Kimberley Cruises

If you think Australian bucket list then The Kimberley has to be up there at the top. Three times larger than England and with a population of less than 40,000, the Kimberley region – spread over Australia's entire north-western corner – is one of the world's last wilderness frontiers.

The majority of the coastline is inaccessible by road making it the perfect cruise destination. And we’re not talking mega cruise ships here, this is the prime destination for boutique cruise ships, seldom with more than 200 passengers on board offering accessibility to beaches and waterfalls and zodiac expeditions to rarely seen wildlife and aboriginal art.

The Kimberley season runs from May to October, and typically cruises operate between Darwin and Broome or vice versa with some variations.

The inability to travel overseas has prompted several cruise operators to offer a range of cruises in 2022 and the main operators have announced additional capacity.  But even with the extra capacity, many dates are already full so if you’re keen to fit in a trip next year you’d better book soon!

And while you’re there, why not add on a trip to inland Kimberley or perhaps Kakadu and experience the ultimate in the Top End  – then you really will tick off that Bucket List!

In this article, we review the cruise lines offering a Kimberley experience and identify the unique elements of each so you can pick the experience that’s right for you. We have grouped them according to experience e.g. luxury versus expedition and quoted their lead-in price for the most popular 10-night cruise. We’ve also included our ‘Helicopter Check’ as one of the key differentiators!

Other itinerary lengths are available depending on what cruise experience you prefer, ask one of our Travel Stylists for details.

LUXURY PRIVATE YACHTS

These lines offer the super-yacht type of experience where the destination is the hero and the customer is after quality in a personal, small group environment.

TRUE NORTH

The original Kimberley cruise operator, True North offers an exclusive and personalised environment on their 36 passenger ship – almost like a private super-yacht, with all costs included. An onboard helicopter whisks guests over waterfalls, islands, and cliff edges. There are shorter, seven-day cruises, longer, 14-day events and specialist expeditions focusing on coast and coral. They are by far the most expensive and almost full for 2022!

Our view: This is the ultimate in exclusive luxury and will suit the traveller who likes a relaxed environment in the company of a like-minded discerning traveller. Dedicated personal service and hands-on active adventure.

Prices from $20,595 per person

Helicopter: YES

ISLAND ESCAPES

A new one to consider is New Zealand company Island Escapes who is about to launch their newest luxury yacht in the Kimberley in July this year. Island Escapes have been operating in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands for 15 years and has introduced an Australian season this year. Carrying only 32 guests in top quality super-yacht luxury with state of the art environmental specifications.

Price from $12,950 per person based on 2021 operation. Dates and fares for the 2022 season not yet published.

Helicopter: YES

KIMBERLEY QUEST CRUISES

One of the original Australian operators. Very small ship  - like a private yacht with only 18 guests – offering the widest range of itineraries across 4 ships ranging from a 4-night sampler to 21 night intensive.

Comfortable but not luxurious facilities, excellent food and service – focus on the destination and the off-ship experience.

Prices from $10,900 per person

Helicopter: YES

5-STAR EXPEDITION

These operators offer experienced quality targeting the explorer rather than the luxury traveller. 4-star comfort and facilities are merged with an in-depth exploration of the area.

CORAL EXPEDITIONS

On top of the ranks of experienced operators is Coral Expeditions with over 23 years of pioneering the Kimberley region. They offer expert knowledge and Australian hospitality on their 10-day cruises, operating from April to September. The voyage will bring you to all the must-see parts of the coast with a focus on in-depth excursions and highly skilled expedition leaders. They operate 3 ships in the region ranging from 72 to 99 passengers with brand new 99-passenger Coral Geographer sailing on this route.

This will suit the experienced traveller who will benefit from expert guides and immersion in the wildlife, history, and geography of the region

Prices from $8,250 per person

Helicopter: NO

APT

Renowned Australian tour operator APT charter the 99-passenger Caledonia Sky or Ponant Le Bellot as part of a land and cruise tour that showcases the region in an in-depth luxury experience. Add on an APT land tour of the region and stay at wilderness lodges like El Questro!

This will suit the sophisticated traveller who is used to the care and attention of a 5-star APT tour. Expect luxurious accommodation and expert service where everything is taken care of.

Prices from $10,995 per person

Helicopter: NO

LUXURY

On these cruise lines, you can expect the ultimate in boutique cruise line luxury merged with an expertly curated experience of the area. Think Butlers and Michelin star restaurants and all-inclusive pricing.

PONANT

This French cruise line offers an experienced hand in the Kimberley, having operated their unique brand of luxe-adventure cruising successfully for several years. They will operate two 200-passenger ships next year with mostly 10-night Darwin to Broome cruises.

Expect 5-star luxury only the French know how to deliver with fine dining and experienced expedition staff delivering an experience that is authentic yet luxurious. But no helicopters!

Note: The 2022 season launch price is great value for a 5-star experienced operator

Prices from $10,520 per person

Helicopter: NO

SILVERSEA

The 144-passenger Silver Explorer is a dedicated expedition ship and will operate a series of cruises in the region. Zodiac boats will ferry guests to terrestrial sites, fishing spots, and narrow waterways. Helicopter excursions to places such as the four-tiered Mitchell Falls can be arranged and a flight to the Bungle Bungles is included. Historians, naturalists, and geologists travel on board.

Note: Silversea is offering a package that includes airfares, a pre-cruise hotel stay, and all transfers for the 2022 season. Plus, book by August 31 for a 10% discount.

Prices start from $14,040 per person for a 16-day cruise

Helicopter: NO

No matter which cruise experience you choose, the Kimberley is a fascinating destination worthy of your Bucket List. Contact one of our Travel Designers now before the season sells out!

info@Travelyourstyle.com.au / 02 9907 0211