Get ready to dip your toe into ocean sailing
In my experience, there are two types of travellers – those who cruise and those who refuse.
Each to their own, but my advice is not to knock cruising until you’ve tried it. I would never have considered myself a cruiser, before I took my first, but having tried several, at differing ends of the market, I can honestly say I have had a great time on all of them.
At the top end, I’ve cruised on uber-luxurious Silversea, which was like checking into a floating five-star hotel and an experience I’ve never forgotten. Think tasteful, intimate, vessels with around 500 or less passengers, mostly couples. Alternatively, I boarded the-then biggest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, which can take up to around 7,000 passengers. Like a floating mega-resort, for all-ages, it was fantastic fun.
There are cruises for every kind of traveller, from huge to boutique, families to adult-only ships, budget to uber-luxury. The key is to do your research before you book. Like hotels, all cruises are not equal, so spend time working out your non-negotiables. Are you looking for a fun multi-generational family trip, or a peaceful getaway with your partner or friends? Look up the ship’s statistics – its capacity and guest-to-staff ratio.
There are cruises for every budget – but if you want a taster, my advice would be to go for the shortest journey on the best cruise line you can afford. Make sure you understand what is included – will you need to pre-book extra drinks, food and excursion packages? Is the WiFi included?
To get started, I’ve put together three options from Australia.
Entry-level: Five-day Southern Australia Seacation, Princess Cruises
For those wanting a fun, inexpensive getaway, Princess Cruises has a trip from Hobart to Sydney, via Port Arthur and Melbourne, on Royal Princess, in December. Royal Princess takes 3,560 guests, with 1,346 crew. This price includes shows, live music, movies, buffet dining and fitness facilities. Upgrade to include WiFi, drinks, spa and excursions. Visit princess.com
Price: from $346 per person
Princess Cruises
Mid-range: Nine-night South Pacific Cruise, Royal Caribbean
Anthem of the Seas is the latest Royal Caribbean ship to make its Australian debut when it arrives Down Under in 2025 and will have itineraries from three to 18 nights. This South Pacific cruise departs and returns to Sydney and visits Vanuatu and Noumea. Anthem has a total guest capacity of just over 4,900 and 1,500 crew. It’s packed with entertainment, such as skydiving, SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, as well as the musical, We Will Rock You. Visit royalcaribbean.com
Price: from $1,885 per person
Luxe pick: 14-day Sydney to Auckland, Silversea
For something really special, Silversea’s Silver Muse sails from Sydney to New Zealand in November, calling at Melbourne, Hobart, Bluff, Dunedin, Lyttelton (Christchurch), Wellington, Napier and Auckland. This is more intimate cruising, with 596 guests and 411 crew, offering a high-end all-inclusive experience, which even includes your own butler. Visit silversea.com
Price: from $8,350 per person
