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Reef Endeavour - Intineraries |
| There is a choice of three
cruises every week as well as seasonal cruises to the far north:-
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Southbound Cruise – 3
nights
Depart
Trinity Wharf Cairns, every Friday 2.00pm (boarding from 1.00pm)
Returns Trinity
Wharf Cairns, Monday 8.00am
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Friday -
Towering rainforest,
giant ferns and native orchids await you on Fitzroy Island. Join our
escorted walk along the shady paths of this canopied wilderness.
Saturday -
Snorkellers come
face to face with clouds of intensely coloured reef fish. Passengers in
the glass-bottomed boat hear our marine naturalist describe life among the
coral bomboras of Hedley Reef. A whole day to explore these coral gardens.
Sunday -
A breathtaking cruising
passage through the Hinchinbrook Channel. Enjoy the spectacular vista of
densely forested mountains, mangroves and sun-drenched beaches in the
morning mist. Our marine naturalist explains the channel’s diverse
habitats that shelter species from dugongs and dolphins to migrating
whales.
In the high
rainforest canopies of Dunk Island exotic bird and plant life abounds.
There is life too at the island’s resort where you can drop in for a quiet
drink, a hit of tennis, a round of golf or a swim.
On Monday
morning we reach Cairns once more.
*
Itineraries subject to change due to weather and other operational
requirements |
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Northbound Cruise – 4 nights
Depart Trinity Wharf Cairns, every Monday 2.00pm (boarding from
1.00pm)
Returns Trinity Wharf Cairns, Friday 8.00am |
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Monday - Towering rainforest, giant ferns and
native orchids await you on Fitzroy Island. Join our escorted walk along
the shady paths of this canopied wilderness.
Tuesday - Visit remote Cooktown where in 1770,
Captain James Cook, sought refuge by the river. A century later thousands
came in search of gold. Today’s visitors find a quieter place with a rich
history to explore. In the afternoon we sail for Two Isles. This tiny cay
ringed by white coral-sand beaches is a sanctuary for rare bird species
and occasional sea turtles, and perfect for snorkeling.
Wednesday - Surrounded by exceptional fringing
reefs, Lizard Island is the jewel of the Barrier Reef. Meander across
fringes of white sand, don snorkeling gear to explorer acres of coral,
step into a glass-bottomed boat and dawdle over the giant clam gardens off
Mrs Watson’s Bay, or hit the trail up Cooks Look like a true explorer.
Thursday - Snorkel in bright clear water over
staghorn, fan, sea whip, brain and boulder corals as giant potato cod,
rays, reef sharks and coral trout swim below. Aboard our glass-bottomed
boat, the marine naturalist illuminates the extraordinary habitat or
Ribbon Reef No.5 unfolding before your eyes.
On Friday morning we reach Cairns once more
* Itineraries subject to change due to weather and
other operational requirements
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As the world slips
away
from the bow, you will wake each day to a new adventure - on the
Ultimate Great Barrier Reef Cruise. Reef Endeavour will carry you beyond
the reach of holiday crowds to wonders few have seen or experienced -
exotic island hideaways, soft sandy beaches, balmy bays and remote outer
reefs. Our own Marine Naturalist will introduce you to the beauty of the
Reef as well as the intricate ecology that created it. You will come to
know the countless varieties of flora and fauna, both land and marine,
on a cruise where we are ever respectful of the environment.
Reef Endeavour sails every Monday & Friday from Cairns and our weekly
itinerary has been specially designed into two unique voyages that can
be combined for our 7-night Ultimate Great barrier Reef Cruise.
On the
Northbound
Voyage (4-Nights) you will cruise to remote and spectacular
destinations including Lizard Island and the continental shelf `ribbon'
reefs.
The
Southbound
Voyage (3 nights) has an accent on the fascinating flora and fauna
of the tropical rainforest islands and the outer `bombora' reefs.
Combined over seven unforgettable nights, the two voyages
offer the ultimate Barrier Reef and Rainforest experience.
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Cape York Cruises- Northern Tip of
Australia & Reef
7 nights
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Experience what few others have before onboard an
MV Reef Endeavour 7-night Cape York Cruise - Northern Tip of Australia
& Reef
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Experience what few others have before as “Reef
Endeavour” embarks on a 7-night adventure through the Great Barrier
Reef to the northern tip of mainland Australia and beyond.
