Tahoe City, CA – Cruise broker AdventureSmith Explorations, the active travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small, expedition ships, announces re-configured Australia cruise itineraries made possible by a fleet of three small ships carrying only 46 (Coral Princess), 50 (Coral Princess II) and 72 (Oceanic Discover) passengers. Their sizes mean that the ships can maneuver hard-to-reach points of interest such as the Great Barrier Reef that larger vessels can’t.
For example, an 8-day Great Barrier Reef small ship cruise aboard Coral Princess is the “most popular and most comprehensive Great Barrier Reef cruise available in Australia,” combining the lore of discoverer Captain Cook with the intrigue of the reef itself. Guests rub elbows with marine biologists and snorkel and dive nearly at whim. Rates are from AUD$2,883 per person double, representing “one of the best values in cruise vacations to be found anywhere in the world,” according to AdventureSmith Explorations. Departures from Townsville and Cairns are weekly year-round. For details please see:
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/324
“Smaller boats mean more activity for guests,” said Todd Smith, founder and director of AdventureSmith Explorations. “It is a lot easier to get 46 snorkeling-bound passengers onto the reef than it is to get 100 there. Plus Coral Princess has more experience as a dive/snorkel operator, having pioneered reef cruising in the region.”
Small ship cruising in Australia is up according to Smith and 2011 is promising to be a banner year.
“According to Tourism Australia, it continues to be one of the hottest destinations in the world with 2010 visitors increasing by 6% over 2009. One of the hottest trends seen, Australia small ship cruise business has increased an impressive 30% each year for the past two years. Tourism Australia anticipates an even larger increase in 2011,” said Smith.
Smith said that the fleet makes available “Explorer,” an awning-draped aluminum excursion vessel used for landings and extensive exploration of King George Falls and secluded rivers.