Right now a flotilla of cruise ships from around the world is sailing towards Australia for a new summer season. The horns are sounding, the cabins are being spruced up, and fresh Australian produce is about to be delivered to ports.

A total of 62 ships will visit Australia over the next few months, making 1903 port calls, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. Joel Katz from CLIA Australasia says the intention to cruise in Australia and New Zealand is strong.

“Among travellers who have never sailed previously, 70 per cent say they are open to taking their first cruise,” he says.

So we’re more eager to hop on board than ever, even holiday-makers who have never sailed before. But which cruise to choose? I’m eager to check out the newly gussied-up Carnival Splendor, and to experience Silversea’s S.A.L.T. culinary program when Silver Nova sails to Australia for the first time.

There’s so much to be excited about in the next few months and into 2025. Here are some of the highlight itineraries.

Sail the big lap

What: A 32-day circumnavigation of Australia, with Bali and Komodo National Park thrown in. This voyage is a first for Viking. The stylish, adults-only, 930-guest Viking Venus will sail around the continent, taking in the Whitsundays, Abrolhos Islands, and the Great Australian Bight. New ports for Viking include Geraldton, Fremantle, Busselton and Albany, offering the chance to explore Western Australia without needing to drive vast distances. The sailing also includes stops in Bali and Komodo National Park in Indonesia.

When: Departing Sydney January 20.

Value: Viking is offering a saving of up to $2000 per couple if booked before November 15.

Tip: Actor, musician and presenter Cameron Daddo recently sailed with Viking and says the thought of a circumnavigation brings up so many opportunities and ideas – not the least of which is to see this country in a new way. “And there’s the joy of doing it in that Viking way – a marriage of understated elegance and cultural curiosity, with experts sharing their knowledge.”

Leave ’em laughing

What: P&O Cruises Australia ships will rebrand under the Carnival badge in March 2025, What better way to say a fond farewell than by enjoying a few laughs on a comedy cruise? Try a comedy workshop, make your debut on the Comedy Gong Show, or if you prefer to sit back, take a seat for the Comedy Cruise Gala.

When: An Adelaide to Melbourne comedy cruise departs December 17 on Pacific Explorer. There are also departures from Brisbane and Sydney aboard Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter.

Value: Inside cabins are available from $254 a person.

Tip: Escape’s lists editor David Smiedt is also a comedian who performs on ships as well as land. “It’s like a mini comedy festival at sea,” he says. “Aside from the shows, there are activities like comedy workshops, passenger comedy shows and panel discussions. And all without the stress of buying tickets, and getting to the venues.”

Take a wine cruise

What: Celebrity Cruises’ nine-night Australia Wine cruise from Sydney return. Set sail on the game-changing Celebrity Edge for a wine-themed cruise. Sip on varieties on-board at the Magic Carpet, the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform, or pair wine with food at the three-level Eden Restaurant. This cruise stops in Hobart, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide and Melbourne before returning to Sydney. Along the way there will be ample opportunities to sample local wines at vineyards in the Barossa, the Yarra Valley and the Huon Valley.

When: Departing Sydney March 3. Value: Inside cabins are available from $2506 per person.

Tip: Escape’s Doc Holiday, Dilvin Yasa, recommends booking a suite, which gives you access to The Retreat and exclusive extras. “Now that I’ve experienced it for myself, I understand the value of paying extra to be a guest of Celebrity Cruises’ The Retreat. I loved the exclusive nature of the ‘ship-within-a-ship’ premise, which included a dedicated concierge, a lounge with unlimited drinks and bites and a butler.”

Go the full Disney Down Under

What: A four-night cruise from Melbourne to Hobart and back to Melbourne on Disney Wonder. Disney fans needn’t fly across the world to meet Mickey and the gang – here’s a chance to meet your favourite Disney characters and see Frozen, A Musical Spectacular live on stage close to home. Kids can even join the Marvel Super Hero Academy and become their favourite Avenger. Add an array of themed dining and deck parties and this may be the best family holiday you’ll ever have.

When: Departing Melbourne January 30.

Value: From $5535 for an inside cabin for a family of four (two adults, two children aged between six months and 17 years).

Tip: Escape’s managing editor Kelli Armstrong says: “I’ve sailed on both Disney Wish and Disney Wonder with my daughter and recommend it to families big and small. While you might outlay a lot to get on board, once you’re sailing you’re set. From stage-show entertainment to character meet and greets, three-course meals at Disney-themed restaurants and outdoor water parks, kids and adults are continuously captivated. There are also age-specific kids’ clubs and adults-only bars and spas to retreat to.”

Discover the Kimberley with a VIP

What: The APT 10-day Kimberley Coastal Expedition. APT has partnered with former governor-general of Australia and decorated military leader Sir Peter Cosgrove for a memorable sailing in the Kimberley on the ultra-luxury Seabourn Pursuit. The Kimberley Coastal Expedition sails from Darwin to Broome and includes guided Aboriginal rock-art walks created by the Wunambal people on Bigge Island and an exploration of Montgomery Reef and King George Falls by Zodiac. Along the way, Sir Peter will host lectures on war history, global affairs, and offer Q&A sessions. He’ll also host dinners.

When: Departing Darwin June 18.

