Expedition Cruise News & Views

 

Expedition Cruise Specialists is offering $5,000 per couple in travel credits when you book your 2026 Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer Kimberley cruise before 30 September 2025.

Coral Expeditions pioneered Kimberley Cruising back in 1996, and today they operate a fleet of three modern small ships, including the state-of-the-art new builds Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer. These 120-traveller expedition ships have been purpose-built for cruising the Kimberley Coast, and the ten-night itinerary between Darwin and Broome incorporates all of the region’s key icons, along with a few secret spots as well.

 

 

 

 

One of the great advantages of discovering the Kimberley with Coral Expeditions is their unique range of excursion tenders. A fleet of inflatable zodiacs are on hand for short, adventurous outings, while longer excursions make use of Coral’s signature Xplorer excursion craft (individual eating, roof, toilet, PA system), allowing access to even the most hard-to-reach locations along the coast. These Xplorers come into their own when it's time to explore locations like the Prince Regent River and King Cascades. This iconic waterfall is located 27km up the Prince Regent, simply too far to travel in zodiacs with any comfort. It is for that reason that most other companies with similar sized vessels omit this site, which is a real pity. But with Coral Expeditions it is a breeze to get up to the falls in style and total comfort aboard Xplorer.

 

 

Coral Expeditions is renowned for having some of the best expedition teams and lecturers in the business. This is important when it comes to Kimberley cruising as you really do rely on that knowledge the expedition team is imparting to gain a full appreciation for the history, geology and landscapes of the region. When you’re not off exploring the sights, you’ll enjoy the professional, engaging service offered by the all-Australian crew.

On board your expedition ship you’ll enjoy ample space to relax and take in the spectacular Kimberley. The stylish, open-seat dining room accommodates all guests in one sitting, while there’s four grades of accommodation to choose from, each offering a comfortable retreat after a busy day of exploration. Generously sized, staterooms come equipped with a private en suite, your choice of twin or junior king beds and either portholes, window or a balcony. For the ultimate indulgence, a limited number of Bridge Deck Suites are also available.

 

 

 

 

Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer operate in the Kimberley between March and September each year, and by booking early with Expedition Cruise Specialists you can receive $5,000 per couple in travel credits on 2026 cruises. 

Travel credits are available as follows:

 

Balcony Suites and Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Receive $5,000 per couple in travel credits on all 2026 cruise dates when you book by 30 September 2025.

 

 

Coral & Promenade Deck Staterooms

Receive $5,000 per couple in travel credits on the following 2026 cruise dates when you book by 30 September 2025.

• 19 March - Darwin to Broome - Coral Geographer
• 13 May - Darwin to Broome - Coral Adventurer
• 14 May - Broome to Darwin - Coral Geographer
• 3 June - Darwin to Broome - Coral Adventurer
• 14 June - Darwin to Broome - Coral Geographer
• 25 July - Broome to Darwin - Coral Adventurer
• 5 August - Darwin to Broome - Coral Adventurer

 

 

Book your selected 2026 Coral Geographer or Coral Adventurer Kimberley cruise to receive your $5,000 per couple in travel credits. Travel credits can be used for pre- & post- cruise accommodation, flights, tours, train journeys and travel insurance. Speak to our expert team about designing your ideal Kimberley cruise package.

 

2026 Cruise Fares

 

All prices are per person, twin share in Australian Dollars:

 

Coral Deck Stateroom - $13,400 per person

Promenade Deck Stateroom - $16,300 per person

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom - $21,600 per person

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom (Coral Adventurer) - $23,600 per person

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite (Coral Geographer) - $28,900 per person

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite (Coral Adventurer) - $30,900 per person

 

The cruise price includes just about everything, here's a summary:

INCLUDED:

