Coral Expeditions has expanded its Solo Traveller Program, making expedition cruising more accessible, flexible and welcoming for guests travelling solo. The move responds to growing demand from Australians choosing to travel independently in search of tailored, meaningful experiences that align with personal interests. Solo travellers already account for more than a third (34 per cent) of all domestic overnight trips in Australia, and the global solo travel market is projected to grow 14.3 per cent annually through to 2030, with the Asia-Pacific region expected to grow even faster at 16.1 per cent a year.¹ ³
As part of the expansion, Coral Expeditions has introduced a record number of ‘No Solo Supplement Departures’ on long-lead voyages, with select cabins now available with no solo supplement to pay, giving guests the certainty to book well ahead of travel. The company has also extended its Solo Traveller Standby Offers, which now open for sale from 60-plus days prior to departure rather than from 30 days prior, removing the solo supplement and offering spontaneous travellers earlier and more affordable access to available cabins.
Coral Expeditions is also releasing a select number of new Hosted Solo Traveller Group departures, which are escorted voyages featuring dedicated crew hosts with opportunities to connect with fellow travellers and which are particularly suited to first-time solo expedition guests. These new group experiences also offer pre-cruise accommodation, a welcome event and special extras as a standard inclusion.
To support the expanded program, Coral Expeditions has also launched a new dedicated Solo Travel webpage, offering easier navigation and clearer pathways for guests comparing voyage options, fares and availability.
Some highlights from the current solo traveller specials include:
- Saltwater Country and Culture – 13 nights Darwin to Cairns departing October 2, 2026.
Engage with the ancient traditional cultures and creativity of the Tiwi, Yolgnu, Gumatj and Masig island First Nations communities as we explore the saltwater habitats and wildlife of Arnhem Land, Torres Straits and Cape York. Sailing onboard the Coral Adventurer with fares from $16,790 per person.
- Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea -12 nights from Cairns to Rabaul departing October 16, 2026.
Explore Papua New Guinea’s volcanic peaks, pristine coral realms and vibrant cultures with our expert guidance, Witness traditional dance and sing sings, snorkel and dive vibrant reef systems and connect with villages few outsiders ever visit. Sailing onboard Coral Adventurer with fares from $17,280 per person.
- Island Empires and Ancient Mariners of Indonesia -14 nights between Darwin and Makassar departing November 28 and December 12, 2026.
Discover diverse cultures and kingdoms from the Toraja highland rituals to the Phinisi wooden boat builders of Tana Beru. Witness Komodo dragons in the wild, hike volcanic peaks to spectacular lookouts, snorkel and dive in the Coral Triangle and connect with enticing cultures and traditions. Sailing onboard the Coral Geographer with fares from $14,650 per person.
Beyond the offers themselves, Coral Expeditions is naturally suited to hosting solo travellers, and cruising is already the style of travel solo guests feel most comfortable with, with 40 per cent of 45 to 64 year olds and 41 per cent of over-65s nominating cruising as their preferred way to travel solo.² The Coral Expeditions small ship format means expedition activities are experienced as a community rather than within closed friendship groups, and guests quickly form connections through shared exploration and experiences. Open-seating dining encourages conversation, and the expedition team actively welcomes and engages every guest, allowing travellers to be as social or as independent as they choose.
Coral Expeditions Chief Commercial Officer Jeff Gillies said the expanded solo traveller program reflected rising demand for independent travel that still offered genuine connection with fellow guests and the communities and places they visit.
“We are seeing increasing interest from travellers who want to explore independently while still enjoying a strong sense of community and connection,” Mr Gillies said. “Expedition cruising is uniquely suited to solo travellers because the experience naturally brings people together through shared discovery, whether that’s exploring remote coastlines, joining guided excursions or enjoying conversations around the dinner table.”
Mr Gillies said the changes were designed to give solo guests more choice at every stage of planning their trip.
“Our expanded Solo Traveller Program is focused on providing greater choice and accessibility. From dedicated no-solo-supplement departures and standby opportunities to our new hosted solo traveller groups, we’re making it easier than ever for guests to experience the world with confidence, comfort and flexibility.”
