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West Coast Explorer With Colours Of The Coral Coast

West Coast Explorer With Colours Of The Coral Coast

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Description

Spacious Suites On Sky Ships. With the largest lead-in cabins in the region for ships of this size, welcome to APT Small Ship Expedition Cruising.

Small Ship Expedition Cruising. Explore by Zodiac with your Expedition Team to get closer to the sights on an APT Small Ship Expedition Cruise.

Finest Onboard Dining. From room service to elegant outdoor dining, you’ll be amazed by the culinary options aboard an APT Expedition Cruise.

Trip Name
West Coast Explorer With Colours Of The Coral Coast
Days
23
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 Geraldton
Arrive in Geraldton, where we meet you on arrival and transfer you to your expedition ship. Your first night on board starts as it should, with a relaxed dinner.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Abrolhos Islands
Today will be spent exploring the Abrolhos Islands. More than 120 unspoilt islands lay clustered here, spanning over 100 kilometres off Western Australia's north coast. Join your expedition team and hop aboard a Zodiac for an in-depth discovery of this coastal wonderland. Large breeding colonies of sea birds can be found on the islands, with more than 90 different species currently identified. Keep watch for sea lions, dolphins and migratory whales as your expedition team member navigates through the turquoise waters. The Abrolhos Islands are also rich in maritime history, and the infamous Batavia wreck lies on the ocean floor on Morning Reef. The Batavia was wrecked in 1629 on her maiden voyage from Holland, the first of the Dutch ships lost off the west coast of Australia.
Day 3 - DAY 3 Shark Bay
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEHead to Ocean Park Aquarium, an award-winning, eco-friendly aquarium located on the shores of the Shark Bay Marine Park. While here, watch a shark feeding and learn about the conservation efforts of the aquarium, whose mission is to protect and conserve the marine environment while inspiring visitors to further appreciate the incredible oceans.Arrive in Shark Bay today, home to hidden bays, shimmering turquoise lagoons, remote peninsulas, towering limestone cliffs, and pristine white-sand beaches. Stretching more than 1,500 kilometres from Kalbarri to Carnarvon, Shark Bay became Western Australia's first World Heritage-listed area in 1991. The area is one of Western Australia's most biologically rich habitats. Its sheltered bays and beds of sea-grass provide the perfect habitat for dugongs, sea turtles, humpback whales, dolphins, stingrays, and sharks.
Day 4 - DAY 4 Dirk Hartog Island
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEAs your ship cruises to Dirk Hartog Island today, enjoy a delicious homemade morning tea and set out on a guided exploration of the historic Homestead before cruising back to Denham.Enjoy a Signature Experience before heading to Surf Point, located on the southern end of the island. This incredible area is a sanctuary zone within the Shark Bay Marine Park and a vast array of marine life can be found here. Look for sharks schooling in the shallow waters before continuing to Steep Point, located just across South Passage. As the westernmost point of Western Australia, Steep Point provides a perfect vantage point to see the spectacular Zuytdorp Cliffs, rising some 170 metres above sea level. The cliffs extend along the coast all the way to Kalbarri and are a great place for a spot of whale watching.
Day 5 - DAY 5 Coral Bay
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCECruise outer Ningaloo Reef in search of humpback whales. These incredible creatures migrate through the coast near Ningaloo in pods from July right through to November. If you're lucky enough, perhaps catch a glimpse of them slapping their tails and fins as they play in the water.Today is sure to be a memorable one as you enjoy a special Signature Experience near Ningaloo Reef.
Day 6 - DAY 6 Muiron Islands
Cruise to the Muiron Islands today, consisting of the North Muiron and South Muiron islands, which are separated by a deep-water channel. Vibrantly coloured soft corals can be found in abundance here and the waters are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving – which is what you'll be doing today. Turtles love the soft corals here, so be sure to keep an eye out for them as you discover life underwater.
Day 7 - DAY 7 Montebello Islands
Arrive at the Montebello Islands Marine Park today and set out on a Zodiac exploration to discover its rich maritime heritage. The islands gained international attention when three British atomic weapons tests were carried out here in 1952 and 1956. To this day, concrete bunkers, monitoring stations, roads and scrap metal can still be found on some of the islands. The atomic weapons were exploded on Alpha and Trimouille islands, and on the warship HMS Plym, which was anchored on the west side of Trimouille Island. You'll have the chance to join your expedition team and step ashore on Trimouille Island to see the wreckage of the HMS Plym.
Day 8 - DAY 8 Karratha, Dampier Archipelago
