Author Archives: Andrew Castles

 

LAST WEEKS - BOOK BY 30 SEPTEMBER 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 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 FREE travel credits on all 2026 cruise dates when you book by 30 September 2025.

 

 

Coral & Promenade Deck Staterooms

Receive $5,000 per couple in FREE 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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

It’s long been our Amazon Rainforest bucket list cruise, and now the Delfin I’s luxe status has been enhanced following a stunning refurb in early 2025.

Returning to service in Peru’s Pacaya Samiria National Reserve during April, the re-imagined Delfin I combines classical design with contemporary updates. Accommodating just eight expeditioners in four luxuriously-appointed, oversized suites, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime Amazon experience. Each Master Suite features a private panoramic terrace - while the two Deluxe Suites add a private whirlpool for real ‘WOW factor’. There’s also floor-to-ceiling windows, inviting the sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest directly into your suite, ensuring an immersive connection with nature. You will also enjoy newly remodelled bathrooms, while your suite will be serviced three times each day to ensure you feel totally pampered.

 

 

On Delfin 1’s top deck, travellers can relax in a newly-designed lounge area, which comes complete with comfy sofas and a big screen tv, while panoramic windows are likely to draw your eyes to the rainforest views outside. You can enjoy handcrafted cocktails at the bar and stargaze under one of the clearest skies in the world. These thoughtful enhancements reflect Delfin’s commitment to creating elevated, small-group experiences while harmonising with the natural environment. 

 

 

In the intimate dining room, you will embark on a culinary journey through Peru and the Amazon. In 2017, Delfin Amazon Cruises became the first cruise line in the world to be accepted into the prestigious Relais & Châteaux family. This recognition recognises not only Delfin’s culinary excellence but also a deep commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and unparalleled service. Delfin believes that every dish should tell a story, crafted by expert local chefs who work with seasonal produce to bring the region’s most extraordinary menus to life. 

 

 

The chefs work closely with local producers, ensuring that every ingredient is fresh, sustainable, and deeply tied to the region. This philosophy extends beyond the kitchen - Delfin maintains its own seasonal garden in Iquitos, an educational initiative that teaches local children about sustainable farming and nutrition.

 

 

There’s also been stylish updates to the ship’s exterior, including an air-conditioned observation deck and observatory balconies. The vessel’s new solar panels generate clean energy, further advancing Delfin’s pledge to sustainability and stewardship of the Amazon. 

 

 

Delfin 1 operates year-round three- and four-night cruises through the Upper Peruvian Amazon, where the Andes mountains yield to dense jungle. Spanning over 5 million acres, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is the largest protected flooded forest on Earth. During your cruise, you will be accompanied by naturalists and local guides as you visit untouched communities ashore or kayak through the rainforest. Comfortable skiffs get you up close and personal with wildlife including pink river dolphins, sloths and myriad birdlife. 

We’re often asked by our travellers about the best time of year to experience the Peruvian Amazon. Keep in mind that The Amazon is warm and humid year-round, with daily temperatures typically averaging between a minimum 21°C (70°F) and maximum 33°C (95°F).  However, the landscape transforms with the two distinct ‘water seasons’:

• High-water season (December to May) – 85% of the reserve is flooded, allowing deeper exploration by boat into hidden lagoons and forest canopies.
• Low-water season (June to November) – Water levels recede, revealing trails and riverbanks, ideal for walking excursions and wildlife sightings.

 

 

A Delfin 1 cruise through the Amazon Rainforest truly is an unforgettable adventure. Experiences like this don’t come cheap though, with the 3-night cruise starting at USD $5,000 per person and the 4-night cruise at USD $6,600 per person. It is important to keep in mind that you’re travelling in an intimate group of no more than four couples, enjoying luxurious surrounds, outstanding dining and incredible small group naturalist-led excursions. This is a travel experience that will live on in your memory forever.

If your budget simply cannot extend that far, the larger 44-passenger sister-ship Delfin III offers similar itineraries, priced at approximately 25% below Delfin 1 prices.

To find out more about Delfin’s 2025 & 2026 Amazon cruises, contact the team at Expedition Cruises Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 or visit https://www.expeditioncruisespecialists.com/ships/delphini

 

 

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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

 

 

 

If an expedition cruise on the Amazon River takes pride of place on your travel bucket list you’ll have a lot of important decisions to make when researching and planning your adventure. So, check out our two-minute guide for answers to the top questions about cruising the Amazon River.

There are three key questions you will need to answer when working out which Amazon River cruise will best suit you:

·      Which part of the Amazon to focus on?

·      Which river ship to select?

·      High or low water itineraries?

 

Here’s all the expert advice you need.

 

Which Part of the Amazon River to Cruise?

 

Did you know that the Amazon River and its tributaries flow for 6,437 kilometres through six countries before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean? That’s a lot of river to explore, however the best expedition and river ships concentrate on exploring three main areas of the Amazon region; In Peru, a section of the river near Iquitos, Brazil’s Amazon near Manaus, and the Napo River (a tributary of the Amazon) in Ecuador.

Whilst there is not a lot of difference between the scenery, flora and fauna and wildlife in each region, there are some considerations to make.

 

 

 

 

Firstly, the Brazilian Amazon River is the widest and most commercially developed. You’ll see lots of boat traffic and also be sharing the river with large cruise ships carrying thousands of travellers. Most Brazilian cruises depart from Manaus, a heaving city of more than two million, and expeditions often include stops in other local communities such as Santarem and Parintins. Brazilian Amazon itineraries are considered to place more emphasis on people and cultures than similar cruises in Peru or Ecuador, which tend to be very focused on nature and wildlife.

