Planning a holiday from Brisbane is simple. With departures across the year and a broad choice of ships, cruises from Brisbane make it easy to match your timing, budget and travel style. On this page you can compare itineraries, cabins and dates in one place, with prices that often start from $99 per person, per night. If you want cheap cruises that still deliver standout memories, you are in the right spot, and if you are ready to invest in a longer itinerary, you will find exceptional value for time at sea.
Our live selection updates frequently, so you can browse everything from week-plus island adventures to extended journeys that explore multiple regions. If you are celebrating, travelling with friends or planning a family reunion, our team can also help coordinate group travel, dining and budgets.
Prefer to talk through the options as you look? Call 13 13 03 for friendly, local advice. Whether you are searching for cruises from Brisbane for 2025, 2026 or later, we can help you refine your shortlist and highlight current offers.
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A Wide Choice of Cruise Lines and Styles
Brisbane welcomes a strong mix of cruise lines, so you can choose a ship that fits how you like to travel. Popular choices include Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruise, along with selected premium and luxury brands during peak seasons. Families often prefer feature-packed ships with kids’ clubs, splash zones and casual dining. Couples might lean toward resort-style ships with multiple restaurants, live music and quieter spaces. Boutique sailings appear at certain times of year if you want a smaller-ship feel.
Why Choose a Brisbane Cruise?
– Strategic location — Brisbane is close to the Great Barrier Reef, South Pacific islands, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand routes.
– Modern terminals — Ships depart from state-of-the-art facilities with easy access and amenities. Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT) is the main hub.
– Flexible cruising seasons — With placid seas and warm weather much of the year, Brisbane departures offer great alternatives to peak summer crowds.
– Less “set up” travel — Compared to some Australian ports, Brisbane often involves fewer transport hassles and shorter transfers for many Australians.
Why Longer Brisbane Itineraries Are Worth It
Longer cruises unlock more ports, more time to unwind and a better rhythm to your holiday. Sea days become part of the experience rather than a transfer between stops. You also gain access to marquee destinations that are out of reach on quick trips. On many ships, longer itineraries bring richer programming, special dining events and extra time to enjoy facilities without rushing. If you have flexibility, consider itineraries of seven nights or more to balance discovery with downtime.
Cruises from Brisbane FAQ’s
Which cruise lines depart from Brisbane?
Here are the cruise lines that depart from Brisbane, Australia:
- Carnival Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Royal Caribbean Cruises
- Seabourn
- Silversea Cruises
Where do cruise lines depart from Brisbane?
Most cruises from Brisbane depart from one of two terminals, depending on the cruise line and ship size.
Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT), Pinkenba
This is Brisbane’s main departure point for large cruise ships. Purpose-built and modern, BICT welcomes cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Celebrity, Cunard, MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages and more. With easy access and full facilities, it’s the go-to terminal for most ocean voyages from Brisbane.
Portside Wharf, Hamilton
Smaller ships and luxury expedition lines occasionally depart from Portside Wharf, closer to the city. Due to height restrictions under the Gateway Bridge, this terminal suits boutique cruise lines like Ponant and Seabourn.
Not sure which terminal your cruise leaves from? Don’t worry, your Cruise Guru booking confirmation will include all the details you need before departure. Otherwise, you can call us on 13 13 03!
How far is Brisbane Airport from the Cruise Terminal?
If you’re flying in for your cruise, you’ll be pleased to know Brisbane Airport is conveniently close to both of the city’s cruise terminals.
The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT) in Pinkenba is approximately 15–20 minutes by car from the airport, depending on traffic. It’s a quick and straightforward journey, making it easy to go from runway to gangway in no time.
Portside Wharf in Hamilton is also around 15–20 minutes away, with a similarly smooth transfer.
We strongly suggest using a car to get to the cruise terminal. There is no direct public transport option. Travel times can take 50 minutes to an hour, or it may not be possible at all!
Depending on your cruise line, you may have the option for an airport transfer to the Brisbane cruise terminal. Please contact your cruise line for more information regarding this after booking a Brisbane cruise deal at Cruise Guru.
Do I need a passport for my Brisbane cruise?
That depends. If you’re boarding a strictly domestic cruise, then you don’t need a passport but are still required to provide some form of Government-provided identification, such as a driver’s license or photo card. For international cruises out of Brisbane, you will need a passport as you’ll be leaving the Australian territory.
Nevertheless, if you are not an Australian citizen, you are required, regardless of whether it’s domestic or international, to bring your passport during your Brisbane cruise.
What’s more, you’ll likely need to ensure that your passport does not expire within six months of when your sailing ends. That means, even if you’re passport doesn’t expire yet, it still needs to be valid for at least six months after the selected Queensland cruises. So be sure to have your passports ready before locking in your QLD cruises and realising too late that your identification has expired!
When should I arrive at the Brisbane cruise terminal before departure?
Cruise Guru recommends arriving at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal at least 2½ to 3 hours before departure. This allows time for luggage drop-off, check‑in, security screening, and, if applicable, immigration clearance for international sailings. Each cruise line has its own embarkation process, so please check your specific boarding instructions.
What’s more, arriving a few hours in advance will let you settle into your cabin and explore what the ship has to offer before your cruise from Brisbane.
