Cairns: Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise

If you’re looking to wrap up a day in Cairns with something a little special, the Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise might just be the right pick. It’s a relaxed, scenic way to enjoy the city’s sights at sunset, coupled with a delicious buffet and a good vibe on the water. While we haven’t taken this cruise ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a memorable, laid-back evening.

Two things we really like about this experience are the stunning views of Trinity Inlet and Cairns’ waterfront, along with the fresh, plentiful food—especially the seafood. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that the cruise isn’t suitable for guests with mobility issues, so it’s not a great option if you need wheelchair access or have difficulty walking.

This cruise seems best suited for couples, groups of friends, or anyone who appreciates a relaxed night out with good food, friendly staff, and scenic water views. If you’re after a peaceful, visually pleasing dinner experience without too much fuss, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Comfortable, modern vessel with outdoor decks and air-conditioning
• High-quality buffet with fresh seafood and local produce
• Scenic views of Trinity Inlet and Cairns’ waterfront at sunset
• Relaxed cruise lasting about 2.5 hours, perfect for unwinding
• Licensed bar with beverages available for purchase, including cocktails
• No mobility access for guests with mobility impairments

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise?

This experience offers a 2.5-hour cruise along Trinity Inlet, starting from the Cairns Marlin Marina. You’ll board a luxurious catamaran that boasts both indoor and outdoor spaces, giving you plenty of spots to enjoy the scenery. It’s a chance to see Cairns from a different angle, with the water reflecting the sky as the sun dips down.

The cruise begins with a welcome glass of sparkling wine, beer, or soft drink—a nice touch to start the evening on a festive note. As the boat gently makes its way through Trinity Inlet, you’ll enjoy scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere. The gentle waters and cool evening breeze make for a calming experience that’s suitable for most travelers.

Once underway, the main event is the buffet dinner. It features hot and cold dishes, including fresh seafood and local produce. The food consistently earns praise, with guests describing it as both delicious and plentiful. This is not a rushed affair—there’s ample time to indulge in seconds, especially if you love seafood like prawns and oysters, which many reviews highlight.

After dinner, the boat continues to cruise, offering more scenic views and a chance to take photos or just soak in the peaceful surroundings. You can also purchase additional beverages and cocktails from the licensed bar, making it a relaxed, social experience.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting Point: Cairns Marlin Marina

This is your easy access point, right in the heart of Cairns. The cruise operates from “A Finger” at the marina, with boarding starting around 6:00 pm. It’s important to arrive on time—boarding begins from 6:00–6:15 pm, and the boat departs at 6:30 pm sharp. The convenient location makes it straightforward to find, with clear coordinates provided.

Marlin Marina and Trinity Inlet

The cruise begins with a 30-minute ride around the marina. Here, you get a sneak peek of Cairns’ waterfront and the surrounding cityscape. Many reviews mention enjoying the scenic views on this part of the journey, with some noting it’s a good time for photos and soaking up the atmosphere.

Main Cruise: Trinity Inlet and Waterfront

The heart of the experience is the 2.5-hour cruise along Trinity Inlet. During this time, you’ll sail in calm waters, with the opportunity to look at Cairns from a water perspective. The cruise takes you through the inlet and along the city’s waterfront precinct, giving you views of lights, the skyline, and the natural beauty of the inlet.

Dinner on Board

Inside, guests gather around the buffet, which features hot and cold options. The menu is described as fresh and abundant, with seafood like prawns and oysters often highlighted. Reviewers love the generous servings and the fact that the food is made with care—some even mention that it’s “made with love,” a nice touch from the chefs.

The buffet is served in an air-conditioned dining room, providing comfort regardless of the weather outside. It’s an ideal setting to relax, chat, and enjoy the meal, with many guests praising the quality and variety.

Post-Dinner and Return

After the meal, you’ll continue sailing, with more scenic views and perhaps some star-gazing if the sky is clear. The cruise concludes back at Cairns Marlin Marina around 8:30 pm, leaving you with pleasant memories of a peaceful evening on the water.

Food and Drinks: Quality and Variety

One of the biggest highlights of this cruise is the buffet dinner. Reviewers rave about the fresh seafood, especially the large prawns and oysters. Many mention the delicious desserts and the local produce, which add an authentic touch. The food is described as plentiful, with guests often returning for seconds or thirds.

