With international travel firmly on the horizon again, we’re starting to receive a lot of inquiry from travellers looking to book that ‘bucket list’ expedition cruise down to Antarctica. And, there’s plenty of exciting options for travellers to consider given the multitude of new polar expedition ships launched during the Covid hiatus.
Over the past two years we’ve seen new, state-of-the-art expedition ships launched by the likes of Lindblad Expeditions (National Geographic Endurance and sister-ship National Geographic Resolution), Quark Expeditions (Ultramarine), Aurora Expeditions (Sylvia Earle – sister ship to Greg Mortimer), Oceanwide Expeditions (Janssonius – sister ship to Hondius) and the Ocean Victory, the first of two new ships to be delivered to Danish polar expedition company Albatros Expeditions.
Constructed to the highest possible Polar code (6) and Ice class 1A regulations, the 185-passenger Ocean Victory features the latest X-Bow technology, providing high stability in rough weather and allowing for the smoothest movements on high waves, ideal for those sometimes bumpy crossings of the legendary Drake Passage separating South America and the Antarctic continent.
When you travel with Albatros Expeditions you will note their ships are fitted out with true Scandinavian flair. Sumptuous meals are served in the stylish Beagle and Panorama restaurants, while the Albatros BBQ Deck allows for a more casual, al fresco dining experience. Below the BBQ deck, guests will find the stylish Midnight Sun Pool Deck, replete with swimming pool and jacuzzis – a sure-fire way to warm up in the chilly polar air. Back inside, travellers will be able to join lectures in the spacious Shackleton Lecture Lounge, while the Knud Rasmussen Library houses a range of non-fiction and fiction resources in a comfortable and quiet environment.
Ocean Victory’s 93 staterooms are spread across nine accommodation grades, from spacious (18 sqm) Category G Single Staterooms through to the ultra-stylish 45 square metre Premium Suite. The most popular grade however is the 24 square metre Class C Balcony State Cabin. There’s 57 of these rooms on offer, all featuring a private balcony, a double bed or two single beds, a sofa that can be used as a bed for a child (if travelling as a family) and a well-appointed en suite.
Ocean Victory operates in Antarctica between November and March. Itineraries range from 9-days for the ‘fly in’ express programme, while a 22-day expedition takes in the best of Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Expeditions depart from Ushuaia (Argentina) and Punta Arenas (Chile).
To book your Antarctic Expedition cruise aboard Ocean Victory, contact the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 or email [email protected]
Ocean Victory Features
Ocean Victory is part of a brand-new generation of low-energy, environmentally-friendly vessels, with four diesel engines and two electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimise speed and fuel consumption.
As the original cruise company in French Polynesia, Aranui Cruises has been introducing the enchanting Marquesas Islands to avid adventurers for more than 30 years. Aranui 5, a custom-built passenger-freighter which launched in 2015, is unique in every way. Combining the comforts and modern conveniences of a cruise ship while providing a cargo service to remote areas, the ship acts as a lifeline for tiny communities far removed from civilisation. This boutique vessel accommodates just 230 passengers, offering an intimate and casual setting for guests to explore French Polynesia.
Aranui 5 is a drawcard for adventurous travellers from right around the world, appealing to those intrepid explorers who don’t just wish to sit on the beach at Bora Bora, but rather visit remote islands and interact with communities well off the regular tourist trail. Given the ship’s popularity it always pays to book this experience early, and if you reserve and deposit your 2023 Marquesas Islands cruise before 31 December 2021 (or until the ship fills) you can SAVE 15% off the prices for all departures between 21 January and 17 June 2023.
In 2023 there’s several itineraries to choose from. The classic 12-day Marquesas Islands journey takes you into the heart of the Marquesas chain, where you will enjoy a range of tours and cultural events while the ship unloads its wares to the excited locals. For something a little different – or perhaps if you’ve undertaken the Marquesas Islands journey before, there’s three Discovery Voyage itineraries available during 2023; two to the Pitcairn Islands and one to the Cook Islands. These Discovery Voyages always sell quickly so they are best booked as far in advance as possible.
