cruise ship departures cairns

Cairns cruise port

Australia - new zealand - pacific ocean islands.

• Coordinates -16.920, 145.783
• LOCODE AUCNS
• Local Time 2024-05-07 10:45

Cairns cruise ship schedule

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Cairns, Australia (AUCNS)

Port of Cairns is located in Australia at 16.9158S, 145.7875E. 17 vessels have arrived within the past 24 hours and 3 ships are expected to arrive in the next 30 days.

Port time: May 7, 10:45

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Port of Cairns vessel arrivals, departures, scheduled arrivals and ships in port are detected by processing of AIS data. Weather data is based on GFS model (NCEP/NWS). The data is for informational purposes only and VesselFinder is not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of Port of Cairns data.

Cairns Cruise Ship Schedule For 2023

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Marine Tourism

The Port of Cairns is one of the country’s busiest cruise destinations with major international cruise ships scheduled annually and its vast array of domestic reef vessels operating on a daily basis. The port is situated right next to the city of Cairns, a vibrant, modern city with extensive shopping and dining experiences, a magnificent mountain backdrop and direct access to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Tropical Rainforests. With the international airport just a 10-minute drive away, Cairns is an extremely attractive cruise and fly/cruise port. The Port provides capacity for up to two cruise vessels located along Wharves 1-6 with a dedicated cruise terminal on Wharf 2/3.  The award-winning Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal is located in the heart of the City, and is an easy walk to downtown shopping. The terminal is fast and efficient in moving passengers through its customs clearance and was a successful homeport for the cruise ship Pacific Eden.   

Ports North offers long term cruise car parking at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal for a cost of $12/day. The ticket machines can take payment via Credit Card or Cash and issue a long-term parking permit up to 10 days. 

Entry for the car park can be made from either Cnr Wharf and Lake Street or the Cnr of Wharf and Abbott Streets.

Alternatively, please contact our Cairns Regional Council ( www. cairns .qld.gov.au/  ) for other parking options.

Welcome to Cairns Cruise shipping

Cruise Ship Schedules - Arrivals & Departures

BERTHS & TERMINAL

Wharves 1-6 at the Port of Cairns are available for passenger vessels forming a continuous quayline of 595 metres. The wharves are 4.9 metres above datum with berth design depths of 9 metres. The wharf apron width, adjacent to the shed, is 8.4 metres and the wharf deck width at Wharves 4 and 5 is 27 metres. 

Wharves 1-3 are predominately used for berthing cruise vessels  and are serviced by the international cruise terminal, located within one of the Port’s heritage listed wharf sheds.  The terminal has a capacity of disembarking/embarking  2,000 (turnaround) passenger vessels and has catered for more than 3000 passengers in transit. 

PORT PARKING

Wharf shed 2 & cairns cruise liner terminal carpark (pay & display).

Ports North offers long term cruise car parking at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal Car Park for a cost of $12/day.   The ticket machines can take payment via Credit Card or Cash and issue a long term parking permit up to 10 days.   Entry for the car park can be made from either Cnr Wharf and Lake Street or the Cnr of Wharf and Abbott Streets.   Alternatively, please contact our Cairns Regional Council ( www. cairns .qld.gov.au/  ) for other parking options.   

The Cairns Shipping Development Project aims to develop port infrastructure in order to secure a greater share of the international cruise ship market, enhance Naval capacity and improve port efficiencies.

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• Carnival Splendor 3.619 passengers 10 May 2024 - 09:00
• Pacific Explorer 2.395 passengers 15 May 2024 - 06:00
• Pacific Explorer 2.395 passengers 25 May 2024 - 06:00
• Pacific Encounter 3.115 passengers 28 May 2024 - 09:30
• Pacific Explorer 2.395 passengers 01 Jun 2024 - 06:00
• Carnival Splendor 3.619 passengers 03 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Pacific Adventure 3.174 passengers 22 Jun 2024 - 09:00
• Pacific Explorer 2.395 passengers 29 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Pacific Encounter 3.115 passengers 02 Jul 2024 - 09:30
• Pacific Adventure 3.174 passengers 18 Jul 2024 - 09:00
• Carnival Splendor 3.619 passengers 26 Jul 2024 - 09:00
• Pacific Encounter 3.115 passengers 30 Jul 2024 - 09:30
• Coral Princess 2.400 passengers 24 Aug 2024 - 11:00
• Pacific Adventure 3.174 passengers 29 Aug 2024 - 09:00
• Pacific Encounter 3.115 passengers 03 Sep 2024 - 09:30
• Carnival Splendor 3.619 passengers 13 Sep 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Splendor 3.619 passengers 01 Oct 2024 - 09:00
• Pacific Encounter 3.115 passengers 08 Oct 2024 - 09:30
• Queen Elizabeth 2.503 passengers 22 Oct 2024 - 00:00
• Silver Muse 691 passengers 02 Nov 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Luminosa 2.712 passengers 13 Nov 2024 - 10:00
• Silver Nova 728 passengers 17 Nov 2024 - 08:00
• Crown Princess 3.674 passengers 18 Nov 2024 - 09:00
• Pacific Encounter 3.115 passengers 19 Nov 2024 - 09:30
• Viking Orion 930 passengers 21 Nov 2024 - 00:00
• ms Europa 2 516 passengers 21 Nov 2024 - 07:00
• Queen Elizabeth 2.503 passengers 22 Nov 2024 - 00:00
• Viking Orion 930 passengers 22 Nov 2024 - 00:00
• ms Westerdam 2.362 passengers 24 Nov 2024 - 08:00
• Oceania Regatta 803 passengers 28 Nov 2024 - 07:00
• Crown Princess 3.674 passengers 28 Nov 2024 - 10:00
• Seven Seas Explorer 829 passengers 13 Dec 2024 - 07:00
• Viking Venus 930 passengers 16 Dec 2024 - 00:00
• ms Europa 408 passengers 26 Dec 2024 - 19:00
• Oceania Regatta 803 passengers 27 Dec 2024 - 09:00
• ms Europa 2 516 passengers 17 Jan 2025 - 07:00
• ms Noordam 2.366 passengers 18 Jan 2025 - 08:00
• ms Noordam 2.366 passengers 19 Jan 2025 - 08:00
• Seven Seas Explorer 829 passengers 22 Jan 2025 - 08:00
• Carnival Luminosa 2.712 passengers 22 Jan 2025 - 10:00
• Viking Venus 930 passengers 26 Jan 2025 - 00:00
• Crown Princess 3.674 passengers 02 Feb 2025 - 10:00
• Pacific Encounter 3.115 passengers 11 Feb 2025 - 08:00
• Diamond Princess 3.247 passengers 13 Feb 2025 - 09:00
• Viking Sky 930 passengers 18 Feb 2025 - 00:00
• ms Zuiderdam 2.364 passengers 18 Feb 2025 - 07:00
• Carnival Luminosa 2.712 passengers 19 Feb 2025 - 10:00
• Seabourn Quest 540 passengers 20 Feb 2025 - 08:00
• Silver Muse 691 passengers 21 Feb 2025 - 08:00
• Seabourn Quest 540 passengers 24 Feb 2025 - 10:00

Things To Do In Cairns For Cruise Ship Visitors

Stopping in Cairns on your cruise trip along the East Coast of Australia and looking for things to do? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This article is chock full of all the juicy details to help cruise ship visitors plan ahead for their arrival into the Cairns Cruise Terminal. 

From the islands and the outer reef, to flying high in the sky above, or even “going bush” for some croc feeding and river rafting , I’m fairly certain you’ll have no trouble finding something exciting to do for families, couples, solo travellers and seniors alike! 

So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here’s a comprehensive and adventurous list of all the things to explore on your next cruise to Cairns . 

*P.S. Don’t be a silly clown fish and leave it till the last minute. Be sure to book ahead of time to ensure you don’t miss out! 

Green Island Eco Adventure

If you’re looking for a chill, all-round family friendly experience, the Green Island Eco Adventure Tour is your best bet. You have the option to do either a full day or half day tour where you get free time to explore this little gem and its natural delights. 

Take a glass bottom boat tour or hire snorkel gear to discover what underwater charms await you. A great one for the kiddies is to visit Cassius, the largest captive croc in Australia at the Marineland Melanesia Wildlife Habitat. They have turtle talks and croc feeding shows throughout the day, too!

Or take it easy breezy and stroll through the lush tropical rainforest on your way to one of the white sandy beaches. The lifeguard-patrolled beach has a cute little snack shack, along with sun chairs and umbrellas for rent. Making it the perfect spot to kick it with the whole fam. 

Departs: 8:30am or 10:30am - Daily Returns: 3:20pm or 5:20pm - Daily Departure Point: Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns

Fitzroy Island Adventures Full Day

Fitzy has the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation all rolled into one. 

