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Cruises from Brisbane

Discover queensland's sunny capital city of brisbane, the gateway to the gold and sunshine coasts.

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Cruising from Brisbane gives you the perfect opportunity to uncover the very best of New Zealand, Tasmania and beyond. Try local produce at one of the city’s many farmers markets, and surround yourself with incredible works of art at QAGOMA. Or hike Mt Coot-tha to watch the sun set over the sparkling skyline. From dusk until well after dawn, this city will keep you busy before or after your cruise from Brisbane.

Find the Best Cruises from Brisbane

New Zealand

Between the dramatic landscapes and rich heritage, New Zealand is a destination you will want to return to again and again. On your next cruise from Brisbane, marvel at grottos filled with glow-worms one day, and sample an authentic Māori hangi the next. From awe-inspiring sites like Fiordland National Park to our immersive Across the Ditch program, there is no better way to experience New Zealand than with Princess.

From the spectacular outback and bustling cities to the natural wonders and rich culture, Australia is one of those places that really does have something for everyone. Taste your way through Margaret River’s dazzling wine region. Dive the iconic Great Barrier Reef, or meet wildlife at Melbourne’s Healesville Sanctuary. On cruises from Brisbane, experience it all and so much more.

Australia Seacations

With short cruises from Brisbane, discover Australia at your own pace. Climb Sydney’s Harbour Bridge, and people-watch at Bondi. Or pan for gold at Melbourne’s Sovereign Hill museum, and browse through clothes, housewares and souvenirs at Queen Victoria Market. Whether it’s a long weekend with a loved one or a few days of play with family, your Seacation cruise from Brisbane will take you where you want to go.

Tasmania is a scenic wonderland just waiting to be explored. When cruising from Brisbane, uncover the many delights of Tassie on a Tasmanian cruise. Highlights include climbing Cradle Mountain, wandering Hobart’s Salamanca Markets, exploring the penal colony at Port Arthur and taking in the sunset at Great Oyster Bay.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is a destination that has to be seen to be believed. Discover natural hot springs, mud pools and geysers, or uncover barrier reefs, drop offs, coral gardens and wreck dive sites. Whether partaking in cultural festivals, sampling cuisine or trekking trails, cruises from Brisbane will ignite your senses as you venture through the unexplored paradise of Papua New Guinea.

Tahiti & South Pacific

Cruise from Brisbane and embark on a sensory adventure as you travel to the idyllic paradise of Tahiti and the islands of the South Pacific. Stroll through Tahiti’s bustling capital Papeete. Feel the turquoise waters lapping at your feet in Bora Bora, and bask on the beaches of Moorea. Or get off the beaten path to unearth spectacles such as the waterfalls at Faarumai or the tomb of the last king of Tahiti, Pomare V.

New Caledonia & Vanuatu

The islands of New Caledonia & Vanuatu have to be seen to be believed. From the picturesque French influenced Noumea, to the friendly waters of Port Vila, there is something for everyone on a cruise through this region. You’ll experience some of the most amazing snorkelling, and some of the friendliest people in the world at each of your ports of call.

Asia Cruises

Asia is a land where ancient civilisations and traditions meet vibrant cities and contemporary flavours. On cruises from Brisbane, see the very best of Asia and embark on a sensory journey through the region’s most iconic cities. Learn the art of Thai dancing in Bangkok, navigate the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City and discover 8,000-year-old history at the National Palace Museum in Taipei.

World Cruises

On World Cruises from Brisbane, unpack once and visit even more destinations while enjoying more time at sea. As you explore the many corners of the world, connect with other guests who share your passion for travel and exploration. Together, embark on one legendary adventure, travelling from idyllic island paradise to towering cityscapes – and everywhere in between.

What You Need to Know About Cruises from Brisbane

Perfectly laidback yet packed with culture, adventure and excitement, Brisbane is a city full of treasures well worth exploring. Here’s everything you need to know about the city, so you can make the most of your cruise from Brisbane.

Brisbane at a glance

• Language : English
• Currency : Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Time Zone : Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
• Docking : Your cruise from Brisbane docks at Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.
• Attire : Weather is warm or hot all year round, with a rainy season from December to February. Opt for shorts and t-shirts during the day, and pack long pants and sweaters for cooler evenings in June to August. 
• Transportation : Priding itself on being a green city, Brisbane makes it easy to get around using public transport, offering an extensive network of bus, ferry and rail services.

Things to do in Brisbane

When cruising from Brisbane, walk on South Bank, climb Story Bridge and catch a show at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Or learn about the city’s past on a visit to Boggo Road Gaol, shop ‘til you drop at Queen Street Mall and catch a few innings at the Gabba. Whether it’s a picnic in the City Botanic Gardens or a comedy night at Brisbane Powerhouse, your visit to Brisbane will set the tone for adventure.

