Cruise-Australia.com - A World of Cruising at its very Best

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Introduction:

Welcome to Cruise-Australia.com a website that has been online since the early 1990’s. Cruise-Australia has been designed especially for Australian’s, New Zealanders, the Asian cruise market and not to forget all those who love heading overseas and joining ships in other countries, therefore many have become worldwide cruise travellers and explorers’ of destinations far-afield.

PLEASE NOTE: As we well know, during the Covid-19 pandemic Cruise Companies have generally suspended operations until such time it is permitted and completely safe to return, their ships are either berthed, at anchor off various countries, etc. Most cruise companies have mostly decided that they will not return to a full service until at least 2022 or whenever the situation is totally safe, for obviously they are being very responsible.

In Australia some of the small ship cruise operators including the wonderful luxurious “Coral Expeditions” who sail with just a small number of passengers, and they are cruising along various safe Australian coasts including the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory and they are a very safe option and are highly recommended. In Europe some of the River ships are back cruising and doing this in a safe operation, as are the fabulous barges of “European Waterways” that operate cruises in some 9 countries across Europe.

Great News for Queensland Australia!

On the local front, the great news is that luxury small ship company, “Coral Expeditions” has been operating very successful programme of their “Explore the Great Barrier Reef” Cruises departing from Cairns on their stylish 1,838-ton M.V. Coral Discoverer from November 2020 through to July 2021. They have also announced their new Tasmanian, South Australian and Kimberley series of cruises.

One of the Coral Expeditions 5 Star Super Yacht is the Coral Discoverer

There is a feature on “Coral Expeditions” just below

For full Information and Details enter Here

Now Meet their Newest Ship in the Fleet

The new Coral Geographer was christened at a dockside ceremony attended by guests who were departing on her Maiden Voyage. In deference to Covid-19 concerns, there was no public ceremony. However, Coral Expeditions’ longest-serving employee, Purchasing Manager Gary Wun-Hym had the honour of christening the new vessel with a bottle of champagne. Gary has recently completed two decades of service with Coral Expeditions and has seen the evolution of the company from an operator of small catamarans on the Great Barrier Reef to a blue-water fleet capable of travelling the oceans of the world.

The Coral Geographer is the newer sister of the Coral Adventurer that entered service in 2019, although the new vessel has a number of improvements, such as having 6 “Bridge Deck Suites”, compared to Adventurer’s 2 Suites. Further information and photographs will come online soon.

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The cruise-australia INDEX below has a great deal of content;

However, there is another Index Bar and a link at the bottom of the page,

thus why not keep on reading as there is so much on offer!

Enter the - Cruise-Australia.com - INDEX

In conclusion; countless millions around the world know me well as a Maritime Historian, and a cruise reviewer and writer and this has resulted in having had now well over 538.7 million readers to these sites to date. I am sure that you will have noted that you will never find any advertising on any of my pages, or asking for donations, for all information and maritime history is provided online for you to enjoy for free, as it is financed 100% by the author! For the classic liner enthusiasts visit http://ssmaritime.com.

Please Note: below are a number of interesting cruise companies, operating from small luxury cruise ships to slightly larger ones, and each are highly recommended! Some of these ships operate from our shores. I am delighted to feature these more intimate ships at this time, as you will discover below.

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Let’s Talk About Cruising

What is New?

Over countless years I have written features and reviews on countless worthy Cruise Ships and their respective companies in order to better inform cruise and ship enthusiasts … 1; for their pleasure, 2; but more so to ensure that you, my wonderful readers will make the best-informed choice possible on what kind of ship, or which ship will be just right for you.

Below I am featuring some wonderful small-ship operators that offer as you will soon see some real magic, and by that I really mean luxury plus cruising. The reviews I have received regarding these lines are simply outstanding to say the least. In addition several of these are a highly awarded small ship luxury Cruise Line operating Expedition Yachts and they are an all Australian company, “Coral Expeditions” and their fine fleet of ships sail locally as well as internationally! As well as the now world famous Australian owned tour and cruise company, and this is the renowned “Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours.” And they have this amazing super luxury yacht the “Scenic Eclipse” and their other company “Emerald Yacht Cruises” and like Scenic they also operate river cruises and now they have built a brand new super yacht the 100 passenger “Emerald Azzurra”. The later amazing luxury yacht has only just been added to my pages, as has “APT Small Ship Cruising” delightful 99 passenger - “Caledonian Sky”.

