This was Broome to Darwin, then Darwin to Cairns, two very different cruises. Broome to Darwin was more about scenery, birds, geology, nature and seeing "outback" Australia. There were only 38 passengers on the 72 passenger ship. Broome to Cairns included some of this but concentrated on indigenous communities and their art. The ship had 68 passengers on this leg. We enjoyed both parts but perhaps the thing we will remember most is the spectacular scenery of the Kimberly. Having the Explorer that takes all the passengers and tour guides off the ship and up rivers and onto beaches is a big plus. Passengers board from the deck and then the Explorer is lowered to the water. On the return the Explorer is lifted from the water up to the deck and everyone walks onto the deck. There are zodiacs too, although unlike the Explorer, they have no shelter from the sun and don’t have comfortable seating for a long time in them. It was easy getting on and off the zodiacs from the back of the Explorer. The Explorer, with its flat bottom, is able to get close to river vegetation and land you on beaches usually without wet feet. We did spend some time in the zodiacs but felt the Explorer was as effective in getting us to see the flora and fauna. Our Darwin to Cairns cruise was very interesting with visits to aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands. It was an art cruise and we visited art galleries in the different communities. There was also an artist from Torres Strait, David Bosun, on the ship and he held Lino cutting and printing workshops. He also lectured on Torres Strait history and about the animals and the legends about them. We were able to snorkel 3 times during this part. The masks and fins were good quality and the safety of the swimmers was monitored well. Two snorkels were off a beach and one off the Explorer. The tour guides and the guest lecturers for the whole cruise were professional and informative. Most were friendly and socialised with the passengers and we enjoyed our time with them. Food was plentiful and quite tasty. Not gourmet but adequate. Breakfast had fruit, cereal and hot food, a good start to the day. Lunch was a buffet offering different food every day. Salads were plentiful and good. Dinner was 3 course with a few choices for each course. Drinks were included with lunch and dinner. They choice for this was limited but drinkable. At pre dinner drinks I bought a bottle of better quality wine and drank it over a few night rather than have the house wine. They had a cocktail of the day each night. Service from the team was very good. They were friendly and I felt they went out of their way to get to know you and your preferences. The cabin was smaller than the other ships we had sailed on ( Silversea and Regent) and the bathroom was small, but we weren’t in it much during the day so wasn’t a problem. The bed was comfortable and the linen and towels were very good. They serviced it twice a day. There was plenty of storage in the cabin and bathroom. This is Expedition cruising so we were off the ship at least twice a day. Breakfast was at 7am most mornings and usually boarding the Explorer at 8.30 or 9am for our explorations. After lunch there another expedition before returning to get ready for pre dinner drinks, a recap of the day by a guest lecturer, then plans for the next day by the tour leader. After about 10 days we needed a day off, and stayed on the ship. As long as you understand that an expedition cruise is unlike a luxury cruise and are open to see and learn about the areas, in-depth and up close, you will have a wonderful cruise. Read Less

We did the most amazing cruise from Broome W.A. to Darwin N.T. 10 night/ 11 days in the most awesome part of the world. There were only 45 passengers on board and the crew were amazing. The excursions which were twice a day were interesting and the guides were amazing in their information about the areas we visited. The scenery and areas in the Kimberley was so amazing and quiet. Heaps of birdlife, wildlife, whales and dolphins and crocodiles. The weather was kind also. I wish I could give 30/10. The service and cleanliness was excellent. Couldn't praise the crew enough. Our cabin was close to the dining room and was cleaned every morning and the bed was pulled back ready for bed at night. Clean towels every day. The food was to die for. Great selection on the menu. Everyone sat wherever they wanted to. Everyone got to know everyone. Read Less

