There are plenty of reasons to cruise to Australia: cuddling koalas, snorkeling in the UNESCO World Heritage Great Barrier Reef, and farm to table cuisine paired with regional wines. Taking a luxury cruise is a great way to experience all of it. We chose the best small, midsize and large ships sailing to Australia, so all you need to do is pick a date.
Best Small Ship: Windstar Wind Spirit
If sailing aboard your own private yacht is not an option, cruising on Wind Spirit is a pretty close alternative. The four-masted sailing ship holds only 148 passengers, for an intimate experience. Get closer than you ever imagined to remote corners of the world, destinations that larger ships can’t reach. Personalized curated experiences offer an authentic look at local cultures. Dine in the home of a local family or expand your knowledge with onboard lectures meant to enhance shore excursions. Understated elegance resonates among teak decks, hidden nooks, and intimate verandas. Enjoy savory cuisine on two amazing restaurants: Amphora, offering gourmet dishes course by course; and Veranda, the more casual buffet, and full-service venue. We suggest making a reservation to dine under the stars at Candles. Windstar may be small, but it certainly showcases a variety of the same amenities of larger ships including Wind Spa, a watersports platform, lounge, library, and pool.
Best Midsize Ship: Oceania Regatta
Undergoing a complete redesign in September 2019, every suite and stateroom of Regatta will be entirely new. Refreshing public spaces are meant to create inviting areas with a soft palette of land and sea, bejeweled chandeliers and welcoming textures. Expand your knowledge with guest speakers from historians to former ambassadors who share inside knowledge. Escape to the sounds of a classical string quartet or share an afternoon chat over daily tea. There’s no doubt that Regatta’s symphony of design, world-class entertainment, and culinary masterpieces will have you sailing in style.
Best Large Ship: Celebrity Solstice
From the first Lawn Club at sea to the acclaimed Canyon Ranch Spa, Celebrity Solstice offers some of the most luxurious amenities at sea. Splurge on the AquaClass Spa Stateroom for a relaxing reprieve every time you step into your cabin. Not only are spa elements infused into the staterooms, but AquaClass guests are privy to priority seating at Blu restaurant, a personal spa concierge, and unlimited access to the Relaxation Room and Persian Gardens. As if it’s even possible, the Retreat Suite Class offers even more opulence. The only cruise line to offer every Retreat guest a personal butler, private restaurant and exclusive lounge, you truly are in a class all your own. Foodies will delight in the 11 dining venues. From the flavors of the Far East at Silk Harvest to the nouveau twist of French cuisine at Murano, these restaurants do not disappoint.