Cruise deals and packages from Australia

Cruises from Australia — where do you want to go?

Sailings from Australian ports cover a wide arc of the world, from short Pacific island escapes to voyages that stretch across the ocean for weeks at a time. The bulk of the cruising is close to home — across Australia itself, out into the South Pacific and across to New Zealand — while a smaller but well-served group of sailings heads further afield on transpacific crossings and beyond. Itineraries run from 4 nights to 96 nights, with a median of 11 nights, so there is a trip to suit a long weekend as much as a serious ocean voyage.

Where do cruises from Australia sail to?

The two main groups of destinations are close-to-home routes and longer ocean crossings. Here is how the sailing calendar breaks down.

Close to home — the Pacific and New Zealand

The largest share of sailings stays in the region, and for good reason: island-hopping the South Pacific, crossing the Tasman to New Zealand or sailing along the Australian coast are some of the most accessible cruise holidays on the market. You can board in Sydney or Brisbane and be at sea the same afternoon with no international flight involved.

• Australian coastal routes are the most heavily represented part of the programme, hugging the coastline and connecting major ports from north to south.
• South Pacific sailings are the second biggest group, calling at island destinations scattered across the Pacific from east to west.
• New Zealand itineraries cross the Tasman and explore the country’s ports — Auckland is a common embarkation and disembarkation point for these voyages.
• Australia and New Zealand combination sailings take in both countries in a single voyage, popular for ticking off two destinations at once.
• Polynesia routes reach further into the Pacific, visiting island groups that most travellers would struggle to reach any other way.
• Fiji features on select itineraries departing from Sydney — see our Sydney to Fiji page for specific sailings.

If you are focused on sailing around the continent itself, our Australian coastal cruises page has a dedicated selection, and round-Australia voyages are available for those who want to see the whole country by sea.

The long haul — transpacific crossings and beyond

Transpacific sailings connect Australia to ports across the Pacific and are typically one-way voyages — the ship crosses the ocean in one direction, finishing in another country. That means you will need a return flight at the end, and we can arrange it alongside your cruise, together with hotels either side and transfers, so the whole journey is one joined-up booking. Round-the-world voyages departing from Australia are also available for those looking for the longest ocean adventure of all.

Which ports can I sail from in Australia?

The great majority of sailings depart from the east coast, with Sydney and Brisbane carrying the bulk of departures. Perth (Fremantle) offers a western gateway, and Darwin adds a northern option for some itineraries. Wherever you are in the country, the nearest departure port is at most a short domestic flight away — and we can book that too.

Sydney: Australia’s iconic harbour city

Sydney is the country’s busiest cruise port and the embarkation point for the widest range of itineraries. You can board a ship in the morning and clear the heads by afternoon. Sailings from Sydney span every major destination group — the Pacific, New Zealand, coastal Australia and transpacific crossings. Our cruises from Sydney page has the full selection, and if you want a departure timed around the holiday calendar, the Easter 2027 sailings from Sydney are worth a look. For value-led options, cheap cruises from Sydney lists the most competitively priced departures. If you fancy a short break to ease into cruising, 3-night sailings from Sydney are a good starting point.

Brisbane: a city full of life

Brisbane has grown into a significant cruise hub with a strong selection of Pacific and coastal routes. The port sits close to the city centre, making it straightforward to arrive the day before and explore before boarding. Cruises from Brisbane range from quick getaways to longer Pacific voyages. For 2027 departures, our Brisbane 2027 cruise guide covers what is on offer, and short cruises from Brisbane lists the more compact itineraries.

Melbourne: Australia’s “melting pot” city

Melbourne punches above its weight as a cruise port, offering departures across a range of lines and durations. It is an easy choice if you are based in Victoria — drive in, park, and board. Our cruises from Melbourne page has current sailings.

Perth (Fremantle): Australia’s western port

For travellers on the west coast, Perth — departing from the port of Fremantle — removes the need to cross the country before you cruise. The selection is smaller than the east coast ports but covers key Pacific and Indian Ocean routes. See Australia cruise deals for sailings that include Fremantle on the itinerary.

Cruises from other cities

Adelaide is another active departure point for Australian cruises — our cruises from Adelaide page covers what is available. Darwin features on select itineraries, particularly those heading into Southeast Asian waters. If you are looking for a sailing that finishes in Singapore, the Singapore to Australia 2027 page covers those transpacific connections in both directions.

Which cruise lines sail from Australia?

The Australian market is well served by a wide range of lines, from big fun ships to luxury small-ship experiences. Princess Cruises leads the programme in terms of sheer breadth, with Carnival Cruise Line running a strong schedule of shorter and mid-length Pacific sailings. Royal Caribbean brings some of the most technology-packed ships in the world to the region, while Celebrity Cruises offers a premium-modern style that appeals to experienced cruisers. At the luxury end, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn both run sailings from Australian ports.