• Accommodation in selected Stateroom for ten nights
• All meals, morning and afternoon teas - see sample menu
• House beer, spirits and Australian table wine during lunch and dinner service - see sample beverage list
• 24-hour soft drinks, tea and barista-style coffee
• Captain’s welcome and farewell drinks
• Access to islands, marine and national parks
• Guided tours on Xplorer expedition vessels and zodiacs
• Touring as described in the itinerary
• Services of expedition staff and lecturers including briefings and knowledge-sharing sessions
• Port taxes and government charges imposed by government authorities
• Tipping not required on board
• Included standard-speed Wi-Fi (upgrades to higher speed internet are available on board at additional cost)
• Native Title fees applicable as at June 2025.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Pre and post flights, transfers and hotels
• Optional Mitchell Falls helicopter flight (payable on board)
• Kimberley Cruise Travel Insurance - highly recommended, including provisions for remote area evacuation.
• Items of a personal nature including but not limited to bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted), laundry charges and souvenir purchases.

 

 

Ready to book your 2026 Coral Expeditions Kimberley Cruise or want to find out more about the options? Contact the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 or fill in the form below and one of our team will call you back.

 

Terms & Conditions: This special offer is subject to availability on specified 2026 Kimberley Cruise dates aboard Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer. Coral Discoverer in excluded. The travel credits must be used through Expedition Cruise Specialists. The offer is not combinable with any other special offer and is valid only for new bookings made between 08 June and 30 September 2025 unless sold out earlier. Enquire for single traveller pricing.

 

 

With the 2025 expedition season gearing up on Western Australia’s Kimberley Coast, one of our favourite small-ships, the 32-passenger Eco Abrolhos is debuting a new, refreshed look for her Lower Deck cabins.

Ideally suited to friends travelling together, those on a budget or even single travellers (due to the low single supplement), Lower Deck cabins offer a comfortable home-away-from-home as you experience the Kimberley Coast aboard a true small ship. The cabins feature upper and lower berths, a porthole, air-conditioning, and importantly, a private en suite. 

 

 

Normally priced at $13,115 per person twin share, we’ve got a handful of cabins available on selected 2025 dates on offer at $11,500 per person, twin share or $12,500 for single travellers.

If you’re after a bit more space, there’s still a handful of Queen Staterooms and the ever-popular King Bed Deluxe Staterooms available across the 2025 Eco Abrolhos Kimberley Season, with some keen pricing on offer, so give our team today a call to find out the best deals currently on offer. 

 

 

The Eco Abrolhos expedition itinerary takes all guests on a complete Kimberley journey – starting at Broome and finishing at Wyndham or vice versa. By visiting the key sites regularly, the Eco crew know the hotspots, where’s safe to swim, where the wildlife lives, the best fishing holes and where to find the largest variety of birdlife.

Their 13-night journeys are not just thrown together on the run. These expeditions are planned over 18 months in advance to correspond exactly with the best tides and moon phases for each voyage. The longer duration also enables Eco Abrolhos to set off on a spring tide (the largest tides) and finish 14 days later also on a spring tide. This planning is critical to provide the ship the greatest water depth (and assistance from the currents) to get into places like the Berkeley and King George rivers and provide guests the maximum “Wow factor” and water movement at iconic locations such as Horizontal Falls and Montgomery Reef, all of which are at the start or end of each expedition.

To find out more about Eco Abrolhos and her 2025 Kimberley Cruises, or to take advantage of these special prices, call the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80. 

 

Discover the Eco Abrolhos

 

See the Kimberley Itinerary

 

2025 Eco Abrolhos Kimberley Cruise Schedule

 

Broome to Wyndham - 15 to 28 May 2025

 

Wyndham to Broome - 30 May to 12 June 2025

 

Broome to Wyndham - 14 to 27 June 2025

 

Wyndham to Broome - 29 June to 12 July 2025

 

Broome to Wyndham - 14 to 27 July 2025 

 

Wyndham to Broome - 29 July to 11 August 2025 

 

Broome to Wyndham - 13 to 26 August 2025 

 

Wyndham to Broome - 28 August to 10 September 2025

 

 

The Coral Discoverer offers one of the most unique expedition cruising experiences in Australian waters. Accommodating just 72 passengers, she offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience to destinations including the Kimberley, the Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania.

Coral Discoverer is the smallest yacht in the Coral Expeditions fleet, allowing access to places that larger vessels can’t reach.

