Great Barrier Reef Cruise

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.

Newcastle is a picturesque harbor city located less than 100 miles north of Sydney. Cruise ships dock at the terminal.

Top Things to Do in Newcastle:

• Newcastle Memorial Walk - a walkway dedicated to those lost in World War I
• picturesque boardwalk to Nobby’s Beach and Lighthouse
• get out on the Water at Lake Macquarie
• take a Ride on the Newcastle Tram
• tour Fort Scratchley or the Newcastle Museum

Your day at sea offers the opportunity to relax at the adults-only Solarium, or enjoy live music and games by the pool. In the evening, treat yourself to a gourmet dinner, watch a riveting performance at our high-tech theater, or enjoy cocktails at one of the lounge bars. End your day with a movie night under the stars, topping off a memorable day at sea.

On your cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, this is the perfect departure point for local excursions. The coral reef is the largest living thing on the planet - so big you can see it from space - but made of billions of tiny organisms known as polyps. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the reef supports a vast diversity of marine life, with 600 types of soft and hard corals, 1,625 types of fish, and 30 species of whales and dolphins.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park covers 133,000 square miles, including 3,000 coral reefs and 900 islands. The snorkeling and diving here are unmatched.Airlie Beach is popular with backpackers, yachtsmen, and other lovers of the tropical lifestyle.

Sailing among the calm, protected waters of the Witsunday Islands and skydiving over the pristine shorelines are a couple of the must-do adventures for many visitors. When it's time for some shopping during your Airlie Beach cruise, you'll find lovely seaside markets and galleries with friendly artists, handmade jewelry, colorful paintings, stunning photos, and tropical beachwear—perfect for a leisurely browse after breakfast.

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!

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.

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.

The once-sleepy, now-bustling seaside village of Port Douglas will be your hub to the Great Barrier Reef, home to some 1,500 species of fish, 5,000 species of mollusk and 400 species of coral for your exploration. You'll enjoy a full day of marine adventure with opportunities to swim, snorkel, dive or view the reef from an underwater observatory.

The only humans that make their home on this tiny island - just 1,600 feet long and 490 feet wide - are meteorologists manning a weather monitoring station. From the ship’s deck you'll see thousands of seabirds such as Boobies, wedge-tailed shearwaters and sooty terns. Other highlights include a nearby coral reef and turtle nesting ground.

Your day at sea offers endless opportunity for activity and relaxation. Enjoy enriching onboard experiences like hot glass classes and archery tournaments, and you can send the kids to Camp at Sea for a fun-filled day of activities. Visit the state-of-the-art fitness center, where floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning ocean views, and indulge in your choice of dining options, from breakfast to late-night snacks.

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.