Small ship cruise lines join forces

• PICTURE: The Reef Endeavour anchored off Lizard Island (Far North Queensland).
AUSTRALIAN small-ship cruise lines Captain Cook Cruises and Coral Princess Cruises have announced plans to join forces to further the growth of their Great Barrier Reef cruise divisions.
According to a spokesperson, the partnership will ensure the ongoing growth of both companies and provide unique opportunities to improve business efficiencies.
The new partnership, a result of long-term discussions between Captain Cook Cruises Executive Chairman Captain Trevor Haworth AM and Coral Princess Cruises Managing Director Tony Briggs, combines over 40 years experience operating multi-night cruises on Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef.
“Both companies are excited by the new opportunities this partnership will provide. Both Australian family-owned companies, they share common philosophies and existing cruise itineraries,” the spokesperson said.
The opportunity to consolidate both companies’ Great Barrier Reef cruise operations has progressed joint plans for the design of a new, state-of-the-art, purpose-built small-ship to operate their schedule of three, four and seven night Great Barrier Reef cruises.
Whilst planning for the new luxury vessel continues, both companies will operate their schedules utilising Coral Princess’ fleet of small-ships, whilst Captain Cook’s Reef Endeavour is to be sold following its final Great Barrier Reef cruise on February 22nd.
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji and Murray three, four and seven night itineraries and two night Sydney Harbour itinerary will remain un-effected and continue as scheduled.
Coral Princess Cruises also operates expedition and adventure cruises to the Kimberley, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Melanesia and New Zealand.