take a cruise on the mv trinity bay - sea swift booklet 1st nov 2017 to 31 oct 2018 take a cruise on...
TRANSCRIPT
Information Booklet
1st Nov 2017 to 31 oct 2018
TAKE A CRUISE ON THE MV TRINITY BAY
A REAL WORKING CARGO SHIP
Cairns—Cape York—Torres Strait
Call Toll Free 1800 424 422 www.seaswift.com.au
GENERAL INFORMATION
About the Vessel:
Sea Swift is a Cairns based company with a fleet of mixed cargo vessels that op-erate between ports in Cairns, Cape York Peninsula and the islands of the Torres
Strait. The fleet includes merchant ships carrying general cargo (including the MV Trinity Bay), fishing-vessel motherships, barges and tugs. Sea Swift also op-
erates out of Darwin delivering freight to remote NT communities.
The MV Trinity Bay is a 81m long working cargo vessel, built in South Korea in 1996 and frequently refitted. Its principal purpose is to carry freight between Cairns and Seisia at the tip of Cape York, via Horn Island and Thursday Island. From Horn Island, freight is trans-shipped to islands of the Torres Strait. The
Trinity Bay is the only working cargo vessel in Australia that also carries passen-gers, with a total of 48 berths over 15 cabins.
The distance between Cairns and the Tip of Cape York is about 1000km (468 nautical miles). The MV Trinity Bay travels inside the reef with land in sight for
most of the way. It has a max speed of 13.5knots. There is generally little movement, but conditions will vary.
Ship Specifications: Length: 81m / Breadth: 15m / Draft: 5.74m
Dead Weight: 3200tonnes
Container Capacity: 125 TEUS / 1 x 30 tonne crane
Service Speed: 13.5 knots
Class: USL 1C 2B / DNV Lapsed
Full Sailing Itinerary: The MV Trinity Bay operates a weekly service between Cairns and Seisia Wharf (Bamaga) and back to Cairns. All meals are included
Tuesday - Depart Cairns. Exact boarding time varies but may be as early as 10am. Be-fore departure, passengers receive an induction and safety drill from the purser. Wednesday - At sea. Captain’s Bridge Tour (dependent on conditions). During the trip, passengers can expect to see coral cays, islands, rugged coastlines, other vessels, light-houses and the possibility of whales in season (June to Sep). Thursday - Arrives at Horn Island to transfer freight. Passengers have the option of par-taking in a tour of the island (dependent on conditions).
Thursday - Arrives Thursday Island to transfer cargo. Passengers can enjoy time at lei-sure on the island or partake in an optional tour (dependent on conditions). Friday - Arrives at Seisia Wharf to transfer cargo. Some passengers will leave us here. Those staying on can enjoy time at leisure or partake in an optional tour (dependent on conditions). New passengers will join us for the southbound journey. Friday - Departs Seisia for travel directly to Cairns. Departure time will depend on tides and freight operational demands. Saturday - At sea. Sunday - Arrives Cairns. Arrival time varies from trip to trip depending on conditions. (The exact schedule is subject to change whether in advance of or during the voyage)
From Cairns :
Departs Cairns every Tuesday, boarding morning or early afternoon.
