Seadream Yacht Club's luxury mega motor-cruisers SeaDream I and SeaDream II, which have just 56 cabins for 112 guests, are in 2016 sailing into some smaller Mediterranean ports  that are inaccessible to larger vessels. These include destinations such as Cannes, Monte Carlo, St Tropez and Nice along the coast of southern France; Kepez, in Turkey, with the opportunity to visit Gallipoli, and the 3000-year-old town of Roses on Spain's Costa Brava. There will also be visits to the tiny crowd-free island of Losinj​ in Croatia, and Portofino on the Italian Riviera.

Phone 02 9958 4444. See seadream.com.

MEKONG MEANDERING

Scenic is sailing full steam ahead in south-east Asia, with Scenic Spirit launching on the Mekong in January and Scenic Aura on the Irrawaddy in September. The Mekong program has some new "Freechoice'' activities such as a cooking class in Hoi An, cycling around Hanoi's West Lake and an art tour of Ho Chi Minh City. In 2017, passengers can also enjoy new "Enrich" events in Siem Reap, including a themed gala dinner and Apsara dance performance, and a tethered balloon ride over Angkor Wat at sunrise. Scenic is also offering three new land extensions in Vietnam.

Phone 13 81 28. See scenic.com.au.

SUITE SUCCESS

Azamara Club Cruises is upgrading its two boutique ships, Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey, both of which will be debuting in Australian waters shortly; Azamara Quest arrives first at year's end. Among the refurbishments will be custom-designed built-ins, new bed linens, carpeting and furniture and overhauled bathrooms for standard cabins. There are also new Spa Suites with water views and exclusive access to spa amenities, and major revitalisations for Club World and Owner's Suites. The revamps will take place in early 2016, so Azamara Journey will be completely refreshed before her maiden Australian season in February 2017.

Phone 1800 754 500. See azamaraclubcruises.com

CANAL CRUISING

Looking to downsize your cruise experience? Then Le Boat has a new cruise on the canals of Venice that should suit. Passengers travel on their own cruiser as part of an eight-boat flotilla, with free time to explore on their own, and social interaction with other participants. No previous boating experience or licence is required to wind along Venice's myriad canals and admire iconic sights such as the Rialto Bridge and Doge's Palace. Each flotilla is accompanied by a dedicated host who provides insider tips and recommendations on what to see and do, as well as expert advice and assistance for boating novices.

Phone 02 8912 7041. See leboat.com.au.

PASSAGE TO INDIA

Uniworld has a new river-cruise itinerary in India for 2016 to suit adventurous travellers looking to delve into India's fascinating social, historical, and religious heritage without sacrificing creature comforts. The 13-day journey begins with visits to Delhi, Agra (home to the Taj Mahal) and the fortress-rich Rajasthani city of Jaipur before an eight-day cruise along the Ganges River that showcases Mother Teresa's home and tomb in Kolkata, an enormous Vedic temple built by Hare Krishnas, splendid garden-tombs and mosques, and grand Victorian buildings and monuments from the heyday of the British Raj.

Phone 1300 780 231. See uniworldcruises.com.au.