holland america australia circumnavigation cruise 2023

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Holland America Line Australia/New Zealand Cruises

When you cruise to Australia/New Zealand with Holland America Line, you can vacation the way you desire: a lounge-laden trip, or an active voyage. You’ll have the opportunity to encounter one-of-a-kind wildlife such as the Dwarf Minke Whale, and marsupials like the koala and kangaroo. You can make your vacation a rugged adventure: trek across the Taieri Plains, explore the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, or scuba on the Great Barrier Reef. For a more relaxing trip, become a beer connoisseur during a brewery excursion or learn about the origins of cricket. Head down under and cruise to Australia/New Zealand with Holland America.

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Holland America Signature Experiences in Australia & New Zealand

Things to Do on an Australia and New Zealand Cruise with Holland America Line

The beauty and sense of adventure is palpable in Australia and New Zealand. When cruising to Australia and New Zealand with Holland America, be sure to learn about the aboriginal cultures, see wild kangaroos and climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

• Lord of the Rings Locations and Weta Cave Tour (Wellington, New Zealand) For fans of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, this is a tour you can’t pass up. The majority of the movies were shot in this picturesque country. You’ll spend time near the Shire, and run along the path the Hobbits ran in the “Get off the Road” scene. Then you’ll stop at the Weta Cave which displays movie props and you’ll see the Stone Street Studios where production work on the movie was done. Your last stop is at Owhiro Bay which was the spot where Frodo and Sam reach the Gates of Mordor.  

• Kedalak Kening – Night time Corroboree (Perth, Australia) This evening excursion from Holland America takes you to a show where you’ll see a dance performance and hear the sounds of the didgeridoo as you learn about Australia’s aboriginal community. This event also includes a sample of some of the more exotic of Australian flavors, including kangaroo and emu.  

• Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and the Rocks from White Bay (Sydney, Australia) Get a spectacular view of the Sydney Opera House from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This exciting adventure has you climb with safety gear up the eastern arch of the bridge and down the western arch. Then take a walking tour to the Rocks, Sydney’s oldest village. On your tour you’ll discover many old buildings and plenty of pubs where you can stop off for a pint of beer.  

• Antarctic Encounter and Sky Tower (Auckland, New Zealand) Get a glimpse of the only sub-Antarctic penguins in New Zealand and a recreation of the hut Captain Robert Scott set up on McMurdo Sound in 1911 at the Sea Life Aquarium. After this fun trip you’ll head to Parnell Village where you’ll see rose gardens and stop in a few colonial-style shops before heading to the Sky Tower, which is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. Here you’ll get spectacular views of the city and its surroundings.  

• In the Wild! Kangaroos and Koalas (Melbourne, Australia) Take a journey out into the grasslands and plains of Australia to witness free roaming kangaroos, emus and exotic birds. Then head into the You Yang Ranges National Park where you will see koalas in the eucalyptus forest. Research on koala behavior is conducted here.  

• Colonials and Convicts (Hobart, Australia) The mischievous Australian nature may come from the fact that the continent was once the spot for the British to send their prisoners. In Port Arthur you’ll see the former penal colony, which has several buildings that were restored. You’ll be guided through the complex’s 242 acres as you learn about the facilities’ prisoners and the colonizers that lived near the area.  

Top 10 Holland America Line Australia/New Zealand Cruises

• Westerdam 21-day Australia Circumnavigation Departing From Sydney, Australia (Nov 2024)
• Westerdam 35-day Australia Circumnavigation Departing From Sydney, Australia (Nov 2024)
• Westerdam 14-day Australia Circumnavigation Departing From Fremantle, Australia (Dec 2024)
• Westerdam 14-day New Zealand Holiday Departing From Sydney, Australia (Dec 2024)
• Westerdam 14-day Australia & New Zealand Departing From Sydney, Australia (Jan 2025 - Mar 2025)
• Westerdam 14-day Australia & New Zealand Departing From Auckland, New Zealand (Jan 2025 - Mar 2025)
• Noordam 14-day Australia & New Zealand Departing From Sydney, Australia (Nov 2025 - Feb 2026)
• Noordam 14-day Australia & New Zealand Departing From Auckland, New Zealand (Nov 2025 - Mar 2026)
• Noordam 28-day New Zealand & South Australia Discovery Collector Departing From Sydney, Australia (Dec 2025)
• Noordam 14-day New Zealand Discovery Departing From Sydney, Australia (Dec 2025)

