Sunlover Reef Cruises introduces new vessel and booking system

A major Cairns reef operator has expanded their fleet, and is making the trip to Fitzroy Island super simple for locals and tourists alike thanks to this great innovation.

Swimming with a turtle on a Sunlover Reef Cruise.

Making the trip to Fitzroy Island is now as simple as scanning a QR code as you hop on-board.

Customers embarking the new 190-seater Fitzroy Island Sundancer will be the first to see and use the uncommon booking technique, thought to be the first of its kind used in Cairns.

The update comes as the company expands their fleet by adding the new vessel, which will make three round trips to Fitzroy Island a day.

Sunlover Reef Cruises has taken delivery of a new catamaran that will run a return ferry service to Fitzroy Island three times a day, seven days a week. Sydney tourists Aparna Dixit, Ninad Dixot, 11, and Pavan Dixit boarded the Fitzroy Island Sundancer at Cairns Marlin Marina to spend the day on Fitzroy Island. Picture: Brendan Radke

The Fitzroy Island Sundancer launched for the first time on Thursday morning.

Sunlover Reef Cruise’s general manager Tim Moloney said the company was going through an exciting growth phase and were thrilled to expand their offering.
“Fitzroy Island is the jewel in the crown of Far North Queensland and we are committed to sharing it with the world with the renowned exceptional customer service of our team,” Mr Moloney said.

“We’re really excited to be able to offer this product and make the island even more accessible than it's ever been.”
Previously, Sunlover Reef Cruises were operating to Fitzroy Island once a day.
At a speed of 21 knots, The Fitzroy Island Sundancer can cruise to Fitzroy Island in around 45 minutes.

Tropical Tourism North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen called the expanded timetable “great news for the tourism industry”.

“Australia’s best beach just got that much closer. Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island is world famous,” he said.
Mr Olsen said the launch of the new boat was a great opportunity for locals and tourists to visit the island and see Great Barrier Reef.

The Fitzroy Island Sundancer, ready to ferry tourists and locals to Fitzroy Island in style. Picture: Brendan Radke

“For international visitors, this is going to be an absolute winner because a lot of them are looking for a day trip or a half day trip. This trip is perfect to get out in the shallow waters of Fitzroy Island, have an experience on the Great Barrier Reef up close and personal,” he said.

“If you’re a visitor and you rock up and haven’t got your ticket, click the QR code and you can walk straight on to the boat so there’s really no excuse.

“If you haven’t got an idea of what you’re going to do between Christmas and New Year, jump out to Fitzroy and experience the beauty.”

Originally published as Sunlover Reef Cruises introduces new vessel and booking system