Recently returned from a four-day Great Barrier Reef cruise on the Coral Princess - a casual, but very comfortable and well-appointed catamaran carrying a maximum 50 passengers. Cabins are not luxurious, but very comfortable, with most having picture windows affording great views of the coastline.

But what has prompted this review (my first) is the quality of the crew and the service provided. Absolutely first rate - from the Captain (open bridge) to the cabin and wait staff. Kudos especially to (1) the Cruise Director (Kristy) who provided a wealth of information regarding the wonders of the Reef and conducted comprehensive snorkeling tours and (2) the Pursar (Yasmine) who had the uncanny ability to remember each guest's idiosyncrasies. I would also add that the cuisine (offered by Roberto) was superb - comparable to food service on more 'elite' cruise lines.

Contrary to other reviews of this Lines, I would note that the passengers were multi-national - not primarily Australian. We were American, German, Asian and European on this trip. All very convivial and anxious to understand and photograph the marvelous sights of the wondrous living Reef. I might also emphasize that the small size of the ship and the limited number of passengers enable you to better see and appreciate the Reef. Read more