Cruise Whitsundays To Launch New Reef Vessel In 2027
A new Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef catamaran is in the works! With an expected launch date in early 2027, eager travellers will be able to board this extravagant new vessel and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef in style.
The new Cruise Whitsundays vessel will enhance the reef experience for guests in the Whitsundays. It will have a focus on wheelchair-accessible facilities and a modern, safe design. Mark your calendars for early 2027 so you can be the first to visit the reef onboard this exciting new vessel!
Who Is Cruise Whitsundays?
Cruise Whitsundays is one of the top tour operators in the Whitsundays, Australia. With daily departures from the Port of Airlie, their fleet of ships crosses popular routes in the Whitsundays for tourists and locals alike. They offer ferries to Hamilton Island, day trips to Whitehaven Beach, diving tours on the Great Barrier Reef, crocodile safaris, Daydream Island tours, and so much more.
Check out the top Cruise Whitsundays tours here!
Cruise Whitsundays Announces New Reef Catamaran
In August 2025, Cruise Whitsundays announced the launch of their new $15 million reef vessel, which will be ready to take to the water in early 2027. The new vessel will open up more opportunities for visitors to experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Here are some more details about the innovative new Cruise Whitsundays reef vessel!
Vessel construction and design
The new 36-metre catamaran designed by Incat Crowther will elevate the boat experience to the Outer Reef. It will be able to comfortably fit up to 390 guests across indoor and outdoor seating, with 10 wheelchair accessible spaces. There will also be multiple decks, two food service areas, a bar, bathrooms, and a wheelchair accessible bathroom.
Travelling at speeds of 25 knots, the new reef vessel will seamlessly combine speed, comfort, accessibility, and safety. Austral Australasia has been given the go-ahead to construct the vessel after much competition!
$15 million investment from Journey Beyond
The construction of this magnificent new reef vessel is possible thanks to a $15 million investment into Cruise Whitsundays from Journey Beyond. Specialising in luxury tourism around Australia, Journey Beyond seeks to elevate the guest experience in every way possible. This funding for Cruise Whitsundays is going to provide a new level of elegance and modernity to the Great Barrier Reef experience in the Whitsundays.
Explore the Great Barrier Reef in Australia
The new Cruise Whitsundays vessel will allow yet another efficient and enjoyable way for people to explore Australia's Great Barrier Reef. While we patiently wait for this incredible new reef vessel, guests can hop on one of the many reef tours currently offered by Cruise Whitsundays. With tours departing from Airlie Beach, Daydream Island, and Hamilton Island, getting to the Outer Reef is a breeze in the Whitsundays!
Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tours
Head to the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Airlie, Daydream Island, or Hamilton Island for a day of snorkelling and relaxing on the reef pontoon. Cruise around the turquoise waters and admire the unique fish, reefs, and other sea creatures that thrive below. Snorkel tours are great for people of all ages, and all the snorkel gear plus wetsuits and flotation devices are included.
Great Barrier Reef Scuba Diving Tours
For those who want to explore the reef even further, book a scuba diving tour with Cruise Whitsundays! Venture to the same Outer Reef pontoon as the snorkel tours, but have access to all the high-quality dive equipment and glide around the reef with an expert guide.
Introductory dives are available for those who want to try it out, and certified dives are available for the more experienced divers. Diving down to the depths of the world's largest coral reef system is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Just add scuba diving onto your Cruise Whitsundays snorkel tour and get ready for an underwater expedition you'll never forget.
Reefsleep & Reefsuites Overnight Tours
Cruise Whitsundays also has two of the coolest overnight reef experiences. Reefsleep includes a night in an outdoor reefbed, similar to a swag but a bit more upscale and refined. Imagine waking up to the sunrise over the Great Barrier Reef from the deck of a stable pontoon at sea!
Reefsuites is an underwater hotel that combines a luxury stay with the pristine underwater views of the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you choose Reefsleep or Reefsuites, you can elevate any reef trip with an overnight stay!
