COVID-19 Safe Travel Practices

UPDATED: 24th January 2023

Dear Guest,

Please see updates below for Queensland Heath Close Contacts .

Check-in at Mike Ball office located at 3 Abbott Street, Cairns. Thursday between 8.30 am & 4.00pm; Monday between 6.40 am & 7am.

On departure day and prior to boarding, please ensure you -• Either a) Complete a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24hrs before boarding or b) not required if you were covid positive within past 12 weeks. Both a & b require either, a time-stamped photo or proof of being covid positive.
• Anyone testing positive will not be permitted to board and will be advised to follow local health directives for further testing and the latest advice.
• The above applies to both guests and crew.

What happens if I do test positive onboard?

• You will be required to isolate to your cabin and monitored.
• On disembarking you will be directed to latest advice here.

We understand that a positive result is both disappointing and inconvenient, however the health and safety of all concerned is extremely important. We highly recommend that you take out travel insurance that covers covid-related issues at least 21 days prior to travel. These should include but not limited to, protection against evacuation from vessel, relocation, hotel/accommodation isolation, flight cancellation and or changes.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Reservations
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions

Mike Ball Dive Team

T: +61 7 4053 0500
W: www.mikeball.com

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00am to 4:30pm AEST
Saturday –  Sunday: Closed

Travel to Australia: Please see immigration for up to date information – Australian Immigration.

For hygiene purposes, please bring your own ‘quick-dry towel’ for dive deck use and water bottle. Ensure you have packed your own face mask.
Cabin towels and linen are provided onboard.

 

Under Public Health Directions, we are required to comply with the Queensland Tourism & Accommodation COVID Safe Industry Plan, which shows how we will keep our guests and staff safe. Further to this, we have an approved Health Management Plan and comply with the Covid Safe Checklist for Dining.

PRE-SCREENING

If any significant health concerns, guests will be directed to postpone their expedition. Flexible cancellation policies have been established.

ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING & DISINFECTION

Spoilsport is fitted with non-ducted air-conditioning system that is routinely treated with antibacterial solutions. High contact services, like door handles, taps, coffee machine and tabletops are cleaned and disinfected a minimum of 6 times daily. Shared bathroom and shower facilities are cleaned and disinfected hourly, between the hours of 6am and 10pm. Guests can determine the level of servicing to their cabin, by utilising prompt cards. All hire equipment is cleaned and disinfected between uses. Our procedures are in accordance with advice outlined in the Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Principles for COVID-19 .

HYGIENE

Hand sanitising and wash stations are readily available throughout the vessel; particularly at communal entrances/exits. Masks are provided for all passengers who become unwell, or for any guest or crew who choose to wear them in communal spaces.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

Spoilsport, is a spacious 30m multi-tiered catamaran with 4 decks. Nevertheless, our reservation staff are closely monitoring every expedition and capping passenger numbers in relation to travel bubbles and social distancing ease. Dive stations are appropriately divided between bubbles and multiple tender trips will be available to allow for distancing onboard.

DINING EXPERIENCE

Our chef and crew are certified in safe food handling and Covid Safe dining practices. Our dining experience is renowned amongst Spoilsport guests; not only for its high quality, diverse cuisine, but also for the social environment created at mealtimes. We have endeavoured to maintain this environment within the parameters of Queensland Health directives. Self-service table buffets have been replaced with table service and staff manned buffets.

STAFF TRAINING

All staff have received comprehensive training on our Covid Safe Plan, required PPE and their modified tasks. They review all procedures and regulation updates before commencing each shift, to ensure they remain current with everchanging advice from Queensland Health.

RESPONSE PLAN & CONTACT TRACING

We have developed a Government approved response plan if a suspected case occurs onboard. Tourism businesses have an important role to play in supporting health authorities in contact tracing. Disclosure of your personal information will be done on a strictly needs-to-know basis, and information will be de-identified where possible.

SAFE PLAN IN COMPLIANCE with

 

Booking Conditions

Cancellation Policy:
More than 60 days prior to departure: deposit refundable, less 1.8% credit card transaction fee.
Between 60 – 30 days prior to departure: Deposit not refundable. Credit valid for 2 years.
Within 30 days of departure: 100% forfeit. Credits only offered for cancellations directly resulting from a pandemic;
relevant documentation required.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact reservations.

Reservations: Monday to Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm AEST
Phone:+61 7 4053 0500
Email: resv@mikeball.com