Coral Expeditions
Started in 1983, our company’s original vessel, Coral Princess, a converted World War II submarine chaser, pioneered and set the standard for small ship expedition cruising in northern Australia with 5-night cruises on the Great Barrier Reef.
Today, the Coral Expeditions’ fleet includes three purpose-built small ships that can be found anywhere from the tropical waters of Australia’s north to the rugged shores of Tasmania, from the coastal villages of Papua New Guinea and the Spice Islands, to sheltered sounds and glacial fiords of New Zealand.
While our range of cruise itineraries has expanded into new regions, we have maintained our home in Cairns and continue to be the only major operator of extended small ship cruises on the Great Barrier Reef.
There are many reasons why our guests return to Coral Expeditions for a truly authentic expedition.
A TRUE EXPEDITION ETHOS
At Coral Expeditions, we pride ourselves on getting our guests up close and personal with stunning landscapes, fascinating history and vibrant cultures. We have deep respect and a strong connection with the places we visit. We maintain flexibility in our planning to make impromptu stops if extraordinary opportunities in nature present. Our expeditions focus on truly experiencing the regions we visit.
OUR HOME TURF
When it comes to expedition cruising, there is no replicating experience. For 40 years, we have steadily accumulated a wealth of local knowledge and contacts in the coastal regions surrounding Australia. Our crew know the charts, the tides and the winds like no other to ensure you are in the right place at the right time. Whether you travel with us in the ancient Kimberley, Tasmania’s wilderness, the frontier lands of Papua New Guinea, or New Zealand’s majestic fiordlands, you will be assured a local perspective, with local guides, authentic interactions, and a true taste of local culture and cuisine.
OUR SMALL SHIPS
At the heart of the Coral Expeditions experience are our purpose-built small expedition ships and unique tenders. In an age of glitzy mega-vessels, our ships are truly intimate, carrying no more than 120 guests. This means that we can navigate into shallow bays, step ashore onto remote beaches and jetties, and visit small villages to make connections without overwhelming a community. We have designed the fleet to explore tropical waters with comfort and ease and to allow you to connect with the landscape we explore.
OUR CREW
Our crew live and breathe our destinations and the opportunity to show you a true expedition experience. We are the modern day seafaring pioneers of Australia, and we are proud to share our knowledge on coastal explorations with guests from around the globe. On our ships, we have no ‘back office’ roles. From our chefs to our engineers, our crew are here because they love to interact with people and show you their world. Join our engine room tours, view our chefs in our galley or chat with our officers on the bridge – they will be delighted to share company with you.
OUR RESPECT FOR COMMUNITIES
We have always made a determined effort to support the communities we visit. Our guests join in enthusiastically. We visit remote villages, participate in art and cultural traditions, and interact in local schools. We initiate and contribute to regional projects to support conservation, provide training and employment, and distribute economic benefit and relief supplies, all with guest support and involvement. It is an enriching and rewarding part of our expedition experience that leaves a lasting joy for us all.
THE FUTURE
As Coral Expeditions enters its fifth decade in existence, we remain true to our pioneering foundations. We have a new fleet of technologically advanced ships that provide many of the comforts of a large vessel, but without the crowds. We have embarked on a series of new adventures exploring the small islands of the world and broadening our footprint around our home shores of Australia. Yet, our purpose remains the same – taking small groups of like-minded explorers to beautiful parts of the world in our uniquely Australian style!
Ships
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Coral Geographer, Into the Wilds of Borneo ex Singapore to Makassar
16 Night Cruise sailing from Singapore to Makassar aboard Coral Geographer.
- Departs: 24 Dec 2024
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Geographer
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Coral Adventurer, South Island & Fiords of New Zealand ex Bluff to Wellington
12 Night Cruise sailing from Bluff to Wellington aboard Coral Adventurer.
- Departs: 24 Dec 2024
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Adventurer
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Coral Discoverer, A Yachtman's Cruise ex Sydney to Hobart
7 Night Cruise sailing from Sydney to Hobart aboard Coral Discoverer.
- Departs: 26 Dec 2024
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Discoverer
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Coral Discoverer, Circumnavigation of Tasmania ex Hobart Return
16 Night Cruise sailing from Hobart roundtrip aboard Coral Discoverer.
- Departs: 02 Jan 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Discoverer
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Coral Geographer, In the Wake of the Makassans ex Makassar to Darwin
