Written by P&O Cruises Australia
If there’s one thing Aussies are known for around the world, it’s our travel bug. Even though a lot of us may be limited to a 5km radius right now, the wanderlust itch never quite goes away, which is why we’re staying positive and looking ahead to next year’s travel plans.
On the agenda? Domestic travel, and lots of it! There’s so much to explore in our very own backyard, and once travel is allowed again, a cruise will be a great way to tick off a few destinations in a few days.
Here are some of the benefits of booking cruises in Australia and our insider tips for making the most of your trip, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a lengthier cruise.
You can enjoy every second of your well-deserved holiday
With a cruise, your holiday starts the moment you hop aboard. The journey is a huge part of the destination, and that’s all thanks to the onboard activities! And when it comes to onboard activities, P&O Cruises Australia have plenty to choose from.
There are over 60 activities on offer, and you can cherry-pick the ones you want to do to create your dream holiday. If you want to learn a new skill (or polish one you already have), you could sign up for a range of classes, like mixology and dance. And if you want to get a sweat session in before you unwind for the night, head over to the gym or running track, practice your downward dog in a yoga class, or work new muscles rock climbing at Edge Adventure Park. And if your idea of a holiday is doing sweet, sweet nothing, the day spa, sauna and child-free Oasis will help you bliss out and unwind.
Travelling with kids? To carve out some quiet time, book your kids into one of our 4 age-specific Kids Clubs, where they’ll meet new friends their own age and rush back to you hours later with a handful of stories. P&O’s Pacific Explorer is also decked out with waterslides and a waterpark. It’s perfect for adventurous, adrenaline-seeking kids.
You have endless entertainment options
As for food, drinks and entertainment, each ship has a bunch of cafes or restaurants to choose from. Some are included in your cruise fare, while others offer specialty and celebrity chef dining. Our advice? Challenge yourself to try every one on your trip! Who knows, you might discover a new favourite cuisine. When you’re in the mood to treat yourself or celebrate someone in your party, we recommend that you book specialty dining experience in advance.
For late night fun, there are bars overlooking the ocean, as well as comedy clubs and production shows. And there’s always the option to hit the nightclub.
New to cruising, or need help narrowing down the choices? Take our quiz to find out what kind of Cruiseling you are, and meet your cruise match!
You’ll see Australia in a unique way
Sure, you can take to the roads or the skies. But Australia is an island, and there’s nothing more glorious than being on the water!
Our cruises drop anchor at beautiful destinations around the country, and offer cultural, adventure and sightseeing experiences as part of optional shore excursions. Think scuba diving in coral reefs, indulging in homegrown food and wine, riding scenic railways, and historical tours of cities with old-world charm, like Hobart.
Logistically, Australia can be hard to navigate because of its size. That’s another benefit of cruises: you’ll avoid wasting time “in transit.” Instead of waiting around in traffic or at airports (after a year of waiting out domestic travel restrictions Australia), you’ll be able to jumpstart your holiday right away.
You’ll save money in the long run
Domestic cruises around Australia are one of the most cost-effective holiday options, which is why they’re so popular with families and large groups. Your fare covers accommodation, main meals in designated restaurants, plus most onboard activities. To give you an idea of how much you’ll pay, a long weekend costs a few hundred dollars per person or you can splash out and book a suite or mini-suite. After all, we deserve to spoil ourselves. When you think of land-based holidays in Australia, you’ll probably pay that much on accommodation or the flight alone, without any of the added value.
If you want to dress up your cruise with extras like shore tours and speciality dining experiences, you can prepay for those in advance. This makes the cruise easy to budget for, and helps you to avoid unexpected expenses on your trip.
Since cruise prices fluctuate with demand and timing, the earlier you book, the better. If you’re hoping to set sail in 2022, plan and book now to score earlybird prices. Along with nabbing the best 2022 cruise deals, you’ll get your pick of room locations, and shore tours, which is useful if you’re cruising with a group.
Don’t miss out on 2022 cruise deals
If you’re ready to get a cruise on the calendar, you can book now with a deposit of just $1 (per person). Our Go for Gold Sale applies to any cruise departing after 17 September 2021, including our popular Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise, Whitsundays Cruise, Moreton Island-Tangalooma Cruise and Comedy Cruise. You’ll also be rewarded with up to $300 to spend onboard depending on your room category and length of the cruise.
