Recently Published
Please feel free to browse through a collection of stories published over the past couple of years.
Princess Cruises celebrates three new ships in one day
While chatting with Majestic Princess' Captain Dino Sagani in Trieste's famed Caffe degli Specchi, it becomes clear that he is something of a celebrity in his home town. The cafe's manager is an old friend, people stop to greet him at our table and others stroll by and wave.
The Modern Mariner
Sailing out of Canada’s spectacular port city of Vancouver on a crisp spring evening, toasting the occasion with a glass of perfectly chilled Champagne, sets the tone for a leisurely seven-night cruise to Seward, Alaska.
Think big on a small ship
While the tide is turning against megaship visits to Europe's big cities, smaller ships are a good alternative to see Europe's smaller charms.
Oprah Winfrey's magic touch
It's not often that you see a godmother of a new ship so exuberant and gleeful as Oprah Winfrey when she christened Holland America Line's Nieuw Statendam in February.
Meet the neighbours
It's not every day that you get to visit an idyllic tropical island in the company of its charismatic owner. However, on a recent P&O cruise to Papua New Guinea, UK-based Australian businessman Ian Gowrie-Smith escorts a small group of travel writers around one of his Conflict Islands, an isolated eco-haven in the shimmering Coral Sea.
To Montreal in royal style
Louis Armstrong's classic song What a Wonderful World fills the air as Crystal Symphony sails out of the Manhattan cruise terminal and across New York's magnificent harbour into the open ocean. It's grey and drizzly, but the mood is upbeat, particularly when we sail past that most famous of landmarks, the Statue of Liberty. As the ship's whistle salutes the Lady, my cruise companion and I toast her with a Cosmopolitan in the elegant Palm Court.
Smooth Operator
One of the first things you notice on the new Seabourn Ovation (and its nearly identical sister Seabourn Encore) is that Seabourn Square is round. This central atrium area is, as its name suggests, square on the line's three Odyssey-class ships but under the command of internationally renowned hotel designer Adam Tihany, the interiors of Encore and Ovation are all about curves.
Latte day heroes of the high seas
Australians have become very choosy about their coffee and cruisers often complain about the poor quality, stewed brews served up on some ships.
How to seas the moment
With so many cruise lines sailing around the oceans, how do you choose the right one for your first, or next cruise?
Yes – you really can cruise there
Once the desire to cruise has taken hold, it's hard to shake. You've done the Pacific Islands and Australian coast, sailed the Med, Caribbean and maybe Alaska – so, where to next?
Cruising New Zealand on the refurbished Azamara Journey
Solo travellers, on this cruise you won't feel alone
Cruises for people who love art
Anyone who has cruised on Ovation of the Seas – or spotted the megaship in a port around Australia – will have viewed its biggest artwork.
Arnhem Land by Hand
Mixing Indigenous art with Melbourne design, furniture company Manapan is bridging the gap between ancient and modern Australia.
A cruise among cowboys and chateaux in the Camargue
Photographs of the Camargue, a triangular delta between the Rhône and the Mediterranean, usually depict white horses galloping through misty marshlands and elegant pink flamingos reflected in endless watery vistas.
Cool Running
An Antarctic voyage takes you into an unearthly world of fantastical icescapes, unpredictable conditions and mindblowing encounters with wildlife.
St Petersburg to Moscow, Russia
A river cruise through the world's biggest country.
Bliss on a Ship
Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest, most spectacular megaship, Norwegian Bliss, takes contemporary cruising to new levels.
Côte D’Azur and More
Discover history, culture and oodles of Joie De Vivre on a luxury cruise in France.
Luxe on the Water
If it’s quality time you want try a leisurely, luxury river cruise from Arles to Lyon, says Sally Macmillan.
A Lost World
Sally Macmillan discovers a haven for boaties, birdwatchers and bushwalkers on a boutique cruise.
Go with the Flow
River cruising in Europe has never been more popular, so how do you choose where to go? Sally Macmillan looks at the highlights of three different destinations.
New Age of Cruise
Ever wanted to swim with turtles in the Galápagos? Go dog-sledding in Alaska? Or indulge in great food and wine in Europe? You can do all this – and much, much more – on a cruise.
Joie de Vivre River Cruise
Is it a good or a bad thing to be greeted at a ship's bar by a big warm hug from the bartender you last met two years ago?
50 Shades of Khaki
Shopping for safari gear was just one of the Big Firsts of this writer’s introductory trip to South Africa. Close encounters with the Big Five – lion, cheetah, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros – left her (almost) speechless.
Très Chic
Set in the heart of France’s historic port city, Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port is the perfect stopover for ocean and river cruisers, writes Sally Macmillan.
Ahoy, Foodies!
Oceania Cruises prides itself on its outstanding cuisine. Sally Macmillan taste-tested Insignia’s restaurants and cafes on a Mediterranean cruise.
Wild Island Life
Seeing rare animals and birds up close in their native habitat is just one of the many reasons to take an expedition cruise in the Galapagos Islands, writes Sally Macmillan.
Cruising in Asia
As the cruise scene in Asia hots up, Sally Macmillan discovers some enticing trips that are both scenic and serene, offering bustling cities and sacred sites.
All Ashore Who’s Going Ashore
Day trips are a great way to taste some of the country’s best sites while you’re cruising, writes Sally Macmillan.
Indulge Your Passion
Themed cruises attract fans of everything from art to yoga. Jump aboard to meet like-minded guests and learn from the experts, says Sally Macmillan.
How to Make the Most of Your Cruise
It’s no secret that cruising is booming – but is it for you? Sally Macmillan has been on more than 40 cruises and shares her tips for first-timers.
Heaven on Earth
Fulfill your romantic dreams of sailing the South Seas on a Wind Spirit cruise, the next best thing to being onboard your own private yacht.
The Best River Cruises in 2017
Europe’s waterways will see new luxury ships and special-interest tours, while less travelled South-East Asia is becoming the destination of choice for adventurous cruisers.
Small is Beautiful
There’s a growing demand for smaller ships with fewer passengers and a bespoke vibe. Sally Macmillan discovers six classic favourites.
Cruise Our Natural Wonders
Cruising the Kimberley offers the chance to experience Western Australia’s vast, ancient wilderness finds Sally Macmillan.
High Life on the High Seas
The newest über-luxury ship sets sail on a trip around the Mediterranean and Sally Macmillan goes along for a test-cruise.
Mekong Reflections
Cruising the Mekong reveals tantalising glimpses into the complex cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia, finds Sally Macmillan.
Special-Interest Cruising: Top 20 Themed Cruises to do
Would you go on a nude cruise? Or does a more conventional option such as a garden, golf or gourmet-themed cruise appeal?
Food and Cruising: Most Incredible Shore Excursions for Foodies
Wining and dining has always played an important role in the enjoyment of any cruise, but these days our fascination with all things foodie is taking the experience to a whole new level.
Norwegian Fjords Cruise on HAL's New Ship Koningsdam: The Land of the Vikings
There's something very appealing about sailing to a country famed for its Viking seafaring heritage in a freshly christened, 21st-century cruise ship.