Cruise Tropical North Queensland

At last, visitors to the stunning cruising grounds of central Queensland have an opportunity to cruise in absolute luxury. With the arrival of MV Ammari, visitors wanting to tour the region in style and comfort now have 3 night cruises available. The Whitsunday region, which has always been a backpackers Mecca, has realised that not everybody who visits the region is entertained by cane toad races and wet t-shirt competitions. A more sophisticated alternative is now available for those looking for something a little more upmarket.

Boarding at Hamilton Island

From the moment you step aboard the inflatable 12.5mtr Naiad tender Fantasea Cruisin, and settle into the plush white leather upholstery, you will know that you have found that elusive pot of Whitsunday gold. This exciting tender comfortably achieves 35knots: it is an exhilarating experience, with the spray of salt in your windblown face as the tender takes the scenic route out to the ship to MV Ammari sitting peacefully in Dent Passage. Departing from the opulent resort island of Hamilton Island provides the perfect add-on before or after your cruise, with loads of accommodation options and all the facilities of a world-class resort. Cruise guests fly directly into Hamilton Island from major Australian cities. Guests arriving at mainland Airlie Beach by road can take a complimentary shuttle from Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island.

Boarding the boutique cruise ship MV Ammari is a calming breath of fresh tropical air. From the moment you step onboard, into the refreshingly modern foyer, the genuine warmth of the crew is obvious as they welcome you aboard with big smiles. The crew aim to make the check-in process as efficient as possible, ensuring that guests can slip immediately into ‘cruise mode’.

Evenings onboard MV Ammari begin poolside with pre-dinner champagne as the tropical sun slips gently beneath the sea. Tantalising aromas drift across the deck from Ripples Restaurant, with its starched linen and crystal glassware sparkling beneath the tropical twilight sky. For a truly special dining experience, ask the crew to set up dinner for two on the sea level platform at the stern of the ship. Here, you can dine privately beneath a galaxy of twinkling stars as the sea gently slaps beneath your feet.

Great Barrier Reef

MV Ammari cruises the breathtakingly beautiful Whitsunday Islands, amid the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Opportunities abound for snorkelling, kayaking or exploring the tropical rainforests on the myriad of island walking trails. No Whitsunday cruise is complete without a visit to legendary Whitehaven Beach. One of the most photographed beaches in Australia, from the deck of MV Ammari, the beach doesn’t look particularly spectacular. It is not until the tender approaches the shore that you begin to appreciate why this beach consistently rates on ‘best of’ lists all over the world. The talcum powder like sand is so startlingly bright that sunglasses are essential. This white as snow sand is so soft that it invites you to just collapse and roll around in it like a beached whale. This unexpectedly luxuriant sand elicits strange behaviour from the most conservative visitors. Perhaps it’s a combination of the astonishing colours beneath a tropical Queensland sun, known locally as ‘going troppo’.

Another ‘must see’ is the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. MV Ammari doesn’t disappoint, with Hardy Reef, a couple of hours seaward from Hook Island, firmly fixed on the itinerary (weather permitting). Cruise guests have exclusive use of Fantasea Reefworlds pontoon before day-trippers disrupt the tranquillity of this pristine ocean environment. With a crew of skilled professionals onboard, including a marine biologist, helicopter pilot, snorkelling and dive instructors, plus a host of helpful crew, there are numerous ways to immerse yourself in the reef experience. There is even a semi submersible boat, plus an underwater viewing platform that allows immersion into the life of the reef without even getting your feet wet.

Like any self respecting boutique cruise ship, MV Ammari has all the trimmings: hair saloon, masseuse, gym and swimming pool surrounded by big comfy lounges packed high with fluffy towels. However, for many guests, it is the indulgence of spending romantic nights at sea that is the real highlight. Quiet nights on a moonlit deck, with the gentle slapping of water against the hull are music to the ears. No sounds of the city, just the quiet serenity of the sea.

Boutique Cruise Ship MV Ammari

Great Barrier Reef

View the Islands from the Sundeck

Glorious Whitehaven Beach

Print Article

Email Article

View All Articles

How to subscribe to feeds