Review - Carnival Luminosa - Great Barrier Reef

[aussielozzie18]

Now we are off the ship, I am getting plenty of emails from Carnival for super cheap cruises on the Luminosa between now and the end of January.  
Unfortunately another flight to Brisbane this summer is not possible.

[LPGA Golfer Gal]

On 12/15/2022 at 9:19 PM, Aus Traveller said:

With your cruise just going to Airlie Beach and Cairns (in North Qld) the options for diving or snorkelling on the reef are limited. Cruises going to Port Douglas have more options available.

 

With most cruises that call into Airlie Beach, passengers can take a catamaran trip to the reef where there is a large pontoon permanently moored. Diving and snorkelling are available. This trip has to be booked through the cruise line because of the timing of the trip. The reef is well off-shore here and it is a long trip to reach the pontoon - worth it in my opinion.

 

From Cairns, I suggest a trip to Fitzroy Island. The cruise ship wharf is very close to where the boats leave for Fitzroy and Green Island.

Thank you. Hoping to see some options once on board. So hard to plan without seeing the options. Loved seeing the book of excursion options. Thanks for sharing

[LPGA Golfer Gal]

On 12/15/2022 at 9:19 PM, Aus Traveller said:

With your cruise just going to Airlie Beach and Cairns (in North Qld) the options for diving or snorkelling on the reef are limited. Cruises going to Port Douglas have more options available.

 

With most cruises that call into Airlie Beach, passengers can take a catamaran trip to the reef where there is a large pontoon permanently moored. Diving and snorkelling are available. This trip has to be booked through the cruise line because of the timing of the trip. The reef is well off-shore here and it is a long trip to reach the pontoon - worth it in my opinion.

 

From Cairns, I suggest a trip to Fitzroy Island. The cruise ship wharf is very close to where the boats leave for Fitzroy and Green Island.

Question: looks like we could get a ferry to Green Island and do a scuba dive there. Do you know anything about whether the ferry is an option with ship arrival/departure times? If they offer scuba as a private option (not through ship) and if this is feasible? Your excursion guide did not show much in way of trips to reef for Cairns. Thanks

[Aus Traveller]

4 hours ago, LPGA Golfer Gal said:

Question: looks like we could get a ferry to Green Island and do a scuba dive there. Do you know anything about whether the ferry is an option with ship arrival/departure times? If they offer scuba as a private option (not through ship) and if this is feasible? Your excursion guide did not show much in way of trips to reef for Cairns. Thanks

Here are some links to help you make your decision

https://www.weseektravel.com/fitzroy-island-vs-green-island/

https://frugalfrolicker.com/fitzroy-island-or-green-island/

https://www.fitzroyisland.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-scuba-diving-at-fitzroy-island/

https://www.elisathebestjobintheworld.com/10-green-or-fitzroy-island

https://cairnsdiveadventures.com.au/green-island-scuba-diving/