“If you want more variety, overseas is the way to go”: Aussies who want fresh cruise itineraries are looking elsewhere

Cruise Passenger readers always have plenty to say about what’s going on in Australian cruise, and in the broader cruise community. In Your Say, Cruise Passenger looks at the issues our readers are writing to us about on our blogs, posts and newsletters. 

Australian-based lines have streamlined operations, with lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line offering only South Pacific cruises to Vanuatu and New Caledonia, sailings to Queensland, short cruises to nowhere, New Zealand voyages, and repositioning cruises.

But the lack of variety has led cruisers to look overseas for alternative and fresh itineraries, according to comments on Cruise Passenger and social media.

In fact, many cruisers have commented and said they believe the only way to get new itineraries is to cruise overseas instead.

Leah Darlow wrote: “There are only so many times you can cruise to New Zealand, Moreton Bay, Queensland, Tasmania, South Pacific etc.

“Would be great to have a variety of destinations, but until then I have to cruise overseas which is unfortunate and of course more expense due to flights etc, but worth it for me.”

Shirlie Keen added: “I think the only option to see more destinations is to fly overseas, but I know that may not be alternative to some people.”

Mai Nguyen chimed in: “Would be good to see more Papua New Guinea itineraries and cruises from Melbourne visiting South Australia and maybe Western Australia (if a return cruise can be done in seven nights). With tender ports such as Airlie Beach, Morton Island, Lifou, Mystery Island, there’s no guarantee you’ll be visiting these ports.

“Also the selection of ships is limited. If you want nicer and newer ships with more variety, overseas ports are the way to go.”

Other cruise passengers shared ports and itineraries they wished were more common for Aussie cruises.

Lyn Edwards added some great suggestions: “Would love to be able to do a route that is Sydney to Singapore, then to Sydney. Samoa and the Cook Islands would be a change as old favourites like the Isle of Pine and Champagne Beach have been discontinued. Even some overnights at Vila, Cairns or Noumea would offer a chance to explore the nightlife.”

Christy Lee shared we’d she like to sail.

“Yes bring back PNG, they stopped going there because Conflict Islands was sold, but it doesn’t make sense why they still can’t go to Alotau, Kiriwina and Rabaul like the cruise this year in June and August.

“Cruise to Tasmania, awesome, stopping at Port Arthur, Hobart and Eden. Could even throw in Newcastle. Cruise to Western Australia via Cairns and the Northern Territory. Cruise to WA via Melbourne and Adelaide. Cruise to Bali via Cairns and the Northern Territory

All of the above ports are doable, and most have been visited recently by Carnival Encounter from Brisbane. So why are the destinations just to Cairns or Vanuatu? So crazy. Carnival, where is your business brain buried?”

Amando Mooch added: “Definitely would like more options. Norfolk Island, Indonesia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands.”

Mary Lang noted she’d love to see more regional options that suit her situation.

“I would love to cruise from Adelaide to Perth but have been unable to find a cruise. There are very few that leave from Adelaide. I am already booked on a five day cruise from Adelaide to Port Lincoln for 2028 but keep checking for more cruises from Adelaide.”

Susan John says she’d love to see more Australian options.

“Love to be using Australian ports more. Keep our money in our own country. Mornington Peninsula, Eden, Burnie etc.”

Lindasy Jane said: “People here want longer cruises with more variety and more ports. It’s not worth flying to Brisbane or Sydney for short cruises with only two port stops.”

One cruiser mentioned being sent a survey from Carnival Cruise Line about possible new cruise destinations, which could suggest future changes.

“I was sent a survey from Carnival about six months ago, asking about what cruise destinations (Australia and Asia) I would be interested in booking cruises to and from. They listed many destinations that weren’t on their itineraries at the time. A couple were added to the new itineraries that were released after that but there were many more they were looking at so hopefully it’s still a work in progress.”

Please keep those comments coming!

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