The 6 best cruises to float away on in Australia in 2025

Wackadoo! Just months after a world-first attraction dedicated to the Emmy Award-winning show Bluey opened in Australia, Disney Cruise Line has revealed the beloved blue heeler is setting sail. Starting in January 2025, Bluey and Bingo will join select Disney Wonder cruises in Aussie waters. Whether you’re cruising for two days or seven, expect a full Disney-immersion, featuring characters like Captains Mickey and Minnie Mouse, 'imaginative' world-class dining and Disney-riffic entertainment, including musical performances and original theatrical shows – all while sailing the seas and visiting ports, like Noumea, Hobart and New Zealand. 

When: January, February, October, November and December, 2025.

What: 2-6 nights sail from Sydney or Melbourne to Brisbane, Hobart or Noumea (Jan/Feb 2025), and 3-10 night sails to New Zealand (Oct 2025-Feb 2026).

Good for: Kids, families, serious Disney fans. 

Price: From $1,572 per person.

Although not crazy cheap, this intimate Aussie-owned cruise experience is for those who want the ease of seafaring travel, but not the big crowds. With a maximum of 72 people allowed on board their specially designed Coral Discoverer vessel, you can feel good about exploring the rainbow wonders of the Great Barrier Reef over the span of a week. Plus, there's a marine biologist on board.

When: November and December, 2025.

What: 7 nights from Cairns to Cairns, exploring remote islands and untouched bits of the Great Barrier Reef along the way. 

Good for: A shorter holiday in the summer break, people who like snorkelling, the outdoors and getting off the beaten track.

Price: From $6,800 per person.

If you're keen to get way out of town, but don't want to spend your life's savings, consider Carnival Cruises. Although these folks offer up the gigantic floating hotel vibes that are the stuff of some people's nightmares, they are pretty affordable. With trips going all year round from either Sydney or Brisbane to the bright blue waters of the South Pacific, you should be able to find something that suits you. 

When: Year-round, 2025.

What: 7–10 days all-inclusive sail from Brisbane or Sydney to multiple islands dotted through the South Pacific. 

Good for: Kids, budget-seekers, those who want a holiday without having to think about getting from A to B. 

Price: From $904 per person.

The Whitsundays are arguably the most photogenic watery place in Australia, so it makes sense to explore them by sea. If you're short on time and money, P&O Cruises offer you a quick and all-inclusive getaway that won't break your bank. Think tropical reef snorkelling, dazzling blue waters and sugar white sand for your next long weekend. 

When: Every month in 2025, except May.

What: 4-night round-trip sail from Brisbane via Airlie Beach.

Good for: Budget-seekers, families, snorkelling fanatics, the time-poor. 

Price: From $549 per person.

Despite its rather funny name, Celebrity Cruises is pretty good value for anyone wanting to sail on a short and sweet trip down Australia's east coast. Expect classic cruise fare, but also great prices for an all-inclusive and reasonably luxe trip to the cold, windswept regions of southern Australia. They even have a specific 'Australia Wine' tour, for those who are so inclined. 

When: On selected dates across 2025. 

What: 3-11 night sail from Sydney or Melbourne to either Adelaide's wine regions, or down to Eden and Hobart. 

Good for: People short on time, those keen on Adelaide and Tasmania, and wine lovers. 

Price: From $1,372 per person.

If you're in Sydney and want to get over the ditch to New Zealand, getting on a cruise could be a fun way to do it. Royal Caribbean offers up the kind of all-inclusive gigantic cruise experience that may not be everyone's cup of tea – but you do get to bop across the high seas to numerous ports on NZ's gorgeous coast, and then come back to Sydney again. Essentially, it's good value for what you get, and for how many new places you will get the chance to see. 

When: On selected dates throughout 2025. 

What: 10-12 night sail from Sydney to special ports, islands and natural wonders all across New Zealand, and then back to Sydney again. 

Good for: Travellers who want to see both Australia and New Zealand while they're this far down south, people in a mid-tier budget range, nature lovers, those who enjoy travel efficiency. 

Price: From $2,188 per person.