This was published 1 year ago
Australia summer cruise season 2022-23: Cruise ship guide
The outdoor jacuzzi at the Zagara Beauty Spa on board Silver Muse.
Summer is all about long brunches, sand between the toes, surfers pirouetting on waves and, for many of us in the last decade or so, ocean cruising holidays. Well, it was an essential part of summer until two and a half years or so ago. Then came an extended and, yes, unprecedented period when it was becalmed, especially in Australia.
Now the global cruise fleet is back in operation in more than 100 countries, with ships finally steaming our way again in earnest, with the warmer months seeing the once locked down land Down Under poised to welcome back dozens of international vessels.
"Cruising is definitely back." says Joel Katz, managing director of Australasia of Cruise Lines International Association Australasia (CLIA). "We're seeing a renewed enthusiasm for cruise travel among Australians,who have traditionally been some of the world's most passionate cruisers. We might be one of the last countries to revive cruising but plenty of people are taking advantage. The essential cruise experience is just as people remember it, and they're getting back to sea to enjoy it again."
Despite its well-documented pandemic dramas, there is a renewed confidence surrounding cruising, with lines developing COVID-19 protocols from the early days of the pandemic that remain among the strictest in the global travel business.
In Australia, government regulations additionally stipulate that passengers and crew must be double vaccinated and undergo testing before embarkation. While admittedly that hasn't entirely prevented COVID outbreaks - what measure has been foolproof? - it has mitigated their impact and prevented ship-wide lockdowns.
Passenger numbers worldwide aren't quite back to pre-pandemic days but CLIA expects that will happen by late 2023. The cruise industry is counting on it with the launch of 78 new ships over the next five years. Bookings for current and future ships are brisk, and some small ships are already sold out this Australasian summer.
You may need to look towards the following season or hop aboard elsewhere in the world if so. There are however so many ships operating in the Australian so-called "wave season" between November and February – particularly during school holidays – that some cruise lines are offering promotions and perks to entice customers.
You aren't limited to the ships mentioned below: many cruise lines have more than one vessel visiting Australian waters, and others are arriving from additional lines as diverse as Carnival, MSC, Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn.
Here's our special overview - from the smallest cruise ship to the largest - of the season ahead.
THE SMALL SHIP
OUR PICK
CALEDONIAN SKY, APT, 99 PASSENGERS
THE DESTINATIONS From October 9, Caledonian Sky sails Cape York and the Barrier Reef from Cairns. By December the ship cruises coastal Victoria, then Tasmania and South Australia, before heading across the Great Australian Bight and exploring Western Australia's southwest and Coral Coast until April 2023.
ALL ABOARD On a vessel this compact, expect only lounges and two dining venues. The advantage of this well-maintained older ship is the generous size of its cabins and lack of crowding during disembarkations. With so few guests, you get more personal service and a sociable atmosphere.
DON'T MISS Striding the deck or enjoying an al fresco lunch on the Bridge Deck. A very small ship has the ability to visit petite ports, sneak into bays and hug coastlines, and your rewards are fabulous outlooks as you sail in and out of each destination.
ESSENTIALS Five-day Coastal Victoria Discover cruise, departs December 19, 23, 27 and 31, 2022, from $3995. See aptouring.com.au
THE EXPEDITION SHIP
OUR PICK
CORAL GEOGRAPHER, CORAL EXPEDITIONS, 120 PASSENGERS
THE DESTINATIONS On completing its Kimberley season, Coral Adventurer sails on October 10 from Broome to Fremantle, then across the Great Australian Bight to Adelaide, from which it sails to South Australian islands. It then retraces the waves to Broome, departing Australia on December 13 for Singapore and a novel Indian Ocean season.
ALL ABOARD Coral Geographer, which carries tenders and Zodiacs, was launched in early 2021 and is roomy considering the small number of passengers, with several bars, a lecture lounge, gym and ample open deck space, including a wrap-around promenade deck. Indigenous art provides a distinctive Australian appeal.
