If you are planning a trip to Australia and considering taking a cruise, one of the first questions you may have is: how long does it take to cruise to Australia? The answer depends on various factors, including your departure port, the route taken by the cruise ship, and the number of stops along the way. In this article, we will explore these factors and give you an idea of how long it typically takes to cruise to Australia.
Departure Ports
The duration of your cruise to Australia will depend largely on where you are departing from. If you are leaving from a port in North America or Europe, your cruise will likely take longer than if you were departing from a port in Asia or Oceania. For example, a typical transpacific cruise from Los Angeles to Sydney takes around 15-17 days, while a similar cruise departing from Hong Kong may take only 9-11 days.
Routes
Cruise ships generally take one of two routes when traveling to Australia: either via the Panama Canal or around the southern tip of South America. The Panama Canal route is shorter but requires passage through locks and canals that can slow down travel time. The South America route is longer but allows for more scenic cruising opportunities.
The Panama Canal Route
If your ship is taking the Panama Canal route to Australia, it will typically depart from a North American port such as Los Angeles or San Francisco and sail southward down the western coast of Central and South America before entering the canal at Colon, Panama. After passing through the canal’s locks and lakes, your ship will continue sailing westward across the Pacific Ocean until it reaches its destination in Australia.
The duration of this type of cruise varies depending on how many ports of call there are along the way. A typical Panama Canal route may include stops in ports such as Honolulu, Papeete, and Auckland, adding several days to the overall voyage.
The South America Route
If your ship is taking the South America route to Australia, it will typically depart from a port on the east coast of North America such as Miami or New York and sail southward down the eastern coast of South America before rounding Cape Horn and entering the Pacific Ocean. From there, it will sail westward until reaching Australia.
This route allows for scenic cruising opportunities along the Chilean fjords and through the Strait of Magellan but is longer than the Panama Canal route. A typical South America route may include stops in ports such as Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Santiago, adding several days to the overall voyage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, how long it takes to cruise to Australia depends on various factors such as your departure port, the route taken by your ship, and any stops along the way. A typical cruise from North America or Europe to Australia can take anywhere from 15-30 days depending on these factors. However, with careful planning and consideration of your options, you can find a cruise that suits your travel preferences and schedule.