travel to australia by cruise ship

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Australia & New Zealand Cruises

Explore the wonders down under on a cruise to new zealand and australia, why cruise to australia & new zealand.

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. 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.

Australia Cruises

Your choice of Australian cruise ports is as grand as the continent itself. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Sydney Opera House. Trek through one of the world’s last temperate rainforests in Tasmania, sample award-winning wine in Margaret River and snorkel in the crystalline waters of the Great Barrier Reef or ride camelback on a beach in  Broome .

New Zealand Cruises

Marvel at the spectacular scenery of  Fiordland National Park / Piopiotahi , voted one of the 7 Cruise World Wonders by  Condé Nast Traveler . Immerse yourself in Māori culture, see glowworms twinkle in underground caves outside  Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau , stroll the famed Art Deco city of Napier / Ahuriri, and peek into moviemaking magic with  The Lord of the Rings  tour in  Wellington .

The wonders of Australia and New Zealand are like no other! From iconic  cruises from Sydney  to the coastal beauty of  Brisbane / Meeanjin , the rich culture of  Melbourne , the famed wine country of  Perth (Fremantle) / Boorloo (Walyalup)  and  Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau , the land of the Māori, more departures to and from  Adelaide / Tarndanya  than ever before – each city possesses a vibrant spirit and a unique personality worth discovering.

2025 - 2026 Australia and New Zealand New Cruise Itineraries. Learn more

Soak in Local Flavors and Revel in Rich Traditions

Food & beverage on australia & new zealand / aotearoa cruises.

• Enjoy delicious new culinary experiences that highlight the region created exclusively for Princess.
• Our beverage menus include popular regional beer, wine and whisky selections for a taste of local flavors.

Activities on Australia & New Zealand / Aotearoa cruises

Day or night, you'll discover unique experiences that give you a new perspective on the region.

• Watch feature films with a local twist – such as  The Lord of the Rings  trilogy and  The Piano  – on deck at our Movies Under the Stars® outdoor theater.
• Join the performers as you learn the legend of the haka, an ancient Māori war dance.

Photo: Experience Māori culture on board with our Matariki Festival

Discover More Ashore on a Princess ® Cruise to Australia & New Zealand / Aotearoa

Australia & new zealand / aotearoa cruise shore excursions.

Princess Cruises offers a vast array of award-winning excursions, including several  Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ Recommended and Exclusive tours  that provide unique experiences you’ll never forget, such as snorkeling in the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef or bushwalking in the Blue Mountains.

Photo: The technicolor beauty of the Great Barrier Reef

Australia Cruisetour Vacations

For the ultimate adventure, choose an in-depth Princess Cruisetour Vacation that combines your cruise with a multiple-night land tour. Venture into Australia’s rugged outback for a look at fabled Uluru (Ayers Rock), and later dive into the brilliant underwater colors of the Great Barrier Reef.

Photo: The beauty of Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Australia & New Zealand Cruise Articles

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

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?

Tauranga Shore Excursions: Maori Culture and History Comes Alive

Explore foreign lands when you embark on a Tauranga shore excursions.

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.

Fiordland National Park Excursions: Experience the Majesty of New Zealand

Witness the majestic beauty of New Zealand on Fiordland National Park cruise excursions.

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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.

Scenic Cruising Christmas Island

Scenic Cruising Torres Strait

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Cascade, norfolk island, australia.

At Sea (Great Barrier Reef)

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Featured shore excursions.

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• Cruise Destinations

Australia Cruises

• Carnival Luminosa
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• Ports of Call

Book one of Carnival Cruise Line’s Australia cruises and enjoy some of most picturesque destinations the country has to offer. Take a cruise ship from the Brisbane River or Sydney Harbour Bridge and explore the white sandy beaches of Moreton Island, or dive into a Great Barrier Reef Queensland cruise. Soak in the history of Hobart and Port Arthur, the tropical delights of the Kimberley, Broome, and Cairns, or the race that stops a nation in Melbourne with special offers or a majestic cruise deal. Whether you’re after a quick getaway, or a longer holiday you’ll remember forever, an Australian cruise holiday with amazing shore excursions is a great way to relax and take some time out.

• Snorkel the world’s largest reef system.
• Relax on Airlie Beach.
• Indulging in the foodie tastes of Tasmania.
• Soak up the Aussie sun in the Whitsundays.
• Explore the Daintree National Park.
• Plus much more.

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Yorkeys Knob (Cairns)

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Airlie Beach

Tangalooma - Moreton Island

Cruises to Australia

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

How to Get to Australia without Flying

How to get to Australia without flying? Despite its remote location, it is possible to travel to Australia by ship.

In this guide, I’m going through different ways of traveling to Australia without flying. The guide covers flightless routes to Australia from four different continents:

• America to Australia
• Asia to Australia
• Europe to Australia
• Africa to Australia

In these sections, I’ll explain how to get to Australia without flying on freighters, sailboats, and cruise ships.

1. How to Get from America to Australia without flying

How can i get to australia without flying from america.

To travel from the United States – or other parts of America – to Australia, you need to cross the Pacific. There are many ways to do that.

How long does it take to travel from America to Australia on a ship?

Freighter trips and other cruises from the US West Coast to Australia take around three weeks. A journey from Vancouver, Canada, takes a week longer.

I have answered this question more thoroughly in my article “ How Long Does It Take a Cargo Ship to Cross the Pacific “.

And what about sailing?

According to Life of Sailing , sailing from California to Australia takes around 45-60 days. You can expect a similar duration if you start your trip in Central America.

Direct sailing from South America to Australia is far less common. As the world spins, the trade winds around the equator – where Central America is located – blow west. If you head further south, you can expect harsher weather and an opposing wind.

Can I travel from America to Australia on a cargo ship?

Yes, you can! Freighter travel is an interesting and nearly CO2 neutral way of travel . Traveling on a cargo ship usually costs around 100-150 US dollars or euros per day. The price includes all meals and accommodation.

To book a freighter cruise, you can contact a freighter travel agency such as Cargo Ship Voyages , FreighterCruises.com , Freighter Travel (NZ) , or Slowtravel .

However, note that the global COVID pandemic has affected freighter travel. At the time of writing (early 2023), many cargo ships were not taking passengers, and I was unable to find available freighter voyages between the two continents.

In the past, though, passengers were able to travel from Oakland, California, to Sydney, Australia, with a stop in New Zealand on the way. The journey took around 25 days and cost ~2600 US dollars or euros.

I know about the route because I’ve used it myself.

I traveled from New Zealand to the United States on a freighter during my mostly flightless 2-year trip around the world . You can read more about that voyage in the blog post “ Crossing the Pacific – My Cargo Ship Travel Experience “.

How can I sail from America to Australia?

I am not a sailor, so I’m relying on information from other sources. For more details, check out the following guides:

• How Long Does it Take to Sail Across the Pacific? (Improvesailing.com)
• How to Sail from California to Australia (Lifeofsailing.com)
• Trans Pacific (World Cruising Wiki)

According to experts, the best time to sail from America to Australia is from February to June. This will help you avoid the cyclone season that runs in the South Pacific from November to April.

Popular starting points in America include the Panama Canal, Puerto Vallarta in Mexico and San Francisco or Los Angeles in California. Parts of the most popular passage are also known as Coconut Milk Run or Pacific Puddle Jump . Crossing the Pacific on a sailboat takes around 10-20 weeks.

Common stops along the way include Hawaii, Fiji, and different island countries of the South Pacific. 

I don’t own a sailboat. What can I do?

Even if you don’t own a sailboat, you can join someone else’s boat to cross the Pacific. Websites such as Find a Crew and CrewSeekers connect captains with crewmates who are willing to work in exchange for the passage.

Especially on such a long journey, many captains prefer people with experience. If you want, you can take a sailing course or try a shorter trip before the larger undertaking. You can also try splitting your journey into multiple parts.

Can I travel from America to Australia on a cruise ship?

Yes, you can travel from America to Australia on a cruise ship. At the time of writing, the website Seascanner listed 22 cruises from the Americas to Australia . However, some of those cruises depart from Hawaii or take a detour in Asia.

