The 14-night Australia and New Zealand cruise is the signature voyage for the region, perfectly timed for exploring both countries during the high season (typically October to April). Securing this package with airfare included transforms a complex itinerary into a stress-free, all-in-one holiday.
1. Key Cruise Lines Offering Fly-Cruise Packages
While most cruise lines offer the 14-night itinerary, only certain lines and travel agencies consistently bundle the airfare.
Luxury & Premium Lines: Look at Viking Ocean and Holland America Line (HAL). These lines frequently offer Fly-Cruise deals where the airfare is highly subsidised or included in the total package price. For instance, HAL runs voyages often beginning in Auckland, New Zealand, and ending in Sydney, Australia (or vice-versa), which naturally requires passengers to fly one-way.
The 'Airfare Included' Promotion: Watch for major promotions from lines like Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). NCL, for example, sometimes runs a "Free Airfare for 2nd Guest" promotion on 7+ day cruises, which you can apply to the 14-night NZ itineraries departing from Sydney or Brisbane.
2. Common 14-Night Itineraries
The 14-night itinerary is structured to maximise sight-seeing across both countries, typically covering 6 to 8 ports of call:
Roundtrip from Australia: The cruise departs and returns to Sydney or Brisbane, Australia. The route sails to New Zealand's South Island to cruise Fiordland National Park (Milford Sound) and then visits key North Island cities (Wellington, Tauranga, Auckland) before returning.
One-Way (The Fly-Cruise Special): This is the classic 14-night package often bundled with airfare. The voyage sails either from Sydney to Auckland or Auckland to Sydney. This model is often preferred by travellers as it eliminates repetition and requires the included airfare to get to the starting port or home from the final port.
3. What to Look For in the Package
When you see a 14-night package advertised with airfare included, ensure you understand what else is bundled for the best value:
True All-Inclusions: High-end lines like Viking or Regent Seven Seas include drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and even complimentary shore excursions in the fare, making them the ultimate effortless package.
Bonus Inclusions (Premium Lines): Look for packages that also include pre- or post-cruise hotel stays in the arrival city (Sydney or Auckland), which adds immense convenience. Additionally, check for deals that include Transfers between the airport, hotel, and the port.
Onboard Credit: Even if airfare is included, check if the package offers a few hundred dollars in Onboard Credit, which is useful for covering tips, specialty dining, or spa treatments.
Next Step: Targeting the Right Time
These fly-cruise deals are often released for the following year's peak sailing season (January to March). If you are booking for 2026, many of the current deals will be for sailings in the Southern Hemisphere summer.