Book your berth on our new luxury cruise ship in Cairns on a 7 night Great Barrier Reef Cruise. Our Great Barrier Reef Cruise ship tours from Cairns are for real explorers looking for expedition style cruises.
Our Cairns based cruise ship team have curated our luxury expedition cruise ship tours specifically for passengers who are looking for totally new and unique experiences and associated discoveries to be immersed and fully participate in experiential situations.
We pioneered extended expedition cruises on the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef over 35 years ago and have forged a reputation for excellence and expertise in that time.
Aboard our expedition vessel Coral Discoverer, join us as we embark on an immersive 7-day adventure to the remote and untouched Northern reefs.
We explore the hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems.
Along the way find freedom and solitude amidst this iconic seascape.
Share the journey with soaring seabirds and swim, dive and snorkel at far-flung Osprey and Ribbon Reefs.
Learn about ancient indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown.
Stretch your legs with a hike to the summit of “Cooks Look”.
Enjoy a sundowner with the sand beneath your toes and the setting sun at deserted Sudbury Cay.
Onboard, you will be accompanied by expert guides including a Marine Biologist, and our purpose designed small ships are custom built for expedition cruising.
With refined steering capabilities, shallow draught and nimble explorer tenders we will bring you closer to remote sites and natural habitats.
You will enjoy freshly prepared small-batch cuisine featuring the best local ingredients and relax and enjoy quality local beers and wines.
With an intimate atmosphere and our renowned warm Australian hospitality, you will quickly feel at home and make new connections with new friends.
--2023--
07 November 2023
14 November 2023
21 November 2023
--2024--
11 November 2024
18 November 2024
Board the cruise ship at 4:00pm and enjoy time to settle into your cabin before our 5:00pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard as we cruise northwards from Cairns toward Cooktown.
At days end join fellow explorers and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
Come ashore in historic Cooktown and experience a traditional welcome to country ceremony. Share a spiritual connection through storytelling and the traditional smoking ceremony with the Guugu Yimithirr, the first people of this ancient country. Discover recent European history with a visit to the site where Lt. James Cook beached HMB Endeavour to effect repairs in 1770.
Wander through the rare flora collection at the Botanic Gardens and visit James Cook Museum, where the story of Cook’s landing is told from an Aboriginal perspective and where artifacts are on display.
Later, we cruise towards Lizard Island, arriving in time for sunset drinks at Turtle Beach. After dinner, look for giant trevally and tawny nurse sharks during a fish feeding exhibition off the aft deck.
We spend a whole day at Lizard Island where there is time to hike to the summit of Cook’s Look and enjoy the same view Lt. James Cook did when searching for safe passage through the maze of coral reefs. Snorkel over giant clam gardens from the beach at Watson’s Bay, relax on the white-sand beach beneath shady she oak trees and learn about the tragic story surrounding Mary Watson.
There may be an opportunity to visit Lizard Island Research Station, operated by the Australian Museum to facilitate coral reef research and education on the Great Barrier Reef.
Osprey Reef is the summit of an undersea 2,000m mountain located beyond the continental shelf with no landmass visible. Enjoy amazing underwater visibility here, and observe magnificent corals, plummeting drop-offs and many fish in the crystalline waters.
Osprey Reef is a highly prized tropical dive location amongst scuba divers, called an ‘oasis for living creatures of all kinds’ by Sir David Attenborough.
Osprey Reef is a true expedition-style destination and our visit is subject to appropriate weather conditions.
The Ribbon Reefs are a narrow line of outer coral reefs on the edge of the continental shelf and are renowned for their prolific marine life and extensive coral species. Enjoy the rare opportunity to snorkel and dive on the Ribbon Reefs which sit on the edge of the continental shelf.
Due to their location far offshore from the Australian coast, the Ribbon Reefs offer excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities, with Ribbon Reef #9 a favourite for its wide variety of marine life and pinnacles cloaked in coral.
Join a guided snorkel tour led by our expert Expedition Team and witness this extraordinary ecosystem up close. These northern reefs are renowned for spotting iconic marine species such as potato cod, wrasse, sharks and turtles.
