asia to australia cruise

Asian Adventure to Aussie Sunshine

14-NIGHT ONE WAY SAILING FROM SINGAPORE TO AUSTRALIA

Volcano vibes and cultural charms in Bali

Sail from Southeast Asia to Australia on this epic 14-night adventure from Singapore to Perth. Look forward to stunning beaches and year-round sunshine in Perth – not to mention the peaceful Swan River. Before you even embark, though, you’ll experience the unique city-state of Singapore, whose urban gardens and forward-thinking architecture have become globally famous.

The Virgin Voyages Experience

From captivating coasts to laid-back island vibes, the exclusively adult cruise vacation of your dreams is here.

Hassle-free embarkation

Pre-upload your travel docs to the Virgin Voyages app, get Ready to Sail before leaving home, and make boarding a (sea)breeze in just a few minutes.

Repositioning cruise

More time to sea the world. More time to enjoy aboard. More memories to make. Explore diverse countries in 14 days on a one-of-a-kind, one-way voyage.

Late stays and overnights

No more rushing from A to Sea. Our itineraries feature late stays and overnights, so you can explore it all from morning to night (and morning again).

Keeping it local

We’ve teamed up with locals in each of our ports to reveal sides of places you’ve yet to explore — from the people who know the destinations best.

The places you'll go

A tiny but mighty island-state, Singapore's food scene goes from hawkers to Michelin, the experience involves temples and the world's largest gin collection.

Benoa, Bali

Set on the Balinese southeastern coast, Benoa can be as intense or serene as you like. Whether you want to unleash your inner explorer or explore your inner self.

Swaying palm trees and scorched red soil, water attractions and crocodile interactions, indigenous art and modern museums.

Broome provides an ideal climate for soaking up the warm South Pacific sun on low-populated beaches surrounded by mystically red cliffs.

Perth (Fremantle)

Known as an urban respite in Western Australia’s verdant forests, Perth is clad with the amenities of city living without losing any opportunity for outdoor adventure.

We have even more in our curated catalog.

An ocean of opportunities calling your name.

There’s nothing more liberating than having the freedom of charting your own course. No pre-assigned seating, no fixed schedules, no limited options, no nonsense — just a shipload of opportunities to rejuvenate your body and transform your soul.

WANDERLUST SATISFIED

We’re making waves from the Caribbean to the Med, the Adriatic to the Red, and everywhere in between across 4 continents. Join us on an unparalleled journey of relaxation and indulgence, and discover the things — and the people — that make each destination so special. Because we didn’t build a cruise, we created a voyage.   Get a delicious taste of the modern romance of sailing that only a Virgin brand could pull off.

Book Now. Pay Monthly.

A flexible, pay-over-time solution, up to $375 in value, add a splash for your bash, limited-time cruise deals.

You deserve a vacation. And you deserve a deal. So we’re making both of those things happen. Wave goodbye to your routine and start planning an exclusively adult experience at sea.

Rest Your Head

These are the spots you might be calling home. Whether you prefer coffee (or cocktails) overlooking the waves, or waking up late in your own cocoon, we're holding space for you.

Always Included Luxury

Over $1000 in luxurious value included — so all you have to do is kick back and have the relaxing vacation you deserve. Everything below is included.

From refined dining to relaxed casual, all of our 20+ eateries featuring menus curated by Michelin star chefs are yours to enjoy.

Soft Drinks & Water

Stay hydrated with still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and even drip coffee.

Browse, post, and stay connected with wifi — whenever you want, and wherever you are on the ship.

We've taken care (of taking care) of your servers, so we cover the gratuities for your onboard experiences.

Group Fitness Classes

Yoga, meditation, cycling, HIIT classes, and more — all your group fitness classes are covered.

Shows & Entertainment

Developed by the world’s most-talked-about producers and artists, you have a ticket to all of our awe-inspiring shows.

Asia Cruises

Discover the allure of unique culture and history on an asia cruise.

