We’ve rounded up the best short cruises out of Sydney for singles, couples, and families, each offering a different flavour of experience.
If you’re short on time or savings, or both, a three, four or five night trip from Sydney can scratch the cruising itch. We pulled together a breakdown of the best mini cruises out of the sapphire city, a look at their itineraries and what’s included.
Three Nights | Sydney to Eden | Royal Princess
Perfect for solo grown ups or couples, the Royal Princess offers a classic, sophisticated cruising experience. This three-night voyage takes you from Sydney to Eden, with one sea day to enjoy the ship’s award-winning spas and down-time amenities. The Retreat Pool on Royal Princess offers more space and seating than the adult pools on other Princess vessels, plus private that can be reserved. For something more active Royal Princess even has a full sports court for basketball, and retro fun like bingo and Movies Under the Stars screenings.
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Depart Sydney
- Day 2: At Sea
- Day 3: Port in Eden
- Day 4: Return to Sydney
What’s Included:
- Onboard entertainment
- Kids Club
- Main dining room, buffet meals and basic drinks
Costs:
- Interior cabin: From A$375 per person
- Balcony: From A$445 per person
- Suite: From A$552 per person
Three Nights | Sydney to Melbourne | Disney Magic at Sea
For a magical family experience, the Disney Magic at Sea offers a 3-night cruise from Sydney to Melbourne. Enjoy Disney-themed entertainment like character meet-and-greets, stage shows, and trivia. There’s also plenty of water fun for kids, including AquaLab’s huge water play area. Family dining is well catered for, with both casual and fine dining options.
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Depart Sydney
- Day 2: At Sea
- Day 3: Port in Melbourne
- Day 4: Return to Sydney
What’s Included:
- Broadway-quality shows
- Pools and waterslides
- All meals and snacks
- Kids, tweens, and teens clubs
Costs for two people:
- Interior Cabin from $4,077
- Oceanview from $4,095
- Verandah from $5,380
Three Nights | Sydney to Sydney | Ovation of the Seas
For adventure seekers, Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas offers a packed 3-night sampler cruise with a crazy amount of onboard activities. Whether you’re up for skydiving at sea, bumper cars, or scaling a rock climbing wall, this Royal Caribbean ship is for thrill-seekers. The cruise features two days at sea, giving you plenty of time to explore everything on board and experience being on the mega ship.
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Depart Sydney
- Day 2: At Sea
- Day 3: At Sea
- Day 4: Return to Sydney
What’s Included:
- RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator and other adventure experiences
- North Star observation capsule
- Adventure Ocean youth program
- Most dining options
Costs:
- Interior cabin: From A$599 per person
- Balcony: From A$699 per person
- Suite: From A$1,418 per person
Four Nights | Sydney to Hobart | Crown Princess
Enjoy a peaceful 4-night trip to Tasmania aboard the Crown Princess, where you’ll stop in Hobart. The ship’s four spacious pool areas, along with various dining options ranging from buffets to specialty restaurants, provide a laid-back atmosphere. Even with over 3,000 passengers, the ship rarely feels crowded, making it perfect for relaxation.
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Depart Sydney
- Day 2: At Sea
- Day 3: Port in Hobart
- Day 4: At Sea
- Day 5: Return to Sydney
What’s Included:
- Kids Club
- Main dining room and buffet
- Most onboard entertainment
Costs:
- Interior cabin: From A$947 per person
- Balcony: From A$1,200 per person
- Suite: From A$1,700 per person
Four Nights | Sydney to Moreton Island | Carnival Splendor
The Carnival Splendor offers a 4-night cruise from Sydney to Moreton Island, where you’ll have a full day to explore one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Onboard, enjoy high-energy activities like the WaterWorks water park, live entertainment, and themed deck parties. On your port day go snorkelling on the famous shipwrecks or whale watching, or take an exhilarating 4WD bus adventure around Tangalooma, the 3rd largest sand island in the world. From sand tobogganing down the dunes, ATV quad bike tours and scenic helicopter flights to spotting turtles on a clear bottom kayak tour or even a spot of parasailing,
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Depart Sydney
- Day 2: At Sea
- Day 3: Port in Moreton Island
- Day 4: At Sea
- Day 5: Return to Sydney
What’s Included:
- Stage shows, comedy, and live music
- All meals, including late-night options
- WaterWorks slides and pools
- Adult-only Serenity retreat
Costs:
- Interior cabin: From A$1,218 for two people
- Balcony: From A$1,958 for two people
- Suite: From A$2,188 for two people
Four Nights | Sydney to Hobart | Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Edge’s 4-night trip to Hobart features standout amenities like their famous Magic Carpet (a floating platform 13 stories above sea level) and various upscale dining venues. Enjoy spacious cabins, from standard rooms to luxurious Edge Villas with private plunge pools. Onboard, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained too, with guided activities like silent discos to outdoor games.
