I’ve said it before on my tips for cruising with kids page “cruising is becoming a popular way to travel”.
In the year 2012-2013 Australia saw 62051 passenger capacity from cruise ships.
So with the introduction of new ships that will be calling Australia home over the 2014-2015 year those numbers are due to swell – The industry goal is to have a 1 000 000 passengers by 2016.
With cruising becoming a popular way to holiday for young, old, singles, couples and families; with itineraries taking you around Australia to New Zealand all the way to Hawaii or up to Asia, we are becoming spoilt for choice from the new ships on offer.
So let’s have a quick look at which ships currently call Australia home and who will be introducing new cruise ships to Australia over the 2014-2015 summer cruising season and on into 2016.
Cruise ships sailing to and from Australia
Carnival Cruise Line
Currently the Carnival Cruise Line offers Carnival Spirit on the east coast and will be launching the revamped Carnival Legend in September 2014 to Australia. The Legend will offer a very similar experience to that of Spirit and has been resigned with Australians in mind.
Cruise and Maritime Voyagers (CMV)
CMV have the Astor that sails from Fremantle yearly during the summer season.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises have 2 ships based in Australia for the summer.
- Celebrity Solstice
- Celebrity Century
with the Celebrity Millennium sailing in SE Asia.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line has the Volendam Cruise ship sailing in October and November from Australia
P & O Cruises
P&O Cruises have three ships
- Pacific Dawn,
- Pacific Jewel,
- Pacific Pearl
currently sailing around Australia during the summer.
They are about to have 2 ships from the Holland America Line refurbished and available for the 2015 season.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offer 3 ships sailing around or to and from Australia
- Sea Princess,
- Diamond Princess,
- Dawn Princess.
No new cruise ships have been scheduled at this time.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean have 3 ships
- Voyager of the Seas,
- Radiance of the Seas
- Rhapsody of the Seas
who call Australia home over summer. They will be introducing the megaship
- Legend of the Seas arriving December 2014
http://youtu.be/wGAesl0zmVM
Now remember that these are only the cruise ships that are based in Australia over the summer season, there are also many more ships that stop into Australia on their world-wide itineraries.
Have I whet your appetite for family cruising? Where will you go?
Well don’t forget to check out my tips for booking a family cruise before you book that next family holiday.
Lots of options. I was looking at the P&O sale yesterday. Only thing is hubby isn’t so keen on cruising so it makes it hard. Hmm… Maybe one day 🙂
I have a similar problem Holly. My partner is not keen on cruising; so I’m waiting for a great special on one of those short 3 day cruises. If he really hates it it’s only a couple of days and if he enjoys it we can go on a longer one next time.
Our next family holiday will be a cruise for sure! Which ones do you recommend for young families?
Whilst most of these cruise ships have kids clubs some appear to cater for kids better than others. I think the Royal Caribbean look the best for kids from babies through to teens. They have baby and tots clubs, kids clubs and teen zones, plus a great activities for all the family. Decided what YOU want from the cruise then check out each ones facilities.
Thank you thank you!! I have been wanting to get hubby into this and so will sit him down with a beer and ask him to read this post, Love how you’ve done all the hard work for me!
Glad to help Emily. Let me know how you get on.
After going on my first cruise aboard the Carnival Spirit for a conference in March, I’m not sure I would take my 2.5 year old. I felt there were way too many people and just needed my own space. I reckon it’d be great for older kids though.
I totally understand Eva, travelling with a toddler is hard work. Just because you are on holidays doesn’t mean they stop running. Toddlers still require just as much attention when you travel as they do when you are at home. A different type of holiday will probably suit YOU better at this time.
My kids all keep asking if we can go on a cruise one day, and I would love to do it. Going to have to save a few more pennies for it though 🙂
Yes me too Jess. The sad thing of not living in Sydney is having to add an airfare onto the cruise cost. There are few cruises that leave from other ports yet Sydney-siders get the best deals.