p&o cruises around australia

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P&O Cruises Australia Launches Spectacular 28-Night ‘Australian Explorer’ Itinerary Delivering Opportunity to Cruise Connected Operators

Thursday, October 7, 2021

P&O Cruises Australia is giving its loyal guests yet another exciting opportunity to experience some of Australia's best coastal destinations with an amazing 28-night ‘Australian Explorer’ circumnavigation around mainland Australia.

It is a first-of-its-kind sailing for P&O Cruises and a headline feature of the new 2023/24 program, building on a nearly 90-year history of cruising in Australia and defining P&O’s proud reputation as the nation’s homegrown cruise line.

Such an extensive and exciting voyage around mainland Australia means P&O will be delivering opportunities to a wide range of suppliers and regional destinations including farmers, tour operators and entertainers.

P&O Cruises’ Pacific Explorer will host the inaugural voyage departing either from Brisbane or Sydney in June 2024.

Guests will experience the attractions of 11 iconic Australian ports including state capitals and regional centres with Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Albany, Fremantle, Exmouth, Broome, Kuri Bay, Darwin, Cairns and Airlie Beach on the spectacular itinerary, along with a call at Ambon in Indonesia. The cruise also includes scenic cruising of Yampi Sound and Raft Point in the Kimberley region.

P&O Cruises Australia President Sture Myrmell said: "The 'Australian Explorer' cruise is a powerful reminder of P&O's proud history working with tour operators and a wide range of businesses to offer guests exceptional experiences onboard and at fantastic destinations."

The cruise is expected to contribute an estimated $20 million in economic activity including the combination of guest and crew spending, ship supplies and port-related costs.

Some of the businesses and suppliers at destinations on the extensive itinerary, and who look to cruising to support their tourism success, include:

• Cairns — 'Bad Fishy Jet Boating' operated by couple Nikki Giumelli and Patrick McLoughlin who offer cruise visitors a high energy adrenaline pumping jet boat experience of Tropical North Queensland's tourism hub.
• Airlie Beach — ‘Ocean Rafting’ with Jan and Peter Claxton offering a spectacular waterborne view of the jewels of the Whitsundays.
• Sydney — ‘Select Fresh Providores’ where Steven Biviano and his team supply the best local produce that helps make dining in P&O ships something to remember.
• Melbourne — ‘Localing’, a luxury private touring business founded by Dean Hampel and Daniel Platt who offer city experiences and regional day tours that put guests in touch with local culture and life.
• Broome — ‘Broome Transit’, a local tourism and coaching powerhouse established by Shayne Murray who began building his business 12 years ago with a taxi service.

The ‘Australian Explorer’ cruise is among the 23 Australian-focused cruises featured in P&O’s new 2023/24 program.

Together, the domestic itineraries will help support scores of local businesses offering a dazzling range of shore tours that encompass cultural experiences, the best of food and wine, family-friendly pursuits and many other activities to capture the imagination of guests.

P&O Cruises Australia’s new ‘Australian Explorer’ cruise and 2023/24 program will go on sale on Wednesday 13, October.

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Australian Explorer

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Note: Charges/supplements apply for specialty dining, drinks, and select activities, entertainment, and meals.

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P&O Cruises is Australia's most loved cruise line.

With more than 90 years of local cruising, P&O Cruises Australia is the region’s longest-serving and largest cruise operator – and its most loved cruise line.

As Australasia's only 'home brand', P&O Cruises leads the way in local cruising and has pioneered new destinations around Australia, the Pacific and Asia including Papua New Guinea.

With three ships sailing from homeports around Australia and in New Zealand, P&O is responsible for the evolution of modern Australian cruising and carries more Australian and New Zealand guests than any other cruise line.

Across its fleet, P&O delivers a contemporary holiday experience to more than 450,000 passengers a year, travelling on cruises ranging from coastal escapes through to longer voyages to Asia.

