The Princess Owners’ Rendezvous 2024 was held 23 to 27 September, once again set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands. 14 boats with 70 guests – including 12 children – revelled in the spring sunshine and glorious conditions over five days filled with fun and adventure.
12 vessels travelled north from Princess Headquarters on the Gold Coast, stopping at Mooloolaba, the Great Sandy Straights, Bundaberg, Lady Musgrave, Yeppoon, Lindeman Island and Hamilton Island. The two other boats were already in the Whitsundays and met the fleet at Hayman.
Princess offered a different format for the five-day rendezvous this year, adding an opening night Caribbean-themed street party with food stalls from the Caribbean, Pacific, Asia and America, as well as a sports night at the Rec Club which was a hit with guests of all ages.
The Princess team partnered with the Hayman Intercontinental Resort to offer an array of accommodation options tailored to guest preferences: staying aboard their boats at the Hayman Island marina or stepping onshore to experience the luxury of a lagoon ocean view room – a popular choice with owners seeking to experience the 5-star hospitality of this opulent retreat.
For the junior set up to 12-years-old, Hayman Island’s Planet Trekkers Kids Club arranged a fantastic line-up of activities, including cookie decorating and nature-based experiences.
The highlight of the rendezvous is the day at Whitehaven Beach – a sumptuous beach party with seafood lunch and a range of watersports and beach activities for kids and adults.
“Whitehaven is always incredible,” commented Teresa Cannon, who with husband Justin owns the Princess 57, YNot.
This was their first Princess Yachts Rendezvous since buying YNot in 2022, and an experience they will treasure. “We knew most people because we’ve been sharing an arm at Sanctuary Cove for a few years with our previous boat,” she said.
“That’s what really attracted us to the Princess brand – the community feel and the connection among owners. We are so impressed with the team’s attention to detail – everything was absolutely amazing, from the fairy lights to the delicious lunch catered by Fish D’Vine. Their salads were simply a work of art!”
Teresa and Justin spent a few days at Hamilton Island with their daughter, son in law and three grandchildren ahead of the Princess event.
“They love the boat, especially the hydraulic platform we installed so they can fish off the back and launch the tender,” said Teresa. “We’ve installed a Finbrella which is wind-resistant, so we can enjoy a drink at the water’s edge, and it stays up while we’re underway.”
Karen Hanna Miller and Dean Miller are friends of Greg and Renee Haines, and veterans of four of the five Princess Rendezvous.
Karen said it was refreshing to experience the same great food, service and warm welcome to Hayman Island, with a slight difference to the itinerary.
“Greg has the talent of being able to create that wonderful mix of people, venue and activities, with the same things you look forward to, and the added excitement of a different theme, different food, new people, more activities. We love it!”
Steve Wooldridge and his wife Ann have owned the Princess V65, Solis since 2019, and prior to that, a Princess V57.
“We’ve been in the Princess family for 20 years,” he said with pride, identifying the brand’s “quality and craftmanship, but above all, the service, support”.
“The Princess Yachts Australia service is second to none,” Steve stated. “Even if there were a better boat for less, the customer service is so superior we would stick with Princess.”
This was their first Princess Rendezvous and the experience was “just incredible!” according to Steve.
“We took some friends with us and it was so worth it! Good food, great weather on the way up. We really enjoyed meeting new people with so many interests in common, having a laugh, and learning so much from Scott Davis.
“Even though I’ve been boating for 25 years, I still picked up so many expert tips on berthing at marinas and the use of the Yacht Controller.
“Greg and his team are so committed,” Steve continued. “Our friends loved it so much, they’re buying a Princess. They want to be part of the family.”
Asked if he and Ann intend to reserve their place for the 2025 edition, Steve was emphatic: “We are 100 percent on board for 2025, and looking forward to it.”
Greg Haines, who leads Princess Yachts Australia, observed that this kind of response is common. “The feeling of family is genuine,” he said.
“The family atmosphere and friendships that form are priceless. That’s why we coined the phrase ‘Family, Friends and the Finer Things’ as the theme for our rendezvous. It’s all the good things rolled into one.”
From owner feedback, Greg said the change in format was much appreciated, particularly by the couples and families who have attended every year.
“It was nice to enjoy some new experiences as well as the favourites. As every year, the food was fantastic, the hospitality at the Hayman Island InterContinental is always welcoming, and the signature event, lunch at Whitehaven Beach, was brilliantly catered by Fish D’Vine.
“Our sponsors this year included Volvo Penta, Sanctuary Cove Marina, Seakeeper, Garmin and Pantaenius, who shared their insight and innovations with owners over the course of the week.”
The dates for next year’s Princess Owners’ Hayman Island Rendezvous have already been set as 22 to 26 September, and Princess Yachts Australia is planning a summer raft up on the Gold Coast for owners wishing to get together before Christmas.
