Cruises from Sydney December 2026

What’s on offer: December 2026 cruises from Sydney

December 2026 brings a strong line-up of ocean sailings departing from Sydney, covering three distinct regions: Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Most sailings are round trips returning to Sydney, with a handful of one-way voyages finishing in Auckland, Brisbane or Perth (Fremantle). Durations run from 2 nights up to 40, with a median of 9 nights — so whether you want a long summer escape or a short pre-Christmas break, there’s a length to suit. Six cruise lines sail this month, led by Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line, with fares from A$279 pp*.

What makes December cruises from Sydney so special?

December is summer in Australia, and sailing from Sydney means you step aboard during one of the most festive and sun-filled periods of the year. The harbour itself is one of the world’s great departure experiences — the city skyline behind you, open ocean ahead. Many sailings loop back to Sydney, so you arrive home the same way you left, by sea into one of Australia’s most iconic ports.

For families, the school holidays align perfectly with December departures. For couples, the long days and warm evenings make South Pacific and New Zealand routes particularly appealing. And because Sydney is a genuine home port for Australian cruising, there’s no long-haul international flight at either end — if you’re local, you can walk or drive aboard; if you’re travelling from another state, a short domestic flight is all it takes. On one-way sailings that end in Auckland or Brisbane, a domestic return flight connects the two cities easily, and CruiseAway can book that as part of your package.

What destinations are available?

Australia

Australian itineraries make up the largest share of December departures from Sydney, and they’re ideal if you want to explore the continent by sea. Ports along the coast give you a genuine taste of how vast and varied Australia is — and because you’re sailing rather than driving, you arrive rested. These sailings suit everyone from first-time cruisers to experienced travellers who want to see more of their own backyard. Planning to sail around the country? See the full range of cruise-around-Australia sailings for the 2027 season.

New Zealand

New Zealand sailings from Sydney are a classic summer itinerary, and December is a popular time to make the crossing. These voyages tend to run 10 nights or more, giving you meaningful time to take in New Zealand’s scenery and ports. Some sailings are one-way, finishing in Auckland — a domestic flight connects you home, and CruiseAway can arrange it alongside your cruise. For dedicated Sydney-to-New Zealand options, our Sydney to New Zealand 2026 sailings page has the full picture.

South Pacific

South Pacific sailings from Sydney offer a more tropical flavour, with warm waters and island stops that feel a world away from the office. These itineraries tend to be the most popular for summer holiday bookings, and they suit families and couples equally well. Four sailings head in this direction in December, so it’s worth locking in your preferred dates early.

Are December cruises suitable for families?

December is one of the best months for families to cruise from Sydney, with school holidays giving you the freedom to book longer sailings. Several ships sailing this month are set up with family in mind — read on for what each one offers aboard.

Which ships are sailing from Sydney in December 2026?

Carnival Adventure

Carnival Adventure leads the December programme from Sydney with more departures than any other ship this month. It’s built for Australian tastes — fresh local produce, laid-back service and activities for every age. Thrill-seekers can zip-line and climb above the deck, while those after something quieter can watch a film under the stars. Families love the fact that Camp Ocean keeps the kids entertained while adults claim a sun lounger at the adults-only Serenity Retreat.

Cabin choices on Carnival Adventure range from compact to genuinely spacious — see the Carnival Adventure cabins and deck plans for the full breakdown. Key grades include:

• Inside cabin 4A — 15 m², sleeps 4, with a walk-in wardrobe and generous storage for longer voyages
• Ocean-view cabin with Porthole PT — 15 m², sleeps 4, with 2 round portholes bringing in natural light on the quieter lower decks
• Balcony cabin 8A — 16 m², sleeps 4, with a private balcony behind glass bifold doors giving you direct access to the fresh air that inside cabins don’t have
• Byron Beach Club Presidential Suite SB — 58 m², sleeps 4, a flagship suite with an expansive balcony, dressing area and deluxe bathroom — more than twice the size of a standard balcony cabin

Anthem of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas brings 4 December sailings from Sydney. The ship is best known for its North Star observation pod, which lifts you above the ocean for views unlike anything else at sea. On deck, the FlowRider surf simulator and SeaPlex activities rink — where you can try everything from bumper cars to circus skills — mean there’s never a dull moment for families. Adults who want to unwind will find the glass-domed Solarium pool a welcome retreat after a day of South Pacific island adventures.

Cabin grades on Anthem of the Seas span a wide range — full details are on the Anthem of the Seas cabins and deck plans page. Highlights include:

• Inside cabin with virtual balcony 1U — 15.4 m², sleeps 4, with a high-resolution screen showing a live sea view — the outside world, without the balcony price
• Ocean-view cabin 2P — generously proportioned with a sofa and spacious living area
• Large Balcony cabin 2G — a double-sofa-bed living area that works well for families or longer voyages
• Royal Loft Suite RL — a 152.4 m² two-level maisonette, sleeps 6, with a bedroom on the upper level overlooking the living room below

Royal Caribbean offers several fare types, including last-minute fares and early booking bonuses such as onboard credit on qualifying bookings. Our cruise experts can walk you through which fare suits your travel plans best.

Carnival Splendor

One of Australia’s best-loved fun ships, Carnival Splendor sails 4 December departures from Sydney. The Punchliner Comedy Club is a genuine highlight — live stand-up at sea is something that stays with you — and the adults-only Serenity Retreat gives parents a proper break while the kids conquer the waterpark. Sailings reach the Great Barrier Reef, Vanuatu and New Zealand depending on the itinerary chosen.