We were lucky enough to step aboard the ship in Pentaloon Bay, north of Sydney, on a glorious December morning, bound for her Tasmanian season.

Coral Expeditions offered a handy shuttle service from Sydney CBD to Palm Beach Wharf, with the crew waiting to welcome passengers onto a tender to the expedition yacht.

While there are only 36 outside-facing staterooms aboard the yacht, we were immediately impressed by its expansive public spaces, which included a spacious dining area, lounge, Bridge Deck bar and rooftop Explorer bar.

The array of indoor and outdoor seating meant there were always quiet spots for reading or viewing the spectacular scenery with a coffee or cocktail in hand.

We booked our cabin just a month before boarding, when it was almost at capacity, and received B12 as our stateroom. There were pluses and minuses to our location. While we were in the stable midship section and conveniently located to all sections of the yacht, it was also a little noisy at times being so close to the main staircase to the dining and lounge areas.

 

 

If you are a light sleeper, you might prefer to choose a cabin in the fore or aft of the vessel.

Our cabin was spacious, well-furnished and featured a large picture window, which suited us perfectly. If you prefer a balcony, there are six cabins featuring them on the Bridge Deck.

Our meals were served in the dining room, aside from a barbecue on the rooftop one night. Breakfast was served hot and cold buffet style, while lunch featured two menu options plus the alternative of making your own sandwich or salad. Dinner was a gourmet, three-course extravaganza each night.

 

 

Every dish featured high-quality ingredients and ranged from sirloin with paris butter to roast duck, beef rendang, prawn laksa, seared scallops with cauliflower puree, lamb roast with Yorkshire pudding and pan-seared fish with citrus hollandaise.

One of our favourite morsels was served during a wine tasting session one afternoon: bug and prawn salad with dill and finger lime. Delicious!

There were also an array of dietary alternatives on offer, such as gluten-free and vegetarian.

 

 

Selected wines, beers and spirits are complimentary during lunch and dinner service and feature an excellent Australian line-up.

The Coral Discoverer‘s entertainment program isn’t designed for those seeking live music or shows. Instead, it focuses on guest lectures, documentaries, visits to the bridge and the occasional trivia session.

There are also plenty of opportunities to mingle with fellow passengers while sipping cocktails of the day during various happy hours at the three bars on the yacht. We particularly enjoyed sitting at the rooftop bar sipping Cosmopolitans in the late afternoon sun as we gazed at the stunning Tasmanian wilderness.

The dress code on board is casual, with no formal evenings held during our cruise. However, we enjoyed a wonderful New Year’s Eve on the top deck, which was decorated with streamers and balloons and provided a fantastic front-row view of the fireworks.

My silver shawl and sparkly sandals stayed in my suitcase throughout the whole trip, even on New Year’s Eve, while my long-sleeved Shimano fishing shirt was on high rotation.

Shore excursions play a starring role in the Coral Discoverer’s program and being protected from the elements was prioritised over finery.

The vessel features a comfortable Xplorer tender located on a hydraulic platform at the stern, which allows passengers to walk straight on from the deck. During our cruise, the Xplorer was used for viewing wildlife up close on remote Deal Island and to transport us to locations such as Maria Island and Wineglass Bay and Bruny Island.

There were also opportunities on most days to go on nature walks or hikes with the expedition crew, spotting beautiful wildflowers and native animals such as wallabies and wombats.

 

 

There were many magical moments at sea too, such as watching pods of dolphins frolic alongside the ship, cruising past seals lounging on rock shelves and enjoying dazzling sunrises and sunsets.

One of the other highlights of the cruise was the Coral Discoverer’s fun and friendly crew. Coral Expeditions has been an Australian-owned and operated company for 40 years and is renowned for its knowledgeable Australian crew.  

Nothing was ever too much trouble for the crew members, who were hard-working and professional during every moment of our journey. Happy hugs were exchanged as we disembarked on our final morning, along with recommendations for where to find the best coffee in town.

