Now that the cooler weather is upon most of Australia, it’s time to flee to the sea in search of warmer weather. Cruise Weekly asked the experts to recommend last-minute getaways and found some amazing deals in July and August. So don’t over-think it: book now and get out of here!
Carl Retschlag, a personal travel manager with TravelManagers Australia, concocted the ultimate 24-night holiday, combining three of P&O’s South Pacific cruises back-to-back on the same ship.
The total price is $1,625 per person quad share, which works out at less than $68 per night – unbeatable value for a family or four friends cruising together.
Of course, it’s also possible to take these cruises separately.
“Cruising to the South Pacific from Sydney or Brisbane, the weather improves after the first day onboard, so if you choose an 11-night cruise, you’ll get nine days of tropical weather,” said Carl.
“Or you can cruise up to Cairns and the Whitsundays, which is absolutely superb as this time of year.”
Pacific Pearl – Queensland coast/Whitsundays/Cairns
10 nights ex Sydney
4 August
From $620pp quad share
Pacific Pearl – Mooloolaba
4 nights ex Sydney
14 August
From $380pp quad share
Pacific Pearl – South Pacific
10 nights ex Sydney
18 August
From $625pp quad share
Or try this week-long cruise to Noumea, Lifou and Port Vila from Brisbane.
Pacific Dawn – South Pacific
7 nights ex Brisbane
2 August
From $499pp quad share, $725pp twin share
Clean Cruising (www.CleanCruising.com.au) also recommends the P&O Cruise Sale, with bonus OBC (onboard credit) on offer until 18June. They selected these two options:
Carnival Spirit – New Caledonia
9 nights ex Sydney
23 July
From $1,129pp
Carnival Spirit – New Caledonia
9 nights ex Sydney
20 August
From $1,029pp
Bonus up to $100 OBC
Fans of Royal Caribbean (www.royalcaribbean.com.au) can enjoy the world’s biggest cruise ship, or upgrade to all-inclusive Azamara (www.azamaraclubcruises.com) to explore the ancient sites of the Mediterranean in Italy, Greece and Turkey.
Allure of the Seas – Western Caribbean
7 nights ex Fort Lauderdale, Florida (US)
10 August
From $1,579pp
Azamara Quest – Vatican to Bosporus
10 nights
10 August
From $4,089pp (verandah cabin)
Curious about Croatia? Beyond Travel (www.beyondtravel.com.au) has just released a special offer of $1,000 discount per couple on selected July and August departures of the Adriatic Classic voyage aboard a newly built 18-cabin ship, but you need to book today (10 June).
MS Princess Aloha or MS Vita – Croatia
7 nights ex Dubrovnik or Zadar
5, 19, 26 July and 2, 9, 16 August
From $1,580pp
Ecruising (www.ecruising.travel) has a special package including return economy airfares from Sydney and Melbourne, a six-night cruise, three nights accommodation at the Marco Polo Hotel in Hong Kong and airport transfers.Book by 15 June to save $1,560 per person
Book a balcony cabin and receive HKD$1,900 onboard dining credit, a complimentary + 360 experience in Hong Kong including entry to the NP360 cable car and MTR pass.
Superstar Virgo – Hong Kong and Taiwan
9 nights
29 June
From $2,159pp including airfares and hotel