Author Archives: Andrew Castles

 

With international travel still off limits for the foreseeable future for most Australians, we’re finding that more and more travellers are taking a closer look at their own backyard in 2020. And with strong interest, our best expedition and small ship cruise lines have been stepping up to the plate with some exciting new itineraries. 

Recently, we told you how small ship cruise operators on Western Australia’s Kimberley Coast have devised some innovative new itineraries for the second half of 2020, and now Australia’s pioneering expedition company Coral Expeditions has launched an ‘Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef’ cruise from Cairns.

Aboard the yacht-like expedition vessel Coral Discoverer, which accommodates a maximum of just 72 guests in world-class comfort, there’s a series of nine departures on offer between 14 October and 9 December 2020.  These immersive 7-day adventures explore the remote and untouched Northern reef precinct and allow expeditioners to explore the hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems. 

 

 

This is a Great Barrier Reef itinerary like none other. Not only will there be ample time to explore the beautiful Ribbon Reefs and rarely-visited Osprey Reef through snorkelling, diving and glass bottom boat tours, there’s included excursions to experience the Daintree National Park and Daintree Rainforest. There’s also a visit to historic Cooktown, where there’s the opportunity to explore the fascinating James Cook Museum and time to experience some of the tropical north’s best island beaches at Lizard, Hope and Fitzroy islands.

Onboard Coral Discoverer, guests will be accompanied by an expert team of guides including a fully-qualified Marine Biologist. They 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 Coral Expeditions’ renowned warm Australian hospitality, you will quickly feel at home and make new connections with new friends.

 

7 Night Outerknown Adventures of the Great Barrier Reef

2020 Departure Dates:

October 14 – 21 2020

October 21 – 28 2020

October 28 – November 4 2020

November 4 – 11 2020

November 11 – 18 2020

November 18 – 25 2020

November 25 – December 2 2020

December 2 – 9 2020

December 9 – 16 2020

 

Click here to read the full Itinerary

Click here to see Coral Discoverer's Staterooms and Deck Plan

 

Cruise Prices

Prices are per person, twin share in Australian Dollars

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - $6,990 per person

Promenade Deck Stateroom - $6,190 per person

Main Deck A Stateroom - $5,290 per person

Main Deck B - $4,750 per person

 

There are limited single staterooms (Promenade B) available for $7,113 per person.

If travelling as a family, a limited number of children are accommodated at 25% of the adult fare.

 

 

Bonus Offer:

Book your Coral Discoverer Great Barrier Reef Cruise today and receive the following booking bonuses:

• $500 Travel Credit per person
• 1 Night of pre-cruise accommodation in Cairns
• Flexible Deposit – book now with 30 days to pay

 

For bookings and more information on Coral Discoverer's new 'Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef'  freecall our expert team today on 1800 90 20 80 or email us.

 

 

Coral Expedition’s SailSAFE Plan

Coral Expeditions has introduced a new SailSAFE Plan. ensuring they operate responsibly in the new environment that COVID-19 has created.  Created in partnership with Respond Global, a specialist medical advisory agency, these new health protocols are among the most thorough in the world. 

With a focus on prevention, to target a 100% COVID free environment aboard Coral Expeditions’ fleet of expedition ships, there is a three-tiered medical screening system in place before boarding. This prevention protocol is supported by onboard mitigation actions and a thorough and compassionate response plan. 

Click here to read the full details of Coral Expeditions’ SailSAFE plan

 

Note that the Bonus Offer is valid for new bookings only from 16 July 2020 until sold out or withdrawn. $500 Travel Credit and pre-cruise accommodation not offered on child fares. All imagery courtesy of Coral Expeditions.

 

Albatros Expeditions, Denmark’s leading adventure cruise operator, has taken the next step in their fleet revitalisation project with the announcement that Ocean Albatros will join their Antarctic program in December 2022.

With a long history in adventure travel (dating back to 1986), Copenhagen-based Albatros (the Danish spelling of Albatross) operates their expedition cruises to the polar regions with an unmistakable Scandinavian flair. The new 189-passenger Ocean Albatros will join already-announced sister ship Ocean Victory in Antarctica, which is due to commence operations in November 2021. Both new vessels feature the latest Ulstein X-Bow, a concept developed to provide high stability in rough weather and high seas, technology which has also been employed on the latest newbuilds from Lindblad Expeditions and Aurora Expeditions.