Ships That Cruise from Brisbane

Our Princess fleet includes some of the best cruises from Brisbane. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

Learn more about  Coral Princess® , Diamond Princess® , and Grand Princess®

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Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

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Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

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Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

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Cruise to Queensland

Queensland Cruises: Your guide to cruising the iconic Australian coastline

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Frequently asked questions

Golden beaches, azure waters, technicolour reefs and tropical islands are just some of the main attractions on a Queensland cruise. The Great Barrier Reef is top of the list for most cruisers and a highlight of many cruise itineraries. You’ll be able to swim, snorkel or dive on the world’s largest reef system, coming face to face with fish, manta rays, sea turtles, giant clams and dolphins. Island hop through the 74 islands of the Whitsundays, the world’s largest sand island K’gari (Fraser Island) or the remote Torres Strait Islands. You can head inland to discover pristine rainforest, spot curious koalas and learn the stories of the world’s oldest living culture. You’ll also get to experience some of the state’s major cities, like the buzzy capital of Brisbane, the holiday hotspot of the Gold Coast and the laid back city of Cairns in the far north.

Queensland is renowned for its year-round gorgeous weather, so it’s always a good time for a cruise in the Sunshine State. The busiest period is from October to April, which coincides with the state’s wet season, and you’ll find lots of big international ships in the water and at the larger ports. Even though it’s the wet season, rain is generally restricted to short but powerful storms. The peak summer months of December to January can be very hot and humid, especially in the tropical north. Be aware that marine stingers (jellyfish) are found in Queensland’s waters from October to May, so you’ll need to wear a special stinger suit when swimming or snorkelling.

Your family is going to love a Queensland cruise. Onboard, the kids will enjoy fun facilities like swimming pools, waterparks, sports courts, games rooms, arcades and entertainment. There are also kids’ clubs tailored for specific ages on most larger ships sailing in the region.  Some of the most family-friendly ships sailing in Queensland are Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, Carnival Luminosa and P&O Cruises Pacific Encounter. On shore, the whole family will want to experience the world-class snorkelling, rainforest walks, adventure activities and beautiful beaches.

Most cruises include all meals, with a selection of onboard restaurants and different cuisines. On larger ships, specialty restaurants may attract an additional fee, but it’s always free to eat at the buffet or main dining room. Many ships sailing around Queensland will tailor their menus to feature local produce, fresh seafood and Australian specialties. The only exception here is if you’re chartering a private yacht – you may need to arrange your own provisioning before you set sail.

Queenslanders love a bit of luxury and that carries across to the water as well. Many of the world’s top luxury cruise lines sail here, offering spacious suites with verandas (for those blissful island views), excellent food and wine, indulgent spas, high-tech facilities and next-level service. Lines to look for include Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal Cruises, Ponant and Oceania. You can also charter a private superyacht if you’d prefer to explore the region in celebrity style. These boats are like a floating five-star hotel with spacious ensuite cabins, sun decks with day beds, water toys like jetskis, and an attentive crew who will cater for your every need.

s long as you like! You can set off from Brisbane, Cairns or Airlie Beach for a short cruise of just three or four days. One- or two-week cruises will take you along the length of the Queensland coast or to multiple islands. Or you can charter a yacht and explore this glorious region at your own pace.

Yes, many cruises will integrate Australian culture into their onboard entertainment. That could mean local performers and live music, Indigenous performances, classes and workshops, and Australian culinary experiences. Special themed cruises also run regularly from Brisbane that are dedicated to Aussie music or local comedy stars and are packed with eager fans.

Comfort and (keeping) cool are going to be your keywords when packing for a Queensland cruise. Light layers and long sleeves are ideal for scorching summer sun and mosquito protection. A swimsuit or two, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are also essentials, as are sturdy walking shoes if you plan to explore on shore. In the cooler months, it’s a good idea to bring a light jumper or jacket. Don’t worry about equipment like snorkels, flippers and stinger suits; they will be provided on shore excursions or guided tours.

Absolutely! Did you know the Great Barrier Reef alone is home to more than 1,600 species of fish? Marine wildlife flourishes all along the coast of Queensland, with dolphins, whales, manta rays, sharks, sea turtles and much more. Snorkel with a potato cod or snap a selfie with a giant blue Maori wrasse off Lady Elliot Island and look for Nemo amongst the brightly coloured corals at Agincourt Reef. If you don’t want to get wet, many places offer glass-bottom boat tours or underwater viewing chambers for you to catch a glimpse. At Moreton Island, off the coast of Brisbane and south of the Great Barrier Reef, you might even be lucky enough to spot the rare and endangered dugong. The Moreton Bay Marine Park is the only place in the world where you can see these elusive creatures so close to a capital city.

