Has anyone been on the Captain Cook Cruise that sails out of Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef? I'm looking at the 4-night cruise leaving December 8 - just found it on the internet. I've also found a 35% discount if I book by 10/26, so please respond ASAP if you have any suggestions.

Thanks.

I am looking at this same cruise (although over a year later). Any word on "fun" level or food quality. The destinations seem great.

Thanks

Hey people!!

Capt Cook Cruises is a small outlet with quite small vessels. I have taken them 3 times over the past 3 years due to excelent local rates on empty cabins.

I would liken it more of a ferry with berths than a cruise ship, now that being said, l do not say its a bad product at all its just not like a proper cruise.

I would say its more like a river cruise type of thing in a small like good quality ferry.

Food ok, but don't expect 5 star

Accommodation average to good 3 to 4 star, the cabins are not large but you won't spend much time in them anyway.

Itins excelent. there is prob no better way to see them than like this, but they might not stay in places as long as you might like.

Entertainment average, but its all depends on who is on the cruise. l have always had a great time, but as a result of my fellow travelers rather than the set entertainment.

If you are layed back types of people who like a fairly natural adventure then this would be great!!

If your looking for luxury and pampering maybe not.
Fun times, "yes" if you get on well with people and make an effort.

otherwise just sit back and enjoy the ride and the scenery this part is amazing..

Hope that helps folks!!

Colin..............................

I was satisfied, but my husband was not. (he prefers luxury). It's not a fancy cruise ship. We had a good time. The majority of passengers on our particular cruise were Australians. They made sure that our wine glasses were never empty. They took us into their social life and included us in a lot of fun. It was a very good value for money. Let's just say that the atmosphere is very casual, most of the meals are buffet style (heavy on seafood) and the entertainment is basic. I would do it again. My husband would not.

Thanks for your comments.

Just got back from a 4 dayer in the Great Barrier Reef area. The sights were great, food OK, service was friendly (including the amusing entertainment of the captain tyring to work the single ladies).

The itin was a bit restrictive for active types (ex. no you can't snorkel now, we have finished that for the day... ) Some weather reroutes worked out good and bad -- good for us because we rented a car in a place we did not want to stop for an entire day and had a blast exploring, and bad for others who were left with lame tours and a small town with not much to do for 9 hours).

Not sure what kind of local rates are available (please share), but the published retail rates seem very high for this offering. We got a discounted rate, but it was not inexpensive by any means (especially with November '04's exchange rates with the US).

p.s. if you take this cruise and have to stop in cooktown -- find the Wallaby lady -- best experience in town at her place seeing the animals that she is caring for (she'll resist, but leave a donation for the animals).