What website should I go to for the best Brisbane Cruise Deals?
To find the best Brisbane cruise deals heading to destinations across Australia and beyond, head straight to Cruise Guru. Offering a staggering selection of cheap cruises from Brisbane, you can sit back and relax knowing that your holiday plans are sorted. Whether you’re searching for 3-day cruises departing Brisbane or cheap Carnival cruises from Brisbane, this is the website to go to. Book your next adventure with Cruise Guru today!
What’s the best time to cruise from Brisbane?
While cruises depart year-round, October to April is the main season for tropical and Pacific island cruising. The shoulder periods (April–June, September–November) often offer quieter ships and better deals.
What is the best way to time your Brisbane cruise to avoid school holiday crowds?
There are a couple of ways to avoid school holiday crowds!
- Book during non-school holiday periods: Check the Queensland Government’s school holiday schedule and use that to guide when not to book your holiday.
- Book a ‘smaller’ cruise line: Major cruise lines such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean while great in value often has plenty of families sailing onboard. If your goal is to avoid kids, you could try a cruise line geared towards an older crowd, such as Princess Cruises or Holland America Line. You can also book a luxury cruise line such as Silversea or Seabourn.
- Avoid weekend cruises during school holiday periods: While kids are free during the weekdays, that doesn’t mean the parents are! If you’re planning a short cruise and need to go during the school holiday period, then try to find an option that’s primarily sailing during the weekdays
- Stay in the adults-only areas: Most cruise lines will often have an ‘adults-only’ section of the ship! Be sure to check your deck plans to see where that is. Sometimes, when booking a suite, you also have access to an exclusive area. This will usually be much less crowded too.
Destinations from Brisbane
Cruises from Brisbane cover the South Pacific and Australia, with seasonal routes that reach farther afield.
– South Pacific islands: Vanuatu and New Caledonia are classic choices with calm lagoons and beach days that suit first-timers and families. Longer itineraries add extra islands for a more relaxed pace and a wider mix of shore experiences.
– Queensland coast: Great Barrier Reef and tropical ports combine snorkelling, reef tours and short scenic sea days. Extended coastal routes can include Whitsundays and far-north stops for a deeper look at Queensland highlights.
– New Zealand: Longer voyages visit Fjordland and major cities. You can expect striking scenery, food and wine regions and a rich culture mix.
– Papua New Guinea: Selected sailings reach lesser-visited islands for snorkelling, village visits and local markets.
If value is your focus, filter by lowest fare to surface cheap cruises across these routes. If you want a particular ship or cabin type, sort by cruise line or stateroom to keep planning straightforward.
Making Room for a Quick Break
There is still a place for a fast escape when your calendar is tight. Short cruises provide an easy sampler of ship life and are useful when you want a brief reset before a longer holiday. You will also find occasional 3 day cruises that are priced to move. These options work best as introductions to cruising or as add-ons around school terms. When possible, consider using a short cruise to test a ship, then book a longer itinerary once you know it suits your style.
When to Sail From Brisbane
Cruises depart year-round. October through April is the main season for tropical itineraries when island weather is warm and seas are generally calm. Shoulder periods such as April to June and September to November can bring quieter ships and attractive pricing. If you want to avoid school-holiday crowds, look for midweek departures or lines that draw a more adult audience outside peak family windows.
What Life on Board Looks Like
Ships sailing from Brisbane balance entertainment with downtime. Sea days can include poolside movies, live music, trivia, sports courts, spa time and family activities. Evenings bring main-stage productions, casual eateries and specialty restaurants for birthdays or anniversaries. Staterooms range from budget-friendly inside cabins to balconies and suites with extra space and perks. Wi-Fi is available on most ships, with packages to match how much you plan to stay connected.
Booking with Cruise Guru
Booking with Cruise Guru keeps planning clear. Our site presents transparent fares and clearly labelled inclusions, so comparing options is simple. If you prefer assistance, our Australian-based team can answer questions about cabins, dining, kids’ clubs and accessibility, then help you secure the right fare. We offer a Price Guarantee on eligible bookings so you can reserve your cruise from Brisbane with confidence.
We also recommend considering cruise insurance to protect your holiday investment. You can request a quote during checkout and compare plan types based on your destination and travel party.
Groups and Special Occasions
From milestone birthdays to multi-cabin getaways, group cruising keeps everyone together with something for all ages. Our specialists can advise on cabin placement, dining times and onboard celebration ideas, then watch pricing as sales release. If you need to hold space while finalising details, ask about group options that match your dates and budget.
Ready to start planning?
Use the filters on this page to sort by price, date, destination and cruise line. If you have a shortlist, add them to your favourites to compare side by side. When you are ready to book, complete your reservation online in a few steps or call 13 13 03 for friendly, local help. Prefer not to wait on the line? You can request a call back and our team will contact you at a convenient time. To keep up to date with the latest promotions, competitions and newly added cruise itineraries, follow Cruise Guru on Facebook, Instagram or X. Your next holiday begins with cruises from Brisbane, whether you choose a longer island-hopping itinerary for deeper discovery or a quick sailing that fits a tight schedule.
