From tropical beaches and untamed islands to dramatic fjords and thermal marvels, a cruise offers a front-row seat to Australia and New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes. The cruising season usually begins in September and peaks between December and February. While the rest of the world experiences winter, these island countries enjoy warm temperatures. It's the ideal season for beach activities and diving over the Great Barrier Reef.

Want to know more about Australia and New Zealand cruises? Here are the top cruise lines operating in the region and their most popular cruise packages.

Royal Caribbean
The Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas are ideal for family cruises around the South Pacific. Both ships are packed with resort-style amenities and next-level rides. On Anthem of the Seas, you can ride bumper cars at sea and take in 360-degree views from the North Star® observation capsule. Voyager of the Seas is just as thrilling, with The Perfect Storm℠ waterslides and the FlowRider℠ surf simulator.

Royal Caribbean family cruises around Australia and New Zealand start from Sydney and Brisbane. Weekend cruises are ideal if you want a taste of the cruising lifestyle. Or, you could book longer cruises like the 6-night Queensland Cruise and the 12-night New Zealand Cruise. Both itineraries balance time at sea with time ashore.

Carnival Cruises
4 ships from the Carnival fleet, the Carnival Splendor, Carnival Adventure, Carnival Luminosa, and Carnival Encounter, sail from Australian ports. These cruises offer a lively, family-friendly, experience focused on entertainment and relaxation. It's what Carnival calls the 'Fun Ship' experience. Onboard each ship, you’ll find relaxing pools, exciting entertainment options, and a wide range of bars and restaurants.

Carnival cruises sail from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The 6-night Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Brisbane is a popular pick. So is the 10-night New Zealand from Sydney Cruise that takes you to Wellington, Lyttleton, Port Chalmers, and the beautiful Fiordland National Park.

Celebrity Cruises
With its flagship vessel, the Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Cruises delivers a premium cruising experience in Australia and New Zealand. Cruisers can unwind at the Resort Deck, enjoy unforgettable theatre performances, and more. You can also indulge in a wide choice of 29 dining venues. And, if you’re looking for a more luxurious holiday, The Retreat offers a private resort-within-a-resort experience.

Celebrity Edge cruise itineraries range from quick getaways to fortnight-long experiences. Their most popular experiences include the 4-night Tasmania Cruise and the 12-night Cruise from Sydney exploring New Zealand’s best-known gems.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
When it comes to laidback, adult-preferred cruising around Australia and New Zealand, the Norwegian Spirit is a great pick. Spend sea days swimming in the pool or relaxing in the spa and evenings watching Broadway-caliber shows, or playing blackjack at the Casino. Themed parties add to the fun. And, with over a dozen dining venues, the ship spoils you with varied culinary experiences.

In Australia, the Norwegian Spirit is homeported in Sydney. The NCL’s 14-night Australia & New Zealand cruise is a great way to explore the region. This itinerary includes three sea days crossing the Tasman Sea, with the rest bringing you to a new port each day.

Holland America
Holland America’s Noordam is a great choice for cruisers wanting to explore Australia and New Zealand in a relaxed yet refined setting. This Vista Class ship gives you a chance to enjoy the cruise line’s world-class culinary experiences and enrichment programs.  Their destination-intensive itineraries ensure you see the best of both countries. 

Noordam sets sail on round-trip cruises from Sydney and Auckland. The 14-night South Australia Discovery Holiday highlights iconic Australian destinations. Then there's the 14-night New Zealand Discovery Cruise showcasing the best of New Zealand.

Princess Cruises
Sailing with Princess Cruises balances enriching shore excursions with classic entertainment. Aboard the Crown Princess, you’ll find a theatre with original productions, a Vegas-style casino, and an open-air poolside amphitheater. There’s even an adult-only retreat on the top deck. The ship offers endless ways to relax and be entertained.

The Crown Princess sails on short and long cruises from Sydney, Brisbane, and Hobart. The 2-night Australia Seacation from Sydney to Brisbane is ideal for quick getaways. On the other hand, the 11-night Southern Australia Explorer combines five leisurely sea days with five days at different Australian ports.

Getting the Best Australia and New Zealand Cruise Deals
Whether it’s the breathtaking landscape or the unique Aboriginal and Maori culture calling out to you, a cruise is a great way to soak in the charm of Australia and New Zealand. Most cruise itineraries begin and end in these island nations. Hence, the first step to your holiday is arranging your visa and flights. The good news - you don’t have to handle the details alone.

At Cruisebay, we make your holiday stress-free. From selecting a cabin and curating excursions to booking flights, managing visas, and all other pre- and post-cruise logistics, we ensure a smooth experience from start to finish. Connect with us to know more.