australia circumnavigation cruises 2024

Australia Circumnavigation Cruises

Want to go on a cruise around Australia? That's a "circumnavigation" cruise. Surprisingly, there aren't a lot of these "circle Australia" cruises available. It's a long voyage, and that limits the number of people who have the time to take it. All of the options are listed below.

Australia's major cities are on the coast, so a cruise round the continent is a natural way to explore. The cruises typically depart from Sydney and include stops at Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin and more. Often they go to Tasmania and Bali too.

The map above is of a Holland America cruise round Australia.

February 14, 2024: 34-night cruise around Australia on Royal Caribbean . Round-trip from Sydney (Australia) to Brisbane (Australia), Gladstone (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Exmouth (Australia), Perth (Australia), Esperance (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Hobart (Australia), Picton (New Zealand), Lyttelton (New Zealand) and Dunedin (New Zealand).

February 29, 2024: 26-day cruise around Australia on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from Sydney (Australia) to Brisbane (Australia), Willis Island (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Broome (Australia), Geraldton (Australia), Perth (Australia), Busselton (Australia), Albany (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Burnie (Australia) and Hobart (Australia).

October 18, 2024: 30-night cruise round Australia on Cunard Line . Round-trip from Sydney (Australia) to Airlie Beach (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Bali (Indonesia), Broome (Australia), Geraldton (Australia), Fremantle (Australia), Albany (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Hobart (Australia) and Port Arthur (Australia).

October 26, 2024: 28-day cruise around Australia on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from Sydney (Australia) to Hobart (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Albany (Australia), Busselton (Australia), Fremantle (Australia), Geraldton (Australia), Broome (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Willis Island (Australia) and Brisbane (Australia).

November 17, 2024: 35-day Australia circumnavigation cruise on Holland America Line . Round-trip from Sydney (Australia) to Newcastle (Australia), Brisbane (Australia), Airlie Beach (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Komodo Island (Indonesia), Broome (Australia), Exmouth (Australia), Geraldton (Australia), Fremantle (Australia), Albany (Australia), Port Lincoln (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Kangaroo Island (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Hobart (Australia) and Port Arthur (Australia).

December 22, 2024: 34-day Australia circumnavigation cruise on Oceania Cruises . Round-trip from Sydney (Australia) to Newcastle (Australia), Airlie Beach (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Cooktown (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Bali (Indonesia), Exmouth (Australia), Geraldton (Australia), Perth (Australia), Busselton (Australia), Albany (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Kangaroo Island (Australia), Portland (Australia), Phillip Island (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Burnie (Australia) and Eden (Australia).

March 19, 2025: 28-day cruise around Australia on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from Sydney (Australia) to Hobart (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Albany (Australia), Busselton (Australia), Perth (Australia), Geraldton (Australia), Broome (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Willis Island (Australia) and Brisbane (Australia).

November 23, 2025: 28-day cruise around Australia on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from Sydney (Australia) to Brisbane (Australia), Willis Island (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Broome (Australia), Geraldton (Australia), Perth (Australia), Busselton (Australia), Albany (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Melbourne (Australia) and Hobart (Australia).

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Embark on a cruise holiday with P&O in 2024. Our line-up of 2024 cruises ranging from 2 – 28 nights truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends or both, you’re sure to find the cruise that’s right for you. Plus, on a P&O cruise, your fare includes accommodation, main meals in designated restaurants, most entertainment and activities, Kids Clubs and travel to some pretty unique destinations. Secure your spot on your dream cruise holiday with our 2024 cruise deals, and put something in the calendar that you can really look forward to.

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We’re excited to announce our first 28-night mainland Australia circumnavigation in 90 years on Pacific Explorer. Departing from Brisbane or Sydney in June 2024, the historic cruisewill take guests to 11 iconic Australian ports, living up to its name, the ‘ Australian Explorer ’ cruise. One to cross off your bucket list.

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Circumnavigation of Australia & New Zealand Itinerary (in 2 sectors)

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Dates and Prices

Accommodation, save now: circle australia on the pacific explorer (jun 2024).

• history DURATION 29 days, 28 nights
• history DURATION DAYS 29 days
• history DURATION NIGHTS 28 nights
• calendar_month DEPARTS See multiple departure dates
• calendar_month DEPARTURE MONTHS June 2024 - July 2024
• I​ncludes side trip to Indonesia
• R​oundtrip from Sydney or Brisbane
• Up to $500 onboard spending money per cabin*

This wonderfully varied Pacific Explorer voyage is perfect for those who want to see more of Australia in one fell swoop.

