Monthly Archives: November 2021

 

 

 

As the original cruise company in French Polynesia, Aranui Cruises has been introducing the enchanting Marquesas Islands to avid adventurers for more than 30 years.  Aranui 5, a custom-built passenger-freighter which launched in 2015, is unique in every way. Combining the comforts and modern conveniences of a cruise ship while providing a cargo service to remote areas, the ship acts as a lifeline for tiny communities far removed from civilisation. This boutique vessel accommodates just 230 passengers, offering an intimate and casual setting for guests to explore French Polynesia.

 

 

 

 

Aranui 5 is a drawcard for adventurous travellers from right around the world, appealing to those intrepid explorers who don’t just wish to sit on the beach at Bora Bora, but rather visit remote islands and interact with communities well off the regular tourist trail. Given the ship’s popularity it always pays to book this experience early, and if you reserve and deposit your 2023 Marquesas Islands cruise before 31 December 2021 (or until the ship fills) you can SAVE 15% off the prices for all departures between 21 January and 17 June 2023.

In 2023 there’s several itineraries to choose from. The classic 12-day Marquesas Islands journey takes you into the heart of the Marquesas chain, where you will enjoy a range of tours and cultural events while the ship unloads its wares to the excited locals. For something a little different – or perhaps if you’ve undertaken the Marquesas Islands journey before, there’s three Discovery Voyage itineraries available during 2023; two to the Pitcairn Islands and one to the Cook Islands. These Discovery Voyages always sell quickly so they are best booked as far in advance as possible.

 

 

12-Day Marquesas Islands Cruise

Papeete to Papeete

 

Mythical and mystical. A land that has attracted explorers, writers, painters and artists. Breathtaking landscapes of mountains, valleys, plateaus and cliffs. A nation of former warriors, with their own language and culture. For more than 30 years, Aranui, as the main carrier of goods to the Marquesas, has maintained a vital link with its inhabitants and the outside world.

See the 12-Day Marquesas Islands Itinerary

 

 

2023 Sailing Schedule

 

Departs: 21 January 2023

Arrives: 01 February 2023

 

Departs: 04 February 2023

Arrives: 15 February 2023

 

Departs: 04 March 2023

Arrives:  15 March 2023

 

Departs: 18 March 2023

Arrives: 29 March 2023

 

Departs: 01 April 2023

Arrives: 12 April 2023

 

Departs: 06 May 2023

Arrives: 17 May 2023

 

Departs: 20 May 2023

Arrives: 31 May 2023

 

Departs: 03 June 2023

Arrives: 14 June 2023

 

Departs: 17 June 2023

Arrives: 28 June 2023

 

 

Departs: 01 July 2023

Arrives: 12 July 2023

 

Departs: 15 July 2023

Arrives: 26 July 2023

 

Departs: 29 July 2023

Arrives: 09 August 2023

 

Departs: 12 August 2023

Arrives: 23 August 2023

 

Departs: 26 August 2023

Arrives: 06 September 2023

 

Departs: 21 October 2023

Arrives: 01 November 2023

 

Departs: 04 November 2023

Arrives: 15 November 2023

 

Departs: 18 November 2023

Arrives: 29 November 2023

 

Departs: 02 December 2023

Arrives: 13 December 2023

 

2023 Fares, Per Person in Australian Dollars

*** Deduct 15% off all departures between 21 January and 17 June 2023 when you book by 31 December 2021 ***

See descriptions and photos of cabin types

 

Presidential Suite: $14,193.00

Royal Suite: $11,220.00

Premium Suite: $10,269.00

Junior Suite: $9,866.00

Superior Deluxe: $9,446.00

Deluxe: $8,752.00

Stateroom: $7,560.00

Class 4 (multi share dorm): $4,635.00

 

 

 

11-Day Pitcairn Island Discovery Cruise

Papeete to Papeete

 

This special cruise will head south to Pitcairn Island via the Gambier Islands. Following in the footsteps of the famous Bounty Mutineers, the Aranui 5 will take you to the most beautiful and unspoiled islands of the region, via three Polynesian archipelagos.

See the Itinerary

 

 

2023 Sailing Schedule

 

Departs: 18 February 2023

Arrives: 28 February 2023

 

Departs: 07 October 2023

Arrives: 17 October 2023

 

2023 Fares, Per Person in Australian Dollars

See descriptions and photos of cabin types

 

Presidential Suite: $15,954.00

Royal Suite: $12,602.00

Premium Suite: $11,530.00

Junior Suite: $11,075.00

Superior Deluxe: $10,602.00

Deluxe: $9,819.00

Stateroom: $8,476.00

Class 4 (multi share dorm): $5,178.00

 

 

9-Day Cook Islands Discovery Cruise

Papeete to Papeete

 

Ancient stories tell of the migration of Polynesians from the Society Islands and even as far as the Marquesas to Rarotonga. Bora Bora, the high island; is one of the best-known islands of French Polynesia. If the spectacular landscapes of the white sandy beaches and the beautiful blue and green lagoons will seduce you, the different degrees of development, the different dialects and customs from one island to another will offer you a whole range of Polynesian culture, from the old to the new.

