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Union announces industrial action against 'Cruise Whitsundays' after breakdown in negotiations

Published: 14 Sep 2023

MEDIA RELEASE

Workers employed by North Queensland maritime transport company ‘Cruise Whitsundays’, a subsidiary of multinational cruising company Hornblower, will stop work TODAY, 15 September, for 24 hours for Protected Industrial Action after the good-faith bargaining process between the employer and the workforce was ended by company representatives.

Cruise Whitsundays – which is understood to be being prepared for sale by the parent company – is a major transport supplier for Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays region and the largest marine tourism company in Airlie Beach.

Amidst a spiralling cost of living and inflation crisis, the company’s HR representatives have pursued what amount to significant wage cuts for a workforce which already receives below-market rates of pay compared to direct competitors performing similar work in the Whitsundays region.

At the commencement of negotiations, the Union and its members sought pay parity with other operators doing the same or similar runs and charters, but Cruise Whitsundays have refused to participate in further bargaining meetings with the Union and have even declined to engage in bargaining meetings assisted by the Fair Work Commission.

“This is a profitable company being fattened up for market by a global shipping outfit that doesn’t want to give its Australian workforce a fair-go,” said MUA Queensland Branch Secretary Jason Miners. “The company’s reputation was built on the hard work of a workforce that delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the most beautiful part of the world, but the crews are being paid barely more than the legal minimum wages while the company generates exorbitant profits greater than any of their five other businesses combined!” Mr Miners said. 

The company put forward a draft agreement that included a 3% wage increase for 2023, below inflation, and a 0% wage increase for 2024 – this ridiculous proposal was rejected by 87.4% of staff at a recent ballot.

The 24 hour work stoppage that will occur from 6am this morning, Friday 15 September, will be backed up by further industrial action including the wearing of campaign t-shirts, additional work stoppages from the 20 th  of September (up to 7 days total stoppage) and work bans on charging passengers for alcohol or cleaning vessels.

“Cruise Whitsundays are ripping off their workers and conducting themselves disgracefully throughout this bargaining process. They claim to pay “above Award rates”, but in many cases identified by the Union this is just 1 cent per hour above the legal minimum, which demonstrates the shamefully cynical attitude that underpins this company,” Mr Miners said.

“It’s high time the workers at Cruise Whitsundays caught up with their peers, kept up with the rising cost of living, and were paid a fair amount for the hard work they do, but this company now wants to sink negotiations by refusing to meet with us at the bargaining table,” Miners added.

In addition to the breakdown in negotiations caused by Cruise Whitsunday’s refusal to meet, the MUA is also in the process of lodging proceedings for breaches of the current employment agreement and crew underpayments that amount to multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Authorised by P Crumlin, Maritime Union of Australia, Sydney

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Cruise Whitsundays offers offensive $1 pay rise – workers to strike again today

• 19 Sep 2023 11:24 pm AEST Date Time

MEDIA RELEASE

MARITIME UNION OF AUSTRALIA

QUEENSLAND BRANCH

JASON MINERS

BRANCH SECRETARY

CRUISE WHITSUNDAYS OFFERS OFFENSIVE $1 PAYRISE – WORKERS TO STRIKE AGAIN TODAY

WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2023

Workers employed by North Queensland maritime transport company ‘Cruise Whitsundays’, a subsidiary of multinational cruising company Hornblower, will stop work again TODAY, Wednesday 20 September, for seven days, after being offered a pocket change pay rise by their multinational employers. Workers will also refuse to charge passengers for alcohol or clean the vessels.

The Maritime Union is suggesting anyone with Cruise Whitsunday bookings check the company’s cancellation policy if their plans will be affected by the stoppages, which have been caused by management’s reckless refusal to offer a reasonable deal to their workforce.

The company’s HR representatives met with MUA officials and delegates on Monday, but workers left the meeting in bewilderment at a pay offer from the company that amounted to between $1 and $1.50 per hour for a small percentage of staff.

“The company’s offer is a completely unacceptable, unfair and indefensible position, so we have no choice but to take further industrial action,” said the MUA Queensland Branch Secretary, Jason Miners.

