FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about Spirit of Cairns cruises, including our dinner cruises, lunch cruises and more.

Our friendly reservations team is ready to assist with any other questions you may have – feel free to get in touch.

Our dinner cruise operates seven nights a week.

Check-in: 6pm
Departs: 6.30pm
Returns: 9pm

For our dinner cruise, we offer a buffet menu with a selection of fresh and local favourite dishes.

Spirit of Cairns lunch cruises operate on selected dates throughout the year. Check our special events page for the next available cruise. 

All cruises depart from our mooring at A Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina.

Spirit of Cairns Map

Starting at Marlin Marina, Spirit of Cairns takes you on a journey deep into the interior of Trinity Inlet and its winding tributaries. Keep your eyes peeled, you might even see a crocodile! The cruise passes along Cairns’ waterfront and Esplanade precinct, delivering panoramic views of this tropical port city.

Depending on the time of year, our dinner cruises offer stunning views of the sun setting over the rainforest-clad mountains, and the twinkling lights of the city as dusk deepens into night.

Yes we do! Cairns locals receive a 20% discount*. To redeem the local discount please call or email our friendly reservations team to book.

*Locals discount applies to direct bookings made via phone or email only. A photo ID with local postcodes (4852 – 4877, Mission Beach to Cape Tribulation, including the Tablelands) must be presented at check-in on the date of travel for all passengers redeeming the discount. Standard rates will apply if no photo ID is presented. Please note that the locals discount is subject to availability/blackout dates, and during peak periods such as public holidays, the locals discount may not be available. The locals discount only applies to the base cruise price, and is not valid for extras such as drinks purchased on board. Local discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount. Current locals discount is valid until 31st March 2025.

Yes we do! Bookings of 20 or more people are considered a group and qualify for a group bookings discount. Contact us for more info about group bookings. 

All group bookings and private charters require a 20% deposit in order to confirm the booking, and full payment is required 7 days before departure.

Read our terms and conditions for more information on group bookings.

Our Child fares are for ages 4-14 inclusive. Children must be under parental supervision at all times. Children are not permitted on the outer decks without being accompanied by a parent or adult supervisor.

Infants (aged 0-3) are permitted on board free of charge; however, please note there are no high chairs or changing facilities on board. If you wish your infant to have a meal you will need to book a child fare.

You can change or cancel your booking at any time up to 48 hours before departure with no penalty. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

We recommend bringing cash or an EFTPOS/credit card onboard with you for your bar purchases.

Our buffet menu contain a range of dishes suitable for vegetarians and other special dietary requirements. However, you must mention any special allergy or dietary requirements when booking to ensure we can cater to your needs. Please read the Food Allergen Statement in our terms and conditions for more information. 

Unfortunately, the Spirit of Cairns catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. The vessel has several stairs to navigate when boarding and accessing the toilets, as well as narrow doorways, which may pose difficulties for guests with mobility impairments.

We suggest tropical cocktail attire, and recommend bringing a lightweight jacket for the winter months. You must wear footwear to board the vessel. While this is a calm water cruise, we recommend suitable soles for boating – you’ll feel a lot more comfortable moving around the boat in flat, rubber-soled shoes. 
No – Spirit of Cairns is a non-smoking vessel. Smoking, vaping or e-cigarettes are not permitted anywhere on board.

Absolutely! Spirit of Cairns is the ideal venue for weddings, functions, events and private parties. Take a look at our charters page for more information.

Absolutely! Take a look at our Cairns Info page for details of Great Barrier Reef trips, dive courses and more.

For more expert local advice we recommend speaking to the friendly team at Cairns Tourist Information Centre.