Cruise Whitsundays continues partnership with Hamilton Island, signing 10-year deal

Cruise Whitsundays will the continue its partnership with Hamilton Island, signing a 10-year agreement to remain the provider for resort connections and island transfers to and from Hamilton Island through 2034.

Cruise Whitsundays has been the cornerstone of the Whitsundays tourism and transport network since 2012.

“Together, we are committed to enhancing the vitality of our region,” Journey Beyond COO, Sture Myrmell, Chief Operating Officer said.

“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 added.

Hamilton Island COO David Boyd said the partnership with Cruise Whitsundays highlighted a shared commitment to creating exceptional experiences for 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,” he said.

Cruise Whitsundays ferries more than 700,000 residents and visitors to and around the island each year. 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 also offers unique overnight accommodation and experiences.

Cruise Whitsundays General Manager, Renee Branton-Brown emphasised the vital role they play in the local community.

“Not only do we transport holidaymakers to the idyllic island destination, but we facilitate the daily commute for island employees and contractors,” she said.

“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. The fleet of air-conditioned, purpose-built vessels 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.

The wins also mark Cruise Whitsundays’ induction into the Hall of Fame for Unique Accommodation, following three consecutive Golds 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.