8 best Australia and New Zealand cruises

1 month ago 22

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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