When we start travelling overseas again, Why not do something very different when in Europe? I highly recommend a voyage on a “Luxury Hotel Barge”, be it in France, the UK, Holland, Italy and so many other amazing locations, for these barges offer an intimate all inclusive and a most wonderful experience. They are operated by “European Waterways”. See my introduction to this Company a little further down the page … or click HERE for direct access.

Next is another fine luxury small vessel from “Aqua Expeditions” the 5 Star luxurious “Aqua Blu”.

Then there is a new addition of a super luxury Expedition Yacht the M.Y. Kudanil Explorer which has just eight balcony Staterooms for 16 pampered guests, who will be well cared for by her highly qualified 21 Indonesian and European crew.

Kudanil Explorer has 1,000 square meters of space exclusively for her guests to use, thus there’s ample room to spread out. You can lounge on the sun-beds on the large aft deck, relax in the Main Lounge and the cosy Library Lounge, or soak in the Jacuzzi on the Top Deck of the ship. Whilst just forward of the huge outdoor lounge, bar and dinning area is the delightful intimate Sky Lounge.

Next is one of my personal favourites, and these small vessels are greatly loved and come HIGHLY RECCOMENDED, they are from the remarkable Scottish “The Majestic Line” which has a fine fleet of four small cruise vessels, which you will absolutely fall in love with, as they offer a unique style of intimate cruising around the beautiful Scottish Isles, and believe me the service and food on their four Glen ships is without a doubt beyond belief!

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Let’s commence with two New Australian arrivals to the Scene, Luxury Expedition Yachts:

Coral Expeditions:

This is Australia’s small-ship luxury cruise operator, which was established in 1983 and today they are one of Australia’s most awarded companies, with a “Certificate of Excellence” by “trip adviser” and “Cruisers Choice” by “cruise critic,” and also awarded “Quality Small-Ship Cruise Operator” by “cruise-australia.com”.

The Coral Expeditions has grown from having just one small rather basic vessel to operating a fine fleet of glamorous small expedition ships that sail around Australia, Asia and now much further afield into the Indian Ocean and the Pacific!

Meet Australia’s Newest Glamour Ships in the Fleet:

The new 5,599-tonne Coral Adventurer, which has been followed by her new

sister the Coral Geographer that was christened in Cairns on March 30, 2021

Image © Coral Expeditions

Launched in April 2019 and purpose-built to take guests closer to unspoilt vistas in comfort, style and safety, the luxurious Coral Adventurer accommodates 120 guests in 60 spacious staterooms and she has a cruising speed of 13.5 knots. She is a culmination of years of design and three decades of passion for expedition cruising, the Coral Adventurer has over 1000 sqm of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views. There are multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including the Explorer bar up on sundeck, she has a well-equipped gym, and a passenger elevator, all of which creates an environment designed for guest comfort. Coral Adventurer has captured the unique requirements for both guests, and the ships crew.

But above all it will be the countless incredible destinations she will visit that will make the cruise, combined with a ship that has the highest quality equipment and technology that will make her perfect ship to sail the Indonesian archipelago, Papua New Guinea, as well as the famed Kimberley coast of West Australia!

Then there is also the state-of-the-art 1,838-ton, MV Coral Discoverer (built in 2005, but completely refurbished in 2016), being an intimate, Australian cruise ship and she has become a much sought after small cruise ship operating at a cruising speed of 14 knots.

The luxurious MV Coral Discoverer currently sailing in and around Australian waters

In Addition there is also the Coral Expedition II, which mostly operates 3 and 4 night Great Barrier Reef cruises, which can be combined as a 7 night cruise. The 3 night cruise heads south from Cairns to Hinchinbrook Island, and the 4 night cruise heads north as far as Lizard Island, with the countless treasures in between! Coral Expeditions II hosts just 42 guests in spacious Staterooms with ocean views and all rooms have private facilities. The ship has a spacious Panoramic Lounge and Bar topside up on A Deck, as well as a fine Dining room and Bar on C Deck. Like all ships she is packed with special expedition facilities, and you can snorkel right from the ship itself as she has a special deck that is at water level aft.

Explore the Magic of the Coral Expeditions a fleet of Intimate Expedition Ships

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APT Small Ships Cruising:

M.S. Caledonian Sky:

M.S. Caledonian Sky offers the perfect balance and this is because for a small ship she is remarkably spacious and offers all the comforts and luxuries of a larger cruise ship, yet she has the advantage of being intimate and offers all the delights of a small luxury expedition ship.

The delightful Sun Deck with wicker chairs and tables, and comfortable sun lounges

This delightful vessel is without a doubt a much loved boutique expedition ship hosting just 99 very papered guests, who are cared for and served by 75 highly experienced and a very friendly crew. In addition she offers an inclusive cruise with zodiac excursions included, and complimentary beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that are served at your discretion all day, including regional beer and wine.

Located topside is the delightful Panorama Lounge and Bar

This is a small part of her spacious Main Lounge and Bar

The ships Staterooms are very spacious and all feature beds that are configurable as twin beds or a single queen sized bed, there is a cosy sitting area, a marble en-suite bathroom, and each room is outside, with sliding glass doors to a balcony, or large windows, whilst the least expensive stateroom, Category 1 has thee large portholes.

Category 1 staterooms are 244 square feet in size, and all rooms are very spacious

Cuisine onboard the “Caledonian Sky” is simply outstanding and Dining Room service has been hailed by her past passengers as “Simply outstanding and we gave it 5 Stars”. These passengers also rated their cruise experience and the ship being rated; “4.5 Stars to a full 5 Stars”.

One of her most popular cruises is the spectacular Kimberley’s cruises from Broome to Darwin as it offers some of the most spectacular scenery and amazing wildlife. However, this cruise is usually fully booked well in advance and it needs to be booked early. In 2022 she will offer a variety of cruises around Australia as well as New Zealand.

The M.S. Caledonian Sky feature online has many photographs of the ship’s in and exteriors, as well as a full Deck Plan, and it can be reached via the link below!

Enter the Caledonian Sky feature

And her two sister-ships

Island Sky and Hebridean Sky

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Emerald Yacht Cruises :

M.Y. Emerald Azzurra:

This impressive 110 m long new super luxury yacht owned by “Emerald Yacht Cruises” (part of the Australian “Scenic Group”) is spectacular in so many ways and she will exceed your ocean cruising expectations. Having just 50 magnificent Suites and Staterooms she accommodates a mere 100 guests, thus she offers so much of space throughout her fine facilities aboard this glamorous yacht. There are many spaces to discover a secluded spot to read a book, and enjoy magnificent views of the unspoilt landscapes, or sit and meet your fellow guests at one of the fine meeting spots on board. She also has two elevators (lifts) and they serve all decks onboard, unlike on most other ships that always miss out on their top viewing deck, etc.

Be assured you can expect fresh, locally sourced fine meals, all carefully crafted by expert chefs, with complimentary sommelier-paired wine, beer or soft drinks with your lunch and dinner. Once you’ve enjoyed your evening meal, you can head outside aft of the restaurant to appreciate the ocean breeze on the spacious al fresco Terrace, before a nightcap in the luxurious Horizon Bar & Lounge.

A corner of the spacious Horizon Lounge and Bar

The two page feature online, with many photographs and a full Deck Plan can be reached via the link below!

Enter the Emerald-Azzurra feature

Also visit my feature on the Ultra super Luxury Expedition Yacht the Scenic Eclipse

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European Waterways

“European Waterways” has specialised in operating luxury Barge cruise vacations on many of the most beautiful waterways in Europe for more than 40 years, and 17 of their wonderful barges cruise in some 9 countries across Europe.