For cabin options, the Carnival Splendor cabins and deck plans page has everything. Key grades:

• Cloud 9 Spa Inside cabin 4S — 16 m², sleeps 3, with spa access included: priority reservations, unlimited thermal suite access and 2 complimentary fitness classes
• Large Sea-view cabin 6K — 30 m², sleeps 4, a full 10 m² larger than standard sea-view grades — considerably more room to spread out
• Balcony cabin 8M with large balcony — 26 m², sleeps 4, with 9 m² more space than a standard balcony cabin and a private outdoor area
• Captain’s Suite CS — 47 m², sleeps 5, the largest suite on board, with a separate bedroom and living area

Riviera — Oceania Cruises

For something altogether more refined, Riviera by Oceania Cruises offers 3 December sailings. With just 1,250 guests, the experience is notably more personal than larger ships. Dining is the headline: Jacques Pépin-inspired menus across 6 restaurants, all included in your fare. Riviera also carries an on-board cooking school — you watch your destination come to life in the kitchen, which is genuinely one of a kind at sea. Check the Riviera cabins and deck plans for accommodation options.

Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Cruises brings 1 December sailings aboard Celebrity Edge. The ship’s Magic Carpet — a cantilevered platform that moves between decks and transforms into an al fresco dining and bar venue suspended 16 storeys above the ocean — is one of the most talked-about features at sea. Every cabin features an Infinite Veranda, a full-width opening between your room and the ocean air, so there’s no such thing as a sealed interior in the standard grades. The Eden venue, a three-level living garden with live performers, is best experienced to be understood. See all accommodation on the Celebrity Edge cabins and deck plans page.

Celebrity Cruises offers fare tiers to suit different preferences: a cruise-only rate that lets you add extras later, a value tier with drinks and Wi-Fi included, and The Retreat for suite guests who want premium drinks, private dining and exclusive lounge access included from the start.

Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Cruise Line sails 2 December departures on Norwegian Spirit. The ship’s relaxed freestyle dining philosophy means you eat when you like — Cagney’s Steakhouse or Le Bistro rather than a fixed sitting at a set time. Spice H2O, the adults-only open-air beach club, is the kind of place you find yourself staying at for hours, with cocktails and sea breezes. Norwegian Spirit heads to the South Pacific and New Zealand, making it an appealing option for those who want a more intimate mid-sized ship on those routes. Cabin details are on the Norwegian Spirit cabins and deck plans page.

What’s included in the fare?

What your fare covers depends on the cruise line and the tier you choose. Here’s what to look for across the lines sailing in December:

Princess Cruises offers fare types including Princess Standard (the base cruise fare, with add-ons available) and Princess Plus, which 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. The Princess Cruises Australia 2026/2027 season page covers the full range of itineraries and fare options.

Royal Caribbean fare types include last-minute fares and an Early Booking Bonus on qualifying sailings. Our cruise experts can match you to the right tier for your dates and cabin grade.

Celebrity Cruises offers cruise-only, a value tier with drinks and Wi-Fi, and The Retreat all-inclusive suite experience.

Oceania Cruises on Riviera includes dining across all 6 restaurants in the base fare — a genuine all-inclusive approach to food at sea.

Whichever line you choose, our team can explain exactly what is and isn’t included before you book, so there are no surprises when you board.

When should I book?

December is a peak period for Australian cruising — school holidays, Christmas and New Year’s Eve all fall within the month, and the most popular sailings fill up well in advance. If you have a specific ship, date or cabin grade in mind, booking early gives you the widest choice. That said, some sailings do carry discounts: up to 36% off the previously listed price for that cabin grade on one departure, with most discounted sailings sitting around 9% off. Checking in with our cruise experts regularly is the easiest way to catch those reductions.

December is also a strong time to consider a Christmas cruise from Sydney in 2026 — several sailings depart in the days around Christmas Day, making them a genuinely different way to celebrate. If you’re thinking even further ahead, you can also explore Christmas cruise options across Australia in 2026 or browse Christmas cruises from Australia more broadly. For something to mark the end of the year, a New Year’s Eve cruise in 2026 is worth a look too.

Is it worth cruising in December?

For Australians, December is the peak of the domestic cruise season — and for good reason. Sydney’s harbour is at its liveliest, itineraries are at their most varied, and the combination of Christmas, school holidays and midsummer means the atmosphere aboard is unlike any other month. The trade-off is that popular sailings book out, and prices on the most sought-after cabin grades reflect demand. Book with enough lead time and you get the choice; leave it late and you may find yourself on a last-minute fare — which can still be good value, just with less flexibility on ship and itinerary.

If you want the December experience but Sydney doesn’t suit your travel plans, Christmas cruises from Brisbane offer a comparable festive line-up from the other side of the coast.

Make it a holiday

CruiseAway is a cruise specialist — every booking is a cruise or a cruise-inclusive package. If you’re local to Sydney, you can board directly with no flight involved. If you’re travelling from interstate, a short domestic hop gets you there, and we can book that flight as part of your package along with a pre-cruise hotel, transfers and tours. On one-way sailings that end in Auckland or Brisbane, we’ll sort the return domestic flight too, so nothing is left for you to piece together separately. Our DreamAway Packages combine cruise, flights, hotels and transfers into one booking — straightforward and competitively priced.

Browse the full range of ocean cruises or narrow your search with our 2026 cruise deals across all departure ports. For a broader look at Australian departures in 2026, the cruises from Sydney 2026 page covers the whole year, and Australian cruise deals rounds up what’s on sale across every home port.

Planning a longer adventure around Australia? The Princess Cruises Around Australia 2026 sailings are worth exploring, as are Princess Cruises’ 2025/2026 Australia and New Zealand itineraries. For something a little different, Sydney to Tasmania sailings in 2026 are a popular short-break option that often pairs well with a December departure. Royal Caribbean fans planning a festive voyage should also check Royal Caribbean Christmas cruise 2026 in Australia for dedicated options on that line.

*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.