cruise from sydney to cairns

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Cruises to Cairns (Yorkey's Knob), Australia

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Cairns (Yorkey's Knob) Cruise Port Guide

Cairns is often considered to be the gateway city to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The city serves as the starting point for many visitors on a cruise to Australia to make the short jaunt to the world-famous reef. Cairns is located in Far North Queensland and is known for its tropical climate and awe-inspiring natural sights.

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to cairns (yorkey's knob), great barrier reef.

The main attraction for those on one of our Cairns cruises is the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders. During a cruise to Cairns, you can take shore excursions and tours to the Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest coral reef on the planet and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to a variety of sea creatures and is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving.

City of Cairns

Cairns itself shouldn’t be missed while you’re in port. It has a vibrant downtown area with shops, restaurants, and a scenic waterfront.  Cairns even has a man-made saltwater lagoon, which was built to ensure visitors don’t come into contact with the crocodiles that sometimes hang out around the beaches of Cairns. You can swim without worry in the saltwater lagoon.

Daintree Rainforest

When it comes to nature and beauty, the Great Barrier Reef isn’t the only natural attraction near Cairns to visit. The Daintree Rainforest makes for a memorable sight to see during Cairns cruises. This Australian rainforest is the country’s largest contiguous area of tropical rainforest.

Learn More About Cairns (Yorkey's Knob) Shore Excursions

Top things to do in cairns (yorkey's knob), kuranda scenic railway.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a great excursion to enjoy during a Cairns cruise. See the region’s beautiful World Heritage-listed forest as you journey from Cairns to the town of Kuranda. The railway was built over 120 years ago and takes about two hours one-way.

Helicopter Ride Over the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is so massive that it’s hard to truly comprehend its size when visiting it via water. A helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef will give you an amazing bird’s-eye view of the reef and help you to truly comprehend its colossal scope and importance to the world’s ecosystem.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

One of the most fun and scenic ways to visit the rainforests near Cairns is on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which is a 7.5-meter cableway that runs over the canopies of Barron Gorge National Park. You can choose from a variety of gondolas to ride in, including glass-bottom gondolas, so you don’t miss any of the beauty happening beneath your feet.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Cairns (Yorkey's Knob) Cruise Port

Cairns has a variety of restaurants and bars, many of which boast beachfront real estate. For some good eats and drinks, head to these spots during Cairns cruises. 

You’ll find pizza and more at this restaurant and bar in Cairns that has excellent mountain and ocean views you can enjoy while eating. 

Order some French-inspired, fresh seafood dishes at C’est Bon, an authentic French restaurant located in Cairns.

Apex Milk Bar

For some casual cuisine, head to Apex Milk Bar, where you’ll find some of Cairns’ best burgers and fish and chips. You’ll also want to try one of their spectacularly delicious milkshakes. 

Culture & History of the Cairns (Yorkey's Knob) Cruise Port

Cairns has a rich history that includes some important parts of Australia’s history. You’ll learn more about the aboriginal cultures that have long called the region home, as well as see the point where Captain Cook pulled ashore to repair his boat. Cairns also has roots as an industrial town that produced timber and sugar.

The culture of Cairns today has a heavy focus on the beach, with a strong surf culture. You’ll also find that the party scene in Cairns is thriving, particularly after the sun goes down. It’s not all laid-back beaches and bar hopping, though. Cairns also has a variety of museums and art galleries along with a delicious modern Australian culinary scene.

Cairns (Yorkey's Knob) Port Facilities & Location

Larger ships visiting the Cairns cruise port will anchor offshore and tender passengers to Yorkeys Knob, which is a 15-minute shuttle bus ride away from Cairns’ city center. There are also restaurants, shopping, and a beach located within walking distance of the cruise dock.

Transportation in Cairns (Yorkey's Knob)

Public buses operate routes all around Cairns, out to its suburbs and neighboring cities, and attractions. In addition, you can find taxis in Cairns. 

Shopping Near the Cairns (Yorkey's Knob) Cruise Port

From markets to boutiques to shopping centers, you’ll have a variety of shopping options to choose from during Cairns cruises. Popular souvenirs to get from Cairns include photography prints of the coastline and Great Barrier Reef, jewelry made with local pearls, and quintessential Australian clothing like Akubra hats or locally made leather boots. 

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

Tipping is not expected in Australia, and that includes restaurants and bars. It is appreciated, however, and how much to tip for quality service is up to the visitor. In general, you can expect to tip less than you would in the U.S. – think more along the lines of 10% to 12%. 