28-night Brisbane roundtrip departing 4 June 2024:

Brisbane - Sydney - Melbourne - Adelaide - Albany - Fremantle - Exmouth - Broome - Yampi Sound & Raft Point (Scenic Cruising) - Kuri Bay - Darwin -Ambon -Cairns - Airlie Beach - Brisbane

28-night Sydney roundtrip departing 6 June 2024:

Sydney - Melbourne - Adelaide - Albany - Fremantle - Exmouth - Broome - Yampi Sound & Raft Point (Scenic Cruising) - Kuri Bay - Darwin - Ambon - Cairns - Airlie Beach - Brisbane - Sydney

32-night Sydney to Auckland voyage departing 6 June 2024 Circle Australia from Sydney to Sydney, then cap it off with a one-way trip to New Zealand, where a whole new holiday can begin!

Sydney - Melbourne - Adelaide - Albany - Fremantle - Exmouth - Broome - Yampi Sound & Raft Point (Scenic Cruising) - Kuri Bay - Darwin - Ambon - Cairns - Airlie Beach - Brisbane - Sydney - Auckland

Shorter segments are also available:

• Fremantle to Sydney (via the North Coast)
• Sydney to Fremantle (via the South Coast)

Call 1300 414 198 for a quote on this departure, or scroll down to "travel dates" below for lead-in pricing on your preferred cabin.

Inclusions/Exclusions

• All meals onboard from selected dining experiences,
• Entry into onboard venues, selected activities, entertainment and selected kids' activities.
• Includes taxes, fees and port expenses.

Your fare excludes:

• T​ravel Insurance
• 4 June 2024 - Brisbane passengers board Depart 4pm
• 5 June 2024 - At Sea
• 6 June 2024 - Arrive Sydney 6am - Sydney passengers onboard Depart 4pm
• 7 June 2024 - At Sea
• 8 June 2024 - Melbourne - Arrive 8am - Depart 6pm
• 9 June 2024 - At Sea
• 10 June 2024 - Adelaide - Arrive 8am - Depart 5pm
• 11 June 2024 - At Sea
• 12 June 2024 - At Sea
• 13 June 2024 - Albany - Arrive 8am - Depart 5pm
• 14 June 2024 - At Sea
• 15 June 2024 - Fremantle Arrive 7am - Fremantle passengers onboard Depart 4pm
• 16 June 2024 - At Sea
• 17 June 2024 - Exmouth - Arrive 9am - Depart 6pm
• 18 June 2024 - At Sea
• 19 June 2024 - Broome - Arrive 8am - Depart 6pm
• 20 June 2024 - Yampi Sound - Arrive 9am - Depart 12pm
• 20 June 2024 - Raft Point - Arrive 4pm - Depart 6pm
• 21 June 2024 - Kuri Bay- Arrive 6am - Depart 4pm
• 22 June 2024 - At Sea
• 23 June 2024 - Darwin - Arrive 7am - Depart 5pm
• 24 June 2024 - At Sea
• 25 June 2024 - Ambon, Indonesia - Arrive 7am - Depart 4pm
• 26 June 2024 - At Sea
• 27 June 2024 - At Sea
• 28 June 2024 - At Sea
• 29 June 2024 - Cairns - Arrive 7am - Depart 4pm
• 30 June 2024 - Airlie Beach - Arrive 9am - Depart 6pm
• 1 July 2024 - At Sea
• 2 July 2024 - Brisbane - Arrive 6am - Brisbane passengers disembark Departs 4pm
• 3 July 2024 - At Sea
• 4 July 2024 - Sydney - Arrive 7am - Sydney passengers disembark Departs 4pm
• 5 July 2024 - At Sea
• 6 July 2024- At Sea
• 7 July 2024 - At Sea
• 8 July 2024 - Auckland Arrive 7am Extended 32-night passengers disembark

28-night roundtrip departs Sydney 6 June 2024 + up to $500 onboard spending money per cabin*

• I​nside cabin from $5,324pp twin share*
• O​utside cabin from $6,424pp twin share*
• B​alcony cabin from $9,249pp twin share / $18,498pp sole use*
• A​ll other cabin categories and sole use cabins are sold out

28-night roundtrip departs Brisbane 4 June 2024 + up to $250 onboard spending money per cabin*

• Inside cabin from $5,224pp twin share*
• B​alcony cabin from $9,349pp twin share / $18,698pp sole use*
• M​ini Suite from $11,449pp twin share*

Or extend the Sydney roundtrip to 32 nights and disembark in Auckland + up to $250 onboard spending money per cabin*

• Balcony cabin from $9,249pp twin share only / $18,498pp sole use*
• A​ll other cabin categories and single cabins are sold out

Ask us about upgrading to a Value Plus fare - spend less time worrying about the details and more time making memories together.