See the Itinerary

 

2023 Sailing Schedule

 

Departs: 17 April 2023

Arrives: 25 April 2023

 

2023 Fares, Per Person in Australian Dollars

See descriptions and photos of cabin types

 

Presidential Suite: $15,954.00

Royal Suite: $12,602.00

Premium Suite: $11,530.00

Junior Suite: $11,075.00

Superior Deluxe: $10,602.00

Deluxe: $9,819.00

Stateroom: $8,476.00

Class 4 (multi share dorm): $5,178.00

 

 

To secure your place aboard the legendary Aranui 5 contact the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80. Don’t forget that Earlybird fares on selected departures are only available when you book and deposit by 31 December 2023, so don’t delay!

 

 

 

 

For Australia’s tourism industry, and in particular our small ship cruise companies, the effects of Covid-19 over the past 21 months have been monumental. But now, as the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ grows larger, there’s never been a better opportunity to help the Aussie tourism industry get back on its feet while enjoying some fantastic experiences in our own backyards.

One of our favourite local operators, Australia's own pioneering cruise line Coral Expeditions, has been extremely busy making the most of limits on international travel by coming up with some of the most innovative and exciting coastal cruise itineraries we’ve seen for a number of years. 

Normally over the upcoming summer months between November and February, the two latest additions to the Coral Expeditions fleet – Coral Adventurer & Coral Geographer - would be off exploring the far-flung regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. But, this summer, with international travel’s ‘post-Covid’ return still in its infancy, it’s a great opportunity for travellers to join these state-of-the-art vessels exploring some of our own coastal regions in a way that’s never been possible before.

Below we’ve outlined a selection of the very best of Coral Expeditions new voyages on offer over the coming months, and we’d also like to remind you that there’s still space available on Coral Discoverer’s summer series of cruises in Tassie too!

 

So, what are you waiting for? Give the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists a call today on 1800 90 20 80 to secure your place on one of these remarkable journeys.

 

TO THE HEART OF THE REEF AND OUTBACK

14 Nights Brisbane to Cairns

Departs Brisbane: 20 December 2021

Arrives Cairns: 03 January 2022

See the Itinerary

 

The latest cab off the rank for Coral Expeditions, this 15-day itinerary aboard the brand-new Coral Geographer is a real beauty. The itinerary development team has put a lot of effort in to create an itinerary, the likes of which hasn’t been attempted before. The cruise departs from Brisbane travelling north up the coast via Tangalooma, Fraser, Great Keppel, the Whitsunday and Magnetic islands, before taking in the Ribbon Reefs and rarely-visited Osprey Reef (a real highlight for snorkellers and divers) ahead of arrival into Cairns.

 

 

What really sets this expedition apart though are two unforgettable Landmark events – sure to be days that will live on in your memory for many years to come!

A Day in the Outback: After breakfast aboard Coral Geographer in Townsville, be transported by private jet to Longreach in the heart of the Queensland outback. Connect with the country life with a classic pub lunch and then bask in an outback sunset over sundowners and stories at historic Rosebank station homestead. Fly back to the comfort of your ship stateroom that night.

 

 

Sailing Yacht to a Whitsundays Lunch: From Airlie Beach board a chartered yacht and enjoy a traditional sail to Whitehaven Beach. Linger over champagne and a decadent seafood lunch with your feet on white sand. As the sun sets, embark on your yacht again and enjoy the sound of sails over the Whitsundays as you return to your home on Coral Geographer.

To top off this incredible trip, the voyage will begin and end with gala dinners . Enjoy modern Australian cuisine paired with ten extraordinary wines selected from the prized ‘Exceptional’ category of Langton’s Classification, the premier guide to Australian fine wine. This is a rare occasion to sample these wines in a single comparative tasting.

 

Choose from four grades of stylish accommodation aboard the new Coral Geographer:

 

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite - $25,790 per person 

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom – $19,190 per person 

Promenade Deck Stateroom - $16,190 per person 

Coral Deck Stateroom – $11,990 per person 

 

Prices are per person twin share and are for new bookings only from 03 November 2021. Coral Expeditions past passengers can apply their Xplorer's CLub past passenger discount.

 

More about Coral Geographer

 

 

 

OUTERKNOWN ADVENTURES ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

SPECIAL OFFER: Children (4 – 14 years) travel at 50% off and enquire for discounted Single Traveller Fares

Refund Guarantee Applies - Coral Expeditions’ ‘Refund Guarantee’ applies on many upcoming voyages. Eligible guests can access this refund guarantee if they are prevented from travelling due to COVID-19 impacts such as border restrictions. Enquire for full details!

