Catriona Rowntree - The Best of World Cruising

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Table of Contents

Hello Dear Traveller,

Welcome aboard, I truly hope this book, our journey around the world, is a source of inspiration to you. My goal is that you may pore over these locations, that your knees go weak, your mind wanders and your heart sings sings to the tune of book it, lets go!. Surely one of our favourite lines.

Its important to me that you know this book is beholden to no particular cruise company. I want you to revel in the journey, get excited about the destination and hopefully find something that may very well suit you. My love of cruising, as youll see in this book, ranges across all budgets, varies from bareboat sailing on a Hawkesbury Halvorsen, to hobnobbing on the Queen Victoria. Ill take you on all sorts of adventures, cage diving with great white sharks in Port Lincoln, gliding past the glaciers of Alaska, maybe sailing the small islands of Croatia is more your speed, or a quiet barge through Burgundy; hopefully something is here for you that makes you go yes!.

Ive been cruising since I was a child, however the last 23 years on Getaway have allowed me to turn that passion into a profession. Ive met some truly amazing people along the way and because Ive not been on every cruise on offer, Ive reached out to a handful of my fellow cruise lovers, experts in their travel-aligned fields, whose opinions I trust and admire, to share with us their favourite cruises and recommendations. Our tastes vary right across the board and the globe for that matter. Themed cruises, garden lovers, island hoppers, weve had a ball putting all these adventures together for you. These are the trips that we truly adore and recommend.

I am so grateful to the many people who have lent me a hand as Ive sought their help. The cruise companies themselves, all snowed under with their own work, have been wonderful to us; my colleagues at Getaway and my website Journeys To Come; and the countless travellers whose paths have crossed mine and who have offered their travel tips and tales as I madly took notes. We are all united by our love of cruising and wanting to share that joy.

Maybe youve joined me on my travels with Getaway over the years? Its the longest running travel show in Australia, I cant put into words my joy and gratitude to be a part of it, and its now earned me the title of Australias Most Travelled Woman. Honestly, when I was offered a screen test for the show way back in 1996, I never couldve imagined Id still be employed all these years later.

Getaway has allowed me to sample some of the greatest cruises in the world, to peek into hidden corners, the opportunity to chat to remarkable characters, taste foods, to see wildlife at its best, witness experiences I could never have even dreamed of and now its about time I share my favourites with you.

I know that I cant cover it all, there will be moments when you yell at this book but what about fill in the blanks. So, Ive taken notes wherever possible, with people Ive met on my travels, asking them to share journeys I wish Id done but am yet to get to. Every resource Ive had available to me, Ive endeavoured to share with you. One things for sure, our Bucket Lists are endless. I hope you enjoy their perspectives.

Finally, throughout the book youll find something that is dear to me, that I hope youll appreciate, and thats my Captains of Industry interviews. Getaway has given me the entree, the excuse, to interview people in the cruising industry who are at the top of their game: role models, mentors, like Sir Richard Branson, travel legends like Wendy Wu, but also people whose names you may never have heard of but in some way are allowing you to enjoy remarkable holidays. Underneath it all, these industry leaders are as nutty about travel as you and I. Ive gathered their tips and advice too, to share them with you.

I know we can never impress anyone with our travel tales, its ultimately a personal experience, but to those who care, theres value in sharing your stories. Thank you for coming along on mine.

Now, off we go, lets dive in lets go cruising!

Lots of love,

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

Weve included a wide range of types and sizes of cruises in this book from barges to bareboats; transatlantic cruises to river cruises. Weve kept the focus on the destination and experiences, so that no matter what your individual cruise choices are, youll have an idea of the key ports youll visit, and the must-see daytrips and excursions that are on offer.

Key ports These are the main ports or anchorages that are generally visited as part of the cruise. Port refers to where the cruise ship docks, which may or may not be a major city. For smaller cruises or boats, this may just be where you anchor for the day, rather than a proper port city. The specific ports will differ with different cruise itineraries.

Daytrips Daytrips can refer to both daytrips in a port city or nearby area, or a lengthier excursion or extension that can be done as part of the cruise.

Travel tips These are our top recommendations and tips for the destination or experience.

The Facts A quick summary of what this cruise is all about who you should take, when to go and what to pack.

Which Cruise to Choose Weve included a short selection of cruise options for each entry. Youll find a mixture of cruise companies, price ranges and cruise lengths, along with a quick description for each cruise to give you an idea of the types of journeys available. Weve also provided general prices for each of the cruises in the list, using the price range key below.

Price range key

$ - 0-$2000

$$ - $2000-5000

$$$ - $5000-7000

$$$$ - $7000-10000

$$$$$ - $10000-15000

$$$$$$ - $15000+

*All pricing in AUD, based per person/twin share and was accurate at the time of printing.

Dont you think its wonderful to be awestruck by your own backyard? Thats how I feel as my True North Cruise glides through the Buccaneer Archipelago in the Kimberley, Western Australia.

Im dwarfed by soaring cliffs, millions of years old, in dazzling shades of rust; eagles flying high; clear green waters stuffed full of fat fish and lurking crocs. With tears in my eyes, I look at just how physically beautiful my home country is, not a soul around. Well, human soul, other than my travel buddies and the many animals around me. Theres a slight tinge of guilt that Ive never truly immersed myself in this part of Australia before. Just short, albeit wonderful trips up until this cruise, but Im so glad Im finally ticking this off my bucket list.

Im actually also full of anxiety at the start of my cruise, basically because my children are joining me on an adventure that involves deadly creatures. I left home wondering Am I the worst mum in the world for bringing my children to waters where I know crocs and sharks hang out? But I quickly realised, from their reaction upon arrival, that Im possibly the exact opposite. Not only are they having a ball with daily activities, theyve been taken under the wings of the kind, mainly Aussie crew. And there are other cheeky-devil children their age on board. Clearly, we are surrounded by like-minded souls adventure seekers. Okay, add to that, adventure seekers who love a touch of comfort and a decent dollop of natural beauty.