Lyla Lindsey
Australia's cruise industry is booming, with a range of cruise lines sailing to and from the country in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. The country offers around 30 cruise ports, with Sydney being the largest, and a variety of destinations and experiences, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Kimberley wilderness and themed cruises. The industry has faced some challenges, with P&O Cruises Australia ceasing operations in early 2025, but overall, it remains a popular choice for travellers, with many cruise lines and ships sailing to and from Australia each year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 |
| Number of Cruise Ships | 70 (2023), 62 (2024-25), 70+ (2025) |
| Cruise Lines | P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Cruise Line, Coral Expeditions, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Heritage Expeditions, Holland America Line, Ponant, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises |
| Cruise Destinations | Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, Cape York, Torres Straits, Western Australia, Sydney, Brisbane, Newcastle, Melbourne, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Hobart, Moreton Island, Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, Fraser Island, Perth, Bunbury, Exmouth, Darwin, Broome, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Hawaii, San Francisco, Vancouver, Hong Kong |
| Cruise Types | Themed cruises (country music, Elvis Presley, 80s, 90s, disco, comedy, sports), repositioning cruises, one-way cruises, mainstream cruises, short cruises, long cruises |
| Onboard Amenities | Swimming pools, waterslides, sports courts, mini golf, games rooms, libraries, kids' clubs, live music, theatre, comedy shows, movies, Australian culture-focused entertainment |
| Dietary Options | Larger cruise ships offer multiple restaurants catering to dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free) |
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What You'll Learn
Cruise ships returning to Australia in 2024-25
Australia is a popular destination for cruise ships, with around 30 cruise ports dotted around its coast. Sydney is the country's largest port, with two terminals in the harbour welcoming hundreds of ships each year. In 2024-25, Australia will host 62 cruise ships, with many staying longer and making more port calls.
There are a variety of cruise options for those wishing to explore Australia by sea. Mainstream cruising destinations include the South Pacific islands, New Zealand, and domestic cruises around Australia. Smaller ships and yachts also offer adventures in the wilderness of Tasmania and the Kimberley region in Western Australia. River cruises are also available on the Murray River, spanning Victoria and South Australia.
Cruise ships from a variety of lines will be sailing in Australian waters in 2024-25, including:
- Azamara Cruises: The Azamara Pursuit will sail the Great Australian Bight and New Zealand, with departures from Sydney in February.
- Carnival Cruise Line: The Carnival Luminosa will homeport in Brisbane, and the Carnival Splendor will be based in Sydney, offering itineraries across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
- Celebrity Cruises: The Celebrity Edge will offer 17 sailings from October, visiting 26 ports in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
- Coral Expeditions: The company will operate 103 departures across its three ships, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, Cape York, Torres Straits, and Western Australia.
- Cunard: Queen Elizabeth will homeport in Sydney from October, featuring culinary and literature-themed voyages. The new Queen Anne will make her maiden Australian voyage in February.
- Disney Cruise Line: The Disney Wonder will offer cruises across Australia and New Zealand from October 2024 to February 2025, including special Christmas-themed sailings.
- Heritage Expeditions: The company will offer voyages aboard the Heritage Adventurer, including trips to Antarctica, Australia’s Kimberley coast, and around New Zealand.
- Holland America Line: The Westerdam will arrive in Sydney on November 17, offering various itineraries including a 35-day Australian circumnavigation.
In addition to these, other cruise lines offering sailings in Australia in 2024-25 include P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Royal Caribbean.
One-way cruises, also known as repositioning cruises, are also available for those looking to travel between destinations. These cruises typically occur during the transition between seasons as cruise ships move to a new home port. Popular one-way cruise destinations from Australia include Asia and Hawaii, but there are also options to travel to North America, South Africa, and Europe.
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Themed cruises in Australia
Themed cruises are very popular in Australia, with a wide range of options catering to various interests, budgets, and durations. Whether you're a music lover, foodie, literary buff, or sports enthusiast, there's a themed cruise for you.
Music-Themed Cruises
Music enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of themed cruises, including jazz, country music, and 80s pop culture. P&O Cruises offers country music-themed cruises with a range of acts and experiences. They also offer dedicated 1980s cruises, celebrating the music, fashion, and culture of that decade. For those who prefer jazz, "The Jazz Cruise" and "Botti at Sea" offer captivating musical experiences. If you're a fan of the edginess of the 90s, "The 90s Cruise" by Royal Caribbean Cruises offers a 5-day trip down memory lane with nightly theme parties and 90s celebrities.
Comedy Cruises
Comedy cruises are a popular option for those seeking laughter and entertainment. P&O Cruises offers famous 3-4 night comedy cruises featuring headline comedy shows by renowned comedians from Australia and New Zealand, as well as interactive performances and comedy workshops.
Sports-Themed Cruises
For sports enthusiasts, the High Seas Rally by Royal Caribbean Cruises is a unique motorcycle-themed cruise that brings together a community of bikers for a 7-night adventure. This cruise features theme nights, parties, concerts, and live music, combining the thrill of biking with the luxury of cruising.
Culinary-Focused Cruises
Foodies can indulge in culinary-focused cruises, such as those offered by Celebrity, which feature delectable onboard dining events and gourmet cuisine. These cruises often coincide with various holidays, such as Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Thanksgiving, allowing passengers to celebrate in style with unique cruise ship traditions.
