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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 66 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

5 Days Brisbane to Brisbane

Operator: P&O Cruises

From 426

5 Days Sydney to Sydney

Operator: P&O Cruises

From 474

5 Days Melbourne to Melbourne

Operator: P&O Cruises

From 597

4 Days Sydney to Sydney

Operator: P&O Cruises

From 374

Popular Cruise LinesFeatured Cruise Lines View all

P&O Cruises
Over the years P&O Cruises have led the Australasian cruise industry, and established ourselves as the region’s only home brand and experts in delivering...more memorable cruise holidays. On every cruise, our guests are treated to a range of amazing onboard cruise activities, plenty of dining options, spectacular entertainment, and a wide range of shore tours that offers something for everyone. With years of experience and thousands of cruises under our belt, we know how Aussies like to cruise. Our popular Short Breaks cruises and longer cruise holidays offer the perfect opportunity for guests to relax, unwind, and explore the world.
Short Break Cruises200
Budget:Affordable
Known For:South Pacific
Fleet Size:3
Celebrity Cruises
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.
Short Break Cruises3
Budget:Premium
Known For:Real Lawn at Sea
Fleet Size:14
Princess
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.
Short Break Cruises30
Budget:Premium
Known For:Relaxing Atmosphere
Fleet Size:17

A Taste of The Cruise Life Highlights of a Short-Break Cruise

Theme Lovers' Dream

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

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

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

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

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

80's Party revival     , VIC, Australia, Feb 2024
First experience on a cruise for both of us, we had an amazing time, plenty to do, great music and entertainment and fancy dress to turn back time. Food was great and drinks are normal prices. We will do it again!
A 5 day cruise which went in circles outside Brisbane     , SA, Australia, Jan 2024
Since I had not been on a cruise, I booked this 5 day cruise from Brisbane to Airlie Beach and back with P&O. Due to a cyclone, the vessel could not go to Airlie beach, so then just went in circles, with a stop off at Moreton Island, which is about 25 km from Brisbane. Despite the vessel looking old once on board, with peeling wall paper and obvious ...read more rust being painted over, the cruise experience was fine, with all staff helpful. Note that this was during school holidays so there were apparently 700 kids on board out of a total of 2900 passengers.The visit to Moreton Island was poorly organised since at the end of the visit, there were 100s of us stuck on a jetty with 30 degree heat and no shade for over an hour due to the slow and infrequent feeder boats between the island and the vessel. Hannah from Global Journeys was excellent in organising the booking at relatively short notice.
Excellent Holiday   , ACT, Australia, Dec 2023
This was our first Cruise and we've really enjoyed. Everything was awesome and nothing to complain about. P&O staff were very welcoming and their hospitality was great. We both very happy and looking forward to book for a another cruise after the next overseas holiday.
Whitsunday Cruise - Wow!     , QLD, Australia, Oct 2023
For a first cruise the Whitsunday cruise is unbeatable. The P&O terminal and onboard staff, from your welcome to your farewell, are so helpful. An abundance of activities for kids and adults to do. The menus at every eatery and restaurant provide a great choice for dining. Rooms are clean and the beds are so comfy. Easy and well organised tender service ...read more into Airley Beach to partake of the onshore activities. If you haven't done it yet, book your cruise now!

Explore More Your guide to travelling

Cunard's Great Australian Culinary Journey 2025

27 February, 2024

Cunard's Great Australian Culinary Journey 2025

Embark 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!

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