Home to some of the world's oldest civilizations, Asia is a harmony of countless cultures and histories, frenetic cities, tranquil landscapes, and mesmerizing temples and shrines. A Princess® cruise to Asia is not just a journey from one exciting port to another, it's an invitation to explore some of the world's most remarkable destinations on one unforgettable vacation. Cruise over Tokyo's famed Hakone National Park in a gondola, discover Hong Kong's vibrant nightlife, or cruise along Singapore's scenic river with stops at two of the city's oldest temples. Let Princess whisk you away to some of the world’s most intriguing destinations on an Asia cruise.

Watch Asia videos: Asia & Japan video

Most frequently asked questions about Asia (PDF)

Experience a world of enchanting islands with spellbinding names and beaches like Shek O Beach, Big Wave Bay, and Chung Hom Kok Beach; where you can soothe your soul, bask in the sunshine and wiggle your toes in golden sand. Explore cities like Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) – thriving, vibrant and innovative cities of commerce rooted in culture where the finest restaurants, boutiques, temples, and designer malls lay beneath 21st century skyscrapers.

Find Cruises   Learn More

Japan Cruises

Stretching out over 1,860 miles, the Japanese archipelago is a place of beauty, mystery and history with cities as diverse as its landscape. Marvel at the exhilarating sights and sounds of Tokyo. From its intricate architecture to its beautifully maintained gardens, shrines and temples, Tokyo consistently delights and inspires. Walk in the footsteps of the samurai in Akita's well-preserved Kakunodate Samurai District.Soak up the awe-inspiring vistas of Otaru's mountainous Shakotan Peninsula and join in Akita's enchanting Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival.

Asia Cruise Departure Ports

Sailings from the ports of Singapore, Tokyo, Kobe and Hong Kong offer an easy and convenient way to discover Asia's stunning landmarks, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and meet friendly villagers and city dwellers. From Taiwan’s hallowed temples and Tokyo's dizzying collection of skyscrapers, to 3rd century Ikuta Shrine in Kobe, a world of life-enriching adventures awaits.

Onboard Exclusives

Asia Cruise Food & Beverage

When it comes to dining on board, you get to experience both delicious regional dishes to try and familiar favorites you'll love. Sip and savor local delicacies, such as fresh sushi, a variety of authentic noodles and fine Japanese whiskeys.

Our cuisine is prepared from scratch, using regionally sourced ingredients — from the stocks that make up the soups and sauces in the main dining room, to fresh sashimi at Kai Sushi, Tako Sunomono (mirin-marinated octopus, wakame and sliced cucumber), the delicious desserts, and hand-tossed pizza named “Best Pizza at Sea” by USA TODAY . You'll be able to taste the freshness and care that goes into every dish.

Asia Cruise Activities

Day or night, there are plenty of opportunities to discover unique experiences that provide you with a new perspective on the region. On select Princess® cruises, your immersion in Asia continues on board with a mix of Western and Asian entertainment, astounding Magic Illusion shows, and visually impactful guest entertainers and production shows. †

Discover More Ashore with Princess

Asia Cruise Excursions

Whether you prefer your activities fast and furious or slow and steady, Princess® offers a vast array of award-winning excursions that provide unique experiences you'll never forget. Take a ride on an aerial ropeway up the sacred and snow-capped Mount Fuji, or journey to Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of Ho Chi Minh City's most atmospheric temples.

With our More Ashore program, select destinations include a host of late night departures and overnight adventures so you'll have even more opportunities to experience the colors, cultures and flavors of the region. In Hong Kong, take in the “Symphony of Light” multimedia spectacle that lights up the night, or learn the art of Vietnamese cuisine with a cooking and food decorating class in Ho Chi Minh City.

Learn more about Shore Excursions

Asia Cruisetours

Princess Cruisetours offer the ultimate adventure, combining a cruise with a multiple-night land tour. Enjoy ample time exploring such iconic sights as Tokyo's Mount Fuji or Kyoto's stunning castles.

