Aurora Expeditions Launches Kimberley 2013 Program with New Voyages & Tours

Aurora Expeditions are offering three new 11-day voyages to the Kimberley Coast taking in the spectacular coast between Darwin and Broome and vice versa aboard the newly refurbished Coral Princess.

The three spectacular voyages will take passengers all the way along the top end, with a special new cultural stop at Wijingarra bard bard to meet the local artists. They will be welcomed by a smoking ceremony, followed by the opportunity to watch the experts at work and purchase some world class Aboriginal art.

Passengers will travel onboard Coral Princess, a 35-metre luxury catamaran for just 44 guests. Aurora Expeditions' most experienced expedition staff and crew will include expedition leader; Mike Cusack, Dr. Garry Darby; art historian, lecturer and author of aboriginal art as well as naturalist Chris Done, who lectures on the regions' plants, wildlife and geology.

Aurora Expeditions believe the only way to experience the remote Kimberley coast is by small ship; allowing passengers to discover gorges carved by rivers, tiny islands with abundant bird and marine life, thundering cascades, boab trees and ancient Aboriginal art.

Aurora Expeditions is renowned for travelling to wild and remote areas of the world, with the aim of creating lifelong ambassadors to the environment. They attract small groups of like-minded, enthusiastic people, passionate about the Kimberley's plants, wildlife and history.

Prices start from A$7190 per person twin share. A 10% earlybird offer is applicable for the first 10 bookings for each departure, made before 31 July 2012. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information and to order your free Kimberley Coast 2013 brochure, visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or call +61 2 9252 1033.



About Aurora Expeditions

Aurora Expeditions is an Australian-owned adventure company specialising in expedition cruises to wild and remote places. Always travelling in small groups, Aurora Expeditions provide their travellers with the chance to have an intimate experience in these regions with their flexible, innovative itineraries. The aim of each voyage is to provide as many landings as possible, allowing passengers to experience the destination first hand. Each voyage is led by an expedition team of expert naturalists, geologists, historians, staff and crew who help to unlock the wonders of these special places. Deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, Aurora Expeditions' philosophy is to respectfully visit wilderness areas in turn creating ambassadors for their protection.

Celebrate Your Kimberley Cruise With The Gift of Pearls

Whether you are celebrating a 50th birthday or a 30th anniversary this year, or just looking for an opportunity to spoil your loved one with a breathtaking cruise experience, this Kimberley Cruise deal is sure to impress. For a limited time, we are including a beautiful Willie Creek pearl pendant valued at over $2400, with Coral Princess Cruises* booked before 30 June 2012. Your exclusive gift is an 18k Yellow Gold Willie Creek Pearl Australian South Sea Cultured Pearl and Diamond pendant on an 18k Yellow Gold Omega necklace. This stunning piece will be available for collection prior to embarkation, the perfect accessory for a Kimberley Cruise of a lifetime.

Spring is a truly wonderful time of the year to discover the Kimberley. Not only is the weather near-perfect but you can experience Western Australia's annual Whale migration as the world's largest population of Humpback Whales make their way to the warm waters of the Kimberley. Nothing beats sunset on the deck as Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show of breaches, spy hops and tail slaps whilst you sip on bubbles and delight in freshly caught cuisine. Over 10 days you will explore the King George, Hunter and Prince Regent Rivers, the tidal phenomenon of Montgomery Reef, abundant wildlife, ancient Aboriginal rock art, unique flora and fauna and the spectacle of the Horizontal Waterfalls at Talbot Bay.

This exclusive Kimberley Cruise experience is 11 nights and includes:

•           A 10 night luxury cruise from Broome to Darwin or vice versa aboard Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer
•           All cabins feature en-suite bathrooms
•           All onboard meals
•           All off vessel excursions
•           BONUS gift worth $2420 - An exquisite Willie Creek Pearl Pendant
•           BONUS 1 nights' accommodation in Broome pre or post cruise


From $6,990* per person twin share aboard Coral Princess including a bonus night at Mercure Broome

From $8690* per person twin share aboard Oceanic Discoverer including a bonus night at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa PLUS also receive a bonus Dinner Experience at the Sunset Bar & Grill overlooking Cable Beach.

Coral Princess is a 35 metre Catamaran accommodating 48 guests and offering an intimate cruising experience with the onboard facilities you'd expect from a larger vessel. All accommodation is air-conditioned with private ensuites and all rooms are serviced daily

Onboard facilities include an air-conditioned dining room, two air-conditioned lounges, a sundeck and spa pool, wireless internet, reference library, phone and fax facilities, fully stocked cocktail bar and limited laundry facilities.

Oceanic Discoverer is 63 metres, accommodates a maximum of 72 guests and offers facilities you would expect from a larger cruise ship including 2 lounges, sundeck and spa pool, wireless internet and a specially designed excursion vessel with onboard toilet, as well as a fleet of zodiacs. Accommodation consist of just 36 spaciously appointed staterooms which all feature stylish ensuite bathrooms.

