Time to Start Planning Your 2023 Australia Cruise

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Australia Cruise: Explore the Sydney Opera House & Sydney Harbour Bridge

When you embark on a cruise to Australia and New Zealand, expect to be wowed every day while exploring some of the world's most beautiful natural landscapes and vibrant cities. You'll find everything from exciting cultural experiences to up-close encounters with Australian wildlife when choosing shore excursions. If you've been dreaming of visiting Australia, Norwegian Cruise Line can take you there. Here's what you need to know about our 2023 Australia cruises.

Ready to start planning? Explore all Australia cruises.

Ports of Call on Norwegian's 2023 Australia Cruises

Are you wondering what destinations you can visit on a cruise vacation to Australia? With Norwegian, ports of call on our 12-day cruise itineraries include:

Eden, Australia.
Burnie (Tasmania), Australia.
Melbourne, Australia.
Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand.
Akaroa, New Zealand.
Wellington, New Zealand.
Napier, New Zealand.
Tauranga, New Zealand.
Lyttelton, New Zealand.
Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

For all 12-day 2023 Australia and New Zealand cruises, you'll either start from Sydney and end in Auckland or vice versa.

What To See and Do on a Cruise Vacation to Australia and New Zealand

There's no shortage of incredible sights and cultural experiences waiting for you on a Norwegian cruise in Australia and New Zealand.

Eden

Located in New South Wales, Eden certainly lives up to its name. You'll find wilderness areas, beautiful beaches, and national parks. If you like oysters, bring your appetite as this is one of the best spots for oyster farming.

Burnie

Burnie is located in Tasmania and is home to penguins and the duck-billed platypus. You'll also find an excellent shopping district, perfect for buying locally made products like European cheeses, single-malt whisky, fine ceramics, and more.

Melbourne

If it's exciting culture you're after, enjoy your day in Melbourne. Did you know Melbourne experienced a gold rush in the 1800s? It was once the wealthiest city in the world. Visitors to Melbourne can explore the oldest Chinatown in the west, hang out with koala bears and wallabies at the wildlife park, or ride on a real steam locomotive. Melbourne has an impressive dining scene and is considered by many to be the culinary capital of Australia.

Dunedin

Dunedin has some of the cutest residents, including fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins, and the Royal Albatross. You'll find New Zealand's only castle in Dunedin, sitting high above the city. Visit the Octagon, Dunedin's eight-sided plaza that borders several important buildings. Visit St. Paul's Cathedral, Dunedin Town Hall, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, and Regent Theatre. If you like beer, don't miss visiting Speight's Brewery, where they've been brewing beer at the original site since 1876.

Akaroa

If you haven't had enough penguin sightings yet, you'll love Akaroa. Head to the ancient volcano to check out these tiny penguins. Akaroa is the first town settlement on the South Island. Take a Highlights of Akaroa tour to learn more about the arrival of French colonists and how their Gallic influence remains today. For some wildlife spotting and epic harbor views, consider a sailing excursion aboard a 50-foot ketch.

Wellington

Relax on the beach, explore Wellington's Victorian Gothic-style buildings, or book a cable car ride up the mountain for some beautiful views. Another option is to visit a 2,000-acre sheep farm, home to the oldest lighthouse in New Zealand. If you're a "Lord of the Rings" fan, you can see a few sites where the movies were filmed.

Napier

The city of Napier calls itself the world's Art Deco capital. After an earthquake destroyed much of the city in 1931, they rebuilt it in Art Deco. Napier is also a renowned wine travel destination in New Zealand.

Tauranga

Tauranga is one of the most geologically exciting ports of call on Norwegian's 2023 Australia cruises. Explore a village buried by a volcanic eruption. Visit Hell's Gate, a fun geothermal park with impressive geysers, boiling pools, and mud baths. The Hobbiton movie set from "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films is here. Visitors who want to learn more about Maori culture will find several different excursions.

Lyttelton

Lyttelton is only 20 minutes from Christchurch. This charming port town is home to unique shops, bohemian artists, restaurants, cafes, etc. Excursion options include visiting another "Lord of the Rings" filming location, a catamaran discovery cruise, or a tour of Christchurch. The Ice & Wings excursion takes you to the Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum, followed by the International Antarctic Centre, dedicated to everything about Antarctica. You can even experience an indoor blizzard and visit a snow cave.

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is New Zealand's first British Settlement, but it's also home to around 150 undeveloped islands. Nature lovers will love the abundant sea life here, including penguins and dolphins. Visit a cavern filled with glowworms, book a cruise around the islands, or go kayaking on the Waitangi Estuary. You can also learn about the area's European and Maori culture by visiting the Waitangi Treaty House. This house is where the Maori chiefs signed over their lands' sovereignty to Queen Victoria in 1840.

Cruise to Australia Aboard Norwegian Spirit

For Norwegian's 2023 Australia cruises, you'll be sailing on Norwegian Spirit. This ship was built in 1998 but underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2020. In fact, it's the most extensive refurbishment to date. We've redesigned every bar and lounge, and all staterooms have been modernized. Dining options are more elevated, including the addition of Onda by Scarpetta.

Are you ready to book your 2023 Australia cruise? Don't forget to sign up for emails to get the latest cruise deals and special offers delivered right to your inbox.

Where are you cruising next? Tell us in the comments!