Destination
Australia & New Zealand
From the Great Barrier Reef and Kimberley Coast to the fjords of New Zealand and the cultural hubs of Sydney and Auckland, Australia and New Zealand offer a remarkable variety of experiences—best explored by small ship. These regions are defined by diverse ecosystems, rich indigenous cultures, dramatic landscapes, and abundant marine life. Whether you're navigating hidden bays in Tasmania, exploring Maori heritage on the North Island, or witnessing the raw beauty of Western Australia, small ship cruising offers intimate access and exceptional depth. At Small Ship Travel, we specialize in expertly curated cruises aboard boutique and expedition vessels, carrying fewer than 750 guests. We’ve carefully selected a collection of trusted cruise operators who bring you closer to the natural wonders, remote islands, and cultural landmarks that make this region so extraordinary. Whether you’re seeking a wilderness expedition, luxury coastal voyage, or an in-depth cultural exploration, we’ll help match you with the ideal ship, itinerary, and travel season to suit your style and interests.
At Small Ship Travel, we partner with leading expedition and luxury cruise operators offering immersive, responsible, and expertly guided voyages throughout Australia and New Zealand. Each line is carefully vetted for its commitment to guest experience, sustainability, and destination authenticity. Coral Expeditions As Australia’s premier expedition cruise company, Coral Expeditions offers small ship itineraries along the Kimberley Coast, Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, and Papua New Guinea. Their purpose-built vessels host fewer than 120 guests and emphasize educational enrichment, local connections, and sustainable exploration. Guests enjoy Zodiac outings, snorkeling, hiking, and insightful cultural programming, all delivered with warm Australian hospitality. Ponant Ponant offers elegant small ship voyages that visit New Zealand’s fjords, subantarctic islands, and Australia’s remote shores, including expeditions to Macquarie Island and the Kimberley. With a French flair for service and fine dining, their cruises balance comfort and adventure, often with naturalists, historians, and conservationists onboard. Silversea Cruises Silversea’s luxury ships sail to New Zealand’s North and South Islands, the Kimberley, and the South Pacific, offering all-suite accommodations, personalized service, and expert-guided excursions. These itineraries are ideal for travelers seeking a refined yet exploratory experience. Scenic Eclipse Scenic brings superyacht luxury to coastal Australia and New Zealand, offering state-of-the-art vessels with helicopters, submarines, and a discovery team of regional experts. Their cruises combine ultra-luxury amenities with deep cultural and ecological engagement. Seabourn Seabourn’s expedition and ocean ships visit Australia’s northern coasts, Tasmania, and New Zealand’s fjords, offering refined service, world-class dining, and curated experiences. Their Ventures by Seabourn® program includes Zodiac tours, nature hikes, and expert-led exploration of remote destinations—ideal for those seeking a luxurious yet adventurous voyage.
With vast coastlines, remote archipelagos, and countless inlets, Australia and New Zealand are destinations best appreciated by sea. Small ships offer access to places unreachable by larger vessels, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, secluded beaches, and indigenous territories. You'll enjoy Zodiac excursions, expert-led hikes, and authentic cultural programming, with ample time ashore and fewer crowds.
From the iconic Milford Sound and Bay of Islands to the rugged Kimberley wilderness and Lord Howe Island, small ship voyages provide an immersive, flexible, and enriching way to explore Australasia.
Sample Experiences on a Small Ship Cruise in Australia & New Zealand
Cruising in this region is generally seasonal and varies depending on your itinerary:
Australia (Great Barrier Reef, Kimberley, Tasmania)
New Zealand (North & South Islands, Subantarctic Islands)
At Small Ship Travel, we offer more than a cruise—we offer personalized, thoughtfully planned journeys. Our team has first-hand knowledge of Australia and New Zealand, and we work with only the most reputable and responsible cruise lines in the region.
As a Virtuoso affiliated agency through Travel Experts, a member, we provide access to exclusive perks, including cabin upgrades, shore excursion credits, and custom pre- or post-cruise extensions. From planning your flights and visas to arranging stays in Sydney, Auckland, Hobart, or Queenstown, we ensure every detail is expertly handled.
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.
Get in the mood for cruising by reading our travel guides, recommendations and cruise reviews.
River cruising offers a seamless and luxurious way to experience Europe’s most historic and scenic waterways, from the fairy-tale castles of the Rhine to the imperial capitals of the Danube and the artistic treasures of the Seine. Unlike ocean cruises, these intimate voyages bring travelers directly into the heart of medieval villages, grand cities, and world-renowned wine regions, allowing for deeper cultural immersion. Along the way, passengers can explore UNESCO-listed landmarks, savor locally inspired cuisine, and enjoy exclusive excursions, from private château tours to classical concerts in Vienna.
