The Ultra-Luxury Kimberley Cruise Guide

Planning a trip to the Kimberley? Here is our Kimberley Cruise Guide to the top luxury cruise lines cruising the Kimberley—a bucket list destination for travellers of all ages.

Where is the Kimberley?

The Kimberley is located in the far north-western region of Western Australia. Moreover, it is one of the largest wilderness landscapes in the world. Thousands of visitors are drawn to this fascinating region for its incredible natural wonders. Hot, arid landscapes bask in glorious sunsets where thundering waterfalls contrast the brilliant red cliffs and soaring plains.

Natural phenomena like Horizontal Falls and rivers brimming with crocodiles, pristine beaches and spectacular reefs lie within this remote and indigenous landscape.

Given its remote location and extreme climate, one of the best ways to appreciate the Kimberley is by cruising; therefore, cruising offers a unique way to experience this destination.

When to travel to the Kimberley?

The best time to visit the Kimberley is mid-May to August, during which the daytime temperature sits at around 28-30°C, and evenings are a balmy 19°C. This is just outside the wet season. Additionally, some cruise operators run waterfall cruises from mid-March to mid-April, allowing visitors to appreciate nature in all its glory with thundering waterfalls and spectacular light storms in a more humid climate.

Best time to visit the Kimberley based on interest

Choosing the right ship for your Kimberley Cruise

Expedition /smaller cruise vessels can get into areas where larger vessels cannot access allowing for a more intimate and close-up experience. These vessels come with multiple smaller zodiac / adventure boats to propel you right into the heart of these untouched gems of the area. Furthermore, some vessels have helicopters on board, providing an even more exhilarating adventure and a bird’s-eye view.

It’s important to consider the type of Kimberley adventure you are looking for. While some of the larger vessels offer pools and day spas with multiple restaurant choices, the smaller vessels like True North, whilst still very luxurious, have limited onboard facilities and mainly focus on experiences in the region off the main cruise vessel.

Iconic highlights of the Kimberley region

• King George Falls – one of the most photographed icons of the region. These 260-foot all twin cascades are phenomenal against the burnt red cliffs. Vessels like True North can get right up close to the foot of the falls.
• Horizontal Falls and Talbot Bay – The Horizontal Falls are fast moving tidal currents that flow through two narrow gorges in Talbot Bay, located in the Buccaneer Archipelago. Most of the cruises will take guests on fast jet boat rides through the currents.
• Mitchell Falls – a breathtaking waterfall at its height at the end of the wet season. You can either fly over the falls via helicopter or take the hike in, both of which are well worth the journey.
• Buccaneer Archipelago – the Kimberley is home to one of the highest
  concentrations of islands in the world. Some harbour ancient rock art dating back to Aboriginal times like Bigge Island.
• The red rocks of Cape Leveque contrast the turquoise sea, the northernmost point of Dampier Peninsula.
• Montgomery Reef – Australia’s largest inshore reef that rises from the ocean with an incredible sound as the tides wash over it.
• Kuri Bay – Nestled within the untamed Kimberley wilderness in Western Australia, Kuri Bay is a remote coastal haven which boasts pristine beaches, secluded coves, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life.
• Vansittart Bay – Vansittart Bay beckons adventurers seeking rugged beauty. Marvel at cascading waterfalls and discover the haunting wreckage of WWII aircraft.
• Some activities available such as barramundi fishing trips, crocodile spotting cruises, whales off the coast of Broome, and camel rides on Cable Beach in Broome

Comparing Cruise Operators

Paspaley Pearl

The “Paspaley Pearl" by Ponant is an elegant boutique expedition yacht that offers a refined and intimate cruising experience in the Kimberley, Australia.

Blending Paspaley’s 80-year heritage in the region with Ponant’s 35 years of luxury expedition expertise, this unique vessel hosts up to 30 guests in 15 staterooms and suites, all featuring private balconies. The yacht offers contemporary comfort and bespoke adventure, making it the perfect home away from home for exploring one of Australia’s most breathtaking destinations.

