Cruise to Cairns

Couple walking past tall, winding trees along a wooden footpath

Cairns Cruises: Your guide to cruising the Great Barrier Reef

  • Couple walking through a jungle while a train goes past
  • Ferry arriving at the port of a small, forested island
  • Tall palm trees lining a long beach

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  • cruise deals up to $400 bonus credit and save up to $2500 on europe cruises
  • Travel Tuesday - exclusive cruise sale | 6-night Great Barrier Reef cruise: up to $400* onboard credit per stateroom | from $989* per person | Ends midnight | Carnival cruise ship at sea
  • UK & Europe sale | up to 50%* off MSC Cruises | Fly Free + bonus credit* with Viking | save up to 75%* off 2nd guest with Celebrity
  • Princess Cruise Sale | $99* deposits, Up to $200* onboard credit | *T&Cs apply. Price is subject to change | Princess cruise ship near an island
  • Carnival Great Barrier Reef cruise | bonus $400* onboard credit - from $1,319* per person | *T&Cs apply. Price is per person, based on twin share
  • Princess Italy cruise package | includes onboard credit* - Rome, Mediterranean & more. From $4,379* per person | *T&CS apply. Price is per person, based on twin share. | Mediterranean coastal town with a castle in the background
  • NCL New Zealand cruise package | save up to $3890* - Tasmania, Auckland & more. From $3,595* per person | *T&Cs apply. Price is per person, based on twin share. Wide shot of the city of Auckland
  • Carnival South Pacific cruise | bonus $400* onboard credit - Vanuatu & New Caledonia | from $1,099* per person | *T&Cs apply. Price is per person, based on twin share.
  • NCL Greece Cruise | US $100* onboard credit - from $2,759* per person | *T&Cs apply. Price is per person, twin share.
  • Viking Grand European Cruise - save $2,500* per person | Budapest, Vienna & Amsterdam. From $8,895* per person | *T&Cs apply. Price is per person, based on twin share.
  • norwegian northern lights spectacular $3000 bonus value denmark, norway and the uk, return from $7990 per person
  • Reward store deals. Stays from 15,000 points. Flights from 67,200 points. Cruises from 103,718 points

Frequently asked questions

Cruises from Cairns often explore the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands, and sometimes venture further afar to regions in the South Pacific and Papua New Guinea.


The peak cruising season in Cairns is from May to November as it avoids the wetter months and promises more days filled with sunshine.


Yes, many cruises offer activities suitable for children, including snorkeling, island visits and kids club. 


Yes, many cruises offer live music, dance performances, and cultural presentations related to the region. Look for companies and cruise lines that honour the traditions and cultures of the local First Nations peoples. 


Yes, some cruise lines offer trips without children for a more tranquil experience. Alternatively, some bigger cruise lines will also have an ‘adults only’ section on board. 


Yes. You can earn and redeem World360 Rewards points on qualifying cruises in the Cairns region booked through Flight Centre.


Cairns cruises can range from day trips to the reef to extended 10-day journeys.


Absolutely! Many cruises offer snorkelling and diving opportunities, especially at the Great Barrier Reef.


Sun protection, swimwear, a camera and casual tropical attire are essentials. If you’re heading to the Daintree, we also recommend good walking shoes and some insect repellent. 


Most cruises include meals, with some offering local Australian and seafood specialties. Check with your individual itinerary to confirm. 


Cairns is well-connected by air, with the city's airport only a short drive from the main cruise terminal.