It’s been 12 years since Emma Holman and her husband have been on a cruise and they’re coming back with a bang.

The lucky couple has won Cruise Passenger‘s huge $43,000 competition, rewarding them with an all-expenses paid, 15-night cruise aboard the Oceania Marina.

“Wow, never in a million years did I think I’d win a trip like this!” she told Cruise Passenger.

“As passionate photographers, we can’t wait to capture the amazing scenery we will see on this Arctic cruise – the Svalbard archipelago, the historic towns, amazing fjords and hopefully some extraordinary wildlife rarely seen anywhere else in the world! ”

The Marina is quite an upgrade from what they’re used to. Emma’s husband, Chris Holman, worked as a photographer for 2.5 years on the P&O Fair Princess in the South Pacific.

Marina was designed for the ultimate epicurean. She embraces the elegant ambiance of Oceania’s renowned 1,238-guest ships while also offering an array of amenities and choices.

In addition to multiple open-seating gourmet restaurants, Marina features memorable food and wine experiences at La Reserve by Wine Spectator, as well as the opportunity for private dining at exclusive Privée.

From the sparkling Lalique Grand Staircase to the Owner’s Suites furnished in Ralph Lauren Home, designer touches are everywhere, highlighting the finest residential design and furnishings. More than anything, Marina personifies the Oceania Cruises experience.

Before they even board the luxurious ship, they’ll board a business-class flight from their home in Hobart, Tasmania to meet the ship in Tromsø, Norway.

“It’s just a dream come true!”

The couple will visit far-flung destinations such as Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) in Norway, Ittoqqortoormiit in Greenland and Reykjavik, Iceland.

“Now begins the countdown until we can board the stunning looking cruise ship, the Marina, and indulge with my husband after a crazy couple of years! ”

Stay tuned for when the couple is back from their adventure. The avid photographer, who won Australian Dive Shot of the Year for her pictures of humpback whales in Tonga, has offered to treat her fellow readers to photos of their incredible journey.

While this competition has now ended, you do still have a chance to win a cruise.

We’re now giving away an Avalon Waterways cruise through France, valued at $15,000. Click here to enter.