Australian cruises 2022: International sea voyages you never thought were possible

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This was published 1 year ago

Australian cruises 2022: International sea voyages you never thought were possible

By Brian Johnston
Updated
There's more to international cruising than New Zealand or familiar Pacific-island destinations.

There's more to international cruising than New Zealand or familiar Pacific-island destinations.

Hop aboard a cruise ship departing from an Australian port and you can find yourself in no time wafting beyond our maritime borders in supreme comfort to neon-lit megacities, spice-scented ports, remote atolls, wild fiords or islands lapped by fish-filled lagoons.

Despite our isolated geographic location, the world really is right on our coastal doorstep, despite the fact that international cruising from Australia is often associated with large ships heading to New Zealand or familiar Pacific-island destinations.

Of course, there's certainly nothing wrong with that, as New Zealand is one of the world's top cruise destinations for scenery alone and how fortunate are we to have so many South Pacific paradises so close to Australia and easily within reach via a sea voyage?

Yet there are many more nuanced overseas choices from Australia for those who prefer small-ship, luxury or expedition cruising, especially with the industry set to make its full comeback in our waters later this year.

What's more, many of our island-sprinkled near neighbours such as Indonesia or Melanesia are outstanding but barely tapped cruise destinations that still offer a great sense of adventure. Here is just a sample from Traveller of the varied possibilities for a sail just beyond Australia's horizon – or even much further, New Zealand and the South Pacific included.

OCEANIA'S SOUTH PACIFIC SEAFARER CRUISE

Credit: Oceania

THE CRUISE

After calling at Brisbane and Mooloolaba, this 18-day journey from Sydney to Papeete visits Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa and French Polynesia.

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THE HIGHLIGHTS

A delight of tropical, lagoon-girt islands unfolds as you hopscotch across half the Pacific and the international date line, with Apia and Pago Pago two intriguing but less-traditional ports of call. The jagged, jungle-covered landscapes of Moorea in French Polynesia are ludicrously beautiful, and the pellucid lagoon flaps with stingrays.

ALL ASHORE

Tour Samoan coastal villages and gardens from Apia, and snorkel with sharks and stingrays in Bora Bora – or simply enjoy the sunset on the lagoon by motorboat.

ON BOARD

The 694-passenger Regatta is larger than many luxury ships, giving it good facilities yet retaining an intimate feel and ability to sail into smaller ports. Oceania has outstanding dining: gourmets will be very satisfied.

SAIL AWAY

From $8400 a person, departs February 28, 2023. See oceaniacruises.com

AZAMARA'S WESTERN AUSTRALIA TO ASIA CRUISE

THE CRUISE

16-night journey from Perth to Hong Kong by way of Geraldton, Bali, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City and Hue in Vietnam.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

We love Bali and Singapore, but Vietnam's blend of old culture and contemporary energy is brilliant. Hue, visited from Danang port, has a grand historic citadel and royal tombs. Ho Chi Minh City combines French-influenced "tropical baroque" architecture with the skyscrapers of a rapidly changing economy, and has one of the world's best street-food scenes.

ALL ASHORE

In Geraldton, test your nerves in spooky Oakabella Homestead, said to be haunted. Walk underwater on a Sea Trek among the corals of Vietnam's Cham Islands.

ON BOARD

The 690-passenger Azamara Quest has luxury-style finishes and excellent service on a mid-range budget, and provides space, intimacy and dining choices while avoiding big-ship bling. Azamara has a destination focus and often visits smaller ports.

SAIL AWAY

From $5358 a person, departs February 19, 2023. See azamara.com

PONANT'S ISLANDS AND CULTURES OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA CRUISE

The twin focus of this 11-day journey return from Cairns is the culture of PNG's mainland, and underwater exploration at small islands.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

With hundreds of ethnic groups and friendly people willing to show off their traditions and cultures, it's local encounters you'll remember most about PNG. Tufi is a prime spot to learn about local crafts, from artworks and wood carving to canoe and tapa-cloth making. Battlefields and war memorials dot Alotau; the Australian War Memorial sits on the foreshore.