*Pricing is subject to cabin availability and may fluctuate without notice at the cruise line's discretion. Please call 1300 414 198 for an up-to-the-moment quote on your preferred cabin and departure.

Need to arrange travel and accommodation before or after your cruise? Our experienced consultants can also happily help with flights, pre/post-tour accommodation and travel insurance. Our Aussie team is just a quick local call away on 1300 414 198.

Stylish yet relaxed modern interior designs make Pacific Explorer the perfect place to holiday.

Relax by day, enjoy great restaurants, bars and stage shows at night. There’s something for every member of the family.

When it comes to dining, you'll be spoilt for choice with 12 dining experiences all included in your cruise fare. Or treat yourself to something special at Luke's our amazing celebrity chef restaurant with Luke Mangan. Enjoy a mouth-watering signature burger at lunch or a delicious 3 course la carte dinner with the sunset. Or try our award winning pizza in 400 Gradi, in partnership with award-winning Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco.

Interior Rooms - Wake up with your loved ones! Our Interior Rooms are perfect for both families and couples. With all the action on deck and ashore, it’s nice to know there’s a cosy, clean sanctuary with your name on it, equipped with everything you need. Interior Rooms are available in a range of bedding combinations including twin, queen, triple and quad share.

Oceanview Rooms - Oceanview Rooms feature a window or porthole so you can let that natural light stream in. Oceanview Rooms are available in a range bedding combinations including twin, queen, triple and quad share.

Balcony Rooms - Open your doors and let the outside in! Make the most of your time at sea with your own private Balcony Room, it’s the best way to enjoy all the comfort of our onboard rooms and all the beauty of living on the ocean.

Mini-Suite - Fresh air and far out views are all part of the furniture in our Mini-Suites. Relax and unwind in a well equipped, comfortable retreat, away from the excitement and pace of onboard life. A home-away-from-home.

Suite - Offering the high life on the high seas with a balcony, separate sitting area, priority embarkation, complimentary laundry service, a Nespresso coffee machine, iPod music system and an invitation to the Senior OfficersCocktail Party (on cruises of 5 nights or more).

Do I have to tip?

Tipping is not required but if you’d like to thank the crew who provide you with great service, you are welcome to tip them personally or visit the Reception Desk to have the tip added to your onboard account.

What is the dress code onboard?

Guests are required to cover-up swim suits when entering the ship’s public rooms. During the day, casual clothes are suitable. After 5.30pm, smart casual attire is required in the public lounges and restaurants or as published in the daily newsletter  'Good Times'.

Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.

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Circumnavigation Australia 2024

By anjo , April 30, 2022 in Australia & New Zealand Cruisers

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Looking to Circumnavigate Australia in 2024, hopefully  things should be settled by then. Looking at Princess and P&O. Normally Princess cruiser but done a couple of cruises with P&O. 

Feb 2024, Inside stateroom sold out, people recommend 2nd sailing in the year, October? any idea when details will be available  as I know they book up really quickly.

Not sure how I will cope with P& O for 32 days, knew the Explorer when it was Dawn Princess 

Sorry such a rambling post, really confused and need help.

Thanks Anjo.

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Aus Traveller

If you prefer February 2024, have you considered going on the wait list. The cruise is so far in the future, you would have a very good chance of getting your choice of category of cabin.

Most people seem to recommend October cruise as they say the weather is better. Made an enquiry with Princess planner yesterday about Feb and she said she can put me on Waitlist for inside. She said our FCC would be ok for deposit but then asked for $1400 by 14 May.? 

5 minutes ago, anjo said: Most people seem to recommend October cruise as they say the weather is better. Made an enquiry with Princess planner yesterday about Feb and she said she can put me on Waitlist for inside. She said our FCC would be ok for deposit but then asked for $1400 by 14 May.? 

I wouldn't be paying if I was simply on a waitlist. Did you ask your Planner when the October cruise might go on sale?

RCI Enchantment are doing 34 night circumnavigate AU/NZ in Feb/Mar 2024 .. B2B SYD -Freo -SYD 16 + 18 Nts...

2 hours ago, anjo said: Looking to Circumnavigate Australia in 2024, hopefully  things should be settled by then. Looking at Princess and P&O. Normally Princess cruiser but done a couple of cruises with P&O.  Feb 2024, Inside stateroom sold out, people recommend 2nd sailing in the year, October? any idea when details will be available  as I know they book up really quickly. Not sure how I will cope with P& O for 32 days, knew the Explorer when it was Dawn Princess  Sorry such a rambling post, really confused and need help. Thanks Anjo.            

