Before You Travel: Pre-Departure Information

We understand that as the excitement for your cruise builds, you might have questions for our team. The below frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) should clear up any queries you may have. For anything not answered below, please contact our friendly reservations team on 1800 079 545 during business hours in Australia or email explore@coralexpeditions.com

Before you sail, you will also receive detailed SailSAFE and other pre-departure documents providing a range of information on your packing, your destination, and your ship.

Q. What travel insurance is required?

Comprehensive Travel Insurance is strongly recommended for all travellers as protection against any unforeseen events that may necessitate the cancellation or interruption of your holiday and should be purchased at the same time as you purchase your cruise.

Please note and share the following facts when considering insurance coverage and speaking with suppliers:

• Our senior crew are trained and qualified in remote area first aid. If a passenger has injured themselves or is having a medical issue onboard, the crew will make contact with doctors on land to determine whether a medical evacuation is necessary. For this reason, it is advisable that passengers obtain a policy with remote area evacuation and repatriation coverage.
• Our domestic cruises on the Great Barrier Reef, Kimberley, Cape York and Arnhem land and Tasmania do not leave domestic waters, however, our locations are considered remote.
• Our ships are Australian flagged.

Travel Insurance is required by each travelling guest and if an urgent medical event or situation occurred that required medical evacuation or offload from the ship, it is mandatory that this is financially covered by insurance or by guest payment at the time.

Please refer to the cruise ticket terms and conditions for details of our travel policy.

Q. Is there a Doctor or Nurse onboard? What if I get sick onboard?

As our itineraries cover remote regions, they are not suitable for those with serious medical conditions. Any ongoing medical issues should be disclosed to reservations staff at the time of booking.

Please refer to our SailSAFE Health & Safety for Guest & Crew for information regarding health practices and doctors on board.

Q. If I want to scuba dive onboard, do I need to prepare anything?

Yes, please refer to our Snorkelling & Scuba Diving Information.

Q. What about visas and passports?

Please ensure your passport has 6 months’ validity from the time the expedition commences plus two free pages. It is the responsibility of all guests to ensure they meet visa requirements prior to travel. At least 4-6 weeks prior to departure, guests should contact the relevant country’s local Embassy / High Commission / Consulate with entry/exit details to confirm visa requirements based on their nationality. Entry and exit dates/points will be noted on your cruise itinerary.

Q. I’m applying for a visa. Do your domestic ships leave Australian waters?

All our ships are Australian flagged, therefore when doing a domestic cruise our ships do not leave domestic waters.

Q. Do I need vaccinations for non-Australian cruise itineraries?

We strongly recommend consulting your medical advisor prior to your International cruise. You should be up to date with routine vaccinations. Refer to the Centre of Disease Control website for up to date vaccination requirements (these requirements are subject to change).

Q. What should I pack?

We recommend that you pack simply and lightly. Clothing that you can layer will prepare you for all kinds of weather. More specific information regarding clothing and the weather conditions in your destination are included in your Cruise Documentation which you will receive prior to your cruise.

Q. Do I need to bring spending money? What might I need to pay for onboard?

Upon embarkation, we will automatically open your personal shipboard account. We operate a chit system and for your security, ask that you sign each chit as you order from our bar, shop or make any other onboard purchases. At the end of the voyage your account may be settled in Australian dollars cash, and by American Express; Visa; MasterCard or Diners Club. On International cruises, it is often not possible to obtain cash at the villages and towns we visit. We suggest you bring enough local currency with you for the duration of your cruise.

Q. Can I get my laundry done during my trip?

Laundry services are available onboard, however, the service is limited. Laundry bags and forms are stored in your wardrobe for collection by your cruise attendants. Charges for this service will be posted to your onboard account. As the service is for laundering only, please ask the hospitality staff if you require an iron and ironing board.

Q. Can I fly a drone on my trip?

Prior written permission to fly Remotely Piloted Aircrafts (Drones) from or near a Coral Expeditions vessel (includes tenders and explorer vessels) for photography or other uses, must be obtained by the General Manager. Please speak with our reservations team to discuss.

Q. Where do we board and what time?