The vessel is fully licensed, so you can purchase cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits from the bar. Drinks are reasonably priced and add to the relaxed, social vibe. Guests often highlight the value for money, especially considering the quality and quantity of food provided.

The included welcome drink sets a friendly tone, and the bar offers options for those wanting to indulge further. Guests say the cocktail selection is tasty, and the service is attentive, ensuring drinks are refilled and orders taken smoothly.

Views and Atmosphere

Expect beautiful scenery with Cairns’ skyline lit up at night as a backdrop. Many reviews mention how stunning the views are, especially during sunset, when the sky turns a mix of colors. The outdoor decks are perfect for enjoying the cool evening air, while the indoor area is comfortable for dining.

The atmosphere is described as relaxed and friendly, with some guests appreciating the live music by Phoebe Jacobs, who plays popular songs on guitar. It adds a nice touch without overwhelming the tranquil setting.

Star gazing is possible if the weather is clear, and many reviewers note the calmness of the water and the peaceful environment—a perfect way to wind down after a busy day sightseeing.

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Staff and Service

Guests consistently praise the friendly, attentive staff. Many mention how organized and professional the team is, making the experience smooth from start to finish. Several reviews highlight the helpfulness of the crew, who are quick to respond to requests and ensure guests are comfortable.

The safety briefing is clear, and the crew is known for their courteousness. From check-in to the final goodbye, the staff make a genuine effort to create a welcoming environment—something that many reviewers comment on positively.

Suitability and Considerations

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want a laid-back, scenic dinner experience. It suits couples celebrating a special night, small groups, or anyone wanting to see Cairns from the water with minimal fuss.

Important to note: The cruise isn’t suitable for people with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as access is limited. Also, guests should be dressed in tropical cocktail attire and wear comfortable shoes suitable for boating.

Weather can be a factor—while most reviews praise the experience, some mention that rain can alter views or the experience slightly. Bringing a jacket is recommended, especially during the cooler months.

Price and Value

While the exact cost isn’t specified here, reviews suggest that the value for money is generally perceived as good, especially considering the quality of food, scenic views, and friendly service. The buffet’s generous portions, combined with the atmosphere and the cruise itself, make it a worthwhile splurge for those wanting an elegant but relaxed evening.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This?

This dinner cruise is perfect if you want a peaceful, scenic way to end your day in Cairns. It’s especially suited for romantic evenings, special celebrations, or simply unwinding after a day of sightseeing. The combination of good food, beautiful water views, and a friendly crew makes it a reliable choice.

If you’re after a lively party atmosphere or need accessibility accommodations, this might not be the best fit. But if you appreciate good quality food, stellar scenery, and a relaxed environment, the Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise offers a memorable evening on the water.

FAQs

Is the cruise suitable for children?
This experience is not specifically tailored for children, and it’s best suited for adults. The setting is more relaxed and designed for a mature audience, with no mention of family-friendly amenities.

What should I wear?
Tropical cocktail attire is recommended, with a jacket for the cooler months. Comfortable shoes suitable for boating are advised.

Can I purchase drinks onboard?
Yes, there is a licensed bar where you can buy wine, beer, spirits, and cocktails. Drinks are available for purchase throughout the cruise.

What is included in the price?
The price typically covers the cruise itself, a welcome drink, and the buffet dinner. Beverages beyond the welcome drink and any extras are purchased separately.

Is the cruise affected by weather?
Rain can sometimes impact the experience, so bring a weather-appropriate jacket. The cruise generally proceeds in light rain, but heavy weather may cause delays or cancellations.

How long does the cruise last?
Approximately 2.5 hours, making it a manageable evening activity without feeling rushed.

Is there wheelchair access?
No, this cruise isn’t suitable for guests with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

In the end, the Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise offers a peaceful yet scenic way to enjoy Cairns’ waterfront in style. With plentiful, fresh food, friendly staff, and beautiful views, it’s well worth considering if you want a relaxing night out on the water. Just make sure the timing and accessibility align with your needs, and you’re in for a memorable evening.

You can check availability for your dates here: