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

Broome & The Kimberley Holidays: NEW 2012 Kimberley Snapshot Exclusive

Broome & The Kimberley Holidays are pleased to release a unique NEW Kimberley Cruise package offer for the 2012 Kimberley Waterfall Season.

Your holiday begins at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa in a Villa; totally luxurious and private with your own butler service and plunge pool. Join the True North cruising the pristine Kimberley coast from Broome to Wyndham. Highlights include King George Falls, the Hunter River, Prince Regent River, Montgomery Reef and the Horizontal Waterfalls. Arrive into Kununurra, the heart of the East Kimberley, the perfect base to explore the region including the Bungle Bungles.

This unique 10 night package includes:

·         2 night's accommodation in a Villa at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa
·         BONUS in the Villas – breakfast daily, private airport transfers, afternoon canapés & butler service
·         Lunch & Beer Tasting Experience at Matso's Broome Brewery
·         7 night Kimberley Snapshot Cruise, Broome to Wyndham with True North
·         All onboard meals, transfers, scheduled tender excursions
·         BONUS night at Pinctada Kimberley Grande in Kununurra

10 nights from $9, 979* per person

www.broomekimberley.com.au

Cruising the Kimberley coast in comfort

James Shrimpton AAP

The 120-tonne coastal cruiser Kimberley Quest II is not much bigger than one of 18 lifeboats aboard the world's largest passenger ship, the 252,282-tonne Allure of the Seas.

But we'd bet that the 25-metre-long KQ2's 18 passengers (maximum) sailing the Kimberley coast of Western Australia would have at least as good a time - in a different way - as the 6,300 or so aboard her 360m-long "big sister" plying the western Caribbean.

No crowded lounges, restaurants and swimming pools here, no stage shows, no casinos, no bingo and no long queues to go ashore - no making new friends the first day out then never seeing them again.

KQ2's voyages between Broome and Wyndham include expeditions by custom-built tenders and on bush tracks into the Kimberley Coast wilderness, a colourful and historic area of craggy rocks, waterfalls, exotic birds and animal life - and ancient rock art.

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