In the late afternoon we stretch our legs on remote Hope Island before joining fellow explorers and crew for sunset drinks on the beach as the sun sinks below the horizon.
Explore the 127km-long Daintree River which cuts through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. With an expert guide onboard we look for the region’s famed wildlife such as saltwater crocodiles, rare and endangered cassowaries and the prolific bird species that inhabit the forest and mangrove-lined river banks.
We step ashore at a Daintree wilderness centre on the banks of the river and walk on forest trails overhung with lush vegetation. Immersed in the rainforest, we learn more about the diverse Wet Tropics ecosystem which contains the largest habitat of flora and fauna in the world.
Cruising southwards along the Ribbon Reefs, there are more spectacular diving and snorkelling opportunities at Ribbon Reef #3 where we look for iconic species as well as the vibrantly coloured coral gardens the Ribbon Reefs are renowned for.
At Fitzroy Island enjoy a walk through the Secret Garden rainforest or for the more fit and adventurous, a walk to the de-commissioned lighthouse rewards hikers with panoramic views of Coral Sea, islands and mainland mountain ranges.
Snorkel over the fringing reef, relax on the beach and lend a hand to the volunteers as we learn about the turtles at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where sick and injured turtles are cared for before being returned to the wild.
Late in the afternoon, we arrive at Sudbury Cay, a tiny sand cay that barely rises above the Coral Sea. Far removed from the bustle of civilisation, we slip off our shoes and feel the sand between our toes as the tropical waters of the Coral Sea lap gently against the shoreline. Surrounded by glistening sea and bathed in the glow of twilight, we enjoy sundowner drinks and the company of like-minded explorers as we relax and watch the sun gently sink below the horizon, enjoying the Captain’s Farewell Drinks at sunset on our own private sand island.
Our Great Barrier Reef cruise concludes in Cairns this morning as we bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew, disembarking at 8:00am.
Browse more Great Barrier Reef cruises.
Cairns
November
2023 departure dates: 7th Nov FULLY BOOKED - JOIN THE WAITLIST, 14th Nov & 21st Nov
2024 departure dates: 11th Nov & 18th Nov
7 nights
Scuba Diving
Medium, Active
Scuba Diving – minimum age 12
Scuba Diving Restrictions
Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.
All cancellations must be in writing.
Please note that all cancellations will incur an administration fee.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Tour Operator's T&Cs:
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY:
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing. At the time we receive your cancellation the following penalties will apply:
***Final Payment due 90 days prior to departure***
Up to 90 days prior to departure – forfeit your deposit of 20% of the fare.
60 to 89 days prior to departure – forfeit 50% of the fare.
No-show to 59 days prior to departure – forfeit 100% of the fare.
Unexpected Events – during the pandemic there have been some schedule interruptions and cancellations. This situation is classed as unexpected events and we will issue cruise credit for future travel. We do not refund in this circumstance where schedule is affected by restrictions beyond the control of passengers or our company.
TRANSFER FEES:
Date change fee made more than 90 days before departure – $500pp fee.
Date change within 90 days of departure is considered a cancellation and standard Cancellation Policy applies.
A $200 per person fee is applicable for any amendments not requiring a date change after booking is confirmed.
Applicable to all itineraries: A name change/transfer of the booking to another person is considered a cancellation and Cancellation Penalties will apply.
TRIP CANCELLATION AND INTERRUPTION INSURANCE:
It is a requirement for all guests to have travel insurance coverage to voyage. Travel Insurance is not included in your cruise fare. We advise that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes (without limitation) coverage for the cost of your cruise, medical expenses, loss of luggage, cruise and land content and airfare charges that may occur due to cancellation, the impossibility of performance or unexpected events including other frustration, disruption, loss of deposit or strikes. This is a policy that protects you.
SHARE POLICY:
Accommodation on the Ship is based on twin share occupancy. If you are travelling alone and wish to share accommodation, a room mate will be assigned to your cabin whenever possible. When pairing room mates we always pair participants of the same sex. In the event of a share partner not being found, standard twin share stateroom rate will be applied.
