It can be hard to organise a 6-week itinerary for the school holidays to keep your little ones busy and active.
This is where a cruise comes in. Sanctuaries at sea, cruises are where all the entertainment is laid out for you. Australia is surrounded by more than 60 ports of call. Places like Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Darwin, Cairns and Perth are all launch ports for the cruise itineraries of world-famous cruise lines.
School holiday cruise deals and packages
Search for your preferred destination, booking site or cruise line to see what deals are available.
Deal
3+ nights last-minute cruises from US$89
Available on select travel dates with Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and more. Sample rate is for a 3-night Bahamas cruise with Carnival Cruises. Destinations include Australia, Japan, Vietnam, Italy and Alaska. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates until 2025, including Easter and school holidays. Activities include whale- and dolphin-watching and lunch and sunset cruises in Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates in 2023 with Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and more. Sample rate is for a 3-night cruise with Carnival Cruises.
Intimate Whale Watching Cruise - Sydney from RedBalloon
Includes: 2.5-hour whale watching cruise and a friendly and experienced skipper
Departing from Crown Towers wharf, Darling Harbour you will motor straight to the Tasman Sea on board a 12-metre offshore catamaran at a swift speed of 18 knots
Cruises depart from Circular Quay Wharf 6 from 9:00 am daily. Please check the experience provider's website for approximate timings. Please note, Taronga Zoo closes at 5 pm
Oyster & Pearl Farm Complete Immersion Experience - 3 Hours from RedBalloon
Includes: Scenic cruise of Hawkesbury River to oyster lease
and guided oyster tasting and shucking demonstration
This complete experience is 2 hours 45 minutes and comprises four separate tours including Secrets of Pearling, a Farm Cruise, Pearl Grading and an Oyster Tasting experience.
Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise with Drinks - 3 Hours from RedBalloon
Includes: Three-hour Harbour cruise, three-course a la carte dinner
and a premium selection of beer and wine
Departing from Darling Harbour, you will gently cruise towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge before passing the glistening cityscape and the iconic Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbour Twilight Tall Ship Dinner Cruise - 90 Minutes from RedBalloon
Includes: 90 minutes sailing experience on an authentic Tall Ship, fresh and tasty meal served on board, opportunity to help the captain steer the ship and help set the sails and informative commentary.
Photo opportunities.
You will travel past the Opera House, Fort Denison, Luna Park, and under the Harbour Bridge, and learn a little about Sydney's famous landmarks, waterfront suburbs and the history of the ship as you sit back, relax and enjoy the sights
Be flexible. Many cruise lines offer last-minute deals on cruises, so if you're flexible about where you want to go, booking one of these can save you money.
Book a cruise with entertainment. If you're cruising with your kids, look out for ships with the best kids clubs and children's entertainment. Cruise lines offer everything from water parks to aerial assault courses. If you don't have little ones, keep an eye out for adults-only itineraries or ships with adults-only areas like pools or spas.
Look for discounts for third and fourth passengers. If you don't mind a full room, many cruise lines discount the third and fourth passenger in a cabin by up to 50%. So if you're travelling with young kids who don't mind a top bunk in a room, you can save loads.
Alex Keshen was the global travel publisher at Finder and has been living, breathing and, of course, writing about all things travel for more than 10 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada and has appeared in Travel Weekly and the Huffington Post. See full bio
Veronica is the senior publishing support for travel at Finder and has been scouting airline, hotel and tour package deals for over five years. She has a Bachelor of Tourism major in Travel Management from University of Sto. Tomas Legazpi, Philippines and has been a local tour guide. She does her own itinerary and budget research every time she travels and has mastered the art of packing light for her family of three. See full bio
Staying at an Ibis, Mercure or Sofitel? No need to pay.
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