Author Archives: Andrew Castles

 

 

SAVE UP TO 15% ON 2026 ARANUI 5 FRENCH POLYNESIA CRUISES

 

For over 30 years one of the most unique ways to experience the islands of Tahiti and beyond has been a cruise aboard the ‘half cargo / half passenger’ ships operated by Aranui Cruises. They have been taking avid adventurers on one of the most fascinating voyages anywhere on the planet and Aranui 5, the crown jewel in their pursuit of the ultimate passenger-freighter, will take you to far-flung corners of French Polynesia. Along the way, the ship will stop to resupply tiny communities living far from civilisation with everyday items such as new refrigerators, televisions and motor vehicles. 

Schedules for the 2026 Aranui 5 cruising season have just been released, and there's Earlybird Savings of 10% and 15% available when you book and deposit your 2026 French Polynesia by 31 December 2024.

 

 

 

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

 

Check out Aranui 5’s 2026 schedule below. There’s a series of the ever-popular 12-day Marquesas Islands cruises on offer, plus four Discovery Cruises to the rarely-visited Austral Islands. 

 

Aranui 5's 2026 Cruise Schedules

The following departures are available with these special fares. All cruises depart from and return to Papeete.

 

See the Marquesas Islands Itinerary

See the Austral Islands Itinerary 

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 17 January 2026

Arrives: 28 January 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 31 January 2026

Arrives: 11 February 2026

 

13 Day Austral Islands Discovery Cruise

Departs: 14 February 2026

Arrives: 26 February 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 28 February 2026

Arrives: 11 March 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 14 March 2026

Arrives: 25 March 2026

 

13 Day Austral Islands Discovery Cruise

Departs: 28 March 2026

Arrives: 09 April 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 11 April 2026

Arrives: 22 April 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 25 April 2026

Arrives: 06 May 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 09 May 2026

Arrives: 20 May 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 30 May 2026

Arrives: 10 June 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 13 June 2026

Arrives: 24 June 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 04 July 2026

Arrives: 15 July 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 18 July 2026

Arrives: 29 July 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 01 August 2026

Arrives: 12 August 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 15 August 2026

Arrives: 26 August 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 29 August 2026

Arrives: 09 September 2026

 

13 Day Austral Islands Discovery Cruise

Departs: 12 September 2026

Arrives: 24 September 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 26 September 2026

Arrives: 07 October 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 10 October 2026

Arrives: 21 October 2026

 

13 Day Austral Islands Discovery Cruise

Departs: 24 October 2026

Arrives: 05 November 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 07 November 2026

Arrives: 18 November 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 21 November 2026

Arrives: 02 December 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 05 December 2026

Arrives: 16 December 2026

 

12 Day Marquesas Islands

Departs: 19 December 2026

Arrives: 30 December 2026

 

 

 

2026 Earlybird Fares for the 12-day Marquesas Islands Cruise

Save up to $2,986 per couple!

All prices are in Australian Dollars, and are per person, twin share, unless otherwise stated. These Earlybird Fares are valid for new bookings only on 2026 cruises made between 26 July and 31 December 2024 or until sold out. 

 

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

$13,996 Per Person

 

ROYAL SUITE

$11,106 Per Person

 

PREMIUM SUITE 

$10,182 Per Person

 

JUNIOR SUITE

$9,974 Per Person

 

SUPERIOR DELUXE

$9,823 Per Person

 

DELUXE 

$9,114 Per Person

 

STATEROOM 

$7,419 Per Person

 

SINGLE STATEROOM 

$10,160 Per Person (no Single Supplement)

 

CLASS C DORMITORY

$4,630 Per Person (no Single Supplement)

 

 

 

 

2026 Earlybird Fares for the 13-day Austral Islands Discovery Cruise

Save up to $4,692 per couple!

All prices are in Australian Dollars, and are per person, twin share, unless otherwise stated. These Earlybird Fares are valid for new bookings only on 2026 cruises made between 26 July and 31 December 2024 or until sold out. 

 

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

$13,857 Per Person

 

ROYAL SUITE

$10,997 Per Person

 

PREMIUM SUITE 

$10,084 Per Person

 

JUNIOR SUITE

$9,695 Per Person

 

SUPERIOR DELUXE

$9,479 Per Person

 

DELUXE 

$8,796 Per Person

 

STATEROOM 

$7,412 Per Person

 

SINGLE STATEROOM 

$10,149 Per Person (no Single Supplement)

 

CLASS C DORMITORY

$4,625 Per Person (no Single Supplement)

 

To book your 2026 Aranui Cruises French Polynesia cruise call the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 or fill in the form below and one of our team will contact you shortly to discuss this special offer.

