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 24 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
Popular Cruise Lines Featured Cruise Lines
Set sail on the vacation of a lifetime aboard one of Celebrity's award-winning cruise ships. The luxurious fleet merges cutting-edge technology with welcoming more interiors and revolutionary venues. Discover the unrivaled luxury of The Retreat®. Experience visionary spaces, like the Magic Carpet®, that are like nothing you’ve seen before. On Celebrity's cruise ships, you’ll travel the world while enjoying the height of style, comfort, and service throughout your journey.
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.
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 Weekend Away 
Sail and Celebrate 
Cruise to Nowhere 
Sampler Cruises Latest Reviews
What our clients are saying about their journeys
80's cruise from Sydney
80s Cruise
Marcelo, New Zealand, Jul 2025
We made the 80's cruises in Carnival Adventure. Overall was really enjoyable, atmosphere on the cruise and especially the main shows were really good. Cabinets and overall state of the ship are very good too. Embarkation and disimbarkation process really organized and fast. Things not so good: There is not a lot of variety on food on The Pantry, and read more the daily entertainment was kind of short on options, with more of the activities focused only on Australian passengers. Is a good option anyways for a short break.
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.
The Break Away
Sydney Getaway
Max and Janice, NSW, Australia, Nov 2024
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.
Mini Cruise
Australia Seacation
Lyn and Darryl, NSW, Australia, Mar 2024
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.
Weekend getaway from Sydney
Weekend Getaway
Ralph, NSW, Australia, Jan 2023
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.
Australia Short Break
Australia Short Break
Murray & Frances, Karen & Kathleen, VIC, Australia, Jan 2023
For one who would never have considered a cruise, I was blown away with the elegance and personal care shown to each of us from Cunard. The ship was eyewatering!! With my thanks.
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Your guide to traveling
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 cocktails.
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 cruise 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 short-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 an action-packed few days or a leisurely long weekend, the journey is yours to enjoy!