ALL ASHORE

Enjoy an encounter with the clay-coated Asaro Mudmen at Madang, and get snorkelling over the fabulous corals of the Lusancay Islands.

ON BOARD

The Ponant luxury expedition company is notable for suave French decor and dining. The 184-passenger Le Laperouse features a Zodiac fleet and water-sports marina but also a spa, infinity pool and unique below-waterline observation lounge.

SAIL AWAY

From $9730 a person, departs February 10, 2023. See au.ponant.com

SILVERSEA'S CAIRNS TO OSAKA CRUISE

THE CRUISE

A 31-day journey from Cairns to Osaka that combines big cities (Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai) with smaller destinations in PNG and Indonesia.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

The clouds of butterflies in New Guinea's Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park are as dense as the crowds on Shanghai's streets in this cruise of wonderful contrasts. Sailing into Hong Kong's harbour is fabulous. Kagoshima in Japan is a delightful, low-key city overlooked by the Sakurakima volcano, which constantly rumbles and smokes to spectacular effect.

ALL ASHORE

Take in an acrobatic show in Shanghai. Foodies will enjoy a tour in Kagoshima which visits bonito and shochu manufacturers and a fish market.

ON BOARD

The 596-passenger Silver Muse offers generous suites, an impressive choice of fine dining for a ship this size, luxe spa and sophisticated enrichment programs. Expect an upmarket atmosphere that tends towards European formality.

SAIL AWAY

From $23,300 a person, departs February 12, 2023. See silversea.com

TRUE NORTH'S SOLOMON SOJOURN CRUISE

THE CRUISE

A 10-night journey from Kavieng to Honiara doesn't qualify as a cruise from Australia, but charter flights from Cairns and back to Brisbane are included, and few cruises concentrate on the Solomon Islands.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

If ever you're going to dive, do it in the Solomon Islands, which doesn't just have terrific marine life but many World War II ship and plane wrecks in limpid waters, now encrusted with coral, gigantic sea fans and sponges. The lagoon at Uepi, the shallow reefs at Marovo and the largely unvisited Russell Islands are outstanding on this expedition-style cruise.

ALL ASHORE

Snorkel, dive or fish Vanavona Lagoon. A heli-flight above stunning Buka island is a bedazzlement of peacock-hued water and emerald hills.

ON BOARD

The 36-passenger True North comes close to a private luxury yacht. The expedition vessel doesn't have many amenities but is nimble enough to nose into secluded bays and lagoons, and carries its own helicopter and adventure boats.

SAIL AWAY

From $27,595 a person, departs December 8, 2023. See truenorth.com.au

VIKING'S AUSTRALIA, ASIA & ALASKA CRUISE

Credit: Alamy

THE CRUISE

A 79-day, ultra-varied journey from Sydney to Vancouver through Indonesia, up Asia's eastern seaboard and across the North Pacific.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

Too many to count on a cruise that visits dozens of ports in 12 countries. This is a smorgasbord of Asia, from big-name destinations such as Singapore, Bangkok and Yokohama to lesser-known places such as Sihanoukville, Keelung and Shimizu. It finishes in glacier-encrusted Alaska, hands down one of the world's greatest wilderness cruise destinations.

ALL ASHORE

Thursday Island is an interesting Australian outpost; take an Indigenous culture tour. Beppu in Japan is famed for its hot springs, so plunge in.

ON BOARD

Viking Orion carries 930 passengers and features 10 dining options, swimming pool, spa and airy Nordic-inspired decor. The culture-oriented Viking ethos favours lectures and educational opportunities over on-board entertainment.

SAIL AWAY

From $47,997 a person, departs September 17, 2023. See vikingcruises.com.au

HOLLAND AMERICA'S SOUTH PACIFIC CROSSING CRUISE

THE CRUISE

This 25-day journey also links Sydney and Vancouver but takes the South Pacific route via New Caledonia, Fiji, American Samoa and Hawaii.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

Who hasn't dreamed of crossing the Pacific by ship? Lifou, the largest of New Caledonia's outlying Loyalty Islands, has towering cliffs topped by fringes of coconut and pine trees and lapped by dazzling emerald water. Hawaiian island Maui has desert-like lava fields, verdant valleys and pretty villages. Views from the crater of Haleakala are magnificent.

