Queensland with Great Barrier Reef
12-night cruise from BNE to SYD aboard Grand Princess
- 08 Mar 2027 – 20 Mar 2027
from $2,440 pp twin share *
Additional Pricing Information
- Interior from $2,440 pp twin share
- Balcony from $3,960 pp twin share
- Mini-Suite from $5,200 pp twin share
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Brisbane, Australia (depart 04:00 PM):
Once considered the “country cousin” among Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation’s third-largest metropolis – and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Lying on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland’s dazzling beaches.The beaches south of Brisbane form Queensland’s Gold Coast. Travel tip: Brisbane is pronounced “Bris-bin.” - Day 2 – At Sea:
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with all the experiences and amenities of your ship. - Day 3 – Airlie Beach, Australia (arrive 08:00 AM, depart 06:00 PM):
Airlie Beach is your gateway to the Whitsunday Archipelago. These 74 islands feature pristine fringing reefs, calm, lagoon-like waters, and superb beaches. The archipelago is one of Australia’s premier playgrounds. The Whitsundays were once mountains. Rising seas at the end of the Ice Age formed the Whitsunday Passage between the islands and the mainland. - Day 4 – Townsville, Australia (arrive 08:00 AM, depart 06:00 PM):
Often described as the “unofficial capital of North Queensland,” Townsville was founded in 1856 when an enterprising sea captain built a wharf on Cleveland Bay. The city lies at the very north of the Dry Tropics, where the outback bush meets the waters of the Coral Sea. Today’s travelers are drawn to Townsville’s superb location. Queensland’s fabled Wet Tropics World Heritage Area lies just to the north of the city. Towering over Townsville is Castle Rock, a 1,300-foot monolith of pink granite that provides sweeping views of Townsville, Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island. The Strand is Townsville’s lively entertainment district, home to shop, cafes, restaurants and a 24-hour water park. - Day 5 – Port Douglas, Australia (arrive 08:00 AM, depart 06:00 PM):
In 1877, the aptly named James Venture Mulligan struck pay dirt on Hodgkinson River, igniting the fabled North Queensland Gold Rush. At the height of the boom, Port Douglas boasted 12,000 residents and 27 hotels. Bust inevitably followed boom, and Port Douglas slid into decades of obscurity. Then came a second gold rush in the 1980s as tourists flocked to the North Queensland Coast. Located between the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas provides a perfect gateway to hardy adventurers en route to rainforest and reef.In addition to its nearby scenic wonders, Port Douglas boasts several resorts ranging from the Sheraton Mirage to the Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa in the heart of the rainforest.Note: Port Douglas is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via ship’s tender. - Day 6 – Cairns, Australia (arrive 07:00 AM, depart 07:00 PM):
Cairns is one of Australia’s hottest vacation destinations. Cairns boasts three of Australia’s great natural wonders. Just offshore, immense bastions of living coral form the Great Barrier Reef. Sixteen miles of superb beaches stretch to the north of the city – the famed Marlin Coast. And inland lays the immense Daintree National Park. Cairns itself basks in tropical sunshine, balmy breezes waft in from Trinity Bay. The city’s graceful, tree-lined esplanade was once the gateway to the gold fields of North Queensland. Cairns graceful, tree-lined esplanade was once the gateway to the gold fields of North Queensland. A travel tip – Cairns is pronounced “cans.” - Day 7 – WI (arrive 10:30 AM, depart 11:30 AM)
- Day 8 – At Sea:
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with all the experiences and amenities of your ship. - Day 9 – Brisbane, Australia (arrive 07:00 AM, depart 04:00 PM):
Once considered the “country cousin” among Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation’s third-largest metropolis – and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Lying on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland’s dazzling beaches.The beaches south of Brisbane form Queensland’s Gold Coast. Travel tip: Brisbane is pronounced “Bris-bin.” - Day 10 – At Sea:
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with all the experiences and amenities of your ship. - Day 11 – At Sea:
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with all the experiences and amenities of your ship. - Day 12 – Newcastle, Australia (arrive 09:00 AM, depart 05:30 PM):
In 1770, Captain James Cook christened Nobbys Headland on his journey north along the Australian coast. European settlement of Newcastle, however, began 17 years later when Lt. John Shortland sailed up a fine broad river while searching for escaped convicts. Shortland named the stream the Hunter River after Australia’s then Governor-General. During that short voyage the lieutenant also discovered vast deposits of coal. In 1804 the burgeoning mining settlement and lumber port was christened Newcastle after the famed English coal city. Newcastle, Australia, also served as a gateway to the rich lands of the Hunter Valley – a region producing internationally acclaimed wines by the mid-19th century.Christ Church Cathedral is the symbol of Newcastle. The restored church has survived both devastating earthquake and Japanese attack. In 1942, the Japanese submarine I-21 surfaced to shell the city and its dockyards. - Day 13 – Sydney, Australia (arrive 06:00 AM):
As your ship passes Harbour Heads, you are presented with the shimmering skyline of Sydney – hailed by many seafarers as “the most beautiful harbor in the world.” Two prominent landmarks, Harbour Bridge and the sail-like curves of the Sydney Opera House, grace the backdrop of this picturesque harbor. There is a wealth of adventure waiting in Sydney – from its cosmopolitan city center to miles of beautiful beaches and the Blue Mountains.Australia’s oldest and largest city was born in 1788 with the arrival of the “First Fleet” transporting 760 British convicts. Today, Sydney is the largest port in the South Pacific and is often voted the most popular destination in the South Pacific.
Highlights
- Explore the vibrant coastal cities of Queensland, including Airlie Beach, Townsville, and Cairns.
- Marvel at the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders.
- Sail in comfort aboard the Grand Princess, offering exceptional dining, entertainment, and amenities.
12-night cruise from BNE to SYD aboard Grand Princess
Inclusions
- MedallionClass® experience
- Broadway-style entertainment
- Multicourse dining and casual venues
- Fitness facilities
- Youth and teen clubs (ages 3–17)
FAQs
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 13 days and 12 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 08 Mar 2027 and 20 Mar 2027, subject to live availability.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Provided by: Princess CruisesFine Print
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