School holiday cruise deals for 2025

Make life easier for yourself this summer by snapping up a great cruise deal.

Alex Keshen's headshot

By

Alex Keshen

&

Veronica Garcia

Updated

Fact checked

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.

CruiseDirect
Deal

3+ nights last-minute cruises from US$150

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.
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Adrenaline
Deal

Australia sightseeing cruises from $33 at Adrenaline

Experience Australia's stunning coastal beauty with Adrenaline's sightseeing cruises, starting from just $33. Choose from whale and dolphin watching, lunch cruises, or romantic sunset cruises in iconic cities like Sydney, Cairns, and Melbourne. Discover breathtaking views and create lasting memories at an affordable price. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
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CruiseDirect
Deal

Australia and New Zealand cruises from US$385 at CruiseDirect

Explore the stunning coastlines of Australia and New Zealand with CruiseDirect's incredible deals, starting from just US$385. Set sail on unforgettable adventures and discover breathtaking landscapes at an affordable price. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
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Our top picks for school holiday cruises

Intimate Whale Watching Cruise - Sydney

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
  • Experience only available June - October
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Sydney Harbour Cruise with Taronga Zoo Entry - Family Pass

Sydney Harbour Cruise with Taronga Zoo Entry - Family Pass from RedBalloon

  • Includes: Zoo Express return cruise departing Circular Quay and Taronga Zoo entry pass
  • 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
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Oyster & Pearl Farm Complete Immersion Experience - 3 Hours

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 2.5 hours and comprises four separate tours including Secrets of Pearling, a Farm Cruise, Pearl Grading and an Oyster Tasting experience.
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Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise with Drinks - 3 Hours

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
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All-inclusive Dolphin and Tangalooma Wrecks Cruise

All-inclusive Dolphin and Tangalooma Wrecks Cruise from Viator

Includes:

  • Lunch and snacks
  • Guided snorkelling at Tangalooma Wrecks
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Marine watching
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Sydney Harbour Twilight Tall Ship Dinner Cruise - 90 Minutes

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
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Tips for cruising during school holidays

  • 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.
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Written by

Author

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

Co-written by

Author

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

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