christmas cruise australia 2022

Christmas Cruises

Festive fun is here!

SAIL INTO CHRISTMAS with Carnival

At Carnival, we’ll make your Christmas this year the most relaxing, stress-free and fun it has ever been. We’ll take care of all your festive needs while you’re onboard our Christmas cruise, as you set sail from either Sydney or Brisbane.

All you need to do on our Christmas cruise is unwind, enjoy the adventure, and make the most of your deserved time away from it all. We know you’ll love celebrating in style, as you island hop across the sunny South Pacific savouring more than 45 onboard activities for all ages, including water slides, amazing restaurants and stunning entertainment.

FIND YOUR CHRISTMAS CRUISE

MAKE IT THE MOST FUN-DERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

Christmas is the most fun time of the year, so why not hop aboard the fun ships at Carnival this Christmas!

There's something for everyone to enjoy on a Carnival Christmas Cruise including:

• Christmas tree lighting
• Visits from Santa
• Holiday shows and entertainment
• Traditional Christmas food
• Backyard cricket on Boxing Day
• Visits to tropical islands
• Sandy beaches
• 45+ daily activities on board

Unwind in the South Pacific

Santa onboard!

Enjoy an Xmas Feast

Find out more information on our Christmas Cruises in 2023 !

Commonly Asked Questions

What is the best christmas cruise.

A Christmas cruise from Sydney or a Christmas cruise from Brisbane is a relaxing way to spend the holiday season. A Christmas cruise with Carnival means celebrating the festive season in the South Pacific . Over a week or so, you’ll visit:

• Isle of Pines
• Mystery Island

Are Christmas cruises worth it?

Of course they are! No need to stress about the organising, the cooking, the running around or the family issues. Set sail and soon you’ll be celebrating Christmas the way you want – surrounded by your loved ones in a tropical paradise.

Nothing beats a holiday season where you can chill out, relax on a picture-postcard beach and enjoy the fun and adventure of more than 45 activities onboard. Choose all this with a Carnival Christmas cruise, or choose to set sail in December before or after Christmas to:

• Airlie Beach
• The South Pacific
• Or spend a few days at sea from Sydney or Brisbane

How much is a Christmas cruise?

A Christmas cruise is always great value, especially when you consider the memories you and your family will make. When you search our Christmas cruises, click on the Extra Value button with the red star and discover the best price cruises that suit your budget.

How to surprise someone with a cruise for Christmas?

Going on an end-of-year cruise is always a treat, and will be a great surprise for your loved ones. Whether you’re after a last minute Christmas cruise or you love to plan further ahead, booking is easy. All you need to think about is your preferred:

• Destination

What to expect on a Christmas cruise?

A Christmas cruise offers all the activities cruise ships are famous for, but we make Christmas extra special, with festivities such as:

• Christmas shows and entertainment
• Visits by the big man in red
• A spot of backyard cricket
• Christmas food you’ll love
• Tree lighting and amazing decorations

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Christmas Cruises

Want a spot at the top of everyone’s “nice list” these Christmas holidays? Book yourself and your loved ones into a P&O Christmas cruise and spend the silly season at sea on an unforgettable Christmas holiday.

From delightful decorations to joyous yuletide carols, our Christmas cruises will whisk you away to a holiday wonderland that’s unlike anything you’ll experience on land. Enjoy quality time with your loved ones as you partake in delicious Christmas feasts with all the trimmings, get front-row seats to our action-packed onboard entertainment program, or simply recline by the pool and watch the world drift by.

With 60 cruise activities  to choose from everyday, there’s truly something for everyone. Little ones will thrill at the sight of Santa Claus on Christmas day, while Cruiselings of all ages will love celebrating with new and old friends at one of our many onboard parties.

Lift the lid on a magical Christmas holiday

Leave Christmas cooking, clean up, and travel time home from holiday parties on the shore and set sail for several dreamy nights onboard a P&O Christmas cruise. With an endless supply of laughter and irresistable Christmas cheer, our Christmas cruises are a fantastic way to start a new family holiday tradition.

Head for the high seas and enjoy uninterrupted good times and celebrations, alongside opportunities to discover incredible cruise destinations  with your nearest and dearest. Whether you’re exploring an Australian cruise destination  or diving into the best that the Pacific Islands have to offer, you’re sure to make enough happy memories to last for years to come.

Plus, with plenty of things to do onboard and a P&O Shore Tour  to suit every taste, budget, and fitness level at each port of call, the hardest thing will be choosing what to do next!