Find Cruisetours   Learn More

Let Princess Get You There

Cruises to Asia - Australia’s best Asia Cruise Deals

Asia is full of ancient cultures, unparalleled in exotic beauty and mysticism. From Southeast Asia to the Far East and India, explore the myriad customs and traditions of each one. The fascinating countries of Vietnam, China, Japan and Thailand are equally amazing and yet vastly different. See the great Buddhas of Bangkok or experience a whirlwind shopping-spree in Hong Kong. Explore the temples of Japan and the monuments of Beijing. The Silk Road, the Spice Route and Xanadu beckon. Wander among ornate gilded pavilions, ancient temples, modern skyscrapers and bustling street markets filled with foreign and wonderful fruits and vegetables, not to mention just about everything else imaginable. Asia is really an escape of a lifetime. 

Asia destinations include Japan, China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, thailand, Phillipines, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, North Korea, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Cambodia, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Macau, Laos, Bhutan, Brunei, Timor, Papau New Guinea, East Timor, Palau, Guam

• Deals By CruiseLine
• Deals By Departure Port
• P&O Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America
• Royal Caribbean
• Perth (Fremantle)

Cruise offers Reviews

Highlights of asia.

Japan is truly timeless, a place where ancient traditions are fused with modern life as if it were the most natural thing in the world. On the surface, Japan appears exceedingly modern, but travelling around it offers numerous opportunities to connect with the country's traditional culture. Explore the three great gardens Kenrokuen, Korakuen and Kairakuen. Spring in Japan can only mean one thing: cherry blossom or ‘Sakura’, the blossoms are particularly enjoyed at dusk when lanterns hang in the trees, turning the canopy a glowing pink. Visit the majestic Mt Fuji one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and Japan’s highest mountain with a height of 3,766 meters. From the splendour of a Kyoto geisha dance to the spare beauty of a Zen rock garden, Japan has the power to enthral.

New Delhi, India

Delhi is a city where time travel is feasible. Step aboard your time machine (the sleek and efficient metro) and you can go from Old Delhi, where labourers haul sacks of spices and jewellers weigh gold on dusty scales, to modern New Delhi, with its colonial-era parliament buildings and penchant for high tea.

Beijing, China

Few places on earth can match the extraordinary historical panorama on display in Beijing. There are six Unesco World Heritage Sites in this city alone (just one less than the whole of Egypt). At its heart is the magnificent Forbidden City, a royal palace on a scale like no other. Beijing is also home to sublime temples that aspire to cosmological perfection, while the city centre is criss-crossed by enchanting hútòng: ancient alleyways that teem with life today, as they did hundreds of years ago. And, to cap it all, the awe-inspiring Great Wall snakes its way across the hills north of town.

Ships visiting Asia

AUSTRALIA’S LEADING CRUISE MARKETPLACE

• Enable Accessibility

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

00800 0310 21 21

NORWEGIANS SAIL TO ASIA AND AUSTRALIA

• Email Sign Up For Special Offers
• Phone Let Us Call You
• Call Your Travel Professional

ASIA AND AUSTRALIA

Land of Ancient Cultures and Futuristic Landscapes

Shop for bright silks and spices in the souks of Egypt, ride an elephant in Thailand, discover the breathtaking beaches and cascading waterfalls of Malaysia, then satisfy your inner foodie in China. Mystique, beauty and timeless traditions are ready to be discovered.

Where the Great Outdoors are even Greater

Browse authentic Aboriginal art pieces in Darwin, ride through rugged mountains and waterfalls in Cairns, and then make your way to the tranquil golden beaches and lush forests of Auckland. Australia and New Zealand will fuel your thirst for adventure, on land and sea.

Need Help Planning the Perfect Holiday?

• 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

• Need help? 1800 003 002 1800 003 002
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Hotels by Celebrity
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antartic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• All Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Speciality Cruises

Destination Highlights

• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex®
• Celebrity Ascent℠ NEW
• Celebrity Beyond℠ NEW
• Celebrity Constellation®
• Celebrity Edge®
• Celebrity Eclipse®
• Celebrity Equinox®
• Celebrity Infinity®
• Celebrity Millennium®
• Celebrity Reflection®
• Celebrity Silhouette®
• Celebrity Solstice®
• Celebrity Summit®
• Celebrity Xcel℠ COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora®
• Celebrity Xpedition®
• Celebrity Xploration®
• The Retreat
• All Suites. All Included
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Sunset Sky Suite
• Concierge Class
• Galapagos Accommodations
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Our Distinction
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• All Included
• Up to 75% Off 2nd Guest
• 2024 Australia & New Zealand Cruises
• View All Offers
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club
• Celebrity Points
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers

