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Are you dreaming of a long-distance cruise from the UK to Australia? It’s definitely possible, but not as straightforward as some other popular cruise routes. Here’s what you need to know before booking your voyage.
The Basics of Cruising from UK to Australia
The distance between the UK and Australia is vast, spanning over 14,000 nautical miles or 25,000 kilometers. Therefore, most cruises that sail this route take at least 40 days and involve multiple stops in different countries along the way. Some cruises may also offer segments of the journey instead of the full itinerary.
Common ports of call on a UK-to-Australia cruise may include:
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Barcelona, Spain
- Athens, Greece
- Dubai, UAE
- Singapore
- Bali, Indonesia
- Sydney or Brisbane, Australia
Cruise Lines That Sail from UK to Australia
Not all cruise lines offer voyages from the UK to Australia, and availability may vary by season. However, some options to consider are:
- P&O Cruises: This British-based line operates several world cruises per year that include a leg from Southampton to Sydney or Brisbane. The ships are mid-sized and cater primarily to British passengers.
- Cunard Line: Another British-based line with a strong history in transatlantic crossings and world cruises. Cunard’s Queen Mary II offers a few annual voyages that traverse from Southampton to Sydney via Cape Town and other ports.
- Princess Cruises: This American-based line offers a few itineraries that begin or end in Southampton and visit Australia.
However, these cruises may involve air travel for the transpacific segment.
- Holland America Line: This Dutch-based line has a Grand World Voyage that departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but also stops in Southampton and eventually reaches Sydney. The voyage takes about 113 days.
- Royal Caribbean International: This American-based line has a few repositioning cruises that sail from the Mediterranean to Australia or vice versa and may stop in Southampton. However, these cruises are not as frequent as other options and may involve more sea days than port visits.
What to Expect on a UK-to-Australia Cruise
A cruise from the UK to Australia is not for everyone, as it involves several challenges and tradeoffs. Here are some things to consider:
- Jet lag: Depending on your starting point and itinerary, you may cross several time zones and experience significant jet lag. It can take several days to adjust to the new time zone and feel fully rested.
- Sea days: Since the distance between the UK and Australia is so vast, you will spend many days at sea without any port visits. While this can be relaxing for some passengers, others may find it boring or claustrophobic.
- Visas and vaccinations: Some of the countries you visit on a UK-to-Australia cruise may require visas or vaccinations before entry.
You should research these requirements well in advance to avoid any issues.
- Cabin comfort: Since you will spend so much time on the ship, it’s essential to choose a cabin that suits your preferences and budget. Some passengers may prefer a balcony or suite for extra space and privacy, while others may be fine with an inside or oceanview cabin.
- Entertainment and dining: Most cruise lines that offer UK-to-Australia voyages provide a variety of onboard entertainment options, such as shows, movies, lectures, and activities. However, the food may not always match your tastes or dietary restrictions, so it’s important to communicate your needs to the staff.
Conclusion
Cruising from the UK to Australia is a unique and memorable way to explore several countries and oceans in one trip. However, it requires careful planning and consideration of the challenges involved. By choosing the right cruise line, cabin type, and itinerary for your needs, you can make the most of this epic journey across the world.