Cruise deals 2027

Where are Australian cruisers heading in 2027?

Discounted 2027 sailings departing from Australian ports cover a wide spread of destinations — from a quick hop along the coast to long transpacific crossings. The majority leave from Sydney or Brisbane, which means for many travellers it is a cruise with no international flight at all. If you are coming from another state, a short domestic hop gets you to the ship — still far simpler than the long-haul flights most overseas itineraries require.

Which regions can I cruise in 2027?

The 2027 programme from Australia divides neatly into two groups: sailings that stay close to home, and longer voyages that reach across the Pacific and into Asia. Most of the volume is in the first group, but the long-haul options are worth knowing about if you have the time.

Close to home — Australia, the South Pacific and New Zealand

Australian coastal cruises account for the largest share of 2027 departures. These sailings tend to be the most flexible in length, and they are the ones where you can genuinely board in your home city and never set foot in an airport. Sydney and Brisbane are the primary embarkation ports for this region, though Cairns also features as a departure and arrival point.

The South Pacific is the second most popular destination, drawing travellers who want warm water, island stops and a relaxed pace without a long voyage to get there. Sailings in this region also leave predominantly from Sydney and Brisbane, making them genuinely easy to reach from the east coast.

New Zealand is the third pillar of the 2027 programme. Many of these voyages sail between Sydney and Auckland, so they are one-way itineraries: the voyage finishes in the other city, and a domestic flight connects the two. It is worth factoring that into your planning — our team can arrange both legs so nothing is left as a loose end. Cruises from Sydney to New Zealand in 2027 are among the most searched routes for this year, and availability is solid across multiple lines.

Fiji and French Polynesia appear in smaller numbers, but if the idea of waking up somewhere genuinely remote appeals, these sailings are worth a look. They tend to be longer voyages with fewer departure dates, so booking ahead matters more here than on the coastal runs.

The long haul — transpacific and beyond

Transpacific crossings are the standout long-haul option for 2027, with sailings that arc across the Pacific rather than staying in the region. These are mostly one-way itineraries: the ship leaves one continent and arrives at another, which makes them natural anchors for a longer trip. We can build the flights, hotels either side and any transfers into a single DreamAway Package so the whole journey is arranged in one booking.

Japan and Hawaii each have sailings in the 2027 programme. If you have been thinking about combining a cruise with time in Japan — a few nights either side, a bullet train journey — this is exactly the kind of itinerary our cruise experts build regularly. Take a look at Japan cruises in 2027 for the detail.

Which ports do these sailings leave from?

Every sailing departs from an Australian port. Sydney is the largest departure base, followed by Brisbane, then Perth (Fremantle), Melbourne, Cairns and White Bay (Sydney). Here is what that means in practice for each port:

• Sydney and White Bay (Sydney): The dominant home port for 2027. Board in the heart of the city — no international airport, no luggage allowance anxiety. Cruise deals from Sydney span everything from 2-night coastal runs to month-long transpacific crossings.
• Brisbane: A growing departure port with strong year-round sailings, especially to the South Pacific. Brisbane sailings in January 2027 are among the most popular departure dates. Cheap cruises from Brisbane are well worth checking if budget is a priority.
• Perth (Fremantle): A smaller programme but genuinely useful if you are based in Western Australia and would rather not fly east to join a ship. Check cruise deals by port for the current Fremantle availability.
• Melbourne: A handful of sailings depart from Melbourne, mostly coastal itineraries.
• Cairns: Positioned at the top of Queensland, Cairns sailings are naturally tied to Great Barrier Reef itineraries. Cruises from Cairns suit travellers already in far north Queensland.

Note that around a third of the 2027 programme is made up of one-way sailings, not round trips. Where the voyage ends somewhere other than where it starts, we can arrange the connecting flight home — it never needs to be your problem to sort separately.

Which cruise lines are sailing in 2027?

Princess Cruises leads the 2027 programme with the most sailings, covering coastal Australia, the South Pacific and New Zealand with a fleet that knows these waters well. Princess Cruises’ 2026/2027 Australia season is worth reading in full if Princess is on your shortlist, and the Princess 2027–2028 season launch extends the programme further.

Royal Caribbean is the second largest line, with a strong presence in both Sydney and Brisbane. Their ships tend to be among the largest sailing from Australian ports, with onboard activity programmes that suit families and active travellers particularly well.

Carnival Cruise Line brings the largest dedicated presence from Brisbane, with Carnival Encounter sailing year-round from that port. Carnival’s 2026/2027 programme covers the South Pacific extensively, and Carnival Luminosa in 2027 adds further options. Carnival Luminosa is another ship to consider if you are looking at longer Pacific sailings.

