Cruise is back up and running – 347 ships were sailing at the start of May. But while bookings for late in the year are selling well, the early months hold some really strong cruise deals if you are looking to snap up a discounted stateroom and sail right away.
A Cruise Passenger survey of the market shows close-to-home sailings are still number one for bookings – leaving plenty of space and even better prices for cruises further afield. Sam Patton, Product Manager at Cruise Traveller, a small-ship specialist, told us: “We knew that when the world did open up, pent-up demand would drive bookings up and over all our previous records, and that has proven so very true. We are still receiving a lot of interest in close-to-home cruises in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, plus also small ship voyages in the United States and Antarctica. “While many Australians are planning their travel for 2023, many are also keen to cruise this year. Yes, some small ships and cruises still have some availability for 2022 but they are booking fast, particularly as small ships fill very quickly and are in higher demand now.” As availability quickly disappears, prices are a rollercoaster, with some going up as demand peaks while others are going down as ships look to get extra bookings last minute. Here are our best cruise deals – feel free to add your own finds in the comments box!Australia and New Zealand
Carnival Cruises Great Barrier Reef from Sydney, Australia – 7 nights – Sydney Roundtrip – from $714pp – depart 10 Nov – Carnival Splendor This classic reef cruise will be a magnificent family affair on Carnival, stopping at Airlie Beach, Cairns and Willis Island along the way. Taxes, fees and port expenses are included in the price. Royal Caribbean Tasmania & Adelaide Cruise – 7 nights – Sydney Roundtrip – from $930 pp – Depart Dec 7 – Ovation of the Seas For something breezy and local snap up this cruise deal for an end of year 2022 to Tasmania and Adelaide. You’ll have all the fun of an RCI trip, as well as some stops in foodie hotspots. Papua in Paradise – 21 nights – Cairns roundtrip – from $17,915pp – depart Oct 11 – Le Soleal For something really different, let Cruise Traveller guide you on this epic back to back cruise itinerary through Melanesia. You can save up to $16,930 per couple if you book by May 21 and will see some truly remote past Australia’s north. Royal Caribbean Christmas/New Year Cruise to New Zealand – 12 nights – Sydney Roundtrip – from $2779pp – Depart Dec 23 – Ovation of the Seas Deluxe Travel and Cruise has a deal that can save you $2363 per cabin on this festive cruise to New Zealand, the perfect holiday for the family to celebrate together. Princess Cruises to Conflict Islands and Far North Queensland – 12 nights – Sydney Roundtrip – from $2409 – Depart Aug 22 – Coral Princess Grab yourself a balcony with Deluxe Travel on this cruise to the stunning Conflict Islands, saving $1548 per cabin in the process.Alaska
Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau – 6 nights – Seattle Roundtrip – from $1093 – Dep multiple dates May to Oct – Norwegian Encore This incredibly reasonably priced cruise deal takes you through Alaska’s rugged and worn, yet stunning and unspoiled terrain. Book now for a free beverage package, speciality dining package, shore excursions credits and Wifi Package. Select sailings even have further promotions like a free second guest and extra guests at a reduced rate.South Pacific
Celebrity Cruises Hawaii to Sydney Cruise – 18 nights – from $5389 – Dep Oct 3 – Celebrity Eclipse Deluxe Travel can you get $3345 off a Balcony cabin, or put you in Aqua Class for $6279pp, saving $400 per cabin. This includes beverages, WiFi and $50USD onboard credit. Royal Caribbean South Pacific Cruise – 9 nights – from $1133 – Sydney Roundtrip Dep Dec 14 – Ovation of the Seas This red-hot Royal cruise takes you through the beautiful blue waters of Vanuatu and New Caledonia, giving you plenty of time on the islands before taking you back to Sydney. Uncruise Hawaii Done Differently – 9 nights – from $9995 – Molokai to Big Island – Dep Nov 24 – Safari Explorer For a new way to see Hawaii, try it out on an Expedition Ship. Aussies can save $1060 per couple and get a complimentary hotel stay in Waikiki, before embarking on an incredible itinerary through the islands .Mediterranean
Virgin Voyages summer season – 7 nights – Barcelona to multiple destinations – multiple dates June to October – Valiant Lady A slightly less specific offering, a call to My Cruise Concierge can get you a discounted seat on the Richard Branson powered Valiant Lady and her season out of Barcelona this European Summer. Regent Seven Seas Mediterranean Autumn – Barcelona to Venice – from $12700pp – Dep Oct 23 – Seven Seas Splendor For a taste of ultra-luxury, traverse through Europe with Regent Seven Seas and My Cruise Concierge can get you an extra $1000 onboard credit and squeeze you into one of the last available rooms. Norwegian Cruise Line Mediterranean: Italy, France & Spain – Barcelona roundtrip – from $2168 – Dep multiple dates May to July – Norwegian Epic Slashed down from $3228, you can now grab this classic cruise at a cut price, with beverages, shore excursions, specialty dining and wifi all included. Select cruises also have reduced prices for further guests.Northern Europe
Hurtigruten Expeditions Circumnavigating Spitsbergen – Oslo roundtrip – from $8835 – Multiple dep starting from June – MS Spitsbergen If you’ve always wanted to track down a Polar Bear and never had someone who shares in your passion, this is your cruise. On this polar bear tracking cruise Hurtigruten has waived the single supplement so you can book as a solo traveller for the same price per person of a couple. However, this offer ends in just a couple of days so be quick! Seabourn Scandinavian Splendors – 13 nights – Denmark to Norway – from $9999 – dep July 2 – Seabourn OvationFor a luxurious sail through Northern Europe, My Cruise Concierge can get you one of the final cabins on Seabourn Ovation for this spectacular cruise. You’ll also get $400 onboard credit.
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