Every one of their barges feature many excellent features, comfortable Lounges, which are called “Saloons” and elegant Dining areas, which are available both inside as well as and exterior dining area. Each barge has a comfortable sundeck to laze on and enjoy the spectacular sceanerary, and most barges also have a wonderful Spa Pool to relax in. Cabins and Suites are available in either in a twin or double bed configuration, and all have a private bathroom with a shower. All barges have ample bikes on board for you to go exploring should you so desire at the fascinating places you will visit, but included in your fare are also regular excursions, and of course all gourmet meals will be served, and are created by the barge’s Chef, also available whenever you wish is coffee, tea and there are fine wines served and an open bar awaits you! Your barge cruise is all inclusive, including transfers from the airport to the barge.

This is the “Spirit of Scotland

The Spirit of Scotland cruises the Caledonian Canal and the Lochs of the Great Glen in the ultimate of luxury and comfort.

The “Spirit of Scotland’s” delightful Saloon

And here is the “Spirit of Scotland’s” fully stocked Bar

The “La Belle Epoque” is one of the more traditional barges and she is a delight!

The La Belle Epoque is the perfect barge to take you on a gentle voyage of discovery through a region studded with traditions and history that goes back centuries. As she meanders along the Burgundy Canal with its undulating countryside, you fill find that the towpath is always there for a spot of walking or for some cycling. During thos voyage, you will enjoy many amazing excursions, and you will even dine with a Baroness.

The “La Belle Epoque” cosy Saloon

A few interior & exterior photographs:

The Dining area on the barge Renaissance

The deck space with spa on the Renaissance

A typical cabin

A bathroom in one of the barges

Obviously as there many more barges to explore and it is best to go online for so much more!

For much more visit my page on the wonderful …

European Waterways Barges

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Kudanil Explorer:

M.Y. Kudanil Explorer:

The ultra luxury Expedition Yacht the M.Y. Kudanil Explorer

The Kudanil Explorer was constructed in 1978 as a safety an offshore rig support ship, for the oil and gas industry. She also provided offshore rigs with supplies, and thus this extreamly well built very strong ship is able to go anywhere, at any time. She is known to have the very best sea capability to withstand any condition for long periods of time. The truth is that she was built tough much like a hippopotamus, which in Indonesian is translated to “kuda nil”, which means “horse of the river Nile”.

She was given an extensive three-year refit to become a luxury Motor Yacht, and the M.Y. Kudanil Explorer was re-launched in 2018, to become a superb 50 metre long luxury motor yacht. She has been owned by the same family for some 20 years and even her Captain has been with Kudanil Explorer for some 20 years. His genuine love and excitement of the jump from commercial offshore work-ship to the hospitality side is impossible to overlook. Once you board you will discover that he is always on deck to welcome guests back onboard, or from a dive or hike.

During her refit, to ensure the service matched a boutique, five-star luxury motor yacht, when this strong and stable ship was rebuilt from her original guise, her owners enlisted the expert help of an accomplished hotelier to design an complete her interiors. They brought in a professional consultant with experience from properties like “Four Seasons” and other five star hotels to spend three months on board training a fine Indonesian service crew. The result is obvious, for guests on Kudanil Explorer receive service and a staff mindset that are on par with the world’s top hotels and luxury cruise ships!

The Main Saloon, is a Lounge, Bar and the indoor Dinning Room

Enter - M.Y. Kudanil Explorer

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Aqua Expeditions:

M/Y Aqua Blu:

The Highly awarded “Aqua Expeditions” River Ships in Asia and the Amazon and their M/Y Aqua Blu being their 5 Star Luxury Oceangoing Exploration Yacht, which explores new coastal destinations of East Indonesia, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of “Komodo National Park” commenced her maiden voyage on November 16, 2019.

The Company has received a great deal of International Acclaim, including the Gold Award in the Architecture/New Build category in the 2015 “Asia Hotel Design Awards” for the Aqua Mekong. Many VIP guests to have cruised on one or two of the Aqua vessel’s, including leading travel journalists, and have received awards from “Travel + Leisure”, “Virutuaose”, “Financial Times”, “Conde Nast Traveller”, “Forbes and Robb Report”, also Aqua Expeditions has Won Two 2016 “Luxperience” - from the Sydney Australia “Travel Trade Awards”.