The major drawcard of a Brazilian Amazon cruise is the ‘Meeting of the Waters’, near Manaus, where two major tributaries - the light brown Solimoes River and the blackwater Negro River - come together and run alongside each other for several miles without merging.

 

 

 

 

The Peruvian section of the Amazon is quieter and less developed than the Brazilian section, and also has some of the most luxurious ships to choose from. Most options sail out of the small city of Iquitos (a short flight from Lima), or the nearby town of Nauta. There are no scheduled port stops on these cruises; instead the ships ply the tranquil waters of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, with the itinerary changing from trip to trip to take advantage of water levels and wildlife viewing opportunities. Of course, one of the great things about choosing an Amazon cruise in Peru is that you can easily combine your trip with visits to two of Peru’s other world famous sites; the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca.

The third region where you can consider a cruise is Ecuador. A couple of operators run expeditions into Yasuni National Park, which is located on the Napo River, one of the tributaries of the Amazon River proper. Highlights of the cruise include fantastic wildlife viewing, including clay licks that attract thousands of colourful parrots and macaws. If this option is appealing to you, why not combine your Amazon cruise with an expedition in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands – speak to our expedition cruise specialists for more details!

 

 

 

 

Which Amazon River ships are best?

 

After you’ve chosen which part of the Amazon you want to concentrate on, it’s then a matter of choosing the best ship. But it can be hard to differentiate between all the various choices and that’s where the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists comes in.

We’ve done all the hard work for you and selected just the very best ships in each region. That means you can rest assured that you will be travelling with an experienced operator, with the best guides, relevant accreditations and safety standards and of course the highest quality ships.  Here’s the  river ships we recommend for Brazil, Peru and Ecuador.

 

 

 

 

 

Brazilian Amazon

Tucano

The 16-passenger motor yacht Tucano was built in the tradition of the steamboats that navigated the Amazon in the late 19th century. Tucano is not a luxury vessel like some of its counterparts in the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Amazon, and some of the cabins are larger than the others, but most travellers agree that the boat is comfortable and elegant. Tucano prides itself on offering the most authentic experience in the Brazilian Amazon and Rio Negro.

 

 

 

 

Peruvian Amazon

Delfin I, II & III

4, 5 & 8 day expeditions

The Delfin fleet of three ships offers something for everyone. Our favourite is the intimate eight  passenger Delfin I, check out those jaw-dropping cabins! The Delfin II and III are larger vessels, accommodating around 40 guests each and also provide an outstanding expeditions into the heart of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

 

 

 

 

Aria Amazon & Aqua Nera

4, 5 & 8 day expeditions

The 32 passenger Aria Amazon was designed by famed Peruvian architect Jordi Puig. The word that best describes this ship is ‘style’. Aria Amazon features extremely generous dining and lounging areas, including an outdoor river facing jacuzzi. Floor to ceiling windows face the Amazon River in the ship’s 16 Design Suites, each measuring 23 square metres (250 square feet).

The latest addition to the Aqua Expeditions fleet is the stylish 40-passenger Aqua Nera, launched in 2020. Aboard the Aqua Nera, award-winning architects Noor Design crafts every space to perfection. The vessel’s 20 spacious Design Suites convey a sense of Amazon tranquility, while the social spaces showcase refined elegance with a touch of drama. 

 

 

 

 

Ecuadorian Amazon

Anakonda

4, 5 & 8 day expeditions

The 40-passenger Anakonda riverboat is the only luxury boutique Amazon cruise winding its way through Ecuador's 'El Oriente' Amazon region. Anakonda features an expansive observation deck complete with loungers and an outdoor Jacuzzi. A comfortable al fresco lounge offers panoramic views along the river and is an ideal spot for cocktails, relaxation, reading or simply enjoying the view. Anakonda's expert naturalist guides and special travel concierge go out of their way to ensure you a personalised cruise experience. 

 

 

 

 

When to cruise the Amazon? High or Low Water Itineraries

 

The time of year you cruise the Amazon can have a large bearing on what you can expect to see. The reality is, that being in the rainforest you can expect regular rainfall, which is why we no longer call the two seasons the “wet” and the “dry”. Instead, we can look at the seasons as either “high water” (January to May) or “low water” (the rest of the year).

If travelling in the “high water” period, you can expect to see many birds and monkeys in the branches of the flowering trees lining the river banks, attracted by fruits and blooming flowers after the major tropical downpours. Given the landscapes may be flooded and quite wet, you might expect to spend less time hiking ashore during this period.

 

 

 

 

After the major tropical storms have subsided, the river waters again begin to subside, and the ‘low water season’ means travellers can expect to see the sandy beaches that line the Amazon, and enjoy plenty of opportunity to travel ashore with local guides to explore on foot.

Are you interested in learning more about Amazon River cruising options? Call the expert team at Expedition cruise Specialists today on 1800 900 20 80 (or +61 7 4041 2101 if calling from outside Australia) for more tips and advice.

 

Want more? Read our article ranking the Amazon River’s Most Luxurious Cruise Cabins.

 

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Images supplied by Tucano, Aqua Expeditions, Delfin Amazon Cruises and Anakonda Amazon Cruises