best australian cruises 2024

8 best Australia and New Zealand cruises

When it comes to cruising, Australia and New Zealand are often intertwined into a single sailing — these two countries have a complementary relationship, offering a diverse array of attractions and experiences. Plus, their relative geographic proximity makes it convenient to check both of these bucket list destinations off your list simultaneously, creating one unforgettable vacation.

Australia's allure lies in its vastness and variety. From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the sun-kissed beaches of the Gold Coast and the ancient wonder of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia delivers an approachable mix of urban sophistication and raw wilderness.

Similarly, New Zealand captivates cruisers with its cinematic scenery. Active shore excursions featuring hiking, bungee jumping and kayaking get your heart racing, while Maori cultural tours add a depth and richness to your visit.

Aussie and Kiwi splendors await aboard these eight best cruises to Australia and New Zealand. We chose options that vary in length, ports of call and price, so everyone can find their own Down Under dream cruise.

Azamara's 16-night New Zealand & Australia Voyage

Tick several Australasian highlights off your list with this one-off 16-night New Zealand & Australia Voyage from Azamara in February 2025 aboard the 702-passenger Azamara Pursuit. Beginning in Auckland, the ship will wind its way around New Zealand before heading to Tasmania (with an overnight stay in Hobart) and up to Melbourne and Sydney. Shore excursions will keep passengers busy during two-plus weeks with only three sea days. Try a trek through Hastings Cave in Tasmania, a dip in a thermal pool in the rainforest or a wine tasting in Waipara Valley.

Who should go: Golf lovers will be especially keen to hop on this cruise, as it's part of Azamara's golf program by PerryGolf. Add this to your booking and get in six rounds throughout the sailing (including at Terrey Hills, Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers). For many travelers, Azamara represents a good value, with included gratuities, drinks and self-service laundry. Fares start at $3,744 per person.

Seabourn's 10-night Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls & Wandjinas cruise

As one of the world's most precious wilderness regions, the Kimberley is home to Precambrian rocks, rugged and diverse landscape with mangroves and savannas, and the oldest living culture in the world. It's no wonder cruises here are highly coveted, as is the case with Seabourn 's 10-night Kimberley expeditions in 2025 .

This itinerary begins in Darwin and each of the nine port stops offers a wide array of excursions designed to deeply entrench passengers into the locale. Many are guided Zodiac expeditions with naturalists to see waterfalls, wildlife and local ways of life.

Who should go: Travelers looking for a luxurious experience in one of the most remote places on the planet will appreciate the 264-passenger all-suite Seabourn Pursuit, the newest expedition vessel in Seabourn's fleet. The yacht-like ship is tricked out with two custom-built submarines, 24 Zodiacs and eight double sea kayaks. The onboard expert Expedition Team helps guide up-close wildlife encounters and cultural experiences, including a visit with local pearl industry farmers and an exploration of the ancient Wandjina-style rock art in Cyclone Cave.

Related: The best ways to use points and miles to fly from the US to Australia

Holland America's 13-night Australia and New Zealand cruise

Holland America 's Australia and New Zealand itinerary offers the best of two countries over the course of two weeks, with two departures in 2025. Leaving from Sydney, the 1,964-passenger Westerdam stops in Melbourne, Australia; Hobart, Tasmania; and Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland, New Zealand. It also spends a day cruising the Fjordland National Park, where you're likely to see seals, dolphins, whales and a rare bird called the flightless takahe.

Notable excursions include a visit to the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary with koalas, kangaroos and platypus; UNESCO World Heritage site Mt. Field National Park (Tasmania's oldest national park, featuring a eucalyptus rainforest and waterfalls) and the neo-Gothic Larnach castle, with its beautiful gardens.

Who should go: This cruise is a fantastic deal for budget-conscious travelers yearning to journey to the land Down Under — fares start at just $1,159 per person for two weeks, but you'll need to put up with a windowless cabin for 13 nights. Westerdam offers activities and attractions for all ages, including a kids club for children ages 3 to 17, pickleball, trivia contests and live music.

Cunard's 30-night Australia Circumnavigation cruise

Looking for a comprehensive Australia-focused cruise and have time to spare? Try this one-time monthlong itinerary from Cunard aboard the 2,081-passenger Queen Elizabeth in fall 2024. The ship sails round-trip from Sydney to 11 Australia ports and even makes a bonus stop in Bali about halfway through the cruise.

