A Coral Princess cruise is an eco-cruise. It is a unique, intimate environmental experience incorporating soft adventure and expedition style experiences.
Coral Princess and Coral Princess II are 35 metre "state of the art" mini cruise ships which accommodate just 54 guests. The vessels are custom make to exceed safety specifications for tropical open-water cruising.
The ships are fully air conditioned and on board you can do as much or as little as you want. To help guests better appreciate and understand the Reef, interpretation accompanies all activities.
The Coral Princess is luxuriously appointed with dining room featuring the best of the tropical North Queensland seafood and fruit. All cabins and staterooms are large, modern and resort-style with full size double or twin beds, full air conditioning and private ensuites.
The on-board dive shop is manned by a qualified diving instructor offering resort dive courses for the beginner and a comprehensive and varied dive program for qualified scuba divers.
Cairns to Townsville, 4 Day/3 NightDay 1 Cairns to Sudbury Reef 8:45 board the vessel at Cairns Trinity Wharf, departing at 9:30. Cruise the Outer Great Barrier Reef visiting Thetford Reef and Sudbury Cay for fish feeding, snorkelling, coral viewing, scuba diving and reef fishing. Overnight we anchor at Sudbury Reef lagoon, and enjoy the glass bottom boat, snorkelling and fishing before sunset. LD
Day 2 Sudbury Reef to Dunk Island Awaken this morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before exploring the many beautiful reefs that are found n this area. Visit Coates or Nathan Reefs before continuing to Dunk Island for overnight anchorage. Guests can use this famous resort's facilities - golf course, tennis courts, rainforest walks, hire a catamaran or sailboard and attend the evening cabaret. BLD
Day 3 Dunk Island to Herald Island Today we cruise the spectacular Family Group of islands, the only tropical rainforest islands on the Australian coast. Enjoy a beach barbecue before heading through the Hinchinbrook Channel to Herald Island where we anchor overnight. BLD
Day 4 Herold Island to Townsville This morning we cruise towards Townsville passing Magnetic Island before arriving at approximately 10:30am. B
- DEPARTURES: Every Thursday and Saturday
- PRICES: Please request the latest prices. (You have a choice of cabins).
- PRICE INCLUSIONS : Please scroll down for all the inclusions on your cruise.
Townsville to Cairns, 4 Day/3 Night
Day 1 Townsville - Pelorus Island 12:30 board the vessel at Breakwater Terminal for a 13:00 departure. Cruise the Palm Group of islands. Overnight anchorage at our exclusive Pelorus Island. D
Day 2 Pelorus Island to Dunk Island Time to further enjoy this beautiful Island with its magnificent fringing reef, beach and rainforest. Enjoy a beach BBQ ashore. Cruise the spectacular Hinchinbrook Channel and the Family Group of islands. Visit Dunk Island resort and a guided rainforest walk. Overnight on board at Dunk Island. BLD
Day 3 Dunk Island to Sudbury Reef A full day is spent cruising the outer Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy snorkelling, coral viewing, scuba diving and reef fishing at Nathan or Coates Reefs and Sudbury Cay. Overnight anchorage at Sudbury Reef Lagoon. BLD
Day 4 Sudbury Reef to Cairns Visit Thetford Reef for fish feeding and further enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. Arrive Cairns at 15:30. BL
- DEPARTURES: Every Tuesday and Sunday.
- PRICES: Please request the latest prices. (You have a choice of cabins).
- PRICE INCLUSIONS : Please scroll down for all the inclusions on your cruise.
Cairns to Townsville to Cairns, 7 Day/6 Night
Day 2 Sudbury Reef to Dunk Island Visit Coates or Nathan Reefs to further enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. Visit Dunk Island Resort. Overnight onboard at Dunk Island.
Day 3 Dunk Island to Herald Island Cruise the Family Group of Islands (the only tropical rainforest islands on the Australian Coast). Cruise the Hinchinbrook Channel and visit our exclusive Pelorus Island with its magnificent fringing reef, beach and rainforest. Enjoy a beach BBQ. Cruise the Palm Group of islands. Overnight anchorage at Herald Island.
Day 4 Herald Island to Townsville Cruise Halifax Bay passing Magnetic Island, in Townsville at 10:30. You may leave the vessel to spend the next two hours in Townsville. At 12:30 board the vessel, for a 13:00 departure. Cruise the palm Group of Islands.
Day 5 Townsville to Dunk Island Time to further enjoy this beautiful island with its magnificent fringing reef, beach and rainforest. Enjoy a beach BBQ ashore. Cruise the spectacular Hinchinbrook Channel and the Family Group of islands. Visit Dunk Island resort and a guided rainforest walk. Overnight on board at Dunk Island.
Day 6 Dunk Island to Sunbury Reef A full Day is spent cruising the outer Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy snorkelling, coral viewing, scuba diving and reef fishing at Nathan or Coates Reefs and Sudbury Cay. Overnight anchorage at Sudbury Reef Lagoon.