As for what to pay and tip with, the official currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD$). Keep in mind that instead of $1 bills, Australia uses $1 coins, and also has $2 coins. Don’t misplace your loose change as it can add up quickly! Credit cards are also commonly taken in Cairns, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely accepted.

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• Destinations

Cruises to Cairns

A cruise destination that’s steeped in history, experience nature like never before, find a p&o cruise to cairns, at a glance.

156,169 (2011 cenus)

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Cairns Shore Tours

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What To See in Cairns

Great Barrier Reef

Take a look around town, skyrail and kuranda scenic railway, more about cairns.

Getting Around

Gourmet lovers will delight at the fabulous array of dining experiences, which ranges from fine restaurants and cafes to bistros, bars, pubs, and takeaway outlets. Follow your taste buds around the city centre and along The Esplanade, making sure to sample some local seafood and Queensland’s tropical and exotic fruits.

Please note that quarantine authorities do not generally allow food such as fruit and vegetables, dairy and meat products, and sandwiches to be taken off the ship. However, commercially packaged confectionery, chips, and bottled drinking water are allowed subject to inspection.

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• Airlie Beach
• Cairns Yorkeys Knob
• Great Oyster Bay & Freycinet Peninsula (Scenic Cruising)
• Kangaroo Island
• Phillip Island
• Port Arthur
• Port Douglas
• Port Lincoln
• Raft Point (Scenic Cruising)
• Ningaloo King of Eclipse (Scenic Cruising)
• Sydney Harbour Mooring (Scenic Cruising Port)
• Tangalooma - Moreton Island
• Willis Island (onboard experience)
• Yampi Sound (Scenic Cruising)

Did You Know?

Cairns is renowned as the gateway to two of the worlds’ greatest World Heritage Listed natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.

Australia & New Zealand Cruises

Cairns to Sydney

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The luxury of choice

Catering to individual travel preferences, we are pleased to offer our guests the luxury of choice when selecting the perfect fare.

Prices valid until May 31, 2024 but may increase on June 1, 2024 and are subject to availability.

It’s the only country in the world that covers an entire continent. It is one of the largest countries on Earth. And, despite a third of Australia being desert, it is one of the most fertile and richest places on the planet. Join us as we travel from Cairns down the east of this immense island, stopping in at Gold Coast hotspots along the way. We’ll be enjoying destinations such as Mooloolaba, Newcastle, Melbourne, Adelaide and Kangaroo Island to name just a few along the way.

The excursions are provided as a sample of what may be offered on this voyage and are subject to change. We are constantly updating our shore excursion programme with immersive and authentic experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your tour programme choice closer to your sail date. We invite guests to visit my.silversea.com for the most updated information.

Silversea's oceanview suites are some of the most spacious in luxury cruising. All include the services of a butler thanks to the highest service ratio at sea and almost all have a private teak veranda so that you can breathe in the fresh sea air by merely stepping outside your door. Select your suite and Request a Quote - guests who book early are rewarded with the best fares and ability to select their desired suite.

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Introducing Silver Nova - our newest vessel that joined us in summer 2023, and is a home away from home for up to 728 guests. Silver Nova’s innovative asymmetrical design introduces the world like never before, offering an immersive destination experience to our guests. With a gross tonnage of 54,700 tons, she offers a space-to-guest ratio of 75 GRT-per-passenger becoming one of the most spacious cruise ships ever built. What’s more, Silver Nova is our most environmentally friendly, and thanks to her groundbreaking technological solutions, she propels Silversea into a new era of sustainable cruising. It’s the Nova way to travel.

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Cruises from Sydney

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Catch a wave at Bondi, shop ‘til you drop in the city or sip a long black in the vibrant inner west before a cruise from Sydney. Culturally diverse, Sydney offers plenty to explore, from art galleries and ancient Aboriginal culture, to iconic structures and a heady mix of cuisines. When cruising from Sydney’s deep-water port in the heart of the city, you can explore it all before or after your next Sydney cruise with Princess.

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New Zealand Cruises

Cruise from Sydney and head ‘across the ditch’ to New Zealand, Australia’s closest neighbour. Sample award-winning wines in Picton, discover rich Māori heritage in the Bay of Islands or explore Tolkien’s mythical Middle Earth. With Princess’ Across the Ditch program, sample the best of the region and immerse yourself in local culture on board any of our round-trip cruises from Sydney or one-way trips to Auckland.

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Cruising from Sydney allows you to explore the very best of Australia – including its rich culture and diverse landscape. Dive the Great Barrier Reef, browse Hobart’s Salamanca Markets or tantalise your tastebuds in the Barossa Valley and Margaret River wine regions. From bustling cities to deserted outback, coastal paradise to craggy peaks to lush rainforest, Australia is a land that has it all.

