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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 38 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.

View all 38 Short Break Cruises From Australia

Popular Cruises

Tangalooma - Moreton Island Cruise

5 Days Sydney to Sydney

Operator: Carnival Cruises

From 525pp

Whitsundays Getaway Cruise

5 Days Brisbane to Brisbane

Operator: Royal Caribbean

From 697pp

Save 525pp

Moreton Island

5 Days Sydney to Sydney

Operator: Carnival Cruises

From 525pp

Getaway

4 Days Sydney to Sydney

Operator: Carnival Cruises

From 375pp

View all

Popular Cruise Lines Featured Cruise Lines

Carnival

62 Reviews

Short Break Cruises

165 Departures

Budget

Affordable

Known For

Fun-filled family cruising

All-Inclusive Level

Standard

Princess

81 Reviews

Short Break Cruises

26 Departures

Budget

Premium

Known For

MedallionClass cruising and destination discovery

All-Inclusive Level

Standard

Royal Caribbean

20 Reviews

Short Break Cruises

28 Departures

Budget

Premium

Known For

Adventure-packed family cruising

All-Inclusive Level

Standard

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 read more 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 read 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

Whitsunday cruise Whitsundays Cruise Kenneth, Australia, Jul 2026

The cruise was good but I prefer to have shared dining, but I know the ship told me they are too small to do that but I’m sure it could be possible with the size of dining areas. The entertainment was great and there was always things to do for fun from night activity to lounging by the pool. The staff were friendly and polite and courteous. I have read more

First cruise Moreton Island Rachael and Mary, WA, Australia, Jun 2026

We went on a cruise with Carnival. Getting on the ship was fast and easy. It was overwhelming inside initially, but once we knew the layout and which areas to avoid, it was fine. There were lots of options for different foods and where to eat. The rooms had lots of room for our bags.

Carnival 3 night cruise Getaway Janice and Alan, NSW, Australia, May 2026

Lots of people celebrating and parties. More young children than expected. All facilities on the cruise as expected. I feel the choice of food at dining rooms was less then previous cruises. Overall just relaxed and did very little. Shows were good.

A helpful and trouble free booking process Australia Seacation Elizabeth and Barry, QLD, Australia, Mar 2026

We did a three day Princess cruise from Brisbane to Sydney. A perfect and relaxing journey from start to finish. Tracey handled our booking and made this process so easy for us. We had several questions in between booking and setting off - Tracey handled these queries for us and a reply came back quickly from her. Thank you Tracey for your help - read more

Wonderful cruise Sapphire Coast Seacation Alan, NSW, Australia, Mar 2026

A peaceful and enjoyable cruise to Eden.Accomodation is good and large. Food is good quality. Atmosphere around the cruise is happy and fun. Will join Global journey again for their good and smooth arrangement .

Helpful Hannah Tasmania Cruise Lynette and Mark, NSW, Australia, Jan 2026

Hannah was so very helpful from start to finish. Firstly, with our quote and then booking with Global Journeys. Our telephone queries were answered quickly and efficiently if we needed clarity on anything. Grace was also very helpful one day when Hannah was not in the office. Our cruise on Celebrity Edge to Hobart was wonderful. The ship was modern read more

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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!