Current as of: May 12, 2024 - 13:15
Through the Heart of Japan: Tokyo to Fukuoka Cruise - Premium Adventure Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Premium Adventures, Small Ship Cruises
- Programmes: Premium Adventures, Wildlife
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Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
- 15 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: WAF
Trip Overview
Experience the dynamic landscape of Japan on a 15-day premium cruise adventure that includes South Korea
Departing from Tokyo, you begin this premium cruise adventure experiencing traditional Japanese culture at the township of remote Shimizu and walking the cobblestone staircase to the sacred Kamikura Shrine at Shingu. Continue to the ideal vantage point of Kobe Port to explore the bustling streets of Osaka for an authentic food tour or spend time in Kyoto among modern architecture and ancient temples.
Discover the lush mountainous landscape of Iya Valley at remote Tokujima, learn about the history of soy sauce in Shodojima and explore the ancient castle at little-visited Karatsu. Visit Jeju Island in South Korea to view the Unesco-listed Manjanggul lave tube before discovering the little-known Goto Islands and concluding your journey in Fukuoka.
At a Glance
- 15 days/14 nights’ premium small-ship cruise
- All meals while on the ship
- Beer, house wine, spirits, juices and soft drinks during lunch and dinner
- Stay on the Coral Geographer, which provides premium accommodation and a more personalised service compared to larger vessels
- All excursions and sightseeing
- Daily lectures and briefings
Highlights
- Create traditional Arita-yaki pottery at Atelier Yume
- Experience Awa (Fool’s Dance), a traditional dance with origins some 400 years’ old at Tokujima
- View the iconic red torii gate of the Itsukujima shinto shrine ‘floating’ in the Seto Inland Sea
- Uncover Second World War history at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park
- Visit Osaka, the food capital of Japan, or the historic city of Kyoto where traditional and modern architecture collide
- Explore the Unesco-listed Manjanggul lava tube on South Korea’s Jeju Island
- Discover the natural beauty of Tsushima’s untouched forests and visit the ancient Banshoin temple
- Visit Matsuyama Castle on top of Mount Katsuyama, one of Japan’s 12 original castles constructed in the early 1600s
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Leisurely) with a Wildlife Rating of Three. Visit our Activity Level Guidelines page for more on our trip gradings or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings.
This premium adventure 14-night/15-day cruise is operated by Coral Expeditions.
The day-to-day itinerary is indicative. No two cruises with Coral Expeditions are the same, with each expedition crafted by experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders. Throughout the expedition, there may be the need to make changes to the itinerary to maximise your experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may impact the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.
Please refer to the below that are applicable to this Coral Expeditions cruise:
Standard booking conditions
- A 20 percent deposit of your total booking value is required upon confirmation and is non-refundable.
- Final balance must be paid 90 days before departure.
Cancellation conditions
- Up to 90 days prior to departure: Forfeit the 20 percent non-refundable deposit
- 89 to 60 days prior to departure: Forfeit 50 percent of the relevant fare
- 59 to 0 days prior to departure: Forfeit 100 percent of the relevant fare
Group
Throughout your cruise, you will enjoy the attentive service of the professional Australian and New Zealand Coral Expeditions residency crew. Carefully selected for their engaging personalities, attention to detail and commitment to delivering the highest standards of service, the staff ensure you receive a warm welcome aboard.
On each voyage, Expedition Leaders bring guests the depth of experience required to put together daily programmes given prevailing weather and local conditions. They are complemented by an expert Guest Lecturer with knowledge of disciplines such as anthropology, geology, history and flora and fauna of the region, offering layers of insight relevant to your itinerary and to support the depth of immersion in your travel experience.
Your Expedition Leader will join all shore excursions and activities, provide daily recaps and briefings, and is always available to answer any questions.
Adult min age: 16
Max group size: 120
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Tokyo
- End City: Fukuoka
Land Only Itinerary
Depart Tokyo
Board the Coral Geographer from Tokyo Bay at 4pm for a 7pm departure. Settle into your cabin and relax as we set sail towards the Sea of Japan. This evening, join the Captain’s Welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.
Premium accommodation: Coral Geographer
Days 2 to 14 – key destinations
These are expedition itineraries covering remote regions. Your Captain and Expedition Team may make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise guest experience. Below are the key destinations we visit between days 2 to 14 of the cruise itinerary:
Shimizu
Shimizu (meaning ‘pure water’) is one of the most scenic ports in Japan with unparalleled views of Mount Fuji. With a mild climate, the area is home to rich tea plantations on the Nihondiara Plateau. Visit them, explore the historic township with a bustling seafood market and museum, discover the photogenic miho-no-matsubara pine grove and take a hiking trail to enjoy rustic ropeways.
Premium accommodation: Coral Geographer
Shingu
Shingu (meaning ‘new shrine’) is home to the hilltop kamikura shrine – climb 538 steps to the shrine to see Gotobiki Iwa (the holy rock) and picturesque scenery from this elevated viewpoint. The area also hosts a stunning section of the Kumano River, Dorokyo Gorge, and pilgrimage routes to the Unesco-listed Kii Mountain Range. Explore the city centre to connect with the local food, culture and history and set off on the Daimonzaka trail – an impressive cobblestone staircase that leads from the valley up to the temples.
Premium accommodation: Coral Geographer
Osaka/Kyoto
Today, you may choose to explore Osaka or Kyoto for the day. Time permitting, we may travel by bullet train.
Immerse yourself in colourful, bustling Osaka, the food capital of Japan, where ancient and modern architecture create a diverse cityscape. Visit Osaka Castle, join a guided tour of bustling Dotonbori Street, stroll through Kuromon Market and take it all in from the observation deck in Umeda Sky Building.
Alternatively, Kyoto city, once the capital of Japan, is famous for its classical Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. Learn about the rich history of this area as we visit these places and the local street market, Nishiki Market, well-known for its fantastic takeaway food.
Premium accommodation: Coral Geographer
Tokujima
The Iya Valley is a remote, mountainous valley with dramatic steep-sided mountain slopes strung with suspension bridges known as kazurabashi, which are constructed from mountain vines. These were once the only means for moving people and goods through the challenging terrain; the Wild Monkey Bridge is open to visitors who can pull themselves across the river in a wooden cart suspended on a rope. We take a sightseeing boat cruise through the Oboke Gorge, admire artworks and artefacts at the Otsuka Museum of Art, visit a Buddhist temple and experience an Awa dance performance, which is celebrated annually at a festival dedicated to this dance style.
Premium accommodation: Coral Geographer
Shodojima
One of the first islands born to the gods in the creation myth of Japan, Shodojima literally means ‘small bean island’, a fitting name for an island where traditionally soybean crops were processed into soy sauce, though is better known more recently for its olive plantations. Learn about this time-honoured condiment at the Marukin Soy Sauce Historical Museum. Experience the making of the Japanese somen noodles and try dividing the noodles with long chopsticks. Visit Misaki no Bunyojyo, the elementary school featured in the classic Japanese film Twenty-Four Eyes (1954).
Premium accommodation: Coral Geographer
Miyajima
The Unesco-listed Itsukujima Shrine is one of the most recognisable symbols in Japan with its shinto shrine and red torii gate seemingly floating upon the Seto Inland Sea. Other important sites are: Daisho-in, a temple of Shingon Buddhism; and Reikado Hall, on Mount Misen, the highest peak on Miyajima. Walking paths link Miyajima’s cultural sites with Maple Valley, providing the ideal pace to absorb centuries-old customs. Stroll around the island, among the deer that wander the same sites, and take in the beauty.
Premium accommodation: Coral Geographer
Hiroshima
Forever linked to the Second World War, Hiroshima has since been rebuilt while retaining historical heritage, with the Peace Memorial Park now the most prominent feature in the city. Shukkeien Garden dates as far back as the 1600s with valleys, mountains and forests represented in miniature with teahouses among the gardens an ideal spot to enjoy the idyllic surrounds.
Premium accommodation: Coral Geographer
Matsuyama
High on Mount Katsuyama, Matsuyama Castle is one of the 12 original castles in Japan and stands at the heart of Matsuyama city. Constructed in the early 1600s, the original tower collapsed after being struck by lightning. A three-storey tower was added to the site 200 years after. Pilgrims dressed all in white are a frequent site at Ishitji Temple, where an inner temple connects to the main temple grounds via a dimly cave and 655ft (200m) long tunnel that houses Buddhist statues, carvings and drawings.
Premium accommodation: Coral Geographer
Karatsu
This trading hub is known for its safe harbour and close proximity to other foreign trading ports. Here we explore many idyllic surrounds, including the Nanatsugama limestone caves, and the bustling city area and markets. We also climb to historic Karatsu Castle and see the beautiful Mikaeri Falls.
Premium accommodation: Coral Geographer
Tsushima
Roughly halfway between the Japanese mainland and the Korean Peninsula, Tsushima was once a single island before a canal divided the island in two in the 1600s, then into three islands in the 1900s when a second canal was constructed. In reality, there are approximately 100 islands that collectively make up Tsushima with an abundance of natural beauty and untouched forests. Discover native flora and fauna and visit the ancient Banshoin Temple, one of the three great graves built in Japan in 1615.