The Fitzroy Island Adventures Full Day or Half Day trips are a great option for Cairns cruise ship visitors short on time. 

There’s a high chance of seeing turtles , reef sharks  and stingrays here, so bring your snorkel gear or hire some on the island! Other goodies include a visit to the iconic Nudey Beach (clothing is NOT optional, sorry to disappoint!), hiring a kayak or stand up paddle board, and hiking to the lighthouse or summit via the wildlife rich rainforest tracks. 

Foxy’s bar and restaurant is a solid spot for grabbing a pub feed while looking out over the glistening waters of Welcome Bay. 

Departs: 8:30am or 10:45am - Daily Returns: 3:00pm or 5:00pm - Daily Departure Point: Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns City 

Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel Tour

If you have an early arrival into the Cairns Cruise Terminal, the Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel is a great way for cruise ship visitors to pack a bunch of Great Barrier Reef goodies into one day trip!

Experience the outer reefs with unique inclusions that no other boat offers. Interact with original indigenous clap sticks and fire poles, plus get to witness traditional dances and performances with the didgeridoo, too! 

You get up to five hours of snorkelling and diving into azure waters, including a free guided snorkel tour. By visiting two reef sites , you’ll be able to discover even more hidden underwater treasures in this trip! 

May include: Milln, Flynn, Hastings, Saxon, Norman & Thetford Reefs. 

Departs: 9:00am Returns: 5:00pm Departure Point: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns

Great Adventures Day Trip to The Great Barrier Reef

For those that aren’t early morning peeps, The Great Adventures day trip to the GBR will work for you. You’ll be treated to morning and arvo tea, plus a delicious buffet lunch, along with having all your snorkel gear and suits included. 

Cruise out past Green Island where you’ll hop onto an activity pontoon platform at Moore Reef to enjoy your day. From here you can snorkel, sunbathe, and see the reef from a semi-submersible boat or underwater observatory. 

For the extra adventurous, you have the option to do a scenic helicopter flight, scuba dive, or Scuba Doo underwater helmet scooter ride.

Departs: 10:30am - Daily Returns: 5:30pm - Daily Departure Point: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns

Sunlover Cruises Day Trip to Moore Reef

Travelling with a picky family of all ages? Then the Sunlover Catamaran Cruise  out to Moore Reef is the best way to fill your day with unforgettable reef adventures! Located adjacent to flourishing coral walls, this floating pontoon in particular offers a range of activities that all ages and abilities can enjoy. 

And the inclusions on this trip are endless! From snorkelling, glass-bottom boat tours , underwater observatory, marine bio talks, fish feeding, touch tank for kids, and swimming pool, to one of the best features (in my opinion!) - a 30 metre water slide that swirls straight into crystal clear waters!

On top of all those included little delights, you also have the option to do a scenic heli flight, guided snorkel tour, helmet dive and scuba dive. So there really is something for everyone aboard the Sunlover Moore Reef Day Trip! 

Departs: 9:30am - Daily Returns: 5:30pm - Daily Departure Point: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns

Reef Magic Pontoon Tour

The Reef Magic pontoon day tour is the newest addition to hit the GBR where you can snorkel, dive and explore all the good stuff on offer. Perfect for families, couples, groups, solo travellers, and seniors alike. 

With up to 5 hours out on the pontoon, you’ll get to enjoy more time on the reef, less crowds, and a tonne of features including a sun deck, drift bar, and shallow water swimming pool. 

Reef Magic funds conservation efforts and studies of the reef , with the help of the marine biology team and the GBR Biology hub!

Departs: 9:00am - Daily Returns: 5:00pm - Daily Departure Point: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns

Down Under Dive Fly/Cruise Half Day Package

Experience the best of both worlds in style on this ultimate Fly & Cruise Half Day Package. This is the crème de la crème of Great Barrier Reef trips, especially if you’re visiting Cairns by cruise ship and are short on time! 

Marvel at the stunning aerial views during this 25 minute scenic flight over the reef & sand cays on your way to Hastings Reef before landing at the Evolution Superyacht. Feast on a delicious BBQ lunch fit for a king, including fresh fish, prawns, steak, veggie options and an array of freshly prepared salads.

Return back to Cairns by fast cruise, with a complimentary glass of wine in hand! You won’t want to see the GBR any other way after this! 

