In this episode, we are live from aboard the Crown Princess as we sail along the coast of Australia and are sharing the highs, hiccups, and unforgettable moments from the start of our 3-week adventure through Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. From emergency medical landings and luggage weight surprises to whale sightings and stunning views in Hobart, this episode captures the real, raw, and magical moments that happen when you travel across the world (sometimes on crutches). Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Whether you’re dreaming of cruising through the South Pacific or just want to hear what happens when your carry-on is too heavy in Australia, you’re going to love this behind-the-scenes peek into life at sea.

And while cruising offers an incredible way to explore multiple destinations without packing and unpacking, many travelers also choose to extend their adventures on land—especially in places like Tasmania, where the freedom to explore remote beaches, rugged national parks, and hidden coastal viewpoints is easier with a vehicle. That’s why some visitors compare options such as road-trip travel with the top-rated campervan hire in Tasmania, traditional car rentals for shorter routes, or guided tour packages for those who prefer planned itineraries—all depending on comfort level, budget, and how deeply they want to immerse themselves in nature. Each approach creates a different rhythm of travel, and combining cruise days with land exploration can turn a great trip into an unforgettable journey that blends convenience, spontaneity, and breathtaking scenery.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

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  Why getting to Tasmania is no small feat from Florida 

  
  


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  Why Virgin Australia’s strict carry-on weight limits caught them off guard 

  
  


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  A review of the Tasman Hotel in Hobart (Marriott Luxury Collection) 

  
  


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  How locals in Tasmania and Eden warmly welcome cruise travelers 

  
  


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  What makes the Salamanca Market a must-do Saturday experience 

  
  


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  The once-in-a-lifetime whale encounter in Eden you have to hear to believe 

  
  


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  Our first impressions of Princess Cruises vs. Holland America 

  
  


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  Real talk about traveling in an inside cabin for 3 weeks (and how to make the most of it!) 

  
  


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  How this cruise gets us prepared to check the final continent off their list

  
  

Related Episodes You'll Love:

Episode 139 - Seeing the World, from Tasmania to Singapore - In Memory of Gene Bright

Episode 142 - Discovering Malaysia: Insider Tips on Kuala Lumpur and Penang with Colin + Meg

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Music: This Acoustic Happy

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay