Coral Expedition Cruises
As an all-Australian expedition cruising homegrown line, Coral Expeditions prides itself on its small, boutique ships and swaps excess for access, and big ticket entertainment and activities, for more immersive itineraries and shore excursions.
With vessels that carry no more than 120 guests and can slip into places the big ships simply can’t, Coral Expeditions is all about getting you closer to the wild, the remote, and the rarely seen. From the thunderous waterfalls of the Kimberley to the untouched corners of the Great Barrier Reef, this is cruising for travellers who prefer hiking boots to bingo cards.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Coral Expeditions — from cabins and destinations to what’s included, and why it might just be the best way to see Australia (and beyond) by sea.
Coral Expedition Cruises Ships
Coral Expeditions operates a tight, specialised fleet: small ships with serious expedition credentials.
Launched in 2019, this flagship carries 120 guests. It’s got open deck spaces, a lounge with 180-degree views, and two high-tech tender vessels (called Xplorers) for off-ship excursions. Built to tackle long-range voyages like the Kimberley and South Pacific.
Coral Geographer
Sister ship to the Adventurer, launched in 2021. Same capacity, same focus on exploration, but with upgrades like horizon bathtubs in suites and expanded deck space.
Coral Discoverer
The smallest in the fleet at just 72 guests. She's been plying the reef and the Kimberley for years, and her size allows her to get into shallow anchorages and more remote landing spots.
These are purpose-built expedition vessels, designed to take you closer to nature, not just float past it.
Why Choose Coral Expedition?
Coral Expeditions isn’t your typical cruise line, and that’s exactly the appeal. They’ve been doing small-ship adventures since before it was trendy, with a focus on remote destinations, meaningful exploration, and good old-fashioned Aussie hospitality.
You won’t find waterslides or cocktail umbrellas here, but you will find expedition leaders who know the difference between a mangrove and a mangosteen, chefs who source local prawns straight from the dock, and cabins that face the ocean, not a hallway.
In short, it’s cruising, stripped back to what matters: comfort, nature, and the thrill of going places few others can.
At A Glance: Accommodation & Destinations
Accommodation
You won’t find high-rise balcony towers or endless cabin corridors on Coral Expeditions, and that’s exactly the point. These are small ships built for big experiences, but they don’t skimp on comfort either. The accommodation across the fleet is designed to feel like a calm retreat after a day exploring ancient gorges or snorkelling over coral reefs.
Every room, whether it’s a standard stateroom or a Bridge Deck Suite, offers outside-facing views. You’re never disconnected from the ocean, and you’re certainly never far from the action.
On the Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer, you’ll find a mix of roomy staterooms and Bridge Deck Suites with private balconies and horizon bathtubs.
The smaller Coral Discoverer offers cosy but well-equipped rooms with a nod to nautical tradition: timber panelling, neutral tones, and plenty of natural light. You still get modern comforts: air con, an ensuite bathroom, decent storage, and beds that don’t squeak every time the sea moves.
There’s no butler service or pillow menus, because that’s not the vibe. The whole experience is about exploration, authenticity, and comfort without fuss.
Coral Expedition Cruises Destinations
The Kimberley
Great Barrier Reef
Cape York, Arnhem Land & Torres Strait
Tasmania
New Zealand
New Guinea & Micronesia
Australia's West Coast
Australia's South Coast
If you're craving coastlines carved by time, remote islands and small island communities, and waters where few cruise ships dare to go, then you’ve hit the jackpot. Their itineraries are handpicked for adventure, not convenience. Expect stops where you won’t find souvenir stalls or port buses, just natural beauty, cultural depth, and off-grid wonder.
Here are the highlights:
- The Kimberley Region: One of Australia’s last true frontiers. Think rugged red cliffs, waterfalls that tumble into crocodile-filled rivers, and Aboriginal rock art older than most countries.
- Great Barrier Reef: Coral Expeditions takes you to untouched coral cays, diverse marine life research stations, and exclusive snorkel spots where the only other swimmers are sea turtles.
- Cape York, Torres Strait & Arnhem Land: Remote Indigenous homelands, tropical reefs, and traditions passed down over millennia. If you want culture with your coastline, this is where you find it.
- Tasmania & The South Coast: Wild bushland, convict heritage, boutique wineries, and some of the cleanest air on the planet.
- Papua New Guinea, the Philippines & Japan: For those who want to go further. These international voyages blend Coral Expeditions’ Aussie-style adventure with the cultural depth of the Pacific and Asia.
Each voyage is built around access, and these ships are nimble enough to get you where bigger cruise lines physically can’t.
What’s Included
One of the best things about Coral Expeditions? What you see is what you get. The fare includes pretty much everything you need, and there’s no upselling every five minutes.
You’ll get:
- All meals, prepared fresh daily and served in a relaxed dining room setting.
- Daily guided shore excursions, led by expert guides and often involving small group boats, beach landings, and a bit of clambering.
- Snorkelling and expedition gear, including wetsuits and reef shoes.
- House wine and beer served with lunch and dinner.
- Coffee, tea, and soft drinks are available all day.
- Guest lectures and briefings from naturalists, historians, and scientists who actually know what they’re talking about.
You won’t be paying extra for “exclusive access” or “priority seating”, because everyone gets the same adventure.
Coral Expeditions Packages
Coral Expeditions doesn’t do drink packages, spa deals, or “gold member tiers.” Instead, they keep it simple: almost everything you actually need is already included.
