Cruise From Brisbane On Quantum Of The Seas

Is this long-weekend cruise from Brisbane the holiday to tick all boxes? Tiana Templeman boards Quantum of the Seas to find out.

Like most long weekends away, ours starts with an early Friday afternoon knock-off, but instead of battling the afternoon traffic on the freeway, we head to the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal. We’re setting sail on a four-night round-trip weekend getaway on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas which departs from our hometown and holds the promise of a unique way to explore our own backyard.

With a port day in Airlie Beach bookended by sea days, we won’t have to worry about getting from one destination to the next, whose turn it is to cook dinner or what to do each evening. It sounds like heaven and we can’t wait to get onboard.

an aerial view of Airlie Beach — Enjoy a port day at Airlie Beach. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Planning ahead with the Royal Caribbean app

With more than 4000 passengers wanting to make the most of their long weekend, we’ve used the Royal Caribbean app to check in online and pre-book our must-do restaurants, shows and activities that range from skydiving to roller skating, boogie boarding, bumper cars and sightseeing in the North Star viewing capsule.

an aerial shot of Quantum of the Seas — Royal Caribbean’s *Quantum of the Seas* departs from Brisbane.

Plus, there are more dining options than we can poke our forks at. While there are plenty of complimentary restaurants included in our fare, we’ve opted for a three-restaurant speciality dining package so we can eat at all but one of the upmarket for-a-fee restaurants every night.

passengers enjoying the sunset on a paid North Star experience on a sea day, Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas — Watch the sunset from the North Star. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

Friday evening: Dining in Wonderland

With choices ranging from a high-end steakhouse to Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant and sushi at Izumi, it was a tough choice deciding where to eat on our first evening onboard, but Wonderland got our vote for its sense of fun, creativity and tasty food.

From menus that were revealed by ‘painting’ a blank piece of paper with water, to our waiter who delivered each creative dish like he was a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat, the ship’s most innovative speciality restaurant delivered a fantastical dining adventure.

The next day, we embarked on adventures of a different kind during our first day at sea and discovered our ‘relaxing’ cruise was going to be anything but.

Saturday: Embracing thrilling onboard activities

Jumping out of a perfectly good aeroplane is not for everyone – including us – so we’re keen to try the indoor skydiving simulator on the top deck. The nerves kick in while we’re pulling on our flight suits but once we step into the iFly with our instructor and are (literally) floating on air, we can’t wait to re-enter the wind tunnel for our second flight, which is even more fun than the first.

fun in the sun on Quantum of the Seas in the Whitsundays — Soak in the rays by the outdoor pool on deck 14. (Image: Trevor Templeman)

We’re pumped up and ready for more fun so we race downstairs to change into our swimmers and line up to go boogie boarding on the FlowRider surf simulator. Any fears about riding a boogie board with one million litres of water a minute pumping underneath it disappear as we jump onto the simulated wave. Surprisingly, we manage to stay on the board for a while, but it’s going to take a lot more than one weekend cruise before we’re ready to try the stand-up surfing that’s also available.

Later that evening, the North Star viewing capsule is the perfect spot to take in the sunset view over the ocean.

riding the North Star on a sea day at sunset, Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas — Soar over the ship in the North Star observation pod for epic views. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

Dinner is at Jamie’s Italian, followed by the headliner show in the Two70 theatre. We also try the silent disco, which isn’t that silent, as everyone sings while they’re wearing their headphones. After joining a conga line around the dance floor, we finally call it a night.

the dining interior of Jamie’s Italian, Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas — Dine at Jamie’s Italian, one of the ship’s specialty restaurants. (Image: Michel Verdure/Verdure Photo)

Sunday: Port day at Airlie Beach

The next morning, we enjoy a sleep-in and wake up to discover catamarans pulling up alongside the ship to provide complimentary transfers to Airlie Beach. Due to Quantum of the Seas’ size, the ship is anchored offshore but the fast ferry has us at the jetty in minutes.

the Airlie Beach Lagoon dotted with palm trees — Spend time at Airlie Beach Lagoon. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

While there are plenty of great ship excursions to choose from, we opt for a leisurely float in the public swimming lagoon near the centre of town and coffee and cake at a local cafe.

view of Airlie Beach at sunset — Airlie Beach is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

We’re back onboard in time for a late buffet lunch at the Windjammer marketplace and an afternoon soak in the adults-only Solarium, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views.

Lounge at the adults-only Solarium onboard Quantum of the Seas. (Image: Simon Brooke-Webb)

Sipping cocktails and listening to a jazz quintet, followed by dinner in the complimentary main dining room and an early night, provides the perfect finish to our day in port.

Monday: From dodgem cars to roller skating at sea

Our last sea day is spent chilling on the pool deck, zooming around the SeaPlex, a larger indoor sports arena, on dodgem cars and roller skating for the first time in more than 30 years.

Tuesday: Time to disembark

The next morning we’re one of many passengers waiting at the gangway at 7am with our carry-on bags, ready to stroll off the ship and into the office without needing to take an extra day off work. Our long weekend at sea flew by and ended up being more action-packed than we expected, but also wonderfully relaxing. In short, it was the perfect mini-break.

Cruise itineraries to explore

A similar five-night Queensland cruise onboard Quantum of the Seas will depart Brisbane on 22 March 2024. A six-night cruise stopping at Airlie Beach, Cairns and Willis Island will depart 4 November 2023.

If you’re short on time, three-night cruises are available from Brisbane (onboard Quantum of the Seas; 17 November 2023 and 19 January 2024) and Sydney (onboard Ovation of the Seas; 10 November 2023 and 22 March 2024). These are sampler cruises with no port stops.

an aerial view of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, Queensland, Australia — Whitehaven Beach is dazzling from above.

Spend a little longer at sea on a seven-night cruise exploring the Queensland coast , departing Brisbane onboard Quantum of the Seas (12 January 2024) or on a nine-night cruise from Sydney onboard Ovation of the Seas (12 January 2024). Ovation of the Seas will also cruise to Tasmania and Adelaide on an eight-night itinerary from Sydney (21 January 2024).

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort — Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa — Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.

A weekend escape on Quantum of the Seas from Brisbane to Airlie Beach