 

Have a question or would like a call from our experts?

 

 

Read the Review: Marilyn & Bob  have just returned from their 12-day Marquesas Islands cruise aboard Aranui 5, read their review.

 

 

It used to be that a cruising expedition in the Amazon Rainforest required not just a sense of adventure, but also the ability to ‘rough it’ on ships that had seen much better days. But now in 2024 - with new ships featuring all the mod cons seemingly being launched every year - you can still have all the adventure of an Amazon expedition, whilst travelling on some of the most stylish small ships in the world.

So, we got to thinking about which of these ships offers the most spectacular suites that will leave you picking your jaw up from the floor whilst simultaneously adding an Amazon expedition to your travel bucket list! We’ve done all the hard work for you and narrowed down the choices to rank what we think are the five most opulent suites on the Amazon tin 2024!

Here’s our countdown – be warned though, the WOW factor is high!

 

Number 5

The Ship: Anakonda

The Suite: Deluxe Suite

 

 

Coming in at Number 5 on our countdown is the only ship that’s not found in Peru, the stylish Anakonda. Launched in 2013, the 40-passenger Anakonda is a luxury boutique Amazon riverboat that winds its way through Ecuador's 'El Oriente' Amazon region, operating in the upper basins of the Napo and Aguarico Rivers, taking in Limoncocha Wildlife Reserve and Yasuni National Park - Ecuador’s largest protected animal reserve. 

Anakonda’s four spacious Deluxe Suites come in at a generous 24 square metres in size (around 260 square feet) and feature floor to ceiling windows providing panoramic views of the passing river and rainforest. Each Deluxe Suite offers a choice of bedding configuration, a private balcony an en suite with whirlpool bath.

 

See Anakonda Amazon Expeditions

 

 

 

 

Number 4

The Ship: Aria Amazon

The Suite: Design Suite

 

 

Designed by the innovative Peruvian architect Jordi Puig, all 16 Design Suites on the Aria Amazon measure a spacious 23 square metres (250 square feet), meaning there’s plenty of room to sit back and relax. Floor to ceiling windows offer uninterrupted viewing of the passing river scenery, polished timber flooring adds to the ambience and of course each suite has individually controlled air-con. The en suite bathrooms feature a rain shower and luxurious, organic bath amenities incorporating the latest eco-sensitive technology.

Soft lighting, natural fibres and neutral hues create a relaxing and luxuriously comfortable enclave where one’s only challenge may be to decide whether to gaze upon the Amazon from atop the California king size bed, dressed with 100% Peruvian cotton high thread count sheets or while lounging on the cozy window-side day bed, binoculars in hand.

 

See Aria Amazon Expedition

 

 

 

 

Number 3

The Ship: Aqua Nera

The Suite: Design Suite

 

 

Drawing inspiration (and her name) from the black water lagoons of the Peruvian Amazon, the award-winning Aqua Nera boasts exquisite design by renowned architects Noor Design. Like her sister-ship Aria Amazon, Aqua Nera’s interiors exude refined elegance, marrying contemporary design with local heritage and vibrant cultures of Portugal, Spain, and Peru.

Launched in 2021, Aqua Nera’s 20 Design Suites feature premium fittings and bedding, as well as central air-conditioning and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows to admire the endless beauty of the Amazon River while the beautifully-appointed en suite features a spacious walk-in shower and overhead rain-shower.

 

See Aqua Nera Expeditions

 

 

 

Number 2

The Ship: Delfin III

The Suite: Owner's Suite

 

 

The 44-guest Delfin III was launched in October 2015 - making it one of the most modern riverboats operating in Peru's Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. The Owner’s Suite has the most spacious interior of all the cabins. Located on the second deck in the front of the ship, guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the expansive river through 180 degrees of floor-to-ceiling windows. Added amenities include: one complimentary 30-minute spa treatment per guest, stocked minibar, scented bath upon request and complimentary laundry.

Awaken to a breathtaking vista from the comfy bed, complete with luxurious Peruvian linens and European duvet. A cosy sofa is positioned to allow for reading, whilst keeping a close eye on the passing scenery. A standalone bathtub really turns up the feeling of luxury. 

