Laugh at winter aboard Caronia

The Cunard shipping company has devised theme cruises on the Caronia to take passengers to exotic, balmy ports during New Zealand's winter. They include a European culture and cuisine cruise of 14 days taking in France, Spain and Portugal. The cruise leaves Dover, England, on July 20 and is priced from $NZ7210 each, twin-share.

Opera is the theme of a two-week Greece and Turkey cruise which leaves from Venice on August 17. This cruise is priced at $NZ7311, as are a 14-day Greek arts and culture cruise and another Greek Isles cruise, both leaving from Italy in September.

Contact: Travel agent or Cunard Reservations, toll-free 0800 447 778.