14 Night Cruise sailing from Makassar to Darwin aboard Coral Geographer.
- Departs: 09 Jan 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Geographer
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Coral Adventurer, World Heritage Islands of the Sub-Antarctic ex Bluff to Melbourne
15 Night Cruise sailing from Bluff to Melbourne aboard Coral Adventurer.
- Departs: 16 Jan 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Adventurer
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Coral Discoverer, Coastal Treks of Tasmania ex Hobart Return
10 Night Cruise sailing from Hobart roundtrip aboard Coral Discoverer.
- Departs: 18 Jan 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Discoverer
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Coral Geographer, Raja Ampat and Spice Islands ex Darwin to Sorong
18 Night Cruise sailing from Darwin to Sorong aboard Coral Geographer.
- Departs: 24 Jan 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Geographer
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Coral Discoverer, Coastal Wilds of Tasmania ex Hobart Return
10 Night Cruise sailing from Hobart roundtrip aboard Coral Discoverer.
- Departs: 28 Jan 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Discoverer
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Coral Adventurer, Australia's Great Southern Ocean ex Melbourne to Perth
15 Night Cruise sailing from Melbourne to Perth aboard Coral Adventurer.
- Departs: 31 Jan 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Adventurer
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Coral Geographer, Raja Ampat and Spice Islands ex Sorong to Darwin
18 Night Cruise sailing from Sorong to Darwin aboard Coral Geographer.
- Departs: 11 Feb 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Geographer
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Coral Adventurer, Abrolhos Islands & the Coral Coast ex Perth to Broome
12 Night Cruise sailing from Perth to Broome aboard Coral Adventurer.
- Departs: 27 Feb 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Adventurer
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Coral Adventurer, Kimberley Icons Ashmore & Rowley Shoals ex Broome to Darwin
12 Night Cruise sailing from Broome to Darwin aboard Coral Adventurer.
- Departs: 11 Mar 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Adventurer
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Coral Discoverer, Citizen Science on the Great Barrier Reef ex Brisbane to Cairns
10 Night Cruise sailing from Brisbane to Cairns aboard Coral Discoverer.
- Departs: 20 Mar 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Discoverer
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Coral Adventurer, Kimberley Icons Ashmore & Rowley Shoals ex Darwin to Broome
12 Night Cruise sailing from Darwin to Broome aboard Coral Adventurer.
- Departs: 24 Mar 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Adventurer
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Coral Discoverer, Cape York & Arnhem Land ex Cairns to Darwin
11 Night cruise departing from Cairns to Darwin onboard Coral Discoverer.
- Departs: 01 Apr 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Discoverer
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Coral Adventurer, The Kimberley Cruise ex Broome to Darwin
10 Night Cruise sailing from Broome to Darwin aboard Coral Adventurer.
- Departs: 05 Apr 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Adventurer
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Coral Geographer, The Kimberley Cruise ex Darwin to Broome
10 Night Cruise sailing from Darwin to Broome aboard Coral Geographer.
- Departs: 08 Apr 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Geographer
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Coral Discoverer, The Kimberley Cruise ex Darwin to Broome
10 Night Cruise sailing from Darwin to Broome aboard Coral Discoverer.
- Departs: 13 Apr 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Discoverer
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Coral Adventurer, The Kimberley Cruise ex Darwin to Broome
10 Night Cruise sailing from Darwin to Broome aboard Coral Adventurer.
- Departs: 16 Apr 2025
- Cruise line: Coral Expeditions
- Ship: Coral Adventurer
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All meals, morning and afternoon teas are included.
Dietary Needs and Special Requirements
Special dietary foods can be provided, however Coral Princess Cruises must be notified in writing of specific requirements at least three weeks prior to sailing, along with any special anniversaries or birthdays you may be celebrating while aboard.
Tipping not required
Other cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your account and service charges to your bar invoices. On a Coral Princess Cruise, our crew has no other agenda than your delight, and tipping is completely optional.
DO YOU CATER FOR CHILDREN?
When joining a Coral Princess Cruise, children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Coral Princess Cruises does not provide services of entertainment, supervision or care of children. Our itineraries are quite adventurous and we therefore recommend children aged above 12 years of age will enjoy the challenge and experience the most.
GREAT BARRIER REEF CRUISES
For cruise around the Great Barrier Reef, Yes, We cater for children of all ages. We will also supply cots and highchairs, please note however 2 weeks notice prior to travel will be required.