14-Day Expedition Cruise From Cairns to Sydney

OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 14, 2020

Your Itinerary

Day 1,

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA

Located at the point where two UNESCO World Heritage sites – the Wet Tropics of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef – gently curve to the shoreline, Cairns is graced with inspiring natural attractions in all directions. Active discovery is enjoyed with kite surfing, swimming, snorkeling and Zodiac excursions; beyond the coast are mountains, rainforests, eucalyptus, waterfalls, lakes, rugged ravines and farmlands fed by freshwater streams.

Day 2

MORNING  -  LIZARD ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

Regarded as a sacred place by the Dingaal Aboriginal people, pristine Lizard Island is nestled on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland. The granite island, graced with powdery white beaches and fringing reefs, is perfect for hiking, swimming and snorkeling. Within its grasslands, acacia woodlands and mangroves can be found its most famous resident, the yellow-spotted monitor. Its waters are a kaleidoscope of marine life, including coral gardens of colorful tropical fish and giant clams.

AFTERNOON  -  RIBBON REEF, AUSTRALIA

Aptly named, this “ribbon” of ten individual coral reefs is strung along the continental shelf, constituting approximately 125 miles of the Great Barrier Reef. Within its warm, gentle currents are flourescent shades of life, blanketed by turquoise waters and forming some of the best diving locales in the world. Caves, coves, canyons and curious creatures from the docile potato cod to the flame-red scorpion fish await underwater explorers and recreational snorkelers in this isolated haven.

Day 3 - 4

MORNING  -  CORAL SEA EXPEDITION STOPS, AUSTRALIA

Remote and pristine, the Coral Sea Islands are situated east of the Great Barrier Reef and roughly 450 miles east of Queensland, Australia. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the tiny, mostly uninhabited islands, lagoons and coral reefs are a natural paradise for nature lovers, divers and snorkelers. The Willis Islets are popular nesting sites for turtles and seabirds, including masked, brown and red-footed boobies.

MORNING  -  FLINDERS ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

Natural treasures abound at Australia’s Flinders Reefs. Located in the sparkling clear waters of the Coral Sea, the collection of tiny cays, atolls and lagoons are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Their amazing coral gardens teem with life, from tiny sea slugs and green turtles to tiger sharks and stingrays. During the sea’s low tide, the cays offer a convenient rest stop for a variety of seabirds.

Day 5

MORNING  -  HINCHINBROOK/BROOK/DUNK ISLANDS, INDONESIA

Off the eastern shores of Australia’s Queensland in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area are Hinchinbrook, Brook and Dunk islands, all homes to magnificent national parks rich in lush, tropical vegetation and incredible wildlife. Hinchinbrook, the largest island on the Great Barrier Reef, is surrounded by mangroves, fringing reefs and seagrass beds that sustain dolphins, dugongs, turtles and more. Dunk Island counts the famous blue Ulysses butterfly among its wealth of species. And the Brook Islands are host to breeding colonies of bridled, black-naped and roseate terns.

Day 6

MORNING  -  MAGNETIC ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

Part of a submerged coastal mountain, Magnetic Island sits off the coast of northeastern Queensland, Australia, in Halifax Bay, an inlet of the Coral Sea. It was originally named Magnetical by British navigator James Cook, who believed the compass on his ship was affected by the island. Home to beautiful beaches and a spectacular national park, this mountainous island of rocky granite headlands and towering pines features an abundance of wildlife, including koalas, rock wallabies and brushtail possums.

Day 7

MORNING - WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS EXPEDITION STOPS, AUSTRALIA

Situated along the east coast of Queensland and sheltered by Australia’s amazing Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands, with their serene, crystalline waters, powdery white beaches and green mountains, are a natural wonderland. Many bird and animal species are found on the islands and reefs, including six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles. Unspoiled Whitehaven Beach, a seven-mile stretch along Whitsunday Island, is the perfect spot to relax, stroll or enjoy a refreshing swim.

Day 8

MORNING  -  NORTHUMBERLAND ISLANDS EXPEDITION STOPS, AUSTRALIA

The pristine islands of the Cumberland archipelago off the east coast of Queensland, Australia, are commonly referred to as the Whitsundays, and virtually all of the islands are beautiful natural parks. Discovered by British navigator James Cook in the 18th century, they were named for the Duke of Cumberland. Whitsunday’s Whitehaven Beach, a seven-mile stretch of powdery sands, is a beachcomber’s dream. Along with the Percy Isles, part of the Northumberland group, these island gems offer the ideal setting for beach walks and water sports.

Day 9

MORNING  -  OUTER REEF EXPEDITION STOPS, AUSTRALIA

Palm-fringed, powdery beaches, forested hills and the crystal-clear waters of the Coral Sea are the hallmarks of the Percy Isles, nestled within Australia’s Northumberland Islands off the tropical coast of Queensland. The largest of the three islands in the group, Middle Island, is a national park boasting nearly 600 species of flora and fauna. A quirky A-frame hut on one of the beaches houses memorabilia from yachts that have visited. The serene island is perfect for beach strolls and water sports.

