Expedition Cruise News & Views

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

 

2025 Eco Abrolhos Kimberley Cruise Schedule

 

Broome to Wyndham - 15 to 28 May 2025

 

Wyndham to Broome - 30 May to 12 June 2025

 

Broome to Wyndham - 14 to 27 June 2025

 

Wyndham to Broome - 29 June to 12 July 2025

 

Broome to Wyndham - 14 to 27 July 2025 

 

Wyndham to Broome - 29 July to 11 August 2025 

 

Broome to Wyndham - 13 to 26 August 2025 

 

Wyndham to Broome - 28 August to 10 September 2025

 

 

2025 Kimberley Cruise Prices:

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

*****

 

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

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

 

 

Why The Eco Abrolhos Itinerary?

At Eco Abrolhos we don’t offer seven or nine day 'Snapshots' or even five day 'Tasters', all eight of our annual Kimberley cruises are the same duration – 13 nights – and this is for a very important reason. We pride ourselves on taking each guest on a complete Kimberley journey – starting at Broome and finishing at Wyndham or vice versa. By visiting the key sites regularly the Eco crew know the hotspots, where’s safe to swim, where the wildlife lives, the best fishing holes and where to find the largest variety of birdlife.

Our 13 night journeys are not just thrown together on the run. These expeditions are planned over 18 months in advance to correspond exactly with the best tides and moon phases for each voyage. The 13 night duration also enables Eco Abrolhos to set off on a spring tide (the largest tides) and finish 14 days later also on a spring tide. This planning is critical to provide the ship the greatest water depth (and assistance from the currents) to get into places like the Berkeley and King George rivers and give our guests the maximum “Wow factor” and water movement at iconic locations such as Horizontal Falls and Montgomery Reef, all of which are at the start or end of each expedition.

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

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

 

 

Eco Abrolhos's expedition tenders

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

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

 

 

Fishing aboard the Eco Abrolhos

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

 

 

Indigenous Rock Art

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

 

 

Hikes and exploring ashore

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

 

 

And that's not all.....

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

 

 

See more about the Eco Abrolhos

 

 

 

 

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

 

Reef Prince offers an Intimate and Stylish Experience

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Read what our travellers say about their Reef Prince Kimberley Cruise

 

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

 

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

Shirley & David – QLD

 

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

Lisa – NSW

 

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

Donna - USA

 

 

 

 

2025 Reef Prince Kimberley Schedules & Prices

 

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

 

Broome to Darwin – 2025

Click here to see the Reef Prince Broome to Darwin Itinerary

 

20 March –31 March

17 April – 28 April

12 May – 23 May

07 June – 18 June

03 July – 14 July

29 July – 09 August

24 August – 04 September

19 September – 30 September

 

Darwin to Broome – 2025

Click here to see the Reef Prince Darwin to Broome Itinerary

 

03 April – 14 April

30 April – 10 May

25 May – 05 June

20 June – 01 July

16 July – 27 July 

11 August – 22 August

06 September – 17 September

02 October – 13 October

 

 

 

 

2025 Reef Prince Kimberley Cruise Fares

 

Click here to see the Reef Prince Cabin descriptions

 

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

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

 

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

 

Your cruise price includes:

·       Accommodation in selected room grade for 11 nights

·       Transfer from CBD hotels to Reef Prince

·       Cruise transportation to your post-cruise hotel or Airport

·       All meals on board

·       Fast boat ride through the Horizontal Waterfalls

·       Facilities, port & handling charges

·       Excursions and tender transfers as described in the itinerary

·       Government Fees & Taxes.

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Call Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 to take advantage of these big savings!

 

For a limited time, you can save thousands when you join the unique Aranui 5 on her 2024 Discovery Cruises to both Pitcairn Island and the Austral Island group. When you book either of these expeditions by 30 November 2023, there’s savings of 50% for the second traveller in a twin share cabin, or solo travellers can cruise in their own cabin without having to pay a single supplement!

Departing from Papeete, these discovery cruises are designed to reach the furthest corners of French Polynesia and the South Pacific. For example, if you’re considering the Austral Islands Discovery Cruise, Aranui 5 offers the only way to visit all five inhabited Austral islands as Rapa Iti is only accessible by sea. Aranui 5 is the only cruise ship currently permitted to visit this remote island, located more than 1,200 kilometres south of Tahiti.

These great offers are available when you book through Expedition Cruise Specialists before 30 November 2023, or until sold out. These deals are sure to be popular so don’t delay in securing your place!

 

 

 

Pitcairn & Gambier – In the Footsteps of the Bounty Mutineers!

11 Days Papeete to Papeete

 

A twin-share Stateroom is priced from AUD $14,134 for two guests, a saving of more than $4,000 per couple.

Single travellers can secure their own Stateroom from $9,234, a saving of around $6,000 per traveller.

