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Great Barrier Reef cruises

119 sailings between November 2026 and June 2029, from A$659 pp

  • 119sailings listed
  • A$659per person, from
  • A$133a night, from
  • 4–14nights
  • 6cruise lines

Great Barrier Reef cruises at a glance

We list 119 cruises to the Great Barrier Reef between November 2026 and June 2029, mostly from Brisbane and Sydney, lasting 4 to 14 nights. Fares start at A$659 per person, and the lowest fare per night is A$133. Most leave Brisbane for Airlie Beach and Cairns, or sail out to Willis Island in the Coral Sea.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park covers 344,400 square kilometres, with some 3,000 coral reefs, 600 continental islands and 300 coral cays.

Most Great Barrier Reef cruises are short trips from Brisbane on the big ships of Carnival and Royal Caribbean, calling at Airlie Beach for the Whitsundays and Cairns for the outer reef. Smaller expedition ships, such as those of Coral Expeditions, sail inside the reef from Cairns and anchor at reefs and islands the big ships cannot reach.

Sailings and fares updated 1 November 2026.

Great Barrier Reef cruises 2026–29

Every Great Barrier Reef cruise we list, soonest first: 119 sailings between November 2026 and June 2029. Filter by season, ship or destination. Fares are per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, as listed by the cruise line on 29 October at 10:00am. Cabin types sell out and prices move between checks, so we confirm what is open and what it costs before you pay.