We are booked Feb 2024 on princess along with 12 other friends on contacts (as in n 13 cabins booked). We waitlisted in the October 2022 one and ended up getting a guaranteed inside but continued to waitlisted for balcony which came up 3 weeks ago. Just yesterday I saw balconies on sale at cheaper category, contacted our PvP and swapped our balcony fir a different one and saved $700 each. There were about 6 balconies emerald deck available.

if that’s too early for you I’d def waitlist for 2024

4 hours ago, Aus Traveller said: I wouldn't be paying if I was simply on a waitlist. Did you ask your Planner when the October cruise might go on sale?

Our waitlist was $100 each. Nothing more til guarantee came through.

14 hours ago, anjo said: Most people seem to recommend October cruise as they say the weather is better. Made an enquiry with Princess planner yesterday about Feb and she said she can put me on Waitlist for inside. She said our FCC would be ok for deposit but then asked for $1400 by 14 May.? 

May have caused some confusion here.Sorry. Got excited talking to PVP and ended up booking Oceanview with waitlist for Inside on Feb 2024 cruise. It was a Future Cruise Deposit that she said was ok as deposit (not Future Cruise Credit), then needed $1400 by 14th May. Am going to go back,cancel, and wait for details for October cruise which suits us better.  Still wondering about P&O round Australia June 2024 which I can book for $49pp. Jst not keen to tie up money, have Cruise cancelled, and go down the refund road. Been there with I------ Cruising. Thanks Anjo.

I suggest that October is the best month for an around Australia cruise. In February it would be very humid and most likely wet in the far north and in June, it would be wet and very cold in the south with the likelihood of rough weather in the Great Aust Bight.

dillpickle48

Agree with Aus Traveller, October is definitely the best time for a circumnavigation. Done it a couple of times. Even then heat and humidity can still be high up north but better than summer cruising.

1 hour ago, dillpickle48 said: Agree with Aus Traveller, October is definitely the best time for a circumnavigation. Done it a couple of times. Even then heat and humidity can still be high up north but better than summer cruising.

I guess I’ll find out as we are doing October this year and then February 2024 both circumnavigating Australia.

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Grand Australia Circumnavigation

• From $17,999
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For current fares, please call a viking expert: 1-866-984-5464 or request a quote today., spring sale.

*All prices are per person based on double occupancy and reflect our Special Cruise Fare. Strikeout fares reflect our Standard Cruise Fare.

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One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

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Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

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Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

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Booking Terms & Conditions

2024-2026 OCEAN CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from May 1-31, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all itineraries except World Cruise products. Special fares plus up to FREE roundtrip airfare valid on select departures of Canada & New England Scenic Shores; Eastern Seaboard Discovery; Grand Hawaii & Polynesia; Hawaiian Islands Sojourn; Panama Canal & Central America; Panama Canal & the Pacific Coast . Special fares plus up to FREE international airfare valid on select departures of China Discovery; Classic China & the Coast; Wonders of China; Best of China. Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024: Pay in full by May 31, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025: Pay in full by August 31, 2024. 2026: Pay in full by February 15, 2025. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Offers Expires May 31, 2024.

*$25 DEPOSIT:  For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to October 2024 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to December 2024 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract  .

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $999 per person or Business Class air from $3,499 per person based on select gateways and dates. Premium upgrades may not be available on all departures. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the  Viking Air Plus

NOTE:  International flights depart the U.S. one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights.

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11 Around-The-World Cruises For An Epic Getaway

"Sailing around the world" sounds so romantic, doesn't it? You're sailing to remote islands with like-minded people while chasing sunsets on a distant horizon. Sure, you can just board a plane to, say, New Zealand, but there's something so pure and patient about maritime journeys. Cruises are like floating resorts, which ease their way over the waves. It's the definition of "slow travel." 

Amazingly, in the modern world of jet-setting travel, round-the-world cruises do exist. Voyagers visit dozens of ports over the course of their odyssey, each with its own landscape, climate, and personality. There are lots of ways travelers can experience "the trip of a lifetime," but this kind of circumnavigation outmatches just about all of them -- and in style. However, there are a few things to consider before investigating such cruises. First, what does it actually mean to sail "around the world?"

Many companies use this phrase — and sail thousands of nautical miles — but only around a single ocean or hemisphere. Even when ships do sail a distance equivalent to the equator (or more), they rarely return to their precise port of origin. Also, these epic  cruise vacations can be pricey ; the kind of dream that merits cashing in a 401K, and the time commitment is also substantial, meaning months on the water. But for diehard cruisers, crisscrossing the planet could easily be worth the time and money, and if this sounds like you, these 11 cruise lines are scheduled to sail around the world.

