Think your bank account stands in the way of a great holiday? Think again! Cruising can make an incredibly budget-friendly break, especially if you depart from Auckland and skip the international flights. With most cruises being all-inclusive — including meals, entertainment and kids clubs, accommodation, even some drinks — they can offer exceptional value for an experience that feels rich. Here are eight of our favourite cruises — each one easily under $1000pp!
1 | CRUISE THE PACIFIC ISLANDS
Length: 8 nights | Cruise line: Carnival | Departs: Sydney
Think of this as a sampler platter of the Pacific Islands. You’ll board the Carnival Splendor in Sydney and set out for the beaches of stunning tropical New Caledonia. The ship calls into Noumea, known for pristine shores and a strong European influence. Then stop for a heavenly day in unspoiled Maré Island and another in the Isle of Pines before making the relaxing journey back to Sydney. As for the time at sea, Carnival ships are brimming with extras and entertainment, so whether you’re after pool time or cocktail hour (or a bit of both), you’re all set!
Length: 4 nights | Cruise line: Princess Cruises | Departs: Auckland
Set out easily from Auckland for a short cruise to the gorgeous vineyards surrounding Picton, gateway to the Marlborough wine region. Call in at charming wineries for specially curated tastings. Back onboard, plenty of choices for entertainment and exceptional dining are included — whether it’s a spa treatment, a dip in the pool or a movie under the stars, the time onboard is sure to be a highlight.
Length: 4 nights | Cruise line: Cunard | Departs: Melbourne
Experience incredible luxury at a surprisingly affordable cost on this short Tasman escape at sea. One of Cunard’s famously opulent Queens, the Queen Elizabeth offers an Old World cruising experience complete with white glove service, luxurious onboard atmosphere, wine tasting, exceptional gourmet dining and evening entertainment including shows and live music. Perhaps the highlight of your crossing will be the chance to experience Cunard’s spectacular Gala Balls, held in the ship’s opulent ballroom with a live orchestra.
Length: 6 nights | Cruise line: P&O Cruises | Departs: Adelaide
This has to be one of the easiest and most relaxing escapes around. Board the Pacific Aria in Adelaide for a leisurely sailing across the Tasman to the beautiful Bay of Islands and on to Auckland. Onboard, P&O pulls out all the stops with top tier dining, buzzy evening entertainment and plenty of offerings to keep all sorts happy. We’re loving P&O’s themed party nights — so check your itinerary if you’re the type to go all out with a costume for the likes of a Gatsby Party or a Back to School Party.
Length: 4 nights | Cruise line: Princess Cruises | Departs: Sydney
Escape the reach of everyone on your contact list aboard, quite literally, a floating resort. The Pacific Princess will take you from one spectacular capital city to another in absolute style. There’s a certain romance to sailing on a small ship like the Pacific Princess: It still offers many of the fantastic amenities of a larger ship but in a more intimate setting. The onboard dining is second-to-none, and you’ll find endless things to do: Broadway-style shows, a casino, music and dancing, guest entertainers, a luxurious spa, fitness classes, a pool, golf practice cage and heaps more. It’s easy to fill the days — or spend them doing simply, perfectly nothing.
Length: 3 nights | Cruise line: P&O Cruises | Departs: Auckland
One of our favourite quick getaways, this cruise packs plenty of fun into a short escape. Our customers love this cruise for hen dos, boys weekends, big birthdays, family reunions and no reason at all. Board the Pacific Aria in Auckland for three nights of Australia’s best comedians, plus the Comedy Cruise Gala and a cheeky adults-only show in the Sit Down Comedy Club. And if the bar has you feeling brave, there’s even a Comedy Workshop and the chance to get onstage yourself.
Length: 6 nights | Cruise line: Princess Cruises | Departs: Sydney
Board the Majestic Princess in Sydney for a restorative return journey to unspoiled Tasmania. You’ll call in at Port Arthur, gateway to the wild and scenic Tasman Peninsula and home to the Port Arthur Historical Site, where you can learn about the island’s fearful penal history. Then it’s on to Hobart, where wildlife refuges and a historic waterfront await. Back onboard, you’ll find heaps of entertainment, delicious dining choices, buzzing bars and a gorgeous pool calling your name. The ship follows stunning scenery along Great Oyster Bay and Freycinet Peninsula before making an easy sailing back to Sydney.
Length: 7 nights | Cruise line: P&O Cruises | Departs: Brisbane
Here’s a holiday for fully experiencing the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, a wonder of the natural world that’s practically in our backyard! You’ll call in at beautiful Airlie Beach before heading on to Cairns Yorkey’s Knob and Port Douglas and dropping anchor along stunningly unspoiled Willis Island. At each port, you’ll find heaps of choices for immersive excursions, and back onboard, buzzing entertainment and drool-inducing dining choices. This is a perfect choice for families too, with plenty to keep kids happy at sea!
You get the idea! Come talk to one of our friendly cruising experts and together we can plan an amazing holiday that won’t break the bank. Or click here for more unbelievable cruises under $1000pp.