“Cruise Whitsunday don’t have a business without their workforce. These hardworking, loyal employees took a pay freeze during COVID, but with summer coming early and the post-COVID tourism boom, now it’s the workers’ turn to receive some recognition and respect for the contribution they’ve all made for many years to this profitable company,” Mr Miners added.

At the commencement of negotiations, the Union and its members sought pay parity with other operators doing the same or similar runs and charters, but Cruise Whitsundays have refused to match the pay on offer by other companies.

“If you take the management position at face value, this company is so poorly run and the upper management so overpaid that if the frontline workers got a decent wage outcome the business would go under,” said Mr Miners.

“This is a profitable company being fattened up for market by a global shipping outfit that doesn’t want to give its Australian workforce a fair-go.”

“The company’s reputation was built on the hard work of a workforce that delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the most beautiful part of the world, but the crews are being paid barely more than the legal minimum wages while the company generates exorbitant profits greater than any of their five other businesses combined!” Mr Miners said last week at the commencement of the dispute.

At the commencement of negotiations, Cruise Whitsundays put forward a draft agreement that included a 3% wage increase for 2023, below inflation, and a 0% wage increase for 2024. This offensive and ridiculous offer was rejected by 87.4% of Cruise Whitsunday employees at a recent ballot.

Additional work stoppages commencing today, 20 th of September will be complemented by staff wearing campaign t-shirts aboard the vessels as well as work bans on charging passengers for alcohol or cleaning company vessels.

In addition to the wage dispute brought on by Cruise Whitsunday’s refusal to offer a decent pay rise, the MUA is also in the process of lodging proceedings for breaches of the current employment agreement and crew underpayments that amount to multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars.

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Thursday, September 21, 2023

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

CRUISE ON STRIKE

Marine workers strike for fairer pay.

For the second week in a row, marine staff from Cruise Whitsundays are on strike and, while their right to protest is acknowledged, many are frustrated that their behaviour has disrupted countless travel plans during the busy school holiday period.

Three vessels are unable to operate, multiple subsidiary local businesses and suppliers have been impacted and workers commuting to nearby resort islands have been unable to transit.

The strike is expected to last for seven days, for the school holiday period, impacting holiday plans for thousands of holiday makers and possibly the overall reputation of the Whitsundays as a holiday destination.

Frustrated marine workers are striking once again this week to demand fairer pay, requesting a 30 per cent wage increase to align with “industry standards”.

Meanwhile, the marine company they work for is scrabbling to accommodate disgruntled tourists and manage disrupted ferry timetables during one of the busiest weeks of the year.

Timed to cause maximum impact during a busy school holiday period, there is no doubt the workers have made their point, but their actions in causing such significant disruption to many innocent holiday-maker’s plans is sitting uneasily with many members of the community.

The initial protest began last Friday morning when about 30 Cruise Whitsundays staff members held a peaceful picket line at the marine terminal.

A representative, who requested to stay anonymous, said that the motivations for the strike are a last resort at the end of a long battle to ask for fairer pay.

“The right of the employees to negotiate a different agreement has been refused time and time again,” they said.

“They left us no choice but to engage with the maritime union and with the fair work commission.

“A lot of workers are literally one cent above minimum wage – they’ve had a year to get on the negotiation table and they’ve put us less than a dollar up.”

Meanwhile, Adam Hosie, Cruise Whitsundays General Manager said that since July 2022 they have implemented pay increases totalling six per cent and have now proposed an immediate further average increase of over five per cent and higher for those with longer tenure.

“The new wage offer, which was proposed to take immediate effect, would see crew pay rates between 4.8 per cent to 44.4 per cent above award, depending on their position, skill level, and tenure,” he explained.

A meeting between Cruise Whitsundays and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) took place on Monday, but no resolution was reached.

“Workers left the meeting in bewilderment at a pay offer from the company that amounted to between $1 and $1.50 per hour for a small percentage of staff,” said MUA Queensland Branch Secretary, Jason Miners.

“The company’s offer is completely unacceptable, an unfair and indefensible position, so we have no choice but to take further industrial action,” he said.

Protestors also allege that the Current Enterprise Agreement expired in March 2022 and that Cruise Whitsundays are refusing to negotiate reasonable terms on any matters.