 

See Delfin III Expeditions

 

 

 

Number 1

The Ship: Delfin I

The Suite: Deluxe Suite

 

 

For several years now it’s been our favourite Amazon suite, and even with the arrival of some new contenders we still think Delfin I’s Deluxe Suite has more WOW factor than any of its nearest rivals. 

With interior space measuring 34 square metres (360 square feet), there is plenty of space to enjoy, even before you consider the additional 32 square metres on the private terrace. The cool water plunge pool is a real jaw-dropper and makes Delfin I the first and only river vessel with this luxurious feature.

Located on the main deck, the two spacious Deluxe Suites feature a king size bed that are wrapped by 180° panoramic windows stretching from floor to ceiling, a mini bar, in-suite seating area with a sofa bed, fine Peruvian cotton linens, environmentally friendly amenities, silent A/C units, hot water, hair dryer, safe deposit box and internal communications system. Delfin Amazon Cruises is the first cruise line to become an exclusive Relais & Châteaux member, in recognition of their outstanding service and commitment to excellence.

 

See Delfin I Expeditions

 

 

 

Sign up to our monthly e-news to receive more articles like this and the latest information on adventure and expedition cruising directly from us.

 

 

Read the full Wild Islands of South Australia Itinerary

 

See more about Coral Adventurer

 

For a limited time you can SAVE 25% off normal prices when you discover South Australia’s wild islands and remote peninsulas aboard the state-of-the-art small ship Coral Adventurer. Departing during October & November 2024, this exciting expedition is brimming with spectacular bays and towering sea cliffs. You’ll learn about the flora, fauna, and history of these remote island habitats and national parks on guided coastal walks with a knowledgeable expedition team. You’ll be able to enjoy invigorating ocean swims, close-up encounters with native Australian wildlife, and the opportunity to savour the fresh seafood for which this region of South Australia is renowned.

 

 

 

 

Starting and finishing in Adelaide, over 10-nights you’ll discover some of the best-kept secrets of the southern Australian coastline. With 5,000km of deserted shoreline and more than 300 islands, this area offers a diversity of natural wilderness which remains wild and unspoilt. Experience a real sense of adventure and a vast array of wildlife – many of the islands are important sanctuaries for birds, kangaroos, wallabies, seals and sea lions. Along the way, indulge in the tastes of South Australia with fresh local seafood and wines complemented with our traditional warm Australian hospitality. 

 

• Get up close to wild sea lion colony on the beach at Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island
• Collect and shuck your own oysters fresh from the sea at Coffin Bay
• Enjoy sunset sailing past the stunning coastal formations of Cape Jervis and Kangaroo Island
• Discover the seafood capital of Australia, Port Lincoln, and sample freshly caught local fare at a wine tasting
• Meet the abalone divers of Eyrewoolf Abalone and taste pan-seared green-lip abalone on the beach at Flinders Island
• Be rewarded with striking views on South Australia’s coastal walking trails on the Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas
• Take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters of Reevesby Island in the Sir Joseph Banks Group
• Learn from our Guest Lecturers of the fascinating exploration history of Matthew Flinders and Nicolas Baudin
• Visit some of South Australia’s most historic lighthouses at Cape Willoughby and Cape Donington and learn their stories

 

 

 

 

And while you’re note discovering ashore, you’ll be enjoying the onboard comforts of the state-of-the-art Coral Adventurer. Accommodating no more than 120 travellers, Coral Adventurer has been purpose built for discovering the oceans and coasts of Australia and the South Pacific. Choose from a range of stylish staterooms, from the lead-in Coral Deck Stateroom, up to the beautifully-appointed Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms, which offer views of the coastline. There’s ample deck space from which to take in the panorama, and spacious lounge and dining areas to enjoy. You’ll also travel with the ‘best expedition team in the business’ and an outstanding Australian crew.

 

 

 

 

2024 Departure Dates & Prices

Our special offer is available on the following three departure dates.

 

31 October to 10 November 2024

10 to 20 November 2024

20 to 30 November 2024

 

Discounted Cruise Fares

All prices are per person, twin share in Australian Dollars. Enquire for single traveller prices.

Choose from a range of onboard accommodation and take advantage of some great savings. 