This offer is available for selected 2012 departure dates only.

Coral Princess:

Darwin to Broome – departing 31 August 2012
Broome to Darwin – departing 10 September 2012
Darwin to Broome – departing 21 September 2012
Broome to Darwin – departing 01 October 2012

Oceanic Discoverer:

Darwin to Broome – departing 07 September 2012
Broome to Darwin – departing 17 September 2012

Conditions:

•           Offer must be booked before 30 June 2012
•           Offer is limited to one pearl pendant per booking
•           Available for selected 2012 departures only
•           Prices based on per person twin share, subject to availability and subject to change

To book your 2012 Kimberley cruise of a lifetime, visit your local Travel Agent or call Broome & The Kimberley Holidays on 1300 245 565. More information is at our website www.broomekimberley.com.au

Pearler of an offer for Kimberley

For a limited time, Broome & The Kimberley Holidays are including a beautiful Willie Creek pearl pendant valued at over $2400, with selected Coral Princess Cruises booked before 31 July 2012. Your exclusive gift is an 18k Yellow Gold Willie Creek Pearl Australian South Sea Cultured Pearl and Diamond pendant on an 18k Yellow Gold Omega necklace.

Over 10 days you will explore the King George, Hunter and Prince Regent Rivers, the tidal phenomenon of Montgomery Reef, abundant wildlife, ancient Aboriginal rock art, unique flora and fauna and the spectacle of the Horizontal Waterfalls at Talbot Bay.

For details: www.broomekimberley.com.au

Coral Princess Cruises extends Kimberley 'Waterfall Season" Savings

Special offer for Single Travellers

Australia's pioneer of small-ship expedition cruising Coral Princess Cruises has extended their Kimberley 'Waterfall Season" special offers to new bookings made until 31 March 2012 or until sold out. The discounts, between 15 and 25 per cent off normal prices on their 10-night Kimberley Coast expeditions, are valid on April 2012 departures aboard their state-of-the-art 72 passenger small ship Oceanic Discoverer or the intimate 35 metre catamaran Coral Princess. Single Travellers can also take advantage of great savings, with the bane of the single traveller – the dreaded single supplement – waived on April 2012 departures aboard Oceanic Discoverer.

The Kimberley wilderness of Western Australia is three times larger than England with a population of just 30 000. Coral Princess's voyages between Darwin and Broome cruise through some of the planet's oldest and most awe-inspiring scenery and landscapes. Exploring the Kimberley Coast in April, immediately following the 'wet season', affords guests the unique opportunity to experience the region's spectacular waterfalls in their full grandeur. From the towering 80-metre King George Falls, four-tiered Mitchell Falls and the iconic King Cascades to the amazing natural phenomenon of Horizontal Falls and lesser-known highlights such as swimming beneath beautiful Ruby Falls, Coral Princess's Kimberley itinerary includes all of the icons of this spectacular coast in unrivalled style and total comfort.

Waterfall Season prices for the 10-night Kimberley cruise aboard Oceanic Discoverer start at $6,517.50 per person for Coral Princess Cruises past guests (25% off) and $7,386.50 for first time travellers (15% off) in a Main Deck (Category B) Stateroom. Special prices aboard Coral Princess start at $5,242.50 for past guests and $5,941.50 for first time travellers in a Cabin category room. The reduced prices include all meals, lectures and services of the all-Australian expedition staff and excursions aboard a fleet of zodiacs and the unique 'Xplorer' excursion tender.

Coral Princess Cruises pioneered small-ship expedition cruising on the Kimberley Coast in 1996 and has 34 departures scheduled across the 2012 season, which runs between April and October. As a 100% Australian-owned, flagged and staffed operation, Coral Princess guests avoid the need to transit an international port as part of their Kimberley itinerary, a guideline applying to foreign owned and flagged operators in the region. With a minimum of two landings most days Coral Princess guests will enjoy the opportunity to see more of the Kimberley and make the most of every minute of their expedition.

For further information and reservations contact Coral Princess Cruises on 1800 079 545 or visit www.coralprincess.com.au.

North Star Cruises: True North

North Star Cruises was the first permanent and is now the longest established charter cruise operator to cover the vast wilderness of the far north of Western Australia. Owner Craig Howson has been leading exploration, diving and fishing cruises in the region since 1987.

The company specialises in live-aboard wilderness cruises along 2000 kilometres of Kimberley coastline and coral atoll cruises at the Rowley Shoals - three atolls perched on the edge of Australia's continental shelf, 300 kilometres west of Broome.

Now based in Broome, the company commenced operations in Fremantle, Western Australia, in June 1985, placing an order for a 15 metre launch, North Star surveyed to carry 6 passengers and 2 crew for overnight charters and 14 passengers and 2 crew for day charters.

