Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is known for its diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant cities. If you're planning to travel to Australia by ship, there are several options available, including cruise ships, cargo ships, and freighters. The journey typically involves crossing the Pacific Ocean, with departure points from various locations such as the United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe. The travel duration varies depending on the origin and can range from a few weeks to several months. Cruising offers a comfortable and luxurious experience, while cargo ships provide a more affordable and adventurous alternative. Whether you're seeking a scenic voyage or a unique travel experience, travelling to Australia by ship presents a range of exciting possibilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance | 7,149 Nautical Miles (13,241 Kilometres / 8,227 Miles) |
| Departure Ports | Los Angeles, Hawaii, Seattle, New York, San Francisco, Vancouver, Buenos Aires, Singapore, etc. |
| Arrival Ports | Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane, Hobart, Melbourne, Cairns, Whitsunday Islands, Adelaide, Perth, etc. |
| Time Taken | 9–51 days |
| Cost | $65–$125 per day, $12,000 for 51 days, $14,459 for 107 nights |
| Other Amenities | Meals, Wi-fi, Phone access |
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What You'll Learn
Cargo ship travel options
Cargo ship travel is a unique and interesting experience. It is a good option if you love the sea, are conscious of your carbon footprint, or prefer to sail in a relaxed atmosphere away from the crowds. However, it can be a little intimidating, as there is limited information available about cargo ship travel, and what there is seems vague and out of date.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering cargo ship travel. Firstly, flexibility is a must. The crew is there to work, not entertain, and there is limited phone access, as there is usually only one satellite phone on board. There is also no Wi-Fi, so make sure you bring plenty of entertainment, such as books, games, writing materials, or knitting projects. On the other hand, you will have the opportunity to explore the working parts of the ship, marvel at gorgeous views, and enjoy three meals a day with the crew.
When it comes to booking cargo ship travel, you may need to go through a travel agent in your country of residence, as many cruise lines have restrictive policies. You can also book directly through some cargo ship companies, but be aware that deep-sea intercontinental voyages are no longer possible in most cases. It is recommended to book early, as demand is high and capacity is limited.
Cargo ship travel is a unique and affordable way to travel to Australia, with voyages usually lasting between 40 and 50 days, and costing between $65 and $125 per day, including lodging and meals. Some people also opt for segmented trips that last a few weeks, combining boat travel with other forms of transportation.
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Cruise ship options from the US
There are several cruise options available for those looking to travel from the US to Australia. Cruises are a comfortable and luxurious way to travel to Australia, but there aren't many options because it is a long trip. Cruises to Australia depart from various US cities, including Los Angeles, Hawaii, Seattle, New York, and San Francisco.
- Cunard Line offers a 43-night cruise from New York to Sydney, departing on January 6, 2026. The cruise will visit Willemstad, the Panama Canal, Manzanillo, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Kona, Tahiti, Moorea, Bay of Islands, Auckland, and Tauranga.
- Princess Cruises offers a 33-day cruise from Los Angeles to Sydney, departing on January 19, 2026. This cruise will visit Honolulu, Kauai, Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, Dravuni Island, Suva, and several destinations in New Zealand.
- Holland America offers a 37-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Sydney, Australia. The cruise visits Grand Cayman, Puerto Limon, the Panama Canal, Manta, Lima, Easter Island, Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Rarotonga, Tonga, and Noumea.
- Oceania Cruises offers a 51-day Pacific Endeavors voyage from New York to Sydney. This cruise includes stops in Havana, Cuba, Cartagena, Colombia, and the Panama Canal. It then continues to ports in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Los Angeles, before heading to Hawaii, French Polynesia, and New Zealand.
- Cunard offers a 22-night cruise from San Francisco to Sydney, with stops in Honolulu, Bora Bora, Tahiti, Moorea, Auckland, Bay of Islands, and Sydney. They also offer a 21-night variation that includes Samoa and Tonga, and a 23-night cruise to Brisbane.
- Seabourn offers a 56-day Pacific Exploration cruise from Los Angeles to Sydney, featuring four consecutive days in Hawaii, a visit to Fanning Island in Kiribati, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
- Crystal Cruises offers a 24-day Pacific Sojourn from Los Angeles to Sydney, visiting seven Pacific islands, including Maui, Oahu, Samoa, Fiji, and New Caledonia, before reaching Australia.
- Royal Caribbean offers an 18 to 19-night cruise from Honolulu to Sydney, visiting Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Auckland, and Bay of Islands.
- Holland America offers an 18-day South Pacific Crossing from Honolulu to Sydney, stopping in Kona, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Norfolk Island.
- Celebrity Cruises offers an 18-night Tahitian Treasures cruise from Honolulu to Sydney, including Maui, Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea.
