The Great Barrier Reef

Explore all the hidden jewels of the Great Barrier Reef. Three and four night small ship cruises allow you to swim, snorkel and SCUBA dive amid the fish and corals in the clear tropical waters. Or you can join our marine biologist aboard the glass bottom boat, stroll golden sandy beaches on remote coral cays or visit secluded tropical islands and ancient rainforests, while our on-board experts interpret the natural wonders of the reef, rainforest and island habitats. We’ll show you the reef most visitors never see - and you can chose to be as adventurous or as relaxed as you please.

Inclusions

Every cruise includes on-board accommodation, all meals, morning and afternoon teas, tea and coffee available at all times, use of snorkelling equipment, masks, fins, flotation vests and wetsuits, guided glass-bottom boat coral viewing and snorkelling excursions, presentation by Marine Biologists, access to islands, marine and national parks, use of comprehensive range of library and video resources, an introductory SCUBA experience for first time divers. Prices exclude pre and post cruise transfers, shore excursions and entrance fees in Cooktown, bar and ship purchases, ship to shore telephone and facsimile calls, costs associated with SCUBA diving and Government EMC (approx $15 pp).

Ship Facilities - Coral Princess & Coral Princess II

Air-conditioned dining room with modern décor, two comfortable air-conditioned lounges, comprehensive resource library featuring videos, DVDs and books on the reef and islands of Tropical North Queensland, large sundeck and spa, comprehensive dive shop, a range of souvenirs and personal items available for purchase, telephone and facsimile.

Accommodation

Accommodation for up to 44 passengers (Coral Princess II) or 50 passengers (Coral Princess) in twin/double staterooms & cabins. Deluxe Staterooms (1-2 pax) are spacious and are situated on the top deck, Upper Deck Staterooms (1-2 pax) located on the upper decks, Staterooms (1-3 pax) are located on the main dining deck. Some staterooms have an extra divan or Pullman Berth suitable for a third person/child, and compact Cabins (1-2 pax) on the main and lower decks (twin/bunk). All levels of accommodation are air-conditioned with private bathroom ensuites, international power outlets, hair dryers, shampoo, conditioner & towels serviced daily.

Dining

Dining featuring fresh local produce and seafood is central to cruising the Great Barrier Reef. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all buffet style. Special diets can be catered for however we require a minimum of two weeks notice.

Itineraries

• 3 Night Great Barrier Reef Cruise: Cairns to Townsville: Depart Cairns Saturday 11am (alternate weeks 21Mar - 03Oct). Disembark Townsville Tuesday 10.00am. Experience tropical islands where the rainforest canopy towers overhead, visit reefs where multitudes of coloured fish decorate rich coral gardens and cruise where dolphin play and dugongs glide in the unique Hinchinbrook Channel. (Full itinerary...)
• 3 Night Great Barrier Reef Cruise: Townsville to Cairns: Depart Townsville Tuesday 1.00pm (alternate weeks 24Mar - 06Oct). Disembark Cairns Friday 1.30pm. Experience tropical islands where the rainforest canopy towers overhead, visit reefs where multitudes of coloured fish decorate rich coral gardens and cruise where dolphin play and dugongs glide in the unique Hinchinbrook Channel. (Full itinerary...)
• 4 Night Great Barrier Cruise: Cairns - Lizard Island - Cairns: Depart Cairns Tuesday & Friday 5.00pm - (alternate Tuesdays 24Mar-13Oct, alternative Fridays 27Mar-09Oct Disembark Cairns 8.00am Saturday & Tuesday. Spectacular Lizard Island, an historic coastal outpost and deserted coral cays join rich rainforest and a stunning ribbon reef as the unforgettable experiences of this cruise. (Full itinerary...)
• 7 Night Ultimate Cruise: The 3 & 4 night cruises combined for the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience. Cairns - Lizard Island - Cairns - Dunk Island - Townsville (CCT7) Depart Cairns Tuesday 5.00pm (alternate weeks 17Mar - 13Oct). Disembark Townsville Tuesday 10.00am. Townsville - Dunk Island - Cairns - Lizard Island - Cairns (CTC7) Depart Townsville Tuesday 1.00pm (alternate weeks 24Mar - 06Oct). Disembark Cairns 8.00am Tuesday (Full itinerary...)

Itineraries subject to change due to weather and other operational requirements.

Rates

Rates per person twin share and valid 01 Apr 2010 to 31 Mar 2011. Prices exclude onboard charges including but not limited to Government Environmental Management Charge (EMC) approx AU$16.50 pp and fuel surcharges