Explore the Best of Australia and New Zealand by Cruise

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 Quantum of the Seas are ideal for family cruises around the South Pacific. While exciting itineraries open doors to new places, the onboard resort-style amenities ensure you’re never at a loss for things to do on cruising days. Unwind by the pool or indulge in some spa time, then turn up the excitement with the FlowRider℠ surf simulator and other rides. A variety of restaurants and casual dining spots make it easy to refuel between activities. Younger travellers can enjoy dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs, while the whole family can come together for live shows, music and immersive cinema experiences.

Royal Caribbean family cruises around Australia and New Zealand start from Sydney and Brisbane. Short cruises like the 3-night Brisbane getaway 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 9-night New Zealand Cruise. Both itineraries balance time at sea with time ashore.

Celebrity Cruises

A voyage on Celebrity Edge or Celebrity Solstice is a more upscale and leisurely way to discover Oceania. Both ships offer itineraries that strike a comfortable balance between relaxing days at sea and exciting port stops. When you’re not exploring ashore, you can spend a lazy afternoon at the Resort Deck, enjoy a captivating theatre performance, indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments and more. Experiences like Dinner on the Edge onboard the Celebrity Edge are highly recommended. For a more exclusive experience on either ship, make a booking in The Retreat and enjoy spacious suites, a private sundeck, a dedicated lounge and elevated dining.

Celebrity cruise itineraries range from quick getaways to fortnight-long experiences. Their most popular experiences include the 4-night Tasmania Cruise and the 11-night Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Sydney.

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. Norwegian Cruise Line itineraries range from quick Tasmanian getaways to longer voyages like the 18-night Australia & New Zealand cruise.  Some itineraries like this 11-night cruise include overnight stays in Melbourne and Adelaide so you can explore the city’s nightlife as well.

Princess Cruises

Sailing with Princess Cruises balances enriching shore excursions with classic entertainment. The cruise line has several ships sailing in the region including the Royal Princess, Grand Princess and Crown Princess. Across the ships, you can relax by the pool, enjoy live theatre and music, indulge in spa treatments or savour a variety of dining options on days at sea. A stroll along the SeaWalk on the Royal Princess is a must-do. If you prefer to unwind away from the crowds, reserve your spot at The Sanctuary, a dedicated adult-only retreat onboard all three ships.

Most Princess Cruise Australia and New Zealand itineraries begin in Sydney, Brisbane or Auckland. The 3-night Sapphire Coast Seacation from Sydney to Eden and back is ideal for quick getaways. On the other hand, the 12-night Southern Australia Explorer combines five leisurely sea days with stops at 7 different Australian ports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time for a cruise around Australia and New Zealand?
September to February is the ideal season for Australia and New Zealand cruises.

What are the visa requirements for Australia and New Zealand cruises?
You will need a tourist visa to visit Australia and New Zealand on a cruise. Visa consultants for Australia, such as Odyssey, can assist with the application process and ensure you have the required documentation before you travel.

Where do Australia and New Zealand cruises start from?
Brisbane, Sydney and Auckland are the most popular starting point for Australia and New Zealand cruises.

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.