The décor of P&O’s ships is like no other, offering stylish, urbane and sometimes quirky features in a relaxed setting, which reflects the Australian way of life.

In recent years, P&O has led a food revolution at sea, with its food and drink offering reflecting the latest trends on land, from gourmet Asian dining, gin cocktails and small bars, through to fast casual burgers poolside and award-winning Neapolitan pizzas.

P&O Cruises’ flagship, Pacific Adventure, debuted in Sydney in August 2022, and now sails with her sister ships Pacific Encounter and Pacific Explorer.　 　

For more information on P&O Cruises visit www.pocruises.com.au

For deals and offers visit www.pocruises.com.au/deals

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Australia Circumnavigation Cruises

Want to go on a cruise around Australia? That's a "circumnavigation" cruise. Surprisingly, there aren't a lot of these "circle Australia" cruises available. It's a long voyage, and that limits the number of people who have the time to take it. All of the options are listed below.

Australia's major cities are on the coast, so a cruise round the continent is a natural way to explore. The cruises typically depart from Sydney and include stops at Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin and more. Often they go to Tasmania and Bali too.

The map above is of a Holland America cruise round Australia.

February 14, 2024: 34-night cruise around Australia on Royal Caribbean . Round-trip from Sydney (Australia) to Brisbane (Australia), Gladstone (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Exmouth (Australia), Perth (Australia), Esperance (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Hobart (Australia), Picton (New Zealand), Lyttelton (New Zealand) and Dunedin (New Zealand).

February 29, 2024: 26-day cruise around Australia on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from Sydney (Australia) to Brisbane (Australia), Willis Island (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Broome (Australia), Geraldton (Australia), Perth (Australia), Busselton (Australia), Albany (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Burnie (Australia) and Hobart (Australia).

October 18, 2024: 30-night cruise round Australia on Cunard Line . Round-trip from Sydney (Australia) to Airlie Beach (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Bali (Indonesia), Broome (Australia), Geraldton (Australia), Fremantle (Australia), Albany (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Hobart (Australia) and Port Arthur (Australia).

October 26, 2024: 26-day cruise around Australia on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from Sydney (Australia) to Hobart (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Albany (Australia), Busselton (Australia), Fremantle (Australia), Geraldton (Australia), Broome (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Willis Island (Australia) and Brisbane (Australia).

November 17, 2024: 35-day Australia circumnavigation cruise on Holland America Line . Round-trip from Sydney (Australia) to Newcastle (Australia), Brisbane (Australia), Airlie Beach (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Komodo Island (Indonesia), Broome (Australia), Exmouth (Australia), Geraldton (Australia), Fremantle (Australia), Albany (Australia), Port Lincoln (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Kangaroo Island (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Hobart (Australia) and Port Arthur (Australia).

December 22, 2024: 34-day Australia circumnavigation cruise on Oceania Cruises . Round-trip from Sydney (Australia) to Newcastle (Australia), Airlie Beach (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Cooktown (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Bali (Indonesia), Exmouth (Australia), Geraldton (Australia), Perth (Australia), Busselton (Australia), Albany (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Kangaroo Island (Australia), Portland (Australia), Phillip Island (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Burnie (Australia) and Eden (Australia).

Australia Cruises 2024, 2025, 2026

Make an enquiry today, share this with your friends, view upcoming luxury & premium australia cruises 2024, 2025, 2026, from sydney to the kimberley, adventure awaits on cruises around australia.

Whether you are planning Australia cruises from Sydney or want to sail away on expedition cruises to the Kimberley, there will definitely be a sailing that perfectly suits your schedule. Furthermore, cruises around Australia have something for every kind of voyager. From bustling city adventures in Sydney or Melbourne, endless beach-hopping in the Gold Coast or the Whitsundays, to magnificent natural vistas in the Kimberley or the Great Barrier Reef, there are simply so many places to go across this marvellous country of Australia.

