Cruise & Cruise Line

Sail to Australasia for 'Plan A Cruise Month'

Image: PHOTO: Sydney Harbor is the shining star of this stunning city. (photo by Scott Hartbeck)
Image: PHOTO: Sydney Harbor is the shining star of this stunning city. (photo by Scott Hartbeck)
Jason Leppert
by Jason Leppert
Last updated: 12:00 AM ET, Thu October 19, 2017

"Plan a Cruise Month" continues as Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) heads down under.

Looking at Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea and other nearby islands, Australasia is this week's focus.

"Plan a Cruise Month is a great time to celebrate cruise travel as well as introduce new and diverse destinations to cruise travelers around the world, including Australasia," said Cindy D'Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA, in a press release. "A cruise vacation is the best, most comfortable and convenient way to explore the unique cultures and variety of landscapes throughout Australasia."

This time of year is dedicated to educating travelers near and far about the unmistakable benefits of global cruising and how to plan for such a vacation. CLIA recommends utilizing the services of a certified cruise specialist as can be discovered here..

Part of that commitment is pointing out international destination highlights such as the following in Australasia:

- Akaroa, New Zealand: Like a southern equivalent of the Norwegian Fjords, the town is nestled within a strait adjacent to an extinct volcano. Once there, painted timber cottages, art galleries and coffee shops delight.

- Viti Levu, Fiji: The largest Fijian island features Mount Tomanivi, another extinct volcano. Activities include the chance to see sugar cane plantations.

- Sydney, Australia: The classic "big city" is well known for its metropolitan Central Business District and the famed harbor encompassing the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

- Huahine, French Polynesia: Natural beauty is showcased in this among the archipelago of the Society Islands beckoning jungle hikers and temple visitors.

- Picton, New Zealand: Near the Marlborough wine region is the town that features vistas of Queen Charlotte Sound. Naturally, visitors can enjoy wine, or they can also hike, relax on the beach or do some souvenir shopping.

CLIA offers some final tips to consider when cruise traveling to Australasia:

- Remember Respect: Photo-ops and video capture of native people are dependent on permission. Please always ask them if it's okay to capture their likeness first before doing so.

- Find an Agent: To enjoy more of the trip and focus less on the planning, an agent can assist your goals and preferences.

- Pack to Chat: Consider means of communication onboard and off. A dry erase board and marker is great for the ship, and a translation app or language book is ideal ashore.


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Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert - Senior Writer, Cruises and Cruise Travel - is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 100 sailings...

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