Take in the Marquesas Islands and explore French Polynesia from on board the Aranui III, writes Suzanne Morphet.

Joe Kafka and his wife embrace the ease of island hopping by boat.

A few pearls of Pacific wit add to the glorious sights on the comedy cruise, writes Winston Aldworth.

A ship is like a second home to regular cruisers, writes Denise Montgomery.

The warm welcome at PNG's Kiriwina Island leaves cruise passenger Paul Rush smiling.

Rod Pascoe discovers the best way to skirt the NZ coast and cross the Tasman is to be one of the 3000 fortunate passengers on board a luxury liner.

Being forced to pay a gratuity to serving staff seems unnatural for New Zealand travellers, writes Rod Pascoe.

Herald editorial cartoonist Rod Emmerson travels the Greek Isles and Turkish coast on a seven-night cruise aboard the luxurious Azamara Journey.

Peace reigns after inter-tribal war, writes Paul Rush.

Memories come flooding back when Susan Buckland revisits a city of grace and grandeur.

Make sure you check out all the options before booking a tour, writes Isobel Marriner.

Before you embark ensure five essentials are packed, advises Megan Singleton.

Catherine Masters enjoys a kaleidoscope of European sights from her floating hotel.

Pamela Wade - and her nightie - enjoy her cruise so much she'll be back.

Catherine Masters cruises the Danube, taking in central Europe's stunning cities.

Sue Bryant looks at the best of the cruise industry's shore excursions for the year.

The cruisy life on a river ship appeals to Justine Tyerman.

Mother Nature puts on an unexpected show for Graham Bright and his wife during a cruise aboard Cunard's Queen Elizabeth.

The Greeks brought wine to Provence, but the Romans have left an incomparable mark on the landscape, finds Pamela Wade.

On a transtasman voyage, Winston Aldworth gets a taste for the high life aboard the regal Queen Mary 2.

Paul Rush finds cruise ships have plenty for kids to do.

The peak cruise season may be over but it's never too early to start thinking ahead, writes Jennifer Ennion.

Cunard's grand ships have dominated the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships rankings in the Large Resort Ship category.

Peter Hamling picks a few shore excursion ideas from outside the square.

Carthage's seafaring and military history still fascinate, writes Susan Buckland.

Plenty of discoveries await the explorer, writes Pamela Wade.

A week-long cruise shows John Roughan why Fiordland's wilderness has never been tamed.

On a small ship, free of the 'ra! ra!' bustle of big liners, Pamela Wade takes a dive.

Julia Shallcrass discovers a love for cruising around the Greek Isles on a 12-night voyage aboard the Crown Princess.

The cruise industry report for 2012 is out showing that nearly 50,000 Kiwis went on a cruise last year. Here are the top five places we love.