119 sailings

DepartsCruiseCabins openFromQuote
2026 to 27 season
Fri, 13 Nov 20264 nights Coastal Adventures of the Great Barrier Reef from CairnsCoral Discoverer · Round trip from CairnsDunk Island & Coonanglebah, Mission Beach, Geranium Passage Reefs All cabin types availableMain Deck (Category B), Main Deck (Category A), Promenade Deck (Category A), Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom Main Deck (Category B) fromA$4,490ppA$8,980 for 2 Details & Itinerary
Tue, 17 Nov 20267 nights Outerknown Adventures from CairnsCoral Discoverer · Round trip from CairnsFitzroy Island, Sudbury Cay, Mackay Reef & Cay, Cooktown & Gungardie, Lizard Island & Dyigurra, Osprey & Ribbon Reefs All cabin types availableMain Deck (Category B), Main Deck (Category A), Promenade Deck (Category A), Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom Main Deck (Category B) fromA$6,800ppA$13,600 for 2 Details & Itinerary
Fri, 20 Nov 20267 nights Queensland from BrisbaneQuantum of the Seas · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableOcean View, Balcony, Interior, Suite Ocean View fromA$1,349ppA$2,698 for 2
Tue, 24 Nov 20264 nights Coastal Adventures of the Great Barrier Reef from CairnsCoral Discoverer · Round trip from CairnsDunk Island & Coonanglebah, Mission Beach, Geranium Passage Reefs 2 of 3 cabin types leftMain Deck (Category B), Promenade Deck (Category A) Main Deck (Category B) fromA$4,490ppA$8,980 for 2 Details & Itinerary
Mon, 30 Nov 20269 nights Queensland with Great Barrier Reef from SydneyGrand Princess · Round trip from SydneyBrisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island 2 of 5 cabin types leftBalcony, Suite Balcony fromA$2,730ppA$5,460 for 2
Tue, 1 Dec 202611 nights Great Barrier Reef from SydneyCelebrity Edge · Round trip from SydneyAirlie Beach and Cairns overnight, Port Douglas, Willis Island Last suites availableThe Retreat The Retreat fromA$16,837ppA$33,673 for 2 Details & Itinerary
Sun, 6 Dec 20264 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$850ppA$1,700 for 2
Sun, 13 Dec 20266 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach 2 of 4 cabin types leftInterior, Balcony Interior fromA$1,198ppA$2,396 for 2
Mon, 14 Dec 20264 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach 3 of 4 cabin types leftInterior, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$836ppA$1,672 for 2
Sun, 3 Jan 202714 nights Australia with Queensland, Melbourne to SydneySilver Moon · One way, Melbourne to SydneyEden, Newcastle, K'Gari, Townsville, Willis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach 3 of 9 cabin types leftClassic Veranda Suite, Superior Veranda Suite, Deluxe Veranda Suite Classic Veranda Suite fromA$17,650ppA$35,300 for 2 Details & Itinerary
Mon, 11 Jan 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$876ppA$1,752 for 2
Fri, 15 Jan 20276 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,036ppA$2,072 for 2
Sat, 16 Jan 20276 nights Queensland from BrisbaneQuantum of the Seas · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,629ppA$3,257 for 2
Sun, 17 Jan 20276 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach 3 of 4 cabin types leftInterior, Ocean View, Balcony Interior fromA$928ppA$1,856 for 2
Sat, 23 Jan 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach 3 of 4 cabin types leftInterior, Ocean View, Balcony Interior fromA$706ppA$1,412 for 2
Sun, 24 Jan 20278 nights Queensland from SydneyAnthem of the Seas · Round trip from SydneyWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,779ppA$3,557 for 2
Sun, 24 Jan 20276 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$892ppA$1,784 for 2
Wed, 27 Jan 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$683ppA$1,366 for 2
Sun, 31 Jan 20276 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$986ppA$1,972 for 2
Tue, 9 Feb 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$689ppA$1,378 for 2
Fri, 19 Feb 20277 nights Queensland from BrisbaneQuantum of the Seas · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,349ppA$2,698 for 2
Tue, 23 Feb 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$684ppA$1,368 for 2
Sun, 28 Feb 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$674ppA$1,348 for 2
Sun, 28 Feb 20279 nights Great Barrier Reef from SydneyCarnival Splendor · Round trip from SydneyMoreton Island, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,568ppA$3,136 for 2
Mon, 1 Mar 20277 nights Queensland with Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneGrand Princess · Round trip from BrisbaneTownsville, Cairns, Willis Island, Airlie Beach 4 of 5 cabin types leftInterior, Oceanview, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,221ppA$2,442 for 2
Tue, 2 Mar 202711 nights Great Barrier Reef in MarchCelebrity Edge · Round trip from SydneyAirlie Beach, Cairns overnight, Port Douglas, Willis Island, Newcastle 5 of 6 cabin types leftInside, Ocean View, Veranda, Concierge Class, The Retreat Inside fromA$3,000ppA$5,999 for 2 Details & Itinerary
Fri, 5 Mar 20277 nights Queensland from BrisbaneQuantum of the Seas · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,579ppA$3,157 for 2
Mon, 8 Mar 20278 nights Queensland with Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneGrand Princess · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Townsville, Port Douglas, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Oceanview, Mini-Suite, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,672ppA$3,344 for 2
Mon, 8 Mar 202712 nights Queensland with Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane to SydneyGrand Princess · One way, Brisbane to SydneyAirlie Beach, Townsville, Port Douglas, Cairns, Willis Island, Newcastle 4 of 5 cabin types leftInterior, Oceanview, Balcony, Mini-Suite Interior fromA$2,571ppA$5,142 for 2