Brisbane is the largest cruise port in Queensland and is well connected by air, road and rail. Brisbane Airport is just 15 minutes from the terminal. Cairns is also a popular cruise departure point and has its own international airport. For Whitsunday Island cruises, fly into Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine, which is just 25 minutes from Airlie Beach. There is also an airport on Hamilton Island, where a number of Whitsunday cruises depart from.

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Queensland Cruises

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Most of the best cruise ships come to visit Queensland or in many cases, Queensland has developed a cruise industry of its own. The major cruise companies like  P&O Cruises  and  Royal Caribbean Cruises  depart some voyages from Brisbane.  Orion Expeditions  and  Princess Cruises  both visit Queensland destinations and Coral Sea Cruises also have a Queensland itinerary. The Great Barrier Reef is a huge drawcard for both Australian and international passengers and there is nothing quite like viewing this fantastic attraction from the decks of a modern cruise liner. In this modern day and age when some people are fearful of travelling or simply don’t like to fly, the cruise industry provides a viable alternative for a fantastic holiday in a safe environment.

Queensland has many must see attractions that the cruise operators like to include in their itineraries. The islands of the Whitsunday Passage are a real magnet. It is common to see two or three liners anchored near  Hamilton Island  at any given time and the passengers can take advantage of local tours to places of interest. Also in the Whitsundays are many local cruise companies who run mostly sailing ships through the protected waters of the Whitsunday Passage.  Barefoot Cruises  offers the Coral Trekker for a Whitsunday journey. Fantasy Cruises and Cruise Whitsundays both do interisland cruises as well as daily trips to the Great Barrier Reef. The islands between Hinchinbrook Island and Cairns are also of special interest to cruise companies. Companies like  Captain Cook Cruises  and  Coral Princess cruises  run regular trips through these waters.

In Far North Queensland there are a number of Cruise options operating out of Cairns and Port Douglas. Quicksilver Cruises operate daily services to the Great Barrier Reef. Captain Cook Cruises also operate special cruise to the waters to the north of Cairns and visit places like Cooktown and Lizard Island. These waters are among the best for diving and these cruises are extremely popular.

If you are considering a cruise for your next holiday then take one that includes Queensland in its itinerary.

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Discover Australia's most picturesque coastline and the world's largest marine park, the Great Barrier Reef, on a Coral Discoverer and Island Adventure Cruise. Share with others the great beauty and the striking contrast of the remote reef and beauty from Cairns. Cruise in absolute style and comfort onboard one of the mini cruise ships that are large enough to provide all the comforts of larger cruise ships, yet small enough to access reef and island sites inaccessible to other vessels.

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Important note:  The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal is only open on days when a cruise ship is at berth.   If you are travelling to and parking at the BICT, please note there is only paid parking onsite which must be booked online in advance through Wilson Parking. Please see the  Car Parking  webpage for details.

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL CRUISE TERMINAL - CRUISE SCHEDULE 

The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal cruise ship schedule can be accessed via the calendar below. Prior to your departure date, please contact your  cruise line  to confirm your cruise details and for additional information regarding your cruise.

VIEWING CRUISE SHIPS

Members of the public are welcome to view cruise ships calling at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal. The best views are along the waterfront promenade, outside the terminal building; however, you will need to pay for car parking even if you are not getting on a cruise.  Long and short-term paid car parking is available at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal. If you would like to watch a cruise ship entering the mouth of the Brisbane River, we suggest vantage points at Nudgee Beach and Shorncliffe Pier.

Please note: Cruise ship schedule is subject to change. Please contact your cruise line/travel agent to confirm your travel details.

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Queensland Cruises

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Luxury Cruises to Queensland

Australia’s vast northeast state dazzles for many reasons, not least the astonishing diversity in its many ecosystems. A highlight of a Queensland cruise is the Great Barrier Reef, the longest reef system on Earth, where vibrant corals are home to thousands of species, and turquoise seas are swirled with drifts of pure white sand. 

You won’t want to miss the luxuriant greenery of the Daintree Rainforest, the rolling vineyards of the Granite Belt behind Brisbane, or a chance to spot indigenous creatures in the wild. Queensland has a vibrant culture, too, with traditional art, music, culinary skills and storytelling kept alive by the various Aboriginal peoples who have lived here for millennia. Join a tour to learn about their close affinity with the land, with a chance to play the didgeridoo, throw a boomerang, and try “bush tucker”. Discover the magic of Queensland on a luxury cruise to Australia with Celebrity Cruises.

The Great Barrier Reef

This incredible reef system is the largest in the world and is home to a spectacular display of coral, plus a multitude of fish species and other sea life, from dolphins and whales to sea turtles. Snorkel, sail, gaze through a glass-bottomed boat, or try your first dive in the warm, clear water. Or take to the skies and fly over the forested Whitsunday Islands, scattered across the aquamarine sea, while keeping a look out for the famous, almost perfectly shaped Heart Reef.

