Great Barrier Reef from Sydney, Australia

Itinerary

Sydney, Australia photo — Day 1 Sep 9, 2026 Sydney, Australia Departs 15:30 If you want a snapshot of Australia's appeal, look no further than Sydney: The idyllic lifestyle, friendly locals and drop-dead natural beauty of this approachable metropolis and its attractions explain why the country tops so many travelers' wish lists. But Sydney is more than just the embodiment of classic antipodean cool—the city is in a constant state of evolution. A list of what to do in Sydney might start with the white-hot nightlife, with its new cocktail bars and idiosyncratic mixology dens. Inventive restaurants helmed by high-caliber chefs are dishing up everything from posh pan-Asian to Argentine street food, while the famous dining temples that put Sydney on the gastronomic map are still going strong too. The famed harbor is among the top sights—home to twin icons the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is the stepping-off point for some of the city's best cultural attractions and sightseeing. In one day you can sail around the harbor, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera house and climb the bridge, with time to spare for people-watching over a flat white at a waterfront café. Speaking of water, when you plan what to do in Sydney, you will want to include the iconic beaches, where surfers, office workers and tourists alike converge on some of the most gorgeous shoreline scenery anywhere. Bondi, Bronte and Clovelly are all within easy reach of the Central Business District, as is Manly, a charming seaside town located a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. Beyond the city you'll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the chance to encounter Australia's cuddliest wildlife—a perfect way to round out your envy-inducing Sydney photo collection. Sydney, Australia port guide Search cruises visiting Sydney, Australia

Day 4 Sep 12, 2026 Airlie Beach 07:30 – 16:00 8.5 hrs ashore With the finest powder sand, knots of deep green rainforest and ankle-deep shelves of turquoise sea water - Airlie Beach is your gateway to some of the world’s most spectacular beaches. This lively town welcomes wide-eyed young adventurers and the yachting crowd alike to the Whitsunday Islands’ serenity, and the hiss of espresso machines, and excited chatter of adventure, spills out from its many cafes and bars. Relax at Airlie Beach Lagoon – the social hub of this town - where sun-heated saltwater invites you to wade, before flaming fresh coral trout over a barbecue as the sun sets. Or, take a seat at one of the glorious restaurants offering uninterrupted views out over the waters of Pioneer Bay, towards the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays. These heavenly waters don't just attract humans. Humpback and pilot whales also migrate here to indulge in the warm waters and sheltered location. Spot the majestic creatures breaching and gulping in huge gasps of oxygen as you explore. Feeling adventurous? Rainforest walks to secluded pebble beaches await at Conway National Park, where difficulty-graded walking trails are available. Dive among swirls of jewel-coloured marine life, or experience the thrill of skimming into the sky on a seaplane. Take off to admire the scattered island paradises below from a stunning new aerial perspective, before landing and enjoying a picnic amid Whitehaven Beach’s bliss. Airlie Beach port guide Search cruises visiting Airlie Beach

Day 5 Sep 13, 2026 Cairns 09:30 – 18:00 8.5 hrs ashore The gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north of the country, Cairns sits on the east coast of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland. This laid-back city is popular with travelers who depart from here for days of sailing, diving, snorkeling and trekking through nearby parks—a celebrated launching pad especially for those who want to explore the reef, the Daintree Rain Forest and other attractions of this part of Queensland. And what better place to start one's adventure? The residents of Cairns are welcoming, the beach life fantastic and the climate consistently sunny and warm. Wend your way due east of Cairns, and you'll find yourself on the Great Barrier Reef, the world's longest coral reef and also the world's largest living organism. Famously visible from outer space, it's often been described as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a different sort of wonder—an engineering marvel from the 19th century that passes through rain forests on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites before reaching the village of Kuranda. Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay, is an easy day trip from Cairns with opportunities to snorkel and swim; Port Douglas, an hour north of Cairns, is a favorite with visitors thanks to its top-notch restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. Finally, hop on a six-person cable car known as the Skyway Rainforest Cableway for a bird's-eye view of the stunning natural appeal of the region. Cairns port guide Search cruises visiting Cairns

Cairns photo — Day 5 Sep 13, 2026 Cairns 09:30 – 18:00 8.5 hrs ashore The gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north of the country, Cairns sits on the east coast of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland. This laid-back city is popular with travelers who depart from here for days of sailing, diving, snorkeling and trekking through nearby parks—a celebrated launching pad especially for those who want to explore the reef, the Daintree Rain Forest and other attractions of this part of Queensland. And what better place to start one's adventure? The residents of Cairns are welcoming, the beach life fantastic and the climate consistently sunny and warm. Wend your way due east of Cairns, and you'll find yourself on the Great Barrier Reef, the world's longest coral reef and also the world's largest living organism. Famously visible from outer space, it's often been described as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a different sort of wonder—an engineering marvel from the 19th century that passes through rain forests on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites before reaching the village of Kuranda. Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay, is an easy day trip from Cairns with opportunities to snorkel and swim; Port Douglas, an hour north of Cairns, is a favorite with visitors thanks to its top-notch restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. Finally, hop on a six-person cable car known as the Skyway Rainforest Cableway for a bird's-eye view of the stunning natural appeal of the region. Cairns port guide Search cruises visiting Cairns

