Voyage deep into the Southern Ocean and discover the World Heritage sub-Antarctic islands of Australia and New Zealand. These rugged and isolated islands provide a natural sanctuary for rare seabirds and marine mammals, thriving in a pristine and protected natural habitat. These thriving ocean havens are the last landfall before Antarctica. Explore Ulva Island`s tranquil forests and observe New Zealand`s most iconic birds. Venture to the untouched World Heritage areas of the Snares Island Group, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands, and the renowned Macquarie Island wildlife reserve were rare flora including megaherbs, mosses and lichens flourish. Walk along rugged shorelines with expert guides and rangers amongst seals and penguins colonies that inhabit this untouched wilderness. Learn about the captivating history and pioneering heritage of early explorers, completing a truly unforgettable journey of exploration and discovery.
Highlights:
– Stroll through the quiet forests of Ulva Island to spot New Zealand`s iconic birds, including the Stewart Island Weka, South Island Saddleback, Yellow-and Red-crowned Parakeet (Kakariki) and Rifleman (New Zealand`s smallest bird)
– Visit the largely untouched World Heritage areas of Snares Island Group, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands, and the renowned wildlife sanctuary of Macquarie Island
– Take part in rare opportunity to walk the rocky shorelines of Auckland and Campbell Islands amongst the thriving seal and penguin colonies
– On Zodiac excursions, observe King and Royal penguin colonies as they fish and feed along the rocky shores of Lusitania Bay
– Enjoy guided walks on Macquarie Island with Park Rangers and encounter rare flora including fields of mega herbs, mosses and lichens
– Learn about the history and pioneering heritage of early explorers and their adventures in these remote islands
____________
DISCOUNTS, AVAILABILITY & SOLO OFFERS:
These fares are based on full brochure fare. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time availability or pricing. Please check with your consultant at time of enquiry if your preferred cabin type is available and for your best offer!
Single Occupancy Fares: Coral Expeditions have allocated several staterooms for solo travellers. Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer have two staterooms allocated in each of the Explorer Deck, Promenade Deck and Coral Deck categories. Coral Discoverer has two staterooms allocated in the Promenade Deck Category B. These fares are subject to a sole-supplement.
No Sole Supplement Offers: Occasionally Coral Expeditions run special offers on select voyages so you can enjoy a room to yourself at the twin share rate. For these offers they open additional staterooms beyond the ones allocated for solo travellers. These offers are subject to availability.
____________
World Heritage Islands of the Sub-Antarctic – Cruise only package includes:
– Complimentary transfer from Queenstown to Bluff
– 15 night cruise aboard Coral Adventurer from Bluff to Melbourne
– All meals onboard, chef-prepared
– Captain`s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
– Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
– 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
– All excursions with our Expedition Team
– Use of Xplorer and Zodiacs
– Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
– All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
– Tips and gratuities
– Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
– Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
– Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
– Post-cruise transfers to CBD hotel or airport
Due to prevailing weather and currents on the journey, the westward (Bluff to Melbourne) itinerary is extended to be a 15 night voyage (16Jan25). There is no additional charge for this extra sea day as it is essentially the same itinerary as the 14 night voyage (09Dec24) and both will be priced the same.
NOT INCLUDED:
– Pre-cruise transfers
– Alcoholic drinks outside of lunch and dinner service
– Premium Internet services
– Laundry service (available at a cost)
– Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
– Optional extras in some destinations
Note: This itinerary is an indication of the destinations visited and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition changes may be made to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.