 

 

The sister-ships will feature just 93 comfortable cabins and staterooms, all with a view of the ocean, (and 90% with their own balcony), several restaurants, a wellness area, the signature Albatros Nordic Bar, an al fresco dining area and a high-tech lecture lounge. There’s also a swimming pool, jacuzzies and pool bar, and what would a Scandinavian ship be without a sauna! 

Albatros’ new breed of expedition ship is built to Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, with environmentally-friendly features including low-energy technology, four diesel engines and two electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimise speed and minimise fuel consumption. Albatros is also implementing the Green Initiative Program, ensuring absolute comfort and sustainability.

Throughout the expedition, travellers will partake in a range of excursions, from stepping ashore on the ice to wildlife viewing from a fleet of 18 zodiacs. All activities will be led by an experienced expedition team.

 

 

The inaugural season for the first of the two new vessels, Ocean Victory, will commence with their signature ten-day voyages from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands in November 2021. Prices start at US$6,450 per person in a triple share cabin, or US$8,450 twin share. For the ultimate experience, you can reserve a spacious Premium Captain’s Suite from US$17,850 per person, twin share for the ten nights. For those with more time there’s also 19- and 22-day expeditions combining the Antarctic Peninsula with South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, and a series of expeditions discovering further afield in Patagonia and South America. 

For more information on how you can discover Antarctica aboard the new Ocean Victory or Ocean Albatros contact our expert team today on 1800 90 20 80. 

 

 

 

Ocean Victory Deckplan

 

Click here for Ocean Victory Cabin Descriptions

UPDATE - NEW SHIP ADDED - JANSSONIUS - BOOK NOW!

UPDATE - LAST AVAILABLE CABINS ABOARD THE NEW HONDIUS

ASK US HOW YOU CAN SAVE UP TO USD $1,000 PER PERSON WITH OUR EARLYBIRD SAVINGS

 

If you’ve got your eye on an expedition cruise to Antarctica in the next few years, you might just want to clear your calendar for November / December 2021. A total solar eclipse will occur over Antarctica on 4 December 2021, so don’t miss your chance to see one of Earth’s most wondrous cosmic events in one of Earth’s most magnificent locations. 

Though total solar eclipses occur somewhere in the world once every 18 months or so, they can only be seen along a very narrow path, so you need to ensure you're positioned right on the centre-line of the eclipse to experience full totality (total darkness during the day). And that’s exactly what you will get when you join a luxury small ship cruise down to Antarctica for this eclipse. You’ll enjoy a prime viewing position to see the moon transition in front of the sun, with 1 minute and 54 seconds of total darkness expected.

 

 

Of course, while the eclipse is without doubt a major highlight of this expedition, you will also enjoy all that Antarctica otherwise has to offer.  Three of the ships making this voyage will be the ice-strengthened Plancius (116 passengers), Ortelius (116 passengers - SOLD OUT) and the world's first Polar Class 6 expedition ship, the soon-to-be-launched 174 passenger Hondius. The full voyage takes 20 days and will visit the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctica Peninsula. 

On the morning of the eclipse, each of these ships will be positioned on the centre-line of the moon’s shadow, at the edge of the sea ice in the Weddell Sea, between the South Orkneys and South Georgia.

Here's an overview of what's on offer:

 

Aboard the NEW Janssonius - BOOK NOW!

 

 

Antarctic Peninsula - SOLAR ECLIPSE - South Georgia - Falkland Islands

Launching in 2021, the 174 passenger Janssonius is a sister-ship to the Hondius. Technologically-advanced with excellent eco-tourism credentials, the Janssonius offers a premium expedition cruising experience. 

More about Janssonius

Date: 25 November - 14 December 2021, 19 nights / 20 days 
Embarkation & disembarkation: Ushuaia

Prices per person, twin share in US Dollars:

· Quadruple Porthole: $16,400

· Triple Porthole: $17,900

· Twin Porthole: $19,800

· Twin Window: $20,600

· Twin Deluxe: $22,100

· Superior: $23,700

· Junior Suite: $25,400

· Grand Suite with private balcony: $29,150

 

Aboard Hondius  - Limited Cabins Remaining!

 

 

Antarctic Peninsula - SOLAR ECLIPSE - South Georgia - Falkland Islands

Launching in 2019, the 174 passenger Hondius is the world’s first-registered Polar Class 6 cruise ship. Technologically-advanced with excellent eco-tourism credentials, the Hondius sets a new standard in polar cruising.

