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Cruises departing from Melbourne to South Pacific are becoming increasingly popular. Cruises departing from Melbourne to South Pacific are usually longer than short sightseeing cruises. Why should you book short cruises leaving from Melbourne to South Pacific? Cruises departing from Melbourne to South Pacific typically comprise a more leisurely itinerary, passing through destinations like Cairns, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga.

Cruises departing from Melbourne to South Pacific usually make their way through Australia, stopping at destinations like Cairns, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga before returning to Melbourne. Why should you book short cruises leaving from Melbourne to South Pacific? Short cruises leaving from Melbourne to South Pacific are generally longer than shorter tours, particularly those that depart from Brisbane. The longer the cruise, the more places you can visit and explore.

Cruises departing from Melbourne to South Pacific generally travel further east through the Pacific Ocean. However, this is not always the case. Some cruise lines now routinely serve destinations Noumea, Fiji, Vanuatu and Kiribati in the South Pacific, and the island groups of Tahiti, Vanuatu, and Tonga. Furthermore, some smaller cruise ship companies now occasionally operate on some of these same islands. If this interests you, then it might be worthwhile considering a short trip to one or more of these destinations.

Another reason for taking a cruise vacation from Melbourne to the South Pacific is the option to enjoy luxurious accommodation aboard the ship. On shorter cruises departing from Melbourne to the South Pacific, you can expect to stay in high quality suites featuring excellent views of the sea. These suites are generally located a bit further away from the deck where the guests are dining. Higher priced suites have additional features like private decks and larger living areas. These options are typically only available to VIP guests. If you have a family with small children, you may wish to choose a different cruise ship with more family friendly accommodations.

Many cruise packages depart from Melbourne with special pre-planned activities. These include shows, game shows, and dance classes. These activities are usually designed to please adults. However, children frequently enjoy themed activities as well. You can often find discounted rates on cruises leaving from Melbourne if you plan to bring your children with you on the cruise. If you do not have children, you will likely find more affordable cruise deals departing from Australia.

Cruises departing from Melbourne also serve as an excellent way to see some of the lesser known parts of Australia. For example, you may want to visit the state of Queensland, which is filled with stunning mountains and natural beauty. A flight from Melbourne to Brisbane and a short boat ride to the Great Barrier Reef offer travelers the opportunity to see a number of Australia's natural splendor that they are sure to be envious of. While many cruises leave from Australia, there are others which depart from Holland America Cruises as well as other major cruise lines that have ships in various parts of the Australian continent.

Cruises departing from Melbourne are some of the most popular cruises in the world. Princess Cruises, the largest of all the Princess Cruises ships, departs from Melbourne. The ship takes visitors to a variety of destinations around the Australian coast as well as on some of the remote islands in the Pacific. This is a trip you will always remember and cherish.

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Cruises to & From Melbourne, Australia

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Melbourne Cruise Port Guide

Whether you’re embarking on one of the cruises from Melbourne that calls the city a home port, or your Australia cruise itinerary includes a stop in Melbourne, you’re in for a fabulous stay in this iconic city. Located in the Victoria state of Australia along the southeast coast of the continent, Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures, with a thriving economy, dynamic food scene, and an array of fun, artistic, and historic activities.

Cruises to Melbourne, Australia

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to & from melbourne, laneways & arcades.

There's always something new to discover in Melbourne's hive of bustling, creative laneways, with their covert boutiques, famed restaurants and hole-in-the-wall cafes and bars. Give 'Mainstreet' a miss and head down alleyways to find an ever-changing outdoor gallery of street art. Check out the murals, paste-ups and stencils in the laneways off Flinders Lane between Russell Street and Swanston Street. Don't miss Hosier Lane.

Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for 140 years. Home to over 600 small businesses, it is a great place to discover fresh and specialty produce, hand-made and unique products, great coffee and food, souvenirs and clothing. The Queen Victoria Market is also home to the Night Market on Wednesday nights, showcasing global street food, live music and entertainment, festival bars, specialty shopping and a great Melbourne night out.

Federation Square

Federation Square, located across from Flinders Street Station, is the main hub of Melbourne culture. With a focus on arts and music, Federation Square serves as a performance venue and is home to art galleries, restaurants and bars, public art demonstrations, and a weekly book market. It’s also home to the visually striking Australian Centre for the Moving Image, which features a contemporary exterior in a myriad of patterns jutting off the side of the structure. Step inside the museum if you’re interested in screen content, including cinema, television, gaming, and digital culture.

Learn More About Melbourne Shore Excursions

Top things to do in melbourne, spot street art.

Melbourne is often called one of the street art capitals of the world. So important is the artistic endeavor that the Melbourne City Council even designated certain streets acceptable for street art, giving artists full reign to express their creativity. For a more in-depth approach to the street art of Melbourne, sign up for a guided tour.

