For many, Cairns is already a vacation hotspot so it’s hard to imagine a cruise holiday that can top it. But with destinations like Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands within reach, it’s no surprise cruise lines manage to woo travellers from Australia’s shores.
Whether you’re looking for a quick budget escape or a lux small-ship adventure, here are some great options to scratch your cruising itch.
Best cruises from Cairns
Make your cruise your own with your choice of cruise companies based on your budget and lifestyle. We’ve sourced cruises for bargain hunters, doe-eyed couples and adrenaline addicts among others.
Best for a breezy budget getaway: P&O Cruises
Not only can you set sail from as little as $570 per person, but P&O’s itineraries span from short four-day sails to longer journeys that explore the South Pacific. Even better, fares include your accommodation, shipwide entertainment, a wide variety of dining options and nightly shows.
Windstar’s masted ships cut a romantic silhouette sailing across the ocean and they’re an ideal place to spend a holiday for two. The intimate-sized ships have something for every type of couple.
Foodie couples will love the chef-led market tours and dining under the stars at the outdoor restaurant. Adventurous couples should make a beeline for the watersports platform where you can go kayaking, sail-boarding and even waterskiing.
Intimate and elegant with a touch of adventure — that’s what Ponant’s unapologetically French fleet is all about. But small doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the cruising amenities you love.
All cabins have balconies, there’s a choice of restaurants and bars onboard and days can be spent with time by the infinity pool, relaxing in the spa or working out in the gym. Evenings are filled with dancing to live music, classical concerts or big production shows.
Top-of-the-line experiences with most luxuries included — what more could you want? Suites are spacious with ocean views, walk-in closets and full-size tubs. Most have a balcony and all come with butler service.
Get truly pampered with a choice of nine different pillow types, personalized stationery, your preference of toiletries and amenities and even have your suite stocked with your favourite spirits and wines.
When choosing cruises for this list, we look at the quality of routes available from each cruise line. We also consider onboard dining options, weighing the number, variety and overall quality of restaurants against passenger reviews.
Finally, we weigh cabin amenities against each price point, looking for cruise lines that are known to deliver the highest value.
We also seek out customer reviews on travel websites and personal travel blogs, considering first-person experiences and each company’s overall reputation.
When is the best time to cruise from Cairns?
There are cruises sailing from Cairns throughout the year with availability largely depending on your destination. Generally, cruises to the South Pacific are more popular during the summer months and cruises to Asia are more frequent in autumn and winter.
What are the must-do cruise excursions from Cairns?
Mount Yasur (Tanna Island, Vanuatu). An active volcano known as the lighthouse of the Pacific that is easy to access on foot or by 4WD to within 150m of the crater rim.
Tau Cave and zipline tour (Lautoka, Fiji). Soar above the treetops by zipline, rappelling down obstacles and journey underground to explore limestone caves.
Village visit (Alotau, Papua New Guinea). Get a glimpse into the lives of the locals and spend a day in their shoes. From traditional dances, fishing for food and making fresh coconut milk, you’ll walk away with some new skills and an insight into the local culture.
Diving (Gizo Island, Solomon Islands). Head underwater and you’ll find some of the most diverse and exciting diving available including World War II wrecks and plummeting wall dives.
Litchfield National Park (Darwin, Australia). Cruise on the mighty Adelaide River, see the Cathedral and Magnetic Termite mounds and spend the day swimming, hiking and exploring the thundering waterfalls the Top End is known for.
Borobudur by train (Semarang, Indonesia). Take a ride on an antique train to the largest single monument in the Southern Hemisphere. You’ll find some of the best examples of Buddhist reliefs in the world along with a variety of terraces, stūpas and statues.
Up to $1,000 to spend on board with Norwegian Cruise Line
Just book your next cruise vacation with Priceline Cruises and get up to $1,000 to use as a liquor, dining, and spa credit, along with other purchases made on the ship! T&Cs apply.
Exclusive – up to $1,000 to spend on board, plus 10% off shore excursions! T&Cs apply. Ports of Call: Miami, Fl, Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Miami, Fl
Join Costa Club for discounts of up to 20% on cruises worldwide
As a CostaClub member you will enjoy a wide range of benefits, and they will increase over time. On land you’ll have special discounts of up to 20% on lots of departures, while on board gifts, privileges, surprises and further. T&Cs apply.
With access to the South Pacific, Asia and Australia’s Top End, it’s hard to beat the variety of destinations on offer with a cruise from Cairns. Head to our top cruise deals for the latest offers that can save you on your next holiday.
Frequently asked questions
Most destinations that you’ll stop in should experience a warm, tropical climate similar to Cairns. You should, however, be prepared for rainy weather and chilly evenings.
Water shoes, reef-friendly sunscreen and sunglasses are a valuable addition to the suitcase. Some cruise lines will expect more formal dress for dinners and special events so make sure to consult your cruise kit for guidance.
Grab a good sale with P&O and you could be sailing for as little as $135 per person per night. For something on the luxury end of the scale, you can sail with Silversea from $1,000 per night with many features and amenities included.
Cristal Dyer is a travel writer at Finder. She has been writing about travel for over five years and has visited over 40 countries around the world. Cristal currently travels full-time, writing about her favourite cities and food finds, and she is always on the lookout for amazing flight deals to share.
With babysitting and tot-friendly activities, these are the best cruise lines for toddlers that will have your little one smiling at sea from ear to ear.
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