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Welcome to John’s GTM Weekly Cruise News and Hot Cruise Deals, delivered directly to your inbox by Global Travel Media.

Autumn has arrived in Britain, Europe and North America, while here in Australia we are heading towards summer. Mind you, those of us in Queensland might be forgiven for asking where the sunshine has gone after a spell of wet and chilly weather. Still, warmer days are on the way, and somewhere in the world there’s always ideal conditions for a cruise!

It has been a remarkable week in cruising, and not always for the reasons the industry would have wished. Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Adventure will leave Australia in March 2028. That will reduce its locally deployed fleet from four ships to two, with Carnival Splendor remaining in Sydney and Carnival Encounter in Brisbane. Carnival has not announced a complete withdrawal from Australia, although the move has understandably raised questions about the cost and certainty of operating in our market.

Then there is the extraordinary reshuffling within Carnival Corporation. Cunard’s Queen Anne, launched in 2024, is to join P&O Cruises in 2029 after modifications and a new name, while P&O’s Arcadia, which entered service in 2005, will transfer to Holland America Line in 2029. Maritime musical chairs, indeed, and a reminder that cruise fleets never stand still for long!

Meanwhile, more ships are preparing for the Australian summer wave season, while European river cruising faces a different challenge. Low water levels on parts of the Danube, Rhine, and Main have disrupted some itineraries, so operators are arranging alternative plans where necessary. Anyone travelling on those waterways should check directly with their cruise line before departure.

So, with the big stories covered, let us turn to the voyages, destinations and deals attracting my attention this week. As always, promotional prices are subject to availability and can change, so do check the latest position with the company concerned before booking.

MY CRUISES

My Cruises has been promoting its 2027 and 2028 early-bird cruise holidays, many combining flights, hotels and a cruise. Here are two offers with published booking deadlines still ahead of us:

Best of Spain, Portugal & Morocco Exploration – Explorations by Norwegian

A 19-night fly, stay and exploration cruise holiday, advertised from A$8,990 per person, twin share, with a stated A$4,000 package bonus value and selected onboard inclusions. Departs 12 July 2028. Deal code MX2-40143. Book by 31 October 2026, subject to availability and full terms.

Brand-New Norwegian Aura: Italy, Croatia & Greek Isles Balcony Upgrade

A 14-night fly, stay and cruise holiday, advertised from A$7,990 per person, twin share, with a stated A$4,000 package bonus value. Departs 2 May 2027. Deal code MC-42140. Book by 31 October 2026, subject to availability. Norwegian Aura’s shipboard itinerary on this departure is 10 nights; the longer advertised holiday includes land and flight arrangements.

My Cruises has also previously promoted these tempting itineraries: Grand Circle of Japan Complete Discovery Voyage with Holland America (10 October 2027, MC-40074); Canadian Rockies & Alaskan Voyage with Royal Caribbean (28 May 2027, MC-41411); Prague, Vienna & Amsterdam Exclusive River Cruise with Avalon Waterways (5 October 2027, MC-41853); Cherry Blossom to Big Apple Exploration (14 April 2028, MX2-40197); Sydney to Darwin Explorer with Regent Seven Seas (28 January 2027, MC-40662); and Adults-Only Greek Isles, Turkey & Egypt Discovery with Virgin Voyages (21 June 2028, MC-41789).

The published booking periods for those six packages ended on 30 September 2026. I have therefore not repeated their old promotional prices as current deals. They are worth enquiring about, but readers should request a fresh quotation and confirm the itinerary, cabin category and inclusions.

For more information, visit MY CRUISES.

OCEANIA CRUISES

Oceania Cruises has released 12 individual segments of the 2028 world voyage aboard Oceania Aurelia, giving travellers who cannot spare several months at sea a chance to enjoy part of a much longer adventure.

South Pacific Serenade – Papeete to Sydney

Departing 23 February 2028, this 18-night voyage crosses some of the loveliest waters on Earth. The published itinerary includes Bora Bora, Pago Pago, Vava’u in Tonga, Lautoka in Fiji, Port Vila in Vanuatu and Nouméa in New Caledonia, before arriving in Sydney. Plenty of time to admire the lagoons and islands, not to mention indulge in the ship’s celebrated dining.