In response, Cruise Whitsundays says it acknowledges it has reached “its nominal expiry date” but contests that “the agreement continues to apply until a new agreement comes into effect”.

They also state that “over the course of these negotiations, Cruise Whitsundays has put forward multiple proposals for review by our Bargaining Committee and MUA representatives”.

“We have agreed to and resolved almost all matters presented, however we have not received any reasonable or sustainable wage proposals for review. Despite invitations for feedback from the MUA, we have not received any,” said Mr Hosie.

The biggest point of contention for protestors, however, is their perceived rate of pay compared to other marine staff operating similar tours in the same area.

Cruise Whitsundays’ marine workers protesting outside the terminal on Friday last week. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

An unusually quiet Cruise Whitsundays terminal that would normally be a hive of activity over the busy school holiday period. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Holiday Plans Disrupted

“We are over at South Whitehaven Beach every day and SeaLink and Cruise Whitsunday are doing exactly the same thing, except there is a 30 per cent disparity in wages between the vessels across the board,” said the anonymous protestor.

“At least match SeaLink – come to industry standard, we are not asking for millions - for them to be able to afford to pay us properly it will be a dollar and a half to $13 extra on different tickets. We’ve done the maths, and it will mean putting the ticket price to Whitehaven up by just $7.50.”

Cruise Whitsundays alleges that despite repeated requests, the MUA is yet to produce any supporting documentation that demonstrates this claim.

The company also states that a 30 per cent increase is unsustainable for the business.

“The MUA claims a "30 per cent disparity in wages" between Cruise Whitsundays and other workers in the same industry but has provided no data or wage comparisons to other local businesses with Marine Tourism as their core business,” said Mr Hosie.

“While Cruise Whitsundays has continued to negotiate in good faith, presenting fair and sustainable offers, the MUA is steadfast in demanding an uplift of 30 per cent in pay rates across the board. “

Mr Hosie also asserts that increasing ticket prices does not directly correlate to wage increases.

“These ticket price calculations have been discussed with MUA officials and it was agreed that a number of factors had been overlooked in the calculations, resulting in significantly substantial increases being required to cover the requested wage increases,” he said.

In regard to accusations that staff are only being paid “literally one cent above minimum wage”, Cruise Whitsundays stated that “this as a result of current negotiation of pay rates being underway, and increases to our lowest level roles were applied from 1 July 2023 to ensure that everyone is paid at or above award until the new rates would take effect.  

“Subsequent discussions have seen agreement on a rates calculation that achieves well above award rates,” explains Mr Hosie.

While both parties are looking for a swift and positive outcome, it seems they remain poles apart in terms of what they are able or willing to agree to.

“Although only a minority of our staff are taking protected action, all of our staff are feeling the effects,” said Mr Hosie.

“From the Reservations team who must call and disappoint our guests, to the catering team who are unsure how to plan for the coming weeks, to the marine staff who are happy to accept the fair proposal and get on with their jobs, everyone is affected.

“Additionally, we are also mindful of the many local suppliers who rely on the consistent weekly work that Cruise Whitsundays provides.”

Rick Hamilton, CEO of Tourism Whitsundays said he deeply regrets the timing of the strike during the school holidays, when our beautiful Whitsundays are at their prime.

“It's disheartening to see this disruption during such a busy time, with many of our operators running at capacity,” he said.

“The Whitsundays have been thriving with 90 per cent occupancy and it's disappointing that this action has coincided with a time when guests had planned to make the most of their Whitsundays experience.”

Hundreds of families can no longer enjoy a day out on Whitehaven Beach with Cruise Whitsundays because of the strike. Photo credit: supplied

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THE STRIKE action being carried out by Cruise Whitsundays staff doesn’t seem to be going away, with the latest round set to last for seven days.

The latest strike action started on Wednesday (September 20) and follows previous industrial action last week (Friday, September 15), which lasted for 24 hours.

Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) representative Dave Lyon said staff contacted the union for advice after the company ‘flatly refused’ to enter into negotiations with staff, when the current enterprise agreement expired about 18 months ago.

