If, like me, you’ve always been interested in cruise ships but were afraid of paying a lot of money and being locked up in what seemed like a floating casino, let me tell you about one of the most special weekends of my life.
July came around and I was invited to go on a weekend cruise aboard a small boat called the Whitsunday Explorer.
The itinerary promises snorkelling, drinks at sunset, bush walks and a meal so delicious it would sink a boat – all of which sounds like heaven, but then I remember I'm taking my seven-year-old daughter and neither of us have ever slept on a boat in our lives.
My fears include seasickness, boredom, claustrophobia and, according to horror stories on social media, somehow catching the stomach flu and spending the whole weekend at the bottom of the boat.
The mother of three took one of her daughters on her first cruise and enjoyed every moment of it.
I also secretly worry that my daughter will grow tired of me and wonder what a weekend without kids club, sisters, and reliable internet is even a “day off.”
Turns out I was an idiot and didn't need to shamelessly pack my iPad “for the plane” after all. Not only did we have a truly unforgettable weekend, but I've been pestering my parents to go on a similar trip ever since.
A weekend alone with her
From the moment we boarded the Whitsunday Explorer to the moment we sadly disembarked, this was a holiday filled with quality time together.
Her mother worried her daughter would grow bored with her and question whether a weekend without a kids' club, sisters or reliable internet could even be considered a “holiday.”
As a mother of three, I'll be the first to admit that my oldest daughter is sometimes at a disadvantage when it comes to getting my attention, and having an entire weekend to myself with her has been a luxury I'd longed for.
We caught a flight from Sydney to Whitsunday Coast Airport (really easy with just one kid in tow) and then took a short shuttle bus ride to Coral Sea Marina.
If you've ever wanted to feel like a millionaire without actually being a millionaire, try walking through a marina filled with luxury boats and boarding your own cruise ship with someone waiting on deck with a mimosa.
Um, yes, please.
We set sail into a postcard perfect sunset and a pod of dolphins greeted my daughter and I as we entered our room (no, we're not making this up). The room wasn't big and didn't have a balcony, but it was comfortable and had big windows so you didn't miss the view. There's something different about being on the water when it comes to taking in the view. It was truly magical.
Back on deck, we immediately started playing some of the board games provided. If you can think of a better way to spend time with a 7-year-old than out at sea watching dolphins play under a picture-perfect sunset, sipping wine and laughing at competitive games of Monopoly, go ahead. It was heaven.
Not your average cruise
The Whitsunday Explorer only sleeps 60 people per night (we were around half that amount on our trip) so it never feels crowded or overwhelming, which was one of my major concerns when considering traveling on a larger ship.
Meal times were relaxed, the buffets were gourmet and each evening the next day's activities were written on a whiteboard in the common dining area.
We decided to snorkel off the backside of Daydream Island (loads of fish) and then take an afternoon trip to iconic Whitehaven Beach (my favourite) after lunch.
“From the moment they boarded the Whitsunday Explorer to the moment they sadly disembarked, this holiday was all about quality time together,” their mother said.
Everything was organized smoothly and it was the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Personally, as the self-proclaimed holiday organizer of our family, I really enjoyed the lack of mental strain and the ability to choose whether or not to participate in the activities offered.
But if you get the chance, Whitehaven Beach is a must-see.
We walked up to the lookout for *that* view, and when we returned to the beach the crew had brought coolers filled with beer, cider, water and soft drinks ashore. Combined with a swim in the crystal clear water, it was a great way to end the day.
Whitsunday Explorer can only accommodate 60 people per night. Explore Group Australia
So, did I switch to a cruise ship?
The short answer is: Absolutely! At least in this case. The Whitsundays Explorer had everything a cruise lover could imagine enjoying: scenery, activities, tranquility, wildlife (did we mention there was a mother and calf whale?), and none of the things that scared me.
And the best part was spending a weekend with my daughter and nothing to do. Above all, that moment was priceless.
Emily and her daughter were guests of The Explore Group, but the opinions expressed in this article are Emily's own.