In February we enjoyed a fabulous 7-night Tasmanian cruise out of Hobart. It was our third cruise on the Coral Discoverer and it was great to see that the crew keep her in tip top condition. There were quite a few familiar faces in the crew, and all are friendly and welcoming. The cruise documentation states that the itinerary is flexible and will vary according to weather and sea conditions. We saw that flexibility on the first day when we were not able to visit the Huon Valley due to bushfires. The compensation was that we were encouraged to rise early on the first morning and we were treated to a stunning sunrise as we transited Port Davey. Every day was filled with shore excursions meticulously planned by Expedition Leader, Mark. Guest Lecturers, Catherine and Steve, both Tasmanians, gave very interesting short presentations on a wide range of topics. As well as their presentations, Mark, Catherine and Steve were with us on every excursion, sharing their knowledge at every opportunity. Steve lead most of the longer more challenging walks and was great at planning the walks, assessing everyone’s capabilities and limits and supporting and encouraging everyone during the walks. There were some hills to climb, but it was always very satisfying to get to the top and enjoy the stunning views. There were always less strenuous options available such as shorter walks, or a scenic cruise. There is no additional charge for any of the excursions. Some of the highlights of the cruise were the sighting of a pair of endangered orange bellied parrots, frequent dolphin sightings and seeing the amazing fur seal colony on Illes des Phoques at such close quarters. Then there were the cute wombats. Not only did we see lots of them, we discovered that the poo is cube shaped (and why it is cube shaped) and that they can outrun Usain Bolt over 100 metres. We were enthralled with stories of the early explorers and settlers. It was good to listen and pay attention as there was a quiz on the last day. All meals were served in the dining room with breakfast and lunch being hot and cold buffet style. Always plenty of variety. Dinner was 3 course a la carte. There is only a limited selection of dishes on the menu, but the chefs are always willing to be flexible with dishes, you just have to ask. The 2 chefs freshly prepare all meals for the, up to, 72 passengers, using local ingredients wherever possible. Passengers were often popping their heads into the kitchen on the way out of the dinning room to thank the chefs for their meals - how often do you have the opportunity to do that? Evening entertainment was usually DVDs relating to the area that we were travelling through. Most times though, it was early to bed to rest up for the next day's exploration. Much of the area that we visited is wild, remote and inaccessible except by sea. With the Coral Discoverer’s professional crew, we experienced it all in safety and comfort and it will leave lasting memories. We have our next cruised booked already. :) Read Less

We thoroughly enjoyed Coral Discoverer and the trip from Darwin to Broome. The whole team were very professional and as we said to the Captain on our departure in Broome the culture of the ship was exemplary – nothing was too much trouble and all went out of their way to make our trip memorable. The itinerary was ‘adjusted’ to take account of tides and weather and while we did not see some of the sites quoted in the brochures we saw others that more than made up for this. We cruised up huge rivers, experienced amazing indigenous art sites, saw ancient sandstone cliffs and walls, went by zodiac through the Horizontal Falls, and had informative explanatory commentary from the knowledgeable expedition leader and from the visiting naturalist. Some of the shipboard lectures were very informative and most evenings there was a relevant movie about the Kimberley, but it was not 'entertainment' a la cruise ship!! Not that we wanted or expected that mind you. Just explaining the rating. We are most satisfied with our decision to go with Coral Discoverer having now reviewed some of the other offerings available with this great experience behind us – the use of the large aluminium tender Xplorer for initial runs off the ship, and then transfers as required to zodiacs was a great way to experience the highlights – of which there were many.A great finish on the last day heading for Broome and almost on cue was a spectacular display by a pod of about twelve whales - the most sustained and beautiful we have ever experienced - serendipitous but very welcome! Not a cheap cruise/expedition by any means but very good value for money for this amazing experience. Read Less

Outstanding in every way. Food amazing and much variety. Cree and staff so friendly and helpful. Guest lecturers/guides very knowledgeable and great sense of adventure and fun. Cabin was large and had surprisingly good storage. The activities planned every day were fascinating and varied, and there was still something to do on board for those who was nted a rest. The scenery and other aspects (Aboriginal art, geology, animals and plants) were explained well. Take the helicopter flight and walk to Mitchell Falls if you can. It’s well worth it! The zodiacs were lots of fun and allowed us to get in close or land to see things. This was my first extended cruise and I enjoyed every minute. If you’re prone to seasickness, get meds from your doctor before going. I did and was affected only once at the end on the run through open waters to Darwin. Broome to Darwin direction was s good choice because it’s calm until the end. We went in late June. Read Less

Having sailed on the Coral Discoverer (previously Oceanic Discoverer) from Darwin to Broome in 2015 our party of six decided to "do it again" ie. enjoy a nice cabin along with great service, friendly staff, great food and drink offerings whilst we sail and view magnificent scenery, visit historic places, walk in wilderness areas, enjoy enlightening talks and films and have a lot of fun in the process. We were not disappointed, Coral Discoveries provided just what we expected plus some, another great holiday. The weather was kind to us as it has been known to worse down south, but that can be the case anywhere on any holiday. This ship has room for 72 people and carries landing craft where you can board and go ashore without getting your feet wet most of the time, The Explorer carries all 72 people on excursions, as well there are a few kayaks available and the larger inflatables for excursions when required. We are looking forward to our next adventure with Coral Discoveries, where? who knows as they go lots of different places.. Read Less

