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Australia Cruises 2024, 2025, 2026

Make an enquiry today, share this with your friends, view upcoming luxury & premium australia cruises 2024, 2025, 2026, from sydney to the kimberley, adventure awaits on cruises around australia.

Whether you are planning Australia cruises from Sydney or want to sail away on expedition cruises to the Kimberley, there will definitely be a sailing that perfectly suits your schedule. Furthermore, cruises around Australia have something for every kind of voyager. From bustling city adventures in Sydney or Melbourne, endless beach-hopping in the Gold Coast or the Whitsundays, to magnificent natural vistas in the Kimberley or the Great Barrier Reef, there are simply so many places to go across this marvellous country of Australia.

Discover our gorgeous coastline and beyond on Australia cruises

The brilliant advantage of Australia cruises are their proximity to fantastic destinations nearby including New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Asia! Enjoy a couple of relaxing days along the eastern coastline, then sail across the ditch with an excellent trip to some unforgettable fjords in New Zealand. Sail up from Melbourne and see the Harbour Bridge in Sydney, then journey to the sandy shores of the South Pacific. Take a memorable jaunt to Darwin before heading up to some vibrant cultures in Asia. Regardless of your choice, any Australia is destined to be one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Let a luxury cruise take you on unforgettable Australia cruises

What really makes cruises around Australia better than so many other destinations across the globe? The luxury cruise lines that operate down under year-round! World-renowned cruise lines such as Silversea , Ponant , and Windstar offer spectacular Australia cruises that elevate your journey from the moment you arrive. Boasting remarkable accommodation options and exquisite dining venues that will scintillate the tastebuds, to onshore excursions organised by teams with decades of experience, booking an Australian cruise with a luxury cruise line is a must for anyone searching for an immersive and extraordinary holiday. From Australian expedition cruises to grand Australian circumnavigations, check out the upcoming itineraries from these cruise lines today before they are inevitably booked out!

Let Discerning Traveller plan your next Australia cruise

Planning an Australia cruise doesn’t have to be a challenge, let one of our wonderful travel consultants at Discerning Traveller do all the hard work for you. Contact us today and we will be on hand in a matter of moments to craft for you a bespoke Australian cruise package that suits your preferences, schedule, and budget. Call us on 1300 950 622 today and start your journey towards organising the perfect Australian adventure!

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Australia Cruises & Cruisetours

Discover the stunning beauty of australia.

Australia is teeming with vast treasures. Indulge in seasonal delicacies and fine wines. Snorkel among technicolor fish. Discover ancient cultures, explore historic landmarks, and tour the country’s most charming cities. Princess will help you create memories to last a lifetime.

Australia Cruises

Australia outback adventure cruisetour.

Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: soak in the brilliant underwater colours of the Great Barrier Reef, and then watch the setting sun transform the sky as Uluru (Ayers Rock) glows red from afar.

Photo: The beauty of Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Ultimate Australia Cruisetour

Our most extensive Cruisetour guides you through the highlights of Sydney, radiant Uluru in the heart of the outback, scenic Kakadu National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife), Darwin, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

Photo: Australia’s magical Great Barrier Reef

Excursions — your gateway to Australia's best attractions

Explore the Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach / Ngaro Country. Visit the award-winning Rainforestation National Park in Cairns / Gimuy. Ride a camel along the shore, and learn the secrets to pearl farming in  Broome / Rubibi . On itineraries with More Ashore Late Night calls, we stay until at least 9 p.m. in port so you can experience some of the fabulous nightlife.

And with a range of  Discovery Recommended and Exclusive excursions  available only with Princess Cruises, you’ll see Australia in a whole new way.

Let the Journey Begin

Lifestyle & culture.

Pursue your passion for wine, beer and chocolate with a taste-testing tour in the Margaret River region. Explore the art and crafts in the charming cities of Hahndorf and Montville, or visit a variety of museums and cultural parks to celebrate Australia’s rich native and colonial history.

Photo: Enjoy regional wines

Natural wonders & landscapes

Traverse a canopy path above the forest floor for a bird’s-eye view of the ancient karri and tingle trees near  Albany . Behold the otherworldly spires at Perth’s Nambung National Park. Explore the underwater beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, or travel inland to Tamborine Mountain, a fertile volcanic plateau that boasts 21 species of birds.

Photo: Pinnacles Desert in Perth's Nambung National Park

Unique & iconic wildlife

From Tasmanian devils to wombats and kookaburras, you’ll encounter fascinating animals and plants from the region and from around the globe at  Brisbane’s   Australia Zoo, Melbourne’s Healesville Sanctuary, Sydney’s Featherdale Wildlife Park and the Perth Zoo.

Photo: The iconic Tasmanian Devil

Monuments & Masterpieces

Architecture.

Sydney  hosts several architectural delights, including the iconic Sydney Opera House and the 320-meter-tall Sydney Tower and Government House, one of Australia’s finest examples of colonial-style architecture. In the heart of  Melbourne  sits Federation Square, and rising 230 meters into  Brisbane  skyline, the SkyPoint viewing deck boasts 360-degree views of the Gold Coast.

Photo: The Sydney Tower is the tallest structure in the city skyline with the second tallest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere

Art & museums

Many of Australia’s museums are closely tied to the land, its people and history. Hobart is known for its well-preserved 19th century National Trust buildings, Broome’s / Rubibi museum traces native life and the pearling industry, while in Tasmania you can discover what life was back in the early 1900s.

Photo: Richmond Bridge in Hobart, Tasmania

UNESCO world heritage sites

While the Sydney Opera House is a prime example of architectural design at its finest, Port Arthur’s humble penal colony stands as a grim reminder of Australia’s early beginnings. There are a number of natural World Heritage Sites, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the Blue Mountains and the Rainforestation National Park.

Photo: The Blue Mountains boasts ancient ravines, lush forests and stunning waterfalls

Australia Cruise Articles

Read about exotic isles, legendary destinations and prepare to explore a region unlike any other on your Australia cruise.

Australia & New Zealand Cruises

Visit iconic landmarks in Australia, strikingly diverse landscapes in New Zealand, and the palm-fringed islands of the South Pacific.

Things to Do in Brisbane Cruise Port for Couples, Singles & Families

Find things to do in Brisbane, Australia, while you're in port.

5 Things to Bring Back from Your Australia Cruise

Wondering what to bring back from your Australia cruise?

10 Melbourne Travel Tips to Help Cruisers Fit in with Locals

These 10 Melbourne travel tips from Princess Cruises will help you experience the best of this iconic Australian city as only a local would.

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Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

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Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

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Zebedee Springs, The Kimberley, Western Australia © Tourism Australia

Australia Recommends 2024

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True North, King George Falls, Kimberley, Western Australia © True North

The best Australian cruise destinations

Vibrant port cities, remote wilderness and stunning coral reefs are among the destinations you’ll enjoy by cruise ship.

By Brian Johnston

If you’re a fan of cruising, then Australia’s 30,000km (21,000mi) of coastline is one big adventure. You’ll have direct access to the beach culture, laidback coastal towns and stunning harbours that define so much of the Australian lifestyle. Plus, cruising gives you the chance to explore remote environments with ease.

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Queensland © Riptide Creative

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Queensland © Riptide Creative

Sinker Reef, Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Sinker Reef, Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Aerial view of a couple walking along the beach, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland

Great Barrier Reef Safaris, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Great for beaches, water sports and the Great Barrier Reef.

