Expedition Cruise News & Views

 

 

Following recent news articles announcing the imminent ‘closure’ of the world-renowned Horizontal Falls in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, we’ve been receiving a number of enquiries from travellers asking if their Kimberley cruise will still offer the opportunity to ‘go through the falls’. So, we thought we’d produce a quick update to let you know the current situation.

The Horizontal Falls, or 'Horries', is a natural phenomenon located in Talbot Bay, roughly 250km north-east of Broome. This spectacle has garnered much international acclaim, not least from David Attenborough, who described the falls as 'one of the world’s great natural wonders'. The falls are not waterfalls in the traditional sense but are instead formed by intense tidal currents rushing through narrow coastal gorges. The Kimberley region experiences some of the largest tidal variations on the planet, often exceeding ten metres, and it is this tidal variation that creates this unique visual effect. The sight of water levels differing by up to five metres on either side of the gorges is quite incredible and the opportunity to traverse the falls on adventure boats (such as Zodiac inflatables) is always a highlight of any Kimberley cruise. This natural spectacle is not only a testament to the Kimberley's unique geological features but also an important cultural site, holding significance for the Traditional Owners of the land.

 

Will my Kimberley Cruise Still Include Horizontal Falls?

For those booking a Kimberley cruise before the end of the 2026 Kimberley Cruising season, the experience of navigating through the Horizontal Falls will remain an exhilarating highlight. Licensed operators, such as those Expedition Cruise Specialists work with, are equipped with inflatable zodiacs and other small excursion craft designed to take tourists on an unforgettable journey through the outer gap of the falls. Subject to the tides and current conditions, this adventure is carefully managed to ensure safety while providing an adrenaline-filled ride through the powerful rapids that have captivated visitors for years.

The time-sensitive nature of the Horizontal Falls experience adds an element of urgency for those wishing toundertake a ride through the falls, making early booking and planning essential.

 

 

 

 

What’s Changing at Horizontal Falls from 2026, and Why?

The reason for the change to operations at Horizontal Falls takes into account both safety for those taking part in the activity (following an accident at the falls in 2022) and also cultural concerns raised by Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation, the Traditional Owners of the area. Elders believe that traversing the rushing falls is both disrespectful and harmful to 'the Woongudd' (snake), a culturally significant entity believed to be damaged each time a vessel passes through the gaps. These issues have prompted changes aimed at prioritising safety and respecting cultural sensitivities.

The key change is the announcement that no new licenses will be issued for cruise operators wishing to navigate the Horizontal Falls. Existing licensed operators, such as Coral Expeditions, Reef Prince, True North and Ocean Dream are permitted to continue taking visitors through the outer gap until the conclusion of the 2026 Kimberley cruising season. Locally-based day tour operator Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures has been granted a further extension until the end of 2028. 

While you’ll no longer be able to pass through the falls themselves on a Kimberley cruise after 2026, it is expected that a range of new activities will be made available to allow travellers to experience the magnificence of Horizontal Falls in different ways. Tour operators and cruise companies are working with the traditional owners to devise a number of exciting options to allow guests to experience the beauty of the falls and learn about their cultural significance.

 

 

 

 

For more information about these changes, or to find out how you can see Horizontal Falls on a Kimberley Cruise call our expert team today on 1800 90 20 80 or fill in the form below and one of our team will call you back.

 

 

Scroll Down for Last Minute Deals on 2024 European Summer Cruises

 

Our polar expedition partner Swan Hellenic has just released their 2025/26 Antarctica season with 20% discounts off regular brochure fares on selected cruises when you book your expedition to the White Continent with Expedition Cruise Specialists.

With a name synonymous with luxury cruising dating back almost eighty years, Swan Hellenic now focuses on expedition and cultural cruising, with one of the newest fleets in the field. Launched in 2022 and 2023 respectively, Swan Hellenic’s newbuilds SH Vega and SH Diana are both rated to Polar Class 5 and have been specially designed to maximise the expedition experience while also providing 5-star luxury surrounds in a boutique environment.

 

 

While Swan Hellenic’s fleet is deployed on a year-round schedule to all corners of the globe, including the Arctic, Africa and the Mediterannean, Antarctica remains the drawcard for many travellers, and with great savings on offer now is the ideal time to secure your place.

