At last, the good news: Our surging Aussie dollar can save you $900 on a cruise booking

• The Australian dollar is shaping up stronger than it has for most of this year, briefly hitting US0.66c and settling at US0.65c.
• The experts say this is the best time to book a cruise and pre-pay for onboard credit.
• With some cruise fares priced in American dollars, and onboard spend also charged in the same currency, we find out how booking a cruise now can save you nearly $1000.

The Australian dollar has jumped to an eight-month high, and it is now an opportune and favourable time for cruisers to book 2026 and 2027 voyages.

The dollar dipped as low as US59.15c , the weakest point since March 26, 2020. Instability in American foreign policy, wars in the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine as well as news about tariffs have contributed to the fluctuations. But now, AUD$1 now buys US65c.

When the Australian dollar increases in strength, it’s the best time to book in order to save hundreds of dollars.

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Why a stronger Australian dollar means a cheaper cruise for you

When you are booking a cruise in Australian dollars, this price is converted from American dollars. Cruise lines operate and price their cruises in American dollars, and then this base price is converted into local currencies, such as the Australian dollar. 

While you might not be purchasing your cruise in American dollars, a stronger Australian dollar means the cheaper your cruise.

Most cruises booked out of Australia will be booked in the local currency, apart from Disney Cruise Lines, but this doesn’t change the fact the price is changing.

Expert cruise agent, Sharon Summerhayes from Deluxe Travel and Cruise explain this: “Most cruise lines that we book, are locked in the local currency when sold in Australia.  They can be affected by the American dollar though, so it’s still a good time to book when our currency is up against the American dollar.”

Most cruise lines that operate in Australia, such as Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Holland America and more, operate their onboard spend in American dollars. Only Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises use Australian dollars for cruises on our shores. 

This means that all your onboard spend, which can often far outweigh the initial cruise fare paid, is done in American dollars. It also means that you could be charged more, if there are fluctuations in the currency while you’re on your cruise.

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Considering on-shore spend

Then there are other factors to consider, such as how the Australian dollar is performing in relation to the local currency wherever you’re travelling to. 

For example, our case scenario is if you are travelling or cruising in the United States. Right now USD$1 is worth AUD$1.53. However, earlier this year, USD$1 was worth AUD$1.61. 

This means right now, spending USD$1000 equates to AUD$1527. However, just a few months ago under the previous rate, this would be AUD$1610, an extra AUD$83. This adds up the more and more you spend.

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How much can you save? 

We can accurately calculate how much you can save by booking your next cruise holiday while the Australian dollar is in a stronger position. We have analysed how much you can save on a local cruise.

For example, if a family wanted to take an 11-night New Zealand cruise with Royal Caribbean, prices for a family of two adults and two children staying in an interior room start from AUD$11,176.

However, that is just the base price. 

This cruise has five ports, if the whole family does a shore excursion at each port, for AUD$100 each, which would be on the cheaper side, this adds on another AUD$2000.

Considering other inclusions such as activities for the kids, WiFi packages, specialty dining, drinks at the bar or a drinks package, late-night childcare, souvenirs, spa services, specialty coffees and whatever prices, we could modestly estimate another $75 would be spent on each passenger per day. This comes out to an additional AUD$3300. 

In total, the cruise bill totals to AUD$16,476 for the entire family at the current rate.  

Lines like Celebrity Cruises will invoice your onboard spend in America dollars – a USD$10,782 final bill, at the current currency rate equates to AUD$16,476.

But applying the rates from earlier this year when USD$1 bought you AUD$1.61 USD$10,782 would have equated to AUD$17,35.

This represents an $883 difference. 

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Tips on saving

Take advantage of the stronger currency by paying for as much of your cruise as you can.

Most cruise lines offer best price guarantees that ensure you will get the lowest advertised rate on your fare so experts suggest to make even a deposit for your cruise.

The experts also suggest that while the Australian dollar is strong, it’s advisable to pre-purchase onboard spend as well as drinks packages and shore excursions to guarantee a lower price.

This will ensure that you get to take as much advantage of a jump in the Australian dollar as possible.