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Jenny Flower

Do you have to be vaccinated to take a Kimberley cruise?

Please note this blog post was written 19 October 2021 and is my personal opinion only. My team and I are in constant communication with cruise operators, airlines and hotels as well as AFTA (Australian Federation of Travel Agents). We are always gathering up-to-date information about formal health protocols relevant to our Kimberley cruises.

Please note this blog post was written 19 October 2021 and is my personal opinion only. My team and I are in constant communication with cruise operators, airlines and hotels as well as AFTA (Australian Federation of Travel Agents). We are always gathering up-to-date information about formal health protocols relevant to our Kimberley cruises.

All clients will always be given up-to-date information at time of consultation and booking.

So the last thing I want to talk about is COVID. But this is a question that keeps popping up and, I suspect, will do for a while to come.

“Will there be a requirement for passengers (and crew) to be vaccinated before they can board a Kimberley cruise?”

 

And my answer is….almost certainly yes.

 

At this stage none of the Kimberley cruise operators have actually stated that this will be a formal requirement but at the time of writing (19 October 2021) it is clear to see that any kind of travel is going to be difficult for people without the vaccination or a valid exemption.

For starters we are seeing domestic airlines are now insisting on vaccination for their passengers. Qantas have been particularly vocal on this. Add to the mix cautious state premiers like Mark McGowan. He has indicated that vaccination may well be a requirement for entry to/from Western Australia in the future.

Most of our cruise partners this year have been asking passengers to take a PCR (COVID test) within 72 hours of departure and to be able to show a negative result. The health departments of the relevant state governments have been insistent on this policy and it is always possible that this requirement will continue next year in addition to proof of vaccine status.

I am wondering (and I must stress that this is only my opinion at this stage) that the use of rapid antigen tests that can provide results within 15 minutes may become a part of the check-in process in 2022.  These procedures will also be applied to crew of course.

The idea is that you end up in your own little ‘safe bubble’ while you cruise.

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan has been notably ultra cautious on COVID and is likely to insist in 2022 that visitors to WA are vaccinated.

Can I obtain travel insurance for COVID?

Some insurance companies are now including a smidgen of COVID cover – usually for incidental costs associated with you or your travelling companion contracting it – hotel quarantine costs for example.

It is important to also note that no insurance (that we are aware of) covers cancellation costs for cruises missed because of border closures or because you have contracted COVID. We understand this is due to cruise companies offering to provide a full credit of monies paid.

We highly recommend you carefully read the details of COVID cover in any insurance policy you are taking regarding what is covered and how much is covered.

What about border closures?

Arrhhh border closures!!  Well, in theory, this issue should be firmly in the past. However if you are unable to travel on your booked cruise due to government restrictions such as border closures you will not lose your money. All the funds will be kept in credit and you can transfer to the next available cruise you can travel on. NOTE: the exact terms and conditions may vary depending on the cruise company; will we be able to provide these for you.

What to do next

If you’d like more information, either researching on your own or by talking to a person who has been to the Kimberley and can give you first hand advice, here are four options:

Download your FREE copy of "Ultimate Guide to Kimberley Cruising”

Includes the top nine questions travellers ask and our honest answers to them, plus a pre-trip checklist.

It’s the perfect starting point for initial research.

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Talk to the team

Kimberley cruises are not one size fits all — there are many different ships each offering their own special elements.

We would love to help you. You’re invited to book a FREE 30-Minute Kimberley Cruise Planning Session to have all you questions answered, without the “hard sell” everyone hates.

Call 1300 654 861
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Research the latest specials that include free flights and free accommodation

With almost twenty years of experience in booking Kimberley cruises we have great relationships with many of the most popular cruise vessels. Why does that matter to you?

It means we have been able to negotiate some great free inclusions with several of the best cruise vessels including free flights, free tours, and free accommodation in Darwin or Broome.

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Dig even deeper via our blog. Here are a few of the most popular posts:

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What travellers say

“Their product knowledge is amazing”

I am very impressed with this company. All the staff I have dealt with have been extremely helpful and courteous, even when I have had to change my travel plans. They went out of their way to assist me with the changes. Their product knowledge is amazing and their help in arranging accommodation and tours has been fabulous. Their offer of two free nights accommodation and a free Broome sightseeing tour is an added bonus. I am very happy that I have booked with them and would thoroughly recommend them.

— Sandra West, QLD

“The cruise suited us perfectly”

We were very pleased with the help we received from Jenny and Simon when we were deciding on which cruise to choose for our Kimberley holiday. The cruise we settled for, Coral Expeditions, suited us perfectly. We were also very pleased with the two free nights accommodation and hop on hop off bus pass in Darwin. Highly recommended.

— Diana Carr, VIC

“Interesting and diverse travel experiences”

The highlights for us were the fabulous food and the unique nature experiences. These were enhanced by on board naturalist with an endless love and knowledge of the region.

I love the followup and practical advice offered by Expedition Partners They offer interesting and diverse travel experiences, truly beyond adventure!

— Eloise Millsteed, NSW

About Jenny Flower

I’m an expert in small ship cruising in the Kimberley and have completed four cruises on different vessels along this spectacular coastline. Cruises in the Kimberley are not one size fits all. There are different ships and itineraries, each offering their own special elements.

If you would like to have a chat with me about Kimberley cruising at a time that suits you book in a call.

Book a call

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