Amazing Places You Can Visit On A Cruise (That Aren’t Far From Home)

There is a reason Fiji is on many people’s bucket lists. With pristine white beaches and clear water in a warm, tropical setting – Fiji is made for relaxation. You can spend your time here zenning out on the beach, snorkelling, surfing epic waves or discovering the local culture.

It’s where old meets modern, it’s where the outback meets the sea - Broome is the place where worlds collide. Here you can learn about First Nations culture, discover the region’s pearling history and take in the breathtaking scenery. Cable Beach, one of Broome’s many highlights, is where nature puts on an unmissable show - swim in the azure blue water, relax on the white sand and at the end of the day this is the place to witness the spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean.

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With more coral reefs, underwater caves and shipwrecks than you can poke a snorkel at, Vanuatu is a water lovers paradise. The water surrounding the country’s 83 islands offers unbelievable clarity and warm temperature so you can swim with, turtles, dive into blue lagoons and scuba dive historic shipwrecks right off the beach!  

If you visit the main island of Efate, be sure to visit the famous Blue Lagoon, a stunning blue swimming hole you can swing into to cool off.

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is never short of things to do and see. In true New Zealand fashion, the city offers incredible scenery featuring volcanic peaks, rainforests and plenty of romantic panoramas. But the excitement doesn’t end there, with the City of Sails offering shore excursions beyond the city limits to the spectacular Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, a spectacular location that looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.

It doesn’t take much to convince people to visit the picturesque Airlie Beach. Located in the stunning Whitsundays in tropical north Queensland, this beautiful location is right on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef – so you can snorkel and scuba dive to your heart’s content. If this isn't for you, there are plenty of other options on shore. You could explore the rainforest in the Conway National Park, shop at the local markets or go for a scenic flight over Heart Reef.  

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In New Caledonia, you can expect warm waters, tranquil beaches and a warm Melanesian welcome. Enjoy tropical bliss, sample French-fusion flavours, go snorkelling or scuba diving and so much more. Popular ports in New Caledonia include Noumea, Lifou, Mare and Isle of Pines. 

While Wellington might be known as “The Windy City,” this is a place that definitely doesn’t blow. The New Zealand capital has plenty to offer in the way of entertainment with stunning natural scenery, unique art and history museums and world-class dining.  

Wellington is also Lord of the Rings director, Peter Jackson’s hometown, so it comes as no surprise that is full of filming locations. In particular, you can head up Mount Victoria (which also has some wonderful views) and see where the very first scene was filmed for the Trilogy. Fans will also love The Weta Cave which is a mini-museum and memorabilia store. 

Set sail across the Bass Strait to the capital of Tasmania, Hobart. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff or anything else, you will find something to do here. This beautiful city plays host to gourmet food tours and cultural tours, but if you head outside the hustle and bustle, you will find astonishing natural beauty, head up Mount Wellington, or take a day trip to Mount Field for stunning waterfalls in lush rainforest.