Explore a new and remote destination every day
including Cape York and exclusive Lizard Island; cruise into the
Torres Strait to Thursday Island; and snorkel over reefs on the edge
of the continental shelf.
Join our team of adventure specialists including
onboard marine naturalist, dive master, local and indigenous guides
and marine pilots who will guide you through the reefs, rainforest,
ecology, history, art and culture of this unique world heritage
region.
MV Reef Endeavour’s small size means it can
negotiate remote reefs, islands and shallow bays where bigger ships
just cannot go. Yet her innovative design provides many ‘big ship’
extra comforts including a pool, extensive outer decks, glass bottom
boat, dive tenders and an easy-access reef embarkation platform. You
set the agenda: active or laid back. We provide the necessaries: close
encounters with extraordinary places, expert guides and naturalists,
superb dining, entertainment and good company.
Departures
Departs Trinity Wharf 2.00pm Friday (Boarding
1.00pm). Disembark 8.00am
Inclusions
Every cruise includes on-board accommodation, all
meals, all on-board facilities, snorkelling equipment, glassbottomed
boat excursions, guided rainforest and island walks, marine
naturalist and Australian GST at 10%.
Prices exclude drinks, personal purchases,
optional tours such as scuba diving and EMC (approx $13.50 pp)
Dining
Superb dining specialising in fresh local produce
is central to life aboard the Reef Endeavour. You will enjoy lavish
buffet breakfasts, luncheons that feature fresh Barrier Reef seafood
and a la carte dinners with a different menu every night.
Facilities
Swimming pool, two spa pools, sun deck, sauna and
gym; glass-bottomed boat, snorkelling and dive vessels; two lounges,
bar and a single-sitting dining saloon; gift shop, chart house,
library and videos; guest laundry and 24 hour coffee and tea
facilities; lift from D Deck to Sun Deck (limited access); satellite
communications, telephone and fax.
Accommodation
75 staterooms and cabins each with private
bathroom ensuite, on/off air-conditioning, telephone, hair dryer,
soaps, shampoo and towels; serviced daily. Each cabin is
approximately 14 sq metres. Staterooms open onto outside walkways
and have picture windows. Cabins open to an inside passageway and
have portholes facing the outside.
2005 Prices
Per person
AUD (Australian $) |
Cabin
Twin/Double |
Stateroom
Twin/Double |
Top Deck
Twin/Double |
| Twin share (pp) |
$3.139 |
$3,782 |
$4,347 |
| Sole Occupancy |
$4,708 |
$5,673 |
$6,521 |
| Triple Share (pp) |
$2,511 |
n/a |
n/a |
| Quad Share (pp) |
$1,883 |
n/a |
n/a |
The cruise departs from Cairns and heads north
along the rainforest coast to exclusive Lizard Island for swimming,
snorkelling and diving on magnificent fringing reefs – and a climb
to Cook’s Look for the adventurous. Next stop is tiny Morris Island,
a nesting site for Green and Hawksbill Turtles as well as over a
dozen species of sea and reef-wading birds. Then past Cape Grenville
to the tip of Cape York and a champagne toast on the northernmost
tip of Australia’s mainland.
Our course then takes us into the Torres Strait
enroute to Thursday Island and a special welcome by the local dance
troupe.
Experience Thursday Island’s unique culture and
history, as well as the untouched waters, coral reefs, and
extraordinary marine life of the far north.
 Turning
south through the spectacular Albany Passage our next destinations
are pristine reef-fringed Farmer Island and Stanley Island, famed
for its galleries of ancient aboriginal rock art. Davie Reef in the
afternoon offers rare snorkelling opportunities through the myriad
of marine life. Our final destinations include Ribbon Reef No.5 on
the edge of the continental shelf and historic Cooktown, on the
frontier of mainland civilisation. A special farewell evening
completes a once-in-a-lifetime cruise to Far North Australia before
returning to Cairns in the morning.