On the strength of a seven day cruise on this small ship (70 passengers max) around the southern coast of New Zealand, we booked for the seven day voyage around the east, south and west coast of Tasmania. It was flawless. the captain, Gary Wilson, and his amazing crew provided us with an extremely comfortable and luxurious haven from which to experience the extraordinary Tasmanian coastline. We had wonderful weather that allowed us a near-perfect sail around to the exquisite Port Davey in Tassie's South West National Park for two nights in this World Heritage wilderness; a pristine and sheltered environment that hopefully will still be here for generations to come. Congratulations to all of those environmentalists over the years who have resisted government and industry attempts to debase such magical places with unnecessary development. Access is strictly controlled and it became clear when we climbed several local hills for panoramic views of the labyrinthine waterways, extending out to the Arthur Range on the blue horizon. For me, this was a highlight of the trip because of the difficulty in even reaching Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour in bad weather. A serene sail across a mirror-smooth Southern Ocean took us up the east coast to Freycinet where regardless of some light rain, we again were able to walk up to another lookout over Wineglass Bay. Then it was onto Maria Island for a dramatic (weatherwise) stroll to the fossil cliffs before an unforgettable sail down the east coast past the highest dolerite cliffs in the world on Cape Pillar -- 300 metres! It was right there that the finale arrived in the form of a 40 knot gale, making scenes of those foreboding cliffs even more dramatic. Another highlight for all of and extremely well handled by our ship, the Coral Discoverer, which again proved her stability in rough seas. We had previously been in nine metre seas on the south coast of New Zealand in this ship and knew of her capabilities. An alternative tour of Port Arthur with an amazing guide who, we suspect, is a Shakespearean actor (or should be) before our departure in Hobart on a fine, clear morning. Overall, a wonderful trip to an unforgettable and unique destination. Highly recommended! Read Less

Great small ship experience sailing the Tasmanian coast. Extremely well organised. Food and guest cabins were above average. Quality of lectures, included excursions and hikes, professionalism of crew were exceptional. Crew were Australian. The captain was a historian. Ship was kept spic and span. Icing on the cake were fellow guests - well traveled, sophisticated but not show-offs, great conversations over meals -- and yes wine and beer included :) We had a cabin on C deck (second least expensive category). Cabin was not luxurious but reasonably spacious. Serviced twice a day. Daily linen change and very good quality linen (I am a stickler). Toiletries were an Australian brand. Good moisturiser (need it for the dry climate). A very different cruise experience - more like a large yacht. Tasmania is beautiful. Straight out a fairy tale. We saw seals, dolphins, wallabies, kangaroos, many different types of birds. Soaring cliffs and white sand beaches. Temperature ranged from cool to chilly. Read Less

We booked this 12 night cruise from Cairns to Papua New Guinea some 18 months before departure. Previously we had used the same company for a cruise from Broome to Darwin. Both cruises are quite expensive. We felt value for money wise and adventure wise that the trip from Broome to Darwin was far superior. On the PNG islands trip "The place time forgot" we felt that it was too much of the same. There was no adventure. I guess we should have given the trip a lot more consideration before going on it. Of course their brochure is a great selling point. All in all, the staff were excellent, the food was excellent but I would not do the trip again as it was not value for money. For example, at over $1000.00 per day for each guest one had to pay $3.00 for a bottle of water. Although there are desalinators on board there is nothing like a bottle of water. I couldn't believe we had to pay this per bottle of water. Quite miserly. We met some great people who also share the same opinion. If one doesn't make these comments future guests are really in the dark. So my advice is to really do your research before committing to this PNG experience. Read Less

We are so pleased we chose to explore this amazing region on the Coral Discoverer, from Darwin to Broome over 10 nights. This is a small expedition ship which had recently been refurbished and it was extremely comfortable both in-cabin and all around the ship. One of the reasons we chose this cruise company was the way they conduct excursions into smaller areas using their ‘X-plorer’ craft - a nifty vessel that can take all passengers into remote, otherwise inaccessible areas in comfort, with shade cover and on-board toilet. ( it can get very hot and you do need to drink a lot of water - so this was very helpful!) Passengers can board the X-plorer craft directly from the ship deck (perfect for mobility impaired travellers) and it is gently lowered into the water and then cleverly lifted back up on return to ship. Other operators seemed to only have zodiacs to do off-ship exploring and we didn’t fancy hours in zodiacs with no shade etc. So luckily we had the best of both worlds - the comfortable X-plorer, and several zodiacs available for even more close-up experiences {like the Horizontal Falls, the Montgomery Reef and Lacepede Islands) The Expedition Leaders and crew were exceptionally good with well planned excursions and information sessions. We enjoyed a great variety of meals, and were very pleased with the attention to special dietary requirements if needed. Special mentions to Expedition Leaders Steve, Tim and Sandy; Udo the Purser and overseer of all dining and on-board experiences; Captain Gary and the expedition crew. The Kimberley region is spectacular and this cruise enabled us to visit areas that would be totally unreachable by any other means - so extremely remote we did not see a single person on land anywhere, other than the people we were travelling with …but lots of crocs, whales, turtles, waterfalls, aboriginal cave art and stunning rock formations and colours. Not to mention spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The Lacepedes with thousands of birds and the sheer serenity and other-worldliness of Montgomery Reef (looks like the moon rising out of the sea as the reef is exposed at low tide) were standouts for us, but the whole region is simply awe-inspiring This cruise went way beyond our expectations and is a very special memory for us. We had cruised quite a bit before - Norwegian Fjords, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Baltic, Adriatic and New England Coast - and this has been our favourite... not sure why we left cruising our own country till so late, but so glad we finally did it! Read Less