Departs: 12:40pm Returns: 4:30pm 

GSL Cairns Reef Hopper

Every guest gets a window seat on board this high wing aircraft! Enjoy pilot commentary on this 40-minute Cairns Reef Hopper scenic flight over the Great Barrier, Green Island, Cairns, Double Island and Palm Cove . It’s a great opportunity to get aerial photos and see Cairns and the reef from a new point of view! Transfers available from Cairns central to Cairns Airport.

Departs: 8:45am, 12:45pm and 2:00pm - Daily

GSL Cairns Reef Hopper and Port Douglas

Only cruising into Cairns for a short stop and wanna see not only the GBR, but Port Douglas too? Then this 60-minute Reef Hopper Scenic Flight gives you just that! Glide smoothly over Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef in comfort. 

Get to witness all the beauty the north has to offer; Cairns, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Middle Cay, Michaelmas Cay , Upolu Reef , Batt Reef, Tongue Reef, Port Douglas , Double Island and Palm Cove are just a handful of the gems spotted on this tour. 

You’re guaranteed a window seat, commentary from your pilot and courtesy bus transfers from Cairns central to Cairns airport.

Departs: 8:45am and 12:45pm - Daily

Nautilus Aviation 30 Min Reef Scenic Heli Flight

If you’re after a more personalised experience with low passenger numbers, this on demand 30-minute scenic heli flight . See Green Island, Fitzroy Island, spot turtles, rays and even whales during the winter months! On low tide see sparkling sand cays, too. 

Departs: On Demand - Daily

Nautilus Aviation Reef & Rainforest Scenic Heli Flight

See two world’s collide with a bird’s-eye view of where the rainforest meets the reef! With breathtaking 45-minute and 60-minute Reef and Rainforest Heli Flights over the Greater Cairns region, you’ll soar over the Great Barrier Reef, Palm Cove, and Barron Gorge. For an extra special cruise to cairns, Add on 15 minutes of scenic flying over the Lamb Range’s, Crystal Cascades and Lake Morris!

Departs: On demand - Daily

Zoom Helicopters Inner Reef Explorer Or Outer Reef Odyssey

If you're visiting Cairns via a cruise ship and you're  short on time , then a scenic flight with Zoom Helicopters is one of the best ways to see the Great Barrier Reef! With only a max of 3 passengers per flight and 2 passengers required to guarantee departure, you'll have a higher chance of enjoying a more exclusive tour! Choose from the 30 minute Inner Reef Explorer or 40 minute Outer Reef Odyssey   and delight in a once in a lifetime experience!

Departs: Daily - Multiple Times Available Departure Point: Bush Pilot's Avenue, Cairns Airport QLD 4870

Waterfall Wanderers Half Day Tour

Hit the snooze button with a late morning pick up from Cairns City and explore local watering holes on the Waterfall Wanderers Half Day Tour !

Enjoy a scenic drive through the Tropical North Queensland countryside, pass lush mountains and cane fields on your way to Josephine Falls . Refuel the tank with a delicious tropical picnic lunch.  Explore the rainforest with a local guide sharing enchanting stories from traditional owners. Finish the tour by simply taking it easy and relaxing waterside at Babinda Boulders , before making the trip back up to Cairns mid-afternoon. It’s the perfect half day trip for those who are short on time, but want to experience a taste of the Cairns tablelands !

Departs: 10:00am Monday, Wednesday and Friday Returns: 3:30pm  Departure Point: Pick up from various Cairns City accommodation locations

Skydive Cairns

Take your Cairns cruise to the next level with a Skydive over the North Queensland Tropics. Feel the thrill of being thrown out of a plane at 15,000ft while soaking in the surrounding panoramic views of the ocean, mountain ranges and lush tropical rainforests. 

Bask in some of the world’s most unique scenery as you take off from Cairns Airport and soar the skies. Then, strapped to a professional tandem instructor, you’ll leap and freefall for around 60 seconds, before gently gliding back down to earth.

There’s no doubt you’ll make some unforgettable memories and be left feeling breathless - in a good way, of course!

Departs: Various times from around 6:15am - 11:00am - Daily Departure Point: 11 Spence Street, Cairns City Free return pick-ups from Cairns and surrounds 

Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon Experience

Photo: Unsplash

Wanna take to the skies, but not in such a thrill-seeking way? Don’t fret! A Hot Air Balloon ride is the perfect way to see all the sights from a more relaxed perspective. 

Imagine yourself floating serenely over the Atherton Tablelands countryside on this hour-long flight, sipping on your morning brew, watching the sun rise over the reef. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for any signs of wildlife like kangaroos!

After touching back down, you'll enjoy a glass of bubbly with your fellow passengers, making it a moment you won't soon forget.