DON'T MISS A visit to the bridge to interact with officers, learn about navigation or sit and watch the sea go by. Coral Expeditions has an open-bridge policy and also conducts engine-room tours for an unusual chance to peer into the ship's bowels.
ESSENTIALS Ten-day Wild Islands & Walks of South Australia cruise, departs Nov 6, 2022, from $6580. See coralexpeditions.com
THE LUXURY EXPEDITION SHIP
OUR PICK
LE SOLEAL, PONANT, 264 PASSENGERS
THE DESTINATIONS Le Soleal completes a Kimberley season in late September before sailing out of Cairns on Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands visits. In November, it heads via Noumea to Auckland and Dunedin, from which it makes expeditions to the Sub-Antarctic Islands until January 22.
ALL ABOARD French-flagged company Ponant's strength lies its remote expeditions, with Zodiac excursions accompanied by experts in ecology and wildlife. Le Soleal is a boutique hotel afloat. Expect suave minimalism, designer chic, an absence of bling, relatively limited amenities other than a theatre and spa, and French-influenced fine dining.
DON'T MISS L'Eclipse gastronomic restaurant – as if you could, since there are only two dining venues on board. It serves elegant a la carte meals of consistently high quality and, unlike many cruise restaurants, occasionally veers towards the adventurous with the likes of escargot ravioli and frog-leg terrine.
ESSENTIALS 14-night Expedition to New Zealand's Sub-Antarctic Islands, departs Dec 28, 2022, from $16,830. See au.ponant.com
THE LUXURY SHIP
OUR PICK
SILVER MUSE, SILVERSEA, 596 PASSENGERS
THE DESTINATIONS Silver Muse arrives in Australian waters after it departs Singapore on December 2 for Melbourne and Sydney. It then sails several New Zealand itineraries (one of which also takes in Queensland) before sailing Auckland-Cairns on January 29 and on to Asia.
ALL ABOARD Attentive service, intimacy and upmarket enrichment programs are Silversea hallmarks. Silver Muse has abundant public spaces and an expansive spa and, for a ship this size, an outstanding range of dining. Decor is muted but elegant, service somewhat formal, and the clientele quiet and well-heeled.
DON'T MISS You have every opportunity for upmarket international, French and Japanese fine dining on Silver Muse, but don't miss an evening at The Grill outdoors on the pool deck, where guests cook their own choice meat cuts or salmon on a hot lava stone. It's one of the best informal dining experiences at sea.
ESSENTIALS Melbourne to Auckland cruise, departs January 15, 2023, from $10,450 a person. See silversea.com
THE ADULTS-ONLY SHIP
OUR PICK
VIKING MARS, VIKING OCEAN CRUISES, 930 PASSENGERS
THE DESTINATIONS Viking's new ship, launched early this year, arrives in Sydney from Bali on December 27 and then operates a series of New Zealand cruises until March 21 that also take in Melbourne and Tasmania. Viking Mars then sails the east coast and on to Darwin, Komodo and Bali.
ALL ABOARD Viking's ocean ships are all near-identical – why change something that works so well? – and notable for light-filled Scandinavian design, warm service, all-verandah cabins and an absence of frivolities such as a casino. The adults-only cruises suit thoughtful, culture-minded passengers and emphasise port stays and on-board learning.
DON'T MISS The stylish indoor-outdoor deck space near the pool known as the Wintergarden, which has a striking canopy of pale birch-wood below a retractable glass ceiling. The friendly space comes alive for afternoon tea, when finger sandwiches and pastries circulate.
ESSENTIALS 15-day Sydney to Auckland cruise, departs Jan 24, 2023, from $8995 a person. See vikingcruises.com.au
THE PREMIUM SHIP
OUR PICK
NOORDAM, HOLLAND AMERICA LINE, 1972 PASSENGERS
THE DESTINATIONS Noordam arrives in Sydney on November 12 to sail a full 16-port Australian circumnavigation before making a series of cruises out of Sydney to New Zealand (some also taking in Melbourne and Tasmanian ports) until April 8, when the ship departs for Vancouver.