Arguably one of the best holidays we have been on. Starting at the embarkation in Darwin which was like a well oiled machine, greeted with a smile and a "are you excited", it just all fell into place. The ship itself, having just been refurbished was in pristine condition but it was the people, nothing was too much trouble for the crew, daily servicing of the cabin with a turn down at night and it all seemed to happen without us even knowing. Food was a buffet for breakfast with all the usual items, mentioned one morning it would be nice to have poached eggs and next minute there they were. Lunch again was buffet and was probably the least enticing meal of the day but was still more than enough. Dinner on most nights was exceptional, barbecue on the deck was excellent with a huge choice of meats and salads. Just on two nights the meat for dinner was on the tough side but there was more than enough of other items so you did not end up hungry. The shore excursions along this wonderful Kimberley coastline was the highlight though, led by Jamie, Brian and Dave. Safety was the first priority in fact all aspects of shipboard and land adventures were prefixed by safety so cannot speak highly enough of their attention to this. Ian Morris, our guest lecturer, what a man, not only a pleasure to listen too with his knowledge of this area but his involvement with indigenous education and issues added so much to the trip. Negatives, to be honest I would have to be very picky, we had a crew member down so service on some nights waiting to get a drink was a bit slow, but when you have the scenery around you to look at and amiable company to converse with this was only a minor issue. This trip was recommended to us by our neighbours and we would have no hesitation in recommending it to others. Worth every penny. Read Less

One of the most remote and beautiful places in the world The KImberley in Australia's northwestern corner is spectacular The Coral Discoverer is an Australian built ship, flying an Australian flag and carrying an all Australian crew. Friendly, clean and professional they made the cruise a true "bucket list" adventure. It is a long way to get there but worth it The ship goes where there are no roads. 30 toot tides, reefs, sea life from crocodiles to whales. Amazing gorges, waterfalls and landscapes.. Places like King George falls and Montgomery reef, Price Regent and King George rivers will take your breath away. An open bridge policy lets you sit with captain as you navigate amazing waters. Cabins are bigger then average, and comfortable. No TV on this cruise, but you don't need it. Great daily lectures from a knowledgeable staff. Make the effort to do this cruise. You will be happy you did. Read Less

We have long wanted to do this cruise. Having recently driven the Gibb River road it was time to see the parts of the Kimberley inaccessible by road. We cannot fault the cruise. Everything was excellent: notably the ship itself; the staff (without exception excellent, friendly, efficient); meals (variety over the ten days excellent); access at any time to the bridge; excursions which were very well organised by three knowledgeable leaders; activities including talks, films, slide shows, sunset drinks; easy access to the ship's tender and the three zodiacs. We would certainly recommend highly. Embarkation and disembarkation were very well organised. In July we would expect fine weather and were not disappointed. But additionally it was calm with low swell except on two days: winds and swell an cause difficulties with some beach landings. Highlights included: a helicopter flight to and landing at Mitchell Falls; Hidden Island Reef with its abundance of life; a pod of dolphins which were attracted to the ship and stayed the night; numerous humpback whales heading south on the last day, to Broome; and several rock art sites which have long been on my bucket list. But picking out individual things is unfair: the experience as a whole was an unforgettable adventure. Read Less

The Kimberley sounded an interesting place to visit and to do it by ship seemed a great idea. As we read the details, the trip sounded more and more interesting. We were lucky enough to get a last minute cancellation, and how lucky for us we did! Our few days in Darwin before the cruise put us into holiday mode. Our first time in Darwin had us wanting to go back again to see more. The half day city tour is fascinating, and well worth the time. We could have spent far more time here, so it's on our list for a revisit at some time. Arriving at the ship was exciting and bustling. We were greeted by friendly faces, had the much needed coffee and started to meet fellow passengers. The ship looked welcoming for our next 10 days. Everything looked, and was, "ship shape"! Our cabin was spacious and much bigger than I expected. We were quickly able to unpack and get into the swing of things. Food on the ship was excellent and plentiful. The service was first class. There was a great programme of activities that had been put together for us and we enjoyed them all! I loved the fact that if you didn't want to go, you didn't have to. Getting onto the tender and off again was a breeze thanks to the brilliant mechanism that made it accessible for everyone. Excursions, lectures and documentaries - there was so much to learn, see and do and we had plenty of fun, too! From getting wet under the waterfall at King George River to watching a blue ringed octopus chase crabs around the rock pool among the corals. I can't think of a bad thing to say about our trip. We tell everyone about it, encouraging them to go. Thanks to everyone on Coral Discoverer - we had a ball and we'll be back. Read Less

