Your Pre-Cruise Checklist
We want to ensure that your journey with us is smooth and hassle-free. To help you prepare for your cruise, we have put together a Pre-Cruise Checklist. Please review the following steps at milestones leading up to your voyage. Feel free to bookmark this page and refer back to it as each important date approaches, ensuring that you have completed all necessary tasks.
Jump to: Booking | 90 Days Prior | 45 Days Prior | 7 Days Prior | FAQs
Make Deposit Payment To Confirm Booking
If your travel date is more than 90 days away, you will be required to pay a deposit of 20% of the fare to confirm your booking. You can make this payment via our website if you make an online booking. By making your deposit you will be agreeing to and accepting our Cruise Ticket Terms and Conditions. This deposit is not refundable.
If you prefer, you may contact our reservations team to hold a reservation for you for up to 7 days. If the deposit is not received within the 7 days, we will release the stateroom held for you.
The remaining balance of the fare is due ninety days prior to the departure date. If you make a booking for a departure within 90 days, then the full cruise fare will be due on booking.
Purchase Deposit Protection
To prevent losing your non-refundable deposit, Coral Expeditions provides the option of Deposit Protection. This protection will enable you to make a date change once only should some unforeseen circumstance prevent your travel plans.
Deposit Protection is optional and can be purchased for $110 AUD per person at the time of deposit payment.
This would need to be activated no later than 90 days before the departure date, allowing you to transfer your non-refundable deposit payment to a future Coral Expeditions voyage. Terms and conditions apply, read more.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is not included in your cruise fare. We require all guests to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers (without limitation) the cost of your cruise, medical expenses, loss of luggage, cruise and land content, and any airfare charges resulting from cancellations, unexpected events, or the inability to perform, including but not limited to frustration, disruption, loss of deposit, or strikes.
Due to the remote nature of our expeditions at sea, we highly recommend that you include remote area evacuation coverage in your policy. If you encounter difficulties obtaining remote area evacuation insurance, you may provide us with a signed authorization indicating that you acknowledge responsibility for all expenses associated with an emergency evacuation.
Coral Expeditions does not endorse or recommend particular insurance providers. However, our guests have had success with the following insurance companies:
- CGU
- Cover-More
- Medibank Private
- Fast Cover
- Global Response
You may also find more information through the Smart Traveller resource.
International Voyages: Passport & Visa Requirements
For all International travel with Coral Expeditions, guests will need to provide a scanned colour copy of a valid Passport with at least 6 months validity (photo & details page only).
This must be emailed to [email protected] no later than 45 days prior to the departure date for submission to immigration authorities.
Any guests with an expired passport should allow at least 6 weeks to get a new passport application processed. Some countries require blank pages in your passport for visa requirements.
Please bring your physical passport with you on all international departures.
Guests are also required to check Visa information in the 'Other Information' section at the bottom of the itinerary website page as some international destinations require a government-issued International COVID Vaccination Certificate.
ACCESS VISA INFORMATION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ITINERARY PAGE
Complete Your Personal Link Information
Once you are booked, you will receive a confirmation email with your booking number.
All travelling guests will need to provide their passenger information using the designated Personal Link. Instructions on completing your personal link will be included in the confirmation email, and troubleshooting can be found HERE. While it is not necessary to complete all of your personal link questions until 90 days prior to departure (such as flights and accommodation details), it is recommended that you complete as much as possible at time of booking. This includes reviewing to make sure we have the correct phone number and spelling of your name. We undertake travel in remote areas and in order for our professional crew and support staff to take appropriate care for the health and safety of yourself and others, we request that you declare the specific details of existing medical conditions, medications and history for our records.
Read Our Full Terms & Conditions
Our full terms and conditions contain details about our cancellation policy, transfer fees, passenger health requirements and more.
Final Payment
You will be required to make the final payment 90 days prior to your departure. Our reservations team will send you an invoice by email showing all finds received to date and balance due.
Pre-Departure Documentation Email
Between 90 - 60 days prior to your departure, after your final payment, you will receive an email including your pre-departure documentation. It is important to read and save this information as it contains check-in & boarding information, itinerary updates, weather, and suggested packing information.
