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Kimberley Coast Cruise (Caledonian Sky)

Kimberley Coast Cruise (Caledonian Sky)

From NZD $11,445

Description

10-night Kimberley cruise aboard your elegant small ship – Caledonian Sky.

Trip Name
Kimberley Coast Cruise (Caledonian Sky)
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 114 (in 57 suites) Built: 1991 / refurbished 2012 The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows. If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere. Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub. Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Your space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request. Your dining With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board. For your comfort, safety and security The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only. Gratuities Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Arrive Darwin, Embark Ship
Arrive in Darwin and be transferred to your expedition ship where you can settle in to your well-appointed suite or stateroom. Get to know your fellow guests, and Expedition Team during a Welcome Dinner tonight.
Day 2 - DAY 2 At Sea
Get acquainted with your expedition ship as you enjoy informative lectures from your Expedition Team on board while spending a day at sea en route to the spectacular Kimberley Coast. Learn about the fascinating ecology of Australia’s most remote coastline, one that is dominated by some of the most dramatic tidal conditions on Earth. Hear stories of the rich World War II history and get prepared to discover ancient Indigenous culture that dates back for tens of thousands of years. Take time to relax as you feel the pleasant pristine air of the Timor Sea fill your lungs and then take advantage of the Open Bridge policy for the chance to make acquaintances with your ship’s Captain. After dinner tonight, make your way to the Lounge for the evening entertainment.
Day 3 - DAY 3 Koolama Bay, King George River And Falls
While exploring the King George River, the highlight is sure to be King George Falls, plunging 80 metres over a magnificent sandstone cliff. Get up close to this spectacular cascade and learn how it turns to a raging torrent during the monsoonal wet season.Wake up this morning on the Kimberley Coast as your ship cruises into Koolama Bay. Once known as Cape Ruilhieres, hear how this spectacular harbour was renamed following the Japanese bombing of the MV Koolama in 1942, while carrying 91 passengers, 89 crew and a cargo of war supplies destined for the Australian Army at Wyndham. Arrive at King George River and board your ship’s fleet of Zodiacs with an Expedition Team member. Meander through the gorge system, travelling 12 kilometres upstream to discover hidden mangrove-fringed coves and 100-metre-high red-cliffs.
Day 4 - DAY 4 Vansittart Bay, Jar Island
Join your Expedition Team to take an informative walk across salt flats at Vansittart Bay to view the wreckage of a US Air Force C-53 which crash landed on the beach during World War II. The C-53 is a modified civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner, an aircraft used extensively during World War II by the Allies. Later, visit Jar Island and see examples of the Kimberley’s mysterious Gwion Gwion (formerly Bradshaw) paintings, dating back some 20,000 years. These stylised figures give impressions of movement, depicting people involved in ritual dancing, complete with elaborate clothing including tassels hanging from the arms and waist. The style of these paintings are very distinctive.
Day 5 - DAY 5 Bigge Island
Bigge Island is well known for its Indigenous rock art, which was created by the Wunambal people.Discover Bigge Island today, off the coast of the Kimberley, approximately six kilometres from the mainland. In caves throughout the island, see examples of first contact art depicting European tall ships dating from the 15th to 18th century. Learn how the mysterious Wandjina figures are unique to the Kimberley, to the Wunambal, the Wandjina is the supreme Creator and a symbol of fertility and rain who comes to the Kimberley every wet season to bring life. This belief in a single Creator or God is unique to the Kimberley. Many of the Wandjina art sites are still repainted each year as a tradition which reconnects the Wunambal to their Creator. Having been repainted annually for the past 5,000 years, this is thought to be the oldest continuous sacred painting tradition on the planet.
