NRMA has cancelled its annual media Christmas party following the recent death of a passenger on one of its cruise vessels. The event, which usually attracts journalists from various outlets, was cancelled for the first time in recent memory.
The cancellation was communicated to attendees by email, citing “unforeseen circumstances.” Further inquiries confirmed that the decision was made in response to the death of 80-year-old Suzanne Rees, who died after being left behind on Lizard Island during a Coral Expeditions cruise. Coral Expeditions is wholly owned by NRMA following a full acquisition in 2023.
“The NRMA made the difficult decision to cancel the event out of respect,” said NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury, as reported by The Australian.
NRMA, known for its roadside assistance services, acquired a 46.1% stake in Coral Expeditions in 2021 and purchased the remaining shares for $95.3 million in 2023. Coral Expeditions operates three ships – the Coral Adventurer, Coral Geographer, and Coral Discoverer – which conduct voyages in domestic and international waters.
The incident involving Suzanne Rees took place during a 60-night cruise around Australia. Rees became separated from her group while hiking on Lizard Island and was not reported missing until several hours after the ship had departed. Her body was located the following day after a search operation.
NRMA stated that it had completed a year-long review of safety protocols for Coral Expeditions, with the focus on international voyages. According to The Australian, this review did not cover domestic routes, which make up the majority of the company’s operations.
When asked about the possibility of extending the safety review to domestic cruises, an NRMA spokesperson said the matter is being considered. “It is reasonable after a tragic event such as this to review all practices and procedures,” the spokesperson said, as reported by Sky News.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances of Rees’s death, including the five-hour delay in reporting her absence. AMSA investigators are expected to interview the ship’s captain, crew, and passengers, although passengers have since been flown home.
NRMA said it is cooperating with Coral Expeditions and relevant authorities regarding the incident. “Together, our priorities have been supporting the Rees family, passengers, and crew, and cooperating with the ongoing investigations. We are committed to providing the Rees family with whatever support they need at this difficult time,” an NRMA spokesperson said.
NRMA chair Derek Stanwell described the incident as “devastating.” He stated that NRMA is cooperating with authorities and assisting the family of the passenger. “On behalf of the entire NRMA and Coral Expeditions communities, we are deeply sorry. Our immediate priorities are supporting the family in whatever way they need, as well as cooperating with the investigations under way,” Stanwell said.
All passengers on the cruise have been offered full refunds. Both NRMA and Coral Expeditions are reviewing their safety protocols as investigations continue. The outcome of the regulatory inquiry is expected to inform future operational practices for cruise operators in Australia.
The recent death of Rees has drawn attention to the risks involved in cruise travel and the relevance of insurance coverage. Recent data from Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) show differences in the rate of cruise-related insurance claims across Australian states and territories. SCTI’s figures indicate that Tasmanian policyholders filed cruise claims at a higher rate than those in other regions.
From May 2024 to April 2025, Tasmanian travellers accounted for 16% of cruise insurance claims relative to policies sold, compared to 11.2% in Victoria and 10.1% in Queensland. Other states also reported claims, with Western Australia at 9.8%, South Australia at 9.4%, and New South Wales at 8.1%. The lowest rates were in the Australian Capital Territory (5.6%) and Northern Territory (6.3%).
Incidents such as the NRMA cruise case highlight the operational and insurance risks associated with cruise travel, as well as the need for effective safety protocols and communication between operators, passengers, and insurers.
