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Queensland & New South Wales

3.5/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
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 Cruise Length
12 Days
 Cruise Starts
Brisbane
 Cruise Finishes
Sydney
12 Day Queensland & New South Wales Itinerary (Princess)
Countries Explored: Australia
Ship
Passengers
2670
Crew
1,100
Launched
2004
Refurbished
2019
Cruise Code
BNESYD12

Overview

Begin your journey in Brisbane and cruise through to Sydney onboard the Diamond Princess and enjoy exclusive savings and cruise inclusions with Princess and Global Journeys.

Cruise Itinerary

Departs: 4:00 PM

Visit the South Bank Parklands, where you can relax by the man-made Streets Beach, stroll through lush gardens, and enjoy a variety of dining options. Explore the cultural precinct, home to the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art. For a panoramic view of the city, climb the Story Bridge or take a leisurely cruise along the Brisbane River. The lively Queen Street Mall offers excellent shopping, while nearby Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary lets you get up close with Australia's iconic wildlife.

Love Sabatini’s? (Or really good Italian dinners?) You’ll be happy to hear this popular specialty restaurant has returned to its roots. Think traditional Italian comfort cuisine. Our new menu embraces the old: tried-and-true family recipes our chefs brought with them from Italy, plus exquisite Italian wines and cocktails. You can even enjoy some shareable plates exclusively at Sabatini’s Trattoria.

Arrives: 7:00 AM Departs: 4:00 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!

Arrives: 9:00 AM Departs: 7:00 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: 7:00 AM Departs: 6:00 PM

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: 9:00 AM Departs: 10:00 AM

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. 

Revitalize and refresh body, mind and soul onboard Diamond Princess - from rejuvenating spa treatments and the tranquility of a top-deck retreat reserved just for adults to our state-of-the-art fitness centers, you’ll find all the elements to come back new.

Arrives: 7:00 AM 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.

Savour fresh sashimi at Kai Sushi, enjoy street performers in the dazzling Atrium, or catch a lavish show in the theatre. How about immersing yourself in a traditional Japanese bathing experience at the Izumi Japanese Bath, the largest at sea?

Arrives: 7:00 AM Departs: 6:00 PM

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

Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians, and nightclubs that get your feet movin' and groovin' - there’s something happening around every corner, and you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all.

Arrives: 6:00 AM

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 Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess
Diamond Princess

Boasting signature Princess features and unique spaces on board, Diamond Princess serves up a distinct cruise experience. Read more

Taste Sensations
Taste Sensations

Delight your palate with an array of dining options, including a dedicated sushi bar and selections from renowned chefs. Read more

Discovery at Sea
Discovery at Sea

Enriching. Engaging. Entertaining. Carefully curated programs will elevate your on board and on shore experience. Read more

Captivating Entertainment
Captivating Entertainment

Sit back and be entertained with a line up of dazzling performances, musical revues, and Movies Under the Stars. Read more

Izumi Japanese Bath
Izumi Japanese Bath

Inspired by a traditional Japanese onsen experience, guests can soak in the warm waters while soaking up the ocean views. Read more

Recreation and Relaxation
Recreation and Relaxation

With ample spaces and facilities for recreation and relaxation, there is something for everyone on board. Read more

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Diamond Princess Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Diamond Princess' Reviews

3.5
AVG. RATING 3.5 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
4 Star
50%
3 Star
50%
2 Star
1 Star
Circumnavigating New Zealand 1 , QLD, Australia, Oct 2024
Global Journeys were very helpful. Most ports were enjoyable visiting with Dunedin being a very pleasant surprise. Very disappointed missing the Milford Sound because of a threatened storm in the Tasman Sea.
Enjoyable South East Asia 15 , Australia, Dec 2023
The cruise itself was great and the reserve dining was fantastic. Great food and great service. Only downside was the chaos of boarding the ship in Singapore. This was a surprise because normally Singapore is a pretty efficient place but boarding was a total mess. Took hours and the system was a shambles. No priority boarding for suite holders and even ...read more luggage drop off took almost an hour which was madness. Once onboard all was fine.

Brochure

Australia

Princess Australia (2024-25)

Introducing Princess Cruises' Australia 2024-25 brochure: a luxurious odyssey through Australia's breathtaking coasts and iconic landmarks. Immerse yourself in the continent's rich tapestry of experiences, from its vibrant cities to untamed wilderness. Set sail with Princess Cruises for an unforgettable Australian escapade, curated to perfection.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

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 Princess. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Princess. 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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