The Voice of the Cruise Industry
Australasia & Pacific Islands

ULTIMATE DESTINATION GUIDE

Australasia & Pacific Islands

Mega-city life in the likes of Sydney contrasts beautifully with the remoteness of small yet inspiring islands

arrow_outwardAbout

From the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney Opera House and the statues of Easter Island, a cruise down under provides the opportunity to explore iconic sights and natural wonders. Foodies won’t want to miss Adelaide, gateway to the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale wine regions. The exotic South Pacific includes the Marquesas, some of the world’s most remote island, and the eclectic cultural melting pot of Fiji.

arrow_outwardPre and post cruise ideas

Hobart, Australia

Hobart

The capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania is set in a beautiful harbour at the entrance to the Derwent River and set in the foothills of the Mount Wellington. Salamanca Place, close to the waterfront, is a cultural and foodie hot spot set in Georgian warehouses. There are direct flights from Hobart to Melbourne and Sydney.

Papeete, French Polynesia

Papeete

This waterfront Tahitian city is the capital of French Polynesia and there are plenty of attractions to see, including the lush Mataoa Garden, Robert Wan Pearl Museum and colourful two-storey indoor market. Restaurants and serve Chinese, French and Polynesian influenced food, and if visitors want a permanent souvenir there are numerous tattoo parlours.

Australia Ghan train

Take a train

Agents can pair a cruise with a number of iconic railway journeys such as the Ghan train from Darwin to Adelaide, Indian Pacific between Perth and Sydney and the Marlborough Flyer, a scenic line that starts from New Zealand’s cruise terminal in Picton.

Don't miss this excursion

While in Sydney guests can experience the great migration of humpback and southern right whales as they swim between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef from May to November. Whale-watching expeditions start from the harbour and passengers can expect to see dolphins and seabirds.

arrow_outwardSelling Tips

Cruise & stay

As clients are travelling such a long way always recommend they book a cruise and stay itinerary, as it provides more opportunity for exploration

Peaceful journeys

Isolated islands are a great sell to couples celebrating honeymoons or those who want to escape the rush of modern life

Expedition time

Expedition itineraries are a great way to experience small islands, but fans of large ocean vessels need not worry as many of the bigger lines also sail these waters

arrow_outwardRelated News

The shortlist for the Wave Awards 2026 has been announced after a record number of entries The event, hosted by Cruise Trade News and World of Cruising in partnership with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, will take place on 24 November at The...

Josie Klein

Sponsored by Norwegian Cruise Line Some holidays are about switching off. Others are about ticking off the destination’s travellers have always dreamed of visiting With Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), agents can sell unforgettable bucket-list experiences across four incredible regions, from...

Will Payne

Windstar Cruises has appointed Carla Hines to the newly-created role of manager, sales operations and enablement Based in the UK and reporting into Windstar’s managing director, global commercial Helen Beck, Hines will support the company’s global commercial teams by improving...

Will Payne
Latest Issue

CTN May / June 2026

With the days growing longer and the first real hints of the sun’s rays settling in, there’s a renewed sense of anticipation in the air. Summer is just around the corner, and with it the peak travel season, a time…

Sign In

Lost your password?