National Gallery of Victoria

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has two impressive galleries right in the city center and just a short stroll from one another. Visit major international touring exhibitions at NGV International with its famous waterfall and Great Hall. Cross the river to discover the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at the heart of Federation Square. With more Australian art on permanent display than any other in the world, the Ian Potter Centre is a must visit.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Open every day, explore Australia's favorite stadium by taking a guided MCG tour. Experience the inner sanctum of the MCG, walk on the hallowed arena and learn the secrets of the ‘G. For a unique and truly Melbourne sporting experience, head to the MCG to watch an AFL (Australian Football League) game. Also known as 'Aussie Rules', the popularity of the game in Victoria often approaches obsession and is the sport of choice.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Take a deep breath and relax in the 38 hectares of the Royal Botanic Gardens. There's a place in these gardens for everybody, with space for children to explore, families to picnic, couples to canoodle, or individuals to relax and recharge in a tranquil setting. The popular Aboriginal Heritage Walk shows the land through the eyes of traditional owners. As summer evenings grow longer, the gardens light up with outdoor cinema screenings, theater performances and exhibitions.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Melbourne Cruise Port

Melbourne is a dream city for foodies. You can find just about any type of cuisine and dish that you’re craving here, ranging from delectable budget eats to exquisite fine dining. Those on Melbourne cruises head to Lygon street for Italian cuisine. Vegans will appreciate the Organic Food & Wine Deli. If you’re craving Asian food, visit Melbourne’s Chinatown or go to the South Melbourne Market (especially famous for its dim sims). For views, you’ll find a number of restaurants and cafes along Acland Street in the waterfront neighborhood of St. Kilda, and Greek food in the aptly named Greek Precinct. It’s also where you’ll find some of Melbourne’s famous cake shops, which are as tasty as they sound and perfect for a dessert. Grab a slice (or a whole cake) and a few forks to enjoy on the beach before heading back to your ship.

You can’t skip out on having a cup of coffee in Melbourne, which is often said to have the best coffee in the world. The baristas who create these decadent coffee and espresso drinks treat their coffee-making skills like a true craft of art, both in taste and presentation.

Culture & History of the Melbourne Cruise Port

Melbourne was founded in 1835, making it a fairly new city by world standards, especially since it’s so populated and plays such a key role in the economy of the Australian state of Victoria. The roots of the current city makeup of Melbourne were formed when businessmen from the nearby island of Tasmania were looking to start a port settlement and lost out on a bid to do so in Port Phillip. Even before it was proclaimed a settled city, the land of Melbourne was inhabited by the Kulin Nation, which the city of Melbourne respectfully recognizes as being the traditional land of this indigenous culture. The Kulin Nation still views Melbourne as a place of significant importance where its people can gather, work, and socialize, just as they did before British colonists settled the land. Today, Melbourne is known as a melting pot of cultures, rich in restaurants and international cuisine and a thriving art scene.

Melbourne Port Facilities & Location

Cruise ships will dock at Station Pier in Port Melbourne, which is a short walk away from public transportation that will take you into the city center. Most people head straight into the city, but there are also some souvenir shops and eateries within walking distance of the pier.

Transportation in Melbourne

Melbourne has a convenient tram system that connects the pier with the city center and other sights around the city. In addition, Melbourne has an extensive bus system. Taxis are available to hire by the pier or at one of the taxi ranks around the city center. Trains that connect with other towns and cities in Australia can be boarded at Flinders Street Station or Southern Cross Station.

Shopping Near the Melbourne Cruise Port

The attractive Bourke Street Mall boasts great shopping along a pedestrian-only street. Wander down the picturesque street and duck into the stores housing popular brand names. Another great place for shopping that you can get to from the port for Melbourne cruises is the Melbourne Emporium, which is a fairly new complex that offers popular shops in a modern setting.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

The currency used in Melbourne is the Australian dollar. You’ll find ATMs located around the city dispensing Australian dollars. In addition, most businesses accept credit cards. It’s common in Melbourne and the rest of Australia to leave a tip, but it may be a smaller amount than what you’re used to at home. Tipping 10% of the total bill at a restaurant is the usual amount expected, while most people just round up to the nearest whole dollar amount for taxi service or a drink at cafes and bars.

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Cruise ship schedules 2023-24

Cruise seasons usually run from spring to autumn.

Station Pier, Port Melbourne

The West Finger Pier is a good vantage point to view the cruise ships berthed at Station Pier. For more information, see Visiting Station Pier  page.

To see ships at Port Phillip Heads: Arrivals - subtract 3.5 hours from ETA.  Departures - add 3.5 hours to ETD.

Visit types: T urnaround visits - bold ship name (T)   Partial turnaround (>500 pax) - bold ship name (pT)

Berth locations and shipping agents' contact details, below.

Other Melbourne berths

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Regional Victorian ports

Locations and shipping agents' contact details, below.

Agents must notify Ports Victoria of any changes to this schedule.

Cruise from Melbourne

What you need to know about cruising from Melbourne

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Frequently asked questions

From Melbourne you can take a short cruise to Sydney or Brisbane, or sail around Tasmania calling at ports like Hobart, Port Arthur and Burnie. Cruises sail from Melbourne along the southern coast of Australia, visiting Adelaide, Port Lincoln and Kangaroo Island. International voyages depart from Melbourne as well, so you can sail to the South Pacific, New Zealand and parts of Asia.

Absolutely! Some of the most family-friendly ships on the water regularly sail from Melbourne. That includes P&O’s Pacific Explorer which is bursting with fun stuff, like waterslides, an interactive waterpark, barefoot bowls green and a video game arcade. There’s also the P&O Edge Adventure Park, which has rock climbing, flying fox and the thrilling Walk the Plank. Carnival Splendour is a frequent visitor and offers pools, waterslides, a waterpark, mini golf, dive in movies and a basketball court. Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder will also sail from Melbourne in 2024 and promises plenty of fun encounters with your favourite characters. All these ships also have kids’ clubs for all ages from toddlers to teens.

Five-star cruisers can definitely hop on a suitable ship from Melbourne. A handful of international luxury lines sail from this port, offering larger suites, fine dining, world-class wines, indulgent spas and even butler service. Look for stylish ships from Silversea, Cunard, Virgin Voyages and Azamara.

