Local cruise scene: clear as mud
Last week’s extension of the cruising ban in Australia to September 17, 2020 had major cruise lines Carnival and P&O readjusting their comeback plans quick-smart – but where does that leave small-ship operators?
The Australian Border Force’s rules allow domestic ships that carry 100 or fewer passengers to operate in local waters, which sounds like good news for Cairns-based small-ship company Coral Expeditions.
However, because five internal borders (Queensland, WA, SA, the Northern Territory and Tasmania) remain closed to interstate visitors for who knows how long, not to mention the whole country being closed to international travellers, Coral’s main cruising grounds – Queensland, the Kimberley and Tasmania – will be available only to the very privileged few who actually live within those borders for the foreseeable future.
Coral Expeditions’ Commercial Director Jeff Gillies said, “As an Australian flagged small-ship operator, we anticipate being among the first in the sector to recommence in Australian waters. At this time of the year our sailing schedule involves our ships operating in the remote Kimberley coastline and on the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef. These will be the destinations we plan to resume when we have permissions to sail and it is responsible to do so.”
A statement on Coral’s website says that in light of the continuing restrictions, it has extended the suspension of all operations until July 31, 2020.
Gillies added, “We are seeing strong demand from the Australian market for domestic experiences in the next 12-18 months and we are well positioned to offer voyages in our local waters including the Kimberley, Great Barrier Reef, Tasmanian Wilderness, Cape York along with potential new adventures along the coastlines of Western and Southern Australia.
“We are also closely watching the development of travel environment potentially between the Australian and New Zealand regions in the coming summer season.”
Recent statements from New Zealand’s PM Jacinda Ardern indicate that the trans-Tasman travel bubble might – “might” – be a reality by September, which is welcome news to all travellers eager to bust out of their own little bubbles – let’s hope Coral Expeditions will be in the mix.