CONTRACT:
Upon payment of the fare for the Cruise and the confirmation of the booking by us or our authorised travel agent a Contract is concluded between us (the carrier) and you (the passenger) concerning the Cruise in terms of these Cruise Ticket Conditions. Any payment of the cruise fare implies acceptance of all Terms and Conditions.
INTERPRETATION:
In these Cruise Ticket Conditions:
“brochure” means this brochure and any other promotional material published by the Carrier with reference to the Cruise.
“carrier” means and includes Coral Expeditions, the Ship, the Ship’s owners, operators, managers, charterers, agents, sub-contractors and employees.
“Coral Expeditions” means Coral Princess Cruises (NQ) Pty Ltd (A.B.N 51 010 809 417) of Hartley Street, Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
“Cruise” means the passage agreed to be undertaken by the carrier in the Contract.
“passenger” means each person purchasing or accepting the Contract entitled to board the Ship for the Cruise.
“Queensland” means the State of Queensland in the Commonwealth of Australia.
“the Ship” means the Cruise Ship used by the carrier to conduct the Cruise.
“Unexpected Event” means any act, circumstance or event beyond the control of the carrier caused or arising from but not limited to acts of God, public enemies, government restraint, riots, strikes, lockouts, labour troubles, epidemic, civil disturbances, perils of the sea, harbours, rivers or other navigable waters, fuel shortages or abrupt and unexpected increases in fuel costs, collisions, stranding, fire, lightning, storm, rough and adverse sea conditions, tidal waves, cyclones, theft, barratry or any other crime by any person, faults or errors of navigation or management of the Ship or any other vessel, explosions, breakage of shafts or any defect or unseaworthiness in hull, machinery or appurtenances, equipment, furnishings or supplies of the Ship or launches or vehicles or any defect of the carrier’s premises, fault or neglect of pilots, tugs, crew, agents or independent contractors, port closures, delays in allocation and permits to berth the Ship at ports on arrival and seizure of the Vessel under legal process.
BROCHURE:
Where this brochure contains particulars of our conditions or policy about reservation procedures, bookings, cancellations, refunds of fares and itineraries for the Cruise then it forms part of these Cruise Ticket Conditions and if there is any inconsistency these Cruise Ticket Conditions shall prevail.
NON-TRANSFERABLE:
Passengers do not have the right to transfer their rights and obligations under these Cruise Ticket Conditions. The fare paid shall not be refundable except as permitted in these Cruise Ticket Conditions and the carrier will not be liable to make any refund to the passenger if the passenger fails to embark on the Ship for the Cruise.
CRUISE CHANGES, DELAYS OR CANCELLATIONS:
The carrier will endeavour to follow the Cruise itinerary as described in the brochure and the passenger accepts that the carrier has the right to change the itinerary, the Ship or cancel the Cruise as a result of some Unexpected Event or prevailing inclement weather conditions and the passenger accepts that the passenger will not be entitled to any compensation or a refund of the fare paid should this occur. If the carrier cancels the Cruise for any other reason the carrier will refund the fare paid and if the departure of a Cruise is delayed or if the Cruise itinerary is shortened for any other reason the carrier will refund part of the fare paid on a pro rata basis to allow for the time lost. So far as these Cruise Ticket Conditions constitute a contract for the supply of services then and in no event shall the liability of the carrier to the passenger for a breach of an express or implied condition or warranty in that respect exceed, at the election of the carrier:
an obligation on the part of the carrier to supply the services again, or;
the refund or payment to the passenger of an amount equal to the fare paid by the passenger for the Cruise.