Departs: 6:30am - Daily Returns: 9:30am - Daily Departure Point: Pick up from various Cairns accommodation locations

Raging Thunder Half Day Barron River Rafting

For those with a sense of adventure wanting to head out to the rainforest instead of the reef, the Half Day Barron River Rafting Tour allows you to get the most out of your day while leaving the morning or afternoon free for other activities.

Feel the adrenalin rush as you navigate the rapids with expert guides, all while taking in the natural beauty of the Barron River and surrounding rainforest! You’ll have the time of your life, and get a great workout in the process. Perfect for burning off some of those extra calories we know comes with enjoying life on board a cruise ship! 

And with convenient departures from the Cairns Cruise Terminal, you can easily fit a half-day rafting trip into your cruise ship Cairns itinerary.

Departs: 8:00am | 2:00pm - Daily Returns: 12:00pm | 6:00pm - Daily Departure Point: Multiple pick up points in Cairns

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Wildlife Park with Transfers

Another great half day option for cruise ship visitors is to take a scenic drive up to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and Wildlife Park . Located on the drive between Palm Cove and Port Douglas this expansive nature park has plenty for all to see and do! 

Marvel at the magnificent far north Queensland crocs during feeding time embark on a self-guided walk to visit the koalas, cassowaries, snakes, lizards, tortoises, and many more of the diverse array of Aussie animals. While you’re there, be sure to head out on Hartley Lagoon for a crocodile boat tour!

With complimentary return transfers, wildlife presentations and more, this is a great way to see more of what the far north of Australia has to offer! 

Departs: 8:30am | 12:30pm Returns: 1:30pm | 4:45pm Departure Point: Transfers pick up from various locations around Cairns. 

AJ Hackett Bungy Jumping

A fun fact you might not know about North Queensland, is that Cairns has the ONLY bungy jumping tower in all of Australia! 

The AJ Hackett Cairns Bungy jump site has a 50-metre tower which looks out over the northern beaches, tropical rainforest and beyond. The free fall plunge will have your heart pumping and the adrenaline rushing all the way down! 

Have a crack at one of the 15 different jumping styles -  or if you’re an extra thrill-seeking junkie, you can take the jump from the tower roof on a BMX bike!

For those not quite game to try bungy jumping, there’s a Giant Swing you can ride solo or up to 3 can fly high together. Walk the Plank is great for kids under 10 or as a stepping stone to work your way up to the Bungy Jump.

Departs: From 10:00am - Daily Returns: Various Times Departure Point:  Pick ups from various locations across Cairns City

Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome

*Please note the Cairns Zoom & Wildlife Dome has permanently closed as of October 2023. Stay tuned for an exciting new attraction soon to open in Cairns City Centre! 

If you’ve arrived in Cairns on a cruise ship without having planned anything prior to your arrival, chances are your options for things to do are going to be limited. However, if you are looking for something that gives you a wide variety of activities and things to see, then the Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome is a great option.  

You’ll find the dome perched on top of The Reef Hotel Casino, making it extra convenient for cruise ship visitors!  Have your photo taken with a koala , enjoy interactive Australian wildlife presentations, or hop on one of the Zoom courses with three zip lines – If you’re feeling brave, one of which takes participants directly over Goliath, the 4-metre saltwater crocodile! There’s also the option to try out the exhilarating PowerJump or do the Dome-Climb outside to see spectacular views of Cairns CBD and Surrounds!

Opens: 9:00am Closes: 5:00pm General Admission: $26 for Adults and $16 for Children

Cairns Aquarium

If the Zoom and Wildlife Dome doesn’t appeal, then perhaps the Cairns Aquarium will. It’s the best way to see all the underwater delights the Great Barrier Reef has to offer, without heading out on the water. Experience 71 living habitats and 16,000 fish and aquatic creatures, critters and organisms. 

Add on a behind the scenes tour of the on-site Turtle Hospital and see some cuties being rehabilitated prior to being released back into the ocean. All proceeds from the add-on ticket goes to supporting the turtle's recovery! Opens: 10:00am Closes: 3:00pm  General Admission: $52 Adults | $30 Children | $42 Concession | $147 Family

The Cairns City Sight and Surrounds Half Day Tour

While Cairns doesn’t have a Hop On Hop Off city bus, The Cairns City Highlights Tours are the next best thing! 

There are a few options on offer for those cruise peeps who want to see Cairns from the comfort of an air conditioned bus. 

