Ready to Cruise Australia in 2025? Discover the Best Luxury, Family, River, and Adventure Voyages for Every Traveller

Here’s an overview of notable cruises available for Australians in 2025, ranging from luxury journeys and family-friendly options to cultural explorations and package deals.

Planning Your Cruise Timing in Australia in 2025

The main cruise season in Australia is during the southern hemisphere summer (December to February), offering the warmest weather (20–30°C), city events, and outdoor activities. For travelers who prefer milder weather, the shoulder seasons—September to November and March to May—feature temperatures around 15–25°C, with generally fewer crowds and potential fare reductions on many cruises. Outside peak season, cruise fares can be more competitive.

Examples of Cruise Types Available for Australians in 2025

Luxury Cruises: Enhanced Ship Features

Several new luxury ships are launching in 2025, offering features such as all-balcony staterooms, varied dining options, wellness amenities, and organized excursions. Notable new ships include:

• Viking Vesta: Launching in 2025; offers all-balcony accommodations, adult-focused experiences, and destination-centric itineraries in Europe and the Mediterranean.
• Oceania Allura: Caters to travelers interested in culinary experiences, with a high crew-to-guest ratio and diverse dining outlets.
• Aurora Expeditions’ Douglas Mawson: Provides small-ship, expedition-style journeys with Nordic-inspired cabins and solo traveler accommodations.

Typical pricing for luxury cruises begins at approximately AUD 4,000–8,000 per person for a week, with extended itineraries priced higher. These ships focus on high-quality service and curated travel experiences.

Cruises Suitable for Families

Offering activities for all age groups, family-oriented cruises in 2025 include large ships with amenities such as:

• Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas: Includes waterparks, ice rinks, and various entertainment features.
• Norwegian Aqua: Noted for family-friendly innovations such as the Aqua Slidecoaster.

Family cruises often have kids’ clubs, group activities, family cabins, and entertainment suited to a wide age range. One-week cruises for families generally start from around AUD 1,200 per person, and children may travel at reduced rates during school holiday periods.

River Cruises: International Itineraries

Australians frequently book river cruises in Europe and Asia, as domestic river cruise options are limited:

• Europe: Popular destinations include the Seine, Rhine, Main, and Danube, with new ships like Viking Hermod and APT Solara.
• Asia & Egypt: Demand is increasing for cruises on rivers such as the Nile and those in Asia.
• Thematic Options: In 2025, many river cruises are designed around themes such as gourmet food, wellness, or cultural immersion.

River cruise fares typically range from AUD 4,000–8,000 per person for an upscale 8–14 night package, often inclusive of excursions and most meals.

Adventure and Expedition Cruises

Adventure-oriented cruises provide access to remote or less-visited locations aboard small ships, with onboard expertise for educational programs:

• Specialist operators like Aurora Expeditions offer smaller group travel and activity-focused excursions, including kayaking and guided hikes.

These voyages are suited to travelers seeking active, educational travel experiences. Pricing generally reflects the small group sizes and specialized itineraries.

Ocean Cruises on Australia’s Coast

Standard ocean cruises connect Australian cities and scenic destinations, often including:

• Visits to the Great Barrier Reef and noted beaches
• Itineraries ranging from short escapes (3–5 nights) to multi-week routes
• Accommodation choices spanning standard cabins to luxury suites

One-week ocean cruises are generally priced between AUD 1,200–3,000 per person for standard accommodation, with more luxurious options available.

Cruise Packages: Combined Offers

Australian agencies such as CruiseAway offer bundled packages that may include:

• Flights, hotels, ground transfers, cruise fares, meals, drinks packages, and shore excursions
• Options for customization based on luxury, adventure, or family preferences

Such packages can simplify travel planning, especially for those who prefer an all-inclusive approach.

Notable Developments for Cruising in 2025

Travelers in 2025 can choose from more thematic cruises—including culinary and wellness voyages—and greater flexibility for solo travelers and adventurers. Customized options for different interests continue to grow.

General Guidance for Booking

• Documentation: A passport with at least six months’ validity post-travel is recommended; some destinations require visas.
• Health requirements: Observe applicable health and vaccination policies, including those related to COVID-19.
• Booking tips: Early booking helps secure preferred accommodation and potential added incentives, particularly in peak periods or on new ships.
• Packing: Essentials include layered clothing, sun protection, appropriate attire for formal nights, and personal cameras.

Current Gaps and Ongoing Changes

• Domestic Australian River Cruises: Options remain limited; most marketed itineraries are international.
• Holiday/Festive Cruises: Detailed schedules and packages for 2025 holiday-themed cruises are not comprehensively listed at this time.
• Detailed Themed Cruise Lists: Up-to-date information about all available themed cruises is still evolving in 2025.

Price Overview and What to Expect

• Standard Cabins (1 week): AUD 1,200–3,000
• Luxury Cabins/Suites (1 week): From approximately AUD 4,000–8,000
• Two-Week Voyages: From about AUD 2,000–5,500 (standard) or AUD 9,000+ (luxury)
• Packages: Often cover accommodation, meals, selected drinks, entertainment, and shore excursions; including flights and hotels may increase package pricing.
• Additional Costs: While main meals are usually included, specialty dining off the ship may cost AUD 20–50 per meal, with beverages ranging from AUD 5–15.

Working with an Australian Cruise Agency

• Provides advice tailored to Australian travelers’ requirements
• Offers recommendations for various traveler types (families, luxury, solo, first-timers)
• Can streamline travel planning by managing cruises, flights, hotels, and transfers

Recap

In 2025, there is an expanded variety of cruise options for travelers departing from Australia, including luxury voyages, river journeys, adventure expeditions, and family-focused ships or packages. Travel agencies can help match preferences to the most suitable itineraries. Early planning assists in securing the most favorable arrangements.

Sources

• Cruises from Australia – CruiseAway.com.au
• Top New Luxury Cruise Ships Setting Sail in 2025 for Australians – ExploreTravel.com.au
• Best of River Cruising 2025 – CruisePassenger.com.au

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