ACROSS THE TOP CORAL GEOGRAPHER'S NEW MAIDEN VOYAGE - 2021 VOYAGE
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
AUSTRALIA’S COASTAL WILDERNESS SERIES 2021 VOYAGE ACROSS THE TOP CORAL GEOGRAPHER’S NEW MAIDEN VOYAGE > Cairns to Broome | 19 Nights Traverse the northern coastline of Australia exploring rarely-visited islands and outer atolls
WELCOME ABOARD Coral Geographer Charting New Territory Features We are pleased to introduce our newest state-of-the-art Coral Geographer will have the same expedition capabilities as expedition vessel Coral Geographer to our fleet. The sister Coral Adventurer, however she will feature a new design of six ship to Coral Adventurer, she features stylish and comfortable Bridge Deck suites with horizon bathtubs. Other features include: Australian inspired interiors, smooth and sturdy bluewater > Two Xplorer tenders and six zodiacs cruising capabilities, and our unique Xplorer tender platform > Lecture lounge for daily expedition briefings and presentations with dual high speed tenders and a fleet of 6 zodiacs. With a > On-board Library shallow draught and agile maneuverability, she is ideally suited to > Indigenous art collection sourced from regions we visit expedition cruising. > Shallow draught and advanced marine operations systems As her name suggests, Coral Geographer is purpose built to > Navigator Lounge in the Bridge, and engine room tours explore the farthest reaches of the world. Inspired by explorers > Over 1000 square metres of open deck space including a wrap- of old, her voyages will include long distance adventures to the around promenade deck with panoramic views small islands of the Indian Ocean, the vast arc of the Pacific > Feature marble ‘wine table’, and curated wine cellar featuring Ocean and beyond. In expanding our fleet to include this intrepid boutique Australian and New Zealand wines ship, we look forward to taking you to explore even more of the > Galley viewing window to see our chefs at work world, with our intimate expedition atmosphere, personalised > Multiple indoor and outdoor bar and lounge areas service and warm Australian hospitality. > All outside-facing guest cabins, most with a private balcony Join us as we welcome Coral Geographer! > Active stabilisers > Well-equipped gym IMAGES ∏ 1 Coral Adventurer | 2 View of Bridge Deck Suite | 3 Bridge Deck bath > Passenger elevator 4 Senior chef with dessert | 5 Sunset drinks at the Bridge Deck bar > Wi-Fi and international power outlets in all guest areas
1 Spacious Staterooms & Suites Coral Geographer’s elegant staterooms are furnished with junior King beds, desk and armchair. The majority have French windows opening to private balconies. On the Bridge Deck, six spacious suites are Coral Geographer’s crowning jewel, with expansive spaces decorated with a collection of Indigenous art. 2 Infinity Bath Coral Geographer’s six suites feature an outside-facing infinity bathtub, with floor N to ceiling windows and sky views, as well as a shower and other amenities. Stateroom ensuites feature an innovative window to increase a sense of space and comfort. Fitted with opacity technology, the window can be changed from open to closed at the push of a button. 3 4 Seasonal Australian Cuisine S Aboard Coral Geographer, dining is a celebration of great food and good company enjoyed in extraordinary destinations. The philosophy of our chefs is generous simplicity. Enjoy sophisticated dishes bursting with flavour, made from fresh ingredients sourced locally and sustainably wherever possible. 5 Expansive Public Spaces Indoor and outdoor dining, lounge, Our SailSAFE Plan and bar venues create relaxed spaces Keeping our guests and crew safe to connect with old and new friends, is our priority. We have developed a or simply to take a quiet moment of SailSAFE Plan to ensure we operate solitude with a good book. Spacious responsibly in the new environment decks and balconies provide an immersive experience of the landscapes that COVID-19 has created. and seascapes you will explore. Remote, nature-based expeditions with Australian crew, and small groups less than 100 guests create a lower-risk environment, with our comprehensive SailSAFE Plan providing additional confidence. Focussed on prevention, we have a three-tiered medical screening system in place before boarding, supported by onboard mitigation actions and a thorough and compassionate response plan. Read more: www.coralexpeditions. Passengers: 99 | Staterooms: 60 com/au/about-us/sailsafe-plan/ Length: 93.4m | Draught: 4.5m | Tonnage: 5,599