Get up to 75% off your travel partner’s fare + up to $150 onboard credit per stateroom when you book before 14th April. >

2025 Asia Cruises

Prepare for a journey to some of the most captivating places in the world with our new 2025/2026 season of sailings in Asia. With two stunning ships and new year-round sailings, you can find the perfect vacation where you’ll experience the perfect balance of ancient cultures and modern cities, explore breathtaking landscapes, and discover mouthwatering cuisines. With two stunning ships, Celebrity Solstice® and Celebrity Millennium®, offering carefully crafted itineraries that take you to the must-see destinations and the hidden gems this corner of the world has to offer, you’re sure to find the perfect Far East experience. Our sailings give you more time in port and overnight stays in eleven of the most dynamic cities in Asia, including Kyoto and Bangkok—all to give you the opportunity to explore and be fully immersed in every unique place you visit. 

Itineraries

Our ships sailing to asia in 2025 and 2026.

Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Millennium

Departure Ports

Bali, Indonesia

Mumbai (Bombay), India

Seoul (Incheon), Korea

Sydney, Australia

Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

Bangkok, Thailand

Busan, South Korea

Hanoi (Ha Long Bay), Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam

Kobe, Japan

Ko Samui, Thailand

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kyoto, Japan

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Phuket, Thailand

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China

Learn More About Our New Season of 2025 Asia Cruises

For the first time, we created itineraries between Seoul, South Korea to Tokyo, Japan. These sailings visit a variety of exciting cities in Japan—Shimizu, Kyoto, Kochi, Hiroshima, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, and Fukuoka as well as Busan, South Korea. Each sailing has an overnight stay in Kyoto, so you can experience the mystical wonder of this city’s nightlife.

We also have our Best of Japan sailing where you’ll discover all that Japan has to offer. From the majestic Mt. Fuji, an awe-inspiring natural wonder, to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, these sailings promise unforgettable experiences across this extraordinary country. We’ve created extraordinary 12-Night itineraries that visit bucket-list destinations, including Bali, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam and feature overnight stays in Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Bangkok.

There are so many sailings to choose from, but no matter which one you choose, after every exciting day and night of exploration, you’ll have a stunning ship with all the comforts of home waiting to welcome you back on board where you’ll unwind in world-class accommodations, enjoy mouthwatering restaurants with menus crafted by our Michelin-starred chef, and a team of dedicated staff members whose number one priority is making sure every moment of your vacation is unforgettable. 

• Travel Insurance
• Help Centre

Any questions?

Mon-Fri 9AM - 5PM

Depart From

Cruise line, departure date.

Asia Cruises Departing Australia

• Australian Departures
• International Departures

Are you in Australia and want to take in a rich and new experience? Would you like to tap into the richness and charm of the world that we live in, and engage in a whole new experience?

Then take one of our many Asia cruises departing Australia. This allows you to set off from various parts of the country, whether you come from Brisbane, Sydney, Fremantle or other locations. We’ll make it nice and easy for you to make an intelligent investment in the kind of trip that is likely to become one that you will never forget.

A cruise is more than just a cool idea or a chance to relax; it’s an amazing all-inclusive living experience. You get to live life on the lap of luxury, taking in some truly amazing views of the world. With our Asia cruises departing Australia especially, you get to enjoy a much more satisfying and reliable experience. While the cultures and the climates of Australia and Asia can differ greatly, you’ll find yourself right at home amongst most of the friendliest and welcoming nations on the planet, complete with a multitude of wonderful cultures to sample!

One of the main reasons why so many choose to use our Asia cruises departing Australia is the fact that it allows such easy access to the experience overall. You will get to engage and talk with a lot of people from various cultures, and you will get to experience some truly profound living experiences. Our cruises vary in size and in format, and with many of the experiences, you will find that you can easily set up a satisfying experience that allows you to take in the richness, joy and harmony of life aboard a boat sailing across Asia.