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One of the wonderful things about Australia is the fact that you don’t have to go far to see something new. If you’re short on time, short cruises from Sydney allow you to explore some of the country’s highlights. On 2 or 3-day cruises from Sydney, browse Melbourne’s boutique stores and laneways, see a koala at Brisbane’s Australia Zoo or kick back and relax on the Gold Coast.

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Located off the north coast of Australia, the rugged paradise of Papua New Guinea is the perfect destination for those who want to head off the beaten track. On a cruise from Sydney, relax on Alotau’s immaculate white-sand beaches, or dive the Conflict Islands’ pristine reef system to uncover the intriguing marine life within. You’ll soon realize that Papua New Guinea is a place that’s not easily forgotten.

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Located just off Australia’s mainland, Tasmania offers plenty to explore on your next cruise from Sydney. Stroll through bustling Hobart and sample some of the local produce, then uncover the state’s history as a penal colony at Port Arthur. Trek Tassie’s wilderness on a hike of Cradle Mountain, or marvel at the beauty of Freycinet Peninsula. Whether on a short cruise getaway or a longer trip, Tasmania is simply a must-see.

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From the balmy jungles of South America to the icy terrains of Antarctica, revel in the best of both worlds on a cruise from Sydney. In Puntarenas, learn how Starbucks coffee beans are harvested at the company’s only farm. Walk past pyramids in Huatulco, and uncover treasures of Mesoamerica. Or ascend to Corcovado Mountain and visit one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the Christ the Redeemer statue.

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On cruises from Sydney, step into paradise as you uncover the mesmerising beauty of Tahiti and the islands of the South Pacific. Explore these dream destinations and bask in the crystal waters of Lemon Bay Beach in New Caledonia’s Noumea. Kayak within a secret oasis at Vanuatu’s Mystery Island, wander colourful markets in Fiji’s Lautoka or discover rich French Polynesian culture in Tahiti.

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Home to ancient civilizations and long-standing traditions, Asia welcomes you to explore age-old cultures. Learn the art of Thai dancing in Bangkok, navigate the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City or discover 8,000-year-old history at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. Between the landmarks and local connections, experience a sensory experience unlike any other on a cruise from Sydney to Asia.

What You Need to Know About Cruises from Sydney

Vibrant, bustling and culturally diverse, Sydney is full of treasures well worth exploring. Here’s everything you need to know about the city, so you can really make the most of your cruise from Sydney.

Sydney at a glance

• Language : English
• Currency : Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Time Zone : Australian Eastern Time (AET)
• Docking : Your cruise from Sydney docks at White Bay Cruise Terminal or the Overseas Passenger Terminal (Circular Quay West).
• Attire : Opt for shorts and t-shirts during the hot and humid summer months (December to February) and long pants and sweaters in the cooler months of winter (June to August).
• Transportation : Public transport makes Sydney easy to get around, thanks to its ferries, buses, trains and light rail. Driving in the city is not recommended, especially during peak hour, due to high density traffic.

Things to do in Sydney

Whether taking a short cruise from Sydney or a world tour, there’s plenty to explore in the city before or after your cruise. Foodies can indulge in diverse cuisines, while history and nature lovers can find hidden gems at every turn. Climb the Harbour Bridge, tour the Opera House or wander the Royal Botanic Gardens. Outside the city, cool off at Manly Beach, hike the Blue Mountains or catch a game at Sydney Cricket Ground.

Ships That Cruise from Sydney

Our Princess fleet includes some of the best cruises from Sydney. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

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13 Night Sydney To Singapore Cruise

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Day 4 - 5: cairns, australia.

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15 Night Cruise to Australia & New Zealand

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14 Night Cruise to Australia & New Zealand

16 night cruise to australia & new zealand, explore cairns.

Why the best way to see Australia is on a cruise

K nown for its epic road and rail trips through the vast, open countryside of the dusty Outback , Australia is often overlooked by Brits as a cruise destination. Yet the world’s largest island has over 37,000 miles of coastline fronting the Southern, Pacific and Indian Oceans, plus various smaller seas. Even the locals know the appeal of the sea, with 85 per cent of Australians living within 50km of the coast.

As a result, almost every kind of cruise imaginable can be found here; be it on a mega-ship with stacks of facilities; a boutique brand with a more refined air; a luxurious riverboat; or an expedition ship that can venture to truly out-of-the-way places. And with most of Australia's key attractions and cities scattered around its fringes, explorations by cruise (preferably topped and tailed with land-based touring) can pack any number of Down Under wonders into a single trip.

