Coral flags ambitious restart plans

CORAL Expeditions will restart cruises on the Great Barrier Reef next month.

Coral Discoverer will depart from Cairns on 14 Oct for seven nights, carrying under 72 guests and an all-Australian crew.

The itinerary is part of a staged restart planned for the next six months, which includes advanced preparations for a domestic summer season in Tasmania, and new expeditions for the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia in early 2021.

A range of enhanced health protocols will be observed on Coral Discoverer, with Coral Expeditions to deliver its SailSAFE plan, developed by Australian medical specialists for the current environment.

SailSAFE has been approved by all state and territory govts, with the jurisdictions to assist the staged restart.

The plan is based on rigorous safety principles, which create a safe travel bubble for guests and crew through pre-screening steps, onboard mitigation processes and authorised response control.

Highlights of the cruise include access to remote locations and a glimpse into Reef conservation efforts.

Guests will enjoy remote diving and snorkelling at Osprey Reef, Escape Reef, and the Ribbon Reefs; spot the Great Eight marine creatures, learn about Australian culture and heritage in Cooktown and the conservation of endangered marine reptiles at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on Fitzroy Island, enjoy sunset drinks on isolated Sudbury Cay and Hope Island and visit the Great Barrier Reef Research Station & snorkel over giant clam gardens at Lizard Island.

Departures are planned through to mid-Dec, with Coral Commercial Director Jeff Gillies noting the cruise line was pleased with the strong guest response to the restart.

“We are confident and excited to be able to restart after the challenges of the last six months and encourage those Australians who are able to explore their home shores to join us on board,” he said.

“Being an Australian-flagged tourism operator, the company is not affected by Border Force closures, and carries Australian guests and employs Aus crew.”

To celebrate the restart, Coral is offering special deals for travellers, including a flexible booking policy of no deposit payable for 30 days, complimentary down payment protection, one night’s accommodation pre-cruise with breakfast included, and more.