Carnival Splendor itinerary map for May 20, 2026
Carnival Splendor

10 Night Great Barrier Reef on Carnival Carnival Splendor

May 20, 2026

Carnival Splendor May 20, 2026

The Carnival Splendor May 20, 2026 cruise departs from Sydney, Australia. On this 10 Night Great Barrier Reef (Sydney Roundtrip) sailing, the Carnival Splendor will visit a total of 6 cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The ship sets sail on Wednesday, May 20th and returns on Saturday, May 30th, 2026.

Cruise Length
10
Night Cruise
Departure Port
Sydney
Australia
Port Stops
6
Sea Days
4
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Cruise Price

Carnival Splendor · May 20, 2026

The graph below tracks historic price of the Carnival Splendor cruise ship departing May 20, 2026. The most recent price for this sailing starts at $897 ($90 per night) for an Inside Cabin. Compared to the average price of $764 ($77 per night), this represents a recent increase of 17%.

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inside cabin
$897
17% vs avg: $764
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Inside Cabin
$897
20% vs avg $748
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🌊
Oceanview Cabin
$1,418
45% vs avg $980
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🌅
Balcony Cabin
$1,810
33% vs avg $1,359
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👑
Suite Cabin
$3,375
52% vs avg $2,217
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Cruise Itinerary Map

Carnival Splendor · May 20, 2026

The Carnival Splendor sails on May 20, 2026 for a 10 Night Great Barrier Reef (Sydney Roundtrip). The ship will depart the port of Sydney, Australia at 3:30 PM and will return to the port of Sydney, Australia on May 30th at 6:30 AM. During the 11-day journey, the Carnival Splendor will visit 5 additional ports and will spend 4 days at sea.

Cruise itinerary route

10 Night Great Barrier Reef (Sydney Roundtrip)

  • MAY20
    Sydney, Australia
    Sydney, Australia
    A: — - D: 3:30 PM
  • MAY21
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • MAY22
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • MAY23
    Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia
    Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • MAY24
    Cairns, Australia
    Cairns, Australia
    A: 9:00 AM - D: 6:00 PM
  • MAY25
    Port Douglas, Australia
    Port Douglas, Australia
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 5:30 PM
  • MAY26
    Cruise Willis Island, Australia
    Cruise Willis Island, Australia
    A: 10:00 AM - D: 11:00 AM
  • MAY27
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • MAY28
    Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia
    Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia
    A: 8:00 AM - D: 6:00 PM
  • MAY29
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • MAY30
    Sydney, Australia
    Sydney, Australia
    A: 6:30 AM - D: —
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Cruise Ports

May 20, 2026 · 10 Night Great Barrier Reef (Sydney Roundtrip)

Sydney, Australia
Day 1•Wednesday, May 20

Sydney, Australia

Arrival: —•Departure: 3:30 PM

Sydney, Australia, offers docking at Circular Quay. Travelers explore Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. Excursions visit Blue Mountains. Local markets sell meat pies. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures iconic landmarks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lamingtons, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like opal crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Aboriginal history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Sydney’s urban charm offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and scenic coasts, making Sydney an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
At Sea
Day 2•Thursday, May 21

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AM•Departure: 11:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

At Sea
Day 3•Friday, May 22

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AM•Departure: 11:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia
Day 4•Saturday, May 23

Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Airlie Beach, in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland, anchors as a tender port for cruises to the Great Barrier Reef, with ships docking at Port of Airlie or Abell Point Marina. The town, population around 8,000, sits on a small inlet 1,100 kilometers north of Brisbane. Passengers walk 10 minutes from the tender pier to the lagoon, a 4,300-square-meter saltwater pool providing stinger-free swimming from November to May. Excursions depart for the 74 Whitsunday Islands, including full-day sails to Whitehaven Beach for its silica sands and swirling tides, or Heart Reef for aerial views via seaplane. Snorkeling tours target Hardy Reef's pontoons with underwater observatories and glass-bottom boats. Conway National Park, minutes away, offers rainforest hikes to waterfalls and lookouts along the 20-kilometer Bicentennial Pathway. Local operators provide half-day kayaking in sheltered coves. Dining along the waterfront includes fresh seafood cafes and bakeries serving meat pies. Shops stock sunscreen, hats, and Aboriginal art souvenirs. Peak season December to February brings crowds; book tours in advance. Evening markets feature live music and street food. Buses connect to Shute Harbour for additional reef access.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Cairns, Australia
Day 5•Sunday, May 24