PASSENGER HEALTH AND RESPONSIBILITY:
The passenger admits a full understanding of the nature and character of the Ship and the scope of the activities contemplated by the passenger during the Cruise (including those relating to off Ship activities such as excursions in the Ship’s tenders, snorkelling and diving) and assures and undertakes to the carrier:-
that they are in good health and well able to undertake the Cruise and the contemplated activities;
that they will effect travel insurance sufficient to cover any limitation of liability against them imposed by these Cruise Ticket Conditions should they wish to do so;
that they accept the risk that they may suffer from sea sickness;
that they have disclosed any physical or mental disability requiring special attention (including the use of a wheelchair) or treatment at the time when the reservation for the Cruise was made;
that no passenger will be permitted to embark or continue on a voyage while their mental or physical condition is, in the opinion of any representative of the carrier, such as to render them incapable of caring for themselves, or whereby they become objectionable to other passengers, or they become a hazard to themselves or others. The carrier will not be responsible for any expenses resulting in such persons being precluded from completing the cruise;
that the passenger accepts that a medical certificate certifying fitness for travel may be required at the carrier’s request and if any passenger has had surgery less than twelve (12) months prior to sailing that passenger must submit a letter from a qualified physician stating that he or she is fit to travel and the carrier reserves the right to deny passage if a passenger requires care and attention which the carrier cannot adequately provide and this decision may be made by the carrier in its sole discretion;
The carrier reserves the right to refuse or deny participation in activities or programmes either aboard the Ship or off Ship which are sponsored or promoted by the carrier to any passenger who has a past or present medical condition that may present risks if the passenger participates in those activities and any decision in this respect may be made by the carrier in its sole discretion;
Any charges incurred by passengers for medical reasons including but not limited to physicians, surgeons, hospitals, off Ship accommodation, medication, diagnostic facilities, air ambulance evacuation or ground ambulance shall be the sole responsibility of the passenger;
for the safety and comfort of passengers smoking is not permitted in the Ship except on designated open deck spaces outside all air-conditioned and sealed areas of the Ship;
and the passenger agrees to indemnify the carrier from and against all claims, costs, charges, fines or penalties arising as a result of any claim made against the carrier in this respect.
LIMITATION OF CARRIER’S LIABILITY:
The liability of the carrier to the passenger is limited with respect to both personal injury and damage to loss of property to the full extent permitted by law and in terms of these Cruise Ticket Conditions. The carrier accepts no responsibility or liability to the passenger for loss, death, or delay of, or injury to any passenger or loss, damage or delay to a passenger’s baggage, personal effects or other property arising from or caused by an Unexpected Event. These Cruise Ticket Conditions remain in effect for all periods when the carrier is under any responsibility to the passenger or the passenger’s property. No variation or waiver of any term or condition of these Cruise Ticket Conditions will have any effect unless they are in writing and signed by the carrier. No undertaking, guarantee or warranty is given or shall be implied as to the seaworthiness, fitness or condition of the Ship. In addition to any other limitation of liability contained in these Cruise Ticket Conditions the carrier shall have the benefit of any statutory limitation of liability available in Queensland including but not limited to the Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims Act 1989 (Cwth). Where tours and services of operators other than the carrier are engaged e.g. tour operators and hoteliers, which are not under the control of the carrier, whilst the carrier takes all reasonable care in selecting these operators it cannot accept responsibility for those operators’ conduct or the conduct of their representative employees or agents or for any ramifications of that conduct.
PASSPORT AND ENTRY VISAS:
It is a requirement that all passengers have a valid passport and appropriate visa/travel permits for the countries to be visited. Passport must have a validity of more than six months beyond the duration of travel. The company cannot be responsible for any travel restrictions or expenses arising through passengers not having relevant documentation.