In April 1987, Craig Howson decided to seek work in Broome. There, he began day fishing and diving charters with demand soon growing for longer cruises. His company initiated the first live-aboard charters along the Kimberley coast and to the Rowley Shoals. In the 1987 season, Craig chartered three ‘True North Wilderness Cruises’ and three ‘True North Coral Atoll Cruises’ dive trips.

Market demand for North Star trips soon increased, so in April 1991 North Star IV was launched… and in September 1993, a new 70-foot luxurious vessel, True North, was launched to accommodate 14 passengers (10 comfortably) and 3 crew for overnight charters and 22 passengers and 3 crew for day charters. In 1998, to meet market demands for increased occupancy, comfort and further exploration, another vessel was launched.

However the companies most recent vessel, launched on Thursday 25th November 2004, is by far the most impressive.

The ship, again called True North, was built by Image Marine, a division of Austal Ships, builders of Greg Norman's Aussie Rules. At a cost of $12 million, she represents the largest single investment in Western Australia's marine tourism industry and is now yours to enjoy.

ICCA Extols Small Ship Cruising

ICCA GM, Brett Jardine

Within the cruise industry we all knowthere are many different types of cruiseholidays but are you getting this messagethrough to your clients.

Consumers thrive on making a purchasethat offers great value.The words ‘cruising’ and ‘great value’ gohand in hand but it is important to note thatvalue does not come down to price alone.

For some, a large ship experience at alower price point is good value, for others asmall ship cruise experience at a higherprice point is good value.

How do you determine where your clientfits – QUALIFY them!Small ship “cruise passengers” tend todream of visiting more off the beaten trackdestinations and look for a fulfillingexperience at such places.

How many clients have you offered acruise holiday to, only to be told “no thanks,a cruise is not for me”?I’ll bet most of these people only considera cruise to be a large ship with thousands ofpeople and really have no idea of (a) what alarge ship experience really can offer or (b)that there are other possibilities such as asmall ship experience that will in fact meettheir holiday expectations in every respect.In many areas small ship cruising providesa very different experience from whatclients expect of a cruise holiday.

A few of the following points may helpyou to define such an experience withclients in the future.Smaller more intimate ships; focus on thedestination rather than the ship; potentiallyflexible itineraries; fewer but like-mindedpassengers; more personal experience(with other guests and crew); usuallyinformal (morelikely casual ratherthan glamour) andin most casessingle open seatdining.

I’m sure you canfind plenty ofclients that will seesome value in anoption like this!

Orion Kimberley - 2012 - book now and save up to 25%

Eons-old indigenous rock art, vast horizons, humpback whales, waterfalls, a flight over the Bungle Bungles, a specialist expedition team, luxurious surroundings and unobtrusive service – what more could you ask for on an Orion Kimberley voyage?

How about a 15% to 25% reduction on 2012 season fares? 10 night Kimberley fares, usually from $9,100, start from $6,825 per person twin share if you book before 30 November 2011.

Visit in April and May, following the annual 'Big Wet', to see the waterfalls at their most powerful. Late July and August is prime time to see some of the world's largest population of migrating Humpback whales as they return from Antarctic feeding grounds to rest and calve.

Enjoy Kimberley coast highlights including outstanding examples of pre-history Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art. Land on remote islands and beaches, explore vast gorges, climb to the plateau next to the highest waterfall in the Kimberley, King George Falls, and venture up the Hunter River in search of saltwater crocodiles to photograph.

PLUS, exclusive to Orion Expedition Cruises, enjoy a 2 hour Bungle Bungle Ranges flight-seeing excursion at no additional charge!

The Kimberley, so ancient much of it pre-dates the existence of fossils, is recognised as one of the world's environmental wonders. This rare and pristine wilderness area, worthy of the highest levels of conservation and protection, has recently been nominated for World Heritage listing.

These voyages are the perfect introduction to expedition cruising. Adventure, excitement and dramatic sea and landscapes combine with outstanding levels of service, cuisine and comfort that only Orion can provide.

Select from 16 ten night Orion Kimberley Expedition voyages between mid April and September 2012: Darwin/Broome and v.v. including King George River and Falls, Vansittart Bay, Hunter River (for Mitchell Falls), Montgomery Reef and Raft Point, Talbot Bay/Horizontal Waterfalls, Crocodile Creek, Nares Point – refer to specific itineraries for details.

Fares: Depending on the Kimberley voyage selected 2012 season fares start from $6,825  per person twin share – reflecting applicable 25% discount if booked before 30 November 2011 - for an ocean view Category B Stateroom including all meals, lectures, inclusive shore expeditions, Bungle Bungle flight (or alternate Ord River excursion), gratuities and port fees.

Regular air connections provide convenient embarkation and disembarkation in Darwin or Broome.
 
Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website www.orionexpeditions.com


For reservations or to obtain a brochure call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) / 0800 444 462 (New Zealand) or see your travel agent. Email: info@orionexpeditions.com