Sail to Australia & New Zealand

Head to paradise for less on popular ships, from $599

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Awesome Australia
From the majestic opera house to the rugged outback, explore and experience Australia.

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Sail on USA River Cruises this fall

updated 9:53 a.m. ET Dec. 2, 2008

Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Select sailings through April 2, 2009

The deal
The idea of traveling to Australia and New Zealand is often put on that someday wish list since high prices have been a long-time roadblock. Well, you can now turn someday into today, thanks to slashed prices on exotic cruises down under. Lengthy far-flung sailings are currently available from just $599 to New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. Average brochure rates for cruises leaving Sydney have been known to go for $2,000 or more, so these low rates on 11- and 14-night cruises are unheard of. Plus, currency rates in New Zealand and Australia have dropped over the past year, helping to offset the high expense of getting there. Also, keep in mind that Qantas Airlines has been launching several fare sales to show off its new A380 airbus so if you’ve been dreaming of the land down under, now is the time to hop on the bandwagon and save some cash with one of these outback adventure cruises.

New Caledonia and Vanuatu 11-night cruise from $599
This 11-night cruise from Royal Caribbean travels to paradise and beyond. The Rhapsody of the Seas embarks from Sydney on April 2, and will spend two days at sea before reaching its first port, Noumea, capital city of the French territory of New Caledonia. The city is nicknamed the “Paris of the Pacific” because of its high-end French restaurants and designer boutiques which contrast with the rest of New Caledonia.

The next stop is the northern paradise of Poum, rich with white-sand beaches and traditional Kanak culture. After spending a day in Poum, the ship makes its way to Luganville, located on one of the 83 islands that form the Republic of Vanuatu. Luganville is a cultural melting pot with a laid-back atmosphere, and natural attractions like swimming holes, hot springs, and waterfalls, as well as casinos and duty-free shops.

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Next up is Port Vila, the Capital City of Vanuatu, with waterfront restaurants, markets, and sightseeing tours available. The final stop before returning to Sydney is the enchanting Isle of Pines, less than 9 miles long but packed with activity options like glass-bottom boat tours, canoe trips, and underwater dives. Don’t miss seeing the ancient ruins settlement located at Ouro which housed deported prisoners in the late nineteenth century, or take an hour to climb N’Ga peak, where you can get a birds-eye view of the entire island. Prices for this cruise start at $599 for interior cabins, with oceanview rates from $849.

$799: 14-night Australia and New Zealand cruise
Although most ships set sail immediately from the port they are stationed in, the Celebrity Millenium stays in Sydney for a day and a half allowing cruisers to roam freely about Australia’s popular metropolis. Day three of the trip will be spent cruising Philip Island before the heading to Melbourne, where passengers can peruse boutiques or pay a visit to some of Australia’s finest art galleries.

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Explore New Zealand
Breathtaking and unique, New Zealand is the perfect travel destination.
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After leaving Melbourne, the ship heads to Hobart in Tasmania, a vibrant modern city and great jumping off point for rainforest tours to see the legendary Tasmanian Devils. The next full-day stop is Port Chalmers, another prime place for nature lovers with opportunities to get an up-close view of penguins, sea lions and fur seals.

After Port Chalmers comes Lyttelton (Christchurch), where the neo-Gothic buildings give the city a British feel, but the hot springs and gondola rides to an extinct volcano feel a world away from London. The next city on this 14-day odyssey is Tauranga, where kiwi trees line the shores for miles, and thrill-seekers can try skydiving or bungee-jumping. The cruise concludes in Auckland where a visit to the Sky Tower observation deck provides a remarkable 360-degree panoramic view. The ship has two departure dates, December 7 and January 4, and starts from $799; oceanview cabins are available for $899.

The dollars
All quotes are per person and based on double occupancy. Rates cover accommodations, meals and entertainment on the ship. Fees and taxes, as well as shore excursions, personal expenses, alcoholic beverages and tips are additional.

The catch
Koala bears not allowed on the return flight.

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