Discover our gorgeous coastline and beyond on Australia cruises

The brilliant advantage of Australia cruises are their proximity to fantastic destinations nearby including New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Asia! Enjoy a couple of relaxing days along the eastern coastline, then sail across the ditch with an excellent trip to some unforgettable fjords in New Zealand. Sail up from Melbourne and see the Harbour Bridge in Sydney, then journey to the sandy shores of the South Pacific. Take a memorable jaunt to Darwin before heading up to some vibrant cultures in Asia. Regardless of your choice, any Australia is destined to be one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Let a luxury cruise take you on unforgettable Australia cruises

What really makes cruises around Australia better than so many other destinations across the globe? The luxury cruise lines that operate down under year-round! World-renowned cruise lines such as Silversea , Ponant , and Windstar offer spectacular Australia cruises that elevate your journey from the moment you arrive. Boasting remarkable accommodation options and exquisite dining venues that will scintillate the tastebuds, to onshore excursions organised by teams with decades of experience, booking an Australian cruise with a luxury cruise line is a must for anyone searching for an immersive and extraordinary holiday. From Australian expedition cruises to grand Australian circumnavigations, check out the upcoming itineraries from these cruise lines today before they are inevitably booked out!

Let Discerning Traveller plan your next Australia cruise

Planning an Australia cruise doesn’t have to be a challenge, let one of our wonderful travel consultants at Discerning Traveller do all the hard work for you. Contact us today and we will be on hand in a matter of moments to craft for you a bespoke Australian cruise package that suits your preferences, schedule, and budget. Call us on 1300 950 622 today and start your journey towards organising the perfect Australian adventure!

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Australia & New Zealand Cruises

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

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

Australia Cruises

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

New Zealand Cruises

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

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

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

Soak in Local Flavors and Revel in Rich Traditions

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

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

Activities on Australia & New Zealand / Aotearoa cruises

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

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

Photo: Experience Māori culture on board with our Matariki Festival

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Australia & new zealand / aotearoa cruise shore excursions.

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

Photo: The technicolor beauty of the Great Barrier Reef

Australia Cruisetour Vacations

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

Photo: The beauty of Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Australia & New Zealand Cruise Articles

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

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

Things to Do in Brisbane Cruise Port for Couples, Singles & Families

Find things to do in Brisbane, Australia, while you're in port.

5 Things to Bring Back from Your Australia Cruise

Wondering what to bring back from your Australia cruise?

Tauranga Shore Excursions: Maori Culture and History Comes Alive

Explore foreign lands when you embark on a Tauranga shore excursions.

10 Melbourne Travel Tips to Help Cruisers Fit in with Locals

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

Fiordland National Park Excursions: Experience the Majesty of New Zealand

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

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• P&O Cruises Australia injects $29M into Western Australia's...

P&O Cruises Australia injects $29M into Western Australia's economy

Fremantle presently serves as the embarkation point for P&O Cruises Australia 's Pacific Explorer , hosting a series of 7 voyages in the upcoming months.

P&O pledges to infuse $29 million into the economy of Western Australia this year, extending an invitation to both locals and tourists to embark on remarkable journeys along the region's breathtaking coastline.

This financial contribution encompasses expenditures from guests patronizing Fremantle hotels prior to boarding, dining at local restaurants during port visits, and participating in shore excursions.

Additionally, P&O emphasizes its commitment to sourcing 100% of its food and beverage requirements from Australian suppliers. Notably, the cruise line procures lamb, avocado, and asparagus from West Australian growers. P&O underscores its dedication to showcasing the finest Australian produce to its guests, with onboard culinary teams constantly innovating to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

With a legacy spanning 90+ years, P&O Cruises Australia has been synonymous with dream vacations for Australians and New Zealanders, offering journeys to remarkable destinations along the Australian coastline and the picturesque South Pacific.

As a homegrown cruise line, P&O provides a holiday experience replete with outstanding entertainment, world-class dining, and unforgettable onboard activities while navigating to some of the Pacific's most enchanting locales.