On the morning of 14 November 2012 the eyes of amateur astronomers and the scientific community from around the world will focus firmly on Northern Australia and the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Tropical North Queensland lies on the ‘centreline’ of the prime eclipse viewing area, and what better way to experience this monumental event than aboard a Coral Princess Cruises small-ship cruise discovering the wonders of the Reef, Rainforests and tropical Islands of this beautiful region.

For most travellers, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef is a once in a lifetime experience. With only a few precious days to discover the natural wonders of Tropical North Queensland, making the most of your time is vital. That’s why when you join Coral Princess Cruises you will discover more of the reef, rainforest and islands than you ever thought possible.

Only when you travel with Coral Princess Cruises will you awaken each morning at exclusive reef moorings, with the very best of the reef and secluded tropical islands right outside your window. Travelling with an intimate group of just 50 like-minded guests you will explore well beyond the reach of the busy day tour groups; it really will feel like you have this World Heritage-listed wonderland all to yourself. Savour unhurried snorkelling and glass bottom boat tours in the company of our onboard Marine Biologist, their expert knowledge ensuring you gain a full appreciation for the reef and its colourful marine life.

Solar Eclipse over the Great Barrier Reef Very few people have the opportunity to view a total solar eclipse as the shadow only covers a very small area of the Earth and you must be in a limited zone to see the moon cover the entire face of the sun. Seeing a total eclipse is perhaps one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomenons that you will ever see. Being in the right spot is essential, and on 14 November 2012 the easiest spot to view the total eclipse will be in Tropical North Queensland, Australia.

What is a Solar Eclipse? A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun and blocks it completely, forming a shadow on the earth. For this to occur the sun, earth and moon come in a straight line in their orbits and it will seem like the moon has covered the sun. Over the Great Barrier Reef in November 2012, ‘totality’ will last just over two minutes before moving out into the Pacific Ocean.

Our two special solar eclipse cruises are now sold out, however if you're planning to visit Cairns this November to view the eclipse and take part in the week long eclipse festival, you can still combine your visit with one of our Great Barrier Reef cruises. We have a 3-night cruise departing Cairns on 10 November (concluding on the 13th - the day prior to the eclipse) and after the eclipse we have another 3-night cruise from Cairns departing on 17 November. With 'eclipse chasers' from all over the world packing their bags and heading to Cairns for this once-in-a-lifetime event the town is sure to be abuzz with activity, and we recommend you reserve your cruise now to avoid disappointment.