GBR Live Aboard Cruise
Dec 15th, 2008, 06:23 PM
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GBR Live Aboard Cruise
I'm getting a little anxious about our trip and coming up with all kinds of questions, so you might be seeing a lot of me in the next week or so.
We were going to book our live aboard cruise on Reef Encounter to the GBR ahead of time, but then got nervous about the weather being bad and the boat canceling the trip and losing out and so we decided to wait. Now I'm getting nervous that everything will be sold out when we get there. I know they have a 48 hr cancellation policy, but we won't even arrive until that time passes. Are there plenty of choices once we get there or do they all sell out around this time of year? We were hoping to do one that is not too expensive, but still a great time. My husband dives and I snorkel. Plus we have a baby, so we will most likely be taking turns. Not the ideal situation, but it's way too long of a trip to leave him with grandma.
We were going to book our live aboard cruise on Reef Encounter to the GBR ahead of time, but then got nervous about the weather being bad and the boat canceling the trip and losing out and so we decided to wait. Now I'm getting nervous that everything will be sold out when we get there. I know they have a 48 hr cancellation policy, but we won't even arrive until that time passes. Are there plenty of choices once we get there or do they all sell out around this time of year? We were hoping to do one that is not too expensive, but still a great time. My husband dives and I snorkel. Plus we have a baby, so we will most likely be taking turns. Not the ideal situation, but it's way too long of a trip to leave him with grandma.
Dec 15th, 2008, 08:01 PM
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There's quite a few to choose from Mandy and seeing as we're approching the warmer time of year up there, you'll not have a problem finding vacancies.
Just google up Cairns Cruises or Sailing and you'll find a heap and then also not discount heading down to Whitsunday Islands for a heap more too.
amsimon has a couple of posts here with similar concern to yours and asked about Whitsundays - I have put some links there but also just do a google on Whitsunday Cruises as well.
You can fly Cairns to Hamilton Island and if you like snorkelling etc., have a look at www.hookislandresort.com
Just google up Cairns Cruises or Sailing and you'll find a heap and then also not discount heading down to Whitsunday Islands for a heap more too.
amsimon has a couple of posts here with similar concern to yours and asked about Whitsundays - I have put some links there but also just do a google on Whitsunday Cruises as well.
You can fly Cairns to Hamilton Island and if you like snorkelling etc., have a look at www.hookislandresort.com
Dec 15th, 2008, 08:28 PM
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I think you have the general idea Barbara.
Mandy,
http://www.cairnsvisitorcentre.com/ will give you an idea of what's available and the advantage of waiting until you are in Cairns is that there'll likely be good standby specials about - just have a walk of the esplanade and btw, whereas most places do have shops closed all day with some convenience stores operating reduced hours, you'll find a lot of backpackers along the esplanade have tourist trips counters and I would not mind betting you'll find a few open.
The Whitsundays will certainly offer you more certainty re the weather and a lot of the waters there are far more sheltered.
http://www.sailingwhitsundays.com/ is just one site of many down there but you could do the same thing and see what specials could be available.
Mandy,
http://www.cairnsvisitorcentre.com/ will give you an idea of what's available and the advantage of waiting until you are in Cairns is that there'll likely be good standby specials about - just have a walk of the esplanade and btw, whereas most places do have shops closed all day with some convenience stores operating reduced hours, you'll find a lot of backpackers along the esplanade have tourist trips counters and I would not mind betting you'll find a few open.
The Whitsundays will certainly offer you more certainty re the weather and a lot of the waters there are far more sheltered.
http://www.sailingwhitsundays.com/ is just one site of many down there but you could do the same thing and see what specials could be available.
Dec 15th, 2008, 08:46 PM
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Ooops, sorry Barbara, didn't read your line properly!
Potential for baby to be aboard if they're considering overnighting.
Another reason Mandy to head for smoother protected waters of the Whitsundays.
Potential for baby to be aboard if they're considering overnighting.
Another reason Mandy to head for smoother protected waters of the Whitsundays.
Dec 15th, 2008, 10:03 PM
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Mandy, not there's not plenty of choice for one night liveaboards, was it for one night or longer?
I think you'd be wise to book now, liveaboards are filling up over Christmas holidays, if weather worsens you can cancel within 48 hours of boat leaving.
At the moment weather is ideal for reef - see the weather forecast on Reef Encounter's website - www.reeftrip.com - for Cairns its listed under "northern tropical waters: Cooktown to Cardwell".