A vast majority of the cruises departed from the United States. Three cruises start their voyage in Vancouver, Canada. Only one of the available cruises departs from South America. The MSC Magnifica cruise ship begins its journey from Buenos Aires, Argentina, on the east coast of South America.

That journey takes 51 days and costs over 12,000 dollars. If possible, you could save time and money by joining the cruise later in South America. The most direct cruises from America to Australia take 21-26 days.

Is going on a cruise better than flying?

If you avoid flying for environmental reasons, you should know that cruises tend to cause more emissions than flights . If you’re worried about the carbon footprint of your travels, you may consider compensating the damage.

Carbon offsetting isn’t very effective , so it’s better to support initiatives suggested by Giving Green instead. For example, you can donate 10% of your ticket price to a high-impact organization.

2. How to Travel from Asia to Australia by Ship

Can i get to australia on a ship from asia.

Yes, you can. If you want to get to Australia from another continent without flying, Asia is the closest point of departure for ships and boats. Still, traveling from Asia to Australia on a ship is not as simple as one might hope.

Are there any direct ferries from Asia to Australia?

If you look at the map, you’ll notice that parts of Indonesia, Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea are fairly close from the northern coast of Australia.

Darwin, the capital city of Australia’s Northern Territory, lies only 600 kilometers (~400 miles) away from Timor Leste. The distance between Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, and the northernmost point of mainland Australia is 500 kilometers (~300 miles).

But despite some short distances, there are no regular ferries from Asia to Australia. There are many logical reasons for this.

First of all, Australia’s Northern Territory and the closest parts of Southeast Asia are not very densely populated or popular with tourists. With little interaction, there is no reason for ferries in the area. Australia’s tight border control may have an impact, too.

Can I travel from Bali to Australia on a boat? 

The island of Bali, Indonesia, is popular with Australian tourists and other travelers. Still, there are no direct ferries between Bali and Australia.

Here’s an example of an online thread where someone asks about flightless connections between Indonesia and Australia. As an answer, they got over 60 replies with tons of trolling and ridicule but very little help. You can take that as a no.

However, some cruises from Asia to Australia make a stop in Bali. I’ve written more about these cruises at the end of this section. 

If you’re very lucky, you might be able to find a sailboat on Findacrew.net that you could join. Armin from easybackpacker.com did this in 2012. According to him, the journey takes around two weeks.

If you’re not strictly flightless but want to minimize flying, you can catch a plane from Bali or to Darwin. This is what I did during my trip around the world. For an even shorter flight, take a direct 700 kilometer flight from Dili in Timor Leste to Darwin.

How can I travel from Darwin to other parts of Australia?

From Darwin, you can continue your journey on Greyhound long-distance coaches or The Ghan train service . Just note that the distances from Darwin are very, very long.

A coach trip from Darwin to Alice Springs in Central Australia – and close to Uluru – takes 18 hours. If you continue your journey to Adelaide in South Australia, the ride takes twice as long.

The touristy Ghan train offers a more comfortable yet slower and more expensive journey: it takes three days and two nights to travel from Darwin to Adelaide on rails.

Traveling from Indonesia to Australia by sea is very difficult. Luckily there are other ways to reach Australia without flying.

Som how can I get to Australia without flying from Asia?

To travel from Asia to Australia without flying, you have three basic options: cargo ships, cruises, and boats. All methods work, but don’t be surprised by the long travel times – most ships arrive in the big cities in the east of Australia, increasing the distance.

Traveling from Asia to Australia on a cargo ship

If you want to leave Asia on a freighter, Singapore is one of the best starting points. Still, it is not the only one, and you can hop on a freighter to Australia in my ports on the Pacific coast of Asia. Here are a few possible routes:

• Singapore to Fremantle (Western Australia), 9 days, ~1100 euros
• Singapore to Brisbane, 13 days, ~1700 euros
• Osaka (Japan) to Melbourne, 23 days, ~3000 euros

The fastest freighters from Asia to Australia take around 9-12 days. Most freighters make several stops in Asia and Australia, allowing you to extend your trip on both ends. On average, freighter trips cost 100-150 US dollars or euros per day, including meals and your own cabin.

Cruises from Asia to Australia

And of course, cruise ships also venture from Asia to Australia. Out of the 16 cruises that I found , 15 leave from Singapore. The last one leaves from the Philippines. The fastest cruises from Singapore to Australia take a bit more than a week with prices starting from 2,000 euros.

However, some of these cruises stop in Bali and Jakarta, Indonesia, along the way. If hopping on board in the middle of the cruise is possible, One could travel from Bali to Perth, Western Australia, in as little as four days.

Sailing from Asia to Australia

Joining a sailboat to travel from Asia to Australia is an option too. However, it is not the most common route. Popular ports of departure might include Singapore and Bali.

At the time of writing, only one crew on Findacrew.net was looking for crewmembers to sail from Asia to Australia. In that case, they were traveling from Phuket, Thailand, to Australia as a part of their world tour.

In 2011, Armin from Easybackpacker.com wrote a short guide about traveling from Asia to Australia on a boat. He was finally able to do it himself, although he makes it clear that finding such boats isn’t as easy as one might hope.

3. How to Get from Europe to Australia without Flying

Can i take a ship from europe to australia.

Yes, you can – though it is a long journey. A freighter journey from London to Melbourne takes 45 days and costs 4,500-6,000 euros. For a shorter journey, you can hop aboard in Italy or somewhere else around the Mediterranean. Such change can save over two weeks of travel time – and cut the costs by over 30 %.

What about sailing from Europe to Australia?

That’s an option, too, though it’s a long way. In that case, you’d most likely sail across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, cross the Panama Canal and finally sail across the Pacific. Here’s one story about such a journey. Sailing from Europe to Australia this way would require a minimum of two months.

And are there any cruises from Europe to Australia?

Yes, there are! At the time of writing, Seascanner lists 11 cruises from Europe to Australia . These cruises leave from England, Germany, and Spain. The shortest journeys take about a month and cost around 8,000 euros or US dollars per cabin.

Can I go from Europe to Australia through Asia or America?

Yes, of course. In that case, you can start with one of my two other flightless travel guides:

• How to Get from Europe to America by Ship
• How to Get from Europe to Asia by Train (+ More Flightless Routes)

Those two guides offer ideas for the first leg of the trip. After reaching your continent of choice, you can continue your journey as described in the first parts of this travel guide.

4. How to Get to Australia without Flying from Africa

How to get to australia without flying from africa.

It is possible to get from Africa to Australia on a boat or a ship. However, such journeys are not very popular. In most cases, it’s better to start your journey in South Africa.

Here’s more information about sailing routes, cruises and freighter routes from Africa to Australia.

How to sail from Africa to Australia

To sail from Africa to Australia, you need to cross the Indian Ocean. Unfortunately the trade winds near the equator work against you as they push from east to west. Because of this, it’s best to start in southern Africa and sail a southern – and colder – route.

The World Cruising Wiki has some more information about sailing from South Africa to Australia.

Are there any cruises from Africa to Australia?

There are not many cruises from Africa to Australia. Website Seascanner lists two cruises from Africa to the Land Down Under. The cruises start in Cape Town and reach Perth in Western Australia in seven days. Cabins start at around 4,700 euros.

Traveling from Africa on a freighter

It might be possible to take a cargo ship voyage from Africa to Australia. However, there’s little information available about such journeys. If any voyages are available, they would most likely leave from Cape Town or Durban in South Africa.

The container ship I mentioned in the European section above makes stops in Egypt, Mauritius, and Réunion. However, no embarking is allowed on Egypt, and the island nations of Mauritius and Réunion are far away from continental Africa.

You can, however, reach Australia with a combination of a cruise and a freighter. According to some sources , a cruise from Cape Town to Mauritius takes four days if available. From Mauritius, you can take a freighter to Australia and reach Sydney in 15 days.

