EXPEDITION KIMBERLEY CRUISES

Discover the best expedition Kimberley cruises. Compare expedition ships, excursions, onboard experiences and explore the Kimberley's most remote destinations.

Discover The Kimberley Through True Exploration

For many travellers, the Kimberley isn't about luxury.

It's about discovery.

It's about standing beneath towering waterfalls, exploring ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, cruising through crocodile-filled rivers and witnessing one of the world's last great wilderness regions from the deck of a purpose-built expedition ship.

Expedition Kimberley cruises are designed for travellers who place exploration ahead of luxury and experiences ahead of indulgence.

While comfortable and well-appointed, these vessels focus primarily on getting guests closer to the Kimberley itself.

And for many travellers, that's exactly the point.

WHAT IS AN EXPEDITION KIMBERLEY CRUISE?

An expedition cruise is designed around exploration, education and destination immersion. 

Unlike luxury ships, which place greater emphasis on accommodation and onboard amenities, expedition ships are purpose-built to maximise time ashore and access remote locations throughout the Kimberley coastline.

Typical expedition ship features include:

✔ Daily Zodiac excursions

✔ Expert expedition leaders

✔ Naturalists and guest lecturers

✔ Wildlife interpretation

✔ Cultural experiences

✔ Small-group shore landings

✔ Relaxed onboard atmosphere

✔ Strong focus on destination immersion

The ship is important.

But the Kimberley is the star of the show.

WHY CHOOSE AN EXPEDITION KIMBERLEY CRUISE SHIP?

Expedition ships are ideal for travellers who want to experience the Kimberley in a more immersive and adventurous way.

While luxury vessels often provide larger suites and additional onboard facilities, expedition ships typically place greater emphasis on:

More Time Exploring

The Kimberley's attractions are experienced off the ship.

Montgomery Reef.

King George Falls.

Prince Frederick Harbour.

Hunter River.

Mitchell Falls.

Raft Point.

Expedition cruises are designed to maximise your time discovering these remarkable locations.

Expert Expedition Teams

One of the defining features of expedition cruising is access to knowledgeable guides.

Many vessels carry:

  • Marine biologists
  • Naturalists
  • Historians
  • Cultural specialists
  • Expedition leaders

Their insights help bring the Kimberley's landscapes, wildlife and history to life.

Genuine Destination Immersion

Expedition cruising isn't about ticking off destinations.

It's about understanding them.

From ancient Aboriginal culture to tidal phenomena and wildlife ecosystems, expedition ships deliver a deeper connection to the Kimberley.

THE BENEFITS OF LUXURY KIMBERLEY CRUISING

Spacious Accommodation

Luxury ships offer some of the largest and most comfortable cabins operating in the Kimberley.

Many vessels feature:

  • Private verandas
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Premium bedding
  • Butler service on selected ships
  • Spacious bathrooms
  • Suite upgrades

For travellers spending 10 to 14 nights exploring remote coastlines, cabin comfort becomes an important consideration.


Exceptional Dining

One of the biggest differences between luxury ships and other cruise types is the culinary experience.

Expect:

  • Multi-course dinners
  • Fresh Australian produce
  • Premium wine selections
  • Open seating dining
  • Specialty restaurants on selected vessels

Many guests are surprised by the quality of dining available in such a remote destination.


Premium Service

Luxury cruising is defined by service.

From attentive cabin stewards to knowledgeable expedition leaders, luxury vessels maintain higher crew-to-guest ratios than many mainstream cruise ships.

This personalised approach allows guests to enjoy a more relaxed and seamless experience.

WHICH SHIPS ARE CONSIDERED LUXURY KIMBERLEY CRUISES?

A choice of 5 Luxury Small Ships

At Kimberley Boat Cruises, we classify Luxury Ships as vessels that combine expedition cruising with premium accommodation, fine dining, elevated service levels and sophisticated onboard facilities.

These vessels generally carry between 140 and 260 guests and represent the most luxurious way to explore the Kimberley coast.

Scenic Eclipse II

Scenic Eclipse II has redefined ultra-luxury expedition cruising in the Kimberley.

Marketed as a "Discovery Yacht", she combines six-star accommodation, butler service for every suite, multiple dining venues, wellness facilities, helicopter and submarine capabilities, and a specialist Discovery Team. Scenic Eclipse II is scheduled to return to Kimberley operations in 2028, making her one of the most anticipated luxury vessels in the region.

