Sun's out, China's in and food takes-off as new cruise adventures set sail

New cruise experiences are on offer as cruising becomes more popular than ever for Australians of all ages.

In 2019, 29.7 million people took a cruise. In 2024, the figure was 31.7 million, and 39.7 million are forecast to jump on board by 2027, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. Its 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report also found 82 per cent of people who have cruised will cruise again.

Here are some new cruise experiences you can book into now.

Cruises are now on sale for Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Luna, part of the carrier's Prima Plus Class, making sun-filled roundtrip voyages from Miami from April 4, 2026 through to November 2026.

The company's 21^st ship will kick-off its inaugural season with two Western itineraries to Roatan Island, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize.

The ship will then sail seven-day cruises with calls to the beautiful Eastern Caribbean destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in the Bahamas.

At almost 322 metres long, 156,300 gross tonnes, and accommodating approximately 3,550 guests at double occupancy, Norwegian Luna will boast an overall 10 percent size and capacity increase from Prima Class ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.

Norwegian Luna will be designed as a twin sister-ship to Norwegian Aqua, the Company's latest new vessel due for delivery in March 2025. Both ships are currently being built. ncl.com

Viking's Yi Dun has completed her first voyage from Shanghai to Hong Kong. The itineraries will offer something new for international travellers, who will be able to sail China's coat and visit rarely-visited destinations and ports to which only Viking has access.

Viking chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen said: "With its ancient history and rich culture, China is a phenomenal destination that many curious travelers have not yet had the opportunity to experience."

"For 15 years, we introduced China to guests on our Yangtze River itineraries. Now, we are proud to offer these exclusive domestic sailings in China, and we look forward to welcoming people to this part of the world in the Viking way."

The Viking Yi Dun is classed as a small ship and at 745 feet it sleeps 930 guests.

Itineraries include the 15-day Jewels of Japan and China, where you can immerse yourself in the German heritage of Qingdao and marvel at Shanghai, and admire the natural beauty of Jeju and Miyazaki and take in majestic views of Mt Fuji in Shimizu.

Overnight stays in vibrant Hiroshima and Osaka offer you more opportunities to explore the intriguing cities of the Far East. vikingcruises.com.au

The new Nova-class ship will arrive in Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan on September 27, undertaking two voyages in the region before crossing over to Australia and New Zealand in November.

Seven sailings, ranging from 16 to 18 days, will be on offer between November 18, 2024 and February 24, 2025.

Silver Nova's inaugural season in Asia-Pacific will mark the introduction of Silversea's culinary program, S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), in Australia and NZ, and will also deliver S.A.L.T. shore excursions in Japan for the first time.

These include "Haute Hawke's Bay: An Indulgent Guided Wine Experience and Lunch at Award-Winning Family Run Winery Craggy Range" where guests will learn about the history of this family-run winery in New Zealand's wine-producing region through a private tour and guided cellar door tasting, followed by a five-course meal in the winery's celebrated restaurant.

These are destination-inspired culinary experiences, providing guests with the opportunity to "travel deeper", according to Silversea. silversea.com