How to Get to Australia without flying

In this guide, I have explained how to get to Australia without flying from different parts of the world. The ocean travel guide is not comprehensive, and it’s based on multiple online sources. Some of the information might be outdated or wrong, so check the facts before you go.

I haven’t listed all possible routes to Australia. Most importantly, I didn’t write full sections about departing from New Zealand and Oceania. Here are short summaries about these routes:

Traveling from New Zealand and Oceania to Australia by Boat

There haven’t been frequent passenger ferries between Australia and New Zealand since the 1960s. Luckily cruises , sailboats and freighters travel between the nations.

In the case of Oceania, you might be able to hitch a ride on a sailboat if you place a message on the notice board of a local sailing club. I did this in the Royal Suva Yacht Club in Fiji, and I was offered a journey to Australia.

(Unfortunately I was heading to New Zealand, so I had to pass the offer.)

I hope the article has given you a sufficient overview of flightless travel to Australia. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask them in the comment section below!

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Arimo Travels is a sustainable travel blog by Arimo, a mostly traveler from Finland. The site focuses on sustainable travel guides and randomness.

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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

Sinker Reef, Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland © 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.

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

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

Your guide to cruising the Kimberley region

Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia 

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

Wedge Island, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia © Kane Overall

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

HeliSpirit Esperance, Esperance, Western Australia © HeliSpirit Esperance

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.

Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

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

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.

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• Australia and New Zealand / Cruise Tips / Cruising

Tips to Prepare for a Cruise to Australia or New Zealand

by Prof. Cruise · November 21, 2022

*These tips are based on my own research and experience preparing for my cruise to Australia and New Zealand on Holland America’s ms Noordam. Always confirm all information and requirements with the proper authorities and your individual cruise line.*

Introduction

Why did I book a cruise to New Zealand from Sydney? Several reasons. First, to celebrate Christmas, New Years, and my son’s 10th birthday (double digits deserves something extra special, right?). Second, to finally ink a dramatic slash through an item that’s been lingering on my bucket list for so long it’s faded to barely visible and I thought it might disappear completely like a $2 magic trick if I didn’t attend to it soon. And finally, to be able to factually state: “I’ve cruised within a 5 minute walk of my house, practically as far as you can get from my house, and nearly everywhere in between!”

Come January I’ll keep working on changing “nearly everywhere in between” to “everywhere in between,” but for now the 16 hours of flying time between Seattle and Sydney should take care of the “as far as you can get from my house” part!

If you’re planning your own cruise to Australia or New Zealand you probably have lots of questions, like “how can I pet a koala and hop around with a kangaroo?” And while I can’t answer that one firsthand yet, according to my in-laws who just returned from a cruise to Australia, the best place to do that is at the zoo in Brisbane. However, I can speak firsthand to my experience spending the better part of the last year preparing for my cruise to Australia and New Zealand. Here are my best tips:

4 Tips for Booking Flights for a Cruise to Australia or New Zealand

1. Price matters, but shouldn’t be your top consideration

Unless you live locally (in which case 90% of the information in this post will be useless to you, so save your eyes and brain the trouble and click back to your cat videos), your flights to Australia or New Zealand will likely be some of the most expensive you’ve ever purchased (which is one reason this is a bucket list cruise for so many). That makes shopping around for the best price a tempting proposition. However, it’s also very important that you not miss your cruise due to delays or cancellations. Give yourself a big buffer (a full day or even two days is best) between when you arrive to your embarkation city and depart on your cruise. Or…

2. Consider booking through your cruise line

While I rarely book flights through my cruise line, I sometimes do when my embarkation port is far away. And you can’t get much further away from my home of Seattle than my embarkation port of Sydney! So this time, I booked my flights through Holland America. The advantage of doing this is that if a flight is delayed or cancelled, your cruise line will rebook you and get you to the ship (even if you miss sail away and they have to fly you to your first port). Otherwise, you’d be on your own to figure all that out. I’m happy with the flights HAL booked for me and the price was competitive with what I found on my own.

3. Understand the time difference

The time difference between your home city and your embarkation port in Australia or New Zealand will probably be significant. For example, if you’re flying from the United States, you will lose a full day on the way there and gain a full day on the way home. For example, as I’m currently typing this at noon on a Thursday in Seattle, it’s 7am on Friday in Sydney. (If you’re going to miss a day, I’d recommend it be a Monday!) Be sure you’re clear on the time difference before booking flights so you arrive on the correct day. Triple check! Then check again! Then one more time! Then have a 3rd party check for you. Then call my mom, because she’s the best person for these kinds of situations (just don’t tell her I told you, because she’s already a bit resentful at having to remember all my important occasions, including her own birthday).

4. Request special meals if you have dietary restrictions

While included meals on domestic flights are mostly a thing of the past (that will certainly date you if you remember them – it’s like a land telephone line to my 9 year-old and makes me feel about 110 when he acts all shocked: “wait, you didn’t have cell phones when you were my age and they fed you full meals on airplanes?!?!), meals are still served on international flights. If you have any dietary restrictions (like me – I’m a vegetarian), be sure to contact your airline to request special meals. There’s typically an online form to fill out. Just google your airline and “request special meal.”

Apply for a Passport or Check the Expiration Date of your Current Passport

You will need a passport book (not a passport card or birth certificate) to cruise to/from Australia and New Zealand. And your passport can’t expire within the next 6 months. If you don’t already have a passport book, you need to apply for one. And if you already have a passport book, check your expiration date and renew it if it expires within 6 months of your travel dates.

Why the 6 months? If you were to become ill, injured or otherwise require a long, unexpected stay in Australia or New Zealand, you want to be sure you can get back home at the end of it! The most likely scenario for me is that they’ll find me hiding on the ship refusing to leave on debarkation day and I’ll have to spend a few months in jail while pleading my case: “Holland America and the countries of Australia and New Zealand should be at fault for making this cruise so incredible.”

Apply for the Necessary Visas to Cruise to Australia or New Zealand

One of the most common questions of those considering or planning a cruise to Australia or New Zealand is:

Do I need a visa to cruise to Australia?

Yes. You will need a visa to cruise to Australia.

Do I need a visa to cruise to New Zealand?

Yes. You will need a visa to cruise to New Zealand.

Unless you hold a current passport from Australia or New Zealand, you WILL need a visa to cruise to either Australia or New Zealand (if you’re visiting both countries, you’ll need a visa for both). However, the kind of visa you need varies depending on your home country. Here are the visa requirements for Australia and New Zealand depending your home country:

Visa requirement for American and Canadian cruisers to Australia

This also applies to those from Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea.

Most people reading this will be from either the United States or Canada . If your cruise embarks, debarks, or includes port days in Australia, you will need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa .

To apply for an ETA visa, you’ll need to download the free Australian ETA app from the  Apple Store (Apple)  or  Google Play store (Android) . The application process is quick and easy but you will need to take a photo of yourself and scan your passport (the app will guide you through how to do that). There is an application service charge of AUD20 per person that must be paid at the time you apply. I received my approval notification via e-mail in around 10 minutes. Here’s what it looked like:

Note that your visa will be electronically linked to your passport (when your passport is scanned, it will show up). I also recommend taking a paper copy of your approval, just in case.

Visa requirement for (most) European cruisers to Australia

Those from the countries listed below will need an eVisitor Visa .

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

The Netherlands

Republic of San Marino

Slovak Republic

Switzerland

United Kingdom – British Citizen

Vatican City

The eVisitor Visa is free, generally takes under 3 days to receive, and will be electronically linked to your passport. You can apply for one HERE .

Visa requirement for all other cruisers to Australia

Those not from any of the previously mentioned countries must obtain a Visitor Visa . Go HERE for information and to apply.

Visa requirement for American, Canadian, and other waiver country cruisers to New Zealand

Cruisers from the waiver countries below (including the United States, Canada, and most European countries) will need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) visa.

