Short Break Cruises From Australia
Dip your toes in your first cruise experience, or book a mini cruise to celebrate a special occasion at sea. Compare, read reviews and choose from the best short break cruises in Australia, with 20 sampler cruise itineraries and weekend getaway cruises. Presented by the world's leading cruise lines, you'll find the perfect short break cruise to suit you, all sailing from Australia this season.
Popular Cruises View all
Popular Cruise LinesFeatured Cruise Lines View all
No schedules. No stipulations. Just award-winning entertainment and diverse dining options from the only cruise line built for versatile vacationing. NCL's...more award-winning ships are designed for you to enjoy as you choose while cruising to beautiful destinations around the world. Add a wide range of superb dining options and spectacular entertainment and you'll experience your best holiday ever.
Royal Caribbean International is known for driving innovation at sea and has continuously redefined cruise holidays since its launch in 1969. Each successive...more class of ships is an architectural marvel and pushes the envelope of what is possible on a cruise ship. Onboard, the global cruise line has debuted countless industry 'firsts' – such as rock climbing, ice skating and surfing at sea – to capture the imagination of families and adventurous holiday-makers alike. Throughout, guests sail on exciting itineraries to some of the world’s most-popular destinations and enjoy Royal Caribbean’s friendly and engaging service.
Why Princess? Because you want to tell better stories. To immerse yourself in destinations near and far. To try new foods and encounter new cultures. To...more refresh your spirit and reconnect with those you love. Choosing a cruise line can seem tough, but Princess makes it easy. Because you want more than the usual cruise experience…you want to come back new. Discover what makes each port unique through the insights of local experts and crew members who sail with us to over 330 destinations.
A Taste of The Cruise Life Highlights of a Short-Break Cruise
Theme Lovers' Dream
A themed mini cruise is oceans of fun! Sail away in fits of laughter on a cracker comedy cruise. Get moving with some 80s vibes, or pay tribute to the King of rock 'n' roll. There's a variety of short, themed cruises available for every occasion.
A Weekend Away
When you just need an escape, what better way to take a break than with a short-break cruise. With everything taken care of - accommodation, meals, entertainment and transport - just relish in relaxation with a cocktail or two (or more).
Sail and Celebrate
Set sail for special moments! Mini cruises are the ultimate way to celebrate those milestones in life - Hen's Weekends, anniversaries, and birthdays. Make memories on the open ocean - it'll be a celebration like no other.
Cruise to Nowhere
First time cruiser? Test the waters with a taster cruise to nowhere! With no ports of call (or stops) on these short itineraries, you can really make the most of your time onboard. Explore the ship's activities, dining and entertainment options and you'll surely become a cruise convert.
Sampler Cruises
For avid cruise enthusiasts, a sampler cruise is the perfect way to broaden your horizons, experience a new cruise line or try a new cabin type without committing to a long sailing. Elevate your cruise experience with a more refined cruise line, or try a casual mini cruise for a bit of fun.
Latest Reviews What our clients are saying about their journeys
Virgin Cruisers here. From the outset - from searching for the appropriate cruise/ assistance all the way - Hannah Perry at Global Journeys was amazing to deal with. There was potentially a group of 25 which reduced to 16 - Hannah assisted each and every one of us. All I needed to do was to refer all family to Hannah. Everyone came back with the same ...read more compliments - so attentive/ easy to deal with - so quick to respond. Then we go onto the cruise - Quantum of the Seas - Brizzy to Airlie Beach - 4 nights. Just perfect amount of time for us. We all had the best time. The whole family enjoyed it and great memories were made. Will definitely do it again over the next couple of years - and will be looking for Royal Carribean as so many regular cruisers complimented this was their favourite ship. Thank you Hannah and the team and thank you Royal Carribean - we couldnt have asked for a better experience.
It was a great short break - everything was perfect from the booking in and cabin staff to the neverending quality food and wait service. I could not fault any of the staff involved that made our lives easy and restful. Disembarking was a breeze following the instructions and procedures. Will book again definitely.
