Looking for a short getaway? You Need These Short Cruise Tips
Thinking about taking a short cruise? If you have a couple of days to spare or you’re looking for a quick getaway, our short cruises pack in fun, adventure and relaxation in just a few nights. From choosing the perfect itinerary to packing smart and making onboard bookings, these short cruise tips will guarantee a memorable and stress-free experience at sea.
How to Have a Seriously Fun Time on Your Short Cruise
A short time at sea doesn’t mean your cruise will be short on activities. Our short cruise itineraries are packed with options to suit every type of traveller, whether you’re looking to relax, explore tropical beaches or jam-pack your days full of adventure.
Max Out the Fun with the Right Cruise Itinerary
When it comes to quick getaways, choosing the right cruise can make all the difference. Our short cruises are designed to deliver the perfect mini-holiday. Here’s a look at some of our favourite short-cruise itineraries.
Short, Sweet and all at Sea: Getaway cruises
For the ultimate at-sea experience without any stops, our Getaway Cruises are all about enjoying the ship to the fullest. On these two- or three-night mini cruises from Sydney or Brisbane, you’ll spend a day or two out in the ocean doing… well, absolutely whatever you want!
Tropical Paradise awaits: Airlie Beach Cruises
The Whitsundays might just be home to the most beautiful beaches in all of Australia. Take a four-night cruise from Brisbane to beautiful Airlie Beach, you can spend the day snorkelling amidst tropical fish in the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, explore the secret coves on a glass-bottomed boat day trip, or shop ‘til you drop at the Port of Airlie boutiques. The choice is all yours.
Dunes, Wrecks and Wildlife Encounters: Tangalooma – Moreton Island Cruises
Toboggan down the sand dunes or take a 4WD trip around the world’s third largest sand island (yep, you read that right!), snorkel around the famous Tangalooma shipwrecks, go whale watching or even for a scenic helicopter ride. The options are endless on our four-night cruise from Sydney to adventure-filled Moreton Island, so you can do as much – or as little – as you like.
Journey South for Scenic Splendour: Tasmania Cruises
Why not take a trip down south for a few days? Head to Tasmania on a four-night cruise. From the vibrant Salamanca Market to historic Battery Point, Tasmania is perfect for a taste of culture, scenery and gourmet delights, all in one go – with a sea day on either side so you don’t miss out on any of the on-board action.
Explore All Short Cruises
Lock in Your Shore Excursions Early
While you won’t step foot on the shore for some of our short Getaway cruises, if you’re making a stop at Moreton Island, Airlie Beach or Tasmania, you’ll want to lock in your shore excursions before you leave.
Whether it’s snorkelling the Whitsundays, whale watching at Moreton Island, or a foodie tour of Hobart, booking ahead ensures you don’t miss out on your must-dos.
Map Out Your Cruise Ship Like a True Explorer
From stage shows and WaterWorks to the Alchemy Bar and no-kids-allowed retreats, there are loads of locations you’ll want to check out onboard.
That’s why it’s a good idea for you and your travel buddies to spend some time familiarising yourself with the ship’s layout when you first board, so you can maximise your time on the ship. But don’t worry – if you get lost later on, there’s always a map in your Carnival Hub App.
Download the Carnival App and Tap in on Fun
An absolute must before you go? Downloading the Carnival Hub App.
Our app is like a personal concierge right in your pocket. You can check out the daily schedule and see everything that’s happening on the ship, plan out your day, make dining reservations and more. Plus, you can chat with family and friends (charges apply) and even manage your holiday budget.
Short Cruise Tips Every First Timer Needs to Know
Whether you’re setting sail to relax and recharge or looking for adventure, these tips to master a short cruise will ensure a stress-free getaway.
Make bookings before you depart
On a short cruise (or even a longer one), a little planning goes a long way – and that includes making bookings before you sail away.
We don’t just mean shore excursions, either. If you’ve been dreaming of a mouth-watering meal at Fahrenheit 555 or a relaxing facial or body wrap at the Cloud 9 Spa, lock it in before you leave. That way, you can simply relax and enjoy your time onboard without any extra planning.
Don’t Overbook Your Day
While it’s tempting to try everything your cruise ship has to offer, avoid overbooking each day. Give yourself enough time to enjoy each activity without rushing to the next. And while it’s important to stay on schedule, make time for surprises – like catching the latest blockbuster at Dive-In Movies or dancing the night away at our Night Club.
