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[title]There’s a pretty decent misconception that to experience tropical bliss, you need to travel far and take a decent chunk of time off work to do it too. Carnival Cruise Line is here to prove that wrong with cruises as short as three days that will have you feeling well rested and regenerated as fast as you can say ‘long weekend!’.
So here’s the lowdown on the itineraries. If you’re really pressed for time, the two- or three-night cruises leave Sydney Harbour, Brisbane or Melbourne, cruise the seas a little and then bring you back home. For white sand and crystal waters, a four-night cruise from Brisbane will get you further up the coast to Airlie Beach or a four-night cruise from Sydney will take you to Moreton Island so that you can take a day to explore the tropical paradise. There’s also a four-night cruise to take you all the way to Tassie.
Once you decide your go-to destination, here are some hacks on how to get the most out of your experience:
Book early or late
Pssst, the best cruise deals are either right when the dates are released for the next year, or if you book last-minute on a whim. Sit tight and check out the Carnival website for a bargain.
Make reservations before you even step aboard
Your cruise ticket includes everything you need to have a relaxing holiday, but if you want to level up your experience, book in activities like snorkelling in the Whitsundays, whale watching at Moreton Island, or a foodie tour of Hobart early.
Don’t pack your itinerary too much
All that being said, the whole point of a cruise is to be able to set it, forget it and relax. Enjoy your time out at sea and drop by workshops and evening performances whenever you feel like it.
Mix it up between fine dining and buffet perusing
There is *so* much to choose from when it comes to eating on board. There is a buffet section, restaurants, burger joints, pizzerias and brunch areas on board, and you can hop between whatever you fancy. There are also some fancy seafood and steak restaurants at an extra cost if you feel like splurging one night, but we recommend booking those early before you board as well.
Pack smart
When you board the ship, stock a carry-on with some cossies and a change of clothes so that you can comfortably go explore the ship and all there is to do – it’s never too early for a go on the water slide. As for your luggage, think of a capsule wardrobe to keep things simple and roll all your clothes so that they pack tightly and don’t wrinkle.
Make sure you’re on deck for sail-away and sunsets
There’s something magical about waving Sydney Harbour goodbye while you depart on a massive majestic vessel. Make sure you situate yourself out on the deck for at least the early bit of sail-away, and absolutely for at least one sunset during your journey. Bonus points if you’re an early riser and catch the sunrise too.
Feeling ready for an escape? Head to Carnival's website to book in your next getaway.