Holland America Line Australia/New Zealand Departure Ports

Learn more about each of the possible departure ports for an Australia and New Zealand cruise with Holland America. Your Holland America Australia and New Zealand cruise could begin in any of the following cities:

Auckland, New Zealand

The mild temperatures in Auckland enhance an outdoorsy cruise destination. Tour the many beaches, hike beautiful mountain ranges or just wander Auckland’s city streets.

Fremantle, Australia

Beautiful beaches mixed with alternative art and music fill the Western Australia port city of Fremantle.

The near perfect days, beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and sparkling water offer the perfect backdrop for any dream adventure in Sydney, Australia.

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Flip through our photo gallery of Australia and New Zealand cruising photos from Holland America. Remember, this is only a taste of the experiences waiting for you on a Holland America Australia and New Zealand cruise vacation.

Corroboree Rock - an Aborogines Sanctuary

Derwent River, Hobart, Tasmania

Hutt river, Wellington, North Island, New Zealand

Koala resting on a branch

Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand

ms Oosterdam sails past the Sydney Opera House

View of Sydney Opera House from ms Oosterdam

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Holland America Offers Immerse Cruises To Australia And The South Pacific Islands

Itineraries up to 58 days include immersive explorations of south pacific islands and a circumnavigation of australia..

Three Holland America Line ships will tour the exotic locales and breathtaking scenery of Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific in 2024–2025. From unspoiled islands to metropolitan towns, Westerdam will spend the season Down Under, while Koningsdam and Zaandam each offer a lengthier "Legendary Voyage" to the South Pacific and Hawaii. 

Itineraries up to 58 days include immersive excursions of South Pacific islands and a circumnavigation of Australia.

Westerdam will sail a westward South Pacific passage in October 2024, followed by the illustrious Australia Circumnavigation. From December 2024 through March 2025, the ship offers a series of 14-day departures roundtrip from Sydney, Australia, or between Auckland, New Zealand, and Sydney. While Koningsdam's "Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas" departs from San Diego, California, roundtrip in February 2025, Zaandam's "Tales of the South Pacific" departs from Vancouver, Canada, to San Diego, California, or roundtrip San Diego, in September 2024.

"Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific are iconically beautiful locations, but they have so much more to offer which is why they remain high on the bucket list of travelers who are looking to see the world with the ease of a cruise," said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line's chief commercial officer. "The Australia Circumnavigation itinerary is the most in-depth immersion a cruiser can have of the continent, and many of our Legendary Voyages make it possible to visit distant destinations from a North American homeport. These cruises are among some of the most notable we offer."

Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific Collectors' Voyages, which range in length from 43 to 58 days, are ideal for intrepid travelers looking for a longer cruise experience. The voyages give passengers the best value each day because they mix consecutive, unique excursions.

Starting prices for cruises to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific in 2025 range from $2,449 to $10,999 per person, based on length. Taxes, fees and port expenditures are extra.

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Holland America Cruises to Australia

Holland America offers cruises to Australia from the United States . They also have circumnavigation cruises around Australia , Christmas cruises, and cruises to the US from Australia . See the schedule of departures below.

Holland America Line is known for long cruises to exotic destinations, spacious mid-size ships, and well-appointed staterooms. It is rated as a "premium" line -- nicer than economy ships but not as expensive or plush as luxury ships.

11-day South Australia cruise. Round-trip from Sydney to Eden (Australia), Port Arthur (Australia), Hobart (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Penneshaw (Australia), Melbourne (Australia) and Philip Island (Australia). • 2024 departure: January 2.