Explore stunning cruise destinations

Lounge on a pristine beach in Lifou , discover a sophisticated provincial French town in Noumea , or enjoy the adventure holiday of a lifetime in Port Vila , Vanuatu. Our Christmas cruises let you dip your toes into the waters of laidback island life and experience the rare, unspoilt beauty of the Pacific Islands.

Prefer to stay a little closer to home? Christmas cruises from Melbourne take you on a whirlwind adventure through scenic southern Australia, and call into Kangaroo Island , Hobart , and Burnie . Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or intrepid adventurer, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the many wonders right here in our Aussie backyard.

Find a Christmas Cruise

P&O Christmas cruises depart from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane and take you to some amazing cruise destinations. You’ll spend the silly season hopping from one idyllic destination to the next and enjoy a new level of festive fun.

Never miss a Christmas cruise deal

Our Christmas cruises sell fast, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment! To make sure you never miss the boat on our Christmas cruise deals, subscribe to our eDeals newsletter today.

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Christmas Cruises 2022 / 2023

Celebrate Christmas like never before onboard a themed Christmas Cruise spectacular. With a number of options available from Australia and the Caribbean, make this special day one to remember by celebrating in style. Please note : If you are unsuccessful on getting availability on a Cruise at Christmas you may want to opt for a New Year Cruise which could be just as good.

Christmas Cruises from Australia

P&O has a number of 7, 9, 10 and 13 night Christmas Cruises from Sydney , Melbourne and Brisbane departing in late December. Destinations include Noumea and Vanuatu, Cairns, Hamilton Island and Moreton Island or a Papua New Guinea option. P&O Cruises gets into the Christmas Spirit with a visit by Santa bearing gifts, and a Christmas Lunch and Dinner with all the trimmings.

Search Christmas Cruises from Australia

Christmas Cruises in the Caribbean

If you're thinking of something more adventurous, join Royal Caribbean , Celebrity and Azamara Cruises on a Caribbean Cruise at Christmas. Sailing through stunning Caribbean destinations such as the Bahamas, St Thomas, St Maarten / St Martin, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica you will end your year on a high note.

Carnival has a 12 night Christmas Cruise to Sydney departing Auckland New Zealand stopping in ports such as the Bay of Islands, Wellington, Dunedin, and Hobart. Celebrity Cruises also operates 7 Night Christmas Cruises in the Caribbean from Miami stopping in Puerto Rico, St Thomas, Miami and the beautiful St Maarten (St Martin).

Royal Caribbean also offers a number of Caribbean Christmas Cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Baltimore. Stops may include the Bahamas (Nassau), Mexico (Cozumel), St Martin (Phillipsburg), Cayman Islands (George Town) and St Thomas (Charlotte Amalie) .

Azamara Club Cruises has some 8 and 9 night All Inclusive Christmas Cruises in the Caribbean from Miami Florida. These include Complimentary Drinks (Dining Room & Bars), Laundry Services and FREE Shuttle and more.

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All Cruises are Child friendly. Be sure to bring Santa hats, Santa Outfits, Gifts, and Christmas goodies to share with fellow travellers on this special occasion.

8 Night Christmas Cruise

Find out how crowded are ports - cruise ship traffic during this voyage. Click on each port for more details.

Melbourne, Australia

Hobart, Tasmania

Port Arthur, Tasmania

Burnie, Tasmania

Kangaroo Island, Australia

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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $200. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

CHRISTMAS CRUISES

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Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year on a Christmas cruise.

Spend an unforgettable vacation on one of our Christmas cruises, where you’ll enjoy the spirit of the season while sailing to some of the most spectacular destinations around the world.

Feast on traditional meals designed by a Michelin-starred chef—without worrying about any of the prep or cleanup. Marvel at our festive decorations, like Christmas trees covered in trimmings and tinsel that will make you feel right at home. Sing along with carolers, watch holiday-themed shows at The Theatre, and welcome Santa on board as he pays a special visit to all of the lucky kids spending Christmas at sea.

Christmas Fun for Everyone

On one of our luxury Christmas cruises, you can rest easy knowing that every member of the family will enjoy the vacation of a lifetime. Adults can schedule an indulgent afternoon at The Spa, while the kids are entertained at Camp at Sea. Teens can mingle with other teens at the Teens Club, while grandparents will love the nightly family dinners that take place in the main dining room. On Christmas Eve, watch a festive holiday show together in the theater, enjoy live holiday music, or head up to the rooftop for a Christmas-themed family movie night under the stars.

