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Telegraph
5 days ago
- Telegraph
The six best Australia cruises to book now
Bound entirely by ocean, and with a coastline spanning 16,000 miles, Australia is a great destination to explore by ship. Travelling around the continent takes time but a cruise will take in key sights and help lighten the load in terms of logistics and planning. Itineraries are varied and span the Pacific (east coast), Indian Ocean (west coast), major cities, rivers and some of the country's most remote islands. One of my most memorable cruises took in the ruddy gorges, mangrove-fringed estuaries and ancient reef systems of the Kimberley, where prehistoric 'salties' (saltwater crocodiles) roam. Some lines combine Australia with New Zealand – a convenient way to visit two far-flung destinations in one trip. Cruise schedules usually operate from October to April (spring and summer in the southern hemisphere) and from April to October in the Kimberley. Here are six of the best cruises to book now to fire your imagination. Quick find by cruise type
Forbes
03-08-2025
- Forbes
This Style Of Cruise Cabin Offers The Best Value At Sea
Inside cabin on 'P&O Arvia' cruise ship. David Nikel When planning a cruise, the temptation of a private balcony is easy to understand. Waking up to an ocean breeze. Watching the sail-in from bed, or the sailaway in privacy. It's an appealing image and one cruise lines are happy to promote. But for some savvy travelers, there's a better option hiding in plain sight. The inside cabin. While often overlooked in favor of oceanview or balcony staterooms, inside cabins offer one of the best value propositions on board a cruise ship. And for a growing number of cruisers, they're not just a compromise. They're the smart choice. Cruise fares are generally based on cabin type and location. That means if you're willing to sleep without a window, you can usually cruise for hundreds of dollars less than someone staying on the other side of the hall. That saving stretches your vacation budget. It can be used for shore excursions, speciality dining, spa treatments or a drinks package. Or, if you're cruising simply to relax, it can be banked for your next sailing. A quick search of current itineraries shows the price gap clearly. MSC Cruises offer this 7-night Northern Europe itinerary on MSC Euribia for a tempting $1,520 per person in a balcony cabin. But booking an inside cabin saves $400, or $800 if you're traveling as a couple, enough to cover flights, excursions, or a pre-cruise hotel. On premium lines, the savings can be even greater, although the most upmarket cruise lines tend to only offer balcony cabins. The best part of booking an inside cabin? You're getting the same core cruise experience. Same shows. Same food. Same ship. Same ports. You Probably Won't Miss The Window A common assumption about inside cabins is that they feel claustrophobic. For some people, that's true. But for others, especially those who don't spend much time in their room, the absence of a window barely registers. On port-intensive itineraries, it's common to spend the entire day exploring ashore and most evenings enjoying shows, bars, or dinner with friends. By the time you return to your cabin, you're only there to sleep. The same is true for modern megaships. With so much on offer on board, from water parks and arcades to multi-screen cinemas and enrichment lectures, the cabin becomes little more than a place to shower and recharge. You'll find yourself drawn to the action elsewhere. A typical inside cabin on the cruise ship 'MSC Euribia'. David Nikel And for those who like to sleep in? Inside cabins can be blissfully dark, creating ideal conditions for uninterrupted rest. That's especially true on summer itineraries and midnight sun cruises. Light-sensitive travelers, night owls, and shift workers all say the same thing: they sleep better in total darkness. Modern Touches In Inside Cabins Cruise lines know that inside cabins aren't everyone's first pick. So many of them have added thoughtful features to improve the experience, or at least, try to. Disney Cruise Line has 'magic portholes' in some inside cabins on select ships. They're essentially digital windows showing real-time ocean views, with a few animated surprises for good measure. Royal Caribbean has taken the idea even further with virtual balconies. These floor-to-ceiling LED screens project live views from the outside of the ship. Cruise writer Emma Le Teace booked an itinerary just to try out this cabin grade and said that while it had its quirks, she 'much preferred this cabin to a regular dark inside.' Other lines have rethought the layout entirely. Virgin Voyages offers inside 'Social Insider' cabins with clever configurations, including bunks that double as lounge seating during the day, perfect for groups of friends cruising together. It's a reminder that a room without a view doesn't have to mean barebones. Motion Matters Here's a practical perk that seasoned cruisers know well: inside cabins, especially those midship and on lower decks, tend to feel less of the ship's movement. That makes them a great choice