Indonesia

Coral Expeditions

Special offer: $399* return flights + 1 night hotel
When you book your Coral Expeditions Island Empires cruise with us here at the Kimberley Cruise Centre, you pay just $399 pp for return flights to Darwin, plus we give you 1 night of accommodation. Our in-house travel agent books your flights and hotels.

OR Special offer: NRMA Members get up to 20% off**
NRMA members – Receive 20% off the full cruise fare. MYNRMA Members also get complimentary Deposit Protection and 1x complimentary bottle of wine.

Coral Expeditions – Coral Geographer

Coral Expeditions’ specialised expedition ships and tenders take guests to some of the most beautiful, yet undiscovered parts of the East Nusa Tenggara islands.

At a time when the cruise industry is moving to larger and less personal ships with more gimmicks, Coral Expeditions have purposefully limited the size of their three ships to maximise the expedition experience. Cuisine is prepared in small batches from an onboard galley using quality Australian produce and wine. They operate to high Australian standards of safety with qualified Australian crew wherever they go. They were the first to offer interpretive programs reflective of the destinations we visit and to employ Expedition Leaders, Guest Lecturers, Marine Biologists, and SCUBA Instructors – a tradition that continues today.

YOUR ‘XPLORER’ TENDER VESSEL

The “Xplorer” is a specially designed aluminium excursion vessel used for most excursions. Accommodating all passengers at one time, “Xplorer” is conveniently equipped with an awning and toilet. Featuring high horsepower engines, “Xplorer” is used for landings and for extensive exploration of rivers and tributaries. Boarding is directly from the ship’s main deck, where a hydraulic platform gently lowers you into the water.

Features

Two ‘Xplorer’ tenders facilitate comfortable shore excursions
Six zodiacs allow for more intrepid exploration
Lecture lounge, for daily expedition briefings and expert presentations
Small onboard library featuring books on destinations and wildlife
A well equipped gym
Passenger elevator
Wi-Fi throughout the ships
Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems, allowing access to locations closed to larger cruise ships

Food & Wine

On board you will discover a personal and relaxed atmosphere befitting Coral Expeditions’ Australian heritage. There are no formal nights, organised entertainment or designated seating. Instead, you will enjoy a convivial atmosphere shared by like-minded explorers, your experienced and friendly crew always at hand.

Enjoy freshly prepared meals from the open galley featuring local ingredients from the regions visited. Relax in the spacious and open atmosphere of indoor and outdoor bars and dining areas. Enjoy craft beers, artisanal spirits and wines sourced from Australia and New Zealand’s finest terroirs at the end of a long day ashore.

Coral Expeditions offer two wine packages, which guests may purchase in addition to a house selection, which feature hand-selected Australian wines and French Champagne.

A Taste of Australia Selection: Six bottles featuring Australian wines – three reds, two whites and a rosé.
Connoisseur Selection: Six bottles featuring two whites, three reds and French Champagne.

Your friendly staff and crew have one focus – to help you enjoy the trip of a lifetime. They will always be willing to assist and with a genuine care – that is part of Coral Expeditions’ culture.

Cruise Prices 2026

	2026 Full Fare	2026 – 20% off**
Rooms	Twin Share	Twin Share
Coral Deck Stateroom	$13,950 pp	$11,160 pp
Promenade Deck Stateroom	$15,950 pp	$12,760 pp
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom	$20,950 pp	$16,760 pp
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite	$25,950 pp	$20,760 pp

**Up to 20% off – NRMA Members receive up to 20% off the full cruise fare. Savings are subject to availability on selected dates and on a select amount of cabins. MYNRMA Members also get complimentary Deposit Protection and 1x complimentary bottle of wine.

Xplorers Club – Cruised with Coral Expeditions before? You’re now entitled to discounts of up to 15%. Offer might not be able to be combined with other offers – Please enquire with us.

Cruise Fare Includes:
All excursions with your Expedition Team; Post cruise transfers are included in Darwin and Makassar to downtown Hotels and local Airport; Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks; Snorkelling and equipment (Scuba diving at additional cost); Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers; All meals, chef-prepared on board; 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; Wi-Fi access – standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging; 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.

