Australia / New Zealand Cruises

Australia and New Zealand Cruises

Discover the land down under on a cruise to Australia; the nation and continent is a bevy of natural wonders, as is New Zealand.

Australia / New Zealand Cruise Highlights

Tourists from North America will feel at home on a cruise to Australia and New Zealand, with English-speaking populations and popular sights as recognizable as the Statue of Liberty. But beyond the similarities lies a land of difference; visitors to Australia can't miss the Outback, a vast area of untamed country, or the Great Barrier Reef, teeming with marine life. In New Zealand, explore the bustling metropolis and yachting hub of Auckland, and the mountains and glaciers reminiscent of the Swiss Alps in Fiordland National Park.

Popular Australia / New Zealand Cruise Ports

These island nations are best visited via cruise ship. Most itineraries run between Auckland and Sydney, or vice versa, and make stops in cities like Christchurch, Tauranga, Wellington, Hobart, and Sydney. Here are some of the most talked about ports in New Zealand and Australia:

• Sydney, Australia: Australia's oldest and largest city is home to the world famous Sydney Opera House, the beautiful Sydney Harbor Bridge, and plenty of beaches, including Bondi Beach, Manly Beach and Store Beach.
• Melbourne, Australia: While in the cultural capital of Australia, be sure to explore Federation Square, full of art galleries, museums, restaurants and bars; the Royal Botanic Garden; and Queen Victoria Market, a huge open-air market that first opened in 1878.
• Auckland, New Zealand: New Zealand's former capital is both an urban hub and a nature-lover's paradise. Soak in the mesmerizing waterfalls, volcanic cones and rugged landscapes, and explore New Zealand's culture at the Auckland Art Gallery, Wallace Arts Centre and Sea Life Aquarium.

When is the Best Time to Go to Australia / New Zealand?

Located in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand and Australia experience seasons at the opposite time as in North America. Most cruises visit the region in its summer, between December and March. Typical departure ports include Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, so make sure to factor in two days for travel on the way there, and one day after.

What Cruise Lines Go to Australia / New Zealand?

Several ships sail to these regions on world cruises or lengthy Pacific voyages. Here are some lines to check out:

• Princess Cruises: Princess has the most comprehensive offering of cruises and cruise-tours, and offers regular departures throughout the season from a number of cities, including Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide. Enjoy the tastes of Australia on ship and off with Australian-born-chef Curtis Stone, who created dishes and dining experiences exclusively for Princess.
• Royal Caribbean: Royal Caribbean sails to a variety of ports across the South Pacific, including Hobart, Wollongong and Sydney, Australia and Auckland, Dunedin, and Akaroa, New Zealand. Interested in shore excursions? Royal Caribbean offers Sydney Harbour Bridge Climbs, Pub Discoveries and 4-Wheel-Drive Blue Mountain Tours.
• Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity sails to more than 37 ports of call in Australia and New Zealand. "City Stay" packages give you three nights to explore your embarkation city before setting sail, and shore excursions will keep you busy during your trip. Cuddle with koalas in Brisbane, brave a crocodile safari in Airlie Beach, and live like a hobbit on a Lord of the Rings set tour in Auckland.