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).

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

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