Although Australia and New Zealand account for only about 6 percent of global cruise itineraries—and Southeast Asia even less—these less-frequented regions contain some of the world’s most spectacular ports and natural wonders. The Australasia region, rich in unique landscapes and cultural landmarks, rewards travelers willing to undertake a long-distance voyage.
The primary cruise season in Australia runs from September through April, the Southern Hemisphere’s spring and summer. Many travelers from the Northern Hemisphere arrive several days early to recover from jet lag and to explore Australia’s vibrant cities, wildlife parks, beaches and wine regions before boarding their ship. From Australian ports, cruise itineraries commonly visit the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania and other coastal destinations; cross the South Pacific to New Zealand and smaller islands; or sail northward toward Bali, Papua New Guinea and Singapore.
As the Australian cruise market grows, major international lines are expanding their presence. Carnival Cruise Line added the 2,124-passenger Carnival Legend to its Sydney-based operations, while Royal Caribbean has rotated large ships into the region for peak seasons. Celebrity Cruises positions vessels such as the 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice and the 1,814-passenger Celebrity Century in the Southern Hemisphere with departures from Sydney, Fremantle and Auckland. Holland America Line now bases two ships in Sydney during the southern summer: the ms Noordam and ms Volendam operate multi-day voyages that include Melbourne, Tasmania, Milford Sound, Christchurch, Wellington and the Great Barrier Reef on varied itineraries.
Princess Cruises, long known for circumnavigations of Australia, keeps multiple ships in the region—Sun Princess, Sea Princess and Dawn Princess—offering a mix of short and extended cruises. The Dawn Princess frequently sails 13-day New Zealand voyages from Melbourne, while Sun Princess offers shorter roundtrips such as seven-day Brisbane departures that combine wildlife-focused shore calls with reef visits.
British-styled P&O Cruises maintains a long-standing presence in Australia, operating five ships from numerous Australian ports to destinations across Australia, the South Pacific, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. With year-round services and more than 140 southern Pacific departures annually, P&O serves a variety of itineraries to locations such as Kangaroo Island and Papua New Guinea, typically with ship capacities between about 1,260 and 1,624 passengers.
The region also draws smaller luxury and ultra-luxury vessels. Seabourn’s 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey and Crystal Cruises’ elegant 960-passenger Crystal Symphony schedule extended trans-Tasman voyages that call on Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and multiple Australian ports. These itineraries often include multi-day stays in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, and offer especially immersive experiences in natural areas.
Many ships that cruise Australia also operate in Southeast Asia, where demand for cruising is growing quickly. To avoid the hottest weather and monsoon rains, most regional sailings occur from November through March. The principal cruise corridor runs between Hong Kong and Singapore, with calls and excursions in Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
High-end lines serving Southeast Asia include Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, Silversea and Azamara. Regent’s Seven Seas Voyager operates long voyages between Singapore and Hong Kong with multiple regional calls, while Oceania’s Insignia features itineraries such as the “Pagodas and Palaces” cruise that visits Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. Silversea and Azamara also run regionally focused sailings that offer extended looks at highlights like Ha Long Bay or concentrate on country-specific explorations of Vietnam or Indonesia.
River cruising is a standout attraction in Southeast Asia, especially on the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia. Viking River Cruises operates the purpose-built 60-passenger Viking Mekong, offering 15-day programs that combine time in Hanoi, visits to the temple complex at Siem Reap (including Angkor Wat) and multi-day cruises downriver to Ho Chi Minh City. River voyages provide close-up cultural encounters and visits to historic sites along the riverbanks.
Expedition on the Mekong River aboard Lindblad’s 48-passenger Jahan © Lindblad Expeditions
Expedition and adventure operators have also increased activity in the region, taking travelers to remote and ecologically rich places. Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic, and other specialized lines send smaller ships to destinations such as the Kimberley Coast, the Spice Islands, Borneo, Bali and Papua New Guinea. Lindblad’s Jahan and Orion offer focused expedition itineraries on the Mekong and around Australia and Southeast Asia, delivering guided shore excursions and expert-led programming.
For first-time visitors to the southern Pacific and Southeast Asia, luxury and expedition cruises simplify travel logistics while offering high levels of comfort. These voyages combine dramatic scenery, distinctive wildlife and vibrant cultures, providing an experience that contrasts sharply with more familiar Atlantic or Caribbean cruises. Whether seeking relaxed exploration of reefs and beaches, immersive river journeys, or adventurous expedition landings, travelers will find that Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia deliver memorable and varied cruising experiences.