Author Archives: Andrew Castles

 

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SPECIAL OFFER - BOOK NOW

Book one of the last remaining 2023 Bunk Cabins (Lower Deck or King Single cabin categories) and receive $1,000 per person in Flight Credits to get you to the Kimberley & back! Ask us for more details today. Applies to new bookings only made after 01 March 2023.

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With record rain fall right through the Kimberley in recent weeks, 2023 is shaping up to offer ‘prime time viewing’ of the region's big waterfalls over coming months. For expeditioners keen to make the most of seeing these falls at their magnificent best, we’ve still got a number of cabins available aboard a handful of ships, including Coral Expedition’s stylish fleet of three small ships, the 30 passenger Eco Abrolhos and the intimate Reef Prince.

 

 

 

For a more active Kimberley cruising experience, a 14-day cruise aboard the classic 35-metre catamaran Eco Abrolhos might be everything you’re looking for. This itinerary is designed to maximise your adventure and see as much as possible. Now don’t get us wrong, you don’t have to be young and super fit, or a marathon runner to take part in this cruise, but the Eco Abrolhos will aim to provide as much time as possible for excursions including swimming in secluded waterholes, exploring beach and bush trails, not to mention the opportunity for fishing and Aboriginal rock art viewing.

While Kimberley cruising is proving more popular than ever given ‘post-Covid’ pent-up demand, it’s actually not too late to secure your 2023 Eco Abrolhos Kimberley cruise. We have a handful of cabins left available across the season for those who are ready to book now.

 

 

The Eco Abrolhos - A Classic Catamaran

 

At just 35-metres in length, Eco Abrolhos takes her name from Western Australia’s spectacular Abrolhos Islands off Geraldton, the company’s home base and first cruising waters. She accommodates no more than 30 travellers, what we like to call a true small-group experience. The atmosphere onboard is attentive, yet laidback and uniquely Australian, you’ll experience all that the Kimberley has to offer without having to worry about what you’re going to be dressing up in for dinner that night!

Aboard Eco Abrolhos there’s four grades of accommodation to choose from, depending on your budget and whether you’re travelling alone or as part of a couple. From the spacious, top-of-the-range King Bed Deluxe Staterooms through Double Staterooms and the Bunk-bedded King and Lower Deck cabins, there’s an option to suit everyone. All cabins feature a private en suite and air-conditioning, with all but a couple of cabins offering external views. While the accommodations may lack some of the latest amenities on offer on the most modern larger ships plying the waters of the Kimberley (such as in-cabin TVs and marble bathrooms), they are comfortable, and after all, you’re here to experience the best of the Kimberley, not sit in your cabin all day!

 

 

The Eco Abrolhos Kimberley itinerary is 13-nights in duration, between Broome and Wyndham (Kununurra) and vice versa. You’ll experience all of the Kimberley’s iconic sights, such as Horizontal Falls, King Cascades, Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and many more, and will also have time to flick a lure in search of a barra and take a dip in a cooling billabong. Being 13-nights in duration, there’s plenty of time to linger if travellers are enjoying a particular location or there’s some wildlife viewing on offer, this itinerary never feels rushed. Given the early season rainfalls the Kimberley has been experiencing over recent weeks, you can expect the Kimberley’s big falls – such as King George and Mitchell – to be at their absolute best, particularly in the early season departures during May and June.

 

When it’s time to head ashore to explore, Eco Abrolhos’s four custom-built expedition tenders deliver you into the heart of the action. Featuring powerful 140Hp engines, forward facing central seating and high sides, these excursion boats offer the perfect viewing and photo platforms as the crew guide you up tidal rivers and amongst the mangroves. Dropdown front stairs on the tenders makes boarding comfortable and easy and the full walk-around sides make fishing a breeze. Multiple tenders allows the team aboard Eco Abrolhos to cater to the various desires of guests. Perhaps some expeditioners might wish to climb to the top of a waterfall while others would prefer to glide down creeks spotting wildlife such as saltwater crocodiles. That’s no problem aboard the Eco Abrolhos.

 

 

Throughout your cruise you will be able to take part in a range of activities each day. Hikes, treks, bushwalks; call them what you will but they are popular during these cruises and the rewards are well worth the effort. In addition to hikes to the Aboriginal rock art sites, there are multiple walks to freshwater swimming holes, hikes exploring side tributaries with small waterfalls and rock faces, walks into areas to see stunning birds and wildlife and even a walk over a salt flat to an intact C53 plane wreck in Vansittart Bay.

