The cruise ship that is almost the length of the Sky Tower has returned to Auckland.

Michael Zehender rounds up the seagoing palaces entering the water for the first time next year.

A super-sized cruise ship with a 1350 seat theatre, surfing simulators, an ice skating rink and a rock climbing wall has arrived in Auckland.

Tristram Clayton finds much to sing about cruising on the enormous Anthem of the Seas.

Tristram Clayton finds much to sing about cruising on the enormous Anthem of the Seas...

Farrah has a nose for divine earthy truffles buried deep in the Bordeaux soil. Catherine Masters meets a talented collie.

Luxury cruise, visiting the Wonders of the World and seeing the Northern Lights top options in new survey.

Ewan McDonald writes a letter from the Corinthians' canal, an emperor's project two millennia in the making.

Stay on track when the ship docks around the Mediterranean, writes Megan Singleton.

Kiwis starting to think about next year's holidays have plenty to choose from in Europe, writes Victoria Clark.

Richard Lawson discovers Greek temples, Christian shrines and many other treasures on a luxurious Mediterranean cruise.

Danger is never far away on an Arctic expedition, writes Sarah Marshall.

A five-day taste of ocean life is enough to convert cruise newbie Catherine Smith.

As the new season gets under way, there is no sign of an end to the sailing boom.

Catherine Masters travelled Bordeaux by river ship - here she takes a look at some of the destinations and ancient history of the famous wine region.

The possibilities for discovery are endless, regardless of route, on a European river cruise, writes Pamela Wade.

The brightly coloured fish of the Marquesas would have inspired Doctor Seuss, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Thousands of graves stretching to the horizon remind Penny Lewis of the sacrifice made by so many.

Wanting a family-friendly way to explore the Caribbean? Then board a Disney Cruise ship in Galveston, suggests Tim Lamb.

The most scenic stretch of the Danube River is a haven for epicureans, writes Paul Rush.

Isobel Marriner gets a maritime history lesson amid the spectacular scenery of Fiordland.

Dominica has avoided the rampant development which has blighted the Caribbean.

More choice and innovation ensure cruising is the travel industry's fastest growing sector, finds Megan Singleton.

Stephanie Maskery boards a clipper to cruise the Amalfi Coast.

Elisabeth Easther and her son enjoy the festive cheer on board a freighter ship in the Pacific.

Now's the time to think about a romantic snowy Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere. Ewan McDonald takes a Yuletide cruise on the Danube.

On a billion-dollar ship, Toby Manhire dodges the conga line and opts instead for several fine ales and a ride on the North Star.

River cruises are growing in popularity, particularly across Europe. Pamela Wade explains why.

Rod Emmerson looks at the nuts and bolts of a luxury cruise through the Greek Isles and Turkish Coast.

Sarah Marshall travels effortlessly from downtown Auckland to a world beyond Earth.