Coral Princess Cruises

Coral Princess operate expedition style cruises around the coast of Australia to such places as the Great Barrier Reef, Cape York and Arnhem Land, the Kimberley, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Melanesia. They have three small purpose built ships that have drafts shallow enough for cruisers to experience these remote and beautiful places up close. The ships can get into gorges and rivers that bigger ships simply couldn’t contemplate. Their first ship, Coral Princess was commissioned in 1988 and business has boomed since then. Their latest ship, Oceanic Discoverer was built in Cairns but still carries only 72 passengers in 36 cabins.

Despite the ships being relatively small and designed for adventure cruising, the accommodation on board is very comfortable. Of course, every cabin has individually controlled air-conditioning and is fitted out to the highest standards. There is a range of cabins available but all have ocean views. There is plenty of storage and all of the usual facilities are provided.

The designers of the ships took into account the fact that they would be operating in remote regions. Special facilities are available so that those who need to contact home or office whilst they are away are able to do so. There is wireless connection for laptops and PDAs, phone and fax facilities.

The main emphasis of the cruises is to visit and learn about remote, rarely visited places. Leisure isn’t forgotten entirely. Each ship has a large sundeck for lounging, a spa pool, several bars and a very comfortable dining room. As learning is a focal point, each ship has a library and a fully equipped lecture theatre with plasma screen and other technology to make talks as interesting as possible.

Coral Princess ensure that eating on board is of a high standard. All meals are served in the dining room. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style whereas dinner is table d’hote.  Lunch is usually served at 12:30 and dinner at 7:30 but these times change according to the activities of the day. Healthy option and vegetarian meals are always on the menu. Other special dietary requirements can be accommodated but sufficient notice needs to be given. The chefs attempt to use local produce whenever they can so this is particularly important.

Passenger lists tend to be mostly made up of Australians and New Zealanders who are intelligent, knowledgeable and interested in the environment. Children are very welcome and a single child can share their parent’s double cabin. It should be noted that there are no special facilities for children so unless they are particularly interested in visiting out of the way places, these cruises are probably not for them. The cruises are not particularly suitable for disabled people either. Many of the trips ashore involve a landing on a beach from a small Zodiac inflatable. Cruisers must be prepared to get at least their feet wet. Even for fit people, it is advisable to take suitable footwear for walking in rainforests or over rough ground.

A very popular activity on the cruises is scuba diving and there are plenty of opportunities to take part. First time divers get a free introductory lesson but otherwise there is a charge for the hire of equipment. Certified divers should take along their paperwork. The use of snorkelling equipment is included in the price of the cruise.

Coral Princess operate adventure cruises to out of the way places. They take cruisers on their adventures in very comfortable surroundings but passengers should be active and be able to get out of a small boat onto a beach to be ensure that they take full advantage of visiting these wonderful locations.

Onboard Experience
	Entertainment Cruising with a purpose-built excursion vessel, a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs and a glass-bottomed boat, guests can intimately explore the scenery. Expert guides interpret the natural, cultural and historical highlights of the region. In true expedition style, itineraries may vary to take maximum advantage of opportunities to visit local villages and attractions.
	Dining All meals during the cruises are included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are usually served in the dining room located on the main deck. Dinner is table d’hote style and features buffet meals. Coffee and tea is available 24 hours. Meal times may vary according to the day’s activities.
	Facilities Sundeck, spa pool and open bridge Dining room and lounge, cocktail bars Reference library
Accomodation
	Accommodation Select from several grades of spacious accommodation. Each features private en suite, choice of twin or double bedding, air-conditioning, windows for expansive ocean views, and is serviced daily.