Cruise Whitsundays is excited to announce the continuation of its partnership with Hamilton Island, having signed a ten-year agreement to remain the premier provider for resort connections and island transfers to and from Hamilton Island through 2034. This agreement further solidifies the strong partnership, which has been the cornerstone of the Whitsundays tourism and transport network since 2012.
Sture Myrmell, Chief Operating Officer of Journey Beyond says, “Together, we are committed to enhancing the vitality of our region. Cruise Whitsundays offers two convenient departure points from both Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour, making it easier for holidaymakers to explore the stunning natural beauty of the remarkable region. With increased ease, frequency and flexibility, we have proudly served as the largest and premier marine operator for the past 20 years.”
“Over the next four years we are committed to investing $30 million into the Cruise Whitsundays fleet and facilities, to further enhance the guest experience and drive sustainable growth for the region.” Myrmell said.
David Boyd, Chief Commercial Officer of Hamilton Island says, “Hamilton Island’s partnership with Cruise Whitsundays highlights our shared commitment to creating exceptional experiences for our guests. We look forward to strengthening this collaboration, and continuing to welcome visitors to Australia’s Whitsundays – Queensland’s premier tourist attraction. As the leading transport provider, Cruise Whitsundays’ consistently delivers outstanding service, helping ensure our guests have a truly memorable experience in the heart of the World-Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.”
Each year Cruise Whitsundays ferries and provides incredible experiences 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.
Cruise Whitsundays General Manager, Renee Branton-Brown emphasised the vital role they play in the local community, she says “not only do we transport holidaymakers to the idyllic island destination, but we facilitate the daily commute for island employees and contractors. This service is essential for sustaining the viability of the islands, allowing workers to reach their jobs easily. Cruise Whitsundays also provides an important service by ferrying children to their schools on the mainland, ensuring that education remains accessible for the island’s young residents.”
Cruise Whitsundays’ Resort Connections and Island Transfers connect the dots between Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island Marina, Hamilton Island Airport, Daydream Island and Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine – fast, regular and reliable services. Our fleet of air-conditioned, purpose-built vessels will get you there in style: our ferries feature big-screen presentations about the region and resorts, and bars serving coffee, drinks and snacks.
The announcement comes off the back of its recent Gold wins for Tourist Attraction and Unique Accommodation at the 2024 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, The Tourist Attraction award recognises Cruise Whitsundays’ iconic Reefworld Pontoon and the incredible experiences it offers, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. The Unique Accommodation award celebrates the exceptional Reefstays experience, which includes Reefsleep and Reefsuites, offering guests the rare opportunity to sleep under the stars or beneath the water, surrounded by the beauty of the reef.
These wins also mark Cruise Whitsundays’ induction into the prestigious Hall of Fame for Unique Accommodation, following three consecutive Gold victories in this category. These prestigious awards are a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to delivering world-class experiences at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.