94-day Australia cruise. Round-trip from San Diego (California) to Honolulu (Hawaii), Lahaina (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii), Fanning Island (Kiribati), Pago Pago (American Samoa), Apia (Samoa), Suva (Fiji), Lautoka (Fiji), Port Vila (Vanuatu), Noumea (New Calendonia), Brisbane (Australia), Airlie Beach (Australia), Townsville (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Komodo Island (Indonesia), Broome (Australia), Exmouth (Australia), Geraldton (Australia), Fremantle (Australia), Albany (Australia), Port Lincoln (Australia), Kangaroo Island (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Port Arthur (Australia), Hobart (Australia), Sydney (Australia), Dunedin (New Zealand), Akaroa (New Zealand), Wellington (New Zealand), Napier (New Zealand), Tauranga (New Zealand), Auckland (New Zealand), Tonga, Niue, Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Huahine, Tahiti, Tuamotu and Nuku Hiva. • 2024 departure: January 3.

25-day cruise from Australia to Canada. One-way from Sydney to Vancouver (Canada). Visit Noumea (New Caledonia), Mare (New Caledonia), Lautoka (Fiji), Savusavu (Fiji), Pago Pago (American Samoa), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii) and Maui (Hawaii). • 2024 departure: April 6.

23-day cruise to Australia from the USA. One-way from Seattle (Washington) to Sydney (Australia). Visit Honolulu (Hawaii), Kona (Hawaii), Apia (Samoa), Suva (Fiji), Lautoka (Fiji), Lifou (New Caledonia) and Noumea (New Caledonia). • 2024 departure: October 24.

35-day Australia Circumnavigation cruise. Round-trip from Sydney (Australia) to Newcastle (Australia), Brisbane (Australia), Airlie Beach (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Darwin (Australia), Komodo Island (Indonesia), Broome (Australia), Exmouth (Australia), Geraldton (Australia), Fremantle (Australia), Albany (Australia), Port Lincoln (Australia), Adelaide (Australia), Kangaroo Island (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Hobart (Australia) and Port Arthur (Australia). • 2024 departure: November 17.

Holland America Line Launches ‘Anniversary Sale’

• March 25, 2024

Holland America Line is celebrating its 151st Anniversary with a special “Anniversary Sale” running from March 20 through April 30, 2024, according to a press release.

The Anniversary Sale includes up to 45 percent off cruise fares, onboard credits up to $300 per stateroom, 50 percent reduced deposits and free third and fourth guests when traveling in the same stateroom.

The offer is valid on cruises on all 11 ships, with itineraries ranging from four to 56 days in length.

  “As we complete a full year celebrating 150 years as a cruise line, our Anniversary Sale is a way to thank guests for being a part of our history with incredible savings on nearly all of our cruises,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “Guests appreciate the onboard spending money, while reduced deposits make it easier to plan a vacation that can be more than a year away. Free third and fourth guests is ideal for families and friends looking to travel together.”

Sample itineraries include:

• The seven-day Alaska’s Inside Passage on the Koningsdam, June 15, 2024
• The 21-day Ultimate Viking Explorer on the Nieuw Statendam, Aug. 3, 2024
• The 35-day Australia Circumnavigation on the Westerdam, Nov. 17, 2024
• The seven-day Mexican Riviera Holiday on the Koningsdam, Dec. 21, 2024
• The seven-day Western Caribbean on the Nieuw Amsterdam, Feb. 9, 2025
• The 14-day Circle Japan on the Noordam, March 30, 2025
• The 10-day Western Mediterranean Medley on the Oosterdam, May 14, 2025

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Circumnavigation of Australia Cruise

By mertziek , October 6, 2021 in Holland America Line

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Has anyone done this?  If so, what are pros and cons?  We are looking at 2023.  If you can’t do the circumnavigation cruise, has anyone combined Northern and Southern routes to essentially do the circumnavigation of Australia that way?  If yes, advantages to booking it that way as B2B cruise.  TIA

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Whenever they offer a Collector's Voyage where they combine B2B cruises, there is some cost-savings built in as opposed to booking each segment separately.

