Embark on the ultimate Australian adventure, combining a 10-night Royal Princess® cruise with a cross-continental rail adventure from Darwin to Adelaide on board The Ghan.
Your voyage begins in Sydney, where you’ll enjoy a one-night hotel stay before joining Royal Princess® for an unforgettable 10-night roundtrip cruise along the Queensland Coast. Explore the stunning turquoise waters of the Whitsunday Islands, marvel at the Great Barrier Reef’s teeming wildlife, and bask in the urban energy of Brisbane during this sensational voyage.
Arriving back in Sydney, you’ll fly to Darwin for a one-night hotel stay ahead of the three-night, four-day rail adventure on board The Ghan. Included in your Gold Service journey, enjoy Off Train Experiences in historic outback locations, recline in the comfort of your sleeper cabin, and savour all-inclusive dining before alighting in Adeliade for a final hotel stay.
Your Imagine Holiday Includes
10 night full-board cruise on board Royal Princess®
3 night all-inclusive rail journey on board The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide with all meals, fine wines and beverages
1 night four-star stay in Sydney at the Mercure Sydney
Your Voyage
Your Itinerary
The vibrant capital of New South Wales captivates with its iconic landmarks, stunning harbour, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The Sydney Opera House stands as a symbol of architectural brilliance, while the Sydney Harbour Bridge offers breathtaking views.
Overnight: Mercure Sydney
Today you’ll embark the refined Royal Princess® for your cruise back to Auckland. This luxurious ship’s striking design, diverse dining options, and exceptional entertainment ensure an unforgettable experience at sea.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Royal Princess®
Airlie Beach is a paradise of palm-fringed beaches and the gateway to the sublimely beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Beyond the boutiques, cafés and markets, Airlie Beach’s true allure is the plethora of Great Barrier Reef adventures available.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Royal Princess®
Discover the tropical paradise of Yorkeys Knob, Cairns, Queensland. With pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and endless adventures, let its charm and natural beauty rejuvenate your spirit and create unforgettable memories.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Royal Princess®
Escape to tropical bliss in Port Douglas, Queensland. Immerse yourself in the Great Barrier Reef’s beauty, explore ancient rainforests, and unwind on golden beaches. Let this paradise captivate your senses and rejuvenate your soul.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Royal Princess®
Willis Island, a tiny speck in the Coral Sea, services Australia with vital weather information. Surrounded by coral reefs and with only seabirds and nesting turtles for company, just a handful of meteorologists live here at any time.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Royal Princess®
Embrace the lively energy of Brisbane, Queensland. With its sunny climate, riverfront beauty, and vibrant arts scene, it’s a city that invites you to explore the best of Australian urban and outdoor living.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Royal Princess®
Nestled on the Timor Sea, Darwin is renowned for its stunning sunsets, pristine beaches, and lush parks. Explore the city’s rich history at the Darwin Museum and Art Gallery, or visit the breathtaking landscapes of Kakadu National Park.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
Take up your all-inclusive, Gold Service seat on The Ghan Expedition to begin the iconic rail journey from Darwin to Adelaide. As darkness falls, head to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, full of culinary wonders prepared by talented onboard chefs.
Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis
Overnight: The Ghan
Sip on freshly brewed coffee or delicious juice as day dawns over the outback. Relish a hearty brunch as you make your way through the MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs, where you’ll have a choice of included Off Train Experiences.
Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis
Overnight: The Ghan
Today your train stops at Manguri, where you’ll venture into the exceptionally unique opal mining township of Coober Pedy. Relish a delicious gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations, where half of its residents live: underground.
Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis
Overnight: The Ghan
Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you prepare for your mid-morning arrival into Adelaide. Here, you’ll experience the city’s heart with a one-night hotel stay. Visit The Art Gallery of South Australia or hit the beach in historic Glenelg.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Adelaide
Your holiday complete, today you’ll head to the airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Royal Princess®
This stunning cruise ship will journey you across the ocean in style to a variety of captivating, must-not-miss destinations around the world.
From the moment you step on board, you’ll receive a warm and inviting welcome from the friendly and attentive crew, providing you with an experience that truly is your home away from home.
With an array of accommodation options to choose from, you can travel with comfort, ease, and wonder. Speaking of the latter, breathtaking views are available from the glass walkway extending over the edge of the ship, known as the SeaWalk.
With enthralling entertainment to absorb yourself in, Royal Princess® offers Broadway-style shows in the Princess Theatre, as well as movies quite literally under the stars. Royal Princess provides a variety of attractions and leisure facilities to delight in at every stage of your voyage.
