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'.

The marine animals and birdlife on the remote sub-Antarctic Islands captivate Isobel Marriner.

On the ship Orion, Jane Archer heads to Australia's Kimberley region to scale waterfalls, sample helicopter tours and spot man-eating beasts (from the safety of a rubber dinghy).

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

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.

Hmmm, red snapper mojito or beef tartare? Yoga or b-ball? Movie or massage? Chris Reed faces a cruiser's hard decisions.

On a luxurious cruise ship, Jamie Morton goes hunting for his happy place.

Aboard a river ship built for considerable comfort, Albertina Lloyd enjoys the luxurious side of one of Europe's great waterways.

Language is no barrier where enjoyment is a universal concept, writes Julia Carlisle.

You can choose relaxation or adventure — or maybe a mixture of both — on board a boutique cruise ship journeying through Fiji's Yasawa Islands, writes Sue Baxalle.

Magic for kids, and the ship's bars are mercifully Mickey-free, writes Josie Clarke.

A cruise through ancient lands exposes kids to a diverse culture and religion, writes Heidi Douglas.

Thanks to innovative ship design and imaginative itineraries, the popularity of river cruises is booming, says Jane Archer.

With islands of haute cuisine, the Celebrity Solstice can be scary for the diet-conscious, writes Rod Pascoe.

New cruise line's winning formula puts creatures before home comforts, write Anne Z Cooke and Steve Haggerty.

Cruise industry insiders tell Winston Aldworth about what’s exciting them in the season ahead.

Bright bikinis and black-tie outfits will take you from poolside to cocktail hour in style, says Carol Smith.