Check in times for your cruise will be staggered to cut down on wait times for passengers. The process varies across different cruise lines, but you will be allocated a check in time based on your cabin or given the option to choose a check in slot when you book or through the lines’ app. At a minimum you will need to be at the cruise terminal at least one hour before the ship is scheduled to depart – remember, they won’t wait for you!

That depends! There is only one cruise terminal in Melbourne, Station Pier, so round trip cruises will return to the same port. One-way cruises will finish at a different destination.

There’s a huge range of cruises departing from Melbourne, starting with two- or three-day itineraries that may visit one port up to week-long journeys along the southern coastline of Australia and two- or three-week cruises visiting New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Modern cruise ships sailing from Melbourne are jam packed with things to make your holiday at sea more enjoyable. That includes swimming pools, waterslides and waterparks, sports courts, luxurious spas, libraries and games rooms, and fitness centres. There will also be lots of places to eat, ranging from the casual buffet to fine dining restaurants, and bars for that sundowner cocktail. Expect onboard entertainment, live music, workshops and classes, and fun parties.

Are you a fan of Aussie music? Love to laugh at some comedy? Some cruise lines offer short, themed cruises departing from Melbourne that are tailored to your favourite hobbies like music, art, comedy and more. There are also themed cruises for sporting events and important holidays, like New Year’s Eve. Longer cruises can be themed around topics like food and wine, wildlife or history.

There is no public parking at Station Pier itself and only very limited short stay parking around the port area. Ace Parking operates three car parks within a short walk or tram journey of the terminal offering short and long term stays for cruise passengers. You can’t prebook and the car parks run on a first come, first serve basis, so it’s a good idea to arrive early. 

Melbourne’s peak cruise season runs from October to April, taking in the warmer months and the glorious Australian summer. You’ll find ships departing almost every day during this period, sailing around Australia and beyond.

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Cruise from Melbourne, Australia

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Melbourne Shore Excursions

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Spot Street Art

Street art in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is famous for its colorful and thought-provoking street art. See creative graffiti in city alleys like Hosier Lane, Centre Place, Union Lane, Caledonian Lane, Duckboard Place, Rutledge Lane and AC/DC Lane. In Fitzroy, check out Johnston and Rose Streets.

Get Cultured

The Royal Exhibit Building in Melbourne, Australia

Some of the city's top art and culture attractions include the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, the Heide Museum of Modern Art, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the National Gallery of Victoria. Learn more about local history at Melbourne Museum and Aboriginal arts and culture at Koorie Heritage Trust.

Oceanside Retreat

Efficient public transport makes it easy to visit Melbourne's suburbs. St. Kilda is a seaside town known for its cake shops, pier and Luna Park amusement park. Or head to Brighton Beach, where you can check out the famously colorful Bathing Boxes and stroll the calm shorefront.

Local Cuisine

Melbourne is a multicultural city, and dining here reflects that. For cheap eats, head to Queen Victoria Market and grab a Turkish borek , a savory pastry of flaky phyllo dough filled with meat and cheese. Cruise to Melbourne and visit Chinatown for delicious dumplings. Head to the south or north banks of the Yarra River for upscale dining, with seafood-focused fare like seared king prawns with or tortellini or updated Australian classics like beef and Guinness pie with classic "mushy peas."

There are several shopping districts in the Melbourne Ciy Center (CBD for short), including Bourke Street Mall, Emporium and Melbourne Central. For a locally designed souvenir, visit Melbournalia during your cruise. Their range includes Melbourne art prints and Australian-inspired accessories, like kangaroo tea towels. Stroll through the stalls at the Queen Victoria Market or the boutiques at the Block Arcade, where you can find tailors, tea purveyors, jewelers and more.

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Cruises from Melbourne

Leave your map behind - a new holiday adventure from melbourne.

Enjoy new travel experiences, waiting for you on Melbourne’s doorstep. We have a range of exciting cruises departing from Melbourne’s Station Pier Cruise Terminal. It’s as simple as booking your adventure of choice, then all you have to do is get to the port. The rest is taken care of by us!

Explore some of our secret local gems

Melbourne is conveniently located near some amazing locations like Tasmania, Adelaide and Kangaroo Island with each area boasting its own distinct wildlife, communities and dining experiences. With so many amazing places waiting to be explored, a P&O cruise from Melbourne is the perfect excuse to sneak in a holiday. You can get better acquainted with our beautiful continent and explore the local gems you didn’t know existed. With all our included extras and a state of the art fleet, you can create some wonderful new holiday memories without breaking the bank.

Don’t have time for a long holiday?

Our short cruises departing from Melbourne will give you a full sized holiday in 2-4 easy and effortless days. We have comedy cruises available for those that don’t want to take things too seriously or if adventure is more your thing, discover a whole new world with a cruise embarking to Tasmania and Kangaroo Island. They’ll give you an opportunity to breathe in some fresh air, experience some unique picturesque ocean views then refresh and recharge your senses. Whatever type of holiday floats your boat, we’ve got you covered. Melbourne’s Cruise Terminal, Station Pier is the perfect gateway to exciting new adventures.

Arrival and departure information

Distance to/from City: 15km/20mins Distance to/from Airport: 17km/30mins

Public Transport: www.ptv.vic.gov.au

Port Information: www.ptv.vic.gov.au

All cruises will depart and arrive at Station Pier, Melbourne’s cruise shipping destination which also hosts passenger ferries and other visiting ships including Australian and International navy vessels. The Melbourne cruise ship terminal, is located at Waterfront Place, Port Melbourne, just off Beach Street.