 

2023 Availability – Eco Abrolhos Kimberley Cruises 

 

See the Broome to Wyndham Itinerary

 

See the Wyndham to Broome Itinerary

 

Find out more about Eco Abrolhos, including room grade photos

 

 

As of today (01 March 2023) the following availability remains for Eco Abrolhos 2023 Kimberley Cruises. Keep in mind though that cabins are filling fast so it’s best to call the Expedition Cruise Specialists team on 1800 90 20 80 for the most up-to-date availability.

 

Eco Abrolhos 2023 Kimberley Schedule & Fares

13 Nights Broome to Wyndham and vice versa

 

Broome to Wyndham – 09 May to 22 May 2023

2 X Queen Stateroom (1 internal)

2 X King Single Bunk Cabin (internal)

1 X Lower Deck Bunk Cabin (porthole)

Wyndham to Broome – 24 May to 06 June 2023

1 X Queen Stateroom (internal)

2 X King Single Bunk Cabin (1 internal)

2 X Lower Deck Bunk Cabin (porthole)

 

Broome to Wyndham – 08 June to 21 June 2023

1 X Queen Stateroom (internal)

3 X King Single Bunk Cabin (1 internal)

3 X Lower Deck Bunk Cabin (porthole)

Wyndham to Broome – 23 June to 06 July 2023

2 X King Single Bunk Cabin (1 internal)

2 X Lower Deck Bunk Cabin (porthole)

 

 

Broome to Wyndham – 08 July to 21 July 2023

1 X King Single Bunk Cabin (internal)

1 X Lower Deck Bunk Cabin (porthole)

Wyndham to Broome – 23 July to 05 August 2023

1 X Queen Stateroom (internal)

1 X King Single Bunk Cabin (internal)

2 X Lower Deck Bunk Cabin (porthole)

 

Broome to Wyndham – 07 August to 20 August 2023

1 X King Bed Deluxe (window)

1 X Queen Stateroom (internal)

2 X King Single Bunk Cabin (1 internal)

4 X Lower Deck Bunk Cabin (porthole)

Wyndham to Broome – 22 August to 04 September 2023

1 X King Bed Deluxe (window)

1 X Queen Stateroom (internal)

2 X King Single Bunk Cabin (1 internal)

4 X Lower Deck Bunk Cabin (porthole)

 

2023 Cruise Fares 

Lower Deck Cabin –  $13,115 per person, twin share PLUS receive $1,000 per person Air Credit Bonus!

Lower Deck Cabin (single traveller) – $15,740 per person PLUS receive $1,000 per person Air Credit Bonus!

King Bunk Cabin – $14,165 per person, twin share PLUS receive $1,000 per person Air Credit Bonus!

Double / Queen Bed Stateroom – $16,265 per person, twin share

King Bed Deluxe Stateroom – $17,840 per person, twin share

Traditional Landowner Visitor Pass fees are additional and will be added to your invoice, enquire for details.

 

So, if you’re after a Kimberley cruise experience that offers much more than just taking in the views from the deck of your ship, give the team at Expedition Cruise Specialists a call today on 1800 90 20 80 to discuss your 2023 or 2024 Kimberley Cruise aboard the ‘active’ Eco Abrolhos.

 

 

 

 

 

Just a four-hour flight from Australia’s East Coast, Fiji is the perfect South Pacific destination for families, romantics and adventurers! And there’s no better way to discover the islands of this tropical paradise than on a small ship expedition cruise aboard the stylish Reef Endeavour with Captain Cook Cruises. Best of all, for a limited time you can SAVE 30% off normal fares when you book your 2023/24 cruise before 31 March 2023!

With over 25 years experience cruising the waters of Fiji, when you set sail on a 3, 4 or 7 small ship expedition with Captain Cook Cruises you will be immersed in the essence of Fiji. From Captain Cook’s private island Tivua, the volcanic Yasawa Islands, to the remote Northern Islands, you will experience some of the most beautiful and remote places in the world.