I've been lucky enough to visit Australia more than a dozen times, and some of my greatest memories are of experiences that I've had from the deck of a ship. I once set sail to New Zealand from Sydney, with the tiles atop the Opera House gleaming in the sunshine as we passed, and far from land on the Great Barrier Reef, I leaned over the railings to marvel at its underwater patchwork of cobalt and turquoise in an otherwise midnight-blue sea. 

Perhaps the most incredible experience of all was a cruise in the Kimberley : the little-visited wilderness region at the top of Western Australia. It's vast and sparsely populated – bigger than Britain but with fewer residents than a mid-sized English town – and its attractions are so remarkable that they would be crowded with visitors were they easier to access. But on a small-ship sailing with Coral Expeditions, I was one of just 120 guests exploring the waterfalls, reefs and ancient rock art for which the Kimberley is famed.

At the uninhabited Lacepede Islands, we saw seabirds and turtles in mind-boggling numbers. In Talbot Bay, we powered through one-of-a-kind Horizontal Falls in a Zodiac. And at Montgomery Reef, we watched a coral-encrusted plateau seemingly rise from the sea on a falling tide. 

It wasn’t only the epic landscapes and their intriguing wildlife – humpback whales, lemon sharks, saltwater crocs – that impressed. Etched in my memory is the experience of first seeing the Wandjina (ancient rock art). These alien beings stare down from rock art galleries across the region: a symbol of the oldest continuous culture on the planet, and of the Indigenous people's long connection to the land. A land littered with surprises best experienced by boat. 

Classic Kimberley 

Remote, isolated and with little infrastructure for land-based journeys, there are few parts of the world as suited to expedition cruises as the Kimberley. Explore it with Coral Expeditions – the pioneers of cruising in the region – on a formula perfected over four decades of operations. Itineraries are timed to experience key sites at optimal tidal phases: expect to see Montgomery Reef being drained by dozens of miniature cascades, and Horizontal Falls at its powerful best.

How to do it

Ten-night cruises between Darwin and Broome with Coral Expeditions operate between April and September and cost from £3,965pp; excludes flights.

Aussie icons

Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef are two of Australia’s most recognisable icons. Experience both with Princess Cruises, whose journeys up the eastern seaboard from Sydney to tropical North Queensland stop in Cairns for reef and Daintree Rainforest excursions, and Airlie Beach, gateway to the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands. 

How to do it 

A 16-night Sydney & Queensland Showcase cruise-and-stay from Cruise Kings (0800 197 8050) includes an 11-night round-trip cruise from Sydney aboard Majestic Princess and a three-night pre-cruise Sydney stay from £2,799pp. Departs January 26 & March 26 2024;  departs September 8 2023; includes flights. . 

Southern comforts

Make the festive season extra-special on a cruise along Australia’s entire south coast, taking in nine ports of call. Esperance, Adelaide, Cape Le Grand National Park and Kangaroo Island are among the highlights, with shore excursion that include wine tastings and local wildlife sightings. Better still, spend Christmas Day at sea before arriving in Sydney for a two-night stay that coincides with New Year’s Eve.

The 14-night Australia Intensive Voyage from Perth to Melbourne with Azamara Cruises (0344 4934016) departs December 21 2023 & December 20 2024 and costs from £2,859pp. Excludes flights. 

Over the top 

Nobody is more qualified to share Australia’s stories than its traditional owners and custodians. On a voyage through remote Barrier Reef islands en route to Cape York and Arnhem Land, you will meet indigenous Torres Strait islanders and other Aboriginal peoples to experience their culture, art and homelands, including Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. Along the way, spy dugongs, turtles, saltwater crocodiles and the birdlife of Kakadu’s wetlands.

A 13-night Australia's Top End cruise from Cairns to Darwin with Scenic (0808 273 6069; scenic.co.uk ) departs April 28 2024 and costs from £11,108pp. Excludes flights. 

Murray river flow 

River cruises are rare down under, ­making an active experience on the mighty Murray – the nation’s principal waterway – all the more remarkable. Murray River Trails offers short cruises aboard a 12-berth houseboat, with a daily programme of guided walks and activities. The small-group, into-the-wild nature of the experience lends itself to wildlife encounters, with sightings of echidnas, emus, koalas and ­unusual native birds all possible. It is a fascinating insight into authentic inland Australia.

The three-night Murray River Walk departs May–Sep and costs from £1,500pp. Excludes flights. 