“We were issued bargaining orders around about Christmas, and it took another three months, being March 2023, to get a meeting,” Mr Lyon, who is assistant branch secretary, said.

Mr Lyon said the company had sent out a proposed employment contract to all staff, which was voted on and rejected by 87% of staff members, according to Mr Lyon.

“That’s a pretty outstanding no,” he said.

The union and the company met again on Monday (September 18) where an offer was made by the company and rejected by the union.

“So, we went to protected industrial action,” Mr Lyon said.

The second lot of strike action started on Wednesday (September 20) with a number of staff members turning out to picket alongside their colleagues.

At first, they were positioned close to the Maritime Terminal and then they progressed into the Airlie Beach main street.

A 19-year-old deckhand, who did not want to be named, said there were a ‘multitude of different reasons’ he was striking.

“I would like to be paid closer to, or equal to the amount of, other companies in the area,” the deckhand, who has worked for Cruise Whitsundays for two years, said.

“I’d like to be paid a similar amount to them…something more than the bare minimum.”

The strike action has led to the cancellation of several Cruise Whitsundays tours, due to ‘staff shortages’.

In a statement, Cruise Whitsundays said the company had been in ‘active discussions’ with employees and MUA for the past 12 months to negotiate a new enterprise agreement.

“During this time, Cruise Whitsundays has implemented pay increases totalling six per cent,” the statement read.

“The new wage offer, which was proposed to take immediate effect, would see crew pay rates between 4.8 per cent to 44.4 per cent above award, depending on their position, skill level and tenure. Further increases have also been proposed across the life of the agreement.

“The MUA claims a ’30 per cent disparity in wages’ between Cruise Whitsundays and other workers in the same industry but has provided no data or wage comparisons to other local businesses with Marine Tourism as their core business.

“While Cruise Whitsundays has continued to negotiate in good faith, presenting fair and sustainable offers, the MUA is steadfast in demanding an uplift of 30 per cent in pay rates across the board.”

The statement went on to say that the company was ‘saddened for the many holidaymakers who have been left disappointed by the extreme measures taken by the MUA’.

“We endeavour to keep critical services in operation as a priority and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause,” the statement said.

“We remain hopeful that we can reach a positive resolution with our employees soon.”

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Union announces industrial action against Cruise Whitsundays after breakdown in negotiations

Workers employed by North Queensland maritime transport company ‘Cruise Whitsundays’, a subsidiary of multinational cruising company Hornblower, will stop work TODAY, 15 September, for 24 hours after the good-faith bargaining process between the employer and the workforce was ended by company representatives.

Cruise Whitsundays – which is understood to be being prepared for sale by the parent company – is a major transport supplier for Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays region and the largest marine tourism company in Airlie Beach.

Amidst a spiralling cost of living and inflation crisis, the company’s HR representatives have pursued what amount to significant wage cuts for a workforce which already receives below-market rates of pay compared to direct competitors performing similar work in the Whitsundays region.

At the commencement of negotiations, the Union and its members sought pay parity with other operators doing the same or similar runs and charters, but Cruise Whitsundays have refused to participate in further bargaining meetings with the Union and have even declined to engage in bargaining meetings assisted by the Fair Work Commission.

“This is a profitable company being fattened up for market by a global shipping outfit that doesn’t want to give its Australian workforce a fair-go,” said MUA Queensland Branch Secretary Jason Miners. “The company’s reputation was built on the hard work of a workforce that delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the most beautiful part of the world, but the crews are being paid barely more than the legal minimum wages while the company generates exorbitant profits greater than any of their five other businesses combined!” Mr Miners said. 

The company put forward a draft agreement that included a 3% wage increase for 2023, below inflation, and a 0% wage increase for 2024 – this ridiculous proposal was rejected by 87.4% of staff at a recent ballot.

The 24 hour work stoppage that will occur from 6am this morning, Friday 15 September, will be backed up by further industrial action including the wearing of campaign t-shirts, additional work stoppages from the 20 th of September (up to 7 days total stoppage) and work bans on charging passengers for alcohol or cleaning vessels.

“Cruise Whitsundays are ripping off their workers and conducting themselves disgracefully throughout this bargaining process. They claim to pay “above Award rates”, but in many cases identified by the Union this is just 1 cent per hour above the legal minimum, which demonstrates the shamefully cynical attitude that underpins this company,” Mr Miners said.

