australian cruise routes

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Cruise Planner
• Book a Flight
• Book a Hotel
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Required Travel Documents
• Make a Payment
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• Update Guest Information
• Beverage Packages​
• Dining Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Transportation
• Royal Gifts
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

WONDERS DOWN UNDER

Australian cruises.

From urban verve to outback wilderness, Australia is a year-round sunny paradise.

A large island nation, Australia delivers the best of both the city and the country, the beach and the bush. The locals here are a laidback and friendly bunch, with a dry sense of humor and their own slang language. Explore cosmopolitan Sydney, home to Bondi Beach's turquoise waters and the architecturally unique Sydney Opera House. Cruise to Australia and visit Queensland to experience the Whitsunday Islands, where you can snorkel to see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest living organism. For an authentic Australian adventure, head to the outback: Check out Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, with its red dome known as Ayers Rock.

From The Bush To The Beach

From urban verve to outback wilderness, Australia is a year-round sunny paradise

{{error.text}} {{error.link.label}}

Get Royal Deals, Sign Up Today

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy .

Join the throngs of sun-kissed Australian surfers and catch some of the world's best waves on Australia's beaches.

SWOON OVER SYDNEY

Visit Australia and tour Sydney's urban attractions like the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Taronga Zoo. For outdoor fun, nap on the white sands of Bondi Beach or scale the magnificent rock formations of the Blue Mountains.

MEET MELBOURNE

Melbourne is a hipster haven and Australia's culture, coffee and sports capital. Grab a flat black (the Australian version of an Americano, with espresso and hot water) at Patricia on Little Bourke Street, then rent a car and start off on the Great Ocean Road, which will take you along sweeping views of Australia's southern coast.

HEAD TO THE OUTBACK

In the remote Northern Territory, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: See the famous dome-shaped red rock rising out of the Central Australian Desert. Or check out Kakadu National Park, where you can see ancient rock art at Nourlangie or hike to the hidden waterfalls at Motor Car, Twin or Jim Jim Falls.

TOWN AND COUNTRY

Get to know the different sides of Australia, from vibrant, modern cities to wild, untamed wilderness.

KING AMONG REEFS

Snorkel, dive and swim along the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef — you can even charter a glass-bottomed boat to stay dry while seeing the only living organism visible from outer space. The reef is accessible from places like Cairns, Airlie Beach, Townsville and Port Douglas in Queensland.

In Queensland, take a day trip to the surrounding tropical islands: Check out Fitzroy Island and its National Park, where you can laze on the white sands of the coral beach or go bird-watching for for emerald doves and white-bellied sea eagles. See the colored sands at postcard-perfect Fraser Island, or explore the wild island state of Tasmania during your vacation.

PICK A BEACH

Explore Western Australia's Cape Le Grand National Park, which offers stunning coastline set against rolling heathlands filled with kangaroos. Check out Queensland's Gold Coast, where you'll find local favorite Nobby Beach (known colloquially as "Nobby's"). Or get lost in Tasmania's Freycinet National Park, where pink granite cliffs overlook white-sand beaches and clear blue waves.

EXPEDITIONS DOWN UNDER SAY "G'DAY" TO AN OUTBACK ADVENTURE

Choose your Australian vacation adventure: Relax on a tropical island or one of thousands of beaches, hike in a remote national park or venture into the vibrant city.

SAMPLE SYDNEY

A sampler cruise from Sydney is a great way to experience both Australia's biggest city and an exciting cruise.

BE TANTALIZED BY TASMANIA

Tasmania is an underrated Australian state that's home to Cradle Mountain, the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site and the eccentric Museum of Old and New Art among other things to do.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Arriving in Australia

The best time to visit Australia depends on where you want to go. The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland and the Northern Territory are best explored during dry season (May to September), while summer is the optimal time to visit southern states like Victoria and Tasmania.

Weather-wise, northern Australia enjoys an endless summer, but it does get cold in Victoria and Tasmania during winter. Meanwhile, Melbourne is known for displaying four seasons in one day, so always have a jacket and umbrella on hand, just in case.

Best Brilliance of the Seas Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 8, 2024

Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Start sailing today.

Plan a Winter Vacation Abroad

Uncover the best travel ideas for adventuring on your winter vacation as you voyage on a getaway to visit Australia, New Zealand, & other destinations.

Great Barrier Reef Vacation Ideas

Discover the best water sports to try while on a Great Barrier Reef vacation and start planning your thrilling Australian adventure.

Visit Australia for Kite Flying Vacation

Plan a trip for visiting Australia for a sky-high kite flying adventure. Make your Australian vacation a sensation with these travel temptations!

10 Australian Vacation Experiences

Make your Australian vacation a sensation with these travel temptations! Discover the top 10 remarkable things to do when visiting Australia.

10 Best Things To Do in Australia

From Melbourne to Sydney to iconic animal experiences and world-class wine regions, here are the 10 best things to do in Australia.

A Guide to Australian Beaches

Discover the best Australian beaches for families, wildlife spotting, lounging, learning how to surf and diving into authentic beach culture.

In northern Australia, be aware that stingers (dangerous jellyfish) swarm the seas in the summer, from approximately October to March.

Tipping is not customary in Australia.

The universal phone number for taxi services across the country is 131008.

HOW TO DINE DOWN UNDER

"Fair dinkum" — Aussie slang for "authentic" or "genuine" — Australian cuisine has been influenced by England, New Zealand and even Italy. However, there's nothing more Australian than throwing some steak and snags (sausages) on a barbie (barbecue) — no shrimps allowed.

POPULAR PUB GRUB

There are two dishes to order at an Aussie pub: a chicken parmigiana (called a parmi Down Under) or a burger, which will usually come topped with Australian specialties like beetroot or pineapple. Of course, you can always go for a classic steaks: Porterhouses are popular in Victoria, while rump steaks are particularly beloved in New South Wales.

THE REAL BISCUIT

Australia has some delicious sweet treats, but it's perhaps best-known for perfecting the biscuit. Try Anzac biscuits with oats and golden syrup, lamingtons — a sponge square covered in chocolate and coconut — and Tim Tams, the local favorite brand of chocolate-covered biscuits.

IT'S PIE TIME

Meat pies — with a flaky pastry crust baked around a savory filling of ground meat (typically beef or lamb) and spices — are a traditional Australian lunch or snack found in bakeries across the country. Another favorite is the Chiko Roll, similar to a large spring roll but filled with the signature Aussie ingredients of mutton, celery, barley, rice, carrots and spices.

Related Ports

The Australian coast is dotted with beautiful ports, like Esperance, to explore. In Queensland, Cairns and Airlie Beach are both gateways to the Great Barrier Reef. Meanwhile, Darwin is a gateway to the Northern Territory's rugged natural sights, including Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, and Uluru.

Brisbane, Australia

Adelaide, Australia

Airlie Beach, Queensland

Cairns (Yorkeys Knob), Australia

Darwin, Australia

Esperance, Australia

Geraldton, Australia

Hobart, Tasmania

Melbourne, Australia

Newcastle, Australia

Perth (Fremantle), Australia

Port Douglas, Australia

Port Hedland, Australia

Sydney (White Bay), Australia

Sydney, Australia

Willis Island (Cruising), Australia

Wollongong (Port Kembla), Australia

Eden, Australia

Port Arthur, Tasmania

Cairns, Australia

Penneshaw, Australia

Gladstone, Australia

Exmouth, Australia

Related Destinations

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

Australia Recommends 2024

Come and Say G'day

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

True North, King George Falls, Kimberley, Western Australia © True North

The best Australian cruise destinations

Vibrant port cities, remote wilderness and stunning coral reefs are among the destinations you’ll enjoy by cruise ship.

By Brian Johnston

If you’re a fan of cruising, then Australia’s 30,000km (21,000mi) of coastline is one big adventure. You’ll have direct access to the beach culture, laidback coastal towns and stunning harbours that define so much of the Australian lifestyle. Plus, cruising gives you the chance to explore remote environments with ease.

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Queensland © Riptide Creative

Sinker Reef, Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Great Barrier Reef Safaris, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Great for beaches, water sports and the Great Barrier Reef.

Queensland is prime cruise territory, offering balmy weather, endless islands and the stunning underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef .

Ships to suit all traveller types typically sail from Brisbane , Cairns or Sydney (often return). These cruises travel along the Queensland coast, from northern ports to the wonders of the Whitsundays . As you continue south, You’ll visit laidback beach towns for a dose of sun, water sports and seafood.

Horizontal Falls, Talbot Bay, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

The Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

King George River, Kimberley, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Great for dramatic outback landscapes and rock art.

Australia’s northwest corner is characterised by thousands of islands, mighty rust-red canyons, majestic boab trees and the world’s greatest collection of rock art. Since its coastline has no roads, the only way to visit is by sea. The Kimberley’s natural wonders are unforgettable, from Montgomery Reef – where falling tides create mid-ocean waterfalls – to the rapid-like Horizontal Falls. Luxury expedition ships usually sail between Broome and Darwin (or the reverse) between April and October.

Your guide to cruising the Kimberley region

Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia 

Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Adventures, Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Warroora Station, south of Coral Bay, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia 

Great for stunning reefs, islands and marine life.

While the Kimberley is the main cruise destination in Western Australia , small expedition ships visit the Coral Coast between Perth and Broome, offering adventure in places few visitors are lucky enough to experience. Turquoise ocean clashes with red rock, and you share the waves with dugongs, dolphins and humpback whales.

The Dampier Archipelago has superb snorkelling, diving and white-sand beaches, while the Houtman Abrolhos Islands boast spectacular reefs and seabird colonies. Another highlight is Shark Bay, whose marvels include ancient living fossils, friendly dolphins and a beach made entirely of tiny white shells.