for travelers prone to seasickness or for itineraries that include open ocean crossings. They are also a smart choice for northern lights cruises, which often take place during the winter months when seas can be rougher. While balcony cabins are a popular option on these itineraries, there is no guarantee you will see the aurora from your own private space. The northern lights can appear in any direction, so your best bet is to head to the open decks for the widest possible view of the sky. Of course, not all inside cabins are created equal. Cabins located far forward or aft may still feel movement in rough seas. But as a general rule, the more central your cabin, the steadier your ride. If rough seas do hit, being able to see the horizon can help ease symptoms of motion sickness. That's why, when booking an inside cabin, it's wise to avoid those located at the very front or back of the ship, just in case conditions become unsettled. Is An Inside Cabin Right For You? If your cruise is more about the destination than the cabin, an inside stateroom could be the best decision you make. Travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship, joining shore excursions, or relaxing on deck will find little reason to pay more for a room they rarely use. Inside cabins are also a smart option for solo travelers, especially on ships that offer purpose-built rooms without the usual single supplement. Couples cruising on a budget, families booking multiple cabins and repeat cruisers who prefer to cruise more often than more expensively are all well suited to this category. Even loyal balcony guests might want to think twice. On shoulder-season sailings, chilly or unpredictable weather can limit time outdoors. And on shorter itineraries, you might be so busy with meals, shows, and port visits that your balcony becomes an afterthought. Just one caveat. Because inside cabins tend to be the most affordable option, they are often the first to sell out. If one fits your travel style, it pays to book early. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Why Are There Rubber Ducks Hidden On Cruise Ships? By David Nikel Forbes Overnight Ports Are Becoming More Popular On Cruises By David Nikel Forbes Why Do Cruise Lines Make Changes To Itineraries Before Sailing? By David Nikel
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Forbes
Why Cruise Ships Go Into Dry Dock And Why It Matters To You
Ships in dry dock undergo essential maintenance. getty Cruise lines often talk about dry docks as if they're nothing more than routine maintenance. A ship heads off for a few weeks, then returns refreshed and ready to sail. But for passengers, a dry dock can mean far more than a fresh coat of paint. It can dramatically change the onboard experience, from new restaurants and entertainment to redesigned cabins and entire decks. Understanding what dry dock actually involves and checking when a ship was last refurbished can make a big difference when choosing your next cruise. Put simply, a dry dock is when a cruise ship is taken out of the water for maintenance, upgrades, and regulatory inspections. This typically happens every five years, but ships may also go into dry dock more frequently for commercial reasons, such as rebranding or modernization. During this time, the ship is positioned in a special dock that drains out water, exposing the hull. This allows for work that can't be done while the ship is afloat. But in recent years, dry dock has increasingly become an opportunity for cruise lines to enhance the passenger experience and keep older ships competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Typical Dry Dock Works At the most basic level, dry dock allows for essential safety and compliance tasks. This includes inspecting lifeboats, overhauling fire systems, servicing engines, and checking the hull for wear and tear. These routine but vital checks help ensure the ship remains seaworthy and certified under maritime regulations. Dry dock provides a chance to work on the parts of the ship that are normally underwater. getty In recent years, many dry docks have also been used to improve a ship's environmental performance. Cruise lines are increasingly retrofitting older vessels with emissions scrubbers, shore power capability, and even LNG conversion systems, helping them meet stricter environmental standards in some ports. Interior Updates During Dry Dock Then there are the interior updates. Depending on the ship, this might involve replacing worn carpets and soft furnishings, updating color schemes, or modernizing staterooms and suites. In some cases, public spaces are entirely reconfigured. A dated lounge might become a trendy bar or specialty restaurant, or a buffet might be expanded and redesigned due to changing demand or the desire to align an older ship with newer vessels in the fleet. A good example is P&O Cruises' Aurora , the smallest and oldest ship in the fleet, which entered dry dock in April 2025. Launched in 2000, Aurora still wins fans with her wraparound promenade, tiered aft decks, and adults-only ambiance. It's a classic ship in a world of floating resorts. While its 2025 dry dock didn't