Pacific Passageways – Tokyo to Hong Kong

Departing 22 April 2028, this 10-night voyage takes guests through Japan and Taiwan, including Shimizu, Kobe, Hiroshima, Miyazaki, Naha and Kaohsiung, before arriving in Hong Kong. It promises an intriguing mix of history, temples, modern cities and excellent food.

Fares depend on the accommodation category and current inventory, so please check directly rather than relying on previously quoted lead-in prices.

For more information, visit OCEANIA CRUISES.

CRUISEAWAY

CruiseAway’s Sacred Horizons – The Japan Experience combines a cruise aboard MSC Bellissima with flights, accommodation and a four-day guided tour. It is advertised to depart on 7 April 2027, with the 14-night package currently listed from A$8,399 per person on the operator’s website.

The land programme features Tokyo’s Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo Skytree and Ginza, together with a Shinkansen journey to Odawara, a cruise on Lake Ashi and sightseeing around Mount Fuji. CruiseAway also promotes hosted onboard workshops as part of the overall experience; readers should confirm speakers and programme details before booking.

Other itineraries CruiseAway previously highlighted include an eight-night Sydney round-trip on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, a four-night Sydney round-trip on Carnival Adventure, and a 14-night New Zealand round-trip aboard Royal Princess. Departure dates and current prices are required before these can be treated as confirmed offers.

For more information, visit CRUISEAWAY.

VACATIONS TO GO

Vacations To Go continues to promote cruise specials across a wide range of lines, and the company says eligible travellers can sometimes obtain additional rates based on age, airline employment or previous cruises. These concessions aren’t available on every sailing, so check the rules rather than assuming everyone gets the same discount.

The agency has advertised selected promotions involving Azamara, Cunard, Princess, Celebrity, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Costa, Oceania Cruises, Silversea, Margaritaville at Sea and HX Expeditions. These offers may include lower cruise fares, onboard credit, reduced deposits, or extra inclusions, but conditions vary widely, and the original percentage savings should not be treated as guaranteed current discounts.

Azamara’s 2029 World Cruise is particularly interesting. Azamara Quest is scheduled to sail from San Diego to Copenhagen on a 195-night voyage departing 3 January 2029, with alternatives of 179 nights from San Diego to London and 139 nights from Sydney to Copenhagen. That is a splendid choice for travellers who want to see the world without packing and unpacking at every port!

Vacations To Go previously promoted the following Top 10 cruise selections. The FastDeal numbers are included to make it easier to request updated prices. Earlier lead-in fares have been deliberately omitted because they have not all been confirmed as current:

Carnival – seven-night Caribbean cruise from Miami, 1 November 2026. FastDeal #36750.
Royal Caribbean – seven-night Mexico cruise from Los Angeles, 27 November 2026. FastDeal #51067.
Princess – seven-night Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale, 29 November 2026. FastDeal #30597.
MSC Cruises – seven-night Bahamas cruise from Miami, 9 November 2026. FastDeal #58367.
Holland America – seven-night Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale, 12 December 2026. FastDeal #18743.
Norwegian Cruise Line – 13-night transatlantic voyage from Ravenna, 1 November 2026. FastDeal #25361.
MSC Cruises – seven-night Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, 12 December 2026. FastDeal #21820.
Celebrity Cruises – 12-night Canary Islands cruise from Barcelona, 14 January 2027. FastDeal #43482.
Oceania Cruises – 12-night Australia and New Zealand voyage from Sydney, 3 December 2026. FastDeal #48787.
Silversea – seven-night Caribbean cruise from Barbados, 5 December 2026. FastDeal #40937.

US agency listings frequently quote fares in US dollars, not Australian dollars. Ask for the full price, cabin category, applicable taxes, deposit and cancellation conditions before committing.

For enquiries, Australians can call Vacations To Go on 1800 156 436, or visit VACATIONS TO GO.

TRIPADEAL

Few destinations are more dramatic than Antarctica. Icebergs, glaciers, whales, seals and penguins make this an expedition holiday unlike almost anything else. Remember that wildlife sightings and landings are always subject to the weather, the itinerary, and local conditions. The Antarctic wilderness does not keep a timetable for visiting passengers!

TripADeal’s Antarctic programme includes flights and cruises on selected departures, with some voyages also visiting South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and Patagonia. The operator advertises Qantas Frequent Flyer earning and redemption opportunities on qualifying packages; the points earned and any bonuses depend on the specific booking terms.