Wedge Island, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia © Kane Overall

Gastronomo The Enchanted Fig Tree, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

Great for natural beauty and local wildlife.

There are two ways to cruise the South Australian coast. Large cruise ships call at Adelaide , Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula (known for its seafood and cage-swimming with great white sharks) and Kangaroo Island .

Smaller ships visit South Australia ’s Yorke Peninsula and Fleurieu Peninsula , both of which combine stunning scenery with nearby wine regions. You can go even more remote on expedition ships that explore the Pearson and Gambier islands, renowned for their unique Southern Ocean flora and fauna.

P.S. Murray Princess Cruise, Murray River, South Australia © SeaLink Travel Group

Murray River, South Australia © Great Walks of Australia

Murray River

Great for tranquil inland exploration combined with history.

The mighty Murray River runs through South Australia and along the border of New South Wales and Victoria . It’s along this winding waterway that you’ll find cultural heritage and natural beauty in equal measure. The river has abundant Aboriginal sites and was crucial to European exploration inland Australia. Plus, you’ll wake up to beautiful gum tree-covered landscapes.

Eden, New South Wales © Warwick Kent courtesy of Sapphire Coast Tourism

12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Hannes Becker/ STA Travel/ Visit Victoria

Hosier Lane, Melbourne City, Victoria © Visit Victoria

South East Australia

Great for the coastal lifestyle and big city culture.

Many short cruises link Sydney with Melbourne or Adelaide (or the reverse) on a wide variety of ships for all styles and budgets. This is a relaxing way to get between the cities, with the chance to see smaller ports and (usually) Tasmania along the way. The ports of call along the coast offer exciting opportunities to see whale migrations, stroll through vineyards and hike through national parks .

Hobart Harbour, Hobart, Tasmania © Tourism Australia

Oyster Bay Tours, Freycinet Marine Farm, Freycinet, Tasmania © Tourism Australia

Port Arthur Historic Site, Port Arthur, Tasmania © Tourism Tasmania & Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority

Great for wild beauty and early colonial history.

Australia’s island state of Tasmania is made for cruising, thanks to its splendid coastline, maritime history and remote wildlife-rich islands. Big ships sail from Adelaide, Melbourne or Sydney on short itineraries that take in Hobart , historic convict settlement Port Arthur and Burnie. From Burnie in the north, shore excursions take you to destinations such as Cradle Mountain National Park .

For a closer, more rugged encounter, consider an expedition cruise on a small vessel, which will take you to Freycinet National Park , Maria Island and otherwise inaccessible wilderness areas.

Seal Bay Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Tourism Australia

HeliSpirit Esperance, Esperance, Western Australia © HeliSpirit Esperance

RoofClimb, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

Australia’s southern coastline

Great for rugged coastal scenery and urban attractions.

It’s easy to connect Australia’s east and west coasts on a cruise. These cruises tend to depart from Sydney or Melbourne and arrive in Western Australia’s capital of Perth (or vice-versa). You’ll relax over a few days at sea, and along the way, explore ports ranging from quaint beach towns to larger cities. 

After arriving in Western Australia, port visits are typically made to Esperance – studded with white-sand beaches and backed by national park – and the Margaret River ’s premium wine country and surf beaches.

Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Kyle Hunter & Hayley Anderson

Opera Bar, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Circumnavigations

Great for the full Australian experience from outback to city.

Can’t decide where to go? Both large and expedition ships occasionally offer a full journey around Australia for those who want it all: bright city lights, remote wilderness, historic towns, islands , reefs and national parks. Circumnavigations stop at major ports around the country, like Perth and Darwin , and usually sail between February-March or October-November and depart from Sydney, taking about thirty days.

More articles like this

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• New Zealand (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

Cruise Whiz

Australia’s most comprehensive online destination for cruise enthusiasts

A comprehensive guide to Australia’s best cruise routes

Australia is a continent rich with diverse landscapes and vibrant cities that boasts a cruising landscape like no other, offering a stunning palette of travel experiences to those seeking the beauty of its shores. Its extensive coastline is peppered with bustling metropolitan cities, quaint coastal towns, pristine beaches and unspoiled natural wonders, making cruising an ideal way to explore the ‘Land Down Under’. Opting for a cruise in Australia lets you unwrap the splendour of its varied terrains, discovering unique flora and fauna and immersing in its indigenous cultures, all while enjoying a relaxed and luxurious journey.

Geographic Diversity and Scenic Beauty

Popular cruise routes, family-friendly cruises, luxury cruises, best times to cruise.

Australia’s geographic diversity is a treasure trove of scenic beauty, encapsulating dense rainforests, arid deserts, towering mountain ranges and sprawling reefs. Whether you are navigating the rugged beauty of The Kimberley or marvelling at the technicolour spectacle of the Great Barrier Reef, the scenic tapestry of Australia unfolds a new chapter of wonder with every nautical mile traversed. The opportunity to witness playful dolphins, mysterious dugongs and the iconic kangaroo adds an extra layer of enchantment to your seafaring adventure.

Venturing into the southern territories reveals a different picturesque tableau, with the rugged cliffs of Tasmania and the whimsical islands of Bass Strait offering a serene contrast to the tropical wonders of the north. The amalgamation of sparkling bays, whispering eucalyptus and the dappled charm of the Southern lights creates a transcendent experience for every cruiser, underlining the countless scenic marvels across Australia’s diverse landscapes.

Australia’s cruise routes are as multifarious as its landscapes. The Sydney to Hobart route is a classic, offering travellers a front-row seat to the architectural marvel of the Sydney Opera House , the historic charm of Hobart and the untouched wilderness of Tasmania. This route is a holistic Australian experience, uniting urban vibrancy with natural tranquillity.

For those seeking tropical splendour, the cruises from Cairns to Darwin present a vivid journey through the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and the untamed beauty of The Kimberley. These routes, teeming with rich biodiversity and ancient indigenous culture, are gateways to exploring Australia’s red-earthed wonders and azure seas.

When it comes to family-friendly cruises, Australia offers a plethora of options, ensuring memorable experiences for every member of the family. The Queensland coastline is particularly popular, with its multitude of islands, beaches and reefs providing endless opportunities for fun and exploration. From snorkelling in the vibrant coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef to encountering the unique wildlife on Magnetic Island, there’s no shortage of adventures for families.

The array of on-board activities offered by cruise lines catering to families ensures entertainment and engagement for all ages. Carnival Cruises is a standout when it comes to family fun. Whether it’s enjoying the kid’s clubs, family-friendly shows or engaging learning activities, families can find the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation while cruising the azure waters of Australia.

Australia’s luxury cruise offerings are unparalleled, combining world-class service, gourmet dining experiences and opulent accommodations. Travellers seeking indulgence can opt for journeys along the east coast, exploring the cosmopolitan luxuries of Sydney, the culinary delights of Melbourne and the natural wonders of Tasmania, all while basking in exquisite luxury.

For those desiring exclusivity and tranquillity, smaller luxury vessels traversing the remote and pristine areas of the Kimberley or the Whitsundays provide a secluded and intimate travel experience. The meticulous attention to detail, personalised service and immersive excursions elevate the journey, creating a symphony of luxurious memories beneath the southern stars.

When planning a cruise in Australia, considering the vast climatic variations is crucial. The ideal time for exploring the northern tropical regions such as the Great Barrier Reef is during the dry season, between May and October, when the weather is pleasant and the seas are calm.

For those intending to experience the southern charm of cities like Sydney and Melbourne or the rugged beauty of Tasmania, the months between November and March offer warm temperatures and clear skies, making it the perfect time to enjoy the coastal splendours and vibrant urban life of the region.

Cruising in Australia is more than a journey; it’s an exploration into diverse landscapes, cultures and experiences, a symphony of scenic wonders and luxurious indulgence. Each route provides a unique narrative, a story woven with threads of natural beauty, historical richness and modern vibrancy. The plethora of choices ensures that every traveller, whether seeking family fun, luxurious relaxation or adventurous exploration, finds their perfect voyage in the Australian waters.

As you embark on your Australian cruise adventure, remember to embrace the spirit of discovery, to let the land of ‘fair dinkum’ and ‘g’day mate’ unveil its myriad of treasures to you, one nautical mile at a time. Whether it’s the tropical allure of the north, the rugged serenity of the south or the urban elegance of the coastal cities, Australia’s cruising landscape promises a voyage of unforgettable memories and spectacular splendours.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Destinations
• Privacy Policy

• My Favourites

Cruising is back: The best itineraries from Australia in 2022/2023

Forty-six ships are here or on their way for a summer season to kickstart Australia’s cruise revival.  As we rediscover an ocean holiday at home, we find the perfect match for you.

This article may contain links from our affiliate and advertising partners. When you click on them, or share this content, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

Chef’s guide to the world’s best markets

World’s most eye-popping animal encounters

Never break these 9 rules on a camping trip

Can you hear the blast of foghorns? The first Australian cruise summer season in two years is officially here. 

And, after such a long wait, we’re more eager than ever to get back on board. According to Google’s travel industry manager Harry Meagher, cruise-related searches have surged by a whopping 280 per cent in the past four months, and Flight Centre reports that cruise inquiries over the past month have doubled those during the same time period in 2019. 

This is a revival that will be welcomed not just by holidaymakers. According to Joel Katz from Cruise Lines International Association, each port visit will bring new visitors and new opportunities for local communities helping to rebuild an industry previously worth more than $5bn a year to the Australian economy.

With 46 ships here or on their way, there’s a cruise for all tastes, and there’s a port nearby where you can embark. The big news is a number of ships will be home porting at the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, including Pacific Encounter, Carnival Luminosa, Quantum of the Seas and Coral Princess. 

Wherever you choose to embark this season, there is a range of itinerary options on offer – circumnavigating Australia, short voyages along the east coast, and trips to New Zealand and the South Pacific, to name a few. 

For food lovers

With specialty restaurants, celebrity chefs and menus celebrating local produce, cruise ships are undergoing a culinary revolution. Regent Seven Seas takes it up a notch with the Culinary Arts Kitchen on board Seven Seas Explorer, set to arrive in Australia in late December for her first Asia-Pacific season.

Here cruisers can get hands-on experience with expert chefs in a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen. 

Meanwhile, Cunard is hosting the inaugural Great Australian Culinary Voyage, a five-day sailing on Queen Elizabeth featuring renowned chefs Matt Moran, Mark Olive and Darren Purchese. 

Expect special events and talks, and the opportunity to sample incredible fare. The January voyage takes in Melbourne and Tassie before returning to Sydney. 

For extended families 

If a long-awaited multi-generational trip is on the cards, a cruise holiday is a genius choice. 

Mum and Dad can slip off for a spa treatment or long lunch while Nan and Pop spend quality time with the little ones, and the whole family can come together to enjoy movies under the stars. 

Princess Cruises offers an array of activities for any age group. Coral Princess is currently sailing, and local flagship Majestic Princess returns to Sydney this month, while Grand Princess debuts this month too. 

The line has partnered with Discovery and Animal Planet to offer special ocean and wildlife-based programs for kids, including experiments, trivia, and arts and crafts. 

Extended families can expect an array of choices when Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse arrives in port later this month. Kids will love spending time at Camp at Sea, while the grown-ups might like to meet up for a post-shore excursion drink – the cruise line has a new partnership with Aussie fave Four Pillars Gin.

For intrepid explorers 

Head off the beaten track and truly immerse yourself in little-visited destinations on an expedition cruise. Because the vessels are smaller, they are able to visit remote ports. 

From October, APT’s 99-guest MS Caledonian Sky will sail on expedition cruises around Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland. Its Cape York and the Great Barrier Reef Expedition visits remote islands of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea en route to Thursday Island.

Coral Expeditions offers small-group itineraries in the Kimberley, Tasmania and South Australia, as well as a one-off circumnavigation of Australia on Coral Adventurer from October to December.

Ponant’s Le Lapérouse and Le Soléal have been operating in the Kimberley region since May and will continue to sail to destinations in Australia, New Zealand and Asia into 2023. In April, the 32-passenger, three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant will arrive for the Kimberley season.

For thrillseekers

Anyone who loves an adrenaline rush is in for a treat, with the arrival of not one but two Royal Caribbean Quantum Class ships to our shores. 

Both Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature “first-at-sea” experiences, including the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, the FlowRider surf simulator and SeaPlex, which features a full basketball court, bumper cars and roller skating. Come November, Quantum of the Seas will homeport in Brisbane, and from the end of October, Ovation of the Seas will sail from Sydney. 

Aquatic daredevils should make a direct path to the Green Lightning thrill-slide on Carnival Splendor. The adventure begins with an 11.3m free-fall drop followed by a slingshot curve, twisting and sliding guests into a giant swirling bowl. 

For entertainment lovers 

Look no further than the high seas this summer season for exceptional theatre and live performances. 

Expect to be wowed by a new production on board P&O Cruises. The adults-only Blanc de Blanc – Uncorked is a Parisian-inspired show currently on stage on board Pacific Encounter, and soon to be on board Pacific Adventure when she sails this month. 

Meanwhile, P&O Cruises’ Pacific Explorer will salute the King of Rock and Roll on a themed Elvis cruise departing Melbourne in December. Expect to see renowned impersonators perform, and you can even master your own version of Hound Dog at karaoke.

Holland America Line has two ships arriving in Australia in November. On these, cruisers can take a seat at Lincoln Center Stage, which has an exclusive partnership with the New York Performing Arts Centre. Additionally, on Westerdam, you can dance to live soul and blues at BB King’s Blues Club. 

For those who love to be spoiled

Keen for a voyage that involves extra pampering? Expect door-to-door service with a limousine pick-up and exceptional butler service when sailing with ultra-luxury line, Silversea . 

Your dedicated white-gloved butler is at your service to organise your shore excursions, shine your shoes and draw your bath. The line will bring the all-suite Silver Muse, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper to Australia from December to March. 

Love a spa treatment? Norwegian Spirit, a Norwegian Cruise Lines vessel which has had a $US100m revitalisation, has just doubled the size of the Mandara Spa. 

Relax in the Thermal Suite before heading to the adults-only Spice H20 pool retreat, which transforms into an open-air cocktail lounge and nightclub after dark. The vessel arrives at our shores in December. 

For a solo journey 

After the past couple of years, who doesn’t want a bit of “me time”? 

Cruising can be the perfect way to holiday for solo travellers. Imagine days exploring ports then stepping back on board for a spa treatment before sampling culinary delights at intimate restaurants. And you can choose to dip in and out of group activities when you desire. 

Oceania Cruises caters to solo cruisers with dedicated staterooms. Its Regatta ship arrives in Sydney in December and offers 14 spacious Solo Oceanview staterooms featuring the Tranquility Bed and Bulgari amenities. The ship will sail on a 35-night circumnavigation of Australia, as well as to the South Pacific. 

Another line that caters well to solo cruisers is Azamara. The line features small-group destination-immersive excursions, and back on board, often hosts meet-ups for solo cruisers. The 710-guest Azamara Quest will arrive in Fremantle in mid-December and then sail on a variety of cruises until late February. 

10 glorious European cruises to book for 2023

10 most luxurious cruise ship suites in the world

22 rules every first-timer cruiser needs

Do I need a visa to visit Antarctica?

When she’s not travelling the world on a cruise ship, music-loving Andrea can be found searching for additions to her record collection in New York or LA. She once sat next to ’90s Maxi Priest on a flight, and has her sights set on a trip to Mexico City – and cruising on Viking Orion.

Based in Bondi, Aussie chef and TV host Guy Turland loves nothing more than discovering food markets around the world.

Based on Phillip Island, this wildlife biologist and park ranger’s love of watching animals in their natural habitats has taken her all over the world. She shares her favourite experiences.

Whether you want to pitch a tent or drive a home on wheels, we've got all you need to know about camping and caravanning - from campsite etiquette to the right gear to budget hacks to stretch your holiday dollars.

Travellers are going wild over this ‘magical’ tumbler

The viral travel tumbler trend sent TikTokers into a spin over the Stanley Cup, but now travellers are going crazy for a straw cup that's half the price.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Arts & Culture
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 7 best cruises to float away on in Australia in 2024

Want to sail away in major kind of way? We've got you covered

If cruising on a large, luxurious vessel to exotic destinations is your kind of adventure, you’ll be pleased to know that in Australia, the options are pretty endless.  Although cruises aren’t for everyone, they can be a pretty excellent way of exploring far-flung places while still maximising your time off. 

We've found the eight best Australian cruise routes and companies that each offer up something a little different for the curious cruiser.  Whether you're after a family-friendly oasis, an adult's-only paradise, a seriously luxe holiday, a bespoke adventure, or an affordable trip away, there's an Australian cruise experience out there for everyone.

Now, all that's left is for you to buy a large sun hat and channel Jennifer Coolidge circa White Lotus , season two – just without the sticky ending bit (obviously). 

RECOMMENDED:  One in four Australians plan to set sail on a cruise in 2024 .

An email you’ll actually love

The best cruises in Australia

1.  National Geographic Explorer – Kimberley Expedition, Northwest Australia to Indonesia

As the name suggests, this one's for those who like a more intrepid kind of adventure holiday. Live out all your explorer fantasies on this expensive, yet (by the sounds of it) mind-blowing sail from Western Australia to Bali. You'll be on an authentic expedition ship exploring hard-to-reach places. Their fleet of tiny Zodiac boats will take you up close to ancient Indigenous rock art, saltwater crocs and komodo dragons. Plus, you'll get coached by a legit Nat Geo photographer on how to capture your most magazine-worthy shot.

When: May, June and July 2024.

What:  16 days sail from Broome in WA, to WA's remote reefs and islands, to Darwin, to remote islands in the Indonesian archipelago, ending in Bali. 

Good for: Wildlife adventurers, wilderness lovers, people who dream of being a National Geographic Explorer and have a bit of time (and cash) to spare. 

Price: From $14,926 per person.

2.  Coral Expeditions – Cairns to Cairns, via Great Barrier Reef

Although not crazy cheap, this intimate Aussie-owned cruise experience is for those who want the ease of seafaring travel, but not the big crowds. With a maximum of 72 people allowed on board their specially designed Coral Discoverer vessel, you can feel good about exploring the rainbow wonders of the Great Barrier Reef over the span of a week. Plus, there's a marine biologist on board.

When: November and December, 2024 and 2025.

What: 7 nights from Cairns to Cairns, exploring remote islands and untouched bits of the Great Barrier Reef along the way. 

Good for:  A shorter holiday in the summer break, people who like snorkelling, the outdoors and getting off the beaten track.

Price: From $5,340 per cabin.

3.  Carnival Cruises – Sydney or Brisbane to the South Pacific

If you're keen to get way out of town, but don't want to spend your life's savings, consider Carnival Cruises. Although these folks offer up the gigantic floating hotel vibes that are the stuff of some people's nightmares, they are pretty affordable. With trips going all year round from either Sydney or Brisbane to the bright blue waters of the South Pacific, you should be able to find something that suits you. 

When: Annually, 2024 and 2025.

What:  7–10 days all-inclusive sail from Brisbane or Sydney to multiple islands dotted through the South Pacific. 

Good for: Kids, budget-seekers, those who want a holiday without having to think about getting from A to B. 

Price: From $706 per cabin.