Don’t forget to set aside some downtime to do… well, nothing at all. Whether relaxing on your balcony with a book or lounging by the pool, nothing says ‘holiday’ like whiling away a few hours in the sun.
Take Advantage of Sea Days
Sea days are a highlight of any cruise. Why? Because they give you uninterrupted time to explore all your ship’s attractions. And the good news is that all of our short cruises include at least one full day at sea.
Stay on Deck During Sail Away and Sunsets
Trust us on this one: sailing away from your port and the beauty of an ocean sunset (or sunrise for the early birds) are two experiences you don’t want to miss.
Head up to the deck to watch as the ship departs from some of Australia’s most iconic ports, like Sydney’s stunning harbour, or sweeping views of sunlit beaches in the Whitsundays. And as the day winds down, watch the sun sinking below the horizon from the open deck.
How to Turn Your Cruise Into a Full-On Feast
Taste everything, regret nothing is our mantra when it comes to cruising. Indulge your taste buds with delicious experiences that make dining just as exciting as everything else there is to do onboard.
Check Out Your Dining Options
Don’t miss out on a single mouthful by scoping out the dining options before you depart. From casual bites to indulgent multi-course meals, we have something to satisfy every craving. Grab a burger from Guy’s Burger Joint or Luke’s Burgers, linger over Eggs Benedict at our Seaday Brunch on Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, or grab a slice of hand-tossed pizza at the pizzeria.
Hit the Buffet Like a Pro
Lido Marketplace or The Pantry are your go-to spots for an all-you-can-eat buffet that will please even the fussiest eaters. Hit the buffet early to beat the crowds and start with a walk-through to check out all the options before making your selections.
If you’re up for seconds (or thirds), try a different station each round to sample as much as possible. From fresh salads and international flavours to decadent desserts, there’s something for everyone at the buffet.
Indulge in Fine Dining at Fahrenheit 555, Luke’s Bar & Grill and Chef’s Table
Lobster bisque, Wagyu beef and freshly caught oysters, paired with top Australian and New Zealand wines, are all on the menu at Fahrenheit 555. For a show-stopping finale, “Art at the Table” turns dessert into performance art. Onboard Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, guests can sit back and relax at Luke’s Bar & Grill, while Aussie celebrity chef Luke Mangan takes care of the menu.
Or, for an extra-special night, the Chef’s Table offers an exclusive VIP experience crafted by our Master Executive Chef, complete with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a private galley tour. You’ll want to book in early for this one.
Smart Packing Tips to Sail Through Your Short Cruise Like a Breeze
From packing a handy carry-on to trying out a capsule wardrobe, these packing tips for your short cruise will keep your bags light and your outfits on point from start to finish.
Pack a Carry-on for the First Few Hours of Your Trip
Like when you take a flight, you and your luggage will board the ship separately, so it’s a good idea to pack a carry-on for the first few hours of your trip.
Think swimmers, thongs and everything you need to slip, slop, and slap if you’re planning to hit the pool deck as soon as you come on board. Plus, don’t forget essentials like travel documents, medications and a basic first aid kit with plasters and paracetamol – just in case.
Try Out a Capsule Wardrobe
Now’s the perfect time to experiment with that capsule wardrobe. Think breezy dresses that can go from day to night and chinos and a crisp shirt that works as well at the dining table as they do on the dancefloor. When it comes to shoes, all you need is a pair of thongs for the pool deck, sneakers for excursions or hitting the gym and your dancing shoes to wear at night. And don’t forget an outfit for the theme nights – our short cruises usually feature one elegant night and the 80s Rock-n-Glow Party.
Roll Your Clothes Like a Sushi Master
Maximise space in your suitcase – and keep your clothes wrinkle-free – by rolling your clothes tightly instead of folding them. And if you can’t fit everything in? Capsule cubes are about to become your new best friend.
Smart Tips for Snagging the Best Short Cruise Deals
Looking for a great deal? Here are our top tips for bagging the best Carnival cruise deals.
Hunt for Early Bird Deals or Last-Minute Offers
For the best short cruise deals, it pays to book your cruise well in advance. This is also a great time to lock in your dining and shore excursions to make the most of your trip. And if you’re booking at the last minute? Carnival offers fantastic last-minute deals that are perfect for a spontaneous escape.
