Travel Deal Tuesday: How to land a lush cruise deal for under $500

If you’re hanging out for a holiday but don’t have the time or the money, this break might be a winner and you never have even thought of it before.

When you’re short on time, but still in need of a holiday, most of us will either power through to our next big break or maybe book a short getaway close to home.

But with the cruise industry booming, and prices to spend a few days at sea cheaper than ever before, more and more ‘short breakers’ are looking to book a taster cruise instead of spending money on a ‘holiday home’ away from home.

Ever considered a taster cruise if you're after a short break?

If you haven’t been on a ship before, the whole appeal of ‘cruising’ is that it makes travelling super easy. All you have to do is book your cabin, pack your bags and hop on board. The rest takes care of itself.

But more often that not, jumping on a cruise generally requires a fair chunk of your annual leave bank. But not anymore thanks to the ‘taster cruise’ trend.

In this weeks Travel Deal Tuesday, we’ve found a few of the best which will set you back under $500 per person, and take you out of the office for just the right amount of time to feel refreshed.

Co medy Cruise from $429

Laugh those winter blues away with a three-day weekend getaway on-board a P & O Comedy Cruise. On board, you’ll be able to watch some of Australia’s best comedians take the stage each night and even give your own material a go at the Comedy Gong Show.

Fares start from $429 per person twin share, with early bird bookings offering a saving of up to 22%. But you will need to book in quickly, because this cruise heads off from Sydney on 19th July 2019.

The P & O Comedy Cruise will have you at sea for just three nights.

Cruise up to the Sunshine Coast from just $499

If you’re in need of a break and are able to take a little extra time, you might want to book a room heading to Queensland’s picturesque Sunshine Coast.

From $499 per person twin share, you will save around 20% if you book early. With a Sydney departure on 8th August, passengers will spend the day at sea before arriving to the Sunshine Coast for the day. The four night round trip is on board the P & O SeaBreak, which has a kids clubs and multiple dining options, to the largest adventure park at sea and an adults only comedy club.

This cruise will allow you to get off the ship, unlike other short cruises which tend to simply float around at sea.

Cruise for less than $100 per night

If you’re happy to spend a little more time out of the office — and a smidge more money — this 8 night cruise for less than $100 a night might be more to your liking.

Departing in May 2020, you will only have until Thursday 27th June 2019 to snap up this $799 offer.

This 'Carnival Splendour' cruise deal is less than $100 per night.

Heading off from Sydney, all main meals & entertainment on board the Carnival Splendour ship, as well as port charges & government fees are included in the price.

This cruise will head to Noumea, Mare and the Isle of Pines before returning back to Sydney. On board, passengers will have access to a spa, water theme park, an adults only retreat, kids club and a comedy club.