Those axe-wielding, marauding Norse ancients would be so envious of the comforts on today's ships, writes Catherine Masters.

Cruise ship travellers look likely to be charged a higher rate - possibly nearly $3 per person more - than others under a new levy imposed from January on all travellers arriving and leaving New Zealand.

Party of one Helen van Berkel boards an ocean liner for a Pacific cruise and learns that being on your own is far from lonesome.

Marty Silk is pleasantly surprised to have all his preconceptions quashed on an enjoyable, exciting and elegant cruise to Moreton Island.

Kiwis are well known as a cruisy lot and the big lines are offering ever more options to entice us on board.

Cruising Europe's rivers reminds Pamela Wade of having front row seats at a travel documentary.

A Mekong Sun jaunt is as much an educational cruise as one of relaxation, writes Patrick Horton.

Jane Jeffries tries to mind her manners while cooking a meal for her fellow cruise ship passengers in Fiji.

Tropical beaches, fine dining, cooking and dance lessons – Lynley Bilby finds her every whim is catered for on a Pacific island cruise.

Elisabeth Easther and her son booked a passage on a freighter to explore the far-flung charms of French Polynesia’s Marquesas Islands.

All Italy stops to watch a spectacular boat race that's been contested for more than 700 years, writes Carol Smith.

Twelve days spent cruising the Mediterranean on the Nieuw Amsterdam is bliss. Carol Smith shares the highlights at each coastal stop.

New Zealanders will be able to travel to South America by cruise ship for the first time following the news that Princess Cruises will offer a circumnavigation of the region from Downunder in early 2017.

Paul Rush samples the simple pleasures of Robert Louis Stevenson's Samoa.

Bev Wood experiences the Italian capacity for both wild frenzy and languid indolence.

Budapest is one of the most elegant and charming of European capitals, and certainly one of the cheapest.

Taking to the mighty Danube River in luxury and style and a bed so comfortable that the memory of it brings a tear to your eye is a marvellous way to travel, writes Sophie Barclay.

In an azure and cobalt bay, gentle sea creatures welcome Phil Welch to the 'closest island to paradise'.

Autumnal riches stud the New England coastal route and, for Pamela Wade, come courtesy of small-ship luxury.

A freighter is no floating hotel. But, as Guy Needham found, it offers mind-freeing - and enlightening - time-out from everyday life.

Megan Singleton has the lowdown on the world's largest passenger liners.

The hunt for the man-eating Komodo, writes Rachel Williams, makes for one heart-stopping cruise excursion.

A wildlife cruise on the Isle of Mull is heaven for bird lovers, writes Richard Tulloch.

Brand new and full of impressive technology, Quantum of the Seas promises a new experience in cruising. Winston Aldworth gets a unique perspective on a very new ship future.

Winston Aldworth looks at the latest developments for cruise passengers.

If you're taking your first steps towards a floating holiday, Jane Archer offers tips to help you enjoy your break.

A new arrival on Waitemata Harbour tempts Donna McIntyre to pack an overnight bag and take a pleasure cruise.

Phil Welch fits in a week of eating, drinking and leisure at sea.

After a hot, sweaty day of sightseeing in Italy, Carol Smith is more than happy to return to her floating hotel and enjoy a juicy burger.

Make a plan before you leave ship and reap the rewards of your research, Pam Neville says. She shares some shore excursions from a recent Mediterranean cruise.