Exclusively Cruising

09/09/2026

An early start today as changes to our itinerary due to the low water levels meant a five-hour coach transfer to Drobeta-Turnu Severin to join our ship.

The journey actually passed quite quickly, taking us through some interesting rural areas and giving us a glimpse of everyday life in Romania. Once on board, we enjoyed lunch, settled into our cabin and then headed out for a wander around town.

Drobeta-Turnu Severin doesn’t appear to receive a great many tourists, so it was lovely to explore a more authentic Romanian town and experience a little of the “real Romania”.

Despite the changes caused by the low water levels, we’ll still be spending six nights on board, with our final night now being an additional hotel night in Budapest. As always with travel, sometimes you just have to go with the flow!

We’ve just finished a lovely dinner on board, and tomorrow brings another early start, departing at 7.45am for a full-day tour in Bulgaria. Looking forward to seeing what the day brings!

09/09/2026

From Dreams to Discovery. Alaska, at its most extraordinary.

For those who prefer to experience the world away from the crowds, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers an exceptional way to discover Alaska.

Aboard the intimate, adults-only HANSEATIC spirit, this 14-night expedition travels from Seward to Vancouver through a landscape of extraordinary scale — from Katmai National Park and Kodiak to Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm Fjord and the remote islands of the Inside Passage.

This is expedition cruising with an unmistakably refined edge.

✨ Travel with the multi-award winning Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
🚢 HANSEATIC spirit - only 230 guests
🏔️ 14 nights through the Alaskan wilderness
🧭 Expert-led expedition experiences
🍽️ International gourmet cuisine
🥂 Ch*****ne welcome & daily service
🌊 Ocean Spa, panoramic fitness area & spacious open decks

For a limited time, save EUR800 per person when you make a new booking by 31 October 2026.

For those who know that true luxury is not about excess — it is about space, access, exceptional service and the freedom to experience somewhere extraordinary.

👉 Discover Hapag-Lloyd's Alaska with Exclusively Cruising.
🌐 https://ec.thesmallshipcollective.com.au/special/738416/1763587/2027-07-13
🤙 03 9762 2799

*Conditions apply. Platinum fares only. Subject to availability.
📸 Ship images: Hanseatic Spirit - Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

09/09/2026

The Sea Cloud Cruises 2027/28 collection invites you to explore the world in timeless elegance, with intimate voyages that venture beyond crowded ports to reveal hidden gems and unforgettable destinations.

Discover remarkable journeys in 2027/28

08/09/2026

A much more relaxing day in Bucharest today! We went to visit the impressive new cathedral, although unfortunately it’s still closed while they finish work on the interior. We enjoyed a wander around the local neighbourhood before finishing the afternoon with a lovely massage and an early dinner at the hotel.

Tomorrow morning we’re off to join our Viking ship. Instead of the usual two-hour transfer, we have a five-hour drive to a different port, as the ship is unable to travel all the way down the river due to the low water levels. All going well, we should be on board tomorrow afternoon and ready for the next part of our adventure!

08/09/2026

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Highland Hues & Highland Savings Await!

Picture yourself gliding through the heart of Scotland, surrounded by dramatic Highland landscapes, tranquil lochs, ancient castles and the timeless beauty of the Caledonian Canal.

Aboard the elegant Lord of the Highlands, just 38 guests enjoy an intimate, unhurried way to discover Scotland — with all-inclusive cruising, fine dining, drinks, guided shore excursions and attentive service included.

✨ And there’s even more reason to book your 2027 Highland escape, with savings available on selected voyages.

From the rugged Highlands to the enchanting Inner Hebrides, this is Scotland at its most spectacular — experienced at a wonderfully leisurely pace.

🌿 Breathtaking scenery
🏰 Fascinating history
🚢 Intimate small-ship cruising
🥂 All-inclusive experience
💷 Special 2027 savings

Ready to discover Scotland from the water?

👉 Explore the latest Lord of the Highlands offers with Exclusively Cruising.
https://ec.thesmallshipcollective.com.au/cruise-search/specials/results?destination=&cruiseType=&monthFrom=&monthTo=&cruiseLine=&ship=&embarkPort=&disembarkPort=&duration=&visitingPort=&promoCode=NATURE_WILDLIFE&specialType=
🤙 03 9762 2799

07/09/2026

What a day exploring Bucharest! After clocking up more than 26,000 steps, I think we’ve certainly earned a good night’s sleep.

We walked from our hotel into the Old Town, exploring the streets and seeing some of Bucharest’s main monuments, churches and cathedrals along the way. From there, we caught a Bolt to the enormous AFI Cotroceni shopping centre before returning to the hotel for a well-earned rest.

Later, we caught the bus back into the Old Town for dinner, then walked back to the hotel to finish off a long but thoroughly enjoyable day.

We’re all a little weary tonight, but hopefully ready explore again tomorrow!

07/09/2026

✈️ SAVE THOUSANDS ON YOUR JAPAN ESCAPE — FLY FREE! 🇯🇵🌸

Your flights to Japan are covered when you book this incredible Japan’s Spring Embrace offer — departing from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

That means more of your holiday budget can go towards experiencing Japan in one of its most spectacular seasons, when cherry blossoms bring temples, gardens and historic cities to life.

🌸 Experience Japan’s famous spring blossoms
🗾 Discover fascinating cities & cultural treasures
🚢 Enjoy a luxurious cruise experience
🍣 Immerse yourself in Japan’s extraordinary cuisine & culture
✈️ BONUS FREE FLIGHTS from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane!

It’s a rare opportunity to experience Japan in spring while taking a significant travel cost off the bottom line.

Japan in spring. Luxury cruising. Flights included.

👉 Discover Japan’s Spring Embrace with Exclusively Cruising.
🌐 https://ec.thesmallshipcollective.com.au/special/730160/1763602/2027-04-11
🤙 03 9762 2799

*Conditions apply. Subject to availability.

07/09/2026

Discover the magic where East meets West on this journey from Athens to Istanbul with Sea Cloud Cruises.

Aboard SEA CLOUD II, explore enchanting islands, ancient ruins and the beauty of the Mediterranean, from peaceful coastal escapes to the vibrant energy of the Bosphorus. Experience the elegance of private yacht-style sailing along the way.

7 Nights | Departs 30 June 2027

Secure your journey today.

06/09/2026

We’ve arrived in Bucharest! 🇷🇴

It’s a beautiful sunny day, and while we’re feeling a little tired after our long journey from Melbourne via Singapore and Istanbul, we’re going to freshen up and head out for a little explore before dinner.

Looking forward to seeing what Bucharest has to offer!