Onboard Amenities:

• Main Dining, Lounge, and Bar: Located on the Ocean Deck, offering locally-inspired meals and a chance to enjoy fine Australian produce, including exquisite pearls available for purchase as mementos.
• Outdoor Dining and Lounge: A relaxed space for breakfast and lunch with two expansive dining tables and lounges, providing an ideal setting for dining amid tropical surroundings. The outdoor bar offers refreshments after a day of exploration.
• Sun Deck Lounge and Jacuzzi: Equipped with sunbeds, lounges, and an 8-person jacuzzi, this space is perfect for reading under shade or socialising with fellow guests while soaking in the sun.
• Sunset Lounge: Positioned at the ship’s front, offering panoramic views for guests to enjoy some of the most stunning sunsets over the Kimberley region, accompanied by a drink from the lower deck bar.
• Pearl Suite: Luxuriously designed with a private balcony, king or twin bedding options, heated floors, and high-end amenities, ensuring a comfortable and private retreat for guests.
• Horizon Suite: Elegant accommodation with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to a private balcony, king or twin bedding, luxurious amenities, and personalised climate control.
• Ocean Staterooms: Tastefully designed rooms on the Ocean Deck with spacious bathrooms, entertainment systems, and complimentary Wi-Fi, providing a cosy and refined setting for guests.
• Expedition Experts: A team of four seasoned naturalist guides enriches the journey with insightful narratives, enhancing guests’ understanding and appreciation of the Kimberley’s unique landscapes and wildlife.
• Culinary Delights: The onboard cuisine features locally-inspired dishes crafted by renowned chefs, with a focus on rare regional seafood and premium Australian meats, ensuring a diverse and gourmet dining experience.
• Sustainable and Safe Travel: Equipped with advanced safety features, a wastewater treatment system, and fuel-efficient propulsion, the yacht emphasises both passenger safety and environmental responsibility.

4 Itineraries offered:

• 11 days / 10 nights Broome to Wyndham – The Kimberley You Haven’t Seen Northbound — Explore the Kimberley Coast’s pristine landscapes, aboriginal rock art, Paspaley Pearl Farm, Hunter-Roe river system, Horizontal Falls, King George River waterfall, Montgomery Reef, and witness humpback whale migrations from July to September.
• 11 days / 10 nights Wyndham to Broome – The Kimberley You Haven’t Seen Southbound — Explore the Kimberley Coast’s pristine landscapes, aboriginal rock art, Paspaley Pearl Farm, Hunter-Roe river system, Horizontal Falls, King George River waterfall, Montgomery Reef, and witness humpback whale migrations from July to September.
• 8 days / 7 nights Broome to Broome – The Pearling Coast — Explore the Kimberley Coast, visit a Paspaley Pearl Farm, witness turtle rookeries, the Buccaneer Archipelago, Horizontal Falls, and Montgomery Reef, uncovering secret destinations along the way. Perfect for nature lovers.
• 10 days / 9 nights Broome to Broome – Rowley Shoals & Kimberley Coast — Combines the highlights of the Kimberley coast with the stunning clear waters and marine life of the Rowley Shoals.

Silversea

The Silversea Silver Cloud is an elegant luxury cruise ship offering an intimate and sophisticated travel experience. With world-class amenities, exquisite dining, and spacious accommodations, the Silver Cloud provides guests with unparalleled comfort and adventure.

• Capacity: Accommodates up to 254 passengers and 212 crew members, ensuring personalized service and attention.
• Dining: Four gourmet restaurants offering diverse cuisines, including Italian, French, and regional specialties.
• Bars and Lounges: Multiple bars and lounges serve premium drinks, including a piano and poolside bars.
• Entertainment: Evening shows, live music performances.
• Spa and Fitness: A state-of-the-art fitness centre, luxurious spa, and wellness programs.
• Pool and Sun Deck: Outdoor heated pool, whirlpools, and a sun deck with comfortable loungers.
• Library and Internet Cafe: A well-stocked library and internet cafe for guests to stay connected.
• Observation Lounge: A quiet space with panoramic views, perfect for relaxing and wildlife spotting.
• Excursions: Curated shore excursions, adventure tours and Zodiac excursions, cultural experiences, and wildlife expeditions.
• Enrichment Programs: Expert-led lectures, workshops, and activities to enhance the cruising experience.

3 Itineraries Offered:

• 10-night – Broome to Darwin (or reverse Darwin to Broome) — Featuring all the iconic Kimberley sites including Montgomery Reef. (Darwin to Darwin can be an alternative for guests not wanting to enter international waters to return home).
• 16-night – Darwin to Bali (or reverse Bali to Darwin)
• 17-night – Freemantel (Perth) to Broome — Discover stunning natural wonders and cultural experiences.