12-Day Marquesas Islands Cruise
Papeete to Papeete
Mythical and mystical. A land that has attracted explorers, writers, painters and artists. Breathtaking landscapes of mountains, valleys, plateaus and cliffs. A nation of former warriors, with their own language and culture. For more than 30 years, Aranui, as the main carrier of goods to the Marquesas, has maintained a vital link with its inhabitants and the outside world.
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.
Ancient stories tell of the migration of Polynesians from the Society Islands and even as far as the Marquesas to Rarotonga. Bora Bora, the high island; is one of the best-known islands of French Polynesia. If the spectacular landscapes of the white sandy beaches and the beautiful blue and green lagoons will seduce you, the different degrees of development, the different dialects and customs from one island to another will offer you a whole range of Polynesian culture, from the old to the new.
To secure your place aboard the legendary Aranui 5 contact the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80. Don’t forget that Earlybird fares on selected departures are only available when you book and deposit by 31 December 2023, so don’t delay!
For Australia’s tourism industry, and in particular our small ship cruise companies, the effects of Covid-19 over the past 21 months have been monumental. But now, as the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ grows larger, there’s never been a better opportunity to help the Aussie tourism industry get back on its feet while enjoying some fantastic experiences in our own backyards.
One of our favourite local operators, Australia's own pioneering cruise line Coral Expeditions, has been extremely busy making the most of limits on international travel by coming up with some of the most innovative and exciting coastal cruise itineraries we’ve seen for a number of years.
Normally over the upcoming summer months between November and February, the two latest additions to the Coral Expeditions fleet – Coral Adventurer & Coral Geographer - would be off exploring the far-flung regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. But, this summer, with international travel’s ‘post-Covid’ return still in its infancy, it’s a great opportunity for travellers to join these state-of-the-art vessels exploring some of our own coastal regions in a way that’s never been possible before.
Below we’ve outlined a selection of the very best of Coral Expeditions new voyages on offer over the coming months, and we’d also like to remind you that there’s still space available on Coral Discoverer’s summer series of cruises in Tassie too!
So, what are you waiting for? Give the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists a call today on 1800 90 20 80 to secure your place on one of these remarkable journeys.
The latest cab off the rank for Coral Expeditions, this 15-day itinerary aboard the brand-new Coral Geographer is a real beauty. The itinerary development team has put a lot of effort in to create an itinerary, the likes of which hasn’t been attempted before. The cruise departs from Brisbane travelling north up the coast via Tangalooma, Fraser, Great Keppel, the Whitsunday and Magnetic islands, before taking in the Ribbon Reefs and rarely-visited Osprey Reef (a real highlight for snorkellers and divers) ahead of arrival into Cairns.
What really sets this expedition apart though are two unforgettable Landmark events – sure to be days that will live on in your memory for many years to come!
A Day in the Outback: After breakfast aboard Coral Geographer in Townsville, be transported by private jet to Longreach in the heart of the Queensland outback. Connect with the country life with a classic pub lunch and then bask in an outback sunset over sundowners and stories at historic Rosebank station homestead. Fly back to the comfort of your ship stateroom that night.
Sailing Yacht to a Whitsundays Lunch: From Airlie Beach board a chartered yacht and enjoy a traditional sail to Whitehaven Beach. Linger over champagne and a decadent seafood lunch with your feet on white sand. As the sun sets, embark on your yacht again and enjoy the sound of sails over the Whitsundays as you return to your home on Coral Geographer.
To top off this incredible trip, the voyage will begin and end with gala dinners . Enjoy modern Australian cuisine paired with ten extraordinary wines selected from the prized ‘Exceptional’ category of Langton’s Classification, the premier guide to Australian fine wine. This is a rare occasion to sample these wines in a single comparative tasting.
