Cruises 2028

Where are Australians cruising in 2028?

The waters closest to home lead the way. Australia itself tops the list of 2028 destinations, closely followed by South East Asia and Japan, with New Zealand and the South Pacific rounding out the most popular choices. A healthy share of sailings reach further — transpacific crossings, Alaska, South America and the Mediterranean all feature. Whether you want a short Pacific island hop or a voyage that spans three continents, 2028 has it.

Close to home — Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific

Australian coastal cruising is the single biggest category in 2028. Ships sail from Sydney and Brisbane, visiting ports along the east and west coasts, which means if you live near one of those cities you can board without a flight and be at sea the same afternoon. If you’re travelling from another state, a short domestic hop is far simpler than any long-haul journey. Sydney and Brisbane are the two largest departure hubs, with itineraries ranging from a few nights to extended coastal voyages.

New Zealand sailings are a favourite for those who want dramatic scenery without leaving the region. Many of these are one-way itineraries — the voyage ends in a different city from where it begins, so a domestic connecting flight at one end is all that’s needed to turn it into a seamless round trip. Sydney–New Zealand routes have been consistently popular, and 2028 continues that pattern.

The South Pacific offers a different pace — island groups, warm water and a relaxed rhythm suited to back-to-back sea days. These itineraries typically run from Australian east-coast ports, so again the departure point is within easy reach. If you’ve done New Zealand and want somewhere a little warmer, the South Pacific in 2028 is worth a serious look.

Looking at April 2028 Australia departures specifically? That month has a good spread of both coastal and Pacific itineraries.

The long haul — Japan, Southeast Asia and beyond

Japan is the standout long-haul destination in 2028, with a strong concentration of sailings built around its port cities. These are itineraries that reward the traveller who wants to arrive by ship and explore ashore — the combination of cultural depth and distinctive ports makes Japan one of the most sought-after cruise destinations in the region. Flights to the embarkation port are typically required; our team can book them alongside the cruise, along with hotels either side and any transfers you need.

Singapore features prominently as both an embarkation and disembarkation port for Southeast Asian itineraries. Some sailings run from Australia to Singapore — the Fremantle to Singapore route in 2028 is one example — while others depart Singapore for ports throughout the region. The Singapore to Australia sailing works well for those who want to begin the holiday with a flight and end it at home. Hong Kong and Yokohama (Tokyo) are also key ports for longer Asian itineraries.

Transpacific crossings — sailings that bridge Australia and the Americas across the Pacific — suit travellers who want the voyage itself to be the experience. These tend to be longer sailings, often one-way, finishing in Vancouver or another North American port. If you’re considering one, we can connect the cruise to flights and hotels at either end so the whole journey works as one trip. Our Alaska 2028 sailings sit at the far end of this route, with Alaska cruises from Vancouver a popular way to extend the adventure.

For those who want to go further still, South America and Mediterranean sailings are also available in 2028, alongside a small number of round-the-world voyages. The Circle Pacific cruise is worth exploring if you want to take in multiple regions in one sailing.

Which cruise lines have sailings in 2028?

Viking Ocean Cruises leads the 2028 programme by volume — if you like destination-focused itineraries with an understated, destination-immersive style, Viking is worth exploring first. Princess Cruises has a substantial programme across Australia and the Pacific, with the Princess 2027–2028 season and the dedicated Princess Australia 2028 summer season both well stocked. MSC Cruises brings a broad range of ship sizes and price points. Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises each have strong 2028 programmes, with Celebrity’s Australia and New Zealand season covered on the Celebrity Edge Australia–New Zealand 2028–2029 page.

River cruising also features in 2028, though the overwhelming majority of sailings are ocean voyages. If you’re set on ocean cruising, you won’t be short of options.

What ships are sailing in 2028?

A wide range of ships — from intimate luxury vessels to larger resort-style liners — sail through 2028. Here are some of the most notable on the programme.

Queen Mary 2 — Cunard

QM2 is the world’s last true ocean liner, built for long-distance ocean crossings rather than port-hopping. She carries the only planetarium at sea — you can lie back under a domed star field while the ship crosses the open ocean — and the Queens Room ballroom remains one of the most elegant spaces afloat. Explore Queen Mary 2 cabins and deck plans to find the grade that suits your voyage.

Queen Elizabeth — Cunard

Art Deco chandeliers, a promenade deck built for walking, and Cunard’s White Star Service — Queen Elizabeth rewards those who appreciate the classic traditions of ocean travel. Dining is tiered across the Britannia, Princess Grill and Queens Grill restaurants, with your grade of dining room linked to your cabin category. The Royal Court Theatre hosts evening entertainment, and deck croquet is available when the weather is kind. See the full range on the Queen Elizabeth cabins and deck plans page.

Queen Elizabeth — cabin grades

• Britannia Inside cabin Deluxe GB — 19.2 m², sleeps 2. Around 5 m² more spacious than the standard inside cabins, making a real difference on a longer sailing.
• Britannia Ocean-view cabin EB — 18.3 m², sleeps 2. A cabin window brings natural daylight and sea views that inside cabins can’t offer.
• Britannia Club Balcony cabin A1 — 24.0 m², sleeps 2. Your own private balcony with fresh sea air — the step up that changes how you spend your mornings.
• Queens Grill Grand Suite Q1 — 127.7 m², sleeps 2. An approximately 90 m² private balcony sets this apart from every other Queens Grill suite — genuinely generous outdoor space for two.

