Cruising is enjoying unprecedented worldwide boom, and is the fastest growing sector of the travel industry. In Australasia in particular however, it’s also taken off in a big way in the past 10 years, emerging not only as a popular way to enjoy a holiday, but also an affordable way to get away from it all. There are many reasons for the surge in popularity cruising our own backyard - here’s eight of them.
1. You Can Avoid The Need For Expensive Long Haul Flights
With a variety of ships departing from all major capital cities in both countries, and many round-trip itineraries on offer, a backyard cruise can mean avoiding one or even two long haul flights. That not only saves you time, but also money.
2. It’s Great Value For Money
Even at the premium and luxury end of the scale, a high seas holiday can be easy on the wallet. There are staterooms and suites accommodating up to six people on some ships, packages for soft drinks, and complimentary activities for all ages. And for every cruiser, accommodation, most dining and entertainment is all included in the fare - something few resorts can offer - and at the all-inclusive end of the scale, this will also include alcohol, specialty dining, and shore excursions.
3. You Unpack Once
One of the most popular reasons why many people enjoy high seas holidays is that you get to travel from one destination to another without the need for packing and unpacking. You also don’t have to argue about who drives you home from dinner; that’s the Captain’s job.
4. You Can Cruise Australia Year-Round
While most visiting cruise ships tend to gather Down Under during the summer month, in truth Australia’s climate makes much of the country tailor-made for cruising at any time of year. Queensland and the Kimberley region of Western Australia are particularly popular during the winter months, with warm days and cool nights, and very little rainfall.
5. Our Backyard Is Well Suited to Cruising
Besides New Zealand during the summer months, and Australia year-round, the South Pacific is also popular with cruise fans - and on our doorstep. From Sydney, Brisbane, and at times, Cairns, exotic islands in New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji are only a few days away by ship, where warmer weather, glorious beaches and a myriad of cultural experiences await you.
6. It’s Great For First Timers
Perhaps you’re unsure if cruising is right kind of holiday for you? Stay in local waters and you can opt to choose a shorter itinerary of five days or less, and from a major hub such as Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, to fully test your sea legs. You also won’t have to travel too far, or spend money on expensive flights overseas.
7. You Get To Visit Hard-To-Reach Places
Stewart Island off the South Island of New Zealand, Lizard Island and Thursday Island off the North Queensland coast, and Exmouth in the far north of Western Australia. They’re all hard-to-reach destinations, but in recent years have featured on a number of cruise itineraries. With increasingly unusual ports of call popping up, it’s easier than ever before to visit somewhere completely new.
8. Visit Our Own Natural Wonders
Between them, Australia and New Zealand have many natural wonders, unique landscapes and vistas which can be best appreciated from the ocean. Top of the list are arguably the Great Barrier Reef, famous for its diving and abundant marine life, and Fiordland off the South Island of New Zealand, the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site. Others include the scenic Bay of Islands, and the intriguing Kimberley coastline.
Loading... Please wait...
