For Australia’s tourism industry, and in particular our small ship cruise companies, the effects of Covid-19 over the past 21 months have been monumental. But now, as the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ grows larger, there’s never been a better opportunity to help the Aussie tourism industry get back on its feet while enjoying some fantastic experiences in our own backyards.
One of our favourite local operators, Australia's own pioneering cruise line Coral Expeditions, has been extremely busy making the most of limits on international travel by coming up with some of the most innovative and exciting coastal cruise itineraries we’ve seen for a number of years.
Normally over the upcoming summer months between November and February, the two latest additions to the Coral Expeditions fleet – Coral Adventurer & Coral Geographer - would be off exploring the far-flung regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. But, this summer, with international travel’s ‘post-Covid’ return still in its infancy, it’s a great opportunity for travellers to join these state-of-the-art vessels exploring some of our own coastal regions in a way that’s never been possible before.
Below we’ve outlined a selection of the very best of Coral Expeditions new voyages on offer over the coming months, and we’d also like to remind you that there’s still space available on Coral Discoverer’s summer series of cruises in Tassie too!
So, what are you waiting for? Give the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists a call today on 1800 90 20 80 to secure your place on one of these remarkable journeys.
TO THE HEART OF THE REEF AND OUTBACK
14 Nights Brisbane to Cairns
Departs Brisbane: 20 December 2021
Arrives Cairns: 03 January 2022
The latest cab off the rank for Coral Expeditions, this 15-day itinerary aboard the brand-new Coral Geographer is a real beauty. The itinerary development team has put a lot of effort in to create an itinerary, the likes of which hasn’t been attempted before. The cruise departs from Brisbane travelling north up the coast via Tangalooma, Fraser, Great Keppel, the Whitsunday and Magnetic islands, before taking in the Ribbon Reefs and rarely-visited Osprey Reef (a real highlight for snorkellers and divers) ahead of arrival into Cairns.
What really sets this expedition apart though are two unforgettable Landmark events – sure to be days that will live on in your memory for many years to come!
A Day in the Outback: After breakfast aboard Coral Geographer in Townsville, be transported by private jet to Longreach in the heart of the Queensland outback. Connect with the country life with a classic pub lunch and then bask in an outback sunset over sundowners and stories at historic Rosebank station homestead. Fly back to the comfort of your ship stateroom that night.
Sailing Yacht to a Whitsundays Lunch: From Airlie Beach board a chartered yacht and enjoy a traditional sail to Whitehaven Beach. Linger over champagne and a decadent seafood lunch with your feet on white sand. As the sun sets, embark on your yacht again and enjoy the sound of sails over the Whitsundays as you return to your home on Coral Geographer.
To top off this incredible trip, the voyage will begin and end with gala dinners . Enjoy modern Australian cuisine paired with ten extraordinary wines selected from the prized ‘Exceptional’ category of Langton’s Classification, the premier guide to Australian fine wine. This is a rare occasion to sample these wines in a single comparative tasting.
Choose from four grades of stylish accommodation aboard the new Coral Geographer:
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite - $25,790 per person
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom – $19,190 per person
Promenade Deck Stateroom - $16,190 per person
Coral Deck Stateroom – $11,990 per person
Prices are per person twin share and are for new bookings only from 03 November 2021. Coral Expeditions past passengers can apply their Xplorer's CLub past passenger discount.
OUTERKNOWN ADVENTURES ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
SPECIAL OFFER: Children (4 – 14 years) travel at 50% off and enquire for discounted Single Traveller Fares
Refund Guarantee Applies - Coral Expeditions’ ‘Refund Guarantee’ applies on many upcoming voyages. Eligible guests can access this refund guarantee if they are prevented from travelling due to COVID-19 impacts such as border restrictions. Enquire for full details!
7 Nights Cairns to Cairns
Departures: 04 January & 11 January 2022.
Even if you’ve already been to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ve never seen it quite like this before! Stretching more than 2,300 kilometres along Queensland’s coastline, and encompassing over 900 islands, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living structure and home to an abundant and thriving array of marine and birdlife species. It holds pride of place as one of the Seven Natural Worlds wonders of the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage area. Coral Expeditions pioneered extended expedition cruises on the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef over 35 years ago and have forged a reputation for excellence and expertise in that time.