Other Themed Cruises
In addition to the above, there are cruises themed around popular eras like the 90s, disco, sporting events like the Melbourne Cup, and even specific interests like Star Trek. The "Un-Conventional Voyage" by Royal Caribbean Cruises is a 7-day Star Trek-themed cruise that includes special shows, activities, and parties, perfect for Trekkies.
With around 30 cruise ports in Australia, there are numerous options for themed cruises departing from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and other popular locations. These cruises typically range from short breaks of 3-5 days to longer voyages of 7, 14, or 21 days, allowing passengers to choose based on their preferences and interests.
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Cruise ships with entertainment for families
There are plenty of cruise ships with entertainment for families sailing in Australia. Princess Cruises offers a wide range of cruises around Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, with ships departing from Sydney in April and heading to Hawaii, San Francisco, or Vancouver. Princess Cruises provides family-friendly cruise destinations, immersive entertainment, and exciting activities for all ages. Their MedallionClass experience includes interactive games and fast, reliable Wi-Fi, while the Caribbean Princess® family cruise ship features the Reef Family Splash Zone, with an interactive splash pad to entertain kids of all ages. Princess Cruises also offers family suites that sleep up to eight people and engaging youth programming for their youngest guests.
Royal Caribbean Cruises is another option, offering great family getaways with dining options, entertainment, and activities for all ages included in your cruise fare. Their ships feature rock climbing, a FlowRider® surf simulator, and an ice skating rink, with dazzling original productions and fan favorites straight from Broadway. Royal Caribbean also offers spacious rooms designed with families in mind, with ocean views and suites with wrap-around balconies.
For those seeking a shorter cruise experience, Pacific Explorer, based in Adelaide until April, offers dual waterslides, lawn bowls, and the P&O Edge Adventure Park. The ship also has two adults-only areas, both with plunge pools. It offers sailings to Kangaroo Island, Western Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, as well as themed cruises such as a three-night comedy cruise and an 80s-themed 'cruise to nowhere'.
If you're looking for a taste of the Golden Age of cruising, Cunard's Queen Elizabeth offers a traditional experience with dressing up for dinner and afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters. Departing on March 1, the Queen Elizabeth sails to Western Australia on a six-night cruise, with a longer 16-night itinerary available to Singapore.
Themed cruises are also popular in Australia, with cruises themed around country music, Elvis Presley, popular eras, disco, comedy, and sporting events. These cruises are usually shorter, lasting around four or five days, and include fun activities, decorations, and passengers in full costume.
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Cruise ships with dietary restrictions
As cruise ships return to Australia, many travellers are excited to experience the adventure and relaxation that comes with cruising. For those with dietary restrictions, it is important to know which cruise lines can accommodate their needs. Most large cruise ships in Australia can cater to dietary restrictions, with multiple restaurants on board offering vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, low-fat, and low-sodium options.
Royal Caribbean Cruises, for example, accommodates dietary requirements such as food allergies, gluten-free, kosher, low-fat, and low-sodium diets. They also offer a variety of vegetarian meals and lactose-free/soy milk options at no extra charge, as long as they are notified at least 45 days before sailing. Vegan menus are also available upon request.
Some other cruise lines that cater to dietary restrictions include AIDA, a German cruise line, and Celebrity cruise, which offers some organic items on its menu. If you have specific or unusual dietary needs, it is recommended to speak to your travel agent when booking and find out if you can submit special meal requests early.
In addition to dietary accommodations, cruise ships in Australia offer a wide range of entertainment and activities for all ages. From swimming pools, waterslides, and sports courts to quieter spaces like games rooms and libraries, there is something for everyone. Themed cruises are also popular in Australia, with options like country music, Elvis Presley, and popular eras like the 80s and 90s.
As you plan your cruise holiday in Australia, rest assured that your dietary restrictions will be accommodated, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation. Whether you're sailing to Western Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, or exploring the remote Kimberley region, your dining needs will be taken care of.
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Repositioning cruises
Australia is a great destination for cruise holidays, with around 30 cruise ports dotted around its coast. Sydney is the country's largest port, but other popular ports include Brisbane, Newcastle, Melbourne, Adelaide, and many more.
There are many repositioning cruises that depart from or arrive in Australia. Cruises from Hawaii to Australia typically sail in September, October, or April, and cruises from Asia to Australia usually depart in October, November, and December. Cruises from Australia to Asia tend to depart in February or March, and cruises from Australia to Hawaii depart in March or April.
Some examples of repositioning cruises that involve Australia include:
- A voyage between the Hawaiian islands and Sydney, stopping at the islands of French Polynesia.
- A cruise from Honolulu or Sydney, visiting the Bay of Islands in New Zealand, Moorea and Tahiti in French Polynesia, and the islands of Hawaii.
- A cruise from Barcelona around the coasts of Spain and Portugal, visiting Valencia, Cadiz, and Lisbon before crossing the Atlantic to Tampa, Florida.
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Frequently asked questions
Cruise ships have been sailing in Australian waters since at least 2023, with 2024 seeing 62 ships over the summer season.
In 2024, cruise ships sailing in Australia include Cunard's Queen Elizabeth, Disney Wonder, Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas, and Azamara Cruises' Azamara Pursuit.
In 2023, cruise ships sailing in Australia included Pacific Explorer, Grand Princess, Coral Princess, Majestic Princess, and Royal Princess.
Popular cruise destinations in Australia include the South Pacific islands, New Zealand, the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, and domestic cruises around Australia.
Cruise ships in Australia offer a range of entertainment and amenities, including swimming pools, waterslides, sports courts, mini-golf, live music, theatre, comedy shows, and interactive game shows.