 

You can follow more of Alana House & David Fuller's travel adventures at www.thethirstytravellers.com

 

Alana & David travelled on Coral Discoverer's 7-day A Yachtsman's Cruise from Sydney to Hobart.

 

 

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When I chatted with a colleague recently about my adventure on the all-new Swan Hellenic cruise line, he replied with an air of disdain. “Aren’t they just floating retirement homes?”

If we’d been having this discussion 20 years ago, then maybe. Swan Hellenic has been around as a brand for 70 years, beginning in the UK as a niche excursion travel company for history buffs. It was bought by P&O UK in the ‘80s and subsumed into the massive Carnival cruising conglomerate in the 2000s, but dissolved by the huge US cruise giant before the decade was out.

Ten years further along, revival attempts were mounted by All Leisure Holidays Group and G Adventures, but these also came to nought. 

 

 

In 2020, a new revival began, spearheaded by industry stalwart, Monaco-based Italian citizen Andrea Zito. Despite the unfortunate timing, three brand new Polar Class (PC) ships were ordered and ultimately delivered to the new-look cruise line, beginning in late 2021 with the 152-guest SH Minerva. SH Vega and SH Diana followed in 2022 and 2023.

So, to counter my colleague's objections, I was confidently able to enlighten him about the complete transformation of this brand from palliative to opulent.

 

The Ship: SH Diana

 

My debut experience with Swan Hellenic was aboard the newest of the triplets, SH Diana. This sparkling vessel expands the original ‘Project Vega’ 152-guest design to accommodate 192 lucky passengers. 

Her restrained colour schemes are natural and soothing with generous use of wood and fabrics. Tillberg Design of Sweden, who have more than 60 years of experience in this sector, can take much of the credit for the crisp and airy interiors designed to “reflect the ship’s natural surrounds.”

I was spoiled by my 25sqm Balcony stateroom. Every cabin, right down to the 20sqm Oceanview ones, has a bottle of Champagne in the bar fridge, pre-stocked with complimentary snacks, soft drinks and beer. While basic WiFi is free, it's limited to text unless you upgrade at extra cost. There's a personal safe and a pair of Nikon Prostaff 3S 10x42 binoculars too. Amenities include a smart HDTV with movies and tour and ship information, individually controlled air conditioning, an Illy Espresso coffee machine with pods, a kettle and Kusmi tea bags, towels for the cabin, pool, and gym, a bathrobe, bedroom slippers, and toiletries by Lajatica.

 

 

Dining is either in the lavish Swan Restaurant on Deck 4, outside in the sunny Pool Bar & Grill or in the casual Club Lounge on Deck 7 where you can enjoy lighter meals and snacks as well as 24-hour hot beverages and cookies. 

The Observation Lounge, also on Deck 7, is effectively the community hub of the vessel, where the bar and projector screen are located and where the daily briefings and lectures will take place. I particularly like the placement of retractable screens around the space so you don't have to scrum it up the front to see or hear the information. A new feature of this Vega-class vessel is the separate card room adjacent to the Observation Lounge.

 

 

If you want to spruce up for the Captain's Cocktails, there is a salon and spa up on Deck 8 where you can also find the two saunas. Something you don’t find on every expedition vessel is the passenger laundry which you can use instead of the extra-cost valet laundry. And, yes I did.

For those who’ve been aboard expedition vessels in the past, the Zodiac operations will be familiar. On Deck 3 is the ‘Base Camp’ where you will muster and be led onto your tender through a side door and single step. There is no rickety gangway or seaswept platform to worry about.  

 

The Itinerary: Paradise Isles of the Indian Ocean

 

My itinerary is the most unusual 10-night ‘Paradise Isles of the Indian Ocean’ which began in the Seychelles capital of Victoria and proceeded through various remote islands including the UNESCO-listed Aldabra, home to more than 150,000 giant tortoises. The last few days we spent exploring the ancient East African trading ports of Zanzibar, Lamu and Mombasa.

