‘Sample Cruise’

We’re a little over a month into 2017 and if you’re only a few weeks back into the work routine and dreaming of your next holiday – we can help.

There are still a surprisingly large number of quick cruise breaks available if you already have the work blues and are looking for a short break to take advantage of the final days of summer sun. There is something for everybody and every budget amongst these short sampler voyages. Let’s take a look through these now.

Two nights away

• Queen Mary 2 – Adelaide to Melbourne – 16 February – Cabins from $749pp twin share.
• Sun Princess – Brisbane to Sydney – 05 March – Cabins from $279pp twin share.
• Pacific Eden – Melbourne to Adelaide – 15 March – Cabins from $199pp quad share.
• Dawn Princess – Sydney to Brisbane – 16 March – Cabins from $349pp twin share.
• Golden Princess – Melbourne to Sydney – 19 April – Cabins from $249pp twin share.

The ultimate in short cruises – shorter than a weekend in fact – these two night voyages see guests embark generally in Brisbane, Sydney or sometimes Melbourne and sail one-way to the nearest of the other two cities.

More a fleeting romance than a long-term commitment, these options are great for those eager to see what a cruise is all about, even if such limited time only allows a chance to see part of the vessel. Enjoy two nights of entertainment, food and fun before disembarking to discover another city or head straight home. These shorter voyages are usually exceptionally good value, with the flight home often costing more than the voyage itself.

Princess Cruises is a leader in this area with many of its ships relocating throughout the year. A 5th of March sailing of Sun Princess sees guests embark in Brisbane before enjoying a day at sea before sailing into Sydney on day three. Prices start from $249 per person twin share. While Melbourne based guests can embark on Pacific Eden for a 2 night voyage from Melbourne to Adelaide, the March 15th sailing starts from $299 per person twin share – bargain to enjoy one of Australia’s newer ships.

Three nights away

• Pacific Aria – Brisbane to Brisbane – 24 February – Cabins from $649pp quad share.
• Carnival Spirit – Sydney to Sydney – 24 February – Cabins from $336pp twin share.
• Pacific Jewel – Sydney to Eden return – 06 March – Cabins from $449pp quad share.
• Carnival Spirit – Sydney to Sydney – 09 March – Cabins from $416pp twin share.
• Explorer of the Seas – Sydney to Sydney – 16 March – Cabins from $758pp twin share.
• Pacific Jewel – Sydney to Sydney – 17 March – Cabins from $389pp quad share.
• Pacific Eden – Adelaide to Adelaide – 17 March – Cabins from $339pp quad share.
• Pacific Eden – Adelaide to Adelaide – 24 March – Cabins from $304pp quad share.
• Pacific Dawn – Brisbane to Brisbane – 25 March – Cabins from $349pp quad share.
• Pacific Jewel – Sydney to Sydney – 31 March – Cabins from $399pp quad share.
• Pacific Eden – Adelaide to Adelaide – 31 March – Cabins from $399pp twin share.
• Pacific Jewel – Sydney to Sydney – 07 April – Cabins from $449pp quad share.
• Pacific Dawn – Brisbane to Brisbane – 08 April – Cabins from $349pp quad share.

Those of you who drained your annual leave over the summer break will be attracted to the wide selection of three night “Cruises to Nowhere”. Setting sail from all mainland eastern capital cities except Darwin, guests can be taken by long lazy days at sea as your ship gently cruises amid hopefully perfect weather.

Whether you make the most of every meal opportunity or opt for a sleep in, with nowhere to be, these three-day weekend samplers often take on a theme such as comedy or food and wine. You’re not obliged to participate in the activities though, just be in the background if you prefer and enjoy numerous other activities offered on each ship.

Offering the widest selection of home ports, it’s no surprise P&O offer more weekend sampler cruises than any other line. Those looking to enjoy a big ship environment can sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas, one of the biggest ships ever. Even so close to departure date, there are a stack of perks and incentives in play to encourage you to book, including onboard spending money, cabin upgrades and more.