We wanted a small boat experience in The Kimberley region which would enable us to learn about and explore the region close up. We wanted a good level of comfort and our research led us to Coral Discoverer. Embarkation is Darwin was smooth and efficient with a focus on getting us familiar with the boat and the crew. The ship has a high level of luxury about it and we chose cabin A01 on the bridge deck. The cabin was a very good size with a king bed and good ensuite. The balcony meant we could have fresh air and a great view and space from which to take photos. All the crew were exceptional providing wonderful service and all had a good level of knowledge about the boat and the region. The most outstanding feature of the cruise was fine expedition team led by Jamie and Dave and accompanied by a guest lecturer Ian. Their knowledge and expertise meant we were able to get up close to the most amazing sites and we learned about culture, geography, history, wild life and plants. Each day was full and varied exceeding all our expectations. The logistics of the expeditions with a tender capable of taking all 72 guests and loaded from the main vessel ensured everyone of all fitness levels could partake. Then in addition there were 3 zodiacs to get us even closer to waterfalls etc and ensured we could land on beaches otherwise inaccessible. The itinerary on the web site will inform you of the many possibilities. Every cruise will be a little different depending on it tides. Back to the ship - The Captain ran a very happy and service oriented team. The dining experiences were also outstanding. The quality and variety of food a real feature. Our fellow passengers added to the enjoyment. Enough people to mingle with and be able to meet everyone, and to ensure you didn't sit with the same people every day. Fresh filtered water on tap always, laundry service available with iron your own. Library available for further information. Deck space ample for all with a great sun deck to enjoy for meals, drinks and the sunrises and sunsets. Read Less

To do a Kimberley Cruise/Expedition has been on my 'bucket list' for sometime!! We have seen the area from the Gibb river Rd, and from the coast - fantastic. This was made all the better with the Expedition staff, their superb knowledge and passion; the ship's crew, all willing to assist, answer questions and good company, and the hotel staff, who were very obliging and courteous. Ian Morris with his mythical Monjon, was amazing, knowledge on the animals, birds, plants and rocks, kept us well occupied! Jamie, worked most of us out from the start, a great quality in an Expedition leader, especially when there are a few not so agile amongst the passengers. Dave, where did he find those quiz questions, thanks for a fun night. Boat drivers, Brian, Max, Dan and Josh, great job with 'Xplorer' and zodiacs, getting us as close to the sites as possible, and Horizontal Falls, total buzz. Greg and his crew, had the 'Coral Discoverer' where it needed to be every time, not sure about the 0400 anchor calls!! - guess that's the delight of a forward cabin!! Conal, and his team treated each one of us with personalised service, table service, occasionally lacking, however not for lack of the staff trying to meet high demand times. Food, generally amazing, cabins, well attended and all public areas clean. Read Less

This cruise was our 'trip of a lifetime' and it lived up to every expectation. The crew were polite, friendly and exceptionally helpful from the time we boarded the ship in Darwin until be disembarked in Broome. Udo, the purser, oversaw a seamless hotel operation and Captain Greg, Officers, Engineers and Expedition staff Steve, Tom and Mark worked to ensure that we experienced most of what 'The Kimberley' had to offer including King Cascades, Mitchell Falls Horizontal Waterfalls, Talbot Bay, Cyclone Creek, Montgomery Reef and Careening Bay to name a few. We were lucky and privileged to have seen a very remote part of Australia with an enthusiastic team of people whose mission it is to ensure that their guests receive a safe, highly informative, first class journey into a part of Australia that unfortunately, because of its remoteness, few of us will get to experience. We also learned of an unknown (to me) Australian explorer, Phillip Parker King, and his journeys of discovery in the Kimberley and Northern Territory. Jim and Sheryl Read Less