 

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You’ll visit places rarely seen by tourists, away from the hustle and bustle so you can truly relax and enjoy what Fiji has to offer. You’ll take part in cultural activities and immerse yourself in the traditional Fijian way of life, be part of our marine biology and sustainability journey, then return to the comfort and elegance of the uniquely suited Reef Endeavour.

MV Reef Endeavour is a small cruise ship accommodating no more than 130 travellers over four accommodation levels. The ship’s small size allows her to negotiate remote islands, reefs and shallow bays where bigger ships are unable to go, showcasing the real Fiji and giving travellers a true cultural experience.

 

 

Best of all, to celebrate the new year we’ve got a fantastic special offer available to guests on cruises departing between 01 April 2023 and 31 March 2024. Simply book your Captain Cook Fiji Cruise before 31 March 2023 and you will SAVE 30% off normal cruise prices – that’s a fabulous deal.

Here’s a sample of what’s on offer:

 

Our recommended cruise itinerary

7 Night Fiji's Yasawa Islands Complete

Combines the Mamanuca & Yasawa Islands

Click here to see the itinerary

Click here to see Reef Endeavour Ship Information & Room Grades

 

Cruise Fares (Australian Dollars, per person, twin share)

Tabua Suite - $4,081.00

Ocean Stateroom - $3,398.00

Stateroom - $3,083.00

Porthole Cabin - $2,607.00

 

 

4 Night North Yasawa Islands Cruise

Click here to see the itinerary

Click here to see Reef Endeavour Ship Information & Room Grades

 

Cruise Fares (Australian Dollars, per person, twin share)

Tabua Suite - $2,454.00

Ocean Stateroom - $2,044.00

Stateroom - $1,851.00

Porthole Cabin - $1,564.00

Enquire for special single traveller and triple share fares. 

 

 

Cruise Prices include:

·      Accommodation onboard Reef Endeavour in selected room grade

·      All meals plus 24hr tea and coffee

·      Use of onboard facilities including mini gym and the freshwater swimming pool

·      Use of snorkelling equipment, kayaks, glass bottom boat tours, village and island visits, cultural activities, meke and lovo feast and guided island walks

·      Transfer from the ship to Nadi / Denarau hotels post cruise

·      Group child minding is provided for children aged between five and nine years at set times each day.

 

Cruise Prices exclude:

·      Airfares to/from Fiji

·      Pre- and post-cruise accommodation

·      Visa and passport fees

·      Drinks, personal purchases, any optional tours and optional onboard massages.

 

Reef Endeavour departs Port Denarau (Nadi) on Tuesdays and Saturdays every week of the year, so whenever you’re planning on heading to Fiji there’s sure to be a cruise departure on offer. 

 

To take advantage of this great special offer, contact the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 ( +61 7 4041 2101 if calling from outside of Australia) or email us here.

 

See what other guests have to say about this expedition

 

 

 

 

From New Zealand to Australia’s Kimberley Coast, and the Islands of Asia and the South Pacific to Antarctica, Heritage Adventurer’s status as the ‘Grande Dame’ of expedition cruise ships continues into 2023.

Originally launched as the legendary Hanseatic for Germany’s Hapag Lloyd Cruises back in 1993, Heritage Expedition’s 125-metre, 140 passenger expedition ship enters her 30th year in service in 2023, an incredible milestone which has seen her clock up numerous firsts and awards, including operating more than 130 expeditions to Antarctica, transits of both the Northeast and Northwest passages and a record for having reached the coordinates 85°40.7′N 135°39.6′E, just 480 kilometres from the North Pole on 26 August 2014, the most northerly point on the globe reached by a non-ice-breaker passenger ship. 

 

 

Following a brief stint with the now defunct One Ocean Expeditions, and a newly-completed refurbishment, Heritage Adventurer is returning under a long-term contract to operate for New Zealand’s Heritage Expeditions. With a history stretching back over 35 years, Heritage has long been focussed on small group, environmentally-friendly expeditions. Founded by biologist Rodney Russ and his wife Shirley, today a second generation of Russes - Aaron and Nathan - continue to develop innovative expeditions to some of the world’s most remote corners.

 

 

Originally designed to accommodate 184 travellers, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners, ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages. Cabin choices range from the top-of-the-range Heritage & Worsley suites through to Superior cabins. There’s also a number of triple-share cabins available, a rarity on expedition ships these days (ideal for a group of friends travelling together) and well-priced single cabins for solo travellers. Click here to see the room types and deck plans.