Read more: The Prettiest Waters Around The World

Viking: World Cruise

For 138 days, passengers frog-hop through the Caribbean, pass through the Panama Canal, make their way to the islands of Polynesia, and skirt Australia, Asia, and Europe before finally dropping their anchor in London. On Viking's World Cruise, you can step ashore in 28 different nations and pick from 57 guided tours. Viking has been a prolific, respected cruise line since its founding in 1997, and this three-quarter circumnavigation sets sail in December 2024, so there's still time to book.

Ships are equipped with spas, luxury dining options, and cabin beds that can be separated or combined, among many other touches. Long before stepping aboard, the Viking website has a virtual 360-degree tour, acquainting future travelers with the ship's staterooms. Viking has thoughtfully put together a reading list to help travelers get a deeper understanding of the countries they will visit, which is especially helpful in little-understood destinations like Moorea and Indonesia. The ship also has a sizable library onboard for further research. This, plus its sophisticated tours and dining options that reflect the culture of each port, may explain Viking's moniker, "the thinking person's cruise." Quality does come at a price, with full passage starting at $59,995.

Ambassador: Grand Round The World Cruise

The Ambiance sets off from London, crosses the Atlantic, passes through Panama, and hits Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America before pinging back to the United Kingdom. Not only do you cross all the major oceans, but you actually cross the Atlantic three times. Most of these destinations are warm-weather ports, including Sydney at the height of summer. Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats are recommended on this largely equatorial route.

Ambassador is new to the cruise scene, having been established in the United Kingdom in 2021, and Ambiance is its flagship vessel. Passengers will spend their 120-night voyage in extreme comfort, traveling to 24 countries and 34 ports of call, with top-notch dining, live entertainment, and about 35,000 nautical miles in between. If you can live without a porthole, opting for an  inside cabin on the cruise , then passage starts at the budget-friendly price of $8,500 per person, making this Ambassador cruise one of the most economical on this list. You can also add on drink packages and arrange tours in advance or onboard through an agent or the Ambassador app. You can also explore the ship before you travel, thanks to a 360-degree virtual tour. The 2024 voyage sets sail on June 6.

Regent: World Cruise

The 2026 Regent World Cruise starts in Miami and ends in Miami, which makes it convenient to coordinate, especially if you're already based in the United States. Regent Seven Seas Cruises was founded in 1992 and is a respected brand in the industry.

The ship, the Seven Seas Mariner, also lives up to its name with a formidable 154-night itinerary: the Panama Canal, points along Central America, a dozen Pacific islands, Australia, South Asia, East Africa, and two Atlantic islands before returning to Florida. The Mariner arrives in many well-trod ports like Cape Town and Acapulco, but the route also includes locations that most travelers would have trouble pinpointing on a map: Lautoka, Abidjan, and Male are all names cruisers will become familiar with. To really explore these places, Regent organizes a whopping 431 free shore excursions across six continents, 77 ports, and 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sailing nearly 40,000 nautical miles with world-class spas, dining, and entertainment aboard doesn't come cheap. While you'll need to contact Regent to request specific prices, passengers can expect to pay nearly $100,000 for passage. Regent's World Cruise is considered a luxury-level experience with first-class airfare, gratuities, and 24-hour room service included. If this is your tax bracket, just wait until you see the suites.

Royal Caribbean: Ultimate World Cruise

Royal Caribbean has been taking tourists to far-flung destinations since the late 1960s, and it's now one of the most recognizable cruise companies in the world, so naturally Royal Caribbean would host a round-the-world voyage. But even for seasoned travelers, the Ultimate World Cruise is pretty, well, ultimate. Royal Caribbean's world cruise lasts 274 nights and arrives in no fewer than 60 countries. In other words, you'll spend nine months at sea and personally visit more than a quarter of the sovereign nations on Earth. The saga starts and ends in Miami, where the Royal Caribbean is headquartered, which should make arrangements easy.

The biggest bragging right of all: This cruise touches on every single continent, including Elephant Island and Paradise Bay in Antarctica. You'll find yourself in both Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, plus ports you've never even heard of. That said, unless your soul is fueled by pure wanderlust, this itinerary may sound like a lot of cruising, which may explain why Royal Caribbean has divided the journey into four segments. Cruisers don't have to commit to the entire itinerary; they can easily pick from the quarter that most interests them. 

By the time you read this, a segment may be the only option left, as the next Ultimate World Cruise departs in December of 2023. The segments are significantly more affordable as well. An interior stateroom for the full cruise costs at least $60,000 per person, while a segment starts at $12,500.