Have you seen this posted somewhere for 2023 already and if so, when is it being offered and on which ship?  It's definitely something we'd consider doing depending on the timing.  Thanks!

2 hours ago, mertziek said: Has anyone done this?  If so, what are pros and cons?  We are looking at 2023.  If you can’t do the circumnavigation cruise, has anyone combined Northern and Southern routes to essentially do the circumnavigation of Australia that way?  If yes, advantages to booking it that way as B2B cruise.  TIA

1 hour ago, zelker said: Whenever they offer a Collector's Voyage where they combine B2B cruises, there is some cost-savings built in as opposed to booking each segment separately.   Have you seen this posted somewhere for 2023 already and if so, when is it being offered and on which ship?  It's definitely something we'd consider doing depending on the timing.  Thanks!  

We did this cruise and loved it. It was two segments at the time. 

Not seeing anything for 2023 yet.  But the 2022 on Noordam is very appealing to us.

5 minutes ago, mertziek said: Not seeing anything for 2023 yet.  But the 2022 on Noordam is very appealing to us.

We have friends onboard Nieuw Amsterdam doing the repo through the Canal ... she's going to check with the future cruise desk to see if they have any info.  I'll post back here if I hear anything.

1 minute ago, zelker said: We have friends onboard Nieuw Amsterdam doing the repo through the Canal ... she's going to check with the future cruise desk to see if they have any info.  I'll post back here if I hear anything.

Thanks.  I’m waiting to hear back from a Holland America PCC but not hearing a lot of good about them.   😩 🤭

Ottawa traveller

I did the circumnavigation a few years ago.  I first did the TP from Vancouver to Sydney and then the circumnavigation. If I remember correctly, you could do segments of the circumnavigation.  I recall Australians getting on in Perth.  I stayed in Australia afterwards to go to Uluru (Ayer's Rock), King's Canyon and Alice Springs and then went back to Darwin. The port stop at Darwin is not long enough to really see anything of the Northern Territory.  I flew home from Darwin stopping in Shanghai for several days en route.   I thought it was a good way to see  much of Australia around the coast. I really enjoyed the entire trip.

We have done this before and its a great way to get a flavor of the vast differences in Australia.

prescottbob

55 minutes ago, Ottawa traveller said: I did the circumnavigation a few years ago.  I first did the TP from Vancouver to Sydney and then the circumnavigation. If I remember correctly, you could do segments of the circumnavigation.  I recall Australians getting on in Perth.  I stayed in Australia afterwards to go to Uluru (Ayer's Rock), King's Canyon and Alice Springs and then went back to Darwin. The port stop at Darwin is not long enough to really see anything of the Northern Territory.  I flew home from Darwin stopping in Shanghai for several days en route.   I thought it was a good way to see  much of Australia around the coast. I really enjoyed the entire trip.

Likewise, we did the 52 day TP from Seattle and circumnavigation followed by a 14 day New Zealand cruise (flew back from Auckland) Sept. De. 2016 aboard the Maasdam. We enjoyed every moment.

I haven't looked at the 2023 offering but you should have a great time.

We have done the Australian  Circumnavigation cruise twice, a really good cruise,hopefully we will have the opportunity to do another.

We did the first circumnavigation that HAL did and it was great! We had the greatest Aussie CD who really made it enjoyable with so many fun. Each day, in the daily program (whatever it was called back then), we had Aussie language lessons. Someone with whom we traveled did it again later and said it didn't have the same vibe as the first one did, but I'm sure it'll be great. Sometimes, when we've been there, done that, we have the same reaction. Right now, I just want to do anywhere AGAIN and don't care much where that may be.

SJSULIBRARIAN

Australia has not reopened yet although I understand the government is rethinking their Zero Covid policy which is not sustainable.

We haven't done the circumnavigation but have cruised from Sydney to Adelaide and Sydney to Darwin on separate cruises.  Even though we live in Australia we still enjoy seeing our country.  There may be quite a few sea days depending on the number of ports because Australia is a big country.  The only downside is that you don't get to see a lot that's more inland while on the cruise.  I don't mind where I go, I just want to cruise again!

