It docks well out of the city and so you really need to take the transfer bus if you decide to leave the ship. Transfer costs were $12 each way, so $100 return for a family of 4.

Brisbane

The ship docks offshore and you are tendered ashore, no need to pay for the city bus transfers unless your over 60 as its only a 10-15 minute walk. 

We have been here a few times before so didn't do a day trip on this occasion, but there are plenty of good options available and you will be able to book these direct with the local operators to save some dollars.

Whitsundays (Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island)

It docks off shore from Yorkeys Knob, 20km north of Cairns and the timing makes it completely impossible to plan your own shore excursion, so you should take this into account if taking this cruise as it will probably cost you another $100 pp extra to book the Great Barrier Reef tour ($250 each) through the cruise compared to if you went to one of the many local operators direct. 

A good option is to pre book a rental car through Gem Rent A Car who are based in Yorkeys Knob and will collect and drop you off at the wharf.

Cairns

It docks at a working port, so you will need to take the ship organised bus to leave the port, but this is provided at no cost.

Newcastle (England)

The cabins are as expected, clean, comfortable and slightly larger than some other ships we have been on! having said that, we only use the cabin for sleeping pretty much.

The outdoor pool area is typical of most ships, however once the sun goes down, it's pretty much a ghost town in these areas, which I think is somewhat reflective of the older crowd.'


Overall we had a great holiday and it's hard to beat a cruise package for convenience, variety and value.

Radiance of the Seas Review

More sedate than expected

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