Delta Goodrem will sail with Destination HQ in August 2027 on a PONANT charter from Venice to Malta, Managing Director Stuart Ingram has revealed as he confirmed the Melbourne-based agency is firmly focused on expanding its charter cruise operations.
The revelation follows Destination HQ’s inaugural charter voyage with Coral Expeditions to the Spice Islands earlier this year, a voyage which Ingram described as a resounding success but said also provided valuable lessons.
“One thing we realised on that first charter was the importance of having the right entertainment on board,” he told LATTE. “We learned quickly that we needed the best talent to create the right atmosphere.”
As a result, Destination HQ has used its entertainment industry connections to secure major Australian performers for upcoming voyages. In 2026, the company will operate two additional charters: one in May with AmaWaterways and another in November with Quark Expeditions.
“We’ve got Daryl Braithwaite signed for our Quark Expeditions charter in May, and Kate Ceberano for our AmaWaterways cruise aboard the double-width AmaMagna in August,” he said.
With Goodrem already confirmed for 2027, Ingram confirmed that talks are underway over signing another big name artist for an Antarctica charter that same year with details to be revealed shortly. “We’ve really found a niche that works for us,” he said.
The charter concept, Ingram says, evolved naturally from Destination HQ’s small-group touring background. “We started with six people, then 30 or 40. That core group loves travelling together and having our team alongside them. Now they want more — two or three trips a year — so we’ve added music and entertainment into the mix.”
The Quark voyage to Antarctica aboard Ocean Explorer will cater to 110 guests while the AmaMagna sailing is capped at 160, rather than the full capacity of 198, to ensure a more spacious sailing, according to Ingram.
Solo travellers will also be a key focus. Aboard Ocean Explorer, Destination HQ will increase the number of solo cabins from four to 10. “We’ve made sure solos aren’t left out,” he said. “By offering plenty of solo cabins, we’re creating a space where solo guests can connect and bring great energy to the group.”
Partnerships with leading luxury cruise brands have been central to Destination HQ’s growth. “Working with AmaWaterways and Quark Expeditions has been incredible,” Ingram said. “It’s changed how we collaborate and has strengthened those relationships.”
That approach was recognised earlier this year when Destination HQ was named CLIA Cruise Office of the Year. Cruise lines and entertainers are now approaching the company, keen to work with it in the future, Ingram revealed.
“It’s been a really exciting time,” he reflected. “It’s rewarding to work with long-term partners in new ways.”
With the May 2026 cruise already sold out – and the August sailing expected to follow by Christmas – Destination HQ’s charters are fast becoming a new staple.
“For us, the best part is how much fun we’re having,” Ingram said. “We love working with our partners, and the product sells itself. Having a unique proposition is what really makes us stand out.”