Andorra Argentina Austria Bahrain Belgium Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Canada Chile Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia (citizens only) Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong

Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Japan Korea, South Kuwait Latvia (citizens only) Liechtenstein Lithuania (citizens only) Luxembourg Macau Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Monaco Netherlands Norway

Oman Poland Portugal Qatar Romania San Marino Saudi Arabia Seychelles Singapore Slovak Republic Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan United Arab Emirates United Kingdom (UK) United States of America (USA) Uruguay Vatican City

You can apply for the NZeTA Visa via the free app: NZeTA app — Apple Store or NZeTA android app — Google Play . There is a 17NZD fee per application. I received my approval via e-mail in about 15 minutes. Here’s what the approval letter looked like:

Purchase Travel Insurance

My cruise to Australia and New Zealand is the most expensive I’ve ever purchased. And it likely will be for you too. Either way, I highly recommend you purchase travel insurance to cover the cost of your trip and any medical expenses you may incur on the ship or in port (You can learn about how much medical services cost on a cruise ship HERE .).

I almost never recommend purchasing a plan through a cruise line though, as they cost more and don’t offer great coverage. Many don’t realize this, but cruise lines generally hike up the cost of a 3rd party plan and pocket the difference. In most cases, there really aren’t any advantages to purchasing through your cruise line.

I always purchase my plans from  this site :

You can compare plans and rates and read reviews. As a place to start, I encourage you to match the coverage your cruise line is offering to see how much less you’ll pay if you purchase independently. Some insurance companies also offer an annual travel plan, which may make sense if you cruise frequently. You should also check with your credit card companies, as some of them also offer free travel insurance (although usually the coverage isn’t great).

Plan how you will Obtain Local Currency

Pulling money out of a local ATM in port will generally offer the best exchange rate. However, you may want to arrive at port with a bit of cash in the local currency (for tips and other small purchases). I usually do that at the airport for convenience sake, but you’ll want to plan in advance for how you’re going to obtain local currency. Your local bank is another good option.

Contact your Bank and Credit Card Company

Speaking of banks, be sure to contact your bank and credit card companies to let them know your travel dates and where you’ll be. If you don’t, they may flag purchases as suspicious and put a hold on your cards.

Research and Book Excursions and Private Tours

While I almost never book cruise ship excursions anymore (I find them overpriced and usually crowded and not that great), I did book a few for my Australia/New Zealand cruise only because it was hard to find any private tours for a few of my ports and we had excursion credit as part of our cruise package. However, I also checked Viator (I always search for the name of my port city and “shore excursion.”). I found some great ones for Australia and New Zealand and ended up booking several, saving hundreds over very similar tours offered through my cruise line.

Check Current Covid Vaccination and Testing Requirements for Cruising to Australia and New Zealand

While Covid vaccination and testing requirements have been eliminated for most cruise itineraries embarking from the U.S., requirements are different in Australia and New Zealand. The current requirements for my cruise are as follows:

You’ll note that full vaccination is required for those 12 and older and that testing is required for those 2 and older. As Covid-19 cruise protocols change frequently, be sure to double check the current requirements through your cruise line. Call and ask about anything that isn’t 100% clear.

Verify your Embarkation and Debarkation Terminals

Check your cruise documents to see which terminal you’re embarking and debarking from. Keep in mind that it may not be the same terminal, even if you’re leaving and returning from the same city. This is the case for my cruise from/to Sydney. As per my cruise docs, I’m embarking from the Overseas Passenger Terminal (located just across the harbor from the Sydney Opera House and close to popular attractions) and debarking at the White Bay Cruise Terminal (located further out).

Plan how you will get from the Airport to the Cruise Terminal

Options include cruise transfers (a good option if you’re traveling solo or with one other person, otherwise they aren’t a good value), private shuttle or car, taxi, ride share, or public transportation. After exploring all the options for Sydney for 3 people, I’m opting for Uber. I like to take public transportation when I can, but since it requires both a light rail and bus ride or multiple bus rides and since I’ll have my young son and enough luggage for a 16 day cruise, it didn’t seem worth the hassle this time.

Pack for the Appropriate Season in Australia/New Zealand

Keep in mind that the seasons in Australia and New Zealand are different from what they are in the northern hemisphere. In fact, those traveling from the United States, Canada, and Europe will need to pack for the opposite season you’d be experiencing at home. Here’s a rough guide (always check the weather forecast for the specific ports you’re visiting just prior to leaving home and adjust packed items accordingly):

Follow Prof. Cruise on Instagram

I learned lots of great tips recently when I followed JJ Cruise via Instagram and YouYube on their Australia/New Zealand cruise. Plus, it got me SO EXCITED! If you’d like to follow along live with me, you may do so via Instagram . I’ll also be posting content here and to my YouTube channel (don’t forget to subscribe) when I return, so check back in January/February. And with that, g’day, mate and…

Class Dismissed!

Homework (10 points): Are you thinking about or planning a cruise to Australia or New Zealand? Share to the comments so we can compare notes! Feel free to also post any questions you may have and I’ll do my best to find the answers.

*I receive a small commission on products and services purchased through links on my site. All funds go toward maintaining the blog. Thanks for your support!

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Tags: Australia New Zealand

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5 Responses

• Pingbacks 2

Please don’t feel the need to tip when in Australia. You will probably find we would look at you weirdly. And no, kangaroos do not just jump around everywhere.

Thank you so much for this information. I am taking a New Zealand cruise out of Sydney in the middle of February in 2023 and the info you covered is most helpful.

Thanks so much for your kind feedback – I’m glad you found it helpful. Have an amazing cruise to New Zealand!

[…] Homework (10 points): Read my Tips to Prepare for a Cruise to Australia or New Zealand. […]

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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A cruise to Australia is high up on our bucket list! To visit Sydney and sail by the Sydney Opera House and see the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a dream! Plus Brisbane’s koala sanctuary, Airlie Beach, Moreton Island, and all of the other Australian sites draw us back to research Australian cruise options regularly.

In October 2022, our friends Jeff and Jarod headed out to see Australia aboard one of our favorite ships: Carnival Splendor . What they didn’t know, until late September, was that they needed to have their Electronic Travel Authority – essentially an Australian travel visa that’s tied to your passport.

In this special-edition video, we cover both the travel requirements for an Australian cruise along with the key things you need to consider when applying for an ETA.

The Rest of the Story

It was only after joining a Facebook group where someone mentioned their visa being approved that our friends even realized they needed to complete this step in mid-September. Unfortunately for them, Australia recommends completing this step 3-4 months PRIOR to your arrival! Upon calling Carnival, they were informed that it’s “in the cruise contract” and that if they were denied the visa, they would lose their entire paid cruise amount. Their airline was a bit more gracious and would “only” charge a $500 penalty to rebook.

Fortunately, the ending is a positive one: just days before the sailing, they were approved for their ETA and are onboard the beautiful Carnival Splendor (the main article picture is courtesy of Jarod).

While we are not experts in foreign visas and travel requirements, our goal is to bring more visibility to this requirement when cruising Australia. We want to save you the stress, headache, and pit-in-the-stomach feeling by making this information more visible and readily available!

Now, let’s head down under and enjoy some Oliva Newton-John and beautiful sites!

Disclaimer: we do not provide legal and/or visa guidance. Each traveler is unique and you should refer to your cruise line website or speak to your travel advisor for specifics.

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Asian Adventure to Aussie Sunshine

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Volcano vibes and cultural charms in Bali

Sail from Southeast Asia to Australia on this epic 14-night adventure from Singapore to Perth. Look forward to stunning beaches and year-round sunshine in Perth – not to mention the peaceful Swan River. Before you even embark, though, you’ll experience the unique city-state of Singapore, whose urban gardens and forward-thinking architecture have become globally famous.

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A tiny but mighty island-state, Singapore's food scene goes from hawkers to Michelin, the experience involves temples and the world's largest gin collection.

Benoa, Bali

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Swaying palm trees and scorched red soil, water attractions and crocodile interactions, indigenous art and modern museums.

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UK to Australia Cruises and Australia to UK Cruises

There are cruises from the UK to Australia and the reverse -- they are half of a complete world cruise. A cruise to Australia from Great Britain is the comfortable and luxurious way to go down under.