Queensland is prime cruise territory, offering balmy weather, endless islands and the stunning underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef .

Ships to suit all traveller types typically sail from Brisbane , Cairns or Sydney (often return). These cruises travel along the Queensland coast, from northern ports to the wonders of the Whitsundays . As you continue south, You’ll visit laidback beach towns for a dose of sun, water sports and seafood.

Aerial view of the Horizontal Falls, Talbot Bay, WA © Tourism Western Australia

Horizontal Falls, Talbot Bay, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Aerial View of the Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park, WA © Tourism Western Australia

The Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Aerial view of King George River, Kimberley, WA © Tourism Western Australia

King George River, Kimberley, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Great for dramatic outback landscapes and rock art.

Australia’s northwest corner is characterised by thousands of islands, mighty rust-red canyons, majestic boab trees and the world’s greatest collection of rock art. Since its coastline has no roads, the only way to visit is by sea. The Kimberley’s natural wonders are unforgettable, from Montgomery Reef – where falling tides create mid-ocean waterfalls – to the rapid-like Horizontal Falls. Luxury expedition ships usually sail between Broome and Darwin (or the reverse) between April and October.

australian based cruise lines

Your guide to cruising the Kimberley region

Female swimming with a Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus), Ningaloo Marine Park, WA © Tourism Western Australia

Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia 

Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Adventures, Shark Bay World Heritage Area, WA © Tourism Western Australia

Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Adventures, Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Aerial view of the Rock Pools at Warroora Station, south of Coral Bay, WA © Tourism Western Australia

Warroora Station, south of Coral Bay, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia 

Great for stunning reefs, islands and marine life.

While the Kimberley is the main cruise destination in Western Australia , small expedition ships visit the Coral Coast between Perth and Broome, offering adventure in places few visitors are lucky enough to experience. Turquoise ocean clashes with red rock, and you share the waves with dugongs, dolphins and humpback whales.

The Dampier Archipelago has superb snorkelling, diving and white-sand beaches, while the Houtman Abrolhos Islands boast spectacular reefs and seabird colonies. Another highlight is Shark Bay, whose marvels include ancient living fossils, friendly dolphins and a beach made entirely of tiny white shells.

Dolphins along the Wedge Island coastline, Eyre Peninsula, SA © Kane Overall

Wedge Island, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia © Kane Overall

Gastronomo The Enchanted Fig Tree, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

Gastronomo The Enchanted Fig Tree, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

Great for natural beauty and local wildlife.

There are two ways to cruise the South Australian coast. Large cruise ships call at Adelaide , Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula (known for its seafood and cage-swimming with great white sharks) and Kangaroo Island .

Smaller ships visit South Australia ’s Yorke Peninsula and Fleurieu Peninsula , both of which combine stunning scenery with nearby wine regions. You can go even more remote on expedition ships that explore the Pearson and Gambier islands, renowned for their unique Southern Ocean flora and fauna.

P.S. Murray Princess Cruise, Murray River, South Australia © SeaLink Travel Group

P.S. Murray Princess Cruise, Murray River, South Australia © SeaLink Travel Group

Murray River Walk, SA © Great Walks of Australia

Murray River, South Australia © Great Walks of Australia

Murray River

Great for tranquil inland exploration combined with history.

The mighty Murray River runs through South Australia and along the border of New South Wales and Victoria . It’s along this winding waterway that you’ll find cultural heritage and natural beauty in equal measure. The river has abundant Aboriginal sites and was crucial to European exploration inland Australia. Plus, you’ll wake up to beautiful gum tree-covered landscapes.

Humpback whale breaching in Eden, NSW © Warwick Kent courtesy of Sapphire Coast Tourism

Eden, New South Wales © Warwick Kent courtesy of Sapphire Coast Tourism

12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road, VIC © Hannes Becker/ STA Travel/ Visit Victoria

12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Hannes Becker/ STA Travel/ Visit Victoria

Strolling Melbourne Streetart Laneways, Melbourne, VIC © Visit Victoria

Hosier Lane, Melbourne City, Victoria © Visit Victoria

South East Australia

Great for the coastal lifestyle and big city culture.

Many short cruises link Sydney with Melbourne or Adelaide (or the reverse) on a wide variety of ships for all styles and budgets. This is a relaxing way to get between the cities, with the chance to see smaller ports and (usually) Tasmania along the way. The ports of call along the coast offer exciting opportunities to see whale migrations, stroll through vineyards and hike through national parks .

Hobart Harbour, Hobart, Tasmania © Tourism Australia

Hobart Harbour, Hobart, Tasmania © Tourism Australia

Oyster Bay Tours, Freycinet Marine Farm, Freycinet, Tasmania © Tourism Australia

Oyster Bay Tours, Freycinet Marine Farm, Freycinet, Tasmania © Tourism Australia

Port Arthur Historic Site, Port Arthur, Tasmania © Tourism Tasmania & Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority

Port Arthur Historic Site, Port Arthur, Tasmania © Tourism Tasmania & Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority

Great for wild beauty and early colonial history.

Australia’s island state of Tasmania is made for cruising, thanks to its splendid coastline, maritime history and remote wildlife-rich islands. Big ships sail from Adelaide, Melbourne or Sydney on short itineraries that take in Hobart , historic convict settlement Port Arthur and Burnie. From Burnie in the north, shore excursions take you to destinations such as Cradle Mountain National Park .

For a closer, more rugged encounter, consider an expedition cruise on a small vessel, which will take you to Freycinet National Park , Maria Island and otherwise inaccessible wilderness areas.

Seal Bay Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Tourism Australia

Seal Bay Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Tourism Australia

HeliSpirit Esperance, Esperance, WA © HeliSpirit Esperance

HeliSpirit Esperance, Esperance, Western Australia © HeliSpirit Esperance

RoofClimb, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, SA © South Australian Tourism Commission

RoofClimb, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

Australia’s southern coastline

Great for rugged coastal scenery and urban attractions.

It’s easy to connect Australia’s east and west coasts on a cruise. These cruises tend to depart from Sydney or Melbourne and arrive in Western Australia’s capital of Perth (or vice-versa). You’ll relax over a few days at sea, and along the way, explore ports ranging from quaint beach towns to larger cities. 

After arriving in Western Australia, port visits are typically made to Esperance – studded with white-sand beaches and backed by national park – and the Margaret River ’s premium wine country and surf beaches.

Couple cycling on Rottnest Island, WA © Tourism Western Australia

Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Helicopter ride of the surrounding Litchfield National Park, NT © Tourism NT/Kyle Hunter & Hayley Anderson

Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Kyle Hunter & Hayley Anderson

Couple enjoying food and drink with harbour views at Opera Bar in Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Opera Bar, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Circumnavigations

Great for the full Australian experience from outback to city.

Can’t decide where to go? Both large and expedition ships occasionally offer a full journey around Australia for those who want it all: bright city lights, remote wilderness, historic towns, islands , reefs and national parks. Circumnavigations stop at major ports around the country, like Perth and Darwin , and usually sail between February-March or October-November and depart from Sydney, taking about thirty days.