“It’s high time the workers at Cruise Whitsundays caught up with their peers, kept up with the rising cost of living, and were paid a fair amount for the hard work they do, but this company now wants to sink negotiations by refusing to meet with us at the bargaining table,” Miners added.

In addition to the breakdown in negotiations caused by Cruise Whitsunday’s refusal to meet, the MUA is also in the process of lodging proceedings for breaches of the current employment agreement and crew underpayments that amount to multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Jason Miners: 0401 211 866

Dave Lyons: 0439 348 545

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The Reef is your oyster on Cruise Whitsunday’s action-packed, flexible and wondrous Great Barrier Reef Express day tour!

• Gain a magical insight into the Great Barrier Reef with an array of hands-on activities that will show you the Whitsundays like never before! 
• Explore the Heart Pontoon at Hardy Reef for exclusive snorkelling access at one of the best, flourishing fringing reefs in the region!
• Add-ons such as scuba-diving, snorkel safari and group underwater photos provide a flexible, personalised itinerary.
• Learn about the deep blue on our semi-submarine guided tour and discover the ocean while keeping dry at our underwater observatory! 
• Relaxed, scenic cruising will take you on a charming boat tour of the picturesque Whitsunday Islands.

Jump into a day of marine discovery with the unforgettable Great Barrier Reef Express tour! Take advantage of a flexible, guided and colourful array of underwater activities such as snorkelling, scuba-diving, observatory and semi-submarining. The perfect trip for families, small groups, couples and solo travellers, the experienced team at Cruise Whitsunday is bound to make your trip out to the Reef something of a dream!

Top it all off with some incredibly picturesque boat cruising amongst the enchanting Whitsundays, that will take you to world-famous snorkelling spots in style! Not to mention, your adventures will be fueled by a fresh, buffet-style lunch. Let the wonders of tropical bliss fill your senses and take you away on a day of discovery, adventure and fun that you truly can't find anywhere else.

With an impeccable mixture of relaxation and ocean exploring, you cannot miss the unique Great Barrier Reef Express experience!

Highlights & Features:

• Snorkel the flourishing Hardy Reef
• Explore the Great Barrier Reef
• Perfect for families, couples, groups and solo travellers!
• Relax on the stable Heart Pontoon
• Delicious buffet-style lunch 
• Semi-submersible submarine boat
• Underwater viewing chamber
• Friendly, knowledgeable crew
• Scuba-diving available 
• Snorkelling gear provided
• Insightful facts about the reef's ecosystem
• Scenic, spacious and comfortable cruising

Known for its flexibility and ability to please everyone and anyone, the Great Barrier Reef Express is the best way to tailor your day on the reef to your needs. Whether you're a hands-on snorkeller, an avid marine life learner or you prefer to lounge in the sun, this day of marine bliss is sure to impress! 

Important Information:

• This tour is currently not operating. See all alternate Great Barrier Reef day tours here .

Sample Itinerary

Snorkelling at Hardy Reef

Dive in for the underwater adventure of a lifetime! Rub shoulders with marine critters big and small, such as turtles, tropical fish, hard and soft corals, manatees, starfish and more! The intricate, wondrous world below is bound to take your breath away as you venture through one of the world’s seven natural wonders - the Great Barrier Reef! Perfect for first-timers, ...

Dive in for the underwater adventure of a lifetime! Rub shoulders with marine critters big and small, such as turtles, tropical fish, hard and soft corals, manatees, starfish and more! The intricate, wondrous world below is bound to take your breath away as you venture through one of the world’s seven natural wonders - the Great Barrier Reef! Perfect for first-timers, as well as seasoned snorkellers, with all gear, suits and instruction provided by our friendly and experienced crew! So, what are you waiting for? The deep blue is beckoning! 

Do you want to explore the vibrant, kaleidoscopic reefs without even getting wet? The state-of-the-art underwater observatory at Heart Pontoon is the perfect place to witness the ecosystems of Hardy Reef like never before! Immerse yourself amongst weird and wonderful creatures and corals found in this slice of paradise! The relaxing ocean bubbles, the rainbow underwater cities below combined with knowledgable commentary create a comprehensive, educational and modern method of reef adventuring!

