Coral Princess Cruises, the Great Barrier Reef's only extended cruise operator, has this month (June) commenced operation of a new 3-night Cairns - Pelorus Island - Cairns cruise.

The new itinerary, which departs Cairns every Saturday throughout the year, features the opportunity to snorkel, dive and enjoy glass bottom boat tours in the very best locations, including Thetford Reef, Sudbury Cay, Nathan Reef, and several exclusive island and fringing reef sites. In addition to enjoying ample time exploring the reef, guests have the opportunity to discover Dunk and Fitzroy islands on included shore excursions, as well as Coral Princess's very own private tropical island paradise; Pelorus. A guided rainforest walk is included on Dunk Island, where it's possible to see the blue-winged Ulysses Butterfly in its natural habitat. Another highlight of the cruise is the opportunity to cruise the 22km length of the Hinchinbrook Channel, separating the mainland from Hinchinbrook Island, which is home to myriad marine life including dolphins and dugongs.  The itinerary concludes back in Cairns each Tuesday afternoon.

In addition to the new 3-night itinerary, the company continues to offer its ever-popular 4-night Cairns - Lizard Island - Cairns cruise, which departs Cairns every Tuesday and includes visits to Cooktown, Lizard Island and several of the Ribbon Reefs, renowned as the most spectacular and pristine sections of the World Heritage-listed  Great Barrier Reef. For guests with more time, the 3- and 4-night cruises may be combined for the ultimate7-night Tropical North Queensland experience.

Throughout their Coral Princess cruise guests will enjoy stylish accommodations with private en suite, sumptuous included meals and modern on board facilities. Great Barrier Reef cruises are operated by Coral Princess and Coral Princess II, both spacious  35 metre catamarans accommodating no more than 50 guests at any one time. Most activities are included throughout the cruise; snorkelling, an introductory SCUBA skills session, glass bottom boat tours with the Marine Biologist and island and rainforest walks. Both ships are also available on charter and group basis.

Australian-owned Coral Princess Cruises pioneered the concept of small-ship cruising in Australia when they commenced their Great Barrier Reef programme back in 1983. Today, the company maintains an outstanding worldwide reputation and have expanded their operation to three small ships, exploring exotic destinations including Cape York and Arnhem Land, Western Australia's remarkable Kimberley region, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia, the islands of Indonesia and West Papua and New Zealand.

For more information regarding Coral Princess Cruises' range of small-ship expeditions in the South Pacific, visit Vicki and Tony Briggs at booth 100 (Western only) during Australian Tourism Exchange.

Website: www.coralprincess.com.au


Media enquiries:
Vicki Briggs - Director, Coral Princess Cruises
07 4040 9999
vicki@coralprincess.com.au.

Images available on request.