Nieuw Statendam — Holland America Line

Designed by Adam Tihany and Bjørn Storbraaten, Nieuw Statendam has a considered, gallery-like interior where every lounge and corridor feels intentional. The two-storey Wine Tower is the ship’s dramatic centrepiece — pull up a chair and let the sommelier take over your evening. At Tamarind, seven counter seats and hand-rolled sushi make for one of the most atmospheric dining spots afloat. The Music Walk brings blues, pop and chamber classics together in one walk-through space. Nieuw Statendam cabins and deck plans cover the full range.

Nieuw Statendam — cabin grades

• Inside cabin I — from 13 m², sleeps up to 3. The most affordable category on board, with solid fittings throughout.
• Family outside cabin FA — 20.6 m², sleeps up to 5. Two separate bathrooms — one with a bath, one with a shower — make this the practical choice for families with young children.
• Signature Suite SS — 36 m², sleeps up to 3. Centrally located on Deck 7 with good lift access and a private balcony.
• Pinnacle Suite with hot tub — 120 m², sleeps up to 4. The only Pinnacle Suite on board, positioned in the most exclusive location on Deck 7 with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a whirlpool bath.

Seabourn Ovation — Seabourn

Seabourn Ovation is built around classical luxury — elegant dining is included as standard, and the service-to-guest ratio is among the most generous at sea. The Grand Wintergarden Suite (approximately 115–120 m², sleeps 4) comes with a private hot tub, a separate bedroom, a full kitchen and bar, and a generous living area. See the Seabourn Ovation cabins and deck plans for the complete suite range.

Azura — P&O Cruises

Azura underwent a full refit in 2025, emerging with fresh restaurants, bars and cabins throughout. The 800-seat Playhouse stages West End-quality aerial acrobatics, and SeaScreen on the open deck runs films after dark. The Glass House, curated by TV wine expert Olly Smith, is the place to work through perfectly matched pairings on a sea day. Review the Azura cabins and deck plans to choose your space.

Rotterdam — Holland America Line

Rotterdam carries a name with 150 years of ocean-travel history behind it, and the 2021-built ship honours that legacy with the Music Walk — Billboard, Rolling Stone and BB King Blues Club all represented under one roof at sea. Tamarind serves Vietnamese pho and Japanese-inspired dishes on the open ocean. Rotterdam cabins and deck plans show the full layout.

What fare types are available in 2028?

Fare structures vary by cruise line, and knowing what’s included before you book saves surprises on board.

Princess Cruises offers a Princess Standard base fare — the cruise itself, with packages available to add — and a Princess Plus fare that bundles 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 into one price.

Celebrity Cruises offers a cruise-only rate for those who prefer to build their own package, a best-value tier that includes a classic drinks package and basic Wi-Fi, and The Retreat — a premium tier covering suite accommodation, a premium drinks package, premium Wi-Fi, exclusive lounge and sundeck access, private dining and dedicated personal service.

Whatever line you choose, our cruise experts can walk you through the fare tiers and help you decide which inclusions actually match how you cruise — whether that’s a drinks package you’ll use every day or a Wi-Fi allowance that keeps you connected without overpaying.

All-inclusive cruises in 2028

A large proportion of 2028 sailings are available on all-inclusive or semi-inclusive fares — drinks, dining and gratuities bundled into the headline price. If you prefer to know your total cost before you board, all-inclusive 2028 sailings are worth filtering for first. Our experts can confirm exactly what each fare covers for the sailing you have in mind.

How to book your 2028 cruise with CruiseAway

Most 2028 sailings depart from ports outside Australia, so a flight is part of the journey. CruiseAway can wrap flights, pre-cruise hotels, transfers and tours around your cruise as a DreamAway Package — one price, one booking, everything sorted. If you’re departing from an Australian port and live nearby, you can head straight to the ship; if you’re travelling from another state, a short domestic flight is all it takes. Either way, our team handles the detail.

Our Best Price Guarantee means that if you find the same sailing cheaper elsewhere after booking, we’ll look at it. And because we’re cruise specialists — not a general travel agent — our advice is grounded in real knowledge of these ships and itineraries, not a brochure summary.

Itinerary durations across 2028 range from 4 nights up to extended voyages, with a typical sailing running around 12 nights. That gives you room to choose something that suits your leave balance as well as your budget. Prices start from A$227 pp* for the shortest sailings, with a wide spread across cabin grades and lines above that.

Thinking about a different season or region?

If 2028 is your year but you’re still deciding on the destination, a few of our most-searched pages are worth a look. Japan cruises in 2028 cover the full programme for that region. Asia cruises in 2028 take in South East Asia alongside Japan and other regional ports. Mediterranean cruises in 2028 suit those willing to fly further for the right itinerary. And the Cunard 2027–2028 world cruise season is there for anyone whose ambitions span more than one ocean.

If you’re browsing Australian departures across multiple years, cruises around Australia in 2027 shows what the previous season looks like for comparison. The broader Australian cruises hub covers all departure years and is a good starting point if you haven’t fixed on 2028 yet.

*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.