Jenny Flower

Kimberley Vessel Guide: Reef Prince

What it does well, where it may not suit everyone, and who it’s really right for. Clear, honest guidance so you can choose the trip that suits you; not just the one that looks best in a brochure.

Small guest numbers and a genuinely social atmosphere

With a maximum of just thirty-six guests onboard, Reef Prince feels far more personal than many larger Kimberley vessels.

The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and informal, and many guests come away feeling like they’ve travelled through the Kimberley with a group of new friends rather than simply shared a ship together.

A more immersive, experience-led Kimberley journey

Reef Prince is very much focused on the destination itself — getting guests out exploring remote parts of the Kimberley rather than creating a highly structured onboard cruise experience.

Days are often active and varied, with zodiac excursions, waterfall visits, Indigenous rock art sites, fishing opportunities and scenic cruising through spectacular gorges and river systems.

Access to quieter and more remote areas

As a smaller vessel, Reef Prince can comfortably access many of the narrower river systems, hidden coves and remote coastal areas that are harder for larger ships to navigate.

That flexibility can make the experience feel more spontaneous and immersive.

Interested in a Kimberley cruise?

Download our free guide to Kimberley cruising

Ready to speak to a Kimberley cruise expert?

or book an appointment to speak to a Kimberley cruise expert at a time of your choosing.

Excellent value for a Kimberley expedition

One of Reef Prince’s strongest advantages is value for money.

It offers a genuine Kimberley expedition experience at a noticeably lower price point than many of the newer small ship expedition vessels operating in the region.

For travellers who prioritise the experience itself over luxury inclusions, that can make a lot of sense.

The onboard experience — what to expect

Reef Prince is an older-style expedition vessel with a relaxed and unpretentious onboard atmosphere.

Cabins are comfortable and functional rather than luxurious, and while the ship is well maintained, the focus is very much on exploration rather than high-end onboard facilities.

Guests won’t find balcony suites, multiple dining venues, onboard lecturers or extensive luxury inclusions onboard.

Instead, the appeal is very much about the Kimberley itself — and spending as much time experiencing it as possible.

Activity level — is it right for you?

Reef Prince tends to suit travellers who enjoy a more active style of travel.

Boarding expedition tenders, exploring ashore and participating in walks or waterfall visits does require a reasonable level of mobility.

That said, activities are always well explained beforehand, and there are usually alternative options available for guests who prefer something less strenuous, whether that’s relaxing onboard, enjoying a scenic cruise or trying a spot of fishing instead.

Who it tends to suit

Travellers who value experience over luxury

Those who enjoy smaller groups and a social atmosphere

People looking for a more affordable Kimberley expedition

Guests who enjoy active exploration and time off the ship

Travellers who prefer a relaxed and informal onboard environment

Who it may not suit as well

Travellers looking for a more contemporary small ship experience

Guests wanting balcony suites and more extensive onboard facilities

Travellers who prefer a less active style of travel

Reef Prince won’t be the right fit for everyone — and that’s completely okay.

However, for travellers wanting a genuine Kimberley expedition experience with smaller guest numbers, plenty of time exploring and a relaxed onboard atmosphere, it can represent exceptional value.

For the right traveller, it’s exactly the kind of Kimberley experience they were hoping to find.

Reef Prince vessel details

Vessel

Reef Prince

Guest capacity

36 guests

Vibe

Relaxed, social and adventure-focused. Older-style expedition vessel with an informal atmosphere.

Dining

Single dining area with communal dining and a friendly onboard atmosphere.

Adventure boats

Four dedicated expedition tenders for daily exploration.

Activity style

Active days exploring waterfalls, gorges, rock art sites and remote river systems. Fishing and mud crabbing also available.

Cabins

Comfortable and functional cabins with ensuites, bar fridge and DVD player. Mostly similar in size across categories. Except the large State Class!

Onboard style

Simple, comfortable and destination-focused rather than luxury-focused.

Included drinks

Soft drinks included. Alcohol available to purchase onboard.