 

Coral Deck Stateroom - $5,032.00

Promenade Deck Stateroom - $5,895.00

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom - $7,785.00

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - $8,610.00

 

 

 

 

Cruise Prices Include:

 

• All excursions with the Expedition Team
• Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
• Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
• Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
• All meals, chef-prepared on board
• 10-night accommodation aboard Coral Adventurer
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
• Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
• All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
• Tips and gratuities
• Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
• Expedition diary, along with a photo and video gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
• Post-cruise transfers
• Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging

 

Ready to book your 10-night Wild Islands of South Australia expedition? Contact the team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 or fill in our contact form to receive a call back from one of our expert team.

 

Terms & Conditions: This special offer is available when you book through Expedition Cruise Specialists after 01 July 2024. The special offer can not be combined with any other offer and is valid for new bookings only. Offer excludes Bridge Deck Suites.

 

 

2025 Broome Staircase to the Moon Dates

 

Planning a Kimberley cruise but would like to tie it in with one of Broome’s most popular natural attractions, the famed Staircase to the Moon? Below we’ve put together a list of upcoming ‘Staircase dates’ that you will be able to view this natural phenomenon, and our team will be more than happy to assist in helping you line this event up with the ideal Kimberley Cruise.

The first thing to consider is that the Staircase is visible only three nights each month, when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats of Broome’s Roebuck Bay.  The phenomenon appears when light reflected from the moon onto the mudflats creates an illusion of a staircase from the beach rising directly to the full moon.

On selected ‘Staircase nights’, locals and travellers alike are drawn to the Broome’s Town Beach– not to be confused with Cable Beach – to take in all the action and festivities of the Town Beach Staircase Markets. Full of local colour and atmosphere, there’s stalls offering homemade jewellery, arts and crafts, homewares and much more. After a stroll around the stalls you will be able to sit back and enjoy the sounds of some of Broome’s best musicians while you sample the Tastes of Broome cuisine. 

Staircase can be viewed Town Beach, which is located in town at the end of Robinson Street. Or, if you’re lucky enough to be staying at the Mangrove Hotel, you’ll be able to take in the staircase from the hotel’s stylish Bay Club. If you’re accommodation is located out at Cable Beach you will need to head into town to experience the staircase.

Check out the 2025 Staircase to the Moon dates below and ask us how you can combine your 2025 Kimberley Cruises with a stay in Broome during Staircase to the Moon.

In 2025 there will also be an extra special astronomical event visible in Broome. In the late hours (commencing at 11.28pm) of 07 September a Total Lunar Eclipse will occur, the maximum eclipse due at 2.11am on the morning of 08 September and concluding at 4.55am.

 

March 2025
Saturday 15th at 6.40pm

Sunday 16th at 7.15pm

Monday 17th at 7.45pm

 

April 2025
Monday 14th at 6.21pm

Tuesday 15th at 6.59pm

Wednesday 16th at 8:11pm

 

May 2025
Monday 14th at 6.26pm

Tuesday 15th at 7.17pm

Wednesday 16th at 8.11pm

 

June 2025
Thursday 12th at 6.06pm

Friday 13th at 7.03pm

Saturday 14th at 8.01pm

 

July 2025
Friday 11th at 5.53pm

Saturday 12th at 6.52pm

Sunday 13th at 7.49pm

 

August 2025
Sunday 10th at 6.37pm

Monday 11th at 7.34pm

Tuesday 12th at 8.31pm

 

September 2025
Monday 8th at 6.19pm

Tuesday 9th at 7.18pm

Wednesday 10th at 8.18pm

 

October 2025
Wednesday 8th at 7.04pm

Thursday 9th at 8.13pm

Friday 10th at 9.19pm

 

 

BOOK YOUR CALEDONIAN SKY FIJI CRUISE AND SAVE BIG!

 

See list of cruise dates & itineraries

 

For a limited time, you can save up to $9,876 per couple when you join Caledonian Sky on seven night Fiji cruises departing until the end of her Fijian cruising season in November 2024.

Available across a range of itineraries, from the classic 7-night Mamanuca & Yasawa cruise, through to discovery expeditions including Remote North, Southern Lau, Ultimate Lau and Kadavu, these special offers are available until sold out.

 

Special prices on 7-night cruises are as follows (per person, twin share in Australian Dollars):

 

Standard Suite Forward

Normally: $7,693 per person

Now: $4,396 per person

 

Standard Suite

Normally: $8,043 per person

Now: $4,596 per person

 

Superior Suite

Normally: $9,093 per person

Now: $5,196 per person

 

Premium Suite

Normally: $9,443 per person

Now: $5,396 per person

 

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Normally: $10,493 per person

Now: $5,996 per person

 

Premium Balcony Suite

Normally: $10,843 per person

Now: $6,196 per person

 

Owner's Corner Balcony Suite

Normally: $11,522 per person

Now: $6,584 per person

 

 

 

 

Discover Fiji in Style aboard Caledonian Sky

 

The islands of Fiji are ideally suited to small-ship expedition cruising, and November 2023 marked a new era of luxury cruise experiences never before seen in Fiji when Captain Cook Cruises Fiji announced that the 110-passenger MS Caledonian Sky would be joining their fleet.

