Coral Expeditions pledges strong comeback after COVID-19

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Australia’s leading small-ship and expedition cruise Coral Expeditions has pledged to bounce back stronger than ever before when it resumes operations after the coronavirus pandemic. The promise has been made in a letter undersigned by Group General Manager Mark Fifield, Commercial Director Jeff Gillies, Finance Director Perry Wilkes and Hospitality Director Marcus Dudley.

The authorities of Coral Expeditions said in the written statement that witnessing their fleet tied up idle in Cairns is a matter of sadness and disbelief for the company. It reads that the cruise lines exist to sail their vessels and take guests to faraway places. They also mention when the ships do not operate, many of the employees are left with no work.

However, due to the company’s strong financial base, support from their Australian bank as well as the authorities, Coral Expeditions will be helping as many staff as possible through the trying times. The authorities also informed through the letter that most of their salaried staff remains on the payroll. They also said that the cruise lines will undertake a number of long-term projects while the ships remain idle. They have also kept the remote working arrangements in place.

They further added that the sailing calendar will be re-published once the group has clarity about the sailing commencement date. Guests can then chose a suitable departure date according to their convenience. The letter ends mentioning that the team looks forward to serving guests on board soon after the crisis.

Departures are canceled across the company’s expedition fleet till May 31. All guests will receive a 100 percent future credit that will be valid for 24 months. Coral Expedition will also keep reservations office will remain open as normal.

The Coral Adventurer returned back to Darwin early from Sulawesi. All guests were thoroughly screened by the Australian Border force and made their onward journeys. The Coral Discoverer also went to Sydney from Tasmania and disembarked guests at the port after their seven-day Tasmanian expedition.

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