For another unique perspective of the Great Barrier Reef, hop aboard our semi-submersible vessel! Venture just below the waterline, as you bob around with schools of glimmering fish, turtles and more! With half of the boat sitting below the vessel, and the other half sitting above, you really will get the best of both worlds during this creative, unbeatable experience!

Take some time out to unwind and put your feet up on Heart Pontoon! This stable platform is situated in Hardy Reef, and is the perfect place to base your marine activities during your adventure-filled day! Equipped with luxury sun lounges, laze in the sun as you listen to the gentle splash of water activities just at your doorstep. You’ve never seen island relaxation like this! 

Whether you’re an experienced dive enthusiast or first-timer, Cruise Whitsundays welcomes both beginners and certified divers. This optional addition to your Great Barrier Reef Express tour is simply a magical way to see the reef and check off scuba-diving from your bucket list! With instruction from experienced PADI/SSI certified instructors, you will be in and amongst the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef in no time! 

Make the very most of your day, with an array of additional add-ons for those who crave even more island adventure! Enquire with our friendly travel agents to add on a scenic flight over the reef for yet another outlook of our slice of paradise! Or, book into a snorkel safari for an illuminating and educational underwater journey guided by a qualified marine biologist… you really will learn about the mysteries of the reef! And don’t forget to grab your optional souvenir group photos to immortalise your day of reef adventures! Please note that optional extras incur additional costs per activity.

Departs/Returns

• The Great Barrier Reef Express departs from Airlie Beach at 9:00am
• Check-in - Please meet at the Port of Airlie Marina 30 minutes prior to departure
• Return to Port of Airlie at 4:00pm

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What to bring.

Please bring only a small bag with:

• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses etc)
• Beach towel
• Jumper or jacket (seasonal)
• Cash or credit cards for onboard purchases

What's Included

• Snorkelling equipment and instruction
• Wet/stinger suit
• Buffet lunch
• Morning and afternoon tea and coffees
• Semi-submarine/glass bottom boat tour
• Underwater observatory 
• Pontoon access

What's Extra

• Onboard purchases s...
• Onboard purchases such as drinks, alcohol and snacks
• Photographs
• Scenic flights
• Guided snorkelling tours
• Scuba diving (subject to medical conditions and age restrictions)

Terms and Conditions

Important Information: 

Infants 0-3 years travel free of charge, however no infant meals are included. Guests must be able to show valid ID at check in to support their ticket type (i.e Senior or Child ticket). If you cannot produce the valid identification to meet your ticket requirements, you will not be able to travel without paying a surcharge/difference in fare.

Scuba diving is reserved for guests 12 and above. Medical restrictions also apply to diving activities. A medical questionnaire must be completed before diving.

Your Responsibilities:

Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip. 

You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.

It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.

It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.

You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. 

Scuba Diving/Medical Disclosure:

Age and medical restrictions apply to diving activities. A medical questionnaire must be completed. Divers cannot fly for 24 hours after diving and the company accepts no liability for medical conditions experienced as a result of flying after diving. All diving is operated by Reef Safari Pty Ltd and booking to dive with them deems acceptance of the terms and conditions as published on their website www.reefsafari.com.

Prices/Extra Costs:

All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply. 

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.

We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.

Travel Risk/Insurance:

It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances. 

Transfers are at an additional cost. Please enquire if you would like to add transfers to your booking.

The Service Operator reserves the right to limit courtesy transfers to select local accommodations. Private residences or Airbnb properties may be asked to meet at the closest confirmed location. Failure to meet at the specified pick-up location may be treated as “No Show”, for which the Client Cancellation Policy applies.

Merchant Fees:

Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.

Other: 

Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages. 

All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.

Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees. You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations

Client Cancellations:

No shows or client cancellations made within 48 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. 

Sailing Whitsundays are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period (48 hours). It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (9am-5pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider.

Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee. 

It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to [email protected]. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.

Supplier Cancellations:

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.

All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.

In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Sailing Whitsundays retail outlet located Airlie Beach, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Mr Travel online department.