Expect tours of Whitsunday Islands and the stunning sands and turquoise waters of Airlie Beach, a day spent sightseeing in tropical Cairns, a visit to the remote northern shores of Darwin, wildlife sightings in rural Adelaide and marsupial spotting at the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park. This cruise has several evening departures to make the most of each day in port.

Who should go: With fares starting at $6,039 per person, this cruise isn't inexpensive, but we think it's a solid value for the length of the trip (about $200 per day). Cunard caters to a more sophisticated traveler, one who plays croquet on the Games Deck in between stops, marvels at the entertainment in the Royal Court Theatre, indulges in traditional afternoon tea and dresses up for black-tie gala evenings.

Viking's 14-night Australia & New Zealand cruise

Cruise Australia and New Zealand with Viking for an adults-only voyage with a focus on education and exploration. The 930-passenger Viking Orion and Viking Venus each offer numerous sailings through 2026 .

Your journey begins with two days in Sydney, where you're docked at one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. Next, head to the cultural capital of the country, Melbourne, before moving on to sail through the scenic islands of Bass Straight and dock in Tasmania's capital (Hobart) to view its unusual wildlife.

Once in New Zealand, on the second half of this trip, stops in Christchurch, Wellington, Napier and Auckland showcase this country's most wonderous landmarks. Optional pre- and post-cruise extensions provide a few more days to explore the region since you've already made such a long journey.

Who should go: Viking's ocean ships carry roughly 900 passengers, making them an attractive size for travelers who want a smaller ship experience without sacrificing any of the amenities they love on big ships, including a fitness center, Nordic spa, multiple restaurants and well-appointed cabins. Viking's inclusive pricing is also attractive, with complimentary shore excursions, Wi-Fi, beer and wine, not to mention alternative dining at no extra charge. Fares start at $5,999 per person.

Princess Cruises' 14-night New Zealand sailing

Cruisers who have their sights set mainly on New Zealand will love Princess Cruises ' 14-day itinerary . It begins and ends in Sydney, but the rest of the time is split between exploring numerous New Zealand ports and enjoying relaxing sea days.

Journey to Middle Earth on a Lord of the Rings excursion in Christchurch or take the iconic Wellington cable car up 390 feet to a scenic overlook that'll take your breath away. You can connect with Maori culture in Tauranga, head underground into the Kawiti Caves to see the splendor of thousands of glow worms in Bay of Islands and sip your way along the Auckland Wine Trail.

Who should go: Princess does an exceptional job of making New Zealand accessible to those with a modest budget — fares start at $778 per person. The 3,080-passenger Crown Princess offers several sailings in 2025, with more sailings available through 2026 on the 3,560-passenger Royal Princess and 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess. Onboard, you'll find no shortage of restaurant options, plus a sports court set up for volleyball and basketball, multiple pools and hot tubs, miniature golf and a casino. Youth and teen programs keep traveling kids busy with age-appropriate activities and live animal experiences.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess Cruises ship

Celebrity's 9-night Australia Wine cruise

Australia is known for many wonderful things, but for many, winemaking tops the list — shiraz dominates the red category, thanks to the climate and soil in the region. Celebrity Cruises offers passengers a perfect pairing with its Australia Wine cruise that runs round-trip from Sydney in December 2024.

In Hobart, Tasmania, explore wine country and treat yourself to some of the best fresh oysters in the world. Adelaide (considered the wine capital of Australia) excursions include a journey into the McLaren Vale or Barossa Valley wine-growing region for a tasting accompanied by lunch. In Melbourne, spend a day with wallabies and wine in the Yarra Valley.

During four days at sea, you can keep the wine flowing with a visit to the Sunset Bar for a glass of your favorite vino while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Or book dinner at Eden Restaurant to enjoy globally influenced dishes that you can pair with your favorite wines from an extensive list.

Who should go: A wine-themed cruise draws the attention of travelers with a more sophisticated palate, and 2,908-passenger Celebrity Edge delivers an equally refined vacation with such amenities as the Magic Carpet (a floating lounge cantilevered above the ocean), an adults-only Solarium and a 25-yard lap pool (the largest in the fleet). With fares starting at $1,099, this sailing might attract younger couples looking for a good value on a shorter sailing.

Norwegian's 12-night Australia & New Zealand: Auckland & Melbourne cruise

While many cruises to this region offer a fair amount of sea days, Norwegian Cruise Line 's Australian & New Zealand: Auckland & Melbourne itinerary maximizes your time on land. You'll visit 10 ports in 12 days for this one-off sailing in 2026, which means the only two sea days land in the middle of the trip, when you're ready for a little relaxation.