Christmas Cruise Itineraries

Escape the winter chill and plan a holiday vacation to some of the sunniest destinations around the world. Build a sandman on the pristine beaches of the Caribbean. Get into the holiday spirit while sailing around Australia and New Zealand. Or spend Christmas Eve during a once-in-a-lifetime cruise around the Galapagos Islands.

Itineraries

Tips for planning the perfect christmas cruise.

Go the extra mile and book a stay at The Retreat ® , our luxury vacation experience, where you and your family will have access to a private restaurant and lounge, a team of dedicated butlers and concierges to assist you in whatever you may need, and an array of stunning suites to choose from. 

You can also purchase unlimited premium beverage and specialty dining packages, bon voyage gifts, perks packages, an unlimited class pass to the fitness center, and more special treats on our website.

View All Christmas Cruises

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Australia & New Zealand Cruises

Explore the wonders down under on a cruise to new zealand and australia, why cruise to australia & new zealand.

Epic landscapes, ancient cultures and laid-back charm – experience it all on board an Australia & New Zealand / Aotearoa cruise with Princess the #1 cruise line in Australia. We’ll take you to golden beaches, rugged outback, world-class cities and beyond. And on board, delight in  local food  and entertainment as our  Across the Ditch  immersive program brings the very best of New Zealand to you.

Australia Cruises

Your choice of Australian cruise ports is as grand as the continent itself. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Sydney Opera House. Trek through one of the world’s last temperate rainforests in Tasmania, sample award-winning wine in Margaret River and snorkel in the crystalline waters of the Great Barrier Reef or ride camelback on a beach in  Broome .

New Zealand Cruises

Marvel at the spectacular scenery of  Fiordland National Park / Piopiotahi , voted one of the 7 Cruise World Wonders by  Condé Nast Traveler . Immerse yourself in Māori culture, see glowworms twinkle in underground caves outside  Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau , stroll the famed Art Deco city of Napier / Ahuriri, and peek into moviemaking magic with  The Lord of the Rings  tour in  Wellington .

The wonders of Australia and New Zealand are like no other! From iconic  cruises from Sydney  to the coastal beauty of  Brisbane / Meeanjin , the rich culture of  Melbourne , the famed wine country of  Perth (Fremantle) / Boorloo (Walyalup)  and  Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau , the land of the Māori, more departures to and from  Adelaide / Tarndanya  than ever before – each city possesses a vibrant spirit and a unique personality worth discovering.

2025 - 2026 Australia and New Zealand New Cruise Itineraries. Learn more

Soak in Local Flavors and Revel in Rich Traditions

Food & beverage on australia & new zealand / aotearoa cruises.

• Enjoy delicious new culinary experiences that highlight the region created exclusively for Princess.
• Our beverage menus include popular regional beer, wine and whisky selections for a taste of local flavors.

Activities on Australia & New Zealand / Aotearoa cruises

Day or night, you'll discover unique experiences that give you a new perspective on the region.

• Watch feature films with a local twist – such as  The Lord of the Rings  trilogy and  The Piano  – on deck at our Movies Under the Stars® outdoor theater.
• Join the performers as you learn the legend of the haka, an ancient Māori war dance.

Photo: Experience Māori culture on board with our Matariki Festival

Discover More Ashore on a Princess ® Cruise to Australia & New Zealand / Aotearoa

Australia & new zealand / aotearoa cruise shore excursions.

Princess Cruises offers a vast array of award-winning excursions, including several  Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ Recommended and Exclusive tours  that provide unique experiences you’ll never forget, such as snorkeling in the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef or bushwalking in the Blue Mountains.

Photo: The technicolor beauty of the Great Barrier Reef

Australia Cruisetour Vacations

For the ultimate adventure, choose an in-depth Princess Cruisetour Vacation that combines your cruise with a multiple-night land tour. Venture into Australia’s rugged outback for a look at fabled Uluru (Ayers Rock), and later dive into the brilliant underwater colors of the Great Barrier Reef.

Photo: The beauty of Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Australia & New Zealand Cruise Articles

Read about exotic isles, legendary destinations, and prepare to explore a region unlike any other on your Australia and New Zealand cruise.

Visit iconic landmarks in Australia, strikingly diverse landscapes in New Zealand, and the palm-fringed islands of the South Pacific.

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These 10 Melbourne travel tips from Princess Cruises will help you experience the best of this iconic Australian city as only a local would.

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Witness the majestic beauty of New Zealand on Fiordland National Park cruise excursions.

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Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

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Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

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Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

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