Home > Cruises > Australia Cruises > Classic Short Break Cruise

Classic Short Break Cruise

3.9/5 Based on 14 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Inside
$489
Oceanview
$574
Balcony
$699
Suite
$849
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
5 Days
 Cruise Starts
Brisbane
 Cruise Finishes
Brisbane
5 Day Classic Short Break Cruise Itinerary (P&O Cruises)
Countries Explored: Australia
Ship
Ship Class
Grand Class
Departures
Passengers
2600
Crew
1,100
Launched
2021
Cruise Code
BNEBNE5.10

Overview

Begin and end your 5 day (4 night) cruise in Brisbane onboard the Pacific Encounter and enjoy exclusive savings and cruise inclusions with P&O Cruises and Global Journeys.

Cruise Itinerary

Departs: 4:00 PM

Much more than just Queensland’s capital, Brisbane is a modern, cosmopolitan and must-see destination – a city of possibilities and contrasts. It has the meandering Brisbane River and Moreton Bay marine park on its door, and rugged national parks and rolling hills as its backdrop.

The Brisbane Portside Cruise Terminal’s prime location makes it perfectly easy to connect with destinations near and far. Ferries and buses to the city centre just 10-15 mins away and just 7kms from the Domestic and International Airports.

Evenings on board offer a variety of entertainment options. Relax in the main lounge with live music or head to the sky deck for cocktails under the stars. Daily briefings, fun games organized by the crew, and the company of fellow travellers ensure there's never a dull moment. With a range of activities and social opportunities, your evenings will be as enjoyable as your days.

Arrives: 7:00 AM Departs: 5:30 PM

The Whitsundays, an idyllic cluster of 74 islands off Queensland's coast, are the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Visit Whitehaven Beach, renowned for its pristine silica sands and crystal-clear waters. For panoramic views, take a short hike to Hill Inlet Lookout. Snorkeling and diving are top activities here, with spots like the vibrant coral gardens of Hardy Reef showcasing marine biodiversity.

For those interested in marine life, a trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a must. Explore the underwater world at popular dive sites like the Bait Reef or Heart Reef, where you can encounter colorful corals and diverse marine species. For a unique experience, consider a scenic flight over the reef to appreciate its vastness and beauty from above.

Port:Airlie Beach

Ships docking at Airlie Beach typically anchor offshore, with passengers tendered to the Port of Airlie Marina. The marina is conveniently located just 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from the town center - a quick 5-minute walk. For those interested in local culture, the Airlie Beach Markets, held every Saturday, feature an array of crafts, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs or take a leisurely stroll along the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a saltwater swimming spot perfect for a dip!

Relish the diverse dining options on board, from the main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the café bistro offering meals, snacks, and barista coffees. For a more casual experience, the bistro on level five provides a relaxing atmosphere. Dining on shore is also an option in many ports, adding variety to your culinary journey.

Arrives: 6:00 AM

If you're heading home or continuing to explore more of Australia, Brisbane's Portside Cruise Terminal is just 7kms from the domestic and international airport. Brisbane's city centre is just 10-15 mins away if you're planning to explore the city.

Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Port and transfer details will be provided in your travel documentation. The provided itinerary is for informational purposes only. Activities and sightseeing attractions listed may not be available or achievable within the time in port.

Life Onboard Pacific Encounter

P&O's Pacific Encounter
P&O's Pacific Encounter

P&O's second, Grand Class ship blends cherished features with new attractions, including the exclusive Byron Beach Club for suite guests. Read more

Something for Everyone!
Something for Everyone!

There's something for every member of the family, with many exciting experiences included in your fare, you can try it all again, and again. Read more

Onboard Activities
Onboard Activities

Try out one of the many adventure activities, launch yourself down a waterslide or perhaps Barefoot Bowls is your cup of tea? Read more

Nightlife
Nightlife

Live music, bars and exciting and exclusive shows been especially designed for P&O Cruises. Read more

Dining
Dining

Three stylish, a la carte restaurants and nine casual eateries are included in your cruise fare. Read more

Themed Cruises
Themed Cruises

From food & wine festivals to comedy & country music, themed cruises are the perfect getaway. Read more

Play Youtube Video

Pacific Encounter Reviews (14) View All Most Recent 'Pacific Encounter' Reviews

3.9
AVG. RATING 3.9 / 5
14 Reviews
5 Star
36%
4 Star
21%
3 Star
36%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
Loved PNG. Did not love the boat. 0 , Australia, Aug 2024
I felt the boat is looking old. The food offered not good quality. Or variety. There is plenty of food but rarely anything fresh and often. Cool to warm. Rather than hot. All staff were excellent, on board and off. Entertainment was limited to very basic, except for a very articulate and interesting historian who presented 3 talks on PNG. I loved ...read more visiting PNG.
Cruise 0 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2024
Ziggy and myself went for a 4 day break and rest. The Blanc de Blanc show was fabulous and so was the ship’s company show - very professional. Things to do during the day and plenty of nightlife. Had a very nice four days. Thank you
Pacific encounter 5 , QLD, Australia, Mar 2024
Fantastic trip, everything is perfect. There are so many shows and the services were good. Food was delicious. We will join again next time.
Good Value cruise to NZ with P&O 1 , QLD, Australia, Feb 2024
I did have a good time. Too long for me though - 14 day cruise with 5 shore days. I hate to queue which is a big part of ship life. Loved the kind, hard working staff and had lots of laughs and singalongs in the Encounter Hotel. Great price and no complaints about P&O.
A 5 day cruise which went in circles outside Brisbane   3 , SA, Australia, Jan 2024
Since I had not been on a cruise, I booked this 5 day cruise from Brisbane to Airlie Beach and back with P&O. Due to a cyclone, the vessel could not go to Airlie beach, so then just went in circles, with a stop off at Moreton Island, which is about 25 km from Brisbane. Despite the vessel looking old once on board, with peeling wall paper and obvious ...read more rust being painted over, the cruise experience was fine, with all staff helpful. Note that this was during school holidays so there were apparently 700 kids on board out of a total of 2900 passengers.The visit to Moreton Island was poorly organised since at the end of the visit, there were 100s of us stuck on a jetty with 30 degree heat and no shade for over an hour due to the slow and infrequent feeder boats between the island and the vessel. Hannah from Global Journeys was excellent in organising the booking at relatively short notice.
Whitsunday Cruise - Wow!   5 , QLD, Australia, Oct 2023
For a first cruise the Whitsunday cruise is unbeatable. The P&O terminal and onboard staff, from your welcome to your farewell, are so helpful. An abundance of activities for kids and adults to do. The menus at every eatery and restaurant provide a great choice for dining. Rooms are clean and the beds are so comfy. Easy and well organised tender service ...read more into Airley Beach to partake of the onshore activities. If you haven't done it yet, book your cruise now!