More articles like this

Norwegian Spirit, Sydney Harbour, New South Wales © Norwegian Cruise Line

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Indigenous symbol - Natural Beauty

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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Looking for an over-the-top vacation in the Land Down Under? We’ve got exactly what you’re looking for with our new 2026/2027 season of sailings in Australia and New Zealand. You’ll visit bucket-list destinations on ships that are bucket-list worthy destinations in themselves, including the original ship in our revolutionary series, Celebrity Edge, and the stunning Celebrity Solstice. Even with a destination this incredible, it’s how you get there that counts. 

2026 Australia & New Zealand Destination Highlights

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We’ve created once-in-a-lifetime journeys where you’ll get amazing views of places like New Zealand’s photo- perfect fjords and Sydney’s legendary skyline with the iconic Sydney Opera House. You’ll have unforgettable experiences like floating weightlessly in crystal clear water above the Great Barrier Reef and kicking back on unspoiled Polynesian beaches. Between the incredible places you’ll visit and the equally incredible ships that will take you there, nothing comes close to an Australia and New Zealand vacation with us.

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Ovation of the Seas Aerial

GO BACK TO GUIDES 

Top 7 Itineraries Cruising from Australia

By Evelyn Uslar-Pietri  | Republished on April 30, 2024

2-4 night sampler

quantum australia mobile

Even the shortest of cruises–a two night ocean getaway–offers a tall stack of far-flung adventure. Depending on your departure port, you will be sailing on one of two ground-breaking ships, Ovation of the Seas® or Quantum of the Seas® . Packed with first-at-sea-feats–like skydiving on Ripcord® by iFLY®, surfing on FlowRider®, and shaking it up on bumper cars–this is playing like you mean it. Of course you can expect epicurean adventure as well, with such palate-pleasing options as Izumi Japanese Cuisine and Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver. Top Broadway shows and jaw-dropping multimedia productions, as well as a full lineup of bars and lounges, many with live music, will fill your evenings with bold experiences you won’t soon forget.

Choose a 4-night sampler to cruise to Eden, New South Wales' most southerly town and a whale-watching mecca. Visit Ben Boyd National Park, and follow its rugged cliffs to Boyd Tower and Red Point Lookout, where breathtaking views greet hikers. And don’t leave Eden without picking up some Darell Lea chocolate or flavoured licorice, which many consider the world’s best!

5 Night Tasmania Cruise

Hobart, Tasmania Boardwalk

7 Night Queensland Cruise

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8 Night South Pacific Cruise

Port Vila, Vanuatu Hideaway Island

10 Night New Zealand Cruise

Dunedin, New Zealand ViewOf Bay

11 Night Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Willis Island (Cruising), Australia Great Barrier Reef

A longer version of our popular 7-Night Queensland Cruise, this cruise sails from Sydney , adding exciting Port Douglas to the itinerary. Saunter along the town’s vibrant marina to your choice of waterfront restaurants, featuring a bounty of freshly-caught fish. Settle into a table, sipping something cold while eying the stunning collection of berthed international superyachts.

As a portal to two UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef and the expanses of the Daintree Rainforest, there are a great number of over-the-top excursions in Port Douglas. Go snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef for a life-changing experience that involves sea turtles and a profusion of marine life. Trek into Daintree Rainforest which, at an estimated 180 million years old, is deemed the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest. And delve deep into the rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage with a guided walk and tour.

11 Night South Pacific and Fiji Cruise

Lautoka, Fiji Islands, Beachcomber Island

Departing from Sydney onboard Enchantment of the Seas® , this unforgettable odyssey will take you to Isle of Pines in New Caledonia , Suva and Lautoka in Fiji and Lifou on Loyalty Islands . In Isle of Pines, Queen Hortense’s cave awaits you, a magical location which, according to local lore, served as a hiding place for a queen seeking to escape intertribal conflict. Also, plan to visit the wondrous Oro natural pool, a place of such spectacular beauty it’s hard to believe you are not on a Hollywood set. In Suva, the Fiji Museum holds a treasure trove of exhibits and objects dating back about 3,700 years to when seafarers first settled the Pacific Islands. You’ll feel like one of those early settlers in Lifou, where pristine and secluded beaches–with brilliant white sands and crystalline waters–speak of a time untouched by the stamp of civilization.

A world of bold adventure sails from the Australian ports of Sydney and Brisbane. Choose the best itinerary for your needs–whether that means a short cruise around Australia, or a longer voyage to far-away islands–and your perfect holiday is just a few keystrokes away! We look forward to welcoming you onboard!

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Sail on Quantum of The Seas

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Ovation of The Seas

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Written By EVELYN USLAR-PIETRI

Evelyn's passion for exploring the world, combined with her unforgettable travels onboard Royal Caribbean, shine through in her pieces for the cruise line. She also writes for Roar Media--a full-stack marketing agency based in Miami, Florida--as well as other travel and lifestyle-related brands.

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Three kangaroos stand on a white sand beach during a wildlife tour of Kangaroo Island. Australia

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Which cruise line? The dummy's guide to choosing a cruise

Quentin Long

Managing Director

04 March 2024

Time

Are you ready to deep dive into the world of cruising? As part of our ongoing ‘ Everything you need to know about cruising ‘ series we’ve created a guide to the different cruise line companies.

The Australian appetite for cruising is insatiable. The market has reportedly grown by 15–20 per cent every year for the last six years and then a slimmer five per cent last year.

Australian Traveller has the beginner’s guide to cruise ship companies.

Each one is different and appeals to a different holiday need – hence we are fond of telling anyone who will listen that there is a cruise for everyone.

We have used a hotel star-like rating system for convenience; there are no official ratings, so these are our ratings only.

Further, each ship has several cabin classes which explain the range in star ratings.

We have ordered the cruise lines from least stars to most.

More from ‘Everything you need to know about cruising’ : Cruise vs Resort: the pros and cons of the different holidays Everything a first-time cruiser needs to know Every question you ever had about cruising answered The best way to book your first ever cruise

P&O – 2.5 to 3.5 stars

The entry-level cruise ship liner has had its ups and down in the Australian market. It is an incredibly cheap holiday and suitable for families.

It has three liners in the Australian market full-time, with a range of entertainment on board including a flying fox, rock climbing wall and a walk-the-plank experience.

an aerial view of the Pacific Explorer cruise ship, Australia

Pacific Explorer will set sail across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Vanuatu.

The included food is not going to win any gourmet awards however celeb chef Luke Mangan has teamed up with P&O to create the specialty restaurant (so an extra fee to eat there) Salt Grill onboard Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter , as well as a five-course ‘Taste of Salt’ degustation meal paired with matching Australian wines at the Chef’s Table on Pacific Explorer .

groups of people on a cruise gathering to witness the sunset

Guests gather to witness spectacular sunset views.

Do not confuse P&O Australia with its sister company P&O Cruises UK which has seven ships within the fleet, including Aurora, Azura and Arcadia ; the UK operation is more upmarket.

an aerial view of the Pacific Encounter cruise ship, Australia

Embark on an exhilarating cruise with Pacific Encounter.

