I've selected a handful of cruise experiences that genuinely stand out right now, from Viking's once-in-a-decade Oberammergau with Salzburg journey and the authentic Japanese hospitality of Mitsui Ocean Cruises, to boutique river cruising with Uniworld, intimate yacht-style expeditions with Atlas Ocean Voyages, and a festive Christmas voyage with Explora Journeys.
These are experiences I believe offer something genuinely different, whether that's exceptional value, unique itineraries, immersive cultural experiences or a level of luxury that elevates the journey itself.
The best cabins and promotional offers rarely last long. If something catches your eye, it's worth having a conversation sooner rather than later.
Contact me for full details, availability and personalised advice, or to secure your preferred cabin before the best options disappear.
If you prefer to stay on land, check out my non-cruise specials here
If you've already dreamed about Japan or even visited once, Mitsui Ocean Cruises offers a very different experience.
Purpose-built for travellers who want to immerse themselves in Japanese culture, these smaller luxury ships combine exceptional service, regional cuisine and carefully chosen itineraries that explore Japan at a more relaxed pace.
Whether it's summer festivals, spectacular fireworks, coastal villages or lesser-visited ports, these voyages reveal a side of Japan many international cruise lines simply don't.
Highlights include:
- Exclusive Cruise World air credit savings of up to AU$2,500 per person on selected 2026 sailings
- Smaller luxury ship carrying just 458 guests
- Immersive Japanese hospitality, cuisine and culture
- Sailings ranging from 8–9 nights
- Carefully crafted itineraries around Japan's coastline
- Unique departures including summer festivals and fireworks cruises
- Veranda and Oceanview suites available
*Selected sailings from AU$7,880 per person.
Christmas Beneath the Stars
Spend Christmas differently aboard EXPLORA II, sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona with an unforgettable festive celebration beneath thousands of candles inside Gibraltar's spectacular St Michael's Cave.
Designed for travellers who appreciate exceptional dining, generous inclusions and beautifully unhurried travel, this is a Christmas cruise unlike any other.
Highlights include:
- Exclusive candlelit Christmas concert in Gibraltar's spectacular St Michael's Cave
- 7-night voyage aboard EXPLORA II
- Lisbon, Gibraltar, Málaga, Alicante, Ibiza and Barcelona
- Christmas departure – 21–28 December 2026
- Nine distinctive dining experiences
- Unlimited fine wines, champagne, premium spirits, speciality coffees and soft drinks
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
- Gratuities included
- Ocean Wellness spa and fitness facilities
- Authentic, intuitive service throughout the voyage
From US$4,460 per person.
Cruise & Air Credit
Enjoy even greater value on your next Uniworld river cruise with an Air Credit of up to NZD $3,000 per person on selected 2026 and 2027 departures.
Whether you're cruising Europe's iconic waterways or exploring destinations further afield, this limited-time offer helps make getting there even more rewarding.
Highlights include:
- Up to AUD $3,000 per person Air Credit*
- Selected 2026 & 2027 departures
- Available across a wide range of itineraries
- All-inclusive luxury river cruising
- Europe, Egypt, Asia and Peru sailings available
- More value from the moment you leave home
From AUD $5,149 per person. Offer expires 31 Aug
Oberammergau with Salzburg 2030
Experience one of Europe's most remarkable cultural traditions on this 12-day Viking river cruise and land journey through Germany, Austria and Hungary.
Centred around the Oberammergau Passion Play - performed only once every ten years - this extraordinary itinerary also includes Salzburg and a scenic journey along the Danube through some of Central Europe's most historic towns.
Highlights include:
- Oberammergau Passion Play – a once-a-decade performance
- 12-day Cruise & Tour with Viking
- 10 guided tours across Germany, Austria, Hungary & the Czech Republic
- Time in Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart
- Scenic sailing along the Danube River
From AUD $9,995 per person
Discover a different style of expedition cruising aboard Atlas Adventurer, where the atmosphere is more private yacht than traditional cruise ship.
Designed for travellers who value immersive exploration, relaxed luxury and smaller guest numbers, these extraordinary voyages through Asia and Africa offer a more intimate way to experience some of the world's most fascinating destinations.
Highlights include:
- Inaugural Atlas Adventurer voyages
- Air Credit savings of up to US$9,000 per suite*
- Enhanced Explorer's Choice complimentary amenities
- Smaller yacht-style expedition experience
- Asia and Africa departures in 2028 & 2029
- Immersive itineraries with extended time ashore
From US$24,495 per person.
All offers are subject to availability and apply to selected sailings and departures only. Prices, inclusions and promotional offers may be amended, withdrawn or sold out without notice.
Pricing, deposits, final payment terms and cancellation conditions vary by cruise line, sailing, cabin category and fare type. All bookings are subject to the individual supplier's booking conditions.
Mitsui Ocean Cruises
Pricing is based on selected 2026 departures. Cruise World air credit offers apply to eligible sailings and cabin categories only. Subject to availability and Mitsui Ocean Cruises' and Cruise World's terms and conditions.
Explora Journeys
Pricing is based on the featured 21–28 December 2026 departure aboard EXPLORA II. Fares, inclusions and promotional benefits are subject to availability and Explora Journeys' terms and conditions.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Pricing is based on the Enchanting Danube departure on 8 November 2026. Featured pricing starts from NZD $5,149 per person. Air Credit offers apply to selected 2026 and 2027 departures and are subject to availability, applicable booking conditions and Uniworld's terms and conditions.
Viking River Cruises & Tours
Pricing is based on selected 2030 Oberammergau with Salzburg departures. Fares, inclusions and promotional offers are subject to availability and Viking's terms and conditions. Prices may be amended or withdrawn without notice.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Pricing is based on the featured Silk & Sands Passage departure on 7 April 2029. Featured pricing starts from US$24,495 per person, based on a Panorama Ocean Suite. Air Credit savings, bonus savings and Explorer's Choice amenities are available on selected voyages only and are subject to Atlas Ocean Voyages' terms and conditions.
Offers may not be combinable unless specifically stated. Additional supplier terms and conditions may apply.