The 7 best cruises to float away on in Australia in 2024

As the name suggests, this one's for those who like a more intrepid kind of adventure holiday. Live out all your explorer fantasies on this expensive, yet (by the sounds of it) mind-blowing sail from Western Australia to Bali. You'll be on an authentic expedition ship exploring hard-to-reach places. Their fleet of tiny Zodiac boats will take you up close to ancient Indigenous rock art, saltwater crocs and komodo dragons. Plus, you'll get coached by a legit Nat Geo photographer on how to capture your most magazine-worthy shot.

When: May, June and July 2024.

What: 16 days sail from Broome in WA, to WA's remote reefs and islands, to Darwin, to remote islands in the Indonesian archipelago, ending in Bali. 

Good for: Wildlife adventurers, wilderness lovers, people who dream of being a National Geographic Explorer and have a bit of time (and cash) to spare. 

Price: From $14,926 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, 2024 and 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 $5,340 per cabin.

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: Annually, 2024 and 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 $706 per cabin.

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 2024 and 2025.

What: 4 night sail from Brisbane, Airlie Beach, and then back to Brisbane.

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

Price: From $524 per person.

Disney Wonder cruises range from between two to seven days, for which time guests will be fully immersed within a magical Disney world. You'll get to hang out with characters such as Captains Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, experience what they call "imaginative" world-class dining, and be treated to Disney-riffic entertainment, including musical performances and original theatrical shows – all while sailing the seas and visiting ports, including Noumea, Hobart and Eden.

When: On selected dates throughout 2024 and 2025

What: 1-7 nights sail from either Sydney or Melbourne to Brisbane, Hobart or Noumea. 

Good for: Kids, families, serious Disney fans. 

Price: From $1,649 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 2024. 

What: 4-6 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 $1,002 per person.

If you're in Sydney and want to get over the ditch to NZ, getting on a cruise could be a fun way to do it. Royal Carribean offers up the kind of all-inclusive gigantic cruise experience that may not be everyone's cup o' tea – but you do get to bop across the high seas to numerous ports on New Zealand'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 in 2024 and 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 $1,482 per person.