 Learn more about the Scenic Eclipse II

Seabourn Pursuit

Purpose-built for luxury expedition cruising, Seabourn Pursuit combines spacious suites, exceptional dining and personalised service with a genuine expedition program throughout the Kimberley.

For travellers seeking luxury without sacrificing exploration, Seabourn Pursuit is among the most impressive ships currently operating in Australian waters.

 Read more about Seabourn Pursuit

Silver Cloud

One of the pioneers of luxury expedition cruising, Silver Cloud blends spacious all-suite accommodation, butler service and destination-focused exploration.

The vessel appeals strongly to international travellers seeking a premium Kimberley experience.

 Check out Silver Cloud

Le Soléal

Elegant French styling, sophisticated dining and intimate guest numbers have made Le Soléal a long-standing favourite among luxury Kimberley cruisers.

The vessel offers a refined alternative to larger luxury expedition ships.

 Click on this link Le Soleal

Le Jacques Cartier

Le Jacques Cartier delivers modern luxury, contemporary design and a strong expedition focus.

With stylish accommodation and immersive Kimberley itineraries, she has quickly become one of the region's leading luxury vessels.

 Learn more about Le Jacques Cartier - Ponant's newest luxury Kimbeley cruise ship

WHO SHOULD CHOOSE A LUXURY KIMBERLEY SHIP?

Luxury Traveller profile

Luxury ships are particularly suited to:

  • First-time Kimberley visitors
  • Couples
  • Retirees
  • Luxury travellers
  • Special occasion travellers
  • Honeymooners
  • Solo travellers seeking comfort
  • Guests who appreciate fine dining and premium service

WHAT DOES A LUXURY CRUISE COST?

What should you expect to pay for a Luxury Kimberley Cruise?

Luxury Kimberley cruises generally represent the premium end of the market.

Pricing varies depending on:

  • Vessel
  • Cabin category
  • Departure date
  • Cruise length
  • Included flights and transfers

Most luxury cruises operate between 10 and 14 nights and often include many onboard amenities and excursions within the fare.

For current pricing, click here to visit our Kimberley Cruise Price Guide.

 

RECOMMENDED LUXURY SHIP COMPARISON GUIDE

Luxury Kimberley Small Ships compared

Vessel Guest Numbers Luxury Rating Balcony Suites Expedition Program
Scenic Eclipse II 228 Ultra Luxury Yes Excellent
Seabourn Pursuit 264 Ultra Luxury Yes Excellent
Silver Cloud 254 Ultra Luxury Yes Excellent
Le Jacques Cartier 184 Luxury Selected Suites Excellent
Le Soléal 264 Luxury Selected Suites Excellent

Note: Guest capacities and onboard features may vary between Kimberley itineraries and vessel configurations. Always check the latest vessel specifications before booking.

WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Luxury Kimberley cruises generally represent the premium end of the market.

Pricing varies depending on:

  • Vessel
  • Cabin category
  • Departure date
  • Cruise length
  • Included flights and transfers

Most luxury cruises operate between 10 and 14 nights and often include many onboard amenities and excursions within the fare.

For current pricing, click here to visit our Kimberley Cruise Price Guide.

 

EXPLORE MORE OF OUR KIMBERLEY

Imporant Links

CONTINUE EXPLORING THE KIMBERLEY COAST

Montgomery Reef Guide – Witness an entire reef emerge from the ocean.

Horizontal Falls Guide – Experience one of Australia's most famous tidal phenomena.

 Prince Regent River Guide – Explore the Kimberley's great wilderness waterway.

King George Falls Guide – Discover one of Western Australia's tallest waterfalls.

Travel Insurance – Licensed Kimberley Cruise distributors.

Kimberley Cruise Routes & Itineraries – See where Kimberley cruises travel.

Best Time to Cruise the Kimberley – Find the ideal month for your journey.

Kimberley Cruise Wildlife Guide – Learn about crocodiles, whales, turtles and more.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs about Luxury Kimberley Cruises

Several vessels offer exceptional luxury experiences, including Scenic Eclipse II, Seabourn Pursuit, Silver Cloud, Le Soléal and Le Jacques Cartier. The best choice depends on your preferred style of luxury and expedition travel. However, in the Luxury Yacht category this is also the Paspaley Pearl and the iconic True North. 

All luxury ships marekt themselves as all-inclusive. This means they include accommodation, meals, selected beverages, expedition activities and shore excursions. However there other add-ons. If you want to drink top shelf spirits and vintage wines you will pay extra. Same with helicopter rides if they are offered (not all ships do). Best advice is to ask our Kimberley cruise experts if you have a specific request: 1300 799 758.

