Exclusive: Coral Expeditions expands fleet to sail in Asia
It’ll be Australian hospitality with a touch of spice when a newly built Coral Expeditions ship ventures into unchartered waters in 2016.
Speaking to Travel Weekly, Coral Expeditions’ group general manager, Mark Fifield confirmed the company was looking to expand internationally with a new-build 100-passenger expedition ship, Coral Discoverer II, to be based in Singapore 5 to 6 months of the year.
The move comes after founder Tony Briggs sold his 90% shareholding to Singaporean investment firm, Kallang Capital Holdings last December, while retaining a 10% stake in the company. Coral Expeditions rebranded from Coral Princess Cruises last month.
Fifield said the announcement was still in “early stages”, with no official signings and construction for the vessel in northern Cairns also not having commenced, but anticipated a launch by the end of 2016.
“There’s a lot of people who want do cruise with us, but think we’re a bit far away,” Fifield commented about the Asia expansion.
Fifield said the itinerary would include sailings to Borneo and Indonesia and possibly Myanmar.
“It’s about what we do as an expedition cruise to find new places to explore. Making it as active and interactive as we can.”
Meanwhile, closer to home, Coral yesterday officially launched its new Tasmanian itinerary taking guests to hard-to-reach places such as Port Davey from November 2015 until February 2016 on the 46-passenger Coral Expeditions I.
“Coral Expeditions recognises that we are now best known for our coastal expedition itineraries taking small groups to remote regions and cultures in Asia-Pacific,” Fifield said.
“We have devised the itinerary that allows us to work in around the weather conditions.”
Guests will be able to have easy access to zodiacs for on-shore activities, as well as exclusive venues in Port Arthur and enjoy local Tassie hospitality such as oyster shucking and regional wines onboard.
The company also confirmed it would be the last season for its New Zealand cruises, which while successful, was a “difficult” market due to the price point and size of the 100-passenger ship.
Fifield also confirmed Coral Discover will go into major refurbishment in 2016.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
asia Coral Expeditions cruise port arthur Port Davey sailing tasmaniaLatest News
Highlights of CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific
Delays in new aircraft delivery, supply-chain issues, terminal upgrades, premium travel, the failure of China to return to global travel, plus sustainable fuel were the hot topics for the hundreds of delegates who attended Day 1 of the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific at The Star in Brisbane today. On sustainable aviation fuel, while […]
Air India to target Indian-Australians as part of its rebuild, says its CEO & MD
Air India, now part of the huge TATA group, is on a steady rebuild and will target the growing diaspora of Indian-Australians as part of its rebuild, said its CEO & MD Campbell Wilson. Over the last two years, Air India has increased flights to Australia by 113 per cent per week, increased the number […]
Sydney Airport and Turkish Airlines announce Sydney-Istanbul flights
So much aviation news in one day, but this might take the cake! Years in the making.
Women In Travel: ‘It’s so important for us to create change’ Albatross Tours’ Shelley Poten
And it's a change she's making! We can't wait to celebrate with Shelley on our night of nights.
Perth a focus for Qantas says International & Freight boss
If you're not into aviation this talk may have sent you to the coffee line, but for others it was a dream come true.
Qantas unveils remuneration changes and details its journey to green in annual, sustainability reports
Qantas timed its reports for the same day as a major aviation conference in Brisbane, but it's only hiding good news.
TravelManagers 2024 kicks off in Cairns with record attendance
Want to find out the salary of a top-performing PTM? You'll have to read this story.
Research shows Brisbane international travel spike as airport prepares for major upgrade
The kind of news airport bosses in Brisbane would like to hear after spending $5 BILLION.
AmaWaterways announces fully integrated partnership with Mint Payments
Ama's financial news grabbed our attention this morning, even with a fridge full of mint slices.
Brisbane Airport boss opens CAPA Summit with $5b terminal rebuild plans
Nothing like using a hometown advantage to make a big announcement to the rest of the Aviation world.
IHG Hotels & Resorts to present ‘The Mind Lobby’ at SXSW Sydney as major partner
Got what it takes to step into the Mind Lobby? We're not sure what it entails but we're guessing escape room.
NCL returns to Greek Isles and Med in + new ports Northern Europe: 2025/26 season revealed
Even thinking about the Greek Island's has our mouths watering and mind set on Gyros!
Winter in QLD wins big as My Queensland sets all time high for sales in July 2024
If it was State of Origin season, this article wouldn't have got a start...
