coral princess kimberley cruise

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CORAL PRINCESS

• CROWN PRINCESS
• DIVERSITY II
• DIVERSITY III
• ECO ABROLHOS
• GREAT ESCAPE
• HERITAGE ADVENTURER NEW!
• KIMBERLEY PEARL
• KIMBERLEY QUEST II
• KIMBERLEY XPLORER
• LE JACQUES CARTIER NEW!
• LE LAPEROUSE
• NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION NEW!!!
• OCEAN DREAM
• PACIFIC EXPLORER
• PASPALEY PEARL COMING SOON!!!
• QUEEN ELIZABETH
• REEF PRINCE
• SEABOURN PURSUIT NEW!!!
• SCENIC ECLIPSE II NEW!!!
• SILVER CLOUD
• TRUE NORTH II
• RAIL & SAIL PACKAGES
• GHAN 2025 PRICES
• THE GHAN HOLIDAY PACKAGES NEW!
• INDIAN PACIFIC
• INDIAN PACIFIC 2025 PRICES
• INDIAN PACIFIC HOLIDAY PACKAGES NEW!
• GREAT SOUTHERN
• GREAT SOUTHERN HOLIDAY PACKAGES NEW!
• SENIOR PENSIONER DISCOUNTS
• RAIL JOURNEYS BROCHURES
• KINGS CANYON TO AYERS ROCK TRANSFER
• KINGS CANYON RESORT TO ALICE TRANSFER
• AYERS ROCK TO KINGS CANYON TRANSFER
• AYERS ROCK TO ALICE SPRINGS TRANSFER
• ALICE SPRINGS TO AYERS ROCK TRANSFER
• ULURU SUNRISE & KATA TJUTA
• BEST OF ALICE SPRINGS
• KINGS CANYON & OUTBACK PANORAMAS
• BROOME TOWN SCENIC TOUR
• APT KIMBERLEY COMPLETE TOUR
• APT KIMBERLEY AND TOP END TOUR
• APT ESSENCE OF THE KIMBERLEY CRUISE
• BROOME TO DARWIN LUXURY KIMBERLEY CRUISE
• BROOME ABORIGINAL TOUR
• BROOME TOWN TOURS
• BROOME – FOOD & DRINKS TOURS
• BROOME – 3 in 1 TOURS
• BROOME WHALE WATCHING
• CROCODILE PARK
• DAY CRUISE ex BROOME
• FLAVOURS OF BROOME
• HORIZONTAL FALLS SEAPLANE ADVENTURES
• MATSOS BREWERY
• KIMBERLEY CAMPING TOURS NEW!!!
• MITCHELL FALLS EXPLORER TOUR
• ROEBUCK BAY TOURS
• ROMANTIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT
• ROWLEY SHOALS FISHING
• SEAFOOD TOUR
• ORCAELLA BROOME SNUBFIN DOLPHIN TOUR
• BROOME SNUBFIN DOLPHIN TOUR ON CONTESSA C
• WILLIE CREEK PEARL FARM
• AVIAIR ADVENTURER
• BROOME TO BUNGLES 4WD TOUR
• BUNGLE BUNGLE DAY TOUR
• BUNGLE BUNGLE AIR ADVENTURE
• BUNGLE BUNGLE STAYOVER
• BUNGLE BUNGLE & LAKE ARGYLE
• CYGNET BAY EXPLORER FLIGHT
• CYGNET BAY – DAY CRUISE NEW
• CYGNET BAY SAFARI
• CYGNET BAY PEARL FARM TOUR
• CYGNET BAY ADVENTURE SAFARI
• CYGNET BAY TO HORIZONTAL FALLS SEAPLANE
• CYGNET BAY OVERNIGHT HORIZONTAL FALLS CRUISE
• BLUE TEAM CAMELS
• RED SUN CAMELS
• YELLOW TEAM CAMELS
• CAPE LEVEQUE DAY TOUR
• GIANT TIDES
• GORGEOUS GORGES
• INCREDIBLE ISLANDS
• DARWIN TO BROOME LUXURY KIMBERLEY CRUISE
• DARWIN DINNER CRUISE
• DARWIN – FISHING
• DARWIN SHORT BREAKS
• GAZE AND GRAZE SUNSET CRUISE
• DARWIN – SHORT BREAKS
• GOURMET WALKING FOOD TOURS
• HISTORY WARTIME TOURS
• TIWI ISLAND ABORIGINAL TOUR
• GREAT ESCAPE 5 DAYS FISHING TOUR
• BROOME DAY FISHING
• BROOME HALF DAY
• DARWIN – FISHING CHARTERS
• HELIFISHING
• MUD CRABBING
• ROWLEY SHOALS
• HORIZONTAL FALLS AND CYGNET BAY OVERNIGHT PACKAGE NEW
• BUCCANEER EXPLORER
• WILDERNESS SAFARI
• DAY CRUISES – HORIZONTAL FALLS
• FLY BROOME HORIZONTAL
• HORIZONTAL DISCOVERER
• HORIZONTAL FALLS HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
• HELICOPTER SCENIC FLIGHT
• SUNDAY ISLANDS TOUR
• KAKADU TOURS
• KIMBERLEY DAY CRUISE New!
• HORIZONTAL FALLS AND CYGNET BAY OVERNIGHT PACKAGE
• 2 NIGHT GETAWAY
• 4 NIGHT GETAWAY
• APT BUNGLE BUNGLE EXPLORER TOUR
• APT BUNGLE BUNGLE COMPLETE TOUR
• APT KIMBERLEY EXPRESS TOUR
• GREAT ESCAPE FISHING TOUR
• KIMBERLEY QUEST SHORT KIMBERLEY CRUISE
• DIVERSITY II KIMBERLEY SHORT CRUISE
• ORD RIVER LUNCH CRUISE (J2)
• ORD RIVER SUNSET CRUISE (J3)
• BEST OF LAKE ARGYLE – ex KUNUNURRA
• BEST OF LAKE ARGYLE – ex LAKE ARGYLE
• LAKE ARGYLE SEAPLANE SUNSET DRINKS TOUR
• LAKE ARGYLE SUNSET CRUISE – Ex KUNUNURRA
• LAKE ARGYLE SUNSET CRUISE – Ex LAKE ARGYLE
• LAKE ARGYLE MORNING CRUISE
• BUNGLE BUNGLE & LAKE ARGYLE ISLAND TOUR
• LITCHFIELD PARK WATERFALL TOUR
• CUNARD LUXURY KIMBERLEY
• HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS KIMBERLEY CRUISES
• PONANT NORTHERN KIMBERLEY
• PONANT SOLAR ECLIPSE 2023
• PONANT SOUTHERN KIMBERLEY
• PONANT BROOME TO DARWIN LUXURY KIMBERLEY CRUISE
• PONANT DARWIN TO BROOME LUXURY KIMBERLEY CRUISE
• SCENIC BROOME TO DARWIN KIMBERLEY
• SCENIC DARWIN TO BROOME KIMBERLEY
• SEABOURN KIMBERLEY BROOME TO DARWIN
• SEABOURN KIMBERLEY CRUISE DARWIN TO BROOME
• SILVERSEA DARWIN TO BROOME
• SILVERSEA BROOME TO DARWIN
• MITCHELL FALLS COASTAL ADVENTURE
• MITCHELL FALLS DISCOVERER
• MITCHELL FALLS HIKE ADVENTURE
• MITCHELL FALLS ULTIMATE
• MONTGOMERY REEF & HORIZONTALFALLS
• MUD-CRABBING
• ORD RIVER WITH LUNCH (J2)
• ORD RIVER DISCOVERER – SUNSET (J3)
• ORD RIVER EXPLORER – SUNSET (J4)
• OUTBACK SPIRIT TOURS
• PEARL FARM TOURS
• BROOME ECO CRUISE
• DINOSAUR ADVENTURE CRUISE
• ROEBUCK BAY CRUISE
• SCENIC AND PREHISTORIC CRUISE
• WWII PLANE WRECK TOUR
• MUD CRABBING TOURS
• SUNSET DINNER CRUISE
• CYGNET BAY TO HORIZONTAL FALLS SEAPLANE TOUR
• HALF DAY – EX BROOME
• FULL DAY TOUR – Ex BROOME
• HALF DAY – Ex DERBY
• LUXURY 24 HOUR STAY – EX DERBY
• OVERNIGHT TOUR – EX DERBY
• 1000 ISLANDS TOUR – EX BROOME
• BUNGLE BUNGLE AEROPLANE & HELICOPTER
• BUNGLE BUNGLE EXPLORER TOUR
• BUNGLE ADVENTURER
• BUNGLE BUNGLE ADVENTURER TOUR + HELICOPTER
• BUNGLE BUNGLE (2HR)
• BUNGLE BUNGLE SAFARI ADVENTURE OVERNIGHT TOUR
• BUNGLE OVERNIGHT STAY
• BUNGLE BUNGLE ADVENTURER WITH HELICOPTER
• BUNGLE BUNGLE AND LAKE ARGYLE
• BUNGLE BUNGLE AND ORD RIVER
• BUNGLE BUNGLE ADVENTURE SAFARI TOUR
• MITCHELL FALLS SCENIC FLIGHT
• BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO
• DAY CRUISE – HORIZONTAL FALLS
• DAY BOAT TOUR – ex CYGNET BAY New!
• FLY HORIZONTAL
• INCREDIBLE ISLAND FLIGHT
• HORIZONTAL FALLS DISCOVERER
• HORIZONTAL FALLS HIGHLIGHTS
• KIMBERLEY DAY CRUISE
• SUNDAY ISLAND TOUR
• SEAPLANE ADVENTURE (FULL & HALF DAY)
• HELICOPTER HORIZONTAL FALLS HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
• HELICOPTER HORIZONTAL FALLS DISCOVERER TOUR
• HELICOPTER PEARL FARM TOUR
• MITCHELL FALLS HIKE & HELI ADVENTURE
• MONTGOMERY REEF TOURS
• ROMANTIC HELICOPTER PICNIC
• KING GEORGE FALLS ADVENTURE
• STAIRCASE TO THE MOON
• BALLENA – SUNSET SAIL CRUISE
• BROOME SUNSET DINNER CRUISE
• ORCAELLA – SUNSET CRUISE
• PEARL LUGGER CRUISE
• WHALE WATCHING SUNSET
• ULURU SUNSET BBQ TOUR
• BALLENA SUNSET SAIL
• MORNING WHALE WATCH TOUR
• AFTERNOON WHALE WATCH TOUR
• BROOME TO BUNGLES TOUR
• KIMBERLEY FAMILY SAFARI
• SAL SALIS DELUXE CAMPING
• WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
• CORAL EXPEDITIONS DEALS
• DIVERSITY CHARTERS DEALS
• KIMBERLEY SPECIAL OFFERS NEW!
• PONANT CRUISE DEALS
• SEABOURN CRUISE DEALS
• SCENIC KIMBERLEY CRUISES
• SOLO TRAVELLER DEALS
• 15 DAY KIMBERLEY CAMPING TOUR
• 12 DAY KIMBERLEY CAMPING TOUR
• 8 DAY KIMBERLEY CAMPING TOUR
• GIFT VOUCHERS
• PHOTO GALLERY