Day 6 Sep 14, 2026 Willis Island, Australia 11:00 – 12:00 1.0 hrs ashore This tiny island measures in at just 1,600 feet long by 490 feet wide, though it is the only permanently inhabited island in the Coral Sea Islands Territory. You won't find any neighborhoods, schools or homes here, however. The only structures on Willis Island comprise a weather monitoring station hosted by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, where just a handful of weather observers reside at any given time. Willis Island is one of several tropical islands sitting beyond the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea Islands Territory, and is surrounded by thriving reefs where many creatures make their homes. Numbering into the thousands, Willis Island itself caters to many species of seabirds, including Masked, Brown and Red-footed Boobies that cry out nearly 24 hours a day. It is also an important nesting ground for turtles.

Ship

Your ship Carnival Splendor 5★ **113,573** GT **3,012** guests Built **2007** It’s hard to tell which onboard space best represents Carnival Splendor — they all seem to hint at the amazing time you’re going to have. El Morocco Lounge hosts comedy shows, musical performances, karaoke and more… and wears its 1930s namesake clearly on its nameplate. The words “Royal Flush Casino” incite visions of winning, while our onboard jazz club — The Cool — simply says it all without saying a word. And the Pinnacle Steakhouse can be found not only at the height of elegant dining, but at the actual apex of the ship. If you like your fun to flow, there are options aplenty. If you list “splishing” and “splashing” among your favorite things to do, there’s the Splash Park. Those into sitting and sliding are invited to try the signature Carnival Twister Waterslide. How about floating or swimming around? Carnival Splendor has pools all over the place, including the midship pool featuring a retractable roof that makes any day a pool day. So whether you splish or splash, you’ll find hydro-excitement galore. If getting up and making the crowd go wild with your dance moves is your idea of a good time, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival is our idea of a great idea. Or if relaxation is more your thing, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat is more your place. Or if you’re looking to take relaxation to the extreme, direct your attention to the Cloud 9 Spa, featuring more (and better) ways to kick back than just about anywhere else, on land or at sea. You haven’t lived until you’ve relaxed in a Thalassotherapy pool, or chilled — so to speak — in a dry heat chamber. Carnival Splendor ship guide Search cruises on Carnival Splendor

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View	From pp	Departs
	from $758 $84 / night	May 26, 2027
	from $746 $82 / night	Jul 18, 2027

Name	Supplier code	Type
Balcony Stateroom	8A	Balcony
Balcony Stateroom	8B	Balcony
Balcony Stateroom	8C	Balcony
Balcony Stateroom	8D	Balcony
Balcony Stateroom	8E	Balcony
Balcony Stateroom	8F	Balcony
Aft - View Extended Balcony	8M	Balcony
Aft - View Extended Balcony	8N	Balcony
Spa Balcony Stateroom	8P	Balcony
Spa Balcony Stateroom	8S	Balcony
Premium Vista Balcony	9C	Balcony
Guaranteed Balcony	BL	Balcony
Interior Upper/Lower	1A	Inside
Inside Stateroom	4A	Inside
Inside Stateroom	4B	Inside
Inside Stateroom	4C	Inside
Inside Stateroom	4D	Inside
Inside Stateroom	4E	Inside
Inside Stateroom	4F	Inside
Inside Stateroom	4G	Inside
Interior with Picture Window (Obstructed Views)	4J	Inside
Cloud 9 Spa Interior	4S	Inside
Guaranteed Inside Cabin	IS	Inside
Porthole	PT	Inside
Ocean View Stateroom	6A	Oceanview
Ocean View Stateroom	6B	Oceanview
Ocean View Stateroom	6C	Oceanview
Scenic Ocean View	6J	Oceanview
Scenic Grand Ocean View Stateroom	6K	Oceanview
Ocean View (Obstructed Views)	6S	Oceanview
Guaranteed Ocean View	OV	Oceanview
Captain Suite	CS	Suite
Grand Suite	GS	Suite
Junior Suite	JS	Suite
Ocean Suite	OS	Suite
Spa Suite	SS	Suite
Suite - Guaranteed	ST	Suite

Great Barrier Reef from Sydney, Australia

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