Consider Snorkelling & Scuba Diving (If Applicable)
Many of the itineraries we offer provide chances for you to explore lively coral reefs and discover marine creatures through snorkelling and scuba diving. Our snorkelling and scuba diving departments are well-equipped with gear to fit individuals of all sizes.
Please note: Coral Expeditions does not offer Nitrox dives, weighted or unsupervised freediving.
If you are planning to dive or snorkel on your upcoming departure, please review considerations and requirements for snorkelling and diving HERE.
Snorkelling: Snorkelling equipment Is assigned to all guests at the commencement of the cruise, at no charge.
Diving: For all itineraries including scuba diving, a qualified Dive Instructor is onboard. Our Dive Instructors patiently guide those who have never dived before through the Discover Suba Diving programme, and exceptionally guide open-water divers.
If you wish to undertake any level of scuba diving, you will be required to undertake a Divers Medical Questionnaire conducted by a registered physician (overseas or Australia) and email this to [email protected] four weeks prior to your cruise, to allow time for assessment. This is reviewed and based on this information, our onboard Dive Instructor will make the ultimate determination of a person’s condition and suitability to dive. Failing to advise us of your plans to dive may result in disappointment and non-inclusion in these activities as we need to roster, and provision based on registered number of participants.
- After your Discover Scuba Dive briefing and successful in-water skills assessment, you will be able to dive to a maximum of 12 meters’ depth. You will have an experienced Dive Instructor by your side and a maximum of three ‘intro’ divers with you. The duration of your first dive lasts between 20 and 35 minutes.
- Certified Diving: All certified divers will be guided, and certified dives will be charged to your onboard account. You are welcome to bring your own diving equipment or we provide top quality scuba equipment and wetsuits in a variety of sizes in 3mm shorties.
Update Your Personal Link Information
It is important that the information in the Personal Link is up-to-date for each passenger. Please review the personal link 90 days prior to departure, and refer back to it should any details change leading up to the voyage. This is particularly important for medical information. We undertake travel in remote areas and in order for our professional crew and support staff to take appropriate care for the health and safety of yourself and others, we request that you declare the specific details of existing medical conditions, medications and history for our records.
Personal Link Information includes dietary requests, special assistance, COVID Vaccination status, Special occasions, Pre and Post flights and hotels, insurance and recreational activities.
International Voyages: Passport & Visa Requirements
For all International travel with Coral Expeditions, guests will need to provide a scanned colour copy of a valid Passport with at least 6 months validity (photo & details page only).
This must be emailed to [email protected] no later than 45 days prior to the departure date for submission to immigration authorities.
Any guests with an expired passport should allow at least 6 weeks to get a new passport application processed. Some countries require blank pages in your passport for visa requirements.
Please bring your physical passport with you on all international departures.
Guests are also required to check Visa information via the link below, as some international destinations require a government-issued International COVID Vaccination Certificate.
Scuba Diving Medical Appointment
If you wish to undertake any level of scuba diving, you should have your appointment booked with a registered physician to undertake the Divers Medical Questionnaire.
Email this to [email protected] four weeks prior to your cruise, to allow time for assessment.
This is reviewed and based on this information, our onboard Dive Instructor will make the ultimate determination of a person’s condition and suitability to dive. Failing to advise us of your plans to dive may result in disappointment and non-inclusion in these activities as we need to roster, and provision based on registered number of participants.
7 Day Email
You will receive an email from our team 7 days prior to departure. This email will highlight any important information in the days leading up to your voyage.
What are the health requirements for the trips?
We advise that guests carry a current record of allergies or any chronic medical issues and the telephone number for their physician’s 24-hour answering service. As our itineraries cover remote regions and are active by nature, they may not be suitable for those with serious medical conditions. It is important that known medical conditions and treatments should be disclosed to reservations staff at the time of booking. In the event of a remote area emergency, medical history can be essential information for our team.
What are the mobility requirements for expedition cruising?
Coral Expeditions journeys to remote regions where the travel experience occurs on open seas and where shore excursions involve rugged terrain, small boat transfers, and limited infrastructure and facilities. Guests must have a moderate level of mobility and fitness to safely participate. This includes the ability to:
- Embark and disembark tenders with minimal assistance.
- Walk on uneven terrain such as rocky shorelines, nature tracks, and beaches.
- Navigate flights of stairs and decks on a moving vessel safely.