Kim and swim

The Kimberley may have beguiling blue waters, but dips in the sea are foolhardy (and forbidden) due to the dangerous saltwater crocodiles that call the region home. Sidestep that inconvenience on a voyage with Ponant, which combines classic Kimberley elements ­(Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls) with the little-visited Rowley Shoals – one of the world’s most sensational snorkelling and diving destinations. Located west of Broome, in the Timor Sea, these croc-free coral atolls brim with colourful sea life.

An eight-night cruise round-trip from Broome departs September 8 2023 and costs from £11,835pp through Mundy Adventures (020 7399 7630; mundyadventures.co.uk ); includes flights. 

Queensland immersion 

Take a deep dive down under on a Great Barrier Reef & Beyond itinerary with Windstar Cruises. This holiday is particularly good for wildlife-lovers. Look out for wedge-tailed shearwaters, sooty terns and noddies while passing Willis Island; spot dingoes on sandy Fraser Island; and cuddle a koala at Australia Zoo (established by the late Steve Irwin). Show-stopping Whitehaven Beach is an unforgettable trip highlight.

An 11-night sailing from Cairns to Melbourne with Windstar Cruises (0808 178 2233; windstarcruises.com ) departs December 6 2023 and costs from £7,499pp. Includes flights and pre-cruise overnight in Cairns. 

Western wonders 

Unlike the Barrier Reef, which clings to the continental shelf, magnificent Ningaloo Reef fringes Western Australia’s coast. Discover it and the archipelagos of Abrolhos, Monte Bello and Dampier on a small-ship expedition that mixes snorkelling and shipwrecks with whale-watching and indigenous rock art. Enhance the experience by foraging and fishing for mud crabs and oysters, or take sightseeing to new heights in the ship’s helicopter. 

How to do it  

The 10-night West Coast Explorer cruise with True North sails from Fremantle to Dampier on March 7 2024 and costs from £12,208pp. Excludes flights

Island state

Raw nature meets colonial history and premium produce in Tasmania, not to mention one-of-a-kind wildlife such as white wallabies and Tasmanian devils. Sip local cool-climate wines and visit the likes of Bruny Island and Wineglass Bay while sailing from Hobart. The cruise is complemented with a self-drive exploration of the island’s west and north coast regions.

A 17-night holiday with Tasmanian Odyssey (01534 735449) combining Coral Expeditions' 10-night Coastal Wilds or Coastal Treks cruise with a 7-night self-drive land tour costs from £5,475pp. Departs Jan–Feb 2024 & 2025; excludes flights. 

All the way

Go all out and see more of the continent on a full circumnavigation of the vast island. Sail the Coral, Timor and Tasman Seas, the Indian Ocean and the Great Australian Bight on an odyssey starting and finishing in Sydney. Travelling via every coastal state and territory, ports of call include cosmopolitan Melbourne, tropical Darwin, lively Fremantle and Phillip Island with its unforgettable koala and penguin encounters. 

A 34-night Australian Panorama sailing with Oceania Cruises is available through Mundy Cruising (020 7399 7670; mundycruising.co.uk ) from £8,729pp, including flights. Departs December 22 2024.

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• Cruise Destinations

Cairns, Australia

• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Splendor

* Coming Soon

Visit the coastal city of Cairns and enjoy a smorgasbord of fun and adventure. A Carnival Cruise Line holiday to Cairns offers the perfect mix of shore excursions the whole family will love - on water and land. Daintree Rainforest tours are the ideal way to experience the ecosystem of the wet tropics of Queensland (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Go snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail, or have a tropical rainforest nature park adventure. A day trip to Cairns itself is always worth it, with amazing shopping on the Esplanade and scenic walks that will blow you away.

Experience stunning far North Queensland:

• Browse the numerous art galleries and restaurants.
• Discover the local cultural and historical sites.
• Visit Cooktown, which is home to the ‘James Cook Museum’.

Cruises to Cairns

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are included.

• Cruise Destinations

Cairns, Australia

• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Splendor

* Coming Soon

Visit the coastal city of Cairns and enjoy a smorgasbord of fun and adventure. A Carnival Cruise Line holiday to Cairns offers the perfect mix of shore excursions the whole family will love - on water and land. Daintree Rainforest tours are the ideal way to experience the ecosystem of the wet tropics of Queensland (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Go snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail, or have a tropical rainforest nature park adventure. A day trip to Cairns itself is always worth it, with amazing shopping on the Esplanade and scenic walks that will blow you away.

Experience stunning far North Queensland:

• Browse the numerous art galleries and restaurants.
• Discover the local cultural and historical sites.
• Visit Cooktown, which is home to the ‘James Cook Museum’.

Cruises to Cairns

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are included.