Cairns, Australia

Arrival: 9:00 AM•Departure: 6:00 PM

Cairns, Australia, docks at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, a 10-minute walk to the Esplanade, population 150,000. Travelers visit the Cairns Aquarium for reef species. Excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, 1 hour by boat, offer snorkeling. Kuranda, 30 minutes north, features rainforest cable cars. Local markets sell mangoes. Peak season June to October; taxis 10-15 AUD. Dining includes barramundi at waterfront cafes. Souvenirs feature opals.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Port Douglas, Australia
Day 6•Monday, May 25

Port Douglas, Australia

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 5:30 PM

Port Douglas, Australia, provides docking at Port Douglas Marina. Travelers explore the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Excursions include snorkeling at Low Isles. Local markets sell lamingtons. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for reef tours. Photography captures coral ecosystems and rainforest canopies. Dining onboard includes barramundi, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like coral crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Queensland’s ecology. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Port Douglas’ natural splendor offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of marine adventures and rainforest exploration, making Port Douglas an engaging destination for exploring Australia’s tropical north and Great Barrier Reef beauty.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Cruise Willis Island, Australia
Day 7•Tuesday, May 26

Cruise Willis Island, Australia

Arrival: 10:00 AM•Departure: 11:00 AM

Willis Island, Australia, has no docking; ships anchor offshore in the Coral Sea. Travelers observe red-footed boobies nesting on the tiny cay. Snorkeling reveals vibrant coral reefs. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, June to October, brings calm seas. Photography captures turquoise waters. Dining onboard features reef fish. Souvenirs, like coral prints, are available in ship shops. Briefings emphasize marine protection. Sun protection is crucial for the tropical climate. Willis Island’s remote reefs offer a serene Great Barrier Reef stopover.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
At Sea
Day 8•Wednesday, May 27

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AM•Departure: 11:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia
Day 9•Thursday, May 28

Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia

Arrival: 8:00 AM•Departure: 6:00 PM

Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to Tangalooma. Travelers snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks and sandboard on desert dunes. Excursions include dolphin-feeding sessions at dusk. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, September to April, brings warm weather for marine activities. Photography captures coral reefs and sandy landscapes. Dining onboard includes barramundi, an Australian fish. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Moreton’s marine ecology. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Moreton Island’s pristine beauty offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of adventure, wildlife encounters, and tropical beaches, making Moreton Island an ideal destination for those seeking an active and natural escape off Queensland’s coast.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
At Sea
Day 10•Friday, May 29

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AM•Departure: 11:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Sydney, Australia
Day 11•Saturday, May 30

Sydney, Australia

Arrival: 6:30 AM•Departure: —

Sydney, Australia, offers docking at Circular Quay. Travelers explore Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. Excursions visit Blue Mountains. Local markets sell meat pies. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures iconic landmarks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lamingtons, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like opal crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Aboriginal history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Sydney’s urban charm offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and scenic coasts, making Sydney an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link

Weather Forecast

Carnival Splendor - May 20, 2026 Weather Forecast

Average monthly weather for your cruise ports

Sydney, Australia

⛅

May

Typical Weather

78°F

Average High

50°F

Average Low

Rainfall

0.07in

Daily average

2.1 in monthly total

Shore Excursions

Explore the most popular excursion options at each port.