Some packages featured on TripADeal’s Antarctic destination listings include:

Swan Hellenic Luxury Antarctica – selected 2027–28 departures aboard SH Minerva, SH Vega or SH Diana, with packages advertised from A$17,699 per person, twin share for a 15-day option.

Highlights of Antarctica – a 15-day package featuring MS Fridtjof Nansen or MS Roald Amundsen, advertised from A$17,999 per person, twin share.

Luxury Antarctic Circle – selected 19-day expedition holidays with Swan Hellenic. Prices vary between promotional listings and individual departures, so readers should request the current applicable fare.

Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands – selected 23-day Swan Hellenic packages, advertised from A$27,699 per person, twin share on the operator’s destination page.

Two other previously highlighted packages, Shackleton’s Antarctic Quest and Antarctica & Chilean Patagonia Cruise, have individual product pages marked as no longer available. They should not be promoted as bookable without fresh confirmation.

For more information, visit TRIPADEAL.

TRAVEL ASSOCIATES

Travel Associates is promoting a 10-night Mediterranean voyage aboard Silversea’s Silver Ray, sailing round-trip from Barcelona on 2 May 2027, with calls in the western Mediterranean and the Balearic Islands.

The operator’s current listing advertises A$8,550 per person, twin share, in a Classic Veranda Suite, with savings of up to A$3,500 per person and a US$300 onboard credit per suite on qualifying bookings. The published offer expires 30 October 2026.

Silversea’s luxury cruise experience includes a choice of dining venues, in-suite service and selected beverages. Check the individual fare rules for the precise inclusions and any restrictions.

For more information, visit TRAVEL ASSOCIATES.

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES

Atlas Ocean Voyages is advertising a Season of Discovery promotion with savings of up to 40 per cent and up to US$2,000 in air credit, depending on the selected expedition and booking conditions. The promotion includes a 31 December 2026 booking deadline.

Destinations range from the Mediterranean and northern European fjords to the Arctic and Antarctica. Atlas has promoted selected 2027 voyages under names such as Savour the Atlantic Isles, French Coasts & Italian Shores and The Corinth Passage. Rather than repeat prices from an earlier campaign, readers should request the latest fares and check how any selected air credit is applied.

Looking further ahead, Atlas has also announced Atlas Adventurer, its luxury expedition sailing yacht, with an inaugural season starting in November 2028. Its new Asia and Africa expedition programme is distinct from the 2027 sailings advertised in the current promotion.

For more information, visit ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES.

SWAN HELLENIC

Swan Hellenic offers travellers the opportunity to combine two seven-night voyages aboard SH Diana into a 14-night journey from Bordeaux to Casablanca, through some of the most attractive ports along Europe’s Atlantic coast.

Wine Ports & Atlantic Shores

1–8 September 2027, Bordeaux to Lisbon. This itinerary explores northern Spain and Portugal, including destinations linked to historic seafaring traditions, seafood and the vineyards of the Atlantic coast.

From Fado to the Kasbah

8–15 September 2027, Lisbon to Casablanca. Guests continue along the Algarve, visit Seville and experience the meeting of Europe and North Africa at Tangier before arriving in Casablanca.

The operator has promoted benefits for travellers booking both consecutive sailings, including savings, stateroom upgrades and onboard credit on eligible bookings. Reconfirm the exact offer and Australian-dollar fare before booking.

For more information, visit SWAN HELLENIC.

VIKING AND EXPLORE TV

If you cannot board a river ship immediately, perhaps the next best thing is to settle into an armchair and travel with Trevor Cochrane on Explore TV.

The five-part programme, screening on Channel 9 on Sundays at 4.30 pm from 18 October to 15 November 2026, follows a Viking journey through Egypt, with an extension into Jordan. The first episode screened on 18 October, and four more are scheduled to follow.

Episode One – Sunday 18 October 2026 (already aired)

Trevor begins in Cairo, exploring the historic market district, the Citadel of Saladin, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and Egypt’s remarkable antiquities. The programme also visits Saqqara, home of the famous Step Pyramid.

Episode Two – Sunday 25 October 2026

The Giza pyramids and Great Sphinx take centre stage before Trevor heads to Luxor to join Viking Amun and visit the temples at Karnak and Luxor.