P&O Cruises ships you might see in Australia: Pacific Encounter, Pacific Adventure and Pacific Explorer

Carnival Cruise Line Australia – 3 to 4 stars

Carnival Cruise Line is the largest cruise line in the world, with over five million guests travelling every year and 24 ships operating worldwide.

an aerial view of Carnival Luminosa cruise ship in Brisbane, Australia

Carnival Luminosa casts its anchor seasonally from Brisbane. (Image: James D Morgan)

Carnival has two ships deployed in Australia: Carnival Splendor is currently home ported year-round in Sydney, while Carnival Luminosa is based in Brisbane.

an overhead shot of the green lighting waterslide at Carnival Splendor cruise ship, Australia

Kids will enjoy the free fall drop at the thrill-slide. (Image: CCL Australia)

Carnival is firmly geared towards the family market, with kid-friendly additions like water slides and Seuss at Sea – which involves character parades and breakfasts, storytime, arts and crafts and more themed around the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. However, Carnival doesn’t offer the same extent of family activities as its competitors like Royal Caribbean do.

two people gliding through the huge slide at Carnival Splendor cruise ship, Australia

Even adults will have fun. (Image: Alex Farnum)

Carnival Cruise ships you might see in Australia: Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa

Disney Cruise Lines – 3 to 4 stars

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line is coming to Australia and New Zealand for a limited season, departing from four home ports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland) between October 2023 and February 2024.

the Disney cruise ship, Australia wandering at sea

Set sail with the Disney Cruise Line.

The ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ sailings aboard the 11-deck Wonder range from two- to six-nights and feature all our favourite characters across the Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars franchises, from interactive dining experiences to Frozen adventures in the kids’ club.

captain minnie mouse standing aboard the Disney cruise ship, Australia

Meet Captain Minnie aboard the ship.

Although strictly for kids (as well as a few kidults), adults are afforded their own child-free zones including the Quiet Cove pool, but really, what’s the fun if you can’t be a student in the Marvel Super Hero Academy?

marvel performances aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship, Australia

Experience Marvel Day at Disney Wonder.

Disney Cruise Line ships you may see in Australia: Disney Wonder

Princess Cruises – 3.5 to 4 stars

Princess is a firm favourite with the couples’ market and has made a name for itself in the traditional cruise market. In reality it is the cruise brand that brought cruise to the whole world via the 1970’s hit show The Love Boat .

Princess has evolved dramatically since then claiming several innovations in the industry including the first to popularise balconies for most cabins and the first adults-only precinct on a ship in 2006.

Onboard the there are theatre shows, crooners, music, dancing and plethora of game and quiz shows.

the Coral Princess cruise ship in Australia

Navigate the vast seascape aboard the Coral Princess cruise.

And of course, dining. Many Princess lovers (and there are a lot in Australia) will rave about the food with great affection for Crown Grill, the on board specialty steakhouse.

two people dining aboard the Coral Princess cruise ship, Australia

Dine by the seaside balcony.

The launch of Sun Princess in Europe is one of the most anticipated new ship launches of 2024.

Princess Cruise ships you might see in Australia: Discovery Princess, Grand Princess , Royal Princess, Diamond Princess, Crown Princess, Majestic Princess and Coral Princess

Hapag-Lloyd – 3.5 to 4 stars

Not a cruise line that easily comes to mind for most Australians, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has quickly become a leading premium cruise line in German-speaking countries. The cruises are bilingual with all activities carried out in both English and German. Some cruises (such as the sailing between Sydney and Manila, for example) are conducted in German only, although staff are fluent in English.

a pool deck on top of MS Europa cruise ship, Australia

MS Europa features a pool deck on top.

Serving up two ocean liners and three expedition ships, expect a dedication to theming (everything from golf cruising – a golf pro is on every voyage – to gourmet and music cruises) and a focus on lectures and adventure activities (the fact that you can hire bicycles on board tells you just about everything you need to know).

Kids, too, are welcome. While the ships (smaller in size with 400 – 500 guests maximum) aren’t all about arcades and splash parks, kids’ clubs and programming is provided.

a group of penguins with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises on the background

Penguins will greet you from afar. (Image: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Denger 2)

Hapag-Lloyd ships you may see in Australia: MS Europa 2 and MS Europa

Royal Caribbean International – 3 to 4.5 stars

This is the cruise line that brought you rock climbing walls, wave pools, ice skating rinks, dodgem cars, a circus school, roller skating rink and cocktails served by robots.

Royal Caribbean has the widest appeal in the market as there really is something for people of all ages on the menu aboard these mega-ships. The cruise line also sails to over 300 destinations worldwide.

an aerial view of Ovation of the Seas at night

The Ovation of the Seas by Royal Caribbean comes alive at night.

The great all-rounder, Royal Caribbean is a firm favourite for families and couples. Known for its high-energy holidays and activities, first-time cruisers are often surprised at how easy it is to also find some peace and quiet in lounges scattered across the ship.

Royal Caribbean is the largest cruise brand in Australia, with four ships including the biggest ship to sail in Australian waters – Ovation of the Seas.

Quantum of the Seas will be sailing from its new homeport of Brisbane, with Ovation of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas sailing from Sydney. All offer an astounding array of activities that you don’t normally associate with cruising, plus there are the dining options: 18 restaurants, including Jamie Oliver’s Jamie’s Italian are on board one of Australian Traveller‘s favourite ships, Ovation of the Seas .

the FlowRider surf simulator at Ovation of the Seas cruise ship, Australia

Come and experience the largest waterpark at sea.

Royal Caribbean ships you might see in Australia: Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas and  Brilliance of the Seas

Norwegian Cruise Line – 3.5 to 4.5 stars

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) made a splash in 2018 when the refurbished Norwegian Jewel marked the return of NCL to Australian waters.

an aerial view of the Norwegian Spirit across Sydney Harbour

Norwegian Spirit embarks on a new journey at Sydney Harbour.

NCL positions itself as a more upmarket family experience with products like the Haven – a resort-style sanctuary at the top of the ship whose suites and villas give guests exclusive spa access, a 24-hour butler service, private dining, private pools and relaxation areas.

plush lounge chairs at Norwegian Prima Haven cruise ship, Australia

Chill out at the Norwegian Prima Haven balcony.

But to keep the kids entertained the options are limited compared to the likes of Royal Caribbean and Carnival (until it brings one of its ships equipped with go-kart tracks into Australian waters, perhaps).

NCL can be a great option for both multi-generational groups (stay in the three-bedroom Garden Villa that sleeps eight) and singles (with its tough-to-book-because-they-are-in-high-demand studio staterooms for one).

the main dining interior of Norwegian Spirit cruise ship, Australia

Pull up a chair and treat yourself to a fine dining experience aboard the Norwegian Spirit.

As you would expect, food and drink are in abundance with 16 dining options, 15 bars and nightclubs.

Where NCL traditionally excels, the entertainment does mean that it can be a firm couple’s favourite.

a woman dipping in a sundeck pool at Norwegian Prima cruise ship, Australia

Soak yourself in luxury at Norwegian Prima.

Norwegian Cruise Line ships you might see in Australia: Norwegian Spirit

Coral Expeditions – 4 to 5 stars

For something a little different, Coral Expeditions is an expert in small-ship cruising in Australia.

The Coral Geographer was added to its fleet in March 2021, a purpose-built vessel created to access some of the most remote corners of the globe.

an aerial view of the Coral Geographer cruise ship, Australia

Coral Geographer proudly sails in the Kimberley region.

The newest ship carries 120 passengers and has been specially designed for extended expedition cruising, with Xplorer expedition tenders ensuring ease of access for shore excursions.

an aerial view of the Coral Expedition in the Kimberley waters

Set sail along the turquoise waters of the Kimberley with Xplorer Expedition Tenders.

