For a 'true blue' holiday, check out these Australian-owned cruises

Now that P&O is nearly P&Over, we're running out of ships for a good, old-fashioned, bogan-friendly Australia Day.

I still remember the party on Carnival Spirit, January 26, 2017. We scoffed lamingtons, drank cocktails from koala-shaped mugs, and danced poolside to Aussie rock. Hundreds of kangaroos appeared as towel animals or carved into watermelons. The Southern Cross covered every surface and passengers' patriotic outfits.

It was fun but it didn't always feel authentic on these adopted ships with American parents and Asian crew.

The "true blue" cruises take place every day on locally built vessels run by locals. The managers, itinerary planners, interior designers, expedition leaders, chefs, waiters and bartenders are Australian, so they know what we want on holidays.

Western Australia has the most all-Aussie cruise operators. Based on my experiences on True North and Eco Abrolhos, it makes a real difference to have people so passionate about their home. They take you to their secret spots and tell personal stories. Feasts of fresh crayfish and barramundi are washed down with Fremantle beers and Margaret River wines. On land, Aboriginal guides lead the way to rock art sites and other sacred places.

Other Australian-owned adventure yachts sailing in WA include Scenic Eclipse II, Great Escape, Ocean Dream, Reef Prince and Kimberley Quest II.

Cairns-based Coral Expeditions has devoted 40 years to exploring the Kimberley, Northern Territory, Great Barrier Reef and the west and south coastlines. The fleet is purpose-designed to access our most remote shores. The newest, Coral Geographer, has a large collection of Indigenous art, more than 1000 square metres of open deck space, multiple bars and balcony cabins.

In Tasmania's south-west wilderness is On Board Expeditions' Odalisque III. The layout also prioritises the outdoors, panoramic views, drinking and socialising. The catamaran was built in Hobart using local materials, furniture, tableware, art and eco-friendly blackwater holding tanks. Guests can enjoy Tasmanian pinot, whisky, gin, beer, cider and seafood, as well as excursions with Peter Marmion, who has been visiting this World Heritage region for 50 years.

Read more on Explore:

The next local newbuild is the Australian Star paddle-steamer on the Murray River, surrounded by gum trees and cackling kookaburras. Launching in June, it already sounds more Aussie than green and gold cupcakes decorated with flags on toothpicks.

This Australia Day, I'll be disembarking a Disney cruise in Melbourne. Somehow I don't think Mickey Mouse will be waving goodbye wearing thongs and handing out meat pies.

There are some things you will only find on Australian cruises; however, the Aussie influence is increasing internationally. Some lines stock beers like VB and XXXX. I've even seen Bundaberg Rum and heard Great Southern Land on luxury lines.

A few years ago, if you asked for a flat white, the barista would be puzzled, but now most ships serve it. Vegemite has also spread (pun intended), but it's not common overseas. You can "spot the Aussie" when they pull out those squeezy bottles at the breakfast table. So, what's only found on some ships in Australia? Australian power points.

Pictures: Mark Daffey; Louise Goldsbury