 

Swan Hellenic 'In Shackleton's Footsteps' Expedition

 

Perhaps the highlight Antarctic cruise available as part of Swan Hellenic’s 2025/26 Earlybird Savings is the 18-day, all-encompassing ‘In Shackleton’s Footsteps’ expedition cruise which combines the three ‘jewels in the crown’; Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. There’s two departures on offer aboard the flagship SH Diana, 19 January 2026 (from $22,380pp) and the more intimate SH Vega on 06 February 2026 (from $25,180pp). 

Expeditioners joining this voyage will follow in the wake of one of history’s greatest explorers on this extraordinary cruise. They will be able to experience the incredible endless icy wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula, just as Ernest Shackleton and his crew would have done as they commenced their quest to cross the ice to the South Pole. 

See the 'In Shackleton's Footsteps' Itinerary and pricing

 

SH Diana - 19 January to 05 February 2026

SH Vega - 06 to 23 February 2026

 

 

There will also be the opportunity to step ashore on Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s men would survive two Antarctic winters. Along the way, there will be the chance to observe penguins, seals, whales and seabirds that, unlike Shackleton’s ship, Endurance, have no issues thriving in this formidable environment. 

Before crossing the infamous Drake Passage back to Ushuaia, SH Diana will stop at the Falkland Islands, allowing travellers to discover a haven for a host of endemic birdlife, and meet the proud, resilient locals.

 

 

 

 

Other Swan Hellenic 2025/26 Antarctica Earlybird Cruises

 

In addition to the ‘In Shackleton’s Footsteps’ expedition, Earlybird Savings are also available on the following cruises:

 

10 Day Antarctica Peninsula Discovery

Various dates from $11,880 per person, twin share

 

SH Diana - See Itinerary & Pricing

SH Vega - See Itinerary & Pricing

 

12 Day Weddell Sea Discovery

Two departure dates in January 2025 from $14,480 per person, twin share

 

SH Diana - See Itinerary & Pricing

SH Vega - See Itinerary & Pricing

 

All prices are in Australian Dollars in an Oceanview Stateroom. Please enquire with our team for 20% savings on other cabin and suite types.

 

 

Swan Hellenic’s Expedition Fleet

 

Swan Hellenic Cruises operates a fleet of two modern expedition ships, both launched since 2021. SH Vega accommodates just 152 expeditioners in a range of suites and cabins, will the slightly larger SH Diana maxes out at 192 travellers. Both boutique ships feature the same distinctive comfort and Scandi-design interiors, extensive deck space and dedicated expedition facilities, including a dedicated presentation and lecture theatre, and an expedition mud room. 

Both ships also offer three dining venues from which to choose – the Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge and Pool Bar & Grill, and there’s also a state-of-the-art gym, spa, panoramic sauna, club room and swimming pool.

 

 

To find out more about Swan Hellenic’s 2025/26 Antarctica Earlybirds and how you can save  20% off brochure fares, contact the knowledgeable team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80.

 

Please note that Earlybird prices are subject to availability and limited to new bookings only made after 01 May 2024 until withdrawn or sold out.

 

 

 

Last Minute European Cruise Deals 2024

 

If you're travelling to Europe this northern summer and would like to try out the Swan Hellenic experience for yourself, we've got a number of last minute cruise deals with incredible pricing. Call our team today on 1800 90 20 80 to discover the full list of dates and itineraries, here's just a selection of what we have on offer. Cabins are sure to sell quickly at these great prices so act fast!

 

High Arctic of Svalbard - 10 Nights - 10 to 20 July 2024

SH Diana - from $7,735 per person, twin share (normally $10,980pp)

Discover the rarely visited High Arctic. Sail from Tromsø through the wilderness of Bear Island, and explore the icy landscapes of the Svalbard archipelago. Marvel at the Monacobreen Glacier, listen to Alkefjellet’s bird cliff, and take in Svingeldalen’s vistas. Cruise around Cape Lee and Dolerittneset before venturing to Koefoedodden on Hopen Island. Then stop at the village of Skarsvåg before heading to Alta, 'the city of the Northern Lights'.

 

Iceland in Depth - 8 Nights - 10 to 18 August 2024

SH Vega - from $4,948 per person, twin share (normally $10,380pp)

Experience the wild and fantastic landscapes of Iceland. Circumnavigate the geologically active island and see the puffin capital of the world! Discover fjords, spectacular waterfalls and never-ending volcanic scenery. Visit Iceland’s oldest houses and meet locals who are proud of their traditional heritage. Hike to thundering waterfalls, duck under the spray of spouting hot geysers, and trek across remote locations where only arctic foxes live.