Beginning in Auckland, Norwegian Spirit will make its way around New Zealand to Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Lyttleton and Dunedin. You'll also visit Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound and Milford Sound -- massive fjords that are home to waterfalls, marine life and lush rainforest. The first Australian stop is Melbourne, followed by Eden and Sydney. From Lord of the Rings tours and four-wheel safaris to gondola rides and a visit to a Maori tribe's fortified settlement, the excursion options are well rounded with options for all tastes.

Who should go : The 2,032-passenger Norwegian Spirit will attract those looking for a ship with a modern vibe, as it was remodeled in 2022. The $100 million facelift is evident in the expanded spa, new dining venues and lounges (including a cigar bar), an adults-only retreat and an expanded fitness center. Fares start at $1,899 per person.

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8 of the best cruises in Australia for 2024 and 2025

A ustralia covers plenty of ground, and its expansive terrain encompasses everything from pristine beaches to rugged Outback, coral reefs and cosmopolitan cities. With such a scintillating and diverse landscape available to explore by land and sea, it’s hardly surprising Australia is a popular cruise destination.

Whether it’s dedicated antipodean cruises you’re looking for, or stop-offs as part of a longer voyage to other countries, we’ve rounded up some of the best itineraries to help you plan your travels.

From epic multi-country voyages aboard giants of the sea to Scenic’s intimate 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse II , there are a range of routes and a variety of vessels, plus trips that cover myriad interests and hobbies, from sampling Hobart’s delectable oysters to some much-needed R&R on a secluded beach. Whatever you’re after, you’ll find there’s a cruise – and part of Australia – for everyone.

Princess Cruises: 7-day Queensland

Brisbane – airlie beach – cairns – port douglas – willis island - brisbane.

Setting sail 10 February 2025, Princess Cruises’ seven-night Queensland round-trip from Brisbane calls at hotspots including Airlie Beach, Cairns and Port Douglas, and is a great option if you’d like to get acquainted with this northern Australian state. On board Diamond Princess you can expect to enjoy everything from freshly prepared sushi in the Kai Sushi restaurant to the renowned Izumi Japanese Bath, complete with sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool. Off-shore excursions include exploring Brisbane, and discovering the Great Barrier Reef by catamaran with an on-board marine biologist.

Departs 10 February 2025. Princess Standard fares start from £624pp, based on two sharing an inside stateroom; flights not included.

Viking Cruises: Komodo and the Australian Coast

Bali (benoa) – lombok – komodo national park (slawi bay) – darwin – thursday island – cairns – townsville – whitsunday islands (airlie beach) – brisbane – newcastle – sydney.

Traversing both Australia’s legendary coastline and the Indonesian archipelago, Viking’s 16-night adventure aboard Viking Venues is guaranteed to be an animal- and culture-filled adventure. From Komodo dragons on Komodo Island to jumping crocodiles in the Northern Territory, there are plenty of opportunities to uncover the diverse habitats of this exciting landscape. Highlights include an exploration of the Komodo National Park with a trained naturalist, as well as stop-offs in waterside Darwin and cosmopolitan Brisbane.

Departs 7 December 2024. Prices from £4,290pp in a veranda stateroom; flights included.

Princess Cruises: 16-day Australian Outback

Sydney – airlie beach – cairns – port douglas – willis island – moreton island – sydney.

Kickstart the new year with an adventure aboard Princess Cruises’ 16-day Australian Outback cruise. Sailing on Crown Princess , this exciting deep dive into the Outback and beyond also features six nights spent on land in Sydney and Cairns, and you’ll also get the opportunity to watch the sun rise (and set) over the awe-inspiring Uluru / Ayers Rock. The cruise includes a stop-off at Moreton Island, famed for its pristine sand dunes and multi-coloured fish, and you’ll get the chance to enjoy excursions such as desert safaris, paddleboarding and snorkelling, too.

Departs 29 January 2025. Prices from £3,975 for an interior roomflights not included.

Viking Cruises: Grand Australia Circumnavigation

Sydney – brisbane – whitsunday islands (airlie beach) – townsville – cairns – darwin – komodo – bali (benoa), geraldton – perth (fremantle) – busselton albany – adelaide – melbourne – burnie – eden – sydney.

