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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 47 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 549

4 Days Sydney to Sydney

Operator: P&O Cruises

From 449

4 Days Melbourne to Melbourne

Operator: P&O Cruises

From 738

4 Days Brisbane to Brisbane

Operator: P&O Cruises

From 499

Popular Cruise LinesFeatured Cruise Lines View all

Royal Caribbean
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.
Short Break Cruises24
Budget:Premium
Known For:Something for Everyone
Fleet Size:27
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 Cruises22
Budget:Premium
Known For:Relaxing Atmosphere
Fleet Size:17
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 Cruises145
Budget:Affordable
Known For:South Pacific
Fleet Size:3

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

Enjoyable cruise   , Australia, Apr 2024
An enjoyable cruise but it took hours to get everyone off at Phillip Island. We had priority but some people couldn't get off until 4 hours after we anchored at 8:15am. Makes it a very short visit when you need to be back on by 4pm. The food on the ship could be a lot better, and the bar service was quite slow at times. The suite was spacious.
Enjoyable cruise   , Australia, Apr 2024
Generally an enjoyable cruise. The suite was spacious, the service was good. But the food on P&O could be a lot better. The buffet really is pretty poor and even the restaurant food could have a lot more variety. The menu changes a lot less than on the previous cruise.
Mini Cruise   , 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.
Pacific encounter   , QLD, Australia, Mar 2024
Fantastic trip, everything is perfect. There are so many shows and the services were good. Food was delicious. We will join again next time.

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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 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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