WITH winter settling in here in Canberra, thoughts may be turning to distant shores, warmer days and tropical locations.

A cruising holiday can offer the perfect escape, says Ozcruising operations manager Johnny Hamilton-Gibbs.

With a range of itineraries, including the Queensland Coast, Australian circumnavigation, Tasmania, NZ, South Pacific, Asia, Hawaii, the Mediterranean and world cruises, Ozcruising is one of the largest online cruise agencies, with an experienced local team and a one-stop website.

Based in Canberra for 13 years, Ozcruising offers cruises from well-known providers such as P&O, Carnival, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Azamara, CMV, Holland America, Celebrity, Norwegian and Princess Cruises.

“We provide the latest deals, reduced fares and special offers, and a large cruising range, both international and domestic, to suit any budget,” Johnny says.

The Ozcruising website allows users to research and book online without having to make a phone call – but with the comfort of knowing that someone from the Canberra City-based team can easily be in touch if extra help is needed.

Canberra is in a prime position for easy access to cruise ships, with a short trip to Sydney via bus or car and easy parking alternatives available when driving.

“There’s also the option of short cruises, which are a quick and easy way to escape for the weekend, with three-night departures from Sydney known as cruise samplers,” Johnny says.

“This is a great way to get a taste of cruising and enjoy different cruise brands to see which appeals to you.”

Johnny says his personal favourite cruise has been to the South Pacific.

“With its untouched natural beauty and year-round warm weather, it’s the ultimate escape from the Canberra winter,” he says.

“NZ at this time of year is another bucket-list cruise, especially as Canberrans are accustomed to the cooler winters. I recently returned from NZ and loved the scenic landscapes, lakes and mountains. It was still a little warmer than Canberra and I’m ready to go again!”

One of the best things about cruise holidays is that you can do as much or as little as you want, Johnny says.

“There’s the forever-expanding list of onboard activities for those who want to get involved and keep busy, and land tours accessible onboard, but it’s just as easy to completely chill out,” he says.

“A lot of people don’t realise the per-person pricing is inclusive of accommodation, entertainment and meals on board for the duration of the cruise, so when you break these prices down per person per day, you can really see the value you’re getting from the holiday.”

More information or bookings to ozcruising.com.au

Cunard Cruise Line offer

BOOK a Cunard cruise 6+ nights or more in June with Ozcruising and you’ll receive a complimentary bonus onboard credit of up to $1000 per person + free specialty dining for two in the Verandah Steakhouse onboard Cunard. 

Onboard credit can be spent on onboard luxuries such as spa treatments, specialty dinners and beverages.

With the range of Cunard Cruises, including Australian destinations as well as Hong Kong, Cape Town, Yokohama, Singapore and New York, there is sure to be the perfect itinerary.

Cunard offers luxury cruising with a sense of occasion, heritage and relaxation, with ships including the famous Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria sailing out of Australia in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

More information or bookings to ozcruising.com.au