The possibilities for discovery are endless, regardless of route, on a European river cruise, writes Pamela Wade.

The brightly coloured fish of the Marquesas would have inspired Doctor Seuss, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Thousands of graves stretching to the horizon remind Penny Lewis of the sacrifice made by so many.

A luxury river trip from Mandalay, writes Nigel Tisdall, is the stress-free way to see remote parts of Burma.

With a new air route connecting Auckland to Houston, Kiwi cruisers can head to the Caribbean.

Wanting a family-friendly way to explore the Caribbean? Then board a Disney Cruise ship in Galveston, suggests Tim Lamb.

The most scenic stretch of the Danube River is a haven for epicureans, writes Paul Rush.

Isobel Marriner gets a maritime history lesson amid the spectacular scenery of Fiordland.

Dominica has avoided the rampant development which has blighted the Caribbean.

Elisabeth Easther and her son enjoy the festive cheer on board a freighter ship in the Pacific.

Now's the time to think about a romantic snowy Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere. Ewan McDonald takes a Yuletide cruise on the Danube.

On a billion-dollar ship, Toby Manhire dodges the conga line and opts instead for several fine ales and a ride on the North Star.

River cruises are growing in popularity, particularly across Europe. Pamela Wade explains why.

Rod Emmerson looks at the nuts and bolts of a luxury cruise through the Greek Isles and Turkish Coast.

Sarah Marshall travels effortlessly from downtown Auckland to a world beyond Earth.

Those axe-wielding, marauding Norse ancients would be so envious of the comforts on today's ships, writes Catherine Masters.

Cruise ship travellers look likely to be charged a higher rate - possibly nearly $3 per person more - than others under a new levy imposed from January on all travellers arriving and leaving New Zealand.

Party of one Helen van Berkel boards an ocean liner for a Pacific cruise and learns that being on your own is far from lonesome.

Cruising Europe's rivers reminds Pamela Wade of having front row seats at a travel documentary.

A Mekong Sun jaunt is as much an educational cruise as one of relaxation, writes Patrick Horton.

Jane Jeffries tries to mind her manners while cooking a meal for her fellow cruise ship passengers in Fiji.

Tropical beaches, fine dining, cooking and dance lessons – Lynley Bilby finds her every whim is catered for on a Pacific island cruise.

Peter Hughes enjoys Champagne service as the Queen Victoria completes one leg of a majestic round-the-world voyage.

Land-based luxury is taking to the water, while some cruisers will soon be able to climb aboard the Millennium Falcon in a Jedi Training experience.

Elisabeth Easther and her son booked a passage on a freighter to explore the far-flung charms of French Polynesia’s Marquesas Islands.

All Italy stops to watch a spectacular boat race that's been contested for more than 700 years, writes Carol Smith.

Twelve days spent cruising the Mediterranean on the Nieuw Amsterdam is bliss. Carol Smith shares the highlights at each coastal stop.

New Zealanders will be able to travel to South America by cruise ship for the first time following the news that Princess Cruises will offer a circumnavigation of the region from Downunder in early 2017.

Paul Rush samples the simple pleasures of Robert Louis Stevenson's Samoa.

Bev Wood experiences the Italian capacity for both wild frenzy and languid indolence.