Signature touches on voyages of discovery to fascinating destinations with Coral Princess

Cruise the kimberley in luxurious comfort.

Coral Princess , with more than 700 balcony staterooms, was custom built to navigate the historic Panama Canal. Be sure to try the Bayou Café and Steakhouse, which features classic steakhouse cuisine, join friends for cocktails and Movies Under the Stars® by the pool or try some decadent treats at the International Café.

Discover Australia and Kimberley Coast with Princess Cruise Line. Romance, family fun and great escapes begin and end in one of these unique home ports. From Aboriginal Dreamtime stories to New Zealand’s elaborate Māori tattoos, from cityscapes to breathtaking landscapes, each port possesses its own unique culture, lifestyle, excitement and charm.

If you want to know more about Coral Princess Cruise ship  or to speak to an expert,   Kimberley Boat Cruises is the premier Kimberley cruise expert in Australia.  Every week, we publish amazing Kimberley cruise deals so keep an eye on our CRUISE DEALS . 

Find more of our INTERNATIONAL CRUISES by visiting our site.

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Coral Princess

Cruise line Princess Cruises

• Vancouver (BC Canada)
• Sydney (NSW Australia)
• Brisbane (Queensland Australia)
• Whittier (Alaska)
• Los Angeles (Long Beach-San Pedro, California)

Coral Princess current position

Coral Princess current location is at South Pacific Ocean (coordinates -36.84244 S / 174.76842 E) cruising en route to Auckland. The AIS position was reported 2 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Coral Princess

Coral Princess current cruise is 31 days, one-way from Sydney to Auckland , themed as "Easter". Prices start from USD 3828 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 26 Mar, 2024 and ends on 26 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of Coral Princess

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Coral Princess Itineraries

Coral princess review, review of coral princess.

The 2002-built Coral Princess cruise ship is the first of the two Coral-class Princess Cruises liners, with sistership Island Princess .

The vessel (IMO number 9229659) is currently Bermuda- flagged (MMSI 310376000) and registered in Hamilton .

History - construction and ownership

Princess Cruises is a USA-based passenger shipping company headquartered in Beverly Hills CA. A former subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises (1977-founded), in 2003, the company merged with Carnival Corporation - the world's largest cruise shipowner. Among Princess Cruise Lines Ltd's assets is the Caribbean private island resort Princess Cays (on Bahamas Eleuthera Island's southern end), located approx 80 km (50 mi) from Nassau .

The 2000-passenger ship Coral Princess, together with sister ship Island Princess, is an aberration for Princess Cruises. The line launched only two cruise vessels of this size before joining the rest of the industry in building ever more massive ships (like those in the Grand-class). Not part of either the group of biggest-in-fleet ships or the mid-sized Sun-class vessels, Coral Princess falls somewhere in the middle and in many ways, it represents the best of both.

Coral Princess mixes the exotic (international crew members, stylish Italian dining venues, celebrity-style spa treatments) and the familiar (cruising's ubiquitous buffets, poolside umbrella drinks, cocktails and bingo).

Decks and Cabins

Most Coral Princess staterooms (1000 total, in 34 grades) are 170-ft2 balcony cabins (581). Almost 80% of the ship's outside staterooms have private step-out balconies. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 20. The largest accommodations are the Balcony Suites (470 ft2 / 44 m2, including the terrace).

The boat has 15 decks , of which 12 are passenger-accessible and 7 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The two main restaurants onboard Coral Princess serve up traditional 5-course evening meals. The line offers set seating at 6 and 8:15 p.m. in the Bordeaux and flexible anytime dining in the Provence Restaurant. The menus in both venues are the same with favorites, such as Executive Chef Martial Diffor's fettuccine alfredo, beef wellington, deep-sea cod in coriander butter sauce, twin broiled lobster tail. All meals are prepared to order. Menus in the main restaurants also offer vegetarian choices and Lotus Spa innovative dishes, with healthier options like chilled yogurt and tamarind soup with grated lemon zest, filet of baby turbot with fennel Pernod sauce and tropical fruit smoothie with lime.

Guests who prefer more formal fare can choose the sit-down service in the Bordeaux dining room for breakfast and lunch.

Follows the complete list of Coral Princess restaurants and food bars.

• Bordeaux Restaurant (ship's forward Dining Room; dinner only)
• Provence Restaurant (ship's forward Dining Room for Breakfast 7-9 a.m., Lunch 12-1:30 p.m., Afternoon Tea 3:30-4:30 p.m.; features Anytime Dining for Dinner between 5:30-8 p.m. or 8-10 p.m. and "Chef's Table" private dining)
• Sabatini's Restaurant (Italian specialty restaurant; reservations recommended)
• Bayou Cafe & Steakhouse (specialty restaurant)
• The Bar & Grill (complimentary fast food)
• Horizon Court (self-service buffet restaurant, complimentary)

In April 2024 Princess Cruises announced that starting September 14th (2024) fleetwide would be introduced 3 distinct main dining/dinner table service options – Traditional, Reservable, and Walk-in Anytime. By the new program (introduced with Sun Princess) on each ship are allocated 3 separate dining rooms - one for Traditional dining (offering early and late dinner seating), one with Reservable times, and one for Walk-in Anytime (open-seating). The new options are integrated with the OceanNow service, allowing anything to be ordered anytime, and delivered anywhere onboard.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

On either side of the Fiesta and Promenade Decks are the two grandest venues of Coral Princess: Princess Theater and Universe Lounge. Tucked between the two are the majority of lounges and bars, including the clubby Explorers Lounge, the Wheelhouse Bar which is more sedate, the retro Crooners martini bar, Churchill's cigar lounge and the casino, with its various table games like blackjack, poker, roulette and state-of-the-art slots. By day, ScholarShip@Sea program focuses on enrichment with a wide range of programming. There are dance classes, lectures on bridge and fashion, computer instruction. When Coral Princess gets to the Panama Canal, passengers are provided with a lecture about the canal's history and how it works.

Follows the complete list of Coral Princess lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• The Piazza Atrium (3-deck open floor area; features live performances entertainment and lobby Bar Piazza)
• La Patisserie Bar (specialty coffee bar)
• Princess Fine Arts Gallery; Photo Gallery & Shop; Photo Kiosk; Platinum Studio
• International Cafe (24-hour specialty coffee bar and patisserie)
• Library (with Internet stations); Internet Cafe (24-hour); Card Room
• Princess Coral Theatre (2-level musical and show productions; hosts workshops, seminars, game shows)
• The Universe Lounge (2-level second show lounge, also used for dance lessons)
• Churchill Lounge & Bar (smoking lounge and sports bar)
• Calypso Cove Shop; Essence Shop; Meridian Bay Shop; Facets Shop
• Princess Coral Casino
• Crooners Lounge & Bar (live music; also used for seminars)
• Explorers Lounge & Bar (disco/show lounge; hosts karaoke, comedy, game shows and art auctions)
• Wheelhouse Bar (piano bar during the day and an English pub nightly)
• Wedding Chapel
• Princess Lotus Spa complex; Beauty Salon; Fitness Center (with Aerobics Studio)
• Movies Under the Stars (LED screen outdoor cinema)
• Video Games Arcade; Teen Center; Youth Center with Paddling Pool and outdoor playing areas
• The Sanctuary (adults-only open-air area)
• Lido Pool area; Lotus Pool area
• Central Court (volleyball, basketball, European football); Shuffleboard; Deck Chess; Princess Links/mini-golf course.

Itineraries

Coral Princess itinerary program is based on Australian voyages leaving roundtrip from homeports Sydney NSW and Brisbane QLD . The ship also operates World Cruises from Australia.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, the Coral Princess ship was paused for 2+ years (March 2020 thru June 2022) and World Cruise 2022 (107-night roundtrip from Sydney-Brisbane- Auckland NZ ) was canceled. The liner restarted operations on June 16, 2022, out of Sydney.

