Hamilton Island Departure
From the moment I stepped aboard the inflatable 12.5mtr Naiad tender Fantasea Cruisin, I knew I had found that elusive pot of Whitsunday gold.  Settling into the plush white upholstery, First Mate Scott Simmons quickly made us feel welcome, then promptly advised us to hang on.  This exciting tender comfortably achieves 35knots and Scott was keen for us to immediately experience the spray of salt in our windblown faces as we took the scenic route out to the ship: we could see MV Ammari sitting peacefully in Dent Passage awaiting our arrival.  Departing from Hamilton Island provides the perfect add-on before or after your cruise, with loads of accommodation and all the facilities of a world-class resort.  Cruise guests either fly directly into Hamilton Island, or fly into the mainland airport at Proserpine, then take the complimentary ferry transfer from Shute Harbour.

Boarding the boutique cruise ship MV Ammari was a calming breath of fresh tropical air.  From the moment I stepped aboard, I felt every muscle relax as the crew welcomed us with genuine friendliness.  Moving efficiently through the reception and check in foyer, refreshingly, the only music I heard sounded more like Xavier Rudd than doof-doof! 

Entertainment
Evenings onboard MV Ammari begin poolside with pre-dinner champagne as the tropical sun slips gently beneath the sea.  Tantalising aromas drift across the deck from Ripples Restaurant, with its starched linen and crystal glassware sparkling beneath the tropical twilight sky.  For a truly special dining experience, ask the crew to set up dinner for two on the sea level platform at the stern of the ship.  Here, you can dine privately beneath a galaxy of twinkling stars as the sea gently slaps beneath your feet.

MV Ammari cruises the breathtakingly beautiful Whitsunday Islands, with many opportunities for snorkelling, kayaking or island exploring on the myriad of walking trails.  No Whitsunday cruise is complete without a visit to legendary Whitehaven Beach.  From the deck of MV Ammari, the beach doesn't look particularly spectacular.  It is not until the tender approaches the shore that you begin to appreciate why this beach consistently rates on 'best of' lists all over the world.  The talcum powder like sand is so startlingly bright that sunglasses are essential.  This white as snow sand is so soft that it invites you to just collapse and roll around in it like a beached whale.  I know because this was the exact inclination I had as soon as I jumped ashore.  Embarrassing behaviour I admit: perhaps I had succumbed after all to the local trend of going troppo beneath the Queensland sun.