Carnival Cruise Line is making adjustments to the itineraries of some of its Australia-based vessels due to operational restrictions in Cairns.

The Carnival Splendor is one of the vessels affected by the changes, with its September 9, 2026, departure now featuring a new itinerary.

“The Port of Cairns has advised that current channel depths are reduced and are now too shallow to allow for the safe passage of our ship to Cairns Cruise Terminal,” the company said in a statement sent to booked passengers.

As the issue will not be fixed before the Carnival Splendor’s planned arrival in the destination, the visit will be cancelled.

“The safety of our guests is our top priority. While we’re unable to dock alongside in Cairns as originally planned, we are pleased to inform you that we will instead anchor at Yorkeys Knob, where water shuttle operations will allow guests to travel ashore and visit Cairns,” the company explained.

Carnival added that the change of destination led to additional updates to the itinerary, which will now feature visits to Willis Island and Airlie Beach on swapped days.

Arrival and departure times for the visit to Yorkeys Knob were also adjusted, according to the company’s statement.

Pre-purchased Carnival shore excursions will be automatically adjusted based on these itinerary changes.

Sailing from Sydney, the Carnival Splendor will offer a nine-night cruise to the Great Barrier Reef region that also features a visit to Moreton Island.

The current sailing of the Carnival Encounter was also affected by the operational restrictions in Cairns, according to a separate statement.

With its visit to the destination cancelled, the vessel is now scheduled to visit Townsville on September 9, 2026.

The Encounter is on a six-night Great Barrier Reef Cruise that sailed from Brisbane on September 5, 2026. In addition to Townsville, its itinerary features visits to Airlie Beach and Willis Island.