After a 2 year absence of international cruising in Australia, cruises have finally begun to return to Australian waters this year following the end of Australia’s cruise ban in April this year.
Australia is one of the last countries to restart cruises after closing down during the pandemic. Before the shutdown of cruising in Australia, over 350 cruise ships sailed to Australia, carrying over 600,000 passengers. There have been a few major cruise lines returning to Australia so far and there are more to come.
Which cruise lines have returned to Australia?
P&O Cruises Australia
P&O Cruises Australia Pacific Explorer, the flagship of P&O Cruises Australia, was the first international ship to return to Australia in over two years. The event on April 18th, 2022 was celebrated as the Pacific Explorer was escorted by five tug boats into Sydney harbor, spouting plumes of water and decorated in ‘Welcome Home’ signs. The first passenger cruise with Pacific Explorer departed on May 31st 2022.
Ponant Cruises
The second international brand which resumed service in Australia is Ponant cruises, it was one of the first expedition players to make its way back to the crystal Blue waters of Australia. Ponant restarted its service with its two ships Le Lapérouse and Le Soléal in the kimberly region from April 22 until the end of September 2022. The luxury ships were offering 10-night luxury expeditions and sailed to the most picturesque parts of the region including Hunter River, Collier Bay, and more.
Princess Cruises
Princess cruises’ Coral Princess debuted in the region resuming services in Australia on June 16th, 2022, the ship has started welcoming its guests back for a program of Queensland and New South Wales itineraries departing from Brisbane. Joining the Coral Princess in Australia is the Majestic Princess & the Grand Princess offering cruises from additional homeports including Sydney, Adelaide & Melbourne.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival cruise line has been the latest cruise line to return to Australia in 2022 with the Carnival Splendor, upon completing its summer program in Alaska the ship launched service departing from Sydney on the 1st of October 2022. As Carnival Splendor arrived in Sydney harbor, Carnival Splendor was escorted by sister-brand P&O Cruises Australia’s ship Pacific Adventure before sailing past the landmark Sydney Opera House and arriving at the Port of Sydney.
“Escorted by Pacific Adventure, Carnival Splendor’s return to Sydney Harbour was a stunning moment to see and one we’ve been waiting for. The return of Carnival Splendor to Sydney is a milestone achievement, not just for us, but for the Australian cruising industry.”
The President of Carnival Cruise Line, Christine Duffy
What cruises are still to return to Australia this Winter?
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Eclipse will mark Celebrity Cruises‘ return to Australia on the 22nd of October 2022, the Solstice-class vessel will offer a series of cruises to New Zealand, the Great Barrier Reef, the South Pacific & more.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean will resume sailing in Australia having two ships in the region starting on October 29th, 2022 Ovation of the Seas will offer cruises departing from Sydney while Quantrum of the Seas will sail from Brisbane debuting in the area with its first cruise set to depart on November 1st, 2022.
Holland America
Holland America will be the next cruise line to sail in Australia for the 2022-2023 season with its two ships Westerdam & Noordam. Both ships will start their sailings from Sydney in November 2022 through the winter with itineraries to New Zealand, the South Pacific & more.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is also planning on a return to Australia for the winter 2022-2023 season, sending Norwegian Spirit to the region for a series of open-jaw itineraries that sail between Sydney, Auckland, and New Zealand. Norwegian Spirit will finally arrive Down Under in December following a $150 million renovation.
Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas Cruises Seven Seas Explorer will kick off her first Asia-Pacific season, arriving in Australia in late December.
Cunard Cruises
Cunard will be kickstarting its Australian cruise itineraries from November 2022 through to March 2024 with its three ships offering sailings departing from Sydney on selected dates. The itineraries will offer short breaks calling at Tasmania, Melbourne, or Fremantle to longer Circumnavigation voyages that may deliver you to Papua New Guinea, Africa, and New Zealand.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney cruise line will sail from Australia for the first time in history. Disney fans will be able to board the Disney Wonder ship in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland from October 2023 to February 2024.
“We are so excited to bring the magic of a Disney cruise vacation close to home for guests in Australia and New Zealand,”
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products chairman, Josh D’Amaro said.
What is required from passengers who are cruising in Australia?
As of July 2022, travelers to and from Australia no longer need to provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination status. Travelers continue to be encouraged to be vaccinated for their own protection.
Different cruise operators will have specific requirements for their passengers, and must also meet any requirements of the state or territory they are operating in. Check the requirements of your cruise operator and the states and/or territories and countries in which you will be traveling.
Cruise-specific travel insurance is recommended on both Australian domestic cruises and international cruises. Make sure you choose a travel insurance policy that covers you for cruising, and any activities you do on shore.
You will also require an Australian Visa, There are 3 types of Australian visas that guests will require depending on their nationality eVisitor Visa, ETA Visa, or the Visitor Visa
