Passenger numbers matter on a Kimberley cruise

Expedition cruise vessels in the Kimberley seem to be getting bigger each year.

The Seabourn Pursuit takes 264 passengers

Ponant’s Le Soleal is the same.

Both ships offer great comfort, lots of amenities and (usually) balcony cabins.

They are genuine Kimberley expedition vessels that have great appeal.

But for a Kimberley cruise I feel that these passenger numbers are a bit on the high side.

This is a big reason.

Smaller expedition vessels have a huge advantage over the larger vessels. Quite frankly the smaller vessels (with shallow drafts) can get much closer to the Kimberley highlights than the larger vessels.  .

This gives passengers access to areas that larger cruise ships can’t reach, allowing for a more intimate and authentic experience of the Kimberley’s natural beauty.

Sure all the big vessels have zodiacs but the trip is longer in a zodiac when your vessel has to moor a long way out.

And there is a limit to how far you can go on zodiacs open to the elements to be frank.

Fancy throwing a line out on the adventure? Maybe catch something for the chef to cook up for dinner?

If you would like fishing opportunities on your Kimberley cruise you will need to be on a smaller, Australian vessel – not one of the big international ships.

With fewer people on board, the staff can offer more personalised service and passengers are more likely to have closer interactions with guides and fellow travellers. This creates a more relaxed and engaging environment for exploring. At night, no need to dress up for dinner, just enjoy a beer or glass of wine with your fellow travellers (including the expedition crew) before another day of adventure.

People assume that the “luxury’ expedition ships cost more than the smaller, Australian vessels. It is actually the other way around. Larger passenger numbers enable a vessel to spread the expedition cost across all customers. Having an international (cheaper) crew helps tremendously. But there is a reason why those smaller vessels remain so popular despite the (late) arrival into the Kimberley by the big boys.