Celebrity Cruises offers a more premium experience, with Celebrity Edge bringing its distinctive design and higher-end dining to Australian waters. Norwegian Cruise Line and Azamara round out the programme — Norwegian with a flexible freestyle approach to dining and activities, Azamara with smaller ships and longer port stays that suit destination-focused travellers.

Which ships are sailing these routes?

The ships below account for the largest share of 2027 sailings. Each has something specific to offer, and choosing the right one often comes down to what you want to do on board as much as where you want to go.

Grand Princess — Princess Cruises

Grand Princess carries 26 sailings in the 2027 programme, many of them along the Australian coast and to the Great Barrier Reef. The ship is well known for its Movies Under the Stars setup — watch a film on deck under an open sky, blanket and all, while the reef passes by. The Princess app lets you order food and drinks to wherever you are on the ship: pool deck, cabin, sun lounger. And if you want genuine quiet time, The Sanctuary is an adults-only retreat on the top deck with sun loungers, light meals and uninterrupted ocean views.

Cabin grades on Grand Princess run from compact to genuinely spacious:

• Inside cabin IA — from 14.9 m², sleeps up to 4, on the middle decks for easy ship access
• Premium sea view O3 — 19.1 m², floor-to-ceiling panoramic window with an unobstructed sea view
• Premium Balcony cabin B2 — 25.5 m², floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors for a more open feel than a standard balcony
• Grand Suite S1 with private hot tub — approximately 67.8 m², the largest suite on board, sleeps up to 4

Anthem of the Seas — Royal Caribbean

Anthem of the Seas accounts for 18 sailings from Sydney in 2027, and it is one of the most activity-rich ships in Australian waters. The North Star observation pod lifts you in a glass capsule above the ocean — a different perspective on the South Pacific from any other ship. The FlowRider surf simulator, the SeaPlex ice rink and circus classes give active travellers and families a full schedule without setting foot ashore. After all of that, the glass-domed Solarium pool is an adults-only space that earns its place. Cabin grades on Anthem of the Seas include:

• Inside cabin with virtual balcony 1U — 15.4 m², a high-resolution screen showing a live sea view in place of a window
• Ocean-view cabin 2P — generously proportioned with a sofa and living area
• Large Balcony cabin 2G — spacious living area with a double sofa bed, well suited to families or longer voyages
• Royal Loft Suite RL — 152.4 m² two-level maisonette, sleeping up to 6, with the bedroom on the upper level overlooking the living room below

Royal Princess — Princess Cruises

Royal Princess carries 16 sailings in 2027, sailing Australia’s coast and New Zealand. The ship’s SeaWalk is a glass-bottomed walkway cantilevered 40 metres above the ocean — genuinely nothing between you and the sea below. The Sanctuary adults-only retreat mirrors the experience on Grand Princess, and evenings on deck bring Movies Under the Stars, duelling pianos at Crooners and a dancing fountain light show. Royal Princess cabin options:

• Inside cabin IA — 15.4 m², entry-level comfort with minibar, safe and desk
• Sea-view cabin O6 — 20.0 m², large panoramic forward-facing window for natural light and open-ocean sightlines
• Deluxe Balcony cabin DA — 23.4 m², private balcony for breakfast or evening sundowners
• Penthouse Suite S3 with aft balcony — approximately 54.5–63.4 m², the largest cabin on board, sleeps up to 4

Celebrity Edge — Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Edge brings 14 sailings to the 2027 programme. The Magic Carpet is the signature feature: a cantilevered platform suspended 16 storeys above the ocean that serves as a bar, a restaurant and a boarding point depending on the time of day. The Infinite Veranda cabins open the whole wall of the stateroom to the outside air, so a Sydney sunrise or a Pacific Ocean morning is yours from bed. Eden — a three-level living garden at the stern — hosts performers who appear from the structure itself. See the full range of Celebrity Edge cabin grades and deck plans before you decide.

Carnival Encounter — Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Encounter is the ship built specifically for the Australian market, sailing year-round from Brisbane on South Pacific itineraries. With over 60 daily activities — laser tag, waterslides, cooking classes, live music — there is rarely a quiet moment unless you seek one out. The Serenity Retreat gives adults that quiet space, while Camp Ocean keeps younger passengers entertained. It is a ship that genuinely works for families and groups. Carnival Encounter cabin and deck plans are available if you want to compare grades before booking.

Quantum of the Seas — Royal Caribbean

Quantum of the Seas sails 13 departures in 2027, predominantly from Brisbane. The iFLY skydiving simulator lets you experience freefall without leaving the ship, and the North Star observation pod floats you above the Brisbane skyline on departure days. Two70° is the ship’s main entertainment space — by day a panoramic lounge, by evening a wraparound immersive screen unlike anything you would find on land. Short sailings of 3 to 8 nights make this a practical choice if your leave is limited but you still want to reach the South Pacific. Browse Quantum of the Seas cabin grades and deck plans for the full range.

