An elderly man has died aboard a cruise ship docked in Port Douglas.

Police said the 76-year old Victorian had been travelling with his wife aboard the Sun Princess cruise ship from Willis Island.

The man is believed to have died of natural causes on Sunday, with the cruise ship docking just off Port Douglas Tuesday morning.

Authorities have taken the deceased's body to the Cairns morgue. 

Sergeant Damian Meadows said a police report will be sent to the coroner following post-mortem examinations.

"There doesn't appear to be any suspicious circumstances," Sgt Meadows said. 

"Obviously it's very distressing circumstances for his wife to be put through. 

"Medical staff and the crew of the vessel have provided statements to police. 

"It's a distressing time for all involved." 

The cruise ship and police are contacting the man's immediate family members. 

The Sun Princess had been travelling up the east coast from Sydney, visiting Brisbane, Willis Island, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach on its journey.