Where to next: adventures in less-travelled waters of the world

Go further than most travellers ever will on an immersive exploration of East Antarctica and the Ross Sea region. Considered the world's most pristine piece of ocean, the region offers unparalleled penguin and whale sightings, plus up-close views of majestic glaciers that will leave you speechless.

Book it: Scenic offers a maximum three departures of 200 guests each year to the region on ultra-luxury expedition yacht Scenic Eclipse II. scenic.com.au

The wonders of the Middle East have the power to reignite the flames of the most jaded cruisers. Where else could you visit royal Egyptian tombs, Saharan dunes, Red Sea resorts, Emirati mosques and sprawling souks?

Book it: Windstar's inaugural Sparkling Sands & Cities voyage departs Dubai on November 23, 2023. The 10-day itinerary includes stops in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. windstarcruises.com

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A new era of small-ship luxury expedition cruising arrives in the Pacific Ocean on November 11, 2023, when Captain Cook Cruises' MS Caledonian Sky begins sailing from Nadi. The 57-suite ship will soon venture further into the most remote parts of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

Book it: From next April, Captain Cook Cruises' MS Caledonian Sky will sail 14-night voyages from Fiji to Tonga and Samoa. captaincookcruisesfiji.com

When you know the rivers of France and Germany better than the captain does, look east for a new European perspective. The waterways of Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia are lined with historic castles and fortresses in pretty towns where rich culinary traditions feed the soul and the tummy.

Book it: Avalon Waterways' Balkan Discovery cruise covers five countries in nine days. avalonwaterways.com.au

Seen Alaska? Ticked Antarctica off the bucket list? It's time to journey to the edge of the Arctic Circle. Visit a traditional Viking community in the Faroe Islands, where fjords and waterfalls dot the landscape. In Greenland, the world's largest island, there's rich Inuit culture, incredible wildlife and natural beauty unlike anywhere else.

Book it: Oceania Cruises' 21-day Path of the Midnight Sun from London to New York stops in the Faroe Islands and several ports in Greenland. oceaniacruises.com

From the windswept Hebrides to the Neolithic sites of Orkney, the wild isles of Scotland were made for adventurous cruising. Aurora Expeditions accommodates up to 132 expeditioners on the Greg Mortimer, a ship with all the gear and toys you'll need for encounters with sea life.

Book it: Aurora Expeditions' 12-day Wild Scotland trip leaves Edinburgh May 27 for Aberdeen. See auroraexpeditions.com.au.

Surrounded by glittering oceans and seas, Africa is a captivating, sun-drenched continent to explore from the comfort and safety of a cruise ship. Prime port stops reveal urban centres, diverse cultures and majestic wildlife. See the best of South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya and Tanzania on an extended cruise journey.

Book it: Several Regent Seven Seas' itineraries visit Africa, including Lisbon to Cape Town, departing November 12, 2023, with port stops in Cape Verde, Senegal, Ghana, Namibia and more. See rssc.com.

Combine ancient heritage with modern cities on voyages to Japan. Many trips include a day in nearby South Korea or Taiwan.

Book it: Ponant's 2024 expedition itineraries include new sailings in Kyushu and the Seto Inland Sea. The modern fleet will be the first to visit some of Japan's most remote locations. See au.ponant.com.