Take a tour around Australia and parts of Indonesia with Viking’s epic 31-night cruise aboard Viking Orion that encompasses the Whitsunday archipelago, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne, as well as Indonesia’s Komodo Island and Bali. Fifteen guided tours are included in the package, as well as return flights from select UK airports. It’s a great way to take in Australia’s expansive coastline, as well as a variety of seas and straits including the Coral Sea, Arafura Sea, Timor Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Bass Strait.

Sails 30 December 2025. Prices from £16,290pp in a veranda stateroom; flights included.

Cunard: Australian Literature Festival at Sea

Sydney – hobart – sydney.

For a cruise with a difference, be sure to book a cabin aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth . Sailing five nights, this literary-focussed voyage sets sail from Sydney with a stop-off at Hobart along the way. In partnership with Australia’s oldest bookshop, Dymocks, this inaugural literary cruise will feature author talks and Q&As from the likes of Alexander McCall Smith and Paul Cleave, informative workshops, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the idyllic sescapes with your favourite book in hand.

Departs 11 December 2024. Prices start from £799 for a ‘Britannia’ inside room; flights not included.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines: Australian and South African Exploration

Sydney – melbourne – hobart – albany – fremantle – port louis – reunion– gqeberha (port elizabeth) – cape town.

Forming part of Bolette’s longer ‘Exploration Around the World’ voyage, Fred Olsen’s Australian and South African Exploration spans 29 nights. Australian on-shore highlights include touring the Blue Mountains and viewing the indigenous quokka species in its natural habitat. Beyond Oz, you’ll get the chance to go in search of the Big Five at Aquilla Game Reserve, accompanied by wildlife expert and TV presenter Michaela Strachan.

Departs 3 March 2025. Prices start from £5,199pp, including a flight from London Heathrow to Sydney, a pre-cruise overnight hotel stay in Sydney, and a flight from Cape Town to London Heathrow.

Scenic: Australia’s Top End: Cape York & the Great Barrier Reef

Darwin – cobourg peninsula – galiwin’ku (elcho island) – wessel islands – english company islands – yirrkala – thursday island – cape york – piper islands – sandy cay, creech reef –  davie reef –osprey reef – cooktown – port douglas – willis island – cairns.

Scenic’s 16-day voyage aboard Scenic Eclipse II explores Australia’s diverse northern coastline, from the Cape York Peninsula and the Great Barrier Reef to the enchanting Piper Islands and secluded Sandy Cay, only accessible by small vessels. With just 228 guests on board Scenic Eclipse II , this cruise promises an intimate exploration of Australia’s northern tip. It’s also set to steeped in luxury, with butler service for every passenger and six-star luxury suites on offer.

Departs 11 October 2025. Prices from £12,128; flights included.

Read more: The best Northern Lights cruises, from Iceland to Canada

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2024 Australia & New Zealand Cruises

There’s so much to be excited about in 2024/2025 in Australia and New Zealand. Not only are we going to enjoy a full season in the Land Down Under, but we’re making this bucket list experience even more unforgettable with Celebrity Edge®, the first revolutionary ship in our Edge® Series. There’s no better way to experience this amazing region of the world than aboard the first ship designed to make the destination the center of attention with its outward-facing design. Celebrity Edge is the ultimate elevated resort at sea.

Itineraries

Departure ports.

Sydney, Australia

Auckland, New Zealand

Ship sailing to Australia & New Zealand

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Hobart, Tasmania

Melbourne, Australia

Milford Sound, New Zealand

Learn More About Our New Season of 2024 Australia & New Zealand Cruises

We’ve designed incredible itineraries to offer the best of Australia and New Zealand, including sailings that feature Auckland, New Zealand as a departure port. Our new season in Australia and New Zealand also gives you more time in the places you visit, so you’ll be completely immersed in the culture and beauty of the destinations.

Our 2024/2025 sailings will introduce you to some of the most memorable destinations you can imagine, from the lush landscapes and volcanic mountains of New Zealand and the rugged outback of Australia to the bustling, cosmopolitan city life of Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. You’ll discover unique wildlife and landscapes in this awe-inspiring destination. You’ll be immersed in the Maori’s rich history and traditions. You’ll marvel at the magnificence of Milford Sound. These sailings also offer incredible visits to the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, and islands in the South Pacific, including Fiji. You’ll experience a vacation that doesn’t feel like a vacation at all—it’s a life-changing journey you’ll cherish long after you return home. 

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