Kimberley Coast Expedition
Small Ship Expedition
Departure Date: April 14, 2027
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about the Kimberley Coast Expedition.
Activity Level & Accessibility
Q: I can’t walk long distances. Is this trip suitable for me?
A: Expedition cruising involves rugged terrain, small boat (tender) transfers, and limited facilities. Guests should have moderate mobility to board tenders, walk on uneven ground, and use stairs unaided. Those with medical or mobility limitations should consult us before booking, as crew may restrict participation in certain activities or boarding for safety reasons.
Q: How accessible is this itinerary for a walker with quite limited mobility?
A: Walkers must be stowed away at all times. Guests must be able to navigate stairs and shore excursions without assistance, maintaining three points of contact when moving around the ship. The vessel does not have wheelchair access or accessible cabins due to the expedition nature of the itinerary and ship design.
Packing & Dress Code
Q: What is the dress code on the cruise?
A: There is no formal dress code. Casual, comfortable attire is appropriate throughout the voyage. A detailed packing guide will be provided with your final documents.
Onboard Services & Amenities
Q: Can dietary restrictions be accommodated on board?
A: Yes. Dietary requirements can be accommodated. After booking, please inform your Craig Travel Sales Specialist so arrangements can be coordinated with Coral Expeditions and the Journey Leaders in advance.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi available on the cruise?
A: Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for messaging and email. A premium Wi-Fi option is available at an additional cost for streaming and higher data usage.
Q: Are alcoholic drinks included?
A: Yes. A selection of beers, wines, and spirits is included with lunch and dinner. Soft drinks and juices are also included.
Flights, Travel & Cruise Logistics
Q: If we opt for the group flights when we book, do you guarantee that couples can be seated together on the flight?
A: Group flights to and from Australia offer flexibility benefits, but seat assignments are controlled by the airline. We cannot guarantee couples will be seated together. If seating together is a priority, booking independent flights provides more control over seat selection, but with different fare conditions and fewer group booking benefits.
Group & Booking Information
Q: What is the typical group size for a Craig Travel cruise?
A: We aim for approximately 25 Craig Travel guests. The ship itself may carry up to 120 passengers in total.
Q: Will we be travelling as a group?
A: Yes. Guests booking through Craig Travel typically travel together on group flights to Australia. Land-only guests join the group on arrival. Airport transfers can be arranged for an additional fee.
Solo Travellers
Q: I am travelling alone. How can I avoid paying a single supplement?
A: Single cabins are limited and only available in upgraded categories. Please contact us to check availability and pricing. Alternatively, our CT Match program can pair solo travellers of the same gender to share a cabin and avoid the single supplement.
Q: What are the single supplement costs?
A: Single supplement pricing varies by cabin category and is subject to availability, as most cabins are sold as twins. Limited single cabins are available. The single supplement for a picture window cabin starts at approximately $6,672.
Travel Insurance & Medical
Q: Is travel insurance required for this cruise?
A: Travel insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. Because this itinerary visits remote areas, we strongly advise guests to obtain a remote evacuation policy, as government rescue services may not operate in these regions. In the event of helicopter evacuation, third-party services are required and costs can be substantial. Contact sales [at] craigtravel.com for a quote.
Q: Is there a doctor onboard?
A: On Australian expedition voyages such as the Kimberley, there is no doctor onboard. However, the Captain, Purser, and Expedition Team are trained in remote first aid. Medical tele-consultation services are available, and doctors can prescribe or approve medication remotely if required.
Weather & Climate
Q: What is the typical temperature in April/May?
A: Average daily high: 34.3°C / 93.7°F
Average nightly low: 21.1°C / 70.0°F
Activities & Safety
Q: Can we swim or go scuba diving?
A: No. Swimming and scuba diving are not permitted in open waters or beaches due to crocodile presence. In rare cases, swimming may be possible in freshwater pools or lagoons reached after hiking. Guests are encouraged to bring swimwear, as “Kimberley showers” (waterfall plunges) may be available.
Q: Will we see wildlife?
A: Yes. Wildlife commonly includes crocodiles, rock wallabies, agile wallabies, turtles, hairy-nosed sharks, and a variety of birds such as ospreys, boobies, and cockatoos.
Q: What shoes are recommended for shore excursions?
A: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are recommended. Hiking boots are not required. Footwear should be suitable for wet conditions, as beach landings may occur.
Payments and Discounts
Q: Can the final payment be made by e-transfer and still receive the cheque discount?
A: Yes. E-transfer payments qualify for the same discount as cheque payments, provided the full balance is paid. If your bank has daily transfer limits, payments should be started early to ensure the full amount is received by the due date. Final payment can also be made by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or bank transfer, but these methods do not qualify for the discount.
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Still Have Questions?
We are happy to help. If you have any additional questions about the Kimberley Coast Expedition, please reach out.
Contact Roselle directly at rking [at] craigtravel.com (rking[at]craigtravel[dot]com) or on the phone: 1-800-387-8890 ext. 226 to talk through the details and see if this journey is the right fit for you.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