The ship's winter 2022-2023 schedule featured 3-4-day "Australia Getaways" ( cruises-to-nowhere from Brisbane and Sydney), 7-day "Queensland" (roundtrips from Brisbane to Cairns, Port Douglas, Airlie Beach), one new 7-day "New South Wales Coast" (roundtrip from Brisbane (to Eden , Sydney, Newcastle NSW ), one new 12-day "Queensland and New South Wales" (roundtrip from Brisbane to Eden, Sydney, Newcastle, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas, Willis Island), one new 12-day "Queensland and the Conflict Islands" (roundtrip from Sydney to Brisbane, Conflict Islands Papua New Guinea , Cairns, Port Douglas, Airlie Beach).

Coral Princess - user reviews and comments

Photos of coral princess.

Coral Princess ship related cruise news

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Other Princess Cruises cruise ships

• Caribbean Princess
• Crown Princess
• Diamond Princess
• Discovery Princess
• Emerald Princess
• Enchanted Princess
• Grand Princess
• Island Princess
• Majestic Princess
• Regal Princess
• Royal Princess
• Ruby Princess
• Sapphire Princess
• Sky Princess
• Star Princess
• Sun Princess

Coral Princess Wiki

The vessel (STX France/Chantiers de l’Atlantique yard/hull number C32) has volume 91627 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight tonnage 8015 tons, max draught 8,3 m. The powerplant is based on 2x Wartisla marine diesel engines (model 16V46C) plus a gas turbine (model General Electric LM2500) with combined output 62,7 MW (84055 hp). The propulsion is CODLAG (combined diesel-electric and gas). The registered shipowner is PRINCESS CRUISE LINES LTD, while the registered manager is BRITTANY SHIPPING CORP LTD.

Princess Cruises Coral ship is the first of the company's two Coral-Class liners, with sistership Island Princess . Ship's christening ceremony was held on January 18, 2003. Its godmother was Mireya Elisa Moscoso Rodriguez de Arias - Panama's first female president (mandate 1999-2004).

The boat has environmentally-friendly engines - more silent, less vibrating and with lower emissions and increased fuel efficiency. The engines are mounted in the funnel, freeing space for more public places and facilities.

During summer, the ship offers 7-day Alaskan itineraries from homeports Vancouver BC Canada and Whittier Alaska . Being one of the "Princess Panama Canal cruise ships", Coral Princess spends autumn, winter and spring on Panama Canal transition voyages . The ship offers 10-days or 2-week itineraries visiting ports in Aruba, Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico Riviera. The two Princess ships Coral and Island are the fleet's only Panamax vessels that cover all standards for transiting through the Panama Canal.

In 2017, Coral Princess did its maiden season of Panama Canal cruises through the new locks (inaugurated on June 26, 2016).

During drydock refurbishment 2019, all Coral Princess staterooms were upgraded with the company's "Princess Luxury Bed". The new "cruise bed" was developed in collaboration with PhD Michael Breus (commonly known as The Sleep Doctor) and the designer Candice Olson. The new cabin beds feature a luxury pillow-top mattress, individually wrapped coils (reducing surface sway) and hypoallergenic duvets.

Coral Princess World Cruise 2024

In late-November 2021 was announced Princess Cruises' ever-longest World Cruise on Coral Princess out of Australia and New Zealand. The 111-day itinerary visits 32 countries (15 UNESCO sites) and went on sale on December 1, 2021.

World Voyage 2024 departs on April 26 , 2024 (from Aucklan NZ), April 30 (from Sydney NSW) and May 2 (from Brisbane QLD). Alternative departures are also offered from Melbourne, Fremantle-Perth, Adelaide.

Prices started from ~USD 20670 (EUR 18230 / GBP 15440) per person with double occupancy.

Early bookings (made by April 30, 2022) received AUD 1000 pp in OBC (onboard credit).

Coral Princess World Cruise 2023

On March 2, 2021, went on sale Coral Princess' World Cruise 2023.

The 107-day itinerary departed roundtrip from New Zealand and Australia - from Auckland NZ (May 31), from Sydney NSW (June 4) and out of Brisbane (June 6).

The voyage featured 32500 NM (37400 mi/60200 km) of global cruising, a Panama Canal full transit (passing through the old locks), total 44 ports/destinations (26 countries, 6 continents), 20+ UNESCO sites, 6 maiden for Princess World Cruises ports (Portoferraio, Elba Italy, Marseille France, Malaga Spain, Tangier Morocco, Belfast Ireland, Invergordon Scotland), 10x late-night port departures, 3 overnight port stays (Dubai, NYC, Callao-Lima).

Prices started from USD 17770 per person with double occupancy.

Princess World Voyage 2023 was also available for booking in shorter segments (50 to 73 days/departures out of Brisbane, London UK, Sydney NSW, Auckland NZ) and 21 to 34 days (from other ports).

Coral Princess World Cruise 2022 (canceled)

In mid-August 2020, the company revealed details of its 107-day / 108-night world circumnavigation itinerary. In November 2021, the voyage was canceled due to uncertainties regarding Australia's travel restrictions.

The voyage featured a full Panama Canal transit (passing through 3 locks - Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, Gatun), Suez Canal transit, visiting 21 UNESCO sites, 27 countries (6 continents), 43 ports (4 maiden ports - Sibenik, Olden, Isafjordur, Falmouth UK), 12 late-night port departures, 4 overnights (Dubai, Venice, NYC, Callao-Lima), optional land tours from Callao (to Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands), Easter Island (cruising).

World circumnavigation 2022 voyage included 14 segments/itineraries ranging between 19-107 days. Roundtrips were offered from 3 homeports - Auckland NZ (May 14, from $14670 pp ), Sydney NSW (May 18, from $18270 pp), Brisbane QLD (May 20, from $14670 pp).

108-day itinerary roundtrip from Sydney

The voyage's total mileage was 34000 nm/nautical miles (63 km / 39130 mi).

Kimberley Cruise | Australian Adventure Cruises

Kimberley and North West Australia adventure and expedition cruises

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• About the Kimberley
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Are you a cruise line or reseller this site can work for you. email us for details, thursday, february 8, 2024, coral expeditions’ kimberley cruise to star in new travel documentary.

Coral Expeditions, Australia's pioneering expedition cruise company, invites travel lovers from across Australia to embark on a virtual adventure with its latest documentary, Expedition Kimberley. This short travel film showcases the iconic 10-night voyage traversing the remote Kimberley coast between Broome and Darwin onboard the Coral Discoverer, offering viewers a glimpse into this unique experience and landscape. The documentary, the first of a multi-part expedition series, will air on Network Ten at 3:30pm this Sunday, reaching audiences in the metro markets of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth. For those who miss the broadcast or wish to relive the adventure, Expedition Kimberley will be available on TenPlay and the Coral Expeditions website afterwards. 

Friday, January 5, 2024

Save up to $2000 per couple with expedition cruise specialists, tuesday, march 14, 2023, seabourn to explore kimberley starting 2024.

Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury ocean voyages and expedition travel, has announced it will sail to The Kimberley in 2024 aboard its new expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit, marking the line’s first visit to the region. The new voyages include six 10-day voyages between Broome and Darwin that will take place over June, July, and August 2024.

A once-in-a-lifetime expedition, The Kimberley is one of the most remote destinations on Earth, renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, abundant wildlife, and culture that dates back some 50,000 years. 

Seabourn Pursuit is designed and built for diverse environments and includes modern hardware and technology that extends the ship’s global deployment and capabilities. Along with an attentive crew providing every level of Seabourn’s renowned service, the ship is staffed with a world-class 24-person Expedition Team whose role is to give guests the most from expeditions on land and at sea. Comprised of highly regarded wilderness experts, scientists, historians and naturalists, the team will regularly interact with guests, providing in-depth insights into the history, ecology and culture of the places they visit. 

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Ponant's new expedition ship for 2024 kimberley se..., saturday, october 15, 2022, this site for sale,  are you an expedition cruise line or reseller this site can work for you. email us for details., sunday, august 21, 2022, podcast: cruising australia's kimberley.

ExpeditionCruising.com editor, Roderick Eime, chats with ABC Nightlife's Philip Clark about cruising in Australia's Kimberley. 

https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/nightlife/kimberly/101359586

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Apt expedition cruise in australia’s remote north west.

There are few true wilderness destinations left on the planet and one of the most significant is right here on our doorstep.

Australia’s Kimberley in our North West has been voted as the top adventure cruise destination for Australians and is quickly ranking high on the global chart for ‘must do’ expedition cruising.

While even a short exposure to this almost alien environment is enough to shift your perception of life on Earth, a thorough exploration of this remote coastline is even more transformational.

A journey such as APT’s 11-night ‘Kimberley Coast Cruise’ aboard the very comfortable and spacious, 114-passenger Caledonian Sky is one such comprehensive wilderness adventure that encompasses all the key locations that make Australia’s North West such a stunning and bewitching destination.

Smaller cruise ships like APT’s Caledonian Sky, afford guests the opportunity to investigate the spectacular landscapes and natural wonders up close. Take the wild, turbulent ride through the incredible horizontal waterfalls in Talbot Bay fed by the torrential 10-metre tides, cruise among the swirling eddies and whirlpools around Montgomery Reef as it appears to rise from the depths like a returning Atlantis or hike to the awe-inspiring Wandjina rock art gallery at Raft Point for a glimpse of life long before the first Europeans and you might begin to get a feel for this prehistoric wonderland.

