Tell us what you think of cruising in 2022 – and win a $400 wine voucher

With the cruise industry’s heart beating strongly once again, it’s time to relaunch the most significant awards in Australia – the ones voted on by you, the cruise passenger.

Without you, there wouldn’t be any cruising in Australia. So it’s time for you to resume your position as the most influential voice of the cruise consumer. We know that cruise chiefs listen to our awards above all others – because they’ve told us so. And this year, we want to know what you think about how your favourite line is performing. There have been many exciting changes. Luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Ponant and Viking have increased their fleets and their presence in Australia. The upcoming season will see more of their vessels in our local waters. Upper Premium lines like Celebrity and Norwegian have made enormous strides in lifting their offerings and their new ships. And that increasingly blurred position between contemporary and premium continues with Princess increasingly forced to defend its top-of-the-table incumbency against competition from Royal Caribbean. And then there is the resurgence of the P&O fleet with  new ex-Princess big ships Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure, while Pacific Explorer continues to be the cruise industry’s roving ambassador. It’s an exciting line up. Sadly, there are a few omissions – thought not as many as you might expect. Dream Cruises and Star Cruises in Asia is no more, though Dream has made a comeback under the Genting brand.  And luxury favourite Crystal also fell over – but has been picked up by Abercrombie & Kent, who will make great new stewards of the brand. Expect to see Symphony and Serenity back next year. Voting will open in August, with winners announced in October. This year, we’re featuring more than 20 categories, including exciting new ones – such as the best new ship, and the new yacht class vessels. We’re leaving no stone unturned here, and we’re looking to crown everything from your favourite new ships and top cabins to the best floating spas and most sustainable lines. Here’s a full list of categories you can vote in this year:

• Best interests of its passengers and crew through the pandemic
• Best cruise line for on board activities
• Best cruise line for onboard entertainment
• Best adventure/expedition cruise line
• Best cruise line for sustainability
• Best cruise line for shore excursions
• Best cruise line for wellness/spa

There may not be a sausage sizzle waiting at the end of this vote, but one lucky reader will win a $400 Vintage Cellars voucher.

Click here to cast your vote now!