I think you'd be wise to book now, liveaboards are filling up over Christmas holidays, if weather worsens you can cancel within 48 hours of boat leaving.
At the moment weather is ideal for reef - see the weather forecast on Reef Encounter's website - www.reeftrip.com - for Cairns its listed under "northern tropical waters: Cooktown to Cardwell".
Dec 16th, 2008, 01:02 AM
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A couple of other sites with listings in Cairns:
http://www.jasons.com/Australia/Quee...boat-charters/ and http://www.totaltravel.com.au/travel...ectory/boating
If you stick with Cairns, you could email to get a more definite idea on bookings or yjere's www.ragingthunder.com.au that has a live chat facility where you can get direct online Cairns advice and they are extra helpful re bookings advice.
It may even be advisable if you have not tested bub on the waves to do a couple of single day trips for price wise it'll not be all that different.
http://www.jasons.com/Australia/Quee...boat-charters/ and http://www.totaltravel.com.au/travel...ectory/boating
If you stick with Cairns, you could email to get a more definite idea on bookings or yjere's www.ragingthunder.com.au that has a live chat facility where you can get direct online Cairns advice and they are extra helpful re bookings advice.
It may even be advisable if you have not tested bub on the waves to do a couple of single day trips for price wise it'll not be all that different.
Dec 16th, 2008, 02:56 AM
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Bushranger, do you have shares in Raging Thunder? You do keep mentioning it as if its the B all and end all of tour advice in Cairns. It misses so many good trips in FNQ, its really fairly useless to most posters here.
And once again you're quoting old and out of date websites, as you recently did with Kuranda. Jason's is still showing reef trips such as Atlantic Clipper liveaboard - gone years ago (and just as well, it was dreadful), Ecstasea - gone, Golden Plover - gone.
If you're going to insist on posting websites ad infinitum, please, at least make sure they're up to date.
And once again you're quoting old and out of date websites, as you recently did with Kuranda. Jason's is still showing reef trips such as Atlantic Clipper liveaboard - gone years ago (and just as well, it was dreadful), Ecstasea - gone, Golden Plover - gone.
If you're going to insist on posting websites ad infinitum, please, at least make sure they're up to date.
Dec 16th, 2008, 04:43 AM
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The cat has obviously released the tongue and No! unlike some people I have absolutely no business connection with any tourist business.
I have however made use of RT and found it to be a great aid to be able to chat live with someone in Cairns and yes they are happy to provide general information without pushing any particular company.
I certainly would not be surprised if any particular company servicing different areas/companies would not have their web site up to date and enquiries will provide information on what is available be it Cairns or The Whitsundays.
Perhaps you would want to take on board providing an up to date list of all overnight cruising boats rather than sit back and pick at attempts to give travellers a list of resources where they can explore their options.
It does not surprise me at all that another travelling mother was the one to initiate consideration for a bub at sea; that just being another example where you cannot rely on people with vested interests to be fully open in providing unbiased information.
That is what a travel forum is for.
I have however made use of RT and found it to be a great aid to be able to chat live with someone in Cairns and yes they are happy to provide general information without pushing any particular company.
I certainly would not be surprised if any particular company servicing different areas/companies would not have their web site up to date and enquiries will provide information on what is available be it Cairns or The Whitsundays.
Perhaps you would want to take on board providing an up to date list of all overnight cruising boats rather than sit back and pick at attempts to give travellers a list of resources where they can explore their options.
It does not surprise me at all that another travelling mother was the one to initiate consideration for a bub at sea; that just being another example where you cannot rely on people with vested interests to be fully open in providing unbiased information.
That is what a travel forum is for.
Dec 16th, 2008, 06:39 AM
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Not sure what the comment was meant for on 'vested interests' other than to just be snotty. Frankly, I'm tired of the sniping here, altho it pales by comparison to other boards. Pat Woolford and others who have some relationship to Australian tourism offer the best advice around, and have never pushed their own agendas, whether it's services or lodging; they may advocate, they don't advertise. There IS a difference. People who don't keep websites up to date in the travel business are just stupid, regardless of who's doing the recommending.
As to the OP, she intends to bring a 16 month old baby with sensitive skin on a live aboard adventure out of Cairns at the hottest time of the year. Taking turns means she will snorkel while hubby child minds, then he will dive. We aren't told whether the child gets seasick, the point was, could she book a live aboard upon arriving in Cairns this time of year?
