Source : the age
Last week anyone who happened to be sailing with Explora Journeys in the Mediterranean had a brief chance to encounter tennis superstar Jannik Sinner, on board Explora II sailing between Genoa and Marseille for an overnight stay to promote his wellness collaboration with the cruise line.
Sinner participated in a Q&A session and charity gala dinner, and made appearances at private coaching and wellness sessions available to a few select guests. No word on whether he’ll make further appearances but, as brand ambassador for the cruise line, I expect he will.
Jannik Sinner is one of the biggest stars to recently grace a cruise ship, but in the past Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Sheryl Crow and yes, even Taylor Swift have performed at sea. Themed cruises have seen the likes of Beach Boys, Kiss, The Walking Dead, New Kids on the Block, and the cast of Star Trek make appearances.
You’ll have to keep a lively lookout for the release of such cruises, which are booked out by fans before you can shout “anchors aweigh”. Many cruise lines, however, have special guests on board who, while they mightn’t have the same celebrity status, are equally experts in their field.
If you want to indulge in niche fandom or simply learn something, then notable astronomers, chefs, golfers, wine experts, television presenters, orchestral conductors and wellness gurus are among the wide variety of special guests appearing regularly on cruises.
Cunard has an annual “Literature Festival at Sea” cruise that has previously featured luminaries such as Lynda La Plante and Kate Mosse. The next, which sails from New York in November 2026, will among other writers see Alexander McCall Smith, Pam Ayres and Fern Britton appear.
Seabourn has an ongoing “Seabourn Conversations” program that sees acclaimed artists, performers, scientists and more participate in special events, presentations, talks and Q&As that give guests an extra reason to choose a cruise.
In 2027 the diverse lineup includes a former fighter pilot and an Academy Award-winning sound producer – just the sorts of people with fascinating experiences and knowledge to impart, but who you’re never likely to encounter otherwise.
Two Pacific cruises will (separately) feature New Zealand adventurer and mountaineer Sir Peter Hillary, and Chinese-Australian former ballet dancer Li Cunxin, author of Mao’s Last Dancer, and his wife Mary Li.
Expedition cruise lines tend to favour adventurers, explorers and wildlife experts. In July 2027 Aurora Expeditions is sailing an “Arctic Through the Lens” voyage on which guests will get hands-on photography guidance from some of the world’s best, such as Australian landscape and travel photographer Peter Eastway, and National Geographic contributor David Vargas.
Keep a watch too on specialist charter companies. In January 2027, for example, a “Great Southern Sounds” cruise return from Sydney on a Carnival ship will feature over 35 local acts, including Jimmy Barnes, Kate Ceberano, Kasey Chambers and Marcia Hines.
For great cruise deals, visit mycruises.com.au
Brian Johnston seemed destined to become a travel writer: he is an Irishman born in Nigeria and raised in Switzerland, who has lived in Britain and China and now calls Australia home.