 

Canadian Arctic & Northern Lights - 15 Nights - 25 September to 10 October 2024

SH Vega - from $6,952 per person, twin share (normally $15,480pp)

Visit parts of the legendary ice-filled route that challenged great explorers on this epic Northern Canadian Discovery voyage. Sail from Greenland through the iceberg capital of the world, and gaze in awe at the straits and fjords crammed with huge icebergs. Watch out for caribou and polar bears on the northern Canadian coast, and you’ll get the chance to hear the stories of the indigenous Inuit people, and discover whaling sites in Newfoundland.

 

 

Ready to tick that that once in a lifetime Kimberley expedition cruise off your bucket list but unsure about the best time of year to experience Australia’s wilderness coast? Our guide outlines each of the Kimberley’s three distinct seasons to help you choose the time of year that is right for you.

As a starting point, cruises on the Kimberley Coast only operate between mid March and October each year, so you can put a line through October to February straight away as its simply too hot, humid and wet, not to mention the added danger of the cyclone season.

The Kimberley’s three seasons:

 

Waterfall Season (March to May)

One of the main drawcards of the Kimberley Coast is its iconic waterfalls - including the towering 80-metre King George and four-tiered Mitchell Falls. Most of the coast’s falls are fed by the Kimberley’s drenching wet season rains, so the earlier in the season you go the more spectacular the falls are. The landscape will also be covered in a brilliant green hue, as vegetation regenerates thanks to the downpour. It’s not uncommon for the occasional grey and rainy day during this period, and it can still be quite humid, which can make walks ashore a bit more taxing. In our view seeing (and hearing) the full force of the falls more than makes up for the extra humidity and an occasional wet day.

 

 

 

 

Peak Season (June to July)

The most popular time of year to travel to the Kimberley, probably because the ‘dry season’ weather is characterised by clear blue skies and balmy days, which makes for a welcome escape from the southern states’ winter chill. Depending on the amount of rain during the wet season, there might be some water still flowing over the big falls as late as August, but it will be a trickle at best. One notable exception is the iconic King Cascades on the Prince Regent River; these falls are spring fed and will have a flow year round. If you can’t bear the thought of another chilly winter then June and July are probably your ‘go to’ months to experience the Kimberley Coast.

 

 

 

 

Whale / Wildflower Season

From August to early October each year the Kimberley Coast is the world’s epicentre for whalewatching. Up to 30,000 humpbacks make their way from the Antarctic feeding grounds to the warm tropical waters of the Kimberley Coast to breed and give birth, and you will have the best seat in the house when travelling on an expedition cruise. It’s common practice for the skipper to idle the ship’s engines and drift with the tide whilst these majestic mammals put on playful displays around the ship. This late in the season it’s likely that Mitchell Falls and King George Falls will be dry (you can always see Talbot Bay’s Horizontal Falls at least!), but you’re likely to have more wildlife encounters due to native fauna having to travel further, out in the open in search of water. Wildflowers are also blooming, covering the ground in a carpet of colourful native blooms.

 

 

 

 

Our Verdict

So which should you choose? It really comes down to where your interests lay; waterfalls or whales. But we think it would be a real pity to miss the grandeur and jaw dropping beauty of some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. So if we were forced to choose, then May, when the humidity has started to drop off, is the ideal time to explore the Kimberley Coast on a small ship cruise.

 

For more top tips or to book your Kimberley Cruise call our expert team today on 1800 90 20 80 or fill in the form below and one of our team will call you back.

 

 

 

 

This special guest blog (and photography) was kindly provided by Paul Hogger – Eco Abrolhos Guide and Photographer

 

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

 

 

2025 Kimberley Cruise Prices:

 

 

Lower Deck Cabin - $13,115 per person, twin share

 

King Bunk Cabin - $14,165 per person, twin share

 

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

 

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

 

Single travellers may secure a Lower Deck cabin for $15,740.

 

Please note that these special fares are valid for new bookings only and the discounts are not combinable with any other offer.

 

 

 

*****

 

Recently, Australian television's SBS broadcast a 'Slow TV' series with The Kimberley featuring as one of the showcased journeys with a cruise from Broome to Darwin spanning some 15 hours of television time. While the voyage was portrayed as somewhat relaxing this is not reflective of the pace onboard the Eco Abrolhos.

You don’t have to be young and super fit, or a marathon runner, but aboard Eco Abrolhos the crew offer a vast range of activities that reward guests with a fantastic cross section of all The Kimberley has to offer.