Coral Expeditions has built its reputation with expedition cruising to the Great Barrier Reef, the Kimberley, Tasmania, Cape York and Arnhem Land, Papua New Guinea, Spice Islands, Raja Ampat and the South Pacific.

an aerial view of Coral Adventurer cruise ship, Australia

Wander the waters of Coffin bay aboard the Coral Adventurer.

Coral Expedition ships you might see in Australia: Coral Geographer, Coral Adventurer and Coral Discoverer

True North – 4 to 5 stars

An expedition cruise small enough to be able to cater for personal preferences when it comes to shore excursions? Whether you’re interested in collecting oysters, bird watching or photography, the True North team will make it happen.

an aerial view of the True North cruise sailing across the crystal blue waters

Marvel across the undulating blues with True North.

Featuring two vessels within the fleet ( True North with a maximum capacity of 36 guests and True North II with just 22 guests), True North is all about making each day action-packed with no sea days, and an onboard helicopter to help guests investigate every corner of our finest regions.

an indigenous group performing in front of guests

Complete your cruise experience with cultural immersion.

Onboard, expect elegant simplicity; there’s a dining salon, sundeck, outdoor bar and sports bar, while fares include all adventure boat excursions and activities, dining and non-alcoholic drinks, fishing and snorkelling equipment, and cylinders and weight belts (on dive trips).

Both vessels will complete a wide range of itineraries around the Kimberley throughout 2023 and 2024, plus a variety of other voyages around our coastline, including Sydney Rocks.

the True North cruise ship making a stop over at a scenic waterfall in Kimberley

Cross between scenic waterfalls.

True North ships you may see in Australia: True North and True North II

Holland America – 4 to 5 stars

Holland America Line is the traditionalist’s favourite cruise line. Think chesterfields, promenades, chamber music and Broadway musicals with a plethora of restaurants.

an aerial view of MS Noordam cruise ship at sea

MS Noordam is Holland America Line’s Vista Class.

Sailing throughout 2023/2024, Holland America’s Noordam features wonderful art and cooking classes, plus a range of longer itineraries (10 to 25 days) that make the most of New Zealand’s coastline, as well as South Pacific crossings to Honolulu and Vancouver.

a rooftop pool with umbrellas and sun loungers at Holland America cruise ship, Australia

Bask in warm sunshine on the pool deck.

And if you’re wondering about the name, Holland America Line dates back to 1873 when the Rotterdam sailed from Holland to New York (then known as New Amsterdam). The cruise line is now based in the US but retains its Dutch connections through its ship names.

an aerial view of the Noordam cruise ship, Australia

Expect MS Noordam to set sail across Australia throughout the year.

Holland America ships you might see in Australia: Noordam

Azamara Club Cruises – 4.5 to 5 stars

Azamara Club Cruises is an up-market boutique cruise line operating four ships with a passenger capacity which averages 690 per vessel. Perhaps the most affordable of the five-star class of ships, Azamara is luxury without ostentation.

Azamara Cruises making a stop over at Corsice

Stroll along the panoramic town of Corsica with Azamara Cruises.

The mid-size ships feel like boutique hotels, with a friendly, relaxed service that makes guests feel at home.

This is pitched firmly at couples, who want to take things slow and relaxed with a high level of service and refinement. The onboard entertainment is a cabaret with a little bit of Broadway and opera thrown in.

a mini pool at the Azamara Quest Deck cruise ship, Australia

Take a refreshing dip at the Quest Deck pool.

But the real focus for Azamara Club Cruises is destination immersion as opposed to fly-by, 10-hours-only-in-port visits. The ships will usually stay longer in destinations, so guests can go out late or even stay overnight in port.

an aerial view of the Azamara Quest cruise ship, Australia

Azamara Quest is an impressive luxury cruise.

Azamara ships you might see in Australia: Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Onward

Oceania Cruises – 4.5 to 5 stars

Another offering in the luxury small-scale ships stakes, Oceania Cruises sails Regatta between Sydney and Auckland and you can grab a great value repositioning cruise to Tahiti.

Regatta was overhauled with a new look that’s all about sharp and classic elegance, with soft colours and splashes of bling. The entertainment is a mix of Rat Pack and 1920s exuberance with spa services from Canyon Ranch. There are no additional dining charges as all specialty restaurants are included, but alcoholic beverages are not.

Oceania ships you might see in Australia: Regatta, Insignia, and Nautica

Cunard – 4.5 to 5+ stars

Whilst the Queens have captured the imagination of Australians for what feels like centuries, the Cunard experience is not necessarily as ‘port out, starboard home’ (legend has it this is the origin of the word posh – on transatlantic sailings you wanted to be on the side least affected by Arctic breezes) as one would expect.

an aerial view of Queen Victoria cruise ship at sea

The sophisticated cruise ship is named after Queen Victoria.

This is not a bad thing – it’s just sometimes surprising for the uninitiated. Certainly, in the Grill Class cabins one is treated to the quintessentially British aristocratic service, one would expect in the rarefied air of the upper decks. However, once we descend the decks we find a pleasant and approachable cruise experience.

an overhead shot of the pavilion pool at Queen Elizabeth cruise ship, Australia

Hang at the pavilion pool.

Yes, this is traditional cruising, think Titanic sans iceberg, with ballroom dancing and gentleman hosts to accompany any poor dame who happens to have a husband with a bad hip and dicky knee.

an aerial view of Queen Mary 2 cruise ship, Australia

Queen Mary 2 is the last British ocean liner still in service.

The scale affords Cunard the luxury of being able to provide a multitude of activities, from inspiring guest speakers, library and card room activities and film screenings to – for the more energetic who still have all their own joints – fencing, dance classes and Queen Elizabeth‘s Games Deck for some jolly good fun outdoors like lawn bowls or croquet.

There are also the ubiquitous theatrical productions and pub entertainment.

the games deck and activity area at Queen Elizabeth cruise ship, Australia

There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

Cunard ships you might see in Australia: Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria

Virgin Voyages – 4.5 to 5 stars

New kid on the block, Virgin Voyages, is set to redefine cruising as we know it, its four 2770-passenger, adults-only ships balancing the luxury of a yacht with the diverse features and attractions of a large ship. Doing away with buffets and pre-set dining times, guests can expect made-to-order food from over 20 unique eateries, enjoy innovative creative productions and chill out in uber-cool spaces (including suites featuring terrace hammocks).

a pool bar on the roof deck of the Virgin Voyages cruise ship, Australia

Curl up with a drink in hand at the Aquatic Club Bar.

Expect a younger crowd intent on making the most out of revenge travel and fares which include all meals, gratuities, wi-fi, “essential” drinks, group workouts and entertainment.

the bar counter inside The Manor, Virgin Voyages

Pull up a chair and grab a drink.

Resilient Lady will arrive in Australian waters by December 2023 with Melbourne (and Auckland) serving as the homeports.

a close-up photo of Scarlet Lady cruise ship, Australia

Scarlet Lady by Virgin Voyages ushers in modern sea travel.

Virgin Voyages ships you may see in Australia: Resilient Lady

Swan Hellenic – 5 stars

More than 70 years after its pioneering cruise, this Scandinavian expedition company is back to cruising to the most remote reaches of our planet – a hero of smaller and lesser-known ports of cultural, geographical or wildlife interest.

an elegant suite with ocean views

Elegant suites open up to relaxing ocean views.