Guests with mobility or medical limitations should carefully consider travel and consult us before booking. For safety reasons, crew may deny boarding or restrict participation in certain activities at their sole discretion.
While we aim to accommodate guests, expedition cruising requires a level of physical capability to fully enjoy and safely undertake the experience. Your safety, and that of fellow guests and crew, is our top priority.
Is there a doctor or nurse onboard?
We do not travel with a doctor or nurse on our domestic voyages. Our crew are medically trained as a requirement of their roles to meet Australian Maritime Safety Standards. We also have remote support from specialist organisations like the Royal Flying Doctor Service and various state and territory health facilities.
We have more details in our Terms and Conditions http://coralexpeditions.com/au/terms-conditions/
On international voyages with more than 100 persons onboard, either a medical doctor or a Nurse Practitioner will be travelling with us. They will be on hand to attend to COVID-related testing and monitoring and to assist with any illness or injury experienced on the voyage. They will not be available for general or non-voyage-specific health consultations.
What should I pack for my expedition cruise?
When it comes time for the exciting time of packing for your cruise, our packing lists are available to assist you. More specific information regarding weather conditions in your destination is included in your Cruise Documentation which you will receive prior to your cruise. Find your expedition packing list below.
Are there laundry services onboard?
Laundry services are available onboard. Please note that these services are limited to basic laundry only. 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.
What is the Wi-Fi connectivity onboard?
Packages for the premium service are available from our Purser Desk, at a cost of $10 for 2GB, $50 for 10GB and $80 for 20GB.
As with any satellite service, speeds may be slower than at home, and brief outages may occur during satellite transitions. Connectivity is strongest in public areas and during low-usage times. We recommend reviewing Starlink's coverage map for your journey to check service availability in different regions: https://starlink.com/au/map
Am I allowed to fly my drone on the cruise?
No. We have a no drone policy onboard owing to the impact on the ship’s electronic and navigation equipment, permit restrictions and remote area safety considerations.
What is included in the cruise fare?
Your cruise fare includes:
- Expert Expedition Team and Guest Lecturers (Learn more about Our Crew)
- An authentic, flexible expedition itinerary
- Comprehensive and fully guided sightseeing in each destination
- Lectures, workshops and demonstrations onboard
- All meals, chef-prepared on board (Learn more about Cuisine & Wine)
- Selected beers, wines and house spirits and soft drinks with lunch and dinner service
- Captain’s welcome and farewell events and open Bridge Access
- 24-hour barista style coffee and tea
- Use of all onboard facilities, including a reference library
- Snorkelling equipment (on applicable voyages)
- Daily guided excursions on Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels and kayaks where conditions allow
- All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports
- Tips and gratuities
- Photos of your cruise captured by the Expedition Team
- Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity ideal for text-based communications (200Kbps speed)
What’s Not Included:
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks outside of lunch and dinner service
- “Wine Selections” optional packages (Learn more about Wine Selections)
- Optional Premium Satellite Internet - ideal for media applications and video calling (5Mbps speed), $180pp per voyage
- Laundry service (available at a cost)
- Entry visas or travel permits
- Items of a personal nature including but not limited to laundry charges and souvenir purchases
- SCUBA diving
- Optional Extra’s available on some departures (Eg. Mitchell Falls Helicopter Flight).
When do I receive the photos from my voyage?
Following your expedition, you will receive a link by email to free download the images taken throughout your voyage by our Expedition Team. Please make sure that you have provided our reservations team with your relevant email address.
These photos can often take up to 4 weeks to receive and be sent. If you don’t see your voyage on our Guest Image Gallery page, that means it hasn’t been emailed yet.
Where can I find pre-cruise accommodation in Broome?
As accommodation in Broome is known to sell out quickly, for Broome departures guests can organise pre-cruise accommodation in Perth or Darwin and fly into Broome on the day of departure. There are daily early morning flights into Broome from Perth and Darwin that would allow connection with the ship's departure in the late afternoon.
What if I am unwell before departure?
We advise any guest experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or communicable disease, such as a cold or flu, within the five days leading up to the cruise to closely monitor their condition and refrain from traveling if unwell. Should you decide not to travel, please notify our reservations team, and we will assist you by providing a letter for an insurance claim.