England to Australia cruises depart from the port of Southampton (not far from London) and end in Sydney. Australia to England cruises are simply the opposite, departing from Sydney and endind in Southampton.

Cruises to Australia from the UK

January 11, 2024: 52-night cruise to Australia on Cunard Line . One-way from Southampton (England) to Sydney (Australia). Visit Hamilton (Bermuda), Port Canaveral (Florida), Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Aruba, Panama Canal, Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), San Francisco (California), Honolulu (Hawaii), Apia (Samoa), Suva (Fiji), Auckland (New Zealand), Wellington (New Zealand) and Christchurch (New Zealand).

January 9, 2025: 49-night cruise to Australia on Cunard Line . One-way from Southampton (England) to Sydney (Australia). Visit New York (New York), Aruba, the Panama Canal, Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), San Francisco (California), Honolulu (Hawaii), Apia (Samoa), Nuku'alofa (Tonga), Auckland (New Zealand), Tauranga (New Zealand) and Bay of Islands (New Zealand).

Cruises to the UK from Australia

February 28, 2025: 58-night cruise to England on Cunard Line . One-way from Sydney (Australia) to Southampton (England). Visit Brisbane (Australia), Airlie Beach (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Manila (Philippines), Hong Kong (China), Phu My (Vietnam), Singapore, Port Kelang (Malaysia), Penang (Malaysia), Port Louis (Mauritius), Durban (South Africa), Cape Town (South Africa), Walvis Bay (Namibia), Dakar (Senegal) and Tenerife (Spain).

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Find the best cruise for you

Featured cruise deals, cruising guide, why take a cruise vacation.

If you have a place on your bucket list, chances are, a cruise will get you there – provided the destination is along a coastline or inland waterway. Cruises cover the world, taking millions of passengers each year to regions such as the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean and even Antarctica. Cruising offers a tremendous value, with trips that include your lodging, meals and entertainment – all rolled into one. Some luxury cruise lines even offer fully inclusive vacations, which cover drinks and tours ashore. And best of all, cruising means seeing the world conveniently after unpacking only once.

Cruises also provide a wonderful option for families, with many ships offering things like waterslides, mini-golf courses and fun clubs for kids, tweens and teens. While most are free, nursery programs can cost extra. Planning is easy: Pick your destination and the right ship (and line) for your travel style. The cruise line makes it simple, offering packages to help you save on extras like alcohol, shore tours or even airfare.

Travelers say they choose to cruise because cruising often costs less per night when compared with land vacations at a hotel, where they'll have to book -- and pay for -- every extra.

What are Tips for Finding Cheap Cruises?

If you're a flexible traveler, you'll have a better chance of finding cheap cruises. Take a cruise that doesn't sail over the summer or holidays, when prices are highest. Book an inside cabin, or take your chances with a "guarantee cabin," ideal for passengers who aren't picky about their stateroom location but really want the lowest price available. Book cabins on lower decks, which often come with lower prices than those rooms on higher floors – that is staterooms over suites.

Cruise brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International offer rates that might drop as low as $75 per person per night -- and sometimes even lower.

If you want a real bargain, consider a transatlantic or repositioning cruise. These cruises are one-way or open-jaw trips, that start in one port and finish at another. You can score a deal sailing from Florida to Europe, for example, or even from New York to Florida. Just be aware, you'll probably have to pay a bit more for airfare to return.

What are Tips to Finding Last-Minute Cruise Deals?

While being flexible date wise will always get you the best last-minute cruise deals, it's particularly helpful if you live near a cruise port and can quickly drive there. That way you'll probably be able to jump on those deals that might pop up just a week or two before the ship is scheduled to sail.

Or if you don't have flexibility with either departure dates or embarkation locations, be willing to compromise on exact destinations. This will allow you to find a wider range of last-minute deals traveling to locations in their off-season or so-called shoulder season.

Do plenty of research and know what your ideal cruise is and costs on average, so both are already on your radar. When you see it drop, pounce! (Many cruise lines update pricing several times per day, so preparation is crucial.)

Best cruises in 2024

There's truly a cruise style and ship for everyone, and that has never been more the case than in 2024, as vessels continue to come in an array of sizes – from riverboats and expedition vessels to the largest-ever mega ships. And it's not an exaggeration to say some are loaded with so many activities that you couldn't possibly enjoy them all in a single sailing.

Families will find plenty of options and activities onboard big ships, which have transformed cruising, making the vessels as exciting as the destinations themselves. The Caribbean is always a great option for families, offering lots of sunshine, great beaches and culture. Alaska, famous for its incredible vistas and abundant wildlife, is also a solid family cruise option. Consider cruise brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and even Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line for a great multi-generational voyage.

Or on the smaller side, by comparison, river cruising remains a hot ticket item this year, with exciting routes that send eager guests down the Danube or Rhine rivers in Europe or to lesser-frequented locations, like the Mekong River in Cambodia or Vietnam, or soon the Magdalena River in Colombia. Popular river cruises embark in timeless cities like Amsterdam, Budapest and Lisbon. River cruise lines to consider encompass Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises, Tauck, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Riverside Luxury Cruises, as well as American Cruise Lines for a domestic alternative.

If you're an adventurer at heart, an expedition cruise might be best for you. These voyages, often onboard small ships (only a few hundred passengers tops), offer an intimate experience that brings passengers right up next to glaciers, whales, penguins and iguanas. Ships visit tiny spots all over the world – from pole to pole – including the Arctic, Alaska, Australia, Greenland, the Galapagos and, of course, Antarctica. Passengers will spend their time zodiacing, kayaking, hiking, biking and exploring with expert guides and knowledgeable naturalists. Expedition travelers love cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, UnCruise Adventures, Silversea, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), Ponant and Quark Expeditions, as well as an ever-expanding list that now even extends to Seabourn and Viking.

But for the most decadent form of travel, luxury cruises offer all-inclusive experiences onboard small to median-sized ships (usually under a thousand passengers) with perks like butlers, high-end amenities and personalized, intuitive service, not to mention the finest dining at sea. Ships often feature luxury touches like marble and crystal decor, intimate spaces and beautiful spas. Because luxury ships tend to be on the smaller size, they can often reach off-the-beaten-path destinations bigger ships simply cannot access -- ports like St. Tropez or Guadeloupe. If you're looking for a luxury cruise, consider Crystal, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, Explora Journeys, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and upcoming Four Seasons Yachts.

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7 Carnival Cruise Ships to Avoid

Posted: June 9, 2024 | Last updated: June 9, 2024

Determining which cruise ship or cruise line is right for you can be a bit of a feat. There are countless options and hyper-specific reasons to opt for one ship over another. Plus, many cruise lines have reputations built up over the years, both positive and negative. When it comes to Carnival Cruises, which ships should you avoid according to actual customer reviews? What are some of the worst Carnival Cruise ships currently sailing today?

Utilizing CruiseCritic and additional passenger critiques, here are seven (in no particular order) Carnival cruise ships you may not want to consider for your upcoming travel plans.

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Carnival Luminosa

The Carnival Luminosa kicks off our list of the worst Carnival cruise ships. While a relatively new ship to Carnival after it acquired the ship from Costa Cruises (it debuted for Carnival in 2022), the Luminosa is making a disappointing splash so far. According to CruiseCritic, this particular Carnival ship has a decent editor review of 4 out of 5. However, customers give it a 2.5 on average.

Critique of Carnival Luminosa

There are many reasons why the Carnival Luminosa is disappointing its passengers. Not only does this particular ship cater to a young, potentially rowdy crowd, but it also feels cramped. The pools are reportedly small, the food is bland enough for passengers to avoid, and the entertainment is lackluster overall. Perhaps more positive reviews will surface in time!

Carnival Vista

While laid-back and full of entertaining amenities, the Carnival Vista maintains a blase 3.6 out of 5 on CruiseCritic , according to actual passenger reviews. Capable of accommodating nearly 3,000 passengers, the Vista is designed for thrill-seeking groups and those looking for extroverted, social opportunities.