Tue, 9 Mar 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$659ppA$1,318 for 2
Sun, 14 Mar 20276 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$958ppA$1,916 for 2
Sun, 21 Mar 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$679ppA$1,358 for 2
Tue, 23 Mar 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$719ppA$1,438 for 2
Thu, 25 Mar 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach 3 of 4 cabin types leftInterior, Ocean View, Balcony Interior fromA$885ppA$1,770 for 2
Tue, 6 Apr 20276 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island 3 of 4 cabin types leftInterior, Ocean View, Balcony Interior fromA$1,032ppA$2,064 for 2
Mon, 12 Apr 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$714ppA$1,428 for 2
Sun, 18 Apr 20278 nights Great Barrier Reef from SydneyCarnival Adventure · Round trip from SydneyAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,328ppA$2,656 for 2
Thu, 29 Apr 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$735ppA$1,470 for 2
Mon, 3 May 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$705ppA$1,410 for 2
Wed, 26 May 20279 nights Great Barrier Reef from SydneyCarnival Splendor · Round trip from SydneyAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island, Moreton Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,274ppA$2,548 for 2
Sun, 30 May 20276 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$974ppA$1,948 for 2
Mon, 21 June 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$728ppA$1,456 for 2
2027 to 28 season
Sat, 3 July 20277 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island Only Interior cabins leftInterior Interior fromA$1,320ppA$2,640 for 2
Tue, 13 July 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$751ppA$1,502 for 2
Sun, 18 July 20279 nights Great Barrier Reef from SydneyCarnival Splendor · Round trip from SydneyAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island, Moreton Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,271ppA$2,542 for 2
Sun, 8 Aug 20276 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$999ppA$1,998 for 2
Fri, 13 Aug 20278 nights Great Barrier Reef from SydneyCarnival Adventure · Round trip from SydneyWillis Island, Yorkeys Knob, Airlie Beach 3 of 4 cabin types leftInterior, Ocean View, Balcony Interior fromA$1,165ppA$2,330 for 2
Sat, 14 Aug 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$715ppA$1,430 for 2
Tue, 31 Aug 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$706ppA$1,412 for 2
Sat, 4 Sept 20276 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach 3 of 4 cabin types leftInterior, Ocean View, Balcony Interior fromA$979ppA$1,958 for 2
Mon, 13 Sept 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$711ppA$1,422 for 2
Sat, 25 Sept 20276 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,161ppA$2,322 for 2
Sat, 2 Oct 20278 nights Great Barrier Reef from SydneyCarnival Adventure · Round trip from SydneyWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach 3 of 4 cabin types leftInterior, Ocean View, Balcony Interior fromA$1,403ppA$2,806 for 2
Tue, 12 Oct 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$715ppA$1,430 for 2
Sun, 24 Oct 20276 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$993ppA$1,986 for 2
Thu, 28 Oct 202710 nights Great Barrier Reef in SpringCelebrity Edge · Round trip from SydneyAirlie Beach, Cairns overnight, Port Douglas, Willis Island All cabin types availableInside, Ocean View, Veranda, Concierge Class, AquaClass, The Retreat Inside fromA$2,599ppA$5,199 for 2 Details & Itinerary
Tue, 2 Nov 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$700ppA$1,400 for 2
Sun, 14 Nov 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$700ppA$1,400 for 2
Tue, 16 Nov 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$737ppA$1,474 for 2
Fri, 19 Nov 20276 nights Queensland from BrisbaneVoyager of the Seas · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,478ppA$2,956 for 2
Sun, 21 Nov 20276 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$963ppA$1,926 for 2
Mon, 29 Nov 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$727ppA$1,454 for 2
Sat, 4 Dec 20276 nights Queensland from BrisbaneOvation of the Seas · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,169ppA$2,338 for 2
Sun, 5 Dec 20274 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$705ppA$1,410 for 2
Fri, 10 Dec 202711 nights Australia with Queensland, Melbourne to SydneySilver Moon · One way, Melbourne to SydneyNewcastle, K'Gari, Willis Island, Shute Harbor, Mooloolaba All cabin types availableVista Suite, Panorama Suite, Classic Veranda Suite, Superior Veranda Suite, Deluxe Veranda Suite, Silver Suite, Royal Suite, Grand Suite, Owner’s Suite Vista Suite fromA$9,050ppA$18,100 for 2 Details & Itinerary
Sat, 11 Dec 20276 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,041ppA$2,082 for 2
Sun, 12 Dec 20276 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,003ppA$2,006 for 2
Thu, 16 Dec 20277 nights Queensland with Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneGrand Princess · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Oceanview, Balcony, Mini-Suite, Suite Interior fromA$1,520ppA$3,040 for 2
Sat, 8 Jan 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$780ppA$1,560 for 2
Sun, 9 Jan 20286 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,071ppA$2,142 for 2
Wed, 12 Jan 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$780ppA$1,560 for 2
Sun, 16 Jan 20286 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,013ppA$2,026 for 2
Sun, 23 Jan 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$717ppA$1,434 for 2
Tue, 25 Jan 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$700ppA$1,400 for 2
Sun, 30 Jan 20286 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$951ppA$1,902 for 2
Sun, 6 Feb 20286 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$953ppA$1,906 for 2
