The itinerary
Good news for agents with clients who shiver at the thought of cruising to the Poles. Seabourn’s expedition ship Seabourn Pursuit is eschewing the Arctic in summer 2024 and instead offering new cruises in the Kimberley, a region in Western Australia more than three times the size of England that veers from scorching in summer (our winter) to deliciously hot in winter, and is home to just about every geographical feature you can think of, from arid desert to rainforest.
The 10-day Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls and Wandjinas cruises are from Darwin to Broome and vice-versa. There is a port call in Wyndham, the only place other than Darwin and Broome where ships can dock; the rest of the time the plan is for Seabourn Pursuit to stand offshore at the King George River, Jar Island, the Hunter River, Kuri Bay, Montgomery Reef and Talbot Bay so passengers can explore in Zodiacs – although this is an expedition, so itineraries can change with the tides, which in the Kimberley are up to 14 metres.
There are six sailings between June and August 2024, with prices from £7,999pp departing July 12, 2024, including drinks, tips, wifi and selected excursions. Flights are extra.
A Veranda Suite. Image: Seabourn
The ship
Seabourn Pursuit launched in August 2023 and is the line’s second purpose-built ultra-luxury expedition ship. The vessel is built to PC6 Polar Class standards, holds 264 passengers and travels with a 24-strong team of expedition experts who lecture onboard and guide the excursions. It also carries 24 Zodiacs for shore landings in remote spots, has kayaks passengers can borrow and two submarines that take them beneath the waves.
All rooms are suites and all have a balcony. There are eight places to eat including Seabourn’s signature full-service Restaurant and Colonnade buffet, as well as a sushi bar and Pantry, where passengers can pick up light snacks.
King George Falls. Image: Seabourn
Destination highlights
This assumes a cruise from Darwin to Broome. For cruises from Broome to Darwin the itinerary is the same, but in reverse.
Darwin is a thriving port town with a lively waterfront and a museum where visitors can experience first-hand what it was like to be in the city when the devastating Cyclone Tracy swept through in 1974.
Seabourn Pursuit sets sail at 5pm and spends a day at sea before arriving in Wyndham, the northernmost town in the Kimberley and the jumping off point for flights over the beehive-looking Bungle Bungles.
From the mouth of the King George River, Zodiacs navigate a sandstone gorge to twin falls that tumble 260ft (and possibly a fun surprise we won’t spoil); at Jar Island in Vansittart Bay passengers are taken to see Gwion Gwion Aboriginal rock art believed to be at least 20,000 years old.
Next day is spent at sea, sailing to and from Ashmore Reef to meet cabotage rules that require internationally-flagged ships to leave Australian waters once during the cruise, then it’s back to the adventure.
First a Zodiac cruise along the Hunter River in search of birds and the ferocious saltwater crocodiles that inhabit these waters (it’s why swimming or snorkelling here is a no-no) and possibly a helicopter ride to the Mitchell Falls; next a visit to Kuri Bay, part of Prince Regent Nature Reserve and home to turtles, salties and Australia’s first pearl farm.
Passengers go out in the Zodiacs next day to watch as the vast Montgomery Reef rises out of the ocean (an optical illusion of course, created as the huge tide recedes). Timing is critical, as it is for the penultimate day’s white-water moment on the Horizontal Falls which occur as the incoming or outgoing tide swirls through a gap in the sandstone cliffs.
Disembarkation begins next morning in Broome, a popular resort town where clients can add a few days by the beach.
Expedition Lounge. Image: Seabourn
Broome. Image: Seabourn
Ideal customer
This is one for couples and solo travellers, whether past cruisers or not, seeking an ultra-luxury holiday with adventure, wildlife, nature and excitement thrown in.
The cruise line says
Seabourn vice-president UK and Europe Lynn Narraway says: “Many guests seek ‘warm weather’ rather than Polar voyages, and the Kimberley is perfect for travellers fascinated by northern Australia’s spectacular rock formations, horizontal waterfall, unique creatures and Aboriginal culture. Seabourn Pursuit’s voyages between Darwin and Broome are ideal to combine with an extended stay. Whether wildlife enthusiasts or natural history buffs, luxury adventure clients are sure to find the immersive experience they seek.”
Tags: Jane Archer, Lynn Narraway, Seabourn
