If you are thinking of a River or Ocean cruise or an ocean expedition now is the time to book. Known as Wave Season in the industry, just about every cruise line going has a massive sale on. The deals are great. Book now and travel as far forward as 2027, if you can plan that far in advance!
There are a few companies we have some wonderful deals with. Book an Amawaterways river cruise and receive not only a discount but a free two to four nights pre or post cruise stopover – exceptional value! Book a Silversea cruise a receive up to $8,000 off the price of your trip, some of these sailings are close to home. I sailed on silver Muse out of Sydney Heads last year, what an experience!
I was just booking a wonderful Japan cruise in October 2026 for the autumn colours with luxury Regent Seven Seas and my clients saved 40 per cent and a two category upgrade – that was a saving of $4,000! I will never forget the colour of Malta as we sailed in at dawn and the early morning sun struck the sandstone cliffs and township so they glowed red in the early morning.
Other clients booked an amazing luxury Explora Journeys down the Adriatic coast from Venice to Athens and then through the Greek islands and the Bosphorus to Istanbul and saved 25% ! Explora also venture across the Atlantic to sail around the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico experiencing the beat and rhythm of steel drums and climbing the Myan
If you are interested in visiting the polar regions then Australian company Auroara Expeditions offer small ship (around 150 passengers) soft adventures to the Arctic, Greenland, through the North West Passage and adventuring to the Antarctic. They are even offering the less visited Australian and New Zealand Antarctic regions. Wonderful and 25 per cent off at the moment!
Viking River cruises and Ocean cruises are offering fly free for one or two people depending upon the cruise! With 81 river boats, 14 ocean cruise ships and two expedition ships this is quite a fleet. Renee and I have both sailed on the ocean ships and Renee most recently on a river ship with Viking. We would love to share our personal knowledge of these vessels with you.
Most of the small to midsize cruise lines offer the best deal for those who book early, once they have sold an allocation of cabins the price goes up and up and up as they head towards the departure date. Small ship cruising and expedition company Ponant starts selling cruises with 30 per cent off, then drop to 20 per cent, 10 per cent and then the full price, so get in early! The delightful, elegant Crystal Cruise ships currently have a 20 per cent off and suite upgrade deal for early bookings.
Really, you can’t go wrong. If you love cruising or if you are new to cruising come and chat to us about the options and find out more. Most specials finish at the end of February.
Contact Travelling Places P: 07 55451600 E: travel@travellingplaces.com.au
By Gina Storey
