Author Archives: Andrew Castles

 

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.

 

 

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

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

 

Will my Kimberley Cruise Still Include Horizontal Falls?

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Scroll Down for Last Minute Deals on 2024 European Summer Cruises

 

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

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

 

 

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

 

Swan Hellenic 'In Shackleton's Footsteps' Expedition

 

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

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

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

 

SH Diana - 19 January to 05 February 2026

SH Vega - 06 to 23 February 2026

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Other Swan Hellenic 2025/26 Antarctica Earlybird Cruises

 

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

 

10 Day Antarctica Peninsula Discovery

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

 

SH Diana - See Itinerary & Pricing

SH Vega - See Itinerary & Pricing

 

12 Day Weddell Sea Discovery

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

 

SH Diana - See Itinerary & Pricing

SH Vega - See Itinerary & Pricing

 

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

 

 

Swan Hellenic’s Expedition Fleet

 

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Last Minute European Cruise Deals 2024

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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