APT’s expedition visits the less-frequently visited Prince Regent River in the northern region where you’ll have the rare opportunity to view the mysterious Gwion Gwion (aka Bradshaw) rock art that some experts believe could be the oldest known to man. The debate among anthropologists and ethnographers as the to their age, origin and meaning has been simmering for decades.

The mighty waterfalls of the Kimberley will not fail to leave a lasting impact on even transient visitors. The majesty of King George Falls in full flight ranks up there with Victoria Falls and Niagara in terms of sheer beauty, if not water volume. Cruise operators like APT, bring their tenders so close that your whole body will shudder as the cascade plummets 80 metres into the river, enveloping you in a dense, misty spray.

APT’s itinerary operates in both directions between Broome and Darwin from May until August giving you the chance to spend a few days at either end. In the intriguing frontier township of Broome, the region’s unofficial capital, or Darwin. A mixture of preserved frontier village and modern go-ahead business, Broome never forgets its roots, carved out of the dust and mud by graziers, pearlers, fishers and miners from numerous ethnic backgrounds over more than a century. 

Why not take the opportunity to extend your experience and explore inland with one of APT’s acclaimed 4WD Land Touring trips and see firsthand such wonders as the Bungle Bungles (Purnululu National Park) or the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu.

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Kimberley Cruises Guide

Booking Bonus 2024 & 2025

Book selected 2024 or 2025 Kimberley cruises and as an added bonus receive $549 per person in land credit for just $49 extra per person. The credit may be used to book pre and post cruise hotels, touring and even travel insurance. Applies to a range of the Kimberley's best ships. Enquire for full terms and conditions.

The Ultimate Guide to Kimberley Cruises

Back in 1996 we developed and operated the Kimberley’s very first expedition cruises aboard our small 48-passenger expedition ship Coral Princess, establishing Coral Princess Cruises (now Coral Expeditions) as the pioneer of expedition cruising in this remarkable region. And now, we’re sharing the expert advice and insider tips we’ve learned over the past 25+ years with you to help you plan your ultimate Kimberley expedition. There’s no doubt this coming year is going to be one of the biggest years ever in Kimberley cruising, and our fully-updated guide contains all the information you need to plan your trip of a lifetime.

For the coming season our favourite expedition ships will be returning to cruise the Kimberley again, such as the state-of-the-art sister ships Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer , billed as the world’s best tropical expedition ships. We’re also welcoming Heritage Adventurer to our portfolio of Kimberley  Cruises,   And of course, many of our favourite ships such as Reef Prince , Coral Discoverer, True North and True North II, Kimberley Quest II, Great Escape, Eco Abrolhos , Ocean Dream and Kimberley Pearl continue to offer some of the very best Kimberley cruising experiences.

We’ve done all the hard work for you by featuring only the very best cruising options possible; you can rest assured that the operators we work with are fully accredited and offer the most comprehensive itineraries possible. Call our team of specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 to starting planning your ultimate Kimberley adventure cruise.

WHERE & WHAT IS ‘THE KIMBERLEY’? Located in North West Australia, the Kimberley region is truly one of the world’s last frontiers and greatest wilderness areas. This pristine area is three times the size of England (or about the same size as the state of California), yet home to just 30,000 residents. Here, you will find some of the world’s most incredible scenery, fascinating natural phenomena, beguiling wildlife and ancient civilisations, whose artwork dates back more than 20,000 years. The Kimberley offers a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.

WHY AN EXPEDITION CRUISE? There’s no other way to experience the wonders of the Kimberley Coast than by small ship as most of the key icons are impossible to reach by road. On an expedition cruise you will also travel with a team of experts, making sure you don’t miss out on any of the ‘must sees’.

WHICH SHIP SHOULD I CHOOSE? We’ve featured some of our favourite and most highly recommended ships later in this guide, but your final choice will depend on your own goals and travel styles. Our specialists are on hand to help you choose.

CAN I GO FISHING? Many of the smaller ships are fully equipped for fishing , allowing you to catch a ‘barra’ or two. Make sure you let us know if fishing is a priority when choosing your ship. Some of the ships you might wish to consider if fishing is a priority are:

• Kimberley Quest II
• Reef Prince
• Eco Abrolhos
• True North II
• Great Escape
• Kimberley Pearl
• Ocean Dream

Each of the above vessels allow plenty of time for fishing and carry all the required gear and lures – although most allow you to bring your own rod and reel if you prefer.

Generally, the larger ships (40+ travellers) do not offer  fishing , although on occasion the likes of the Coral Expeditions’ ships might offer a hand-reel fishing excursion on a ‘catch and release’ basis.

AREN’T KIMBERLEY CRUISES EXPENSIVE? There’s no doubt a Kimberley cruise is a stretch for many budgets, but we do have a number of options available at various prices. There are many reasons why theses cruises can seem expensive, including high crew to guest ratios, the cost of provisioning in remote areas and of course fuel. But is it worth the high cost? You bet!

CAN ANYONE DO A KIMBERLEY CRUISE? To get the most out of this trip a reasonable level of fitness is required. Many of the walks ashore are on unmade tracks, which can be undulating and rocky. There is no age limit though – infact we’ve seen a 95 year old ticking the Kimberley off his bucket list!

CAN KIMBERLEY CRUISE SPECIALISTS HELP WITH TOURS & FLIGHTS? As a full-service travel agency, our expert team are here to help you put together your entire Kimberley holiday. Once we work out the cruise that best suits your requirements we will then help you add any tours (either day tours or longer journeys through the Kimberley interior), hotels, flights and even travel insurance.

WHEN SHOULD I CRUISE THE KIMBERLEY? As soon as possible! Check out the following pages for the best times to travel during the year.

Choosing the Best Time of Year for a Kimberley Cruise

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? We outline each of the Kimberley’s three distinct seasons to help you choose the time of year that is right for you. ​ Kimberley cruises operate between late March and October each year, so you can put a line through November to February straight away as its simply too hot, humid and wet, not to mention the added danger of the cyclone season.

WATERFALL SEASON (MARCH, APRIL & 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 & JULY) The most popular time of year to travel to the Kimberley, likely 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 (AUGUST & SEPTEMBER) From August (sometimes even earlier) 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 flowers.

OUR VERDICT So which should you choose? It really comes down to where your interests lay; waterfalls or whales. But at the end of the day, let’s be honest, any time of year is a great time to be cruising the Kimberley coast!

Seven Key Wonders of the Kimberley Coast

MAKE SURE YOUR EXPEDITION INCLUDES THESE ICONS Here’s our check list of the seven greatest wonders of Australia’s Kimberley Coast. When planning to go Kimberley cruising, see our hand-picked list of the best expeditions then give us a call to help you choose the cruise that is right for you, including all the must see icons!

MITCHELL FALLS (MITCHELL RIVER) Mitchell Falls is perhaps the most photographed of all of the Kimberley’s wonders. The waters of the mighty Mitchell River cascade over four tiers, with a total drop of over 80 metres. There are a number of other falls in the area well worth seeing, including Little Mertens and Big Mertens, but Mitchell Falls is the main drawcard. The Mitchell River below the falls is not navigable by expedition ship, meaning that you can’t cruise directly up to the base. Instead, you’re going to need to ‘chopper in’. Some expedition ships – such as Kimberley Quest, True North and Great Escape – carry their own private helicopters, whilst other ships call in HeliSpirit (a local operator based near the Falls) to provide scenic flights. Typically a two hour excursion, including scenic flight from the ship across the Mitchell Plateau to the falls and back, and an hour to swim in the Mitchell River (above the falls – no crocs!) and take photographs will set you back about $500 – $700 per person, but it’s well worth the expense.

MERMAID BOAB TREE (CAREENING BAY) When Phillip Parker King (that’s a name you hear a lot of in the Kimberley) careened his vessel the Mermaid for six weeks of repairs during his coastal survey in back in 1820, his carpenter carved details of their visit into a small boab tree. His inscription read:

HMC Mermaid 1820

The beach where King successfully carried out Mermaid’s repairs is known as Careening Bay, and today – over 200 years later – the twin-trunked boab tree is now twelve metres wide, the letters huge.

You can read more about the history of the Mermaid Boab Tree by clicking here .

HORIZONTAL FALLS (TALBOT BAY) According to naturalist and documentary-maker Sir David Attenborough Horizontal Falls is ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world’. Massive tidal movements create a waterfall effect as water banks up against one side of the narrow cliff passage, to be repeated again on the turning tide. The tides in this area have a ten-metre variation with the affect created by the tide building up in front of the gaps faster than it can flow through them and there can be a four-metre high waterfall between the bays. ​ Most expedition cruise operators offer you the chance to have an adrenaline-filled inflatable zodiac ride through the falls, a real thrill and a highlight of any Kimberley cruise.

MONTGOMERY REEF (CAMDEN SOUND) Imagine being anchored 20 kilometres offshore, surrounded by endless blue waters, with just a speck of the far-off horizon in the distance. Then, try to imagine the tide turning and the sea levels dropping by ten metres to expose Australia’s largest inshore reef system, Montgomery Reef. Covering 400 square kilometres, Montgomery Reef is located adjacent to Doubtful Bay and is truly Australia’s greatest marine spectacle. ​ Most expedition cruise ships time their visit to this area to coincide with the twice-daily ‘reef reveals’, and even after all my visits to the Kimberley, experiencing Montgomery Reef at low tide never disappoints.