More about Hondius

See the Itinerary

Date: 26 November - 15 December 2021, 19 nights / 20 days 
Embarkation & disembarkation: Ushuaia
 

LAST CABINS SELLING FAST!

Prices per person, twin share in US Dollars:

· Quadruple Porthole: WAITLIST

· Triple Porthole: WAITLIST

· Twin Porthole: WAITLIST

· Twin Window: WAITLIST

· Twin Deluxe: WAITLIST

· Superior: WAITLIST

· Junior Suite: $25,400

· Grand Suite with private balcony: $29,150

 

 

 

Aboard Ortelius - SOLD OUT!

 

 

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - SOLAR ECLIPSE - Antarctic Peninsula

Launched in 1989 as Marina Svetaeva for the Russian Academy of Science, Ortelius caters to just 116 guests and is ice-rated to the highest levels (equivalent to 1A) and is therefore very suitable to navigate the ice packs of the Polar regions.

More about Ortelius

See the Itinerary

Date: 24 November - 13 December 2021, 19 nights / 20 days
Embarkation & disembarkation: Ushuaia

Prices per person, twin share in US Dollars:

· Quadruple Porthole: $16,400 - SOLD OUT

· Triple Porthole: $17,900 - SOLD OUT

· Twin Porthole: $19,800 - SOLD OUT

· Twin Window: $20,600 - SOLD OUT

· Twin Deluxe: $22,100 - SOLD OUT

· Superior: $23,700 - SOLD OUT

 

 

Aboard Plancius - SOLD OUT!

 

 

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - SOLAR ECLIPSE - Antarctic Peninsula

The ice-strengthened 116 passenger vessel Plancius is an excellent vessel for polar expedition cruises in both the Arctic and Antarctica.

More about Plancius

See the Itinerary

Date: 23 November - 12 December 2021, 19 nights / 20 days
Embarkation & disembarkation: Ushuaia
 

Prices per person, twin share in US Dollars:

· Quadruple Porthole: SOLD OUT

· Triple Porthole: SOLD OUT

· Twin Porthole: SOLD OUT

· Twin Window: SOLD OUT

· Twin Deluxe: SOLD OUT

· Superior: SOLD OUT

 

Single travellers are accommodated on each ship upon payment of a single supplement of between 70% and 100%.

 

 

The goal on this itinerary is of course to experience the total eclipse, but please keep in mind the polar regions are known for their unpredictability. There’s always the chance overcast skies may hinder visibility and that adverse conditions may alter certain details of the pre-planned route. Plancius and Ortelius are scheduled to make the trip clockwise, while Hondius will make it counter-clockwise.

These once-in-a-lifetime voyages combining the best of Antarctica with a total solar eclipse are sure to sell fast. Secure your place today by calling the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists on 1800 90 20 80 or email [email protected]

 

All availability accurate as at 17 May 2019 and is subject to change.

If you’ve ever sat around the dinner table with a group of friends dreaming about cruising Western Australia’s Kimberley Coast together, a private charter of the 12-passenger Kimberley Pearl can make those dreams become a reality at an affordable price.

Imagine the thrill of having a beautifully-appointed small ship exclusively yours for an intimate group of your nearest and dearest; a ship that feels more akin to a private yacht that normally only the rich and famous can enjoy. Then imagine being able to tailor the itinerary to your own likes and even help devise the menu. Imagine sitting on deck with a glass of champagne with just a few of your closest friends for company as the sun sets over the Kimberley coast.

 

 

The 12 passenger Kimberley Pearl allows all this and more. Originally built as a pearling lugger for famed Broome Paspaley Pearls in 1979, this stylish vessel has recently undergone a thorough refurbishment and has six air-conditioned cabins, all with private en suite, accommodating up to just 12 guests in style on Kimberley cruises.

When you step aboard the Kimberley Pearl you will soon feel right at home. Like most homes, the kitchen is very much at the heart, and you can gather around as the ship’s professional chef prepares the day’s fresh catch of barramundi, mangrove jack, queenie or GT right in front of you. In addition to the airy saloon / kitchen, there’s plenty of deck space to enjoy, complete with a BBQ at the stern and a cosy spot infront of the bridge at the bow.

 

 

Excursions are a breeze aboard the Kimberley Pearl, she comes equipped with a fleet of three aluminium tenders, allowing several different activities to be offered at the same time depending on your mood. Perhaps you want to go out fishing while others go in search of Aboriginal art along the cliffs? Or maybe some friends want to head ashore to a hidden swimming hole? It’s all possible when you cruise aboard the Kimberley Pearl.