While the focus is on cultural programming, citizen science and unforgettable excursions, this is as far from basic expedition as you can get. Fares include return regional airfares to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation, one-night pre-cruise accommodation, all meals and beverages (some alcoholic), all gratuities, one shore excursion per port of call and more.

a jacuzzi on a cruise ship, Australia

Soothe your muscles in the jacuzzi.

Combining the latest in polar ice technology with sophisticated interiors (think Scandi-luxe boutique hotel with a focus on offering guests unobstructed views), Swan Hellenic has three vessels within its fleet, the SH Minerva centering primarily on the Pacific with a swathe of Kimberley voyages slated for the upcoming season.

an aerial view of SH Minerva cruising on ice

SH Minerva is built to pass through remote polar regions.

Swan Hellenic ships you may see in Australia: SH Minerva

Celebrity Cruises – 5 stars

Celebrity Solstice has had eight seasons in the Aussie sun and is a favourite with many cruisers for its upmarket elegance yet laid-back vibes. Many first-time cruisers fall in love with cruising when they sail with Celebrity. It’s a slick island resort with an engine.

Celebrity has plenty of special surprises on board, including the Canyon Ranch SpaClub – one of the biggest spas afloat, and the Lawn Club, which boasts real grass with new luxury alcoves. It’s just perfect to sit on while watching the world slide by or indulging in a sunset drink and game of bocce. Nothing beats slipping the shoes off and feeling luscious soft turf under your toes.

a pink-coloured rainfall water therapy room in the spa of Celebrity Edge cruise ship, Australia

Calm your senses inside the ever colourful Rainfall Water Therapy Room.

The Lawn also now has an outdoor screen for open-air movies under the stars and perhaps one of the quirkiest attractions at sea – the Corning Museum of Glass conducts strangely mesmerising glass-blowing demonstrations and classes at sea.

Oenophiles (if you don’t understand that, don’t worry you aren’t one) will love the wine-blending masterclass on board with Blendtique and a super-indulgent-wine-snob extravaganza of Riedel crystal glass comparison experience. But if gin or whiskey or even a Bundy is more your thing, a mixology class may be for you. Booze is well and truly an experience on Celebrity.

a nature-themed interior at Celebrity Edge Eden Restaurant

Dine sumptuous meals at the Celebrity Edge Eden Restaurant.

While this all sounds very adult and Celebrity is a favourite for couples, there is a significant amount of energy put into family activities too. Camp at Sea, as Celebrity calls its youth program, is divided into four categories: Art, Recreation, Culinary and S.T.E.M (Science Technology Engineering, and Math). Celebrity is the only cruise line we have heard of where a number of shore excursions are specifically designed for families.

a guy running around the jogging track at Celebrity Edge cruise ship, Australia

Stay fit and active during the cruise.

From December, Celebrity Edge kicks off its inaugural four-month season in Australia with itineraries to New Zealand, Tasmania, Fiji and the Great Barrier Reef.

a rooftop garden at Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Edge brings nature closer to the sea.

Celebrity Cruises ships you might see in Australia: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Edge

Windstar Cruises – 5 stars

Exclusivity is the name of the games with Windstar Cruises, a fleet of six yachts (both power yacht and sailing yacht), which each carry only 148 to 342 guests to more than 150 ports around the world. Not only does this mean no lines or waiting, but the relatively small size of these yachts also mean you can sail right into the tiniest of hidden coves, up to the heart of Old World villages and into little-known harbours off limits to larger ships.

an aerial view of the Wind Class and Star Plus Class yachts

Windstar Cruises feature two unique yacht styles.

Focused on offering guests relaxed luxury (no formal dress and no cover charge for specialty dining), each fare includes open dining, all non-alcoholic beverages, L’Occitane bathroom amenities, beautifully appointed ocean-view staterooms and suites, fresh flowers and fruit in all staterooms and suites, use of watersports equipment and more. You can even opt for private shore excursions and design your own unique tour.

two people gliding through the waters on a paddle board

Guests can try watersports like paddle boarding.

Star Breeze arrived in Australian waters at the end of 2022 and will spend the next year offering itineraries around the region embarking from Melbourne or Cairns.

the Star Breeze cruise ship in Australia

Sail at sunset aboard the Star Breeze.

Windstar Cruises ships you may see in Australia: Star Breeze

Viking – 5+ stars

It’s a confident cruise line that leads with what it doesn’t offer, eschewing the commonplace urge to be all things to all people. In this case? Expect a firm ‘no kids under 18, no casinos, no umbrella drinks, no pushy photography’ atmosphere. In its place, an elegant mostly inclusive experience for an educated, predominantly older crowd keen to revenge travel the bejesus out of the globe now that the kids have left home. It’s no coincidence that they’ve coined themselves the ‘Thinking person’s cruise’.

the main pool promenade of Viking facing the sea

Lounge by the main pool promenade.

Featuring nine 930-passenger ocean liners with a focus on extended stays in port (the cruise line has a heavy presence in Scandinavia and the Mediterranean in particular), a Viking cruise is all cultural enrichment, with onboard lectures, experts and guided tours in every port included within the fare.

an infinity pool with lounge chairs facing the sea

The infinity pool extends to the sea.

While the focus tends to be on the destinations, the ships themselves aren’t without their own brand of refined magic. Featuring a serene Scandinavian aesthetic – a nod to their Norwegian heritage, each stateroom features a balcony and a wealth of dining experiences which ranges from cooking classes to a wine-paired multi-course tasting at The Chef’s Table.

the main pool of Viking cruise

There are plenty of pools to choose from.

Viking ships you may see in Australia: Viking Mars and Viking Orion

PONANT – 5+ stars

This French company has been kicking goals by going against the trend of building bigger ships and focusing instead on small-ship expeditions in the luxury sphere. It is a sensory overload of French hospitality and refinement with a sense of expedition adventure as you hop in and out of Zodiacs and retire to luxury in the evening.

Le Lapérouse swanned into Sydney Harbour in all her glory in February 2019. This ship is the second of what will be six Explorer Class vessels, carrying a maximum of 184 passengers in 92 pretty swanky staterooms and suites. The Owner’s Cabin even has its own Jacuzzi.

an aerial view of the Le Laperouse cruise ship in Australia

Le Lapérouse is a sleek luxury vessel sailing across the Kimberley region.

With such small numbers, the focus is on doing less, brilliantly – hence there being only two restaurants and three bars. Not a problem when there is a lot of adventure to be had off the ship on Zodiacs.

One of the highlights of the ship is the Blue Eye lounge, located under the waves with an eye-shaped window that allows guests to see the marine life passing by – a huge plus when on Kimberley cruises.

an underwater multi-sensory lounge called Blue Eye

Le Lapérouse boasts an underwater multi-sensory lounge called Blue Eye.

The lounge also has a hydrophone (a water-based microphone) so you can hear the goings-on of the whales, dolphins and other marine animals (they could pipe it into the spa for relaxation). It is so high tech that you can hear whales from five kilometres away. Other beautiful spaces are the spa and the sauna, along with the Panorama Lounge.

Le Lapérouse will be cruising in our region for two years, including Kimberley, New Zealand, the Pacific and Antarctica.

the Le Ponant cruise ship in Australia

Join Le Ponant in its journey across Kimberley. (Image: Nathalie Michel)

Ponant ships you might see in Australia: Le Laperouse and Le Ponant

Silversea – 5+ stars

Silversea has long been at the forefront of ultra-luxury cruising. Silversea hangs its shingle on a butler for each suite and, as if on an Oprah show, everyone gets a suite.