The Gold Coast

Lively Brisbane is the gateway to the shimmering Gold Coast, popular with surfers due to its excellent wave breaks, and loved by beachgoers for its miles of sandy shoreline. Combine a trip to the beach here with a journey further afield, perhaps to the arty town of Mount Tamborine, or the national parks in the hilly hinterland, where you can hike, admire plunging waterfalls, and cool off in shaded creeks.

Daintree Rainforest

The vast expanse of the ancient Daintree Rainforest lies just north of Port Douglas. Take off on an eco-adventure to spot crocs lurking in the wild, and see kangaroos and koalas at the Wildlife Habitat. Marvel at the endless jungle-fringed beaches of wild Cape Tribulation, where rainforest and ocean meet, and sample traditional Aussie cuisine in a forest lodge.

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Queensland Cruise Itineraries

Explore the sensational colors and creatures of the Great Barrier Reef on a cruise to Queensland. Itineraries last for between 10 and 13 nights and sail either round-trip from Sydney or one-way between Sydney and Singapore. 

Itineraries

Why cruise to queensland with celebrity cruises.

Cruise the coast of Queensland on a stylish, contemporary ship, perfect for life in the tropical sunshine. Relax by the pool, try a class in the gym, head to The Spa for a treatment, and enjoy cocktails at the Sunset Bar. Solstice-series ships offer the delightful Lawn Club, where you can lie back on the grass, challenge friends to a game of croquet, or tuck into a picnic. 

On Edge-series ships, head for the Magic Carpet and feel the sea breeze on your face in this open-air lounge and restaurant cantilevered over the side of the ship. Upgrade your experience and choose The Retreat for suite accommodation, access to a private sun deck, and dining in the elegant and exclusive restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat.

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Why the best way to see Australia is on a cruise

K nown for its epic road and rail trips through the vast, open countryside of the dusty Outback , Australia is often overlooked by Brits as a cruise destination. Yet the world’s largest island has over 37,000 miles of coastline fronting the Southern, Pacific and Indian Oceans, plus various smaller seas. Even the locals know the appeal of the sea, with 85 per cent of Australians living within 50km of the coast.

As a result, almost every kind of cruise imaginable can be found here; be it on a mega-ship with stacks of facilities; a boutique brand with a more refined air; a luxurious riverboat; or an expedition ship that can venture to truly out-of-the-way places. And with most of Australia's key attractions and cities scattered around its fringes, explorations by cruise (preferably topped and tailed with land-based touring) can pack any number of Down Under wonders into a single trip.

I've been lucky enough to visit Australia more than a dozen times, and some of my greatest memories are of experiences that I've had from the deck of a ship. I once set sail to New Zealand from Sydney, with the tiles atop the Opera House gleaming in the sunshine as we passed, and far from land on the Great Barrier Reef, I leaned over the railings to marvel at its underwater patchwork of cobalt and turquoise in an otherwise midnight-blue sea. 

Perhaps the most incredible experience of all was a cruise in the Kimberley : the little-visited wilderness region at the top of Western Australia. It's vast and sparsely populated – bigger than Britain but with fewer residents than a mid-sized English town – and its attractions are so remarkable that they would be crowded with visitors were they easier to access. But on a small-ship sailing with Coral Expeditions, I was one of just 120 guests exploring the waterfalls, reefs and ancient rock art for which the Kimberley is famed.

At the uninhabited Lacepede Islands, we saw seabirds and turtles in mind-boggling numbers. In Talbot Bay, we powered through one-of-a-kind Horizontal Falls in a Zodiac. And at Montgomery Reef, we watched a coral-encrusted plateau seemingly rise from the sea on a falling tide. 

It wasn’t only the epic landscapes and their intriguing wildlife – humpback whales, lemon sharks, saltwater crocs – that impressed. Etched in my memory is the experience of first seeing the Wandjina (ancient rock art). These alien beings stare down from rock art galleries across the region: a symbol of the oldest continuous culture on the planet, and of the Indigenous people's long connection to the land. A land littered with surprises best experienced by boat. 

Classic Kimberley 

Remote, isolated and with little infrastructure for land-based journeys, there are few parts of the world as suited to expedition cruises as the Kimberley. Explore it with Coral Expeditions – the pioneers of cruising in the region – on a formula perfected over four decades of operations. Itineraries are timed to experience key sites at optimal tidal phases: expect to see Montgomery Reef being drained by dozens of miniature cascades, and Horizontal Falls at its powerful best.

How to do it

Ten-night cruises between Darwin and Broome with Coral Expeditions operate between April and September and cost from £3,965pp; excludes flights.