4.  P & O – Brisbane and Whitsundays to Brisbane

The Whitsundays are arguably the most photogenic watery place in Australia, so it makes sense to explore them by sea. If you're short on time and money, P & O Cruises offer you a quick and all-inclusive getaway that won't break your bank. Think tropical reef snorkelling, dazzling blue waters and sugar white sand for your next long weekend. 

When: Every month in 2024 and 2025.

What: 4 night sail from Brisbane, Airlie Beach, and then back to Brisbane.

Good for : Budget-seekers, families, snorkelling fanatics, the time-poor. 

Price: From $524 per person.

5.  Disney Magic at Sea – Sydney and Melbourne to Brisbane, Hobart or Noumea

Disney Wonder cruises range from between two to seven days, for which time guests will be fully immersed within a magical Disney world. You'll get to hang out with characters such as  Captains Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, experience what they call "imaginative" world-class dining, and be treated to Disney-riffic entertainment, including musical performances and original theatrical shows – all while sailing the seas and visiting  ports, including  Noumea,  Hobart and Eden.

When: On selected dates throughout 2024 and 2025

What: 1-7 nights sail from either Sydney or Melbourne to Brisbane, Hobart or Noumea. 

Good for: Kids, families, serious Disney fans. 

Price: From $1,649 per person

6.  Celebrity Cruises – Sydney and Melbourne to Eden, Adelaide or Hobart

Despite its rather funny name, Celebrity Cruises is pretty good value for anyone wanting to sail on a short and sweet trip down Australia's east coast. Expect classic cruise fare, but also great prices for an all-inclusive and reasonably luxe trip to the cold, windswept regions of southern Australia. They even have a specific 'Australia Wine' tour, for those who are so inclined. 

When: On selected dates across 2024. 

What: 4-6 night sail from Sydney or Melbourne to either Adelaide's wine regions, or down to Eden and Hobart. 

Good for:  People short on time, those keen on Adelaide and Tasmania, and wine lovers. 

Price : From $1,002 per person.

7.  Royal Carribean Cruises – Sydney to New Zealand

If you're in Sydney and want to get over the ditch to NZ, getting on a cruise could be a fun way to do it. Royal Carribean offers up the kind of all-inclusive gigantic cruise experience that may not be everyone's cup o' tea – but you do get to bop across the high seas to numerous ports on New Zealand's gorgeous coast, and then come back to Sydney again. Essentially, it's good value for what you get, and for how many new places you will get the chance to see. 

When : On selected dates in 2024 and 2025. 

What : 10-12 night sail from Sydney to special ports, islands and natural wonders all across New Zealand, and then back to Sydney again. 

Good for:  Travellers who want to see both Australia and New Zealand while they're this far down south, people in a mid-tier budget range, nature lovers, those who enjoy travel efficiency. 

Price : From $1,482 per person.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

• Pre-Cruise FAQ
• Onboard FAQ
• Post-Cruise FAQ
• Cruisetours FAQ
• Special Offers Sign Up
• Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

Cruises from Sydney

Stay and play in one of the world’s most famous coastal cities.

Best Ocean Cruise Line Overall

Cruise Passenger Reader's Choice Awards, 5-time consecutive winner

Catch a wave at Bondi, shop ‘til you drop in the city or sip a long black in the vibrant inner west before a cruise from Sydney. Culturally diverse, Sydney offers plenty to explore, from art galleries and ancient Aboriginal culture, to iconic structures and a heady mix of cuisines. When cruising from Sydney’s deep-water port in the heart of the city, you can explore it all before or after your next Sydney cruise with Princess.

Find the Best Cruises from Sydney

New Zealand Cruises

Cruise from Sydney and head ‘across the ditch’ to New Zealand, Australia’s closest neighbour. Sample award-winning wines in Picton, discover rich Māori heritage in the Bay of Islands or explore Tolkien’s mythical Middle Earth. With Princess’ Across the Ditch program, sample the best of the region and immerse yourself in local culture on board any of our round-trip cruises from Sydney or one-way trips to Auckland.

Australia Cruises

Cruising from Sydney allows you to explore the very best of Australia – including its rich culture and diverse landscape. Dive the Great Barrier Reef, browse Hobart’s Salamanca Markets or tantalise your tastebuds in the Barossa Valley and Margaret River wine regions. From bustling cities to deserted outback, coastal paradise to craggy peaks to lush rainforest, Australia is a land that has it all.

Australia Seacations

One of the wonderful things about Australia is the fact that you don’t have to go far to see something new. If you’re short on time, short cruises from Sydney allow you to explore some of the country’s highlights. On 2 or 3-day cruises from Sydney, browse Melbourne’s boutique stores and laneways, see a koala at Brisbane’s Australia Zoo or kick back and relax on the Gold Coast.

Papua New Guinea

Located off the north coast of Australia, the rugged paradise of Papua New Guinea is the perfect destination for those who want to head off the beaten track. On a cruise from Sydney, relax on Alotau’s immaculate white-sand beaches, or dive the Conflict Islands’ pristine reef system to uncover the intriguing marine life within. You’ll soon realize that Papua New Guinea is a place that’s not easily forgotten.

Tasmania Cruises

Located just off Australia’s mainland, Tasmania offers plenty to explore on your next cruise from Sydney. Stroll through bustling Hobart and sample some of the local produce, then uncover the state’s history as a penal colony at Port Arthur. Trek Tassie’s wilderness on a hike of Cradle Mountain, or marvel at the beauty of Freycinet Peninsula. Whether on a short cruise getaway or a longer trip, Tasmania is simply a must-see.

South America Cruises

From the balmy jungles of South America to the icy terrains of Antarctica, revel in the best of both worlds on a cruise from Sydney. In Puntarenas, learn how Starbucks coffee beans are harvested at the company’s only farm. Walk past pyramids in Huatulco, and uncover treasures of Mesoamerica. Or ascend to Corcovado Mountain and visit one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Tahiti & South Pacific Cruises

On cruises from Sydney, step into paradise as you uncover the mesmerising beauty of Tahiti and the islands of the South Pacific. Explore these dream destinations and bask in the crystal waters of Lemon Bay Beach in New Caledonia’s Noumea. Kayak within a secret oasis at Vanuatu’s Mystery Island, wander colourful markets in Fiji’s Lautoka or discover rich French Polynesian culture in Tahiti.

Asia Cruises

Home to ancient civilizations and long-standing traditions, Asia welcomes you to explore age-old cultures. Learn the art of Thai dancing in Bangkok, navigate the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City or discover 8,000-year-old history at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. Between the landmarks and local connections, experience a sensory experience unlike any other on a cruise from Sydney to Asia.

What You Need to Know About Cruises from Sydney

Vibrant, bustling and culturally diverse, Sydney is full of treasures well worth exploring. Here’s everything you need to know about the city, so you can really make the most of your cruise from Sydney.

Sydney at a glance

• Language : English
• Currency : Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Time Zone : Australian Eastern Time (AET)
• Docking : Your cruise from Sydney docks at White Bay Cruise Terminal or the Overseas Passenger Terminal (Circular Quay West).
• Attire : Opt for shorts and t-shirts during the hot and humid summer months (December to February) and long pants and sweaters in the cooler months of winter (June to August).
• Transportation : Public transport makes Sydney easy to get around, thanks to its ferries, buses, trains and light rail. Driving in the city is not recommended, especially during peak hour, due to high density traffic.

Things to do in Sydney

Whether taking a short cruise from Sydney or a world tour, there’s plenty to explore in the city before or after your cruise. Foodies can indulge in diverse cuisines, while history and nature lovers can find hidden gems at every turn. Climb the Harbour Bridge, tour the Opera House or wander the Royal Botanic Gardens. Outside the city, cool off at Manly Beach, hike the Blue Mountains or catch a game at Sydney Cricket Ground.

Ships That Cruise from Sydney

Our Princess fleet includes some of the best cruises from Sydney. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

Crown Princess®

Royal Princess®

Grand Princess®

Diamond Princess®

Discovery Princess®

Majestic Princess®

Coral Princess®

Island Princess®

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

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.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

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.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

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.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. And the best part is, they are absolutely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

You May Also Like

Medallionclass® on all ships.

Next-level technology. More time for you. Your vacation – simplified, personalized.

New To Cruising

First time cruising? Have questions? We have the answers so your first  time will be nothing but smooth sailing.

Food & Dining

Award-winning and made from scratch

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Cruising Australia: Everything you need to know about sailing Down Under

• July 7, 2020

From stunning coastal routes to unmissable sailing events, Janneke Kuysters shares her top tips for cruising Australia

Anna Caroline moored with iconic Sydney landmarks in the background

“It doesn’t matter where you choose, you can’t go wrong in Australia. There are so many wonderful cruising grounds,” says Hank Rosendal, a Dutch-Australian sailor. His Amel 53 Tempest is currently moored in Albany, West-Australia. And he’s right: you could sail a lifetime around Australian shores and still not see everything.

So for a foreign cruiser there is a difficult choice: how much time do you want to spend in Australia and what can you do and see? Classically, on a trip around the world , cruisers sail from the islands of the South Pacific to New Zealand for the cyclone season: a tough crossing but with the rich rewards of New Zealand hospitality and boat maintenance facilities.

From New Zealand many go back north to Vanuatu or New Caledonia and then on to the Indian Ocean. For those a short pitstop in Australia in either Cairns, Thursday Island or Darwin is logical. Visits to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef will add the wonderful experience of tropical Australia.

Australia is a vast country: don’t underestimate the distances you’ll sail. From Bundaberg to Sydney is a little under 500 miles; add 628 miles for the trip from Sydney to Hobart. If you go from Hobart to Perth across the Bight, you’ll be adding another 2,250 miles.

East coast cruising

But in the past decade more and more cruisers have viewed Australia as a destination in itself. And that opens up a whole new perspective. The tough 1,000-plus miles crossing from the Pacific Islands to New Zealand is no longer necessary – a downwind cruise of around 700 miles from New Caledonia to the east coast of Australia is much more comfortable.

