Every week we search the internet seeking the best cruise deals for Australians and New Zealanders. Read these guidelines before you book any deal.
Itinerary Name: Cruise Russia
Ports of Call: St Petersburg, Svirstroy, Kizhi Island, Goritzy, Yaroslaval, Uglich, Moscow.
Ship: Volga Dream
Departure Date: 27 May 2018
Highlights: Visit the Tretyakov Gallery to view Russian art and the Kremlin before travelling in business class on the high-speed Sapsan train to St Petersburg.
Why We Like It: Volga Dream, an intimate ship with only 56 staterooms, has all the facilities of larger ships such as a panoramic lounge bar with live music, sundeck with unobstructed views and fitness centre, sauna and hair salon.
The Catch: Only seven nights of this trip is spent on a ship which may not suit some cruise lovers.
Price: Starting at $3,995 twin share including five star hotel stays in the heart of Moscow and St Petersburg.
Itinerary Name: Pacific Island Hopper
Ports of Call: Brisbane, Noumea, Mare, Port Vila, Brisbane.
Ship: Pacific Eden
Departure Date: 30 November 2017
Highlights: Soak up the sun and enjoy a taste of France in Noumea on this well-priced seven-night cruise.
Why We Like It: Raise a glass to the beautiful South Pacific for free as this deals comes with a free drinks package.
The Catch: Many Australian cruisers will have visited these ports before.
Price: Starting at $729 per person twin share for an inside stateroom.
Itinerary Name: Jewels of the Lower Mississippi
Ports of Call: Memphis, Greenville, Vicksburg, Natchez, St. Francesville, Baton Rouge, Nottoway, New Orleans.
Ship: American Queen
Departure Date: March to December 2018
Highlights: Discover the heart and soul of the Mississippi Delta as you cruise through some of the river’s oldest towns on the way to New Orleans.
Why We Like It: Sailing down America's largest and most historical river on a traditional riverboat is hard to beat.
The Catch: American Queen is more lace-and-doily than neon-and-glitter and not geared in any way toward families.
Price: Starting at $2,325 per person twin share.
Itinerary Name: Sydney to Singapore
Ports of Call: Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore.
Ship: Ovation of the Seas
Departure Date: 26 March 2018
Highlights: Snack on street food in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and enjoy some time in Asia before your return flight to Australia.
Why We Like It: Passengers can fly from $99 from Singapore to selected Australian destinations, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, any time within two weeks after the final day of the cruise.
The Catch: The Australian ports on this cruise are enjoyable enough but not highly sought after.
Price: Starting at $2,145 per person twin share for an inside stateroom.
Itinerary Name: Christmas & New Year in the South Pacific
Ports of Call: Auckland, Tauranga, Dravuni Island, Suva, Lautoka, Tadine, Inyeung Islet, Kuto, Kingston, Russell, Auckland.
Ship: Seabourn Encore
Departure Date: 20 December 2017
Highlights: Explore lesser known South Pacific ports such as Tadine, Kuto and Inyeung Islet.
Why We Like It: With business class airfares to and from Auckland and a Christmas cruise on one of the region’s most luxurious ships, you’ll be celebrating the festive season in style.
The Catch: Many people will have already made plans for Christmas.
Price: From $8,859 per person twin share including return airfares and pre- and post-cruise accommodation for one night in Auckland.
Itinerary Name: Lisbon to Malaga
Ports of Call: Lisbon, Portimao, Cadiz, Gibraltar, Porto Banus, Granada, Malaga.
Ship: Panorama II
Departure Date: 2 February 2019
Highlights: Drop anchor in stunning secluded bays and go swimming straight off the back of the ship.
Why We Like It: While bigger cruise liners must moor out at sea, Panorama II can cruise into the heart of Lisbon’s historic city centre.
The Catch: While the ship is spacious and comfortable, the focus of this trip is the destinations rather than endless on-board activities.
Price: Priced from $3,482 per person twin share.
Fine Print: These offers include all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. The cruise itinerary may be subject to change and will be confirmed at time of booking. Prices are based on maximum occupancy and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Other tour operator charges may apply. Other restrictions may apply.