7 hours ago, mertziek said: Has anyone done this?  If so, what are pros and cons?  We are looking at 2023.  If you can’t do the circumnavigation cruise, has anyone combined Northern and Southern routes to essentially do the circumnavigation of Australia that way?  If yes, advantages to booking it that way as B2B cruise.  TIA

Similar to a couple of other posters, we were on the 2016 TP from Seattle, around Oz, then the Kiwi leg. It still ranks as a top contender for our best ever cruise. Every port was graced with extraordinarily helpful locals, great public transit if you wanted to explore on your own and always great usage of the oceanfront by each city.

I have nothing to critique about the trip, other than it was not really feasible to see anything in the Australian interior (without missing great stuff on the coasts) unless you stopped in Sydney post-cruise and took on some land travel.

Especially if you have not visited Australia, it's a wonderful way to get a flavour for such a vast country. We are very hopeful that the area will reopen in 2023. 🍺 🥌

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11 Around-The-World Cruises For An Epic Getaway

"Sailing around the world" sounds so romantic, doesn't it? You're sailing to remote islands with like-minded people while chasing sunsets on a distant horizon. Sure, you can just board a plane to, say, New Zealand, but there's something so pure and patient about maritime journeys. Cruises are like floating resorts, which ease their way over the waves. It's the definition of "slow travel." 

Amazingly, in the modern world of jet-setting travel, round-the-world cruises do exist. Voyagers visit dozens of ports over the course of their odyssey, each with its own landscape, climate, and personality. There are lots of ways travelers can experience "the trip of a lifetime," but this kind of circumnavigation outmatches just about all of them -- and in style. However, there are a few things to consider before investigating such cruises. First, what does it actually mean to sail "around the world?"

Many companies use this phrase — and sail thousands of nautical miles — but only around a single ocean or hemisphere. Even when ships do sail a distance equivalent to the equator (or more), they rarely return to their precise port of origin. Also, these epic  cruise vacations can be pricey ; the kind of dream that merits cashing in a 401K, and the time commitment is also substantial, meaning months on the water. But for diehard cruisers, crisscrossing the planet could easily be worth the time and money, and if this sounds like you, these 11 cruise lines are scheduled to sail around the world.

Read more: The Prettiest Waters Around The World

Viking: World Cruise

For 138 days, passengers frog-hop through the Caribbean, pass through the Panama Canal, make their way to the islands of Polynesia, and skirt Australia, Asia, and Europe before finally dropping their anchor in London. On Viking's World Cruise, you can step ashore in 28 different nations and pick from 57 guided tours. Viking has been a prolific, respected cruise line since its founding in 1997, and this three-quarter circumnavigation sets sail in December 2024, so there's still time to book.

Ships are equipped with spas, luxury dining options, and cabin beds that can be separated or combined, among many other touches. Long before stepping aboard, the Viking website has a virtual 360-degree tour, acquainting future travelers with the ship's staterooms. Viking has thoughtfully put together a reading list to help travelers get a deeper understanding of the countries they will visit, which is especially helpful in little-understood destinations like Moorea and Indonesia. The ship also has a sizable library onboard for further research. This, plus its sophisticated tours and dining options that reflect the culture of each port, may explain Viking's moniker, "the thinking person's cruise." Quality does come at a price, with full passage starting at $59,995.

Ambassador: Grand Round The World Cruise

The Ambiance sets off from London, crosses the Atlantic, passes through Panama, and hits Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America before pinging back to the United Kingdom. Not only do you cross all the major oceans, but you actually cross the Atlantic three times. Most of these destinations are warm-weather ports, including Sydney at the height of summer. Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats are recommended on this largely equatorial route.

