A cruise holiday is easy to plan if you are travelling within Australia or to the neighbouring New Zealand. Short cruises are a hot favourite amongst the nouveau cruising brigade who wish to travel in their comfort zone and make the most of the Australian dollar.

The best thing about a short cruise is that you can feel relaxed about packing, dealing with time lags and bask in the sunshine more than you can imagine.

Cruise Passenger’s picks:

1. Princess Cruises: Dawn Princess
   This is a 6 day roundtrip from Sydney to Tasmania with ports at Burnie, Port Arthur, Hobart. The signature features of Dawn Princess include outdoor activities, casinos, specialty restaurants and the biggest attraction is a 300-square foot, 69000-watt poolside movie-theatre. Also enjoy excursions around Burnie which is surrounded by farmlands, old villages and Cradle Mountain National Park, a world heritage site. For more details click here
2. Celebrity Solstice
   The 12 night New Zealand cruise departs in December and January from Sydney with ports at Melbourne, Milford Sound, Dusky Sound, Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Auckland in New Zealand. The highlights include a Canyon Ranch Spa Club, an incredible live demonstration of glass blowing, Asian delicacies at Silk Harvest restaurant and a sky observation lounge with live music and dancing. For more details click here
3. Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas
   If you are a loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser then this 10 night New Zealand cruise is great getaway during the holidays from Sydney. Port stops are Milford Sound, Dusky Sound, Dunedin, Wellington and Picton. There are 42 shore excursions to choose from including a panoramic tour of Marlbourough, Dunedin, Speights Brewery in New Zealand. amongst others. The signature highlights of the ship are an ice skating rink, the royal promenade and a rock climbing wall. For more details click here
4. Royal Caribbean Legend of the Seas
   The 7 night Queensland cruise is an excellent pick for those who want to cruise in 2016. The sailing itinerary starts with boarding from Brisbane and ports at Airlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island. There are more than 15 shore excursions with sightseeing in Cairns and Airlie Beach, visiting rainforest village, exploring Kuranda Village, butterfly sancaturay and bird world amongst others. Legend of the Seas is known for its miniature golf, a solarium with a sliding roof besides a host of other entertainment options appealing families. For more details click here