Cruise Dates 2026

Island Empires and Ancient Mariners 2026

Date	Direction	Cruise
28 Nov – 12 Dec 2026	Darwin – Makassar	14 Night Island Empires & Ancient Mariners
12 Dec – 26 Dec 2026	Makassar – Darwin	14 Night Island Empires & Ancient Mariners

Coral Geographer

Cabins

The Coral Georgrapher features all outside-facing guest cabins with ensuite bathrooms; the majority have a private balcony. Active stabilisers dampen sea motion whilst travelling on your voyage. Coral Georgrapher also features a well equipped gym, passenger elevator and Wi-Fi in all areas for guest comfort.

Deck Plan

Please see below.

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite

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Bridge Deck Balcony Suite – 37.5sqm

The six Bridge Deck 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 Junior King-sized beds. A 3.5 sq m private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two. A unique outside-facing bathroom with a horizon bath completes the experience. A complimentary minibar is replenished daily.

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

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Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom – 21.4sqm

The Explorer Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior king size bed which can be separated into two singles. Your private balcony has seating for two.

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Promenade Deck Stateroom – 17sqm

Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer Deck and are furnished with a junior king size bed which can be separated into two singles. A large picture window gives you expansive views of the world outside.

Coral Deck Stateroom

Coral Deck Stateroom – 17sqm

Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A porthole window gives you a view of the world outside.

Coral Geographer Deck Plan

14 Night Island Empires & Ancient Mariners

Join Coral Geographer for an incredible expedition of the East Nusa Tenggara Islands, where every island tells a different story. Sail through the Bugis and Bajau communities scattered across the Banda Sea, then venture into Toraja’s remarkable highlands in Sulawesi.

This 14-night adventure connects you with cultures that have shaped these waters for centuries. You’ll spend a night in Rantepao – right in the heart of Toraja country – and see boat builders at Tana Beru still crafting vessels the way their ancestors did.

For those who love to capture moments, you’ll find endless opportunities above and below the waterline – from village life unfolding at its own pace to marine worlds waiting to be discovered.

Expedition Highlights

Special Event: Meet the people of Tana Toraja, high up in the mountains of Sulawesi, and encounter their astonishing cultural traditions and funeral rituals
Walk in the tracks of the endangered Komodo Dragons and spot this iconic monitor lizard in the wild with local guides
Gaze out over the tri-coloured crater lakes of Kelimutu National Park
Meet the beachside boatbuilders of Tana Beru and admire the skillful construction of Phinisi ships
Meet the Abui people of Alor Island and watch the Lego Lego dance in their traditional village
On Padar Island, hike to the summit to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views

Best routing for Makassar is via Bali or Jakarta with airlines such as Qantas, Malaysian Airlines and Garuda. Hotels such as Swiss-Bel, Melia, Four Points, Novotel, Aryaduta and Aston are all available in Makassar.

The following itinerary shows departing Darwin and arriving Makassar.

Day 1: Depart Darwin

Embark Darwin: Arrive at Darwin Fort Hill Wharf for your 6:30am embarkation.

Embark Makassar: Arrive at Makassar Port for your 4:00pm embarkation.

Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard as you spend the evening getting to know your fellow travellers. Enjoy Captain’s Welcome drinks and the first of many delicious dinners. This is an indicative itinerary covering remote areas. Your Expedition Team will make changes to the daily schedule as necessary to maximise guest experience.

At Sea

Spend today relaxing onboard, listen and learn from our Guest Lecturer presentations, or enjoy an engine room or bridge tour.

Tablolong Bay, West Timor

Arrive at Tablolong Bay, and listen to the bright, harp like sounds produced by the traditional Sasando instrument with a beachside performance. Later, there is an opportunity to swim.

Alor Island, Indonesia

Small, rugged Alor Island is home to approximately 140,000 people who speak 50 different languages. Visit the open-air Kadelang Market, the 1000 Moko Drums Museum and a traditional village, where you will be warmly welcomed. Witness the ceremonial Lego Lego dance in the traditional Abui tribe village, in which ladies dressed in handwoven textiles and bronze bangles form a tightly knit circle and dance rhythmically to the sound of gongs and Moko drums.

Lamalera Island, Indonesia

Lamalera is one of the last traditional whaling villages, where an ancient hunting tradition continues to support the subsistence lifestyle of this rarely visited village. The villagers will welcome you with a traditional dance and share their way of life, which is rooted in ancient beliefs and utilises traditional tools and methods. Observe hunting and Ikat weaving demonstrations, with opportunities to purchase the exquisite hand-woven cloth directly from the weavers.

