Captains Choice releases two luxury British cruises in 2016

Capes and canals 

French luxury cruise line Ponant has released its Latin America and Caribbean voyages between October 2016 and April 2017 on its two ships Le Boreal and Le Soleal. There are nine Latin America cruises to 15 countries on both the east and west coasts of South America, and many impressive ports of call, including 22 that are listed as World Heritage sites. Among the top experiences are rounding Cape Horn, cruising the Beagle Channel, crossing the Panama Canal and sailing the Chilean fiords; the latter includes expeditions by Zodiac accompanied by naturalists.

Phone 1300 737 178. See www.ponant.com.

Christmas greetings

If you're hankering after a snowy Christmas – or at least a cold and light-twinkled one – then Scenic is offering Christmas-themed river cruises starting from late November. Its 15-day "Christmas Markets" cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest takes in festive sights and sounds such as old towns draped with Christmas lights, shopping for gifts and decorations, and visits to traditional markets in Cologne, Rothenberg, Nuremberg and Vienna. There is also a 16-day cruise for those who want to spend Christmas Day itself (as well as New Year's Eve) in Europe.

Phone 13 81 28. See www.scenic.com.au.

Alaska and beyond

Aurora Expeditions has designed an "Alaska Sail & Rail Package"  for Australian travellers who are thinking of heading to North America. The 18-day package in May 2016 offers the chance to sail through Alaska's maze of narrow straits and remote islands on the small ship, Wilderness Adventurer. The cruise will offer numerous opportunities for Zodiac excursions, treks, kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling for a close encounter with the Alaskan wilderness. Travellers then head off by rail along America's west coast, starting in Seattle and finishing with three nights in Los Angeles. 

Phone 1800 637 688. See www.auroraexpeditions.com.au.

Great choice

Luxury travel operator Captain's Choice has released two British cruises in 2016. The first, "Portrait of Britain" in May on Silver Explorer, starts on land in London and then sails from Portsmouth around the coasts of Wales, Ireland and Scotland (including the Orkney Islands) to finish in Edinburgh. The second cruise, "Wild Scottish Islands" in July from Glasgow to Edinburgh, takes passengers on newly refurbished MS Hebridean Sky to the Inner and Outer Hebrides, the Orkney and Shetland Islands and as far north as Denmark's Faroe Islands.

Phone 1300 176 681. See www.captainschoice.com.au.

Serene experience

APT and partner company AmaWaterways have just christened  its newest European river ship, the 164-passenger AmaSerena​, in Germany. It follows the earlier christening of sister ship AmaVenita. In a nod to the growing multi-generational market, the ship features the line's first connecting staterooms. Guests on board the new ship will also enjoy salon and spa services, multiple dining venues (including the Chef's Table restaurant), an intimate wine room, fitness room and a heated swimming pool with swim-up bar on the expansive sun deck. AmaVenita will sail on APT's Royal Collection cruises.

Phone 1300 196 420. See www.aptouring.com.au.