| Coral Top End update

CORAL Expeditions has clarified the impacts of the new regulations in the NT on its Kimberley (pictured) & Northern Australian season this year (CW yesterday), confirming the only ship with no scheduling change is Coral Discoverer.

With a capacity of 72 passengers and operating with 23 crew members, Discoverer will be able to meet the new directives and sail her season across the Kimberley and Cape York as scheduled, between Broome and Darwin.

Unfortunately, Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer will not be able to call on Darwin thanks to the capacity limit, which means Apr and May sailings for the two vessels will embark and disembark in Broome.

All published embarkation and disembarkation dates will remain the same, and the itineraries will still be delivered in full.

To facilitate this change, Coral has secured (optional) charter flights to connect guests between the two cities on all relevant dates, which will come at the cost of $300.

Coral said it will continue its dialogue with authorities in the NT, and is hopeful there will be progress in the coming months that may allow Australian-flagged small vessels to operate with 99 passengers plus crew, as is the case across Australia’s states through federal biosecurity legislations.

“As soon as we are able, we will revert to our usual scheduling pattern once again,” Coral remarked.

The cruise line said its reservations team will be communicating these changes with guests and travel partners for departures from Apr to May.

For those travelling from Jun onwards, Coral does not recommend making any changes at this stage, with the cruise line to contact pax at the appropriate time to work through any changes that may be required.

“We hope this assists your understanding and we do apologise for any inconvenience caused by these changes,” Coral said.

“Our sales and reservations teams are available to assist you in the event of further queries.”

Coral only earlier this month commenced its highly anticipated 45-voyage Western Australian cruise season aboard Coral Adventurer (CW 10 Mar).