Can You Cruise in Luxury Without Paying Luxury Prices?
The Surprising Truth for Aussie Cruisers with a Disability
If you’re someone who cruises regularly — especially with Princess Cruises — you might be in for a bit of a surprise next season.
Princess is cutting back its Aussie fleet for 2025/26, dropping from four ships to just two. That means fewer cabins, less choice, and more sold-out itineraries.
But here’s the good news: as Princess scales back, a wave of luxury and boutique cruise lines are sailing in — and they might be as accessible and more affordable than you think.
🚢 What’s Happening in the Cruise Scene?
- Princess: Only two ships sailing in Australia for 2025/26.
- Luxury lines: Azamara, Oceania, Viking, Silversea, Seabourn and Regent are increasing their Aussie presence.
- Prices: Some boutique cruise fares are surprisingly close to Princess prices.
♿ Why This Matters if You Live with a Disability
When you live with a disability, cruising isn’t just about the destination — it’s about comfort, accessibility, and the right onboard support.
Here’s why smaller ships and boutique lines could be a better fit:
- Fewer passengers = less crowding and shorter lines
- More attentive service (sometimes even personal butlers!)
- Accessible cabins and public spaces
- Flexible dining and smaller shore excursion groups
- Better staff-to-guest ratio for tailored support
And the best part? You may not have to pay much more than with mid-tier lines like Princess.
💸 Let’s Talk Price: Is Luxury Really That Much More?
Azamara: Affordable Elegance
- 21-night Australia Intensive Cruise
- Destinations: Eden, Kangaroo Island, Margaret River, Bali, Singapore
- From $7229 total = $344/night
- Ship: Azamara Pursuit (702 passengers)
Inclusions:
- Beer, wine & spirits included 24/7
- Self-service laundry
- Smaller ship = easier navigation for mobility needs
Oceania Cruises: Comfort with Class
- 14-night Sydney to Bali Cruise
- From $5850 = $417/night
Inclusions:
- Specialty dining (with dietary flexibility)
- Starlink WiFi
- Fitness classes, laundry, and specialty coffees
- Note: Alcohol not included
👑 How Does Princess Compare?
With fewer ships in the region, Princess fares are actually rising — and many are already sold out.
- 14-night New Zealand Cruise on Discovery Princess: From $5309 = $379/night
- 12-night South Australia Cruise: From $4630 = $385/night
What’s not included:
- No alcohol
- No laundry
- No WiFi
In some cases, Princess is more expensive than boutique lines — with fewer inclusions.
🤔 Should You Make the Switch?
It might be the right time to explore something new.
- Azamara and Oceania offer better service and as good accessibility — often for similar prices.
- Smaller ships = less stress, more space, better care.
- They also go to more unique destinations big ships can’t reach.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Accessible Luxury Might Be Closer Than You Think
If you’re living with a disability and want a more supported cruise experience, it might be time to rethink what’s possible — even on a budget.
With Princess pricing up and cabin availability down, trying a boutique line could give you a better cruise — without the premium price tag.
(Thank you to Tallis Boerne Marcus for his original article in cruisepassenger.com.au)
