8 Ultimate
Cruise destinations
Whether you are seeking a tropical paradise or a fun-filled adventure destination, good times await on a Carnival Cruise Line holiday! Here are some of the incredible places you could visit on your next family cruise
Opening image: Exploring a beach on Lifou Island in New Caledonia on a Carnival Cruise Line holiday © The Blonde Nomads
Mystery Island, Vanuatu
This island in Vanuatu’s south is dotted with coconut palm trees lining white sand beaches. Its pristine marine reserve is brimming with turtles, colourful fish and rays, curious to meet snorkellers and stand-up paddleboarders. While the island is uninhabited, residents of neighbouring Aneityum journey across on days that cruise ships visit to set up market stalls selling handmade arts and crafts and offering hair braiding and soothing massages.
Images: Visit Mystery Island in Vanuatu on a holiday with Carnival Cruise Line © The Blonde Nomads, Snorkel in pristine lagoons during a holiday with Carnival Cruise Line
Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island, Queensland
From tobogganing down dunes to snorkelling amongst shipwrecks and hand feeding wild dolphins, an epic day awaits at Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island! Around 25km off the coast of Brisbane, the Island is the third largest sand island in the world. Fifteen vessels were sunk just metres from the shore in 1963 to create a break wall for small boats, and have become a great attraction for snorkellers, while up to 10 hungry bottlenose dolphins visit Tangalooma Island Resort’s jetty each evening. Adventurous passengers can also try quad biking or go four-wheel driving along its gorgeous beaches.
Images: Holidaymakers exploring shipwrecks off Moreton Island on a Carnival Spirit cruise © TakenbyTim, Playing mini golf on a Carnival Cruise Line
Lifou Isle, New Caledonia
Crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and coral reefs welcome guests at this destination in the Loyalty Islands group, around 100km east of New Caledonia’s main island. Visit a secret grotto, tour a vanilla plantation, hike through lush vegetation, or snorkel in the marine reserve. You can also visit Notre Dame de Lourdes, a historical chapel constructed by Catholic missionaries in 1898, and the village of Hnathalo, where you’ll see the largest chief’s hut in New Caledonia.
Images: Fun times on Lifou Island in New Caledonia, A girl on a beach in Vanuatu during a Carnival Cruise Line holiday © The Blonde Nomads
The Whitsundays, Queensland
Stroll along the world-famous Whitehaven Beach collecting shells with the kids on a shore excursion from Airlie Beach, known as the gateway to the Whitsundays. Or partake in a glass bottom boat tour on the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, or a high-speed catamaran joy ride. Families with little ones should look no further than Airlie Beach Lagoon – a large, free public swimming pool with barbecue facilities. You can also meander along the Bicentennial Walking Track between Airlie Beach and Cannonvale.
Images: An aerial view of Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, Family on a Carnival Cruise Line holiday
Maré, New Caledonia
Each beach on this island, which is the most easterly in the Loyalty Islands group, is different. Some feature the pure white sand and turquoise waters of your dreams, while others have dramatic cliffs. The inland is just as spectacular, with forests, caves, and natural pools beckoning. The 42km-long island is the second largest in the Loyalty Islands group, and is home to around 7000 people, mostly of Melanesian heritage.
Images: New Caledonia Loyalty Islands Male Island Coral Reef in Wabao Bay, A family balcony on a Carnival Cruise Line holiday
Port Douglas, Queensland
This popular port in Tropical North Queensland makes the perfect base to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree rainforest. Visit the magnificent Mossman Gorge, take a day tour to Cape Tribulation, try fishing for barra or go drift snorkelling down the Mossman River. You can also hop on a catamaran to visit the Great Barrier Reef to go snorkelling, view the colourful coral and fish from the underwater observatory theatre at the Agincourt Reef pontoon, or ride on a semi-submersible vessel. Or just enjoy the laidback town, which also has beautiful beaches to discover.
Images: Go drift snorkelling with Back Country Bliss on the Mossman River from Port Douglas © TTNQ, Four Mile Beach at Port Douglas © Tourism and Events Queensland
Cairns, Queensland
Soar over the rainforests and waterfalls of Barron Gorge on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway en route to the mountain village of Kuranda, take a tour to historic Cooktown, or board a catamaran to Green Island to swim amongst coral gardens teeming with marine life, or in the resort’s pool! For families with younger kids, the manmade Cairns Esplanade Lagoon on the Trinity Harbour foreshore is the perfect place to while away an afternoon – and don’t miss the fantastic Muddy’s Playground!
Images: Cairns Lagoon © Tourism and Events Queensland, Boy on WaterWorks waterslides
Noumea, New Caledonia
Known as the Paris of the Pacific, the New Caledonian capital is a thriving South Pacific Island city, fusing French and Melanesian culture. Ride The Tchou Tchou Train to see the key sights, go on a thrilling zodiac ride, kayak down the Dumbea River, or embark on a treetop adventure among the canopy of the Koghis Forest. You can also take a high-speed ferry to the beautiful Amedee Island, which is home to countless turtles and a lighthouse that offers stunning views over the lagoon.
Image: View of Noumea, New Caledonia