Apart from the included and optional shore excursions, there was more than plenty of beach time and water frolics with snorkelling and Stand-Up/Fall-Down paddle boards. We embarked on several Zodiac excursions, mainly to look at the many seabirds, but also managed to spot dolphins and sea turtles along the way. I’m told there are a few dugongs in the huge lagoon at Aldabra, but the elusive creatures haven’t been seen in months.

 

 

These tropical itineraries take place in between polar seasons when there are a few weeks available to reposition the ships from one end of the world to the other. This is where Swan Hellenic come to the fore with voyages that truly reflect their tagline “See what others don't”.

These ‘in-between’ itineraries are no afterthought either. Imagine in-depth explorations of the African coasts, both east and west as well as Central and South America. For committed country-counters, there is even a voyage to Tristan da Cunha. Yes, look that up.

So, in summary, not only are you enjoying a most comfortable ‘cruise’ experience with all the niceties of a boutique luxury vessel, but all the capabilities of a true expedition ship able to access the remote, seldom-visited locations that make any journey aboard Swan Hellenic a true exploration.

 

To book your Swan Hellenic small ship cruise contact the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today via email or call 1800 80 20 90 within Australia.

 

Roderick Eime is Australia’s leading expedition cruising photojournalist and he travelled on this cruise courtesy of Swan Hellenic. You can follow his exploits at www.expeditioncruising.com

 

 

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With such a wide choice of ships for your Kimberley cruise, how do you know what is best for you?

 

Once upon a time, Western Australia’s Kimberley was a well-kept secret among local boaties looking for great Barramundi fishing, geologists studying some of the oldest rocks on Earth and ardent archaeologists in search of the most ancient civilisations.

The Kimberley is still something of a secret, although no longer a very well-kept one. 

Located in the far Northwest corner of Australia, it covers an area almost twice the size of Victoria and easily larger than Germany or the British Isles. Despite its immense area, it is one of the least populated regions on our planet. It has some of the greatest tidal ranges anywhere - up to 12 metres - and frequently receives more than a metre and a half of rain every year.

 

 

All these features combine to make it one of the last truly pristine places on Earth and a modern eco-tourism hotspot, drawing thousands of nature-loving travellers to gaze in awe at the staggering geological features, spot mighty saltwater crocodiles and witness impossibly cute rock wallabies. 

While many visitors to Australia’s North West will take to the dusty roads winding past giant boab trees and through dry, rocky riverbeds, an increasing number will board one of the increasing number of vessels navigating the labyrinthine shores between Broome and Darwin.

Up until a few years ago, these were smaller, boutique cruisers and yacht-style vessels accommodating typically less than 50 passengers keen to combine their sightseeing with some fishing and perhaps a hike to a freshwater swimming hole. Now the fleet includes lavish 200-passenger pocket cruise ships boasting fine dining, free-flowing champagne and luxurious balcony suites serviced by waistcoated butlers.

 

Choices, choices. 

 

Now let’s imagine you have chosen to cruise in the Kimberley. Given that the prices are not particularly different for small or large ships, it often gets down to the expedition delivery and itinerary devised by the various operators.

If you are a seasoned ‘white ship’ cruiser accustomed to the niceties of the really big ships, then the small (micro) cruise option may be a bit of a jolt. Cabins are smaller and private balconies are rare. Dining, while still excellent quality, is often communal and alcohol choices may be limited.  

The big, 100-200 berth ships are mostly foreign-flagged. Apart from Cairns-based, Australian-owned Coral Expeditions, whose biggest Australian-flagged vessels Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer carry 120 guests, the likes of Ponant, Seabourn, Heritage Expeditions and Silversea all carry foreign flags. 

 

 

So what’s the big deal? Under Australian maritime law, foreign ships are not allowed to sail directly between mainland ports, so they must detour to an international port. A compromise of sorts has been reached with these vessels whereby they now transit via Ashmore Reef, which adds extra 'time at sea' compared to the Australian operators such as Coral Expeditions who can maximise their time closer to the coast.

Furthermore, the big vessels typically run a well-rehearsed 10-night ‘highlights’ itinerary between Broome and Darwin that takes in the most prominent Kimberley icons like Montgomery Reef, Talbot Bay, Horizontal Falls, Jar Island, Porosis Creek and King George River. 

