Top 5 Australian Cruises

Posted 14 January, 2021 Ellen Morgan

Thinking of heading away on a cruise for your next holiday? Picture reclining on your very own balcony, book-in hand, looking out at the crystal blue expanse before you… it sounds pretty good to us, too.   With cruising through Australian waters set to resume later this year, there are plenty of options to choose from. The best bit? You can book ahead now, secure your spot and get excited for the journey ahead. To help you pick the best cruise for you and your travelling tribe, we’ve listed our top 5 Aussie cruises available to book now. So, whether you want a romantic getaway for 2 or some seaside fun for the whole family, we’ve got the cruise for you.  

Adelaide to Melbourne – Princess Cruises

Experience the luxury of a world-class cruise ship, while also enjoying the convenience of being picked up right on our doorstep. Departing from Adelaide shores, this cruise will take you to the bustling city of Melbourne, stopping off at Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln and Phillip Island along the way. Soak up the natural delights, sample fresh local seafood and encounter our native wildlife on your off-ship excursions. Before the sun sets, return to the ship for delightful dining experiences and onboard entertainment, all included as part of your package. The 5-night cruise is just long enough for a short getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you can spare a little more time, why not extend your stay with a few nights in Melbourne? Enjoy the sights of the city after your relaxing journey at sea, then fly back home to Adelaide. This cruise sets sail in January and March 2022 and RAA members receive bonus onboard credit.    

Australian circumnavigation – Holland America

Some of the world’s most prized classic cruise ships, Holland America’s vessels have recently undergone a number of refurbishments. Keeping in line with the heritage style, they now feature a variety of mod-cons and luxurious furnishings to make your journey even smoother. One of the most exciting improvements? The addition of several music venues on board each ship so you can enjoy everything from blues to classical to rock and roll. This 35-night cruise is for explorers, foodies and lovers of a touch of luxury. With all the bells and whistles on board, Holland America will take you to a variety of destinations from Airlie Beach and Dili, to the Komodo Islands, Fremantle, Kangaroo Island and even Burnie in Tasmania. The mid-sized ships have less passengers than similar national and international cruise lines, meaning you’ll have a more personalised, boutique experience. Get set for a November 2022 departure, with RAA members receiving exclusive savings and bonus onboard credit.  

Queensland coast – Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas

Looking to hit the high seas with the whole family in-tow? The Quantum of the Seas has you covered with their cruise along the Queensland coast. Cruising over the 2023 summer holidays, the 7-day experience will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. On board, there are a stack of features to explore and keep the whole family busy, from a rock-climbing wall to a surf simulator. There’s also a Bionic Bar for the big kids, where robots will take care of your order, and a sky diving simulator for those with a passion for technology. Off the ship, there are plenty of opportunities to try something new and make some unforgettable holiday memories. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, stroll the waterfront at cultural Airlie Beach or see the sights of the Daintree at your stop-off in Cairns. Book now or find out more about this family adventure on the high seas.  

Southern WA Discovery – Pacific Explorer

 Always wanted to explore the wonders of the wild west? With Pacific Explorer, you can – and all with the convenience of return travel from Adelaide. Encounter natural wildlife and sip wine by day, and enjoy onboard entertainment, delicious dining and trendy bars by night. If this sounds like your perfect cup of holiday tea, it’s time to book this 10-night cruise. Visit Albany, Busselton, Fremantle and Esperance over the journey, and soak up the pristine WA coastline, as well as its award-winning wine region and national parks. Hungry after all your adventuring? The Pacific Explorer boasts an incredible 12 dining experiences on board, including Luke’s where the menu is designed by celebrity chef Luke Mangan. To make the experience even sweeter, RAA members receive an extra $100 on board credit to enjoy on the journey. We like the sound of that. Cruise departs in March and April 2022 and can be booked now.  

Small ship Kimberley adventure — Coral Expeditions 

The rugged Kimberley region in north-west WA appears on plenty of travel bucket lists – and for good reason. This timeless land of ancient rock paintings, stunning gorges, breathtaking waterfalls and unique wildlife is one of the world’s great wilderness experiences. A small-ship cruise with Coral Expeditions can get you right into the heart of the action. With a 99-passenger capacity, the Coral Geographer provides an intimate cruising experience without sacrificing style and comfort. Its compact size means it can squirrel into spots that can’t be reached by larger ships. A fleet of inflatable Zodiacs allows for a closer inspection of the Kimberley’s wonders. Venture up the King George River to the base of the spectacular twin waterfalls, plunging 80 metres down sheer sandstone cliffs. Check out the bizarre tidal phenomenon of the Horizontal Waterfall and visit Aboriginal rock art galleries. All cabins on the Coral Geographer are outward-facing and most have balconies. For a ship of this size, it has an impressive amount of deck space. The wraparound promenade deck will ensure you never miss any of the Kimberley’s spectacular scenery. Visit RAA Travel for more information on small-ship cruising.