Cruise Whitsundays’ largest vessel, Seaflight, has just returned to service after a major repower and a fresh coat of paint in the new company livery. The project forms part of a multi-million-dollar investment strategy focused on upgrading and expanding the fleet, with four of the eight key vessels already undergoing significant works this year and more planned for the future.
But the real story isn’t just about the vessel – it’s about the person now at the helm.
Local skipper Fraser Simpson first joined Cruise Whitsundays more than ten years ago as a school-based trainee while finishing Year 12 at Proserpine State High School. Starting out one day a week during school and picking up shifts on weekends and holidays, Fraser quickly built a career on the water. From deckhand to pontoon crew, to managing the pontoon, and later stepping into Master roles on the resort transfer vessels – he’s worked his way right through the business.
During the COVID-19 shutdowns, Fraser even stayed on the pontoon to keep things running. That commitment, paired with gaining his Master qualifications, set him up for the role he holds today – taking the helm of Seaflight, Cruise Whitsundays’ largest vessel and the one responsible for delivering Cruise Whitsundays’ flagship product Great Barrier Reef Adventure.
Fraser says what keeps him motivated is the joy of the guests.
“I find a lot of enjoyment in taking passengers out to some really special places, and it’s such a satisfying job when I come home with a boat full of happy people who’ve fulfilled their dream of seeing the Great Barrier Reef.”
He also sees the industry as a great pathway for young people.
“It’s a place where you can work and have a great professional career, but throughout your younger years, you can also have a lot of fun, go to some really cool places and meet some really nice people from all around the world. And you live in Airlie Beach too – that’s a bit of a bargaining point for others who don’t live here!”
Fraser now drives this vessel to take guests to the Reef
Fraser standing in the impressive wheelhouse
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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