On Land

Small Ship Operations Resumed in Australia

A

ustralia small ship line Coral Expeditions has recommenced operations with a series of seven-night sailings onboard Coral Discoverer. Operating out of the north Queensland port of Cairns, the ship will operate a series of nine departures through to mid-December, taking small groups of under 70 guests to explore the pristine outer reefs and lesser-known islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Coral Expeditions is the first line to resume sailings in Australia and has implemented its SailSAFE plan developed by medical specialists. The SailSAFE plan has been approved by all Australian State and Territory governments and is based on rigorous safety principles which effectively create a “safe travel bubble” for guests and crew through pre-screening steps, onboard mitigation process and authorized response control. Joel Katz, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Managing Director Australasia, said Coral Expeditions’ return to service was a welcome milestone for Australian tourism. “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,” Mr. Katz said. “Coral Discoverer’s first departure shows

“…SHOWS HOW A CAREFULLY CONTROLLED OPERATION WITH STRICT HEALTH PROTOCOLS IN PLACE CAN HELP REVIVE TOURISM…” —JOEL KATZ, CLIA MANAGING DIRECTOR AUSTRALASIA

how a carefully controlled operation with strict health protocols in place can help revive tourism in Queensland, while at the same time keeping a focus on safety as the highest priority. This is an important step forward for Australian tourism and will help bring confidence as we work towards recovery.” Jeff Gillies, Commercial Director at Coral Expeditions, commented, “We are pleased with the strong guest response we have received over the past weeks following the release of our new sailings. At this time of global health challenges and uncertainties, there is no better sanctuary than our own Great Barrier Reef. We have led expeditions on the Reef for 35, years and this extraordinary place remains at the heart of our DNA. We are confident

and resolute in our commitment 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”. Coral Expeditions is welcoming all guests who are able to cross domestic borders and have been encouraging bookings with Queenslanders initially. They look forward to welcoming all guests able to travel into Cairns in the months ahead. 24 FOURTH QUARTER 2020 | TRAVEL & CRUISE