Day 7 Sudbury Reef to Cairns Visit Thetford Reef for fish feeding and further enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. Arrive Cairns at 15:30pm.
- DEPARTURES: Every Thursday and Saturday.
- PRICES: Please request the latest prices. (You have a choice of cabins).
- PRICE INCLUSIONS : Please scroll down for all the inclusions on your cruise.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Your cruise includes:
- All meals, morning and afternoon teas.
- Tea, coffee and snacks are available at all times.
- Coral viewing
- Reef fishing
- Presentations by Marine Biologists
- Use of snorkelling equipment (masks and flippers)
- Access to islands, marine and national parks
- Use of a comprehensive range of library and video resources
- An introductory scuba experience for first time divers
Exclusions
Your cruise does not include:
- Pre and post-cruise transfers
- Bar and shop purchases
- Ship to shore telephone and facsimile calls
- Costs associated with scuba diving
YOUR CRUISE
The cruise between Townsville and Cairns is a leisurely adventure visiting uninhabited reef and mainland rainforest-clad islands, and features a variety of night-time stopovers.
Your World Heritage Experience
The informative crew will always be on hand for assistance and information about the fascinating reef life and habitat. Join the marine biologist aboard the glass bottom boat - or go snorkelling in the clear tropical waters.
Our experienced dive instructor will also be there to offer you the exhilarating experience of scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. It's your choice. Uncover the secrets of the Barrier Reef! An incredible underwater world will be revealed to you at numerous exclusive reef sites.
Your Ultimate Voyage
Explore unique marine and national parks. Take Advantage of the Modern Facilities and the attentive service of the friendly and informative crew. Enjoy the finest North Queensland seafoods and tropical fruits.
Relax and be pampered. Enjoy complete comfort and luxury on the modern mini-cruise ships Discover Australia's most picturesque coastline and the world's largest marine park, the Great Barrier Reef.
Your Wilderness Expedition
As you cruise the Hinchinbrook channel the spectacular scenery of Hinchinbrook Island, the world's largest island national park, will be revealed to you. Participate in informative presentations and slide shows. And join the guided rainforest walk on Dunk Island.
Your Island Adventure
The starkness of the remote and unique coral cay will fascinate you. Be our guest on Coral Princess' exclusive Pelorus Island and go snorkelling among the brilliant corals and teeming fish life of the fringing reef.
Make use of the resort facilities at Dunk Island or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of these wonderful tropical islands. Discover a paradise of resort & uninhabited Islands. Become a lazy beachcomber or an inquisitive adventurer on your island hopping voyage of discovery.
ACCOMMODATION ON BOARD
Resort style living at its best - your onboard facilities are what you would expect of a much larger cruise ship:
- Elegantly appointed air-conditioned dining lounges
- VHS video and television
- Spa pool and sundeck
- Security safe
- Fully stocked cocktail bar
- Comprehensive dive shop
- Shipboard Shop with a range of souvenirs and personal items available for purchase
- Telephone and facsimile
Select from three types of accommodation. They are all elegantly appointed. The discerning traveller has a choice of Deluxe or Standard Staterooms. The more budget conscious may select a Cabin.
Should you need, some Staterooms have extra divans or Pullman berths. A few have connecting doors. All accommodation is spacious and air conditioned with private ensuites. There is a choice of single or double beds. All rooms are serviced daily.
Accommodation on Coral Princess is based on double occupancy. If you are travelling alone and wish to share accommodation, a roommate will be assigned for you whenever possible. When pairing roommates, Coral Princess will always pair participants of the same sex, and make every effort to accommodate smokers with other smokers.
Additional guest facilities include:
- Large glass bottom boat for reef and fish viewing
- Presentations by fully qualified Marine Biologists
- Reef fishing tackle
- Snorkelling equipment, masks and fins
- Comprehensive resource library featuring videos and books on the reef and islands of tropical North Queensland.
- Tea, coffee and snacks are available at all times.
MORE USEFUL INFORMATION
For most activities a relatively low level of exertion is required. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for excursions ashore, however there will be staff and crew members on hand to assist.
Ashore, you must be able to walk moderate distances over sometimes rough terrain. Trips are timed to depart at the end of the wet season when there will be a minimal chance of rainfall, and temperatures should be most pleasant. Average daily temperatures will range from the mid-20 degrees C to the high-30's.
Luggage
Clothing
As we are in the tropics, we suggest casual clothing such as shorts and T-shirts during the day, as well as swimming costume, hat and sunglasses.
For evenings on board and at Dunk Island, smart casual attire is suggested. The shop on board carries a large range of souvenirs and personal items.
Electricity
All cabins are fitted with international power outlets for shavers, hair dryers and other electrical appliances.
Special Diets & Special Occassions
On booking, advise your travel agent should you have special dietary needs, or if you wish to celebrate a special occasion during your cruise.
Travel Insurance
It is strongly advised that all travellers purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance prior to departure.
Valuables