A Guest who sailed on the Aqua Blu wrote a review, and in part he said: “All I can say is this, to sail on an Aqua Blu voyage; you can believe me you will experience a cruise adventure of the Indonesian Islands that will be unlike any you will have ever experienced. It is a delight beyond any other”. V, 2019.

M/Y Aqua Blu seen from the air

Inside her five-decks you will discover that the world famous designer Mr. Cor D. Rover has tastefully paired her amazing history with the modern, and therefore you will find a glamorous brass-and-ivory interior theme with spacious and inviting Lounges, Bars and Dining rooms, as well as outdoor social spaces, including a spacious sun deck.

Here we see the Salon and combined Dinning Room on Main Deck

She offers safety and comfort, because Aqua Blu’s is the perfect ship to navigate East Indonesia’s seas, as she has attained the International Safety Regulations, such as being; ISM Compliant, as well as being in RINA Class and SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) Certified. In addition, she has also been equipped with “Quantum Zero Speed” stabilizers for optimal comfort whilst she stationary or while sailing.

View my Two Page Aqua Blu Feature

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A Much Loved Scottish Line:

“The Majestic Line”

You will discover that on Cruise-Australia there is a vast variety of cruise options available from mini-cruise ships to the giants of the sea; however I will start with four of the most loved and highly awarded mini-cruise ships based in Scotland, owned by the acclaimed “The Majestic Line.” This company which was founded in 2004, offer small comfortable cruise ships that have become known for their intimate and exciting west-coast Scottish ocean going experiences.

MV Glen Massan

Their first two vessels were originally built as Irish wooden Herring Trawlers but they were converted in Scotland into the most beautiful eleven guest cruise vessels with all cabins having private facilities with windows or a porthole. There is a spacious Lounge, Bar, Library, Flat Screen TV and a Dining Room aft on Main Deck, as well as ample outdoor deck spaces.

The spacious Dinning Room, Lounge, library & Bar on the Glen Tarsan

And believe me there is not a fishy smell to be found anywhere, except when that giant fresh seafood buffet is placed on the table! The Bridge on all ships is open to their Guests throughout the day. The first two perfectly designed ships operate cruises around the west coast of Scotland and the Hebrides, and they rapidly became such a huge success not just in Britain, but around Europe as well as worldwide. Thus the owners decided to build two brand new ships based on the first two, but with steel hulls yet with new technology and other improved facilities including stabilisers and Wi-Fi, etc.

The latest ship of the fleet the MV Glen Shiel

The Lounge on the Glen Etive

These vessels looked much the same externally, but on the internally on Main Deck, rather than having the one large main public venue, these new ships had two, with a spacious Lounge, Bar, Library, a flat screen TV located forward with the Dining Room with a smaller Lounge area being located aft. You will find a comprehensive Multi Page Feature online detailing this worthwhile cruise experience with a difference, complete with photographs, reviews and deck plans via the link below.

World famous TV star and vocalist Miss June McDonald cruised on the Glen Tarsan and she loved her experience so much, that she stated, “I will be going again, but next time on the 10 day cruise, for it is the experience of a lifetime, and I just loved it!”

These cruises are of a very high standard and fares for a 3 night cruise are from AU$ 1,976.00, and a 6 night cruise from AU$ 3,838.50, there are also 10 day cruises. The service and cuisine on board a Majestic ship is of the highest standard possible, and this company is highly recommended by the Author, and no I have never been in contact with the company.

“The Majestic Line” fabulous four mini-cruise-ships that will capture you and delight you!

Enter The Majestic Line Feature

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Enter the Cruise Index Below

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The Author has been in Passenger Shipping & the Cruise Industry for over 60 years!

Photographs on cruise-australia.com & .net are: 1. By the author. 2. From the author’s private collection. 3. As provided by Shipping Companies and their Publicity Companies as well as by private photographers or collectors. Credit is given to all contributors. However, there are some photographs provided without details regarding the photographer concerned., therefore I hereby invite if owners of those images to be so kind and make them-selves known to me, in order that due credit may be given!

This notice covers all pages, although, I have done my best to ensure that all photographs are duly credited and that this notice is displayed on each page, that is, when a page is updated!

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