Special Conditions
Special Validity Dates
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Jan 2025 | Bluff, New Zealand |
||
| 17 Jan 2025 | Oban, Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island |
||
| 17 Jan 2025 | Ulva Island, New Zealand |
||
| 18 Jan 2025 | Snares Island, New Zealand |
||
| 19 Jan 2025 | At sea | ||
| 20 Jan 2025 | Auckland Islands, New Zealand |
||
| 21 Jan 2025 | At sea | ||
| 22 Jan 2025 | Campbell Island, New Zealand |
||
| 23 Jan 2025 | At sea | ||
| 24 Jan 2025 | Macquarie Island, Sub Antarctic Island |
||
| 25 Jan 2025 | At sea | ||
| 26 Jan 2025 | At sea | ||
| 27 Jan 2025 | At sea | ||
| 28 Jan 2025 | At sea | ||
| 29 Jan 2025 | At sea | ||
| 30 Jan 2025 | At sea | ||
| 31 Jan 2025 | Melbourne, VIC, Australia |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
15 Night Cruise sailing from Bluff to Melbourne aboard Coral Adventurer.
Voyage deep into the Southern Ocean and discover the World Heritage sub-Antarctic islands of Australia and New Zealand. These rugged and isolated islands provide a natural sanctuary for rare seabirds and marine mammals, thriving in a pristine and protected natural habitat. These thriving ocean havens are the last landfall before Antarctica. Explore Ulva Island’s tranquil forests and observe New Zealand’s most iconic birds. Venture to the untouched World Heritage areas of the Snares Island Group, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands, and the renowned Macquarie Island wildlife reserve were rare flora including megaherbs, mosses and lichens flourish. Walk along rugged shorelines with expert guides and rangers amongst seals and penguins colonies that inhabit this untouched wilderness. Learn about the captivating history and pioneering heritage of early explorers, completing a truly unforgettable journey of exploration and discovery.
Note: This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.
Launched in April 2019, Coral Adventurer is a tropical expedition ship purpose-designed to access remote wilderness shores in Australia and internationally, that are often inaccessible to large cruise vessels.
Coral Adventurer features spacious and vibrant living spaces created by Brisbane interior design firm, Arkhefield, inspired by the company’s Australian ethos and the wide-open spaces the ship visits. The ship’s lightweight dual Xplorer expedition tenders, another trademark feature of all Coral Expeditions vessels, extend the capabilities of the ship by allowing deeper exploration on shore excursions. These ‘safari jeeps’ of the sea are fast, sturdy, and comfortable and developed to allow easy boarding from the ship and walk-off disembarkation onto remote shores.
The perfect balance between being large enough for ocean voyaging in comfort yet creating the intimate and relaxed atmosphere for which Coral Expeditions is renowned, Coral Adventurer embodies our Australian philosophy of adventure, relaxation, generosity, storytelling, and appreciation for the great outdoors. Carrying a maximum of 120 passengers – Coral Adventurer is purpose-built to take you closer to unspoiled vistas in comfort, style, and safety.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 93.4 metres
- Maiden Voyage: 2019
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 120
- Crew Nationality: Australian
- Dining Staff Nationality: Australian
- Ship Registration: Australia
Ship Amenities
- Voltage on board Coral Adventurer is 220/250Hz, 50 cycles AC (standard Australian 3 pin plug)
- Bathrooms on board Coral Adventurer are equipped with both 110V and 200/240V outllets for electric shavers only.
- Individual Climate Control
Ship Facilities
- Gift Shop
- Bridge Deck Bar
- Lounge
- Observation Lounge
- Dining Room
- Xplorer Boarding
- Gym
- Onboard Library
Started in 1983, our company’s original vessel, Coral Princess, a converted World War II submarine chaser, pioneered and set the standard for small ship expedition cruising in northern Australia with 5-night cruises on the Great Barrier Reef.
Today, the Coral Expeditions’ fleet includes three purpose-built small ships that can be found anywhere from the tropical waters of Australia’s north to the rugged shores of Tasmania, from the coastal villages of Papua New Guinea and the Spice Islands, to sheltered sounds and glacial fiords of New Zealand.
While our range of cruise itineraries has expanded into new regions, we have maintained our home in Cairns and continue to be the only major operator of extended small ship cruises on the Great Barrier Reef.
There are many reasons why our guests return to Coral Expeditions for a truly authentic expedition.