Throughout your charter you will also enjoy outstanding service from an affable and expert Australian crew of five. The Captain will be on hand to help plan your daily adventure program, while the chef will be busy keeping your mouth watering with the culinary delights he creates day after day. Three further crew operate as general hands, driving the tenders, explaining what you’re seeing and also keeping the ship in great shape! 

 

 

One of many advantages of a private charter is the ability to tailor the itinerary to suit your own group. In fact, our client Gwen from Sydney, along with her husband and a group of their best friends, returned from a 13-night charter earlier this year and couldn’t believe the flexibility they had each day. Gwen mentioned that if the group was particularly enjoying a swimming hole the Captain was happy to let them linger for as long as possible – no fixed schedule to keep as you might find on a trip where there’s many passengers with differing interests.

 

Best of all though, private charters aboard the Kimberley Pearl are incredibly cost effective. Up to 12 guests can share a charter of the ship for $69,300 for seven nights – that’s just $5,775 per person – exceptional value for such an intimate experience.

You can also choose between two different itineraries. The 13-day Ultimate Pearl cruises from Broome to Wyndham (Kununurra) or vice versa, and is the ideal option for those who want the complete Kimberley experience. Alternatively, for those who are short on time the 7-night Southern Pearls program cruises north from Broome to discover highlights including Horizontal Falls and Montgomery Reef.

Keep in mind that it is always best to plan your charter as far in advance as possible to ensure the pick of the best cruise dates. Why not get your friends together and start planning a private Kimberley Pearl adventure cruise in 2021?

 

2021 Kimberley Pearl dates available for charter:

13 Night Ultimate Pearl - See the Itinerary

03 April 2021 – Broome to Kununurra

18 April 2021 – Kununurra to Broome

03 May 2021 – Broome to Kununurra

18 May 2021 – Kununurra to Broome

02 June 2021 – Broome to Kununurra

17 June 2021 – Kununurra to Broome

18 July 2021 – Kununurra to Broome

 

7 Night Southern Kimberley Pearls - See the Itinerary

14 September 2021 – Broome to Broome

22 September 2021 – Broome to Broome

30 September 2021 – Broome to Broome

08 October 2021 – Broome to Broome

 

For more information or to book your private charter of the Kimberley Pearl call the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 or visit www.expeditioncruisespecialists.com

 

 

 

 

 

Australia’s luxury expedition cruise line Coral Expeditions is offering 10% off regular prices on a range of 2021 expedition cruises when you book and deposit by 01 April 2020.

Founded in 1983, Coral Expeditions is the pioneer of small ship expedition cruising in Australia and the South Pacific, and for a limited time there's earlybird savings available on some of their most popular cruise itineraries, including Tasmania, Cape York and Arnhem Land and Western Australia’s Kimberley Coast.

There’s no doubt that 2021 is shaping up as another big year for Coral Expeditions. Their fleet renewal schedule continues with the inaugural Kimberley sailings for their latest expedition ship, to be christened Coral Geographer. Currently under construction, Coral Geographer is a sister-ship to 2019’s Coral Adventurer and will join the Adventurer and former flagship Coral Discoverer exploring the Kimberley coast between Darwin and Broome over 11 days in 2021.

As one of the true pioneers of Kimberley cruising, when you take to the seas on one of Coral Expeditions’ cruises you are guaranteed an adventure to remember. From the Horizontal Falls to Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and King Cascades to the world’s oldest Aboriginal rock art, this itinerary is packed full of the Kimberley’s must-see icons. And, on top of that,  you will travel with some of the best expert guides in the business and an experienced expedition team.
 

 

 

Coral Expeditions’ two new expedition vessels Coral Geographer and Coral Adventurer have been designed to welcome travellers with varying budgets. At the top end, spacious and luxurious Bridge Deck Suites and Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms tick all the boxes for the most discerning travellers, while the more budget-based cruiser will be impressed by the comfortable surrounds of Coral Deck and Promenade Deck Staterooms. A new pricing model for 2021 also means there’s off-peak pricing on selected Kimberley cruises, resulting in earlybird fares from as little as $6,885 per person on waterfall and whalewatching season departures. This is some of the best Kimberley cruise pricing we’ve come across in a number of years, so make sure you get in early to secure the best prices.