Cunard: Full World Voyage

When the Queen Mary 2 departs from New York City on January 3, 2024, it won't return to this same harbor for 123 nights. The itinerary isn't exactly "around the world," but rather a crossing of the Eastern Hemisphere — twice. Passengers traverse the Atlantic to the United Kingdom, then ease their way down the eastern coast of Africa before beelining for Australia. The ship boomerangs back, with many stops in Asia, a shortcut through the Suez Canal, and a tour of the Mediterranean before heading back to the U.S.

The voyage comes at the heels of Cunard's 100th anniversary, making it the second-oldest company on the list. The Queen Mary 2 has been Cunard's flagship vessel since 2004, and the company has mastered hospitality over the past century, with exceptional dining, luxury suites, and Broadway-quality performances by the Royal Court Theatre. Cunard also takes pride in its children's facilities, encouraging families to travel together, as well as the great English tradition of afternoon tea. Most of the budget cabins on the Queen Mary 2 were already booked at the time of this writing, but cabins with balconies are still available, starting at the not-ludicrous price of $16,899 per person. 

Oceania: Around The World In 180 Days

When Junes Verne wrote his novel "Around the World in Eighty Days," his Victorian goal was to travel as quickly as possible. Oceania is now advertising the opposite: This journey takes passengers the long way from Los Angeles to New York City, across the Pacific, around Australia, along the coasts of East Asia, and then up through the Middle East, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and even Greenland. The itinerary doesn't spend much time in the "global south," so you'll have to visit Africa and South America another time.

The Miami-based Oceania was founded in 2002 and specializes in long-haul cruises, so they know their system well. This cruise may be especially appealing to foodies. The company takes particular pride in its onboard meals as well as in-country Culinary Discovery Tours. Passengers can also take advantage of The Aquamar Spa & Vitality Center, which can orchestrate a special dietary regimen.

Oceania exudes "small-ship luxury" and caps its total number of passengers at 1,250. Everything about the ship is more intimate than found on its larger cousins, from the live entertainment to the duty-free boutiques. If you like a small-town feel, 180 days should be just enough time to meet all your shipmates. If you can't summon the time or (at least) $47,599 by January 2024, the next ship departs in January 2025.

Princess: 111-Day World Cruise

This Princess cruise is another true circumnavigation, starting in Los Angeles and bearing west until the ship arrives back at its original dock. The 111-day cruise starts on January 18, 2024, and includes all three major oceans, both the Suez and Panama Canals, plus 47 ports along the way. The itinerary is light on Asian and African ports and skips South America altogether, but you can still enjoy visits to Australia, the Middle East, and numerous destinations around Europe.

Princess is a hallowed name in the cruise industry. Not only have its ships been sailing the world since the 1960s, but Princess is still one of the most profitable cruise companies in the world. Passengers can expect onboard enrichment programs, award-winning live performances, and rejuvenating treatments at the Lotus Spa. Each port will also bring its own offerings of special excursions, from river rafting to art tours. 

With its dependable quality of service and nearly four-month itinerary, it's remarkable that base bookings start at only $15,498. Better yet, if you want to circle the globe with the whole family, this Princess itinerary is a family-friendly cruise and offers youth programming, which is not always the case. If you miss this one, no worries. Three more, of varying lengths, are slated for January 2025.

Holland America Line: Grand World Voyage

Fort Lauderdale is the beginning and end point for the Zuiderdam, which spends 128 days making a complete circle around the globe. Holland America's Grand World Voyage is true to its name. Passengers travel across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, making port on five continents. Most of its destinations are clustered around Asia and the Mediterranean, and it skips over Australia. But the Voyage is a rare opportunity to sail up the Amazon River, with visits to inland Brazilian cities most travelers would never think to visit.

Holland America began as a shipping and passenger line in the mid-19th Century, and its history of cruising is nearly as old as the concept. The flagship Zuiderdam is a luxury vessel with a swimming pool and sizable theater. It also boasts several diverse dining areas, including the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, the Italian-themed Canaletto, and the à la carte Lido Market. There's Billboard Onboard, a special room for trivia nights and karaoke, as well as World Stage, a presentation space with a wraparound LED screen. Bookings start at the more expensive rate of $22,499 for an inside cabin, and the 2024 voyage will set sail on January 3, 2024, but you can expect additional Grand World Voyages to be slated in the coming years.