In many cases, yes. Luxury ships visit many of the Kimberley's most iconic attractions, although itineraries may vary between operators. Some of the Luxury Small Ship cruise lines add Ashmore Reef to their Kimberley Cruise itineraries. 

Absolutely. Luxury ships provide a comfortable introduction to the Kimberley while still delivering immersive exploration experiences. Solo travellers and honeymooners are becoming one of the fastest growing categories too and many of them are 'first timers'. 

Many guests enjoy having a private balcony to observe the Kimberley's dramatic scenery, wildlife and sunsets from the comfort of their suite. Luxury Small Ships have the highest percentage of Balcony Cabins and Suites and many times, they are cheaper than the lower cabin categories on the Expeditions ships. Again, speak to our Kimberley Cruise specialists on 1300 799 758.

Luxury does not always mean "most expensive". 

WHY BOOK YOUR CRUISE WITH BLUESUN TRAVEL

Australia's Leading Expedition Cruise Specialists

A Kimberley cruise is often a once-in-a-lifetime journey and choosing the right ship can make all the difference.

At BlueSun Travel, we specialise in expedition cruises, and in particular, Australia's expedition and coastal cruise market. This naturallyc includes a particular focus on Kimberley cruising. Our team has spent nearly 30 years comparing vessels, itineraries, cabin categories and cruise operators to help travellers find the cruise that best matches their interests, expectations and budget. We have been nominated for mulitple business and travel industry awards.

Unlike booking directly with a cruise line, we provide independent advice across multiple operators, giving you access to a broader range of options and expert guidance throughout the booking process.

Better still, we can be reached 7 days a week!

WHY TRAVELLERS CHOOSE BLUESUN TRAVEL

Independent Advice
We compare multiple Kimberley cruise operators and vessels to help you find the right fit, not just a single cruise line. More importantly, all our cruise advisors are accredited Cruise Masters with the CLIA, the highest attainable ranking you can have in the industry.

Kimberley Cruise Specialists
Our team understands the differences between luxury ships, expedition ships, luxury yachts and charter boats, helping you navigate a complex market with confidence.

Access To Leading Kimberley Cruise Lines
Compare departures, itineraries, cabin categories and pricing across the Kimberley's most respected operators.

Expert Vessel Comparisons
From Scenic Eclipse II and Seabourn Pursuit through to Silver Cloud and Le Jacques Cartier, we help you understand the strengths of each vessel before you book.

Personalised Service
Every traveller is different. We take the time to understand your travel style, interests and budget before making recommendations.

One Point Of Contact
From your initial enquiry through to final documentation, our team is available to assist every step of the way.

Exclusive Offers & Cruise Deals
Where available, we can advise on special offers, early booking incentives and selected cruise promotions.

OUR KIMBERLEY CRUISE EXPERTISE

The Kimberley is unlike any other cruise destination in Australia.

With more than 30 vessels operating across luxury ships, expedition ships, luxury yachts and charter boats, selecting the right cruise can be challenging.

Our role is simple: to help you compare your options, understand the differences and choose the Kimberley cruise that best suits your travel style.

Whether you're looking for six-star luxury aboard Scenic Eclipse II, the refined elegance of Le Soléal, or the ultra-luxury expedition experience of Seabourn Pursuit, we're here to help.

OUR INTERNATIONAL CRUISE EXPERTISE

BlueSun Travel is a multi-award nominated expedition cruise specialist. Our divisions are world famous and include:

Antarctica Boat Cruises - Every expedition cruise ship sailing to Antarctica

Galapagos Islands cruises  - South America's most exotic wildlife destination

BlueSun Cruises - Every ocean, river and expedition cruise with over 60,480 itineraries to look at!

Feel free to call us any time if you are looking for more advice on cruising to other parts of the world. 

FIND YOUR PERFECT KIMBERLEY CRUISE

With BlueSun Travel and Kimberley Boat Cruises

Every luxury ship offers a different experience.

Some focus on ultra-luxury service and spacious suites. Others combine boutique expedition cruising with sophisticated dining and cultural immersion.

Our Kimberley cruise specialists can help you compare vessels, itineraries, cabin categories and pricing to find the luxury cruise that's right for you.

Or explore our Kimberley Cruise Vessels comparison guide.

1300 799 758

EXPEDITION KIMBERLEY CRUISES

TOP