Ponant

Ponant is a luxury, French cruise line with a fleet of vessels and French crew on board.

• Ponant offer 3 vessels in the Kimberley Region Le Lapérouse or Le Soléal and the Le Jacques Cartier.
• Le Soléal—264 passengers, 11 zodiacs, 2 restaurants, 24-hr room service, exterior bar, pool, wellness area, 2 lounges, theatre and spa
• Le Lapérouse—one of the Ponant Explorers fleet has 92 staterooms. 184 passengers, 118 crew, 2 restaurants, the Blue Eye – a unique underwater lounge unlike any other in the world. Day spa, gym, 2 lounges, theatre, pool, hydraulic platform making for easy embark & disembarkation, inflatable zodiacs, kayaks & paddleboards.
• Le Jacques Cartier—boasts a modern, eco-friendly design, its décor, reflects PONANT’s ethos, features light tones and open spaces, evoking a serene ambience inspired by visited destinations. The Blue Eye lounge offers mesmerizing undersea views and sounds.
• All-inclusive meals, open bar and activities offered during expedition cruises.

2 Itineraries Offered:

• 10-night – Broome to Darwin (or reverse Darwin to Broome) — Featuring all the iconic Kimberley sites.
• 11-night – Darwin return.

Scenic Eclipse II

Scenic, An Australian owned company, offers Scenic Eclipse a 5-star luxury experience, with all-inclusive dining, shore excursions and onboard amenities, while exploring the stunning rugged landscapes of Australia’s northwest region.

• 228 passengers with 176 crew
• Scenic has one luxury 6-star ship the Scenic Eclipse – with a second vessel due for completion in 2024.
• Australian founded company
• Scenic is the only company with 2x Helicopters and Submarine onboard the Scenic Eclipse (bookable 3 months in advance of departure- not included in price)
• Every suite has a veranda and all have ocean views
• Butler service for all guests
• All inclusive – food, select premium beverages, shore excursions (except Helicopter and submarine), tips and gratuities.
• 12 inflatable zodiac boats + kayaks & stand-up paddle boards
• Up to 10 dining experiences including 24hr in-suite and 9 restaurants & bars on board from casual to fine dining
• Senses Spa, theatre, Gym, Pilates studio, 3 outdoor vitality pools

1 Itinerary Offered:

• 10-night – Broome to Darwin (or reverse Darwin to Broome) — Featuring all the iconic Kimberley sites.

Seabourn

Seabourn Pursuit is the epitome of luxury travel on the high seas, offering a world-class journey filled with opulence and unforgettable moments.

The latest addition to the ultra-luxurious Seabourn fleet—Seabourn Pursuit is built to explore remote destinations where larger vessels are unable.

With a maximum 264 guest capacity and with a passenger-to-crew ratio that ensures personalised attention throughout your voyage. Guests enjoy luxurious accommodation and in-suite service with a choice of Veranda, Panorama Veranda, and Penthouse Suites.

Onboard Amenities

• World-Class Cuisine: Two fine dining restaurants, an american grill, buffet and sushi bar.
• Discovery Centre: Insightful lectures, briefings and enrichment programmes
• Observation Bar: Enjoy a beverage with uninterrupted panoramic views.
• Pool: Spend a day unwinding.
• Fitness Centre: Treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes and weight machines.
• Dancing: Let your hair down and spend an evening dancing  under the stars.
• Salon and Spa: Reward yourself with a new hairstyle, manicure or pedicure.
• Card Room: Enjoy lot’s of onboard activities including a game of bridge
• Bars: Enjoy a refreshing tropical beverage day or evening.
• Shopping: Stay in the moment, shop for fashion, cosmetics, jewellery souvenirs.
• Activities: 24 Zodiacs, Kayaks and two custom-built submarines, plus land excursions and expert expedition team.

2 Itineraries Offered:

An adventure of a lifetime, visiting all iconic stops, exploring pristine wilderness, witnessing stunning landscapes and immersing yourself in rich indigenous culture.

• 10-11 night Darwin to Broome (or reverse): Waterfalls & Wandjinas with five sail dates in 2024 commencing June through to August.
• 34-86 night Broome to Fiji, Papeete, Chile, Antarctica, as part of a World Cruise

True North

The TRUE NORTH has been safely navigating the Kimberley Coast’s many shallow river systems for over 35 years. Their purpose small ship cruises provide guests with a luxury experience and intimate access to the region’s iconic natural features.