change that core identity, it did give the ship a significant refresh: updated décor in restaurants and bars, new furniture on deck and spruced-up staterooms with new soft furnishings and mattresses. When Dry Dock Doesn't Go As Planned Although dry dock usually improves a ship, there can be teething issues. Occasionally, return-to-service voyages experience delays, incomplete installations, or crews adjusting to new routines. Because of the risk of cancellation, cruise lines often schedule a short sailing immediately following dry dock, to lessen the financial impact of a delay. It's worth keeping this in mind if you're booking the very first sailing after a maintenance period. That said, the benefits often outweigh the risks. A post-dry-dock sailing might include upgraded technology, better bedding, new menus, and a noticeably fresher atmosphere. What Travelers Should Look For When booking a cruise, especially on a ship over ten years old, take a moment to check its dry dock history using websites such as Cruise Critic. It can reveal a lot about what to expect on board. You may also want to compare sister ships in the same class. Some may have been modernized more recently than others. If you're torn between two itineraries, a ship that's just come out of dry dock might offer the better overall experience. A cruise ship's age doesn't tell the full story, but its dry dock history helps to provide some insight. In an industry where the onboard experience is everything, knowing which ships have been updated and when could help you choose the cruise that's right for you. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes How To Plan A Memorable Transatlantic Cruise By David Nikel Forbes Avoid These 10 Rookie Mistakes On Your First Cruise By David Nikel Forbes How To Plan A Norwegian Fjords Cruise In 2025 By David Nikel
Forbes
04-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Could Cruise Lines Be Forced To Rethink Size As Europe Pushes Back?
Could smaller cruise ships be the future for busy European cruise ports such as Barcelona? getty For years now, it seems that cruise lines have been obsessed with going bigger. Each new launch seemed to outdo the last, boasting more decks, more passengers, and more headline-grabbing onboard attractions. But as some of Europe's most iconic destinations move to restrict or even ban large cruise ships, a question looms: Could this be the beginning of the end for the megaship era? Cannes is the latest city to impose tough new rules. From 2026, ships carrying more than 1,000 passengers will no longer be allowed to dock in the glamorous French Riviera hotspot. It's just one example of a growing movement across Europe where authorities are drawing a line between the economic benefits of cruise tourism and its social and environmental costs. As pressure mounts and ports tighten their rules, cruise lines may be forced to reconsider not just where they sail, but how. The future of cruising might not be bigger after all. Cannes Says No To Cruise Lines' Megaships From January 1, 2026, vessels carrying more than 1,000 passengers will no longer be allowed to dock at the harbor in Cannes. Instead, larger ships must anchor offshore and transfer guests via tender boats, while daily disembarkations will be capped at 6,000 passengers. Described by the city council as a form of 'drastic regulation,' the new policy aims to make tourism in Cannes 'less numerous, less big, less polluting and more esthetic.' Mayor David Lisnard insists this is not a ban, but a strategic response to balance visitor demand with environmental concerns. 'Cannes has become a major cruise ship destination, with real economic benefits,' he said. 'It's not about banning cruise ships, but about regulating, organizing, setting guidelines for their navigation.' Environmental advocates have welcomed the move. In 2024, Cannes hosted 175 ships and more than 450,000 passengers, underscoring the significance of the shift. A Growing Movement Across Europe Cannes is just the latest in a series of high-profile European ports placing limits on cruise ship access. In recent years, cities across the continent have introduced restrictions to tackle the environmental impact of cruise tourism and the pressure it places on local infrastructure. Venice led the way by banning large ships from entering its historic lagoon in 2021, rerouting vessels over 25,000 gross tons to nearby industrial ports. Amsterdam has announced a phased reduction in cruise traffic, aiming to cap visits at 100 ships per year from 2026, with a long-term goal of eliminating cruise ships entirely by 2035. In Spain, Palma de Mallorca limits daily arrivals to just three ships, only one of which may carry more than 5,000 passengers. Meanwhile, Barcelona has capped arrivals at seven ships per day and banned the biggest ships from its downtown port. While that figure may seem high, Barcelona is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world and a major turnaround hub, making the restriction a significant step. Other cities, including Dubrovnik and Zeebrugge, have implemented caps on daily dockings, while Nice has restricted access to ships over 190 meters or with more than 900 passengers. The message from Europe is increasingly clear: smaller, better-managed cruise tourism is the way forward. Cruise Lines Need To Segment To Survive The rise of megaships continues to dominate the cruise industry's marketing and media coverage. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean are investing heavily in these floating resorts, aiming to attract younger travelers looking for an all-in-one vacation experience with amenities such as surf simulators and water parks. However, this is only one direction the industry is taking. Alongside the growth of megaships, a quieter but equally significant trend is reshaping the sector. There is increasing demand for smaller, boutique-style vessels that focus on cultural enrichment and sustainability, together with access to ports that larger ships cannot reach. Industry analysts report strong growth in the luxury cruise segment, where intimacy and curated experiences are prioritized over size and spectacle. Viking Ocean Cruises is a clear example. Its ocean-going ships each carry fewer than 1,000 passengers and focus on thoughtful itineraries and an enrichment-focused onboard atmosphere. Other lines, such as Explora Journeys, Seabourn, and Ponant are expanding with similar models that emphasise space, style and service. As cruise lines adapt to changing traveler expectations and increased regulatory pressure in major ports, the shift toward a more segmented and diversified market appears not just likely, but inevitable. Large megaships are likely to remain popular on well-established routes such as the Caribbean and parts of Europe, especially where the appeal lies in the ship itself. Travelers seeking cultural depth, unique ports, and a quieter, more personalized atmosphere will increasingly seek smaller ships. As ports introduce new restrictions and passenger expectations continue to evolve, cruise lines that can serve both ends of the market will be better positioned for long-term success. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes New To Cruising? These 5 Cruise Traditions May Surprise You By David Nikel Forbes When It Makes Sense To Book Cruise Line Shore Excursions By David Nikel Forbes Turnaround Ports Are The Cities That Power The Cruise Industry By David Nikel
Skift
02-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
MSC Cruises Is Reimagining the Private Island Experience Through Conservation
Cruise lines are rethinking what drives guest interest in a destination. Conservation-led private islands investing in ocean health and local communities are creating the kind of differentiation guests increasingly expect and value. This sponsored content was created in collaboration with a Skift partner. Private islands have become unique opportunities for cruise lines looking to create a memorable guest experience and diversify their brand. At the same time, there's a growing interest in experiences focused on quiet, nature-based engagement. Recent research from the Galápagos Islands found that satisfaction and loyalty are highest in destinations that provide ecological engagement, structured learning, and time for quiet reflection. This shift is happening against a backdrop of timely events, including the most severe coral reef bleaching on record between January 2023 and April 2025, which has left 84% of surveyed reefs pale white due to extreme heat stress. As World Oceans Day and World Reef Awareness Day take place this week, the time is now to take action. Amid these events, private islands' long-term relevance depends on their ability to support conservation and deliver experiences that align with travelers' growing expectations for sustainability while still providing exceptional hospitality. Initiatives that promote ocean health and environmental conservation in tandem with memorable hospitality will be critical differentiators in the competitive Caribbean cruise market. Innovating with Purpose Located in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is an example of this shift. MSC Cruises has transformed this former abandoned industrial site into a destination rooted in conservation and restoration. 'We took a different approach to developing Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve because we wanted to create a destination that provides travelers a deeper connection to nature,' said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America. 'We envisioned Ocean Cay as a living example of regeneration and ocean stewardship in line with the growing desire among travelers for destinations that align with their values and contribute to the planet's health.' Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Source: MSC Cruises Before MSC Cruises entered the picture, the island was a sand excavation site left in poor condition after decades of industrial activity. MSC Cruises made significant investments to rehabilitate the neglected island, removing thousands of tons of scrap metal, relocating almost a million cubic yards of sand, and planting 5,000 palm trees and 75,000 native shrubs. The company also replaced the island's industrial scars with native vegetation, installed solar infrastructure to reduce its environmental footprint, and kept shoreline development to a minimum to protect the coastal ecosystem. Integrating Conservation Into the Guest Experience The island experience at Ocean Cay begins with nature and circles back to conserving it: What looks like a tropical escape is one of the Caribbean's most ambitious coral restoration projects. The MSC Foundation (MSC Group's philanthropic arm focused on environmental protection, education, and community support) restores endangered coral species and studies their ability to withstand rising ocean temperatures through its Super Coral Reefs Program. 'Our vision is to turn scientific discovery into real-world impact by combining research with restoration and education. We're not only growing thermally resilient coral but also growing awareness,' said Daniela Picco, executive director of the MSC Foundation. At the heart of this work, the newly opened Marine Conservation Center houses 22 coral tanks, a fully equipped bio lab, and a lecture hall. The center functions as a base for restoration and research, an educational hub, and a guest-facing venue that integrates regeneration directly into the guest experience. Ocean Cay Marine Conservation Center. Source: MSC Cruises The island encourages guests to slow down and engage with the environment. On target to begin in the fall, guests can attend talks from marine conservation experts, watch coral restoration efforts in progress, or join guided eco-excursions that explore the fragility and resilience of the island's surrounding reef. 'These experiences allow guests to deepen their understanding of coral restoration, making them active participants in Ocean Cay's ongoing story of environmental stewardship,' said Torrent. The work extends well beyond what guests see on the island. Populated by five coral species and 13 genotypes, the offshore coral nursery has achieved a 100% survival rate through the 2023 Caribbean marine heatwave. Scaling Impact According to Torrent, the next phase involves outplanting coral fragments for long-term reef restoration efforts. As of April 2025, MSC Foundation has already begun outplanting nursery-grown coral fragments at two reef sites near Ocean Cay in partnership with the Perry Institute for Marine Science. Together, they've planted over 200 fragments across five species, including the critically endangered elkhorn coral, at varying depths based on their maturity and potential for long-term survival. Divers cleaned the seafloor and secured the fragments using marine-safe cement, placing genetically related colonies in proximity to encourage natural fusion and improve reef resilience. Ocean Cay underwater coral nursery. Source: MSC Cruises This conservation-first model has brought Ocean Cay recognition within the global marine science and conservation community. Mission Blue declared the island a Hope Spot, placing it in a global network of over 160 locations that scientists identify as critical to ocean health. Founded by oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue highlights marine areas with the potential for ecological restoration. "Ocean Cay's restoration has been a multidisciplinary effort to re-establish the ecological balance of this limestone island and its surrounding marine estate," said Earle. "It informs thousands of people weekly about the importance of growing and outplanting thermally tolerant corals for marine conservation, ocean health, and human wellbeing." Economic Anchoring and Local Impact in the Bahamas As a fully staffed island destination, Ocean Cay has become a local employer with nearly 300 employees, with Bahamians making up 80% of its workforce. MSC Cruises plans to grow that number to over 500 employees in the next two to four years, increasing Bahamian representation across all services and roles. This investment takes many forms. MSC Cruises has partnered with local institutions to offer scholarships and internships for Bahamian students in marine science and sustainability, with the aim of helping build the country's future conservation workforce. 'A critical aspect of our Foundation's work are partnerships with universities such as Nova Southeastern, the University of Miami, the University of The Bahamas, and The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) to enable hands-on education and internships, passing on Ocean Cay's coral restoration commitment to the next generation of marine conservation leaders,' said Torrent. 'Our long-term vision is to deepen these collaborations, expand coral outplanting efforts, and scale public education programs.' She continued: 'Over the next decade, the most successful private islands will be those that go beyond scenic beauty and entertainment. They'll offer authentic experiences that deliver real value to nature and local communities.' That model is already taking shape at Ocean Cay. As more travelers seek out destinations with depth and purpose, it may well become the blueprint others follow. To learn more about MSC Cruises, click here. This content was created collaboratively by MSC Cruises and Skift's branded content studio, SkiftX.
