CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has modified the itinerary of Carnival Splendor’s September 9th, 2026, sailing after reduced channel depths prevented the ship from safely reaching the Cairns Cruise Terminal.
Instead of docking directly at Cairns on September 13th, Carnival Splendor will anchor at Yorkeys Knob. Passengers will be transferred ashore by water shuttles and will retain the opportunity to visit Cairns during the port call.
The ship will then proceed to Airlie Beach on September 14th. The scheduled positions of the Airlie Beach call and the Willis Island scenic cruising experience have also been exchanged, with corresponding adjustments to the ship’s arrival and departure times.
Carnival said the Port of Cairns had advised that the channel depth issue would not be rectified before Carnival Splendor’s scheduled visit. The revised itinerary was therefore implemented to maintain safe navigation while preserving the planned opportunity for passengers to visit the Cairns area.
For more Carnival Splendor incidents and accidents, see the ship's CruiseMinus page