• 36 passengers to 22 crew
• One of the only luxury vessels to cruise right into King George Twin Falls
• Australian owned, been in business 35 years and all Australian crew
• All-inclusive meals, destination-inspired dining and non-alcoholic refreshments throughout the day. Complimentary café style coffees and tea are also available all day.
• All adventure boat excursions & activities, All fishing & snorkeling equipment and cylinders & weight belts (on dive trips).
• 6 Adventure boats – made of aluminum. These adventure boats provide guests with greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want". These boats are spacious with comfortable seating and guests to walk around. They sit high out of the water unlike the inflatable boats, and passengers have commented they felt incredibly safe when out spotting crocodiles.
• Helicopter – gaining a whole new perspective on the region. Most guests find they purchase multiple helicopter opportunities at each of the iconic sites – so keep this in mind when planning your budget. The 13-night cruise offers approximately 20 different helicopter flight opportunities and 17 on the 7 & 10-night cruises. Helicopter flights are not included in the price.
• 1 spectacular restaurant with large panoramic windows ensures that guests never miss any of the action, even when they are enjoying the finest in fine dining.
• TRUE NORTH also features a sun deck, observation lounge, ship’s lounge, alfresco bar, sports deck
• No balcony suites

5 Itineraries Offered:

• 7-night – Kimberley Snapshot Cruise — for those pressed for time. Featuring all the iconic Kimberley landmarks.
• 10-night – Kimberley Waterfalls Cruise — starting at the end of the wet season, showcasing thundering waterfalls, fantastic light storms & swollen billabongs. (Mid-March to mid-April).
• 13-night Ultimate Kimberley Cruise — all the icons of the Kimberley and more, at its very best done at a leisurely pace.
• 13-night Coast & Coral (Extended) — combines the very best of two equally stunning destinations – the Kimberley coast and the Rowley Shoals, world-class snorkelling at its very best. Brilliantly coloured corals, giant clams and more than 600 of the world’s most beautiful fish species to be explored.
  (The sister ship True North II offers 10 nights Coast & Coral and Kimberley Explorer 10 night journeys)
  
  True North takes 36 passengers, and prices start at $18,595 per person for seven nights. Sister vessel True North II accommodates 22 passengers. She’s older but cheaper, with 10-night cruises from $17,995 per person. 

Comparison chart of luxury cruise lines and their points of difference.

Cruise Ships	Avg. Guest Capacity	Excursions Included	Fitness Centre	Helipad	No. of Restaurants / Bars	Personal Butler	Prepaid Gratuities	All Meals Included	Drinks Included	Internet
Silverseas Silver Cloud	254	Yes	Yes	No	6	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ponant Le Lapérouse	184	Yes	Yes	No	4	No	Optional	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ponant Le Soléal	264	Yes	Yes	No	4	No	Optional	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ponant Le Jacques Cartier	184	Yes	Yes	No	4	No	Optional	Yes	Yes	Yes
Paspaley Pearl	30	some	no	No	3	No	Optional	Yes	Yes	Yes
Scenic Eclipse II	228	Yes	Yes	Yes	10	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Seabourne Pursuit	264	Yes	No	Yes	8	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
True North	36	Yes	No	Yes	1	No	No	Yes	Non Alc	Yes

How to get to the Kimberley

Most of the cruises we featured start and finish in Broome or Wyndham (via Kununurra), however Darwin is also another port for some itineraries.

What to pack when visiting the Kimberley

A diverse landscape that is dry and arid with lush rainforest and stunning waterfalls requires careful packing to ensure you have the right clothing and gear for different activities and weather conditions. Light-weight cotton clothing ideally with long sleeves for sun protection. Pack layers to accommodate the dry heat and slightly cooler evenings.

Good walking shoes as well as wet shoes for shore excursions and reef landings are a must. A hat, sunglasses, swimmers and sunscreen are also essentials for the suitcase. A spray jacket, water bottle and lip balm with SPF is also a good idea. Depending on where you are planning to visit, gaiters will protect your ankles and legs if you are planning to do the Kunmunya Hike. Many cruise vessels have a smart casual dress code for evening dinners on board, so pop in a few outfits for dinner.