Ambassador is new to the cruise scene, having been established in the United Kingdom in 2021, and Ambiance is its flagship vessel. Passengers will spend their 120-night voyage in extreme comfort, traveling to 24 countries and 34 ports of call, with top-notch dining, live entertainment, and about 35,000 nautical miles in between. If you can live without a porthole, opting for an  inside cabin on the cruise , then passage starts at the budget-friendly price of $8,500 per person, making this Ambassador cruise one of the most economical on this list. You can also add on drink packages and arrange tours in advance or onboard through an agent or the Ambassador app. You can also explore the ship before you travel, thanks to a 360-degree virtual tour. The 2024 voyage sets sail on June 6.

Regent: World Cruise

The 2026 Regent World Cruise starts in Miami and ends in Miami, which makes it convenient to coordinate, especially if you're already based in the United States. Regent Seven Seas Cruises was founded in 1992 and is a respected brand in the industry.

The ship, the Seven Seas Mariner, also lives up to its name with a formidable 154-night itinerary: the Panama Canal, points along Central America, a dozen Pacific islands, Australia, South Asia, East Africa, and two Atlantic islands before returning to Florida. The Mariner arrives in many well-trod ports like Cape Town and Acapulco, but the route also includes locations that most travelers would have trouble pinpointing on a map: Lautoka, Abidjan, and Male are all names cruisers will become familiar with. To really explore these places, Regent organizes a whopping 431 free shore excursions across six continents, 77 ports, and 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sailing nearly 40,000 nautical miles with world-class spas, dining, and entertainment aboard doesn't come cheap. While you'll need to contact Regent to request specific prices, passengers can expect to pay nearly $100,000 for passage. Regent's World Cruise is considered a luxury-level experience with first-class airfare, gratuities, and 24-hour room service included. If this is your tax bracket, just wait until you see the suites.

Royal Caribbean: Ultimate World Cruise

Royal Caribbean has been taking tourists to far-flung destinations since the late 1960s, and it's now one of the most recognizable cruise companies in the world, so naturally Royal Caribbean would host a round-the-world voyage. But even for seasoned travelers, the Ultimate World Cruise is pretty, well, ultimate. Royal Caribbean's world cruise lasts 274 nights and arrives in no fewer than 60 countries. In other words, you'll spend nine months at sea and personally visit more than a quarter of the sovereign nations on Earth. The saga starts and ends in Miami, where the Royal Caribbean is headquartered, which should make arrangements easy.

The biggest bragging right of all: This cruise touches on every single continent, including Elephant Island and Paradise Bay in Antarctica. You'll find yourself in both Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, plus ports you've never even heard of. That said, unless your soul is fueled by pure wanderlust, this itinerary may sound like a lot of cruising, which may explain why Royal Caribbean has divided the journey into four segments. Cruisers don't have to commit to the entire itinerary; they can easily pick from the quarter that most interests them. 

By the time you read this, a segment may be the only option left, as the next Ultimate World Cruise departs in December of 2023. The segments are significantly more affordable as well. An interior stateroom for the full cruise costs at least $60,000 per person, while a segment starts at $12,500.

Cunard: Full World Voyage

When the Queen Mary 2 departs from New York City on January 3, 2024, it won't return to this same harbor for 123 nights. The itinerary isn't exactly "around the world," but rather a crossing of the Eastern Hemisphere — twice. Passengers traverse the Atlantic to the United Kingdom, then ease their way down the eastern coast of Africa before beelining for Australia. The ship boomerangs back, with many stops in Asia, a shortcut through the Suez Canal, and a tour of the Mediterranean before heading back to the U.S.

The voyage comes at the heels of Cunard's 100th anniversary, making it the second-oldest company on the list. The Queen Mary 2 has been Cunard's flagship vessel since 2004, and the company has mastered hospitality over the past century, with exceptional dining, luxury suites, and Broadway-quality performances by the Royal Court Theatre. Cunard also takes pride in its children's facilities, encouraging families to travel together, as well as the great English tradition of afternoon tea. Most of the budget cabins on the Queen Mary 2 were already booked at the time of this writing, but cabins with balconies are still available, starting at the not-ludicrous price of $16,899 per person. 