Round-trip - 5 nights - arrive back in Cairns the following Sunday
Or
One-way trip from Cairns- disembark at either Thursday Island or at Seisia Wharf (Bamaga)
Arrive Thursday Island on Thursday (2 nights)
Arrive Seisia on Friday (3 nights)
Northbound Passengers can partake in optional tours on Horn Island, Thursday Island and Seisia (see later page for details)
Exact arrival and departure times of vessel cannot be stated and may vary greatly from trip to trip
TRAVEL OPTIONS
Self–driver Vehicles: for those wishing to self-drive one way overland, we offer
discounted rates to passengers to carry vehicles & camper trailers on the vessel (See Boarding Details section for more vehicle information)
Southbound - One Way Travel:
The vessel departs:
THURSDAY ISLAND - Thursdays, late
afternoon (time depends on tides). Boarding at
TI for southbound passengers is not always pos-sible during busy periods
SEISIA (Bamaga) - Fridays, boarding at approx 10am (vessel departure time depends
on tides & freight loading)
The vessel travels directly to Cairns
Arrive on following Sunday (3 nights & 2
nights respectively)
Hint: Seisia is pronounced say-sha
Bamaga has equal stress on all syllables
Fly one way: Own Arrangements — Qantas fly out of Horn Island
At time of printing, Skytrans & REX Airlines fly out of Bamaga
PASSENGER FACILITIES
Cabins: There are 2 cabin types, offering single, twin, triple or quad share:
Ensuite Cabins: 5 ensuite cabins. 2 of these cabins have port-holes
Shared Facility Cabins: 10 private cabins share 2 toilets & 4 showers. Most cabins have port-
holes - one cabin is internal.
All cabins have a wash basin and 240v power point (suitable for sleep apnea machine)
All cabins contain at least one 2-storey bunk-bed. The ability to climb onto a top bunk should be
considered for passengers sharing a cabin with more than one other person.
Allocation of a specific cabin can be requested but is not guaranteed.
Passenger Facilities: Dining, licensed bar, outside deck, media room with movie collection,
books & board games. Passenger areas are air-conditioned.
What is Included: Linen & towel. Self-serve tea, coffee & biscuits, cordial & chilled drinking
water. All meals, buffet style, while on board as well as some morning & afternoon teas.
What is not Included: Transfers to /from Cairns accommodation, personal insurance.
Optional extras to be paid for: alcohol & soft drinks from the bar, souvenirs, optional tours (see later
section), excess luggage (we allow for personal luggage only. Excess will be charged as cargo).
What to Bring: Easy-to-carry personal luggage, casual clothing with something warm for the
evenings, sturdy shoes, hat, sunglasses, sun-screen, toiletries, insect repellent, general healthcare &
medicinal needs & any prescription medication. Although the vessel is usually fairly stable, consider
sea-sickness prevention. Due to the unfamiliar engine noise we recommend ear-plugs.
Health & Fitness Requirement: The ship has certain hazards such as steep staircases, high
hatchway step-overs and awkward gangway entrance. To manage conditions, passengers must be
independently mobile, have general good health where any medical conditions are controlled and be
mentally capable. The cabins have 2-level bunk-beds, so where passengers are in a triple or quad
share cabin at least one person will need to climb to an upper level bunk. Passengers should consider
that the vessel travels in isolated areas and emergency assistance may be up to half a day away.
Medicines: The crew are not allowed to dispense medicine without first seeking authority from a
doctor. Passengers should bring with them any medicines they anticipate a need for.
Travelling with Children: The vessel is unsuitable for small children as many potential haz-
ards exist. Minimum age is 8 years. Child prices (8-14years) are only offered in the low season.
Telephone and Internet Access: There is no passenger phone. Urgent communication needs
should be brought to the attention of the purser. There is little mobile or internet access at sea. Con-
nection is only available at the ports and may depend on provider.
Smoking: Smoking is not permitted in cabins or inside the vessel, only on outside decks.
Payment Facilities: Purchases are put on a tab, payable at the end of your cruise. We prefer to
receive payment by card rather than cash.
Wet Season Travel: The wet season officially runs between 1st Nov & 30th April. The vessel
operates in normal wet season conditions, only extreme conditions will stop her. The start, finish,
intensity and consistency of rainfall during the season cannot be predicted. Passengers seeking a
unique relaxing journey in good company should still find enjoyment in travelling at this time. The
Tip tour will not be available once the rains start and the other tours can occasionally be affected. We
offer a very lenient cancellation policy for travel in this season. Should we be the ones to cancel
travel, a full refund or travel on another date within the same season will be offered.
