Great Barrier Reef Cruises - North Queensland Cruising
A day trip to the reef is a must-do on the list of any visitor to Tropical North Queensland, but for a more in-depth exploration of one of the world's great natural wonders, nothing beats a cruise.
There are many ways to visit the world's largest and most impressive reef, including day trips and flights in planes or helicopters, but if both leave you wanting more, a cruise is the ideal solution. Cruising offers serious divers, first-time divers, snorkelling enthusiasts and sightseers a more in-depth and leisurely way to explore more of the reef's picturesque sides and natural charms. They include tiny coral cays, small islands teeming with unique plants and wildlife, historical sites and the various pockets of the inner and outer reef itself. Many of them feature different coral formations and marine life, and some cannot be accessed by day-trippers.
From basic liveaboards, to specific dedicated cruise ships where you can lounge by a pool with a good book, there are a number of operators plying these balmy waters year-round.
Coral Princess Cruises
This line has three expedition-style ships and offers a wide range of itineraries covering the Great Barrier Reef and Cape York.
The vessels: Coral Princess carries 50 passengers in cabins with twin beds, and staterooms (standard, upper deck or deluxe) with twin or double beds. All have en-suites and air-conditioning. Other facilities include a dining room, two lounges, a bar and a spa pool. Carrying 46 passengers, the Coral Princess II has similar accommodation and facilities.
Activities: Include snorkelling, scuba diving and glass-bottom boat tours. On three-night itineraries you can expect to dive up to five times, and on the four-nights up to six times. A free introductory scuba experience is offered for first-timers.
Itineraries: There are three-night cruises with departures from both Cairns and Townsville, visiting Dunk Island and Thetford Reef. There are also four-night round trips from Cairns, visiting Cooktown, Lizard Island and the Ribbon Reefs. This trip can be combined with a three-night cruise to or from Townsville, and there are also selected seven-, 13- and 14-day Cape York cruise expeditions.
Visit www.coralprincess.com.au or call 1800 079 545.
Explorer Ventures
This global dive operator has a fleet of custom-designed vessels that transport serious scuba divers to some of the world's top dive sites.
The vessel: The Nimrod Explorer is a catamaran that accommodates 18 passengers in two double, one twin, and three quadruple cabins, all with en-suites. Facilities on board include a dining and relaxation area, an entertainment centre and a bar.
Activities: Although you can snorkel, the focus is scuba diving and passengers can enjoy up to five dives per day. PADI courses are available, from open water certification through to advanced and specialty courses, including solo diving.
Itineraries: The Nimrod Explorer operates three-, four- and seven-day itineraries departing from Cairns or Cooktown. Destinations include the famous Ribbon Reefs from Cairns to Cooktown, and the rarely visited far northern reaches of the reef towards Papua New Guinea.
Visit www.explorerventures.com, or call (07) 4031 5566.
Captain Cook Cruises
This "small ship" cruise operator has one ship based in the region year-round, offering itineraries showcasing the Great Barrier Reef and Cape York.
The vessel: MV Reef Endeavour is purpose-built for cruising the reef. It carries 150 passengers, but a shallow draft enables it to combine big-ship facilities with an up-close reef experience. There are 75 staterooms and cabins on board, all with en-suites and air-conditioning. Other facilities include a pool, a gym, two bars and lounges, and a dining room.
Activities: There are plenty of snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities, or you can enjoy the ship's facilities. Scuba divers must present an internationally recognised Open Water Dive Certificate to dive.
Itineraries: The ship operates three-night southbound cruises visiting Outer Hedley Reef and Dunk Island, and four-night northbound cruises that visit Green lsland, Lizard Island and Ribbon Reef. There's also a seven-night cruise that combines both trips, and selected seven-night Cape York cruises, which visit Cooktown and Thursday Island. All departures are from Cairns.
Visit www.captaincook.com.au, or call 1800 804 843.
New Horizon
This operator has a fleet of three yachts, one of which operates short cruises combining sailing with scuba diving.
The vessel: The Santa Maria offers the romance, nostalgia and intimacy of a gaff-rigged schooner built in the 1800s. It carries 10 passengers and there are three types of accommodation; one private cabin with a double bed, one cabin with two double beds and a single, and a salon with five single beds.
Activities: There's snorkelling and dives include introductory, certified and specialised courses. Passengers can also learn about sailing, as helping out with the boat's day-to-day operations is welcomed.
Itineraries: The Santa Maria operates two night trips from Cairns, visiting reef areas including Thetford, Mooreand Briggs. Visit www.reefcharter.com, or call (07) 4055 6130.
Breaking News: Fantasea launched its new luxury ship, Fantasea Ammari this March. The ship sleeps 60 passengers and will operate short cruises from Hamilton Island. Call 1800 662 786 or visit www. fantaseaammari.com.
Written by Joanna Hall, Issue 27 Autumn 2007