Choose from four grades of stylish accommodation aboard the new Coral Geographer:
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite - $25,790 per person
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom – $19,190 per person
Promenade Deck Stateroom - $16,190 per person
Coral Deck Stateroom – $11,990 per person
Prices are per person twin share and are for new bookings only from 03 November 2021. Coral Expeditions past passengers can apply their Xplorer's CLub past passenger discount.
SPECIAL OFFER: Children (4 – 14 years) travel at 50% off and enquire for discounted Single Traveller Fares
Refund Guarantee Applies - Coral Expeditions’ ‘Refund Guarantee’ applies on many upcoming voyages. Eligible guests can access this refund guarantee if they are prevented from travelling due to COVID-19 impacts such as border restrictions. Enquire for full details!
Even if you’ve already been to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ve never seen it quite like this before! Stretching more than 2,300 kilometres along Queensland’s coastline, and encompassing over 900 islands, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living structure and home to an abundant and thriving array of marine and birdlife species. It holds pride of place as one of the Seven Natural Worlds wonders of the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage area. Coral Expeditions pioneered extended expedition cruises on the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef over 35 years ago and have forged a reputation for excellence and expertise in that time.
Now you have the opportunity to join the brand new, state-of-the-art Coral Geographer on an immersive 7-day adventure to the remote and untouched Northern reefs. You’ll explore hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems. Along the way find freedom and solitude amidst this iconic seascape. Share the journey with soaring seabirds and swim, dive and snorkel at far-flung Osprey and Ribbon Reefs. Learn about ancient indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown. Stretch your legs with a hike to the summit of “Cooks Look”.
Onboard Coral Geographer, you will be accompanied by expert guides including a Marine Biologist. You will enjoy freshly prepared small-batch cuisine featuring the best local ingredients and relax and enjoy quality local beers and wines. With an intimate atmosphere and our renowned warm Australian hospitality, you will quickly feel at home and make new connections with new friends.
Cruise Fares
Choose from four grades of stylish accommodation aboard the new Coral Geographer:
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite - $10,643 per person
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom - $7,920 per person
Promenade Deck Stateroom - $5,940 per person
Coral Deck Stateroom - $4,950 per person
Prices are per person twin share and are for new bookings only from 03 November 2021. Enquire for special single traveller fares.
WILD ISLANDS & WALKS OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
SPECIAL OFFER: Ask us about reduced single traveller fares on November & December 2021 departures
Refund Guarantee Applies - Coral Expeditions’ ‘Refund Guarantee’ applies on many upcoming voyages. Eligible guests can access this refund guarantee if they are prevented from travelling due to COVID-19 impacts such as border restrictions. Enquire for full details!
10 Nights Adelaide to Adelaide
Departures: 22 November 2021, 02 December 2021, 13 December 2021, 23 December 2021, 03 January 2022, 13 January 2022, 23 January 2022
South Australia’s islands and gulf waters are amongst the best-kept secrets of the Australian coastline, and the ultimate way to discover them is aboard the state-of-the-art Coral Adventurer. With 5,000km of deserted shoreline and more than 300 islands, there’s a huge diversity of natural wilderness to explore including spectacular bays and beaches, remote islands, and stunning sea cliffs. Best of all, most of it is wild and unspoilt. That means there’s a real sense of adventure and seclusion, and a vast array of wildlife. Many of the islands are important sanctuaries for birds, kangaroos, and wallabies, and especially seals and sea lions. Along the way, there are many opportunities to indulge in the tastes of South Australia with fresh local seafood from the source and hand-selected local wines from the renowned South Australian vineyards.
On this incredible expedition you will visit some of South Australia’s most historic lighthouses at Cape Willoughby and Troubridge Island and learn their stories. You’ll also Encounter native wildlife including playful dolphins, sea lions, emus, rock wallabies, kangaroos and numerous birds at national parks and protected habitats. Gourmands will savour the opportunity to collect and shuck their own oysters fresh from the sea at Coffin Bay, paired with local wines, before meeting the abalone divers of Eyrewoolf Abalone and tasting pan-seared green-lip abalone on the beach at Flinders Island.