If you’re looking for a short day trip, the Cairns City Highlights - Cruise Ship Excursion is a perfect little 3 hour taste tester that takes you to Campbell’s scenic lookout, Lower Barron and Surprise Creek Falls, the Cairns Botanic Gardens and St. Monica’s Cathedral, where the Cairns City Sights & Surrounds and Cairns Aquarium / City Sight Tour includes the above sights, plus the Cairns Museum, Palm Cove and a delicious little Devonshire Tea in the leafy suburb of Edge Hill. 

Departs: 9:30am, 12:30pm or 1:00pm Returns: From 1:30pm - 6:00pm Departure Point: Pick up is from Reef Casino Hotel near Cairns Cruise Terminal

Jet Boating Adventure Ride

Perfectly positioned at the Cairns Marlin Marina, the Bad Fishy Jet Boat Adventure Ride is an adrenaline-fueled trip that's short and sweet salty, making it ideal for excitement-seeking cruise ship visitors. This 35 minute thrill ride takes you on a wild spin down the Trinity Inlet with stunts, slides and speeds that’ll whip your hair back ‘n’ forth. Make sure to wear swimmers under some casual clothes as you will certainly get wet! If you're lucky, you might even spot a croc.

Duration: 35 minutes Departs Daily: 10:30am | 11:30am |  2:00pm Departure Point: Finger A, Cairns Marlin Marina. Departure times can vary depending on the day of the week.

So no matter whether you want to explore the city, the reef, the rainforest or the skies high above, if you’re cruising into Cairns there are so many amazing cruise schedule-friendly tours to choose from!

Be sure to book ahead of time to ensure you don’t miss out get in touch with our travel specialists to help you book the best cruise ship day trips in cairns., related articles....

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A cruise to nowhere: Royal Caribbean sailing canceled after guests boarded

A Royal Caribbean International Alaska voyage became a cruise to nowhere over the weekend, with the line canceling the sailing after guests had already boarded.

The cruise line’s Radiance of the Seas ship experienced propulsion issues, forcing it to shorten and eventually scrap the weeklong itinerary, according to notices shared with guests. The sailing was originally set to depart from Vancouver on Friday.

Charlene Chong, who was on board with her husband, their 3-year and 11-month-old children, and her parents, said passengers were notified Saturday afternoon that the cruise was canceled. The 34-year-old teacher and her husband previously took a cruise for their honeymoon, but this marked their first trip with Royal Caribbean.

“My parents had wanted to go to Alaska for a really long time,” said Chong, who lives in Vancouver.

The cruise line warned guests several days before boarding that the ship had a “technical issue with its propulsion system,” according to an email sent to passengers that Chong shared with USA TODAY. The line later pushed the departure back by two days to allow more time for repairs.

Royal Caribbean said boarding would proceed as planned but that the terminal would close Friday evening due to U.S. Customs and Border Protection rules. Passengers would not be able to leave until the ship arrived at Icy Strait Point.

“We were going stir crazy a little bit,” said Chong.

Royal Caribbean gave guests onboard credit worth two days of their fare, a future cruise credit of the same amount, complimentary drinks and other compensation, another email said.

According to Chong, the ship sailed toward a nearby cargo port, but the captain announced Saturday afternoon that the sailing could not proceed and that guests would need to disembark by Sunday at 4 p.m. Chong said she and her family were “lucky” they were local, but she saw other guests scrambling to change their flights and find accommodations.

Your cruise was canceled: Now what?

“We understand the disappointment due to this unfortunate turn of events,” the cruise line said in a letter shared with guests. “We truly extend our sincerest apologies for the continued unforeseen disruptions to your vacation.”

Royal Caribbean gave them their money back as onboard credit with any remaining amount refunded, increased their future cruise credit to 100% of their fare and kept its open-bar policy for the remaining time on board. The line also offered to reimburse trip change fees up to $250 for guests traveling domestically and $400 for international travel and additional reimbursements for hotel and transportation costs, among other compensation.

“Due to a technical issue, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the April 26 sailing," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "Guests will receive a full refund and 100% future cruise credit, and have been notified directly.” The spokesperson did not comment on the specifics of Chong's experience.

The ship will resume service for its May 3 sailing.

After they got home, Chong and her family booked a trip to Mexico instead – though her parents decided not to join as they were “a bit exhausted by the whole ordeal.” For now, she’s not inclined to use the future cruise credit. “I would like to go to Alaska,” she said. “I'm not sure if I want to go with them.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach him at [email protected].