Critique of Carnival Vista

Despite there being plenty to do, almost too much to do, the Vista disappoints passengers in terms of its layout and fine dining experiences. It's easy for this particular ship to feel overwhelming, with slow elevators and even slower disembarkment processes. Plus, this budget-friendly ship often ends up drowning in bored, mischievous, and drunk young people, depending on the time of year.

Carnival Venezia

Heavily influenced by Italian design and dining options, the Carnival Venezia is poorly rated by customers. Another carry over from Costa Cruises to Carnival in 2019, this ship is more unique in its offerings compared to other Carnival vessels. However, it still falls short in many categories, including its pool experiences and food quality.

Critique of Carnival Venezia

Ranked at 3 out of 5 stars on average, the Venezia disappoints passengers because of its layout and small, odorous rooms. Even the larger suites onboard the Venezia seem smaller than other cruise ships. Plus, regardless of how large the rooms are, no passenger enjoys smelling cigarette smoke for the duration of their trip!

Carnival Horizon

The Carnival Horizon debuted in 2018 and has a capacity for up to 4000 guests. With a bold design and contemporary color scheme, the Horizon looks tasteful and exciting. However, reviews are mixed when it comes to just how much excitement is onboard this particular Carnival vessel.

Critique of Carnival Horizon

CruiseCritic editors give the Horizon a 4 out of 5, though guests rate it at 3.5 on average. Both ratings mentioned the apparent lack of relaxing, quiet places to lounge during sea days, something that is quite common onboard Carnival cruises. A lack of an adults-only pool could have something to do with this– or perhaps it is the chaotic way that Carnival chooses to set up its numerous, often overwhelming, activities!

Carnival Splendor

Sailing out of Sydney and Singapore, the Splendor may not be a convenient vessel for you to board if you live in the U.S. Plus, some of the reviews of this particular Carnival ship may make you hesitate to book in the first place. Much like the other ships on this list, the Splendor receives an average of 3.7 out of 5 from passenger reviews . The main complaint? Both the editor of CruiseCritic and actual customers mention the age of the cabins onboard.

Critique of Carnival Splendor

The Splendor holds just over 3000 people and debuted in 2008. While not necessarily an old vessel, the Splendor is beginning feel tired, particularly in all of the sleeping cabins and suites. There is a dated edge to the decor throughout this vessel, something that doesn't pair well with rambunctious families and young people hoping to make the most of their all-inclusive drink packages.

Carnival Paradise

Departing from Tampa, Florida, the Carnival Paradise is one of the oldest vessels in the Carnival fleet. Launched in 1998, this ship has a more traditional design– something that definitely contributes to the negative reviews surrounding it. While refurbished in 2018, the Paradise maintains many of its original issues, including high congestion at peak times of day.

Critique of Carnival Paradise

Both actual customers and the editors of CruiseCritic give the Paradise a 3.5 out of 5, citing small deck areas and a lack of restaurants as the main reasons behind such criticism. Not only does the Paradise have fewer eating accommodations compared to the average cruise ship, but it also has a confusing interior design due to its somewhat recent refurbishment.

Carnival Sunrise

The Carnival Sunrise departs from Miami and is Bahamas-bound, which should give you some sense of the type of people that may choose to take this cruise. While it's packed with amenities and capable of transporting almost 3000 guests, the Sunrise earns a staggering 2.9 out of 5 from those who have chosen to come aboard. Why might this be?

Critique of Carnival Sunrise

Like most other Carnival ships, the Sunrise earns a bad reputation for being a vessel solely for partying and rowdy groups. The layout of the ship doesn't help with this, as the general flow of crowds often passes through entertainment areas such as the casino or poolside destinations. With simplistic cabins, the Sunrise feels as if there is nowhere peaceful to retreat to– something to keep in mind if relaxation is your top priority while on vacation!

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Why Carnival Cruise Line’s Fleet Is About to Get Bigger

Carnival Cruise Line will absorb its sister brand P&O Cruises Australia and its ships next year.

Horacio Villalobos/GETTY IMAGES

Carnival Cruise Line will absorb its sister brand P&O Cruises Australia and its ships next year, growing its presence in the South Pacific.

The addition to Carnival’s fleet comes as parent company Carnival Corporation & plc makes plans to shut down the Australian cruise line in March 2025, according to the cruise company . Two of P&O Cruises Australia’s ships — the Pacific Encounter and the Pacific Adventure — will then be incorporated into the Carnival Cruise Line brand.

"Despite increasing Carnival Cruise Line's capacity… guest demand remains incredibly strong so we're leveraging our scale in an even more meaningful way by absorbing an entire brand into the world's most popular cruise line," Josh Weinstein, the chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc, said in a statement, adding, “given the strategic reality of the South Pacific's small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we're adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need to continue delivering an incredible cruise experience year-round to our guests in the region.”

When the merger is complete, Weinstein said Carnival Cruise Line will make up about 35 percent of the company's total global capacity. In addition to the new P&O Cruises Australia ships, Carnival will operate the Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa in the region .

P&O Cruises Australia currently operates three ships. The cruise line’s third ship, the Pacific Explorer , will be phased out of the fleet in February 2025.

Carnival Corporation said current P&O Cruises Australia sailings will operate as normal and guests will be notified of any changes to future bookings.

P&O Cruises, which is a company based in the United Kingdom, is not affected by this merger.

In addition to these cruise lines, Carnival Corporation operates AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn.

The decision to grow its presence in the South Pacific comes as Carnival is in the process of updating how it advertises cruise fares . Starting July 1, Carnival will include all government-mandated taxes, fees, and port expenses in the total advertised price thanks to a new California law requiring cruise lines to include those extra expenses in the advertised fare.

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News Release

Carnival corporation to strategically align portfolio and absorb p&o cruises australia into carnival cruise line.

Carnival Cruise Line to boost its capacity by absorbing P&O Cruises Australia in 2025, further optimizing the company's brand portfolio creating operational efficiencies 

MIAMI and SYDNEY , June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Corporation & plc  (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world's largest cruise company, today announced that in March 2025 , the company will sunset the P&O Cruises Australia brand and fold the Australia operations into Carnival Cruise Line , the most popular cruise line in the world. 

This change is the latest in a series of strategic moves designed to increase guest capacity for Carnival Cruise Line , the company's flagship brand and the highest-returning brand in Carnival Corporation's global portfolio. This will result in the addition of eight new ships to Carnival Cruise Line's fleet since 2021, including the successful shift of three vessels from sister brand Costa Cruises . In addition, the company recently placed its first new ship order in half a decade for two new Excel-class cruise ships to join Carnival Cruise Line in 2027 and 2028.

Josh Weinstein , chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc. "In 2019, Carnival Cruise Line was 29% of our total capacity, and when we complete this move early next year, Carnival Cruise Line – our highest-returning brand – will make up approximately 35% of our total global capacity. While our company's overall growth between 2019 – 2028 is projected to be less than 2% (CAGR), the majority will be for Carnival Cruise Line , which will grow by approximately 50% over that time period."

In addition to further optimizing the composition of Carnival Corporation's global brand portfolio, the realignment will strengthen the company's performance in the South Pacific through numerous operational efficiencies.

"P&O Cruises Australia is a storied brand with an amazing team, and we are extremely proud of everything we have accomplished together in Australia and the broader region," said Weinstein. "However, given the strategic reality of the South Pacific 's small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we're adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need to continue delivering an incredible cruise experience year-round to our guests in the region. Carnival Corporation & plc remains committed to Australia and we will continue to be the largest cruise operator in the region with 19 ships calling on 78 destinations and representing almost 60% of the market."

Building on Shared Legacy in the Region  As the P&O Cruises Australia brand retires early next year, the Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships will be rebranded and operated by Carnival Cruise Line brand. Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet in February of 2025. Current itineraries will operate business as usual, and guests will be notified in the coming days of any changes to future bookings as a result of this announcement.

When the transition is complete next year, Carnival Cruise Line – which has served the South Pacific since 2013 – will have four ships in the market, including Sydney -based Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa sailing seasonally from Brisbane , in addition to their new sister ships Encounter and Adventure.

