Cairns is a modern sophisticated city with a beautiful mountain backdrop and is surrounded by protected Tropical Rainforests. With direct access to the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is the perfect destination to depart on the Cruise of a lifetime, even if you are looking to book at the Last Minute. Tourists often use Cairns as a fly/cruise port due to its perfect position on the Great Barrier Reef and close vicinity to the South Pacific including Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Fiji.
Cruises Departing from Cairns
Popular Short Cruises from Cairns include stunning Great Barrier Reef destinations such as Lizard Island, Cooktown, Dunk Island, Fitzroy Island, and the Pelorus Islands exploring various reefs and rainforests that typify Far North Queensland. If you have 3, 4 or 7 nights spare why not spoil yourself with a quick getaway!
Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a 12 night Australia to Fiji Cruise from Cairns via Papua New Guinea (PNG), Vanuatu (Port Vila) and Fiji (Lautoka).
Orion also offers a Cairns to Fiji Cruise which takes passes through PNG, the Solomons, Vanuatu, and Fiji.
Silversea Cruises offers longer range Cruises from Cairns to Auckland with an 18 night journey covering Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and onwards to the Bay of Islands (NZ) and Auckland (NZ).
Search our Cruises from Cairns
When to Go
Departures from Cairns are all year round.
Cruise Ships Departing Cairns
- Paul Gauguin - Paul Gauguin Cruises
- Coral Princess II - Coral Princess Cruises
- Silver Discoverer - Silversea Cruises
- MV Orion - Orion Cruises
- True North
Cairns Port
The Cairns Cruise Terminal is located in the heard of the city within walking distance of the main shopping district.
The Port provides capacity for up to 2 cruise ships along Wharves 1-5. The dedicated cruise terminal is on Wharf 2/3.
Transport to/from Cairns Cruise Terminal
By Car
The Port is located right on the City Harbour within walking distanct to the City.
Cairns International Airport is located 8 kilometres from the Port.
Taxi
Taxis to/from the Airport will cost approx $20
Contact:
Cairns Taxis - Phone 13 10 08
Car Hire
Booking Car Hire in Cairns is a great way to see surrounding areas of the Tropical North.
Parking
Parking at the Cruise Terminal is available from Wharf Shed 2 Carpark. Enter via Wharf Street. Hours: 6am - 10pm, 7 days per week (Costs are $3.00 for the first 4 hours and $0.50 per hour, thereafter)
Shops and Restaurants
Cairns city has a number of high quality Restaurants and Shopping areas to keep you occupied should you have some spare time within the city centre.
Perth Tours & Sights
For Tours and Sights within driving distance to Cairns include Port Douglas, Palm Cove, Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest. For Smaller Cruises investigate the Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Cairns as a Day Trip.