For many, a cruise means a huge ship, large crowd and the related stuffs therein. Then there is the other type of cruise: a small boat with a small number of guests, friendly staff and meticulous personal attention. The Coral Discoverer turned out to be such a boutique. My wife and I joined the South China Sea run from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, covering the long stretch of Vietnamese seashore, 22 January through 3 March 2017. The meticulous planning and attention to detail were obvious from the moment we gathered at the Saigon Opera House, Ho Chi Minh City. We handed over our baggage and boarded the coach to the ship docked near the city centre. The small crowd facilitated quick clearance of immigration formalities. We attended the Captain’s welcome reception that evening in the Explorer Bar. At the top deck, with drink in hand, and the spectacular panoramic view of the nighttime Ho Chi Minh City all around, the experience was enchanting. Then we moved to the spacious dining hall at the lower level. The majority of the gusts seemed to know each other. It turned out that they had shared past cruises in the Coral Discoverer itself or in one of the two other ships of the Coral Expeditions. The number of returning guests was impressive and was a testimony to the quality of the cruises. The sumptuous dinner was informal, enlivened with friendly discussions, and lingered on about three hours into the night. This set the pattern for every subsequent evening: drinks at one of the bars, then a leisurely buffet with affable banter. Food and wine were excellent and plentiful. In the bar, the selection of spirits was superb; the cocktails were tasty. We enjoyed a beautifully appointed Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom. The toilet is necessarily small, but properly planned, exquisitely appointed and well stocked with toiletries. Lazing on the balcony, casually taking the view, when the boat sailed, anchored or docked was an exhilarating experience. The ship is spotlessly clean, both public areas and private quarters. For a ship of this size, the facilities are remarkably lavish: three bars, a lounge cum presentation room, an exercise area, a sun deck and even a small library. Moving around was not difficult even for the elderly. Vietnam has a rich and troubled history. The cruise arrangement did justice to that heritage. Every day we docked or anchored near an interesting seaside town or village. The day started with a lavish Continental and hot breakfast in the ship. The Discoverer has a unique boat for transporting guests to the seashore, when anchored away from the coast. The Xplorer is securely docked to the ship at the back. The guests could just walk into this boat from the main deck. Then it goes down smoothly as an elevator cab to the water and glides to the shore. The boat rides were unique opportunities to enjoy scenic beauty and to see the seaside life. On land, we travelled in comfortable coaches, savouring scenic beauty and wowing at the rich historic legacy. Prominent among them were the cable-car ride up the Lin-son Truong Pagoda and the climb on foot to the huge Reclining Buddha statue. A visit to Vinh Moc Tunnel and the Benh Vien Hospital Cave of the Viet Cong rekindles the poignant history of the nineteen sixties. The Hue Citadel, Ha Long Bay, Sung Sot cave, Titop Beach and the steep climb to the top of the hill, Lan Ha Bay and the Cat Ba National Park were among the attractions we visited. When the plans demanded lunch or dinner on shore, impeccable arrangements waited for us. The tour team meticulously arranged every detail and took care of the entry fee for the attractions, eliminating any delay. An expert tour guide was travelling with us. Also included in the team was an expert on Vietnam. He made audiovisual presentations on history, social issues and life in general in Vietnam. Rough weather disturbed the cruise arrangement one day. Nevertheless, an equally interesting fallback plan was in place seamlessly. Another unique feature was the open bridge policy. The bridge of a ship, as the cockpit of a commercial aircraft, is a sensitive area. However, Coral Expeditions has an open-bridge policy in their ships. We enjoyed the experience of watching the captain navigating the ship, sitting on a nearby comfortable sofa. The dedicated team, at every level, is probably the greatest asset of this ship. Informal, pleasant and friendly, they were at the spot, at the time when a guest needed help. Read Less

My Wife chose this cruise as I have limited mobility though not in need of aids . I was most impressed by the attention of the staff not only the waitresses and other cabin staff but the whole crew were extremely friendly and helpful . The food was good and charges for drinks was not excessive; table and bar service was excellent. Especially enjoyable were the off ship excursions on a daily basis, also the timing of the excursions and their coincidence with ideal tidal conditions for the trips was excellent . We particularly enjoyed the helicopter trip to Mitchell falls and the trip to Lacepede islands. The ship was very stable and we were blessed with perfect weather. I did not go on a couple of excursions which required climbing up hills but was able to relax and read my books. We have never been fans of cruises but this small intimate cruise was excellent and very sociable and I can thoroughly recommend this trip. One small criticism was the lack of a lift between (decks) which I found a bit wearing. The company and especially your on board staff should be complimented ; although expensive was probably well worth it and a unique experience. I have previously traveled in this area by land but this was an entirely new way of looking at the area Read Less

I have travelled in parts of the world, such as the Canadian Rockies known for their beauty. There is nothing in the world to compare with the sheer breathtaking scenery of one of the planet's last unspoilt wilderness, the Kimberley. The rugged cliffs, slabs of rock like pink marble, thousands of islands, aqua water and coral beaches as they were thousands of years ago still leaves me in awe to remember it. Coral Expeditions Discovery could not have presented this holiday better. Like many, I am now planning my next cruise wth them in 2017. All of the 55 passengers onboard expressed a similar opinions. Everything was done to make the holiday as good as it could be and expertly managed by Captain Greg and our Expedition Leader Steve. Our lecturer and guide was Ian Morris OA and how lucky were we! www.abc.net.au/stateline/nt/content/2005/s1522665.htm We begged him for talks most nights on the fauna, flora, geology, history and the aboriginal culture of the region and were never disappointed although often interrupted by a whale. This is an expedition cruise so the features are the local area and the planned walks or boat trips every day. I had been ill for much of the 6 months prior to my cruise and took the advice of the Expedition Leaders, Steve and Dale and did not try a few of the more strenuous walks but there was always an alternative cruise in the Explorer with things for me to photograph and I got to enjoy the photos in the lounge with everyone in the evening, I loved seeing this region from the water always with a breeze and of course the luxury AC if it was too hot on the deck. I was never hot for long (reminded about hat and sunscreen often) and almost never saw an insect. I must say the attention to detail in every aspect of this cruise was outstanding. For example Captain Greg sitting in a zodiac as we were all taken in zodiacs through the Horizontal Waterfalls with him taking photos of us all, which is nice to get, but he was there of course as au unspoken safety measure. Our safety was always their number one priority. Coral Expeditions are accredited Eco Tourism and took this very seriously also with nothing left in the Kimberley apart from footprints and nothing taken. The seas are teaming with fish, turtles (who come up to your zodiac), small sharks, whales and birds with breeding colonies around and there are crocs (all called Eric) which we saw but leant not to be frightened as Ian was so knowledgeable and nothing was ever left to chance. Sasha was a great Purser and Sara also and the dining was lovely and special. Everyone was friendly and although I was travelling solo, I was never alone and felt welcome everywhere. Loved the seafood buffet on the first night and the beach barbecue on Verandah Beach as the sun set. Do this cruise on Coral Expeditions as you need to get up and close to the beaches and the mangroves to see the fauna and flora and their Explorer is perfect. And you need the knowledge and experience of this company. I loved the way the 26 crew were such a seamless team with everyone being relaxed and friendly but very good at their job and you could see it really was a team when the deck hands could give orders to Captain Greg and be met with a smile. Corporations try for years to achieve that respect and teamwork and many could learn from this company. Made all of us passengers so relaxed and secure in our safety so we could focus on simply having the best fun ever. Read Less

An amazing "Bucket List" trip! My husband and I decided to see some of Australia and wanted a trip with a "cultural experience" on an Expedition type of cruise. We decided on a trip to the Kimberley area of Australia. As my husband is a teacher we needed to book early to secure a cabin on The Coral Discoverer. This boat only takes 72 passengers which we loved as you really get to know the staff and other passengers. In fact I can honestly say "Small" ship cruising is by far our favourite type of cruising. From the moment we boarded in Broome we were treated like royalty. Personally shown to our wonderful cabin & everything explained in detail to us. There were only 23 Australian crew on board but they are all multi skilled and do a wonderful job of looking after everyone. The food was exceptional and prepared by 2 young chefs who gave us every type of cuisine imaginable from a Seafood Feast to an amazing beach bbq! It was of excellent quality and used local products. Every day was a delight of delicious and interesting food. Our cabin was well equipped with a King Size comfortable bed, couch, desk and double wardrobe. A small but very functional ensuite bathroom serviced twice daily was also good. The excursions were wonderful & run by very knowledgeable leaders who were very well organized and always adhered to a rigorous safety program. The Xplorer excursion vessel was perfect for getting into shallow waters and we had a mixture of wet and dry landings. I highly recommend taking reef sandals. Upon returning to the main ship we were greeted by staff at the bar ready to serve us cold drinks, or my favorite, the new State of the Art Coffee Machine. This machine enabled all of us coffee lovers to get our daily caffeine fix at the push of a button! There was often afternoon tea or baskets of fruit too. Most days it was very smooth sailing; only 1 rough day as we approached Darwin at the end of our trip. I would highly recommend this trip for any adventurous adults. Would not recommend for small children as there is nothing to entertain them & they would be bored. Overall an amazingly different type of cruise & yes I would go again! Read Less

We had been on this cruise previously and found it the best holiday ever. We were not disappointed by going a second time with friends. Though we visited some of the same places there were many new places to visit and even those we'd seen before were just as spectacular and introduced afresh by the knowledge and enthusiasm of Jamie, Mark and Tim. We learned more about different aspects of the Kimberleys and would recommend it to anyone who wants to see parts of Australia which are otherwise inaccessible. We were struck again by the willingness of the crew to make sure that everyone who wanted to participate in any activity could do so. The Explorer on the back of the boat is a genius design and allows even the most physically challenged to go on any of the excursions. The boat is due for a refit soon and the change of livery would be good but the cabins on A deck are superb, comfortable, ample room and beautifully fitted out so who could complain. The food is fantastic and plentiful and the kitchen makes every effort to cater for any request. The staff work very hard and are always available to answer questions and fulfill requests if at all possible. This is not a cruise for children. I'd go for a third time in a heartbeat. Read Less