The boat can be safely left in Australia while you fly home, or you can keep sailing. The most important thing to consider is to stay below 30°S; the official cyclone belt lies to the north of this latitude. Instead of having to wait for the cyclones to pass, cruisers can sail on and explore Australian waters.

There are myriad choices to make depending on the distances you are willing to cover. Two popular options are to make landfall near Brisbane in Queensland and sail south to Sydney and back, or to continue sailing to Tasmania .

Article continues below…

Sailing Tasmania: Bucket list cruising across the Bass Strait

“No pizza today.” When this announcement is made at Port Cygnet Sailing Club, all conversations among members in the clubhouse…

Selling your boat in the Pacific: How to get full price after an ocean adventure

Buying a boat, sailing across the Atlantic and then exploring the Pacific, before selling it for the purchase price in…

South African cruiser Brent Grimbeek has chosen this second option: “I love the diversity that the Australian east coast has to offer. Most of the distances between ports are short, so we daysailed our Lagoon 44 Impi from port to port. Crossing Bass Strait is always a challenge, but the effort is richly rewarded by the stunning nature and landscapes of Tasmania.”

His wife Ana adds: “There is the annual Go West rally between New Caledonia and Australia. Although we have made this crossing a few times now, we enjoy participating in the rally: it makes entry into Australia easier and it is fun to meet like-minded people.”

British solo sailor Thom D’Arcy sailed his Vancouver 28 Fathom along the east coast from Bundaberg to Sydney and back up north, all the way to Darwin. “I’m very pleased I took Fathom to Sydney. The sense of achievement on entering such an iconic port is fantastic.”

Thom D’Arcy sailed his Vancouver 28 Fathom along Australia’s east coast

For those with a taste for speed and endurance, sailing south along the east coast of Australia can be ‘spiced up’ by entering the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race . Paul Billingham, Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia explains: “We encourage foreign yachts to participate in ‘the Hobart’ as part of their trip around the world and extend all the necessary help and support to make it happen for them.”

There is also a lesser used track to cruise around the south of Australia and up the west coast. After studying the weather patterns closely, we saw that the tough westward crossing of the Great Australian Bight is feasible in the summer months of February and March.

A succession of high-pressure systems chases the prevailing south-westerly winds away and makes for periods of four to seven days of nice easterly winds. A cruise ‘along the bottom’ of Australia not only gives the opportunity to visit Tasmania’s lesser known cruising areas on the wild west coast, but also puts cities such as Adelaide within reach.

The start of the Sydney Hobart Race means a congested Sydney Harbour. Photo: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Bruce Roach, Commodore of the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron, says they welcome visiting cruisers. “The south coast of Australia is a very rewarding cruising ground, from Adelaide to the natural beauty of the Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf with its many anchorages,” he adds.

During our cruise around the south of Australia we experienced this warm hospitality first-hand: the generosity of the Australians to visiting yachts is one of the rewards of sailing off the beaten track in such a vast country. Once across the Bight, Western Australia offers a whole new cruising experience. Long reefs stretch along the coast, so careful navigation is needed.

Cities like Perth and Fremantle offer all possible facilities to visiting yachts, and from the west coast of Australia there are two options: start crossing the Indian Ocean as early as possible after the cyclone season or sail north to Indonesia.

The Royal Prince Albert Yacht Club in Pittwater

Coastal sailing

In Australian sailing vocabulary, ‘cruising’ doesn’t mean bluewater cruising, but is mainly coastal daysailing from port to anchorage. Coastal sailing in Australia therefore comes with lots of interesting options, often seen as luxuries by foreign cruisers, such as streaming internet up to 25 miles offshore and ample provisioning (around every corner there is a supermarket and an ATM).

We joked how cruising the east coast is ‘sailing with a watch in your hand’, as a lot of the entrances are river mouths with sandbars across them, requiring careful calculation to cross the bar at the turn of the tide. The navigational challenges can be roughly summarised in three words: current, depressions and sea breeze.

First the current. Along the east coast of Australia there is a southbound current of up to four knots which makes for fast sailing to the south, but rather tedious work when sailing up north, unless you use the countercurrent close inshore. Along the south coast the Leeuwin current flows east at a rate of 0.5 knots. On the west coast the Leeuwin current is stronger and flows south at a rate of about one knot.

Cruising in Pittwater and Broken Bay, north of Sydney

The second challenge is the depressions. They flow in a steady succession from west to east, bringing troughs and fronts. The quality of the available forecasts is high, so you can make good use of the wind the depressions generate to propel you in the right direction. Going against the prevailing winds makes for tough conditions though, because in the shallow coastal areas steep wind-waves build up very quickly.

Australia’s hot interior generates sea breezes. Again, if you study them and use them to your advantage, it can make for some fine passages. But you need to be careful. Sea breezes can easily last for 12 hours and reach over 25 knots on top of the prevailing winds.

Timing and distances

The cruising season in southern Australia is at its best in January, February and March. That means that you can sail to Australia from, for instance, New Caledonia in September. This gives you the time to cruise at leisure down the coast and make some trips overland too. We went to Ayers Rock/Uluru.

You can spend the summer in Tasmania and sail back up in March, to be in time for the end of the cyclone season by the time you reach Queensland again. If you decide to go along the Bight, you need to leave Tasmania at the end of January to time your crossing of the Bight in February or March.

Cruising Australian shores has been very rewarding for us: the wildlife, nature, diversity and hospitality left us in awe.

Entry in Australia

Australia has the reputation of being a tough country to enter. In reality, if you prepare yourself and your boat, there is no need to worry. The process is fairly straightforward and all necessary information is easy to find on the government websites.

Before arriving in Australia, every crew member needs to have a visa. There are two types. The e-visitor visa which is valid for three months. It is free of charge and can be extended. The other type is valid for one year (multiple entry) and costs AU$140. Both can be applied for online.

When you have been in certain countries in the Pacific for more than three months, you will need to have a chest X-ray before you arrive in Australia. Check the online forms carefully for the conditions.

For your boat there are two important steps. First, the cruising permit. This is issued on arrival and is valid for one year, with the option of extending it to three years. With this cruising permit as proof of being a ‘yacht in transit’, buying parts for the boat or having repairs done is exempt from sales tax (GST in Australia).

The second step is the biosecurity inspection. Fresh fruit, meat, dairy and eggs are not allowed. Importantly, the boat also needs to be without any pest infestation, such as fruit flies, termites, or growth on the hull. Australian agri- and aquaculture is strictly protected and the inspections are thorough.

At AU$60 per 15 minutes increments, it pays to prepare the boat in the port of departure, cleaning and making all surfaces accessible makes for a quick inspection. On average, the cost is AU$300 for the inspection.

Where to enter? There are roughly three options, depending on your cruising plans. If you want to do ‘Australia light’, the port of Bundaberg is the best. It is just below latitude 30°S, so you can wait for the cyclone season to pass north of you before you head to Cairns or further north.

If you want to cruise the east coast, ports further south such as Brisbane, Southport or even Coffs Harbour are attractive. If your focus is on Tasmania, you could even choose to enter in Sydney.

About the authors

Dutch couple Wietze van der Laan and Janneke Kuysters are sailing around the world in their Bruce Roberts 44 Anna Caroline . They love high latitude cruising and exploring areas which are slightly off the beaten track.

First published in the August 2019 edition of Yachting World.

• Temperature

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

8 Norwegian Cruise Passengers Stranded on African Island Catch Up to Ship After Traversing 7 Countries

The group of stranded American and Australian passengers included four elderly people, one with a heart condition and a pregnant woman

Natalia Senanayake is an Editorial Assistant, Lifestyle at PEOPLE. She covers all things travel and home, from celebrities' luxury mansions to breaking travel news.

Sipa via AP

• Nine Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were reportedly left behind on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe on March 27 
• The group was on a guided excursion that got delayed, leading them to miss the ship’s "all aboard" call 
• A statement from Norwegian Cruise Lines noted that all guests are responsible for returning to the docked ship at the designated call time 
• Eight people were able to catch up to the ship on Tuesday morning after reportedly traversing seven countries.
• One, who had fallen ill before the incident, has safely returned to the U.S.

Multiple passengers were stranded on an island in Africa after their Norwegian Cruise Line ship reportedly left them behind. After several days of uncertainty and a trek across seven countries, they're now back on board the vessel.

On Wednesday, March 27, South Carolina couple Jill and Jay Campbell were enjoying a guided tour on the island of São Tomé and Príncipe located off the continent's western coast, ABC15 News reported at the time. The pair was with six other American and Australian passengers when they realized they wouldn’t make it back to the ship on time due to their tour taking longer than planned.

Though the tour operator contacted the cruise ship’s captain to inform them of the delay, the captain refused to let them back on the still-anchored ship when they arrived at the port because it was after the "all aboard" call, per the outlet. 

The São Tomé and Príncipe Coast Guard allegedly then took them by boat directly to the ship where the captain again did not permit them to board. 

The group later encountered another stranded passenger, an 80-year-old woman, who was hospitalized on the island after a cruise line tour, the outlet stated. The woman reportedly experienced memory and vision loss due to a medical emergency. 

In addition to the ill passenger, the group also includes one person who is pregnant, one with a heart condition and four elderly travelers. 

The majority of the group left their medications and credit cards on the ship except for the Campbells, who have reportedly paid over $5,000 for food, accommodations, and other necessities for their fellow passengers. 

On Sunday, the U.S. Embassy in Angola allegedly arranged for the group to fly to the West African country of Gambia, the ship's next planned port of call, so they could reboard. 

