Built in Australia in 1996, this upmarket coastal ship from Coral Princess Cruises is 114 ft long and carries 54 passengers. She once sailed among Indonesia's Spice Islands but now makes 3-day cruises at 12 knots along the Great Barrier Reef between Cairns and Townsville, in tandem for part of the year with her sibling
Coral Princess.
Coral Princess Cruises got its start with Great Barrier Reef cruises in 1984 and has since expanded around the top of Australia to the Kimberely Coast between Darwin and Broome, to New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Melanesia. The current fleet numbers three boats, including the Coral Princess II and Oceanic Discoverer.
The clientele comes from all over, locally and from Europe and America. The Barrier Reef cruises attract all ages while the longer and more remote expedition cruises see a more mature passenger. The on-board atmosphere is relaxed and very social.
This vessel exclusively sails the Great Barrier Reef between Queensland ports of Cairns and Townsville. Cruises last 3 or 4 days, with the longer cruises adding Lizard Island, an eco resort. The two can be combined into a 7-day cruise. Marine biologists accompany, and the ships supply snorkeling gear for free and diving equipment for a fee.
Aft is an open deck for sunning and watching the passing scene, which includes the rugged Queensland coast, resort and national park islands, narrow channels, and the Pacific breaking over the parallel reef. The vessel anchors off a resort island or in a quiet cove at night.
The attractively furnished observation lounge on the top deck offers colorful and comfy cane furniture and a sit-up bar to one side. The teak-floored restaurant offers excellent local fare, including Australia's abundant fruits, vegetables, and fish and shellfish.
Wainscoting trims the cabin corridor, and the cabins, all outsides, are relatively large (114-157 sq ft), most with picture windows and showers of decent dimensions. Four have sitting areas, and two can be sold as single or inexpensive uppers and lowers.
In spite of its functional look, this special little vessel exudes oodles of charm and makes a good choice for those seeking to cruise Australia's fascinating Queensland coast, islands and barrier reef in considerable comfort. She and her running mate also appear in several upscale Australian tour programs.
