Brisbane, the sun-drenched capital of Queensland, is fast emerging as a premier cruise departure point in the region. We find out who has the best cruises from Brisbane.
With the city’s state-of-the-art cruise terminal and strategic location, it offers cruise enthusiasts a gateway to destinations in the South Pacific.
For cruisers seeking to explore the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef, marvel at the pristine coastal gems of Vanuatu, or cruising at the fjords of New Zealand, Brisbane stands as an ideal starting point for these amazing voyages.
Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line have based ships in Queensland’s capital. So whether you are a first-time cruiser, or looking to sail out of somewhere different, we’ve found options suited to different budgets and time frames.
Here’s Cruise Passenger‘s list of the best cruises from Brisbane.
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7-Day Vanuatu & New Caledonia with Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line highlights an early 2025 offering to close the summer season via a 7-day voyage to Vanuatu and New Caledonia. This week-long cruise is scheduled to depart Brisbane on February 9, 2025, via Carnival Luminosa and is offered at a best-value fare rate of AU$864 per person.
Itinerary highlights
This voyage features four port visits namely Brisbane, Lifou, Mystery Island, and Noumea. This 7-day itinerary allows guests to explore the scenic beauty and natural gems of Lifou in New Caledonia. A visit to the Cliffs of Jokin and a tour of the vanilla plantation are also some of the activities to look forward to. Additionally, a visit to Mystery Island serves as a guest retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
A stroll along the island’s white sand beaches and immersing in their local culture are part of guests’ to-do lists while being on the island. Lastly, this itinerary also highlights Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia. Tagged as the ‘Paris of the Pacific’, guests have an opportunity to experience the crystal clear waters, stunning beaches, and the vibrant culture of the place.
6-night Queensland Cruise with Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean features a New Year offering out of Brisbane via a 6-night Queensland Cruise scheduled on January 4, 2025. This voyage aboard Quantum of the Seas is offered at a best-value rate of AU$1479 per guest.
Itinerary highlights
Onboard the Quantum of the Seas is already a treat in itself because of its exciting and state-of-the-art amenities like the gravity-defying skydiving simulator RipCord® by iFLY® and the surfing simulator FlowRider®. Additionally, this 6-night voyage also features a port visit to Airlie Beach where guests get to explore Queensland’s gems. Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, strolling at the Bicentennial Walkway along the beach, and hiking to Conway National Park are just some of the activities to look forward to during the cruise. Cruising at the famous Willis Island is also a bucket-listed experience for cruise enthusiasts.
14-Day New Zealand Cruise with Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is offering an array of New Year sailings for 2025 as part of the line’s summer season voyages and one of its best-value deals is the 14-Day New Zealand Cruise offered at AU$1423 (US$958) from AU$1839 (US$1238) per person. This 2-week voyage aboard Diamond Princess is scheduled to depart Brisbane on January 13, 2025.
Itinerary highlights
This voyage features five port visits and one scenic cruising. Some of the highlights for this itinerary include a visit to Dunedin tagged as the “Edinburgh of New Zealand,” where guests get to visit Olveston House and Botanical Garden as well as the Otago Museum. A visit to New Zealand-s capital of Wellington is also something to look forward to where the highly sophisticated city houses museums and the ever-famous Lord of the Rings Fil Locations. This cruise also features visits to Napier, Tauranga, and Auckland and scenic cruising at Fiordland National Park.
7-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Carnival Cruise Line
One of the cruise highlights of Carnival Cruise Line is its Spring-ender voyage via 7-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise. This pre-summer sailing is offered at a best-value fare rate of AU$1358 and is scheduled to depart Brisbane on November 17.
Itinerary highlights
A journey to the iconic Great Barrier Reef with Carnival comes with an array of itinerary highlights to look forward to. Guests get the chance to explore the laid-back charm and stunning coastal gems of Airlie Beach, the awe-inspiring Daintree Rainforest and the charming village of Kuranda in Cairns, and the sophisticated yet relaxed tropical town of Port Douglas which highlights a blend of beach and wildlife experiences.