Parking of Vehicles during travel: Sea Swift do not offer parking facilities and the wharf
area is not a safe place to leave vehicles unattended. The CBD has metered parking.
If you are camping, some caravan parks will look after customer vehicles for a small fee.
Car storage companies: Airport Car Storage - 4053 3394 / Betta: www.bettaairportparking.com.au
RATES - NOV 2017 to end OCT 2018 (per person)
High Season - 1st May 2018 to 31st October 2018
Check with us about ‘Specials’ offered periodi-cally during the low season
Ensuites are only available for one-way travel during quiet periods
Passengers Per Cabin
5 NIGHT ROUND TRIP (Price per person)
Shared Facilities Ensuite
1 $1900 $2305
2 $1405 $1795
3 or 4
$1200 $1620
Passengers Per Cabin
ONE WAY (Price per person)
Shared Facilities
1 $1065
2 $795
3 or 4
$670
Passengers Per Cabin
5 NIGHT ROUND TRIP (Price per person)
Shared Facilities Ensuite
1 $1250 $1544
2 $998 $1302
3 or 4
$840 $1129
Passengers Per Cabin
ONE WAY (Price per person)
Shared Facilities Ensuite
1 $730 $877
2 $572 $719
3 or 4
$488 $635
Low Season - 1st November 2017 to 30th April 2018 Child: 8 to 14 years—25% discount
HIGH SEASON Book well in advance to avoid disappointment
No ensuites available for one-way travel during high season
Prices include GST. Prices can change at any time without notice
Passenger-accompanied freight North Sailing ex Cairns:
Standard Vehicle <6m: $1100 Camper trailer <6m sgl axle: $635
South Sailing ex Seisia (Bamaga):
Standard Vehicle <6m: $980 Camper Trailer <6m sgl axle: $545
Boarding Details from Cairns
Wharf 5 Occasional departure
Boarding from Cairns is morning or early afternoon, usually Wharf 8, Dutton Street
Muster point is on the grass area beside the Wharf (look for the adapted green shipping container with Trinity Bay sign)
CBD
Boarding details need to be confirmed the day prior to departure
Wharf 8 Usual departure
point
Thursday Island Thursday - late afternoon
Exact boarding time will vary We will need a contact number to call you on the day
Thursday Island Sea Swift depot: 40691085
Bamaga Friday, Seisia Wharf - 10am boarding.
The Purser will collect you from the wharf shed in the council car park
Vessel departure time will depend on tides & freight loading Seisia Wharf Sea Swift Depot: 40693933
Vehicle drop-off for sailing ex Bamaga
Drop off at the Sea Swift depot by 8am on the morning of departure.
Passenger-accompanied Vehicle Drop-Off - Cairns
Tuesday between 7.40 - 8am vehicles are to be dropped off at the Sea Swift Freight Depot at :
41-45 Tingira Street, Portsmith (Liberty Street entrance behind office building) Secure everything inside & outside the vehicle suitable for sea passage
Chilled Goods - We offer free shipping of 1 box per vehicle of either frozen or re-frigerated goods. Goods need to be boxed in either an esky or a styrofoam box (max weight of 20kg) and labeled: NAME, BOOKING NUMBER, DESTINATION
Frozen or Refrigerated goods should be dropped off by Monday 2pm to: Chiller Depot, 52-54 Tingira Street, Portsmith (opposite office & dry freight depot)
(Note: limits apply to alcohol within the Northern Peninsula region.
- call 137468 - www.datsip.qld.gov.au for more details)
Boarding Details Southbound
Passenger facilities should not be compared to a dedicated cruise liner. The vessel is first and fore-most a working ship and is bound by strict workplace health & safety regulations. Passengers should consider their suitability for ship-board conditions and for travel to isolated areas where medical assis-tance may be up to a day away. Regrettably, we are unable to accept passengers who have signifi-cant restrictions to their health, mobility, sight or mental capability. The final decision regarding a passenger’s fitness to travel rests with the ship’s Master.
