The recent boom in river cruising left some of the world's great rivers unnoticed, but now the Ganges is firmly in the sights of river-cruise passengers. This iconic Indian waterway is the hot river of the moment, with a half-dozen companies now operating or about to launch there. Travelmarvel has introduced the RV Rajmahal this year on a 13-day Lower Ganges cruise between Patna and Kolkata, while APT's new 56-guest RV Ganges Voyager takes passengers on seven-night cruises to rarely travelled West Bengal on a round trip from Kolkata to Murshidabad. Uniworld launches luxe all-suite ship Ganges Voyager II in January 2016 on 12-night itineraries between Delhi and Kolkata, with seven nights on the river and an option to extend to Varanasi. Boutique local company Assam Bengal Navigation offers a range of interesting cruises, some extending to the Brahmaputra River in Assam. See travelmarvel.com.au; aptouring.com.au; uniworldcruises.com.au; assambengalnavigation.com
It's still possible to explore the world's most remote destinations with few others by taking a cargo or freighter ship cruise. The popularit of this type of cruise is booming and waiting time for berths can be six to 12 months. If you have time and feel comfortable at sea, embark on a 31-day freighter journey to America's east coast or why not go all out on an 84-day cruise from Sydney to England via the Panama Canal. Or take a 14-day cruise around the world's most remote island archipelago – the Marquesas in French Polynesia – aboard a working supply ship, Aranui 3. A section of the ship is dedicated to passengers with comfortable cabins, a swimming pool and an outdoor bar. See freighterexpeditions.com.au; aranui.com
CRAIG TANSLEY
Two70, a huge multi-level, multi-purpose venue on the Quantum-class ships (Quantum, Anthem and Ovation of the Seas), is named for the panoramic 270-degree ocean views from its floor-to-ceiling windows. There is no space like it on any other ship and the use of dancing "roboscreens" and the vast "Vistarama" screen adds a whole new dimension to the nightly entertainment. During the day, Two70 is a meeting place with lots of comfortable lounges for enjoying those views. At night, Vistarama, an ultra high-definition screen that drops automatically over the expanses of glass windows, becomes part of the backdrop for the spectacular Starwater show. This is also where the roboscreens come into play. Six robotically-controlled,30-metre TV screens, acting individually or in sync, show a dazzling succession of images that interact with the dancers and singers. The entire production is, quite simply, bewitching. See royalcaribbean.com.au
When you don't have to shop, and the ingredients for your menu are placed neatly in front of you and two top chefs are instructing in a state-of-the-art kitchen that has endless ocean views, cooking becomes a real pleasure. The Cookery Club on P&O Cruises' new flagship Britannia is one of several foodie highlights. Celebrity chefs such as Marco Pierre White, Antonio Carluccio and Mary Berry will helm classes over the coming months.
SALLY MACMILLAN
To love boating in Myanmar is to be an expert in patience. The country may be more open than at any time in living memory, but now climate change is rendering water levels unpredictable. Assuming the rains have come, however, a trip up the Ayeyarwady River is genuinely unforgettable, with highlights including the endlessly photogenic Bagan. Just launched at the end of last year, the Santuary Ananda offers the most decadent way to experience old Burma. See sanctuaryretreats.com.
JOHN GOLDER
