All Your Cruise Questions Answered - Australian Traveller

As part of our ‘Everything you need to know about cruising‘ series, we went straight to the experts to get their insider tips on booking and taking a cruising holiday.

When considering a cruise holiday for the first time, the volume of cruise lines, types of cruises, destinations, shore excursions and everything in between can be overwhelming. We’ve answered the most commonly asked questions about cruising to help you book the right cruise for you.

What size cruise ship is right for me?

Large cruise ships

Cruise expert Louise Goldsbury says a large cruise ship is 1750 passengers or more.

“These are mega-resorts at sea, with a lot going on," she says.

“Large ships offer a huge variety of dining options, kids’ activities and the most lavish entertainment productions you can get (there’s even a Cirque du Soleil show on-board one international ship).

“Also, they almost always sail well – regardless of bad weather. The catch: their sheer size means service can lean towards one-size-fits-all."

the Norwegian Spirit in Sydney Harbour — NCL’s Norwegian Spirit departs in Sydney.

Mid-sized cruise ships

“A mid-sized cruise ship is approximately 750 – 1749 passengers. A mid-sized ship is a happy medium between the benefits of a large hotel and the intimacy of a smaller one," Goldsbury says.

“Mid-sized ships mightn’t have the huuuuuge entertainment and dining options of their super-sized sisters, but they generally offer a more laidback atmosphere, still with a generous amount of variety (and without the queues)."

Seabourn Odyssey at sea in Australia — Seabourn Odyssey is a modern yacht-style ship.

Small cruise ships

“A small ship is 749 passengers or less," Goldsbury says.

“Now it is more like a lavish boutique hotel. Internationally, some small ships can be rather downmarket, but in Australia small ships tend to be all about luxury: cooked-to-order cuisine, highly personalised service and a day-to-day structure free from the rigidity of larger ships. They are best in calm seas."

the Coral Adventurer at sea — Coral Adventurer can carry a maximum of 120 passengers.

When’s the best time of year to take a cruise holiday?

Brett Dudley, founder and former owner of ecruising.travel, says the best time to cruise depends on the destination you choose.

“The best time to cruise around Australia is between late October and March," he says.

“However, there are some cruises that operate all year round. Asia and the USA have cruising all year round as well.

“In Alaska, you can cruise between April and August, in Europe the season runs May to September, and in Canada and New England, cruise from September to November."

an aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Expeditions — Embark on a tropical escapade to the Great Barrier Reef with Coral Expeditions. (Image: Phlipvids)

Is cruising expensive or is it value for money?

Jan Harrington, former general manager of product and business development for Cruise Guru, says cruising offers unbeatable value for money.

“The great thing about taking a cruise is that you have your hotel-style accommodation and transport combined as well as meals and entertainment. In general, you can also choose your style of meal. You will never go hungry," she says.

“Most entertainment such as group activities, classes and theatre shows are included in the cruise fare. And don’t forget the access to the gym and pools. The ship also takes you from port to port, cutting out on the cost of transportation items such as airfares and taxis, so effectively you are saving a lot!"

an elegant dining venue onboard Viking Cruises — Viking Cruises offers elegant dining options.

What time of year will I get the best price?

Joel Katz, managing director of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia, says cruise lines release their itineraries at various times throughout the year, often depending on the seasons and the different regions of the world they operate in.

“It’s a good idea to book as far ahead as possible. Booking early also gives you the best chance of securing your preferred cabin options and dates," he says.

“A good CLIA-accredited travel agent will be aware of the best specials available at any particular time."

Lounge by the edge of the infinity pool onboard Viking Cruises.

Am I going to be the youngest person on board?

“No, cruising is incredibly diverse. There is something out there for everyone, you just need to find what suits you," Breeanna Perez, former groups coordinator of Clean Cruising, says.

“From my experience, you will find many people in the younger generation gravitate to the ships with the bells and whistles such as waterslides, indoor sky diving and dodgem cars where the ship is a destination in itself. These ships have a broad variety of entertainment from the high tech evening shows to nightlife, deck parties and movie theatres to appeal to those audiences.

“The cruising industry is innovative when it comes to technology on board and these generations absolutely love this. You just need to pick your ship."

an old couple relaxing onboard True North — Curl up with a drink in hand onboard True North.

Do I need to pack any essentials?

“As well as packing for the weather in your cruise destination, you should also think about the excursions and activities you’ll take part in," Katz says.