When it’s time for adventure ashore, a fleet of 14 Zodiacs (inflatables) ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition experience. 

 

 

In 2023 you can choose to experience the Heritage Adventurer on any number of journeys, from the Sub-Antarctic Islands, all the way down to Antarctica itself (it’s one of the few ships operating from Australia / New Zealand down to Antarctica – most these days operate from Ushuaia in South America), along Western Australia’s Kimberley Coast, and through the Pacific Islands, Micronesia, Indonesia and Japan.

Heritage Expeditions is also well-known for their Russian Far East, Across the Top of the World (along the northern coastline of Russia) and Wrangel Island (home of the polar bear) expedition cruises, however with the current political climate these expeditions have been put on hold for now. We can perhaps expect to see those journeys resume in 2024 or 2025, depending on the 'Russia situation' at that time, and they are well worth a look as a worthy addition to any adventure traveller’s bucket list.

 

 

Click on the links below to check out some of Heritage Adventurer’s signature 2023 expeditions:

 

Antarctica – Ross Sea – In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton

 

New Zealand – Beyond Fiordland – New Zealand’s Wildest Islands

 

Australia – Kimberley Coast – Kimberley Explorer

 

Asia – Undiscovered Philippines & Indonesia

 

 

To reserve your place aboard Heritage Adventurer, or to find out more, contact the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 (or +61 7 4041 2101 if calling from outside Australia) or email us here.

 

 

 

 

We are thrilled to advise that one of our polar partners Oceanwide Expeditions has been named the World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line for 2022 in the annual ‘World Cruise Awards’.

Taking out the honours in a packed field of nominees, which also included Australia’s own Coral Expeditions and Aurora Expeditions, Oceanwide’s victory is over a quarter of a century in the making. Commencing operations in the Netherlands in 1993 with one ship cruising in Svalbard, Oceanwide has since grown to operate a fleet of five ships, including two ‘state-of-the-art’ new-builds Hondius and Janssonius.

These days, Oceanwide Expeditions has an incredible array of expedition itineraries on offer, from the Arctic and Scandinavia, right through to Antarctica. In Antarctica, Oceanwide offers travellers a wide range of programmes to choose from, including unique BaseCamp expeditions designed for more active travellers, along with comprehensive 30-day ‘Across Antarctica’ voyages travelling between Ushuaia in South America and Bluff in New Zealand.

Here's an overview of Oceanwide Expeditions’ fleet of small ship as we enter 2023:

 

The Newbuilds

Launched in 2019 & 2022 respectively, Oceanwide’s two new sister-ships Hondius and Janssonius set a high standard for polar expedition cruises. At the time of her launch, Hondius became the first of the new breed of polar expedition ships to achieve Polar Class 6 certification.

Accommodating up to 170 travellers, both Hondius and Janssonius are the ideal size for polar expedition, not too large to limit time on the ice in Antarctica, but large enough to offer all the ‘mod cons’ and space that travellers are looking for.

 

Featured itineraries:

Antarctica Discovery & Learning – 11 Days from Ushuaia

Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica – 21 Days from Ushuaia

In Search of Polar Bears & Pack Ice – 8 Days from Longyearbyen

Scoresby Sund & Aurora Borealis – 9 Days from Reykjavik

 

 

 

Classic Expedition Ships

Oceanwide Expeditions operate two classic expedition ships, Ortelius and Plancius. Built in the 1980s as research vessels, these ships offer a real expedition experience. While they may not have all of the ‘bells and whistles’ of the newest expedition ships, they are tough and hardy vessels that can have intrepid travellers exploring the pack ice and beyond.

 

Featured itineraries:

Across Antarctica – 32 Days from New Zealand to South America

Antarctica Basecamp – 13 Days from Ushuaia

Weddell Sea; In Search of the Emperor Penguin – 11 Days from Ushuaia

 

 

 

The Schooner

For something a little different in the Arctic, Oceanwide’s three-masted schooner Rembrandt van Rijn is well suited for expedition cruising among the fjords of Greenland and Spitsbergen and coastal Norway voyages. This vessel accommodates a maximum of just 33-travellers on her expeditions.