What fare types are available?

Fare structures vary by cruise line, and understanding what is and is not included before you book saves surprises later.

Princess Cruises fare tiers

Princess offers 2 main tiers for 2027 sailings. The base Princess Standard fare covers the cruise itself — it is the lowest entry point, and you add packages separately. Princess Plus is the mid-tier that most travellers find hits the right balance: it includes 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 photos plus 3 prints, and reserved theatre seating. Fare types such as Drop N Go discounted rates and limited-time tactical offers also appear at various points in the year.

Royal Caribbean fare tiers

Royal Caribbean uses a base Cruise Fare as the entry point, with fare types such as Last-Minute fares and early-booking offers available at various points. Solo travellers can book a Single/Solo Fare for single occupancy of the stateroom. Promotional fare types such as reduced pricing for third and fourth guests appear periodically — our cruise experts can tell you what is current when you enquire.

Celebrity Cruises fare tiers

Celebrity structures its fares around 3 tiers. The best-rate (cruise-only) gives you the lowest fare and lets you choose add-ons later. Best-value bundles classic drinks and basic Wi-Fi into one price. The Retreat is the top tier: premium drinks and Wi-Fi, suite accommodation, exclusive lounge and sundeck access, private dining and dedicated personal service — all included.

Are there any discounts on 2027 cruise deals?

Discounts on 2027 sailings from Australia vary considerably by departure. On the sailings measured, the typical reduction is around 8% from the price previously listed for that cabin grade on that sailing — a meaningful saving on a multi-night cruise. On one departure the reduction reaches up to 46%, though that represents a single sailing rather than a page-wide sale. In short: most reduced sailings are modestly discounted, with occasional deeper cuts on specific departures and cabin grades. Our Best Price Guarantee applies across the board — if you find the same cabin on the same sailing for less elsewhere, we’ll match it.

Browse all cruise deals or filter by port to narrow down what suits your dates and budget.

Is a 2027 cruise good for families?

Several ships in the 2027 programme are particularly well suited to families travelling with children. Carnival Encounter’s 60-plus daily activities — from waterslides to laser tag — mean kids are rarely bored, while Camp Ocean keeps younger passengers in a supervised programme so adults can use the Serenity Retreat without guilt. Anthem of the Seas has the FlowRider, the SeaPlex rink and circus classes for older children and teens, alongside the Solarium as an adult-only retreat. Quantum of the Seas’ short sailings from Brisbane are practical for families who cannot take long stretches of time away — 3 to 8 nights covers a school holiday without running into term time.

Can I cruise solo in 2027?

Solo travellers are catered for across several lines in the 2027 programme. Royal Caribbean’s Single/Solo Fare covers single occupancy of the stateroom, removing the supplement that puts some solo cruisers off. Our cruise experts can advise on which sailings and which cabin grades give the best value for a solo booking — it is one of the questions we field most often, and the answer varies more than you might expect depending on the line, the ship and the sailing length.

Make it a full holiday

A cruise is the centrepiece, but the trip often needs more around it. If you are flying to join the ship — from interstate or from overseas — we can book that flight, a hotel the night before departure, airport and port transfers, and any tours you want to add at the other end. If you are joining a one-way sailing that finishes in a different city, we handle the return leg too. All of it goes on one booking through CruiseAway, so nothing is left for you to piece together separately.

Our team can build a DreamAway Package around any sailing — flights, hotels, transfers, tours and insurance, in whatever combination suits you. Call or enquire online and one of our cruise experts will put it together.

These 2027 sailings are all ocean cruises — every itinerary is a sea voyage. If you are comparing with river cruises, those are a separate category not represented here.

Looking at other seasons or destinations?

If 2027 is the year but you are still deciding on the region, all 2027 cruises from Australia gives you the full picture. For a focused look at coastal routes, cruises around Australia in 2027 covers the domestic programme in detail. If New Zealand is the draw, Sydney to New Zealand sailings in 2027 and cruises from Auckland are both worth checking. Thinking about the Pacific further out? Sydney to Hawaii in 2027 covers the longer Pacific routes.

For destinations outside the region: Mediterranean cruises in 2027, Asia cruises in 2027 and cruises from Singapore in 2027 are all available if you are open to building a longer trip around a fly-cruise. We can put the whole thing together — cruise, flights, hotels and transfers — through a DreamAway Package.

If December is your target, Christmas cruises from Sydney cover the holiday period. For a broader look at cruises departing from Australia across all dates, the main hub has the full range. You can also browse New Zealand cruise deals or Singapore to Australia sailings in 2027 if you are planning around a one-way crossing.

*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.