Beyond the blue

A luxury option, at your convenience

Back in the 80s there was a popular television advert that advised Kiwis “not to leave home till they’d seen the country”.

It’s a sentiment that’s just as relevant today, because while New Zealanders are some of the world’s greatest travellers, we often ignore what’s on our doorstep, preferring instead to strike out for far flung destinations.

But staying closer to home has numerous benefits, including not having to shell out for expensive long-haul flights, deal with crowded airports or spend hours getting to and from our destination.

One option is to explore Aotearoa, Australia and Bali onboard a luxury cruise. By embarking and disembarking in Auckland, not only will you avoid the hassles of long-haul air travel and enjoy a seamless journey (did we mention that you only have to unpack once?), you’ll also get to travel the coastlines of these three countries in style.

Luxury and seamless travel

Step onboard a Silversea Cruise to see what we mean: from the luxurious surroundings to a guest ratio of one staff member to every passenger, you can expect a personalised all-inclusive trip. Enjoy exquisite chef-prepared meals? Tick. Fancy a coffee or a snack at 3.00am? Your around-the-clock butler will get that for you before the words have even left your mouth.

Now that you’ve decided to take to the water, the only issue is which Silversea close-to-home cruise to sign up for. There are a range of options that showcase the beauty and diversity of the South Pacific, including Sydney and Brisbane, the stunning landscapes of Milford Sound and the exotic beauty of Bali. Sail under the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge, gasp at the rugged beauty of Tasmania or watch whales do their thing in Kaikōura – it won’t be long before your camera’s memory card is full.

Visit the spectacular Milford Sound on a Silversea Cruise.

Visit the spectacular Milford Sound on a Silversea Cruise.

Cruise under the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Silver Suite on the Silver Muse.

Veranda Suite.

The pool, deck and jacuzzi area on the Silver Muse.

Atlantide is an elegant bar and grill on the Silver Muse.

La Terrazza.

Incredible destinations and experiences

One of Silversea’s most popular close-to-home routes starts with our nearest neighbour, Australia. You’ll definitely want to pack your togs for the 15-day Cairns to Auckland cruise which takes in five countries and 10 ports. After Cairns, head to Townsville where onshore excursions include a visit to the Townsville & Billabong Sanctuary where you can spot cute koalas and wombats, as well as Castle Hill Lookout for the best views in town.

Then set sail for Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, before heading to Lifou Island, Port Vila, Mystery Island, Savusavu and Lautoka and, finally, Auckland.

Or how about a 16-day Sydney to Auckland cruise which hop-scotches its way from Australia’s largest city down to its least populated city – Hobart? Here onshore expeditions include checking out the quirky Tasmanian Devils, retail therapy at the large Saturday market or whetting your whistle with a beer from Australia’s oldest brewery. Then sail across the Tasman before heading up the east coast of Aotearoa, with stops in Bluff, Dunedin, Kaikōura, Picton, Wellington, Tauranga and, finally, the City of Sails.

Another Australian option begins in the capital of cool, Melbourne, where you can cruise the Yarra River, check out vibrant street art or visit the home of cricket, the MCG. This 14-day cruise, which ends in Auckland, will see you cruise into Hobart and an excursion to Port Arthur for a guided tour of this former historic penal colony, followed by a scenic harbour cruise.

Two days of sailing will deliver you to the east coast of New Zealand and the stunning landscapes of the South Island, such as Bluff and Kaikōura, with Wellington, Napier and Gisborne adding a more urban vibe.

Now that winter is beginning to bite, you might well be dreaming of warmer climes. If so, then adding Indonesia into the cruise mix would be a good idea. Start your epic 18-day journey in Auckland, from where you’ll sail to the stunning Bay of Islands where turquoise seas meet Māori culture and history. Then sail across the Tasman for two days to explore the exciting city of Sydney before ticking off bucket list locations such as Brisbane, Cairns, Thursday Island and Darwin, where you can either join a walking tour or sail down the Adelaide River to see the famous ‘jumping crocodiles’.

Spend two days at sea before docking at Benoa in Bali, otherwise known as the Island of the Gods. Or, in this case, the island of great food, serene temples, friendly locals and all the culture, sunshine and beaches you could want (tip: bring an empty suitcase for the local handicrafts and art you’ll find at markets dotted across Bali).

These are just some of the diverse range of itineraries available with Silversea, starting early Nov in Australia and New Zealand. Summer 2024 is set to be the biggest season yet with Silversea’s newest ship, Silver Nova, debuting in October 2024.

Immerse yourself in the great food, serene temples, friendly locals and all the culture of Bali.

Immerse yourself in the great food, serene temples, friendly locals and all the culture of Bali.

Noumea, New Caledonia

Unforgettably bespoke travel

If you think that’s a lot to see in 14-18 days, you’re not wrong. But Silversea has your back: thanks to expertly curated itineraries passengers can explore each destination at their own pace, helping to achieve that rare vacation balance of immersive activities and relaxation.

From the moment you step onboard, you will be surrounded by luxury and pampered throughout your journey. Silversea's expertly curated itineraries allow you to explore each destination at your own pace, offering a perfect balance of relaxation and immersive experiences.

So whether you sign up to snorkel in Instagram-ready waters, explore ancient cultural temples, try different cuisines or just chill out by the ship’s pool, you’ll get the most from your trip your way.