4-night Cooktown & Lizard Island Expedition Cruise

Great Barrier Reef – 4 night expedition cruise in the beautiful Australian tropics

• Embark: Board at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 4:00pm for 5:00pm departure.
• Disembark: Arrive and disembark at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 8:00am.

DAY 1: CAIRNS

Board at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 4:00pm. Cruise Trinity Bay and take in the views of Double Island and Palm Cove while enjoying welcome drinks and the seafood buffet.

DAY 2: COOKTOWN AND LIZARD ISLAND

Discover historic Cooktown, with building dating back to the 1870s. Visit the botanic gardens and the James Cook Museum to see original artefacts from the HMB Endeavour. Enjoy an afternoon snorkel and sunset drinks at Turtle Beach on Lizard Island, and see giant trevally and tawny nurse sharks during an after dinner fish feed off the back deck.

DAY 3: LIZARD ISLAND AND RIBBON REEFS

Enjoy the breath-taking natural beauty of Lizard Island. Join an optional hike to Cook’s Look in the early morning to survey the reef. Learn about the tragic fate of Mary Watson and snorkel from the beach over giant clam gardens. This afternoon visit the pristine Ribbon Reef #9 for snorkelling and diving.

DAY 4: RIBBON REEFS

Spend a full day discovering the out Barrier Reef, with snorkelling, diving, and marine biologist led tours of Ribbon Reef #3 and Escape Reef.

DAY 5: CAIRNS

Disembark in Cairns at 8:00am.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.

Departs Cairns: Every Monday at 5:00pm

Returns Cairns; Every Friday at 8:00am

Travelling solo?

Genuine single travellers can travel at the twin-share rate in a room for their sole use with no single supplement. Genuine single travellers refers to those who, whether by choice or due to circumstance, are travelling alone.

Departures 31 March 2020 to 11 January 2021

• Deluxe Stateroom - $3,060 per person twin share/sole use
• Upper Deck Stateroom - $2,860 per person twin share/sole use
• Stateroom - $2,660 per person twin share/sole use
• Cabin - $2,360 per person twin share/sole use

Now that you’ve chosen your cruise, our travel team are on hand to assist with all of your holiday arrangements to ensure your holiday runs as smoothly as possible. Contact our friendly team for advice about making the most of your time before and after your cruise on freecall 1300 414 198!

CORAL EXPEDITIONS II

Purpose-built for the reef!

At just 35 metres in length and hosting 42 guests, Coral Expeditions II is the ideal small ship for discovering the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Small enough to allow snorkelling directly from the ship, yet equipped with the facilities of a much larger vessel, your cruise aboard Coral Expeditions II will be truly memorable.

Refurbished in 2015, Coral Expeditions II is fully equipped for the ultimate Great Barrier Reef cruising experience and is the ideal size to access the very best parts of the Great Barrier Reef.  The 22 onboard rooms feature traditional maritime styling with wood-panelled walls. You can choose between double and twin bedded rooms, each equipped with a private en-suite, air conditioning and ample storage space.  All rooms feature large picture windows, allowing you to always have a view of the spectacular scenery.

The ship’s spacious lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink from the cocktail bar. It also features a reference library and plasma screens. The large Sun Deck is another popular place to relax or sunbathe, with comfortable deck chairs and teak furnishings. You will enjoy the opportunity to dine al fresco under the stars on the Great Barrier Reef.

Coral Expeditions II operates an open bridge policy, allowing you to spend time with the Captain and his maritime crew as we cruise. Follow our progression on the ship’s charts and chat with the Captain, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. Coral Expeditions II is fitted with modern safety and navigation equipment.

Whats not included?

What about the Environmental Management Charge on itineraries that include the Great Barrier Reef?

Since the 1st April 1998, the Australian Government has levied an Environmental Management Charge (EMC) on Tourist Operators for all visitors over 4 years of age travelling to the Great Barrier Reef and its environs.
The Environmental Management Charge (EMC) of $19.50 per person will be automatically added to your onboard account by for settlement prior to disembarkation. Please note the EMC charge is subject to change annually.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has the responsibility for the management and protection of the Great Barrier Reef. Funds raised by the EMC are being used to ensure the continued sustainability of the “Reef” and its environs for future generations.

 What should I pack?

We recommend that you pack simply and lightly. Clothing that you can layer will prepare you for all kinds of weather. More specific information regarding clothing and the weather conditions in your destination are included in your Cruise Documentation which you will receive prior to your cruise.

Do I need to bring spending money? What might I need to pay for onboard?

Upon embarkation, we will automatically open your personal shipboard account. We operate a chit system and for your security, ask that you sign each chit as you order from our bar, shop or make any other on board purchases. At the end of the voyage your account may be settled in Australian dollars cash, and by American Express; Visa; MasterCard or Diners Club.