Fresh from Virtuoso

Oberammergau: the diary is open for 2030

Some holidays deserve more than a little forward planning.

Viking has released its 2030 Oberammergau river cruise journeys, combining European river cruising with the world-famous Passion Play in Germany. Traditionally performed once every ten years, this remarkable event can be paired with journeys featuring the Danube and Salzburg, or Innsbruck and the Rhine.

Michelle’s take: If this has been on your wish list, now is the time to explore your options. Let’s find the right itinerary and build a beautiful European holiday around it.

A little extra encouragement to go somewhere extraordinary

Antarctica or the Arctic. Which one makes your heart skip a beat?

Following the event, I have access to an exclusive Quark Expeditions offer:

• An additional AU$1,200 saving on Arctic voyages in 2026 or 2027.
• An additional AU$800 saving on Antarctica voyages in the 2026/27 or 2027/28 season.

According to the event offer, these savings can be combined with current in-market offers. This exclusive event offer is available until Thursday 29 October 2026—two weeks after the event on 15 October. Contact me to check eligible voyages and secure your booking before the deadline.

Michelle’s take: Polar travel deserves thoughtful matching. Let’s talk about the wildlife, landscapes and experiences you’re dreaming of, then find the expedition that fits.

Meet AmaRudi: room to stretch out

AmaWaterways is adding a second double-width river ship, AmaRudi, following in the footsteps of AmaMagna.

Launching in 2027 on the Danube, AmaRudi will be twice the width of traditional European river ships, with spacious accommodation, four restaurants, a fitness studio, and a sun-deck pool and whirlpool.

Michelle’s take: If you love the idea of river cruising and appreciate generous space and dining choice, this is a ship to have on your radar.

A different kind of river romance

River cruising goes well beyond Europe—and AmaWaterways’ voyages on Colombia’s Magdalena River are a colourful example.

AmaWaterways is already sailing here, with intimate ships including the 64-guest AmaMelodia bringing guests closer to Colombia’s riverside communities and culture.

The package includes onboard dining; wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; the daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour; immersive touring; onboard entertainment; Wi-Fi; port charges and gratuities.

Michelle’s take: For travellers who have enjoyed Europe’s rivers and are asking “where next?”, Colombia offers a wonderfully different direction.

Provence, wine and wonderful company

This one has girls’ trip written all over it.

AmaWaterways’ women-only Colours of Provence Wine Cruise departs 19 August 2027 aboard AmaKristina, sailing for seven nights from Arles to Lyon.

Think southern France, a wine-focused journey and the chance to share it with other women who love to travel. Bring a friend, your sister or your mum—or ask me about travelling independently and joining the sailing. Single-occupancy cabins are limited; I can check current options for you.

Michelle’s take: You don’t always need to wait for everyone else’s diary to line up. Sometimes the trip you want is the perfect place to start.

Sleek, intimate and closer to home

If your idea of cruising involves sleek yachts, beautiful spaces and unhurried exploration, let’s talk about The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Its Asia-Pacific programme includes voyages across Asia and the Pacific, with French Polynesia among the destinations featured.

Ask me about remaining availability for 2027, and I have exclusive travel credit available on eligible sailings—please be sure to ask.

Michelle’s take: This is a beautiful option to consider if you love luxury hotels and are curious about taking that style of holiday to sea. I can check your preferred voyage, suite availability and applicable credit.

Come home with more than beautiful memories

A holiday can be a chance to explore somewhere new—and make a little space for yourself.

Crystal’s Wellness at Sea® programme brings that idea aboard, with four dedicated retreat voyages announced for 2027 on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

Depending on the sailing, expert-led activities span yoga, Pilates, fitness, culinary nutrition, meditation and sound healing, alongside talks exploring healthy ageing and longevity science. And of course, you still have Crystal’s beautiful surroundings, dining and service to enjoy.

Michelle’s take: If you’re craving time to recharge, this is a lovely way to combine discovery with self-care. We can choose a sailing around both the destinations and the wellness programme that appeals to you.

Paradise, two ways: sails or suites?

There’s something about the South Pacific that invites you to slow right down. In 2028, Windstar gives you two beautiful ways to do just that.

Star Breeze, its all-suite motor yacht, and Wind Star, its classic sailing yacht, will both sail in the region. Across the programme, itineraries explore Tahiti, the Tuamotus, the Marquesas, the Cook Islands and Fiji.

Wind Star offers the romance of sailing, with Tahiti and Tuamotu options. Star Breeze’s longer journeys reach farther into the region, including the Marquesas, Cook Islands and Fiji. The destinations you visit will depend on your chosen itinerary.

Think turquoise lagoons, dramatic island landscapes and the pleasure of exploring aboard a small yacht.

Michelle’s take: Are you drawn to the romance of sails or the comfort of an all-suite motor yacht? Let’s match the ship and islands to your idea of paradise—and perhaps add an overwater bungalow stay.

Now that’s quite the party!

Luxury cruising and Formula 1 lovers, this one has your name all over it.

For the 2027 Monaco Grand Prix, the line-up of cruise experiences includes Crystal, Azamara, Explora Journeys, Aman at Sea, Windstar and Silversea.

Now that’s quite the party.

Imagine combining the atmosphere of race weekend on the French Riviera with beautiful suites, exceptional dining and a Mediterranean escape. Each cruise line brings its own style, from intimate yacht journeys to an extended stay aboard EXPLORA I in Monaco’s Port Hercule.

The details matter: ships may call at Monaco or nearby Riviera ports, and race tickets, transfers, hospitality and viewing arrangements vary by sailing and package. I can help you compare exactly what is included.

Michelle’s take: Let’s plan the race experience and the holiday together. Tell me whether you’re dreaming of grandstand excitement, something extra-special in hospitality, or simply soaking up the Riviera atmosphere.