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Great Barrier Reef from Sydney

2.5/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Great Barrier Reef from Sydney
Great Barrier Reef from Sydney
Great Barrier Reef from Sydney
Cairns
Cairns
Fun Day At Sea
Fun Day At Sea
Willis Island
Willis Island
Whitsundays & Great Barrier
Whitsundays & Great Barrier
Sydney
Sydney
Cruising At Sea
Cruising At Sea
Sydney
Sydney
Fun Day At Sea
Fun Day At Sea
Cruising At Sea
Cruising At Sea
Cairns
Cairns
Our Price From
Sold Out
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
9 Days
 Cruise Starts
Sydney
 Cruise Finishes
Sydney
9 Day Great Barrier Reef from Sydney Itinerary (Carnival)
Countries Explored: Australia
Ship
Ship Class
Grand Class
Passengers
2636
Crew
1,100
Launched
2001
Refurbished
2024
Cruise Code
AUJ.1

Overview

Begin and end your 9 day (8 night) cruise in Sydney onboard Carnival Adventure and enjoy exclusive savings and cruise inclusions with Carnival and Global Journeys.

Cruise Itinerary

Departs: 15:00

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.

Port:White Bay

When you're cruising from White Bay Cruise Terminal in Sydney, you'll experience a dynamic blend of modern maritime charm and iconic views. Situated just minutes from the heart of Sydney, White Bay is a prime departure point for your next adventure. With easy access to the city’s vibrant sights and the famous Sydney skyline, your journey will begin with excitement and anticipation. Expect unforgettable moments and family fun at fantastic value - your adventure starts here!

You've got a foodie in you - everyone does! Awaken and delight yours on a Carnival cruise with delicious main dishes, tempting desserts and general yumminess everywhere you look. For an additional cover charge enjoy extraordinary dining at a range of specialty restaurants including Luke's Bar & Grill, The Chef's Table, Trattoria and Luke's Burgers - poolside!

Arrives: 14:00 Departs: 15:00

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. 

Arrives: 07:00 Departs: 17:00

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.

Port:Yorkey's Knob

You'll tender at Yorkey's Knob, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Cairns. The journey to Cairns takes approximately 20 minutes. Yorkey's Knob itself is known for its marina and beach, ideal for a relaxing day.

Arrives: 10:00 Departs: 18:00

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!

Carnival Adventure has a huge variety of activities on board, including exciting waterslides, four relaxing pools, a thrilling Edge Adventure Park, plus a huge range of bars, entertainment and dining options.

You might start your day at the waterslides, or Edge Adventure Park, complete with ziplining, rock climbing and abseiling. Then enjoy a lazy morning poolside, followed by a delicious family lunch. Or, how about a relaxing massage at the day spa while the kids have the time of their lives in the kids clubs? Throw delicious dining at Luke’s Bar & Grill, great bars, and world-class entertainment into the mix and you’ve got yourself a holiday lineup that can only be described as an adventure - a Carnival Adventure!

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 Adventure

Carnival Adventure
Carnival Adventure

Experience a unique blend of new dining venues, exhilarating Twin Racer Waterslides, family-friendly areas, and the exclusive Byron Beach Club. 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

Onboard Activities
Onboard Activities

Try out one of the many adventure activities, launch yourself down a waterslide or perhaps Barefoot Bowls is your cup of tea? Read more

Nightlife
Nightlife

Live music, bars and exciting and exclusive shows been especially designed for P&O Cruises. Read more

Dining
Dining

Three stylish, a la carte restaurants and nine casual eateries are included in your cruise fare. Read more

Byron Beach Club
Byron Beach Club

Looking to kick back while you cruise? The luxurious Byron Beach Club is the place to be. Read more

Carnival Adventure Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Carnival Adventure' Reviews

2.5
Average Rating 2.5 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
4 Star
50%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
50%
80's cruise from Sydney 0 , New Zealand, Jul 2025
We made the 80's cruises in Carnival Adventure. Overall was really enjoyable, atmosphere on the cruise and especially the main shows were really good. Cabinets and overall state of the ship are very good too. Embarkation and disimbarkation process really organized and fast. Things not so good: There is not a lot of variety on food on The Pantry, and read more the daily entertainment was kind of short on options, with more of the activities focused only on Australian passengers. Is a good option anyways for a short break.
Never again 0 , New Zealand, May 2025
This was our first cruise as a family with a daughter who was 20 months at the time of travel. We were told cruises were family friendly but it couldn’t have been further from the truth. We spent 9 days walking up and down a boat as there was no play area not even a safe contained area for little ones. The kids club was shocking. No toys for her age read more and I looked through the older kids room and they were either watching tv or screaming crying. Not allowed in any of the pools as she was still in nappies (only found out the rule after we booked which wasn’t helpful!). The food was okay but nothing special. Very dated and tired and just felt as though we had stepped back in time. The itinerary advertised on day at Willis island which wasn’t even a stop we just sailed past it at 9pm at night in the dark. The only good thing about this whole trip was how lovely the staff were but honestly a holiday from hell.

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.