 

 

Why The Eco Abrolhos Itinerary?

At Eco Abrolhos we don’t offer seven or nine day 'Snapshots' or even five day 'Tasters', all eight of our annual Kimberley cruises are the same duration – 13 nights – and this is for a very important reason. We pride ourselves on taking each guest 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.

Our 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 13 night 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 give our 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.

The neap tides (smaller tides) during the middle of the trip make for better fishing and crabbing opportunities in the central section and longer stops at the scenic areas like the swimming waterholes, indigenous rock art sites and onshore hikes. 

With a maximum of 11-metre (37ft) tides, timing is a critical factor everywhere we go in The Kimberley. Each and every one of our eight 13 night Kimberley Expeditions is planned like this; we’ve been doing it for years – and it works!!

 

 

Eco Abrolhos's expedition tenders

The four custom-built expedition tenders allow us to intimately explore the Kimberley. We don’t just drive up the rivers and watch the world go by. Our tenders allow us to put you in the action. With 140Hp engines, forward facing central seating and high sides, these are the perfect viewing and photo platforms. The folding front stairs makes boarding comfortable and easy and the full walk-around sides make fishing a breeze. 

Having multiple tenders allows Eco Abrolhos to cater to the various needs of our guests. Perhaps some of our guests wish to climb the waterfall while others would prefer to explore myriad creeks spotting wildlife. That’s no problem on the Eco Abrolhos.

 

 

Fishing aboard the Eco Abrolhos

Fishing is always a favourite activity. Our four tenders allow us to split the guests into 4 groups. Usually each tender heads to a different hotspot with their guide. It makes for some friendly banter both over the radio while the fishing is underway and afterwards back onboard the Eco Abrolhos. With all the guides being equal fisherman, the result is never the same.

 

 

Indigenous Rock Art

Our captain is very passionate about the art and has over 35 years’ experience in The Kimberley guiding guests to remote art sites. We visit a mixture of Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) and Wandjina rock art sites. The hikes to get to the art sites range from under a minute to 20-minute climbs up a rocky cliff side. Some of the views from the art sites are just as worthy of the climb. Typically, we visit six to eight art sites during each 13-night cruise.

 

 

Hikes and exploring ashore

Hikes, treks, bushwalks; call them what you will but they are popular during our cruises and the rewards are well worth the effort. In addition to hikes to the art sites there are multiple walks to fresh water swimming holes, hikes up side tributaries with small waterfalls and rock races, walks into areas to see stunning bird and wildlife and even a walk over a salt flat to an intact DC-3 plane wreck. One of the most active hikes is at the King George River. We only conduct this activity during the first half of the season when there is enough water flow above the falls. The hike starts with a steep incline up the side of a rocky slope before coming out on the rim of the 100-metre high gorge. The walk takes you past colourful wildflowers and along the rim before coming to the top of the iconic 88-metre high twin waterfalls. From there it’s a little further on to a delightful swimming hole on top of the world.

 

 

And that's not all.....

We could keep going but by now we hope you get the idea. From pre-dawn starts to capture magnificent sunrises, to full action-packed days and backed up with a large range of post-sunset activities both on and off the Eco Abrolhos, your 13 Night “ACTIVE” Kimberley Adventure Cruise will leave you completely fulfilled with your voyage along the Kimberley Coast.

 

 

See more about the Eco Abrolhos

 

 

 

 

Expedition Cruise Specialists has released Reef Prince’s 2025 cruising schedules, including an expanded Kimberley Cruise season, expeditions to Western Australia’s rarely-visited Montebello Islands and a 13-day WA Coastal Cruise between Geraldton and Broome via World Heritage-listed Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef.

 

Reef Prince offers an Intimate and Stylish Experience

 

Limited to just 36 travellers on each expedition, Reef Prince offers an unforgettable ‘small ship’ Kimberley cruising experience. Reef Prince’s 2025 Kimberley itinerary operates over eleven nights between Broome and Darwin and vice versa, with all the highlights included, such as King George Falls, Montgomery Reef, the Lacepede Islands, King Cascades and Horizontal Falls. You’ll also discover several secret swimming, fishing and Aboriginal art sites that Reef Prince’s expedition crew like to keep close to their chests!

