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Whitsundays Cruise

4.0/5 Based on 16 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Inside
$514
Oceanview
$599
Balcony
$699
Suite
$859
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
5 Days
 Cruise Starts
Brisbane
 Cruise Finishes
Brisbane
5 Day Whitsundays Cruise Itinerary (P&O Cruises)
Countries Explored: Australia
Ship
Ship Class
Grand Class
Departures
Passengers
2600
Crew
1,100
Launched
2021
Cruise Code
BNEBNE5.1

Overview

Begin and end your 5 day (4 night) cruise in Brisbane onboard the Pacific Encounter and enjoy exclusive savings and cruise inclusions with P&O Cruises and Global Journeys.

Cruise Itinerary

Departs: 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.

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: 7:00 AM Departs: 5:30 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!

Relish the diverse dining options on board, from the main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the café bistro offering meals, snacks, and barista coffees. For a more casual experience, the bistro on level five provides a relaxing atmosphere. Dining on shore is also an option in many ports, adding variety to your culinary journey.

Arrives: 6:00 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.

Life Onboard Pacific Encounter

P&O's Pacific Encounter
P&O's Pacific Encounter

P&O'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

Themed Cruises
Themed Cruises

From food & wine festivals to comedy & country music, themed cruises are the perfect getaway. Read more

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Pacific Encounter Reviews (16) View All Most Recent 'Pacific Encounter' Reviews

4.0
AVG. RATING 4.0 / 5
16 Reviews
5 Star
44%
4 Star
19%
3 Star
31%
2 Star
6%
1 Star
PNG Cruise   0 , VIC, Australia, Oct 2024
Tracey was amazing. She enabled a worry free cruise experience from the very beginning of the process until the end. Keeping me well informed and up to date with changes. I would highly recommend the PNG cruise, one of the few ways to experience what is uncharted paradise to our north. Beautiful people, scenery and amazing history. As a destination, ...read more it may not be as finessed as other, more popular destinations in the pacific region but it is certainly worth the visit.
Whitsundays Cruise 0 , QLD, Australia, Oct 2024
For our 1st ever cruise it was a wonderful learning curve finding and exploring our way through the ship and its activities and amenities. The journey sampling the many choices for dining on board was exceptional with the outstanding staff and service, highlighted by the celebrity restaurant where we celebrated Sandra's Birthday along with Thomas Gamble ...read more ( Chief of Security) who became a great ex service friend after a chance meeting while boarding the ship. Tracy's assistance, at Global Journeys, throughout this experience was a great joy for us both.
Loved PNG. Did not love the boat. 0 , Australia, Aug 2024
I felt the boat is looking old. The food offered not good quality. Or variety. There is plenty of food but rarely anything fresh and often. Cool to warm. Rather than hot. All staff were excellent, on board and off. Entertainment was limited to very basic, except for a very articulate and interesting historian who presented 3 talks on PNG. I loved ...read more visiting PNG.
Cruise 0 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2024
Ziggy and myself went for a 4 day break and rest. The Blanc de Blanc show was fabulous and so was the ship’s company show - very professional. Things to do during the day and plenty of nightlife. Had a very nice four days. Thank you
Pacific encounter 5 , QLD, Australia, Mar 2024
Fantastic trip, everything is perfect. There are so many shows and the services were good. Food was delicious. We will join again next time.
Good Value cruise to NZ with P&O 1 , QLD, Australia, Feb 2024
I did have a good time. Too long for me though - 14 day cruise with 5 shore days. I hate to queue which is a big part of ship life. Loved the kind, hard working staff and had lots of laughs and singalongs in the Encounter Hotel. Great price and no complaints about P&O.

Brochure

Worldwide

P&O Worldwide (2023-25)

P&O Cruises has been taking Aussies on amazing holidays for over 90 years. Since our first departure on Strathaird back in 1932, millions of Aussies have cruised with us, so we know how Aussies LOVE to cruise. We’re Australia’s home-grown cruise line and our holidays are designed with you in mind. Welcome to cruising Australian style. Choose from a...more range of cruises, from 2 to 32 nights, departing conveniently from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne Adelaide, Fremantle, Cairns and Auckland.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Latest Offer
Tuesday 07 Jan 2025
Saturday 11 Jan 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Oceanview
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Balcony
$1,099
View Cabins
Suite
$1,285
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Tuesday 28 Jan 2025
Saturday 01 Feb 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$514
View Cabins
Oceanview
$604
View Cabins
Balcony
$719
View Cabins
Suite
$859
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Saturday 15 Feb 2025
Wednesday 19 Feb 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$684
View Cabins
Oceanview
$781
View Cabins
Balcony
$924
View Cabins
Suite
$1,182
View Cabins
Latest Offer
Tuesday 04 Mar 2025
Saturday 08 Mar 2025
Ship Pacific Encounter
Inside
$514
View Cabins
Oceanview
$599
View Cabins
Balcony
$699
View Cabins
Suite
$859
View Cabins
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 P&O Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from P&O Cruises. These 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.

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