Small Ship Cruises Australia

Accommodations Review

Cabins were spacious and comfortable for our needs and the crew made sure we had everything we needed.

Meals Review

Had a couple meals where the meat was a bit chewy. Otherwise the meals were always delicious and beautifully prepared. Nice variety of selections.

Itinerary Review

Every stop along the Kimberly was new, exciting and informative. King George River and Oomari Falls was certainly a highlight. At Anjo Peninsula we experienced a plane wreck to explore and a wonderful variety of birds. The helicopter ride to Mitchell Falls was unique. We enjoyed all of the Aboriginal artwork, the wildlife, the variety of seashells. King Cascade, Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls and especially, the hike up Red Cone Creek were all special memories! [We least enjoyed]...the trip up Porosus Creek was a little ling but we did see crocodiles. That was about it and that certain wasn’t bad.

Crew & Guides Review

Alistair, Quentin, Dale and Lindsay provided a broad depth of knowledge. They were always as excited as the guests when spotting wildlife. Appreciated their concern about respecting the Aboriginal sites, artwork and culture. Alistair never stopped planning, coordinating and executing our expeditions.

Fellow Passengers Review

We were very fortunate to have a great group of fellow travelers. We were the only Americans and they made us feel so welcome! We were able to get to know almost everyone on our ship and they definitely enhanced our experience.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Andrew Browning helped us along our journey for 3 years (the trip was postponed due to Covid and well worth the wait). Not sure if we would have persevered without him!

Traveler Advice

Do it!

Accommodations Review

I was traveling solo but had a double room and was not required to pay a single supplement. The bed was very comfortable, the bathroom spacious (especially for a ship!), and the crew came in every day to clean.

Meals Review

All of the food was excellent. One night, the captain manned the grill, cooking sausages, chicken, beef steak, and kangaroo steak. Several meals were buffets with excellent options, two dinners were sit-down dinners with options for the courses. Breakfast was ample, with both cold and hot dishes. Tea and coffee were available around the clock. The cash bar was well-stocked.

Crew & Guides Review

John, the trip director, was fantastic. He is a great naturalist and also an expert at snorkeling and other water activities. There was also a SCUBA instructor who I heard great things about, but because I have asthma I cannot SCUBA.

Transportation Review

I had a canceled plane to deal with, and Coral Expeditions went above and beyond in making sure I could get to the ship for the cruise.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

I had lots of good information ahead of the trip and packed everything I needed for the cruise. I wanted to go to the Great Barrier Reef during a particular week, and I was having a very difficult time figuring out my options. I had used AdventureSmith for a trip to Alaska last year and thought, "maybe they could help" - and, indeed, Nick helped me find the perfect option. I will definitely use AdventureSmith in the future and have already recommended them to friends.

Traveler Advice

The one fly in my ointment was that I am pretty severely nearsighted, and I didn't know to bring a prescription snorkeling mask. I brought prescription swim goggles, but they won't work with a snorkel. Coral Expeditions had a bunch of options of Rx snorkeling masks, but none of them were strong enough for my bad eyes. So if you are like me, investigate an Rx snorkeling mask before you come.

Accommodations Review

The ship is not fancy but was clean and comfortable. Our B Deck cabins were clean and comfortable with nice view windows. Our kids were in the cabin next door and it was nice they didn't have to walk outside to visit our cabin. My favorite place to relax was on the sundeck, get there early to secure a lounge chair. 

Meals Review

The food was great with lots of seafood and steaks. I even tried Kangaroo. Our kids are not picky eaters, but they are kids and there were always lots of options for them or the crew would suggest a kid friendly meal if they didn't like that days options. 

Crew & Guides Review

The guides were fantastic and made the trip very educational. Lectures were interesting and they were available in the water to identify fish and coral. The scuba guide was especially great with our kids. He made my 13 year old very comfortable and got him diving right away.  Our 11 year old was too young to scuba dive but he allowed him to try the gear and get a feel for diving in shallow water. Now he wants to go back to scuba. 

Transportation Review

Our cruise was part of a larger package and AdvenutreSmith handled all the transfers and arrangements seamlessly. It would have been a challenge to find the ship on our own but directions from AdventureSmith made it easy. 

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

We were well prepared and knew exactly what to expect. Many travelers on board were envious of the extensive documents we showed them. 

