Six stress-melting mini cruises you can do this summer

A cruise is a hassle-free, good-value way of enjoying a short break. Everything is organised for you. Accommodation, food and transport is included, and you can add on easy excursions that will provide you with wine tastings, cultural experiences or wildlife encounters on shore. There’s no simpler way to have an easy family holiday that caters to every generation.

There’s no simpler way to have an easy family holiday that caters to every generation.Credit: Royal Caribbean

For a short break, you’ll have to confine yourself to larger budget ships, since luxury and expedition ships rarely offer cruises of less than a week. Still, that gives you a wide choice of cruise companies, destinations and departure ports sure to float your boat. Here are six summer options that will have you sailing away.

Airlie Beach from Brisbane, Carnival Cruise Line

Whitehaven Beach’s iconic white sands await you.Credit: Getty Images

Queensland is our most popular cruise destination, so why not ramp up the summer heat on this four-day float that takes you to the Whitsunday Islands, where you can snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, explore islands and inlets by high-speed catamaran, or head to mainland Conway National Park. The 2260-guest Carnival Luminosa is great for kids, but also has popular bars, an edgy comedy club and a spa retreat, all more suited to adults for the best of both worlds.
Return from Brisbane, multiple departures between December 2024 and March 2025, from $614. See carnival.com.au

Disney Magic at Sea Cruise, Disney Cruise Line

Family dining, Disney Cruise style.

Sometimes the kids need a break too, and this four-day cruise will wow them on a Disney-themed ship and on shore excursions from Hobart to a cave, wildlife park or kayak adventure. On 2713-guest Disney Wonder, children will enjoy deck parties, shows, waterslides, sports and meeting Disney characters. Never fear: adults get dedicated spaces when it’s time to unwind, which you can do safe in the knowledge the kids’ club is keeping the little ones amused.
Return from Melbourne, departures in November 2024 and January 2025, from $3151 for two. See disneycruise.disney.go.com

Penang and Phuket Cruise, Royal Caribbean

Head offshore to Kata Noi in Phuket for some snorkelling, with its pristine white sand.Credit: Getty Images

If you fancy combining shopping and dining in Singapore with a family cruise, then set sail on this four-night itinerary on 4905-guest Anthem of the Seas. Nobody will be bored on this ship, which offers simulated skydiving and surfing, bumper cars, high-octane shows, late-night bars and multiple dining choices. Meanwhile, you can hop off at Phuket for tropical beach fun and Thai culture, and tuck into the fabulous Malaysian food scene in Penang.
Return from Singapore, multiple departures November 2024 to March 2025, from $863 a person. See royalcaribbean.com

Australian Literature Festival at Sea, Cunard

Rub shoulders with fellow book lovers on Cunard’s elegant Queen Elizabeth.

If you’re after a more intellectual, grown-up getaway, then this five-night cruise for book lovers features special guest authors such as Fiona McIntosh and Alexander McCall Smith who give talks, share insights, conduct workshops and participate in panel discussions. Some Hobart shore excursions have literary themes. Meanwhile, you’ll enjoy the ambience of Queen Elizabeth, a stately 2081-guest ship of elegant art deco design on which to indulge in high teas and enjoy West End-style shows and fine dining in classic British style.
Return from Sydney, departs December 11, 2024, from $1634 a person. See cunard.com

Kangaroo Island, P&O Cruises Australia

The wild terrain of Kangaroo Island.Credit: South Australia Tourism

If you’re a fan of P&O, then this is a last opportunity to enjoy a cruise before the company is absorbed into Carnival Cruise Line in March 2025. The 1990-guest Pacific Explorer is great for families, offering swimming pools, waterparks, barefoot bowls, an adventure park, amusing shows and adult late-night entertainment. This four-night jaunt combines enjoyable days at sea with a visit to Kangaroo Island, one of our best southern cruise destinations thanks to its striking landscapes, abundant wildlife and farm gates.
Return from Melbourne, departs January 20, 2025, from $704 a person. See pocruises.com.au

Tasmania Seacation, Princess Cruises

Small plates at Bruny Island Premium Wines.Credit: Rob Burnett

This four-day getaway takes you to Hobart, where you have a wide choice of excursions to places such as the Huon Valley, Port Arthur, Bruny Island or Mount Field National Park. As the term “seacation” suggests, though, you have ample opportunity to relax on board the 3080-guest Crown Princess, which has abundant entertainment and activities, kids’ and teens’ programs, swimming pools and hot tubs, and a wellness retreat and spa. Restaurants include an Italian, a gastropub and a steakhouse.
Return from Sydney, departs January 25, 2025, from $947 a person. See princess.com