Every unmissable highlight of our Great Barrier Reef cruises
When you cruise to the Great Barrier Reef with Carnival, the destination isn’t the only highlight of the journey. Here are all the not-to-miss highlights.
Without doubt, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions.
And we can’t think of a better way of getting to the reef than on a cruise. It might be the ultimate destination on our six- to 10-day cruises from Sydney and Brisbane, but there’s so much to see and do before you even get there.Here are seven unmissable highlights of our cruises to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef. Please note, ports of call and their order vary – below is indicative only.
Bay watch
Most of our Great Barrier Reef cruises call at Tangalooma on Moreton Island. Nothing will quite prepare you for how beautiful this little-known treasure of Brisbane’s Moreton Bay actually is. Beyond the ultra-white sand and impossibly crystalline waters, the island is also a marine sanctuary and home to the Tangalooma Wrecks, a haven for snorkellers.
Food glorious food
While the natural world shows off all its beauty outside, inside our chefs are creating great food to tempt you. Indulge your tastebuds at fabulous eateries like Masala Tiger^, the Pizzeria, Guy’s Burger Joint^ and Swirls. Or elevate your culinary experiences by visiting one of our specialty restaurants*. Try melt-in-the-mouth steak at Farenheit 555, Japanese deliciousness at Bonsai Sushi Express~ or book a seat at the very special Chef’s Table.
Idyllic isle
Airlie Beach, on the central Queensland coast, is a beautiful port town and a gateway to the state’s sublime Whitsunday Islands, including one of the largest: the uninhabited Whitehaven. On our Exhilarating Whitehaven Expedition, take a wild ride on an inflatable boat to the isle, home to Whitehaven Beach, which has some of the whitest sand in the world. Swim, walk and enjoy lunch before returning to your cruise ship for an evening of entertainment galore.
Every unmissable highlight of our Great Barrier Reef cruises
Blue sky day
Once you’re in Cairns, the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef are on your doorstep. And one of the best ways to take in the reef’s magnitude is from the air. On a 40-minute scenic flight you’ll take in the incredible colours and shapes of the reef before flying back towards the mainland, passing over Green Island, Arlington Reef and Palm Cove.
Who dares wins
For adrenaline junkies, Cairns also offers endless opportunities to get the pulse racing, while giving you access to some of the region’s most spectacular sights. Book a shore excursion* and explore the Goldsborough Valley’s Mulgrave River on our Wild River Tube Ride; take a Bad Fishy Jet Boat ride on the Trinity Inlet; or jump on a bike and explore Cairns on two wheels.
On board games
In between marvelling at Australia’s incredible coastline, you might also find yourself marvelling at some of the incredible offerings on board the ship. That might include enjoying one of our dazzling, original musical productions or stage shows; laughing till your sides hurt at The Punchliner Comedy Club; or showing the world what you’re made of at karaoke.
Blues and greens
Last, but certainly not least, is Port Douglas, the only place in the world where two World Heritage sites – the reef and the Daintree rainforest – meet. For a close-up look at the big blue sea, book a shore excursion* and take a fast catamaran to Agincourt Pontoon in the Outer Reef, where you can swim, snorkel and hop aboard a semi-submersible vessel for a view you won’t forget in a hurry. Or, to explore the greens of the rainforest, take an excursion deep into the Daintree to learn more about its incredible history (some 150 million years of it) and immerse yourself in its endless beauty.
View our Great Barrier Reef cruises here.
* Additional charges apply.
^ Available on Carnival Splendor
~Available on Carnival Luminosa
