Booking a Vacation Can be Affordable
Cruising doesn't have to break the bank. With an extensive coastline and numerous departure ports, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the magic of ocean travel and book Australian cruises under $500. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor looking for a quick getaway, these budget-friendly options will help you set sail without emptying your wallet.
Top Cruise Deals Under $500
Short Coastal Cruises (2–4 Days)
- P&O Australia Short Breaks. P&O regularly offers weekend getaways departing from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane starting from around $299 per person. These short cruises are perfect for testing the waters if you're new to cruising or simply want a quick escape. Popular routes include Sydney to nowhere cruises with a day at sea, or quick trips to the Gold Coast.
- Carnival Spirit Mini Cruises. Carnival's Australian arm frequently runs promotional deals on 2–3 day cruises from Sydney. Prices often start from $349 per person for interior cabins, with occasional flash sales dropping prices even lower. These cruises typically feature a day at sea and may include a stop at a nearby port.
- Princess Cruises Sampler Voyages. Princess Cruises offers "sampler" cruises that let you experience their ships and service at budget prices. These 3–4 day cruises from Sydney or Melbourne often start around $399 per person and may include destinations like Eden or Portland.
Longer Value Cruises (5–7 Days)
- Royal Caribbean Repositioning Cruises. When ships move between regions, repositioning cruises offer exceptional value. These typically occur during season changes and can offer 5–7 day cruises from Australian ports for under $500. Watch for deals on ships moving between Australia and Asia or the Pacific Islands.
- Celebrity Cruises Flash Sales. Celebrity occasionally runs significant promotions on their Australian departures, particularly for Tasmania circumnavigation cruises or coastal voyages. These deals can bring 6–7 day cruises down to the $450–$499 range.
Smart Strategies for Finding Cheap Cruises
Timing Is Everything
The key to scoring cruise deals under $500 is understanding when to book and when to sail. Shoulder season cruises (March-May and September-November) typically offer the best value, as cruise lines reduce prices to fill cabins during less popular times. Additionally, booking during "wave season" (January-March) can yield significant savings as cruise lines compete for the following year's bookings.
Last-minute deals are another goldmine for budget cruisers. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, checking cruise websites 6–8 weeks before departure can reveal substantial discounts as lines try to fill remaining cabins.
Choose Interior Cabins
Interior cabins without windows are the most affordable option and can significantly reduce your cruise cost. Modern cruise ships offer so many activities and entertainment options that you'll likely spend minimal time in your cabin anyway. The money saved on accommodation can be better spent on shore excursions, specialty dining or onboard activities.
Consider Repositioning Cruises
Repositioning cruises occur when ships move between different cruising regions and often offer exceptional value. These cruises may have unusual itineraries or more sea days, but they provide an excellent opportunity to experience premium cruise lines at budget prices.
Book Early or Late
Cruise pricing follows a U-shaped curve. The best deals are typically available either very early (12–18 months in advance) or very late (6–8 weeks before departure). Early booking often comes with additional perks like free upgrades or onboard credits, while last-minute bookings offer pure price savings.
Use a Travel Agent
Experienced cruise travel agents often have access to group rates, special promotions and package deals that aren't available to the general public. They can also help you navigate the complex world of cruise pricing and find the best value for your specific needs and preferences.
Monitor Multiple Cruise Lines
Don't limit yourself to one cruise line. P&O, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival, Celebrity and other lines all operate in Australian waters and compete on pricing. Setting up price alerts on cruise booking websites can help you track deals across multiple operators.
Consider Package Deals
Sometimes cruise packages that include flights, hotels or transfers can offer better overall value than booking cruise-only fares. This is particularly true for cruises departing from ports other than your home city.
Look Beyond the Base Price
When comparing cruise deals, remember to factor in additional costs like gratuities, beverage packages, internet access and specialty dining. Some cruise lines include more amenities in their base price, making them better value overall even if the initial price appears higher.
Join Loyalty Programs
Most cruise lines offer loyalty programs that provide members with exclusive deals, cabin upgrades and other perks. Even if you're new to cruising, joining these programs before booking can sometimes provide immediate benefits.
Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
Flexibility is your best friend when hunting for cruise bargains. If you can cruise on weekdays rather than weekends, during shoulder seasons rather than peak times, or to less popular destinations, you'll find significantly more options under $500.
Keep reading for more information on how to find cheap flights.