Pacific Star - Gt Barrier excursion

[Roxydm]

Hello everyone, We are set to sail on the Pacific Star next month leaving from Brisbane, on the Tropical Queensland cruise. Having looked at our information we see there are two trips out to Gt Barrier Island - one from Whitsunday, and the other from Port Douglas. We are wondering if anyone has done either of these and are they worth the 2 hours each way travelling time. Also, we are travelling with my elderly parents and, although they are both active, will it be too long a day for them? Just wondering what your thoughts are on this. Thanks. We really love this site and have gleamed some good information so far.

[Tropicalshowers]

Hello everyone, We are set to sail on the Pacific Star next month leaving from Brisbane, on the Tropical Queensland cruise. Having looked at our information we see there are two trips out to Gt Barrier Island - one from Whitsunday, and the other from Port Douglas. We are wondering if anyone has done either of these and are they worth the 2 hours each way travelling time. Also, we are travelling with my elderly parents and, although they are both active, will it be too long a day for them? Just wondering what your thoughts are on this. Thanks. We really love this site and have gleamed some good information so far.

Hi Roxydm!
I would have answered you a lot earlier but I only catch up on CC on the weekends! As I live in Cairns I can answer your query regarding the outer reef trip from Pt. Douglas (haven't done it from the Whitsundays). I presume the tour is with Quicksilver? This company is fantastic. The trip out doesn't appear that long as the 'wavepiercer' catermaran is built to be a smooth ride even if the weather is not the best. You are travelling up here at a good time of the year so the weather should be fabulous!

The day can be as laid back or as physical as you wish. Quicksilver has it's own fixed pontoon which is large & completely shaded. You don't even need to get wet if you don't wish to as there is an underwater observatory (it's quite interesting watching 'learn- to- diver's' practicing before they take the plunge, from here!). There is also a snorkler's lauching 'pad' which is platformed, with seats, in about 2 ft. of water. When our boys were little this is where they paddled around in complete safety.There is also a semi-sub trip for those who want to stay dry that goes for about 2o min. and leaves every 1/2 hr (?)...an excellent way to see the corals etc. I would definitely recommend a snorkle as the outer reef is magnificent. The snorkling area is roped off so one can always hold on to rest if need be and lifejackets are provided. Don't forget though, that the only thing waterproof about your sunscreen is the bottle it's come in!:D T-shirt highly recommended!

You can stay on the catarmaran too (it's air-conned). The bar is always open on the cat (free tea & coffee on board). Lunch is served on the pontoon but you are allowed to eat your lunch on the catarmaran if you wish.

Yes it's a long day, but well worth it..plenty of time to snooze on the way back!

P.S The crew are great....gosh I should be a shareholder, or at the least, their promotions officer!!!!!:)
Cheers

[Creeky]

Hi Roxydm! - We did the Reef trip from Port Douglas on Quicksilver September 2004 - we had a great time and everything is the way Tropical Showers (Nerissa) explained it and there were a lot of old couples on the trip that had a fun time and did not find the day too long
Here is the itinerary for the Quicksilver Reef tour -

9:30am
Complimentary morning tea or coffee on boarding. For your safety, hot drinks are not served once the vessel is underway. Passengers are required to be onboard the vessel 15 minutes before departure.
10:00am
Depart Marina Mirage for the Outer Barrier Reef. A Marine Biologist presentation is shown on the vessel monitors 30 minutes after departure. A snorkeling demonstration follows the Marine Biologist presentation.

11:30am
Arrive Outer Barrier Reef - reef activities commence:
Enjoy swimming and snorkeling from submerged platform
Underwater observatory open for coral and fish viewing
Semi-subs depart every fifteen minutes from the rear of the platform
Pre-booked guided snorkeling tours, diving and Ocean Walker helmet diving
Fish feeding conducted at snorkeling platform at advertised times
12:00 noon
Lunch (included in the fare) is served. Enjoy a hot and cold tropical buffet, containing fresh prawns, pastas, meats, salads and fruit. There are full bar facilities available where you can purchase drinks.
1:30pm
Lunch finishes. Time for more activity or just relax and take in the view.
3:00pm
Depart Agincourt Reef for Port Douglas. Reef video viewing on board.
4:30pm
Arrive at Marina Mirage, Port Douglas. Transfer back to Port Douglas hotels by air-conditioned coach.

Hope you have a great time
Peter & Cheryl

[Starjet]

Hello everyone, We are set to sail on the Pacific Star next month leaving from Brisbane, on the Tropical Queensland cruise. Having looked at our information we see there are two trips out to Gt Barrier Island - one from Whitsunday, and the other from Port Douglas. . . .Snip

Hi Roxydm, I assume you are booked on R633 as well. :D

This might sound like a dumb question but which information do you have about the Whitsunday excursion? I can't find this info on the P&O Web Site :confused: Have you received your documents from P&O already?

Cheers,

Roger.

[Roxydm]

Thanks for taking the time to advise. It all sounds pretty good to me!

[Roxydm]

Hi there, Yes we are on the R633. We received our documents last week and the Whitsunday trip to GBR is in the information in the package. Hope you get your documents soon!

Regards
Roxy

[Roxydm]

Gosh. Thanks for all that. Really appreciate all the information - you've helped heaps.

Roxy

[Starjet]

Hi there, Yes we are on the R633. We received our documents last week and the Whitsunday trip to GBR is in the information in the package. Hope you get your documents soon!

Regards
Roxy

Hi Roxy,

It's great to hear from someone on the same cruise as us. :)

We still haven't received our docs :( - I reckon it's time to contact our TA again!

Best wishes,

Roger.