2020 was a terrible year for the cruise industry, and 2021 saw an extension of those challenges. Cruise companies are now resuming operations with the expectation of clear sailing ahead, and it’s a great time to catch a killer deal on a cruise. You might be surprised just how much you can save.
For the last couple of years, most cruise ships have been sitting docked and collecting dust, while cruise companies have scrambled to gain access to capital and emergency loans to stay afloat. With the sun on the horizon, the cruise industry is relaunching, and its offering some very attractive pricing, even free drinks and WiFi, to lure customers back to the seas.
4-Night Cruise out of Auckland
If you’re looking for a quick escape departing Auckland, and a chance to experience the beauty of the Australian coast, then this 4-night cruise on Princess’ Royal Princess is for you. For $278USD pp (~NZ$450) The Royal Princess ship will take you on an unforgettable journey along the stunning Australian coastline, where you can enjoy the sun, sea, and sand in style. Enjoy world-class amenities that cater to all your needs. From delicious dining options to thrilling entertainment, the ship has it all. You can indulge in exquisite cuisine at any of the ship’s multiple restaurants, including the Crown Grill, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, and the International Café. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, you can try out the ship’s rock-climbing wall, mini-golf course, and swimming pools. The ship also has a luxurious spa, where you can unwind with a massage or any other spa treatment. The highlight of this cruise, however, is the breathtaking views of the Australian coastline. From the ship’s deck, you can take in the stunning scenery, including the famous Sydney Opera House, the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast, and the majestic Blue Mountains.
13-Night Cruise Auckland to Sydney
Take this adventure around NZ and to Hobart, from Auckland for a rejuvenating 13-night New Zealand and Australian Cruise aboard Princess’ Royal Princess. For $768USD pp (~NZ$1249) This unforgettable journey will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes and vibrant cities in the region. You’ll visit ports like Tauranga, Akaroa, Dunedin, and Fiordland National Park, and Hobart, and get to experience the unique culture and beauty of each location. Aboard, enjoy the luxurious spa, take a dip in the pool, catch a show in the theater, or hit the casino for some gaming action. When it comes to dining, the Royal Princess offers a range of delicious options to suit every palate. From casual fare to fine dining, there’s something for everyone on this cruise. And with top-notch service from the ship’s friendly staff, you’ll feel pampered and well taken care of throughout your journey.
2-Night Sydney to Melbourne
The 2-night seacation cruise from $118USD pp (~NZ$209) offered by Princess Cruises is a great option for travelers looking for a quick escape. This cruise departs from Sydney and takes passengers directly to Melbourne, down the Gold Coast. There are no port stops along the way. Onboard the ship, guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including multiple dining options, live entertainment, a casino, a spa, and fitness center. The Grand Princess features spacious staterooms, many with private balconies, and offers a variety of activities for passengers of all ages.
2-Night Sydney to Brisbane
A similar but different 2-night seacation cruise aboard the Coral Princess also departs Sydney yet sails north to Brisbane. For $128USD pp (~NZ$209) it promises a delightful getaway experience to explore the scenic beauty and serene waters of Australia. The ship is equipped with luxurious amenities, including a swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and many restaurants and bars. A fun fact about the Coral Princess is that it was the first ship in the Princess Cruises fleet to have an outdoor movie theater, and it features a unique and immersive Movies Under the Stars experience where guests can enjoy blockbuster movies, concerts, and sporting events on a giant screen under the open sky.
3-Night Cruise Sydney to Eden and Back
Spend 3 nights along the Sapphire Coast aboard the Majestic Princess, and allows for a relaxing day at the port of call in Eden, the third-deepest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. The relaxing journey is across the beautiful Sapphire Coast, a stretch of coastline in southeastern Australia known for its stunning scenery and pristine beaches. The Majestic Princess is a truly massive vessel, measuring over 1,000 feet in length and weighing over 140,000 tons. With 19 decks, this ship can accommodate over 3,500 passengers and features a wide variety of amenities and activities, including multiple swimming pools, a casino, a fitness center, and numerous dining and entertainment options. The starting price is $184USD pp ~(NZ$299.)