The luxury cruise is enjoying unprecedented growth, adding six new vessels to the fleet between 2021 and 2024.

an aerial view of the Silversea Muse cruise ship, Australia

The Silversea Muse elegantly navigates the buzzing waters of Sydney.

On Silversea Muse, which returns to Australian shores in February 2024, there are eight specialty restaurants on board, some of which have a surcharge, including the only Relais and Chateaux-branded restaurants at sea, the French-inspired La Dame, traditional Italian restaurant La Terrazza, Asian fusion Indochine, Japanese restaurant Kabuki, and Hot Rocks, where guests can cook their own selection of meat, fish and vegetables at their table, on top of 400-°C lava stone.

a contemporary Asian-accented Indochine restaurant

Dine contemporary meals at the Asian-themed Indochine restaurant.

The Zagara Spa offers exquisite pampering at sea, and the all-inclusive cruise options ensure the final bill won’t give you a heart attack.

The Silver Explorer will serve up one-way Kimberley itineraries from Darwin to Broome mid-year, followed by an expedition to Cairns that sails around Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

two ladies chilling out at the outdoor jacuzzi of The Zagara Spa

Pamper yourself at the outdoor jacuzzi.

Silversea ships you might see in Australia: Silver Muse, Silver Whisper, Silver Explorer and Silver Shadow

Seabourn – 5+ stars

Another member of the endless Carnival family, this is the super ultra-luxury premium brand similar to the Silversea experience.

Both will have the highest level of passenger-to-staff ratios, include wine with dinner and maybe even lunch and be the equivalent of a luxury lodge on the sea – small passenger numbers, intimate, private and exclusive.

an overhead shot of a woman sitting on the side of the pool at Seabourn cruise ship, Australia

The Seabourn Odyssey pool has an expansive sun deck with cabanas and chaise lounges.

Seabourn ships are spacious and pretty spiffily designed; they are probably the closest to the private club feel that most 4.5 stars and above small ships are going for. To be fair they are all darned good at creating a feeling of intimacy and exclusivity. If Seabourn is operating at 99 per cent, the others range from 90–98 per cent.

the Seabourn Odyssey sailing across Sydney

Seabourn Odyssey will journey from Auckland to Sydney.

Seabourn throws in the whole kitchen sink with complimentary (or inclusive) spirits, wine, beer and welcome Champagne. Its celeb chef of choice is probably the most globally celebrated chef sticking his name to a diner at sea: Thomas Keller of Per Se, Bouchon and French Laundry fame. You are encouraged to make a reservation before sailing to ‘avoid disappointment’ and even more intriguingly, only one reservation per stateroom per sailing is permitted.

Seabourn itineraries are typically marquee cities in Europe and more than 170 UNESCO World Heritage sites worldwide, combined with lesser-known ports and hideaways.

a couple enjoying at sea with Seabourn Odyssey cruise ship on the background

Stop by the beachside for a quick dip. (Image: Scott Martin & Aly Whitman)

Seabourn ships you might see in Australia: Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn

Regent Seven Seas Cruises – 5+ stars

Regent Seven Seas is another step up in the luxury stakes.

At this level cruising becomes ‘all inclusive’; think open bars, free wines and premium spirits, free minibars, no charges for specialty dining, free shore excursions and, surprisingly for a cruise ship, free wi-fi.

The itineraries include Sydney to Singapore and Sydney to Auckland.

Regent Seven Seas  ships you might see in Australia: Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Navigator

Additional updates written by Dilvin Yasa.

More from our ‘everything you need to know about cruising’.

Cruise vs Resort; the pros and cons of the different types of holidays

27 things a first-time cruiser should know

All the questions you ever wanted to ask about cruising answered

How to book your first-ever cruise

Quentin Long is the co-founder of Australian Traveller Media, Australia’s largest independent travel media company. Quentin is a sought-after travel media commentator. He is Australia’s most trusted source for travel news and insights, having held weekly radio segments across the country since 2006, and regularly appearing on Channel 9’s Today and A Current Affair programs from 2010. Dont ask him his favourite travel experience as that's like asking him to choose a favourite child. However he does say that Garma Festival is the one travel experience that changed him the most.

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Comments (2)

Hi, this is great. It was always confusing as to which cruises line are better, compared to others. There are so many now. Very useful. Thank you.

Super helpful. Thank you for preparing this.

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The most trusted cruise operators in australia, most trusted cruise operators.

Most Trusted cruise operators

While cruises might seem like a distant memory to many in the past year, the cruise line industry is now raring to set sail. Cruises are an exceptionally fun way to travel, but it’s important to know which cruise lines are considered the most reliable and trustworthy.

Here at Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to bringing you the most trusted brands in Australia. We teamed up with the research firm Catalyst Research to seek out the truth about your attitude, praises and preferences about all the brands you know and love. When it comes to choosing which brands to rely on for your home and family, we know just how important it is to have only the best brands you can trust. Find out the full results of Australia’s Most Trusted Brands across 72 categories.

After surveying over 3,000 Australians, we can now bring you the most trusted cruise operators of 2021. The winner? Royal Caribbean.

Most trusted cruise operator: Royal Caribbean

Most trusted cruise operator: Royal Caribbean

According to our data, people love Royal Caribbean for many different reasons. “They have high standards and offer very personal service,” said one respondent.

“A hardworking cruise line that ensures your holiday is a relaxing and memorable one,” replied another.

Royal Caribbean is bringing world-class, technologically-advanced ships to local waters, with amazing ‘Only On Royal’ activities, such as the North Star observation capsule, sky-diving simulators and bumper cars. With ships sailing from both Sydney and Brisbane from summer 2022-2023, guests have even more choice with departure points.

Royal Caribbean has also assembled a taskforce of the world’s leading medical and scientific experts – the Healthy Sail Panel – to help establish measures to keep guests healthy and safe, including upgraded air filtration systems and upgraded onboard medical facilities and medical care.

Learn what to pack for a cruise – and 6 things not to bring.

Highly commended cruise operator: Cunard

Highly commended cruise operator: Cunard

Cunard passengers can travel in luxury on any number of voyages on Cunard’s three magnificent ships: the flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth, with guests able to experience a world of freedom and possibility, from learning fencing or tango, listening to an astronaut, or simply relaxing with a cocktail in one of the beautiful atriums.

“I think Cunard offer premium quality cruises which makes me think of them as offering a higher quality experience than other operators,” said one happy guest.

Learn 10 things polite people never do on cruises.

Highly commended cruise operator: P&O Cruises

Highly commended cruise operator: P&O Cruises

P&O’s local heritage coupled with an inherent understanding of how Aussies like to cruise is infused into everything it delivers, with the cruise line taking pride in leveraging local Australian talent and entertainment, locally sourced food and beverages, top Aussie chefs and unique live shows. In 2021, P&O Cruises is welcoming two grand class ships, Pacific Adventure® and Pacific Encounter, both with a huge range of signature and new features. Enhanced health measures and protocols, improved impacts on the natural environment, as well as a refresh of onboard experiences including personalised digital applications, all await returning and new guests.

“Wonderful experience. Everything that was promised was delivered,” enthused a previous guest.