If you are new to a particular line and want to explore further, our Princess Cruises page and the Princess 2027–2028 season launch lay out everything that line has planned. For Carnival, our dedicated Carnival cruises to Australia page is the best starting point. For a broader view of all deals across the programme, cruise deals brings together the widest selection.

Australia highlights — what will you see?

Cruising the Australian coast and its surrounding seas puts a remarkable variety of landscapes and cultures within reach. Coastal routes take in the country’s major port cities and quieter regional stops along the way. Pacific island sailings deliver warm waters, reefs and beach days at a pace that no land-based holiday can match. New Zealand crossings bring in some of the most dramatic scenery in the southern hemisphere — fjords, glaciers and green coastline that you experience at sea level from the deck of a ship.

For those ready to go even further, cruises from Australia to Japan and cruises from Australia to Hawaii make a transpacific voyage a genuinely achievable holiday rather than a logistical challenge. We handle the flights, transfers and any hotel nights so the whole trip comes together cleanly.

Best time to cruise from Australia

Australian coastal and Pacific sailings run year-round, and the programme is active from spring through to late autumn and beyond. Different departure windows suit different itineraries: the South Pacific and New Zealand see strong demand from October through to April, while coastal sailings are available in every month. The Christmas and New Year period is consistently popular — our Christmas 2026 cruises from Australia and Christmas cruises to New Zealand pages carry specific sailings for that period, and New Year 2028 cruises are already on sale for those planning well ahead.

If you want something soon rather than later, our last-minute cruise section and last-minute Australia deals list sailings departing within the coming weeks.

The ships sailing from Australia

Several well-known ships are homeported in Australia or make extended seasons here. Below are the ships with the most sailings on the current programme.

Grand Princess — Princess Cruises

Grand Princess carries the most sailings on the current programme from Brisbane and Sydney. On board, the Crown Grill — recognised by USA Today as a standout cruise steakhouse — and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria give you serious dining options that go well beyond the main restaurant. The MedallionClass® OceanNow® system lets you order food, drinks and services to wherever you are on the ship via the Princess app, and Movies Under the Stars® — a giant poolside screen with popcorn and blankets included — is a particular highlight on routes heading north. If you want to explore cabin options, the Grand Princess cabins and deck plans page covers what is available in detail.

Carnival Adventure — Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Adventure is one of the most activity-focused ships in the Australian market. The EDGE Adventure Park sits high above the deck and includes zip-lining, rock climbing, abseiling and a flying fox — something you notice the moment you board in Sydney. Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi and Blanc de Blanc Uncorked cabaret give the ship real nightlife credentials alongside its daytime energy. Families are well catered for with Camp Ocean (ages 2–11), Circle C and Club O2 teen programmes, while the adults-only Serenity Retreat and Cloud 9 Spa offer a quieter alternative. See the Carnival Adventure cabins and deck plans for full cabin detail.

Celebrity Edge — Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Edge is the ship that introduced the Magic Carpet — the world’s first cantilevered floating platform, which rises 16 storeys up the hull and functions as a bar, restaurant or dive platform depending on the day. Infinite Veranda staterooms open the entire balcony wall, so the boundary between your cabin and the ocean air disappears. Le Petit Chef delivers a 3D animated dinner experience, and the Eden venue — three levels of live performance — reshapes what onboard entertainment can be. Cabin detail is on the Celebrity Edge cabins and deck plans page.

Royal Princess — Princess Cruises

Royal Princess is best known for its SeaWalk: an 18-metre glass-bottomed walkway that sits 40 metres above the ocean, giving you an unobstructed view straight down to the sea below. MedallionClass OceanNow on-demand ordering covers the whole ship, and Crown Grill and Sabatini’s anchor the specialty dining. The 24-hour International Café means there is always somewhere to eat regardless of the hour. Cabin grades and layouts are listed on the Royal Princess cabins and deck plans page.

Carnival Splendor — Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Splendor is homeported in Sydney and runs a busy schedule of Pacific and coastal sailings. The Green Lightning waterslide and WaterWorks™ waterpark entertain all ages, and the retractable-roof midship pool means the fun continues regardless of the weather. Guy’s Burger Joint, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse and Masala Tiger bring strong dining variety, and Cloud 9 Spa™ features Thalassotherapy pools and thermal suites for guests who prefer something quieter. Full cabin information is available on the Carnival Splendor cabins and deck plans page.

Anthem of the Seas — Royal Caribbean

Anthem of the Seas holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest viewing deck at sea — the North Star observation capsule lifts guests 300 feet above the waves. RipCord by iFLY lets you experience skydiving indoors, SeaPlex has bumper cars on a cruise ship, and the Two70° venue combines 4K immersive performances with a Bionic Bar run by robotic cocktail-making arms. Cabin grades and layouts are on the Anthem of the Seas cabins and deck plans page.