Aussie icons

Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef are two of Australia’s most recognisable icons. Experience both with Princess Cruises, whose journeys up the eastern seaboard from Sydney to tropical North Queensland stop in Cairns for reef and Daintree Rainforest excursions, and Airlie Beach, gateway to the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands. 

How to do it 

A 16-night Sydney & Queensland Showcase cruise-and-stay from Cruise Kings (0800 197 8050) includes an 11-night round-trip cruise from Sydney aboard Majestic Princess and a three-night pre-cruise Sydney stay from £2,799pp. Departs January 26 & March 26 2024;  departs September 8 2023; includes flights. . 

Southern comforts

Make the festive season extra-special on a cruise along Australia’s entire south coast, taking in nine ports of call. Esperance, Adelaide, Cape Le Grand National Park and Kangaroo Island are among the highlights, with shore excursion that include wine tastings and local wildlife sightings. Better still, spend Christmas Day at sea before arriving in Sydney for a two-night stay that coincides with New Year’s Eve.

The 14-night Australia Intensive Voyage from Perth to Melbourne with Azamara Cruises (0344 4934016) departs December 21 2023 & December 20 2024 and costs from £2,859pp. Excludes flights. 

Over the top 

Nobody is more qualified to share Australia’s stories than its traditional owners and custodians. On a voyage through remote Barrier Reef islands en route to Cape York and Arnhem Land, you will meet indigenous Torres Strait islanders and other Aboriginal peoples to experience their culture, art and homelands, including Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. Along the way, spy dugongs, turtles, saltwater crocodiles and the birdlife of Kakadu’s wetlands.

A 13-night Australia's Top End cruise from Cairns to Darwin with Scenic (0808 273 6069; scenic.co.uk ) departs April 28 2024 and costs from £11,108pp. Excludes flights. 

Murray river flow 

River cruises are rare down under, ­making an active experience on the mighty Murray – the nation’s principal waterway – all the more remarkable. Murray River Trails offers short cruises aboard a 12-berth houseboat, with a daily programme of guided walks and activities. The small-group, into-the-wild nature of the experience lends itself to wildlife encounters, with sightings of echidnas, emus, koalas and ­unusual native birds all possible. It is a fascinating insight into authentic inland Australia.

The three-night Murray River Walk departs May–Sep and costs from £1,500pp. Excludes flights. 

Kim and swim

The Kimberley may have beguiling blue waters, but dips in the sea are foolhardy (and forbidden) due to the dangerous saltwater crocodiles that call the region home. Sidestep that inconvenience on a voyage with Ponant, which combines classic Kimberley elements ­(Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls) with the little-visited Rowley Shoals – one of the world’s most sensational snorkelling and diving destinations. Located west of Broome, in the Timor Sea, these croc-free coral atolls brim with colourful sea life.

An eight-night cruise round-trip from Broome departs September 8 2023 and costs from £11,835pp through Mundy Adventures (020 7399 7630; mundyadventures.co.uk ); includes flights. 

Queensland immersion 

Take a deep dive down under on a Great Barrier Reef & Beyond itinerary with Windstar Cruises. This holiday is particularly good for wildlife-lovers. Look out for wedge-tailed shearwaters, sooty terns and noddies while passing Willis Island; spot dingoes on sandy Fraser Island; and cuddle a koala at Australia Zoo (established by the late Steve Irwin). Show-stopping Whitehaven Beach is an unforgettable trip highlight.

An 11-night sailing from Cairns to Melbourne with Windstar Cruises (0808 178 2233; windstarcruises.com ) departs December 6 2023 and costs from £7,499pp. Includes flights and pre-cruise overnight in Cairns. 

Western wonders 

Unlike the Barrier Reef, which clings to the continental shelf, magnificent Ningaloo Reef fringes Western Australia’s coast. Discover it and the archipelagos of Abrolhos, Monte Bello and Dampier on a small-ship expedition that mixes snorkelling and shipwrecks with whale-watching and indigenous rock art. Enhance the experience by foraging and fishing for mud crabs and oysters, or take sightseeing to new heights in the ship’s helicopter. 

How to do it  

The 10-night West Coast Explorer cruise with True North sails from Fremantle to Dampier on March 7 2024 and costs from £12,208pp. Excludes flights

Island state

Raw nature meets colonial history and premium produce in Tasmania, not to mention one-of-a-kind wildlife such as white wallabies and Tasmanian devils. Sip local cool-climate wines and visit the likes of Bruny Island and Wineglass Bay while sailing from Hobart. The cruise is complemented with a self-drive exploration of the island’s west and north coast regions.

A 17-night holiday with Tasmanian Odyssey (01534 735449) combining Coral Expeditions' 10-night Coastal Wilds or Coastal Treks cruise with a 7-night self-drive land tour costs from £5,475pp. Departs Jan–Feb 2024 & 2025; excludes flights. 

