What’s new in cruising, from emerging routes to book-now offers
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Port to Port sets its compass firmly on value this season, charting the most compelling cruise deals across Australia, Asia and Europe. As travellers look ahead to 2026 and beyond, cruise lines are responding with enticing offers designed to make setting sail easier and more affordable than ever. From sun-soaked coastal journeys at home to immersive cultural voyages through Asia’s bustling waterways and Europe’s timeless rivers, there has never been a better time to plan your next escape.
Azamara’s Exciting Return Down Under
Azamara Cruises is charting an ambitious new course, and Australia and New Zealand are right at the heart of it. For the 2027–2028 season, the boutique cruise line is not only returning to Australia/NZ but also staying longer, arriving earlier, and offering a richer, more immersive experience than ever before.
With 23 thoughtfully designed itineraries and two brand-new Australian ports – Fraser Island (K’gari) and Gladstone – Azamara’s upcoming season is all about slowing down and savouring the journey. The Azamara Pursuit® will sail into the region via Hong Kong in August 2027, lingering until April 2028, capturing the essence of exploration for which the line is known. And what better way to ring in the New Year than with a two-night stay in Hobart during the Taste Festival and the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on a 15-night cruise from Auckland to Sydney?
Beyond its Australasian adventures, Azamara’s Winter (southern hemisphere summer) 2027/2028 collection spans the globe with 87 cruises across four ships, featuring 150 late-night stays and 60 overnights. Because the best way to see the world is to linger just a little longer, Azamara has introduced 30 combinable cruises with ideally linked itineraries that make extended travel effortless, especially with their small ships that dock closer to the action and longer port days.
And with early booking bonuses offering 30% off new itineraries and added value inclusions, it’s a tempting time to plan that dream voyage, whether it’s New Year’s Eve in Hobart or a sun-drenched sail through the Greek Isles. azamara.com.
Sail the Sun-Kissed Shores of Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean
There’s a certain rhythm to life along the Mediterranean – the clink of wine glasses at a seaside café, the hush of history in ancient cathedrals, the shimmer of sunlight on marble palaces. Viking invites you to experience it all on its new 15-day Spain, Portugal & the Mediterranean voyage, sailing from Lisbon to Rome (or the reverse).
This elegant journey traces the Iberian Peninsula, from Lisbon’s riverfront charm to the whitewashed allure of Andalusia. You’ll stroll through Barcelona’s architectural wonderland, crowned by Gaudí’s still-unfinished La Sagrada Família, and bask in the beauty of Sète, a French seaside gem famed for its beaches and canals. In Monte Carlo, elegance reigns supreme, while an overnight stay in Florence offers time to explore its Renaissance masterpieces without rushing back to port.
Aboard Viking’s small, stylish ships, the experience is as seamless as it is serene. Every sailing includes guided excursions in each port, all onboard dining (with wine and beer at lunch and dinner), unlimited WiFi and self-service laundry.
Fares start from $8,195 per person in a Veranda Stateroom. Book by December 1 2025, and your companion flies free, valued up to AU$2,500 per couple. vikingcruises.com.au/
Two Romantic Cruises Made for Lovers
If your idea of romance involves warm sea breezes, cocktails at sunset, and discovering new destinations without ever repacking your suitcase, Norwegian Cruise Line has two unforgettable journeys designed just for couples.
Hawai’i – The Easy Way to Island Hop: 7-day Hawaii: Inter-Island cruise
For many couples, Hawai’i tops the travel wish list, and Norwegian’s Pride of America makes it easier than ever to explore it all.
The round-trip journey from Honolulu visits four of Hawai’i’s most beautiful islands —O’ahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kaua’i —with overnight stays in both Maui and Kaua’i. With almost 100 hours in port, couples have time to slow down and enjoy Hawai’i at their own pace. Hike to hidden waterfalls, sip Kona coffee on a lanai, or take long beach walks as the sun melts into the ocean. To extend the adventure, couples can add a three-night pre- or post-cruise O’ahu Land Tour, including stays on Waikīkī Beach, a visit to Pearl Harbour, and cultural experiences at the Polynesian Cultural Centre and Kualoa Ranch, famous for its cinematic scenery.
Mediterranean Romance: 7-day Mediterranean: Nice, Florence & Amalfi Coast
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic sets sail from Barcelona to Rome on 6 and 20 September 2026, offering a seven-night journey through some of Europe’s most romantic ports.
The itinerary is a dream for couples who love both culture and coastlines. You’ll visit Provence (Marseille) and Nice/Monaco (Villefranche) along the glittering French Riviera, then head to Italy for Florence and Pisa (Livorno), Messina in Sicily, and the spectacular Amalfi Coast (Salerno).
For more information visit www.ncl.com.
Crystal Cruises: Luxurious Exploration
Renowned for its intimate ships, award-winning cuisine, and immersive experiences, Crystal offers voyages that appeal to travellers seeking both luxurious comfort and adventure.
11 Nights of Awe in Alaska: Departing from Vancouver on June 30, 2026, this 11-night Alaskan voyage delivers a nonstop parade of natural wonders and cultural treasures. The first port of call, Ketchikan, charms with houses perched on stilts above the water and a striking collection of 19th-century totem poles that reflect the region’s rich Indigenous heritage. Sitka follows, and then comes a highlight that captures the imagination of every traveller: the mighty Hubbard Glacier, where colossal ice chunks crash dramatically into the sea. The ship moves along the coast before reaching the vast, misty expanse of Misty Fjords National Park. Prince Rupert offers a chance to spot grizzly bears, orcas, and other wildlife, before the ship then touches Victoria. In this city, British colonial architecture and lush gardens evoke a sense of refined nostalgia. Finally, the cruise returns to Vancouver, bringing travellers full circle, refreshed, inspired, and filled with memories of Alaska’s untamed beauty, all experienced in the distinctive luxury of Crystal Cruises. Crystal Symphony – Vancouver to Vancouver | Crystal Cruises
Sail into the Heart of the North with Viking
Viking has unveiled a brand-new 2026 journey that captures the essence of Scandinavia’s landscapes and lifestyle. The 8-day Nordic Wonders voyage sails between Bergen and Oslo, tracing the spectacular Norwegian coastline and venturing across the calm, design-driven shores of Denmark, a region where the rhythm of life slows and the spirit of hygge takes hold.
From the soaring fjords and mirror-like waters of Norway to the clean lines and cultural charm of Denmark, this itinerary promises an immersion in both nature and Nordic culture. Guests will sail aboard one of Viking’s elegant small ships, where every stateroom has a private veranda, and fewer than 1,000 guests ensure a refined, relaxed onboard atmosphere.
True to Viking’s signature “inclusive value,” fares cover guided excursions in every port, wine and beer with meals, alternative dining venues, WiFi, 24-hour coffee and tea, access to the Nordic spa, and all tipping. Priced from $8,695 per person in a Veranda Stateroom, with a Fly Free companion offer (valued up to AU$2,500 per couple) when booked before December 1 2025.
Arctic Awakenings with Atlas Ocean Voyages
For travellers drawn to the ends of the Earth, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ newly unveiled 2027 Arctic season – from May to September – promises the adventure of a lifetime, an elegant passage through some of the planet’s most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes.
As the exclusive representative for Atlas Ocean Voyages in Australia, Cruise Traveller is making these extraordinary journeys even more appealing, offering Australians a choice of three exclusive bonuses on selected 2027 Arctic expeditions: a US$1,500 per stateroom air credit, a one-night pre-expedition hotel stay, or enhanced unlimited WiFi. Guests booking suites can choose two, adding an extra touch of luxury to their polar adventure.
Among the highlights is a 10-night expedition departing August 5, 2027, beginning with a night in Oslo, followed by a private charter flight to Svalbard, the stepping stone to the High Arctic. From there, the 198-guest World Voyager sails across icy frontiers from Svalbard to Greenland and Iceland, immersing guests in dramatic scenery and authentic polar exploration.
Throughout, guests enjoy expert-led Zodiac safaris, spotting walrus, polar bears and seabirds under the midnight sun, before returning to the warmth and comfort of life aboard World Voyager, where fine dining, open bars and all gratuities are included.
This 10-night Arctic adventure is priced from US$7,999 per person twin-share in an Adventure Ocean Stateroom, including all onboard beverages, gratuities and one of Cruise Traveller’s exclusive bonus offers. Book by December 31, 2025, to secure your preferred voyage; availability is limited.
Visit Cruise Traveller’s website for complete details. The full 2027 Arctic brochure is available here.
Windstar Cruises Introduces Star Explorer
Windstar Cruises is charting new territory in 2027 with the debut of Star Explorer, the second of two new all-suite yachts being added to the fleet. Hosting just 224 guests, this sleek new ship will sail year-round in Europe. Now open for booking, her first full season of Europe cruises runs through March 2028, featuring an irresistible lineup of journeys. From Circumnavigating Ireland to discovering the Seven Gems of the Baltic and indulging in the distinct food cultures of northern Spain with Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal, Star Explorer is all about immersive, port-intensive experiences with more extended stays and overnight visits in the heart of Europe’s most captivating cities. Star Explorer was built to navigate where big ships can’t, gliding into places like Rouen, Caen, Bordeaux, and even right into central London. She’ll also debut Windstar’s first call to Puerto Banús, Spain—the stylish marina gateway to Marbella—and return to San Sebastián and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, bringing guests closer to the Basque coast’s culinary soul.
