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The ports of call along the coast offer exciting opportunities to see whale migrations, stroll through vineyards and hike through national parks. 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. 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.
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While the Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific itineraries feature popular and exotic port calls, life onboard the two Royal Caribbean ships will provide guests with plenty of thrilling activities. Ponant has unveiled its Kimberley experiences on board Le Ponant for next year. Cruises are open now for the expedition program on board the three-masted sailing yacht commencing on the 7th of April 2023 with 26 new cruise departures covering the Northern Kimberley, Southern Kimberley,...
Cairns
The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland and the Northern Territory are best explored during dry season (May to September), while summer is the optimal time to visit southern states like Victoria and Tasmania. Explore Western Australia's Cape Le Grand National Park, which offers stunning coastline set against rolling heathlands filled with kangaroos. Check out Queensland's Gold Coast, where you'll find local favorite Nobby Beach (known colloquially as "Nobby's").
What is the best time to cruise to Australia & New Zealand?

We’ll take you to golden beaches, rugged outback, world-class cities and beyond. And on board, delight in local food and entertainment as our Across the Ditch immersive program brings the very best of New Zealand to you. Discover ancient cultures, explore historic landmarks, and tour the country’s most charming cities. Epic landscapes, ancient cultures and laid-back charm – experience it all on board an Australia & New Zealand / Aotearoa cruise with Princess the #1 cruise line in Australia. And on board, delight in local food and entertainment as our Across the Ditch immersive program brings the very best of New Zealand to you. A 3-night “Sampler Cruise” is an at-sea sailing departing December 13, 2025, with no port calls, while the 8-night Christmas cruise departs on December 20, 2025 and calls at Luganville, Port Vila, and Mystery Island, Vanuatu.
Traverse a canopy path above the forest floor for a bird’s-eye view of the ancient karri and tingle trees near Albany. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Australia Cruises
Discover an underwater world like no other, where corals in every color of the rainbow teem with life, from shoals of dazzling tropical fish to graceful sea turtles. Fly by light aircraft over perfectly formed Heart Reef, or gaze at the marbled swirls of white sand and aquamarine water of Whitehaven Beach. From Cairns, you can even sleep under the stars on an offshore pontoon for the ultimate experience of communing with nature.
Most visitors to Australia and New Zealand need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), an electronic, label-free visa obtainable for a small fee. Smart Casual attire is required for entry to main dining, specialty dining, and the Celebrity Theatre. Smart Casual means you look comfortable yet tasteful in a dress, skirt, long pants, or jeans with a stylish top or button-down. New Zealand is one of the most unique destinations on Earth, where scenes of sweeping, verdant landscapes and pristine wilderness abound. You will find historic Fremantle Harbour 30 minutes south of Perth, where people flock to visit Fremantle Prison, the Arts Centre and Old Courthouse, and the Maritime Museum and Shipwreck Galleries.
Australia & New Zealand / Aotearoa Cruise Shore Excursions

New Zealand’s wildlife includes the kiwi, the national bird, and a spectacular array of seabirds and marine mammals. Both Australia and New Zealand have strict rules about the import of certain items, including seeds, plants, and some foods. While you are unlikely to be bringing such items on a cruise, it’s worth checking if in doubt. Throughout the ship, casual resort wear, sundresses, shorts, polos, or button-downs are appropriate, paired with sandals, low heels, and loafers. In main and specialty dining, we ask guests to refrain from wearing swimsuits, see-through cover-ups or robes, bare feet, tank tops, T-shirts, and baseball caps. Australia and New Zealand cover a vast area, so pack according to the climate zones you are visiting.
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Australia bumper cruise season - Cruise Critic
Australia bumper cruise season.
Posted: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
In Queensland, Cairns and Airlie Beach are both gateways to the Great Barrier Reef. Meanwhile, Darwin is a gateway to the Northern Territory's rugged natural sights, including Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, and Uluru. On the Quantum-class Anthem of the Seas, which debuted in 2015, cruisers will find the industry-pioneering thrill ride RipCord by iFly, a skydiving experience. The ship also offers SeaPlex, a huge indoor activity area, and lively eateries and bars such as Boleros, with its Latin theme, and the popular Italian restaurant called Jamie’s Italian.
In Puntarenas, learn how Starbucks coffee beans are harvested at the company’s only farm. Walk past pyramids in Huatulco, and uncover treasures of Mesoamerica. Or ascend to Corcovado Mountain and visit one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the Christ the Redeemer statue. Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises Lines and Royal Caribbean International.
These lines also cruise to, and within, nearby destinations like Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the Melanesian Islands. We offer a wide range of itineraries to Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. You could try a short three- or four-night cruise from Sydney, or a six-night voyage that gives you an overnight in artsy, outdoorsy Hobart, the capital of Tasmania.
Meanwhile, Melbourne is known for displaying four seasons in one day, so always have a jacket and umbrella on hand, just in case. The 11-night New Year’s cruise, departing December 28, 2025, will call at Picton, Napier, Tauranga, and Auckland, before returning to Sydney, for instance. If you're keen to get way out of town, but don't want to spend your life's savings, consider Carnival Cruises. Although these folks offer up the gigantic floating hotel vibes that are the stuff of some people's nightmares, they are pretty affordable.
Australian dollars are not accepted in New Zealand, or vice versa, so you will need a small supply of each if you are visiting both countries. Credit cards are widely accepted in both, so you really only need cash for small purchases from market stalls or souvenir vendors. Australia and New Zealand both use their own dollars (AU$ and NZD$) as currency. The two are not tied to one another and do not have the same exchange rate, so make sure you understand the value of each before traveling. The daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the correct attire each evening.
Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Disney Wonder cruises range from between two to seven days, for which time guests will be fully immersed within a magical Disney world. Ships to suit all traveller types typically sail from Brisbane, Cairns or Sydney (often return).
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