KING CASCADES (PRINCE REGENT RIVER) Not all expedition cruises feature a visit to King Cascades, as some of the bigger 100+ passenger ships are too large to be able to ferry their guests the 27 kilometres up the Prince Regent River to the base of the falls. That’s a real pity as King Cascades is one of the most scenic locales in the Kimberley. The waterfall itself is around 40 metres tall, with the flow cascading down tiered rock formations. The falls are also spring fed, meaning water will be flowing year round. ​ Notably, back in 1987 American model Ginger Meadows famously took the plunge from a private cruiser and was tragically taken by a monster croc – who some say still patrols the Prince Regent today!

THE BRADSHAW PAINTINGS  (EAST KIMBERLEY) When Kimberley cruising you’re bound to come face to face with lots of rock art. it’s everywhere you look; on cliff faces, rock overhangs and in caves. You’ll learn that there are two types of art found in the Kimberley. The more modern (around 5,000 years) and prevalent is the Wandjina art, easily recognisable by the pale, circle spirit faces drawn without mouths. The second type of art you will see is a major drawcard for many travellers – the mysterious Bradshaw Paintings, known as ‘Gwion Gwion’ to the locals.

Named after pastoralist Joseph Bradshaw, the first European to record this distinctive style of art work back in 1891, the origin of the Bradshaw Paintings is contentious. Dating back at least 20,000 years, some experts suggest that the paintings were drawn by the forefathers of the current local indigenous people, whilst others opine that the art has an Indonesian influence, and may have been produced by early traders. Whatever the origin, these luminous, ochre figures – often decorated with tassels and ornate head-dresses are a sight to behold.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the Kimberley’ rock art you may like to visit Rock Art Australia’s website .

Download Rock Art Australia’s  introductory guide to Aboriginal Art of the Kimberley.

KING GEORGE FALLS (KING GEORGE RIVER) If you’ve seen Baz Luhrmann’s epic 2008 film Australia you might recognise King George Falls. Located in the Northern Kimberley close to the town of Wyndham, some of the shorter ‘Southern Kimberley’ expeditions don’t have time to visit these imposing twin falls, however on other expeditions the journey down the King George River is bound to be a highlight. The best time to experience these falls is at the start of the cruising season, between March and May, when the water flow is at its most powerful. After travelling twelve kilometres up river, surrounded by towering sandstone escarpments on either side, the sheer volume of water flowing over the falls creates a distant roar that grows in volume as you approach. On some expeditions the active can also join a challenging hike to the top of the falls for outstanding panoramas and photo opportunities. If witnessing the Kimberley’s waterfalls at their absolute best (right after the wet season) appeals to you, each March the Great Escape offers a nine day Waterfall Safari expedition that includes Mitchell Falls, King Cascades and King George Falls.

A day in the life... on a Kimberley Cruise

WHAT IS IT REALLY LIKE? After exploring the world on cruise ships ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 passengers, it came as quite a surprise to me to experience an expedition cruise.

The very term ‘expedition cruise’ conjures up myriad visions of abseilling down cliffs, crawling through caves or wading through a swamp. I had this vision of waking up at 5am to trek through the jungle in search of a rare bird. After eight hours of slashing our way through the jungle covered in leeches we finally come across the last pink bird of paradise in existence.

Now, it is true that you can find really strenuous and challenging expedition style holidays if you want. However, I soon found out that expedition cruising was nothing like that. The expedition cruises I have been on have been the most relaxing and enjoyable of my 30 year career in travel writing.

Let me take you through a day aboard a typical expedition cruise. Today, I have something really special for you. We are visiting one of Australia’s most iconic adventure destinations, the spectacular Horizontal Falls on Australia’s wild Kimberley Coast.

The first thing I notice on rising at 7am is the ship entering the stunning Talbot Bay with high cliffs all around. I race upstairs to get some pics and video as the sun rises over the sea. Many of my fellow expeditioners are already up, enjoying a morning walk. Breakfast is from 7.30am and is a buffet with a wide selection of goodies available. At 9am we walk on board our 72 seater expedition tender and settle in. I get there early so I can grab my favourite spot for filming and photography. We go on an exploration cruise through the many striking bays and passages of this massive inlet. ​ The water is very still on this particular day and the huge white clouds above are mirrored in the water giving an amazing photo opportunity. The tender’s engines comes to stop and we glide through the still blue water, allowing us to fully appreciate nature at its most majestic display.

We then head for the world famous Horizontal Falls which most people on board rate as the highlight of our entire cruise. The ship’s two zodiacs are waiting to us through the Falls. ​ In groups of five, clad in life jackets, plus the skipper, we climb from the explorer boat on to the zodiac. It is surprisingly easy to get aboard and perch on the outer inflatable side of the zodiac. The 12m tide is really racing through the small gap in the cliffs and looks a bit like the rapids in the Grand Canyon. We race along bumping and jumping across the angry, swirling monster. Am I scared? Not really, the exhilaration of that ride soon eliminates any second thoughts you may have about it all.

David Attenborough described the Horizontal Falls “one of the greatest natural wonders in the world”. And, as we surge through the gap at its wildest point, it’s easy to agree with the world’s most famous nature adventurer. ​ We enter a wide bay and then discover another horizontal waterfall further on which has the same intensity as the first one. Our skipper cleverly steers us through the narrow, roaring, raging gap with sheer cliffs on either side. Returning through the two falls is just as exhilarating.

Back on board the explorer tender everyone is excited about the unique adventure they have just experienced. They cheer each returning group on the zodiac and the zodiac people yell back in excitement. Surgeons from New York and CEOs from Germany are jumping and down like 10-year-olds. ​ We return to the ship just after midday and a mouth watering buffet awaits us. How the chefs on board can turn out such sumptuous food in such a small galley is beyond me. I guess it’s all forward planning and a natural talent for what their guests like to eat. Most of my fellow travellers have experienced fine dining around the world, so our ship’s chefs have to impress with their food.

At 2pm lunch is finished and we climb aboard the explorer boat for another leisurely cruise, this time to Silica Beach on Hidden Island. We revel in its white sands and crystal waters. There’s even the chance for a cooling dip. This shorter excursion is a relaxing wind down after the dramatic events of the morning. We return to the ship just after 4pm which gives everyone time to sort through their photos or have a quick nap. ​ At 5.30pm I nip up to the top bar for a cleansing ale with my fellow adventurers. At 6pm our Expedition Leader gives us a quick rundown of the day’s events including some photos of all the action. He then lets us know the plans for the next day.

Dinner is served at 6.30pm and I enjoy a nice Australian Semillon Sauvignon Blanc with a stunning seafood à la carte dinner that would compliment even the most fastidious restaurant ashore . All the talk is about the Horizontal Falls and the amazing day we have just experienced. 

​An older lady from Hornsby named Madeline on my table confesses she was ready to pull out of the zodiac ride after seeing the falls. “I never thought I’d do it even though I had dreamt about it for years. But I did it!” she said, her voice wavering. “And now I can tell my grandkids. I really achieved the dream of a lifetime” she said excitedly. The table went quite for a short time and then I lead a toast: “To Madeline!” Eight wine glasses clinked as one. “To dreams,” Madeline replied raising her glass.

After dinner I head on deck where many are enjoying the warm night air of the Kimberley. It was just one day in our lives, but what a day it was. Like many days on an expedition cruise, it is a day we will remember forever. For Madeline, the dream of a lifetime had come true that very day.

This piece was prepared by Dallas Sherringham, a media professional and world traveller. Dallas travelled aboard Coral Discoverer for this piece.

Best Ships for Kimberley Cruises

WHICH SMALL SHIPS DO WE RECOMMEND AND WHY? Over 26 years ago we designed and operated the Kimberley’s very first expedition cruises . Now, we’re using all of that experience and insider knowledge to help you choose the ship and itinerary that best suits your interests and travel style. We work with only a hand-picked portfolio of the best ships, meaning we wont try to convince you to travel on a ship carrying 100s of passengers, or one which requires a side trip to an Indonesian port purely for paperwork reasons (as is the case with some non Australian-flagged ships). Our aim is to listen to you and your desires and suggest the ship that we think best fits what you have in mind. Want to focus on the waterfalls? indigenous art? or even having a go fishing for ‘Barra’? Check out our featured ships over the following pages then give us a call to hear our expert advice to help you make the right choice.

CORAL ADVENTURER / CORAL GEOGRAPHER Launched in 2019 and 2021 respectively, these new 120- passenger small ships are being billed as the ‘world’s most advanced tropical expedition ships’.

Like their sister ship Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer are Australian-flagged and crewed, and will travel with range of excursion craft including zodiacs and two versatile Xplorer tenders.

Over half of the sixty staterooms will feature private balconies, and the ship will also impress with a light-filled lounge, single-sitting dining room and plenty of deck space to enjoy.

10 NIGHTS BROOME TO DARWIN & V.V A ten night programme between Broome & Darwin (and reverse) takes in all of the icons of the Kimberley coast. The two Xplorer tenders allow access to locations impossible to reach on similar-sized ships.

Highlights include King George Falls, Mitchell Falls, King Cascades, Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls, Raft Point, Careening Bay Boab Tree and Aboriginal Art. Knowledgeable Guest Lecturers are on hand to maximise your Kimberley experience.