Premium accommodation: Coral Geographer
Jeju (South Korea)
Jeju Island’s Unesco-listed Manjanggul lava tube is regarded as the finest lava tube system in the world with unique geological features and volcanic landforms. The Jeonbang Falls is the only waterfall in South Korea that tumbles directly into the sea, while Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak is a flat-topped crater that rose from the sea many years ago. The near-circular crater is popular for its walking trails and elevated position to view the sunrise or sunset.
Premium accommodation: Coral Geographer
Sasebo
The Maritime Self-Defence Force Sasebo Museum displays historical naval vessels alongside the former Sasebo Navy Club, which dates to the late 1800s. At Mukyudo, an air-raid shelter is unique among Japan’s countless shelters as it was built by school children in the style of a school. The historical pottery town of Arita is where Japan’s fine porcelain was first produced around 400 years ago. Arita-yaki pottery is now the most highly regarded pottery across Japan with its ‘secret ingredient’ kaolin the essential mineral required to make fine porcelain. We try making our very own Arita ceramics.
Premium accommodation: Coral Geographer
Aokata and Nakadori islands, Goto Islands
The Goto Islands are best known for Christianity; while religion was banned, the ‘hidden Christians’ settled here and continued practicing their faith in secret until the ban was lifted in the 1870s. Goto Islands translates into English as the ‘five-island chain’, with Nakadori and Aokata two of the most populated. There are around 50 churches dotted across the prefecture, such as the Unesco-listed Kashiragajima Church with its stone construction, and other interesting sites we visit include the Whale Museum and the Stone Monuments of Wakamatsu Island.
Premium accommodation: Coral Geographer
Fukue Island
Also a member of the Goto Islands, Fukue is the largest of the group with a hilly terrain, temples and churches. Be welcomed into port with wind instruments and a traditional drum performance. Hike Mount Onidake, the dormant volcano, learn about the local history at the city museum, cruise Abunze Coast to view the lava rock formations and soak in the natural beauty of the island with its beaches, mountains and craggy coastline.
Arrive Fukuoka
Our voyage ends in the Japanese port of Fukuoka. Disembark from the Coral Geographer at 8.30am and bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew. Fukuoka has great shopping, excellent cuisine and nature nearby.
Please be advised, disembarkation time is approximately scheduled for 8:30am; but is subject to possible delays in arrival and customs. Therefore, we recommend extending your stay in Japan and spend the night in Fukuoka.
Accommodation
Premium accommodation: Coral Geographer
During this premium adventure cruise, you spend 14 nights on the Coral Geographer.
Coral Geographer
Launched in March 2021, Coral Expeditions are proud to introduce their newest ship – Coral Geographer. A sister ship to Coral Adventurer, the Coral Geographer remains true to the nature of authentic expeditions. When designing their next generation of ships, Coral Expeditions stubbornly resisted the idea of large and glitzy so they can remain small enough to go to untouched places, focusing on bringing small numbers of like-minded guests closer to nature and cultures with personal attention and professional Australian service. The shallow draught and manoeuvrability of the ship allow it to go where larger vessels cannot. The 99-passenger ship features the same state-of-the-art specifications and expedition features as Coral Adventurer; however, due to popular demand, it has an increased number of six Bridge Deck Suites with horizon bathtubs.
Bridge Deck Balcony Suites
- There are six spacious and elegant suites on the Coral Geographer
- They are equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine
- They have special junior king-size beds
- A 38sqft (3.5sqm) private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two
- The unique outside-facing bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows is the feature of the suites, with an infinity bathtub with sky views
- The complimentary minibar is replenished daily
- Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 404sqft (37.5sqm)
Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms
- Explorer Deck Staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior king-size bed, which can be separated into two singles
- A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included
- The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage
- Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas
- These staterooms are on the Explorer deck
- Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 230sqft (21.4sqm)
Promenade Deck Staterooms
- Promenade Deck Staterooms are below the Explorer Deck and furnished with a junior king-size bed, which can be separated into two singles
- A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included
- The compact private bathroom has a toilet, shower and ample storage
- A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside
- Promenade Deck Staterooms are 183sqft (17sqm)
Coral Deck Staterooms
- Coral Deck Staterooms are below the Promenade Deck and are identically furnished with a junior king-size bed, which can be separated into two singles
- A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included
- The compact private bathroom has a toilet, shower and ample storage
- A porthole window gives you views of the world outside
- Coral Deck Staterooms are 183sqft (17sqm)
Specific cabin types can be booked for sole use (subject to availability). Passengers who are paying for sole use will have a choice of a twin or junior king bed. Please enquire with your sales representative for further details.
Share policy
Accommodation on the ship is based on twin-share occupancy. If guests are travelling alone and wish to share accommodation, a roommate will be assigned to your cabin whenever possible. When pairing roommates, we always pair participants of the same sex. Please note, in the event of a share partner not being found, you will be charged the full room rate (double the twin-share fare).
Food & Drink
All inclusive
- Meals: All meals are fresh and chef-prepared on board
- Tea and coffee: 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
- Beverages: Selected wines, beers, juices, soft drinks and selected spirits are served complimentary with lunch and dinner. Drinks are available for purchase at other times.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Start your day with a tempting choice from a fresh continental or hot à la carte menu with options changing daily.
Lunches showcase a selection of hot and cold dishes, from salads and cold cuts to soups, fresh local seafood and seasonal tropical fruits both individually plated and small sharing plates.
Evenings are a convivial time to dine with new friends and reflect on an exciting day of discovery over dinner. We welcome you on board with a seafood-sharing concept dinner on the first night. Other evening meals are served over a three-course table d’hote dinner menu, when selections are offered as you enjoy table service from the friendly dining room staff.
All Coral Expeditions feature a memorable pre-dinner event ashore where sunset drinks and canapés are served, often on a beach, and always in a beautiful location with a sunset view. Casual sundowners are hosted by the captain and are the perfect time to kick off your shoes and enjoy a beer, wine or cocktail while mingling with fellow guests in a relaxed atmosphere.
Lunch and dinner are accompanied by a curated beverage list featuring boutique Australian and New Zealand wines, beers and ciders.
Each voyage, the captain hosts a Captain’s Table for invited guests and officers will endeavour to host dinner guests on an evening when operational matters allow.
Beverages onboard
Lunch and dinner are accompanied by a curated beverage list; each evening, sunset drinks are held on the Vista Deck (weather permitting) where guests relax or socialise before dinner. Each voyage, the captain hosts a welcome and farewell event with complimentary canapés and beverages.
Drinks are complimentary during the official Captain’s Welcome and farewell events and the offshore sunset drinks. We invite guests to join the pre-dinner drinks at other times, but alcoholic beverages during these times will be at your own expense.
Sustainability in food and beverage
Across the Coral Expedition fleet, they are continually looking for ways to improve sustainability and reduce waste, partner with more organic and Fairtrade suppliers, and deliver a food and beverage experience in line with expedition roots and beliefs. They have successfully implemented measures to remove PC plastics and reduce packaging waste in their food and beverage supply chain. Since 2020, Coral Expeditions offer a selection of ecofriendly, Fairtrade and organic beverage products including:
- Pukka Tea range: 100 percent certified organic herbs, ethically sourced.
- Veneziano Coffee: 100 percent fairtrade and Australian certified organic by the Biological Farming Association.
- Tablelands Coffee Black Mountain: Grown locally in Mareeba, Cairns Tablelands of Far North Queensland.
- JUST Water: Packaged in reusable, recycled paper-based containers with a lid made from sugarcane in Far North Queensland. Made in Australia with water from Victoria.
Snacks and pre-dinner canapés
In between shore adventures, the chefs will welcome you back on board with freshly baked treats or delicious canapés to accompany pre-dinner or sunset drinks. When local regulations allow, there may be the chance for impromptu stops to enjoy sunset drinks and canapés in scenic locations.
Special meal requirements
Vegetarian, vegans, gluten- and dairy-free items are included in all menus. The chefs will happily cater to other special dietary requirements with advance notice. Please advise at time of booking.
Transport
During the cruise, excursions include transport on the Xplorer tender vessel or on Zodiac inflatable tenders.
Weather & Seasonality
Japan has four very distinct seasons. We avoid the extremely cold winters and humid summers and settle for the more pleasant climes of spring and autumn. In Tokyo, September and October are warm, maximum temperatures are 26C (79F) and minimum 12C (54F). September is likely to be the warmer of the two and there is a likelihood of rain. April is cooler with temperatures possibly going as low as 7C (45F) with a high of 17C (63F). Kyoto is very similar climatically to Tokyo but the higher up into the mountains we venture, the colder it will become with nights being especially cold, particularly in March and November.
Joining Instructions
Day 1: Embark: On the day of your departure, arrive at Tokyo Bay in the afternoon at 4pm to check in for your expedition cruise which will be departing at 7pm.
