Ring in 2018 in style with a New Year’s on board luxurious ships that host multiple parties and pass out champagne at midnight while cruising to incredible destinations.
A holiday cruise is a unique holiday experience that will start the New Year off with a bang. You can take New Year’s cruises that leave Australia and sail to destinations that include New Zealand, New Caledonia and cities in Australia.
These cruises feature decorations and staff that will make for an incredible start to the year with multiple venues hosting parties along with balloon drops that will create an epic midnight countdown. There are even babysitting services available so parents can join in the fun.
From sunny destinations to breathtaking mountains, these New Year’s Eve cruises will show you how to party NYE style and will be an extra special treat to start off 2018.
The following are our top sailings from Australia and New Zealand:
1. Exciting New Year cruise from Sydney
Celebrate New Year in Noumea, Lifou, Isle of Pines and Mare Island with this 9-night cruise.
- Ship name and cruise line. Pacific Explorer, P&O Australia.
- Departure destination and date. Roundtrip cruise from Sydney departing 30 December 2017.
- Ports of call. Nouméa, Lifou, Isle of Pines and Maré. You will spend New Year’s on board cruising to Nouméa.
- Ship features. Small and intimate bars, multiple themed parties, 2 waterslides, a water park, barefoot bowling, zip lining, live music venues, 12 dining options and more.
- What to expect on New Year’s Eve. Multiple venues will be open until late. If weather permits, there will be a party on the top deck with a live band.
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2. The Pacific Islands Melbourne return cruise
Have an adventure at the sea while waiting for the New Year's countdown.
- Ship name and cruise line. Pacific Jewel, P&O Australia.
- Departure destination and date. Roundtrip cruise from Melbourne departing 27 December 2017.
- Ports of call. Norfolk Island, Port Vila, Maré and Nouméa. You will celebrate New Year's while cruising away from Norfolk Island.
- Ship features. P&O Edge Adventure Park, six restaurants, Aqua Spa, multiple themed parties, comedy club, live shows and more.
- What to expect on New Year’s Eve. Multiple venues will be open until late with a rooftop party including live music if the weather permits.
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3. Aotearoa Spectacular Coastal cruise
Festive 13-day cruise that awaits you to celebrate New Year.
- Ship name and cruise line. Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean.
- Departure destination and date. Roundtrip cruise from Sydney departing 29 December 2017.
- Ports of call. Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Dunedin, Dusky Sound (cruising), Doubtful Sound (cruising) and Milford Sound (cruising). You will spend New Year’s Eve cruising to Bay of Islands.
- Ship features. Skydiving simulator, rock climbing wall, escape room, surf simulation, six restaurants, nine bars, dance classes, movie nights, original shows and more.
- What to expect on New Year’s Eve. Parties will be held in every lounge on board with party favours and decorations. The captain will lead the countdown to midnight followed by a balloon drop and confetti.
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4. Australia and New Zealand Holiday cruise
13-night cruise that will make you feel relax all through the trip because of its spacious and comfortable cabin.
- Ship name and cruise line. ms Maasdam, Holland America Line.
- Departure destination and date. Cruise from Sydney to Auckland departing 23 December 2017.
- Ports of call. Melbourne, Burnie, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park (cruising), Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty (cruising) and Auckland. You will spend New Year’s Eve cruising from Christchurch to Wellington.
- Ship features. Six restaurants, two swimming pools, BBC Earth Experience, spa and salon, fitness centre, basketball courts, volleyball courts, casino, movie theatre, three bars and more.
- What to expect on New Year’s Eve. There will be a special gala celebration.
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5. Sydney to New Zealand cruise
Take in the beautiful surroundings of Dunedin, Akaroa and more on this 12-night cruise.
- Ship name and cruise line. Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Cruises.
- Departure destination and date. Roundtrip cruise from Sydney departing 21 December 2017.