ALL ABOARD Holland America's premium category is a notch above that of big budget ships and favours a traditional cruise vibe and low-key pleasures over rowdy entertainment and water slides. Noordam, refurbished in 2019, has abundant amenities and educational distractions combined with plenty of space for both quiet retreats or relaxed socialising.
DON'T MISS Crow's Nest, an aptly named lounge at the fore of deck 10 that provides wide panoramic views along with high tea or pre-dinner cocktails. It's the sweet spot when sailing into super-scenic New Zealand ports such as Tauranga, Picton and Auckland.
ESSENTIALS 14-day Australian & New Zealand cruise, departs Feb 11, 2023, from $2399 a person. See hollandamerica.com
THE CLASSIC SHIP
OUR PICK
QUEEN ELIZABETH, CUNARD LINE, 2081 PASSENGERS
THE DESTINATIONS Queen Elizabeth arrives in Fremantle on November 7 and sails onwards on an eight-day cruise to Sydney. It then offers 24 itineraries – from a circumnavigation to two-night short breaks – in Australia and New Zealand from homeports Sydney and Melbourne, wrapping up with a six-night sailing from Adelaide to Fremantle on March 7.
ALL ABOARD Cunard aims for an atmosphere of British tradition and retro glamour: think art deco-inspired interiors, high teas, string quartets and formal dining. Ships sit in the premium category, providing style rather than glitz and good enrichment programs.
DON'T MISS Bigger ships might have roller coasters and water slides but the genteel deck sports on Queen Elizabeth are straight from a slower, less demanding age and a reminder that nothing beats simple group interaction. Challenge your mates to paddle tennis, quoits, shuffleboard and croquet – none easy on a moving deck.
ESSENTIALS Five-night Great Australian Culinary Voyage, departs Jan 28, 2023, from $1349 a person. See cunard.com
THE FAMILY SHIP
OUR PICK
GRAND PRINCESS, PRINCESS CRUISES, 2600 PASSENGERS
Credit: AP
THE DESTINATIONS Grand Princess arrives in Sydney from Auckland on November 2 but makes haste to homeport Melbourne, from which over the summer it sails cruises to Queensland, South Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands. On March 28, 2023, it returns to Sydney before departing to Auckland and across the Pacific.
ALL ABOARD This is an older but good-value ship with a smart-casual attitude and good dining. Pools, sports courts, a spa and fitness centre, casino, musical productions and plenty of entertainment mean there's never a dull moment. Private getaway The Sanctuary offers adults-only respite. A great option for a multi-generational family holiday.
DON'T MISS Camp Discovery kids' club, which is divided into three age groups and has a great array of entertainment and educational programs, as well as themed, party and movie nights. The Tree House for the youngest children (aged 3-7) is particularly cheerful and colourful.
ESSENTIALS Seven-day South Australian Explorer, departs March 21, 2023, from $1449. See princess.com
THE LARGE PREMIUM SHIP
OUR PICK
CELEBRITY ECLIPSE, CELEBRITY CRUISES, 2852 PASSENGERS
THE DESTINATIONS Eclipse arrives in Australian waters on October 22 to homeport in Sydney, and will cruise 17 Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific itineraries through to April 2023. Domestic destinations include Tasmania, the Great Barrier Reef, and a wine cruise visiting Hobart, Melbourne and Adelaide.
ALL ABOARD Celebrity offers premium-category ships with the space, entertainment options and dining choices of a big ship, but avoiding water slides and pool parties. Bars and lounges are excellent, and the spa is expansive. The Retreat supplies an exclusive ship-within-a-ship for suite guests.
