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Back in 1770, when Captain James Cook was sailing around the world for Great Britain, he happened upon a huge expanse of islands off the eastern coast of Australia. It was June 3, the day of Christian Pentecost. In Britain this is called “Whitsun,” so Cook named his discovery the “Whitsunday Islands.” (There is a theory that Cook had the day wrong.)
Airlie Beach is on Australia’s mainland, but it is in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland. It is also one of the many jumping-off points for Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Once again, Russell and Gail were assigned to different excursions. Russell escorted Viking’s included tour, “Sailing the Whitsundays.” A chartered catamaran pulled up right alongside our cruise ship at anchor, so guests didn’t even need to go ashore. They spent two hours cruising leisurely through the area. The sky was foreboding, but the catamaran was able to avoid any of the distant rain.
Gail escorted the optional and highly sought-after “Whitehaven Beach by RIB” excursion. (This excursion was originally assigned to Russell, but Gail begged him to swap.) A small group took a one-hour ride in a rigid inflatable boat. The destination was Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. It is considered one of Australia’s best beaches, as its sands are crystal-white silica that does not pick up any heat.
Gail hoped to ride out with a group of guests we have befriended aboard ship. Unfortunately, she was assigned to the other boat at the last minute. Fortunately, she was able to switch boats for the ride back. In between, she ventured out into Whitehaven’s gorgeous turquoise waters.
The RIB ride back was accompanied by much singing and laughing. Many of the attendees declared it the best excursion on the world cruise so far. Gail’s group was the last to return, and Russell went ashore to meet her. We ended up catching the very last tender back to the ship.
