We’ve rounded up the best short cruises from Sydney for singles, couples and families, each offering a different experience.

If you’re short on time or savings, or both, a three, four or five night trip from Sydney can scratch the cruise itch. We’ve put together a list of the best mini cruises from the sapphire city, taking a look at their itineraries and what’s included.

Three nights | Sydney – Eden | Royal Princess

Ideal for single adults or couples. Royal Princess offers a classic, sophisticated cruising experience. This three-night trip takes you from Sydney to Eden, and you’ll have one day at sea to enjoy award-winning spas and amenities during your downtime. The Retreat Pool on the Royal Princess offers more space and seating than the adult pools on other Princess ships, as well as a private pool that can be reserved. For a more active getaway, Royal Princess even has a full basketball court and retro entertainment like bingo and movie screenings under the stars.

Route:

• Day 1: Departure from Sydney.
• Day 2: At sea
• Day 3: Port of Eden
• Day 4: Return to Sydney.

What’s included:

• Entertainment on board
• Kids club
• Main dining room, buffet and basic drinks.

Cost:

• Interior cabin: from A$375 per person.
• Balcony: from AUD 445 per person.
• Suite: from AUD 552 per person.

Three nights | Sydney – Melbourne | Disney magic at sea

For a magical family experience, Disney magic at sea offers a 3-night cruise from Sydney to Melbourne. Enjoy Disney-themed activities such as character meet-and-greets, stage shows and trivia games. There are also plenty of water activities for children, including the huge AquaLab water play area. Family dining is well catered for in both casual and sophisticated settings.

Route:

• Day 1: Departure from Sydney.
• Day 2: At sea
• Day 3: Port in Melbourne
• Day 4: Return to Sydney.

What’s included:

• Broadway show
• Pools and water slides
• All meals and snacks
• Children’s, teen and teen clubs

Cost for two:

• Interior cabin from US$4,077
• Ocean view from $4095
• Veranda from $5380

Three nights | from Sydney to Sydney | Ovation of the seas

For Royal Caribbean’s Adventurers Ovation of the seas offers an action-packed 3-day cruise with a crazy amount of onboard entertainment. Whether you want to skydive into the sea, ride bumper cars, or scale a rock climbing wall, this Royal Caribbean ship is designed for thrill-seekers. The cruise is designed for two days at sea, giving you plenty of time to explore everything on board and experience being on a megaship.

Route:

• Day 1: Departure from Sydney.
• Day 2: At sea
• Day 3: At sea
• Day 4: Return to Sydney.

What’s included:

• iFly’s RipCord Skydiving Simulator and Other Adventure Games
• Polar Star Observation Capsule
• Youth program “Ocean of Adventure”
• Most restaurants

Cost:

• Interior Stateroom: From A$599 per person.
• Balcony: from A$699 per person.
• Suite: from AUD 1,418 per person.

Four nights | from Sydney to Hobart | Crown Princess

Enjoy a peaceful 4-day trip to Tasmania on board the ship. Crown Princesswhere will you stay in Hobart. The ship’s four spacious pools, as well as a variety of dining options, from buffets to specialty restaurants, create a relaxed atmosphere. Even with over 3,000 passengers, the ship rarely gets crowded, making it ideal for a getaway.

Route:

• Day 1: Departure from Sydney.
• Day 2: At sea
• Day 3: Port to Hobart
• Day 4: At sea
• Day 5: Return to Sydney.

What’s included:

• Kids club
• Main dining room and buffet
• The most in-flight entertainment

Cost:

• Interior cabin: from A$947 per person.
• Balcony: from AUD 1,200 per person.
• Suite: from AUD 1,700 per person.

Four nights | from Sydney to Moreton Island | Carnival splendor

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. On board you’ll enjoy high-energy activities such as the WaterWorks water park, live entertainment and themed parties on deck. On your port day, snorkel at the site of famous shipwrecks or whale watching, or take a thrilling 4×4 bus adventure around Tangalooma, the third largest sand island in the world. From sand sledding through the dunes, ATV tours and scenic helicopter flights to turtle spotting on a clear bottom kayak tour or even parasailing.