That said, there are a few thoughtful touches:
- If you’re a solo traveller, they sometimes waive the single supplement on select departures — no forced mingling or shared cabins required.
- If you’re combining two back-to-back cruises, you can save 10% on the second leg.
- Their Xplorers Club loyalty program (more on that below) offers repeat guests a few handy perks.
In short, you won’t be bombarded with package options. They’ve already bundled what matters.
Dining Experiences
Coral Expeditions doesn’t go into over-the-top fancy territory. No midnight chocolate fountains. No lobster buffets. And absolutely no fighting over the last slice of cheesecake. Dining on Coral Expeditions ships is all about fresh ingredients, local flavours, and a sense of shared adventure in one main dining room.
Breakfast is relaxed with a mix of hot and cold options, served early for the eager beavers and later for the slow risers. Lunch might be a casual BBQ on the deck or a shared table meal after a snorkel session. Dinner is usually a sit-down affair with chef-designed menus, local wines, and regional produce.
The chefs take cues from the destinations you’re visiting. In the Kimberley? Expect barramundi, bush tomatoes, and kangaroo fillet. On the reef? Fresh prawns, tropical fruits, and seafood paella. Tasmania? Bruny Island oysters and artisan cheese.
Meals are served in a single-sitting, open-plan dining room, where everyone eats together. It’s sociable but not forced, so you can chat with fellow travellers or keep to your crew. And yes, dietary needs are happily catered for (just give them a heads-up before boarding).
The vibe is casual but classy. No jackets required, no buffets in sight, and the wine flows generously at dinner.
The Cabin Experience
You might be spending most of your day in hiking boots or flippers, but when you head back to your cabin, it’s all about quiet comfort and uninterrupted ocean views.
Every stateroom has either large picture windows or a porthole (no inside cabins anywhere in the fleet). The décor is clean and coastal: soft colours, natural textures, and a serious absence of anything plastic or flashy.
Beds are either junior king-size or twin, depending on your setup, with proper mattresses (not glorified sofa beds). There’s ample storage, a desk if you’re the journaling type, and an ensuite bathroom that, while compact, gets the job done with good water pressure and quality toiletries.
If you’re lucky enough to snag a Bridge Deck Suite (especially on Coral Geographer), you’ll get a private balcony, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, and even a bathtub with a view. And yes, that’s as good as it sounds after a long hike or a Zodiac ride.
Cabins are cleaned daily, and the crew is discreet, efficient, and always up for a yarn if you feel like one.
Activities (Family, Kids and Couple)
For Families
While Coral Expeditions isn’t a family cruise line in the Disney sense, older kids and teens who are into nature, wildlife, and being active will love it. Family groups can explore gorges, swim in natural rock pools, snorkel coral reefs, and learn about Indigenous culture together. There’s no kids’ club, but the adventure itself is the entertainment, and the onboard experts go out of their way to engage younger guests.
For Kids and Teens
You won’t find waterslides or mascots, but if your kids are the type who’d rather spot crocs than queue for soft serve, they’ll be in their element. The expedition team includes scientists, marine biologists, and naturalists, many of whom are brilliant with young people, explaining geology or coral science in a way that sticks.
Onboard, there’s space to chill with books, board games, and quiet corners — but most of the excitement is out there: snorkelling, hiking, and discovering shipwrecks, caves, or ancient rock art.
For Couples
If you’re after a romantic escape that doesn’t involve cabaret shows or bingo nights, Coral Expeditions delivers. Days are filled with shared experiences like kayaking through mangroves, spotting dolphins off the bow, or sipping wine on a remote beach after a tender boat landing.
Evenings are slow and soulful: sunset drinks, shared dinners, and stargazing from the deck. And if you splash out on a suite with a balcony, you can wind down with a bath and a glass of Tasmanian Pinot, while the Southern Ocean rolls by outside.
Loyalty Programs
Coral Expeditions keeps things personal, and their loyalty program — the Xplorers Club — reflects that. It’s a recognition-based system, not a points-chasing game.
Once you’ve cruised with them, you’re in the club. The more you return, the more they look after you. Benefits include:
- Early access to new itineraries (handy when cabins are limited).
- Exclusive offers and discounts on select trips.
- Occasional invites to special sailings or celebratory events (like milestone anniversaries).
- A dedicated loyalty concierge to help with bookings.
It’s low-key and built around real customer care, not fancy upgrades or lounge access.
FAQs
Is there a dress code on Coral Expeditions cruises?
No tuxedos, no sequins, no stress. Coral Expeditions keeps it casual: breathable fabrics, comfortable walking shoes, etc. Dinner is smart-casual at most, but if you rock up in clean shorts and a collared shirt, you’ll fit right in.
What kind of travellers does Coral Expeditions attract?
This isn’t a party cruise or a luxury floating hotel. Coral Expeditions tends to attract curious, active travellers who care more about the destination. You’ll meet Aussie couples, nature lovers, photographers, solo adventurers, retirees with itchy feet, and the odd multigenerational family. Most guests have travelled a bit, love the outdoors, and are keen to learn, not just laze.
Is Coral Expeditions suitable for solo travellers?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s a great choice if you're flying solo. Some sailings even offer special deals with no single supplement, so you’re not penalised for adventuring alone. Whether you’re the chatty type or prefer your own space, the crew and fellow guests are friendly without being overbearing — it’s that classic Aussie balance.
