A unique long weekend trip you’ve probably never thought of

Tiana Templeman Tiana Templeman
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Tiana Templeman recently stepped aboard Quantum of the Seas with her husband for a short cruise from Brisbane to Airlie Beach and inadvertently discovered the perfect long weekend away.

I’d never thought of cruising as something you could do on a weekend, but our recent cruise on Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas proved a Sampler Cruise isn’t just short, it’s also sweet. There was no need to take leave either, as the ship departed on a Friday afternoon, and had us back in time for work on Monday morning. I strolled off the ship and was back at my desk by 8.30am.

It was relaxing too as the biggest decision we had to make while we were at sea was where to eat dinner each night. And whether we wanted to hit new heights on the North Star, go skydiving at sea, or just sit on our balcony and watch the sunlight dancing across the ocean.

Here are seven reasons to pack your bag and spend a long weekend at sea like we did.

Budgeting is easy

If you’re like us and your love of weekend getaways is larger than your budget, a cruise could be just what you’re looking for. There’s a cabin to suit every budget, especially if you book early, and most dining and entertainment options are included in the cost of your fare. Top tip: Downloading the (free) onboard app will help you make the most of all those free restaurants, shows and activities.

a Surfing Flow Rider onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas
Ride through a simulated Surfing Flow Rider. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

Travelling as a family is child’s play

Keeping everyone happy can be hard work if you’re travelling with kids, but a mega-ship has enough facilities to ensure you all have fun. Adventurous activities like the iFly skydiving simulator , FlowRider surf simulator and bumper cars are a hit with kids (and adults) of all ages. There are also age-appropriate hang-out spaces and activities for children aged up to 17 if you feel like a break.

bumper cars onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas
Enjoy kid-friendly activities on Quantum of the Seas. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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The more, the merrier

If you’re planning a group getaway, it can be easier, cheaper and a lot more fun to go on a cruise instead of travelling to someone’s house. Whether you’re organising a hen’s or buck’s celebration or just want to get away with your besties, a weekend cruise can be a fun and affordable way to catch up. If you’re travelling with family, a cruise offers the perfect mix of time spent together and apart.

cruising The Whitsundays onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas
For a fuss-free weekend away, it is time you consider a cruise. (Image: Trevor Templeman)

You’re a first-timer

If you’ve never been on a cruise before and aren’t sure whether this type of holiday is for you, a short weekend getaway can be a great way to test the waters before you book a longer trip. Regular cruisers tend to be a friendly bunch and love sharing their expertise, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. And if you love it? Booking another cruise while you’re onboard often comes with extra discounts and perks!

roller skating onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas
The rollerskating rink has your name on it. (Image: Trevor Templeman)

It’s party time

Everyone is onboard for a good time, not a long time, on a weekend cruise. This means the mood is fun, the vibe is high, and the nights are long with people on the dance floor until the early hours of the morning. Whether you’re travelling as a group, with your partner or sailing solo, finding someone to party with is never a problem. And if you prefer to relax?  That’s just as easy to do.

people enjoying onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas
Party all day and night onboard Quantum of the Seas. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

No planning, no stress

On a shorter weekend cruise, there are no ports to tempt you to give up your much-needed downtime organising everyone to go ashore and planning (and paying for) activities. Sampler Cruise itineraries typically include sea days only, with plenty of fun and relaxation available onboard and no need to leave the ship. If you do want to explore ashore, opt for a slightly longer four-night sailing that includes a port day like the one we enjoyed at Airlie Beach.

Airlie Beach on a sunny day
Soak up the sun on Airlie Beach if you opt for a slightly longer cruise and make it a 4-night sailing.

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Cruising is inclusive

Enjoying a weekend away with friends or family members with special needs can require additional planning, but cruise lines make this easy. From sensory-friendly toys for families living with autism to accessible bathrooms on every floor and swimming pools with a lift, there’s plenty of assistance available on board and on shore if you fill out the cruise lines’ Guest Special Needs Form.

passengers enjoying the sunset on a paid North Star experience on a sea day
Capture incredible sunset views. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

It’s the ultimate holiday add-on

If you’re heading to Brisbane, Perth or Sydney on holiday, a weekend cruise from these popular capital city ports is a great way to wind down if you’ve been racing around sightseeing. Step onboard, find a sunlounger and enjoy a relaxing holiday from your holiday before you head back to work.

sunloungers by the pool onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas
Relax on a sun lounger.

Getting there is a breeze

As I discovered on our recent long weekend cruise from Brisbane, it was much quicker and easier getting to our local cruise port than battling the Friday afternoon traffic on the M1. Instead of arriving at our accommodation feeling stressed out, we were onboard the ship and sipping a cocktail 90 minutes after we left home. It’s hard to think of a more perfect start to a long weekend away!

a restaurant onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas
Dine and sip cocktails onboard. (Image: Jamies F)
For more cruising tips, reviews and inspiration, read our cruising travel guide.
Tiana Templeman

Tiana Templeman

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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB,  the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.