CRUISES

You can now just go about anywhere on a cruise, but cruising in and around the waters of Australia and other port of call in Asia and the South Pacific is certainly a unique experience that combines the great seafaring traditions, with some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and the best of local hospitality. The opportunity to visit exotic locales is one of the most appealing aspects of cruising and while you'll probably encounter the unfamiliar, a little patience and courtesy makes it all the more easier and fun.

There is a cruise somewhere in the world to satisfy almost every travel desire and the cruise industry has certainly evolved considerably from its early days, when the bulk of sailings were transatlantic crossings and a few Caribbean itineraries and passengers were almost exclusively the retired, moneyed set. Now, there are itineraries the world over to satisfy a wide range of travel dreams, with ports of call in such locations as South Africa, Guatemala and Papua New Guinea.

In and around the waters of Australia there are two types of cruise options that we have available. From the traditional and more luxurious style of cruise ship, operated by major international cruise lines to the smaller expedition type of cruise ship, limited usually to companies operating within the region.

Expedition Cruises

The Great Barrier Reef is often called the eight wonder of the world and is an incredible natural phenomenon with hundreds of islands sprinkled along its lagoon and an expedition cruise is undoubtedly one of the most perfect ways to experience its splendour and beauty at close range. This type of Expedition Cruise is also the perfect time to try some of the exciting sports both in the water and on land that are available and don't be intimidated by something you've never done before, you will amaze yourself (and maybe a few other people too) by what you can accomplish if you only try!

The sparkling turquoise waters are so inviting that you'll probably want to try at least one of the water sports, and scuba diving will make you feel like one with the sea and view vibrantly coloured marine life at close range. You'll be amazed at how friendly fish can be! Snorkelling is less demanding than scuba diving, but affords you similar opportunities to marvel at the underwater world. As you explore the world beneath the sea, remember to look but don't touch. Some species of coral can cause skin irritation. More important, touching coral kills it, damaging the reef's delicate ecosystem and is not allowed.

On land, windsurfing is not an easy sport to learn or to master, although it does not take long before you have a few good rides on your sailboard as encouragement. Parasailing is also popular in many ports of call, and while it may seem to be exclusively the province of daredevils, it is generally safe, even though you are hundreds of meters in the air.

Luxury Cruises

A cruise ship in simple terms is a luxury hotel and resort afloat and is a whole round holiday and vacation experience. Not only a place to sleep but to be wined and dined with the finest foods and wines that are available. To be able shop or to have your hair done, as well as doing daily exercises or trying out a new sport. You can relax in a deckchair and read or swim in the pool on deck. Be fully entertained from morning 'til night and the opportunity to make many, many new friends.

Luxury Cruises are generally seasonal in the region, tending to operate only during the first few months of each year. In Australia, they operate mainly into and out of Sydney, although other ports of call are available on some itineraries, traditionally coming in from the Far East and then heading out across the South Pacific or vice versa.

Whilst in the region, several sailings are usually undertaken from Sydney to Tasmania and then across the Tasman Sea to stop off at several ports of call in New Zealand before terminating in Auckland. In some cases these voyages incorporate stops in the cities of Adelaide and/or Melbourne into their journeys, in others, they head up to Queensland and stop in Cairns and/or Brisbane and cruise off the Great Barrier Reef.

There are limited opportunities to cruise to and/or from Australia, usually from either Singapore, Singapore or Bali, Indonesia in Asia or Papeete in Tahiti and sometimes beyond. Some Round the World Cruise itineraries also feature stops in Australia and when available will be featured from time to time in this section too.