Azamara: World Voyage

Formerly part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, Azamara is now an independent company taking its own journeys. The 2025 World Voyage begins in San Diego and sails westward, across the Pacific, to Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, before passengers disembark in Barcelona. The World Voyage doesn't quite girdle the globe, stopping just short of the Atlantic Ocean, and the only stop in Africa is Giza. But this 155-night expedition should satisfy almost any traveler, especially with its 40 countries and 22 overnights.

Unlike many world cruises, Azamara has divided its full itinerary into segments with clear geographic themes, such as "South Pacific Jewels" and "Mediterranean Icons." These titles can help turn experiences into coherent narratives. For example, "Ancient Pathways" draws a historic and economic line between Mumbai and Athens, along with all ports in between. These themes are coupled with thoughtful excursions, which are often scheduled around local holidays and festivals. The World Voyage for 2024 appears to be sold out, but the 2025 edition sets sail on January 5. Passage starts at a princely $39,999.

Freighter Cruises

Some of us want to keep it simple. No need for late-night show-stoppers, cocktail parties with hundreds of strangers, or daring bets at the roulette wheel. "Freighter cruises" have gone by many names over the years, such as "banana boats" and "cargo cruises," but passengers have hitched rides on commercial ships since the dawn of seafaring. These accommodations come in many forms, and you do have to share your vessel with stacks of massive shipping containers; still, you can expect a comfortable cabin and regular meals, along with friendly and respectful crewmembers from around the world. For travelers with a Jack London streak, the freighter cruise feels raw and adventurous.

The Freighter Travel Club was founded in 1958, and companies like Maris Freighter Cruises and Voyage en Cargo have booked passengers on commercial vessels for years. Maris has arranged round-the-world itineraries in the past, and multi-week journeys are common, as enormous loads are floated from one nation to the next. The pandemic took its toll on this niche industry, and most of these journeys do not precisely travel around the world. But when they're in operation, freighter cruises usually cost a little over $100 per day, and savvy travelers have flexibility in their bookings.

Miray Cruises: Life At Sea

Sure, cruising is fun, but what if you want to turn your ship into a semi-permanent address? Life at Sea Cruises promises three years of luxury seafaring, with stops in 140 countries across all seven continents. By the time you're done with these 382 ports, you'll have more photos to sort through and stories to share than most people will amass in a lifetime.

That sounds life-changing, but we'll have to see whether it's too good to be true. Life at Sea is a brand-new enterprise from Miray Cruises, and the maiden voyage has been fraught with delays. However, at the time of this writing, Life at Sea should get underway by the end of 2023, and most full-voyage passengers should already be sailing by 2024. If all goes well, there are four scheduled embarkation options for travelers who want to hop aboard later on, and more will likely be scheduled.

One of the problems has been the ship itself. For a while, the purchase of the ship was in limbo, pushing back the original sail date. However, the MV Lara now seems ready to sail. The medium-sized vessel has space for 1,266 passengers, with a range of cozy cabins, a wellness center, and a pool deck, among many other amenities. Travelers committed to living at sea for three years should get a lot out of their floating home. Life at Sea is a dreamy concept, so let's hope for calm waters once it finally sets sail. 

Read the original article on Explore .

Holland America's latest epic cruise is an Aussie lover's dream

Looking for an easy and affordable way to see large swaths of Australia , New Zealand and the South Pacific in a single trip?

Holland America is out with an epic new itinerary that will allow for just that.

The only catch: You'll need to set aside three months to do it.

The "Grand Australia and New Zealand" voyage, as Holland America is calling it, will kick off Jan. 4, 2026, in San Diego and bring calls at 44 destinations across the Pacific. It'll end back in San Diego on April 7, 2026 — 93 days after it began.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Announced on Tuesday, the sailing will take place on Holland America's 1,432-passenger Zaandam, one of the Seattle-based line's smaller vessels capable of accessing the smaller ports that are common across the Pacific.

As it begins, the sailing will resemble a classic transpacific cruise from America to Australia, with five days at sea on the way to the Hawaiian Islands. But it'll be a far longer transpacific crossing than is typical.

Upon arriving in Hawaii, Zaandam will spend an extended four days at three of Hawaii's main islands: Oahu, Hawaii and Maui. It'll then continue westward for three weeks of island hopping toward Australia with 13 stops across the islands of American Samoa, Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

Among the stops in Papua New Guinea will be Alotau, a busy harbor that was the site of the Battle of Milne Bay — often billed as Japan's first defeat in the Pacific during World War II. Zaandam will also visit Papua New Guinea's Conflict Islands and Kiriwina, the largest of the country's Trobriand Islands.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Holland America ship

In the Solomon Islands, Zaandam will call at Guadalcanal — the site of another well-known World War II battle. Nowadays, it's known for its unspoiled beauty, including mountain spires, rocky coastlines, dense rainforest and spectacular waterfalls.

