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    Melbourne cruise ship schedule - Timings, best time to visit & more

    Plan the perfect cruise with Melbourne cruise ship schedules

    Melbourne is a beautiful and culturally rich city that has much to explore, and setting sail on a Melbourne river cruise is a wonderful way to do so. With multiple experiences to choose from, including the Williamstown ferry, Yarra River cruises, and the Spirit of Melbourne cruise, you’re bound to be left spoilt for choice. 

    Here’s a guide to the Melbourne cruise ship schedules for you to easily plan your cruise.

    Melbourne cruise ship schedules

    Yarra River sightseeing cruises
    Yarra River brunch cruise
    Spirit of Melbourne cruise
    Williamstown ferry
    • General timings: Slots from 11am to 4pm 
    • Average duration: 1 to 2 hours
    • Available days: Every day
    • Boarding time: 15-20 minutes before departure
    • General timings: 1pm to 3pm
    • Average duration: 2 hours
    • Available days: Saturdays and Sundays
    • Boarding time: 15-20 minutes before departure
    • General timings: 7:30pm to 10:30pm
    • Average duration: 3 hours
    • Available days: till August - Thursdays to Sundays;
      From September to November - Wednesdays to Sundays
    • Boarding time: 30 minutes before departure
    • General timings: Slots from 10:30am to 4pm
    • Average duration: 1-2 hours
    • Available days: From 27th June to 14th July - Every day
      From 19th July - Fridays to Sunday
    • Boarding time: 10-15 minutes before departure

    Best time to go on a Melbourne river cruise

    Peak season vs low season

    Melbourne gets the largest crowds in the summer from December to February, but this is also the best time to go on a Yarra River cruise as the skies remain clear and the days are warm. Make your bookings a few days in advance to guarantee a seat on the cruise of your choice. Don’t forget sun protection though.

    Late spring (Oct to Nov) and early autumn (Mar to Apr) are also great times to go on a Melbourne river cruise as the crowds start to reduce at these times and the weather is still relatively warm. Spring may experience a few showers so keep some rain protection.

    Weekdays vs weekends

    While sightseeing cruises are usually available every day, Yarra River dining cruises are usually held over the weekends. If the cruise you want allows you to make bookings over the weekdays, then pick a weekday cruise instead of a weekend cruise, especially in the peak season. If not, you may still be able to find bookings by planning a couple of weeks in advance. 

    If a weekend cruise is your only option, pick a slot as early in the day as possible to avoid crowds.

    Frequently asked questions about Melbourne cruise ship schedules

    What is the average duration of a Melbourne cruise?

    The duration of your Melbourne river cruise varies depending on the type of cruise you have picked. While sightseeing cruises last between 1-2 hours, dining cruises can go up to 3 hours. Ferry transfers are about 1-2 hours long.

    Are there any long-duration Melbourne cruises?

    While most Melbourne river cruises don’t last beyond 2 hours, there is still a Spirit of Melbourne cruise that lasts 3 hours for you to experience sailing as long as possible.

    What Melbourne cruise should I pick if I’m short on time?

    If you’re short on time, there is a 1-hour sightseeing cruise that allows you to pick the route you want based on what side of Melbourne you’d like to see.

    Do all Melbourne cruises operate every day?

    While Melbourne sightseeing cruises are usually functional every day, the dining cruises are usually only available over the weekends.

    Are there any evening cruises available in Melbourne?

    Most Melbourne cruises operate during the day, but the Spirit of Melbourne cruise starts at 7:30pm in the evening and goes on till 10:30pm.

    What days is the Spirit of Melbourne cruise available on?

    The Spirit of Melbourne cruise is available from Thursdays to Sundays till the end of July. From September to December, this cruise will be available from Wednesdays to Sundays.

    What if I’m unable to reach the cruise on time?

    Melbourne river cruises function on a strict schedule and will need to depart exactly on time as mentioned in your ticket. To avoid missing your cruise, we suggest that you try to arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.