Cruises divided on three-day cruises – should we bring back themes and ports, or leave them as they are?

Cruise Passenger readers always have plenty to say about what’s going on in Australian cruise, and in the broader cruise community. In Your Say, Cruise Passenger looks at the issues our readers are writing to us about on our blogs, posts and newsletters. 

Last week Cruise Passenger raised the question over whether three-day cruises should visit more ports, rather than just sailing to nowhere as they mostly do. Unsurprisingly, cruisers had plenty to say.

Some came out strongly in defence of these three-day cruises, arguing that they fill gaps in the cruise calendar, offer a chance for people to test out ships and are a good and easy holiday option. Others suggested that the return of themed cruises and port visits could make this short getaways more appealing.

Darren Hopper recounted having a great time on his recent three-day cruise.

“I did that cruise last week and it was awesome. Got to see Blanc de Blanc, three comedy shows, played bingo on three days, played trivia games, had proper restaurant food in three different restaurants, drank copious amounts of cocktails, watched movies, and danced in the nightclub.”

Kyle Williams said he preferred the themed cruises of P&O.

“I preferred them when they had themed 3 nights to nowhere, like the Comedy Cruises, 80s or 90s cruises. Now without that they seem like a boring choice. Maybe fine for a first cruise or a quick getaway off land, but without the theme, I lost interest. Personal opinion.”

Daniel Simcic says he likes a three-day cruise, but some port stops along the way would be a great addition.

“Three day cruises are good breaks and are a good taster for travellers new to cruising. From Sydney cruise lines could consider 8 hours day stops in Eden, Jervis Bay, Newcastle and Port Macquarie as part of their three day cruises. Great opportunities for small communities welcoming ships for the day.”

Jane Lee made the point that these cruises help fill gaps in cruise ships calendars.

“The short cruises to ‘nowhere’ are used to fill the gaps in the cruise ship calendar – help to balance up his they juggle the algorithm of number of nights, cruise locations and actual port stops. People can either choose to book them, or not. Some like them, others don’t.”

Sharon Monck said she’s been on a three-night cruise to Eden and it was great to have that port stop.

“Eden is a possibility for 3 nights – we did this once, and it was great, but I love a 3 night cruise!!

“Some people fly into Sydney or Brisbane and stay in a hotel, go out to eat, maybe take in the sights, so there is some residual spending – maybe this is an untapped market for an ‘experience’ prior to or post cruise.

“If the cruise’s were longer, our spending would be taken offshore anyway.”

Jen Mulligan says she prefers when a cruise has a port.

“I have only done one short cruise and I didn’t like it.

“I have cruised overseas a few times and much prefer the cruises that dock somewhere so you can get off and go exploring.”

Chloe Rose on the other hand doesn’t mind the sea days.

“The sea days are super relaxing and there is heaps to do. It’s just like laying in a hotel on a beach somewhere and not heading out, except you have multiple options for food and entertainment.”

Nick Aisbitt said ports stops are simply a matter of whether the ports are trying to get cruise ships to stay or not.

“If the ports are more welcoming and affordable the ships will visit. Tourism is a market not a right, just as cities can decide.”

Anna Simpson recounted her experiences on various short cruises.

“We have been on 3 cruises. 2 x 3 night cruises a year apart on the Pacific Encounter. Saw some great shows and entertainment. Our last one in 2025 on Carnival Luminosa 4 night and the entertainment was dismal. Nothing to look forward to. Trivia seemed to be the thing plus a few comedy shows. Stop at Airlie Beach which was nice.

“What we need is for 3 night cruises to begin and end in Cairns. Having a three-night cruise then becomes expensive because of of airfares and 1 night accommodation night before embarkation.”

Ronda Harman said she’s not a fan.

“I have no interest in a 3 day cruise. If I have to fly from Perth to Sydney or Brisbane to cruise then it has to be worth the flight time and expense. Nothing less than a 10 day cruise for me.”

What do you think? Should three-day cruises stay how they are, or would adding port stops or themes help spice them up?

Please keep those comments coming!

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