Brochure

Worldwide

P&O Worldwide (2023-25)

P&O Cruises has been taking Aussies on amazing holidays for over 90 years. Since our first departure on Strathaird back in 1932, millions of Aussies have cruised with us, so we know how Aussies LOVE to cruise. We’re Australia’s home-grown cruise line and our holidays are designed with you in mind. Welcome to cruising Australian style. Choose from a...more range of cruises, from 2 to 32 nights, departing conveniently from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne Adelaide, Fremantle, Cairns and Auckland.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Latest Offer
Tuesday 07 Jan 2025
Saturday 11 Jan 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Oceanview
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Balcony
$1,049
View Cabins
Suite
$1,199
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Tuesday 28 Jan 2025
Saturday 01 Feb 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$499
View Cabins
Oceanview
$599
View Cabins
Balcony
$699
View Cabins
Suite
$849
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Tuesday 11 Feb 2025
Saturday 15 Feb 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$489
View Cabins
Oceanview
$574
View Cabins
Balcony
$699
View Cabins
Suite
$849
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Saturday 15 Feb 2025
Wednesday 19 Feb 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$582
View Cabins
Oceanview
$624
View Cabins
Balcony
$799
View Cabins
Suite
$1,049
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Tuesday 04 Mar 2025
Saturday 08 Mar 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$504
View Cabins
Oceanview
$599
View Cabins
Balcony
$699
View Cabins
Suite
$849
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday 07 Jan 2025
Saturday 11 Jan 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Latest Offer
Tuesday 28 Jan 2025
Saturday 01 Feb 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$442
View Cabins
Oceanview
$499
View Cabins
Balcony
$586
View Cabins
Suite
$699
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Tuesday 11 Feb 2025
Saturday 15 Feb 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$426
View Cabins
Oceanview
$482
View Cabins
Balcony
$586
View Cabins
Suite
$699
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Saturday 15 Feb 2025
Wednesday 19 Feb 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Oceanview
$569
View Cabins
Balcony
$723
View Cabins
Suite
$872
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Tuesday 04 Mar 2025
Saturday 08 Mar 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$442
View Cabins
Oceanview
$499
View Cabins
Balcony
$586
View Cabins
Suite
$699
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday 07 Jan 2025
Saturday 11 Jan 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Latest Offer
Tuesday 28 Jan 2025
Saturday 01 Feb 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$399
View Cabins
Oceanview
$449
View Cabins
Balcony
$529
View Cabins
Suite
$624
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Tuesday 11 Feb 2025
Saturday 15 Feb 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$389
View Cabins
Oceanview
$437
View Cabins
Balcony
$529
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Latest Offer
Saturday 15 Feb 2025
Wednesday 19 Feb 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Oceanview
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Balcony
$673
View Cabins
Suite
$774
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Tuesday 04 Mar 2025
Saturday 08 Mar 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$399
View Cabins
Oceanview
$449
View Cabins
Balcony
$529
View Cabins
Suite
$624
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Tuesday 07 Jan 2025
Saturday 11 Jan 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Oceanview
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Balcony
$2,098
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Latest Offer
Tuesday 28 Jan 2025
Saturday 01 Feb 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$998
View Cabins
Oceanview
$1,198
View Cabins
Balcony
$1,398
View Cabins
Suite
$1,518
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Tuesday 11 Feb 2025
Saturday 15 Feb 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$988
View Cabins
Oceanview
$1,318
View Cabins
Balcony
$1,458
View Cabins
Suite
$1,878
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Saturday 15 Feb 2025
Wednesday 19 Feb 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$1,164
View Cabins
Oceanview
$1,248
View Cabins
Balcony
$1,598
View Cabins
Suite
$1,732
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Tuesday 04 Mar 2025
Saturday 08 Mar 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Oceanview
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Balcony
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Suite
$4,938
View Cabins
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by P&O Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from P&O Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar Cruises

5 Day Australia Day Cruise (P&O Cruises)

5 Days Melbourne Melbourne

Operated By: P&O Cruises

From 704
5 Day 90s 00s Cruise (P&O Cruises)

5 Days Adelaide Adelaide

Operated By: P&O Cruises

From 779
5 Day Pride Cruise (P&O Cruises)

5 Days Sydney Sydney

Operated By: P&O Cruises

From 499
5 Day Hobart Cruise (P&O Cruises)

5 Days Melbourne Melbourne

Operated By: P&O Cruises

From 724

Cities