Seven cruise lines making waves right now

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. A case in point? The cruise industry, which has emerged from the pandemic bigger and busier than ever before, according to statistics from Cruise Lines International Association. About 31.5 million people around the world signed up for a voyage in 2023 - up from 29.7 million in 2019. And the trend is about to continue, with forecasts predicting almost 36 million people will cruise this year. No wonder, cruise lines around the world are going from strength to strength. Here's our pick of seven that are making news right now.

1. DESIGNER CHIC: Melbourne-based firm Hecker Guthrie has created some incredible spaces around Australia - from Pier One Hotel in Sydney to the Vasse Felix winery in WA's Margaret River. Now, its designs are about to seep into Europe, with the launch of APT's two new river vessels, Solara and Ostara, next year. aptouring.com.au

2. ESCAPE TO ASIA: Want to explore the largest continent? Jump on board Holland America's Westerdam. The ship will be based in Asia from September 2025 to April 2026, during which it'll be flitting between 11 countries, including Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. hollandamerica.com

3. NEW FRONTIERS: If you've already been to the world's most popular cruising locations and are craving something new and surprising, keep an eye on Oceania's voyages in 2024 and 2025. Visiting ports most people have never heard of - from Arrecife in the Canary Islands to Banjul in the west African country of Gambia - the cruise line is determined to go off the beaten path. And all power to it, we say. oceaniacruises.com

4. PEARL OF THE WEST: Pearling company Paspaley and luxury cruise line Ponant are about to shake up the world of boutique cruises. The two iconic brands have collaborated to create Paspaley Pearl by Ponant - a 30-guest expedition motor yacht, which will set sail in January 2025, visiting places such as the Kimberley in Australia and Raja Ampat Islands in Indonesia. Bookings are now open. What's on your wish list? paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au

5. FOLLOW A THEME: No matter what your interests are, there's a good chance Crystal Cruises has a voyage perfect for you among its collection of themed cruises. Love Broadway hits? Sign up for the 10-night New York City to Quebec City voyage (departing September 14) with shows like City of Angels and Les Miserables. Or if you're a golf enthusiast, get a spot on the 12-night Lisbon to Dover cruise (departing July 8), with instructors David Leadbetter and Roberto Borgatti also on board. crystalcruises.com

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6. PLAN AHEAD: Thanks to the growing popularity of cruising, companies are putting voyages on sale much further in advance. A case in point: Viking, which has just put on sale its 2026 ocean voyages, aboard Viking Vesta (which will make its debut next year). The 15-day Stockholm to Bergen cruise is the one we have our heart set on. vikingcruises.com.au

7. BLAST FROM THE PAST: Anyone who's watched The Love Boat would know Princess Cruises played a crucial role in the 1970s TV series. And if you're a fan, we have some good news for you: the cruise line has just announced a Love Boat-themed seven-day cruise from New York to Canada and New England, departing August 31, aboard Enchanted Princess. princess.com