- Tonnage 142,229 tons
- Length 1,083 ft (330.00 m)
Life on Board Royal Princess®
As a guest on board Royal Princess®, you can expect an unmatched international cruise experience, with amenities, activities, and attractions to suit your every whim and preference.
dining
The vast and tastefully selected range of dining options on board Royal Princess®, means there will be something to satisfy your taste buds at every stage of your cruise.
Restaurants:
- Allegro Dining Room
- Concerto Dining Room
- Symphony Dining Room
- Alfredo’s Pizzeria
- Crown Grill
- Gelato
- Horizon Court
- International Café
- Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar
- Prego Pizzeria
- Sabatini’s
- The Pastry Shop
- Trident Grill
Bars & Lounges:
- Good Spirits at Sea
- Vines
- Bellini’s
- Churchill’s Cigar Lounge
- Crooners
- Wheelhouse Pub
- Princess Live
- SeaView Bar
- Mermaid’s Tail
- Outrigger Bar
- Retreat Pool Bar
- Vista Lounge
- Club 6
- Concierge Lounge for Suite passengers
Facilities
Life on board Royal Princess® means never running out of captivating and stimulating things to do. Facilities available for discerning travellers’ enjoyment on this Royal-class ship include:
- Shops
- Swimming pools and hot tubs
- Lotus Spa
- Fitness Centre
entertainment
Royal Princess® is a cruise ship with very few equals, whether with regard to sheer luxury, or the wealth of entertainment options on offer to guests.
- Watercolor Fantasy Show
- Broadway-style musical shows
- Live music
- Princess Theatre
- Movies Under the Stars®
The Ghan
In 2019, the legendary locomotive celebrated 90 years of service. The Ghan offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, following the tracks of pioneering explorers through the red heart of Australia, passing through parts of the great continent that most others cannot reach.
Today, the north to south journey (or vice versa) across country covers almost 3,000 kilometres of track, from the lush green plains of South Australia to the rusty, dusty Red Centre and the tropical foliage of Darwin.
While many changes have been made to the train and its route across Australia, the pioneer spirit remains the same. On board you’ll discover fine dining and even finer wines, elegant cabins ranging from luxurious to the height of sophistication, attentive staff to ensure you make the most of this incredible experience, and a range of Off-Train excursions that show off the top sights of this mysterious, inhospitable land.
- Occupancy 283
- Tonnage 3 tons
- Length 9,842 ft (3,000.00 m)
Life on Board The Ghan
From exquisite fine dining to cosy cabins and sophisticated lounges, spend your days on board doing as much or as little as you like.
Gold Service
From the moment you step on board, you’ll be immersed in the world of romance that epitomises rail travel. As the most popular service option, you’ll have everything you need to feel right at home for the duration of your journey.
Choose between Gold Service Twin and Single cabins, both of which provide the perfect place to unwind after a day of Off Train Experiences. Catch up with new-found friends in the shared Outback Explorer Lounge and dine on delicious dishes in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant.
Gold Service fares include hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches, and three-course dinners; you can also choose to complement your meal with a selection of premium wines and beverages.
- All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant
- All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages
- All-inclusive Off Train Experiences and Short Stops
- Luggage allowance is 60kg per guest
- Complimentary Shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin to selected hotels in the city centre
Platinum Service
Nothing enhances the romance of rail travel quite like Platinum Service. Tailored for the discerning traveller, it adds a new level of luxury and sophistication to your journey.
Stylishly appointed and spacious cabins are complemented by discreet, personalised service, world-class food and wine, and access to the exclusive Platinum Club for meals, and socialising.
With Platinum Service, the food and wine are of the highest standard. Enjoy hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches, and four-course dinners, all paired with premium wines.
All-inclusive dining, beverages, and Off Train Experiences
Spacious Double or Twin cabin almost twice the size of a Gold Service Twin cabin
By day, cabins are set up lounge-style with a moveable table and two ottomans
By night, lounges are converted to double or twin beds
En suite equipped with separate shower, vanity with cupboard space, toilet, and Australian bathroom amenities
Premium amenities, luxuriously soft linen, and silk eye masks
Power outlets and in-cabin safe
In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
Panoramic windows offering views from both sides of the train
Access to the exclusive Platinum Club for dining and socialising
Freshly prepared continental breakfasts served upon request in-cabin
Refreshments served in-cabin
90 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 30 kg each).
Priority luggage check-in
Off-Train Experiences
The Ghan is a famous long-distance passenger train in Australia that travels from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north, crossing the heart of the continent. While the primary focus of The Ghan is the on-train experience, there are also off-train experiences included in some of the journeys. These off-train experiences allow passengers to explore and enjoy various attractions along the route. Keep in mind that the specific off-train experiences may vary depending on the chosen journey.