For more details or to explore itineraries, visit:
Romantic Mekong River Cruising
For couples seeking an exotic and romantic escape, CF Mekong by CroisiEurope is offering a remarkable 9-day/8-night Mekong River New Discovery Tour — complete with a 50% discount for the second person, saving up to A$1,433 when booked before April 30 2026.
Sailing aboard the intimate, 14-cabin Toum Tiou 2, this luxurious teak riverboat offers a window into the timeless beauty and cultural richness of Cambodia and Vietnam. Guests will journey along the Mekong from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (or vice versa), uncovering hidden river treasures, visiting traditional villages, and hiking to the serene Udong Hill.
Daily excursions include motor and rowing boat tours through the lush Tra Su Forest, leisurely cycling and kayaking, and guided sampan rides, all tailored to suit individual pace and interests.
Onboard the Toum Tiou 2, it’s a haven of old-world charm and comfort. Fully panelled in teak, the vessel features air-conditioned en-suite cabins, a panoramic lounge, an open-air bar and restaurant, and a tranquil rooftop patio for watching the riverside life drift by.
Early bookings are essential to secure the special offer on cruises from August 12 to September 29 with prices starting after discount at USD$2518.50 per couple. Full details & reservations: www.cfmekong.com office@cfmekong.com
Related article: River Cruises Worth Adding to Your Bucket List
Barging Around Belgium with CroisiEurope
Slow travel takes on new meaning aboard CroisiEurope’s boutique barge MS Raymonde, where just eleven cabins create an intimate setting for couples to explore Belgium’s storybook canals and where personal service, fine dining, and the charm of small-group travel create an experience that feels less like a tour and more like a voyage among friends.
Itineraries for couples aboard the MS Raymonde include a French Champagne Region cruise or a Belgian Canal cruise, both offering a blend of scenic, historical, and cultural experiences as you explore cities like Ghent and Bruges.
This six-night journey between Halle and Ghent reveals a side of Belgium best experienced from the water—tranquil countryside, historic towns, and the irresistible aromas of frites, chocolate, and freshly baked bread wafting from local markets. Onboard, every detail feels indulgent yet relaxed. Cabins feature large picture windows and modern comforts, while dining celebrates regional flavours—from creamy waterzooi to carbonnade flamande—paired perfectly with Belgian beers. Evenings invite leisurely aperitifs on deck as the barge drifts through poplar-lined canals and charming riverside villages.
Book your 2026 cruise before November 30 2025, using code EARBOOTRAVEL26 to enjoy a 10% discount or 5% discount after this time until December 31, 2025. The offer does not include Christmas markets, Christmas and New Year’s Eve cruises. croisieuroperivercruises.com/
Suite Upgrades and Savings from Scenic and Emerald Cruises
Luxury lovers are in for a golden opportunity with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises unveiling exceptional limited-time offers across their 2026 ocean, river and yacht collections.
For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, Scenic invites guests to “go for gold” with complimentary suite upgrades on select 2026 Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht voyages and Europe river cruises when booked by 31 December 2025. Scenic Eclipse, the world’s first Discovery Yacht™, defines ultra-luxury at sea with butler-serviced verandah suites, up to 10 dining venues and nine elegant bars. Guests can enjoy voyage savings and suite upgrades on itineraries including Treasures of French Polynesia & the Marquesas Islands, Riviera Gems with Corsica & Sardinia, and new Wellness Voyages from Barbados to Spain. Additional upgrade savings of up to 50% apply on selected Arctic, Mediterranean and Baltic sailings, making this a smart investment in your luxury travel experience.
Scenic’s renowned river cruises offer the same all-inclusive philosophy – fine dining, premium beverages, and signature Enrich and Freechoice experiences – plus suite upgrades valued up to $4,415pp on iconic 2026 European itineraries such as Jewels of Europe and Romantic Rhine & Moselle.
Meanwhile, sister brand Emerald Cruises adds sparkle with Black Friday savings across its 2026 river and yacht programs. Book by 5 December 2025 to receive an extra $500pp discount, combinable with other savings – up to $3,000pp on Europe’s rivers and $2,000pp on stylish Mediterranean and Caribbean yacht cruises.
Visit scenic.com.au/black-friday-deals or emeraldcruises.com.au/blackfriday for full details.
Rhonda Bannister
Rhonda co-founded Holidays for Couples more than 30 years ago, establishing it as Australia’s leading voice in romance travel. Now retired from day-to-day operations, she continues as our editor-at-large, travelling widely and reporting with a special focus on experiences that resonate with couples over 60.
