If you, too, want to explore unforgettable destinations and go on a relaxing holiday, this guide is for you. It unpacks the top five Australian cruises that bring comfort and adventure on board. Let’s dive in!
Cruising is one of the best ways to explore Australia’s onshore and offshore beauty. The convenience of departing from major local ports, diverse itineraries, and an all-inclusive holiday — there’s nothing much to complain about on an Australian cruise.
1. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is one of the most sought-after cruise lines that departs from Australia, specifically Sydney and Brisbane. The cruise line has got Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, and Voyager of the Seas serving the Australian market.
More specifically, the 4,180-passenger Anthem of the Seas recently made its Australian debut, and let’s just say, it’s already a favourite. It is packed with Royal Caribbean entertainment and activities such as:
- Indoor skydiving
- Ice skating performances
- Adults-only Solarium
- The FlowRider wave pool
- Broadway-style shows
A cruise from Sydney means you would begin your journey right at the heart of Australia’s most iconic harbour city. Complete itineraries vary. The primary option is a 7-12 night sailing to New Zealand and the South Pacific islands.
2. Princess Cruises
Want to experience luxury on a budget? Princess Cruises never disappoints. To cater to high demand, especially during summer, the line often deploys large ships, such as the Discovery Princess andCrown Princess.
Crown Princess, specifically, can carry 3,080 passengers and includes four spacious pool areas. The result? The ship rarely feels crowded, even at full capacity.
Departing from popular ports like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, Princess Cruises sail through New Zealand, the South Pacific, and along the Australian coast, including the Great Barrier Reef.
Signature features and amenities include:
- Movies Under the Stars
- Speciality dining
- Live music
- Live comedy
- Fitness centres
- Youth activities
- Wine tasting
3. Celebrity Cruises
If you love good food, wine, and cocktails, Celebrity Cruises is a great option. You’ve got revolutionary ships departing from Australia:
Celebrity Edge: It has an innovative, outward-facing design. Celebrity Edge is particularly known for its Magic Carpet – a tennis-court-sized, movable platform that functions as a restaurant, bar, or tender boarding point across 13 decks.
Celebrity Solstice: It offers a more traditional, intimate, yet luxurious experience. At Celebrity Solstice, you will find the infamous real-grass lawn club. The ship also has a wide array of speciality dining options.
Overall, Celebrity Cruises is a well-known name with high-end amenities and features.
4. Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises features culinary-focused itineraries from Australia. Famous ships include Regatta, Regatta-class, and Vista. Vista is relatively new and has already gained popularity for its all-veranda cabins. The cruise line also introduced a solo traveller stateroom category.
Oceania’s high-end ships carry around 1,200 passengers and offer plenty of activities and dining options. People travel all the way across the world to feast on five-star dishes such as lobster and foie gras served on Versace plates.
5. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is known for offering destination-intensive exploration. Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Navigator cater to the Australian ports.
Seven Seas Explorer is a 750-passenger ship incredibly popular among couples and multigenerational families. The Seven Seas Navigator is much smaller, carrying just 490 passengers. But it still offers world-class amenities.
At both ships, personalised service is guaranteed, with a staff-to-guest ratio of 1-to-1.5. There are also a ton of included amenities, such as:
- Round-trip airfare
- 1-night pre-cruise hotel for concierge suites
- Wi-Fi
- Gratuities
Onboard activities include spas, culinary events, and world-class entertainment.