Can big ships really do luxury?
It’s always been assumed that, for luxury cruising, small ships are a must. But more and more big ship lines are now offering ship-within-a-ship ...
Why you should take Nigella’s tip and trust the sommelier
Nigella Lawson, the sensuous and celebrated British chef once said: “I never taste the wine first in restaurants, I just ask the waiter to ...
Are these the most decadent shore excursions?
In a world now plagued with overtourism, two words epitomise an ultra-luxe shore excursion: exclusive and authentic. Maybe it’s a visit to a castle ...
Which line has the cheapest cup of barista brewed coffee?
Australia’s love of coffee is legendary. Small wonder cruise lines make sure we are spoilt for choice with great daily coffee when they sail ...
The sorry story of a couple charged $7,479 in cancellation fees
The letter from an elderly lady was heartrending. Four days after she had booked a $9,462 cruise, her husband was taken to hospital with ...
Indulge your obsessions with a themed cruise
Love music? Enjoy visiting gardens? Obsessed about crochet? Themed cruises, allowing passengers to indulge in their favourite obsessions, are growing. And there’s nothing like ...
Are Australians paying gratuities twice?
A number of Australian cruisers are tipping their favourite staff on board personally – even though gratuities are already included in their fares. A ...
12 sins that can make your cruise a misery – here’s how to avoid them
It’s the commonest question in chatrooms and on advice sites: how should I behave on my first cruise? There are often hundreds, if not, ...
Cruise loyalty programs – which lines are best?
Sometimes it’s a coloured card hanging from your lanyard. Sometimes, it’s the invitation to the exclusive captain’s cocktail. Cruise lines are always looking for ...
Why you’ve “got” to sail Croatia at these prices!
There is no doubt Game of Thrones has spun the spotlight on Croatia – tens of thousands of fans have visited Dubrovnik in the ...
The six most annoying things passengers do
The cruise industry prides itself on its service, and crews are praised the world over for knowing exactly what their guests want. But behind ...
The best and cheapest cocktails at sea
“It’s never too early for a cocktail.” Thank Sir Noel Coward for this advice – now you have the perfect excuse to indulge while ...
The simple secret that can save up to 40% on your next cruise
They are fresh out of the yard, with gleaming paint and a host of the latest gadgets. Yet they can be more than half ...
Cruise ship doctor reveals the secret seasick passengers are often hiding
It’s the captain’s cocktail and you stay on late chatting to the first officer about the ship’s engines. Then you adjourn to the bar ...
Dress codes are alive and well – here’s how to decode them
“God help you, if you arrive in a cream Paul Smith jacket when the invitation dictated a tux,” whispered one passenger who habitually cruises ...
Are these the most opulent suites at sea?
As more Australians are jumping aboard luxury ships, Teresa Ooi takes a look at what money CAN buy. They are bigger, smarter and ever ...