From beach breaks and snorkeling to local food tours and cultural landmarks, these shore excursions help you make the most of every stop. Browse by port below to compare top-rated options and plan your day before you board.

See all Sydney Shore Tours

Itinerary Safety Score

Based on comprehensive research of cruise port safety information, including recent crime reports, travel advisories, Global Peace Index rankings, and specific port security concerns, we've created a "safety score" for each cruise port stop. The overall rating below represents a combined score for your specific cruise itinerary.

Itinerary Safety Rank
86 / 100
safer than 86% of all cruises
86
8
/ 10
Sydney, Australia
Sydney
Travelers should remain vigilant against petty theft in tourist areas and nightlife districts while enjoying the overall safety of Sydney.
8
/ 10
Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is a safe cruise destination with low crime rates, allowing visitors to explore comfortably despite occasional petty theft.
8
/ 10
Cairns, Australia
Cairns
Cairns has a low crime rate and prioritizes visitor safety, but travelers should remain vigilant against petty theft in busy areas.
9
/ 10
Port Douglas, Australia
Port Douglas
Port Douglas, Australia, offers a safe environment for cruise travelers with low crime rates and well-maintained tourist infrastructure.
10
/ 10
Cruise Willis Island, Australia
Willis Island
Willis Island offers a secure environment for travelers, allowing them to enjoy views from their cruise ship without concerns for safety.
9
/ 10
Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia
Moreton Island
Moreton Island is a safe travel destination with low crime rates, but visitors should be mindful of environmental hazards.

Cruise Ship

Carnival Splendor

⚓ Tonnage

113,300

vs avg 121,145

🛠️ Year Built

2,008

vs avg 2,009

📏 Length (ft)

952

vs avg 992

👥 Passenger Count

3,734

vs avg 4,158

The Splendor has a construction date of 2008 and a total size of 113,300 gross tons. The ship measures 952 feet in length. Carnival Splendor is included in Carnival’s Splendor class. At full capacity, the Carnival Splendor holds 3,734 passengers. That includes 2,584 cruise vacationers and 1,150 staff members. The Splendor total number of staterooms is 1,508.

Click above for more Carnival Splendor stats, tips, imagery, and more.

  • 📊Size comparison chart against other ships
  • 🍸Bars, restaurants, and venue highlights
  • 🛠️Renovation and dry-dock schedule
  • ❓FAQ's about Carnival Splendor

Also of interest:

Carnival Splendor Deck PlansCarnival Splendor Cabin SearchCarnival Splendor Health Score

Cruise Director

On duty at sail date (May 20, 2026)

Lizzie Clough

Lizzie Clough

Country: UK•Start: Apr 2, 2026•End: May 30, 2026

Lizzie Clough is a Carnival Cruise Line cruise director and former Fun Squad host. A UK native, she joined Carnival in 2018 and is known for upbeat hosting, high visibility around the ship, and guest-friendly energy.

Lizzie Clough Full Profile

Itinerary FAQ

How many nights is the Carnival Splendor sailing on May 20, 2026?

This is a 10-night cruise itinerary departing from Sydney, Australia.

What ports does the Carnival Splendor visit on the May 20, 2026 cruise?

This route includes sydney-australia, airlie-beach-queensland-australia, cairns-australia, port-douglas-australia, cruise-willis-island-australia, moreton-island-queensland-australia.

How many sea days are included on this Carnival Splendor May 20, 2026 itinerary?

This itinerary includes 4 sea days.

Who is the cruise director for the Carnival Splendor sailing on May 20, 2026?

Lizzie Clough is scheduled as cruise director for this sailing.

How is the itinerary safety score calculated for this cruise?

The itinerary safety score combines port-level safety indicators such as travel advisories, local risk signals, and historical context into a single overall score for this specific route.

Can I track price drops for this Carnival Splendor itinerary?

Yes — use the price tracking opt-in on this page to get updates when cabin prices change for this sailing.

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2026