Why Choose Coral Expeditions
“For 40 years, we have operated with a single focus – to take like minded guests to remote natural areas with expert guidance and warm Australian hospitality.
Having travelled over 400 nights onboard and experienced all our destinations, I find the most powerful and unique aspects of our product to be the interaction and connection forged between guests that come from differing backgrounds who instantly unite with like minds and the enjoyment of being able to explore and learn about these remote areas. Our ships especially conjure relationships that form lasting friendships well beyond the cruise. With no barriers such as assigned dining areas or excursion rosters, there is an inclusive culture that ensures guests and crew come together on a shared adventure. This creates a relaxed environment that evokes banter and a spirit of camaraderie that is truly unique to our small ship experience.
With more ships offering remote area travel than ever before, it can be a crowded and confusing market to navigate. The following are the reasons that our loyal guests choose Coral Expeditions over the competition and trust us year after year to deliver lifelong memories.”
A PIONEERING SPIRIT
As an Australian-owned and operated company for 40 years, we bring a level of experience and knowledge unrivalled in the industry. We lead the way in delivering immersive nature-based travel experiences that showcase the landscapes, culture and history of destinations far from the tourist trail. Wherever we go, we have one purpose – taking small groups of like-minded explorers to the most remote parts of the world.
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- Proudly Australian-owned, operated, and flagged, a unique feature in the cruise industry.
- Deep knowledge and experience built over four decades.
- Australia’s largest passenger line leading the way in training and skilling of seafarers.
- Our Australian flag allows us access to many sites not available to foreign ships.
- We uphold the highest standards of compliance with Australian laws and regulations, setting the benchmark for environmental, safety, and cultural standards.
SMALL SHIPS BUILT FOR EXPLORATION
Our small ships are purpose-built for the remote tropical regions of Australasia and beyond. Featuring long range ocean going stability, shallow draft and high manoeuvrability, we can navigate inaccessible reef systems, rivers and shores. Our unique Xplorer tenders are peerless providing guests access to nature with comfort and ease. With fewer than 120 guests, we ensure intimate and immersive expeditions without overwhelming the small villages we visit.
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- Our company distinguishes itself by designing, building, owning, and operating its own vessels, rather than leasing foreign ships with contracted crews.
- Intimate and engaging - our vessels are among the smallest in their class, featuring 32 to 60 staterooms.
- Built for tropical waters and not polar regions, our fleet best showcase destinations and enable access to shore to explore
- Our unique Xplorer tenders, the safari jeeps of the sea are unparalleled in unlocking expeditions at sea. With a hydraulic tender platform for easy deployment, cushioned seating, shade protection and high-powered engines they are ideal for long-range off-ship experiences with expert interpretation.
- Complementing our Xplorers, our support fleet of Zodiac tenders enables access to hard-to-reach destinations and facilitates small-group activities like diving.
- Through innovative and sustainable design and technology, our vessels deliver increased efficiency, reduced emissions and importantly we use marine-grade fuel.
- Equipped for live operations, our vessels can dispatch expeditions without anchoring, minimizing impacts on coral reef systems and providing access to sensitive areas.
- With meticulous attention to detail, our vessels feature quality fit-outs with superior noise and vibration management standards.
- Public spaces throughout the ship are open, light and airy with large picture windows to take in the surrounding vistas. With open deck bars and dining areas, guests can savour the tropical climates and star gaze at night.
- A spacious rear platform serves as a stable and functional dive and swim deck, facilitating safe and easy exploration directly from the ship.
OUR PROUD AND CARING CREW
With a dedication to personalised service, our team strives to create a shared adventure and meaningful connections among our guests and with the communities we visit. Our culture of training and developing skilled and passionate seafarers ensures high standards of safety and compliance and, our crew members are empowered to anticipate your needs and ensure the well-being of all on board. They love to share their knowledge and our country.
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- Our Australian crew are dedicated to providing attentive hospitality with a warm and relaxed Australian style
- Engaging personally with guests, our crew genuinely care and create meaningful interactions throughout the voyage.
- Committed to upholding the highest industry standards, our crew undergoes rigorous training and strictly adheres to compliance and safety protocols, safeguarding the well-being of everyone on board.
- Possessing versatile skill sets, our crew members are committed to attending to your needs and fostering a supportive atmosphere among guests and fellow colleagues alike.
