopperstad Stave Church. Sail away Silversea's 10-day 'Copenhagen to Copenhagen' cruise visits six ports in Norway plus Skagen in Denmark. Similar itineraries operate June-August 2026. Departs July 25, 2026, from $14,000 a person. See PAPUA NEW GUINEA The non-cruise way PNG has poor or unsealed roads and often no roads much beyond towns. You could charter a small boat, but pirates are a risk. Flying could be an option, although you'd miss out on atolls and some other scenic destinations, and then you'll need transfers, accommodation and more. The cruise way As your cruise ship glides along PNG's coastline you'll know why you're on board: the jungle-clad coastline is magnificent with mountains so rugged as to be almost impenetrable. Our neighbour offers superb scenery, and an expedition ship the opportunity to slip into the Tufi 'fjords' or anchor off a reef-ringed atoll with nobody about, only a traffic jam of tropical fish. Going ashore The approach to Madang along lush waterways is lovely, but the town's highlight is the Madang festival, a showcase of the region's many different cultural groups. Join in cultural performances, a sing-sing and admire a wonderful display of traditional costumes from coastal, midland and highland communities. Sail away Ponant's 17-day 'New Guinea Odyssey' cruise from Cairns to Darwin visits Alotau, Tufi, the Tami Islands, Madang and Kopar, as well as several destinations in Indonesia. Departs October 24, 2026, from $14,150 a person. See ALASKA, US The non-cruise way Certainly you can get around parts of Alaska by road or rail, but many places – even Juneau, the state capital, and the wonderfully historical but island-trapped Ketchikan – are unconnected to the outside world by land. The cruise way Wiggle your way up the Inside Passage that runs between islands and the British Columbian coast, haunt of eagles and bears, and dense with forest backed by mountains. Then navigate an even more dramatic convolution of magnificence in Alaska, which adds glaciers and some of the continent's highest peaks. So awesome even the whales seem to leap in agreement. Going ashore Ketchikan is a characterful gold-rush era town, but get out for a sea kayak around the coast of Tongass National Forest to Eagle Island for an up-close look at the landscape and wildlife such as seals and bald eagles. You may see salmon leaping or, thrillingly or sight surfacing humpback whales. Sail away Regent Seven Seas Cruises' seven-night 'Northern Explorer' cruise from Vancouver to Whittier cruises the Inside Passage, Icy Strait and Hubbard Glacier and visits Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Similar itineraries operate May-September 2026. Departs May 20, 2026, from $9920 a person. See PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA AND CHILE Loading The non-cruise way Getting around isn't impossible but is headachy, since it involves road, ferry and perhaps domestic flights. Patagonia is vast and sparsely populated, and requires outback-style caution and planning. The cruise way What traveller doesn't love seafaring stories of Cape Horn and the Magellan Strait? On a cruise ship, you get the thrill of making an iconic journey that brings the history of exploration to life – without the weevils and mutinies, thank you. Patagonia is a land of legends, showcased from the sea. The super-indented tip of South America is encrusted with mountains, volcanoes and glaciers, but as a bonus, your holiday is bookended by lively cities. Going ashore From Ushuaia in Argentina, take the opportunity to head into Tierra del Fuego National Park on a shore excursion, which stretches towards the Chilean border. It combines forest, peat bogs, meadows studded with wildflowers, and icy blue rivers with snow-capped Andean peaks in the background. Sail away Viking Cruises' 18-day 'South America & the Chilean Fjords' cruise from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso visits Argentina, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands and the Chilean fjords. Several departures January-February and December 2026, from $9595 a person. See THE BALTIC SEA, NORTHERN EUROPE The non-cruise way In theory, no problem. In practice, you'll spend a lot of holiday time on transport logistics if you want to link the Baltic's nine countries, whether by plane or ferry. Only one road bridge links the northern and southern coasts. The cruise way Sometimes cruising seems the appropriate way to go, no more so than in this compact sea with its history of maritime trade and dense array of historical ports with architecture that showcases merchant wealth. Get to the next destination – or even the next country – while happily sleeping, then spend the whole day in port with nothing else to think about, only enjoying yourself. You get chic harbours, lots of islands, pine-scented coasts and temperatures much more bearable than Mediterranean summers. Going ashore From Gdansk in Poland you can visit Malbork Castle, the 13th-century, brick-built headquarters of the Teutonic Knights. It's one of the world's largest castles, surrounded in huge defensive walls and sitting attractively above the Nogat River. The lovely chapel, refectory and ogre-sized kitchens are highlights. Sail away Azamara's 11-night 'Baltic Cruise' from Copenhagen to Stockholm visits Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Sweden. Departs July 9, 2026, from $12,180 a person. See THE