 

7 Nights Cairns to Cairns

Departures:  04 January & 11 January 2022.

See the Itinerary

 

Even if you’ve already been to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ve never seen it quite like this before! Stretching more than 2,300 kilometres along Queensland’s coastline, and encompassing over 900 islands, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living structure and home to an abundant and thriving array of marine and birdlife species. It holds pride of place as one of the Seven Natural Worlds wonders of the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage area. Coral Expeditions pioneered extended expedition cruises on the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef over 35 years ago and have forged a reputation for excellence and expertise in that time.

 

 

Now you have the opportunity to join the brand new, state-of-the-art Coral Geographer on an immersive 7-day adventure to the remote and untouched Northern reefs. You’ll explore hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems. Along the way find freedom and solitude amidst this iconic seascape. Share the journey with soaring seabirds and swim, dive and snorkel at far-flung Osprey and Ribbon Reefs. Learn about ancient indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown. Stretch your legs with a hike to the summit of “Cooks Look”. 

Onboard Coral Geographer, you will be accompanied by expert guides including a Marine Biologist. You will enjoy freshly prepared small-batch cuisine featuring the best local ingredients and relax and enjoy quality local beers and wines. With an intimate atmosphere and our renowned warm Australian hospitality, you will quickly feel at home and make new connections with new friends.

 

Cruise Fares

Choose from four grades of stylish accommodation aboard the new Coral Geographer:

 

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite - $10,643 per person

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom - $7,920 per person

Promenade Deck Stateroom - $5,940 per person 

Coral Deck Stateroom - $4,950 per person

 

Prices are per person twin share and are for new bookings only from 03 November 2021. Enquire for special single traveller fares.

 

 

 

WILD ISLANDS & WALKS OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

SPECIAL OFFER: Ask us about reduced single traveller fares on November & December 2021 departures

Refund Guarantee Applies - Coral Expeditions’ ‘Refund Guarantee’ applies on many upcoming voyages. Eligible guests can access this refund guarantee if they are prevented from travelling due to COVID-19 impacts such as border restrictions. Enquire for full details!

 

10 Nights Adelaide to Adelaide

Departures:  22 November 2021, 02 December 2021, 13 December 2021, 23 December 2021, 03 January 2022, 13 January 2022, 23 January 2022

See the Itinerary

 

South Australia’s islands and gulf waters are amongst the best-kept secrets of the Australian coastline, and the ultimate way to discover them is aboard the state-of-the-art Coral Adventurer.  With 5,000km of deserted shoreline and more than 300 islands, there’s a huge diversity of natural wilderness to explore including spectacular bays and beaches, remote islands, and stunning sea cliffs. Best of all, most of it is wild and unspoilt.  That means there’s a real sense of adventure and seclusion, and a vast array of wildlife. Many of the islands are important sanctuaries for birds, kangaroos, and wallabies, and especially seals and sea lions.  Along the way, there are many opportunities to indulge in the tastes of South Australia with fresh local seafood from the source and hand-selected local wines from the renowned South Australian vineyards.

 

 

On this incredible expedition you will visit some of South Australia’s most historic lighthouses at Cape Willoughby and Troubridge Island and learn their stories. You’ll also Encounter native wildlife including playful dolphins, sea lions, emus, rock wallabies, kangaroos and numerous birds at national parks and protected habitats. Gourmands will savour the opportunity to collect and shuck their own oysters fresh from the sea at Coffin Bay, paired with local wines, before meeting the abalone divers of Eyrewoolf Abalone and tasting pan-seared green-lip abalone on the beach at Flinders Island.

Hikers be rewarded with striking views and peaceful native forest environs on South Australia’s coastal walking trails at Cape Donington, Reevesby Island and Flinders Island before cooling off in the turquoise waters and relax on deserted silica white beaches.

 

More about Coral Adventurer

 

Cruise Fares

Choose from five grades of stylish accommodation aboard the state-of-the-art Coral Adventurer:

 

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite - $13,990 per person

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - $11,390 per person

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom -  $9,890 per person

Promenade Deck Stateroom - $7,490 per person

Coral Deck Stateroom - $6,390 per person

 

Prices are per person twin share and are for new bookings only from 03 November 2021. Enquire for special single traveller fares.

 

 

Travel with Confidence – Coral Expeditions’ SailSAFE Plan

Developed by Coral Expeditions in conjunction with Respond Global, an experienced medical advisory agency, the SailSAFE protocols promise a prevention and response system that is among the most thorough in the world. Since resuming operations in Australia in October 2020, Coral Expeditions has successfully – and safely - operated over 80 expedition voyages carrying over 3,200 guests. 

And, from 01 December 2021, Coral Expeditions’ protocols will be further enhanced with the requirement that all travellers be vaccinated before embarking their cruise.

 

Imagery courtesy ot Coral Expeditions and Tourism Events Queensland.