Exclusive: Coral Expeditions expands fleet to sail in Asia

Exclusive: Coral Expeditions expands fleet to sail in Asia
By Daisy Melwani


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. coral-e1417478891973

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.

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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.

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