Day 15: Disembark: Arrive and disembark at Fukuoka at 8.30am.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Tokyo
Location end: Fukuoka
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers, will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact your sales representative.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
We recommend that you pack simply and lightly. Clothing that you can layer will prepare you for all kinds of weather. More specific information regarding clothing and the weather conditions in your destination are included in your Cruise Documentation, which you will receive prior to your cruise.
Practical Information
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Visa
Japan
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Japan. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/japan
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/japan
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Japan.html
South Korea
From April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024, visitors from the UK, US, Canada, Australia and 18 other countries no longer need to obtain a K-ETA to enter South Korea visa-free. Visit the official K-ETA website for more information.
Please note, requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/south-korea-republic-korea
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-korea
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthKorea.html
Vaccinations and Health
Japan
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include hepatitis B, tetanus, Japanese encephalitis, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
South Korea
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Japan's time zone: Asia/Tokyo (UTC +09:00)
South Korea's time zone: Asia/Seoul (UTC +09:00)
Electricity
Japan's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins) and B (three pins: two flat, one round) – 100V, 50Hz/60Hz. Most battery chargers function at this voltage, but do check their documentation.
South Korea's electricity: Plug type F (two round pins) – 220V, 60Hz
Money
Japan's currency: Japanese yen (JPY)
South Korea's currency: South Korean won (KRW)
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
All purchases made on board that are not included (drinks outside of meals, laundry, cruise ship shop, wifi etc) will be added to your room account (charged to your cabin) and will be settled the night prior to disembarkation.
Coral Expeditions accept all credit cards (including American Express and Diners); no merchant fee/surcharge is applied if paying by credit card.
Tipping
All tips and gratuities are included.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- The use of local guides in various locations on the itinerary, means customers will be well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- Marine-friendly SPF50+ sunscreen is available for all guests to use, which helps to avoid harming the unique marine environment.
- By travelling on a smaller vessel, and by using local guides and Australian crew, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- Coral Expeditions is proudly accredited as an ecotourism cruise operator with world-leading EcoTourism Australia. Some of the initiatives they have been a part of include parting ways with plastic straws in 2018, bringing water and supplies to drought-stricken small island communities and providing onboard education to all guests. They have also been involved in coral species collection for the world’s largest coral biobank.
- Across the Coral Expedition fleet, they are continually looking for ways to improve their sustainability to reduce waste, partner with more organic and Fairtrade suppliers, and deliver a food and beverage experience in line with their expedition roots and beliefs.
- Coral Expeditions have successfully implemented measures to remove PC plastics and reduce packaging waste in their food and beverage supply chain. For example, water provided on board is packaged in reusable, recycled paper-based containers with a lid made from sugarcane in Far North Queensland.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
- Coral Expeditions rely on a community of local providers, farmers and growers and use locally sourced food (as much as possible) which has not been transported long distances. This ensures each regional menu champions seasonality, while creating delicious dishes sustainably wherever possible.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available and included on all cruise menus, meaning passengers can opt for meals with a lower carbon footprint.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Please refer to the below that are applicable to this cruise, operated by Coral Expeditions:
Standard Booking Conditions
- A 20% deposit of your total booking value is required upon confirmation and is non refundable.
- Final balance must be paid 90 days before departure.
Cancellation conditions
- Up to 90 days prior to departure- forfeit the 20% non-refundable deposit
- 60 – 89 days prior to departure – forfeit 50% of the relevant fare
- At 59 to 0 days prior to departure – forfeit 100% if the relevant fare
Coral Expeditions Trip Cancellation and Disruption Insurance:
We strongly recommend that all passengers purchase cruise cancellation and interruption insurance as protection against any circumstance which may force you to cancel or leave a cruise while in progress. Given the remote nature of the regions we travel, we recommend that you include Remote Area Evacuation coverage within your policy. If passengers do not present evidence of remote area evacuation coverage, they will be required to complete a credit card authorisation for any emergency services required prior to their departure. Cancellation fees will not be waived for any reason.
We strongly recommend that all passengers purchase cruise cancellation and interruption insurance as protection against any circumstance which may force you to cancel or leave a cruise while in progress. Given the remote nature of the regions we travel, we recommend that you include Remote Area Evacuation coverage within your policy. If passengers do not present evidence of remote area evacuation coverage, they will be required to complete a credit card authorisation for any emergency services required prior to their departure. Cancellation fees will not be waived for any reason.
Coral Expeditions Deposit Protection Plan:
Deposit protection gives passengers peace of mind by allowing them to transfer their deposit to another Coral Expeditions cruise of their choice departing within 12 months of the original booking. The deposit protection plan can be purchased [AU$110 per person] at the time of booking and is completely optional.