INCREASING numbers of Australians are cruising through Christmas, in
more ways than one.
A recent survey by Royal Caribbean found that two-thirds of Aussies
believe the day would be better by getting away from it all, allowing
someone else to take care of the cooking, cleaning and entertaining.
This December, festive cruises are priced from as little as $125pp per day,
but cabins are rapidly selling out so now is the time to book.
FROM SYDNEY
Pacific Jewel
Departs: 18 December (10 nights)
Ports of call include Isle of Pines, Lifou, Vila, Noumea and Mystery Island.
P&O’s Pacific Pearl leaves the next day (19 December) also visiting New
Caledonia and Vanuatu. www.pocruises.com.au.
Fares: from $1,399 per person (quad share)
Voyager of the Seas
Departs: 18 December (nine nights)
Christmas Day is spent at sea aboard the biggest superliner based in
Australia, with 10 pools and spas, 14 bars, a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating
rink, mini-golf and basketball. www.royalcaribbean.com.au
Fares: from $1,740 per person (quad share)
Rhapsody of the Seas
Departs: 19 December (nine nights)
Midnight mass is held onboard, along with festive movies and Christmas
Day at sea. www.royalcaribbean.com.au.
Fares: from $1,316 per person (quad share)
Carnival Spirit
Departs: 21 December (9 nights)
This Pacific Island roundtrip cruise adds some French flavour to Christmas,
with a stop in Noumea, followed by cricket on the ship’s top deck.
www.carnival.com.au.
Fares: from $1,837 per person (quad share).
Celebrity Solstice
Departs: 22 December (12 nights)
For more luxury, this cruise to New Zealand is also likely to have fewer
children. After Christmas Day in Melbourne, celebrate New Year’s Eve in
Dunedin. www.celebritycruises.com.au.
Fares: from $2,223 per child, $3,273 per adult
FROM BRISBANE
Pacific Dawn
Departs: 21 December (nine nights)
Snorkelling around the Isle of Pines on Christmas Eve, then Christmas Day
on Mystery Island and back in time for New Year. www.pocruises.com.au.
Fares: from $1,499 per person (quad share).
FROM MELBOURNE
Dawn Princess
Departs: 21 December (13 nights)
Enjoy the views of Milford Sound on Christmas Day and celebrate 2014 in
Auckland. www.princess.com.
Fares: from $2,399 per person (quad share)
FROM PERTH
Astor
Departs: 20 December (10 nights)
A smaller ship arriving in Fremantle for its maiden season, offering an
overnight stay in Bali, from midday on Christmas Eve until 11pm the next
evening. www.cmvaustralia.com.
Fares: from $1,229 per person (quad share)