Traveler Advice

The reef is alive and fantastic so go see it. Be prepared for a lot of snorkeling and time in the water. Practice at home so you can spend as much time as possible on the reef. 

Accommodations Review

The cabins were spacious with plenty of room and great windows for viewing.

Meals Review

Great variety of food offered daily and catered to any special request.

Crew & Guides Review

Guides were awesome, knowledgeable and took care to make sure everyone was safe when out snorkeling or diving.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

We had all our documentation & trip information prior to our departure.  All questions were answered promptly and we were given great advice throughout the planning process.  Couldn't have been more prepared prior to departure.

Traveler Advice

Prepare for the possibility of jelly fish at certain times of the year and bugs. If you want to go to the Great Barrier Reef, do not bother with a day trip. This trip was very affordable and you were able to see the Reef in its healthy state.

Accommodations Review

The ship accommodations were great! My room was comfortable and I slept well. The ship itself was very nice overall.

Meals Review

I'm a picky eater and there were times that I picked what I thought I would like the most out of options that I was not crazy about. And the majority of the time, what I picked was very tasty. There was just one night where what I chose didn't taste good to me, but that could just be my taste buds. On the last night, I was allergic to one of the spices on the fish, so I went with the lamb. I'd never had lamb before. I took several bites, but just didn't like it. Everything else was good.

Itinerary Review

I love to snorkel and the underwater world fascinates me. Couple that with my life long interest in Australia and it made sense to take a cruise focused on the Great Barrier Reefs. Both of our guides were very enthusiastic. Karla was spotting flowers and fruits that I would not have otherwise noticed and sharing all sorts of information about them. Chris did similar from a coral and wildlife perspective. The presentations that Chris gave on corals, fish, and wildlife photography were all interesting and his sense of humor enhanced the presentation commentary. I also felt very comfortable in the water with the Explorer guide on top of the boat and the two Zodiacs patrolling the waters and assuring we were okay.

Crew & Guides Review

I loved how knowledgeable the expedition guides were - Karla, the botanist and Chris Cook, the wildlife photographer. Both shared many interesting facts in their lane of expertise and were friendly and humorous in their approach.

Fellow Traveler Review

I was the only American on this trip and thoroughly enjoyed my time getting to know the Australians. Being a solo traveller, I was welcomed to multiple tables as I entered the dining area or arrived on the top deck of the ship for pre-dinner drinks. My fellow travelers were very hospitable and entertaining.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Leslie Camacho was very attentive and responded timely to all of my questions. I felt well prepared for the trip and had everything I needed.

Traveler Advice

To truly enjoy the Great Barrier Reefs, be sure you're in good enough shape to swim in a light current. The waters often started out calm and then often picked up a light current so you have to swim a touch harder. Nothing major, but it does take more energy to swim when the current picks up.

Accommodations Review

Ship itself was extremely comfortable. Ship size was perfect. 

Meals Review

Food very good, even for us as the only two vegans on board. The kitchen crew and servers couldn't have done more for us. 

Itinerary Review

Excursions occasionally had the feeling of "manufactured" events;  we would have been happy with straightforward flora and fauna and geologic sighting trips. Guest lecturers were excellent, though only one talk focused on contemporary Aboriginal culture and issues. The Darwin-to-Broome itinerary is probably a better choice than Broome-to-Darwin.

Fellow Passengers Review

We were two of only four non-Australian/non-New Zealand residents, so it was an interesting chance to observe our fellow travelers as well!  They were friendly and welcoming.

Crew & Guides Review

The crew could not have been more service oriented. Ben, and guest lecturers Ian and Mel were knowledgeable and open even to "dumb" questions. Some of the junior staff probably could have used more background training (geological history, animal behavior and identification).

Traveler Advice

Do some reading/research in advance.

Accommodations Review

Very comfortable. No problems.

Meals Review

Very healthy, tasty meals with plenty of selection. Desserts were okay, not the best. 

Crew & Guides Review

Kristy was really friendly and knowledgeable. Mason did a great job of keeping us safe and was very friendly. All of the other crew were friendly and helpful. Guillermo was always smiling and ready to help. Good crew!

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

No problems.

Traveler Advice

Bring 2 swimsuits as you will be swimming a couple times a day. Also, they have games on board, but no cards. I wish I had brought playing cards for shorter evening games like multiple solitaire. Come well rested - you have to be up before 7 in the morning each morning.