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

Anchor down our most popular cruise deals

See all
  • Cruise ship passing white Santorini clifftops at sunset for a Big Red Sale with up to $1125 bonus value on local and up to 60% off Europe cruises
  • The third option hits the limit while retaining the key visual (Sydney Harbour Bridge), the sale name, cruise duration and type, bonus value, and price.
  • enguins on a floating iceberg in icy blue Antarctic waters for a Big Red Sale 15-night fly and cruise saving up to $4149 from $18699 per person
  • Hammock between palms on a white sand beach with turquoise water for a Big Red Sale 15-night Fiji and Vanuatu fly stay and cruise from $5990 per person
  • AmaWaterways ship gliding through a lush green European river valley for a Big Red Sale 7-night Europe cruise saving up to $1500 from $5349 per person
  • Claude responded: > Woman standing at the bow of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship gazing at open ocean for a Big Red Sale 7-night Queensland cruise from $1019 per person Woman standing at the bow of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship gazing at open ocean for a Big Red Sale 7-night Queensland cruise from $1019 per person
  • Silversea cruise ship on blue water beneath snow-capped Mount Fuji for a Big Red Sale 12-night Japan cruise saving up to $11000 from $9899 per person
  • Flight Centre consultant and pilot smiling together promoting 100% holiday with 0% interest for 24 months using a humm90 Mastercard credit card
  • 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.