KIMBERLEY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA The non-cruise way Not possible. Only one sealed road and the unsealed Gibb River Road cross the inland Kimberley. No proper roads run along the coast, let alone to top sights such as waterfalls, gorges and reefs. The cruise way Don't rule out a destination just because you think it requires camping, dusty drives and outback skills. The most magnificent corner of our continent is terrific from a ship: a showcase of rearing cliffs, shattered islands and sunset colours you'll hardly believe. You can see mid-ocean waterfalls at Montgomery Reef, ancient rock art, and evidence of European exploration at Careening Bay. Easily one of Australia's greatest experiences on many counts. Going ashore In a destination of landscape superlatives, King George River takes the prize. A long excursion by Zodiac brings you 13 kilometres upriver between towering orange cliffs 400 million years old to twin King George Falls, where the river tips over an escarpment. The scenery will astound you. Sail away Coral Expeditions' 10-night 'The Kimberley Cruise' from Broome to Darwin (or reverse) visits Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls, King George River and several other destinations. Multiple departures March-August 2026, from $10,700 a person. See Five more cruise-is-best destinations Amazon River Unless you have considerable survival and machete skills then you'd best stick to a boat when exploring the world's greatest river. It's a steamy, jungly, intense experience of a unique and alien environment. APT's 22-day 'Best of South America with Amazon' cruise-tour from Santiago to Iquitos departs March 17, July 21, October 6 and October 20, 2026. From $27,995 a person. See Indian Ocean You couldn't do a journey that takes in the Tanzanian coast, remote Aldabra Atoll and Farquhar Islands and the Seychelles any other way. Zanzibar is the cultural highlight, while for the rest you get corals, giant tortoises and world-beating beaches. Emerald Cruises' 13-day 'Seychelles & Indian Ocean Adventure' cruise from Mombasa to Mahe departs March 5, 2027. From $13,395 a person. See Galapagos Islands A remote location and many disparate islands make this a destination for expedition cruising. Giant tortoises, iguanas, seals and seabirds are the famously approachable drawcard, but the arid volcanic scenery of coloured earth is surprisingly wonderful too. Lindblad Expeditions' 10-day 'Exploring Galapagos' cruise return from Quito or Guayaquil has multiple departures January-December 2026. From $7939 a person. See New Zealand You could drive around New Zealand, but the fabulous harbour settings of most of its ports beg to be admired on an ocean approach and freed from the steering wheel you can enjoy cocktails on the deck. The sail into Milford Sound is a top cruise experience. Oceania Cruises' 15-day 'Collector's New Zealand' cruise from Sydney to Auckland departs March 15, 2026. From $12,180 a person. See
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Twenty spectacular destinations best seen by ship
The non-cruise way Nothing wrong with Norway's roads, but do you want to be focused on the tarmac amid all this scenery? Besides, Norway is bigger than you might think. It's a 26-hour drive from Bergen to Tromso, and much longer if you hug the fjord-indented coast. The cruise way Days that last long into the evening will have you pinned to the deck, your floating opera box onto the drama of Norway's island-scattered, indented and mountainous coastline. Besides, there's no better way to see a fjord than from the middle of it, your ship dwarfed by colossal cliffs and spritzed by waterfalls. Going ashore From the port of Vik, hop aboard a train on the rightly famous Flam railway, one of the world's steepest and scenic as it hauls you past fjord cliffs, frothing rivers, waterfalls and tidy farming villages. The return by road is just as stunning and takes in a stop at wooden Hopperstad Stave Church. Sail away Silversea's 10-day 'Copenhagen to Copenhagen' cruise visits six ports in Norway plus Skagen in Denmark. Similar itineraries operate June-August 2026. Departs July 25, 2026, from $14,000 a person. See PAPUA NEW GUINEA The non-cruise way PNG has poor or unsealed roads and often no roads much beyond towns. You could charter a small boat, but pirates are a risk. Flying could be an option, although you'd miss out on atolls and some other scenic destinations, and then you'll need transfers, accommodation and more. The cruise way As your cruise ship glides along PNG's coastline you'll know why you're on board: the jungle-clad coastline is magnificent with mountains so rugged as to be almost impenetrable. Our neighbour offers superb scenery, and an expedition ship the opportunity to slip into the Tufi 'fjords' or anchor off a reef-ringed atoll with nobody about, only a traffic jam of tropical fish. Going ashore The approach to Madang along lush waterways is lovely, but the town's highlight is the Madang festival, a showcase of the region's many different cultural groups. Join in cultural performances, a sing-sing and admire a wonderful display of traditional costumes from coastal, midland and highland communities. Sail away Ponant's 17-day 'New Guinea Odyssey' cruise from Cairns to Darwin visits Alotau, Tufi, the Tami Islands, Madang and Kopar, as well as several destinations in Indonesia. Departs October 24, 2026, from $14,150 a person. See ALASKA, US The non-cruise way Certainly you can get around parts of Alaska by road or rail, but many places – even Juneau, the state capital, and the wonderfully historical but island-trapped Ketchikan – are unconnected to the outside world by land. The cruise way Wiggle your way up the Inside Passage that runs between islands and the British Columbian coast, haunt of eagles and bears, and dense with forest backed by mountains. Then navigate an even more dramatic convolution of magnificence in Alaska, which adds glaciers and some of the continent's highest peaks. So awesome even the whales seem to leap in agreement. Going ashore Ketchikan is a characterful gold-rush era town, but get out for a sea kayak around the coast of Tongass National Forest to Eagle Island for an up-close look at the landscape and wildlife such as seals and bald eagles. You may see salmon leaping or, thrillingly or sight surfacing humpback whales. Sail away Regent Seven Seas Cruises' seven-night 'Northern Explorer' cruise from Vancouver to Whittier cruises the Inside Passage, Icy Strait and Hubbard Glacier and visits Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Similar itineraries operate May-September 2026. Departs May 20, 2026, from $9920 a person. See PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA AND CHILE Loading The non-cruise way Getting around isn't impossible but is headachy, since it involves road, ferry and perhaps domestic flights. Patagonia is vast and sparsely populated, and requires outback-style caution and planning. The cruise way What traveller doesn't love seafaring stories of Cape Horn and the Magellan Strait? On a cruise ship, you get the thrill of making an iconic journey that brings the history of exploration to life – without the weevils and mutinies, thank you. Patagonia is a land of legends, showcased from the sea. The super-indented tip of South America is encrusted with mountains, volcanoes and glaciers, but as a bonus, your holiday is bookended by lively cities. Going ashore From Ushuaia in Argentina, take the opportunity to head into Tierra del Fuego National Park on a shore excursion, which stretches towards the Chilean border. It combines forest, peat bogs, meadows studded with wildflowers, and icy blue rivers with snow-capped Andean peaks in the background. Sail away Viking Cruises' 18-day 'South America & the Chilean Fjords' cruise from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso visits Argentina, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands and the Chilean fjords. Several departures January-February and December 2026, from $9595 a person. See THE BALTIC SEA, NORTHERN EUROPE The non-cruise way In theory, no problem. In practice, you'll spend a lot of holiday time on transport logistics if you want to link the Baltic's nine countries, whether by plane or ferry. Only one road bridge links the northern and southern coasts. The cruise way Sometimes cruising seems the appropriate way to go, no more so than in this compact sea with its history of maritime trade and dense array of historical ports with architecture that showcases merchant wealth. Get to the next destination – or even the next country – while happily sleeping, then spend the whole day in port with nothing else to think about, only enjoying yourself. You get chic harbours, lots of islands, pine-scented coasts and temperatures much more bearable than Mediterranean summers. Going ashore From Gdansk in Poland you can visit Malbork Castle, the 13th-century, brick-built headquarters of the Teutonic Knights. It's one of the world's largest castles, surrounded in huge defensive walls and sitting attractively above the Nogat River. The lovely chapel, refectory and ogre-sized kitchens are highlights. Sail away Azamara's 11-night 'Baltic Cruise' from Copenhagen to Stockholm visits Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Sweden. Departs July 9, 2026, from $12,180 a person. See THE KIMBERLEY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA The non-cruise way Not possible. Only one sealed road and the unsealed Gibb River Road cross the inland Kimberley. No proper roads run along the coast, let alone to top sights such as waterfalls, gorges and reefs. The cruise way Don't rule out a destination just because you think it requires camping, dusty drives and outback skills. The most magnificent corner of our continent is terrific from a ship: a showcase of rearing cliffs, shattered islands and sunset colours you'll hardly believe. You can see mid-ocean waterfalls at Montgomery Reef, ancient rock art, and evidence of European exploration at Careening Bay. Easily one of Australia's greatest experiences on many counts. Going ashore In a destination of landscape superlatives, King George River takes the prize. A long excursion by Zodiac brings you 13 kilometres upriver between towering orange cliffs 400 million years old to twin King George Falls, where the river tips over an escarpment. The scenery will astound you. Sail away Coral Expeditions' 10-night 'The Kimberley Cruise' from Broome to Darwin (or reverse) visits Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls, King George River and several other destinations. Multiple departures March-August 2026, from $10,700 a person. See Five more cruise-is-best destinations Amazon River Unless you have considerable survival and machete skills then you'd best stick to a boat when