Australia’s Coral Expeditions sets sail on first cruise since lockdownAustralia’s Coral Expeditions sets sail on first cruise since lockdown

As reported earlier, the line in July received permissions for the resumption.

SailSAFE protocols

Carrying just 46 passengers, mostly Queenslanders, and a crew of 20, the yacht-like Coral Discoverer was able to depart following months of preparations by the company which has worked in partnership with Dr. Ian Norton from health emergency specialist Respond Global to develop its SailSAFE protocols. 

The SailSAFE programme, which creates a ‘safe travel bubble,’ has been approved by all Australian state and territory governments.

Coral Expeditions’ Australian-flag status, small Australian passenger count and an Australian crew were critical to its restart approval.

Major milestone

Group GM Mark Fifield said the sailing is a ‘major milestone’ in the company’s history.

‘We hope that our successful return to operations gives confidence to travellers and authorities that small ship expedition cruising with a local operator is a logical and prudent point of a restart for the marine expedition industry,’ Fifield said.

Leading the way

‘As a destination, we are thrilled with the news that our very own Coral Expeditions has successfully returned to operations and is leading the way for the expedition cruise sector in Australia,’ Mark Olsen, CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, said. 

Joel Katz, MD of Cruise Lines International Association Australasia, said the restart of Coral Expeditions is a ‘welcome milestone’ for Australian tourism.

Expert medical insight

‘Coral Expeditions has worked hard to lay a new foundation for its operations, drawing on expert medical insight to create new health and safety measures in response to COVID-19,’ Katz said. 

‘Coral Discoverer’s first departure shows how a carefully controlled operation with strict health protocols in place can help revive tourism in Queensland and Australia, while at the same time keeping a focus on safety as the highest priority.’