By
Laura Hyde |
Australian expedition cruise operator Coral Expeditions has joined the Expedition Cruise Network (ECN), which was launched in April 2023.
Headquartered in Cairns in Queensland, Coral Expeditions began providing environmentally sensitive cruises on the Great Barrier Reef 40 years ago. The company now offers small-ship expedition cruises to the Great Barrier Reef, the Kimberley, Tasmania’s wilderness coast, Cape York and Arnhem Land and New Zealand, as well as further afield in Asia. Coral Expeditions has a purpose-built ocean-going fleet with every ship offering complimentary Zodiacs and Xplorer safari tender boats to take passengers to shore.
Coral Expeditions’ Xplorer safari tender boat
Coral Expeditions hopes that joining ECN will enable it to showcase its brand to travel trade representatives and to passengers in the UK, which is one of its main international source markets.
“Ours is a true expedition style with a focus on nature, culture and heritage and making lasting memories and connections between people and place,” said Jeff Gillies, commercial director for Coral Expeditions. “We consistently deliver best in class guests’ satisfaction with expert local knowledge and an approachable and warm Australian style. Once the best kept secret in travel, expedition cruising has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years with many new brands and styles available to customers and trade. We see value in being a part of the network and helping to educate agents and connect guests seeking enriching and immersive adventures from our key international market in the UK.”
Coral Expeditions offers expedition cruises to a number of destinations, including Sudbury Cay on the Great Barrier Reef
“We are delighted to welcome Australia’s pioneering brand Coral Expeditions, which further diversifies the product UK agents can have access to through ECN,” said Martin Johnson, co-founder and chair of ECN. “Our thoroughly diverse and global product provides agents with unrivalled knowledge of adventure and expedition cruise product.”