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Ship reviews

Star Princess underway.

Bigger, bolder and still affordable. The new star of the seas

Elegant and stylish, but always approachable and comfortable: that’s Princess Cruises in a nutshell. It’s not a “hip and sexy” cruise line, nor is it trying to be.

  • Kristie Kellahan
The pool deck of Luminara, the newest ship in the luxury Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

The verdict on luxury hotel brand’s new ship (or should that be yacht?)

If ever there was a ship – sorry yacht – designed to appease cruise-sceptics, or even cruise-despisers, Luminara is it.

  • Anthony Dennis
In the fjords on the MS Rotterdam.

Cruise line’s new ship is a leap forward in luxury

You’ll rarely queue for anything on this ship that hits the sweet spot – it never feels too big, or too small.

  • Sue Williams
For adventure lovers … the Douglas Mawson.

New Australian ship is a perfect match for our wildest waters

The first cruise of Aurora Expeditions’ Douglas Mawson was meant to circumnavigate Tasmania, but wild weather led the expeditioners on a different, but just as eventful, route.

  • Julie Miller
Celebrity Xcel, the newest Edge-class ship.

Here’s what happens when you let 140,000 passengers help design a ship

From a hidden 1920s speakeasy to a high-tech theatre and expanded suites, Celebrity Cruises’ fifth Edge-class ship has arrived.

  • Fiona Carruthers
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Carnival Adventure is one of the rebranded P&O ships after Carnival closed the brand.

Former P&O ship has a new name, but needs a proper makeover

The ship is older and some areas remind you of visiting your parents’ place: everything is neat, clean, and in good condition, but it’s also increasingly dated.

  • Shaney Hudson
Up on deck.

This Aussie ‘space-ship’ is the definition of smooth sailing

Solid, reliable, service-oriented and all-inclusive, the Scenic Pearl delivers.

  • Justine Costigan
Sauna with a view.

French-designed ship is a floating masterpiece cruising our waters

A marina that folds down like the roof of a smart sports car? Here’s a ship where adventure meets luxury, and each is delighted with the other’s company.

  • Jim Darby
APT’s Solara and Ostara to feature the world’s first hydraulic bar, Gruner Bar and Dining.

This Australian ship takes European river cruising to a new level

An almost a century-old hand at international and domestic travel has unquestionably raised the level and quality of design for river ships with this new offering.

  • Anthony Dennis
The Aquamar Terrace is hidden away and peaceful.

Our verdict on the world’s newest luxury ship

We join Oceania Allura’s maiden voyage from Italy to Greece, and check out everything from the stateroom to the specialty restaurants.

  • Trudi Jenkins