Sydney

The iconic Sydney Opera House greeted us as our ship, Rhapsody of the Seas, docked at the beautiful Sydney Harbour.

A stroll along the shoreline at sunset followed by a concert was on the plan. And that was only the start of our 11-night cruise to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

The high cost of holidaying in the reef resorts had put the paradise out of our reach for some years until we found out about Royal Caribbean International's new cruise package, which became available just last month.

Scuba Dive in the crystal clear water at Great Barrier Reef

With 24-hour room service, international cuisines, accommodation, onboard activities and entertainment included in our package, we enjoyed two nights of restful and fun-filled sailing before arriving at the Great Barrier Reef at daybreak.

Hamilton Island

On the east coast of Queensland is Hamilton Island, the largest inhabited island of the Whitsundays, and the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

The island is home to beautiful coral reefs, tropical gardens and fine white beaches.

We had the option to explore the reefs on a glass-bottom boat. Snorkelling and scuba-diving gear was also available for us to take a plunge into the crystal clear water.

For the first of the many days that we spent at the reefs, we went for a scenic flight over the island. The view from above was simply breathtaking.

At the island's Fauna Reserve, it was sheer joy to spot koalas and kangaroos among the rich vegetation.

After a lunch of yabbies (small freshwater lobsters) served with locally produced wines, we had a choice of game fishing, range shooting or going on a trail around the shoreline of Catseye Bay.

The trail was a blast. Besides the dramatic views at the rocky summit of Passage Peak, we also saw numerous birds and lizard species, and even a few goats left behind from the island's grazing past.

Cairns

Heading to the tropical north, we arrived at Cairns (pronounced "Cans"), known for its rainforests, wetlands and woodlands.

Snorkelling with fishes was a great way to begin the day. We frolicked with thousands of marine life before heading up shore on a trek through the eucalypt woodlands, home to 500 different species of eucalyptus.

Four Mile Beach at Port Douglas

A highlight of the day was a journey down the Trinity Inlet.

Cairns is known for its melaleuca wetlands and riverine rainforests.

Exploring the peaceful marshland and its glorious creatures was an unforgettable encounter.

Port Douglas

One hour away from Cairns, we arrived at Port Douglas and its famous Four Mile Beach.

If we were on a land tour, we would have packed and unpacked for the umpteenth time by now.

But it was so hassle-free being on a cruise. We conveniently took another dip into the crystalline waters and relished in the simple pleasure of sipping juice at a seaside caf?, drinking along with it the magnificent views of coves, reefs and jungles that surrounded us.

Cooktown

Our next stop was Cooktown, the remote frontier on the east coast of Australia that dazzles with its unspoilt beauty.

Strolling down the walking trails leading to the beautiful beach at Finch Bay, we stumbled upon fragrant gardens, mangrove- lined riverbanks and the dim majesty of rainforests.

We enjoyed organic, fresh local cuisine that combined European recipes with a touch of Asian seasoning in dishes consisting of barramundi, mud crab, crocodile meat, mangoes and macadamia nuts.

Brisbane

Great Barrier Reef

Back on board, we sailed past the scenic Willis Island in the joyful company of masked, brown and red-footed boobies (a type of seabird) on our way to Brisbane.

The cool and casual capital of Queensland is located on the banks of the Brisbane River and surrounded by rolling hills.

Devoid of the usual big city airs, the urban oasis is easy on the eyes, making it another highlight of our delightful cruise holiday.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Nov 23, 2008.

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