PASSENGER BAGGAGE:
All baggage brought on board the Ship by a passenger remains in the possession and control of the passenger during the Cruise and must be stored and kept in the cabin allocated to the passenger. The carrier has made recommendations with respect to baggage in the brochure. Baggage should be prominently marked with the name and address of the passenger. The passenger must not bring on board the Ship in baggage or otherwise any dangerous or inflammable substance including any prohibited drug or non-prescribed drug. Liquor laws prohibit passengers from bringing supplies of alcohol or liquor on board the Ship. Baggage remaining unclaimed on arrival of the Ship will be stored at the passenger’s sole risk and expense. The carrier is not responsible for money, jewellery, documents and any other valuables which passengers keep on their person, in their cabins or in their baggage and the carrier strongly recommends that passengers obtain adequate insurance to cover any loss or damage in this respect. In no event will the carrier’s responsibility or liability to the passenger for loss of baggage or personal effects exceed $100 and the passenger agrees to indemnify and keep indemnified the carrier from and against any claims made against the carrier in excess of this amount in this respect.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES:
The carrier will not be liable to passengers for any injuries or damage which occur while the passenger is participating in recreational activities aboard the Vessel or otherwise including but not limited to passenger participating in snorkelling or scuba diving programmes. By utilising these facilities passengers agree to assume all risks associated with those activities and fully release and discharge the carrier from any and all claims, demands, damages, causes of action, present or future, resulting from or arising out of the passenger’s use of or participation in those facilities. The passenger may be required to sign a release or waiver prior to undertaking these activities and the carrier will be entitled to refuse to allow the passenger to participate in those activities if the waiver or release is not signed by the passenger prior to participation in those activities.
APPLICABLE LAW:
Should any provision of these Cruise Ticket Conditions be contrary to or invalid by virtue of the laws of Queensland or the Commonwealth of Australia or for any other reason the relevant provision will be deemed to be severed from these Cruise Ticket Conditions and shall be of no effect but all remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. These Cruise Ticket Conditions shall be governed in all respects by the laws of Queensland and the passenger agrees that any claims or disputes between the passenger and the carrier in connection with these Cruise Ticket Conditions shall be commenced, filed and litigated before a Court of proper jurisdiction in Queensland and if possible in the State of Queensland.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
For most activities a relatively low level of exertion is required. You will need to climb into and out of zodiacs and other excursion tenders for excursions ashore: there will be staff and crew members on hand to assist. Ashore, you must be able to walk moderate distances over sometimes rough terrain. Although our new ship Coral Adventurer features a lift, it is still essential that all guests have reasonable agility to use the steep stairways between decks. Participants will most enjoy the remarkable opportunities these expeditions offer if they travel with a spirit of adventure.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY WAIVER & RELEASE – TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please read these terms and conditions carefully as they affect your legal rights and are binding to you.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. Coral Princess Cruises (NQ) Pty Ltd (ACN 010 908 417) trading as Coral Expeditions, is the carrier named in our Cruise Ticket Conditions and has required that you, the passengers, read and accept these terms and conditions before you undertake the Activities.
2. By accepting these terms and conditions, you warrant, and assure the carrier that, notwithstanding a disclosed existing medical condition or recent medical treatment:-
(i) You wish to undertake the Activities and agree to be bound by the Cruise Ticket Conditions;
(ii) Any disclosed existing medical conditions or recent medical treatment does not prevent or preclude you from participating in the Activities;
(iii) You are not aware of any conditions or circumstances that would make it dangerous for you to undertake the activities from the point of view of the carrier assessing any risk in permitting you to do so;
(iv) You have sought and obtained all necessary medical and other advice that you require to ascertain the extent and effect of any disclosed existing medical condition or recent medical treatment on you should you participate in the Activities.
3. The carrier will permit you to undertake the Activities upon the assurances given in the preceding clause and upon you accept these terms and conditions which constitute a waiver and release of any rights you may have against the carrier should you suffer any loss or injury whilst you are engaged in the Activities.
4. In consideration of the carrier permitting the passenger to undertake the Activities upon the assurances and undertaking given by the passenger to the carrier in terms of the waiver and release the passenger hereby releases and discharges the carrier from and against all actions, suits, demands, claims, costs and interest made against the carrier arising from any loss or damage of whatever nature
sustained or incurred by the passenger on the Ship in any way connected with or related to eh Activities and the passenger further indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified the carrier from and against all claims, damages, costs, interest, and penalties made against the carrier in the respect.
5. This Recreational Activities Waiver and Release is read and accepted by the passenger as a Deed.
6. This Recreational Activities Waiver and Release shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Queensland and the passenger agrees that any claims or disputes between the passenger and the carrier in connection with this document shall be commenced, filed, and litigated before a Court of proper jurisdiction in the State of Queensland and if possible in the City of Cairns.
au$5,090.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Tour Code: 862