Sun, 13 Feb 20287 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,200ppA$2,400 for 2
Tue, 15 Feb 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$700ppA$1,400 for 2
Sun, 27 Feb 20286 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$953ppA$1,906 for 2
Mon, 28 Feb 20289 nights Great Barrier Reef from SydneyCarnival Splendor · Round trip from SydneyWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Moreton Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,215ppA$2,430 for 2
Sun, 5 Mar 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$712ppA$1,424 for 2
Tue, 7 Mar 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$700ppA$1,400 for 2
Thu, 9 Mar 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Luminosa · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$731ppA$1,462 for 2
Sun, 19 Mar 20286 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$953ppA$1,906 for 2
Fri, 24 Mar 202811 nights Brisbane and the ReefCelebrity Edge · Round trip from SydneyBrisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns overnight, Port Douglas, Willis Island All cabin types availableInside, Ocean View, Veranda, Concierge Class, AquaClass, The Retreat Inside fromA$3,017ppA$6,035 for 2 Details & Itinerary
Tue, 28 Mar 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$700ppA$1,400 for 2
Sun, 9 Apr 20286 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,008ppA$2,016 for 2
Mon, 1 May 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$700ppA$1,400 for 2
Wed, 24 May 20289 nights Great Barrier Reef from SydneyCarnival Splendor · Round trip from SydneyAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island, Moreton Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,200ppA$2,400 for 2
Sun, 28 May 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$700ppA$1,400 for 2
Sun, 4 June 20286 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$953ppA$1,906 for 2
Sat, 10 June 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$700ppA$1,400 for 2
Sun, 25 June 20289 nights Great Barrier Reef from SydneyCarnival Splendor · Round trip from SydneyAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island, Moreton Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,202ppA$2,404 for 2
2028 to 29 season
Sun, 2 July 20286 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,028ppA$2,056 for 2
Mon, 24 July 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$700ppA$1,400 for 2
Sat, 19 Aug 20286 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$953ppA$1,906 for 2
Fri, 25 Aug 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$699ppA$1,398 for 2
Mon, 11 Sept 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$700ppA$1,400 for 2
Sat, 23 Sept 20286 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,033ppA$2,066 for 2
Tue, 10 Oct 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$700ppA$1,400 for 2
Sun, 22 Oct 20286 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$953ppA$1,906 for 2
Tue, 31 Oct 20284 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$700ppA$1,400 for 2
Sun, 19 Nov 20286 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneWillis Island, Cairns, Airlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$953ppA$1,906 for 2
Sun, 19 Nov 202814 nights Australia with Queensland, Melbourne to SydneySilver Moon · One way, Melbourne to SydneyBatemans Bay, Newcastle, Airlie Beach, Willis Island, Cairns, Townsville, K'Gari 8 of 9 cabin types leftVista Suite, Classic Veranda Suite, Superior Veranda Suite, Deluxe Veranda Suite, Silver Suite, Royal Suite, Grand Suite, Owner’s Suite Vista Suite fromA$12,600ppA$25,200 for 2 Details & Itinerary
Wed, 17 Jan 20294 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$785ppA$1,570 for 2
Tue, 30 Jan 20294 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$705ppA$1,410 for 2
Sat, 3 Feb 20299 nights Great Barrier Reef from SydneyCarnival Splendor · Round trip from SydneyMoreton Island, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,225ppA$2,450 for 2
Sun, 11 Feb 20296 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$963ppA$1,926 for 2
Sun, 11 Feb 202910 nights Australia with Queensland, Sydney to CairnsSilver Moon · One way, Sydney to CairnsNewcastle, K'Gari, Shute Harbor, Willis Island, Townsville, Port Douglas 8 of 9 cabin types leftVista Suite, Classic Veranda Suite, Superior Veranda Suite, Deluxe Veranda Suite, Silver Suite, Royal Suite, Grand Suite, Owner’s Suite Vista Suite fromA$9,300ppA$18,600 for 2 Details & Itinerary
Tue, 20 Feb 20294 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$705ppA$1,410 for 2
Sun, 25 Mar 20296 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$963ppA$1,926 for 2
Mon, 2 Apr 20299 nights Great Barrier Reef from SydneyCarnival Splendor · Round trip from SydneyMoreton Island, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,225ppA$2,450 for 2
Tue, 3 Apr 20294 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$785ppA$1,570 for 2
Sun, 15 Apr 20296 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$963ppA$1,926 for 2
Mon, 7 May 20294 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$705ppA$1,410 for 2
Mon, 21 May 20299 nights Great Barrier Reef from SydneyCarnival Splendor · Round trip from SydneyAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island, Moreton Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$1,210ppA$2,420 for 2
Sun, 3 June 20294 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$705ppA$1,410 for 2
Sun, 10 June 20296 nights Great Barrier Reef from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$963ppA$1,926 for 2
Sat, 16 June 20294 nights Airlie Beach from BrisbaneCarnival Encounter · Round trip from BrisbaneAirlie Beach All cabin types availableInterior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite Interior fromA$704ppA$1,408 for 2