CORAL DISCOVERER One of our most regularly recommended ships, the 72-passenger Coral Discoverer was launched in 2005 and was purpose-built for cruising the Kimberley Coast, Australian-flagged and crewed, Coral Discover has a flexible range of excursion craft including zodiacs and the versatile Xplorer. 

A full refurbishment in late 2016 has enhanced Coral Discoverer’s reputation even further, with public areas being completely redesigned and the addition of six balcony staterooms. Coral Discover is fully SOLAS-rated, actively stabilised and travels with an expert expedition team and guest lecturers to ensure a comprehensive Kimberley experience. ​ 10 NIGHTS BROOME TO DARWIN & V.V Coral Discoverer’s Kimberley itinerary is the blueprint for all expeditions that followed. A ten night itinerary between Broome & Darwin (and reverse) that takes in all of the icons of the Kimberley. The Xplorer allows access to locations impossible to reach on similar-sized ships. ​ Highlights include King George Falls, Mitchell Falls, King Cascades, Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls, Raft Point, Careening Bay Boab Tree and Aboriginal Art. Expert Guest Lecturers and presenters will enhance your Kimberley cruising experience.

TRUE NORTH True North features the ultimate in comfort and style. Cabins are spacious and feature modern décor, large ensuites, satellite telephones and in-cabin entertainment. Passenger numbers are limited (36) and a young Australian crew (20) provides personalised service. Multiple expedition vessels whisk guests away in small groups to experience wilderness ‘up close’ and, to add yet another dimension to adventure, most cruise options feature an onboard helicopter.

Carefully crafted itineraries allow guests opportunity to ‘experience the destination’ – daily activities can include scenic walks, helicopter flights, fishing, culture, picnics, nature, exploring and much more!

ITINERARIES True North’s most comprehensive itinerary is a 14 night journey between Broome and Wyndham, taking in all the highlights plus a few secret spots known only to the crew of True North. Fishing is also a highlight on all True North voyages in the Kimberley.

In addition to the 13 night programme you can choose shorter 10 night Waterfall Safari and seven night Snapshot and Barramundi cruises. Whichever itinerary you choose you can expect an exciting adventure in the Kimberley aboard the legendary True North.

GREAT ESCAPE With seven executive staterooms, MV Great Escape caters for up to only 14 guests. Each room is fully air-conditioned and features a queen-size bed, generous private en suite, flat screen television, DVD player and personal fridge. Guests also have access to the onboard helicopter, which provides a thrilling aerial view of the Kimberley Coast’s enchanting wilderness on the way to the most remote Indigenous art-sites, fishing spots, waterfalls, and swimming-holes.

The experienced and hospitable Australian crew is waiting to welcome you aboard, so enquire today about when you can make your next Great Escape.

ITINERARIES The Great Escape ‘s seven night Broome to Broome itinerary focuses on the spectacular gorges and icons of the southern Kimberley. Concluding at Mitchell Falls, the journey finishes with a charter flight back to Broome. The is a great Kimberley experience for guests with limited time.

There’s also an incredibly popular 8 night Waterfall Safari at the end of the wet season and a comprehensive 13 night voyage between Broome and Wyndham.

KIMBERLEY QUEST II The custom-built 25 metre Kimberley Quest II is fully air-conditioned and is equipped with a helipad, spa, comfy en suited cabins and offers indoor and outdoor alfresco areas so there will always be plenty of room to take in the scenery and breathtaking sunsets. Accommodating just 18 guests and seven Australian crew, your holiday of a lifetime can be enjoyed with fellow travellers in intimate surrounds. All cabins feature private en suites, individual air-conditioning, viewing windows, mini-refrigerators and are serviced daily by your hostess.

Carrying three excursion tenders, days are filled with myriad activities both on and off land, exploring the spectacular region with your very own local guide who has extensive knowledge of the Kimberley coastline.

ITINERARIES One of Kimberley Quest II’s most popular itineraries is the 7 Night Southern Quest. This expedition departs Broome and heads as far north as the Mitchell Falls before returning to Broome. Other highlights include the Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef, King Cascades, fishing in Camden Harbour and the Buccaneer Archipelago. ​ If you’ve got more time to enjoy the Kimberley, there’s also a 13 night expedition between Broome and Wyndham, taking in the icons of both the south and north Kimberley.

REEF PRINCE Newly-refurbished, the 36 passenger Reef Prince in an excellent choice for 11 night Kimberley cruises between Broome and Darwin. Enjoy a comprehensive itinerary on a small ship that is nimble enough to access all of the tidal rivers of the region, while offering plenty of deck space and a light-filled Dining Room and Lounge.  The 18 cabins are spread across five grades, from highly sought-after State Class cabins through to Class 4 cabins for travellers on a tighter budget. Each cabin features air-conditioning, storage space, Queen, Double or twin beds and a private en suite.

Reef Prince is also a great choice for single cruisers, with just a 20% single supplement applied across all cabin grades.

ITINERARIES Reef Prince operates comprehensive 11 night Kimberley cruises between Broome and Darwin and reverse. Small enough to access the Kimberley’s big rivers with ease, her speed ensures you can make the most of your time exploring the coastline. There’s also ample opportunity for fisherman to try their luck.

Highlights of the voyage include King George Falls, Raft Point, Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls, King Cascades and more.

ECO ABROLHOS At 35 metres in length, the Eco Abrolhos can accommodate just 32 passengers in twin share cabins with en suites on Kimberley cruises between Broome and Wyndham, (Kununurra) and Broome and Darwin and vice versa. Come and explore the magnificent Kimberley with Eco Abrolhos. This expedition ship is an ideal size with its 19 en suited cabins, including six single bunk bed cabins, four king single bunk bed cabins, one double bed bunk bed cabin, two double bed staterooms and six king bed deluxe staterooms. All rooms are air conditioned for your comfort.

Eco Abrolhos is also a great choice for single cruisers, with minimal single surcharges payable in selected cabin grades. Ask us for more details today.

ITINERARIES The Eco Abrolhos operates comprehensive 13-night Kimberley cruises between Broome and Wyndham, Broome and Darwin and reverse. Eco Abrolhos’ additional days allow time to linger, explore and fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Kimberley. Keen fisherman will also enjoy the extra time to cast a line in search of the Kimberley’s best sports fish, including barramundi and mangrove jack.

KIMBERLEY PEARL Originally built in 1979 as a pearl lugger for Paspaley Pearls, the Kimberley Pearl has been fully transformed into an intimate and stylish 12 passenger cruiser offering small group explorations of the Kimberley Coast. Six well-appointed cabins offer the ‘mod cons’ of home and feature a private en suite. The open plan living area is centred around a professional kitchen and saloon area, ready to prepare the fresh ‘catch of the day’.

There’s three excursion boats on hand, providing guests the opportunity to style their adventure around their own interests. Kimberley Pearl offers a series of scheduled Kimberley cruises and is also a great choice for a private charter when a small group of friends travel together.

ITINERARIES Kimberley Pearl offers regular seven and ten night explorations of the southern Kimberley. Both itineraries include return charter flights from Broome to Cygnet Bay, maximising time spent exploring the region. Highlights include Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls, Raft Point and plenty of time for fishing.

If you’ve got more time to enjoy the Kimberley, there’s also a 12 night ‘Kimberley Ultimate’ expedition between Wyndham and Broome, taking in the icons of both the south and north Kimberley. ​ Why not get a group together and ask about a private charter today?

HERITAGE ADVENTURER

Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the ‘Grande Dame of  Exploration’ due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purpose-built for adventure in 1991 at Finland’s Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for exploration in the remote corners of the world.

Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic), was originally designed to accommodate 184 guests. Now, after a refurbishment, Heritage Adventurer welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalised expedition experiences as Heritage Expeditions flagship.

ITINERARIES

Heritage Adventurer operates a classic Kimberley Cruise itinerary over ten nights between Darwin and Broome and vice versa. All of the major highlights and iconic sights are included, and along the way you will be guided by a knowledgeable expedition team.

WHAT NEXT – HOW TO BOOK?

Now that you know more about the options for Kimberley Cruising, give our expert team a call to talk more about the Kimberley Cruise that will best fulfill your requirements. And don’t forget to ask us about special deals and booking bonuses!

Speak to our experts today on 1800 90 20 80

Kimberley Coast (Scenic Cruising), Australia

Description.

Located in the northern part of Western Australia, Kimberley is one of the continent's earliest settled regions, dating as far back as 40,000 years. But although its mainland has been inhabited for centuries, its over 8,000 miles of ruggedly beautiful coastline remain so unspoiled that the Kimberley Coast has been identified as one of the least impacted marine environments in the world. Healthy reefs and incredible biodiversity make the Kimberley Coast a prime spot for marine wildlife viewing, from sea turtles to blue crabs, manta rays and the planet's largest population of humpback whales. Approaching the Kimberley Coast from the Indian Ocean, you'll make out dramatic red cliffs that stand out in stark contrast to the aquamarine waters of the fringing reefs below. More than 2,600 islands are scattered beyond the reefs, serving as nesting grounds to a variety of seabirds, including cormorants, giant Australian pelicans and Red-footed Boobies. The islands also provide breathtaking scenery in one of the world's most extensive coastal wilderness areas - and the best way to take it all in is from the sea!

More about Kimberley Coast (Scenic Cruising), Australia Points of Interest

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Coral Adventurer: Kimberley Cruise

Coral Adventurer accommodates 120 passengers in 60 ensuited air conditioned Staterooms, some with balconies.

