CRUISE THROUGH THE KIMBERLEY

The Journey

May 23, 2026 – Broome, Australia Embark at 4pm

Situated in the northwest of the Kimberley region and at the northern tip of Western Australia, Broome is renowned for its rich history and its glorious pearling era. The captivating Chinatown district serves as the historic heart of the town, while the renowned Japanese Cemetery, established in 1896, reflects a past shaped by the influx of Chinese and Japanese workers drawn to the thriving pearl industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Broome is also famous for the “Staircase to the Moon,” a natural phenomenon where the Moon’s reflection on the sandbanks at low tide creates the illusion of a staircase leading up into the sky—a truly unique spectacle of nature.

May 24, 2026 Lacepede Islands

The Lacepede Islands stand out as Western Australia’s premier breeding ground for Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) and have been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. Notably, these islands are home to what may be the largest breeding colony of Brown Boobies in the world, alongside impressive populations of up to 20,000 Roseate Terns. Other avian residents include Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, Lesser Frigatebirds, Eastern Reef Egrets, Silver Gulls, and various terns such as Crested, Bridled, and Lesser Crested Terns, as well as Common Noddies and Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers. Join your expedition team for an exciting guided zodiac tour to observe this rich tapestry of wildlife. To protect this delicate ecosystem, landings on the Lacepede Islands are prohibited.

May 25-26 2026 Collier Bay

Situated east of the Buccaneer Archipelago, Collier Bay features stunning landscapes shaped by some of the world’s largest tidal movements, with ranges exceeding 14 meters.

The bay is home to Montgomery Reef, the largest inshore reef system, where tidal falls create mesmerizing “rivers” and mini waterfalls. Talbot Bay hosts the unique “Horizontal Falls,” heralded by Sir David Attenborough as “one of the greatest wonders of the natural world.”

Explore ancient rock art galleries featuring the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion styles within the region’s caves and grottos.

May 27, 2026 Careening Bay

Careening Bay was named by Lieutenant Phillip Parker King after his ship, HMC Mermaid, was careened there during his third voyage of discovery in 1820. King was tasked with surveying the western coast to complete the mapping work begun by Flinders 20 years earlier. Facing significant leaks, King sought a shallow sandy bay for repairs and successfully ran the Mermaid onto the sands one warm September afternoon. For ten days, the crew worked diligently to refloat the vessel, and the ship’s carpenter marked the occasion by carving the ship’s name and year into a prominent boab tree, which is now three meters wide and listed as a National Heritage site—a lasting reminder of an era of exploration.

May 29, 2026 Swift Bay

The Bonaparte Archipelago is a breathtaking maze of rugged islands that stretches nearly 150 km along Western Australia’s remote Kimberley coast. Its stunning colors and vast scale create a truly awe-inspiring landscape. This isolated location has remained remarkably unspoiled, offering a pristine environment to explore.

Phillip Parker King named “Swift’s Bay” after Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels. This T-shaped bay features heavily fractured sandstone that provides numerous rock shelters. Within these shelters, visitors can find captivating examples of Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style rock art. Join an expedition team for a guided walk to discover several rock art galleries showcasing these unique artistic styles.

May 30, 2026 Vansittart Bay

Jar Island features ancient rock art galleries showcasing the unique Gwion Gwion style, distinct to the Kimberley region. Once overlooked by early European researchers in favor of the more dramatic Wandjina art, Gwion Gwion has gained recent international recognition. Dating back over 30,000 years, it represents some of the oldest detailed depictions of human figures in the world.

Join an Expedition Team ashore for a brief walk past intriguing rock formations to discover the Gwion Gwion art galleries.

May 31, 2026 King George River –

The journey up the King George River is breathtaking, featuring 80-meter-high gorge walls of ancient Warton sandstone that reveal stunning colors and textures as the light shifts. This dynamic scenery leads to the King George Twin Falls, the highest single-drop falls in the Kimberley at 80 meters (260 feet). Fed by seasonal runoff, the water flow varies each year. Your Expedition Team will guide you in zodiacs or ship tenders to the foot of the twin falls, sharing insights about the remarkable geological formations along the way.

June 1, 2026 Day at Sea

Make the most of your time at sea with a variety of onboard services and activities. Relax in the spa, stay fit at the fitness center, or enjoy the swimming pool and sunbathing, depending on the season. Engage in enriching conferences or shows, explore the boutique, or meet PONANT photographers in their dedicated space.

For those who love the open sea, visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the waves and, if you’re lucky, spot marine life. This enchanting interlude offers a perfect blend of comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

June 2, 2026 Darwin Disembark at 8:00am

Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, is known as the “Top End.” This beautiful tropical city is a vibrant melting pot of over 50 cultures, celebrated for its unique, laid-back lifestyle. Explore the town’s recent history through its iconic buildings, such as the stunning Parliament House, opened in 1994, which showcases tropical architecture, and Admiralty House, a heritage-listed home elevated on stilts that has withstood two cyclones and numerous air raids.

Call us at 941-951-1801 to reserve your space on this unique journey today! You may e-mail at travel@admiraltravel.com.

For most accurate rates & cabin availability, please call our office.

A $250 per person Admiral Travel booking fee will apply. (VIPLane members complimentary)

Inclusions:

• Accommodations

• Dining and select beverages onboard the PONANT
• Select excursions led by expert expedition teams at various ports of call as listed in the itinerary
• Onboard Activities: Enriching lectures, cultural presentations, and entertainment programs.
• Wellness Facilities: Access to spa services, fitness centers, and swimming pools.
• Water Sports: Opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, and other water activities (when conditions permit).
• Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi access in public areas of the ship.
• Gratuities: All gratuities for onboard staff are included.
• Transfers: Transfers between the airport and the ship (depending on the itinerary).

Exclusions:

• Personal Expenses: Expenses such as souvenirs, spa treatments, and other items of personal nature
• Gratuities for Shore Excursions: Tips for local guides and drivers during shore excursions (if not included).
• Any excursions not specifically listed in the itinerary

PLEASE NOTE:

• All payments made to or on behalf of Admiral Travel are non-refundable unless stated otherwise
• If minimum numbers are not met for a hosted departure, prices are subject to change / increase to confirm same program on a private basis
• Tours, activities and special events subject to change.
• On many occasions, optional shore events are offered as an option that only our group is invited to join.
• Special global relationships that the Hiltons have formed over the years will allow you privileged access opportunities.
• Trips are offered well in advance to give ample time for your future planning.
• Minimum numbers must be met in order for the Admiral Travel to host the journey.
• Admiral Travel hosts reserve the right to adjust the duration of their participation should any schedule conflicts arise.