News from the world of travel

Cruising appeals to the younger set

AUSTRALIA’S summer cruise season, which began in October and runs until April, has got off to a strong start with thousands of passengers visiting ports around the country, New Zealand and the Pacific.

The season will see more than 60 cruise ships from popular lines including Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, NCL, Oceana, Princess, Regent, Silversea, Seabourne and Royal Caribbean.

The popularity of cruise holidays among Gen-X (born 1965-80) and millennials (born 1981-96) continues to grow worldwide, according Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) managing director in Australasia Joel Katz.

“Internationally, the average age of a cruise guest is now just 46.5 years and more than a third of cruisers are aged under 40,” he said.

“Gen-X and millennials are now the most enthusiastic cruisers, showing a stronger intention to cruise than their Babyboomer counterparts.”

Katz said this season continues the recent trend of an increase in first-time cruisers.

“We are seeing increasing numbers of new-to-cruise guests – about 31 per cent of cruisers over the past two years have been first-time guests, up from 24 per cent in 2019.”

Katz said demand for ocean cruising is at record levels globally, driven by new levels of investment and innovation among major cruise lines.

“The world’s shipyards are currently working on more than $100 billion worth of new ships, which is a sign of the enormous energy and innovation among cruise lines internationally,” he said.

“We can expect to see around 80 new ships launched between now and the end of 2036 – equally split between small, medium and large ships.

“The fleet of the future is already in development, and it will undoubtedly bring advances in every area of the cruise experience.”

Luxury European train travel

HIGH demand for train travel and luxury rail experiences has led to additional 2026 European departures with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains.

From spectacular Alpine views to historic castles, there’s plenty to enjoy on journeys such as the Grand Alpine Express, Paris to Istanbul, Castles of Transylvania and New Year in Vienna.

For more than 35 years, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains have been offering fully-inclusive packages with all meals and drinks, personal cabin attendant service, fully guided off-train excursions, all gratuities and transfers. There’s also a UK-registered doctor on board.

Australasian business development manager Megan Bardsley said: “We have seen many departures fully booked well in advance, so we are thrilled to add these new dates. The expansion allows more travellers the opportunity to book these sought-after journeys.”

For more information: goldeneagleluxurytrains.com

Missy Higgins concert with a Maldives holiday

FANS of award-winning Australian singer Missy Higgins who are planning a Maldives holiday in June 2026 can make their dreams come true with the Music in Paradise event being held at the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.

The week-long event features three sunset concerts held on the sandy beach and at the resort’s rooftop Sunset Bar. Attendance is capped at 200 guests, ensuring an intimate concert in a relaxed setting followed by a meet-and-greet with the singer.

Following her inaugural 2025 Maldives concerts, Missy Higgins declared that she had “unfinished business” in the region and is returning for more performances as well as a surfing holiday.

Resort general manager Mark Eletr said: “Imagine starting your day diving or snorkelling in the Maldives, then ending it with Missy Higgins singing just metres from the water’s edge. There’s nothing better than great live music and a beach.”

Missy Higgins became a household in 2004 with The Sound Of White which became Australia’s highest-selling album of 2005, followed by On A Clear Night in 2007 and further success with 2012’s The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle. In 2024 her album The Second Act topped the ARIA charts.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has 154 villas and beach houses situated beachside and overwater, located in the South Malé Atoll, 35 kilometres from the capital city Male.

For more information: musicinparadise.com.au