Ende, Indonesia

From the coastal town of Ende, travel a scenic road up to Kelimutu. On the way, meet the Sisters of the Saint Francis Order over morning tea to learn about their social work within the local community. Arrive at the spectacular tricoloured Crater Lakes, where we may throw stones into the lakes for good luck. Later, enjoy lunch at Kelimutu Eco Lodge accompanied by the traditional music of Flores. Travel by bus to Kelimutu Crater Headquarters, walk 1.5km to the viewpoint, and enjoy a regional lunch at an eco-resort.

Padar Island, Indonesia

This morning, take on a 4km return climb to Padar Island’s peak for sweeping views of rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and the surrounding blue seas, with plenty of scenic stops along the way. Alternatively, explore the island by Xplorer cruise or enjoy snorkelling and diving.

Komodo Island and Pink Beach, Indonesia

Take a walk with local rangers to see the Komodo dragon and visit the local village. You will learn of the legends of the Komodo dragons and their mythological significance to the peoples of these islands. Later, enjoy a stroll along the dusky pink sands of Pink Beach and swim or snorkel/dive in the clear water.

Jailamu Island, Indonesia

An ideal spot for beachcombing, kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, and diving, where turtles often come ashore, offering the chance to see nests and hear from expert Guest Lecturers about their lifecycle.

At Sea

Enjoy a peaceful day at sea as we make our way to Palopo Port, the gateway to Tana Toraja. Participate in onboard activities, including workshops and lectures led by our special guests and Expedition Team.

Tana Toraja, Indonesia

Travel overland for 3.5 hours into Sulawesi’s highlands to Tana Toraja, renowned for its striking limestone landscapes and rich Torajan culture. Visit the traditional Tongkonan houses in Marante, the stone graves and Tau-tau effigies at Lemo, and the hanging burial sites of Bori Parinding. Explore the bustling Torajan market and the 400-year-old mountain village of Kete Kesu, then stay overnight in a local hotel, savouring traditional cuisine accompanied by local music and dance.

Sogori, Indonesia

The small island of Sogori is home to the Bajau and Bugis people where they will welcome us to explore their village and daily life. The surrounding white sandy beaches, as well as several shipwrecks, make it perfect for beach walking, swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving.

Tana Beru, Indonesia

Traditionally, wooden Phinisi ships have been crafted by Bugis boat builders on the beach at Tana Beru since the 14th century. The ancient technique, which uses no nails, has been handed down through generations. Hear the seafaring tales of the boat builders and climb into a Phinisi ship to admire its size and the craftsmanship of the boat builders.

Day 15: Arrive Makassar

Disembark Makassar: Makassar Port at 8:00am.

Disembark Darwin: Fort Hill Wharf at 8:00am. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day enjoying the tropical city of Darwin with its landscaped waterfront and harbourside Wave Pool.

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. We are privileged to be permitted access to communities and respect that local wishes may prevent access under special circumstances

$399 package details

*Book your Island Empires cruise with the Kimberley Cruise Centre and pay just $399 per person for return flights + 1 night of accommodation. Our in-house travel agents, Terri or Melissa, will book your flights and hotel.

Cruises: Based on twin share cabin bookings of 7+ night cruises on selected vessels (please enquire). Solo travellers, please enquire for our best offer for flight packages. Can’t be combined with another offer.

Flights: From major Australian cities, valued at up to $1,000 per person. Any fare difference above $1,000 is payable before booking. This offer covers one flight up and one flight back (may include a stopover, such as in Sydney or Perth). Cannot be combined with other offers. Note – Flights are bookable up to 11 months prior to travel.

Hotel: Use your complimentary night in Darwin at one of our preferred 4-star hotels, valued at up to $350 per room/per night.

NRMA members – Receive up to 20% off the full cruise fare. Must provide your member number to us when booking your cruise. Cannot combine with other offers, including the $399 flight offer. Please enquire about whether it can be combined with the past passenger Xplorers Club discounts. For new bookings made from 25 August 2025. MYNRMA Members also get complimentary Deposit Protection and 1x complimentary bottle of wine.

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