What are the best months to cruise Australia?

Australia's cruise season is now underway with 62 international ships heading down under over the course of the coming months.There are a wide range of cruises on offer, from short jaunts for a long weekend, to epic two-week long trips taking in New Zealand or the South Pacific.While Sydney's two ports are the most popular to cruise from - sailing out of the harbour is an epic experience - you can also get on board in other cities including Melbourne and Brisbane.READ MORE: The best places you can visit on a cruise from AustraliaWhat is the cruising season in Australia?October is when the cruise season officially kicks off, with summer on the horizon.The season lasts until April, when the ships start leaving our shores to be based in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, as well as other destinations.However, a few ships are based in Australia all year. Carnival Splendor sails all year from Sydney.Plus in March 2025, P&O Australia's Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will join the Carnival Cruise fleet, sailing year-round from Sydney and Brisbane as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.Some small luxury ships also cruise all year.READ MORE: 'Endlessly useful' hotel room freebie travel expert always takes before leavingWhat month is the best weather to go on a cruise?Because the cruise season is in the Australian summer, there's not really any bad time to go on a cruise.The hot months December and January are popular as it's holiday time, however it may be more pricey then.There will likely be more children onboard family-friendly cruise lines during school holidays, which run until the start of February too.If you're heading to New Zealand, the warmer months are also from December until around February.What is the best month to get a cruise deal?Lots of deals are on offer if you book ahead of time, with itineraries coming out as far as a couple of years in advance. It also means you can likely choose the cabin you want.Sometimes you can get offers too, such as on-board credit, which can go a long way to reducing your bill at the end.Avoiding school holidays will also save you money.Booking last-minute can save you cash, but with the popularity of cruising, the ship might be full if you leave it too late.Keep an eye out on 9Travel for some of the best cruise deals on offer each week during cruise month.Worst time to cruise in AustraliaMany cruise fans will argue there's no such thing. Even if the weather is wild, such as in the winter months, there's still plenty to enjoy on a cruise ship.Head to the spa, snuggle under a blanket and watch a movie, head to the arcades or try out one of the numerous activities on board most ships.Oh, and don't forget the classics like bingo and trivia.