Now you have the opportunity to join the brand new, state-of-the-art Coral Geographer on an immersive 7-day adventure to the remote and untouched Northern reefs. You’ll explore hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems. Along the way find freedom and solitude amidst this iconic seascape. Share the journey with soaring seabirds and swim, dive and snorkel at far-flung Osprey and Ribbon Reefs. Learn about ancient indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown. Stretch your legs with a hike to the summit of “Cooks Look”.
Onboard Coral Geographer, you will be accompanied by expert guides including a Marine Biologist. You will enjoy freshly prepared small-batch cuisine featuring the best local ingredients and relax and enjoy quality local beers and wines. With an intimate atmosphere and our renowned warm Australian hospitality, you will quickly feel at home and make new connections with new friends.
Cruise Fares
Choose from four grades of stylish accommodation aboard the new Coral Geographer:
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite - $10,643 per person
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom - $7,920 per person
Promenade Deck Stateroom - $5,940 per person
Coral Deck Stateroom - $4,950 per person
Prices are per person twin share and are for new bookings only from 03 November 2021. Enquire for special single traveller fares.
WILD ISLANDS & WALKS OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
SPECIAL OFFER: Ask us about reduced single traveller fares on November & December 2021 departures
Refund Guarantee Applies - Coral Expeditions’ ‘Refund Guarantee’ applies on many upcoming voyages. Eligible guests can access this refund guarantee if they are prevented from travelling due to COVID-19 impacts such as border restrictions. Enquire for full details!
10 Nights Adelaide to Adelaide
Departures: 22 November 2021, 02 December 2021, 13 December 2021, 23 December 2021, 03 January 2022, 13 January 2022, 23 January 2022
South Australia’s islands and gulf waters are amongst the best-kept secrets of the Australian coastline, and the ultimate way to discover them is aboard the state-of-the-art Coral Adventurer. With 5,000km of deserted shoreline and more than 300 islands, there’s a huge diversity of natural wilderness to explore including spectacular bays and beaches, remote islands, and stunning sea cliffs. Best of all, most of it is wild and unspoilt. That means there’s a real sense of adventure and seclusion, and a vast array of wildlife. Many of the islands are important sanctuaries for birds, kangaroos, and wallabies, and especially seals and sea lions. Along the way, there are many opportunities to indulge in the tastes of South Australia with fresh local seafood from the source and hand-selected local wines from the renowned South Australian vineyards.
On this incredible expedition you will visit some of South Australia’s most historic lighthouses at Cape Willoughby and Troubridge Island and learn their stories. You’ll also Encounter native wildlife including playful dolphins, sea lions, emus, rock wallabies, kangaroos and numerous birds at national parks and protected habitats. Gourmands will savour the opportunity to collect and shuck their own oysters fresh from the sea at Coffin Bay, paired with local wines, before meeting the abalone divers of Eyrewoolf Abalone and tasting pan-seared green-lip abalone on the beach at Flinders Island.
Hikers be rewarded with striking views and peaceful native forest environs on South Australia’s coastal walking trails at Cape Donington, Reevesby Island and Flinders Island before cooling off in the turquoise waters and relax on deserted silica white beaches.
Cruise Fares
Choose from five grades of stylish accommodation aboard the state-of-the-art Coral Adventurer:
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite - $13,990 per person
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - $11,390 per person
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom - $9,890 per person
Promenade Deck Stateroom - $7,490 per person
Coral Deck Stateroom - $6,390 per person
Prices are per person twin share and are for new bookings only from 03 November 2021. Enquire for special single traveller fares.
Travel with Confidence – Coral Expeditions’ SailSAFE Plan
Developed by Coral Expeditions in conjunction with Respond Global, an experienced medical advisory agency, the SailSAFE protocols promise a prevention and response system that is among the most thorough in the world. Since resuming operations in Australia in October 2020, Coral Expeditions has successfully – and safely - operated over 80 expedition voyages carrying over 3,200 guests.
And, from 01 December 2021, Coral Expeditions’ protocols will be further enhanced with the requirement that all travellers be vaccinated before embarking their cruise.
Imagery courtesy ot Coral Expeditions and Tourism Events Queensland.