All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.

Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.

You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.

Accountability/Misconduct:

All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators. 

Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.

Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.

Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel/Sailing Whitsundays.  If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.

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Booking For CW: Great Barrier Reef Express

Check availability for cw: great barrier reef express, manual availability check request for cw: great barrier reef express, gift card - cw: great barrier reef express, date of travel:.

Please select the date you would like to travel.

Please note: Calendar availability is based on total capacity - selected fare options may be limited.

Gift Card Booking Information

Open dated gift voucher.

Sailing Whitsundays acknowledges the Ngaro, Gia and Juru people as the Traditional Owners of the lands and seas in which we operate. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.

City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

• Hop-on or hop-off at any of Moscow’s main highlights
• Views of Moscow from an open-top, double-decker bus
• Learn about the city with recorded commentary
• Visit Red Square, Alexander Gardens, and more
• Bus pass inclusions: 48 or 72 hour bus pass + walking tour
• Boat pass inclusions: 60 minute boat trip + walking tour
• Bus & Boat pass inclusions: 48 hour bus pass + 60 minute boat trip + walking tour
• Vouchers valid for 12 months
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Location Name: The route begins at Red Square but you can board at any stop
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Red Route runs from 10:00am - 6:00pm, every 25 minutes. Duration - 60 minutes. First stop - Bolotnaya Square.
• Most travelers can participate
• Green Route runs from 10:00am - 6:00pm, every 60 minutes. Duration - 120 minutes. First stop - Bolotnaya Square.
• Orange Route (currently suspended) runs from 10:30am - 6:30pm, every 30 minutes. Duration - 140 minutes. First stop - Museum of Cosmonautics
• Walking tour runs daily at 10:45am. Duration - 2 hours 30 minutes. Meeting point - Next to monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
• Boat tour operates 5th May - 20th October, from 11:30am - 6:30pm. Duration - 60 minutes. Meeting point - Zaryadye Park Pier.
• Mobile and paper vouchers are accepted for this tour.
• Vouchers can be redeemed at any of the stops along the routes.
• Vouchers are valid for 12 months
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• DebbJ 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to get oriented to Moscow We started our Moscow experience with the hop on hop off. It was a great way to get orientated to the city. The additional optional tours were also good, we did the Metro tour which I highly recommend, we also paid for the Kremlin tour. The hop on hop off has three different lines all included. Only fault was the bus was sometimes full and you had to wait for the next one which was about 15 minutes (in the cold). Read more Written January 6, 2020
• UmaDelhi 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 2 days are required Very very good audio guides- the voice quality was also good and also the anecdotes of history were brilliant. Russia is truly beautiful Read more Written September 1, 2019
• BeverleyT 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Boat trip - TERRIBLE We got on the bus, but couldn’t buy a 1 day ticket. They suggested we do the 1 hour boat trip and said they would drop us to the dock. 1) they dropped us in the wrong place 2) they were lost because of the marathon Then the boat, after we finally found it: 1) stinking fumes, actually gagging 2) no commentary, in fact, no interaction unless you begged 3) offered us 2 for 1 icecreams as they had melted and refrozen as the fridge gets turned off at night Honestly, we enjoyed the afternoon in the boat but spent all of it laughing at just how awful it was!!! The worst thing in Moscow! Read more Written August 18, 2019
• niruDurbs 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Not the best value for the price The ticket is quite expensive and covers three different routes in a 24 hour period. The red route is quite exciting and takes about an hour. The bus comes every 10 to 15 minutes. However the other two routes take about two hours each and buses come every 30 to 40 minute period. If the bus is full then you have to wait at the stop for the next bus. So personally I feel that not much can be seen this way. I definitely was not impressed. However it must be noted that one can learn a lot about the history of Moscow Read more Written July 3, 2019
• IrishCueTravel 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles SLO Motion Not all their fault , but if you plan on trying this Attraction be patient! Traffic is a big problem first and foremost. But to add additional unnecessary delays; the bus stops at each site for 15 minutes at a time or More ! I gave up half way through ( 45 minutes) ; and walked back to the starting point in 10 minutes! Read more Written June 4, 2019
