Christmas cruises Australia 2027

Christmas 2027 cruises from Australian ports

Sailings depart from early December through to Christmas Eve, giving you a full range of options whether you want to be at sea on Christmas Day or step ashore fresh from a few nights sailing. The overwhelming majority are round-trip voyages — 38 of the 41 sailings return to their home port — so you finish where you started and travel is simple. Three sailings are one-way, finishing in a different city; where that applies, a short domestic flight connects the two ends, and CruiseAway can book that alongside your cruise.

Itineraries run from short 2-night getaways up to 16-night voyages, with a median of 8 nights — long enough to reach the South Pacific or New Zealand and back in comfort. Whether you’re local to the departure port or flying in from another state, getting to the ship is the easy part. We can sort pre-cruise hotels, transfers and flights so the whole trip sits on one booking.

Where do Christmas 2027 cruises go?

Three regions make up the bulk of the Christmas 2027 programme from Australia. The biggest share of sailings stays close to home in Australian coastal waters, followed by South Pacific island routes, then New Zealand voyages. Here is what each region offers.

Coastal Australia

The largest group of Christmas sailings explores the Australian coast itself. These itineraries are ideal if you want the full cruise experience without venturing far — you’re in familiar waters, the cuisine leans on local produce, and the scenery from deck changes every morning. Sailings depart from Sydney and Brisbane, meaning that if you’re local to either city you can board without a flight at all. If you’re travelling from another state, a domestic hop to either port is all it takes. See our dedicated page on cruises around Australia in 2027 for the wider picture.

South Pacific

A generous spread of Christmas sailings heads into the South Pacific, and these are particularly well suited to families — warm days, island stops and a relaxed pace that feels nothing like a normal school holiday. Ships on these routes leave from Sydney and Brisbane. If you’ve been considering a South Pacific voyage, Christmas 2027 is one of the most popular windows to do it.

New Zealand

A smaller number of sailings make the run to New Zealand, and they suit travellers who want scenery and culture alongside the classic cruise experience. These tend to be longer itineraries — worth it for what you see along the way. Sailings depart from Sydney; if New Zealand is your focus, our Sydney to New Zealand 2027 page covers the full range available.

Which ports do Christmas 2027 cruises depart from?

Five embarkation ports serve the Christmas 2027 programme. Sydney is the busiest, with sailings from both the main terminal and White Bay. Brisbane is the second-largest hub, running a strong programme of its own through December. Cruises from Brisbane in December 2027 cover coastal and South Pacific routes. Perth (Fremantle) serves a smaller number of sailings in the west. Melbourne rounds out the departures with a single sailing.

If you’re not based near a departure port, we can book your domestic flight, a hotel the night before, and transfers to the ship — all on the same booking as your cruise. And if your sailing is one-way, ending in a different city from where you started, we can arrange the connecting flight home so you’re not left to sort it yourself.

Sailing specifically from Sydney over Christmas? Our Christmas cruises from Sydney 2027 page and the broader Christmas cruises from Sydney guide cover the full selection in more detail. Brisbane travellers should also look at our Christmas cruises from Brisbane page.

Which cruise lines sail Christmas 2027 from Australia?

Carnival Cruise Line leads the Christmas 2027 programme by sailing count, with 15 departures across the period. Royal Caribbean is the second-largest presence with 11 sailings. Princess Cruises offers 8 departures, Celebrity Cruises contributes 3, Norwegian Cruise Line runs 2, and Holland America Line has 1 sailing in the mix.

That spread means you have genuine choice at every price point and travel style — from lively, activity-packed ships perfect for families through to more refined options for couples and solo travellers. Our cruise experts can walk you through the differences and help you land on the right line and ship for the way you travel.

Ships sailing Christmas 2027 from Australia

Carnival Adventure

Carnival Adventure departs from Sydney and is built squarely for the Australian market — fresh local produce, a laid-back atmosphere and enough variety to keep every age group happy across a full week at sea. Thrill-seekers can zip-line and climb above the deck, while those who prefer a slower pace can settle in for a movie under the stars. The Camp Ocean programme keeps younger guests entertained, leaving adults free to claim a sun lounger at the adults-only Serenity Retreat. It’s a genuinely good family ship with enough character to suit couples too.

Carnival Adventure cabin grades

Choosing the right cabin makes a real difference over a week at sea. Here’s how the grades compare on Carnival Adventure’s cabins and deck plans:

• Inside cabin 4A — 15 m², sleeps 4. Includes a walk-in wardrobe and generous storage, making it practical for longer voyages.
• Ocean-view cabin with Porthole PT — 15 m², sleeps 4. Two round portholes bring natural light; this grade sits in the quieter lower section of the ship.
• Balcony cabin 8A — 16 m², sleeps 4. Glass bifold door opens directly onto your own outdoor space — views that interior guests simply don’t have.
• Byron Beach Club Presidential Suite SB — 58 m², sleeps 4. The flagship suite is more than twice the size of a standard balcony cabin, with a dressing area and deluxe bathroom.

