Cruise Whitsundays announced the appointment of Austal Australasia for the construction of a new 36-metre catamaran.
Designed by Incat Crowther, the catamaran will join the Cruise Whitsundays fleet upon completion in early 2027.
It is expected that the new vessel will ensure Cruise Whitsundays maintains its position as the leading operator in the region.
Journey Beyond’s chief operating officer Sture Myrmell said of this new development: "This is another step in our ongoing and significant investment in the Cruise Whitsundays fleet and facilities over the next few years. This new $15m vessel will enhance Journey Beyond’s commitment to taking our guests further and ensure we deliver memorable experiences to Cruise Whitsundays two pontoons in one of Australia’s iconic locations, the Great Barrier Reef.”
Myrmell added that Austal Australasia was awarded the contract after a competitive tender process, having stood out with its strong reputation for quality, safety, efficiency, and innovation, as well as its success in the commercial vessel market.
Austal Limited CEO Paddy Gregg likewise said: “We are thrilled to be building this exciting new vessel for Australia’s leading experiential group Journey Beyond. This remarkable vessel will redefine adventure on the water and elevate the travel experiences that Journey Beyond is renowned for.”
An efficient yet flexible design
Incat Crowthers design is not only stylish but highly efficient and flexible, designed specifically for local conditions, the new vessel will accommodate up to 390 guests, includes ten wheelchair accessible spaces, and will travel at speeds of 25 knots offering high reliability and efficiency.
The multi-deck vessel boasts a range of outdoor and indoor seating options for Cruise Whitsundays’ passengers, including an open-air upper deck with a large viewing platform.
The cleverly designed main deck can seat up to 160 passengers and offers two food service areas and separate bar, a spacious galley, bathrooms, including wheelchair accessible bathroom.
Myrmell said: “Most importantly this is a win for tourism and will further enhance the ability for guests to explore the breathtaking beauty of the reef with Cruise Whitsundays.”
Into the heart of the Great Barrier Reef
For his part, Tourism Whitsundays chief executive Tim Booth added: “The Whitsundays is proudly known as the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, and this new vessel will reinforce our standing as the ultimate destination to experience. By combining luxury overnight reef stays with unforgettable day experiences, Cruise Whitsundays continues to elevate the standard of reef tourism and showcase the very best of our natural icons to the world.”
Each year Cruise Whitsundays provides incredible experiences as well as transport for 700,000 residents and visitors.
With Great Barrier Reef tours and overnight stays, visits to Whitehaven Beach, island hopping and premier island transfers connecting Hamilton Island, Daydream Islands and Airlie Beach, Cruise Whitsundays showcases the spectacular natural environment and offers the best and most unique overnight accommodations and experiences available.
