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Monthly Archives: September 2025

Expedition Cruise Specialists named finalist at 2025 NTIA Awards

Posted by Andrew Castles on September 29, 2025

We’re delighted to share that Expedition Cruise Specialists has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2025 NTIA Escape People’s Choice Award.

This recognition feels especially meaningful to us, as it comes directly from travellers who have highlighted their outstanding experiences with our team. Each day, we strive to deliver exceptional service and unforgettable journeys, and being nominated in this way is a true validation of our efforts.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate us, and to ATIA for their continued commitment to showcasing the value of booking with accredited tourism businesses.

Congratulations as well to all the other nominees and finalists of the 2025 NTIA Awards - we’re proud to be in such great company.

 

Andrew Castles - General Manager

 

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About the NTIA Awards

The annual National Travel Industry Awards proudly recognises and celebrates excellence in the Australian travel industry, through a rigorous process which includes nominating, voting and judging candidates, culminating in the announcement of the winners at a Gala Awards Dinner.

 

$5,000 in Bonuses on 2026 Coral Expeditions Kimberley Cruises

Posted by Andrew Castles on September 11, 2025

 

OFFER EXTENDED!  BOOK BY 31 DECEMBER 2025 & RECEIVE $5,000 FREE TRAVEL CREDITS TO BUILD YOUR OWN ULTIMATE KIMBERLEY PACKAGE

 

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 31 December 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 FREE travel credits on all 2026 cruise dates when you book by 31 December 2025.

 

 

Coral & Promenade Deck Staterooms

Receive $5,000 per couple in FREE travel credits on the following 2026 cruise dates when you book by 31 December 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 31 December 2025 unless sold out earlier. Enquire for single traveller pricing.

 

Maldives’ small-ship’s new look ‘WOWS’

Posted by Andrew Castles on September 08, 2025

 

 

Read below for details of our 2026/27 Earlybird Fares!

 

Yasawa Princess’s return to cruising the waters of the Maldives is drawing closer, and we’ve received a teaser as to what we can expect from the refurbished small ship upon her return. The operators of the 56-passenger vessel have provided us with a series of renders, showcasing a completely modernised vessel that delivers a real “WOW” factor.

 

 

Yasawa Princess operates 7 & 14-night sailings from Male, the capital of the Maldives, with a focus on uninhabited islands, sand cays, snorkelling, diving and beach relaxation. Withdrawn from service earlier this year to allow the refurbishment of the vessel to take place, the ship will resume operations on 10 November 2025, in time for the peak cruising season in the Maldives which lasts through to April. 

As we can see from the renders supplied to us, the ship’s stylings have been elevated to an entirely new level and promises travellers the opportunity to explore the waters of the Maldives in style. You can check out some of the before and after photos below.

 

 

Refurbishments to the dining room have created a light and airy space. 'Old' above, 'New' below.

 

 

 

The sun deck now offers the opportunity for al fresco dining and relaxing afternoon drinks. 'Old' above, 'New' below.

 

 

Cruise fares for the 7-night cruise (departures between November 2025 & April 2026.) in a Lower Deck cabin are USD $1,995.00 per person, twin share, while the 14-night cruise is priced at USD $3,990.00 in the same cabin type. The rates are based on the ‘all-inclusive’ fares aboard the ship, which includes accommodations, meals, activities and standard alcohol during your stay aboard. Flights and pre / post cruise accommodations are not included in the fare.

 

 

See the 7-night Itinerary

See the 14-night Itinerary

 

MALDIVES 2026/27 EARLYBIRD PRICING

Join the 56-passenger Yasawa Princess on a 14-night cruise discovering the 'Best of the Maldives' and make HUGE savings with our 2026/27 Earlybird Prices.

A limited number of cabins are available on this special offer when you book with Expedition Cruise Specialists by 30 January 2026.

 

Travel Dates

The special prices are available on the following 2026 / 27 cruise dates (14-night cruises):

 

09 November 2026

23 November 2026

07 December 2026

29 March 2027

12 April 2027

 

Earlybrid Prices

Twin Share

Lower Main Deck - USD $2,499 per person (normally USD $3,990)

A Deck - USD $2,785 per person (normally USD $4,395)

Bridge Deck - USD $3,275 per person (normally USD $5,190)

 

Single Traveller

Lower Main Deck - USD $3,232 per person (normally USD $5,124)

A Deck - USD $3,597 per person (normally USD $5,725)

Bridge Deck - USD $4,230 per person (normally USD $6,735)

 

To reserve your place aboard the refurbished Yasawa Princess, give the team at Expedition Cruise Specialists a call today on 1800 90 20 80 or fill in the form below for one of our experts contact you.

 

The renders were supplied by the operator of the Yasawa Princess, Deep Blue Holidays, on 07 September 2025. They are representative of the works to be completed, although some changes / amendments to the renders may be made during the actual refurbishment.  

* Valid for new bookings only made from 11 September 2025 until 30 January 2026 or until withdrawn or sold out. Not combinable with any other promotion or offer. Please note that a limited number of cabins are available at Earlybird prices on each cruise. Prices are in United States Dollars.