Hikers be rewarded with striking views and peaceful native forest environs on South Australia’s coastal walking trails at Cape Donington, Reevesby Island and Flinders Island before cooling off in the turquoise waters and relax on deserted silica white beaches.
Choose from five grades of stylish accommodation aboard the state-of-the-art Coral Adventurer:
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite - $13,990 per person
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - $11,390 per person
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom - $9,890 per person
Promenade Deck Stateroom - $7,490 per person
Coral Deck Stateroom - $6,390 per person
Prices are per person twin share and are for new bookings only from 03 November 2021. Enquire for special single traveller fares.
Travel with Confidence – Coral Expeditions’ SailSAFE Plan
Developed by Coral Expeditions in conjunction with Respond Global, an experienced medical advisory agency, the SailSAFE protocols promise a prevention and response system that is among the most thorough in the world. Since resuming operations in Australia in October 2020, Coral Expeditions has successfully – and safely - operated over 80 expedition voyages carrying over 3,200 guests.
And, from 01 December 2021, Coral Expeditions’ protocols will be further enhanced with the requirement that all travellers be vaccinated before embarking their cruise.
Imagery courtesy ot Coral Expeditions and Tourism Events Queensland.
Cruising the Kimberley is a one-in-a-lifetime experience that deserves a place on everyone’s bucket list. The majestic wilderness destination, located in Western Australia’s far north, is filled with dramatic gorges, remote islands and stunning rivers that are best explored by boat.
We were introduced to the region’s magic in May 2021 and our happy memories of the trip will linger with us for many years to come - we’re already dreaming about making a return visit.
The first thing to consider when organising a Kimberley cruise is to choose the boat that best suits your needs. We were fortunate to have Andrew Castles at Expedition Cruise Specialists to guide us. He discussed our expectations and fitness levels, then advised us to choose a smaller vessel – the Reef Prince.
The Reef Prince was given a multi-million dollar refurbishment in 2019 and offers great value in a relaxed, stylish setting. It features a spacious dining and living room, plus a selection of shaded outdoor spots to admire the spectacular views.
As the Reef Prince only takes 36 passengers – in 18 cabins, all with en suites - and is a compact 38- metre low-draught catamaran, it can visit destinations that are challenging or impossible for larger ships to navigate. It also offers more opportunities to disembark and explore on land.
However, a small ship may not be the ideal option for anyone who isn’t relatively fit and adventurous, as there is some climbing involved to visit the more interesting Indigenous art sites and waterholes. Fortunately, we were both eager and able to take part in all activities on offer.
The energetic crew played a major role in our enjoyment of the trip. They included a chef who’d worked at a hatted restaurant, a daredevil first mate, a laconic captain and one of the best Kimberley tour guides in the business. Everyone on staff was incredibly helpful and passionate about their work.
As for the cruise itself, it was magical, from waking up to the most incredible sunrises at sea to sipping sparkling wine under the stars at night.
It’s tough to choose, but here are our top six cruise highlights:
1. King George Falls
While many Kimberley cruise boats are too large to cross the sandbar at the mouth of the King George River, the Reef Prince can slip over and glide down to the famed King George Falls. The journey is every bit as spectacular as the destination, with dramatic ochre cliffs towering over the boat on each side. Our first glimpse of the double set of falls as they tumbled down the cliffside into the 60-metre-deep water below took our breath away. Other unforgettable moments came as we sat on the bow of a tender with the falls cascading onto our heads and our seafood lunch with a front row view of the falls.
2. King’s Cascade
Cruising along Prince Regent River to King’s Cascade was another amazing waterfall moment. We arrived in the late afternoon and climbed up the waterfall to swim in a waterhole at the top. It was breathtaking to watch the sunset on the rocks above the waterfall, gazing out over the stunning Prince Regent National Park as the sky streaked with pink and gold rays.
