Enjoy the best of both worlds. This cruise combines both the northbound and southbound cruises with a choice of complimentary tours—including a visit to Kuranda in the high rainforest country west of Cairns.

Details: Discover the unique advantages of small ship cruising on a voyage that highlights the extraordinary. Stroll along fringes of white sand and snorkel amongst a kaleidoscope of fish on the outer Hedley Reef. Hear native birds call from the towering rainforest canopy on Dunk Island, and climb the same lookouts as the first explorers.

The Reef Endeavour’s small size (3,125 tons, with 75 passenger cabins) means she 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 swimming and spa pools, lounges, a gym, and staterooms that open directly onto the outside deck.

Superb dining specializing in fresh local produce is central to life aboard the Reef Endeavour. Enjoy lavish buffet breakfasts, luncheons that feature fresh Barrier Reef seafood, and à la carte dinners with a different menu every night.

Sample itinerary (subject to change due to weather, water levels, and other operational requirements):
Monday:
Your first port of call is one of the small coral cays of Green Island or Fitzroy Island where you can join the Marine Naturalist for an escorted walk, board a glass bottom boat tour or relax with a cocktail at the resort pool.

Tuesday:
Visit remote Cooktown, where Captain James Cook sought refuge by the river in 1770. 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, sail for Two Isles. This tiny cay ringed by white coral-sand beaches is a sanctuary for rare bird species and occasional sea turtles—not to mention a perfect spot for snorkeling.

Wednesday:
Surrounded by exceptional fringing reefs, Lizard Island is the jewel of the Barrier Reef. Meander across fringes of white sand, or don snorkeling gear to explore acres of coral. Step into a glass-bottomed boat and linger over the giant clam gardens off Mrs. Watson’s Bay, or hit the trail up Cook’s 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 the glass-bottomed boat, the marine naturalist illuminates the extraordinary habitat of Ribbon Reef No.5, which unfolds before your eyes.

Friday:
In the morning, reach Cairns, where you have a choice of complimentary tours—including Kuranda, in the high rainforest country west of Cairns.

Saturday:
Come face to face with clouds of intensely colored reef fish while snorkeling. Take a ride in the glass-bottomed boat to hear a marine naturalist describe life among the coral bomboras of Hedley Reef. Enjoy a whole day to explore these coral gardens.

Sunday:
Embark on a breathtaking cruise passage through the Hinchinbrook Channel. Enjoy the spectacular vista of densely forested mountains, mangroves, and sun-drenched beaches in the morning mist. A marine naturalist explains the channel’s diverse habitats that shelter many species, from dugongs and dolphins to migrating whales.

In the high rainforest canopies of Dunk Island, exotic bird and plant life abound. Drop in at the island’s resort where you can lounge with a beverage, enjoy a bit of tennis, play a round of golf, or take a swim.

Monday morning:
Return to Cairns

On-Board Facilities:
Swimming pool, two spa pools, sun deck, sauna, and gym; glass-bottomed boat, snorkeling, and dive vessels; two bars, two lounges, 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:
The vessel's 75 staterooms and cabins each feature a private bathroom, on/off air-conditioning, telephone, hair dryer, soaps, shampoo, and towels; serviced daily. Each cabin is approximately 150 square feet (14 sq m). Staterooms open onto outside walkways and have picture windows. Cabins open to an inside passageway and have portholes facing the outside.


Inclusions :

• On-board accommodation
• Meals
• On-board facilities
• Snorkeling equipment
• Glass-bottom boat excursions
• Guided rainforest and island walks
• Marine naturalist

Duration:
7 nights

Available:
Cruise departs on Mondays and Fridays

Departure time and location:
Check-in and boarding begin at 1 PM on Fridays or Mondays; Captain Cook Cruises, Shop 17 the Conservatory. Departure at 2 PM.

Return time and location:
8 AM Mondays and Fridays; Trinity Wharf

Exclusions:

• Drinks
• Personal Purchases
• Optional tours
• EMC (approx AUD 13.50)

Note:
Children under 3 cruise for free, but the cruise is not reccommended for this age group. There is a fuel charge of AUD 10.00 per person per night that is payable at the end of the cruise when settling your room account. Please note that this cannot be prepaid. Group accommodations are on a request-only basis.

After you book your activity, follow these 3 easy steps:
1. Print your voucher; locate the voucher in your travel confirmation e-mail or in the My Trips/My Itineraries link on the site.
2. Follow the redemption instructions on your voucher; it is critical to do this before you depart.
3. Take all vouchers with you; you must redeem one voucher per person.

Exchange your voucher for activity:
Confirmation is required. Contact Captain Cook Cruises at least 48 hours before your trip date to ensure your reservation. Reservations made more than 28 days in advance are automatically confirmed for availability. If there are less than 28 days until sailing, please contact the cruise line as soon as possible to confirm space. Upon arrival, present your voucher and photo ID in exchange for service.