All the way

Go all out and see more of the continent on a full circumnavigation of the vast island. Sail the Coral, Timor and Tasman Seas, the Indian Ocean and the Great Australian Bight on an odyssey starting and finishing in Sydney. Travelling via every coastal state and territory, ports of call include cosmopolitan Melbourne, tropical Darwin, lively Fremantle and Phillip Island with its unforgettable koala and penguin encounters. 

A 34-night Australian Panorama sailing with Oceania Cruises is available through Mundy Cruising (020 7399 7670; mundycruising.co.uk ) from £8,729pp, including flights. Departs December 22 2024.

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It’s full steam ahead for the cruise ship industry after Royal Caribbean hiked its full-year profit guidance on Thursday, saying it expects 60% growth from last year following record bookings during the first quarter.

Travelers are paying “record ticket prices,” according to Royal Caribbean — despite a recent spate of high-sea deaths and missing passengers reports, including a Florida 20-year-old who jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise this month.

Soaring demand for vacations at sea has given cruise operators ample room to raise ticket prices as the industry looks to close the pricing gap between more expensive land-based holidays and give their profits a lift.

Royal Caribbean, which operates the Celebrity Cruises, now expects annual profits of between $10.70 and $10.90 per share, compared with its earlier forecast of $9.90 to $10.10.

“Our existing fleet along with our new ships continue to perform exceptionally well, highlighted by the market response to the launch of Icon of the Seas,” CEO Jason Liberty said.

Royal Caribbean’s shares — which have spiked 126% in the past year, were up 2% on Thursday morning, to $139.32.

“I remember owning the stock in 2022 and every client was giving me grief about it,” said Peter Ahluwalia, manager at Belinvest Global Equity Fund that holds Royal Caribbean stocks and chief investment officer at Swiss Partners Group. “We’re turning almost 45% return on equity at the moment, which is quite incredible.”

Overall, the industry which was among the hardest hit during the pandemic, is expected to grow to 39.4 million passengers in 2027 from 31.7 million last year, according to Statista.

The surge in demand comes amid major publicity blows from incidents at sea involving passengers who have gone missing, including the Florida man who jumped overboard on April 4 in front of his brother and father after a night of drinking.

Last December, a 41-year-old Royal Caribbean passenger went overboard on a cruise to the Bahamas. That followed an incident last August involving a 64 year-old woman sailing from Singapore to Malaysia on Royal Caribbean who is presumed to have jumped to her death .

On average, 19 people go overboard on cruise ships every year — and of those, only about four are rescued, according to a 2020 study commissioned by the industry trade group Cruise Lines International Association.

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Townsville QLD (Queensland Australia)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Australia - New Zealand - Pacific Ocean Islands

Local Time 2024-04-26 12:57

Port Townsville QLD cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Townsville QLD, Queensland Australia. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Townsville is a port city located on Queensland's northeastern coast (Australia). The city is adjacent to Great Barrier Reef 's central section and is the largest city north of Australia's Sunshine Coast (population around 180,000). The city is considered North Queensland's unofficial capital, hosting numerous governmental and large business administrative offices.

Popular tourist attractions include The Strand (long beach and garden strip), Riverway (riverfront parkland on Ross River), Reef HQ (aquarium with flora and fauna from Great Barrier Reef), Museum of Tropical Queensland (relics from HMS Pandora / British warship), Castle Hill (popular fitness destination), Townsville Sports Reserve, Magnetic Island (52 km2-sized neighboring isle, approx 8 km / 5 mi to the east). Magnetic Island is one of the city suburbs (with ~2500 permanent residents) and is accessible via regularly scheduled ferries from Townsville to Nelly Bay Harbour.

Australian Festival of Chamber Music is an annual international festival held over 10 days each July in Townsville and attracts many acclaimed Australian and international musicians. The city has its own orchestra (Barrier Reef Orchestra) presenting concerts throughout North Queensland. Townsville Entertainment Centre (capacity 5,000 seats) hosts national and international music, sporting and trade shows. Townsville Civic Theatre is North Queensland's premier cultural facility, the center of entertainment and performing arts.

Port Townsville QLD

Port Townsville Queensland (locode AUTSV) currently has a total of 8 berths and is ranked Northern Australia's largest container and automotive port. The Port is the largest in the North Queensland region, starting operations in 1864.

The Port is approx 1360 km (845 mi) north of Brisbane .

Today, the Port supports ~8000 jobs and serves a population of ~800,000. Its main cargoes are imported essential goods (electrical, fuel, gas, furniture, cement, bitumen) and exports (local agricultural products and minerals). In the financial year 2016-2017, the port handled nearly AUD 8 billion in shipping trade.

The Port is Australia's largest exporter of minerals (copper, zinc, lead) as well as sugar, it serves over 20 direct shipping lines, offers over 40 services and links Australia with 136 international cargo ports.