Route:

• Day 1: Departure from Sydney.
• Day 2: At sea
• Day 3: Moreton Island Port
• Day 4: At sea
• Day 5: Return to Sydney.

What’s included:

• Stage shows, comedy and live music
• All meals including late dinner options
• Water slides and pools WaterWorks
• Serenity Retreat for Adults Only

Cost:

• Interior cabin: from A$1,218 for two.
• Balcony: from AUD 1,958 for two.
• Suite: from A$2,188 for two.

Four nights | from Sydney to Hobart | Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Edge‘A 4-day trip to Hobart includes outstanding amenities such as the famous Magic Carpet (a floating platform 13 floors above sea level) and a variety of upscale restaurants. Enjoy spacious cabins ranging from standard rooms to luxurious Edge Villas with private plunge pools. There’s plenty to keep kids entertained on board, from silent discos to outdoor games.

Route:

• Day 1: Departure from Sydney.
• Day 2: At sea
• Day 3: Port to Hobart
• Day 4: At sea
• Day 5: Return to Sydney.

What’s included:

• All main courses (except specialty restaurants)
• Entertainment for children on board
• Beautiful garden and rooftop club

Cost:

• Interior cabin: from A$757 per person.
• Balcony: from AUD 1,173 per person.
• Suite: from AUD 3,122 per person.

Five nights | from Sydney to Hobart and Tasmania | Queen Elizabeth

For something unique Queen Elizabeth offers a 5-day festival of Australian literature at sea, sailing from Sydney to Hobart. The itinerary includes author master classes, questions and answers, and evening entertainment, all with a literary theme. When you’re not attending talks, enjoy gourmet cuisine, Art Deco décor and guided gin tastings.

Route:

• Day 1: Departure from Sydney.
• Day 2: At sea
• Day 3: Port to Hobart
• Day 4: Great Oyster Bay, Tasmania
• Day 5: At sea
• Day 6: Return to Sydney.

What’s included:

• Literary master classes and conversations
• All meals and snacks
• Pools, fitness centers and live music.

Cost:

• Interior cabin: from A$2,622 for two.
• Balcony: from A$3,568 for two.
• Princess Suite: From A$4,398 for two.

Five nights | Sydney – Tauranga, New Zealand | Royal Princess

This 5-day cruise to Tauranga, New Zealand is ideal for those who love nature. Visit Mount Maunganui, Rotorua geothermal parks, and walk through stunning coastal scenery. On board Royal princesWith offers an extensive thermal complex and spa area, ideal for relaxation and decompression after a day of exploration or two days at sea. Relax on heated stone beds or soothing water beds, or work up a sweat in the steam room and sauna.

Route:

• Day 1: Departure from Sydney.
• Day 2: At sea
• Day 3: Port in Tauranga
• Day 4: At sea
• Day 5: Return to Sydney.

What’s included:

• Access to spa, jogging track and fitness center
• Main dining rooms and buffet
• Live shows, music and movies under the stars
• Free entry to clubs, bars and lounges (karaoke parties, dance events, etc.)
• Spectacular performances at the Princess Theater
• Las Vegas style casino
• Swimming pools, jacuzzi, paddling pools
• Things like mini golf and children’s programs.

Cost:

• Interior cabin: from A$1,329 per person.
• Mini-suite from 2419 per person
• Suite: from AUD 4,429 per person.

Five nights | from Sydney to Eden and Tasmania | Celebrity Edge

Another option on board Celebrity EdgeThis 5-day cruise combines nature and relaxation. Explore Eden and Hobart with long days in port, time in the rooftop garden or relaxation in the onboard spa. For family fun, there is also a Jenga laser maze and live performances at the Theater.

Route:

• Day 1: Departure from Sydney.
• Day 2: Port of Eden
• Day 3: At sea
• Day 4: Port to Hobart
• Day 5: At sea
• Day 6: Return to Sydney.

What’s included:

• All meals (except specialty restaurants)
• Entertainment on board
• Roof garden and family fun

Cost:

• Interior cabin: from A$1,362 per person.
• Balcony: from AUD 1,655 per person.
• Concierge Class: from AUD 1,973 per person.

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