Travelling in the peak May, June and July period also offers some great earlybird prices, with 10% off regular fares when you book before 01 April 2020. By booking early not only can you access the savings, you can also select the most appealing date, and you’re more likely to secure your first-choice stateroom type. Often, this means that you need to book your Kimberley cruise 12 to 18 months in advance to be sure you don’t miss out.
 
Although 2021 might seem a long way off, and you might think you have plenty of time to book your cruise, the incredible popularity of Kimberley cruising means that many of the peak season dates will be quickly snapped up.
 
Here's an overview of the 2021 Kimberley cruise season for each of Coral Expeditions’ three state-of-the-art small ships:

 

Coral Adventurer 2021 Kimberley Cruises - Earlybird Pricing

 

 

Find our more about Coral Adventurer

 

Ten nights Darwin to Broome
Departs
23 April 2021 – Off Peak Pricing
14 May 2021
4 June 2021
25 June 2021
16 July 2021
6 August 2021 – Off Peak Pricing
27 August 2021 – Off Peak Pricing
 
Ten nights Broome to Darwin
Departs
3 May 2021
24 May 2021
14 June 2021
5 July 2021
26 July 2021
16 August 2021 - Off Peak Pricing
6 September 2021 - Off Peak Pricing
 
2021 Coral Adventurer Kimberley Earlybird Cruise Fares
Bridge Deck Suite - $18,801 per person, twin share
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - $14,031 per person, twin share
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom - $13,761 per person, twin share
Promenade Deck Stateroom - $9,801 per person, twin share
Coral Deck Stateroom - $8,415 per person, twin share
 
Off Peak Earlybird Pricing – available on highlighted ‘Off Peak’ departure dates
Bridge Deck Suite - $15,471 per person, twin share
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - $11,511 per person, twin share
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom - $11,241 per person, twin share
Promenade Deck Stateroom - $8,091 per person, twin share
Coral Deck Stateroom - $6,885 per person, twin share

 

Coral Geographer 2021 Kimberley Cruises - Earlybird Pricing

 

Find our more about Coral Geographer

 

Ten nights Darwin to Broome
Departs
30 April 2021 - Off Peak Pricing
21 May 2021
11 June 2021
2 July 2021
23 July 2021
 
Ten nights Broome to Darwin
Departs
10 May 2021
31 May 2021
21 June 2021
12 July 2021
2 August 2021 - Off Peak Pricing
 
2021 Coral Geographer Kimberley Earlybird Cruise Fares
Bridge Deck Suite - $18,801 per person, twin share
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom - $13,761 per person, twin share
Promenade Deck Stateroom - $9,801 per person, twin share
Coral Deck Stateroom - $8,415 per person, twin share
 
Off Peak Earlybird Pricing – available on highlighted ‘Off Peak’ departure dates
Bridge Deck Suite - $15,471 per person, twin share
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom - $11,241 per person, twin share
Promenade Deck Stateroom - $8,091 per person, twin share
Coral Deck Stateroom - $6,885 per person, twin share

 

Coral Discoverer 2021 Kimberley Cruises - Earlybird Pricing

 

 

Find out more about Coral Discoverer

 

Ten nights Darwin to Broome
Departs
16 April 2021 – Off Peak Pricing
7 May 2021
 
Ten nights Broome to Darwin
Departs
26 April 2021 – Off Peak Pricing
 
2021 Coral Discoverer Kimberley Earlybird Cruise Fares
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - $15,021 per person, twin share
Promenade Deck (category A) Stateroom - $12,861 per person, twin share
Promenade Deck (category B) Stateroom - $11,835 per person, twin share
Main Deck (category A) Stateroom - $11,295 per person, twin share
Main Deck (category B) Stateroom - $10,791 Per person, twin share
 
Off Peak Earlybird Pricing – available on highlighted ‘Off Peak’ departure dates
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - $13,671 per person, twin share
Promenade Deck (category A) Stateroom - $11,691 per person, twin share
Promenade Deck (category B) Stateroom - $10,746 per person, twin share
Main Deck (category A) Stateroom - $10,251 per person, twin share
Main Deck (category B) Stateroom - $9,801 per person, twin share

 

For bookings and more information speak to the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 or email us.

 

 

* Earlybird prices are applicable when you book and deposit your 2021 Kimberley cruise no later than 01 April 2020. Subject to availability and not combinable with other offers other than Xplorers Club Savings. Images courtesy of Coral Expeditions.