Living aboard Coral Discoverer – Australia’s first cruise in seven months

It’s finally happening. An Australian cruise ship two-thirds full of passengers sails this week, seven months after the cruise ceased worldwide in March.

Coral Expeditions’ Coral Discoverer carried 48 guests from Queensland and left Cairns on Wednesday on a seven-day route around the Great Barrier Reef. Unlike the banned large ships, this small Australian flag ship is exempt from ongoing government cruise restrictions due to its capacity of fewer than 100 passengers.

Getting final permission to cruise amid a pandemic wasn’t easy, however. The company worked with a health emergency specialist to develop a management plan that focused on COVID-19 testing, screening and safety procedures on board and ashore, and then required approval by all state and territorial authorities.

All of the crew and guests this week are Queenslanders, save for three Australian residents who entered the state more than two months ago.

Each person had to undergo a health examination by a local general practitioner 7-10 days before departure, a PCR test (nose and throat swabs) on Monday and a temperature control by the on-board doctor every day of the cruise.

Social distancing and hand sanitization are enforced, the buffet has been replaced with table service, and passengers are advised not to share things like pens, menus, and snorkels. It may sound like a lot of strict rules, but the reality is these changes do little to detract from the experience. Following these protocols effectively creates a safe “travel bubble,” eliminating the need to wear masks and providing a higher level of service in the dining room.

Coral Expeditions pioneered overnight cruises to the Great Barrier Reef in 1985. So it is somewhat indicative that this week’s reboot is starting again from where they started. To date, the company has received 170 bookings and hundreds of other inquiries, particularly from new customers. Only nine passengers passed on this first trip of the season.

“We have seen steady and growing interest in the Great Barrier Reef series since we started with a short tour in late July. It’s very encouraging. There is a strong demand for pent-up travel among Australians, ”said Jeff Gilles, commercial director.

“All of our bookings are from Queensland residents, and unsurprisingly, the river around the opening of borders is currently the main ban on switching travel. We hope that the resumption of operations and the positive experiences on the first trips will lead to more confidence and awareness of the expeditions. ”

The Outerknown Adventures of the Great Barrier Reef route explores the less-visited northern district and visits Cooktown, Lizard Island, Osprey Reef, Hope Island, Ribbon Reef and Fitzroy Island. Highlights include a visit to the Daintree

Another eight departures are planned for October 21st and 28th this year. November 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th and December 2nd and 9th. Specials include $ 500 travel credit, one night at Pullman International, no single room supplements, and half price for children.

Follow the cruise in this daily travel log:

Voyage Log: Great Barrier Reef 2020

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