 

Eligible Departure Dates:

17 February 2024

 

See the Pitcairn Island Itinerary

 

 

This special cruise will head south to Pitcairn Island via the Gambier Islands. Following in the footsteps of the famous Bounty Mutineers, the Aranui 5 will take you to the most beautiful and unspoiled islands of the region, via three Polynesian archipelagos.

 

 

 

Austral Islands Discovery Cruise

11 Days Papeete to Papeete

 

A twin-share Stateroom is priced from AUD $13,038 for two guests, a saving of around $4,000 per couple.

Single travellers can secure their own Stateroom from $8,502, a saving of around $4,000 per traveller.

 

Eligible Departure Dates:

30 March 2024

02 November 2024

 

See the Austral Islands tinerary

 

 

Discovered by Europeans in the 18th Century, the Austral islands are located 600 km south of Tahiti. Off the beaten track, the Australs are an untouched and mysterious land where white sand clashes with the intense blue of the lagoons. Breathtaking landscapes, from sheer mountains to valleys, these islands are famous for their farming activities. The Austral islands will certainly offer a memorable and unique experience and there’s no better way to discover them than aboard the unique Aranui 5.

 

 

 

More about Aranui 5

Click here to find out more about Aranui 5

 

Aranui 5 is a unique, custom-built, dual-purpose passenger/freighter that sails from Tahiti and throughout the South Pacific. Designed to offer all of the comforts of a cruise liner, while operating as a supply ship, Aranui 5 is classified as a small vessel, accommodating approximately 254 passengers and 103 cabins.

Redesigned and custom built with passenger comfort in mind, you will embark the Aranui 5 on a voyage of discovery following the paths of Paul Gauguin, Robert Louis Stevenson, Thor Heyerdahl and Jacques Brel. The Polynesian staff and crew will welcome you to these exotic, captivating islands they call home.

The Aranui 5 continues a relaxed, friendly tradition with space to meet new friends in the bars and lounge or while relaxing on the deck or by the pool, as the islands seem to float by. If you are looking for privacy or romance, retreat to your balcony in suites and deluxe staterooms. Watch the infinite colours of the sunset play in the sky and sea as another day draws to a close in the South Pacific.

 

Read Marilyn & Bob’s review from aboard Aranui 5

 

 

 

 

To take advantage of these fantastic special offers contact the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80.  

 

 

Images courtesy of Aranui Cruises and Lionel Gouverneur.

 

 

 

 

Last Minute Swan Hellenic 2023/24 Antarctica Cruises

 

Call Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 to secure SAVINGS of up to 60%

 

Have you always wanted to visit Antarctica on a luxury expedition cruise, but the prices have seemed a little out of reach? Well, now's the chance to tick this incredible destination off your bucket-list with some incredible last-minute cruise fares we’ve just received from our partner Swan Hellenic cruises.

If you’re quick, you can SAVE up to 60% off the regular brochure prices on selected Antarctica cruises departing in December 2023 and January 2024, but there’s limited staterooms available and you do need to book and pay by 10 November 2023.

 

 

 

 

Cruising to Antarctica with Swan Hellenic

 

Swan Hellenic Cruises operates a fleet of modern expedition ships, all launched in the past two years. SH Vega accommodates just 152 expeditioners in a range of suites and cabins, will the brand-new and 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. 

There’s also 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.

 

 

 

 

Click here to see more about SH Vega

 

Click here to see more about SH Diana

 

 

Last Minute Savings with Expedition Cruise Specialists

 

You will need to be quick to secure these outstanding savings of up to 60% off regular fares. To reserve your cabin call the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists while there’s still space available on 1800 90 20 80.

These great deals apply on the following expedition cruises:

 

9 Night Antarctica Peninsula Discovery aboard SH Diana

 

Ushuaia to Ushuaia – 11 to 20 December 2023

Oceanview Stateroom – Normally $19,358 per person – NOW $9,599 per person

Balcony Stateroom – Normally $24,555 per person – NOW $10,399 per person

 

Travel across the legendary Drake Passage to the frozen Antarctic Peninsula - where you'll discover mesmerising icy wonders like the Gerlache Strait and the magnificent Antarctic Sound. Step ashore, meet curious penguins and explore otherworldly frozen landscapes. Sail on Zodiac boats through ice-choked waters, searching for seals, whales and seabirds, and journey alongside polar specialists as you share in their vast knowledge of these isolated regions.

 

 

 

10 Night Antarctica Peninsula Odyssey aboard SH Vega

 

Ushuaia to Ushuaia – 12 to 22 December 2023

Oceanview Stateroom – Normally $21,187 per person – NOW $9,599 per person

Balcony Stateroom – Normally $24,288 per person – NOW $10,399 per person

 

Sail across the Drake Passage to discover the unforgettable frozen wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore the White Continent’s breathtaking landscape, with its free-floating tabular icebergs, massive glaciers, and awe-inspiring ice cliffs. Watch out for extraordinary wildlife in this icy world too, including elephant seals, humpback whales, and thousands of Adélie penguins. This voyage lets you live your Antarctic dream, and visit places where few people go.

