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The Ultimate Cruise Bucket List

Life is too short for "maybe one day"

Mt Fuji Sunset Japan

For the time-rich wanderer 

Cruising the Panama Canal is like slipping through the seams of the continents, where jungle-clad shores meet one of the greatest man-made marvels on Earth.

Holland America Line’s Panama Canal cruises offer an unparalleled experience. Traverse the iconic canal, while enjoying a front-row seat to this man-made marvel.

Beyond the canal, the journey unfolds through diverse ports of call. Explore the colonial charm of Cartagena, savour the vibrant flavors of Mexico, and immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica’s rainforests. Each destination offers unique excursions, from aerial tram rides through forest canopies to visits to indigenous Emberá villages.

Onboard, indulge in world-class dining, enriching activities, and attentive service that Holland America is renowned for. Whether you're tracing the footsteps of conquistadors or simply soaking in the serene landscapes, this cruise promises a journey that's as enriching as it is relaxing.

Step aboard and discover the world in style with Holland America cruises. Ready to set sail? The Panama Canal awaits! 

“Choose a smaller-sized ship so you can transit the old locks for an authentic river cruise experience.”

For the young, wild and “booking it now!” crowd 

Adults only. All out. Think of it as your floating boutique hotel – minus the rules and with more rooftop parties. 

Virgin Voyages’ Caribbean Sailings flip cruising on its head with DJ-led sailaways, luxe food from over 20 eateries (all included, btw), and late-night stops in beachy hotspots like the Bahamas, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. It’s all adults, all attitude – no kids, no buffet trays, no dress codes.

 Instagrammable? 100%. There’s even a tattoo parlour onboard the Scarlet Lady. Drinks packages? Nope – you just pay for what you want, but we can arrange a bar tab if you want to pre-load! Sunrise yoga, late-night cabaret, hammock time? It’s all there. This isn’t your nana’s cruise. It’s your no-strings,  do-what-you-like kind of escape. It’s never too early to tick one off the bucket list!

Thinking about an adults-only escape at sea? Tick it off the bucket list with Virgin Voyages’ Caribbean sailings.

“Download the app, shake it to reveal a secret button. One click and a bottle of Moet Chandon is delivered directly to you. Bubbles on demand! Coolest cruise ever? We think so! (available on the Scarlet Lady).”

For the solo and sorted traveller 

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos & Croatia itinerary is an absolute dream for solo adventurers. 

With exclusive studio rooms made just for one (and no single supplement!), plus a private Studio Lounge to mingle with fellow travellers, it’s the perfect balance of independence and community. From sunset views in Santorini to café-hopping in Corfu, this journey is all about freedom, flavour and finding your rhythm.

You’ll explore ancient ruins in Athens, sail the glittering Adriatic to Dubrovnik, and soak up island life on your own terms. Add in world-class dining, ocean views from every angle and endless entertainment, and you’ve got the solo escape of dreams.

Ready to travel solo without ever feeling alone? Discover Norwegian Cruise Line’s Greek Isles & Croatia itinerary and book your studio escape today.

“Make the most of Norwegian’s Studio Lounge! It’s a shared space just for solo travellers staying in studio rooms – the perfect spot to meet like-minded cruisers over coffee or a cocktail before dinner. Many lifelong friendships (and a few flings!) have started right there.”

For the "out-of-office ON” traveller

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping champagne while watching glaciers calve into icy fjords — this one’s for you. 

A Celebrity Cruise through Alaska serves up the wild majesty of the Last Frontier with just the right amount of indulgence. Think king crab by candlelight, martinis with a view of the Inside Passage, and a room that feels like a boutique hotel.

This definitely isn't about roughing it. It’s about living well while seeing the raw, untamed edges of the world. Onshore,  there are optional extra tours where you’ll walk with naturalists through hushed old-growth forests or kayak through silent fjords. Onboard, it’s all about curated cocktails and elevated dining.

Whether you’re a couple making the most of child-free freedom, or a solo traveller ticking off a lifelong dream, this is your moment. No compromise, no chaos, no “maybe next year.”

Ready to cruise Alaska without giving up the good life? Explore Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska sailings and start planning your unforgettable journey today.

“Book a balcony stateroom for a front-row seat to the raw, untamed natural wonders of Alaska”

For the laidback luxe seeker 

Step aboard and leave ordinary behind. No queues, no tabs, no “just another port” days. This is travel elevated to an art form.

A Regent Seven Seas Grand Voyage isn’t just a holiday... It's a masterpiece in motion. Imagine experiencing months of the world’s finest destinations, stitched together by white-glove service, all-inclusive elegance and your own oceanfront suite. 

From Tokyo to Tuscany, Bora Bora to Buenos Aires, each day brings a new culture to immerse in, with expert-led shore excursions already included. Back on board, expect Champagne that never stops flowing, cuisine crafted for connoisseurs, and a level of quiet luxury you’ll never want to leave.

It’s for those who’ve already been, but want to see more. Those who've worked hard and are ready to travel softer. And those who understand that time is the greatest luxury of all.

This is no ordinary journey... It's the journey. The kind you’ll tell stories about for the rest of your life.

When time is the greatest luxury, travel without limits. Explore Regent Seven Seas Grand Voyages and see the world without compromise.

“Make sure to take advantage of all the perks and services included like unlimited shore excursions, dining at specialty restaurants and more! Once booked, download the app to book in advance then you won’t miss out on your favourite options.”

For the young family adventurers 

Whether it’s your first big family holiday or the one they’ll talk about at every birthday to come, this is your chance to see their world get bigger.

Sail on board the Disney Wonder Roundtrip from Auckland for a holiday your kids will remember forever. Imagine their faces lighting up as they meet Mickey, wave to princesses in the hallway, and fall asleep after poolside movies under the stars. Bluey and Bingo will be joining the party too so get ready for fun character greetings and a paw-some dance party!

Designed with families in mind (especially the pint-sized ones), this cruise blends magical moments with seriously smart planning. You’ll have everything from kids’ clubs and splash zones to Broadway-style shows, character dining and quiet spaces where grown-ups can catch their breath. No long-haul flights. No endless packing. Just one easy booking, and one epic family adventure.

Mickey, Bluey, and endless adventures await! Discover the Disney Cruise Line and plan your family’s unforgettable getaway.

“Download the Disney cruise app as soon as you have paid your deposit and attach your booking, then you can start to pre-plan your onboard experiences for all the family. ”

For the bigger kids seeking bigger adventures

No one’s bored. No one’s bickering. And best of all, you don’t have to plan every minute.

If your crew has graduated from water wings to waterslides and you’re ready to level up the family holiday, a Royal Caribbean cruise through Asia ticks everyone’s boxes. From the moment you board, the kids are off... surfing the FlowRider, scaling the rock-climbing wall or getting competitive on the basketball court. You? You’re unwinding in the adults-only solarium, cocktail in hand, with Singapore’s skyline slipping into the distance.

This isn’t just a cruise, it’s a cultural sampler with all the hard stuff sorted. Think tuk tuk rides in Phuket, family fun exploring Penang, and not a single repack or hotel check-in between. With world-class food, entertainment and adventure on board, plus eye-opening ports of call, everything is sorted.

Adventure, culture, and family fun—all in one trip. Set sail with Royal Caribbean’s Asia cruises and give everyone in the family a holiday they’ll never forget.

“Got a larger family? Royal Caribbean has lots of larger family suites and a fantastic choice of interconnecting rooms in other categories that make for a fabulous family getaway. ”

Best. Holidays. Ever!

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The Ultimate Cruise Bucket List