1 Your Expedition Team EXPEDITION LEADER Jamie Anderson Jamie has been with Coral Expeditions since 2003. With a long career as a naturalist, guide, and teacher in environmental science, Jamie has travelled and worked all over the world. He has extensive experience in diving and Across the Top photography, and has a tireless energy and love for our destinations. The Kimberley is his favourite place, and he is delighted to share his extensive experience. THE MAIDEN VOYAGE The vast northern coastline of Australia is our home. For three decades we have revelled in the vivid reef systems and tropical islands of the Coral Sea, absorbed the culture and traditions of the Torres Strait, marvelled at the remote expanse of Cape York, and discovered the waterfalls and wildlife of the Kimberley. So, it is fitting that we take the brand-new Coral Geographer on an extended exploration of this unique region of Australia. Voyage northwards through the outer Great Barrier Reef passage to discover an underwater world of colourful coral gardens at EXPERT LECTURER Holmes Reef and Osprey Reef. Beachcomb on the picture-postcard Ian Morris Restoration and Haggerstone Islands. Stand at the Tip of Australia Zoologist, educator, conservationist and author, Ian has joined our expeditions since 2001. on Cape York, before entering the Kimberley coast just in time Working with the traditional owners of Arnhem for the majestic wet-season waterfalls. From here, sail wide and Land for decades, he speaks the Indigenous Northwest to the pristine marine sanctuaries of Ashmore Reef, languages of Djambarrpuynu, Warramirri, and island-hop down the west coast, where we will encounter a and Gupapuynu. He has also worked as a multitude of rare bird species and marine life including turtles, rays, Ranger in Kakadu, Uluru and the Pilbara. He is passionate about helping people understand and sharks, sea snakes, abundant fish species and perhaps the elusive experience nature and Indigenous culture. dugong. Be amongst the very few to ever visit places such as Adele Island and Scott Reef. Your epic journey will conclude in the pearling outpost of Broome. Hosted by Group General Manager Mark Fifield, your voyage will be guided by some of our most beloved Expedition Team members, including Jamie Anderson and Ian Morris, whose connections and knowledge of North Australia run deep. Joining the expedition will be guest photographers Jürgen and Stella Freund, who will deliver specialist nature and landscape photography workshops and will prepare a commemorative expedition journal for all guests onboard. Join us to experience this memorable voyage with less than 100 guests, and welcome Coral Geographer proudly to her home shores. YOUR HOSTS Group General Manager Mark Fifield and Samantha Fifield
2 S Birdwatching Many of the islands we will visit are Important Bird Areas. Our expedition team will lead birdwatching excursions. Snorkelling & Scuba The opportunity to snorkel and scuba dive over vivid coral gardens is a highlight of this expedition. We will explore some of Australia’s best dive sites. See our website for diving requirements. Photography Discover the tricks of capturing birds in flight and respectful photography in nature reserves through GUEST PHOTOGRAPHERS onboard workshops Jürgen and Stella Freund and in-field activities. Jürgen Freund is a natural history and conservation photographer. A senior fellow of the elite International League of Conservation Photographers, Jürgen has worked with the WWF for decades, and has won many of the world’s top nature photography awards. Stella Freund is a producer and documentary filmmaker with a long list of books and films to her credit, most recently The Coral Triangle. This milestone assignment for WWF saw Jürgen and Stella travel and photograph the Coral Triangle over 18 months. Official Christening Ceremony and Welcome Gala We invite guests to participate in Coral Geographer’s official Christening Ceremony, followed by festive tropical feast and Welcome Gala before we set sail from Cairns. Inclusions Departure & Fares › All excursions and sightseeing, including snorkelling and birdwatching 19 Nights - Departs: 31 March 2021 from Cairns aboard Coral Geographer › Daily lectures and briefings Bridge Deck Explorer Promenade Coral › Photography workshops and field activities Balcony Suite Deck Deck Deck › All meals, chef-prepared on board Twin Share $29,400 $21,600 $17,290 $14,200 › Selected wines, beers, and spirits, soft drinks and juices served with Sole Use n/a $32,400* $25,935* $21,300* lunch and dinner Prices are per person, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST. › Coffee and selection of teas *Limited sole use occupancy available. › All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports › Post-cruise accommodation and transfers › Admission to Coral Geographer’s official christening ceremony IMAGES ∏ 1 Aerial of Sudbury Cay, credit Tourism Tropical North Queensland › Tips and gratuities 2 Birds on Great Barrier Reef Cay, credit Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Expedition Highlights 1 2 > EVENT: Before departure, enjoy a Welcome Gala and join Coral Geographer’s christening ceremony > Step ashore and explore the seldom explored Restoration Island > Birdwatch at some of Australia’s most vibrant Important Bird Areas, and spot numerous species of seabirds during their breeding season > Dive at Holmes and Osprey Reefs, listed as two of the 100 best dive sites in the world > Stand at the tip of Cape York to enjoy a sunset toast > Experience the raw power of King George Falls > Discover the extraordinary Ashmore Reef, and snorkel, dive and birdwatch through the lagoon > Visit the pristine habitats of Adele Island and the Lacapede Islands to spot seabirds and marine life > Enjoy photography workshops along the way from guest lecturers Jürgen and Stella Freund IMAGES ∏ 1 Tip of Cape York, credit TTNQ | 2 Photography in the tidal pools 3 4 3 Dancer at Yirrkala | 4 Zodiac approaching King George Falls in flood