Featured Itineraries:

North Norway Whale Safari & Northern Lights – 8 Days from Tromso

Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen; Ski & Sail – 8 Days from Longyearbyen

 

 

 

If you would like to experience what makes Oceanwide Expeditions ‘the World’s Best’ for yourself, contact the team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 and we will be happy to run through the options with you. Whether you’re discovering the Arctic or Antarctica our team are ready to help make your holiday dreams become a reality.

 

 

 

 

For more than 30 years, Aranui Cruises’ unique ‘half cargo / half passenger’ ships have been taking avid adventurers on one of the most fascinating voyages anywhere on the planet. Aranui 5, the crown jewel in their pursuit of the ultimate passenger-freighter, will take you to far-flung corners of French Polynesia, resupplying tiny communities living far from civilisation with everyday items such as new refrigerators, televisions and motor vehicles. 

During your Aranui 5 cruise, all your meals and scheduled excursions are included as you discover the magic that attracted Paul Gauguin, Robert Louis Stevenson, Thor Heyerdahl and Jacques Brel to this remote region. The ship’s gracious staff and crew, many of whom are from the islands you will visit during the cruise, will welcome you as family and delight in introducing you to their centuries-old customs. Onboard, you will also enjoy getting to know knowledgeable lecturers and guides as they share the French Polynesian culture with you as you explore these captivating islands.

 

 

With Aranui 5’s 2023 cruise calendar already filling quickly, now is the best time for you to book your 2024 cruise. And, in excellent news for travellers, there’s a 10% Earlybird Saving off the base cruise fare when you book and deposit your 2024 Aranui 5 French Polynesia cruise with Expedition Cruise Specialists before 31 March 2023. That’s a saving of up to $2,986 per couple on the classic 12-day Marquesas Islands cruise.

Check out Aranui 5’s 2024 schedule below. There’s a series of the ever-popular 12-day Marquesas Islands cruises on offer, plus three Discovery Cruises, the first to Pitcairn Island and the second and third to the Austral Islands. It always pays to secure a spot on the Discovery Cruises as early as possible, as capacity is limited to just 230 travellers on each cruise.

 

Aranui 5’s 2024 Cruise Schedule

All cruises depart from and return to Papeete.

 

See the Marquesas Islands Itinerary

See the Pitcairn Islands Itinerary

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 20 January 2024

Arrives: 31 January 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  03 February 2024

Arrives: 14 February 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  03 February 2024

Arrives: 14 February 2024

 

11 Day Pitcairn Island Discovery Cruise

Departs:  17 February 2024

Arrives: 27 February 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  02 March 2024

Arrives: 13 March 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  16 March 2024

Arrives: 27 March 2024

 

11 Day Austral Islands Discovery Cruise

Departs:  30 March 2024

Arrives: 09 April 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  13 April 2024

Arrives: 24 April 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  04 May 2024

Arrives: 15 May 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  18 May 2024

Arrives: 29 May 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  01 June 2024

Arrives: 12 June 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  15 June 2024

Arrives: 26 June 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  17 August 2024

Arrives: 28 August 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  31 August 2024

Arrives: 11 September 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  14 September 2024

Arrives: 25 September 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  05 October 2024

Arrives: 16 October 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  19 October 2024

Arrives: 30 October 2024

 

11 Day Austral Islands Discovery Cruise

Departs:  02 November 2024

Arrives: 12 November 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  16 November 2024

Arrives: 27 November 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  30 November 2024

Arrives: 11 December 2024

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs:  16 December 2024

Arrives: 27 December 2024

 

 

 

 

2024 Earlybird Fares for the 12-day Marquesas Islands Cruise

 

All prices are in Australian Dollars, and are per person, twin share, unless otherwise stated. These Earlybird Fares are valid for new bookings only on 2024 cruises made no later than 31 March 2023.

 

Click here to see Aranui 5's cabin types

 

Class ‘C’ Dorm – $4,630.00

ideal for groups of 4/8 or single travellers seeking a budget option

 

Single Stateroom - $10,161.00

For single travellers seeking their own cabin

 

Stateroom - $7,420.00

 

Deluxe - $8,708.00

 

Superior Deluxe - $9,382.00

 

Junior Suite - $9,790.00

 

Premium Suite - $10,182.00

 

Royal Suite - $11,106.00

 

Presidential Suite - $13,996.00

 

To book your 2024 Aranui Cruises French Polynesia cruise call the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 or email [email protected]