Cabin grades — what to expect on board

The ships sailing from Australia offer cabin grades across all categories, from practical inside rooms to expansive suites. Below is a guide to the grades available on the 3 ships where we hold full cabin detail. For any ship, the cabin page linked above gives you sizes, layouts and current availability.

Grand Princess cabin grades

• Inside cabin IA — 14.9 m², sleeps 4. Positioned on middle decks for minimal motion and easy access to lifts and facilities.
• Premium sea view O3 — 19.1 m², sleeps 4. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic window with an unobstructed sea view and natural light throughout the day.
• Premium Balcony cabin B2 — 25.5 m², sleeps 4. Floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors open the cabin to the outside, giving more natural light than standard balcony grades.
• Grand Suite S1 — 67.8 m², sleeps 4. The largest suite on the ship, with a private hot tub and considerably more space than any other suite category on board.

Carnival Adventure cabin grades

• Inside cabin 4A — 15 m², sleeps 4. Includes a walk-in wardrobe and generous storage — well suited to longer voyages.
• Ocean-view cabin with porthole PT — 15 m², sleeps 4. Two round portholes bring natural light into cabins on the quieter lower decks.
• Balcony cabin 8A — 16 m², sleeps 4. A private balcony behind a glass folding door gives direct outdoor access that inside cabins do not offer.
• Byron Beach Club Presidential Suite SB — 58 m², sleeps 4. The flagship suite, more than twice the size of standard balcony cabins, with an expansive balcony, dressing area and deluxe bathroom.

Celebrity Edge cabin grades

• Deluxe Inside cabin DI — 18.8 m², sleeps 4. Around 2 m² more spacious than standard inside cabins, with a larger bathroom and increased storage.
• Deluxe Ocean-view cabin DO — 22.1 m², sleeps 4. The most spacious ocean-view grade on the ship, offering around 3–4 m² more living space than standard ocean-view cabins.
• Sunset Veranda Stateroom SV — 21.2 m², sleeps 4. Features the largest balcony of any standard balcony cabin, at approximately 8.3 m² compared with around 3.7 m² in other veranda grades.
• Iconic Suite IC — 239.8 m², sleeps 6. The largest suite in the Celebrity fleet, with 270° panoramic views from the highest vantage point above the bridge, plus a private hot tub.

What do the fares include?

Fare inclusions vary by cruise line and by the tier you choose, so it is worth understanding what each covers before you compare prices.

Princess Cruises offers two main starting points. Princess Standard is the base cruise fare — the cruise itself, with drinks, Wi-Fi and dining add-ons available separately. Princess Plus steps up to include 4 casual dining meals per voyage, drinks up to A$15 each (with a daily limit of 15), MedallionNet® Max Wi-Fi, pre-paid crew appreciation, unlimited digital photographs plus 3 prints, and reserved theatre seating.

Royal Caribbean fare types on this programme include standard cruise fares, solo fares for single-occupancy bookings, and fare types such as last-minute offers and third and fourth guest promotions — exact inclusions depend on the specific sailing and booking window.

Celebrity Cruises gives you 3 tiers to choose from: a cruise-only rate that keeps the base fare low and lets you add extras later; a value tier that includes a classic drinks package and basic Wi-Fi; and The Retreat, which is Celebrity’s suite-class experience covering premium drinks, premium Wi-Fi, exclusive lounge and sundeck access, private dining and dedicated personal service.

Whatever line you choose, our team can walk you through what each fare covers and help you decide whether an upgrade makes sense for your trip. Call us or search online — our Australian cruise experts are available seven days a week.

Discounts and deals on Australian departures

A significant share of the sailings on this programme carry a reduction from the price previously listed for that cabin grade. Most discounted sailings sit around 8% off, while at the top end the reduction reaches up to 43% on a single departure. If you are flexible on dates, browsing the last-minute cruises section or the last-minute Australia deals page can turn up strong savings on departures within the coming weeks. Our Carnival cruises to Australia page and the South Pacific cruises from Sydney in 2027 are also worth checking for current promotions on specific itineraries.

Make it a full holiday

Cruise1st is a cruise specialist — every booking is a cruise or a cruise-inclusive package. If your itinerary is one-way, or if you are flying to join a ship at a port away from home, we can arrange flights, hotels, transfers, tours and insurance around your cruise as a Cruise1st Package. One call, one booking, and everything is covered. Our Australian cruise experts are on hand seven days a week to put it together for you.

Browse the Carnival cruises from Sydney, Princess Cruises around Australia in 2027, or the full cruise around Australia 2027 programme to start planning. If Christmas is the target, the Royal Caribbean Christmas cruise 2026 in Australia page has specific options. And if the idea of a multi-month ocean voyage appeals, round-the-world cruises from Australia are available for the truly adventurous. All sailings are available through Cruise1st’s full cruise search with our Best Price Guarantee applied.

*Prices are per person based on 2 people sharing, and are subject to change. This price is not kept up to date and therefore does not reflect live pricing and availability. Prices and any discounts shown were checked on 14 October 2026.