Who it's for

Travellers wanting a genuine Kimberley expedition experience with smaller groups, active exploration and value for money.

Best suited to

Guests who are mobile, have a good level of fitness.

Don’t book Reef Prince before you speak to us

Why?

Because choosing the right Kimberley cruise isn’t just about picking a well-known name — it’s about making sure it’s the right fit for how you like to travel.

We offer independent, expert advice to help you make that decision with confidence.

And if you do decide that Reef Prince is the right option for you, we also include a few additional benefits when you book through us

Interested in a Kimberley cruise?

Download our free guide to Kimberley cruising

Ready to speak to a Kimberley cruise expert?

or book an appointment to speak to a Kimberley cruise expert at a time of your choosing.

Read Hayley’s post about her trip on Reef Prince

When Hayley returned from her recent Kimberley cruise onboard Reef Prince, the first thing she said was:

The Kimberley completely exceeded my expectations. It was just amazing.

Current Reef Prince exclusive deals

About Jenny Flower

I’m an expert in small ship cruising in the Kimberley and have completed four cruises on different vessels along this spectacular coastline. Cruises in the Kimberley are not one size fits all. There are different ships and itineraries, each offering their own special elements.

If you would like to have a chat with me about Kimberley cruising at a time that suits you book in a call.

You might also enjoy

How fit do you need to be to take a Kimberley cruise?

This is an important question. Kimberley coastal cruises are expedition cruises and this…

The “Paris of South America”: A Quick Guide to the Must-See Sights of Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, often called the “Paris of South America,” is…

What do I need to pack for a Kimberley cruise

Due to the warm, tropical climate of this region, guests…

What to do next

If you’d like more information, either researching on your own or by talking to a person who has been to the Kimberley and can give you first hand advice, here are four options:

Download your FREE copy of "Ultimate Guide to Kimberley Cruising”

Includes the top nine questions travellers ask and our honest answers to them, plus a pre-trip checklist.

It’s the perfect starting point for initial research.

Talk to the team

Kimberley cruises are not one size fits all — there are many different ships each offering their own special elements.

We would love to help you. You’re invited to book a FREE 30-Minute Kimberley Cruise Planning Session to have all you questions answered, without the “hard sell” everyone hates.

Research the latest specials that include free flights and free accommodation

With almost twenty years of experience in booking Kimberley cruises we have great relationships with many of the most popular cruise vessels. Why does that matter to you?

It means we have been able to negotiate some great free inclusions with several of the best cruise vessels including free flights, free tours, and free accommodation in Darwin or Broome.

Dig even deeper via our blog. Here are a few of the most popular posts:

Blog, Featured Kimberley

Why should I book my Kimberley Cruise with you?

Blog, Featured Kimberley

The Top Seven ‘Must Sees’ of a Kimberley cruise

Blog, Featured Kimberley

How fit do you need to be to take a Kimberley cruise?

What travellers say

“Their product knowledge is amazing”

I am very impressed with this company. All the staff I have dealt with have been extremely helpful and courteous, even when I have had to change my travel plans. They went out of their way to assist me with the changes. Their product knowledge is amazing and their help in arranging accommodation and tours has been fabulous. Their offer of two free nights accommodation and a free Broome sightseeing tour is an added bonus. I am very happy that I have booked with them and would thoroughly recommend them.

— Sandra West, QLD

“The cruise suited us perfectly”

We were very pleased with the help we received from Jenny and Simon when we were deciding on which cruise to choose for our Kimberley holiday. The cruise we settled for, Coral Expeditions, suited us perfectly. We were also very pleased with the two free nights accommodation and hop on hop off bus pass in Darwin. Highly recommended.

— Diana Carr, VIC

“Interesting and diverse travel experiences”

The highlights for us were the fabulous food and the unique nature experiences. These were enhanced by on board naturalist with an endless love and knowledge of the region.

I love the followup and practical advice offered by Expedition Partners They offer interesting and diverse travel experiences, truly beyond adventure!

— Eloise Millsteed, NSW