* Itineraries subject to change due to weather
and other operational requirements
Prices include Australian 10% GST. Infants:
Children 0-2 years free of charge in existing bedding, however not
recommended. Cancellation Policy: 59-30 days prior to sailing: $200
per person. 29-15 days prior to sailing: 50%. Under 15 days prior to
sailing: 100%. All cancellations subject to $50pp administration
fee. Not valid with any other offer unless stated. Government
Environmental Management Charge (EMC) is additional and approx
$13.50pp payable onboard the vessel-no advance payments. * Itinerary
subject to change.
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| SAMPLE CRUISE ITINERARY
Friday - Cairns/Cruising.
Depart Cairns at 1400 hrs passing through the
Cairns leads with magnificent views of Cairns City. Time to relax,
enjoy the coast and sunset until dinner at 1930 in the dining saloon.
The ship sails through the night towards Lizard Island.
Saturday – Lizard Island
We drop anchor in Watson’s Bay at Lizard Island,
the most northerly resort island on the Great Barrier Reef. Lizard
Island is dominated by the 366 metres high 'Cook's Look' and weather
permitting there is an opportunity to climb the peak. Enjoy a
spectacular day of swimming, snorkelling and diving (for certified
divers). The island offers extensive fringing coral reefs, a stunning
blue lagoon, and superb beaches with a backdrop of a stately mountain
peak.
The waters around the island are considered to be
the world's best fishing grounds for Black Marlin and the island is
also close to some of the most superb diving spots in the world.
Sunday – Morris Island
Morris Island is a vegetated sand
cay located 15klms from the coast, well established with coconut palms
and sisal that provide a habitat for a number of roosting birds. A
good sandy patch suitable for swimming is located at the northern end.
We spend a few pleasant hours here before travelling north again past
Cape Sidmouth, Lloyd Bay and Lockhart River, Portland Roads, Temple
Bay and round Cape Grenville at the Home Islands.
Monday – Cape York/Thursday Island
The ship's tenders will be taking guests to a small
cove at the base of Cape York. It is then a solid walk up to the tip
where you will be standing at the top of Australia! You'll return for
breakfast and champagne, weather permitting, on the top deck as we
sail towards Thursday Island.
There is probably no other place in Australia with
a history longer and more colourful than that of Torres Strait. Our
Thursday Island optional tour (additional cost – approx $30) takes you
to places, which the ordinary tourists could not hope to cover by foot
in a day's visit. Stops include the Torres Strait Museum, Japanese
Pearl Divers' memorial and green Hill Fort.
Your local guide's commentary takes you on a
journey from the days prior to the arrival of the Europeans to the
discovery of the pearl shell.
Tuesday –Farmer Island.
Part of the Piper Group of Islands. Abundant bird
life and crystal clear waters provide a quality experience of the
Great Barrier Reef. Guests can walk the island below the high water
mark. In the afternoon we cruise past Restoration Island, the first
landfall made by Captain Bligh and his men after their hazardous
voyage in an open boat from Tofoa, 6500 km away.
Wednesday - Stanley Island/Davie Reef
At dawn we anchor in the shelter of picturesque
Stanley Island - part of the Flinders Group of Islands.
The local Aborigines administer the islands in
conjunction with Queensland Parks & Wildlife and our optional tour of
Stanley Island will be guided by a local - part of our crew for this
voyage. You will be shown impressive galleries of cave paintings and
you will learn about the history and traditions of the area.
In the afternoon swim or snorkel the clear waters
of Davie Reef or join the Marine Naturalist on the glassbottom boat
for armchair coral viewing.
Thursday – Cooktown/No.5 Ribbon Reef
A morning in Cooktown where you can join an
optional tour (additional cost – approx $20) of this historic
settlement or wander through town’s shops, museums, pubs and historic
sites at your own pace.
Make sure you don't miss the James Cook Historical
museum. The Endeavour River became quite silted until recently the
Queensland Government reestablished regular dredging. Reef Endeavour
was then the first ship named 'Endeavour' to access the post since
James Cook's Endeavour. We still have to anchor outside sometimes when
tides are low. After a magnificent lunch our final destination is the
magnificent No 5 Ribbon Reef. Snorkel, dive, join the glass bottom
boat tour or just watch the breakers from the Coral Sea crash over the
outer edge of the reef. The Captain's Dinner and an opportunity to
dress up a little if you wish, offers a dining and entertainment
experience to remember.
Friday – Arrive Cairns 8.00am
* Itineraries subject to change due to weather and
other operational requirement
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