Paspaley Pearl: A New Chapter in Kimberley Expedition Cruising
In a bold move set to redefine luxury expedition cruising in the Kimberley, Paspaley—the country’s oldest pearling empire—has unveiled its latest venture: Pearl Expeditions, anchored by the purpose-built motor yacht Paspaley Pearl. Scheduled for her maiden Kimberley voyage in late July 2025, this boutique vessel will accommodate just 30 guests, delivering an intimate experience led by a 21‑strong crew and four expert expedition guides.
At 53.5 metres long with an 11.2 metre beam, Paspaley Pearl marries graceful yacht lines with rugged capability, tapping into remote inlets and coastlines larger ships can’t reach. Guests will witness the Kimberley’s crown‑jewels—King George Falls, Montgomery Reef, the tidal spectacle of the Horizontal Waterfalls and magnificent the Hunter River —while also exploring hidden bays, desert‑like geology, and even visiting one of Paspaley’s operational pearl farms.
A Reunion of Pioneers — Bratton Meets Paspaley
Pearl Expeditions marks a remarkable partnership: Paspaley has rejoined forces with Sarina Bratton AM, renowned for founding Orion Expedition Cruises back in 2004. Orion was one of our popular cruise vessels, here at the Kimberley Cruise Centre. Our Directors, Bruce and Terri, joined that vessel for a few expeditions.
Bratton later led Ponant’s Asia-Pacific operations, earning a reputation as “Australia’s Queen of Cruising”. Now, she returns to the Kimberley in her capacity as executive chair of Pearl Expeditions. Bratton has actively shaped Paspaley Pearl’s onboard experience, working with designer Sam Sorgiiovanni to refine spaces and ensure comfort, including indoor and outdoor dining rooms, three bars and lounges, a jacuzzi, and seven balcony suites. Two custom tenders plus Zodiacs offer flexible and shallow water exploration.
Beyond Kimberley: A Voyage for the Senses
Following her Kimberley debut, Paspaley Pearl will carry her guests further afield—to Papua New Guinea’s Sepik and Trobriand Islands, Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, the spice isle routes of the Moluccas and remote Borneo, where wildlife encounters await. Departures from July to September 2025 offer both 7‑ and 10‑night options showcasing the Kimberley, while Southeast Asian voyages begin late 2025 into 2026.
Local Insights, Global Ambitions
Paspaley’s century‑long roots in the Kimberley include proprietary charts and tidal research—essential, given tidal variances of up to 14 metres. They are also no strangers to hotel hospitality. The family’s global guest service know‑how — via their Wall Street Hotel in New York and the soon‑to‑relaunch Pinctada in Broome—promises a polished hospitality experience.
Bratton frames the new enterprise as “a new spirit of exploration, where immersive adventure and elegance converge,” emphasising deeper cultural exchanges, flexible scheduling, and attention to detail—”more time… more understanding… more connection”.
The First Voyage: July 31, 2025
The inaugural Paspaley Pearl Kimberley expedition departs July 31, 2025, sailing from Wyndham to Broome, with tailored pre and post cruise land‑based options exploring the likes of Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles), El Questro, and the Ord River region (the home of our office here at the Kimberley Cruise Centre).
—
With her sleek design, elite crew, and a captained partnership between a pearling dynasty and a cruising legend, Paspaley Pearl promises to raise the bar once again for luxury boutique expedition cruising in one of the world’s most untamed wildernesses.
Click here to see itineraries, prices and deckplans for the Paspaley Pearl.