3. Montgomery Reef
Montgomery Reef has been described by David Attenborough as the eighth natural wonder of the world, due to the rapidly falling tide that creates a series of streams and mini-waterfalls off the reef. We explored the reef in tenders, as turtles popped their heads out of the water every few seconds and small sharks and manta rays darted around us. Afterwards, we motored to a sand “island” that had emerged near the reef during the low tide and wandered along its virgin shores.
4. Fishing
We hadn’t expected fishing to be a trip highlight, as we’d never tried it before, but it was a surprise winner for us, both as spectators and participants. The Reef Prince crew regularly took passengers on fishing trips and it was wonderful to eat our fresh catches at lunches and dinners. The boat also has two fishing chairs at the rear, where the passengers gathered on our last day at sea to shout encouragement and cheer as bonito tuna and golden trevally were reeled on board. Eating the tuna as sashimi an hour later was a delicious treat.
5. Dinner under the stars
The crew surprised passengers on the last night of our cruise by arranging tables on the prow of the boat for a dinner under the stars. We anchored at North Perron Island and long tables were draped in white tablecloths and decorated with shells and candles. We sipped pre-dinner cocktails and watched the glorious sunset before eating slow-cooked pork shoulder and asparagus pasta with lemon posset for dessert. As darkness fell, we gazed in awe at the Milky Way, which shone clear and bright above us.
6. Wildlife
A large part of the enjoyment of the cruise was spotting the native animals – wallabies hopping on rocky cliffs, sea eagles soaring majestically, tawny nurse sharks cruising behind the boat, flying fish scooting along the surface of the water and crocodiles sunbaking or emerging from the water. Our personal favourite moment was watching three brolgas majestically take flight from a sandy beach.
However, every day was different and included unforgettable moments, from exploring a crystal-scattered beach on a remote island to boating at high speed through Horizontal Falls to peering through the windows of a crashed World War II plane to sipping a beer while cooling off in a waterhole.
We loved the opportunity to grow our photography skills aboard the Reef Prince and got some great tips from our cruise director, who offered lessons to interested passengers. Visiting numerous Indigenous sites also introduced us to the fascinating history of Aboriginal art and inspired us to buy several artworks to enjoy on our walls at home.
Our Kimberley cruise on the Reef Prince was one of the most relaxing holidays we’ve ever had. There is no mobile phone reception on the cruise and we chose not to pay for wifi. It was blissful to disconnect from the modern world for 10 days. We spent many peaceful hours sitting on deck, watching the amazing scenery slide past, nibbling on cheese and crackers when the Captain announced afternoon tea was served, reading books and chatting to our fellow passengers.
Months later we are still in contact with the new friends we made aboard the Reef Prince. We regularly reminisce about how lucky we were to share the holiday of a lifetime together.
Alana and David joined the Reef Prince's 10-night Kimberley cruise from Broome to Darwin in June 2021. To secure one of the last remaining cabins for 20223 - or book for 2024 - please call the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 or visit https://www.expeditioncruisespecialists.com/ships/reef-prince.
While there’s no doubt that Covid-19 has been incredibly trying for us all in the tourism industry, there has been a few silver linings. For Australia’s pioneering expedition cruise line Coral Expeditions, their fleet on three small ships usually spend half of the year plying the waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, from Mauritius to New Zealand and beyond. However, over the past 18-months international voyages of this type have been impossible, so instead they’ve used this ‘downtime’ to devise a series of exciting new itineraries to lesser-visited parts of Australia’s vast coastline.'
Wild Islands & Walks of South Australia
One of the resultant itineraries that has us really excited is a ten-night ‘Wild Islands & Walks of South Australia’ programme departing from Adelaide between November 2021 and January 2022, and again in November 2022.
This new expedition provides travellers the chance to explore and hike South Australia’s most picturesque and wild islands, where forested National Parks give way to sheer wave-carved cliffs and sweeping white-sand beaches. Accompanied by expert guides, expeditioners will study the flora, fauna, and history of these remote island habitats and coastal National Parks. For those keen on an active adventure, there will be ample opportunities to cool down with invigorating ocean swims, board the kayaks for a paddle n the turquoise waters, and encounter some of Australia’s very-best native wildlife – inquisitive seals, shorebirds, rock wallabies, and many more.
