Plan Your Next Cruise Down Under

Start planning next year’s cruise to Australia and New Zealand – or carve out some time quickly and jump on board this year as most Down Under sailings take place in the fall and winter. There are several ways cruisers can explore these fascinating regions by ship. For those who do not wish to spend 24+ hours on a plane, there are cruises TO Australia from US ports. Alternately, fly there, relax in a hotel, sightsee for a day or two and then board a ship for a cruise through the South Pacific. Or choose to sail through ports in Australia, New Zealand and then on to Asia. Finally, if your schedule permits, there are re-positioning cruises which usually sail in March when the weather begins to turn cooler on that side of the globe.

Princess Cruises
Singapore to Sydney on Diamond Princess
November 2008 and 2009 sailings

Join Princess Cruises for a 12-day adventure Down Under and enjoy breathtaking fjords, small towns and big cities when you cruise between Sydney and Auckland. There are plenty of opportunities for fun activities and spectacular sight-seeing along the way such as snorkeling in Great Barrier Reef or taking in the breathtaking views of Fjordland National Park – with 14 majestic fjords and five lakes for scenic cruising.

Oceania Cruises
Auckland to Sydney on Nautica
Departs January 2009 and 2010

Get away this winter with a 15-day cruise on Oceania’s Nautica. The Splendors of Down Under cruise will give you a complete taste for the region – including day-long stops in four New Zealand ports before cruising the Fjords of Milford and the Tasman Sea. While at sea on Oceania’s newest ship, passengers will dine with all new china, crystal and silver and will enjoy an impressive art collection. Those who want to truly relax can rent one of the eight private cabanas on the sun deck and a personal valet will ensure you enjoy every moment. The cruise continues on to Melbourne and Sydney where you will have two days to explore. Check online for the current fares which include a Free Air offer.  Pre- and post-cruise hotel packages are also available.

P&O Cruises UK
Departing from San Francisco to Hong Kong; or Singapore to San Francisco on the Aurora or Oriana
January and February 2009

Britain-based P&O Cruises will give your Australian holiday a distinctive European feel with superior service of the two staff members to each passenger, in cabin-treats and set check in times. While the majority of P&O Cruises leave from England’s premier Southampton port, there are occasional sailings that leave or return to San Francisco – traveling to Hong Kong or from Singapore – venturing to Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia along the way. These cruises run from 34 to 40+ nights – so you will appreciate the top quality dining and entertainment as you call this ship home for a few weeks. The Aurora boasts 5 whirlpool spas, a coffee and chocolate bar, 12 lounges/bars, a cinema, family facilities and much more.

P&O Cruises Australia
South Pacific Sailings from Auckland, Sydney or Brisbane
Year Round Cruises

Sister cruise line – P & O Australia, can take Australia visitors on shorter cruises around the South Pacific ranging from 2 to 28 nights. These sailings are year round – so if you are planning a land vacation to Australia or New Zealand, this is a perfect chance to also sail through the South Pacific.

Silversea Cruises
Grand Pacific Voyage Departing from Los Angeles on the Silver Shadow
March 7th, 2009

Retirees – get ready to go! The Silver Shadow will embark next year on March 7th on a 92-Day Grand Pacific Voyage departing from Los Angeles. On this epic journey guests will visit 45 ports, 15 countries and two hemispheres, enjoying overnight stays in Bora Bora, Sydney, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Enhancing the trip will be celebrated personalities and bright minds including Pulitzer Prize-Winning author Frank McCourt among other journalists, historians, commentators, actors, filmmakers, an astronaut, marine biologist and more – offering ‘broad cultural exploration and intellectual adventure.’ Shorter segments of this cruise can also taken and will have featured distinguished guests onboard - if your interest lies primarily in Australia look into the 18-day Sydney to Singapore cruise. The complete 92-day voyage consists of segments: 3907-3912. More information on each of these segments can be found online in the Voyage Calendar.