Christine Duffy , president of Carnival Cruise Line . "While we plan to make some technology upgrades and other small changes to the two P&O Cruises Australia ships, they will continue to be geared to the unique Australian market with a familiar feel and much of the same experiences for P&O Cruises Australia guests. The most notable change will be the availability of our popular HubApp, enabling guests to make online dining and excursion reservations, request food and beverage delivery, and chat with other guests, among other features. P&O Cruises Australia guests will also be invited to participate in Carnival's loyalty program and promotional offerings specific to Carnival ships sailing in the region."

"Over the coming months, we will find ways to celebrate and honor P&O Cruises Australia – a valued part of our legacy and an important contributor to the tourism industry in the South Pacific ," said Weinstein. "We value the connection our P&O Cruises Australia guests, employees, travel advisor partners, public officials and destinations have with our company and are committed to building on this association moving forward as Carnival." 

[EDITOR'S NOTE: This announcement does not impact P&O Cruises ( UK ), which is a separate Carnival Corporation & plc brand based in England and dedicated to the UK market.]

About Carnival Corporation & plc Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company, and among the largest leisure travel companies, with a portfolio of world-class cruise lines – AIDA Cruises , Carnival Cruise Line , Costa Cruises , Cunard, Holland America Line , P&O Cruises ( Australia ), P&O Cruises ( UK ), Princess Cruises , and Seabourn.

Additional information can be found on www.carnivalcorp.com , www.aida.de , www.carnival.com , www.costacruise.com , www.cunard.com , www.hollandamerica.com , www.pocruises.com.au , www.pocruises.com , www.princess.com , and  www.seabourn.com .

For information on Carnival Corporation's industry-leading sustainability initiatives, visit www.carnivalsustainability.com .

SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation Media Contacts: Jody Venturoni, Carnival Corporation, [email protected]; Lucy Colonnetta Clifton, LDWW, [email protected]

AIDA Cruises is the market leader in the German-speaking cruise market. Home of the smile, AIDA Cruises is the epitome of a premium-quality, relaxing cruise and operates one of the world’s most state-of-the-art fleets. Visit: www.aida.de

Carnival Cruise Line, also known as America’s Cruise Line, is a leader in contemporary cruising and operates a fleet of ships designed to provide fun and memorable vacation experiences at a great value. Visit: www.carnival.com

Costa Cruises delivers Italy’s finest at sea, bringing modern Italian lifestyle to its ships to provide guests with a true European experience that embodies a unique passion for life through warm hospitality, entertainment and gastronomy. Visit: www.costacruise.com

Cunard is the epitome of British refinement for travelers who relish the line’s impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining, world-class entertainment, and the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel. Visit: www.cunard.com

Holland America Line's premium fleet of spacious, elegant mid-sized ships feature sophisticated five-star dining, extensive entertainment and activities, innovative culinary enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries. Visit: www.hollandamerica.com

P&O Cruises (UK) is Britain’s favorite cruise line with a fleet of ships combining genuine service and a sense of occasion and attention to detail, ensuring passengers have the holiday of a lifetime, every time. Visit: www.pocruises.co.uk

P&O Cruises (Australia) provides a quintessential holiday experience for Australians and New Zealanders, taking them to some of the world's most idyllic and hard-to-reach places across Asia and the South Pacific. Visit: www.pocruises.co.au

Princess is the world’s leading international cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of modern cruise ships, renowned for the innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities. Visit: www.princess.com

Seabourn provides ultraluxury cruising vacations in a unique, small-ship style that focuses on genuine, intuitive service, all-suite accommodations, superb cuisine and unique experiences in destinations worldwide. Visit: www.seabourn.com

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A Journey Like No Other

Transpacific cruises.

Experience postcard-perfect islands, captivating cultures and welcoming locals.

For the bucket-list-topping holiday of a lifetime, nothing can compare to a transpacific cruise onboard Royal Caribbean®. With sailings to and from Australia, paradisiacal ports of call are on the itinerary – unforgettable destinations such as Papeete, Moorea and Raiatea. Soak up the stunning beaches of French Polynesia, where the aquamarine waters are too beautiful to believe. Shop for black pearls in Tahiti, roaming the bustling Papeete Market. Immerse yourself in Maori traditions in New Zealand and climb the sacred site of Mount Eden. From horseback riding on secluded beachfront trails to snorkelling with rainbow-coloured fish, adventure in all its best forms awaits. Book your cruise with the cruise line voted Best Overall 20 years running.

Epic Cruises through the Transpacific

With 16- to 18-night cruises from Australia, as well as departures from Hawaii, your choice of itinerary blends incredible ports and idyllic days at sea.

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Discover Astounding Diversity

From natural wonders and time-honoured cultures to buzzy cities brimming with must-try restaurants, shops and sights, your transpacific cruise takes you to the best of all worlds.  

Breathtaking Natural Beauty

Famous for its movie-set scenery, French Polynesia is home to exceptional natural landmarks. Don’t miss the swoon-worthy Faarumai Waterfalls and the geyser-like Arahoho Blowhole. Snorkel with stingrays in Temae Beach or stroll the lush Pa'ofa'i Gardens. Around every bend on your transpacific cruise, gorgeous natural sites await.

Fascinating Ancestral Cultures

Immerse yourself in the art, music, dance and foods of ancestral cultures. Get an authentic taste of French Polynesia at the Tiki Village Moorea , picking up folklore and hand-made goods, and catching a riveting show with lunch. In New Zealand, the Auckland Museum is the go-to destination for a deep dive into Maori history and treasures.

Unforgettable Urban Playgrounds

A best cruise partly because of the urban playgrounds visited, your transpacific holiday stops in some of the world’s best-loved cities. Like Auckland , with its picturesque harbours and waterfront restaurants. Sydney or Brisbane – two of Australia’s buzziest metro areas. And Honolulu (Oahu), where the nightlife is as electric as the beaches.

Double Down on Adventure

Play all day onshore and onboard, with an ocean of activities at your fingertips – from exploring local treasures to digging into your ship’s lineup of memory-maxing experiences.  

Make Beach-Combing a Must-Do

When you book a transpacific cruise, beach-combing should be at the top of your to-do list. You’ll find gorgeous stretches of sand – including the finest baby white and striking volcanic ebony – nestled along turquoise waters. From the palm-fringed Teavaro Beach to the snorkelling haven that is Plage de Toaroto, the beach life beckons.

Go Full-In on Flora and Fauna

Hop on a jeep safari to explore Tahiti’s dense rainforest, with Insta-worthy views of stunning Punaruu Valley and a waterfall swim on the agenda. In New Zealand, Ti Point Reptile Park offers a comprehensive – and fascinating – array of native and exotic reptiles. Set in the bush overlooking Hauraki Gulf, the Park is beautiful and educational.

Dive Into a Floating Destination

As part of your transpacific cruise onboard Ovation of the Seas® or Quantum of the Seas®, you’ll discover an action-packed ship that is a destination in and of itself. Think thrilling activities, mouth-watering dining, Broadway shows, live concerts, art auctions, kids’ programmes, shopping and spa treatments – and that’s just for starters!

SAIL THE SEAS AND SEE Cruise from Australia or Hawaii

Whether you come onboard in Sydney or Brisbane – or across the Pacific pond in Honolulu (Oahu) – your itinerary includes the perfect mix of sea days, island-hopping and urban perusing.

Kickstart Your Cruise in Sydney or Brisbane

If your transpacific cruise sails from Sydney or Brisbane , kickstart your adventure soaking up the local scene. Iconic sights include the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Brisbane River. For a memorable meal under Brisbane’s Story Bridge, head to the charming Howard Smith Wharves, home to some of the city’s best restaurants.

Dig Into the “Big Pineapple”

Sweet as the fruit in its nickname, Honolulu is full of fun, culture and history! Check out Waikiki Beach where Hawaiian royalty used to surf. Stop by the impressive Pearl Harbor National Museum and for awesome whale-watching, take a hike along the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. As the starting point for your holiday, Honolulu is teeming with excitement!