Making your way to the port

We offer transfers from Melbourne Airport to Station Pier for $50 per person.

Alternatively, visit the Cruise Passenger Information on the Victorian Ports website for more transport options.

Melbourne Cruise Terminal

Station pier, waterfront place, port melbourne vic 3207, next departing cruises from melbourne, our best selling cruises from melbourne.

Melbourne, Australia

Port schedule.

Melbourne, Australia cruise ship port calendar shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates in a timetable format. The cruise calendar displays the ship’s estimated time of arrival including related information such as how crowded is the port, as well as the ship’s next port-of-call.

The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise ship arrivals from all major cruise lines. In order to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departure times just follow the ship’s link.

• Pacific Explorer 2.395 passengers 08 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Diamond Princess 3.247 passengers 28 Sep 2024 - 07:00
• Diamond Princess 3.247 passengers 05 Oct 2024 - 07:00
• Queen Elizabeth 2.503 passengers 16 Oct 2024 - 00:00
• Diamond Princess 3.247 passengers 19 Oct 2024 - 07:00
• Diamond Princess 3.247 passengers 26 Oct 2024 - 07:00
• Crown Princess 3.674 passengers 30 Oct 2024 - 07:00
• Crown Princess 3.674 passengers 01 Nov 2024 - 07:00
• Disney Wonder 2.456 passengers 01 Nov 2024 - 07:45
• Disney Wonder 2.456 passengers 03 Nov 2024 - 07:45
• Pacific Explorer 2.395 passengers 04 Nov 2024 - 07:00
• Pacific Adventure 3.174 passengers 04 Nov 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Splendor 3.619 passengers 05 Nov 2024 - 08:00
• Pacific Explorer 2.395 passengers 08 Nov 2024 - 07:00
• Diamond Princess 3.247 passengers 09 Nov 2024 - 07:00
• Disney Wonder 2.456 passengers 10 Nov 2024 - 07:45
• Queen Elizabeth 2.503 passengers 12 Nov 2024 - 00:00
• Disney Wonder 2.456 passengers 13 Nov 2024 - 07:45
• Pacific Explorer 2.395 passengers 15 Nov 2024 - 07:00
• Diamond Princess 3.247 passengers 16 Nov 2024 - 07:00
• Pacific Explorer 2.395 passengers 08 Jun 2024 - 18:00
• Diamond Princess 3.247 passengers 28 Sep 2024 - 22:00
• Diamond Princess 3.247 passengers 05 Oct 2024 - 17:00
• Diamond Princess 3.247 passengers 19 Oct 2024 - 17:00
• Diamond Princess 3.247 passengers 26 Oct 2024 - 17:00
• Crown Princess 3.674 passengers 30 Oct 2024 - 22:00
• Disney Wonder 2.456 passengers 01 Nov 2024 - 16:00
• Crown Princess 3.674 passengers 01 Nov 2024 - 18:00
• Disney Wonder 2.456 passengers 03 Nov 2024 - 16:00
• Pacific Explorer 2.395 passengers 04 Nov 2024 - 16:00
• Carnival Splendor 3.619 passengers 05 Nov 2024 - 00:00
• Pacific Adventure 3.174 passengers 06 Nov 2024 - 16:00
• Diamond Princess 3.247 passengers 09 Nov 2024 - 17:00
• Disney Wonder 2.456 passengers 10 Nov 2024 - 16:00
• Pacific Explorer 2.395 passengers 11 Nov 2024 - 16:00
• Disney Wonder 2.456 passengers 13 Nov 2024 - 16:00
• Pacific Explorer 2.395 passengers 15 Nov 2024 - 16:00
• Diamond Princess 3.247 passengers 16 Nov 2024 - 17:00

Melbourne, Sydney, & New Zealand

10-NIGHT ONE-WAY SAILING FROM MELBOURNE TO AUCKLAND

A day in the Bay of Plenty

This unique voyage transports you to the top seascapes of the Pacific, and features long and overnight stays in each port. Beginning in Melbourne, you’ll sail to the glimmering Emerald City — spending two days (and overnight) in Sydney’s iconic harbor. Crossing the Tasman Sea, you’ll visit New Zealand’s stunning wine (and seafood) regions, Tauranga’s Māori shores, and end your journey in Auckland.

The Virgin Voyages Experience

From captivating coasts to laid-back island vibes, the exclusively adult cruise vacation of your dreams is here.

Hassle-free embarkation

Pre-upload your travel docs to the Virgin Voyages app, get Ready to Sail before leaving home, and make boarding a (sea)breeze in just a few minutes.

Sydney overnight

Climb Sydney's Harbour Bridge, hit the famous Bondi Beach, and explore The Rocks on a lively pub crawl — spending the night means you’ll see it all.

Late stays and overnights

No more rushing from A to Sea. Our itineraries feature late stays and overnights, so you can explore it all from morning to night (and morning again).

Keeping it local

We’ve teamed up with locals in each of our ports to reveal sides of places you’ve yet to explore — from the people who know the destinations best.

The places you'll go

With funky cafes, Aussie Football, and world-class wineries, this is a city to indulge all your favorite interests.

Gaze at the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, walk the historic Rocks district, or hit the trendy Bondi Beach.

Glacial mountains, waterways, and charming villages provide the perfect backdrop to sip on the region’s famed white wines.

From rafting to shopping in an Art Deco city center, it’s all sleek to chic in the stylish “Nice of the Pacific.”