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Cruise ship options from Canada
If you're looking to travel to Australia from Canada by cruise ship, there are a few options available to you. While there are no direct cruises from Canada to Australia, you can join a cruise from Vancouver, Canada, that starts in North America. These cruises often depart from cities like Los Angeles, Hawaii, Seattle, New York, and San Francisco, and offer packages that include many of Australia's major cities and tourist destinations.
Alternatively, you could first travel to Asia and then take a cargo ship or cruise from there. Singapore is one of the best starting points for freighters, with a possible route of Singapore to Fremantle, Western Australia, taking around 9 days. Most freighters make several stops in Asia and Australia, so you can extend your trip at either end. However, be prepared for long travel times, as most ships arrive in the big cities in eastern Australia, increasing the distance.
If you're looking for a more direct route, the shortest shipping time by sea between Canada and Australia is 33 days, 12 hours. Ships depart from Prince Rupert and arrive in Brisbane, with scheduled departures 2-4 times a week. These services are operated by companies like COSCO, CMA CGM, and ZIM.
Keep in mind that cruises tend to cause more emissions than flights, so if you're concerned about your carbon footprint, you may want to consider other options or look into carbon offsetting initiatives.
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Cruise ship options from the UK
If you're looking to travel to Australia from the UK by ship, there are a few options available to you. While it is possible to travel by cargo ship, cruises are a more common and comfortable option. Here are some cruise ship options to consider:
Cunard
Cunard offers a 56-night cruise from Southampton to Sydney aboard the Queen Mary 2. This cruise includes stops in Jerusalem, Dubai, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, Darwin, the Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, and Brisbane. The trip concludes with a month of exploration in Australia before boarding the Ruby Princess cruise ship in Sydney, bound for Los Angeles with stops in New Zealand, American Samoa, Tahiti, and Hawaii.
Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises offers a voyage that begins in Los Angeles and ends in Italy. While this cruise misses the west coast of Australia, it includes stops in Darwin, Hamilton Island, Hardy Reef, Moolooba, Sydney, and Hobart. You also get to visit New Zealand and French Polynesia.
Silversea
Silversea offers a world cruise from San Francisco to London, which includes Australian destinations such as Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane, and Cairns.
Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and Oceania
These cruise lines offer voyages to Australia from various departure points in the United States, including Los Angeles, Hawaii, Seattle, New York, and San Francisco.
While these cruises offer a range of experiences and destinations, it's important to note that they can be costly and may not provide as much time in your preferred destination as you'd like. However, if you have the time and budget, cruising to Australia from the UK can be a leisurely and enjoyable way to travel.
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What to expect on a cargo ship
Cargo ship travel to Australia is a unique experience, but it can be intimidating due to the limited and sometimes vague information available. This mode of travel offers an extended journey time, with voyages lasting between 40 and 50 days, and can cost between $65 and $125 per day, including meals and lodging.
Cargo cruises are not typically booked through travel agents, and there is a good reason for that—the crew is there to work, not entertain. However, eating meals together provides a great opportunity to socialise.
You will need to bring your own entertainment, as there is no Wi-Fi, and phone access is limited to a ship's single satellite phone. So, be sure to pack books, games, writing materials, or any other activities to keep yourself occupied.
The journey offers a chance to marvel at gorgeous views of sunrises, sunsets, and constellations. You can also expect to make several stops, allowing you to extend your trip and explore various ports of call.
If you are keen on this option, you can explore companies like Freighter Expeditions, which offer voyages on working ships.
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Frequently asked questions
The time taken to travel to Australia by ship varies depending on the origin of the journey. From the US West Coast, the journey takes around three weeks. A voyage from Vancouver, Canada, takes a week longer. Sailing from California to Australia takes around 45-60 days. The shortest shipping time by sea between the US and Australia is 23 days and 7 hours.
The cost of travelling to Australia by ship depends on the type of ship and the duration of the journey. Cargo cruises cost between $65 and $125 per day, which includes lodging and three meals a day. The MSC Magnifica cruise ship begins its journey from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and takes 51 days, costing over $12,000. Cunard offers a 107-night round trip from Southampton, UK, in 2019, starting from £14,459 per person.
There are a few different types of ships that can be taken to travel to Australia. These include freighters, sailboats, cruise ships, and cargo ships.
When travelling to Australia by ship, it is important to be flexible and prepared for limited entertainment. There may be no Wi-Fi, and phone access may be restricted to a satellite phone. It is recommended to bring books, games, or other activities to stay occupied. Additionally, be aware of the carbon footprint of your travels and consider supporting initiatives to compensate for the environmental impact.
