Cruising Australia

[Cruising farmer]

I’ve really been watching the cruise ships in Australia! I’d love to know if fellow cruisers like this voyage and any particulars on ports to avoid or a must. I want to experience this awesome place so I’m not sure that cruising in this area is the right form of transportation. 

[LukeJ]

I haven't personally been to Australia, however I have read about Royal Caribbean ships cruising to there and it looks absolutely stunning. The idea and the chance to visit iconic destinations like Sydney opera House and visit places like Queensland is definitely a must. You must say @Cruising farmer if you ever do decide to go and where?

[3Sisters]

@Cruising farmer I can't recommend visiting New Zealand enough! I have seen some wonderful itineraries that depart from Sydney and visit many ports of call in New Zealand.

If you enjoy HAL, I recommend looking into some of the itineraries mentioned in this article. https://www.cruisehive.com/holland-america-unwraps-longer-voyages-for-three-ships/102391

How long would you be able to get away for a Down Under itinerary? 

[LukeJ]

Yes yes yes. Also New Zealand is a must. I've just realised that everywhere is a must. But I think Auckland would be wonderful to see. And being a huge lord of the rings fan, it is a definite to go on the lotr tour to see the locations where they filmed. 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@LukeJ Yes, if you love Lord of the Rings you wouldn't want to miss Turanga in NZ! 

@Cruising farmer I'm not sure what your budget is, but if you have the resources and the time, I would look into an itinerary like this one! https://www.cruisehive.com/cruise-line-offers-individual-legs-of-upcoming-world-sailing/108208

AIDAsol is offering some amazing itineraries that will cruise from October 2024 into February 2025. 

[LukeJ]

@Kendall James-Vargas have you ever been to Turanga? I've seen images and videos in regards to the place, but I'm certain it will be even more breathtaking to see in reality.

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@LukeJ I wish I could say I have been to Tauranga, but I have yet to visit! The scenery has to be incredible. I wouldn't want to cruise to NZ without stopping there. I need to begin cruising new territories but with the flight costs, I have been hesitant to book anything overseas. I'm actually on a hunt for a solid transatlantic voyage for 2025. That will cut my flight costs significantly! 

[LukeJ]

I would like tips on where the best places to visit NZ are. Obviously I will do my research and get the advice for the tourist traps, but would like tips on the venture outside of these places.

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@LukeJ I wish I had personal experience to share. I have heard about certain NZ ports of call that sound very dreamy like Napier. This region is filled with scenery and gorgeous vineyards. I am always a fan of a picturesque winery! Napier is known for its Bordeaux blends, which I happen to love.

Edited October 27, 2023 by Kendall James-Vargas

[LukeJ]

Somewhere where I would save to go on. Living the other side of the world isn't helpful, however once retired, it can be something magical to spend a few weeks away on board and take our time visiting all the wonderful locations that would be available to us.

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@LukeJ I completely agree! I also live way too far away from NZ so cruising to this region would be a dream come true. Once retired, how often do you plan to cruise? Will you remain loyal to one cruise line or will you plan to cruise with differing lines? I plan to cruise much more once I retire; I will be much more flexible then! 

[LukeJ]

It depends on the location you wish to go to I guess. If we find a particular cruise line suits us then we shall remain with them, but I have no objections at this time trying different companies. Trial and error really. Each one brings its own thing.

[Cruising Caribbean]

@LukeJ From your cruise experience, what cruise line would you prefer to cruise if you were choosing to cruise Australia? I have seen some cool itineraries with RCL. Quantum of the Seas will be cruising Australia, and I was considering booking with the line. I want a real Down Under experience though. I'm so used to cruising the US with RCL, I wouldn't know what to expect! 

https://www.cruisehive.com/another-royal-caribbean-ship-joins-australian-cruise-season/114390

[3Sisters]

@LukeJ This NZ port is expecting lots of growth this year! 

https://www.cruisehive.com/new-zealand-port-expects-record-visitors-with-strong-growth/114606

Wellington would be on my list to visit based on its growing popularity. 

[Rayk]

Suprisingly high numbers of North Americans, Canadians, NZers etc take the opportunity and opt for A Round Australia cruise.  Usually 28 days and home porting in Sydney or Brisbane.  Tropical ports down to blue water ports.  An excellent selection.   Cost varies.  Budget options are P&O starting from around $AUD4600.00. Specials from most cruise lines.  We used Majestic Princess in February 2023.  You will need something warm to wear when down in the southern ports.

[3Sisters]

@Rayk I haven't even looked into booking P&O Cruises! Thanks for sharing your experience. I will have to browse itinerary options with the line. What do you enjoy about P&O Cruises? Is it a more luxurious cruise line? Would you recommend this line for a family or is it more geared for adults-only? My apologies for all of the questions, but I don't know much about the line.

[LukeJ]

@Cruising Caribbean thank you for your comments. I do enjoy sailing on P&O, I've always had a good experience with them, and would happily continue that, as @3Sisters also said. I've recently looked at others such as Norwegian cruise line, and despite them sounding like a good cruise, I believe I'd stick to what I know for this particular vacation.

[Cruising Caribbean]

@LukeJ Of course! Thanks for sharing your experience. 

In other P&O Cruises news, I spotted that a mobility scooter caught fire on P&O Iona! This is extremely dangerous. The lithium battery in the scooter caught fire in the atrium. This has to be a very rare occurrence but so scary.

[PaulB]

@LukeJ my friend goes to Australia for several weeks every 5 years to visit family. He states he would love to move there but is too old to do so, but can't say nothing but positive things about the country. Whenever I've looked into it, the whole lifestyle seems much better, better way of life as well as value for money.

[LukeJ]

Yes cleaner living than most. Value for money is another big thing over there. In the UK, prices are ridiculously high and you certainly do not get what you pay for. 

[Cruising Caribbean]

@LukeJ That's good to know. I didn't realize the bang for your buck isn't all that great. I consider the costs here in the U.S. inflated, and I can't imagine how it must feel in the UK. I love the idea of cleaner living! Usually, cleaner living comes at a price, a higher price. 

[PaulB]

Australia do have deadlier animals and such than in the UK. So if anyone has a fear for snakes, spiders and sharks, then it may be  further thinking on their part to consider moving.

[Cruising Caribbean]

Well, that is an entirely different perspective! Now that you mention it, Australia doesn't sound so appealing. I have a phobia of snakes. If I were to encounter them more than I already do, you can count me out of living there. As much as I think I would love to live there, snakes are a deal breaker. 

[LukeJ]

Fortunately snakes in the UK are not venomous, so people may not like them as such, but the thought of not dying from a bite isn't that bad. Australia they do have deadly snakes as @PaulB mentions, which in truth will terrify me to my soul.

[PaulB]

I'd be afraid to move in Australia. Paranoid in case one creeps out from the toilet. I think I will stay in the UK away from them.