However, there's some good news on the horizon for Aussie globetrotters. Next year Princess Cruises is offering three round-trip world cruises from Sydney and in 2018 Azamara Club Cruises' Azamara Journey is making its first Bridge to Bridge voyage – from Sydney Harbour Bridge to London's Tower Bridge.

The first one leaves Sydney on January 11, when the 2016-passenger Sea Princess sets off for the inaugural circumnavigation of South America from Australia. The 84-night Circle South America cruise will visit 28 ports across 18 countries, including Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador and Uruguay.

Sea Princess returns to Sydney on April 5, then embarks on its 104-night world voyage on May 20. This will be the first voyage from Australia to cruise in the Arctic Circle, calling at the Lofoten Islands (Gravdal), Tromso, Honningsvag and Akureyri before visiting North and South America and the islands of the Pacific on its return to Australia. Altogether, the ship will call at 39 ports in 26 countries.

The 2600-passenger Golden Princess is also setting sail in May. The 75-night Circle Pacific itinerary will visit China and Japan before heading north to the waters of Alaska. There will be an overnight stay in Vancouver on Canada Day to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the confederation before it sails to San Francisco for spectacular Fourth of July fireworks over the Golden Gate Bridge. Golden Princess will then cruise to Los Angeles and San Diego before returning to local waters via Hawaii and Tahiti. See princess.com.

We'll have to wait nearly a year after that for Azamara Journey to embark on its 102-day "half-world" cruise – it will leave Sydney on March 7, 2018. The 686-passenger ship, which is making its first foray Down Under this coming season, will call at 60 ports in 29 countries on its way to England.

Round-trip airfares will be included in the fare for passengers who embark on the entire 102-day voyage and Azamara's President and CEO Larry Pimentel will host a special farewell celebration in Sydney. Passengers will also receive up to $US1000 onboard credit, unlimited internet and a free bag of laundry a person every week. Which certainly makes packing a whole lot easier. See azamaraclubcruises.com/en-au.

MEET THE CREW

NAME Matthew Thompson, from Britain

POSITION Entertainment director, Princess Cruises' Emerald Princess,

MY JOB I am in charge of the entertainment department and my aim is to ensure every guest has the best experience possible onboard the vessel

A TYPICAL DAY I work closely with the cruise director throughout the day to ensure guest participation and enjoyment. I also prepare the daily Princess Patter newsletter and the entertainment schedule for future voyages.

FAVOURITE CRUISE MOMENT Proposing to my now wife at sunset, on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii.

FAVOURITE CRUISE PORTS Bora Bora and Moorea in Tahiti for their stunning pristine beauty.

INSIDER TIPS Be sure to put yourself in holiday mode before you step onboard. Take advantage of port time to explore the destinations. Eat everything!

TIP

Don't forget to take out travel insurance (preferably cruise-specific) when you're going on an Australian coastal cruise – Medicare doesn't apply if you need medical attention, which can be very expensive.

NEWS

Sail and ski Antarctica

If a voyage to Antarctica isn't already exciting enough, Chimu Adventures has just ramped up the adventure element by launching an exclusive new sail and ski expedition to the icy continent. Exploring virgin summits and skiing untouched slopes, the new tour is set to be the adventure of a lifetime for thrill-seeking and highly skilled skiers. Chimu's Chad Carey said guests will see the dazzling landscapes and unique wildlife at the end of the earth from skis, kayaks and the deck of the expedition yacht Icebird. "For the adventurous at heart, climbing a virgin summit is a breathtaking prospect. And to then attach your skis and be the first person to ski down from the summit is just exciting beyond words." The 28-day adventure on board the centrally heated, high-tech expedition yacht departs from Ushuaia on November 19, 2017. See chimuadventures.com.

The A to Z of luxury expedition cruising

Looking for inspiration for your next adventure? Ponant's new brochure features 45 voyages between October 2017 and May 2018 to an extensive range of destinations that includes the Amazon and Orinoco rivers, Costa Rica, Papua, the Bissagos Islands, Polynesia, Myanmar, the Seychelles, Latin America, Japan and Antarctica.

Monique Ponfoort, vice president Ponant Australasia, said, "The brochure is a comprehensive A to Z of the globe's finest luxury and expedition voyages – intimate travel experiences from Antarctica to Zululand and just about everywhere in-between." Itineraries range from six nights to a grand voyage of 85 nights from Vietnam to New Zealand onboard Ponant's fleet of luxury expedition ships and its boutique three-masted yacht Le Ponant. See ponant.com.

Polar pioneers

Norwegian coastal and expedition cruise line Hurtigruten has named its two new ships after the Norwegian explorers Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen. The 530-passenger ships are due to set sail in 2018 and 2019 and will be the first expedition vessels to sail with fully electric hybrid technology. "[the technology] is of great benefit for the environment – and also of our guests as it enhances the impact of experiencing nature," said Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam. "Imagine sailing perfectly silently along the ice edge in the Arctic or Antarctica, or along the banks of the Amazon. That is truly exceptional." Designed by Rolls-Royce and Norwegian yacht designer Espen Oino, the ships will feature large observation platforms, Scandinavian-style interiors, three restaurants and a pool deck. Itineraries for the new ships will be available later this month; see hurtigruten.com.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

Enjoy a bonus Singapore fling with My Cruises' new fly/cruise/stay offer. The 16-night holiday includes an 11-night cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong onboard NCL's Norwegian Jewel, three nights' accommodation in Singapore, two nights in Hong Kong, private transfers in both cities, pre-paid gratuities and an NCL Free at Sea Offer – a dining, drinks or internet package. Departing March 10, 2018, Norwegian Jewel will call at Ko Samui, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Hu Da Nang. From $3590; phone 1300 69 2784, see MyCruises.com.au.

MORE DEALS

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE is offering $999 return airfares to Europe when booking a verandah cabin or above on select cruises in the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Baltic. Valid when booked by November 18, 2016, the airfare offer can be combined with HAL's current Explore4 offer which includes a complimentary signature beverage package, Pinnacle Grill dinner and a 50 per cent reduced deposit. Phone 1300 987 322, see hollandamerica.com.

FLIGHT CENTRE is offering a 14-night river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam, and return flights from $5495, when booked by November 18. Departing October 16, 2017, the cruise is onboard Travelmarvel Diamond; highlights include a tour of the Vienna Naschmarkt and visiting Augustusburg Castle Falkenlust hunting lodge in Bruhl, Germany. Phone 1300 939 414, see flightcentre.com.au.