ITINERARY: 19 NIGHTS CAIRNS TO BROOME S PRE-DEPARTURE TIWI ISLANDS Arrive this afternoon for the Welcome Gala Visit remote Bathurst Island. With local Tiwi and official Christening Ceremony, with guides, we learn of the unique culture and time to settle into your staterooms before visit the art centre. Be welcomed with a the event. This is a exclusive opportunity to cultural performance and basket-weaving be part of Coral Geographer’s history! exhibition before enjoying a traditional Australian morning tea of damper and billy DAY 1: CAIRNS & SUDBURY CAY tea. Depart from Cairns at 10:00am. Go ashore at isolated Sudbury Cay for snorkelling and KOOLAMA BAY & GLYCOSMIS FALLS Welcome Drinks as the sun sets. Koolama Bay is our gateway to the King George River. A cruise up the impressive DAYS 2-19: steep-sided river gorge reveals King George This is an indicative itinerary covering Falls, swollen by seasonal rains, plunging 80 remote areas. Your Expedition Team will metres into the river below. Later, cruise make changes to the daily schedule as to Glycosmis Falls, which tumbles over a necessary to maximise guest experience. picturesque semi-circle of sandstone cliffs. HOLMES & BOUGAINVILLE REEFS ASHMORE REEF & ISLANDS Begin your day at Holmes Reef, one of the Spend two days exploring Ashmore Reef, top 100 dive sites in the world. In the late a very special stop on our voyage. The afternoon, arrive at Bougainville Reef and rich marine environment is revealed with enjoy a sunset over the Coral Sea. snorkelling and diving expeditions to OSPREY REEF discover vibrant populations of dugong, sea Also on the list of world’s best dive sites, snakes, turtles, and complex coral reefs. Our Osprey Reef is a submerged atoll in the visit will be at the end of the rainy season - middle of the Coral Sea. Explore the 30m nesting time for the many bird colonies. deep lagoon and drift dive the walls, where SCOTT REEF you may see large pelagic fish, rays, and Located 300kms off the coast of the sharks. The crystal-clear waters make this Kimberley, Scott Reef has been treacherous an unforgettable place to discover. to shipping. We will visit the wreck of the RESTORATION ISLAND Yarra, an iron barque was driven onto The home of ‘millionaire castaway’ David the reef in 1884 and go on a snorkelling Glasheen, Restoration Island has a rich or diving expedition to discover the history. Enjoy interpreted walks and hear Mr breathtaking outer walls of the reef. Glasheen’s stories of this remote place. ADELE ISLAND FORBES ISLAND 150km off Cape Leveque, Adele Island Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an is a Class A reserve and Important Bird excellent spot for swimming or snorkelling Area due to innumerable birds that breed from the pristine sandy beaches. Take and winter here. The turquoise waters a walk to the grave of beche-de-mer surrounding the island are also home to fisherman Fredrick Lancaster. fish, sharks, turtles, and stingrays. Enjoy beach-combing and birdwatching. ASHMORE BANKS Close to the islands of the Torres Strait, LACEPEDE ISLANDS Ashmore Reef is believed to be responsible Our final opportunity to explore these for over 35 shipwrecks. There is a remote island groups, the Lacepedes are an marvellous variety of marine life in the Important Bird Area and Class A Reserve crystal clear water. This rarely-visited reef is with a colony of Brown Boobies that is a true expedition bucket-list experience. possibly the largest in the world. They are also a habitat for green sea turtles, SOMERSET & PAJINKA which can be spotted popping up for air Today we visit the ruined settlement of throughout the lagoon. Enjoy photography Somerset, established in 1864. Learn expeditions and the chance to observe the early history of the settlers and visit wildlife in its natural habitat. the Heritage Registered Grave Site. This evening, go ashore at Pajinka, the very tip DAY 20: ARRIVE BROOME of Cape York, for sunset drinks. This morning, arrive in Broome at 7:30am for an 8:00am disembarkation. VICTORIA SETTLEMENT The Garig Gunak Barlu National Park is a pristine wilderness. Now virtually uninhabited, we will explore the ruins of historic Fort Victoria and hear the stories of the failed settlement. On a walk with a local ranger, spot bush tukka plants, monitor lizards, or crocodiles.
1 2 3 IMAGE ∏ 1 Scuba Diving on the Great Barrier Reef, credit Tourism and Events Queensland | 2 Birdwatching in the Lacepedes 3 Kakaking at Haggerstone Island, credit Tourism and Events Queensland Contact us today or speak with your travel agent. Online www.coralexpeditions.com Email explore@coralexpeditions.com Free call (Australia) 1800 079 545 Outside Australia +61 7 4040 9999 Head office PO Box 2093 Cairns 4870 QLD Australia ABN 51 010 809 417 Issued October 2019
You can also read