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Great Barrier Reef

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Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
Willis Island
Willis Island
Whitsundays & Great Barrier
Whitsundays & Great Barrier
Port Douglas
Port Douglas
Fun Day At Sea
Fun Day At Sea
Cairns
Cairns
Sydney
Sydney
Fun Day At Sea
Fun Day At Sea
Cairns
Cairns
Sydney
Sydney
Port Douglas
Port Douglas
Our Price From
Sold Out
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Sydney
 Cruise Finishes
Sydney
11 Day Great Barrier Reef Itinerary (Carnival)
Countries Explored: Australia
Ship
Ship Class
Grand Class
Passengers
3012
Crew
1,150
Launched
2008
Refurbished
2024
Cruise Code
AG5

Overview

Begin and end your 11 day (10 night) cruise in Sydney onboard Carnival Splendor and enjoy exclusive savings and cruise inclusions with Carnival and Global Journeys.

Cruise Itinerary

Departs: 15:30

There are two dedicated cruise passenger terminals - the White Bay Cruise Terminal at Rozelle and the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay in the city centre. This is your opportunity to marvel at Australia’s famous icons, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as you glide past The Heads - the dramatic sandstone cliffs at the entrance of the harbour.

Indulge in the ultimate relaxation at the top deck, featuring a spacious Jacuzzi and comfortable loungers perfect for soaking up the sun. Enjoy panoramic views and unwind at the sky bar with refreshing cocktails. The observation deck offers a serene space to read, make yourself a coffee, or grab snacks and drinks while enjoying the ocean views.

Arrives: 07:00 Departs: 16:00

The Whitsundays, an idyllic cluster of 74 islands off Queensland's coast, are the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Visit Whitehaven Beach, renowned for its pristine silica sands and crystal-clear waters. For panoramic views, take a short hike to Hill Inlet Lookout. Snorkeling and diving are top activities here, with spots like the vibrant coral gardens of Hardy Reef showcasing marine biodiversity.

For those interested in marine life, a trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a must. Explore the underwater world at popular dive sites like the Bait Reef or Heart Reef, where you can encounter colorful corals and diverse marine species. For a unique experience, consider a scenic flight over the reef to appreciate its vastness and beauty from above.

Port:Airlie Beach

Ships docking at Airlie Beach typically anchor offshore, with passengers tendered to the Port of Airlie Marina. The marina is conveniently located just 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from the town center - a quick 5-minute walk. For those interested in local culture, the Airlie Beach Markets, held every Saturday, feature an array of crafts, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs or take a leisurely stroll along the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a saltwater swimming spot perfect for a dip!

Arrives: 09:30 Departs: 18:00

Nestled on Australia's northeast coast, Cairns is your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system. Dive or snorkel to witness its vibrant marine life, or opt for a scenic reef cruise. For a land-based adventure, explore the Daintree Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can walk among ancient trees and spot diverse wildlife. The Cairns Esplanade offers a relaxed stroll with stunning views, public art, and a swimming lagoon. Don't miss the chance to sample fresh local seafood and tropical fruits at Rusty's Markets.

Arrives: 07:00 Departs: 17:30

Port Douglas is miraculous blend of coral reefs and subtropical rainforest, which means it’s an easy destination to find fun things to do in nature. Cruise ships anchor offshore and tenders are provided ashore.

Top Things to Do in Port Douglas:

  • tour one of the area’s top beaches, the picture postcard Four Mile Beach
  • venture to the Great Barrier Reef
  • visit to the Wildlife Habitat to see kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles
  • explore Daintree Rainforest

Arrives: 10:00 Departs: 11:00

This small island is primarily used for meteorological purposes and sits about 280 miles (450 kms) east of Cairns. The island's weather station plays a crucial role in monitoring cyclones and weather patterns in the region. Willis Island is also home to various seabirds and marine life, providing ample opportunities for bird watching and spotting dolphins or sea turtles in the surrounding waters. 

Evenings on board offer a variety of entertainment options. Relax in the main lounge with live music or head to the sky deck for cocktails under the stars. Daily briefings, fun games organized by the crew, and the company of fellow travellers ensure there's never a dull moment. With a range of activities and social opportunities, your evenings will be as enjoyable as your days.

Arrives: 08:00 Departs: 18:00

Moreton Island is Australia’s best-kept secret. Marvel at crystal clear lakes, an abundance of rare wildlife and endless white sandy beaches on the world’s third largest sand island. Cruise ships anchor offshore and tenders are provided.

Top Things to Do on Moreton Island:

  • hand feed wild dolphins
  • try quad biking, parasailing or sand tobogganing down sand dunes.
  • snorkelling the island’s famous shipwrecks

Evenings on board offer a variety of entertainment options. Relax in the main lounge with live music or head to the sky deck for cocktails under the stars. Daily briefings, fun games organized by the crew, and the company of fellow travellers ensure there's never a dull moment. With a range of activities and social opportunities, your evenings will be as enjoyable as your days.

Arrives: 06:30

Ships arriving into Sydney typically dock at Circular Quay, or the White Bay Cruise Terminal, slightly farther west. From Circular Quay, you can easily access the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden. Public transport options include trains, buses, and ferries. White Bay passengers can take a shuttle or taxi to reach key attractions like Darling Harbour and The Rocks, known for their shops, restaurants, and historical sites.

Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Port and transfer details will be provided in your travel documentation. The provided itinerary is for informational purposes only. Activities and sightseeing attractions listed may not be available or achievable within the time in port.

Life Onboard Carnival Splendor

Carnival Splendor
Carnival Splendor

The fun starts the moment you walk, skip or conga aboard your cruise onboard Carnival Splendor. Read more

Happy Families
Happy Families

Welcome to a family vacation where you can have it all. There's something for adults, kids and everyone in between. Read more

What's Included
What's Included

With over 45 activities to try every day, you wont have time to get bored. Make a splash, relax or indulge your taste-buds. Read more

Find Your Fun
Find Your Fun

As the sun goes down, the night’s just getting started. Read more

Our Kitchens Rule
Our Kitchens Rule

Carnival Splendor offers multiple on board dining options included in your cruise fare. Read more

Adult-Only Serenity
Adult-Only Serenity

It’s great to spend time as a family. But let’s be honest, sometimes we all need a break. Read more

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Carnival. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.