exploring the world's greatest river. It's a steamy, jungly, intense experience of a unique and alien environment. APT's 22-day 'Best of South America with Amazon' cruise-tour from Santiago to Iquitos departs March 17, July 21, October 6 and October 20, 2026. From $27,995 a person. See Indian Ocean You couldn't do a journey that takes in the Tanzanian coast, remote Aldabra Atoll and Farquhar Islands and the Seychelles any other way. Zanzibar is the cultural highlight, while for the rest you get corals, giant tortoises and world-beating beaches. Emerald Cruises' 13-day 'Seychelles & Indian Ocean Adventure' cruise from Mombasa to Mahe departs March 5, 2027. From $13,395 a person. See Galapagos Islands A remote location and many disparate islands make this a destination for expedition cruising. Giant tortoises, iguanas, seals and seabirds are the famously approachable drawcard, but the arid volcanic scenery of coloured earth is surprisingly wonderful too. Lindblad Expeditions' 10-day 'Exploring Galapagos' cruise return from Quito or Guayaquil has multiple departures January-December 2026. From $7939 a person. See New Zealand You could drive around New Zealand, but the fabulous harbour settings of most of its ports beg to be admired on an ocean approach and freed from the steering wheel you can enjoy cocktails on the deck. The sail into Milford Sound is a top cruise experience. Oceania Cruises' 15-day 'Collector's New Zealand' cruise from Sydney to Auckland departs March 15, 2026. From $12,180 a person. See
Sydney Morning Herald
02-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Port guide: Melaka, Malaysia
This article is part of Traveller's ultimate guide to cruise ports. See all stories. Malaysia's oldest and most historic town is World Heritage-listed and features a fantastic blend of multinational influences in its architecture, culture and cuisine. Who goes there Norwegian, Oceania, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas and Royal Caribbean are among lines that visit, either on South-East Asian itineraries or on longer itineraries that link South-east Asia with India or Australia. Many start or finish in Singapore. Hong Kong company Resorts World Cruises recently launched two-night cruises between Melaka and Singapore for a relaxed way to transit between the two nations. Sail on in The Malacca Strait that runs between the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra is one of the world's great shipping lanes, so if you're into ship-spotting you'll be happy at the sight of huge container ships. Malaysia slumps in a series of green hills clumped with clouds. Closer to Melaka you see a small island that barely rises above the water and is crowned by Batu Gelama Lighthouse. Your ship will anchor off the old town. Berth rites Guests are tendered to Parameswara Jetty which is conveniently near Melaka's old-town core, all of which can be explored on foot. A new Melaka International Cruise Terminal is slated for completion in 2026 in a whole new city area developed over the last decade to rival Singapore as a port - though it is far from a success and many projects lie abandoned. Going ashore
The Age
02-07-2025
- The Age
Port guide: Melaka, Malaysia
This article is part of Traveller's ultimate guide to cruise ports. See all stories. Malaysia's oldest and most historic town is World Heritage-listed and features a fantastic blend of multinational influences in its architecture, culture and cuisine. Who goes there Norwegian, Oceania, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas and Royal Caribbean are among lines that visit, either on South-East Asian itineraries or on longer itineraries that link South-east Asia with India or Australia. Many start or finish in Singapore. Hong Kong company Resorts World Cruises recently launched two-night cruises between Melaka and Singapore for a relaxed way to transit between the two nations. Sail on in The Malacca Strait that runs between the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra is one of the world's great shipping lanes, so if you're into ship-spotting you'll be happy at the sight of huge container ships. Malaysia slumps in a series of green hills clumped with clouds. Closer to Melaka you see a small island that barely rises above the water and is crowned by Batu Gelama Lighthouse. Your ship will anchor off the old town. Berth rites Guests are tendered to Parameswara Jetty which is conveniently near Melaka's old-town core, all of which can be explored on foot. A new Melaka International Cruise Terminal is slated for completion in 2026 in a whole new city area developed over the last decade to rival Singapore as a port - though it is far from a success and many projects lie abandoned. Going ashore
AU Financial Review
01-07-2025
- Business
- AU Financial Review
Finally, the Paspaley dynasty is launching its expedition superyacht
Let's begin with the grit in the oyster: this is not the first time Life & Leisure has reported on the arrival of Paspaley Group's ultra-luxury motoryacht. Australia's first family of pearling announced its plan to launch a floating lodge on the Kimberley in 2023 with great fanfare, sharing news of its joint venture with expedition operator Ponant over champagne and canapes at their jewellery flagship in Sydney's Martin Place. As we reported at the time, delivery dates, locations and prices were in flux, but the Paspaley Pearl was on its way.