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Depart Sydney
- Day 2: At Sea
- Day 3: Port in Hobart
- Day 4: At Sea
- Day 5: Return to Sydney
What’s Included:
- All main meals (excluding specialty restaurants)
- Onboard entertainment for the kids
- Beautiful rooftop garden and club
Costs:
- Interior cabin: From A$757 per person
- Balcony: From A$1,173 per person
- Suite: From A$3,122 per person
Five Nights | Sydney to Hobart and Tasmania | Queen Elizabeth
For something unique, the Queen Elizabeth offers a 5-night Australian Literature Festival at sea, sailing from Sydney to Hobart. The itinerary includes author workshops, Q&As, and evening entertainment, all with a literary theme. When you’re not attending talks, enjoy fine dining, art deco décor, and guided gin tastings.
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Depart Sydney
- Day 2: At Sea
- Day 3: Port in Hobart
- Day 4: Great Oyster Bay, Tasmania
- Day 5: At Sea
- Day 6: Return to Sydney
What’s Included:
- Literary workshops and talks
- All meals and snacks
- Pools, fitness centers, and live music
Costs:
- Interior cabin: From A$2,622 for two people
- Balcony: From A$3,568 for two people
- Princess Suite: From A$4,398 for two people
Five Nights | Sydney to Tauranga, New Zealand | Royal Princess
This 5-night cruise to Tauranga, New Zealand, is ideal for those who love the outdoors. Visit Mount Maunganui, Rotorua’s geothermal parks, and hike the stunning coastal landscape. Onboard, the Royal Princess offers an extensive thermal suite and spa, perfect for relaxation and decompression after a day of exploration or your two days at sea. Relax on heated stone beds or soothing water beds, or get sweaty with the steam and sauna options.
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Depart Sydney
- Day 2: At Sea
- Day 3: Port in Tauranga
- Day 4: At Sea
- Day 5: Return to Sydney
What’s Included:
- Spa access, jogging track and fitness centre
- Main dining rooms and buffet
- Live shows, music, and movies under the stars
- Free Entrance to clubs, bars and lounges (karaoke parties, dancing events etc)
- Spectacular production shows at Princess Theatre
- Las Vegas – style casino
- Pools, jacuzzis, splash pools
- Things like mini-golf and kids programs
Costs:
- Interior cabin: From A$1,329 per person
- Mini-suite from 2,419 per person
- Suite: From A$4,429 per person
Five Nights | Sydney to Eden & Tasmania | Celebrity Edge
Another option aboard the Celebrity Edge, this 5-night cruise combines nature and relaxation. Explore both Eden and Hobart with long port days, hang out in the Rooftop Garden, or unwind at the onboard spa. For family fun, there’s also a laser maze, Jenga, and live performances at The Theatre.
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Depart Sydney
- Day 2: Port in Eden
- Day 3: At Sea
- Day 4: Port in Hobart
- Day 5: At Sea
- Day 6: Return to Sydney
What’s Included:
- All meals (excluding specialty restaurants)
- Onboard entertainment
- Rooftop Garden and family activities
Costs:
- Interior cabin: From A$1,362 per person
- Balcony: From A$1,655 per person
- Concierge Class: From A$1,973 per person
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