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCECruise outer Ningaloo Reef in search of humpback whales. These incredible creatures migrate through the coast near Ningaloo in pods from July right through to November. If you're lucky enough, perhaps catch a glimpse of them slapping their tails and fins as they play in the water.Located just off the coast of Dampier and Point Samson in the Pilbara region, the Dampier Archipelago is made up of 42 islands and islets. The contrast between the brilliant white beaches, turquoise waters, and the rugged Pilbara landscape is a sight to behold and you’ll be left speechless by the mesmerising views seen from the air. Be sure to keep an eye out for turtles, whales, dugongs and dolphins as you soar over this coastal wonderland. See the main salt lakes and iron ore industries in full swing as you fly down the western side of the peninsula before heading back to Karratha Airport.
Day 9 - DAY 9 Cunningham Island, Mermaid Reef, Rowley Shoals
Prepare for a full day of adventure as your ship cruises into Cunningham Island where you can catch your first glimpse of life below the surface during a snorkelling expedition before continuing to Mermaid Reef, home to over 200 species of hard coral. Continue to the Rowley Shoals Marine Park this afternoon. This incredible area is made up of three coral atolls that are believed to have been formed over 10 million years ago. Home to clear lagoons, untouched coral gardens and an abundance of marine life, Rowley Shoals is a true marine paradise. You'll find some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling sites here.
Day 10 - DAY 10 Broome, Eco Beach
Bid farewell to your expedition ship as you arrive into Broome today. Be transferred to Ramada Eco Beach Resort, around one hour south of Broome.
Day 11 - DAY 11 Eco Beach, Eighty Mile Beach, Port Hedland
Travel south, stopping at the famous Eighty Mile Beach, a spectacular coastline that marks the end of the Great Sandy Desert. Keep an eye out for the migratory birds that call the wetland area home. Later, arrive at Port Hedland.
Day 12 - DAY 12 Marble Bar, Newman
Travel to Marble Bar, infamously known as the hottest town in Australia. Marble Bar received its name after settlers mistook a formation of jasper for a huge bar of marble. Later, continue to Newman.
Day 13 - DAY 13 The Pilbara, Karijini National Park
Gain an insight into the world’s largest open cut iron ore mine today as you explore Mt Whaleback Mine in the Pilbara region. Afterwards, continue to your eco retreat in Karijini National Park and relax as you take in the surrounds.
Day 14 - DAY 14 Karijini National Park
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCESee the contrasting landscapes of Karijini National Park.A full day has been set aside for you to discover the contrasting landscapes of Karijini National Park today. See the rugged red beauty of Dales Gorge or perhaps set out on a walk to Joffre Falls, located near the eco retreat. Alternatively, you might like to soak up the views from Oxer and Junction Pool lookouts. Later, visit the 20-metre tumbling Fortescue Falls, the only permanent waterfall in Karijini National Park.
Day 15 - DAY 15 Karijini National Park, Tom Price, Exmouth
Drive through the town of Tom Price and head to the North West Cape and see a sunset over the Indian Ocean from Exmouth, the gateway to Ningaloo Reef.
Day 16 - DAY 16 Exmouth, Cape Range National Park
Explore Cape Range National Park as you board a cruise through the towering gorge walls of Yardie Creek. Later, stop in Turquoise Bay and take in the views before continuing to the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse.
Day 17 - DAY 17 Ningaloo Marine Park, Carnarvon
This morning, set out on a cruise aboard a glass bottom boat at Coral Bay. Beneath the surface you'll see colourful displays of coral and an array of marine life, including turtles, manta rays and dugongs. While you're here, be sure not to miss the opportunity to snorkel this unspoilt reef. Later, continue to Carnarvon on the Gascoyne River.
Day 18 - DAY 18 Hamelin Pool, Shell Beach, Monkey Mia
Head for Hamelin Pool to see the amazing stromatolites – considered the world’s oldest living organisms. Continue to Shell Beach before arriving at your resort. Here, a delicious dinner awaits.
Day 19 - DAY 19 Monkey Mia, Shark Bay
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEHear fascinating stories of Wooleen Station as you are shown around this former sheep and cattle station.Enjoy a Signature Experience this morning. Afterwards, might like to head down to the beach during an afternoon at leisure. Later, enjoy a sunset cruise before a seafood dinner at your resort.
Day 20 - DAY 20 Wooleen Station
Travel to Wooleen Station today, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience. Tonight, soak up the views as the sun sets over this incredible landscape.
Day 21 - DAY 21 Kalbarri National Park
From July to October, Western Australia is blanketed in Everlasting Daisies and you'll travel through the mid-west ‘Wildflower Way’ to see this natural spectacle for yourself. Later, continue to Kalbarri National Park.
Day 22 - DAY 22 Nambung National Park, Perth
Travel to Nambung National Park, a striking coastal desert region home to the eerie limestone Pinnacles. Continue on to Perth, and enjoy a relaxed dinner as you celebrate the end of your adventure.
Day 23 - DAY 23 Depart Perth
Depart Perth
Day 24 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Discover Abrolhos Islands, Shark Bay & Coral Bay
    • Explore Muiron Islands, Montebello Islands & Dampier Archipelago
    • Enjoy Karijini National Park

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