When you step aboard Reef Prince you’ll experience a laid back and relaxed Kimberley cruising experience. The Aussie crew provide unobtrusive yet professional service, and meals in the light and airy dining room constantly receive the very highest of praise. Menus aim to make use of the best local produce, supplemented by freshly caught seafood – if you manage to ‘land a barra’ during a fishing expedition there’s no doubt your efforts will be lauded over dinner!

 

 

 

 

Read what our travellers say about their Reef Prince Kimberley Cruise

 

Don’t just take our word for it – find out what some of our most recent travellers have reported back following their Reef Prince Kimberley cruise:

 

Just a quick note to thank you for your professionalism in getting us on the cruise of a lifetime. There are no words to describe how happy David & I are. We had the best time. Reef Prince was just magical. From the captain to staff there was nothing we could fault. The food was to die for. We were so looked after from day 1. Paul tour guide was just fantastic. What an asset to that boat. Thank you again. Will be certainly recommending this to everybody.

Shirley & David – QLD

 

Wow, what a sensational adventure, way surpassed my expectations and they were high to start with. The staff were amazing, Paul the cruise director was a wealth of knowledge and passionately shared all his knowledge and expertise. All the other staff so friendly, helpful, understanding and knew what you wanted before you even asked. The itinerary and day excursions were interesting, exciting, fun, adventurous and planned to perfection, truly they were incredible. The food, OMG the food, well GiGi the French chef was extraordinary, every dinner was like eating in a top fine dining restaurant, the lunches so fresh and delicious. Truly every meal was scrumptious. The boat was always clean and well maintained, my cabin was great, and the boat has many areas to go and chill out without being around all the other passengers. The lounge area has great views from sitting down so it was perfect. I have to say thank you for helping us choose the bestest cruise in the Kimberley.

Lisa – NSW

 

Our entire trip was magical, including the amazing Kimberley cruise. We were so fortunate to have perfect weather and, yes, the waterfalls were spectacular as was all the scenery! Paul was an excellent guide (he spoke very highly of you!) and it absolutely met, if not exceeded, all our expectations. We loved everywhere we went.

Donna - USA

 

 

 

 

2025 Reef Prince Kimberley Schedules & Prices

 

Reef Prince’s Kimberley Cruising schedule for 2025 has just been released, and we encourage you to book early to secure your preferred cabin type on your preferred cruise date.

 

Broome to Darwin – 2025

Click here to see the Reef Prince Broome to Darwin Itinerary

 

20 March –31 March

17 April – 28 April

12 May – 23 May

07 June – 18 June

03 July – 14 July

29 July – 09 August

24 August – 04 September

19 September – 30 September

 

Darwin to Broome – 2025

Click here to see the Reef Prince Darwin to Broome Itinerary

 

03 April – 14 April

30 April – 10 May

25 May – 05 June

20 June – 01 July

16 July – 27 July 

11 August – 22 August

06 September – 17 September

02 October – 13 October

 

 

 

 

2025 Reef Prince Kimberley Cruise Fares

 

Click here to see the Reef Prince Cabin descriptions

 

State Class: $19,595 per person
Class 1: $17,595 per person
Class 2: $16,595 per person
Class 3: $15,595 per person
Class 4: $14,595 per person

Please note all prices are per person, twin share in Australian Dollars.

 

Single travellers might like to note that they can secure sole use of Class 2, 3 or 4 cabins with just a 20% single supplement!

 

Your cruise price includes:

·       Accommodation in selected room grade for 11 nights

·       Transfer from CBD hotels to Reef Prince

·       Cruise transportation to your post-cruise hotel or Airport

·       All meals on board

·       Fast boat ride through the Horizontal Waterfalls

·       Facilities, port & handling charges

·       Excursions and tender transfers as described in the itinerary

·       Government Fees & Taxes.

Please note that Aboriginal Native Title Fees are additional to the fare - allow approximately $300 per person.

 

 

 

 

As mentioned earlier, if you’re after one of the most popular State Class or Class 1 cabins it does pay to reserve your place early to secure your preferred cruise date. You can lock in your Kimberley cruise with a 20% deposit within seven days of booking, with final payment not due until 60 days prior to your cruise date.

So, what are you waiting for? Call the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 or email us to reserve your Kimberley cruising holiday of a lifetime! And don’t forget to ask us about our ‘Booking Bonus’ accommodation deals when you book your 2025 Kimberley cruise.

 

Click here to find out more about M/V Reef Prince

 

Rather travel in 2024? We still have space available aboard Reef Prince across most 2024 dates. Call our team on 1800 90 20 80 for availability and prices.