“Consider whether you’ll need walking shoes, wet-weather protection or other outdoors gear. It’s also important to check on the on-board dress requirements – are there formal nights that require black tie, or theme nights involving party wear?

“Check to see if you need a passport. If your cruise includes an international port like the Pacific Islands, New Zealand or Bali, even for the day, you will need one – regardless of whether you plan to stay on board. Also, don’t forget at least one power adaptor – some ships only have US sockets."

the seating area at Carnival Captain's Suites — Carnival Captains Suites are decked out with premium comforts.

What’s different about expedition cruises?

“Adventure cruising combines an adventure/expedition experience with a leisure cruise," Harrington says.

“You can explore remote regions of the world, often only accessible by the sea and learn about the history and culture of places off the beaten track. Zodiac inflatable rafts are often used to get passengers onshore where you can take part in activities such as hiking, kayaking and bird watching to name a few. The ships are generally smaller and offer a more intimate atmosphere onboard.

“Many adventure or expedition cruises will have lecturers or an expedition team onboard who give presentations on the culture, history and geography of the destinations."

True North cruise ships in the Kimberley — True North takes you right into the Kimberley.

How do I score an upgrade on a cruise?

“The most common way is to book a Guarantee cabin. Guarantee means you book a spot on the ship but the cruise line chooses the cabin number for you," Perez says.

“These fares tend to be the cheapest in the category type, but there are pros and cons to this so depends on the type of sailor you are and whether you get seasick or not.

“For example, people have booked an obstructed ocean view guarantee and when their room is assigned it can be a non-obstructed ocean view, it’s not always the case but if the ship needs to fill a space they will just move you.

“I tell my clients if you don’t get seasick and don’t mind which deck you are on, take the luck of the draw!"

the pool deck onboard Princess Cruises — Cool off in the shimmering pool deck of Princess Cruises.

What is good about river cruising?

“River cruise operators offer a very different style of cruising to their ocean-going counterparts. A river cruise often involves much more time on land – every day is a port day and there are lots of towns and villages to explore along the waterways. A river cruise is often a good option for anyone who isn’t sure about going to sea, or who prefers smaller travelling groups," Katz says.

Viking Osiris along the Nile River — Viking Osiris cruises along the Nile River.

What are cruise lines doing to limit their environmental impact?

“The cruise industry worldwide has committed to sustainable practices. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recently announced a historic agreement among cruise lines to reduce emissions by 40 per cent by 2030, through initiatives including new fuels and advanced exhaust cleaning systems," Katz says.

“Cruise lines are also leaders in other initiatives like recycling systems, waste reduction and sewage treatment technologies that protect the oceans. The aim of CLIA cruise lines is not only to meet environmental requirements worldwide, but wherever possible to exceed them."

the Cloud 9 Spa at Carnival Cruise Line — Experience next-level indulgence at the Cloud 9 Spa onboard Carnival.

Will I get seasick?

“Every person is different, and some cruisers find their sea legs pretty quickly," Dudley says.

“There are many tips and tricks to help reduce the chances of seasickness like having ginger sweets and drinks, or some cruisers try over-the-counter preventatives suggested by their medical practitioners or even patches or wristbands that are said to work very well.

“When choosing it is important to consider the location of your cabin and the size of the ship as these factors influence your overall experience."

the Izumi Spa at Princess Cruises — Unwind at the Izumi Spa onboard Princess Cruises.

Traipse Jurassic cliffs and wander secluded beaches on Australia’s most enchanting walks.

Australia’s landscapes are made for hiking. Take the Red Centre, dusted in shifting sands and dotted with miraculous geological formations. Or our rainforests, left behind as the sole souvenir from continents that no longer exist. Down south, mottled night skies hang above crashing seas and unwavering cliffs. It makes sense, then, that hiking holidays are rising in popularity. No wi fi, no traffic. Just you and the path less travelled on the Great Walks of Australia in remote and iconic destinations.

What are the Great Walks of Australia?

If nature is your happy place, you’ve likely heard of the Great Walks of Australia, part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences program since 2013 – a curated collection of 15 all-inclusive, eco-luxury journeys showcasing the country’s most spectacular landscapes with expert guides and incredible meals. GWOA launching in 2013 as

From exploring the peaks of a World Heritage listed island, to journeying through the heart of Australia, and the gentle pull of the majestic Murray – there’s a walking holiday to suit walkers of all experience levels (and interests).

Joining a Great Walks of Australia hike means the pressure is off with all meals, guides and eco-luxury accommodation included.

Where can you hike?

1. Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland

great walks of australia tour group on Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland — Enjoy incredible food along the way.

Around 23 million years ago, volcanoes spewed magma across Queensland’s Scenic Rim . Now, what’s left of the fiery landscape takes the form of the UNESCO-listed Gondwana rainforest.

The Scenic Rim Trail is a four-day guided hike that takes you through the ancient rainforest. You’ll venture out into breathtaking viewpoints across the Main Range National Park. Enjoy a packed lunch, listen out for the duplicitous calls of the lyrebird and enjoy the silence.

You’ll spend your nights in boutique eco-cabins and incredible hospitality.

2. Murray River Walk, South Australia

great walks of australia tour group on — Walk through vibrant wildflower fields.

Murray River Walk pairs easy hiking with blissful evenings cruising the Murray River. Over four days and nights, you’ll follow kangaroo trails through red dirt dusted with vivid patches of wildflowers.

Each day ends on a solar-powered, custom-built houseboat. Watch towering, red sandstone cliffs float by from the top deck spa. Then, it’s three-course meals sourced from local produce and served alongside the region’s best wines.

The entire region you’ll be traversing is within the Riverland Ramsar site. Watch as spoonbills forage for food in the tranquil wetlands, emus parade through the wildflowers, and regent parrots flit above.

3. Maria Island Walk, Tasmania

wombat along the Maria Island Walk tasmania — Spot adorable locals.

Your Maria Island walk begins with a private boat transfer to an untouched, white sand beach. Barefoot in the sand, you’ll quickly realise – aside from your guide and group – you’re completely alone. Spot countless wombats and hear the distant calls of Tasmanian Devils as you spend four days leisurely traversing the island.

Nights are split between private, comfortable wilderness camps and queen-size beds in a historic cottage from the island’s convict history. Meals are built around fresh-caught seafood and served with East Coast Tasmanian wine.

4. Seven Peaks Walk, New South Wales

hiker on Seven Peaks Walks on Lord Howe Island — Explore the incredible Lord Howe Island. (Image: Luke Hanson)

Lord Howe Island feels like another world. With its patchwork blue coral lagoons and magma-honed peaks, it’s easy to forget you’re in New South Wales.

This walk has the highest level of elevation in the Great Walks of Australia’s collection. It’s because of this that you’ll witness nature like never before. UNESCO-listed volcanic peaks and coral reefs that grew out of solidified lava will become your daily norm.

Along the way, step onto beaches that lie undisturbed for weeks at a time. Then, snorkel the southernmost reef in the Pacific Ocean.

5. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, Northern Territory

This five-day, fully guided, premium hiking experience inside Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park was developed in partnership with Aṉangu Traditional Owners. Begin your walk dwarfed by the shade of Kata Tjuṯa’s towering dome formations. Following remote desert trails through the red sands, crest dunes and traverse mulga woodlands as you draw closer to the monolithic walls of Uluṟu.

Each night, dine under the lamp light of the Milky Way in the warm desert air and sleep in new flagship, environmentally sensitive private camps and lodge. This is the first time that travellers have ever been allowed to spend the night inside the national park.

6. The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria

great walks of australia tour group on The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria — See the Twelve Apostles in a new way. (Image: Ken Luke)

The Great Ocean Road’s rugged splendour is best experienced on this signature four-day, 44-kilometre guided walk . You’ll follow the rugged limestone stacks of the shipwreck coastline: wild, crashing waves, curious wildlife, and two national parks.

Finish each day at your luxurious lodge, where you’ll sit with your feet soaking and a glass of wine in hand. You’ll have a single lodge to call home on this walk, meaning you’ll only need to set out with a day pack.

7. Three Capes Signature Walk, Tasmania

On Tasmania’s Three Capes Signature Walk , you’ll feel like you’re walking along the edge of the world. From your boat landing on a remote beach, climb slowly upward for spectacular views and wildlife encounters with pods of dolphins, fur seals and echidnas. Spend days walking Jurassic dolerite cliffs with the wild Southern Ocean as your only constant.

Stay in architecturally designed eco-lodges nestled at the very edge of the world. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, a plunge pool and even an on-site spa to tend to ailments from the hike.

Discover more Great Walks of Australia and start planning your next adventure at greatwalksofaustralia.com.au.

All the questions you have ever wanted to ask about taking a cruise