Value: The luxury cruise starts at $15, 695 per person.

Tip: Seabourn Pursuit has an open-bridge policy meaning you’ll get first-hand access to the ship’s command centre and officers navigating your journey.

Splendor gets a glow-up

What: A four-day sailing from Sydney return to Tangalooma on Carnival Splendor. Now is the time to set sail aboard Carnival Splendor. The ship, which is homeported in Sydney, has on-board upgrades including the new Mad Sizzle on Deck 9 serving kebabs and satays with slow spit-roasted meats and well as the revamped waterpark. There have also been stateroom and amenity refurbishments. Splendor has a shiny new red, white and blue hull so she’ll be easy to spot.

When: There are various sailings but take advantage of school holidays by sailing January 20.

Value: Prices start at $609 a person (June sailing).

Tip: Buy a day pass to experience the impressive thermal suite at Cloud 9 Spa. You’ll want to spend the most amount of time in a newly refurbished thalassotherapy pool.

See all angles of the reef

What: Scenic’s 12-day Along the East Coast of Australia: Beaches & the Great Barrier Reef itinerary. Sailing aboard the 228-guest Scenic Eclipse II, this voyage promises to offer a new way to explore the ocean. On board is a next-generation electric submersible, Scenic Neptune II, which can whiz guests 100m below the surface and provide 270-degree panoramic views. There are also two helicopters as well as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and seabobbing, which is like an underwater jet ski. These luxury toys are all perfect for exploring the many islands on this voyage including Norfolk, Lady Elliot, Lady Musgrave, Great Keppel (Wop-pa), Percy Isles and Magnetic Island before arriving in Cairns.

When: Departing Auckland March 6.

Value: From $13,140 per person which includes $5500 savings.

Tip: There are 10 all-inclusive dining experiences on board. Head to Night Market at Koko’s for dishes fired up on its teppanyaki grill.

A culinary extravaganza

What: A 10-day Melbourne to Fremantle voyage on Silversea’s Silver Nova. The luxury ship makes her Australian debut this season, and will also premiere the S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) culinary program here which is a deep exploration of cuisine both on board and on land. On this 10-day voyage, one themed shore excursion includes a foraging tour in Adelaide Botanic Garden with local chef Tom Tilbury. He will pick a handful of palatable botanicals that can be tasted raw, and serve a four-course lunch at his new restaurant, The Botanic Lodge.

When: Departing Melbourne February 6.

Value: Suites (with personal butlers) start at $9450 per person.

Tip: With two days in Adelaide, there’s also the chance to take the excursion to explore d’Arenberg winery in McLaren Vale to blend your own personalised shiraz.

A thrilling weekend

What: Want to truly experience all the thrills and spills a family cruise ship can offer without taking time off work? Consider a two-night weekend sampler cruise on the 4905-guest Quantum of the Seas from Brisbane. We’re talking fun-filled days flying on RipCord by iFLY, the first skydiving simulator at sea, speeding in the bumper cars and riding waves on the FlowRider surf simulator.

When: Departing Brisbane February 22.

Value: Cabins are available from $529 a person.

Tip: Escape’s creative director Baz Goodwin sailed on the ship earlier this year and says: “Really get to know and appreciate your room attendant. Carlo who looked out for us on Quantum of the Seas made our life so easy. He got us last-minute reservations, was full of valuable intel, and left my daughter a towel folded up into a different animal every night, which she still mentions… and I still can’t do.”

Follow the sun What: A 14-day South Pacific cruise with Norwegian Cruise Lines. Dreaming of a South Pacific Islands holiday? NCL is debuting the 1878-guest Norwegian Sun in our waters this season, which means spectacular entertainment; the cruise line’s stage productions are renowned, as are its game shows. This cruise visits 11 ports including Noumea, New Caledonia; Mystery Island, Vanuatu; and Savusavu, Fiji. When: Departing Cairns April 23, and disembarking in Lautoka, Fiji. Value: Inside cabins are priced from $3610 per person. Tip: NCL’s generous Free at Sea offer means that you get a free drinks package, free wi-fi, free specialty dining and free shore excursion credit.

An expedition to Tassie

What: A 16-night circumnavigation of Tasmania with Coral Expeditions. An in-depth exploration of Tasmania, this voyage aboard the 72-guest Coral Discoverer is for the intrepid – those who want to hike, kayak and be truly immersed in nature. As well as exploring with the expedition team through the Strzelecki National Park on Flinders Island, cruisers will visit rugged Maria Island National Park, home to a diverse range of wildlife, see the 300m-high seas cliffs at Tasman National Park, and enjoy more than two days discovering the rarely visited World Heritage wilderness of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour on the island’s southwest coast.

When: Departing Hobart, January 2 and February 27.

Value: Coral Expeditions is offering a special travel credit of $1500 a person.

Tip: Escape editor Susan Bugg’s favourite style of cruising ison an expedition ship. “The beauty of expedition cruising is that small ships can take you to the world’s most remote places reachable only by sea. This itinerary visits Flinders Island, in Bass Strait, one of the most starkly beautiful places I have seen,” she says.

See also: 

New cruise ships coming to Australia in 2024-25

7 cruise secrets first-timers need to know

11 top tips for cruising from an expert