CAREFULLY CURATED ITINERARIES
Our itineraries are designed to immerse guests into the rich history, natural environs and unique cultures of remote destinations. Our expert guides assist guests to enjoy nature treks, coastal adventures, snorkel and diving, and to find enriching natural encounters. Special guests travel onboard each voyage to provide expert interpretation and knowledge that allows guests a deeper and more memorable understanding of the world around them.
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- We pride ourselves on being a genuine expedition operation, offering independent activities with minimal reliance on third-party infrastructure and shore services.
- We provide ample time ashore, enjoying multiple daily excursions with the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and explore new sites—an option that sets us apart from other cruise lines.
- Our crew members are trained to facilitate a variety of activities, tailored to suit the differing abilities and preferences of our guests, including nature treks, coastal cruises, diving, snorkelling, and sea kayaking.
- Guests learn from charismatic specialists such as zoologists, geologists, and anthropologists, who join us as special guests. Their insightful lectures, excursion commentary, and engaging stories shared over dinner enrich the voyage experience.
- We feature purpose-designed Xplorer expedition tenders that enable us to reach more remote sites comfortably and securely. Equipped with audio speakers, lighting, and even toilets for guest comfort, our tenders are supported by Zodiacs and kayaks for further expedition enhancement.
REGIONALLY INSPIRED & ALL INCLUSIVE
We offer an exceptional culinary experience, emphasizing freshness, seasonality, and sustainability. Meals are prepared daily in small batches from our open galley. We encourage guests to interact with chefs as they create, and present generous and indulgent cuisine inspired by the destinations we explore. Our beverage offerings feature regularly updated local product along with special cellar selections. Sustainability is at the forefront of our procurement practices, focussed on fair trade, local benefit and quality without waste.
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- We produce "small batch" culinary experiences, where all meals are prepared daily in our open galley, maximising freshness and minimising waste. Here, you can observe our chefs at work and even interact with them, adding a personal touch to your culinary journey.
- Our menus and beverage lists are thoughtfully curated and regularly updated to reflect the seasonality and abundance of fresh produce inspired by the destinations we explore.
- Indulge in daily buffet breakfast, two course lunch selections and 3 course dinner selections with our team able to cater well to the diverse dietary needs of our guests
- We source our produce and supplies locally and in season from the port we visit. We prioritise fair trade and sustainable suppliers.
- As standard, we provide a generous, high-quality, all-inclusive cuisine and beverage offering. Additionally, guests have the option to upgrade and purchase from our special cellar selection.
- Experience genuine Australian hospitality with a warm smile. Our attentive, friendly, and professional service is provided without the fussy formality often associated with other cruise lines.
- Indulge in alfresco dining and bar service in our ample outdoor settings, perfectly suited to the climates of the regions we visit.
- Enhance your culinary journey with interactive experiences onboard, including cooking demonstrations, wine and whiskey tastings, and cocktail classes, adding another dimension of enjoyment to your voyage.
FULFILLING LIFE ONBOARD
Our expedition experience extends beyond the stunning landscapes and cultural encounters. From our Open Bridge Policy, where guests can talk with officers and learn about navigation, to below deck tours of the engine room showcasing modern navigation logistics, every aspect of our ships is open for exploration. With plenty of open space and indoor and outdoor seating you can enjoy the relaxing rhythm of the sea. With no designated seating and few formalities, a spirit of camaraderie and friendship flourishes.
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- Our Open Bridge Policy is a much-loved aspect of our experience with guest welcome to guest lounges and navigation workspace where they can spend time with officers and learn about all aspects of navigation and trip planning.
- Bridge tours offer educational insights into the modern navigation systems and equipment aboard our ships, providing guests with a deeper understanding of maritime operations.
- For those intrigued by the inner workings of our vessels, engine room tours provide fascinating access below decks, showcasing the logistics and equipment essential to the functioning of a modern ship.
- Each voyage features a regular schedule of presentations and lectures, offering guests valuable insights into the nature, culture, and history of the regions we explore. These enriching sessions are designed to enhance guests' understanding and enjoyment of their journey.
- With our newly installed Starlink technology, we are pleased to provide complimentary internet connectivity and services to our guests, ensuring they stay connected while onboard.
- For guests seeking to maintain their wellness routine while at sea, we offer early morning yoga and exercise sessions, as well as access to onboard fitness equipment and a gym, enabling active guests to make the most of their days at sea.