Carnival Encounter

Carnival Encounter is purpose-built for the Australian market and sails year-round from Brisbane, making it the definitive local adventure ship for Christmas 2027. Over 60 daily activities run across the ship — laser tag, waterslides, cooking classes — so there’s always something to do, though relaxation is equally an option. Camp Ocean handles the kids while adults decompress in the Serenity Retreat; the balance between family-friendly energy and quieter spaces is one of this ship’s real strengths for a Christmas family cruise.

Carnival Encounter cabin grades

For a closer look at layouts and deck positions, see Carnival Encounter’s cabins and deck plans. The four main grades are:

• Inside cabin 4A — 15 m², sleeps 4. Spacious for an inside cabin, with a walk-in wardrobe well-suited to longer voyages.
• Ocean-view cabin with Porthole PT — 15 m², sleeps 4. Two round portholes add natural light and a touch of character; a budget-friendly step up from inside.
• Balcony cabin 8A — 16 m², sleeps 4. Private balcony with direct access to sea air and sea views, without needing to share the public decks.
• Byron Beach Club Presidential Suite SB — 57 m², sleeps 4. The largest suite on board sits on Deck 15 with the highest position and finest views on the ship.

Grand Princess

Grand Princess brings Princess Cruises’ signature style to Christmas 2027, with sailings suited to those who want a slightly more refined experience without leaving the comfort of a well-known fleet. Order anything, anywhere on board with a tap on the Princess app — cocktails by the pool, pizza delivered to your cabin, no queuing involved. The Sanctuary is an adults-only top-deck retreat with sun loungers, light meals and peaceful ocean views, and the Movies Under the Stars screen on deck turns a warm evening into something genuinely special. The Princess 2027–2028 season has a strong Australian programme, and Grand Princess is one of its key ships.

Grand Princess cabin grades

Full layouts and deck positions are on the Grand Princess cabins and deck plans page. The main grades:

• Inside cabin IA — 14.9 m², sleeps 4. Positioned on middle decks to minimise ship motion, with central access to lifts and facilities.
• Premium sea view O3 — 19.1 m², sleeps 4. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows with an unobstructed sea view — noticeably more light than a porthole cabin.
• Premium Balcony cabin B2 — 25.5 m², sleeps 4. Floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors give a more open feel than a standard balcony, with good light throughout the day.
• Grand Suite S1 with private hot tub — 67.8 m², sleeps 4. The largest suite on the ship, considerably bigger than any other suite category, with a private hot tub on the balcony.

Ovation of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s flagship ships in the region and offers the kind of variety that keeps a full family busy across a 10-night Christmas sailing. Across 18 different dining venues, there’s something to suit every mood and appetite. Guests can surf the FlowRider, try a simulated skydive above the ocean, and wind down in the evening with cocktails mixed by robot bartenders — it is genuinely unlike any other ship in Australian waters. See Ovation of the Seas cabin grades and deck plans for layout details.

Anthem of the Seas

Anthem of the Seas sails from Sydney and packs an extraordinary range of things to do into every sea day. The North Star pod lifts guests above the ocean for views across the water in every direction — nothing else on these routes comes close. On deck, the FlowRider and SeaPlex ice rink keep active guests busy, while circus classes give families something genuinely different to try together. The glass-domed adults-only Solarium pool is the right place to unwind after a day of South Pacific island exploring. Cabin and deck details are on the Anthem of the Seas cabins page.

Voyager of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas sails from Brisbane and offers one of the most distinctive combinations of activities on the water. A real ice rink, waterslides and a West End-style production theatre — all on one ship — make this a strong choice for families who want entertainment to rival a resort. The adults-only Solarium gives those travelling without children their own quiet corner, while Adventure Ocean’s age-specific clubs keep younger guests fully occupied. The stop at Royal Beach Club Lelepa — the South Pacific’s only private cruise beach, exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests — is a genuine highlight of the itinerary. See the Voyager of the Seas cabin and deck plan page for stateroom options, and the broader Royal Caribbean in Australia guide for more context.

What fare types are available?

Fare structures vary by cruise line, and picking the right tier can make a meaningful difference to what’s included when you board.

Royal Caribbean offers several fare types across its 11 Christmas 2027 sailings. The standard cruise fare covers accommodation, dining in the main restaurants and entertainment. Early booking options can include onboard credit. Fare types such as last-minute offers and promotional rates for additional guests appear seasonally — our cruise experts can confirm what’s available and whether it applies to your sailing.