We have just returned from a 10-day cruise down the Kimberley Coast from Darwin to Broome on the “Coral Discoverer” (Coral Expeditions), it has been a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience. This journey is all about the sights of the Kimberley not accessible by any other means and it was wonderful. For people wishing to learn more about the area, it's history and inhabitants, both human and animal it is a must. Beautiful island vistas at dawn and sunset, fantastic rock paintings, often reached by a scramble up rocks or into caves, secluded beaches, rivers, waterfalls, reefs, sharks, dolphins, sea snakes, crocs etc. As for the ship, we have no complaints. Food was really excellent, the crew were all competent, helpful and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. We took advantage of the "open bridge" policy and had our maps updated daily. Our cabin was roomy, comfortable and cleaned daily. The Expedition Crew were amazing. Jamie, the leader, managed to make each day informative and entertaining with twice (and sometimes 3 times) daily expeditions aboard the Xplorer, always working with the tides to ensure a safe and pleasant experience. Each evening there was a review of the days events held in the lounge over pre-dinner drinks. Also each day either Mark, one of Jamie's team, or Tim the guest lecturer, would give a talk. Both were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their subjects. The’ Xplorer’ is marvelous. It is boarded straight off the deck of Coral Discoverer and lowered to the water. It isn't flash but has relatively comfortable seats, a roof and a small toilet and it got us into places the ship couldn't go. There were also 3 zodiacs, which were usually boarded from the Xplorer, for those who wished to get even closer to the action. The Coral Discover is not a big "bells and whistles" liner, just a comfortable place from which to see the Kimberley. I suppose if I was the mention a negative it would be the sundeck which was not really useable during the day because of lack of shade (although to stargaze up there at night was good). There is plenty of other deck area to enjoy, so it wasn’t really a problem. All this added up to one of the best holidays we have ever had. Read Less

We cruise a lot internationally on small and medium vessels and will add this one to the best ships. All the good things others say are true and we have no compla9nts at all. Excellent and worth every penny. The cabins are excellent, the food very good, the crew always helpful and friendly. The guides knew their stuff, a little eccentric too but that makes for even more interest. Remember, it is a smallish ship by international standards but its size gives great access with its flat bottomed fast motor boat and 3 zodiacs, access few other ships enjoy. As an amateur ocean sailor when young, I pleasured in watching the professional way the merchant marine crew so capably and caringly handled their small access vessels. They were a pleasure to watch and admire. The bar was not open as much as I would have liked but we could have asked for drink service at any time if we wished. If you thinking of this vessel do not hesitate. Highly recommended,. Read Less

"I heard this was good, but not this good!”, someone remarked on our Darwin to Broome April 1, 2016, ten day Kimberley coast cruise. We absolutely concurred. The stunning Kimberley scenery and our experience with Coral Expeditions 1 surpassed everything we expected. Simply wonderful. The guest lecturers and expedition team were a font of information, good advice and guidance. Not to mention brave! Who can forget our leader, hand feeding a shark off the back deck! Our B deck Deluxe Stateroom was spacious and well tended. Friendly staff were about predawn, ensuring the ship was spic and span for the day ahead. Food was plentiful and fresh - the standard of good pub fare. Coral Expeditions 1 is not a luxury cruise ship, but it’s comfortable and cosy. The stairs are steep, but we thought of them as an inbuilt exercise stair master! Dress is casual and barefoot on board is fine. No casinos, no pools, no entertainment shows, no deck to deck elevators. It’s not that sort of experience. “It’s an expedition, not a cruise,” we were told. And that’s what you get. We found the pace of onshore expeditions full-on and challenging, especially in the April heat and humidity, but always rewarding. There were pleasant ‘cruisier' options if you didn’t want to clamber up rocks to discover ancient aboriginal paintings or hike across a salt plain to see a crashed WW2 plane! Showers under remote towering waterfalls, crocodiles giving us the eye, sea snakes swimming by, amazing birdlife, bat colonies tending their babies and the incredibly cute ‘sea cow’ dugongs to fall in love with. A fantastic trip stacked full of exciting experiences and staggeringly beautiful vistas along the coast of one of the last great wilderness areas of the world. We loved this trip. We adored the Kimberley coast. We'd strike it off our bucket list, but we’d do it again in an instant! Read Less