Marine Milestone
Travel trends can be notoriously fickle. What does it take to last 20 years? We take a look at how Cruise Whitsundays has stood the test of time, and how that time has shaped travel and tourism.
WORDS Kate Webster
In the heart of the Coral Sea lies a constellation of jewels known as the Whitsunday Islands, a paradisiacal archipelago off the coast of Queensland. Here, where the turquoise waters lap against pristine shores and the verdant rainforests echo with the symphony of nature, lies a destination that beckons adventurers and dreamers. From scattered islands with picture-perfect beaches to the mainland’s walking trails that wind through canopies of green, hidden waterfalls and panoramic lookouts, travellers have been drawn to the Whitsundays to embrace nature and find sanctuary for the soul away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
At the vibrant marine terminal at the Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach, Cruise Whitsundays acts as a gateway to the beauty of the islands, the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, and the myriad of on-water activities that define the region’s allure. Whether it’s delving into the kaleidoscopic wonders of multi-hued coral gardens while snorkelling, indulging in a session of stargazing from a luxurious glamping tent perched 39 nautical miles out to sea, or strolling along the powdery silica sands of Whitehaven Beach (Whispering Sands), Cruise Whitsundays has mastered the art of transforming holiday dreams into tangible realities for over 800,000 visitors annually, celebrating its 20th year this year.
FROM ONE TO MANY
Cruise Whitsundays launched in 2004 with just one boat operating Great Barrier Reef tours and an undeniable passion for the destination. In 2024, it marks two decades in tourism and growth to a fleet of 27 commercial vessels, strategically deployed across 11 departure points to offer an impressive repertoire of day tours and inter-island transfers. From transporting visitors and staff between resort islands to exhilarating expeditions to the Great Barrier Reef and Heart Pontoon, or relaxing full-day and half-day excursions to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, there are plenty of ways to immerse in the locale. And then there’s the Reefsleep experience. Imagine drifting off to sleep beneath a blanket of stars, lulled by the gentle rhythm of the ocean currents, with the Great Barrier Reef as your nocturnal companion. From the Reefworld pontoon, guests have the opportunity to immerse in the wonders of the underwater realm during the day, before retiring to their cosy glamping pod or underwater suite for a night of star- or fish-gazing.
A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY
At the nucleus of Cruise Whitsundays’ operations lies its ensemble of dedicated individuals, each contributing their unique talents to craft unparalleled experiences for every guest. From Master Reef Guides to reservations consultants, every team member assumes a pivotal role in ensuring a memorable delivery of every experience. Anchored in a culture of inclusivity and community, Cruise Whitsundays owes its success to the dedication and camaraderie shared among its staff. Naturally, there’s a special bond between those who spend time out on the Reefworld pontoon.
Senior Vessel Master of five years, Damien Foreman, says he has the best job in the world. “Every day, I get to take people to the Great Barrier Reef and see the look on their faces after they’ve been for a snorkel or dive and they’ve experienced the beauty of our backyard”, Damien explains.He says a highlight of his time with Cruise Whitsundays has been building such a strong team. “I genuinely enjoy building up my team and seeing them thrive,” he says. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing of course. Over the past 20 years, Cruise Whitsundays has battled its fair share of weather and environmental challenges. Being hit with Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017, the biggest cyclone to hit the region in 47 years, was a major challenge. This was followed by the pandemic in 2020, wreaking further havoc on the tourism industry. But Cruise Whitsundays battened down the hatches and rode out the storm, with their resilient crew and the supportive regional community. So what is it that lends Cruise Whitsundays and its staff longevity? The location is undeniably beautiful, with the Great Barrier Reef being a strong drawcard, but as the recipient of accolades at regional, state, and national levels, it’s clearly more than that.
BEING PART OF THINGS
Employing 220 direct staff and indirectly supporting 87 local and national suppliers and contractors, Cruise Whitsundays is ingrained in the local community, regularly supporting sporting events, local charities, and environmental initiatives. Through its active involvement in events such as The Great Barrier Reef Festival and contribution to organisations like Eco Barge Clean Seas, Cruise Whitsundays continually strives to enrich the fabric of the community it calls home. Cruise Whitsundays is also a tourism operator with a purpose, supporting reef research. It is committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Tourism Reef Protection Initiative (TRPI), gathering factual, concise data on the reef and its inhabitants to understand of the reef’s resilience. From implementing eco-friendly practices, such as water management systems and waste recycling, to actively participating in reef monitoring initiatives and environmental conservation programs, Cruise Whitsundays is steadfast in its mission to preserve the pristine natural environment in which it operates. As the sun sets over the horizon, Cruise Whitsundays stands as a testament to two decades of maritime excellence. From humble beginnings to its current status as a multi-award-winning industry leader, Cruise Whitsundays’ journey reflects the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
The Details
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Cruise Whitsundays invites travellers to embark on a journey of discovery, adventure, and endless wonder.
STAY
The Reefsleep experience offers an exceptional opportunity that captivates the imagination. Picture yourself drifting into slumber under a vast canopy of stars, serenaded by the gentle ebb and flow of the ocean’s currents, while the Great Barrier Reef becomes your tranquil nocturnal companion.
PLAY
Embarking on an adventure to experience the Great Barrier Reef off the shores of the Whitsundays is a journey into the heart of marine magnificence. As you dip beneath the crystal-clear waters, a kaleidoscope of colours greets you, with vibrant coral formations teeming with life.