Best Australia/New Zealand Cruise Prices by Line
Australia/New Zealand is cruising's premier wilderness frontier. Princess and Holland America lead with the most Glacier Bay departures, alongside Norwegian, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean.
Princess Cruises
90 Sailings#1 in Alaska with more Glacier Bay permits than any other line, plus exclusive direct-to-the-wilderness rail service to Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge.
Holland America Line
33 Sailings75+ years exploring Alaska with mid-sized premium ships, wraparound promenade decks, onboard wildlife naturalists, and fresh sustainable seafood programs.
Norwegian Cruise Line
20 SailingsContemporary Freestyle Cruising on Norwegian Encore and Bliss featuring the Waterfront promenade, two-level go-kart tracks, and Free at Sea perks.
Royal Caribbean
17 SailingsHigh-adrenaline adventure on Quantum-class ships like Ovation of the Seas with North Star viewing pods, RipCord skydiving, and SeaPlex indoor sports.
Celebrity Cruises
15 SailingsElevated premium relaxation with Edge-class Infinite Verandas, world-class culinary dining, and adults-oriented solarium pools with floor-to-ceiling glass.
Luxury & Expeditions
Silversea / SeabournAll-inclusive ultra-luxury with Zodiac excursions, kayak launches, personal butler service, and access to shallow fjords mega-ships cannot reach.
Best Time to Sail Australia/New Zealand
Alaska's cruise window runs May through September. Peak warmth and active wildlife converge in June through August, while May and September provide prime value and dramatic seasonal colors.
May
Snow-dusted mountain peaks, fewer crowds, lower rainfall, and active spring waterfall runoff.
June
Up to 18-20 hours of daylight. Wildflowers bloom, orca pods appear, and ideal hiking conditions.
July
Warmest temperatures. Salmon runs begin, peak humpback feeding activity, and top family travel season.
August
Maximum tidal glacier calving activity. Brown bears fish streams for spawning salmon in lush rainforests.
September
Golden tundra colors, first dusting of winter snow on peaks, northern lights chances, and deep discounts.
Popular Australia/New Zealand Departure Ports
Choose your embarkation port based on flight convenience, passport requirements, and whether you prefer roundtrip convenience or inland cruisetours.
Seattle, WA
24 SailingsMost convenient for US domestic flyers with non-stop flights nationwide. Offers closed-loop 7-night roundtrips (Piers 66 & 91) without requiring a passport for US citizens.
Vancouver, BC
87 SailingsSails the true Inside Passage east of Vancouver Island through protected, glassy waters. Canada Place terminal offers dramatic scenery and northbound glacier routes.
Fairbanks / Anchorage
72 SailingsThe heart of Alaska Cruisetours. Embark or disembark here to connect directly with glass-domed railcars into Denali National Park and deep sub-arctic wilderness lodges.
Seward / Whittier
14 SailingsDeep-water ports on the Gulf of Alaska serving as the nautical gateways for Anchorage. Gateway to Kenai Fjords and spectacular College Fjord glacier fields.
Australia/New Zealand Itinerary Types
Understand the three distinct ways to experience Alaska by sea.
7-Night Inside Passage Roundtrip
Departs: Seattle, WA or Vancouver, BC.
Key Stops: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm Fjord, Victoria BC.
Best For: First-time Alaska cruisers and families seeking the simplicity of roundtrip airfare and classic coastal gold-rush ports.
7-Night One-Way Gulf of Alaska
Departs: Vancouver to Seward/Whittier (Northbound) or reverse (Southbound).
Key Stops: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord.
Best For: Serious glacier enthusiasts desiring two glacier days and travelers planning to add an independent Alaska road trip.
10-14 Night Alaska Cruisetours
Departs: Combines 7-night cruise with 3 to 7 nights inland.
Key Stops: Voyage plus Denali National Park, luxury rail, Fairbanks, and McKinley Chalet.
Best For: The ultimate once-in-a-lifetime vacation pairing maritime glacier viewing with Big 5 wildlife safaris (grizzly bears, moose, caribou).
Find Your Australia/New Zealand Cruise
Australia/New Zealand Cruises: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers from certified Master Cruise Counselors who have personally sailed Alaska's waters.
- May & September: Best value and lowest fares, fewer crowds, and stunning contrast with snow-covered peaks or golden autumn tundra.
- June: Longest daylight hours (Summer Solstice) with up to 18-20 hours of sun and blooming wildflowers.
- July: Warmest temperatures (60s to low 70s°F), peak whale viewing, and ideal weather for families.
- August: Prime time for salmon runs, hungry brown bears along the coast, and active calving tidewater glaciers.
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking short and long-sleeve thermal shirts.
- Insulating layer: Fleece jacket, wool sweater, or lightweight down jacket.
- Outer shell: Waterproof, windproof hooded rain jacket (essential for glacier viewing days).
- Footwear: Waterproof walking shoes or hiking sneakers with traction.
- Accessories: Compact binoculars for wildlife viewing, warm knit beanie, gloves, and sunglasses for intense glacier glare.
Ready to Experience Australia/New Zealand by Sea?
Our certified Master Cruise Counselors at Vincent Vacations secure exclusive group rates, complimentary onboard credits, and stateroom upgrades you won't find anywhere else.