• michael g 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Worst hop on/hop off EVER Waited for 40 minutes in the cold rain for a bus that never came... unacceptable. Traffic is so bad that when on a bus the previos day it was barely moving. My advice-get a subway pass and a good travel guide book and do sightseeing on your own! Read more Written October 24, 2018
• Rebecca J 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Boat element was excellent We purchased a ticket online for the boat and bus for 2 days. The boat element was wonderful, we saw some amazing parts of Moscow along the river side. The bus element was very disappointing as it only started at 10am and was finished by 6:30pm. It was extremely warm when we were there and it would have been great to do the tour in the cool of the day. There was also no air conditioning in the down stairs part of the bus. They also turned away passengers at one of the stops as the bus was full and there was not another bus for 40 minutes. Read more Written September 26, 2018
• Monismith2014 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles it was very enjoyable it was very interesting seeing things we saw walking around from the bus. so much more to see. we had a lot better view of the attractions from the height of the bus.also the bus was reasonable slow which gave us time enough for photos. it stopped at sparrow hill for 10 minutes for picture taking Read more Written September 20, 2018
• fati666222 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles The best way to see Moscow We did both routes but if you have little time then only do the red route.Its very informative and it takes you to the important sights.The staff on the bus are very friendly and helpful. Read more Written August 20, 2018
• adolfo17 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles The worst hope-on hope-off service I've ever seen Diffiult to understand the route maps and stops. Staff wouldn't help either. Lengthy stops. No air conditioning. Read more Written August 4, 2018
• Peter F 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Two Routes There is a short red route which depending on the traffic takes about an hour. The route is generally around the Red Square area. The ear phones were small and sometimes the commentary did not link up with the sites you were seeing. The green bus takes you on a longer route and ours took two and a half hours due to the heavy traffic. I would not recommend this trip unless it is raining or you want to fill in time. The sights we saw were nothing outstanding with plenty of time at certain stops for photos. Also the driver stop for a bite to eat at one stop. Read more Written July 30, 2018
• Bernardo P 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Boat Trips Moscow, Russia Yesterday, I booked a boat trip with the GetYourGuide.com web page and was totally horrible, didn’t have audio guide as it shows on the picture-Nobody Talk-. The girl on the picture-light blue bag-ask for 100 Rubles for show her the QR Code while I had the Booking and PIN number cause she must see the vessel name-Didn’t say nothing and after she said board any vessel. I suggest take the trip and pay on site, avoid fake internet pages, there are many other services with a lot of entertainment, don’t take this ones. Read more Written July 14, 2018
• Kathrynowl91 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Good way to see some sites We usually do these tours when we travel. They get you round and you see the sight . The traffic is quite heavy so it is a bit slow but there is not a lot they can do about it. We only did the red route. Just a note people don’t queue here when the bus comes it’s a bit of a free for all. Read more Written July 13, 2018
• Daniyal91 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Was Ok.! Started our tour of moscow from here, We had got the 2 Day Pass with the boat ride. The route and the map was good but not well managed. The bus didn't stop at many points. Were were unaware a couple of times at what point we were and missed them. Headphones and maps were provided. Would recommend one should check out the route map before going and decide which places to stop in advance, this way one can manage and enjoy the tour more and us it more effectively.! The boat ride was Ok, a little crowded. No guide provided, just a boat ride with restaurant service Read more Written July 12, 2018
• WilliamDyer 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Poor service on boat and too many waiting times on buses For the price, you should expect at minimum English speaking tour guides with decent experience, but at least in my case that did not happen both in buses and boats. And in the boat even tough we were 90% English speaking tourist at least, the tour guide spoke 95% of the time in Russia, and only 3 sentences in English, I really counted how many times she spoke in English. And at the end she asks us if we have any questions? Of course I told her I couldn’t ask her anything since I didn’t understand 95% of what she was saying. The boat tour is not worth it, just take the bus that would be my advice. Second minus is the waiting times, in the boat they made us wait an hour before it departed, and in many stops with the buses waiting times of 20-30 minutes. I actually think I lost that day around 2 hours doing nothing. Be careful. Read more Written July 10, 2018

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise provided by City Sightseeing Moscow