Port's main imports include cars, tires, general cargo, cement, sulphuric acid, fertilizers, minerals (copper, nickel, zinc, copper anode), petroleum products, gas, sulfur, TEU containers (furniture, electrical and household goods, clothing, construction materials).

Port's main exports are sugar, molasses, coke, tallow (animal fat), timber, fertilizers, TEU containers, live cattle, reefer containers (refrigerated meat), minerals (magnetite, copper, lead, zinc, zinc ferrite and oxide, silver), bulk cargo (sand, gravel), project cargo.

In November 2017, the port authority introduced a new welcome uniform for the cruise ship tourists welcoming staff. The new uniform's design features silk panels and blue (tropics-themed) scarves. The "cruise ship uniforms" are designed by local designers and will be updated each year.

Season 2018 started on Nov 29 with the 2016-built top luxury ship Seabourn Encore . In 2018, for the first time ever, P&O Cruises Australia partially homeported Pacific Eden in Townsville QLD. The vessel was officially based in Cairns QLD , for a total of 10 roundtrips. The partial turnaround in Townsville was scheduled for September 7 (2018), allowing some local residents (~400 passengers) to embark or disembark here.

In 2018, the cruise port handled 19 ship calls (compared to 10 in 2017, and 4 in 2016). In December, the port was visited by one of the newest and most luxurious cruise liners - Viking Orion (launched 2018, capacity 930 passengers, owned by Viking Cruises ). In the post-COVID 2022-23 season, the Port handled 18 cruise ship calls.

In December 2017, Port Townsville received QLD government's approval to invest AUD 27,3 million into new gantry cranes and improvements of its cargo handling infrastructure. The project will develop local jobs and increase the efficiency of the container terminal and all cargo berths.

By this project, the new "Berth 4" (opened in 2018, project cost AUD 40,7 million) will serve as multi-use dock, Terminal's additional storage capacity and improved infrastructure will further ensure the port's growth in shipping traffic and cargo handling capacity. The port development plan ("Townsville Port Expansion Project") also included AUD193 million for Channel Capacity Upgrade - widening the port's navigational channels in order to allow access to larger-sized vessels ( container ships and bulk cargo carriers).

Townsville Port Authority also manages Port Lucinda (approx 100 km / 60 mi north of Townsville), which main export is raw sugar. The port has sugar cargo handling and storage facilities and 1 trestle jetty (conveyor) that runs out to an open sea berth fitted with shiploader. The jetty is one of the world's longest (5,6 km / 3,5 ml) - travel time 22 min from the sugar storage sheds to the berth. Port Lucinda sugar terminal is operated by the company Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal (subsidiary of Queensland Sugar Ltd).

In 2021-2022 was reported a 25% increase in food and grain exports (including mung beans +55%, sorghum +32%), as well as molasses (+29%), general chemical products (+62%), general mining cargo (+25%), petroleum products (+21%), petroleum-based products (+14,5%, including jet fuel +47% and diesel +16%). Decreases were reported for livestock (-74%) and agricultural chemicals (-27%). Most of the Port's AU$40,39 million expenditures (2021-22) were for the Channel Upgrade project, which is Phase I of the 30-year Port Expansion Project budgeted AU$1,6 billion.

By the started in 2023 AU$251 million channel expansion project, the 9,3 mi/14,9 km-long access channel's width will be doubled as the waterway will be widened from 302 ft to 590 ft (92 to 180 m). The project (scheduled for completion in 2024) will result in the capacity to be accommodated bigger ships (both cargo and passenger/cruise) - with max LOA length 984 ft/300 m.

Townsville QLD cruise terminal

An access channel widening project is scheduled for completion in 2023. It will allow large cruise liners (with max LOA length 300 m / 985 ft) to dock / berth at Port Townsville. Currently, larger vessels anchor at sea and transport their passengers via the ship's tender boats.

P&O Cruises adding calls at Port Townsville (QLD Australia) from 2025

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Townsville (Queensland Australia) welcomes first cruise ship in 2+ years

Townsville QLD (Queensland Australia) welcomed its first major cruise ship in 2+ years after Viking Cruises' ship Viking Orion visited the Port last...

Brisbane’s $177 million International Cruise Terminal welcomes first ship

The first ship into the $177 million International Cruise Terminal of Brisbane (Queensland Australia) should have been P&O Australia's 245-m-long...

Passenger Medevaced from Majestic Princess

A passenger has been medevaced from a Princess Cruises ship off the central Queensland coast on Wednesday, September 12, suffering from "serious...

Townsville to Become New Stopover Port for Viking

One of the most luxurious cruise companies in the world named Townsville as its new stopover port. Scandinavian cruise line ­Viking Cruises...