ALL ASHORE

Encounter traditional Samoan culture on a shore excursion in Pago Pago, and don't miss spectacular Waimea Canyon on Kaui in Hawaii.

ON BOARD

Carrying 1972-passengers, Noordam strikes a good balance between intimacy and conviviality, and has ample on-board diversions (including good educational activities) without the flamboyance of bigger ships.

SAIL AWAY

From $5049 a person, departs April 8, 2023. See hollandamerica.com

CELEBRITY'S SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISE

THE CRUISE

Visit Vanuatu and New Caledonia on this 11-night cruise return from Sydney, which has four days at sea to get you in kickback holiday mode.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

New Caledonia blends fascinating indigenous and French influences. Capital Noumea is an unhurried town of smart colonial buildings behind flame trees; Tjibaou Cultural Centre houses excellent Pacific art. Isle of Pines has white-sand beaches and an emerald ocean, while Mare has lagoon-like sinkholes, basalt outcrops and raggedly beautiful cliffs.

ALL ASHORE

Kayak the pretty Dumbea River in New Caledonia. Ekasup Cultural Village near Port Vila in Vanuatu puts you in touch with Melanesian culture.

ON BOARD

The 2852-passenger Celebrity Eclipse isn't quite luxury, yet has stylish decor and excellent service. It also carves a niche between quiet small ships and raucous mega-ships with its sense of space, entertainment options and dining choices.

SAIL AWAY

From $2288 a person, departing December 9, 2022. See celebritycruises.com

CORAL EXPEDITIONS RAJA AMPAT AND SPICE ISLANDS CRUISE

THE CRUISE

A 13-night, expedition-style journey from Darwin to Biak, with a focus on the rich local cultures, environment and wildlife of small islands.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

This slice of Indonesia is dense in Dutch and Portuguese-era buildings, World War II sites and villages set amid smouldering volcanoes, rainforest, waterfalls and untrodden beaches. Among many outstanding snorkelling and diving sites, Aljui Bay has magnificent coral and marine creatures, and Cenderawasih Bay is famous for whale sharks.

ALL ASHORE

Visit markets and a nutmeg plantation in the Spice Islands. Take to a kayak on Balbulol Lagoon at Misool, where karst pinnacles rise from turquoise water.

ON BOARD

The 120-passenger Coral Adventurer is geared up for expeditions, with excursions made by tender and Zodiac, an open-bridge policy allowing interaction with navigational crew, and informative lectures on wildlife, geography and history.

SAIL AWAY

From $11,790 a person, departs March 19, 2023. See coralexpeditions.com

CUNARD'S NEW ZEALAND AND TASMANIA CRUISE

THE CRUISE

A 21-night Christmas getaway return from Melbourne, taking in three Tasmanian ports, Milford Sound and New Zealand's east coast.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

You'll never tire of leaning on the ship's railings in New Zealand, with its gloriously rumpled coastline. Every port arrival – such as Tauranga or Auckland – provides inspiring scenery. At Dunedin, you could almost lean out and pat hillside sheep. Cliffs plunge, waterfalls drift and snow caps rear on a slow meander through Milford Sound.

ALL ASHORE

Ride Taieri Gorge Railway from Dunedin along the rugged Otago Coast. Quail Island off Lyttleton is a quirky excursion for its shipwrecks and former leper colony.

ON BOARD

Cunard supplies traditional British style for those who enjoy a more formal environment, sedate pastimes and a luxury feel. Queen Elizabeth carries 2081 passengers, putting it in the mid-sized (and mid-budget) category.

