Cruising the Tasman: Luxury Cabin Reviews for Sydney to Auckland Voyages

My most recent Tasman crossing was aboard Celebrity's Eclipse, where Robert and I opted for the Aqua Class staterooms—a decision that proved to be worth every dollar. These 248-square-foot sanctuaries feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a private veranda, where we spent countless hours watching the sea transition from the deep blues off Sydney to the more turbulent waters approaching New Zealand's fjords.

What distinguishes Aqua Class from standard veranda staterooms isn't just the location (typically on higher decks with better views) but the wellness-oriented amenities. The upgraded shower experience with its aromatherapy diffuser became our daily ritual after shore excursions. As someone who's developed a keen interest in wellness since stepping back from corporate life, I particularly appreciated the unlimited access to the Persian Garden thermal suite—a godsend for easing travel-weary muscles.

Perhaps the most significant perk was exclusive access to Blu restaurant, Celebrity's 'clean cuisine' venue. After decades of business dinners where menu choices were dictated by client preferences, it was refreshing to enjoy lighter, beautifully presented meals without reservation hassles. The smaller, more intimate setting also facilitated conversations with fellow passengers that often extended into evening strolls around the deck.

One evening, while enjoying a particularly spectacular sunset from our veranda, I found myself reaching for my binoculars to track a pod of dolphins playing in the ship's wake—a moment that simply wouldn't have been possible from an interior cabin.

Two years prior to our Celebrity journey, I sailed the Viking Orion from Sydney to Auckland with my college friend James. Viking's approach to cruising differs significantly from mainstream lines—fewer passengers, no casinos, and a distinctly Scandinavian aesthetic that speaks to my appreciation for functional elegance.

Our Penthouse Veranda suite (338 square feet) represented exceptional value in the luxury segment. The thoughtful design elements were evident immediately: ample storage that accommodated our two-week wardrobe without cluttering the living space, a bathroom with heated floors (a welcome feature during cooler Tasman nights), and a living area spacious enough for in-suite continental breakfasts.

Viking's inclusion of a complimentary shore excursion at each port meant we could explore coastal highlights without constantly reaching for our wallets. This approach reminded me of how I used to maximize business travel—identifying which inclusions genuinely add value versus those that are merely marketing points.

The standout feature was the 24-hour room service with the ability to order from any restaurant menu during operating hours. After a particularly strenuous hike in Dunedin, we returned to the ship and enjoyed a full multi-course dinner on our veranda while watching the New Zealand coastline fade into the distance—a level of flexibility rarely found on other cruise lines.

The Penthouse category also includes pressing service—something my years of business travel taught me to value highly. Nothing refreshes travel-worn clothing quite like professional pressing, and the ability to have two items pressed daily meant we always looked presentable for evening events without spending precious vacation time on laundry logistics.

For those seeking true all-inclusive luxury, Regent Seven Seas Explorer offers what might be the most comprehensive package crossing the Tasman. During a voyage with my brother five years ago, we experienced their Concierge Suites—a 464-square-foot retreat that redefines spaciousness at sea.

The walk-in closet alone was larger than some budget cruise cabins I'd stayed in during my early travel years. The marble bathroom featured both a rain shower and full-size bathtub—a rare find even in luxury cruising. The expansive balcony easily accommodated full-length loungers, a dining table, and still left room for morning stretches or meditation.

What distinguishes Regent is their truly all-inclusive approach: premium wines, specialty dining, gratuities, unlimited Wi-Fi, and shore excursions are all covered in the fare. For couples calculating the total vacation cost, this transparency eliminates the nickel-and-diming that can sour an otherwise relaxing journey.

The Concierge level adds valuable perks including one-night pre-cruise hotel accommodation and priority reservations for shore excursions and specialty restaurants. After years of managing complex business travel logistics, I particularly appreciated the seamless coordination between the Sydney hotel stay and embarkation—allowing us to begin our vacation refreshed rather than stressed.

During sea days crossing the Tasman, I made extensive use of the ship's fitness center equipment—identical to what I use at home in Hamilton. Maintaining fitness routines while traveling has become increasingly important to me, and having access to familiar, high-quality equipment made this effortless.

One evening, we attended a culinary workshop where the executive chef demonstrated techniques for preparing regional specialties. The intimate class size (a benefit of the Concierge booking) allowed for personalized instruction—I've since incorporated several of these techniques into my home cooking repertoire in New Zealand.

Silversea represents the boutique end of luxury cruising, with smaller ships that can access ports larger vessels cannot. During a Sydney-Auckland crossing aboard the Silver Muse with my friend Thomas, we experienced their one-bedroom Silver Suite—a 786-square-foot haven that rivals many land-based hotel suites.

The separate living and dining areas made entertaining new friends comfortable and private. Having hosted countless business dinners over my career, I appreciated how the thoughtful layout facilitated conversation while maintaining the intimate atmosphere that makes shipboard friendships so special.

Silversea's butler service transcends the concept of typical cruise cabin attendants. Our butler, Rajesh, anticipated needs before we expressed them—from preparing afternoon tea precisely to our preferences to ensuring our travel steamer was filled and ready each evening for the next day's attire.

The Silver Suite's expansive veranda became our preferred spot for private dining, especially as we navigated the breathtaking Milford Sound. Rajesh arranged a special breakfast service timed perfectly with our passage through the fjord—the ability to witness such natural majesty while enjoying freshly prepared eggs Benedict in complete privacy exemplifies the Silversea experience.

For couples, the suite's spacious layout offers both togetherness and privacy—something I've found essential for harmonious travel after decades of observing successful travel partnerships. The walk-through dressing area separating bathroom from bedroom creates natural boundaries that preserve personal space even in close quarters.

While Silversea commands a premium price point, their attention to detail justifies the investment for milestone celebrations. The ship's intimate size (fewer than 600 passengers) creates an atmosphere more akin to a floating boutique hotel than a typical cruise vessel—ideal for couples seeking personalized service without the crowds of larger ships.

After experiencing multiple Sydney-Auckland crossings in various accommodation categories, I've developed a framework for cabin selection that balances luxury with value. The Tasman Sea's occasionally challenging conditions make certain cabin choices more strategic than others.

Location Considerations

Midship cabins on lower decks experience less motion during rough seas—a consideration even luxury travelers shouldn't ignore. The Tasman can surprise even experienced cruisers with its temperamental nature. If you're prone to motion sensitivity, prioritize location over cabin category upgrades.

For uninterrupted sleep, avoid cabins directly below pool decks or adjacent to elevator banks and service areas. On my Celebrity Eclipse crossing, I specifically requested a cabin at least two doors away from any service area—a lesson learned from previous voyages where early morning trolley movements disrupted rest.

Value-Adding Amenities

When evaluating cabin categories, identify which included amenities genuinely enhance your experience versus those that sound appealing but go unused. For instance, priority embarkation saved us nearly two hours in Sydney's busy cruise terminal—a tangible benefit worth paying for. Conversely, some specialty pillow menus and bath amenities, while luxurious, rarely justify significant price differences between adjacent cabin categories.

For longer Tasman crossings with multiple sea days, I recommend investing in accommodations with distinct living and sleeping areas. The ability to maintain different spaces for different activities prevents cabin fever and enhances the feeling of spaciousness.

My packing cubes have proven invaluable for organizing belongings in cruise cabins of all sizes. Even in the most spacious suites, these lightweight organizers maintain order and maximize the efficiency of drawer and closet space throughout the voyage.