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Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise

3.7/5 Based on 3 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise
Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise
Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise
Cairns
Cairns
Whitsundays & Great Barrier
Whitsundays & Great Barrier
Brisbane
Brisbane
Willis Island
Willis Island
Cruising At Sea
Cruising At Sea
Cruising At Sea
Cruising At Sea
Cairns
Cairns
Brisbane
Brisbane
Whitsundays & Great Barrier
Whitsundays & Great Barrier
Cruising At Sea
Cruising At Sea
Our Price From
Sold Out
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Brisbane
 Cruise Finishes
Brisbane
8 Day Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise Itinerary (Carnival)
Countries Explored: Australia
Ship
Ship Class
Grand Class
Passengers
2636
Crew
1,100
Launched
2001
Refurbished
2024
Cruise Code
AUK

Overview

Begin and end your 8 day (7 night) cruise in Brisbane onboard Carnival Encounter and enjoy exclusive savings and cruise inclusions with Carnival and Global Journeys.

Cruise Itinerary

Departs: 3-4:00 PM*

Much more than just Queensland’s capital, Brisbane is a modern, cosmopolitan and must-see destination – a city of possibilities and contrasts. It has the meandering Brisbane River and Moreton Bay marine park on its door, and rugged national parks and rolling hills as its backdrop.

The Brisbane Portside Cruise Terminal’s prime location makes it perfectly easy to connect with destinations near and far. Ferries and buses to the city centre just 10-15 mins away and just 7kms from the Domestic and International Airports.

Water lovers will be spoilt for choice with spas, four pools, and waterslides. Thrill seekers are covered too with Edge Adventure Park, complete with ziplining, rock climbing and abseiling. More of a chill seeker? You’ll love the exclusive Byron Beach Club, the Adult-Only Oasis Retreat, and the day spa and salon.

As the sun goes down, the fun only goes up. Dive into delicious dining options like Angelo’s, Dragon Lady, or celebrity-chef dining at Luke’s Bar & Grill. Be entertained with live comedy and dazzling stage shows. Or dance the night away at a classic Carnival deck party.

Arrives: 2:00 PM Departs: 3:00 PM

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: 7:30-8:00 AM* Departs: 4-1:30 PM*

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: 8-9:00 AM* Departs: 6:30 PM

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!

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: 6-7:00 AM*

If you're heading home or continuing to explore more of Australia, Brisbane's Portside Cruise Terminal is just 7kms from the domestic and international airport. Brisbane's city centre is just 10-15 mins away if you're planning to explore the city.

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. * Arrival and/or departure times vary depending on cruise departure date, so we have provided an indicitive range.

Life Onboard Carnival Encounter

Carnival Encounter
Carnival Encounter

Carnival's second, Grand Class ship blends cherished features with new attractions, including the exclusive Byron Beach Club for suite guests. Read more

Something for Everyone!
Something for Everyone!

There's something for every member of the family, with many exciting experiences included in your fare, you can try it all again, and again. 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 Encounter Reviews (3) Most Recent 'Carnival Encounter' Reviews

3.7
Average Rating 3.7 / 5
3 Reviews
5 Star
4 Star
67%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
1 Star
6 nights, just not long enough 1 , New Zealand, Nov 2025
First time cruising with Carnival and it was really enjoyable. Probably the only drawback for us is that you need to pay for loads of extras - $6 bottles of water in the cabin, people walking around with shots, and many different various upsell of food and entertainment, however apart form that things were really good. The bed and pillows were good, read more the options for different drinks and food were fantastic, and staff were friendly. Check out The Bonding Store - the best bar for amazing cocktails!
80's Cruise on Carnival 2 , TAS, Australia, Mar 2025
The trip for my birthday was great fun, and we had good weather. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The cabin had comfy beds, pillows and hot showers. There was a nice selection of food and restaurants. However the new computer system and lack of staff meant long queues to wait for service, which was frustrating. Carnival could have made more read more money if they had a better system. Waiting an hour for soup and 45 minutes for a bottle of wine is not satisfactory. There was very little service at the pool area for drinks. The entertainment was good but not enough of it. It was a 1980's cruise and the DJ was playing rap music, and the competition prizes were very miserable. Embark and disembark was good, speedy and had good information.
Great 1st Cruise 0 , QLD, Australia, Jan 2025
Despite the fact that there was LOTS of rain and our tour of Airlie Beach was cancelled because of it, the cruise was wonderful. Tracey was incredible and went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience we could possibly have for our 40th anniversary. Looking forward to the next cruise in October, also on the Encounter, also organised by read more Tracey. Thank you Global Journeys, P&O and Carnival.

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.