She was purpose-built for the Australian cruise market – especially Kimberley cruises.

• Two trademark Xplorer tenders cradled in the back of the ship seat all passengers and facilitate comfortable shore excursions with shaded roof, comfortable forward facing seats and open views
• Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration
• Lecture lounge with multimedia capabilities for daily expedition briefings and expert presentations
• Small on-board library featuring destinations and wildlife
• Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems allowing access to locations normally closed to large cruise ships

Cruise Details

Coral Expeditions’ Kimberley cruises explore a rugged land carved by powerful forces of nature, where engorged rivers overflowing with seasonal rains cut a swathe through sandstone cliffs. Natural highlights of a Kimberley expedition include waterfalls, wildlife, and mammoth tidal streams that conceal and reveal this ancient landscape twice daily. Experience a thrilling nature-based adventure riding horizontal tidal waterfalls, splashing beneath cascading falls or swimming in freshwater rock pools, when conditions allow.

Expedition Highlights

• Experience the thrill of riding the Horizontal Falls in inflatable Zodiac tender vessels
• Get up close to Montgomery Reef and discover the tidal reef’s diverse marine life
• Experience King George River and 80m tall twin King George Waterfalls
• Cruise the Prince Regent River to the ‘hanging garden’ King Cascades waterfall
• Visit Indigenous rock art galleries and learn about ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion art
• Spot native wildlife and birdlife in their natural habitat
• View the Kimberley landscape by air on a scenic helicopter flight to Mitchell Falls (additional cost)
• Enjoy sunset canapes and drinks on the beach as dusk settles over the Kimberley
• Accommodation

All cabins are spacious and have an ensuite. Bridge deck and Explorer Deck cabins have private balconies.

• All cabins have windows and en-suite bathrooms; Bridge and Explorer Decks have private balconies
• Active stabilizers to dampen sea motion
• Gym equipped with elliptical trainers and treadmills
• Passenger elevator
• Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE

Bridge deck balcony stateroom, explorer deck balcony stateroom, promenade deck stateroom, coral deck stateroom.

• Single seating dining area with communal ‘wine table’; serving buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners
• Showcase galley visible to guests for fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian produce
• Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including the Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks with 180 degree views
• Curated wine cellar featuring modestly priced boutique wines for daily drinking and exceptional vintage Australian reds

Destination : Broome Departure : Darwin Dress Code : Casual

• National park fees
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Services of staff
• Shore excursions by tender boat
• Tea and Coffee

Not Included:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Flights to/from your cruise
• Souvenirs on board
• Optional extra helicopter flights

Depart Darwin

King George River & Falls

Vansittart Bay & DC3 Plane Crash & Jar Isalnd

Hathway’s Hideaway & Mitchell Falls

Bigge Island & Careening Bay

Prince Regent River & King Cascade

Montgomery Reef & Doubtful Bay

Horizontal Falls & Buccaneer Archipelago

Lacepede Islands

Arrive in Broome

KIMBERLEY WATERFALL SEASON FROM $9,000PP Enjoy up to 30% savings off these prices on our 2024 waterfall season.

Applicable to NEW bookings for April to June 2024 departures aboard Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer

Single Travellers *: Limited sole use occupancy available- add 50% to twin- please enquire

Cruise Fare Includes: Traditional Owners’ Fee, Meals; Shore excursions by tender boat; Crew; Services of expedition staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activities; 24 hour tea/coffee station. Beer / wine with dinner.

Not Included: Scenic helicopter flights, flights before or after the cruise.

Cruise Dates

Enquire now.

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Australia's Kimberley Expedition Cruise from Broome

Itinerary Details

Few trips to Australia reach the unique natural sights of the Kimberley. Begin in Broome, gateway to the magnificent Kimberley wilderness and enjoy a cruise to the remote Australian Outback.

Few trips to Australia truly let you unlock Western Australia’s Kimberley region, but that's what you'll be doing on this thrilling 10-night cruise, available in either direction between Darwin and Broome.

You’ll visit King George River and its spectacular 300ft high falls, the tallest single-drop waterfalls in Western Australia. See the wreckage of a US Air Force DC3, which crashed here during WWII. On JarIsland, visit a 20,000 year old outdoor art gallery. You will drop anchor in Winyalken Bay to explore Hathaway’s Hideaway, an astonishing maze of natural sandstone caves. Or take an optional scenic flight over Mitchell Plateau for a view over the spectacular Mitchell Falls.

Watch birds, sea turtles, reef sharks and other life descend upon Montgomery Reef as it slowly rises from the ocean with the fleeing tide. Visit the Buccaneer Archipelago for an exhilarating ride through the Horizontal Waterfalls, and meet the abundant bird life of the Lacapede Islands, believed to include up to 18,000 breeding pairs of Brown Boobies and Roseate Terns, along with pelicans, frigatbirds, and even the Green Turtle.

Itinerary View Trip Map

Depart darwin.

Board in Darwin at 8:00am for a 9:00am departure.

COVID pre-screenings will occur prior to boarding - please refer to final cruise documentation for location/timing details.

Coral Discoverer

Built for comfort and safety, the Coral Discoverer provides the luxury and convenience of larger cruise ships, yet with just 72 passengers, is small enough access sites beyond the reach of larger vessels. The Coral Discoverer features plenty of open deck space and air-conditioned lounge …

Built for comfort and safety, the Coral Discoverer provides the luxury and convenience of larger cruise ships, yet with just 72 passengers, is small enough access sites beyond the reach of larger vessels. The Coral Discoverer features plenty of open deck space and air-conditioned lounge areas for guest comfort. There are outdoor and indoor bars and single-seating dining indoors. Its 2016 refurbishment has brought on board amenities to an even higher level -- the Sun Deck is a new social space and hub of on board community, underneath of which is a covered deck area complete with round bar, a sundeck with lounges and an area for outdoor exercise equipment. Our captain welcomes you on the bridge to observe ship operations and have a friendly chat. Coral Discoverer excursions are made on board the specially-designed excursion vessel 'Xplorer', and a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs.

• Air Conditioning
• Laundry Facilities (Surcharge)
• Scuba Diving
• Spa/Jacuzzi

Photo gallery

More Details

King George River and Falls

Fed by the King George River draining across the Gardner Plateau, 80m tall King George Falls are the highest twin falls in Western Australia. Cruise through steep-sided gorges carved many millions of years ago to reach the base of the falls. In waterfall season, cruise under the mist of the falls by Zodiac, while in later months view the honeycomb erosion patterns of sandstone cliffs up close.

Vansittart Bay

Vansittart Bay is home to many cultural and historically significant sites like the remarkable Jar Island Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art galleries estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. Nearby on the Anjo Peninsula, you explore the well-preserved wreckage of a US Air Force C-53 Skytrooper aircraft.

Mitchell Falls, Winyalkan and Swift Bay

Carved through layers of sandstone, Mitchell Falls descends over four tiers, creating pools of emerald green on each level. An optional helicopter flight will provide a breathtaking view. At the top of the falls, sandstone terraces form a lookout from which to savour the serenity of this ancient landscape. Alternatively explore the sandstone caves of Wollaston Bay or Wollaston Creek, a maze of weathered tunnels, arches and columns that was once an Aboriginal midden. Swift Bay reveals a series of fine Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art galleries.

Prince Frederick Harbour

Prince Frederick Harbour is one of the Kimberley's most spectacular locations. The harbour is dotted with islands lined with mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of ochre-hued escarpments.

White-bellied sea eagles and other birds of prey are often seen here, and at low tide, expansive mudflats reveal large populations of mud-skippers and mangrove crabs. Cruise up Porosus Creek to spot wildlife and later explore rock art sites.

Prince Regent River and Careening Bay

Running on a fault line, this straight river is a haven for native species. Here you will visit the beautiful King Cascade, a terraced waterfall. Falling from a considerable height and around 50m across, water tumbles down a staggered terrace of Kimberley sandstone, surrounded by grasses, mosses and ferns.

See the National Heritage Listed 'Mermaid Tree' at Careening Bay. It still bears the name carved by the carpenter of Phillip Parker King's ship HMC Mermaid when the ship was repaired here in 1820.

Montgomery Reef

Montgomery Reef is a biologically diverse area covering over 300 sq km. Twice daily, as the sea recedes in mammoth tides, Montgomery Reef rises from the ocean in a cascade of rushing water, revealing a flat-topped reef. Opportunistic birds take advantage of the marine life left exposed in rock pools, while turtles and larger marine life may also be spotted. Get up close to witness the spectacle, as your Expedition Team share their knowledge on the reef and wildlife that surrounds you.

Doubtful Bay

Raft Point guards the entrance to sheltered Doubtful Bay, which harbours significant sites such as the ancient Wandjina rock art galleries. Doubtful Bay is the traditional country of the Worrora people who follow the Wandjina, and these stories, knowledge and culture have been recorded in stone for millennia.

Visit Red Cone Creek, which flows gently downstream until it meets Ruby Falls. Climb up rock formations like building blocks, to reach the freshwater swimming hole. Other sites you may visit in Doubtful Bay include the mighty Sale River and Steep Island.

Horizontal Falls and Buccaneer Archipelago

Due to the mammoth tides for which the Kimberley is renowned for, the Horizontal Falls are created as the ocean thunders through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. As the tide changes, water is forcibly pushed through the bottleneck, creating a rushing horizontal waterfall of swiftly flowing seawater. Experience a heart-pumping ride through the rapids aboard the Zodiacs.