Tauranga offers plenty of adrenaline-filled thrills, or those looking to relax seaside — or natural hot saltwater pool-side.

Beaches, mountains, and a vibrant city center — Auckland is the perfect place to begin and end a journey of a lifetime.

An ocean of opportunities calling your name.

There’s nothing more liberating than having the freedom of charting your own course. No pre-assigned seating, no fixed schedules, no limited options, no nonsense — just a shipload of opportunities to rejuvenate your body and transform your soul.

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This new mega-ship liner will set sail from NYC next year

Brilliant Lady will embark on a North American tour in September.

All aboard!

Brilliant Lady, the fourth and final ship in Virgin Voyages ' current fleet, will officially set sail from NYC in September of 2025, embarking on a cross-country sea trip that will stop in Boston, Charleston, Eastport, Bermuda and Quebec City, among other destinations. 

In addition to the exciting travel plans, passengers will get to revel in the cruise line's signature luxury: think red balcony hammocks, high-end wellness spaces overlooking the ocean and over twenty award-winning eateries that cover all sorts of cuisines, from Mexican to Italian, Korean and more.

"Virgin fans have been asking for years if we’d consider sailing from places like New York, Los Angeles or Alaska, so it's wonderful to give our Sailors and First Mates what they wanted: fresh itineraries spanning North America from 5-14 nights in length with new experiences that they will remember forever," said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO at Virgin Voyages, in an official statement. "As the fourth and final ship in our fleet for now, Brilliant Lady will not disappoint.”

Just like the other ships that are part of the fleet, Brilliant Lady will feature the image of a mermaid on its facade, this one an entirely novel design by Toronto-based illustrator Janice Sung that was inspired by, according to an official press release, "historic Renaissance paintings as well as traditional Japanese and Chinese art, fashion and beauty."

In addition to the inaugural trip kicking off in New York, the ship will embark on a wide range of other voyages, as the above-mentioned statement makes clear. These include a 7-12 night route from Miami, a longer one across the Panama Canal Crossing, another option from Los Angeles, plus Seattle, Alaska and more. 

We're always itching for a long vacation but, suddenly, the ocean is calling out our name.

• Anna Rahmanan

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Princess Cruises Announces Revised 2025 World Cruise Itineraries

Uncertainties in the red sea and surrounding region prompts rerouting of global voyages.

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SANTA CLARITA, Calif., (April 30, 2024)  – Given the ongoing situation in the Red Sea and surrounding area and following extensive consultation with global security experts and government authorities, Princess Cruises is revising the itineraries for its two 2025 World Cruises, which will no longer visit the Middle East or Asia, and now instead, will offer new port stops in Africa and Europe.   

“A Princess World Cruise is truly the voyage of a lifetime and after careful consideration with guidance from global security experts and government authorities, we know our guests will understand and appreciate the change to our upcoming 2025 itineraries to avoid certain areas,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer of Princess Cruises. “These global events beyond our control have necessitated these reroutings but we are pleased to continue to ensure these world cruises retain destination-rich itineraries with incredible stops along the west Africa coast and the Mediterranean.” 

Island Princess World Cruise 

Sailing from North America on Island Princess, the 116-day World Cruise offers two roundtrip options with departures from both Ft. Lauderdale, embarking January 5, 2025, and Los Angeles on January 20, 2025, and ends in Los Angeles on May 17, 2025. This destination dreamers delight will traverse over 36,700 nautical miles, visiting 46 destinations in 24 countries and six continents. The voyage includes visits to historic Bar, Montenegro and Taranto, Italy, along with inaugural World Cruise calls to the idyllic Greek Island of Patmos and to Volos – for the Monasteries of Meteora.  

The revised World Cruise itinerary, from February 16-April 9, departs Sydney and will travel to Melbourne and Perth, then on to South Africa. From there, the cruise resumes the scheduled itinerary starting in Valletta, Malta on April 9.  

Following is the amended portion of the voyage:  

Those guests scheduled to originally depart or join the cruise from Dubai on March 14, 2025, will now embark or disembark four days earlier on March 9, in Cape Town, South Africa. Booked guests disembarking in Cape Town will be refunded the amount equivalent to four days of the cruise fare and those joining earlier will not incur an added cost to their cruise fare. All these guests will also receive a $300 onboard credit as a gesture of good will.  

Crown Princess World Cruise 

Departing from Down Under, Crown Princess - the largest ship to ever host a World Cruise - is scheduled to depart Auckland May 31, 2025; and Sydney June 4, 2025; and sail on a 113-day adventure visiting 42 destinations in 22 countries, across five continents. This cruise will also bypass the Red Sea and surrounding region, including the transit of the Suez Canal. The ship will travel via Africa instead of the Red Sea and Asia itinerary. The fully revised itinerary is currently being finalized and will be communicated shortly.   

More information about World Cruise itineraries, plus shorter World Cruise segment options can be found at  http://www.princess.com/worldcruise . 

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .  

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Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

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Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

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Grim update in search for cruise passenger

The first images have emerged of a cruise ship pulling into Sydney hours after a search and rescue effort which ended in tragedy.

A body was pulled from the waters off eastern Sydney about 10.30am after a passenger reportedly fell overboard from the P & O Pacific Adventure at 4am on Monday.

Passengers due to leave from White Bay Cruise Terminal were left stranded for some 7½ hours.

In a statement, police said a report will be prepared for the coroner after a body was found in the waters of La Perouse by officers attached to Police Marine Area Command.

Police will launch an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

The ship’s delayed arrival brings an end to the tragic day after it was set to dock in Sydney Harbour at 6am, only for authorities to launch the search for the missing passenger.

In a statement, P & O Cruises Australia said Pacific Adventure’s voyage to White Bay in the afternoon had been delayed, with the ship expected to leave later tonight on a four-night voyage to Queensland.

“We thank guests for their care, understanding and patience on what’s been a distressing day for guests and crew,” a spokeswoman said

“Our thoughts are with the family of the guest at this difficult time.

Customers were left stranded and confused at White Bay Cruise Terminal on Monday.

At noon, cruisers were given the option to retrieve checked baggage and had shuttle buses ready to ferry them back to Darling Harbour.

In a text to travellers, P & O Cruises Australia said Pacific Adventure was slated for a 2.30pm docking at White Bay.

The company stated the check-in for the cruise had been delayed by some 7½ hours as a result of the search and rescue operation.

“All guests will need to be on-board by 10.30pm,” the text states.

“Dinner and the on-board entertainment program will be extended and we do not expect the later departure to impact the itinerary.”

Earlier, NSW Police said they were leading the search following a reports a person was in the water.

“Just after 4am today emergency services received reports a person had gone overboard off a ship 10 nautical miles off Sydney Heads,” a NSW Police spokesman said.

“NSW Police Marine Area Command have deployed a number of resources to search for the person and are leading the co-ordination of the water search.”

A Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter has also been combing a large body of water off Sydney Heads.

A statement from P & O Cruises Australian said more than 2600 guests were on-board, and the ship has been onsite searching “with other nearby vessels deployed to the area by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre”.

“The family of this guest is being cared for by our on-board team while every effort is being made to find them,” it read.

“Pacific Adventure’s arrival into White Bay Terminal this morning has been delayed while the search continues.”

One passenger told radio station 2GB they had been woken up with a “man overboard call”.

Another listener, Brad, who was on his way to the terminal to pick up passengers, told breakfast host Ben Fordham that passengers had told him not to rush, as the ship was “stopped outside the head and somebody’s gone overboard”.

The Pacific Adventure was previously billed as Golden Princess, before facing controversy for docking and disembarking in Melbourne while carrying Covid-compromised passengers in April 2020.

In May 2023 the Pacific Adventure made headlines off the coast of Sydney when a cabin fire caused by a guest smoking in bed led to a passenger evacuation off the coast of Sydney.

P & O Cruises is a British cruise line.

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What You Need to Know When You Leave a Cruise Ship

Cruising should be an adventure, but keep this in mind so you’re not left behind when you disembark at ports of call.

Erin Gifford,

The allure of the open seas is hard to ignore. More than 31 million people set off on cruise adventures in 2023, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. The association notes 48 percent of cruise travelers over the past two years are boomers or Generation X. Cruises are popular for the onboard amenities , such as spas, shows and specialty restaurants, and the stops at ports of call. Unpack once and see multiple destinations in one vacation, but be prepared when you disembark, if only to make sure you return before the ship sails away from the cruise port.

In March, eight passengers were stranded on the African island of São Tomé when they were late to return to the Norwegian Dawn after an excursion that wasn’t organized by the ship. They traveled through many countries to make it to the next port. For new-to-cruise travelers, and as a refresher for those who’ve cruised before, here’s what to know when you’re going ashore.

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When you’re ready to leave the ship

When your ship docks, venture out on your own or as part of an organized shore excursion. You can book the outing through the cruise line’s website, mobile app or excursions desk on the ship. You can book activities separate from the cruise line through a third-party operator.

Some ports of call may not be accessible for passengers with mobility challenges , so do your research before you book a cruise. Most cruise lines require guests who have special needs to provide details at booking, so the access teams are in the know about anything passengers may need, including wheelchairs, scooter rentals and recommendations for excursions. Crystal Cruises has an Onboard Guest Services department to talk about options at the time of booking. 

The cruise line will tell you the “all aboard” time, which is when you need to be back on the ship at the end of the day. Ships take this time very seriously. Expect to see the all aboard time posted on the ship’s mobile app, near the disembarkation gangway and on monitors across the vessel, says Doug Parker, host of Cruise Radio , a podcast for cruisers.

When you disembark, bring the essentials: cruise card (what you use to swipe off and swipe back on the ship), any prescription medications and a fully charged cellphone . Parker says it’s a good idea to have cash in the local currency.

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You likely won’t need your passport , so leave it in a safe in your cabin, says Susan Harsell, a travel adviser who has been on more than 20 cruises . However, “you always want to have a [photo] of your passport on your phone, just in case,” she says.

Be vigilant about safety, especially in bustling port areas where it can be easy to become distracted or separated from a group. Do some research online to familiarize yourself with local scams , such as “free” bracelets, which are not free and can lead to aggressive demands for payment.

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Stay aware of your surroundings in any cruise port. Harsell tucks her belongings into a cross-body bag, which she hides with a scarf to help deter pickpockets. This way, Harsell notes, “you have all of your belongings very close to your body.”

If you book a shore excursion

Cruise lines offer a variety of shore excursions, from snorkeling trips to guided bus tours . In some cases, booking activities through the cruise line may come at a higher cost, but the upside is that “110 percent, [the ship is] going to wait for you,” Parker says. “You can’t really put a value on the ship waiting for you.”

​Most lines spell out in their FAQs that if you book an excursion through them, and it’s delayed, the ship will wait. Some third-party operators offer a guaranteed return-to-ship policy. If you miss your ship, they will arrange and pay for your return to the vessel, even if it’s at the next port of call.

If you’re on a private tour booked outside the cruise line and think you may not return in time, Parker says to speak up for yourself — even if that means abruptly ending the tour and having to take a taxi to make it back to the ship on time. He underscores the importance of carrying local currency, because not everyone takes credit cards.

A misconception is that excursion companies are responsible for getting travelers back on time, but they are not, says Dan Skilken, president of the online resource TripInsurance.com. Skilken advises cruise passengers to set an alarm on their watch or phone as a reminder they will miss the ship unless they return by a certain time.

If you get left behind

If the all aboard time has come and gone, and you’re not back, you may be in for an unexpected adventure. As in, you will be left behind. It’s not personal , but the ship has a strict timetable to reach the next port.

Harsell says if your ship sails away without you, go directly to the port agent. The ship’s crew will enter your stateroom and remove essential items, including passports, and will leave your belongings with port staff when possible. Royal Caribbean suggests keeping such items in an easy-to-find place, such as the safe, which can make them easier for crew members to locate. Officials can help you reconnect with your ship and arrange a hotel for the night. You will be responsible for the cost of your food, accommodations and travel to meet the ship. 

Many travelers wonder whether cruise insurance will cover costs incurred from missing the ship because of a late return from a shore excursion. The short answer is no, though you’ll want to discuss this with your insurance provider, Skilken says. Cruise insurance typically covers travel delays and trip interruption coverage due to bad weather, airline delays , theft of travel documents and ship breakdowns, he says.

Insurance can be purchased through the cruise line or a third-party vendor. It’s a prudent purchase if only for the medical care benefits, since Medicare will not cover travelers outside the United States, whether they’re in a port or on a ship. A Medicare Advantage  plan may pay for some medical care overseas, but cruise insurance will fully cover emergency care.

“Typically, [Medicare] Advantage plans will cover you for emergency medical services, [but not] for a hospital stay. They will not cover you for a medical evac[uation],” Skilken says.

Erin Gifford is a travel and outdoor writer based in northern Virginia. She has written for The Washington Post , Parents , Thrillist and The Wall Street Journal.

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AFL Round-Up: Nick Daicos is a true star, the Saints have a gem on their hands, and a little Petty theft works for Melbourne

Sport AFL Round-Up: Nick Daicos is a true star, the Saints have a gem on their hands, and a little Petty theft works for Melbourne

Some of the game's biggest stars came to play across the weekend, as Collingwood survived a Carlton scare, and Melbourne ended Geelong's unbeaten run.

A few unheralded young guns are starting to come to the party.

Here's the wrap of the action from this weekend's footy.

1. Clear-thinking Crows prevail over muddled Port

Ken Hinkley was open and forthright, almost apologetic, after the game when addressing his decision to play a clearly injured Connor Rozee.

"I made a mistake. I'm not a coward when it comes to owning a mistake, and that was what it was, a mistake," Hinkley said.

This would be an admirable admission if said mistake wasn't so completely, glaringly obvious to everyone.

The silly thing is it wasn't a risk Port Adelaide needed to take. Sure Rozee is their captain and a fantastic player, and they had other outs to contend with, but a clear and early decision to leave him out and back the squad would have provided clarity to the team and removed a sideshow that continued to play out all the way through Thursday night's loss.

Adelaide, on the other hand, could not have been more focused in executing their plan — they were going to suck Port up and spring forward as fast as humanly possible the second they won the ball.

It worked, time and again. While Port Adelaide second guessed and held their hands up in guilt, the Crows were ruthless and clinical, and worthy Showdown winners.

ABC Sport player of the year votes:

3. Jake Soligo (Crows)

2. Matt Crouch (Crows)

1. Esava Ratugolea (Power)

2. Nick Daicos is special

It's so plainly obvious by now that anyone who engages in the "is Nick Daicos really that good?" debate must be doing so solely to get a rise out of others.

Very few players in the league see the game like he does, as a little brain-training puzzle designed to be manipulated and moulded into a correct answer.

Very few players have his consistency, brilliant in basically every game he has played since a debut a little over two years ago.

And very few players can raise themselves for the capital-M moments like this guy, who is not afraid of the spotlight and instead relishes the responsibility of being the main man of a juggernaut club.

In a true arm wrestle against Carlton, the game was crying out for someone to step up and be the game breaker. Was there ever really any doubt who it would be?

3. Nick Daicos (Magpies)

2. Jack Crisp (Magpies)

1. Sam Walsh (Blues)

3. The best midfield in Sydney wears red and white

Chad Warner got only two votes for the best on ground medal against GWS, and Chad Warner was absolutely spellbinding out there.

The voters had him behind Errol Gulden and Isaac Heeney among midfielders, and the most startling thing is you can't really blame them.

At the feet of Brodie Grundy, who is rolling back the years and playing inspired football with Sydney, this group can stake as strong a claim as the league's premier on-ball brigade as any.

The Swans were helped by an early injury to Tom Green, who no doubt would have relished the sloppy conditions and made life a bit tougher for Sydney in the contest.

The weather made slick ball movement tricky and put a premium on field position and the contested ball. Sydney dominated in those regards, and looked every bit a flag contender in the process.

3. Errol Gulden (Swans)

2. Will Hayward (Swans)

1. Chad Warner (Swans)

4. Darcy Wilson could be St Kilda's next superstar

The Darcy Wilson that is playing for the Saints now, dominating games from a wing and looking like a 100-game veteran within his first two months of footy, isn't the same one clubs had on draft boards last year.

Wilson slipped to pick 18, and there weren't many overwhelmed with shock when he did. He was clearly a good prospect and a great runner, but seemed to lack the weapons of other midfielders picked ahead of him.

Even at the time, the Saints didn't agree. But after a preseason in which he has bulked up considerably and added raw speed to his arsenal, he suddenly looks like the bargain of the century.

Harley Reid may well end up a vacuum for all Rising Star discourse this year, but Wilson's start to AFL life shouldn't be ignored.

He was critical in St Kilda's win over North Melbourne and it's not hard to look into the future and imagine a world in which Wilson is one of the premier inside-outside midfielders in the league.

3. Jack Sinclair (Saints)

2. Darcy Wilson (Saints)

1. Brad Hill (Saints)

5. A little Petty theft goes a long way

While most of the talk was rightfully about Bayley Fritsch's goal of the year contender that sunk Geelong in the dying stages of Saturday night's match, it was the lead up play that really told a story.

With 3:14 on the clock and three points in it, Geelong's players did what they've done countless times in the clutch before and made the call to switch the play, and then attempt to go through the guts.

Jhye Clark's switch to Zach Guthrie was ambitious but came off. Guthrie's quick handball to Jack Henry was urgent and clean. And Henry's corridor kick to Tom Stewart was probably a decision Chris Scott would have poetically defended in the post-match presser had he been asked about it.

Where it fell down was through the brilliant forward pressure of Harrison Petty. 

Leaving opponent Jake Kolodjashnij in his wake, the Demon burned all his remaining energy to make the contest and spoil the ball to the feet of Christian Petracca, who put the Sherrin inside 50 before Fritsch waved his wand a created a bit of magic.

It was a moment that summed up a superb night for Petty, whose clean hands throughout made everyone else who was struggling with the dewy conditions look a little bit silly.

3. Clayton Oliver (Demons)

2. Steven May (Demons)

1. Gryan Miers (Cats)

6. Veteran's moment of madness costs Eagles dearly

As Jake Waterman manhandled the Essendon defence, the Eagles looked like pulling off the unlikely in the dying stages at Perth Stadium.

Down by by 10 points and with nine and a half minutes on the clock, the big West Coast forward claimed a beautiful contested grab on a slight angle and more than likely would have snagged the goal to put the Eagles within a kick.

Instead, the ball was handed back to the Bombers after veteran Jamie Cripps put Nic Martin on his back following a handful of fairly aggressive jumper punches.

Martin was the one to initiate contact with a left handed swipe at Cripps, but the retaliation was unwarranted, unnecessary, and heartbreakingly costly.

Just one more goal was scored for the rest of the match after that point, and it went the Eagles way.

Coach Adam Simpson went out of his way to defend Cripps after the match, but there no doubt would have been some pretty frustrated teammates in the rooms following the final siren.

3. Zach Merrett (Bombers)

2. Tim Kelly (Eagles)

1. Sam Durham (Bombers)

7. The Big Cohuna could be Freo's big trump card

Fremantle's key forward stocks have been an issue for many years — coincidentally since the moment Matthew Pavlich retired.

But where there once was famine, now there is feast. Jye Amiss is already a stellar young forward prospect but he now has a genuine partner in crime in Josh Treacy.

Freo fans have been waiting and waiting for Treacy to have a season like this, when it all comes together and he finds away to channel all of his physical gifts into consistent performance.

Treacy is a mainstay of the forward line now and, as a leaper and a flyer who can also hunt and hurt and ground level, he is a perfect foil for Amiss.

When Richmond threatened the Dockers in the second half on Sunday, Treacy put them back away again with his work in front of goals. He's a difficult match up and a potential difference-maker as Freo plots a path to finals.

3. Hayden Young (Dockers)

2. Luke Ryan (Dockers)

1. Caleb Serong (Dockers)

8. James Sicily leads from the front

At clubs like Hawthorn, the remarkable deeds of the great leaders are passed down through generations. Though a round eight win over the Bulldogs won't compare to the more grandiose of these stories, James Sicily's heroics in this game are worthy of the highest praise.

Sicily dislocated his shoulder in the first quarter of the game. They popped it back in, strapped it back up and sent him back there.

Then in the third quarter, he rolled his ankle so badly it tore the existing strapping tape under his sock. He taped it back up and gave it another shot.

Unable to jump or properly lift his injured arm above his head, Sam Mitchell sent him forward in the last quarter. He took a strong late mark and kicked the winning goal.

His young Hawthorn teammates had no choice but to go along for the ride with him. They were all as committed and tough as their skipper, and a stirring upset win was their reward.

3. Jarman Impey (Hawks)

2. Marcus Bontempelli (Bulldogs)

1. Dylan Moore (Hawks)

9. Lions survive the carnage, but at what cost?

It was a brave victory from the Lions on Sunday evening in trying circumstances .

While it looked like the Suns barely came to play in the first half, and shocking run of injuries saw the Lions scrambling to fill holes.

Brisbane travels to Adelaide for a crucial match next week, and they'll almost certainly do it without Lincoln McCarthy, Noah Answerth, Darcy Gardiner, and Brandon Starcevich.

Answerth should be only a week with concussion, and the Lions can survive without Starcevich for a few weeks while he deals with a calf.

Where the concern will be is with the knee injuries of McCarthy and Gardiner. Both looked unnervingly similar, as non-contact, percussive sort of injuries.

How long they spend on the sideline will play a huge part in the story the Lions tell this year.

3. Dayne Zorko (Lions)

2. Hugh McCluggage (Lions)

1. Josh Dunkley (Lions)

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