As to the OP, she intends to bring a 16 month old baby with sensitive skin on a live aboard adventure out of Cairns at the hottest time of the year. Taking turns means she will snorkel while hubby child minds, then he will dive. We aren't told whether the child gets seasick, the point was, could she book a live aboard upon arriving in Cairns this time of year?
Dec 16th, 2008, 07:09 AM
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oliverandharry - I agree - save the bickering for the lounge. I know both parties are very kind Australian folk who are just trying to be helpful.
But you're rather harsh on the OP as well. I at least tried to give her the benefit of the doubt that she wouldn't take a baby on a liveaboard. On our recent three night liveaboard trip, four of the seven of our group got seasick the first day, until meds kicked in and they got their sea legs on the second day.
But you're rather harsh on the OP as well. I at least tried to give her the benefit of the doubt that she wouldn't take a baby on a liveaboard. On our recent three night liveaboard trip, four of the seven of our group got seasick the first day, until meds kicked in and they got their sea legs on the second day.
Dec 16th, 2008, 01:20 PM
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Author: oliverandharry
Date: 12/16/2008, 10:39 am
Not sure what the comment was meant for on 'vested interests'
You have half answered it yourself as yes pat woolford has a business in Cairns and Cairns has suffered of late with tourism downturn - it is a fluctuating industry like most.
I give advice with no bias to any location and I believe that is what this forum should be about is all O&H.
Meanwhile PatW and at least one other have not appreciated unbiased information I make available and like nothing better to paint the rosiest of pictures for Cairns.
Date: 12/16/2008, 10:39 am
Not sure what the comment was meant for on 'vested interests'
You have half answered it yourself as yes pat woolford has a business in Cairns and Cairns has suffered of late with tourism downturn - it is a fluctuating industry like most.
I give advice with no bias to any location and I believe that is what this forum should be about is all O&H.
Meanwhile PatW and at least one other have not appreciated unbiased information I make available and like nothing better to paint the rosiest of pictures for Cairns.
Dec 16th, 2008, 05:02 PM
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Bushy, some important points for you to ponder.
Cairns is not the only holiday destination that is suffering a downturn. Check with your beloved Whitsunday tourism association & Lady Elliott Island & see what their forward bookings look like?
Pat has been helping travellers for years on this forum, (well before you stuck your nose in)& offers helpful information on the topics & questions raised. She has never promoted her business on this forum & I challenge you to prove different.
Unlike you she sticks to the subject & doesn't try & promote other regions that have not been mentioned by the original poster. You do this constantly & it is very annoying.
You have also had a go at our "Aussie Specialist" Melodie and accused her of sourcing business from this forum.
I doubt you even know what an "Aussie Specialist" is.
Melodie, as do many others on this forum, helps with valid, concise & up to date information on Australia because she wants to & obviously enjoys it.
It no doubt also helps her to serve her clients, who are considering a holiday in Australia, in a more educated manner than most. She is to be commended for wanting to learn more about Australia. In doing so she is in a position to convince more potential visitors to travel to Australia, which helps us all.
Melodies & Pat's vested interest is Australia.....get it?
If you keep persisting with your tedious, misinformed & malicious methods it won't be long & you will be the only source of info on this forum...... which is probably what you want anyway.
Cairns is not the only holiday destination that is suffering a downturn. Check with your beloved Whitsunday tourism association & Lady Elliott Island & see what their forward bookings look like?
Pat has been helping travellers for years on this forum, (well before you stuck your nose in)& offers helpful information on the topics & questions raised. She has never promoted her business on this forum & I challenge you to prove different.
Unlike you she sticks to the subject & doesn't try & promote other regions that have not been mentioned by the original poster. You do this constantly & it is very annoying.
You have also had a go at our "Aussie Specialist" Melodie and accused her of sourcing business from this forum.
I doubt you even know what an "Aussie Specialist" is.
Melodie, as do many others on this forum, helps with valid, concise & up to date information on Australia because she wants to & obviously enjoys it.
It no doubt also helps her to serve her clients, who are considering a holiday in Australia, in a more educated manner than most. She is to be commended for wanting to learn more about Australia. In doing so she is in a position to convince more potential visitors to travel to Australia, which helps us all.
Melodies & Pat's vested interest is Australia.....get it?
If you keep persisting with your tedious, misinformed & malicious methods it won't be long & you will be the only source of info on this forum...... which is probably what you want anyway.
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