Google Maps

Unfortunately, the group discovered the cruise ship wasn’t docked at the port in Gambia as planned because it had to spend another day at sea due to low tides. ABC News 4 reports the passengers spent fifteen hours traveling through six countries to make it to the port on Sunday. 

“We have to cross the ferry to get into Senegal,” Campbell told the outlet on Monday, marking their seventh country. “We just learned from the gentleman that the ferry hadn’t been working, but he said no problem, if the ferry is not working we will get another little boat and then pick up a car on the other side. And then once we get on the other side of Senegal, it’s another four-hour drive.” 

In a statement to PEOPLE, Norwegian Cruise Line said, “On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3 p.m. local time."

The statement continued, “While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily print communication and posted just before exiting the vessel.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

The cruise line added that guests are “responsible for any necessary travel arrangements” to meet the ship at the next port and that they had each of their passports “delivered to the local port agents to retrieve” when they missed their all aboard call.

The group was finally able to catch up to the vessel. They reached Dakar, Senegal, its next port, on Monday night, PEOPLE confirmed.

After what they'd been through, Jill told NBC News in a story published on Tuesday, "We are considering whether or not we are going to board the ship. We believe there was a basic duty of care that they had forgotten about, so it does concern us." While she allowed that Norwegian technically followed protocol, she says, "I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and really the safety and well-being of the customers should be their first priority."

On Tuesday morning, the eight passengers, less the person who had fallen ill and later safely returned home to the United States, chose to board the cruise. Norwegian confirmed the news to PEOPLE in a statement.

"Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal. We remain in communication with the guests and are providing additional information as it becomes available,"

The Norwegian Dawn departed from Cape Town, South Africa, on March 20 for a 21-day trip that will end in Barcelona on April 10.

Related Articles

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Qantas pauses Perth to London route due to expected Iranian attack on Israel

Airline’s Perth to London flights will now stop over in Singapore to avoid Iranian airspace amid fears Tehran will strike Israel

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails , free app or daily news podcast

Qantas has been forced to pause its non-stop flights from Perth to London to avoid Iranian airspace amid fears Tehran is planning an imminent attack on Israel.

As the world braces for a potential flare up in the region, the airline’s Perth to London flights will instead operate via a stop in Singapore for the foreseeable future.

The roughly 17 and a half hour flight to London’s Heathrow airport – the only non-stop regularly scheduled commercial flights between Australia and the United Kingdom – are only achievable on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with a route over Iranian airspace.

A Qantas spokesperson confirmed the non-stop flights from Perth were operating to a modified route due to concerns about Iranian airspace.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup

“We’re temporarily adjusting the flight paths for our flights between Perth and London due to the situation in parts of the Middle East,” the spokesperson said.

“We’ll reach out to customers directly if there’s any change to their booking,” the spokesperson said.

The Perth-London service, normally QF9, has now been assigned QF209, and stops via Singapore to refuel.

The return leg, from London to Perth, will continue as a non-stop service. The same aircraft, a Boeing 787-9, can fly to a modified path to avoid Iranian airspace without requiring a refuelling stop.

This is because fuel burn and flight times are slightly reduced when flying eastwards due to jetstreams.

On Friday, foreign minister Penny Wong said she had called her Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, urging the Islamic Republic to “use its influence in the region to promote stability, not contribute to escalation”.

“Australia will continue working with partners who have influence in the region to stop the conflict from spreading. Further conflict will only add to the devastation in the Middle East,” Wong said.

Australia also updated its advice for citizens travelling to Israel, warning “there’s an increased threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region”.

“The security situation could deteriorate quickly, with little or no notice,” the warning said.

“This may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and flight diversions, and other travel disruptions. Airports may pause operations due to heightened security concerns,” the warning said.

Wong’s message comes amid a push from the United States and its secretary of state, Antony Blinken, calling for governments to pressure Iran out of following through on its threats to retaliate against Israel after its attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus.

Overnight, US president Joe Biden has said he expects an Iranian attack on Israel “sooner rather than later” and issued a last-ditch message to Tehran : “Don’t.”

“We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed,” Biden told reporters on Friday in the US.

The White House comments came as several countries, including India, France , Poland and Russia, warned their citizens against travel to the region and Israel’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant, said his country was “prepared to defend [itself] on the ground and in the air, in close cooperation with our partners”.

• Israel-Gaza war
• Airline industry

Most viewed

Criminals used an Australian company to launder $450,000, but no charges were laid

With his retirement growing closer, Peter Correy decided to make a boring but safe investment.

He wanted to invest in Treasury bonds and use the proceeds to fund a laid-back beach lifestyle on the NSW Central Coast with his wife Michelle.

After using an online investment comparison website he was contacted by someone claiming to be from the Swiss investment bank UBS.

The "representative" helped broker a deal, and Mr Correy believed he was buying bonds from an established Australian company, Newtech Industrial Group.

But after depositing $450,000 into Newtech's bank account in April and May 2022, Mr Correy became suspicious.

It turned out he had not been speaking with UBS, but a scammer impersonating the Swiss bank.

Mr Correy also discovered that Newtech had transferred some of his money offshore, without his knowledge.

"Emotionally I was just absolutely gutted," he said.

Even though he had been conned, many of the details involved were real.

Newtech Industrial Group was a real company that had been registered in Australia since 2007. The bank account he sent his money to was their real bank account. And the account was with a real bank: the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA).

This is the second example uncovered by the ABC of an Australian company's bank account allegedly being used to receive stolen funds before the money is laundered offshore.

It raises serious concerns about how Australian companies are regulated, and whether weaknesses in the system are being abused by criminal networks to perpetrate fraud.

After Peter Correy reported the alleged scam, his bank managed to get two thirds of his funds back. Newtech's bank account was also shut down.

But that's when things got really weird.

False business address, false business connections and forged documents

Newtech describes itself as an "independent trader" with access to a global supply network, mainly across the oil and gas sector.

It has four directors — 69-year-old Gold Coast-based naturopath and herbalist Geoff Beaty and three others in Europe, including Romanian Florin Rozescu.

When Newtech's bank account was shut down, its directors contacted Mr Correy to try and get it re-opened, making elaborate claims about what had happened.

The men said Newtech had received his money and sent it to accounts in Poland and Indonesia, believing that was exactly what Mr Correy wanted.

"They came back to me, completely dumbfounded as to why we would freeze the account," Mr Correy said.

"They said, 'But we've got all this signed documentation from yourself wanting to invest in Newtech.'"

Newtech sent the "signed documentation" to Mr Correy to see for himself. Then when he read the documents he was shocked – he had never seen them before, and said they were forgeries.

"All [the agreements were] using our forged signatures, which they had taken from the passports that we sent through to open the account with UBS," Mr Correy said.

The men told Mr Correy that the company had received the contracts "signed by the Correy family" via a UK-based consultant named Marcel Portmann, who claimed to represent the couple.

Mr Correy said he had never heard of, or spoken to, the man named Marcel Portmann.

Amongst the documents sent to Mr Correy was:

• A signed agreement to send $100,000 of Mr Correy's money to a Polish-Ukrainian organisation in Poland
• A signed agreement to send $230,000 to a Hong Kong company's bank account in Indonesia to fund a Dubai development project
• Identity documents and information purportedly from Marcel Portmann

Oddly, there was also a photo of a physical copy of the couple's home loan bank statement, a document that Mr Correy says he never sent to his scammers.

Mr Correy assumed if both he and Newtech had been scammed, the company would simply return the rest of his money, but it refused.

Instead, Florin Rozescu encouraged Mr Correy to work with him to try to track down his money.

Mr Rozescu made an extraordinary claim that he knew people inside the international crime agency INTERPOL who could help.

"To have any possibility of return you will need to work with my contacts in Interpol," Florin Rosezcu wrote to Peter Correy on July 20, 2022.

"Interpol has stated if they are able to recover any of the funds then they must be sent back via the route that they came, so the accusation of the funds being stolen must be lifted."

This is unlikely to be true and appears to have simply been an attempt to get the account reopened.

INTERPOL's website says investigations are always carried out by national and local police forces, while the ABC has confirmed banks would not require the receiving account be open for a scam victim to get their money back.

But Newtech was adamant Mr Correy needed to help them reopen the company's CBA bank account.

Getting that bank account unfrozen seemed to be crucial to Newtech.

Mr Correy was surprised and confused to find amongst the documents the company sent to him a letter asking the CBA to reopen the account.

The letter appeared to be signed by Peter and Michelle Correy, likely using the stolen signatures copied from their passports. It included the Correys' correct home address but a false email and phone number for Peter.

It's unclear why Newtech sent the forgery to Mr Correy, or whether the company also sent it to the bank.

Mr Correy eventually decided to stop replying to the company's correspondence.

A gun shop, an accountant, but no sign of Newtech

Newtech describes having worldwide headquarters in Australia at a small office complex in Queensland's Gold Coast.

However, when the ABC visited the address there was no sign of the company.

In the complex, there was a gun shop and the company's former accounting firm, which confirmed Newtech had never operated an office from the location, but was a client until February 2023.

The Newtech website also describes a long history of achievements across the globe from Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Despite extensive efforts, the ABC could not independently verify the projects and deals catalogued.

A number of the company's listed partners appeared not to exist, while others denied having any connection to Newtech.

A representative from Malta Oil and Gas, which is listed as a business partner, told the ABC it "never had such a relationship with Newtech Industrial Group".

Another source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the ABC a listing which spruiks a partnership between the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Newtech and another company in 2017 was also inaccurate.

The source with knowledge of the trillion-dollar Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund's operations said there was "no connection whatsoever".

Newtech is associated with a number of companies in the United Kingdom and New Zealand which have now been dissolved, including Newtech Marketing Network (UK) Limited, Newtech Petrogas International Limited, Newtech-Acorn Petroleum Limited and Newtech Holding Group Limited.

