All at sea
Cruising is back, and with a flotilla of brand-new ships as well as some old family favourites setting sail, we’re sharing the lowdown on the latest in family cruising.
Cruising is booming, and as the major cruise lines roll out the red carpet once again, there are surprises in store for everyone. Balancing the need for great spaces and activities for kids as well as improved adults-only zones, dining and entertainment, cruise lines are amping up the excitement with everything from oh-so-cool kids' clubs to cartoon character meet and greets, splash-tastic water parks, rip roaring ziplines and ropes courses, teen hangouts and awesome gaming zones.
With the 2022-23 cruise season returning to near normal, here's what our favourite family cruise lines have in store for your crew.
Disney Down Under
Polish up your mouse ears – for the first time, Disney Cruise Line is coming to the shores of Australia and New Zealand in a limited season from late 2023, bringing with it magical cruising holidays curated especially for local residents. The ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ sailings aboard Disney Wonder will bring all the dazzle of characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars on board, as well as imaginative dining and spectacular one-of-a-kind entertainment, infused with storytelling.
Think original Broadway-style stage productions, special themed family dining experiences and interactive adventures such as the immersive Frozen Adventures and Marvel Super Hero Academy.
Families can also look forward to imaginative kids' clubs, adult-exclusive hotspots, three themed pools and even its own Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – an enchanted salon where kids arrive as themselves and leave as a princess, knight or sea captain. Everywhere you turn, there’s something fun for everyone, so bring your sense of adventure and your stamina! where The special two- to six-night sailings aboard the epic Disney Wonder will depart from four home ports: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in Australia, as well as Auckland in New Zealand. disneycruise.com
Prima sets sail
Norwegian Cruise Line has launched Norwegian Prima, the first of six new Prima Class ships to be delivered by 2027. At 294 metres long and with capacity for 3,300 guests, the new ship boasts a stunning design and plenty of new experiences, from the largest and first three-level racetrack at sea on the Prima Speedway to The Drop, the world's first freefall dry slide offering a 10-storey plunge experience that reaches more G-forces than an accelerating F1 race car. There’s also Infinity Beach, with two infinity pools positioned close to water level to take in uninterrupted views of the ocean; the surf-inspired Tidal Wave waterslide; and Oceanwalk, where two glass bridges make guests feel as though they are walking on air over the water. where Norwegian Prima is currently in the Caribbean, taking passengers to postcardperfect islets and archipelagos including Bermuda, Jamaica and Grand Cayman. The ship also drops in on Mexican ports. ncl.com
Good to go with P&O
P&O has welcomed two new ships to its family. Pacific Adventure, the fleet’s largest ship, boasts a range of new restaurants, bars and exciting features including Twin Racer Waterslides, the Byron Beach Club, and a dedicated indoor-outdoor family space – think a pool and family-oriented activities including family games and parties, plus an all-weather retractable roof. Pacific Encounter will showcase many of P&O’S favourite features as well as a range of new ones that guests will adore, including new celebrity dining venues like Luke’s Bar & Grill by Luke Mangan. Families will also love the dedicated indoor and outdoor family area with its pool and familyfocused fun and games. While the kids do their thing in HQ, P&O kids’ club for children aged 10-13, parents can enjoy a child-free cocktail with a perfect view of the ship’s wake. where Both Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will be home ported in Brisbane and offer itineraries to Australia and the Pacific Islands. pocruises.com.au
Safe sailing
Cruise operators are providing a variety of enhanced on-board public health measures to reduce risk. Expect enhanced cleaning and ventilation and a boarding requirement that means all passengers, including eligible children, must be fully vaccinated.
Quantum leap
Quantum of the Seas is making its debut in Brisbane this November, offering cruisers some incredible first-at-sea experiences. There’s Seaplex, the largest indoor sporting and entertainment venue at sea with a full-size regulation basketball court, bumper cars and roller-skating. Braver souls might like to try skydiving with Ripcord by ifly, catching a wave on the Flowrider surf simulator, or taking to the sky with North Star, the highest viewing platform at sea. There’s also a deck with pools, spas and water play parks where kids can splash while their adults enjoy a poolside cocktail. Of course, while the kids take advantage of the supervised fun at Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean kids' club, for ages three to 17, parents can enjoy a restorative massage at the Vitality Centre or unwind in the adults-only Solarium, a retreat with swimming pools, whirlpools and a lounge area sure to float your boat (sorry!). where Quantum of the Seas will sail from its new home port of Brisbane with a selection of itineraries to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. royalcaribbean.com
A many splendored cruise
Carnival Cruise Lines is celebrating its 10th Australian birthday in October with the return of Carnival Splendor to Sydney. The popular ship will bring with it a host of exclusive features for Aussie guests to both discover and rediscover, including the action-packed Carnival Waterworks with its iconic Green Lightning thrill-slide, Splashy Cove for little ones, Camp Ocean kids’ club, Seuss At Sea, 17 different dining options and the Cloud 9 Spa and Serenity Retreat for the grown-ups. But the big news is that just one month later, Carnival Luminosa will join its sibling in Australia, bringing with it all the best Carnival Cruise Line features, activities and entertainment and offering a whopping 59 sailings during its first Australian season. where Carnival Splendor will sail from Sydney from October 2022 while Carnival Luminosa will sail from its new home port of Brisbane from November 2022. Both ships offer itineraries incorporating popular ports throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. carnival.com.au