In addition to Captain Cook’s classic, ever-popular, 3, 4 & 7 night Mamanuca & Yasawa Islands cruises, the new ship allows an expanded focus on Discovery Cruises, which take travellers to far-flung and rarely-visited locations throughout the Fijian archipelago, such as the Lau group and Kadavu. Perhaps most exciting of all however, is the announcement that Caledonian Sky will undertake a series of 14-night Tongan expeditions from Nadi. These new expeditions will showcase colourful reefs, pristine beaches, authentic island and cultural visits, and the opportunity to swim with whales during the whale migration in Tonga.

 

 

The name Caledonian Sky might be familiar to expedition cruising aficionados, the ship having previously operated for Noble Caledonia and Australia’s APT in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.  She is tailor-made for the adventurous traveller, offering sophisticated surrounds and spacious suites, with a capacity of just 110 passengers. Travellers will be able to dine al fresco or in the dining room. There are two elegant lounges to choose from as well as a panoramic Sky Deck. 

All suites offer ocean views or balconies and are spread over four decks. Features include a sitting room area and en suite bathroom. There’s also walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, a mini-fridge, flatscreen television, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating, bottled water, dressing gowns and slippers.

 

 

With the introduction of Caledonian Sky, Captain Cook Cruises is also ramping up the expedition experience. In addition to the ten inflatable Zodicas that allow access to even the most remote villages and islands, Caledonian Sky is equipped with kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and a Padi SCUBA diving department.

There's also an expanded team of marine biologists and cultural experts onboard all cruises, providing personalised guiding and lectures to enhance the expedition experience. They will provide you with a deeper experience and understanding of the cultures of Fiji and the Pacific as well as its rich marine life and ecosystems. 

 

 

Caledonian Sky Fiji Itineraries

Choose from a number of small ship itineraries throughout Fiji.

For those short of time, 3 , 4 & 7 night expeditions depart Nadi for the Yasawa & Mamanuca Island groups, while longer Discovery cruises visit Fiji’s Remote North and the rarely-visited Lau & Kadavu island groups.

 

 

JUST RELEASED & SPECIAL OFFER

 

14 Nights Fiji & Tonga aboard Caledonian Sky

See the Itinerary

 

Fiji to Tonga

Departs Nadi: 17 August 2024

Arrives Tongatapu: 31 August 2024

 

Tonga to Fiji

Departs Tongatapu: 31 August 2024

Arrives Nadi: 14 September 2024

 

 

 

Special prices on these 14-night cruises are as follows (per person, twin share in Australian Dollars):

 

Standard Suite Forward

Normally: $15,386 per person

Now: $8,792 per person

 

Standard Suite

Normally: $16,086 per person

Now: $9,192 per person

 

Superior Suite

Normally: $18,186 per person

Now: $10,392 per person

 

Premium Suite

Normally: $18,886 per person

Now: $10,792 per person

 

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Normally: $20,986 per person

Now: $11,992 per person

 

Premium Balcony Suite

Normally: $21,686 per person

Now: $12,392 per person

 

Owner's Corner Balcony Suite

Normally: $23,044 per person

Now: $13,168 per person

 

All cruise fares include:

*All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) with complimentary house beer, wine and soft drinks served during lunch and dinner *Expedition team of Marine Biologists, cultural experts and Ocean Ambassador program. *Guided island, village, school and shore excursions. *Snorkelling (equipment provided), kayaking and SUP,  *Kava (Yaqona) ceremony and tropical Lovo feast *Transfers from the ship to most Nadi/Denarau hotels and *Complimentary 24hr tea/coffee/filtered water.

 

 

 

 

To find out more about Caledonian Sky’s range of itineraries, or to book your expedition, call the team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 or email us.

 

See more about Caledonian Sky

 

 

Special offer Terms & Conditions: Valid for new bookings only made with Expedition Cruise Specialists until sold out. The discount is not combinable with any other saving or promotion. Cruise prices are cruise only and do not included flights and hotels.