How to Book:
• Call or email us per the details on the back of this booklet to check availa-
bility and to make a booking
• All bookings are initially on a tentative basis. We will send you a confirma-
tion and a Passenger Medical Form.
• We require you to provide the requested information according to the in-
structions on the form and return it to us. You may be required to supply a GP ‘Fit to Travel’ letter
• Once the form is cleared, your booking will be confirmed with an invoice
• Deposit: we require 25% deposit within 2 weeks to secure the reservation.
• Balance of payment is due at least 6 weeks prior to travel date
• Payment can be made by cheque, credit card or bank deposit
Note: High season is a very busy period and you are advised to book well in advance Groups: for large group bookings, different booking & cancellation policies will apply
Cancellation Policy - High Season: More than 30 days prior to travel date - full refund
30 to 14 days prior to travel date - loss of deposit or 25% charge 14 to 7 days prior to travel date - 50% charge Less than 7 days prior to travel date - no refund
Cancellation Policy - Low Season: More than 48 hour notice - full refund Less than 48 hour notice - 25% charge
If Sea Swift cancels travel due to weather or other reasons, you will be offered passage on another date
within the season or given a full refund
OPTIONAL TOURS Not available to southbound passengers ex Seisia
Tours are operated by outside agencies, unrelated to Sea Swift, and their operation at any time cannot be guaranteed.
This information is correct at time of printing but details, prices and contents of tours may
change without notice
Sea Swift is not responsible for incidents that occur while passengers are in the care of tour operators
‘The Tip’ Thursday Isl—view from fort Seisia Wharf and beach
Tours are on offer from: Horn Island - WWII heritage sites and museum.
Helicopter scenic flights Thursday Island - Island bus tour
Seisia - The ‘Tip’ of Cape York (seasonal) or Cape York communities tour (out of season)
Roko Pearl Farm The exact tour, its content and price may vary from trip to trip depending on tour
availability, operator decisions, minimum participation requirements, time of year, vessel schedule and weather.
Seisia
Thursday Island
Horn Island
Thursday Island Horn Island
Seisia
Weipa
Cooktown
Daintree
Port Douglas
Cairns
N
I have cruised 36 times on super liners in the past including the Cunard Line Queen Elizabeth twice but none better than this happy little ship - Gordon Hooper Surely the best 5 day cruise in the whole world - John Dangaard There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't met yet! A true indication of this very enjoyable and interesting trip. Thank you.-Peg Christie We expected an adventure experience and that is exactly what we had! Enjoyed to the full every moment, wonderful to be ‘almost’ crew, wonderful friendship feeling. -Margaret Bailey Once again Jan & I had a great time, see you next year! -Allen Cotton Always a pleasure to travel with you. –Rhonda & Craig Harris A great time. Thanks to you all. –Robyn Denny This is a well oiled operation manned by excellent personnel, all I had to do was enjoy! Congratula-tions & thanks to all involved. –Cate Capp I will take this trip again. Very, Very nice. –H. Weiland Great weather, great trip, great service & of course the food was superb! -Ros & Ian Ingram This was a fantastic trip, beyond expectations. The care and comfort was A1 from bookings to home. Australia’s best keept secret. All the staff and crew deserve top marks. –M.J. Peach
What our passengers say ….
Make Friends
Enjoy the views
Example of ensuite cabin
Consider on-board conditions
Abundant & varied meals
Media room
For bookings and enquiries please contact
our office and ask for Passenger Services”
Toll Free 1800 424 422
Phone: 07 4035 1234 Int: +61 7 4035 1234
Email: [email protected] Web Site: www.seaswift.com.au
(to make an enquiry from the website, go to ‘Make an Enquiry’ and select ‘Adventure Cruise’ department)
Postal Address: PO Box 6755 Cairns, QLD, 4870 Address: 41-45 Tingira Street, Portsmith, QLD, Australia
For Passenger Carriage Terms & Conditions, see our website