Oceania: Around The World In 180 Days

When Junes Verne wrote his novel "Around the World in Eighty Days," his Victorian goal was to travel as quickly as possible. Oceania is now advertising the opposite: This journey takes passengers the long way from Los Angeles to New York City, across the Pacific, around Australia, along the coasts of East Asia, and then up through the Middle East, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and even Greenland. The itinerary doesn't spend much time in the "global south," so you'll have to visit Africa and South America another time.

The Miami-based Oceania was founded in 2002 and specializes in long-haul cruises, so they know their system well. This cruise may be especially appealing to foodies. The company takes particular pride in its onboard meals as well as in-country Culinary Discovery Tours. Passengers can also take advantage of The Aquamar Spa & Vitality Center, which can orchestrate a special dietary regimen.

Oceania exudes "small-ship luxury" and caps its total number of passengers at 1,250. Everything about the ship is more intimate than found on its larger cousins, from the live entertainment to the duty-free boutiques. If you like a small-town feel, 180 days should be just enough time to meet all your shipmates. If you can't summon the time or (at least) $47,599 by January 2024, the next ship departs in January 2025.

Princess: 111-Day World Cruise

This Princess cruise is another true circumnavigation, starting in Los Angeles and bearing west until the ship arrives back at its original dock. The 111-day cruise starts on January 18, 2024, and includes all three major oceans, both the Suez and Panama Canals, plus 47 ports along the way. The itinerary is light on Asian and African ports and skips South America altogether, but you can still enjoy visits to Australia, the Middle East, and numerous destinations around Europe.

Princess is a hallowed name in the cruise industry. Not only have its ships been sailing the world since the 1960s, but Princess is still one of the most profitable cruise companies in the world. Passengers can expect onboard enrichment programs, award-winning live performances, and rejuvenating treatments at the Lotus Spa. Each port will also bring its own offerings of special excursions, from river rafting to art tours. 

With its dependable quality of service and nearly four-month itinerary, it's remarkable that base bookings start at only $15,498. Better yet, if you want to circle the globe with the whole family, this Princess itinerary is a family-friendly cruise and offers youth programming, which is not always the case. If you miss this one, no worries. Three more, of varying lengths, are slated for January 2025.

Holland America Line: Grand World Voyage

Fort Lauderdale is the beginning and end point for the Zuiderdam, which spends 128 days making a complete circle around the globe. Holland America's Grand World Voyage is true to its name. Passengers travel across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, making port on five continents. Most of its destinations are clustered around Asia and the Mediterranean, and it skips over Australia. But the Voyage is a rare opportunity to sail up the Amazon River, with visits to inland Brazilian cities most travelers would never think to visit.

Holland America began as a shipping and passenger line in the mid-19th Century, and its history of cruising is nearly as old as the concept. The flagship Zuiderdam is a luxury vessel with a swimming pool and sizable theater. It also boasts several diverse dining areas, including the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, the Italian-themed Canaletto, and the à la carte Lido Market. There's Billboard Onboard, a special room for trivia nights and karaoke, as well as World Stage, a presentation space with a wraparound LED screen. Bookings start at the more expensive rate of $22,499 for an inside cabin, and the 2024 voyage will set sail on January 3, 2024, but you can expect additional Grand World Voyages to be slated in the coming years.

Azamara: World Voyage

Formerly part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, Azamara is now an independent company taking its own journeys. The 2025 World Voyage begins in San Diego and sails westward, across the Pacific, to Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, before passengers disembark in Barcelona. The World Voyage doesn't quite girdle the globe, stopping just short of the Atlantic Ocean, and the only stop in Africa is Giza. But this 155-night expedition should satisfy almost any traveler, especially with its 40 countries and 22 overnights.

Unlike many world cruises, Azamara has divided its full itinerary into segments with clear geographic themes, such as "South Pacific Jewels" and "Mediterranean Icons." These titles can help turn experiences into coherent narratives. For example, "Ancient Pathways" draws a historic and economic line between Mumbai and Athens, along with all ports in between. These themes are coupled with thoughtful excursions, which are often scheduled around local holidays and festivals. The World Voyage for 2024 appears to be sold out, but the 2025 edition sets sail on January 5. Passage starts at a princely $39,999.

