It’s not long until the Kimberley fleet sets sail – True North’s itineraries start in March. Here’s our pick of the luxury ships cruising the spectacular wilderness region in the coming season.
For cruise purposes, there are two seasons in the Kimberley – wet and dry – although Indigenous communities divide the year into six distinct seasons. The wet season runs from October-November to March-April and cruise companies operate between late March and September.
The Kimberley’s famous waterfalls are at their most dramatic in March and April – the main attractions are King George Falls, Mitchell Falls, and Cascade Falls on the Prince Regent River. The only downside is that it is intensely humid at that time of year, but that’s not a problem when Zodiacs often take guests right under the waterfalls for a good soaking.
Itineraries are generally 10 to 12 nights and operate between Broome and Darwin; Broome and the Buccaneer Archipelago; and Broome and Wyndham/Kununurra. A few short cruises visit Rowley Shoals Marine Park, which lies about 300 kilometres west of Broome; diving, swimming, snorkelling and fishing on its three coral atolls are world-class.
Water sports are strictly out of bounds on Kimberley coastal cruises because of the thriving population of saltwater crocodiles, although there are freshwater swimming spots where it’s safe to take a dip under the supervision of experienced expedition crew.
Here’s a quick guide to the most in-demand luxury expedition vessels sailing the Kimberley in 2026.
True North Adventure Cruises
Founded nearly 40 years ago, the Australian-flagged cruise line operates two boutique vessels, the 36-guest True North and 20-guest True North II. The company is well-known for its enthusiastic, multi-talented crew, who do everything from providing top-notch cuisine to taking guests fishing, captaining the ships and adventure boats, and flying the onboard helicopters.
True North vital stats:
Launched: 2005
Length: 50 metres
Crew: 22
Accommodation: three cabin types, from 14 sqm Explorer Class and River Class cabins with picture windows to Ocean Class porthole cabins
Public spaces: sun deck, observation lounge, ship’s lounge, alfresco bar, sports deck and dining room
6-person helicopter (Eurocopter EC 130)
6 adventure boats
16 departures between March and September 2026
True North II vital stats:
Launched: 1999
Length: 34 metres
Crew: 16
Accommodation: four cabin types, ranging from 12 sqm Explorer Class with picture windows to 7 sqm River Class with picture windows or portholes and 5.6 sqm Ocean Class with single bunkbeds and porthole
Public spaces: combined saloon/lounge, dining room, sundeck, outdoor bar deck and a sports deck
5-person helicopter (AS350 Squirrel)
5 adventure boats
16 departures between March and August 2026
Ponant Explorations
The French luxury small-ship line has two purpose-built expedition ships in the Kimberley in 2026. Le Jacques-Cartier, one of the six 184-guest Explorer fleet, and Le Soléal, one of the four 264-guest Sisterships. Ponant Explorations’ sophisticated, stylish ships have been sailing in the Kimberley for several years; in July 2026, Journey Beyond Rail is offering two rail/sail combos with Le Jacques-Cartier and The Ghan.
Le Jacques-Cartier vital stats:
Launched: 2021
Length: 131 metres
Crew: 118
Accommodation: all suites and staterooms have balconies; seven categories range from the 45 sqm Owner’s Suite to 19 sqm Balcony Staterooms
Public spaces: two restaurants, including the indoor/outdoor Grill, three lounge/bars including the underwater Blue Eye lounge, boutique, spa, sauna and fitness centre, theatre, pool
9 Zodiacs
10 departures between May and August 2026, 10 nights between Darwin and Broome
Le Soléal vital stats
Launched: 2013
Length: 142 metres
Crew: 145
Accommodation: six types of staterooms and suites, ranging from the 45 sqm Owner’s Suite to 18 sqm and 21 sqm staterooms with portholes or windows
Public spaces: two restaurants, including the indoor/outdoor Grill, three lounge/bars, boutique, spa, sauna and fitness room, theatre, pool
11 Zodiacs
6 departures between June and September 2026, 10 nights between Darwin and Broome
Pearl Expeditions
The 30-guest Paspaley Pearl is the latest addition to the Kimberley fleet, an exciting new venture for Australia’s revered pearling company. Visits to Paspaley Pearl’s Kuri Bay pearl farm are among the cruise highlights, along with the boutique motor yacht’s laid-back luxury, fine dining and excursions to places inaccessible to larger ships.
Paspaley Pearl vital stats
Launched: 2025 (built 2021, refitted 2024-25)
Length: 50 metres
Crew: 22
Accommodation: five types of accommodation, ranging from the 27 sqm Pearl Suite with balcony and 20 sqm Horizon Suites with balconies to 14 to 18 sqm Ocean Staterooms
Public spaces: 32-seat indoor restaurant and bar, Horizon Deck al fresco dining and lounge area, sunlounges, bar and jacuzzi on Sun Deck
3 Zodiacs, fishing boat, custom-built tender boat
15 departures between April and September 2026, including 12 10-night cruises Broome to Kununurra and vice versa, two 7-night Broome round-trips and one x 5-night Broome-Rowley Shoals-Broome cruise
Seabourn
The ultra-luxe, 264-guest Seabourn Pursuit has a special relationship with the Kimberley; in 2024, the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners became the ship’s godparents in an onboard ceremony.
Seabourn Pursuit vital stats
Launched: 2023
Length: 170 metres
Crew: approximately 230 plus 24 expedition team members
Accommodation: 10 categories of all-balcony suites ranging from the 130 sqm Grand Wintergarden Suite to 33 sqm Veranda Suites
Public spaces: nine dining options, four lounge/bars including the Discovery Center, boutique, Spa and Wellness centre, theatre, pool
2 custom-built submarines (not deployed in the Kimberley)
24 Zodiacs
8 departures between May and September, 10 nights between Darwin and Broome
Silversea
Silver Cloud was converted from a classic ship to an expedition ship in 2017 and is one of four luxury expedition vessels in Silversea’s fleet of 12. She accommodates up to 254 guests and has long been a fan favourite among Silversea guests.
Silver Cloud vital stats
Launched: 1994
Length: 157 metres
Crew: 212
Accommodation: nine suite categories ranging from the two-bedroom 77 sqm Owner’s Suite to 22 sqm Vista Suites with picture windows; 80 per cent of suites have balconies
Public spaces: four restaurants, five lounge/bars, including Explorer Lounge lecture theatre, boutique, spa, sauna and fitness centre, pool
20 Zodiacs
7 departures between Darwin and Broome, May to July 2026 (10 nights); 2 departures Darwin to Fremantle and vice versa in August 2026 (17 nights)
For more information, visit True North, Ponant, Pearl Expeditions, Seabourn, Silversea, Journey Beyond Rail
