Honey’s perfect Christmas gift exists. Let me give you a hint: it’s ship-shaped, comes in sizes seven-14 nights and serves delectable margaritas (extra salt, please!).
Still confused? To make it super clear, I’ve composed my Santa’s Wishlist. There are 12 ships to unwrap, in no particular order.
These sparkling vessels of endless delight will be sailing to our shores this Wave Season, whisking Aussies off to create priceless sea memories.
Let’s unwrap these ships together and read why they made Honey’s Ultimate Cruise-mas Wishlist.
1. Norwegian Spirit – Norwegian Cruise Line
I hate to pick favourites, but this ship holds a very dear space in my heart.
Norwegian Spirit (main and above) is coming back with beautiful South Pacific sailings from December 2025 to April 2026. One of my faves is the 12-night voyage (a dream itinerary and one I have been privileged to sample) from Papeete to Lautoka.
2. Noordam – Holland America Line
If you’re after a classic cruising vibe mixed with culture and comfort, Noordam’s got you covered.
Think great food, enriching experiences and the best live music at sea. I’m actually sailing on Noordam at the end of this month and can’t wait to walk those teak decks.
3. Oceania Riviera – Oceania Cruises
Oh oh oh! Oceania Riviera is making her debut in Australasian waters and she’s bringing gourmet dining like no other.
From November 2025 to March 2026, sail on foodie-focused itineraries. Oceania’s Culinary Center onboard is a game-changer. It features hands-on cooking classes inspired by local flavours – Riviera’s brand-new ‘Down Under Abundance’ class – showcasing Aussie and Kiwi ingredients.
Steve Odell, Senior Vice President International & Consumer Sales, sums it up perfectly: “Oceania Riviera offers an unforgettable way to discover the region’s vibrant flavours and rich culinary traditions.”
4. Anthem of the Seas – Royal Caribbean
This beauty (above) is all about next-level fun and adventure, from jaw-dropping entertainment to thrill rides you won’t forget. Perfect for families, friends or that romantic getaway you deserve.
5. Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises
Make way for Discovery Princess! The newest ship to call Australia home, she’s offering 12 cruises, including trips to Fiji, New Zealand and fantastic Australian coastal spots.
A special shoutout to her exclusive dining experience, which I’d love to try: 360: a multi-sensory, immersive restaurant.
Matthew Rutherford, Vice President Princess Cruises Asia Pacific, said that not only is Discovery Princess a world-class vessel but the newest ship ever to be homeported in Australia.
“Discovery Princess is a stunning showcase of the premium cruise experience we’re proud to deliver,” he added.
6. Crown Princess – Princess Cruises
Crown Princess sails with a touch of class and a whole lotta heart. Expect elegant dining, incredible scenery and those wow moments on every voyage around Australia and New Zealand.
7. Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Edge (above, pic courtesy Tim Faircloth) is a showstopper. She’s back for her third Aussie season, sailing from Sydney and Auckland with 17 epic itineraries.
Highlights include: New Zealand sailings, a nine-night Australia Wine Journey and 54 new shore excursions, including wellness experiences in Wellington and a first-ever call in Newcastle.
8. Venus and Orion – Viking Cruises
For those who want a bit more of that boutique, intimate cruise feel, then pick Viking’s Venus and/or Orion.
These ships are absolutely amazing and offer an elegant cruise experience delivered in understated Scandinavian aesthetics. The Winter Garden (below) is a standout. Anyone for afternoon tea?
9. Quest – Seabourn
Ultra-luxe and intimate, Seabourn Quest is perfect if you want your cruising experience sprinkled with exclusivity, elegance and deep destination immersion.
This mid-sized ship has a relaxed, adult-focused, friendly atmosphere with plenty of dining and entertainment options.
10. Seven Seas Explorer and Navigator – Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Pure luxury alert! These ships are all about all-inclusive indulgence, with every detail covered for travellers who want the absolute best of the best. Maybe one day…
11. Silver Nova and Silver Moon – Silversea Cruises
If your wish is to have ultimate personalised service and elegance at sea, then Silversea is your line. Intimate, all-inclusive voyages and luxe. Did I say all inclusive?
12. Pursuit – Azamara
As amazing as it gets, Azamara Pursuit blends relaxed luxury with standout itineraries. Azamara’s focus is on deep destination connections with a boutique vibe.
This season, Pursuit offers itineraries showcasing dramatic landscapes and overnight stays, including a 12-night Melbourne to Auckland voyage via Milford Sound.
This ship is elegant, classy and perfect for travellers hungry for authentic cultural experiences and unique shore excursions.
A Special Cruise-mas Farewell: Disney Wonder
And finally, a huge shoutout to Disney Cruise Line, wrapping up their 2025/2026 Australia/New Zealand season with the Disney Wonder, unlikely to return to our shores.
They’ve sprinkled fairy dust across local waters for three seasons, but all good things come to an end, with the last cruise departing Sydney on January 30, 2026.
Which ship will you pick?
While this list does not cover all 60+ ships that will call Australia home for the next few months, what it does highlight is the breadth of options Aussie cruisers can choose from to suit their budget and lifestyle.
Now, let’s hope Santa doesn’t check the ‘Naughty List’, cos there is Buckley’s I’ll find any of my dream cruises under my tree if he does.
Happy Cruise-Mas!
