Warm Up Your Winter With An Australian Cruise
Date Posted: 20/09/2023
Escape the declining temperatures of the UK and warm up your winter with a December trip to the unbeatable Australia! Famous for pairing adventure with a laid-back lifestyle, it’s easy to see why so many holiday makers flock to the country year-round. And what better way to experience all that Australia has to offer than on an 11-day cruise! Set sail with Royal Caribbean and head off into the sunset for your ultimate winter getaway…
Cruise Ship
Relax and unwind onboard Royal Caribbean’s ‘Brilliance of the Seas’! Home of next-level thrills, world-class dining and unmissable entertainment, this floating resort will transport you to a plethora of exciting destinations. But there’s equally as much fun to be had on the ship as there is off so let us fill you in!
For those that love an active lifestyle why not challenge your friends to a game of basketball in the sports court or see if you can hold your nerve as you ascend up the 12-metre rock climbing wall. If a day of relaxing is on the cards, then spend the morning pampering yourself in the spa centre before lounging on the pool deck with popcorn in hand as you enjoy an outdoor movie night. From pool parties to mini golf and wine tasting to live performances, you’ll never be short of activities to keep you entertained during your sea days.
But that’s not all there is to get excited about! The food onboard Brilliance of the Seas is second to none whether you’re looking for fine dining or homely meals you won’t be disappointed. Chef’s Table is the ultimate VIP experience, perfect for special occasions or just passionate foodies! You’ll be served 5 exquisite courses from scallop carpaccio with yuzu vinaigrette, to grilled filet mignon - each expertly paired with a sommelier selected glass of premium red or white wine. Enjoy global flavours, exotic sushi, perfectly pressed paninis, rustic Italian classics, hearty grilled dishes and so much more from 8 different onboard restaurants.
And what’s a cruise without somewhere to let your hair down! Head to the retro style R Bar to be served your favourite cocktail or grab a pint in the English Pub for a classic taste of home. The Viking Crown Lounge offers up the best panoramic views through floor to ceiling windows with live entertainers bringing the whole space to life. While the pool bar is the perfect place to get that all important (and frankly a holiday essential) Pina Colada - from the comfort of your pool lounger too, what more could you ask for!
Destinations
Setting sail from Sydney, this iconic city marks your first destination. Known for its must-visit landmarks (the Sydney Opera house, Harbour Bridge and Bondi beach), Sydney is certainly one to cross off your bucket list. With temperatures around 26 C in December you can top up your tan as you explore the city in any way you want. Take a trip to Manly beach and feel the sea breeze on your face as you surf the turquoise waters, feast on delightful local cuisine or head out for a spot of shopping in the heart of the city.
From Sydney you’ll head to Airlie Beach, a coastal town in Queensland known as the gateway to the incredible Great Barrier Reef! Strap on your snorkelling gear as you enter the crystal-clear waters to spot some of the world's most beautiful tropical sea life and amazing technicoloured reefs. From here you will also have easy access to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The white sand shores of Whitehaven Beach are renowned for their beauty, attracting tourists from all over the world. Paired with the stunning blue ocean this beach really is picture perfect. Conway National Park is also only a few minutes away giving you the opportunity to explore its rich rain forest, seasonal waterfalls, and scenic lookouts – a great day out for any lovers of hiking.
Cairns is the next stop on your itinerary and its certainly one to look froward to! December marks the beginning of Summer in Cairns meaning average daily temperatures of around 28 C. This tropical paradise offers up stunning exhibitions such as Cairns’ Botanical Gardens and opportunities to learn about local culture in places such as Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. You can also take a day trip over to Green Island, the perfect spot for sun lovers to catch some rays while relaxing on the pristine shores. Cairns is also home to a tantalising food scene filled with fresh seafood dishes and locally sourced delicacies.
Your journey continues into Port Doulas where you can visit the towns number one attraction, The Wildlife Habitat. This immersive and interactive experience is great for all ages, animal lovers you’re in for a treat as you get up close and personal with native Australian animals. Hand-feed kangaroos, catch a glimpse of the legendary southern cassowary or have your photo taken with a koala. You can also make your way into Daintree Rainforest for a day of bushwalking among the lush greenery of the world’s oldest forest.
The penultimate stop on your cruise will bring you to Willis Island which lies beyond the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll cruise through the coral sea where you can spot tropical birds and exotic fish (angel fish, clown fish and hammerhead sharks just to name a few)! Green sea turtles are also known to call the island home and can be added to the list of magnificent marine life you will hopefully get the pleasure of viewing in their natural habitat. If you’re looking to do a bit of deep-sea diving, then Osprey reef is the place for you! Famous for its shark population, Osprey Reef is known of one of Australia’s best dive sites and for good reason. You can expect to see the likes of grey reef whaler sharks, whitetip reef sharks, the silvertip shark and sometimes even majestic manta rays!
Before heading back to Sydney, you’ll finish off your holiday of a lifetime by docking in Eden - one of Australia’s most beautiful locations busting with natural attractions. If you’re looking for a day filled with adventure Beowa National Park is just what you need. Relax by the beach with a picnic, try your hand at rock fishing or spend the day hiking some of the parks famous routes. For spectacular views, walk along the rugged cliffs to Boyd Tower and Red Point Lookout (make sure to take your camera to capture the postcard-worthy views). If you’re lucky you also might just spot some whales at Twofold Bay, what a sight to see!
Good to Knows
There are a few things you might want to consider before booking your tickets and setting your countdown. First up, the event isn’t recommended for children under the age of 13 years old, it’s enough to make even grown adults scream so if you’re planning on bringing any little ones, make sure they’re up for the fright. Remember that the closer to Halloween you get, the busier the event is likely to be. This also goes for weekend dates too so if you’re looking to attend the park at these times, it’s best to get your tickets booked as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Factor in extra costs such as food, drinks and parking (which will start from around $30). Finally, make sure to check the weather forecast before turning up. Come rain or shine the event will go ahead so you don’t want to be caught off guard whether you need your raincoat or sunglasses, it’s best to be prepared.