However, now there's a new option: Princess Cruises' circumnavigation of South America. Sea Princess will set off from Sydney in January 2017 on an epic 84-night cruise around the colourful continent, visiting 28 ports in 18 countries, including Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador and Uruguay.

"To tackle an itinerary like this from land would be a real feat," says Princess Cruises' vice-president Australia and New Zealand, Stuart Allison, "but we're giving Australians the chance to see all these wonderful places in a very relaxed and comfortable way as they cruise between ports. No airports, no repacking, no long bus trips – just sit back and unwind as the destinations come to you. It's a recipe for holiday bliss."

Princess Cruises has experienced a big increase in local passenger numbers on its longer voyages from Australia to Asia, Hawaii and Tahiti, as well as its round-Australia and world cruises, and already there has been strong interest in the Circle South America itinerary, even though its departure is 18 months away.

Highlights include the Panama Canal, the spectacular Chilean fiords, Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of the continent, and anchoring off remote Easter Island.

Overnight stays in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires are on the itinerary, "and, for our more adventurous guests, we're offering optional overland excursions to Iguazu​ Falls, Machu Picchu​ and the Galapagos Islands," Allison says.

Being able to cruise to exotic places without having to take a long-haul flight is very much part of the attraction for baby boomers and retirees. Those who book an inside cabin for the starting price of $17,999 travel for about three months for $215 a day, with all accommodation, meals and entertainment included, and because Sea Princess will cruise out of Australia, there will be no compulsory gratuities – a huge saving on such a long voyage.

MEET THE CREW

NAME Nicolaas van der Merwe, from South Africa

POSITION Senior doctor, P&O Cruises' Pacific Jewel

MY JOB I look after the health of passengers and crew, not only treating those who are unwell, but aiming to prevent illness. I also manage the medical centre and the medical team, which consists of two doctors and three nurses.

MY TYPICAL DAY Each day the medical centre is open for a morning and an afternoon session, where I am available to see patients. In between those clinics, one doctor and one nurse is on duty in case of a medical emergency. On the evenings when I'm not on duty, I like to go for a workout in the gym or see a show in the Marquee.

FAVOURITE CRUISE MOMENT The magic of a Sydney sail-away, when the horn blows as you sail under the Harbour Bridge and past the Sydney Opera House. It's always special, no matter how many times you experience it.

MY FAVOURITE CRUISE PORT Tauranga, New Zealand. I love to go for a jog around Mount Maunganui, followed by a swim in the ocean. There's a great beach for swimming and surfing and some excellent restaurants.

INSIDER TIP If you know you get seasick, take your motion sickness medication early. Medication is available at reception. 

TIP  

Are you a solo cruiser looking for good deals? Check ocean and river cruise lines' websites for their online solo clubs and join up for regular updates. Cruise Express' Solo Zone website features special offers for singles, as well as helpful articles and tips. cruiseexpress.com.au/solo-cruising

NEWS

Silversea's hot spots

Every year, Silversea's team of experts research destinations for its seven ships' new itineraries. "We pride ourselves on continuing to be one step ahead, offering our guests the chance to discover destinations they may never have considered before," says the luxury line's Australasia general manager, Karen Christensen. Her top-five must-see cruise destinations this year are French Polynesia and the Malay Archipelago, with expedition ship Silver Discoverer; the Galapagos Islands, with Silver Galapagos, which is based there year round; Istanbul on a Silver Wind Mediterranean voyage; and Alaska with Silver Shadow. silversea.com

APT: New for 2016  

APT is introducing new ships, rail-sail itineraries and more special events for its 2016 European river cruising program. The 158-passenger, Concerto-class MS AmaStella and MS AmaViola will join the fleet early next year. Both ships will feature a heated pool with a swim-up bar and MS AmaStella will carry bicycles. Rail journeys on the Danube Express that connect with the Magnificent Europe river cruise, a Swiss rail program and journeys on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express are in the brochure, and special events, such as Sydney Symphony Orchestra cruises, will be announced in due course. aptouring.com.au

TravelManagers

Time-poor travellers are flocking to personal travel agents, or rather, the travel agents are coming to them. TravelManagers is a national network of 460 personal travel managers (PTMs) who are like personal fitness trainers. They know what their clients want and offer an individual service at clients' homes, workplaces or a handy meeting place. "We offer highly individualised service at competitive prices. Today's savvy traveller does not need to compromise on service or price any more," says TravelManagers' chairman, Barry Mayo. travelmanagers.com.au

DEAL OF THE WEEK

Ecruisingtravel's 12-night South Pacific round-trip cruise from Sydney on HAL's MS Noordam starts at $1459. Further bonuses include a free lunch at the Pinnacle Grill, dinner at Canaletto and an $850 on-board credit for selected cabin categories. Departing December 5. Phone 1300 369 848, see ecruising.com.au

MORE DEALS 

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL Book a five-night or longer cruise for two people by May 31 and save up to 50 per cent off the second guest's fare on international and local cruises. More savings are on offer for third and fourth passengers. Phone 1800 754 500, see royalcaribbean.com.au

MSC CRUISES is offering Grand Sale specials on 150 departures from June 2015 to April 2016, for bookings by May 31. Mediterranean cruises start from $339. An 11-night New Year's Caribbean cruise on MSC Divina, departing from Miami, starts at $520. Phone 1300 028 502, see msccruises.com.au