Great way to travel back to Sydney from Melbourne. We were quite impressed with Princess Cruises. Fantastic shows, food and service. Well organised and loved talking to lots of different people at the shared tables which were always available at different times. You need to book at all restaurants if you want to sit with just your party.
With Christmas such a busy and hectic time, we took the opportunity to book a weekend getaway cruise on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas. Only being a 2 night cruise, we splurged out on a 1 bedroom Grand Suite, and it didn’t disappoint. Essentially a double size cabin, bedroom in one side and lounge in the other with access to a fully tiled bathroom ...read more from each room. Other perks of the Grand Suite was access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant. Whilst the quality and quantity of the food on Royal Caribbean in general is better than other lines we have cruised with, the Coastal Kitchen really is that extra step up. Top quality food, impeccable service and a more intimate environment for dinner was a good way to cap off the day.
Suite class also has 24 hr access to the Concierge Club lounge, with complimentary coffee all day, afternoon hors d'oeuvres and open bar from 5pm - 8pm. Add to that a private sundeck and you have several options to get away from the 4,500 plus passengers on board. (if that’s what you want). Suites are not cheap, and up to the individual to determine if it is worth it for them, but we enjoyed our short stay at that level. We have also found that Royal Caribbean’s boarding process, in Sydney at least, is second to none. With so much being able to be done online prior to boarding, you virtually just walk on, via security of course and ID checks. We’ll cruise with Royal Caribbean and book via Global Journeys again.
Suite class also has 24 hr access to the Concierge Club lounge, with complimentary coffee all day, afternoon hors d'oeuvres and open bar from 5pm - 8pm. Add to that a private sundeck and you have several options to get away from the 4,500 plus passengers on board. (if that’s what you want). Suites are not cheap, and up to the individual to determine if it is worth it for them, but we enjoyed our short stay at that level. We have also found that Royal Caribbean’s boarding process, in Sydney at least, is second to none. With so much being able to be done online prior to boarding, you virtually just walk on, via security of course and ID checks. We’ll cruise with Royal Caribbean and book via Global Journeys again.
Explore More Your guide to traveling
27 February, 2024
Cunard's Great Australian Culinary Journey 2025Embark on a culinary odyssey like no other as Cunard's Great Australian Culinary Voyage returns in February 2025, promising an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts of fine dining and exploration aboard the Queen Elizabeth. This 6-day roundtrip voyage from Sydney is where the culinary...
Common Questions What to know about short-break cruises
What is the shortest cruise I can book?
The shortest cruise available is 3 days (2 nights), but these little taster cruises still pack a punch. You'll surprise yourself with how much you can experience in just a couple of days. Check out the onboard entertainment, sample your must-do dining experiences and fit in a few dips in the pool between cock...read moretails. Are the inclusions the same on a short-break cruise?
Yes, they are. You will still have access to the same onboard amenities as you would on a longer cruise. There may be some restrictions on certain niche amenities, so it's still always best to check this before you book. Can I purchase a beverage package for my short-break cruise?
Yes, you can. This is also the perfect opportunity to sample a beverage package and see if it's of value for you on future cruises. The inclusions and availability of each beverage package will vary depending on the length of your cruise and the ...read morecruise line you are sailing with. There may also be restrictions on when these packages can be purchased (whether that is ahead of time or onboard). Be sure to check with your travel advisor or preferred cruise line before sailing. What is the best number of days to cruise?
How long is a piece of string? The perfect cruise length doesn't exist, as we're all looking for something different! However, a ...read moreshort-break cruise is between 3-5 days and is a fantastic way to sample life onboard - you may even squeeze in a port of call. Once you're a cruise-convert, a 6-9 day itinerary is a great next step to explore various ports of call, dabble in the many culinary delights, still with plenty of time to soak up some sun by the pool. Why should I book a short-break cruise?
Offering a snippet of life at sea, these brief, yet refreshing mini cruises are a great way to sample ocean cruising or just escape for a few days. Try out the amenities, or relax and unwind - the choice is yours. A short-break cruise also provides a financially-friendly cruising option. Whether you're planning...read more an action-packed few days or a leisurely long weekend, the journey is yours to enjoy! 