Most of our cruises take in some very popular destinations, making it easy for you to get access to places like Singapore Bali and Hong Kong. All of this should make it very easy for you to get a true example of how wonderful Asian life and culture is, and make it nice and easy for you to settle in here. All of our cruises are priced accordingly, making sure that you can get excellent value for your investment. Doing this, we’ll make sure that you can get a trip that is sure to give you a fine blend of fun, sun and culture in equal measure!

It’s the kind of richly satisfying experience that you should find very easy indeed to get access to and do something about. Done right you’ll soon find that this kind of cruise will allow you to see the best of both Australia and Asia at once.

Don’t settle for second best; invest in one of our awesome Asia cruises departing Australia, and you should have no problem at all in buying into and falling in love with the cruise culture. Contact us today if you have any questions regarding any of our Asia cruises.

Why the best way to see Australia is on a cruise

K nown for its epic road and rail trips through the vast, open countryside of the dusty Outback , Australia is often overlooked by Brits as a cruise destination. Yet the world’s largest island has over 37,000 miles of coastline fronting the Southern, Pacific and Indian Oceans, plus various smaller seas. Even the locals know the appeal of the sea, with 85 per cent of Australians living within 50km of the coast.

As a result, almost every kind of cruise imaginable can be found here; be it on a mega-ship with stacks of facilities; a boutique brand with a more refined air; a luxurious riverboat; or an expedition ship that can venture to truly out-of-the-way places. And with most of Australia's key attractions and cities scattered around its fringes, explorations by cruise (preferably topped and tailed with land-based touring) can pack any number of Down Under wonders into a single trip.

I've been lucky enough to visit Australia more than a dozen times, and some of my greatest memories are of experiences that I've had from the deck of a ship. I once set sail to New Zealand from Sydney, with the tiles atop the Opera House gleaming in the sunshine as we passed, and far from land on the Great Barrier Reef, I leaned over the railings to marvel at its underwater patchwork of cobalt and turquoise in an otherwise midnight-blue sea. 

Perhaps the most incredible experience of all was a cruise in the Kimberley : the little-visited wilderness region at the top of Western Australia. It's vast and sparsely populated – bigger than Britain but with fewer residents than a mid-sized English town – and its attractions are so remarkable that they would be crowded with visitors were they easier to access. But on a small-ship sailing with Coral Expeditions, I was one of just 120 guests exploring the waterfalls, reefs and ancient rock art for which the Kimberley is famed.

At the uninhabited Lacepede Islands, we saw seabirds and turtles in mind-boggling numbers. In Talbot Bay, we powered through one-of-a-kind Horizontal Falls in a Zodiac. And at Montgomery Reef, we watched a coral-encrusted plateau seemingly rise from the sea on a falling tide. 

It wasn’t only the epic landscapes and their intriguing wildlife – humpback whales, lemon sharks, saltwater crocs – that impressed. Etched in my memory is the experience of first seeing the Wandjina (ancient rock art). These alien beings stare down from rock art galleries across the region: a symbol of the oldest continuous culture on the planet, and of the Indigenous people's long connection to the land. A land littered with surprises best experienced by boat. 

Classic Kimberley 

Remote, isolated and with little infrastructure for land-based journeys, there are few parts of the world as suited to expedition cruises as the Kimberley. Explore it with Coral Expeditions – the pioneers of cruising in the region – on a formula perfected over four decades of operations. Itineraries are timed to experience key sites at optimal tidal phases: expect to see Montgomery Reef being drained by dozens of miniature cascades, and Horizontal Falls at its powerful best.

How to do it

Ten-night cruises between Darwin and Broome with Coral Expeditions operate between April and September and cost from £3,965pp; excludes flights.

Aussie icons

Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef are two of Australia’s most recognisable icons. Experience both with Princess Cruises, whose journeys up the eastern seaboard from Sydney to tropical North Queensland stop in Cairns for reef and Daintree Rainforest excursions, and Airlie Beach, gateway to the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands. 