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Does a cruise ship actually stop at the reef?

Big ships do not stop on the reef itself. You reach the coral on a shore excursion: a day boat from Airlie Beach out to the Whitsundays and the reef, or from Cairns or Port Douglas to the outer reef and the islands.

Some cruises from Brisbane sail out to Willis Island, a sand cay far out in the Coral Sea with a weather station and seabird colonies. Willis Island is seen from the deck, and no one goes ashore.

Expedition voyages work differently. Coral Expeditions anchors at places such as Lizard Island, the Ribbon Reefs and Cooktown, and takes guests snorkelling and ashore in its own boats.

What can I do in Airlie Beach, Cairns and Port Douglas?

From Airlie Beach, most people take a boat to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet in the Whitsunday Islands, or a day trip out to the reef.

From Cairns, the choices are a boat to the outer reef or Green Island, the Skyrail cableway over the rainforest to Kuranda, or the Esplanade lagoon in town.

Port Douglas is the base for outer reef trips to the Agincourt reefs and the Low Isles, and the Daintree Rainforest is about an hour north. Book reef trips before you sail, as the boats fill up on a big-ship day.

Which Queensland ports are tender ports?

Airlie Beach is a tender port: the ship anchors off the town and tenders carry you in. Port Douglas is a tender port too.

Cairns has a cruise terminal in the city. Since the shipping channel was widened and deepened in 2019 and 2020, ships close to 300 metres long can berth there. The largest ships still anchor off Yorkeys Knob, north of Cairns, and tender guests ashore.

Do I need a passport for a Great Barrier Reef cruise?

Not always. A cruise that stays in Australia is a domestic cruise, and Carnival accepts government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence, for Australian residents. Guests who are not Australian residents need a passport. Other lines set their own rules, so check yours before you sail.

How much does a Great Barrier Reef cruise cost?

Worked out from the 119 sailings with open cabins we list today: the lowest and the typical (median) starting fare per person, twin share, taxes included.

LengthSailingsFromTypical
Short breaks (2 to 5 nights)52A$659A$705
About a week (6 to 9 nights)58A$892A$1,041
10 to 14 nights9A$2,571A$9,050
StyleTypical fare a nightLines
ContemporaryA$175Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line
PremiumA$260Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises
Luxury and expeditionA$971Coral Expeditions and Silversea

When is the best time to cruise the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef is warm enough to visit all year. June to October is the driest and least humid time, and it falls outside the marine stinger season, which runs from November to May. Humpback whales are on the reef from May to September, and the coral spawns after the full moons of October to December.

MonthsWhat to expect
June to AugustWinter: dry, less humid days averaging 17.5 to 26°C in Cairns, and humpback whales on the reef.
September to OctoberThe end of the dry season. Warm days, the last of the whales in September, and the first coral spawning after the October full moon on some reefs.
November to DecemberThe wet season builds and the marine stinger season starts. Coral spawning continues after the November and December full moons.
January to MayHot and wet, with most of Cairns' rain falling in summer and the cyclone season running to 30 April. The rain eases from April, but stingers stay until May.