 

 

 

9 Night Antarctica Peninsula Discovery aboard SH Diana

 

Ushuaia to Ushuaia – 20 to 29 December 2023

Balcony Stateroom – Normally $24,555 per person – NOW $10,399 per person

 

Travel across the legendary Drake Passage to the frozen Antarctic Peninsula - where you'll discover mesmerising icy wonders like the Gerlache Strait and the magnificent Antarctic Sound. Step ashore, meet curious penguins and explore otherworldly frozen landscapes. Sail on Zodiac boats through ice-choked waters, searching for seals, whales and seabirds, and journey alongside polar specialists as you share in their vast knowledge of these isolated regions.

 

 

 

10 Night Antarctica Peninsula Discovery aboard SH Diana

 

Ushuaia to Ushuaia –29 December 2023 to 08 January 2024

Balcony Stateroom – Normally $26,961 per person – NOW $10,399 per person

 

Travel across the legendary Drake Passage to the frozen Antarctic Peninsula - where you'll discover mesmerising icy wonders like the Gerlache Strait and the magnificent Antarctic Sound. Step ashore, meet curious penguins and explore otherworldly frozen landscapes. Sail on Zodiac boats through ice-choked waters, searching for seals, whales and seabirds, and journey alongside polar specialists as you share in their vast knowledge of these isolated regions.

 

 

 

 

11 Night Antarctica Peninsula Odyssey aboard SH Vega

 

Ushuaia to Ushuaia – 13 to 24 January 2024

Balcony Stateroom – Normally $26,427 per person – NOW $10,399 per person

 

Sail across the Drake Passage to discover the unforgettable frozen wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore the White Continent’s breathtaking landscape, with its free-floating tabular icebergs, massive glaciers, and awe-inspiring ice cliffs. Watch out for extraordinary wildlife in this icy world too, including elephant seals, humpback whales, and thousands of Adélie penguins. This voyage lets you live your Antarctic dream, and visit places where few people go.

 

 

 

 

You will need to be quick to secure these outstanding savings of up to 60% off regular fares. To reserve your cabin call the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists while there’s still space available on 1800 90 20 80.

 

Please note all prices depart from and return to Ushuaia in Argentina. The cruise prices do not include transport to and from Argentina, visa fees or pre/post programme accommodation. All prices are in Australian Dollars and reflect the last-minute discount. This offer is not combinable with any other discount, is cruise only and is subject to availability. The offer is valid for new bookings only made with Expedition Cruise Specialists between 01 and 10 November 2023 or until sold out / withdrawn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our polar expedition partner Swan Hellenic has just released their 2024/25 Antarctica season with discounts of up to 40% off regular brochure fares on selected cruises when you book your expedition to the White Continent before 18 November 2023.

A leading name in travel 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 – which will soon be expanded with the return of SH Minerva – is deployed on a year-round schedule to all corners of the globe, 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 2024/25 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, 22 December 2024 and 19 January 2025. Prices for the 18-day expedition start at AUD $28,288 per person, twin share in a spacious Oceanview Stateroom. 

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

 

 

 

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 2024/25 Antarctica Earlybird Cruises

 

In addition to the ‘In Shackleton’s Footsteps’ expedition, Earlybird Savings of up to 40% are also available on the following cruises:

 

18 Day Long Arc to Antarctica aboard SH Vega

Buenos Aires to Ushuaia – 18 November to 05 December 2024

Earlybird Prices from AUD $28,288 per person, twin share

 

11 Day Antarctica Peninsula Odyssey aboard SH Diana

Ushuaia to Ushuaia – 03 to 13 December 2024

Earlybird Prices from AUD $17,536 per person, twin share

 

14 Day Antarctica Peninsula in Depth aboard SH Vega

Ushuaia to Ushuaia – 15 to 28 December 2024

Earlybird Prices from AUD $22,144 per person, twin share

 

13 Day Antarctica Peninsula In Depth aboard SH Diana

Ushuaia to Ushuaia – 15 to 27 February 2025

Earlybird Prices from AUD $20,608 per person, twin share

 

All prices are in Australian Dollars in an Oceanview Stateroom. Please enquire with our team for 40% savings on other cabin and suite types.

 

 

Swan Hellenic’s Fleet

 

Swan Hellenic Cruises operates a fleet of three modern expedition ships, all launched in the past two years. Sister-ships SH Vega & SH Minerva accommodate just 152 expeditioners in a range of suites and cabins, will the slightly larger SH Diana maxes out at 192 travellers. All three of these 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. 

All three ships feature 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 2024/25 Antarctica Earlybirds and how you can save up to 40% off brochure fares when you book by 18 November 2023, 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 between 18 September and 18 November 2023 or until sold out.