One former business partner told the ABC they cancelled their agreement after Newtech did not deliver on its terms and it "doesn't surprise me that they are associated with failed companies".

Police find scam originated 'overseas' and Newtech director not to blame

Mr Correy's case was investigated by Queensland Police but the case was dropped without charges being laid.

"She [the police officer] advised me that he [Geoff Beaty] maintained he had nothing to do with it and was told to leave it alone by his other directors," Mr Correy said.

The ABC spoke to Geoff Beaty briefly over the phone.

Mr Beaty declined to be interviewed and said:

"We were scammed, he was scammed … there's nothing I can do about it."

When asked how his company was scammed, Mr Beaty said:

"By the people who took the money off of him, told us that it was a legitimate deal that he was involved in investing … that's what it is.

"I'm sorry. That's enough, thank you."

Then he hung up and has not responded to written questions.

The ABC also tracked down Hong Kong marketing company Prime Networks, where Newtech claimed some of Mr Correy's money was sent to.

Prime Network's owner, a Maltese woman named Alexandra Savvateeva, confirmed she had provided services to Newtech Industrial Group but had signed a non-disclosure agreement so could not say exactly what work was performed.

Although Prime was paid about $110,000, she said it was still owed money.

"My company has not been involved in any fraudulent transactions and has also been victimised by the actions of Newtech Industrial Group, as we have not received the full payment for the services provided," she told the ABC.

In a statement, Queensland Police said it "undertook extensive investigations" into Mr Correy's case and found Mr Correy's money had been stolen as part of "an elaborate investment fraud which originated overseas".

"A 69-year-old Queensland man was found to also be a victim in the matter and was not involved in the fraud. The matter has been filed pending further information or evidence," Queensland Police said.

The ABC understands the 69-year-old is Geoff Beaty.

Companies being used as money mules in financial crimes

Newtech Industrial Group is one of around 3.3 million companies registered in Australia.

Financial crime expert Neil Jeans worries criminal networks are abusing the company system.

He wants the corporate regulator ASIC to be far more active in overseeing what some of those companies might be getting up to.

"ASIC is spending a significant amount of resources and effort in identifying and closing down fake websites used for scams … why aren't they devoting equivalent resources in actually identifying fake companies that are involved in perpetrating these investment scams?" he said.

Despite Newtech's bank account being used to allegedly funnel scammed funds out of the country, the company continues to operate.

None of the foreign-based directors responded to the ABC's requests for interviews or provided a response to written questions.

"What frustrates me more than someone being arrested is that someone hasn't been made accountable," Mr Correy said.

"We were advised that ASIC wouldn't do anything about it.

"The police said, 'Look, you can report it to ASIC, but our experience is they don't do anything about these things.'"

ASIC declined to be interviewed.

In a statement it confirmed Newtech Industrial Group remained registered because it had met "administrative requirements", and said:

"ASIC undertakes targeted surveillance to identify areas of misconduct under its jurisdiction, but is not resourced to independently verify that the 3.3 million+ companies on the companies register, and their officeholders, are not engaging in illegal activity, either under laws administered by ASIC or other regulators."

Mr Jeans believes there is more to it than resourcing.

"[I think they need] more staff, but I think it's also the will," he said.

"They actually are playing a role in, basically, allowing these schemes to exist or these or the perpetrators to use legal entities, companies, to facilitate their activity."

The Newtech case is the second incident unearthed by 730 of a legitimately-registered Australian company allegedly being used as a money mule to facilitate financial crimes.

Australia's money laundering watchdog AUSTRAC has warned major banks that criminals "actively exploit vulnerabilities associated with companies to launder illicit funds".

Mr Jeans said the problem was worldwide, but warned Australia remained "relatively immature" when it came to tackling it.

"Weaknesses in the system have been exploited to basically steal money from a customer and then launder the money through the Australian banking system out to the international banking system," he said.

"The criminals know where the gaps are and they will then seek to exploit them."

Mr Jeans said Australia's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws have failed to meet global obligations set by the international watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), for decades.

Under Australia's current AML/CTF regime, lawyers and accountants, who are regularly involved in processing company paperwork, are not required to report suspicious criminal activity to the authorities.

"We are one of very few countries in the world that basically have not introduced this," he said.

"It's a pretty bad fail."

The Australian government says it wants to change that but progress has been slow and it's expected to receive significant pushback from the professions involved.

Its first round of consultations to amend the law closed in June last year and a second round has yet to be launched.

The Attorney General Mark Dreyfus has warned about serious consequences if the country doesn't do more and is "grey listed" — or put under increased monitoring — by the international agency, FATF, over its anti-money laundering practices.

Last month, FATF released a report which was critical of Australia for not meeting a number of its key obligations.

"Australia is now one of only five jurisdictions out of more than 200 that do not regulate tranche-two entities [lawyers, accountants and real estate agents], placing Australia at risk of being 'grey-listed' by the FATF, which could result in significant harm to our economy," he said.

NAB's head of fraud Chris Sheehan said that criminals were exploiting new technologies, and regulators needed to do more.

"Whether the legislative and regulatory framework and environment has kept pace with those changes, I think is something that needs to be closely considered," he said.

But for people like Peter and Michelle Correy, the consequences of the system failures are calamitous.

"I find it annoying and quite devastating that Australian companies are out there as means for channelling money overseas … it's horrendous that this can happen."

If you're unable to load the form, click here .

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

After jo lost $500k through an australian company, she thought it would be easy to track down. she was wrong.

'Money mules' are working in teams and make up the majority of scams reported in Australia

• Business and Industry Regulation
• Personal Investing
• Scams and Fraud

Advertisement

Supported by

Fjords, Pharaohs or Koalas? Time to Plan for Your Next Eclipse.

If you can’t get enough of totality, or missed out this time, you’ll have three more chances in the next four years in destinations like Iceland, Spain, Egypt and Australia.

• Share full article

By Danielle Dowling

Are you still a little giddy from the magical moments of totality during Monday’s solar eclipse? Or did clouds swoop in to block your view? Maybe you just couldn’t make it to the path of totality this time. No matter what, the question now is “ Where and when will it happen again?”

“People who have never seen it before, the first words out of their mouth after the totality ends is ‘I’ve got to see another one, this is incredible, this is unbelievable.’ That is when you become addicted to these things and end up traveling no matter where the next one is,” said Joseph Rao, an eclipse chaser and guest lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium.

So, if like Mr. Rao, you’ve developed a raging case of umbraphilia — the love of eclipses — you’ll have three chances over the next four years to see the moon blot out the sun. The first, on Aug. 12, 2026, will start above Greenland, then strafe the west coast of Iceland and move along the Atlantic Ocean and over Spain. Almost a year later, on Aug. 2, 2027, another will skirt the Mediterranean coast of North Africa then cross Egypt and part of the Arabian Peninsula. The third, on July 22, 2028, will cut across Australia and the southern tip of New Zealand.

Future Eclipses

Eclipse chasers will have several more chances this decade to view a total solar eclipse .

Last week, as Victoria Sahami , the owner of Sirius Travel , was preparing to guide a group of tourists in Mazatlán, Mexico, for Monday’s big event, she was also planning for these other upcoming eclipses. Ms. Sahami joined the ranks of the eclipse-obsessed when she witnessed one in Venezuela in the 1990s. “Like many people, I was hooked. There was no going back,” she said.

Total solar eclipses happen fairly regularly — about every one to two years — in locations scattered around the world. “That’s the great thing about them: You wind up in places that you don’t normally go,” Ms. Sahami said.

A major spoiler is weather, which will be a big variable in the 2026 eclipse — one Greenland, Iceland and Spain will see.

“Iceland normally has a lot of cloud during that time of year,” said Paul Maley , who runs Ring of Fire Expeditions . “The data shows Spain to have the higher good-weather prospects of all three. However, the sun is low in the sky and the eclipse ends as the sun hits the horizon at sunset.”

Because of Iceland’s mercurial meteorology, Ring of Fire Expeditions is going all in on Spain, with a 10-day excursion on the mainland. Sirius Travel is offering not only a five-day trip to Majorca but also an eight-day tour around Iceland. It will be based in Reykjavik, and the itinerary will remain flexible on the day of the eclipse so the tour can easily pivot toward the location with the least cloud cover. Ms. Sahami recommends the trip for those who already have a few eclipses under their belt and would be happy just to take in the sights of Iceland if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The 2027 eclipse, on the other hand, promises to be truly stellar: Luxor, Egypt — the site of numerous ancient temples as well as the Valleys of the Kings and Queens — sits right in the middle of the path of totality and will be bathed in darkness for a full 6 minutes 23 seconds. Weather-wise, it is what Ms. Sahami called “a slam dunk.” “You know you’re going to see it. You know that you’re not going to get any clouds,” she said.

But for all its potential, those considering Egypt should be aware that the State Department has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning for the country because of the risk of terrorism.

The 2028 eclipse will darken the skies over Sydney, Australia, for 3 minutes 49 seconds. It will be the first time the city has experienced a total solar eclipse since 1857. Ms. Sahami has her eyes on a trip based out of there, while Mr. Maley has chartered a cruise ship off the northwest coast of Australia. It will be winter there, he said, but that isn’t likely to mean bad eclipse-viewing weather.

If you want to see any (or all) of these eclipses, you should get started on planning and booking now, particularly if you want to sign up for a trip organized by a tour company. One of Sirius Travel’s excursions to Luxor is already full.