The Australia portion of the trip will be particularly epic, with a nearly complete circumnavigation of the continent over four weeks.

The stops in Australia will include the city of Cairns, a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The ship will also spend two full days sailing along the Great Barrier Reef in what Holland America calls the "Great Barrier Reef Experience."

Other port stops during the Australia leg of the trip will include Darwin, Broome, Exmouth, Fremantle (the port for Perth), Albany, Adelaide, Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island, Melbourne and Sydney.

Visits to Hobart and Port Arthur on the Australian island state of Tasmania are also on tap as part of a five-night diversion as Zaandam travels from Melbourne to Sydney.

From Australia, Zaandam will begin the long return journey eastward across the Pacific with a series of stops in New Zealand. Multiple island visits across Tonga and French Polynesia will follow.

The French Polynesian islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea and Huahine, plus the Tuamotu Archipelago, are among the destinations during this part of the trip.

Related: Holland America is out with another truly epic cruise

The newly announced voyage has similarities to a 94-day sailing to Australia and New Zealand that Holland America operated this year but features a number of new destinations, including stops in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It also has more port stops in Hawaii, Fiji, French Polynesia and Vanuatu than this year's trip.

Holland America has built in a lot of overnight calls into the sailing, as it often does with its longer trips. The ship will stay overnight in Honolulu in Hawaii; Fremantle, Sydney and Hobart in Australia; Auckland in New Zealand; and Papeete, Tahiti, in French Polynesia.

The overnight visit to Sydney will be particularly notable, as it'll include a meetup between Zaandam and its sister ship, the 1,432-passenger Volendam. The latter vessel will be on an around-the-world cruise . Zaandam will arrive in Sydney on March 6, 2026, for an overnight stay. Volendam will arrive the next day for an overnight stay, with the two ships' visits overlapping March 7, 2026.

Holland America has long been known for longer sailings from U.S. ports that brought people to far-flung places around the globe.

Fares for the new Grand Australia and New Zealand itinerary start at $17,699 per person, not including taxes, fees and port charges.

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Award-Winning Distillery Buffalo Trace Selects Premium Barrel for Holland America Line 

Master blenders Drew Mayville and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee Freddie Johnson curate an exclusive barrel for the fleet

Seattle, Wash., Feb. 15, 2024 — Holland America Line’s beverage program is introducing an exclusive single barrel select bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States. This premium offering, curated by Sazerac Master Blender Drew Mayville and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee Freddie Johnson, will be available fleetwid e in March while supplies last.

The opportunity to serve this unique bourbon arose when Mayville, an avid Holland America Line cruiser, endorsed the cruise line for the prestigious Sazerac Barrel Select program — an honor limited to only a few participants each year. Sazerac is a family of more than 450 brands from award-winning distilleries around the world. The Sazerac Barrel Select Program allows spirits enthusiasts the unique opportunity to hand-pick a barrel from Sazerac’s award-winning collection.

“We strive to share experiences with our guests that they won’t find anywhere else,” said Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line’s vice president of food, beverage and rooms divisions. “Collaborating with Buffalo Trace to craft a signature bourbon has been an incredible journey. Drew and Freddie guided us to select a barrel that will resonate with our guests and is the perfect representation of our two iconic brands.”

Holland America Line team members were invited to Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky to join Mayville and Johnson in the private barrel selection room, located in the well-known Warehouse D. At the distillery, the group chose four barrels, and then Mayville and Johnson — both icons in the bourbon and spirits world — guided them through a tasting. The group ultimately chose a barrel that offers the distinct characteristics of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, with more intense notes of oak and spice on the nose with a smooth, lingering finish. Mayville reflected on the experience, stating: “We aimed to select an expressive and distinctive barrel for Holland America Line, confident that their guests would enjoy trying something truly unique to the cruise line.”

The standout choice was Barrel #002, filled on Dec. 21, 2015, and aged in Warehouse U on Floor 5, Rick 34. This hand-selected barrel has been bottled and shipped fleetwide and will be available for guests to order in March. Enthusiasts seeking to try this exclusive bourbon will find it in the Ocean Bar on each Holland America ship, where it will be served neat, on the rocks, or as an Old Fashioned.

Buffalo Trace joins Holland America Line’s evolving beverage program that includes partnering with award-winning bartender Ivy Mix who created new cocktails that capture the essence of Mexico and Latin America, launching its own De Lijn gin and introducing a traditional, pirate-inspired rum punch crafted by renowned mixologist David Wondrich that is available on Caribbean cruises . Additional destination-inspired beverage partnerships will be announced soon.