Katherine
One common stop is in Katherine, located in the Northern Territory. Passengers may have the opportunity to explore the town and its surroundings. The Katherine Gorge, a stunning natural attraction in Nitmiluk National Park, is often a highlight. Visitors can take boat cruises or scenic flights to appreciate the beauty of the gorge.
Alice Springs
Another significant stop is often in Alice Springs, a town in the Red Centre of Australia. Passengers may have time to explore the town and its iconic landmarks, such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air. The rugged landscapes surrounding Alice Springs also offer opportunities for unique experiences like camel rides and visits to the MacDonnell Ranges.
Coober Pedy
Some journeys may include a stop in Coober Pedy, a town known for its opal mining industry. Visitors can explore underground homes, visit opal mines, and learn about the local history. The unique landscape of this outback town, with its underground dwellings to escape the extreme heat, is often a fascinating part of the journey.
Marla
Marla is a remote outpost in South Australia, and some journeys may include a brief stop. While the town itself may be small, it provides an opportunity to experience the vastness and isolation of the Australian Outback.
Darwin or Adelaide
Depending on the direction of the journey, the final destination city (either Darwin or Adelaide) offers its own set of attractions. In Darwin, passengers might explore the city’s rich cultural and historical sites, while in Adelaide, they may visit museums, gardens, and enjoy the vibrant urban atmosphere.
Cabins & Suites
Unsurprisingly, Royal Princess® presents an abundance of luxurious accommodation options – but even by this ship’s remarkable standards, many of those options have spare capacity to delight and surprise.
Interior Prices from $8,999pp
Interior cabins are the most affordable stateroom available for Royal Princess®. However, this doesn’t prevent them from representing an excellent option for a luxury cruise ship holiday, with perks such as the below:
- Television
- Refrigerator
- Desk and chair
- Queen bed or twin beds
- Digital safe
- Bathroom with shower
- 24-hour room service
balcony Prices from $10,499pp
The sleekly styled Balcony cabin presents you with the indulgence of a balcony, and superior space to an Interior room. You will have your very own private outdoor space to enjoy, complete with a table, two chairs, and a view like no other.
- Television
- Refrigerator
- Desk and chair
- Queen bed or twin beds
- Digital safe
- Bathroom with shower
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
- Balcony with two chairs and a table
- 24-hour room service
Mini-Suite Prices from $11,499pp
A Mini-Suite offers continually captivating ocean views, plus extra space compared to a Balcony stateroom. These qualities could make this stateroom just the thing if you’re on holiday with your family or as part of a group.
- Two televisions
- Refrigerator
- Desk and chair
- Queen bed or twin beds
- Digital safe
- Bathroom with bathtub and shower head
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
- Balcony with two to four chairs, an ottoman, and a table
- Separate sitting area
- Sofa bed
- 24-hour room service
Your Hotel Stays
Sydney
Mercure Sydney (Or Similar)
The Mercure Sydney is a stylish and contemporary hotel in the heart of Sydney. With its prime location, it offers easy access to major attractions like Darling Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and the iconic Harbour Bridge. The hotel features modern rooms, equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. Enjoy delicious dining options at the on-site restaurant, relax at the rooftop pool, and stay fit at the fitness centre.
Darwin
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront (Or Similar)
Vibe Hotel brings Darwin’s vibrant Waterfront district to your doorstep. Enjoy lush parks, lounge on the man-made beach and swim in the turquoise saltwater lagoon. The hotel’s accommodations boast spacious, contemporary accommodations equipped with free Wi-Fi, en suite bathrooms an tea-and-coffee facilities. Take a dip in the hotel swimming pool, burn some calories in the well-equipped fitness centre, or take leisurely stroll along Darwin’s promenade to discover the city’s vibrant restaurant scene and nightlife. The superb location and excellent facilities at Vibe Hotel make for a relaxing, hassle-free stay.
Adelaide
Crowne Plaza Adelaide (Or Similar)
Discover unparalleled luxury at Crowne Plaza Adelaide, where sophistication meets comfort in the heart of the city. Indulge in stylish accommodations, seamlessly blending modern design with exceptional amenities. With panoramic views of the skyline and the River Torrens, our hotel offers a prime location for both business and leisure travellers. Immerse yourself in world-class dining at our signature restaurant and unwind in the rooftop pool. Elevate your stay in Adelaide with Crowne Plaza, where every moment is a testament to refined elegance and impeccable service.
Saver Fares
Enjoy the same exceptional value with our holiday packages featuring hotel stays, memorable tours, and iconic rail journeys around the world, all without transfers* included – travel your way with Imagine Holidays.
*Available at an additional cost, call one of our Holiday Experts for more details.