Freighter Cruises

Some of us want to keep it simple. No need for late-night show-stoppers, cocktail parties with hundreds of strangers, or daring bets at the roulette wheel. "Freighter cruises" have gone by many names over the years, such as "banana boats" and "cargo cruises," but passengers have hitched rides on commercial ships since the dawn of seafaring. These accommodations come in many forms, and you do have to share your vessel with stacks of massive shipping containers; still, you can expect a comfortable cabin and regular meals, along with friendly and respectful crewmembers from around the world. For travelers with a Jack London streak, the freighter cruise feels raw and adventurous.

The Freighter Travel Club was founded in 1958, and companies like Maris Freighter Cruises and Voyage en Cargo have booked passengers on commercial vessels for years. Maris has arranged round-the-world itineraries in the past, and multi-week journeys are common, as enormous loads are floated from one nation to the next. The pandemic took its toll on this niche industry, and most of these journeys do not precisely travel around the world. But when they're in operation, freighter cruises usually cost a little over $100 per day, and savvy travelers have flexibility in their bookings.

Miray Cruises: Life At Sea

Sure, cruising is fun, but what if you want to turn your ship into a semi-permanent address? Life at Sea Cruises promises three years of luxury seafaring, with stops in 140 countries across all seven continents. By the time you're done with these 382 ports, you'll have more photos to sort through and stories to share than most people will amass in a lifetime.

That sounds life-changing, but we'll have to see whether it's too good to be true. Life at Sea is a brand-new enterprise from Miray Cruises, and the maiden voyage has been fraught with delays. However, at the time of this writing, Life at Sea should get underway by the end of 2023, and most full-voyage passengers should already be sailing by 2024. If all goes well, there are four scheduled embarkation options for travelers who want to hop aboard later on, and more will likely be scheduled.

One of the problems has been the ship itself. For a while, the purchase of the ship was in limbo, pushing back the original sail date. However, the MV Lara now seems ready to sail. The medium-sized vessel has space for 1,266 passengers, with a range of cozy cabins, a wellness center, and a pool deck, among many other amenities. Travelers committed to living at sea for three years should get a lot out of their floating home. Life at Sea is a dreamy concept, so let's hope for calm waters once it finally sets sail. 

Read the original article on Explore .

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2 Holland America crew members die after 'incident' on cruise ship in the Bahamas

• Two crew members on a Holland America cruise ship died during an "incident" in the engineering space.
• In a statement, the cruise line said it was "deeply saddened" by the incident.

Two crew members aboard a Holland America cruise ship died during an 'incident' in the ship's engineering space.

In a statement released by Holland America, the cruise line said the unnamed crew members had died Friday whilst the Nieuw Amsterdam liner was at the small island of Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

"All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with our team members' families at this difficult time," the statement said.

"The safety, security and welfare of all guests and crew are the company's absolute priority."

Authorities were notified and the cause of the deaths is being investigated, the cruise line said. Crew members are also being offered counseling.

Holland America later added that the Bahamas Maritime Authority was leading the investigation.

The ship, which can carry over 2,000 people, set sail out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 16 March for a seven-night cruise.

Cruise ships are an incredibly popular form of vacation. In 2019 alone, the global cruise industry welcomed more than 29 million passengers and in 2022, the global cruise market was valued at $7.67 billion.

Deaths on board cruise ships are rare, however.

According to reports, a total of 623 people died on cruise ships between 2000 and 2019. Of these fatalities, 66 were crew members, and 557 were passengers.

Eighty-seven percent of these deaths occurred while on the sea, while the other 13% occurred while the ships were docked. Statistics also show that 97 passengers and crew members died due to cardiac issues, 72 died due to accidentally falling overboard, and 60 died due to jumping overboard.

During the COVID-19 pandemic there were numerous outbreaks on cruise ships.

The Ruby Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, became infamous in 2020 as the source of many of Australia's early cases when thousands of passengers were allowed to disembark in Sydney. There were 900 infections on the ship and 28 people died.

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