A TRUE EXPEDITION ETHOS At Coral Expeditions, we pride ourselves on getting our guests up close and personal with stunning landscapes, fascinating history and vibrant cultures. We have deep respect and a strong connection with the places we visit. We maintain flexibility in our planning to make impromptu stops if extraordinary opportunities in nature present. Our expeditions focus on truly experiencing the regions we visit.
OUR HOME TURF When it comes to expedition cruising, there is no replicating experience. For 40 years, we have steadily accumulated a wealth of local knowledge and contacts in the coastal regions surrounding Australia. Our crew know the charts, the tides and the winds like no other to ensure you are in the right place at the right time. Whether you travel with us in the ancient Kimberley, Tasmania’s wilderness, the frontier lands of Papua New Guinea, or New Zealand’s majestic fiordlands, you will be assured a local perspective, with local guides, authentic interactions, and a true taste of local culture and cuisine.
OUR SMALL SHIPS At the heart of the Coral Expeditions experience are our purpose-built small expedition ships and unique tenders. In an age of glitzy mega-vessels, our ships are truly intimate, carrying no more than 120 guests. This means that we can navigate into shallow bays, step ashore onto remote beaches and jetties, and visit small villages to make connections without overwhelming a community. We have designed the fleet to explore tropical waters with comfort and ease and to allow you to connect with the landscape we explore.
OUR CREW Our crew live and breathe our destinations and the opportunity to show you a true expedition experience. We are the modern day seafaring pioneers of Australia, and we are proud to share our knowledge on coastal explorations with guests from around the globe. On our ships, we have no ‘back office’ roles. From our chefs to our engineers, our crew are here because they love to interact with people and show you their world. Join our engine room tours, view our chefs in our galley or chat with our officers on the bridge – they will be delighted to share company with you.
OUR RESPECT FOR COMMUNITIES We have always made a determined effort to support the communities we visit. Our guests join in enthusiastically. We visit remote villages, participate in art and cultural traditions, and interact in local schools. We initiate and contribute to regional projects to support conservation, provide training and employment, and distribute economic benefit and relief supplies, all with guest support and involvement. It is an enriching and rewarding part of our expedition experience that leaves a lasting joy for us all.
THE FUTURE As Coral Expeditions enters its fifth decade in existence, we remain true to our pioneering foundations. We have a new fleet of technologically advanced ships that provide many of the comforts of a large vessel, but without the crowds. We have embarked on a series of new adventures exploring the small islands of the world and broadening our footprint around our home shores of Australia. Yet, our purpose remains the same – taking small groups of like-minded explorers to beautiful parts of the world in our uniquely Australian style!
Select the Deck to view detail.
Select the Cabin to view detail.
The two Bridge Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and arm chair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. French windows opening to a balcony with seating for two gives you a private perch to watch the panorama unfold outside. These staterooms are located on the bridge deck with superb views and adjacent to the Cairns and Darwin suites.
Explorer Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and arm chair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. These staterooms are located on the Explorer deck.
Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and arm chair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside.
Coral Deck Staterooms are identical to the Promenade Deck Staterooms except for their location one deck below. These staterooms have twin portholes rather than picture windows.
The two Cairns and Darwin suites are spacious and elegant retreats after a busy day ashore. Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. They have special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles. An 8 sq m private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two. A unique outside-facing bathroom with picture windows, bath and separate shower complete the suite experience. A complimentary minibar is replenished daily.
* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.
Unless otherwise expressly noted, all materials, including images, illustrations, designs, icons, and photographs appearing anywhere on this website are protected by worldwide copyright laws and treaty provisions. The copyright on such materials is held by the original creator of the materials. None of the materials may be copied, reproduced, displayed, modified, published, uploaded, posted, transmitted or distributed in whole or in part in any form or by any means other than as provided by Cruise Factory and Cruise Traveller to its clients, or with the prior written permission of Cruise Factory and Cruise Traveller. All rights not expressly granted in these Terms are reserved. Any unauthorised use of the materials appearing on this website may violate copyright, trademark and other applicable laws and could result in criminal or civil penalties.