Day 10

MORNING  -  HERALD AND SWAIN REEFS NATIONAL PARK, AUSTRALIA

Protectively encompassing nine of the Great Barrier Reef’s most important cays, Swain Reefs National Park is a trove of treasured habitats for a cocophany of wild creatures. Endangered seabirds and marine turtles find refuge in this natural haven, while humpback whales often choose to calve in the park’s remote areas. “The Swains,” as they are known to the locals, also boast coveted dive and snorkel sites for underwater enthusiasts, who will find preserved coral reefs and their fascinating resident species. 

Day 11

MORNING  -  LADY MUSGRAVE AND LADY ELLIOT ISLANDS, AUSTRALIA

Set within Australia’s Capricornia Cays National Park, Lady Musgrave is a 35-acre coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef. Sitting at the southern tip of a large protected blue lagoon, this jewel of an island is a hot spot for reef walking, snorkeling, diving, and bird watching. Underwater spectacles include schools of pelagic fish, sea snakes, manta rays, and reef sharks. Its forested landscape attracts a host of seabirds, including white-capped noddy terns. Equally impressive is the nearby Lady Elliot Island, a key habitat for green and loggerhead sea turtles.

Day 12

MORNING  -  FRASER ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fraser Island faces sparkling Hervey Bay, a whale watcher’s paradise of sheltered waters that often serve as a calf nursery for humpback whales. Fraser Island itself is home to stunning tropical rainforests, lakes and beaches where nature lovers can marvel at the incredible array of wildlife, including dingoes, wallabies, sugar gliders, sand monitors, and over 350 species of birds.

Day 13

DAY AT SEA

Aboard the world’s largest and most spacious luxury expedition yacht, you’ll find an array of unmatched experiences to immerse in during your days at sea. Indulge your senses at the serene Crystal Life Spa & Salon, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center, and learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging enrichment programs. Or simply lounge poolside in solarium bliss while our attentive crew caters to your every whim. As evening arrives, indulge in the renowned culinary creations of Nobu Matsuhisa, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lounge in luxurious spaces, or try your luck at the action-packed Resorts World At Sea Casino.

Day 14

AFTERNOON  -  SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Sydney is an energetic and exciting metropolis whose nightlife, shopping and fine restaurants compare favorably with the finest the world has to offer. Despite its modern advances, Sydney has lovingly cherished its heritage, for this was the birthplace of the Australian nation, defined by the billowing profile of the Opera House and the dramatic arch of the Harbour Bridge.

Your Accommodations and All-Inclusive Fares

• King-size bed, piled high with the finest linens, plush duvets and pillows of choice
• Personal butler service with gratuities included
• Italian fashion house ETRO bath and shower amenities, custom-designed bathrooms with adjustable heated floors, dual vanities with glass-enclosed rain showers, and anti-fog mirrors 
• Spacious closets, integrated cabinetry, and storage accommodating longer stays
• Dedicated heated storage space designed exclusively for storing and drying parkas after expeditions
• High-tech in-suite amenities, including: bedside iPad directory, interactive TV system with complimentary movies on demand, extensive music library, ambient lighting and temperature controls

Interested in this itinerary? Request a quote and our specialists will contact you as soon as possible.

Aboard the NEW crystal Endeavor

Intimate and elegant, Crystal Endeavor™ welcomes just 200 sophisticated travelers with all-suite, butler-serviced luxury – the perfect balance to a voyage teeming with rugged adventure.

The PC6 strengthened hull of the Endeavor™ allows the vessel to navigate the world’s most remote regions, from the Arctic to Antarctica.

Beyond typical routes, and far past destinations frequented by most ships, Crystal Endeavor™ forges her own path using anchor-free dynamic positioning technology to hover over underwater treasures without impact.

*All fares and savings are per person, in U.S. dollars based on double occupancy. Cruise Fares and Your Exclusive Fares are cruise only and do not include taxes, fees, and port charges of $850 per person. Your Crystal Savings are subject to availability at time of booking. Your Exclusive Fare includes Crystal Savings as well as any applicable Savings if available and does not include Crystal Society or Early Full Payment savings. Optional Personal Select Air Program is available to purchase for full-fare, full-cruise guests whose travel originates from a U.S. or Canadian airport and includes all government taxes and fees. Note: Early Full Payment savings do not apply to Personal select Air. Solo Traveler fares are available upon request. Crystal Society Savings are per person based on double occupancy. All offers may not be combinable with other promotions, apply to first two full-fare guests in stateroom or suite, are capacity controlled, subject to availability and maybe withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. For complete Cruise Fare and Promotional Information and General Ticket Terms and Conditions, click here. Crystal Cruises, LLC reserves to the right to correct errors or omissions and change any and all fares, fees, promotions and programs at any time without notice. Available on new bookings when booked by September 30, 2018.

Each Crystal Endeavor™ itinerary balances days at sea with scheduled ports of call, and is intentionally designed to be flexible, allowing the Captain and his team of experts to incorporate unplanned “expedition days” when favorable weather conditions invite the opportunity for uncommon discovery. The Expedition Team will maintain a keen eye so that if an opportunity arises and conditions allow, the Captain will attempt to position the vessel accordingly. At all times, itineraries and ports of call are subject to the Captain’s discretion based on prevailing weather and ice conditions. Wildlife sightings and wilderness highlights on any itinerary cannot be guaranteed.