The number of Aussies going on cruises continues to grow. And while P&O Australia is setting sail for its final season and Virgin Voyages has cancelled sailings in the region there are plenty of other options for holidays at sea. Australia's main cruise season kicks off this month in October and generally runs until April.
While many old favourites such as Celebrity Edge, Carnival Splendour and Spirit, Disney Wonder as well as four ships from Princess Cruises will return, there are some new arrivals sailing into Australia. Take a look. Viking Venus, built in 2021, will be sailing in Australian waters for the first time during the 2024/25 season.
Voyages will include the inaugural 32-day Grand Australia Circumnavigation v oyage departing from Sydney on 25 January 2025. Queensland's Whitsunday Islands are among spots on the itinerary. Viking ships have no kids, no casinos and all veranda staterooms, plus they're all inclusive.
READ MORE: What a Viking cruise is really like Ultra luxury cruise line Seabourn has brought sleek explorer ship, Pursuit, to Australia for the first time. She sailed into Darwin at the beginning of June and is based in the remote Kimberley region in the Northern Territory until August. The all-suite ship is sailing six 10-day voyages between Darwin and Broome.
The all-inclusive vessel will take passengers to remote destinations bigger ships can't access such as Ngula Jar Island and King George Falls. With just 132 suites the ship is small enough.