6-Night Cunard Cruise Fremantle to Melbourne
Although at higher cost, ($1099USD pp, ~NZ$1799) it is worth considering that renowned Cunard Cruise Line is operating some routes in Australia now. The cruise seen here is a 6-night journey aboard the Queen Elizabeth luxury liner. Departing from Fremantle, Australia, the ship makes its way to Melbourne, with a day’s stop in Adelaide. Cunard Cruise Line has a long and distinguished history dating back to 1839, and is known for its exceptional service, elegant décor, and unique onboard experiences. Named after her Majesty, The Queen Elizabeth is one of three ships in Cunard’s current fleet, and offers a range of luxurious amenities and activities, including fine dining, entertainment, and spa treatments.
3-Night Royal Caribbean To Mexico
This 3 night cruise from the West Coast of America travels from Los Angeles down to Mexico in Ensenada. Starting at just $119USD pp (~NZ$195) you will see the beautiful Pacific Ocean, as well as the charming town of Ensenada in Baja California Norte. If you would like a longer Mexican cruise, there are options leaving Texas which go to Yucatan, Cozumel, starting at $277USD (~NZ$450) for 6 day options that include a stop in Honduras and Costa Maya.
3-Night MSC Mediterranean Cruise
You can journey south for a relaxing holiday in the Mediterranean off picturesque south of France and Italy. From Genoa to Marseille, Barcelona and back, this 3-night cruise has inside staterooms starting at $119USD pp (~NZ$195). The price includes all meals for the entire day. Free coffee, tea, milk, juice and water. There is ample entertainment with featured shows, discos and clubs, lounges and bars. You’ll also have access to fitness facilities, pools, hot tubs, and sports courts.
7-Night Western Europe Cruise
Depart Southampton, and visit ports across Germany, Netherlands, and France aboard the immaculate MSC Virtuosa, starting at $209USD (~NZ$342) you can journey south for a relaxing holiday. Departing from the port of Southampton, spend 7 nights at sea, and visit ports in Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Le Havre (France) and return back with all meals included. Take in extensive entertainment options onboard like shows, comedy clubs, lounges, and bars. Pools, spas, and fitness facilities are also available for all guests. For roughly $30 per night, you’ll find all the hospitality for a fraction of the price of a hotel.
3-4 Night Royal Caribbean Miami Getaway
This 3 Night Getaway Cruise is sure not to break the bank, starting at just $119 USD, (~NZ$195) stopping at CocoCay Bahamas. It and other Royal Caribbean Florida cruises leave from either Miami or Orlando area, though the cheapest price is out of Miami. Three are longer versions for 4 nights which start at just $129 per person and add another destination in the Bahamas.
6-Night Bermuda Cruise New York
This 6 night cruise will lead you directly to the beautiful and tropical British Island Territory of Bermuda. MSC has free wifi and drinks, plus additional onboard credit for a limited time. Once in Bermuda, potential excursions include a curated tour of the whole island of the Queen’s Commonwealth, or take a walk through the Bermuda Botanical Gardens and see the iconic art pieces in the MasterWorks Art Museum. Starting at $269USD, (~NZ$440) passage includes meals, drinks, free wiki and additional promotional onboard credit for a limited time.
In Conclusion
With such attractive pricing on cruises, you really can’t go wrong. All of the major cruise operators have implemented generous policies on rescheduling and cancellation (be sure to check their fine print) in order to assuage customer’s concerns regarding booking now. With new health & safety protocols for your peace of mind and elevated standards of sanitation and cleanliness, you can rest easy. Right now many cruise operators are offering free drinks, WiFi, and gratuities. Some operators are offering free excursions, free specialty dining, and free kids, while other operators are offering discounted airfare packages. This all makes for a rare opportunity to get back out there and enjoy your holiday while keeping more money in your pocket.
With the end in sight, book a cruise before prices head back to normal, and get your holiday off right and proper.