A legal expert says the case is an example of the "murky world" of private credit. (Supplied: Daniel Brown)
Customers could lose tens of thousands of dollars after luxury cruise company Kimberley Pearl Tours went into receivership and its boat was seized.
Despite this, cruises are still being advertised on the company's website.
The matter is before the Federal Court, where parties will next meet for mediation on August 31.
Customers who booked "once-in-a-lifetime" holidays to Western Australia's north have been left in limbo after a luxury cruise company went into administration.
Yet the high-end cruises to remote parts of the spectacular Kimberley coastline are still being advertised, and those with existing bookings say they have not been notified of the company's insolvency.
Receivers were appointed to Kimberley Pearl Tours (KPT) in January after sole director Daniel Brown, who took over the business in 2024, fell behind in repaying a loan he took out to help buy the business.
Bob Shawyer booked the "once-in-a-lifetime" trip with his wife. (Supplied: Bob Shawyer)
Bob Shawyer booked a KPT trip last year and is now $8,500 out of pocket.
Mr Shawyer said he only discovered the trip was no longer going ahead by chance after an online search.
Tours for the latter part of the year and for 2027 are still advertised on the KPT website and social media, including options to book the entire six-cabin vessel for $13,800 a night.
The website promises "one of the most memorable and incredible holidays of your life" and the cruises include chef-prepared meals and guided excursions with fishing equipment.
Ian Grant told the ABC he booked a private tour for a family trip and paid a "hefty" deposit.
Ian Grant booked a private boat tour for his family. (Supplied: Ian Grant)
The retired farmer said it was fortunate he discovered the company had gone into receivership before he received an invoice requesting $140,000 for the remainder of the booking.
