It’s a fair question.
You can book a Kimberley cruise directly with the cruise company. So why book with us?
I could give you a very long list, but I think it really comes down to five things.
Jenny onboard the Paspaley Pearl
We’ve been specialising in Kimberley cruising for more than 15 years.
And when I say we know the Kimberley, I don’t mean we’ve read the brochures.
We’ve actually been there.
We’ve cruised on different ships. We’ve travelled in different seasons. We’ve climbed to the top of waterfalls, explored gorges by expedition boat, visited ancient rock art sites, flown over Mitchell Falls and spent plenty of time in Broome, Darwin and Kununurra.
And yes, between us we’ve also consumed our fair share of mango beer at Matso’s.
Why does any of this matter?
Because Kimberley cruises are very different.
A brochure can tell you how big your cabin is, whether you have a balcony and what’s included in the fare.
It won’t necessarily tell you whether you’re going to enjoy that particular style of cruise.
And when you’re spending $15,000, $25,000 or even $30,000+ per person, that matters.
People ask me this all the time: “Which is the best ship?”
And the answer is usually another question: “What’s important to you?” Because the ship I recommend to one person could be completely wrong for the next.
Simon on his Kimberley Quest cruise
We ask lots of questions, listen to your answers and then help you narrow down the choices.
Sometimes that means recommending a cruise.
And sometimes it means saying: “Actually, I don’t think that ship is right for you.”
We would much rather tell you that before you book than have you discover it for yourself halfway along the Kimberley coast.
Danielle enjoying sunset drinks on the beach in the Kimberley
We work with a wide range of Kimberley cruise operators.
So we don’t have to tell you that one particular cruise line is the answer to everything. Because it isn’t.
There are things we love about different ships and there are things we think you need to know before booking them. And we will tell you both.
Many years ago I was offered a complimentary berth on a Kimberley cruise.
Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?
Unfortunately, I came home knowing I couldn’t confidently recommend that particular vessel to our clients. That was slightly awkward considering they had just given me a free cruise! But it also reinforced something that has always been very important to me.
This is a lovely little extra we include with eligible Kimberley cruise bookings.
Book your Kimberley cruise with Expedition Partners and we include two complimentary hotel nights in Broome, Darwin or Kununurra, depending on your itinerary.
You might use both nights before your cruise.
Both afterwards.
Or perhaps one at either end where it works with your itinerary.
And no, we haven’t quietly added the cost somewhere else.
You don’t pay more for your cruise to receive the accommodation.
Wendy onboard Ponants’ Le Soleal
And these differences aren’t always obvious when you’re looking at a brochure or comparing cruises online.
A beautiful cabin photograph tells you very little about how you’ll get into an expedition boat, whether you’ll need to climb stairs several times a day, or what happens if you don’t want to do the longer walk.
That’s where knowing the ships—not just selling them—really matters.
Hayley at Mitchell Falls
Expedition Partners is a long-established Australian family travel business.
We’ve been incorporated for more than 20 years and today we specialise in small ship expedition cruising and specialist rail journeys.
We’re members of the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) and the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO), and we’re also part of Link Travel Group.
Those things are important.
But I think something else matters just as much.
You can actually talk to us.
If you’re confused about the difference between two ships, ask us.
If you’ve read something online and aren’t sure whether it’s correct, ask us.
If you’re worried about mobility, flights, accommodation or whether you’ll cope with the heat, ask us.
There are no silly questions.
This may be our everyday job, but we know it isn’t an everyday holiday for you.
For many of our clients, a Kimberley cruise is something they’ve wanted to do for years.
And we take that responsibility seriously.
Dawn visiting Vansittart Bay
Justine flying above Horizontal Falls
Because we’re not here simply to sell you a Kimberley cruise.
We’re here to help you choose the right one.
There are some fabulous ships cruising the Kimberley coast and some very different ways of experiencing this extraordinary part of Australia.
Our job is to understand what matters to you, explain the differences and give you personal and expert guidance every step of the way.
Even better.
Give us a call and tell us what you’re looking at.
We’ll happily talk you through the differences.
1300 654 861 – Australia
0800 102 338 – New Zealand
Or book a time to speak with one of our Kimberley cruise experts.
Jenny.
or book an appointment to speak to a Kimberley cruise expert at a time of your choosing.
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.