SAIL AWAY

From $6499 a person, departs December 15, 2022. See cunard.com

REGENT'S RUGGED OUTBACK TO GOLDEN BEACHES CRUISE

THE CRUISE

An 18-night journey from Sydney to Benoa (Bali) that heads up the east coast, takes an interesting detour to PNG, and visits Komodo and Lombok.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

No outback on this strangely-named cruise, but no complaints about stops at Brisbane, the Whitsundays and Cairns either. Komodo is the chance to chase down dragons, though you might be more impressed by the Indonesian island's seldom-mentioned but utterly spectacular scenery of canyons and craggy, baked-brown hills.

ALL ASHORE

Visit World War II memorials at Port Moresby in PNG. A culinary class in Alotau introduces you to PNG clay-pot cooking. Excursions at Gili Mas in Indonesia focus on Lombok's culture, crafts and history.

ON BOARD

Spacious Seven Seas Explorer is one of the most beautiful ships afloat. Carrying 750 passengers, its opulent decor is matched by fine dining and attentive service for those after a quiet cruise with intelligent shore excursions.

SAIL AWAY

From $19,600 a person, departs Jan 26, 2023. See rssc.com

P&O AUSTRALIA'S DISCOVER VANUATU CRUISE

THE CRUISE

This 10-night journey return from Sydney is all about relaxation, water sports and every blue-soaked cliche of a tropical island getaway.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

Volcanoes, shimmering lagoons, outstanding dive sites and an encounter with Melanesian culture and kastom are good reasons to visit Vanuatu. The Ni-Vanuatu people are among the world's friendliest. Wade in and snorkel in startlingly clear water off Mystery Island and meet the locals in energetic Port Vila, which offers abundant water and adventure activities.

ALL ASHORE

Visit the turtle sanctuary on Tranquillity Island near Port Vila. Take a guided nature walk through forests and grottoes on the island of Lifou in New Caledonia.

ON BOARD

Budget-end P&O Australia favours a younger and family-orientated demographic, and is as much about the on-board fun as destination. The 1998-passenger Pacific Explorer features a casino, nightclubs, theatre entertainment, water slides, adventure park and kids' clubs.

SAIL AWAY

From $849 a person, departs September 5, 2022. See pocruises.com.au

FIVE MORE GREAT PLACES TO SAIL TO FROM AUSTRALIA

SINGAPORE

Silversea takes a leisurely 18 days from Sydney to Singapore via Australia's east coast. International port calls are limited (Komodo, Bali, Semarang), but you can't beat giant lizards and the fabulous Buddhist temple of Borobudur in central Java, set against the silhouette of Mount Merapi volcano. From $13,400 a person, departs Feb 24, 2023. See silversea.com

FIJI

Passing by New Caledonia and with three days at sea to enjoy the ship, this 12-night P&O Australia itinerary from Sydney visits Lautoka, with diverse excursions from zip-lining to market visits and cultural immersion in a traditional village. Meanwhile Dravuni Island is the quintessential flop-and-drop beach destination. From $1374 a person, departs August 8, 2022. See pocruises.com.au

TONGA

There aren't many opportunities to sail to Tonga, but you can on a 13-night Celebrity itinerary return from Sydney that also visits New Caledonia and Fiji. You spend a day in Nuku'alofa, from which you can visit Houma Blowholes, Vakaloa Beach or Pangaimotu Atoll, or explore Tonga's royal and colonial-era history. From $2599 a person, departs April 6, 2023. See celebritycruises.com

BORNEO

A 17-night cruise with Coral Expeditions takes you between Broome and Singapore through stunning and isolated Indonesian islands. The focus is on remote communities, wildlife (including orangutan-spotting in Borneo) and landscapes such as Tanjung Puting National Park, home to proboscis monkeys and sun bears. From $14,900 a person, departs December 13, 2022. See coralexpeditions.com

BALI

For the ultimate romantic holiday – or an escape from Christmas family duties – why not arrive in Bali by luxury ship? Oceania sails from Sydney on a relaxing 14-day journey via Queensland, Darwin and Komodo, and spends an overnight in Benoa in southern Bali, where it offers culture-oriented shore excursions. From $5540 a person, departs Dec 1, 2022. See oceaniacruises.com

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