DON'T MISS The great pool deck, where the pool's four corners are anchored by hot tubs, loungers and giant hammocks, and the bar is a cheerful oasis for socialising. An adjacent indoor pool has a balmy hothouse temperature and tranquil atmosphere.
ESSENTIALS 13-night Fiji and Tonga cruise, departs April 6, 2023, from $2516 a person. See celebritycruises.com
THE BIG RESORT-STYLE SHIP
OUR PICK
OVATION OF THE SEAS, ROYAL CARIBBEAN, 4905 PASSENGERS
THE DESTINATIONS Ovation is homeported in Sydney between October 2022 and April 2023, offering sailings of between two and 13 nights in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Sister ship Quantum of the Seas sails similar cruises from Brisbane.
ALL ABOARD Budget-friendly, family-oriented and as much about the ship as the destination, Ovation has pastimes from four pools to skydiving and surf simulators. Seaplex indoor venue has a basketball court, roller-skating and bumper cars. A casino, spa, adults-only solarium, kids' programs, theatre, outdoor cinema and multiple restaurants and bars further keep everyone satisfied.
DON'T MISS Two70 lounge and bar, named for its 270-degree ocean outlook through huge glass walls that stretch almost three decks high at the ship's stern. Immersive, high-tech evening shows here combine digital and video projections with aerialists, dancers and singers to spectacular effect.
ESSENTIALS Nine-night South Pacific cruise, departs February 22, 2023, from $1219 a person. See www.royalcaribbean.com
ONE MORE THING
September marks Cruise Month for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) celebrating the return to cruising in Australia, New Zealand and around the world. See cruising.org.au
FIVE MORE WAVE SEASON SHIP CHOICES
SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER arrives for its short inaugural Australian and New Zealand season when it sails from Singapore to Sydney on December 12. It then sails between Sydney and Auckland (or the reverse) via Melbourne, Hobart and New Zealand ports and fjords before departing Auckland on January 12, 2023, for Bali via Queensland. The 732-guest Explorer features all-balcony suites, spa and fitness centre and Culinary Arts Kitchen, with excursions notably focusing on gourmet discoveries. See rssc.com
REGATTA sets off from Singapore and reaches Sydney via Perth and Adelaide on December 12. It then sails Sydney-Bali return along the east coast and several New Zealand itineraries in January and February 2023 before South Pacific cruises as far as Papeete, Tahiti, in March. The sleek 656-passenger Regatta was refurbished in 2019 and sits in the luxury category, with attentive service, casual elegance, good enrichment programs and a fine spa. Oceania has overall perhaps the best food at sea. See oceaniacruises.com
STAR BREEZE departs Melbourne on November 30 for New Zealand, where it remains until January 10 before sailing to Cairns, Far North Queensland, along the east coast and onwards to Indonesia. The 312-passenger ship relaunched in mid-2021 after lengthening, an expanded spa and pool deck, and significant refurbishment. Windstar cruise line is favoured by well-travelled and well-informed guests looking for small-port experiences combined with a relaxed on-board lifestyle, large cabins and upmarket elegance. See windstarcruises.com
AZAMARA QUEST arrives in Fremantle, Western Australia, from Singapore in December, with a 14-night voyage taking it across our continent's southern coastline to Sydney and Melbourne. In January 2023, it sails two New Zealand itineraries before returning to Fremantle and on to Asia. The 690-passenger ship, occupying an niche between luxury and large ships, has seven dining options, a spa and a luxe feel on a mid-range budget. See azamara.com
PACIFIC ADVENTURE sails a varied set of itineraries from homeport Sydney between October 2022 and June 2023, including Queensland, the NSW Sapphire Coast, Tasmania, New Zealand and Pacific Islands. Themed cruises include comedy, the 1980s, pride, the Melbourne Cup and Australian Open. The 2636-passenger P&O ship, overhauled and relaunched this year, is family oriented, with organised kids' activities, pools, waterslides and adventure sports, but also an adults-only Byron Beach Club retreat. See pocruises.com.au
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