With international travel is set to be back next month, cruise lines can’t wait to get you back on board. And they are offering some strong incentives, with special prices and added value.
Elizabeth Clarke, manager of The Cruise Centre offered some guidance on where to look and what to buy. “All of the cruise lines are coming out with specials at the moment. We have a lot of bookings for Oceania, Regent and Seabourn. For next year, some of them are already at capacity so we’re having to move people to 2023 already.”
Ms Clarke also mentions that many are opting for longer cruises to make up for time spent not travelling, however, this had led to limited availability.
“There are skerrick’s of short cruises but if people want long back to back cruises they really need to get those booked sooner rather than later.”
As far as our backyard goes, Ms Clarke mentioned the Kimberley is “selling out quicker than anything.”
Looking around the world Ms Clarke says “the Mediterranean will always sell, it always sells fast. The Mediterranean, the South Pacific, Tahiti and Alaska are probably our biggest regions that we’ll sell a lot of.”
“In 2023 there’s some nice cruises for Asia and Japan, particularly in March and April for cherry blossom season.”
Keeping all this in mind and more, we’ve handpicked some of the best deals around, both domestically and internationally, for if you’re looking to jump on a cruise in 2022 or early 2023.
15-Day Panama Canal – Ocean to Ocean with Princess Cruises
If you’ve never conquered the Panama Canal and lockdown has you wanting to explore some uncharted territory, this Royal Caribbean cruises will take you through the warm waters of Mexico, the cloud forests of Costa Rica, the coloured city of Cartagena in Colombia and more. You’ll be aboard Ruby Princess and can enjoy Princess’s new MedallionClass vacations.
Ports: San Francisco to Ft. Lauderdale
Ship: Ruby Princess
Price: Starting from $3448
Dates: Feb 10 to Feb 25, 2023
12-Day South Africa Spotlight with Oceania Cruises
If you’re looking to cruise anywhere near Africa with Oceania Cruises, book now. The majority of cruises, many of which are longer voyages, from now until 2023 are all booked out but you can still score yourself a suite on this 12-day voyage aboard Nautica where highlights will include the unique landscapes of Namibia, cruising the Cape of Good Hope and a range of Cape Town excursions.
Ports: Cape Town roundtrip
Ship: Nautica
Price: Starting from $5390
Dates: Jan 6 to Jan 18, 2023
10-night Vietnam and Philippines with Celebrity Cruises
Starting in Hong Kong, not only is the price on this cruise currently slashed nearly $600, but it’s ready to show you a whole new side of Asia with three different Vietnamese ports and two in the Philippines. You’ll have rich cultural experiences as well as the chance to splash around in beautifully clear blue waters.
Ports: Hong Kong roundtrip
Ship: Celebrity Solstice
Price: From $2178
Dates: Dec 1 to Dec 11, 2022
Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea
This Ponant Cruise takes you through some European history and architectural beauty, however, bookings are going quick and are down to the last few staterooms. You’ll begin in the colorful Copenhagen before being smothered in the luxury of Le Champlain as you explore Tallinn, Saint Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm.
Ports: Copenhagen to Stockholm
Ship: Le Champlain
Price: From $8890
Dates: May 11, 2022 to May 18, 2022
12 night Mediterranean Greek Isles with Royal Caribbean
If you’ve spent most of lockdown dreaming of laying on Mediterranean beaches and indulging in local cuisine you’re definitely not alone and this cruise will help you make up for lost time. You’ll see highlights of Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey and curated shore excursions plus the fun onboard Vision of the Seas will save you from ever coming close to a dull moment.
Ports: Barcelona round trip
Ship: Vision of the Seas
Price: From $2319
Dates: June 18 to June 30, 2022 (other dates available)
12 nights in Search of the Northern Lights with Viking Cruises
If you’re really looking to satisfy your travel cravings that have built up, why not buy a ticket to one of nature’s greatest shows and chase after the Northern Lights. In the Norwegian winter you’ll navigate through incredible landscapes in pursuit of the green auroras, finishing up in the quaint and extremely scenic town of Bergen.
Ports: London to Bergen
Price: From $6695
Dates: March 13 to March March 25, 2022
Domestic
Eight night South Pacific Cruise with Royal Caribbean
Take yourself from Brisbane into the South Pacific aboard the action-packed Quantum of the Seas. You’ll leave Brisbane and just three days later be enjoying sun-drenched excursions in Vanuatu, before moving onto New Caledonia. It’s a great price and great destinations whether you want adrenaline filled days or to simply to put up your feet on the beach.
Ports: Brisbane roundtrip
Ship: Quantum of the Seas
Price: From $1332
Dates: Nov 1 to Nov 9, 2022
13 night Australia & Indonesia to Sydney with Norwegian Cruise Line
If you’re one of many Aussies who simply can’t wait to get back to Bali, then head over there and come home in style on this 14-day cruise with Norwegian Cruise Lines. You’ll be on the recently rejuvenated Norwegian Spirit and your journey home with include the highlights of Bali and Indonesia, the wilderness of Darwin, beauty of the Whitsundays and plenty more. With prices currently slashed more than 50% it’s the perfect time to book.
Ports: Bali to Sydney
Ship: Norwegian Spirit
Price: From $2366
Dates: April 9 to April 23, 2022
Nine night Darwin to Broome, Kimberley cruise with Silversea
Whether you’ve fallen in love with the Kimberely previously or are looking to tick it off your bucket list, Silversea will take you to the Kimberley in all-inclusive luxury. Look forward to experiencing the turquoise tinted waters and rugged rock faces of the Kimberley with private transfers, airfares, expedition team led excursions and butler service all included.
Ports: Darwin to Broome
Ship: Silver Explorer
Price: From $14850
Dates: June 4 to June 14, 2022
10 night Barrier Reef Discovery with P&O Cruises
It’s never a poor decision to see a natural wonder of the world and this cruise will take you there. You’ll venture through Airline Beach, Cairns, Willis Island and Moreton Island and divers will have the chance to spend plenty of time underwater, but otherwise there’ll still be plenty to do both on and off the boat.
Ports: Sydney roundtrip
Ship: Pacific Adventure
Price: $949
Dates: Aug 23 to Sep 2, 2022
Nine night Sydney to New Zealand with Carnival Cruises
If you feel like a visit out to our neighbours, this Carnival cruise will take you the most scenic way possible, taking you on some scenic cruising of Fiordland Park. At such a cut price you can catch up on some of your missed cruising without putting too large of a hole in your wallet and seeing spectacular sights across three New Zealand ports.
Ports: Sydney to New Zealand
Ship: Carnival Splendor
Price: From $999
Dates: Nov 21 to Dec 1, 2022
Nine night Tasmania and Adelaide cruise with Royal Caribbean
If you’re looking to head a bit more south and get to exploring Australia, this cruise will take you through some of the highlights of South Australia and Tasmania, as well as a quick stop to enjoy the delicious seafood and alluring coastline of Eden in NSW. Ovation of the Seas will be packed with plenty to keep you busy and a special highlight will be a trip out to the secluded Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island.
Ports: Sydney roundtrip
Ship: Ovation of the Seas
Price: From $1750
Dates: Feb 13 to Feb 22, 2022