- Ports of call. Melbourne, Milford Sound (cruising), Doubtful Sound (cruising), Dusky Sound (cruising), Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Picton and Sydney. You will spend New Year’s cruising from Wellington to Picton.
- Ship features. Eight restaurants, ten bars and lounges, spa, fitness centre, Lawn Club, hot glass show, multiple pools and more.
- What to expect on New Year’s Eve. Parties will be held at multiple venues across the ship, including a poolside celebration with DJs, bands and more, plus a ship-wide countdown and balloon drop at midnight.
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6. New Zealand Charms cruise
12-night cruise to explore the best of New Zealand for New Year holiday.
- Ship name and cruise line. Radiance of the Seas, Royal Caribbean.
- Departure destination and date. Roundtrip cruise from Sydney departing 22 December 2017.
- Ports of call. Milford Sound (cruising), Doubtful Sound (cruising), Dusky Sound (cruising), Dunedin, Akaroa, Auckland, Tauranga and Bay of Islands. You will spend New Year’s Eve cruising from Auckland to Tauranga.
- Ship features. Arcade, 11 restaurants, 6 bars and lounges, outdoor movies, dance classes, original entertainment shows, rock climbing, mini golf, live bands, multiple pools and more.
- What to expect on New Year’s Eve. Every lounge will host a party, which includes decorations and party favours. There’s also a countdown from the captain to midnight that leads up to the dropping of balloons and confetti.
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7. Festive Season in Middle Earth cruise
Have a happy new year when you sail on this 14-night cruise and visit Milford Sound, Fiordland, Wellington and more.
- Ship name and cruise line. ms Maasdam, Holland America Line.
- Departure destination and date. Cruise from Sydney to Auckland departing 23 December 2017.
- Ports of call. Melbourne, Burnie, Milford Sound (cruising), Fiordland National Park (cruising), Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier and Tauranga. You will spend New Year’s Eve cruising from Dunedin to Christchurch.
- Ship features. Six restaurants, two swimming pools, BBC Earth Experience, spa and salon, fitness centre, basketball and volleyball courts, casino, movie theatre, three bars and more.
- What to expect on New Year’s Eve. A special gala celebration will take place.
Go to Festive Season in Middle Earth cruise website View coupon codes for Festive Season in Middle Earth cruise
What does each cruise line do for New Year’s Eve?
Each cruise line has very similar New Year’s Eve celebrations, but all bring in the New Year in style. All cruises have celebrations in their lounges, clubs and bars with New Year’s decorations.
- Princess Cruises celebrates with a special menu just for New Year’s Eve.
- Holland America Line hosts a gala.
- Royal Caribbean has the captain lead the countdown to midnight followed by a confetti drop.
- P&O Cruises hosts parties on the top deck.
All cruises have live music from DJs to bands and more to ring in the New Year.
Looking for a bargain on a cruise? Check out these deals:
CruiseAway
Up to US$700 OBC on luxury cruises
Valid for cruise on select dates from November 2018 - December 2019 with Azamara, Oceania, Silversea, Seabourn, Star Clippers and Regent Seven Seas. Destinations include Singapore, Bangkok, Bora Bora, Tahiti, Los Angeles, Sydney, Athens and more. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
Up to 50% off on second passenger with MSC cruises
Valid for cruise from December 2018 - March 2019. Destinations include Caribbean, South America, Central America and more. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
Free flights with Princess cruises
Valid on select 2018 - 2020 Australia and New Zealand cruise. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
30% off all guests + free balcony upgrade with Royal Caribbean
Valid for cruise on select dates from October 2018 - January 2020. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Pacific, South Pacific and more. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
Up to 33% on Royal Caribbean sailings
Book a Royal Caribbean sailing with CruiseAway and get up to 71% off the brochure price.
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CruiseAway
Up to 46% off river cruises
Valid for select 2018-2019 departures. Destinations include Passau, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and more. T&Cs apply.
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