| New Whitsundays cruise launched

EXPLORE Group is launching a new expedition-style cruise to help meet demand for the Whitsunday Islands.

The company’s Explore Expedition Cruises will launch on 14 Apr, with passengers able to take a two-night cruise departing Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach to visit many of the islands that make up the Whitsundays.

The ‘Weekend on the Water’ program will sail on a Fri and return on Sun.

Cruises are priced from $750 per person per night twin share, including all meals and a range of daily excursions and water activities.

Later in the year, there will be the option of four- or six-night cruises added to the schedule.

Explore Expeditions promises premium small ship voyages onboard Whitsunday Explorer (pictured) including groups, events, and incentive trips.

Whitsunday Explorer’s has capacity for 60 passengers in 30 en suite cabins, while her size provides her with the agility to navigate islands, reefs, and shallow bays bigger ships cannot access.

Activities include snorkelling, guided walks, visiting historic sites, wildlife encounters, and sea kayaking.

Managing Director William Goodfellow said the company sees Explore Expedition Cruises as an exciting opportunity to grow and invest in unique tourism experiences in the Whitsundays, as demand for tourism experiences in the region heightens.

“There’s currently nothing quite like this expedition-style cruise available,” he claimed.

“With increased demand on mainland and island accommodation, Explore Expedition Cruises offer visitors and locals the chance to experience the beauty of the islands, spot a huge range of sea and bird life, and participate in a range of water and island activities.

“We’re focused on helping to grow and enhance the Whitsundays as a tourism destination for locals, as well as visitors from around Australia, and overseas.”