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Australia Cruises

Cruise Lines

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Expect over-the-top adventure when you travel down under on a Holland America Line cruise to Australia. You can scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge, meet Tasmanian devils in Port Arthur (or ghosts in Hobart!), ride camels on Cable Beach in Broome, and hop a helicopter in Melbourne for a flight down the Yarra River Valley. Other wow-worthy moments on your Australia cruise: trekking through the planet’s oldest rainforest in Townsville, and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef during a call in Cairns.

Consortium of red crabs on Christmas Island, Australia

Scenic Cruising Christmas Island

Sunrise Over Torres Strait

Scenic Cruising Torres Strait

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Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

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At Sea (Great Barrier Reef)

View of the bay in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia seen on one of many Holland America Line Australia Cruises

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Featured shore excursions.

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Australia Team Service Agent (Philippines)

Job description.

CASI, Cruise Administration Services Inc, a Carnival Cruise Line entity in the Philippines currently has a Service Agent, Australia Team role available. 

Only candidates located in the Philippines to apply .

Job Summary:

This role supports guests and travel advisors throughout the booking process, from planning itineraries to handling service requests, including booking modifications for the Australia and New Zealand market. Through the established sales process, attempts to convert sales calls into cruise bookings, upsell staterooms and offer pre-cruise add-ons that will enhance the guests holiday.  Service incoming calls that are technical in nature pertaining to the company's websites and self-service bookings and creates service cases when issues arise that require IT intervention.

Essential Functions:

  • Handles incoming calls relating to guests and travel advisors experiencing technical issues with Carnival website, Travel Agent Portal, (GOCCL), Funshops, Online Check-in and all Pre-Sale portals 
  • Handles incoming service calls from guests and travel advisors throughout the booking process until the departure date, providing support for any changes or updates needed.
  • Troubleshoot user-facing technical issues and escalate to IT via opening service case to troubleshoot escalations 
  • Provide guidance on how to navigate cruise manager and complete presale transactions 
  • Handle incoming calls to service fun shop inquiries, process fun shop orders and gift orders over the phone 
  • Actively participate in on-going feedback and coaching sessions from the Quality Assurance, Coach, as well as contribute to team meetings and participate in on- going training 
  • Answer any shore excursion questions that aren’t listed online like ticket availability, excursion distances, etc. and compare options based on guest preferences 
  • Guide travel advisors through all Goccl functions including but not limited to creating profiles online, educating on resources available, creating and servicing individual and group bookings 
  • Handle incoming sales calls from direct consumers interested in booking a cruise vacation with the goal of converting the call into a cruise booking and taking excellent notes to submit future leads for the outbound team on calls that do not result in a booking 
  • Collaborate with internal departments and the Australia office team to achieve shared goals effectively  

Qualifications:

  • Minimum education of Bachelor's Degree
  • Business Management or Hospitality related courses 
  • 2+ years Customer Service. With shipboard experience is a plus but not a requirement or Customer Service experience in a hospitality industry or Contact Center  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Working knowledge of Tour Operator Gateway, Goccl Admin Tool, Fun Shops and Log on as User through Carnival Dash 
  • Knowledge of Microsoft office products required 
  • Working knowledge of CCL’s internal system; Navigator and Launchpad required. 
  • Demonstrates creative problem-solving skills and a good balance between company revenue objectives and customer satisfaction 
  • Exceed customer expectations with guidance, knowledge, and a real passion for travel 
  • Ability to provide thorough and complete information regarding booking a cruise including quoting various promotions and targeted offers 
  • Ability to explain technical information to guests in a simple and clear manner 
  • Ability to demonstrate excellent adherence to schedule 
  • Ability to multi-task across multiple systems and applications, and comfortably navigate a desktop environment 
  • Can effortlessly engage, explaining step-by-step vacation solutions with patience and an approach tailored to each individual guest 
  • Proactive approach to privacy and security, ensuring that all guest interactions and data handling meet the highest standards of compliance and ethical conduct 

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COMMENTS

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    Pretty much all of the major cruise lines worldwide run Australia/New Zealand cruises, including popular lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity and luxury line Seabourn.

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    Australia delivers the best of both the city and the country, the beach and the bush. Explore cosmopolitan Sydney, home to Bondi Beach's turquoise waters and the architecturally unique Sydney Opera House. Cruise to Australia and visit Queensland to experience the Whitsunday Islands, where you can snorkel to see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ...

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  7. Australia's best cruises for 2022

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    Western Australia. Great for stunning reefs, islands and marine life. While the Kimberley is the main cruise destination in Western Australia, small expedition ships visit the Coral Coast between Perth and Broome, offering adventure in places few visitors are lucky enough to experience. Turquoise ocean clashes with red rock, and you share the ...

  12. Luxury Australia cruises 2024 & 2025

    Great Australian Culinary Voyage 2025. 6 - 11 February 2025. Cunard's much loved Great Australian Culinary Voyage sets sail for the third time, bringing an odyssey of culinary exploration to the high seas. It's the perfect opportunity to sample delicious cuisine as you sail for the shores of Tasmania. Find out more.

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  18. Which cruise line? The dummy's guide to choosing a cruise

    The launch of Sun Princess in Europe is one of the most anticipated new ship launches of 2024. Princess Cruise ships you might see in Australia: Discovery Princess, Grand Princess, Royal Princess, Diamond Princess, Crown Princess, Majestic Princess and Coral Princess. Hapag-Lloyd - 3.5 to 4 stars. Not a cruise line that easily comes to mind for most Australians, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has ...

  19. The most trusted cruise operators in Australia

    Most trusted cruise operator: Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean. According to our data, people love Royal Caribbean for many different reasons. "They have high standards and offer very personal service," said one respondent. "A hardworking cruise line that ensures your holiday is a relaxing and memorable one," replied another.

  20. Cruise Lines

    Save with huge discounts on all cruise line that operate Australia cruises. Powered by Vacations To Go, with over 8 million happy customers since 1984. My Account 800-338-4962 Prices include all taxes, fees and port charges! Cruise Lines Azamara Oceania Cruises Carnival Cruise Line P&O Cruises

  21. THE 25 BEST Cruises from Sydney 2024 (with Prices) on Cruise Critic

    Popular amongst many cruise lines including Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Cunard Line. ... We did a back to Back Cruise from Sydney Australia .This Wine Cruise was the second leg for 9 nights Stayed in Cabin on Deck 11 ... Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of 8th October 2024.

  22. Luxury cruise holidays 2024, 2025 & 2026

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  23. Australia Cruises and New Zealand Cruises 2024 and 2025

    Cruises to Australia, New Zealand or the South Pacific could be just the ticket. Our Australia and New Zealand cruises take you on a journey to a special part of the world, where you'll see spectacular natural wonders—the Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand's Milford Sound, the volcanoes of Hawaii. You'll call at fabled islands like Fiji ...

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    AUSTRALIA. Expect over-the-top adventure when you travel down under on a Holland America Line cruise to Australia. You can scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge, meet Tasmanian devils in Port Arthur (or ghosts in Hobart!), ride camels on Cable Beach in Broome, and hop a helicopter in Melbourne for a flight down the Yarra River Valley.

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    Job Description. CASI, Cruise Administration Services Inc, a Carnival Cruise Line entity in the Philippines currently has a Service Agent, Australia Team role available. Only candidates located in the Philippines to apply.. Job Summary: This role supports guests and travel advisors throughout the booking process, from planning itineraries to handling service requests, including booking ...