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Few places on Earth provide as diverse and mesmerising a range of destinations as Australasia. Offering a spectrum of landscapes that spans golden beaches to lush forests, as well as cities that rival the most vibrant in the world, this exotic world is a cruising dream. In this guide, we…
Read MoreFew places on Earth provide as diverse and mesmerising a range of destinations as Australasia. Offering a spectrum of landscapes that spans golden beaches to lush forests, as well as cities that rival the most vibrant in the world, this exotic world is a cruising dream. In this guide, we will cover all the essential information you need to know about cruising in Australasia, from what the region encompasses to what itineraries the top cruise lines offer.
Before delving into the cruising opportunities that Australasia offers, let’s answer some fundamental questions about the region.
Australasia refers to the region of the southwest Pacific located beneath East Asia, sometimes referred to as “Oceania” or a subregion of this wider area.
As for what countries are in Australasia, the core nations include Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. There is often an overlap in definition with Polynesia, meaning that Pacific Island nations such as Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu are often included.
Being on the other side of the globe, Australasia enjoys different day/night cycles and seasons from us in the UK. In terms of time, Australia, the largest nation in Australasia, is between 8 and 11 hours ahead of London, spanning three time zones due to its vast size.
In terms of weather, Australasia has inverted seasons. Since it’s located in the southern hemisphere, its summer coincides with our winter, which is important to consider when booking your cruise! Summers are hot, with more northern areas seeing tropical rainfall, and winters are cooler, getting colder as you move further south.
The experience guests have while sailing to Australasia varies depending on the time of year, and the best time to book depends on the type of cruise they are looking for.
Famed for its sheer scale and exotic wildlife, Australia is the cruising destination of a lifetime. From dining in the finest restaurants that Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth have to offer to observing natural formations unlike anywhere else in the world, this continent is packed with excursions that are impossible to forget.
Whether guests want to kick back on Bondi Beach, explore sites of rich Aboriginal history, or seek out koalas, platypuses, and wombats, Australia satisfies on every front. Further south, guests can also discover the wonders of Tasmania, an island state with rugged wilderness and stunning landscapes that are simply sublime in their own right.
Featuring fjords of stoic majesty and forests that are as old as time, New Zealand is an island nation that forges a connection with all who visit it. As guests explore its glistening beaches or captivating mountain ranges, they can also delve into the cultures and histories that make this collection of islands so unique.
From Auckland and Wellington on the North Island to Christchurch on the South Island, there’s no limit to what New Zealand can offer. Bustling city life, enlightening Maori culture, adrenaline-fuelled activities like skydiving and bungee jumping – thrill seekers and history lovers will both be satisfied.
Not many cruising destinations grant such a rich quality of exploration as Australasia, and it’s plain to see why. The open ocean offers a wide range of travel directions, and those setting sail beyond Australia and New Zealand are sure to be rewarded for their curiosity with the diverse beauty of the Pacific Islands.
Venturing east, ships can explore the palm-lined beaches of New Caledonia, the coral reefs of Vanuatu, and the colonial history of the Fiji archipelago. Northwards, the Second World War sites of the Solomon Islands await, offering an insightful perspective of history.
Providing the royal treatment for every passenger, Princess Cruises offers a diverse range of cruises exploring Australia and beyond. Step on board its technologically cutting-edge cruise experience and sail between the urban hotspots of the Sunshine Coast before heading either east to New Zealand’s geographical beauty or north to Indonesia’s entrancing island cultures.
For onboard experiences to rival the destinations you visit along your Australasia journey, look no further than Royal Caribbean. Visit incredible cities and astounding natural formations by day, then climb back on board for entertainment experiences that will have you laughing and smiling all night long. Between destinations, days at sea don’t get more fun than with Royal Caribbean, with zip lines, pools, and kids’ clubs ensuring every day is memorable.
With Viking Ocean Cruises, every day is an adventure. On board its state-of-the-art all-veranda ships, guests can explore the exotic wonders of Lombok, Komodo Island, and Benoa, as well as the historical Australian cities of Sydney and Brisbane. Enjoying Viking’s incredible accommodation, guests will feel right at home on the other side of the world.
For a luxury cruising experience, Celebrity Cruises sails to some of Australasia’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Between stops across Australia and New Zealand’s most iconic cities, guests can pass sites like the Milford Sound, appreciating the geographical splendour of this fjord and its surrounding forests.
If you’re looking to set sail for the exotic waters of Australasia, get ready to book your next cruise getaway with all of the major cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. One of our Cruise Experts will be happy to assist you.
