If you’re feeling a little stressed and confused trying to choose the right Australian cruise line to take you around the South Pacific islands, then you should know you’re not alone. It’s not easy sorting through all of the ports, cruise lines, shops, itineraries, staterooms, prices… It’s enough to make you want to take a vacation from planning a vacation!
Unless you are (or are related to) a travel agent specializing in Australia travel then you can expect a little stress – especially if this is your first time trying to choose an Australian cruise line. There’s a lot to choose so it’s a bit more complicated than simply selecting a resort destination in Fiji or Turtle Island.
Thankfully, it’s rewarding since you’re on a floating resort and there’s a LOT more to do than stare at the gold coast.
The process can be simplified if you work with the right travel agent to put together Cruise packages for your travels. Before you settle on a cruise line and a ship, etc. here are some questions to ask yourself. This will make the process easier to work through with a travel agency:
What can you afford to spend? Many cruises are all-inclusive… to a point. The price typically covers your cabin, meals and the entertainment on the ship. Spa services, excursions onto island in the South Pacific, bar service and some other amenities and extras are typically extra
How many days are you planning to be away? South Pacific cruises vary in length from short 3 day cruises that let you see just a few sights to extended 11 day (or more) voyages that let you really take in the majesty of places like Bora Bora, Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand and of course the coastal waters of Australia.
Where do you want to go? While lengthy cruises in the South Pacific around Australia can take you to numerous destinations, sometimes it’s great to focus on one region for a shorter trip to really soak up the local culture and history. Do you want to visit a lot of destinations or do you want to stay confined to the ship in a tight region? Keep in mind that there are smaller excursion cruises that can take you into the inland waters of Australia, getting into the shallows of the gold coast as you go island hopping.
What kind of stateroom or cabin do you want? You may save money with an inside cabin without windows but they can be cramped. Modern cruise liners now have a lot more rooms that feature balconies – an especially romantic choice for couples.
Are you planning to socialize and meet people? Some ships have fixed seating for dinners and only a few tables for two – most people share larger tables. If the idea of dining and rubbing elbows with strangers isn’t appealing then talk to a travel agent about a South Pacific cruise with more flexible dining
Do you plan on going casual or going a little formal? If you want to stick to flip flops, shorts and loud shirts then don’t pick a cruise liner that has a formal night – you’ll need your stylish GQ and Vanity Fair dress on some evenings so look over the itinerary closely.
What amenities are important to you, your spouse and family? Many of the ships, especially the larger cruise liners, offer activities for everyone. If you do a little pre-planning on what you’d like to do ahead of time it can help narrow the selection: casino? Pool? Spa time? Kids facilities? Every cruise line is different so it’s ok to be a little overwhelmed by the variety and choices that are offered.
If you’re having difficulty navigating the system, don’t be afraid to turn to a travel agent that is well versed in the workings of the ships that frequent the South Pacific islands. There’s more to Australia than the beauty of the Outback, and a well-planned cruise can help you enjoy the coastal culture of this beautiful country. This is your vacation after all; planning the cruise around the Australian Barrier Reef should be as much fun as taking that cruise.