Our Great Barrier Reef cruises by month of departure: Jan 19 · Feb 14 · Mar 17 · Apr 8 · May 8 · Jun 7 · Jul 5 · Aug 6 · Sep 5 · Oct 7 · Nov 13 · Dec 10.

Which ports will I visit?

24 ports appear on the Great Barrier Reef cruises we list. Solid pins are where sailings begin.

  • The Brisbane skyline on the river at dusk

    Brisbane

    Cruise ships use the terminal at Luggage Point, at the mouth of the Brisbane River. South Bank’s parklands and galleries, a CityCat ferry ride and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary are the usual choices.

  • White sand and turquoise water in the Whitsundays

    Airlie Beach

    The jumping-off point for the Whitsundays. Most people take a boat out to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet for the swirl of white sand and blue water; the ship anchors and tenders you in.

  • A tropical beach and reef near Cairns

    Cairns

    The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef: a day trip out to the outer reef or Green Island, the Skyrail cableway over the rainforest to Kuranda, or the Esplanade lagoon in town.

  • Willis Island, a speck of sand in the Coral Sea

    Willis Island

    A tiny sand cay far out in the Coral Sea, home to a weather station and huge seabird colonies. Seen from the deck as the ship cruises by: there is no landing.

  • Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the city skyline

    Sydney

    Sailing out through the Heads, past the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, is the best start to any cruise. Board early and there is time for a last walk round Circular Quay and The Rocks first.

  • Four Mile Beach at Port Douglas

    Port Douglas

    A relaxed resort town with Four Mile Beach on its doorstep and the Daintree Rainforest an hour north. Outer reef trips to the Agincourt and Low Isles leave from the marina. The ship anchors and tenders you in.

Which cruise lines and ships sail to Great Barrier Reef?

Great Barrier Reef cruises, answered

How much does a Great Barrier Reef cruise cost?

Great Barrier Reef cruises start at A$659 per person, twin share, for the 4 night Airlie Beach from Brisbane on Carnival Encounter, departing 9 March 2027. A typical about a week cruise is about A$1,041 per person. Fares include taxes and port fees.

Which cruise lines sail to Great Barrier Reef?

Carnival Cruise Line (96), Royal Caribbean (7), Princess Cruises (5), Celebrity Cruises (4), Silversea (4) and Coral Expeditions (3) have Great Barrier Reef cruises on sale with us, with the number of sailings we list in brackets.

When is the best time to cruise the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef is warm enough to visit all year. June to October is the driest and least humid time, and it falls outside the marine stinger season, which runs from November to May. Humpback whales are on the reef from May to September, and the coral spawns after the full moons of October to December.

Do I need a stinger suit on the Great Barrier Reef?

Yes, from November to May. That is marine stinger season, when box jellyfish and Irukandji are found in Queensland waters from north of Bundaberg to Port Douglas and beyond. Surf Life Saving Queensland advises wearing a full-body stinger suit whenever you are in the ocean during the season.

When can I see whales on the Great Barrier Reef?

From May to September. Humpback whales come up from Antarctic waters to calve and build up strength over winter. Dwarf minke whales and humpback whales are among the most commonly sighted whales on the reef.

When does the coral spawn?

On the nights after the full moons of October, November and December. Spawning usually happens one to six nights after the full moon, and the month depends on where the reef is.

What is Willis Island?

Willis Island is a tiny sand cay far out in the Coral Sea, with a weather station and large seabird colonies. Cruises from Brisbane sail past Willis Island, and nobody goes ashore.

How do I book Great Barrier Reef cruises with Luxury Cruises Guide?

Choose a sailing in the table on this page and press Quick Quote, or call 1300 214 840. We are an Australian cruise agency: we confirm the cabin and the total in Australian dollars, and one specialist looks after you from quote to homecoming.

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Sources: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority: reef facts, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority: whales and dolphins, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority: coral spawning 101, Surf Life Saving Queensland: marine stinger season, WorkSafe Queensland: marine stingers, Tourism Australia: Cairns weather, Queensland Government: Queen Elizabeth berths in Cairns, Carnival Australia: help and FAQs, Bureau of Meteorology: tropical cyclone climatology. Fares are published by the cruise lines and change with availability.