Episode Three – Sunday 1 November 2026

The journey explores more of Upper Egypt, including the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple, Dendera and the monumental temples at Abu Simbel.

Episode Four – Sunday 8 November 2026

The programme continues to Aswan, with a visit to the Old Cataract Hotel, a felucca sail, Nubian cultural experiences and further ancient temples before returning to Cairo.

Episode Five – Sunday 15 November 2026

Trevor’s Jordan extension takes him from the Dead Sea and Mount Nebo to Madaba, Petra and the remarkable Roman remains at Jerash.

Viking markets its 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids river cruise round-trip from Cairo. Fares, available airfare offers and extensions should be checked directly with the operator before booking.

For more information, visit VIKING CRUISES.

MICRO CRUISING

There is a great deal to be said for cruising on smaller vessels. You can visit sheltered bays, lesser-known islands and charming harbours that are quite beyond the reach of the biggest ships.

Micro Cruising promotes Greek-island itineraries around Kos, Pserimos, Kalymnos, Leros, Lipsi, Patmos and Levitha, as well as boutique cruising in the Ionian Sea. The supplied promotional material describes one featured concept, Entre Cielos, as a 12-guest vessel with ensuite cabins, outdoor decks, Mediterranean meals and personalised service.

Suggested Ionian destinations include Corfu, Sivota, Paxos, Antipaxos and Paleokastritsa. As the vessel particulars, savings and sailing dates have not been independently verified, readers should request a current itinerary and written confirmation of the accommodation, operator and inclusions.

For more information, contact MICRO CRUISING directly through its current sales channels.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Families with young children might be interested to learn that Royal Caribbean and The Wiggles are teaming up once again for three themed cruises during the Australian summer of 2026–27. The cruises will feature special entertainment, character appearances, themed activities, and plenty of opportunities for younger cruisers to join in the fun.

The three advertised Wiggly-themed holidays are:

30 November 2026: Four-night Quantum of the Seas cruise from Brisbane to Airlie Beach.
1 March 2027: Four-night Anthem of the Seas cruise from Sydney to Hobart.
19 March 2027: Seven-night Quantum of the Seas cruise from Brisbane to the South Pacific.

The performer line-up varies by sailing and may change, and certain character breakfasts, photography packages, and other optional experiences cost extra. Families should check the exact details when booking.

For more information, visit ROYAL CARIBBEAN.

SCENIC CRUISES

Scenic continues to promote information sessions for travellers interested in its Scenic Eclipse discovery yachts, which offer expedition experiences in destinations including Antarctica, the Chilean fjords and the Arctic.

Travellers considering an upcoming information session should confirm the city, venue, date and registration requirements with Scenic. More immediately, Scenic’s 20 October 2026 travel alert reports low-water disruption on sections of Europe’s Danube, Rhine and Main rivers. Passengers booked on affected river cruises should carefully read the latest operator advice.

For more information, visit SCENIC CRUISES and SCENIC TRAVEL ALERTS.

HAVILA VOYAGES

Havila Voyages offers a particularly attractive way to experience the Norwegian coast, especially during the northern summer, when the midnight sun bathes the landscape in light for much of the night and, at certain times above the Arctic Circle, for all of it.

The mountains, fjords and coastal communities are extraordinary, and a voyage can be a wonderful alternative to a conventional land holiday. Travellers seeking the midnight sun should choose the right summer departures and check the vessel, route, itinerary, and available cabins before booking.

For more information, visit HAVILA VOYAGES.

MORE GTM CRUISE NEWS

Here are some of this week’s and recent Global Travel Media cruise articles, in case you missed them:

A note about cruise deals: All prices, discounts and advertised inclusions are supplied by the relevant cruise operator or travel seller and are subject to availability, booking deadlines and conditions. Australian-dollar prices are identified as A$; US-dollar amounts are identified as US$. Unless otherwise stated, per-person prices are based on twin-share accommodation. Actual costs may vary by departure city, sailing date, cabin category and currency, and may exclude flights, taxes, gratuities, transfers or other expenses unless expressly included. Confirm the final price, booking conditions, itinerary and availability directly with the provider before paying a deposit.

That is my selection of cruise news and holiday ideas for this week. There may be a few choppy waters for the industry, but there are still some wonderful places waiting to be discovered. Watch out for more cruise news and hot deals next week!