Townsville Expects Record Cruising Year

A record cruising year is due to inject US$3.5 million into the economy of Townsville QLD in 2018. The first ship of the season is expected next...

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Townsville QLD - user reviews and comments

I worked on cruises for 3 years. Here are 6 things I'd never do on board.

• I used to work on cruises. After many days at sea, there are things I'd never do on a cruise .
• I never wear my room key around my neck and try to avoid misnaming the ship.
• I never buy the drink package or pay for meal upgrades in the main dining room.

I've sailed around the world as a cruise-ship employee , and now I enjoy cruising as a passenger.

I love the salty sea air, waking up in a new country, and lazy days by the pool, but a week at sea could get more complicated this year with cruises predicted to be in high demand .

While fighting a little harder to secure a prime seat on the pool deck, you may as well also avoid some rookie mistakes.

Here are six things I'd never do on a cruise after working on them for three years.

Pay for upgrades in the main dining room

Typically, main dining room meals are included in the cost of a cruise. But in recent years, it's become common for cruise lines to charge guests extra if they want to upgrade to "supplementary" items like lobster or certain steaks.

I know $12 may not seem like much for a steak or lobster tail at dinner, but the cost of the cruise is supposed to include your food.

So, even though I enjoy lobster, I stick with the items without the upcharges.

Buy the drink package

I enjoy a piña colada by the pool or a Manhattan while listening to a jazz set after dinner. Even so, it doesn't make sense for me to pay in advance for 12 to 15 cocktails a day.

I've done the math on typical unlimited drink packages , and the cost simply isn't worth it for me.

This is especially true with a port-heavy itinerary. If I've gone ashore to explore all day, that means I'm not sidled up to the bar slurping down alcoholic slushies.

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I prefer to buy as I go and take advantage of happy hour and other drink specials that are available on certain cruise lines. I also check the beverage policy in advance and bring on my own wine, if allowed.

Touch shared contact surfaces with my fingers

Fellow guests will never see me touching the elevator buttons with my fingertips. Knuckles and elbows do the trick.

Some cruise lines are better than others at wiping down commonly touched surfaces, but I don't take any chances. I avoid touching things others frequently touch, and I wash my hands frequently.

This strategy has worked for me, as I have never contracted norovirus, even when it was running rampant on a ship I was on. It's quite contagious and can linger on your fingertips even after using hand sanitizer . I'd definitely rather be safe than sorry.

Wear my room key around my neck

I never walk around the ship with my room key around my neck, and I especially never do this when on land.

There are two reasons for this. First, I see many passengers using the room keys dangling from their necks to flaunt their cruise loyalty status . It just looks pretentious.

The sophisticated cruisers with the highest status, with the most days at sea, never show off their fancy room keys.

That's because they know the more important reason — safety. In port, that room key bouncing off your chest looks like an invitation to be robbed. It screams, "I have money! Come and take it from me."

Misname the ship

English is a funny language that has its quirks. Naming conventions make that even more complicated.

Ships have proper names, and so do not require a definite article. For example, "Tomorrow I am embarking on Discovery Princess," or "I enjoyed scenic cruising on MS Westerdam."

If you want to look like a savvy sailor, learn to drop the "the!"

Plan my port-day itinerary so tight that I may not make it back to the ship on time

Oh, the recurring nightmares I've had about not making it back to the ship on time during a port day.

I've never missed a sail away, but I have cut it too close at times and have had to run down a pier or two. Just recently, as a passenger, my taxi driver got lost returning our group to the port at night.

When I realized how late we were going to be, I forked over $8 per minute to be connected with the ship. I pleaded with them to wait for us. It was a sprint through the port to get back on and we received quite a scolding from the first officer.

That time, we got lucky. In the future, I'll be giving myself more time than I think I need to make it back.

Watch: Why it costs $1 million a day to run one of the world's biggest cruise ships

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Carnival cruise ship rescues nearly 30 people from adrift vessel

A Carnival Cruise Line ship rescued nearly 30 people who were stuck at sea on Sunday.

The crew on Carnival Paradise saved 28 Cuban nationals who were signaling for help on a vessel that was adrift around 2:30 p.m. The cruise ship was headed from Tampa, Florida, to Roatan in Honduras at the time.

“The bridge team onboard spotted the vessel and turned the ship around to rescue them,” Carnival said in a news release . “All were taken aboard, given food and were seen by the medical team.” The cruise line also notified the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West and officials in Roatan.

The Coast Guard did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.

The ship was set to visit Roatan on Monday. Carnival Paradise is on a five-day Caribbean cruise that departed from Tampa on Saturday, according to CruiseMapper .

The news comes after Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex ship rescued seven people in a small vessel adrift between Cuba and Mexico earlier this month. Another Carnival ship, Carnival Jubilee, also rescued two people stuck in a kayak off the coast of Mexico’s Isla Mujeres in January.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].