Back on board Coral Adventurer, guests will enjoy the tastes of South Australia, prepared onboard by chefs making use of the very best local ingredients including fresh regional seafood and hand-selected local wines.
South Australia’s many islands and gulf waters are amongst the best-kept secrets of the Australian coastline. With over 5,000 kilometres of deserted shoreline and more than 300 islands, there’s a huge diversity of natural wilderness to explore. Highlights include spectacular bays and beaches, remote islands, and stunning sea cliffs. Best of all, most of it is wild and untouched, nature at its finest. That means these voyages offer a real sense of adventure and seclusion, and a vast array of wildlife. Many of the islands are important sanctuaries for birds, kangaroos, and wallabies, and especially seals and sea lions.
While in true expedition style the itinerary remains flexible to make best use of the conditions each day, guests will spend multiple days exploring Kangaroo Island, Flinders and Troubridge islands and the Eyre Peninsula. At Coffin Bay, there will also the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable wild cuisine experience – hop into some waterproof waders and take a seat at the Saltwater Pavilion to shuck and taste your own delicious Coffin Bay Oysters. Some voyages will instead include a small boat cruise along the oyster beds to collect and enjoy them fresh from the sea.
Departures: 22 Nov 2021, 02 Dec 2021, 13 Dec 2021, 23 Dec 2021, 03 Jan 2022, 13 Jan 2022, 23 Jan 2022, 06 Nov 2022.
Prices (per person, twin share)
Bridge Deck Suite: $12,390
Explorer Deck Stateroom: $9,890
Promenade Deck Stateroom: $7,490
Coral Deck Stateroom: $6,390
Single traveller prices start from $9,585 in a Coral Deck Stateroom
To reserve your place on this exciting new expedition contact the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 or email [email protected].
Your expedition ship - Coral Adventurer
Launched in early 2019, the state-of-the-art Coral Adventurer is purpose-built for cruising in the waters of Australia and the South Pacific. Coral Adventurer will operate these new South Australian voyages with a controlled capacity of just 99 guests on each voyage.
Guests will enjoy spacious a choice of five grades of stateroom (over half of which feature private balconies), comfortable lounge areas and a stylish dining room that accommodates all travellers in one sitting. There’s also a selection of bars and ample deck space for those keen to find a bit of solo time to read a book or take in the views.
Travellers will enjoy Coral Adventurer’s flexible range of excursion tenders. Two unique Xplorer tenders make getting around in comfort a breeze, while a fleet of zodiacs are also on hand for thrilling small group adventures. There’s also kayaks available for those who are keen to head off an explore under their own steam. And, right throughout the voyage, you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable expedition team, considered by many to be the ‘best in the business’.
A note regarding Coral Expeditions' Covid-19 and Border Policies
Coral Expeditions made a successful return to cruising in October 2020 and their SailSAFE medical protocols are approved by all authorities. As a result, they are confident that their sailing schedules will operate as planned. They acknowledge that there will be government border restrictions from time to time that may restrict guests from travel. Coral Expeditions will communicate directly with all booked guests and travel agents regarding affected cruise terms. If you do not believe you will be able to travel, you may contact Coral Expeditions at any time citing a relevant government announcement and request a deferral. Note that the expectation of future announcement is not sufficient to grant a deferral.
If, at any time before a voyage departs, any state or federal government announces a) inter-state border closures; b) new quarantine requirements or c) ‘hotspot’ lockdowns that result in any of the following outcomes:
1. We will inform you that Coral Expeditions is cancelling the voyage.
2. You inform us that you are unable to join the voyage.
Guests will receive a 100% future cruise credit to defer their cruise with Coral Expeditions. Guests will also be protected against any rate increases on like for like itineraries and will have no fees or charges applied. The cruise credit has no expiry date and can be used on any future voyage with Coral Expeditions.