Scrutinize refund policies and look into insuring your trip. Several companies will fully refund your deposit if you cancel a year in advance. A lot can happen, Ms. Sahami said, “but if you think you’re going to go, why not?”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

• Subscriber Center
• Newsletters
• State & Legislature
• Nation-World
• Environment
• Submit a Story Idea
• Submit a Photo
• Submit a Press Release
• Submit Sports Results
• Submit a Thank You Letter
• Submit a Wedding Announcement
• Submit an Engagement Announcement
• Submit a Birth Announcement
• Capital City Weekly
• Capital City Weekly columns
• Alaska Outdoors
• Letters to the Editor
• Submit a MyTurn or Letter
• Death Notices
• Submit an Obituary or Death Notice
• Classifieds
• Place a Classified Ad
• Legal Notices
• Place a Legal Notice
• Community Calendar
• Terms of Use
• Subscribe Now
• Marketplace

Search Tip: Use quotes to find results containing your phrase, exactly, e.g., "Juneau Empire".

Capital Transit buses stop at the Valley Transit Center on Thursday. Two bus routes serving areas of the Mendenhall Valley and near the airport will temporarily be discontinued starting April 22 due to lack of staff. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Capital Transit temporarily suspending two Mendenhall Valley routes due to shortage of drivers

Officials hope to fix situation by July; extra tourist buses also scaled back due to fleet shortage.

• Friday, April 12, 2024 1:56pm
• News public transit

Alaska House votes down constitutional guarantee for Permanent Fund dividend

More in news.

Aurora forecast for the week of April 8

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Juneau man convicted of sexual abuse of 15-year-old girl more than four years after incidents occur

JPD: Randy James Willard, 39, sent explicit videos to and engaged in sexual contact with victim.

Indefinite ‘dispersed camping’ for homeless proposed by city leaders due to lack of suitable campsite

Proposed Rock Dump site is next to long-term construction, more costly than expected, report states.

Police calls for Wednesday, April 10, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Guarantee had been discussed as part of long-term plan to bring state expenses in line with revenue.

Alaska House passes draft state budget amid warnings that state spending doesn’t balance

Changes during floor debate include $9M by Rep Andi Story, D-Juneau, for youth reading program.

Empire Archives: Juneau’s history for the week ending April 13

Three decades of capital city coverage.

Alaskans support increased education funding, reforms, according to Dunleavy poll

Majority of those polled say they think “change and reform” are key to improving Alaska’s test scores.

Tlingit and Haida delegation came to Denver to reclaim their cultural heritage. They left empty-handed.

Tribal representatives say city museum has historic objects that should be returned under 1990 law.

First cruise ship of season expected to match last year’s record-high traffic arrives Tuesday

Officials say new five-ship daily limit will reduce passengers compared to busiest days last year.

First cruise ship of the season arrives to welcomes, planned protest

Passengers get warm reception at dock, may encounter midday rally seeking ship-free Saturdays.

Police: Death of man from gunshot wound near glacier not suspicious

Body discovered along roadside on Wednesday morning, with weapon next to him.

49th annual Alaska Folk Festival returns to its familiar roots at Centennial Hall

More than 130 acts scheduled to perform during week of concerts, dances and workshops.

Recall effort targets school board president, vice president due to district’s budget crisis

Deedie Sorensen, Emil Mackey failed to act on previous concerns about fiscal woes, petitioners say.

Activists hoping to put Saturday ban on large cruise ships on local ballot

Proposed initiative would also make July 4 a ship-free day in Juneau.

Featured Local Savings

Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were stranded on a small African island after missing a deadline to re-embark

• A couple says they were stranded on an island after missing their cruise ship's boarding time.
• They were on a tour of São Tomé and Príncipe with six others, per US local media. It overran.
• The stranded group flew to Gambia on Sunday, hoping to catch the ship at another port.

A couple says they were stranded on a small African island after they missed a cruise ship 's boarding deadline, according to local media.

Jay and Jill Campbell, from Garden City, South Carolina, described their ordeal with a Norwegian Cruise Line ship in an interview with WPDE, their local ABC affiliate.

Norwegian confirmed to Business Insider that they were denied boarding, saying it was their responsibility to be on time.

The Campbells said they were frequent cruisers, embarking on Norwegian Dawn on March 20 for their third voyage with the cruise line in a year.

However, an excursion last Wednesday with six other people to São Tomé and Príncipe , an island nation of some 220,000 people off West Africa, took an unfortunate turn.

The couple says the tour overran, and its operator informed the captain that eight passengers were running late.

They were refused entry to the ship upon their return, according to WPDE, even though they could still see the ship from the shore.

The ship was anchored, Jay Campbell said, but the captain refused to let them board despite repeated calls and emails by the passengers to the ship and the cruise line's emergency hotline.

The São Tomé and Príncipe Coast Guard even took the passengers to the ship, but they weren't able to get on and had to turn back, WPDE reported.

In total, WPDE said that nine passengers were not allowed to reenter the ship, including four elderly people and one person who is a paraplegic.

The Campbells told the news outlet that the ninth passenger was late for another reason — an 80-year-old woman who got a concussion on the island and was hospitalized there.

Related stories

Most of the stranded passengers didn't have their medication or working credit cards, WPDE said.

The Campbells, who had a working card, said they covered $5,000 worth of expenses for the group in food, toiletries, and hotel bills.

"We have never had an experience like this before," Jill Campbell told WPDE.

The Norwegian Cruise Line said in a statement provided to BI by email that eight guests on the tour missed the last tender back to the vessel.

The cruise line said the passengers missed the "all aboard time of 3 p.m. local time." It said it was a "very unfortunate situation" but that passengers were responsible for being on time.

It added that the deadline to return was "communicated broadly" over the ship's intercom, in printed communications, and on posts shown at the exits of the ship.

The elderly passenger who was concussed was returned to the US, where she has made a "safe return," a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line said.

According to WPDE, the group flew to Gambia on Sunday, hoping to rejoin the ship at another port.

A spokesperson for the cruise line said that the ship could not safely dock in Gambia due to adverse weather conditions, adding that efforts are being made for the guests to rejoin the ship in Senegal on Tuesday.

Though cruise ships need to stay punctual, ruined-vacation stories like this are a reputational risk and might put people off.

For instance, two MSC Splendida passengers were stranded last summer at an Italian port after arriving too late for departure.

A TikTok video showed the couple waving and begging the crew to wait for them, even though the gangway appeared to have already been removed.

Other passengers may face the stress of becoming stranded in remote locations through no fault of their own. Last September, more than 200 people got stuck in a remote part of Greenland after their cruise ship ran aground.

And last November, passengers were stranded at a Brisbane port after a Royal Caribbean ship was overbooked.

Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

• Train Times
• Seasonality
• Accommodations

Moscow to Elektrostal by train

The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is .

Get from Moscow to Elektrostal with Virail

Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Moscow to Elektrostal. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Moscow to Elektrostal?

Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. You can find train tickets for prices as low as , but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets. Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results. Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.

How long does it take to get from Moscow to Elektrostal by train?

The journey between Moscow and Elektrostal by train is approximately 32.44 mi. It will take you more or less 2 hr 7 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The distance between Moscow and Elektrostal is around 32.44 mi. Depending on the exact route and provider you travel with, your journey time can vary. On average, this journey will take approximately 2 hr 7 min. However, the fastest routes between Moscow and Elektrostal take 1 hr 3 min. If a fast journey is a priority for you when traveling, look out for express services that may get you there faster. Some flexibility may be necessary when booking. Often, these services only leave at particular times of day - or even on certain days of the week. You may also find a faster journey by taking an indirect route and connecting in another station along the way.

How many journeys from Moscow to Elektrostal are there every day?

On average, there are 71 daily departures from Moscow to Elektrostal. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 18 departures from Moscow which travel directly to Elektrostal. There are 53 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Moscow to Elektrostal.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Moscow to Elektrostal

The cheapest Moscow - Elektrostal train tickets can be found for as low as $35.01 if you’re lucky, or $54.00 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $77.49.

Find the best day to travel to Elektrostal by train

When travelling to Elektrostal by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Moscow to Elektrostal CO2 Emissions by Train

Anything we can improve?

Frequently Asked Questions

Go local from moscow, trending routes, weekend getaways from moscow, international routes from moscow and nearby areas, other destinations from moscow, other popular routes.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• March Madness
• AP Top 25 Poll
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

China says it patrolled the South China Sea in an apparent response to US naval drills with allies

FILE - A Filipino port worker looks as the Japanese Ship Akebono (DD-108), a Murasame-class destroyer of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, prepares to dock for a goodwill visit at Manila’s south harbor, Philippines on Sept. 27, 2018. The United States, Japan, Australia and the Philippines will hold their first joint naval exercises, including anti-submarine warfare training, in a show of force Sunday, April 7, 2024 in the South China Sea where Beijing’s aggressive actions to assert its territorial claims have caused alarm. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File)

• Copy Link copied

BEIJING (AP) — China’s military said Sunday that it had conducted air and sea patrols and that all activities that “disrupt the South China Sea” are under control, an apparent response to naval exercises by the U.S. and its allies.

The defense chiefs of the United States, Japan, Australia and the Philippines announced Saturday that they would hold joint exercises in the sea to safeguard the rule of law and uphold the right to sail through and fly over the waters.

China has long-simmering territorial disputes with a number of Southeast Asian nations in the South China Sea, a major shipping route. Skirmishes with the Philippines in particular have flared up since last year.

The U.S. has conducted joint patrols with the Philippines in a show of support. China says the U.S. is inflaming tensions by meddling in the disputes.

A brief statement from the Chinese military’s Southern Theater Command said it had organized patrols and that “all military activities that disrupt the South China Sea and create hotspots are under control.”

The statement did not mention the United States or the joint exercises.

Likewise, the U.S. and its allies did not mention China in their statement, but the four countries reaffirmed their stance that a 2016 international arbitration ruling — which invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea — was final and legally binding.

The growing tensions in the disputed waters are expected to be high on the agenda when U.S. President Joe Biden hosts his Japanese and Philippine counterparts in a summit at the White House this week.