Princess Cruises runs 2 main tiers on its 8 Christmas sailings. Princess Standard is the base cruise fare, covering the sailing itself; Princess Plus adds 4 casual dining meals per voyage, beverages up to A$15 each (with a daily limit of 15 drinks), MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi, pre-paid crew appreciation, unlimited digital photographs plus 3 prints, and reserved theatre seating. If you’re planning to drink, dine and stay connected throughout the sailing, Princess Plus is worth comparing to buying those items individually.

Celebrity Cruises offers 3 fare tiers on its Christmas 2027 sailings. The cruise-only rate is the lowest entry point and lets you add what you want later. A best-value tier bundles a classic drinks package and basic Wi-Fi into one price. The Retreat — Celebrity’s suite-only tier — goes further, covering premium drinks, premium Wi-Fi, exclusive lounge and sundeck access, private dining and dedicated personal service.

What do Christmas 2027 cruises cost?

Christmas 2027 cruises from Australia start from A$348 pp* for shorter coastal sailings. Discounts are active on a good share of the sailings — typically around 8% off that cabin grade’s previous listed price, with the maximum reduction reaching 31% on a single departure. Most reduced sailings sit in the lower range of discounts, so it is worth checking individual sailings rather than assuming a headline saving applies across the board.

All-inclusive fares — where drinks, gratuities and Wi-Fi are bundled in — are available on 13 sailings. Our cruise experts can compare the all-in cost of a bundled fare against a base fare with add-ons, so you know which genuinely works out better for the way you cruise.

Planning your Christmas cruise around Australia’s capital cities

Australia is a big country, and the departure port you choose shapes the whole trip. Sydney is the most active hub for Christmas 2027 sailings, with departures from the main port and White Bay; if you’re in the city, you can board without a flight at all, and our team can sort a hotel the night before if you’re arriving from interstate. Brisbane is the other major hub, running a full December programme that’s especially strong for South Pacific routes — Brisbane sailings extend into January 2027 for those who want to carry the holiday further.

Fremantle serves the west coast with 2 Christmas sailings, and Melbourne has a single departure. For travellers flying in from another state, we can package the domestic flight, a pre-cruise hotel and transfers alongside your cruise booking — so it all arrives in one itinerary rather than three separate bookings. If your sailing is one-way, ending in a city other than where you embarked, we’ll sort the connecting flight home at the same time.

The Princess Cruises Australia 2026/2027 season launch page covers the full Princess programme from Australian ports if you’re comparing lines. Princess Cruises from Brisbane in 2027 narrows that down to Brisbane departures specifically.

All-inclusive and package options

13 of the 41 Christmas 2027 sailings offer a bundled all-inclusive fare where drinks, gratuities and Wi-Fi are wrapped into the headline price. These tend to be the Princess Plus and Celebrity best-value tiers described above, though Royal Caribbean sailings also carry promotional inclusions at certain times of year.

Beyond the cruise fare, CruiseAway’s DreamAway Packages let you build a fully custom holiday around your sailing — flights, hotels, tours, transfers and insurance, all arranged by our team and put on one booking. It’s particularly useful for a Christmas trip, when you might want a hotel in Sydney or Brisbane on arrival, a transfer to the port on departure day, and a flight home from wherever the ship finishes. Our cruise experts handle the lot; you just show up.

More 2027 sailings to consider

If the Christmas window doesn’t line up with your dates, or you want to compare what’s available across the broader 2027 season, here are some useful starting points.

• All cruises in 2027 — the full picture across every line and region sailing from Australia and beyond
• Cruises around Australia in 2027 — coastal routes across the full year
• Sydney to New Zealand cruises in 2027 — a popular route at any time of year
• Singapore to Australia cruises in 2027 — a one-way repositioning option that makes a great fly-cruise
• Carnival Luminosa 2027 sailings — if Carnival is the line you’re looking at
• Norwegian Cruise Line Christmas and January sailings — Norwegian’s festive programme
• Princess Cruises to Tasmania in 2027 — a distinctive itinerary for those who’ve done the standard coastal routes
• Christmas cruises from Australia — across all years, if you’re open on timing
• Christmas cruises — the broadest view, including options beyond Australian waters
• Sydney December 2026 sailings — if you’re comparing the 2026 and 2027 Christmas programmes

For those interested in what else is sailing in December from specific ports, the Carnival Cruises from Adelaide 2026–2027 page covers that corner of the market, and Princess Cruises Australia 2026/2027 season gives the full fleet picture.

*Prices are per person based on 2 people sharing, and are subject to change. This price is not kept up to date and therefore does not reflect live pricing and availability. Prices and any discounts shown were checked on 14 October 2026.

Where a discount is shown, it is a reduction from the price previously listed for that cabin grade on that sailing, not a comparison between cabin grades or against a brochure rate. Discounts and prices shown are not kept up to date: the reduction available now may be smaller, or may have ended, and prices may have changed.