Day 6 - DAY 6 Prince Frederick Harbour, Hunter River, Mitchell Falls
Arrive at Prince Frederick Harbour, home to soaring red cliffs and mangroves. With its extreme tides and pristine ecosystems, there is an incredible range of wildlife to discover here including saltwater crocodiles, mudskippers and a plethora of bird species including kingfishers, egrets, herons and the majestic white-bellied sea eagles. Board a Zodiac with your Expedition Team to explore the Hunter River, then visit Naturalist Island where an optional helicopter flight to Mitchell Falls departs (own expense, guests are advised to pre-register interest).
Day 7 - DAY 7 Careening Bay, Prince Regent Reserve
Visit Careening Bay, the home of the historic Mermaid Boab Tree, where in 1820 Lieutenant Phillip Parker King used the area’s massive tides to beach his damaged ship, the HMC Mermaid to repair a leak in the ship’s hull. One of King’s crew members carved the ship’s name in a Boab Tree that overlooks the bay, and today you have the chance to see for yourself a living piece of Australian colonial history. Continue on to explore Prince Regent Nature Reserve, a protected area that is only accessible by boat and is recognised as a national biodiversity hotspot. Spend time in the picturesque area of Hanover Bay and perhps visit St George Basin by Zodiac to see saltwater crocodiles and numerous marine creatures if tidal conditions permit.
Day 8 - DAY 8 Montgomery Reef, Doubtful Bay, Raft Point
Embark on an unforgettable adventure today as the magnificent Montgomery Reef ‘rises’ out of the ocean as the tidal waters cascade down into the surrounding channels. Board your Zodiac to experience this natural phenomenon up close and discover the reef’s diverse marine life. Keep an eye out for unique bird life and turtles who may pop their heads up from time to time.Cruise through Doubtful Bay, an amazing location for whale watching during the season. Later, travel ashore at Raft Point to visit an ancient Wandjina rock art site, gaining a unique perspective from a local Indigenous guide (when available). The Wandjina is known as a living art tradition as these stunning figures are ritually repainted, however scientific estimates show that the original depictions date as far back as 5,000 years. These figures, identified as having a distinctive plate-like face with no mouth, are said to show a powerful creator being.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-07-201917-07-2019NZD $14,645Caledonian Superior Suite
07-07-201917-07-2019NZD $15,795Promenade Premium Suite
07-07-201917-07-2019NZD $17,695Promenade Prem. Balcony Suite
07-07-201917-07-2019NZD $18,345Promenade Owner's Corner Suite
17-07-201927-07-2019NZD $15,195Promenade Premium Suite
17-07-201927-07-2019NZD $17,095Promenade Prem. Balcony Suite
17-07-201927-07-2019NZD $14,045Caledonian Superior Suite
03-08-201913-08-2019NZD $14,345Caledonian Superior Suite
03-08-201913-08-2019NZD $17,145Bridge Deluxe Balcony Suite
03-08-201913-08-2019NZD $17,395Promenade Prem. Balcony Suite
13-08-201923-08-2019NZD $12,595Castle Standard Suite
13-08-201923-08-2019NZD $13,745Caledonian Superior Suite
13-08-201923-08-2019NZD $14,895Promenade Premium Suite
30-08-201909-09-2019NZD $11,445Castle Standard Suite
30-08-201909-09-2019NZD $13,745Promenade Premium Suite
30-08-201909-09-2019NZD $15,395Bridge Deluxe Balcony Suite
30-08-201909-09-2019NZD $15,645Promenade Prem. Balcony Suite
09-09-201919-09-2019NZD $13,745Promenade Premium Suite
09-09-201919-09-2019NZD $16,295Promenade Owner's Corner Suite

Inclusions

    • King George River And Falls. Explore the sandstone gorge carved by King George River to the 80 metre cascade of King George Falls, the highest in WA.
    • Phenomenal Montgomery Reef. Witness the tidal phenomenon of Montgomery Reef as it rises out of the water.
    • Spectacular Horizontal Falls. Board a high powered fast-boat to ride the massive tide at the spectacular Horizontal Falls.

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