In the spectacular Buccaneer Archipelago, you will see evidence of massive geological forces in the ancient rock formations as you cruise through the Iron Islands, past Koolan Island, and enjoy sunset drinks at Nares Point.

The Lacepedes

A Class-A nature reserve, these islands are a rookery for brown boobies and roseate terns as well as other species of birds. The four low-lying islands are also an important breeding and nesting habitat for green turtles, which are commonly spotted. If tidal conditions allow, explore the lagoons by Zodiac.

At 8:00am your unforgettable cruise along the Kimberley coast concludes in Broome.

A post cruise transfer to the city or airport is included.

Other Information

Departures:.

2022 - Coral Discoverer: Aug 19; Sep 9 2023 - Coral Discoverer:  Apr 4; May 5, 26; Jun 16; Jul 7, 28; Aug 18; Sep 8

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Accommodation as indicated
• Services of expedition staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations and other group activities
• Captain's welcome and farewell cocktail functions
• Group transfers during the cruise
• Meals as indicated
• 24 hour tea/coffee station
• Landing fees
• Australian Government Goods & Services Tax

PRICE EXCLUDES:

• Travel insurance
• International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
• Visa fees if applicable
• Meals and beverages not specifcally indicated
• Items of a personal nature
• Arrival and departure transfers

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.

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Why the best way to see Australia is on a cruise

K nown for its epic road and rail trips through the vast, open countryside of the dusty Outback , Australia is often overlooked by Brits as a cruise destination. Yet the world’s largest island has over 37,000 miles of coastline fronting the Southern, Pacific and Indian Oceans, plus various smaller seas. Even the locals know the appeal of the sea, with 85 per cent of Australians living within 50km of the coast.

As a result, almost every kind of cruise imaginable can be found here; be it on a mega-ship with stacks of facilities; a boutique brand with a more refined air; a luxurious riverboat; or an expedition ship that can venture to truly out-of-the-way places. And with most of Australia's key attractions and cities scattered around its fringes, explorations by cruise (preferably topped and tailed with land-based touring) can pack any number of Down Under wonders into a single trip.

I've been lucky enough to visit Australia more than a dozen times, and some of my greatest memories are of experiences that I've had from the deck of a ship. I once set sail to New Zealand from Sydney, with the tiles atop the Opera House gleaming in the sunshine as we passed, and far from land on the Great Barrier Reef, I leaned over the railings to marvel at its underwater patchwork of cobalt and turquoise in an otherwise midnight-blue sea. 

Perhaps the most incredible experience of all was a cruise in the Kimberley : the little-visited wilderness region at the top of Western Australia. It's vast and sparsely populated – bigger than Britain but with fewer residents than a mid-sized English town – and its attractions are so remarkable that they would be crowded with visitors were they easier to access. But on a small-ship sailing with Coral Expeditions, I was one of just 120 guests exploring the waterfalls, reefs and ancient rock art for which the Kimberley is famed.

At the uninhabited Lacepede Islands, we saw seabirds and turtles in mind-boggling numbers. In Talbot Bay, we powered through one-of-a-kind Horizontal Falls in a Zodiac. And at Montgomery Reef, we watched a coral-encrusted plateau seemingly rise from the sea on a falling tide. 

It wasn’t only the epic landscapes and their intriguing wildlife – humpback whales, lemon sharks, saltwater crocs – that impressed. Etched in my memory is the experience of first seeing the Wandjina (ancient rock art). These alien beings stare down from rock art galleries across the region: a symbol of the oldest continuous culture on the planet, and of the Indigenous people's long connection to the land. A land littered with surprises best experienced by boat. 

Classic Kimberley 

Remote, isolated and with little infrastructure for land-based journeys, there are few parts of the world as suited to expedition cruises as the Kimberley. Explore it with Coral Expeditions – the pioneers of cruising in the region – on a formula perfected over four decades of operations. Itineraries are timed to experience key sites at optimal tidal phases: expect to see Montgomery Reef being drained by dozens of miniature cascades, and Horizontal Falls at its powerful best.

How to do it

Ten-night cruises between Darwin and Broome with Coral Expeditions operate between April and September and cost from £3,965pp; excludes flights.

Aussie icons

Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef are two of Australia’s most recognisable icons. Experience both with Princess Cruises, whose journeys up the eastern seaboard from Sydney to tropical North Queensland stop in Cairns for reef and Daintree Rainforest excursions, and Airlie Beach, gateway to the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands. 

How to do it 

A 16-night Sydney & Queensland Showcase cruise-and-stay from Cruise Kings (0800 197 8050) includes an 11-night round-trip cruise from Sydney aboard Majestic Princess and a three-night pre-cruise Sydney stay from £2,799pp. Departs January 26 & March 26 2024;  departs September 8 2023; includes flights. . 

Southern comforts

Make the festive season extra-special on a cruise along Australia’s entire south coast, taking in nine ports of call. Esperance, Adelaide, Cape Le Grand National Park and Kangaroo Island are among the highlights, with shore excursion that include wine tastings and local wildlife sightings. Better still, spend Christmas Day at sea before arriving in Sydney for a two-night stay that coincides with New Year’s Eve.

The 14-night Australia Intensive Voyage from Perth to Melbourne with Azamara Cruises (0344 4934016) departs December 21 2023 & December 20 2024 and costs from £2,859pp. Excludes flights. 

Over the top 

Nobody is more qualified to share Australia’s stories than its traditional owners and custodians. On a voyage through remote Barrier Reef islands en route to Cape York and Arnhem Land, you will meet indigenous Torres Strait islanders and other Aboriginal peoples to experience their culture, art and homelands, including Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. Along the way, spy dugongs, turtles, saltwater crocodiles and the birdlife of Kakadu’s wetlands.

A 13-night Australia's Top End cruise from Cairns to Darwin with Scenic (0808 273 6069; scenic.co.uk ) departs April 28 2024 and costs from £11,108pp. Excludes flights. 

Murray river flow 

River cruises are rare down under, ­making an active experience on the mighty Murray – the nation’s principal waterway – all the more remarkable. Murray River Trails offers short cruises aboard a 12-berth houseboat, with a daily programme of guided walks and activities. The small-group, into-the-wild nature of the experience lends itself to wildlife encounters, with sightings of echidnas, emus, koalas and ­unusual native birds all possible. It is a fascinating insight into authentic inland Australia.

The three-night Murray River Walk departs May–Sep and costs from £1,500pp. Excludes flights. 

Kim and swim

The Kimberley may have beguiling blue waters, but dips in the sea are foolhardy (and forbidden) due to the dangerous saltwater crocodiles that call the region home. Sidestep that inconvenience on a voyage with Ponant, which combines classic Kimberley elements ­(Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls) with the little-visited Rowley Shoals – one of the world’s most sensational snorkelling and diving destinations. Located west of Broome, in the Timor Sea, these croc-free coral atolls brim with colourful sea life.

An eight-night cruise round-trip from Broome departs September 8 2023 and costs from £11,835pp through Mundy Adventures (020 7399 7630; mundyadventures.co.uk ); includes flights. 

Queensland immersion 

Take a deep dive down under on a Great Barrier Reef & Beyond itinerary with Windstar Cruises. This holiday is particularly good for wildlife-lovers. Look out for wedge-tailed shearwaters, sooty terns and noddies while passing Willis Island; spot dingoes on sandy Fraser Island; and cuddle a koala at Australia Zoo (established by the late Steve Irwin). Show-stopping Whitehaven Beach is an unforgettable trip highlight.

An 11-night sailing from Cairns to Melbourne with Windstar Cruises (0808 178 2233; windstarcruises.com ) departs December 6 2023 and costs from £7,499pp. Includes flights and pre-cruise overnight in Cairns. 

Western wonders 

Unlike the Barrier Reef, which clings to the continental shelf, magnificent Ningaloo Reef fringes Western Australia’s coast. Discover it and the archipelagos of Abrolhos, Monte Bello and Dampier on a small-ship expedition that mixes snorkelling and shipwrecks with whale-watching and indigenous rock art. Enhance the experience by foraging and fishing for mud crabs and oysters, or take sightseeing to new heights in the ship’s helicopter. 

How to do it  

The 10-night West Coast Explorer cruise with True North sails from Fremantle to Dampier on March 7 2024 and costs from £12,208pp. Excludes flights

Island state

Raw nature meets colonial history and premium produce in Tasmania, not to mention one-of-a-kind wildlife such as white wallabies and Tasmanian devils. Sip local cool-climate wines and visit the likes of Bruny Island and Wineglass Bay while sailing from Hobart. The cruise is complemented with a self-drive exploration of the island’s west and north coast regions.

A 17-night holiday with Tasmanian Odyssey (01534 735449) combining Coral Expeditions' 10-night Coastal Wilds or Coastal Treks cruise with a 7-night self-drive land tour costs from £5,475pp. Departs Jan–Feb 2024 & 2025; excludes flights. 

All the way

Go all out and see more of the continent on a full circumnavigation of the vast island. Sail the Coral, Timor and Tasman Seas, the Indian Ocean and the Great Australian Bight on an odyssey starting and finishing in Sydney. Travelling via every coastal state and territory, ports of call include cosmopolitan Melbourne, tropical Darwin, lively Fremantle and Phillip Island with its unforgettable koala and penguin encounters. 

A 34-night Australian Panorama sailing with Oceania Cruises is available through Mundy Cruising (020 7399 7670; mundycruising.co.uk ) from £8,729pp, including flights. Departs December 22 2024.

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