Which 2025 Cruise Package Is Right for You? Discover New Luxury, Family, River, and Adventure Options for Australians

Whether you are interested in gourmet experiences, family-friendly activities, or river cruising in Europe or Asia, a variety of packages and new ships are being launched to suit diverse travel preferences.

Luxury Ocean Cruises: Features and New Ships

Several new ocean ships launching in 2025 offer features designed for travelers who value style, service, and comfort at sea. New vessels include:

• Viking Vesta
  Designed for an adult audience (no children, no casinos), this ship offers spacious accommodations. Each cabin has a private balcony and itineraries cover the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
• Celebrity Xcel
  Launching in the Caribbean, Celebrity Xcel features modern design, wide-ranging entertainment options, and a variety of dining venues.
• Oceania Allura
  Noted for its focus on culinary offerings, Allura provides multiple dining venues, including an onboard crêperie. This ship will be sailing to various European ports, with a high staff-to-guest ratio.
• Princess Cruises’ Star Princess
  Debuting in the Mediterranean, Star Princess offers spaces like the Piazza glass sphere and The Dome, suitable for entertainment and socializing. Its 4,300-guest capacity accommodates diverse experiences.

Key Features:

• Balcony staterooms
• Options for adults only (e.g., Viking Vesta)
• Multiple dining choices
• Onboard entertainment programs
• High service standards

Eligibility:
Luxury cruises typically welcome all travelers; some are adults only. International itineraries generally require passports and relevant travel documentation.

Cost:
Luxury cruise packages generally start from AUD $3,000 per person for week-long voyages, with all-inclusive options at higher prices, depending on suite selection and inclusions. Users should review the cruise line’s website for up-to-date pricing.

Family and Adventure Cruises: Activities and Options

For families and adventure-focused travelers, 2025 brings new mega-ships and expedition-style experiences:

• Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas
  This 5,600-passenger ship operates in the Caribbean and offers attractions like waterslides, an ice arena, and a waterfall feature, as well as a variety of entertainment activities for different age groups.
• Coral Expeditions – Kimberley Wilderness Cruises
  Coral Expeditions offers small-ship voyages around the Kimberley coastline (April–September), featuring private balconies, alfresco dining, and excursions to natural sites, guided by experienced staff.

Family Cruise Highlights:

• Large ships with children’s clubs, water parks, and family suites
• Adventure cruise itineraries for various ages (minimum age requirements may apply to specific activities)
• Onboard programs tailored to different age groups

Pricing & Booking:
Family packages on larger ships may include bundled rates for children and specialty dining. Adventure cruise prices reflect small-ship capacity and range from approximately AUD $7,500 per person for 10-night itineraries (e.g., Kimberley Region). For current pricing, consult the cruise operator’s official materials.

Increased Popularity of River Cruises

River cruising is experiencing significant interest from Australians in 2025, including new ships and additional routes:

• Europe’s Rhine, Danube, and Seine
  Several operators—including Viking, Scenic, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld, and AmaWaterways—are offering updates with new ships such as the Viking Hermod and APT’s Solara and Ostara (each accommodating 154 passengers, with six dining venues).
• Thematic and Gourmet River Experiences
  Some cruises offer specialized themes, including cuisine, arts, culture, and other interests.
• Beyond Europe
  There is increased demand for river cruises on the Nile and waterways in Asia, with operators expanding fleet options and shore experiences.

Requirements:
River cruises are suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families, depending on amenities and age policies. Early booking can help secure preferred cabin types due to the limited space on boutique ships.

Cost:
Typical rates range from AUD $4,000–$10,000 per person, depending on itinerary length and cabin choice. Packages can include shore excursions and meals; all-inclusive options may be available as specified by each operator.

Researching and Booking Cruise Packages

Booking a cruise for 2025 is straightforward with resources such as online guides, virtual tours, and printed brochures. Australians can find detailed information and seek assistance through:

• Official cruise company websites (Viking, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Coral Expeditions, APT, Princess, Uniworld, and others)
• Downloadable or mailed guides (e.g., Coral Expeditions’ Kimberley Guide, APT’s 2025 River Brochure)
• Customer service support by phone for tailored guidance and availability information

Cruise Planning Suggestions for 2025:

• Consider booking 6–12 months ahead for expanded selection on newly launched or specialty ships
• Take into account seasonal options (e.g., Kimberley cruises from April to September; Mediterranean cruises April to November)
• Check eligibility for special rates, such as children’s pricing or solo traveler offers
• Review passport and visa requirements for international cruises

Trends to Watch in 2025

• Thematic and Holiday Sailings:
  The river cruise market increasingly offers themed itineraries centered on cuisine, wine, history, or holiday markets.
• Solo and Small-Group Options:
  New ships provide solo cabins and may waive or reduce single supplements.
• Focus on Sustainability and Local Experiences:
  Smaller adventure cruises often emphasize minimal environmental impact and local engagement.

Australians planning cruise holidays in 2025 have access to a wide array of luxury, family, river, adventure, and ocean cruise options, with new ships featuring advanced amenities, diverse dining, entertainment, and themed programs. Whether you are interested in all-inclusive luxury, family-friendly adventures, gourmet river journeys, or adventure expeditions, offerings are available to suit a range of travel goals.

Sources

• Explore Travel: Top new luxury cruise ships for Australians in 2025
• Coral Expeditions: The Kimberley
• Cruise Passenger: Best of River Cruising 2025

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