The NT tops list of hidden gem attractions out of Aussie states
As Australia steps into spring with temperatures set to rise above average, new research has revealed the states with the most must-see hidden gem attractions with the great outdoors proving a winner! The study, conducted by travel and luggage experts at Bounce, used Tripadvisor and search data to uncover Australia’s most treasured destinations. The Northern […]
Four lucky winners revealed for Tourism Solomons latest agent prize!
Winner winner chicken dinner! It's not the news you want if you are one of the remaining 150-odd, but you can try again!
Entire Travel Group offers $1000 for couples combining Fijian getaways with winters in Whistler
If you want to relax by the pool one week and ski the slopes the next, Entire is here for you!
Fusion Hotel Group celebrates World Wellness Weekend
Vietnam’s wellness-inspired Fusion Hotel Group is celebrating World Wellness Weekend from 20-22 September with yoga and other healthy living activities. Fusion Hotel Group has introduced a series of events and activities for guests at five of its luxury beachfront resorts in Vietnam to World Wellness Weekend. The exclusive offers include yoga, meditation, onsen baths, Zumba, […]
InterContinental Wellington unveils new Health Club and Classic Rooms makeover
InterContinental Wellington has announced the completion of its newly revamped Health Club and a stylish makeover of its Classic Rooms. Bringing a new level of luxury to its 79 Classic Rooms, including eight accessible rooms, the hotel has meticulously re-styled these spaces in collaboration with Y-6, an acclaimed Interior Architecture and Design studio based in […]
Scoot announces discount flights to Europe, Japan, Hong Kong & more
Your next holiday could be just a hop, skip and a jump away... But we'd rather take a Scoot!
Newcastle Airport signs MoU with Destination NSW to lure new domestic and international routes
Destination Newcastle! Did we ever think we would see the day?
Celestyal Journey celebrates its first anniversary
Celestyal Journey has notched up one year with Celestyal, travelling 66,100 nautical miles in its first year, mostly around the Greek Islands. The 55,877-tonne ship joined the Celestyal fleet following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment made her maiden voyage for the Greek cruise line on 2 September 2023, a seven-night Idyllic Aegean cruise to Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion […]
Aqua Expeditions is set to expand its fleet in 2025
Luxury sailings are now hitting far-flung destinations, and there is still a lot of coastline left uncovered.
Cathay Pacific now offers complimentary Wi-Fi to Business Class passengers
Not that we are against flying up front, but these guys put it on the expense account anyway!
Royal Caribbean’s grand design for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas
It may not be Richard Branson's Necker but it's probably the closest we are going to get to a private island.
Railbookers Frank Marini on simplifying rail travel for agents: Travel Weekly TV
Travel Weekly is back with a bang... Which is not the sort of thing you want to hear when travelling by rail!
Iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel’s bold reimagining as part of Dusit Central Park
It was THE place to go once upon a decade, and now it is set to reclaim that space, say its owners.
Fiji Airways unveils order of cutting edge flight simulators for in-house Aviation Academy
The news has left the editorial desk wondering how we can get a turn ourselves.
The tiny WA town named as top national tourist destination
It just goes to show that big towns and big tourism budgets do not make a destination.
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority goes off-track with trail destinations
The plan is to get people to see more than the double white lines of one of the greatest coastal drives in the world.
Qatar Airways celebrates 15 years of service in Australia
So Qatar has hit its teenage years in Australia. Let's hope they are well behaved and clean their room.
International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals announces new award recognising best tourism video of the year
Think you're a bit of a Spielberg behind the lens? Find out once and for all with this new competition.
NSW South Coast surfers in narrow escape after plane door plummets into the sea
What is it about aircraft doors? I mean, do you leave your front door unlocked all the time? Not us.
Virgin Australia announces enhanced partnership with Amadeus
Hot off the Virgin press is the latest in all things GDS... Do you see what we did there?
Japan Airlines becomes first carrier to sign on for Airbus’ virtual A350 trainer
Want to know how to make a plane geeks year? Stick one of these VR sets under their Christmas tree in December.
Emirates cans flight between Singapore and Melbourne
Rumour has it that Singapore just doesn't like Melbourne*. *This rumour has been fully fabricated by us.
New Qantas route from Brisbane to Port Vila takes off with full complement
While Air Vanuatu is flying again, other airlines are now scrambling to fill the slots it has left behind.