We sailed on the Celebrity Edge from Sydney on a 10-night cruise along Australia’s stunning northeast coast — and we did it in true style, staying in a Sky Suite with full Retreat benefits. 

This 11-night itinerary was called “Great Barrier Reef Cruise” and included stops in Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns (Yorkeys Knob), and Port Douglas.

This is one of our favourite class of ships — stylish, modern, and sophisticated without being stuffy. The design is sleek and contemporary throughout, with standout spaces like the Eden lounge and the stunning multi-deck Grand Plaza. It’s a ship that feels both luxurious and inviting, never stuffy or overly formal

Our Sky Suite was a dream: a spacious bedroom and living area, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a large balcony with designer chairs and even a potted plant. The bathroom had a partial glass wall, a very low (and slightly odd) bathtub, and plenty of storage. The minibar was well-stocked and included in our suite perks. Most impressive of all was our butler, Gazelle, who went above and beyond throughout the cruise — nothing was too much trouble.

As part of The Retreat suite experience, we had exclusive access to Luminé Restaurant, The Retreat Lounge, and The Retreat Sun Deck. The sundeck was a peaceful oasis, with a private pool, hot tub, bar, and café. It was easy to escape the crowds without ever feeling isolated.

Pre-Cruise Stay in Sydney

We stayed at the Little National Hotel Sydney — a sleek and modern hotel just steps from Wynyard train station and within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions. It felt premium without the premium price tag, with surprisingly spacious rooms, a super comfy bed, and huge windows that made the room feel light and open. 

Brisbane

In Brisbane, we headed straight to Australia Zoo — one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world, founded by the late Steve Irwin and still run by the Irwin family today.

Getting there took about an hour and a half each way by coach, but it was absolutely worth it. The zoo is huge, beautifully laid out, and packed with wildlife encounters. We saw crocodile shows, cuddled koalas, fed kangaroos, and even spotted the Irwins filming content while we were there.

What really stood out was how well cared for the animals were, and how much space they had. It felt more like a wildlife sanctuary than a traditional zoo. Whether you’re a fan of the Irwins or just want to see Australia’s iconic animals up close, this is a must-do day out from Brisbane.

Cairns (Yorkeys Knob)

From Cairns, we took a excursion combining two iconic experiences: a World War II amphibious duck tour through the jungle and a scenic ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway through the mountains.  

The Duck Tour was a highlight! The duck vehicle drove us through rainforest paths before splashing into a lake. Our guide for this part was excellent — informative, enthusiastic, and made the whole experience great.

The Kuranda Train was a beautifully scenic 90-minute descent through lush rainforest with waterfalls, bridges, and mountain views. It felt like stepping back in time — quite literally, as the carriages had no air conditioning. It was hot and a bit uncomfortable, but the views were spectacular.

Airlie Beach – Whitehaven & the Great Barrier Reef

This was the port we were most excited for: a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Great Barrier Reef and the breathtaking Whitehaven Beach.

Whitehaven Beach WOW. One of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen. Pure white silica sand, crystal clear water, calm seas, and lush green hills. It’s one of the top 10 beaches in the world for good reason. 

Port Douglas

Our final stop on the cruise was Port Douglas, a charming town just north of Cairns and the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest. We booked a ship excursion that included entry to Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas and a visit to Mossman Gorge.

First stop, The Wildlife Habitat. It was compact but lovely, with free-roaming kangaroos, cheeky parrots, crocodiles, and a surprising variety of birds. It paled in comparison to Australia Zoo but was still a nice experience.  

Next, we visited Mossman Gorge — the oldest rainforest in the world. Elevated walkways made the walk accessible and offered incredible views of giant boulders, rushing streams, and towering trees. We dipped our toes in the icy water and soaked up the peaceful sounds of the forest.