How to do it 

A 16-night Sydney & Queensland Showcase cruise-and-stay from Cruise Kings (0800 197 8050) includes an 11-night round-trip cruise from Sydney aboard Majestic Princess and a three-night pre-cruise Sydney stay from £2,799pp. Departs January 26 & March 26 2024;  departs September 8 2023; includes flights. . 

Southern comforts

Make the festive season extra-special on a cruise along Australia’s entire south coast, taking in nine ports of call. Esperance, Adelaide, Cape Le Grand National Park and Kangaroo Island are among the highlights, with shore excursion that include wine tastings and local wildlife sightings. Better still, spend Christmas Day at sea before arriving in Sydney for a two-night stay that coincides with New Year’s Eve.

The 14-night Australia Intensive Voyage from Perth to Melbourne with Azamara Cruises (0344 4934016) departs December 21 2023 & December 20 2024 and costs from £2,859pp. Excludes flights. 

Over the top 

Nobody is more qualified to share Australia’s stories than its traditional owners and custodians. On a voyage through remote Barrier Reef islands en route to Cape York and Arnhem Land, you will meet indigenous Torres Strait islanders and other Aboriginal peoples to experience their culture, art and homelands, including Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. Along the way, spy dugongs, turtles, saltwater crocodiles and the birdlife of Kakadu’s wetlands.

A 13-night Australia's Top End cruise from Cairns to Darwin with Scenic (0808 273 6069; scenic.co.uk ) departs April 28 2024 and costs from £11,108pp. Excludes flights. 

Murray river flow 

River cruises are rare down under, ­making an active experience on the mighty Murray – the nation’s principal waterway – all the more remarkable. Murray River Trails offers short cruises aboard a 12-berth houseboat, with a daily programme of guided walks and activities. The small-group, into-the-wild nature of the experience lends itself to wildlife encounters, with sightings of echidnas, emus, koalas and ­unusual native birds all possible. It is a fascinating insight into authentic inland Australia.

The three-night Murray River Walk departs May–Sep and costs from £1,500pp. Excludes flights. 

Kim and swim

The Kimberley may have beguiling blue waters, but dips in the sea are foolhardy (and forbidden) due to the dangerous saltwater crocodiles that call the region home. Sidestep that inconvenience on a voyage with Ponant, which combines classic Kimberley elements ­(Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls) with the little-visited Rowley Shoals – one of the world’s most sensational snorkelling and diving destinations. Located west of Broome, in the Timor Sea, these croc-free coral atolls brim with colourful sea life.

An eight-night cruise round-trip from Broome departs September 8 2023 and costs from £11,835pp through Mundy Adventures (020 7399 7630; mundyadventures.co.uk ); includes flights. 

Queensland immersion 

Take a deep dive down under on a Great Barrier Reef & Beyond itinerary with Windstar Cruises. This holiday is particularly good for wildlife-lovers. Look out for wedge-tailed shearwaters, sooty terns and noddies while passing Willis Island; spot dingoes on sandy Fraser Island; and cuddle a koala at Australia Zoo (established by the late Steve Irwin). Show-stopping Whitehaven Beach is an unforgettable trip highlight.

An 11-night sailing from Cairns to Melbourne with Windstar Cruises (0808 178 2233; windstarcruises.com ) departs December 6 2023 and costs from £7,499pp. Includes flights and pre-cruise overnight in Cairns. 

Western wonders 

Unlike the Barrier Reef, which clings to the continental shelf, magnificent Ningaloo Reef fringes Western Australia’s coast. Discover it and the archipelagos of Abrolhos, Monte Bello and Dampier on a small-ship expedition that mixes snorkelling and shipwrecks with whale-watching and indigenous rock art. Enhance the experience by foraging and fishing for mud crabs and oysters, or take sightseeing to new heights in the ship’s helicopter. 

How to do it  

The 10-night West Coast Explorer cruise with True North sails from Fremantle to Dampier on March 7 2024 and costs from £12,208pp. Excludes flights

Island state

Raw nature meets colonial history and premium produce in Tasmania, not to mention one-of-a-kind wildlife such as white wallabies and Tasmanian devils. Sip local cool-climate wines and visit the likes of Bruny Island and Wineglass Bay while sailing from Hobart. The cruise is complemented with a self-drive exploration of the island’s west and north coast regions.

A 17-night holiday with Tasmanian Odyssey (01534 735449) combining Coral Expeditions' 10-night Coastal Wilds or Coastal Treks cruise with a 7-night self-drive land tour costs from £5,475pp. Departs Jan–Feb 2024 & 2025; excludes flights. 

All the way

Go all out and see more of the continent on a full circumnavigation of the vast island. Sail the Coral, Timor and Tasman Seas, the Indian Ocean and the Great Australian Bight on an odyssey starting and finishing in Sydney. Travelling via every coastal state and territory, ports of call include cosmopolitan Melbourne, tropical Darwin, lively Fremantle and Phillip Island with its unforgettable koala and penguin encounters. 

A 34-night Australian Panorama sailing with Oceania Cruises is available through Mundy Cruising (020 7399 7670; mundycruising.co.uk ) from £8,729pp, including flights. Departs December 22 2024.

Sign up to the Front Page newsletter for free: Your essential guide to the day's agenda from The Telegraph - direct to your inbox seven days a week.

Our Partners

Movers + shakers: damian borg is now ncl's apac sales & ops director, norwegian cruise line (ncl) has promoted damian borg to director of sales strategy & operations for asia pacific as the cruise line shores up its leadership and support teams in australia and new zealand as well as the wider region..

Mr Borg’s expanded role will provide strategic direction to the Asia sales team and support NCL APAC Vice President & Managing Director Ben Angell to drive further regional growth.

He will also increase his AU/NZ remit to oversee APAC sales operations with a focus on continuing positive momentum for the cruise line’s global itineraries.

The internal moves include Angela Middleton’s elevation to Director of Field Sales for Australia/New Zealand in late January.

The promotions also follow a promising first quarter of robust growth and bookings amid strong cruise demand, Mr Angell said.

“We are delighted with such a strong start to 2024, surpassing last year’s bookings during the same period. This is greatly attributed to our incredible team and strong trade partnerships capitalising on the rise in cruise demand and NCL’s extensive product offering around the world,” he said.

“With Damian and Angela now taking on expanded roles within the organisation, I am confident we will achieve continued success in meeting and exceeding the needs of trade partners and customers across Asia Pacific.”

Mr Borg noted the important role of trade partners in NCL’s success, particularly with Asia bookings.

“I am looking forward to supporting Ben in identifying opportunities to strengthen our relationships in Asia and ensuring we are leading the way in how we support and engage travel partners,” he said.

“I look forward to working more closely with the local team, while also continuing to support the AU/NZ sales organisation.”

Ms Middleton added: “We want to be the easiest supplier our travel partners do business with so they can focus on being a great support for their clients from the start of their cruise journey.”

Find out more at ncl.com

Share this story

Virgin Australia launches Masterclass Webinars for travel advisors

Stop pointing the finger: Why the best bosses don't play the blame game

Updating the states: TravelManagers Australia wraps catch-ups in 5 cities

HX news: 2025/26 Early Bird savings on all-inclusive sailings + price guarantee

Check in and sign up!

Get all the latest travel news, deals, comps and inspiration.

• 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.

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Sydney to Vancouver, British Columbia
• Vancouver, British Columbia to Sydney

Australia, Asia & Alaska

• From $35,895
• 36 Guided Tours
• 11 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Sydney to Vancouver, British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia to Sydney

Australia, Asia & Alaska Map

See cultural & natural treasures

Combine Komodo & the Australian Coast , Bangkok, Bali & Beyond , Southeast Asia & Hong Kong , Far Eastern Horizons and North Pacific Passage for a remarkable 79-day journey. From Australia and Indonesia to Indochina and the northern reaches of America’s “Last Frontier,” join locals and delve with them into an astonishing array of cultural treasures and breathtaking natural wonders. Overnights in 13 ports bring your destinations into sharp focus.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Sydney

From $999 | 2 Nights

Pre: The Best of Australia

From $5,499 | 6 Nights

Post: Vancouver

From $1,099 | 2 Nights

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises