All the new cruise ships coming to Australia this cruise season
Australia's summer cruising season is about to kick off, and there are some very exciting new arrivals joining the lineup this year.
"Australia is in for a big summer of cruising and most cruise lovers are excited to see two new arrivals, Discovery Princess and Anthem of the Seas," Adrian Tassone, the expert behind The Cruise and Travel Guy, tells 9Travel.
Here's everything to know about the new ships that will be gracing our shores.
READ MORE: The $4 buy you should tuck into your suitcase every time you travel
Anthem of the Seas is coming Down Under. ©2015 Michel Verdure for RCCL -
Anthem of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas will sail in Australian waters for the first time from November 2025, and will be the largest ship operating in the southern hemisphere.
"Anthem will fill the role of the largest ship to call Australia home this summer," Adrian tells 9Travel.
"She brings with her a production show called 'We Will Rock You' that started life on the West End, and I'm excited to see it for myself during the season."
Launched in 2015, Anthem will sail cruises from between two and 18 nights, including to New Zealand and the tropical South Pacific from Sydney's famous harbour.
More short getaways, including five two-to-four-night coastal cruises, are also on offer.
READ MORE: Sydney's 'other' zoo should be on your to-do list this school holidays
The Discovery Princess is the newest and sixth Royal-class cruise ship in the Princess Cruises fleet. Princess
Discovery Princess
"Discovery is one of the newest ships in the Princess fleet, and it's extra exciting because it's rare to see something so modern cruising around our waters," says Adrian.
The ship is only three years old - it has 19 decks, 20 restaurants and cafes, and even a wedding chapel.
Discovery will arrive in Sydney after a journey through Asia and down Australia's east coast in late November, before embarking on itineraries to New Zealand, Fiji, and around Australia.
In 2026, it will take journeys through the South Pacific to Tahiti and Hawaii.
The Sky Suites have huge balconies. Princess
The ship has 1,400 balconies, including 270-degree views in the Sky Suites, Princess's largest balconies at sea.
It also features SeaWalk, an enclosed walkway extending from the ship's top deck, and the cantilevered SeaView Bar, each with glass floors and sweeping ocean views.
Oceania's Riviera
Riviera is making her Australian debut this November, with a mixed bag of itineraries ranging from 14 to 35 days.
The luxury ship - from a firm which claims to have the finest cuisine at sea - will have a food focus, from excursions to the meals on board.
The Riviera is a luxury ship. Oceania
Guests can head to The Culinary Centre, a state-of-the-art cooking school on Riviera, where they can enrol in hands-on cooking classes inspired by regional flavours.
Itineraries include a 14-day Sydney to Bali voyage and a 15-day Auckland to Sydney trip.
Another Oceania ship is also coming Down Under.
In April 2026, Oceania Vista will sail into Australia for her maiden visit as part of her first 180-day Around the World cruise.
She arrives in Sydney on 9 April, 2026, calling at Mooloolaba, Whitsunday Island (Airlie Beach), Townsville, Cairns and Darwin, before heading to Singapore.
Oceania Vista is on a round-the-world cruise. Getty
Notable returning ships
Crown Princess is the first ship to mark the season, arriving in Sydney at the end of this week on September 26th, before setting off on a 28-night Australia circumnavigation.
"Aussie favourite Voyager of the Seas will return to Brisbane," says Adrian. "She offers a more traditional Royal Caribbean cruise experience but still with the thrills of the FlowRider surf machine, water slides and more than a few pools for cruisers to enjoy over the summer."
Disney Cruise Line's 2025/2026 (and final) season in Australia and New Zealand will set sail from 19 October 2025, with three to 10-night itineraries departing from Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland.
Cunard's Queen Anne will also return to Sydney with her exceptional dining, luxurious accommodation and world-class entertainment.
This will be Disney's final season cruising in Australia. Disney
How to save money on a cruise
Getting in early and planning ahead is the key to saving some money.
"Anyone cruising with Royal Caribbean should definitely pre-book as much as they can online before their cruise," Adrian suggests.
"Specialty dining, drinks packages, internet and more can all be pre-purchased in Australian dollars, which means cruisers can skip paying in US dollars once onboard the ship."
Book your add-ons ahead of time to save money. Royal Caribbean
Tips for first-time cruisers
Adrian says that "first-time cruisers should definitely familiarise themselves with the online pre-cruise planners".
It's good to book in activities, excursions, and even spa services ahead of your cruise start date, for a more relaxing time once onboard.