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Dining and Beverage Packages

Onboard your ship, you’ll find that most everything is complimentary. But if you think your inner foodie may not be able to resist the international temptations of Izumi Japanese Cuisine, Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver and other speciality restaurants, a Dining Package stacks up steep savings.

Similarly, a Beverage Package unlocks all the sips your heart desires, from unlimited fountain drinks with a Classic Soda Package to the alcohol-included Deluxe Beverage Package . On a 16- to 18- night transpacific cruise, packages can be the best way to go.

A Guide to Specialty Dining Onboard Ovation of the Seas®

What to Pack on Your Cruise from Australia

Why Go On a Transpacific Cruise?

The best cruise experiences are those that combine fun family activities with relaxing me-time. Keep your finger on the pulse of all onboard happenings with the Cruise Planner, the ultimate guide to managing your cruise.

You are travelling to some of the most picturesque places on earth – islands made for on-foot exploration! Be sure to bring comfortable, closed shoes for jungle treks and mesh water shoes for any pebbly beaches.

Once you book a cruise, start planning your experiences. Many, like speciality dining, require reservations, which you can make online. But for the children’s programmes, the kiddos must be signed on the day of embarkation – and space is limited!

FOR THE FOODIES Palate-Pleasing South Pacific Plates 

Gastronomy ranks high on the best cruise adventures – and you’re in for taste-bud-tempting treats! You’ll savour delicious fusions, such as the flavours of France and Polynesia, and freshness beyond compare.

Fork Up Poisson Cru

Poisson Cru, Tahiti’s national dish, is an unforgettable taste of Polynesian heaven. A type of ceviche, Poisson Cru combines sushi-grade tuna, fresh vegetables, lime juice and coconut milk. For some of the best to be had, along with spectacular sunsets, The Roulottes – Papeete’s waterfront food trucks – are not to be missed.

Bite into a Crusty Baguette

It has been said that the French baguette should be a Polynesian food group! This delicious bread, with its crisp golden-brown crust and soft airy interior, shows up in the most unexpected places, such as sweet-and-sour chow mein sandwiches. For breakfast, enjoy a warm, just-out-of-the-oven slab slathered with mango spread. Yum!

Try Hāngī-Cooked Foods

A traditional Māori method, New Zealand’s hāngī cooking uses heated rocks buried in an umu or pit oven. Chicken, pork, lamb, pumpkin, sweet potatoes – even a hāngī-steamed dessert pudding! – are some of the delicious offerings you can enjoy. When in Auckland, tuck into these delicacies at the centrally-located (and delicious!) Māori Kitchen.

Related Ports

Explore more destinations in the South Pacific with cruises from Australia to Queensland, Tasmania, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and other memory-maxing destinations.

Brisbane, Australia

Auckland, New Zealand

Adelaide, Australia

Airlie Beach, Queensland

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Lautoka, Fiji Islands

Moorea, French Polynesia

Cairns (Yorkeys Knob), Australia

Isle of Pines, New Caledonia

Lifou, Loyalty Islands

Mare, New Caledonia

Akaroa, New Zealand

Bay Of Islands, New Zealand

Darwin, Australia

Doubtful Sound (Cruising), New Zealand

Esperance, Australia

Geraldton, Australia

Hobart, Tasmania

Melbourne, Australia

Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Noumea, New Caledonia

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Papeete, Tahiti

Champagne Bay, Vanuatu

Dunedin, New Zealand

Dusky Sound (Cruising), New Zealand

Tauranga, New Zealand

Vavau (Neiafu), Tonga

Wellington, New Zealand

Milford Sound (Cruising), New Zealand

Napier, New Zealand

Newcastle, Australia

Perth (Fremantle), Australia

Picton, New Zealand

Port Douglas, Australia

Port Hedland, Australia

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Suva, Fiji Islands

Sydney (White Bay), Australia

Sydney, Australia

Willis Island (Cruising), Australia

Wollongong (Port Kembla), Australia

Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand

Eden, Australia

Port Arthur, Tasmania

Cairns, Australia

Penneshaw, Australia

Gladstone, Australia

Exmouth, Australia

Raiatea, French Polynesia

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End of P&O: Why is Australia such a tough market for the cruise ship industry?

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By Freya Higgins-Desbiolles for The Conversation

Miami-based cruise operator Carnival Corporation has  announced  it will retire its P&O Cruises Australia brand in March 2025.

The decision marks the end of the line for an iconic cruise brand in Australia and the Pacific, after  nearly a century  of operations.

Parent company Carnival has been on a campaign of international growth through acquisitions and mergers since at least 1989. P&O Cruises Australia was bought by the company in 2003.

Many Australians might remember the brand’s iconic television advertisements from the 1980s and ‘90s that encouraged them to escape the rat race.

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But the reality of cruising’s international consolidation leaves little room for such nostalgia and national brand attachment.

Still, cruising is a big part of Australia’s tourism sector, and cruises are a large source of inbound visitors. The Australian Cruise Association estimates the industry’s  total economic contribution  is as high as A$5.63 billion.

Australians are hungry for cruise ship experiences. They make up the  fourth largest  source market for passengers, at 1.25 million last year.

Australia is a tough place to make a profit

A  recent report  by Cruise Lines International Association painted a picture of a thriving industry. New, bigger ships are being rolled out to meet a growing market of both new and loyal cruise enthusiasts.

So why are operators struggling here? P&O hasn’t been the only brand facing difficulties down under.

P&O’s sister line Cunard recently announced it will  stop basing itself  in Australia from 2026, and Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady has  cancelled plans  for a second sailing season here next summer.

Carnival  said  its decision on P&O Australia came down to the region’s “significantly higher operating and regulatory costs” and small population. The company said it had been forced to change its operating approach to achieve “efficiencies”.

The cruise sector was hit hard by the pandemic. In early 2020, Carnival reported a staggering single quarter net loss of  US$4.4 billion . The company also suffered reputational damage following a  high-profile COVID outbreak  on its Ruby Princess cruise ship.

The international cruise market is heavily concentrated. Almost  80%  of the passenger market is shared by three big companies: Carnival, Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian cruise lines.

Australia’s high operating costs and relatively small market make it tough for big cruise companies to achieve the profitability they expect. Carnival’s Cunard Line attributed its decision to  move out  of Melbourne to a 15% hike in port fees.

As these companies have sought to strengthen their competitive advantage, acquiring smaller players has been a popular strategy.

This mass tourism model can deliver relatively cheap holidays for passengers. But it often also sacrifices well-loved smaller cruise operations that are more connected to local histories and cultures.

There is also the tyranny of distance for Australia, and increasing geopolitical risks affecting cruising.

The Australasian region faces stiff competition as a cruise destination from alternatives such as the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, which are close to large markets. Virgin Voyages said its cancellation of the 2024–25 sailing schedule was due to major safety concerns in the Red Sea.

What does its future hold?

Reassuringly, customers with P&O bookings for the remainder of 2024 will not be affected. Next year, the brand’s Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships will continue to sail, but under new branding for Carnival Cruise Line. Pacific Explorer will be retired from service.

In Australia, the mass tourism model of the big cruise operators is no doubt here to stay. But there could be further cuts to the range of destination ports offered as the industry prioritises profits.

In the longer term, however, a crucial question concerns the future of ports around Australia that have been enticed into engaging with the cruise industry. Many government tourism authorities have been keen to expand the sector.

As a result, access to some smaller ports has been negotiated and there has been a push to build new facilities in New South Wales, the biggest market.

This has received  pushback  from some parts of the community who argue the economic benefits don’t outweigh the cultural and ecological cost.

In the future, there could be a more sustainable solution for Australian cruising in smaller expedition-like formats. These have been particularly successful in locations such as the Kimberley in Western Australia.

Local communities at small-ship destinations may find this model of cruising more acceptable, given its lower passenger numbers and smaller environmental impact.

Freya Higgins-Desbiolles is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management/ Adjunct Associate Professor, University of South Australia.

This article is republished from  The Conversation  under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article  here .