 

 

But for the last 30 years or so, the Kimberley has been the domain of these tiny, boutique ships where local knowledge reigns supreme. They can, and do, linger wherever they desire taking advantage of whatever the prevailing conditions are. Two excursions every day is the norm plus there will be freshwater swimming (away from the big nasty crocs), hiking on remote beaches, visiting hidden ‘secret’ waterfalls, fishing and unmapped rock art sites.   

There are no ‘down days’, so you better be ready for action as the expedition leader will often be devising the next day’s activities the night before as tides and winds are studied and reports of wildlife sightings come in from other friendly vessels. These sightings can include breaching whales, various eagles and raptors, crocodiles, rare dolphins and even the occasional dugong. 

 

 

Take, for example, the powerful, 38m catamaran Reef Prince. When at capacity, it takes no more than 36 travellers sharing 18 cabins, all with private facilities. Dining is in the spacious common lounge which also serves as a bar and lecture theatre. Meals are served directly from the galley by a qualified chef to tables of 8 to 10 guests. Several times during the cruise, tables will be set up on deck under festoon lights for a delightful gourmet evening meal under a star-spangled night sky. 

Days begin early as mornings are a special time in the Kimberley. as the rising sun bathes the ancient sandstone in pastel hues. The silence is only broken by the screech of a wheeling osprey or the splash of excited fish as they chase their breakfast.

 

 

Tenders are launched for the day’s activities which may be an exploration of a remote river, a fishing expedition or a transfer to a prehistoric rock art site. Local vessels prefer aluminium-hulled runabouts with powerful outboard motors, carrying about 10 guests at a time. The international vessels are equipped with rubber-hulled inflatable Zodiacs which they also use amongst the ice in polar regions. With the many submerged rocks and hidden debris in the shallow rivers, these sturdy metal boats can absorb much more punishment in this unforgiving environment. 

 

A bird’s eye view

 

Furthermore, several of the smaller vessels such as Kimberley Quest, True North and Great Escape will carry their own helicopter for additional sightseeing and exploration opportunities. Iconic Mitchell Falls, as featured in such blockbuster cinematic productions as Baz Luhrmann's Australia can only be accessed by air from any ship. Sure, there are third-party operators too flying out of the Hunter River, but having your own chopper on call is pretty special and opens up so many more possibilities like overflying the otherworldly Montgomery Reef when the submarine plateau rises up like Atlantis as the massive tide falls.

 

 

Another key feature of the Kimberley that is only available to the smaller vessels is the magical Kings Cascade deep in the Prince Regent River. These naturally formed terraces come alive like vertical rapids, especially in the early season and offer one of the best photo opportunities anywhere in the Kimberley. Don’t be surprised if your skipper manoeuvres the tender under the flow for a refreshing shower of crystal-clear water. 

 

Timing is everything

 

It seems every year the Kimberley cruise season expands by a few weeks. Local, small ship operators have the luxury of starting and finishing their cruise program whenever they like. A typical season is during ‘the dry’ between late March and early October with each segment of the season having its own advantages.

While early departures may strike the last of the wet season rain and its humidity, the spectacle of the waterfalls in full flow is worth every discomfort. The massive Twin Falls on the King George River are truly a wonder to behold as thousands of tonnes of water come crashing down nearly 100 metres onto the rocks below in a noise like jet engines. 

 

 

Mid-season has the best overall weather with clear, sunny days, while the end of the dry around October is the best time for fishing for the prized Barramundi. 

As a final piece of advice, it’s always best to consult an experienced Kimberley cruise specialist and that’s not something you’ll find at your everyday high street travel agent. Even though most Kimberley cruise choices are excellent, a specialist can fine-tune your experience and guide you to the vessel that will best fulfill your expectations. Every cruise operator will tell you they are the best, but a Kimberley Cruise Specialist will know what is the best for you.

 

Ready to book your Kimberley Cruise or want to find out more about the options? Contact the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 or fill in the form below and one of our team will call you back.