Incat Crowther has been commissioned by The Tour Collective, a leading eco-tourism operator in Australia’s southeast Queensland region, to develop a new custom-designed tourism vessel to support the company’s award-winning operations in the Moreton Bay Marine Park.
The Tour Collective chose to work with Incat Crowther following the success of Spirit of Migaloo II, an Incat Crowther designed catamaran that has been in operation for The Tour Collective’s Seaworld Cruises brand since 2019.
The new, highly customised 22-metre vessel, which will support The Tour Collective’s See Moreton brand, has been designed to support the unique schedule and operational requirements of See Moreton while elevating the on-board experience for customers.
The new vessel will incorporate Incat Crowther’s proven stern swimming platform design which offers an unparalleled passenger experience for vessel-based snorkelling and recreation. The low-draft vessel is also fitted with a bespoke bow gangway to allow for beach landing on the many islands within the Moreton Bay Marine Park area.
The main deck features comfortable seating for 105 passengers, a large central bar, two large refreshment refrigeration units, three bathrooms (toilets) and large ceiling windows to maximise opportunities for passengers to enjoy the iconic views while on board.
The mid deck features lounge-based seating for 42 passengers with the layout tailored to ensure every passenger can enjoy the views from their seat. The mid deck also boasts a second bar, two additional bathrooms (toilets), outdoor front-of-vessel seating for 49 passengers, the wheelhouse and a multifunctional platform that can act as a lifeguard station during snorkelling tours, as well as a DJ booth on dinner cruises.
The open-air roof deck, which can be accessed via dual stairways, offers spacious and secure outdoor seating for 20 passengers in addition to standing room.
Anthony Ardern, General Manager of The Tour Collective, said the company is excited to be partnering with Incat Crowther to deliver another outstanding tourism experience for their customers.
“Since commencing operation in 2019, Spirit of Migaloo II has provided thousands of visitors to southeast Queensland with amazing whale watching trips and memories that will last a lifetime. We have been impressed by the performance and reliability of Spirit of Migaloo II and we are excited about our new custom designed See Moreton branded vessel,” said Mr Ardern.
“In designing this new vessel, we have worked closely with Incat Crowther’s team of naval architects to create a vessel tailored to our tours that will enable our customers to enjoy the beautiful Moreton Bay Marine Park in safety and comfort. We can’t wait to get it on the water,” Mr Ardern said.