Paspaley Pearls’ new yacht will begin cruising the Kimberley coast in 2025
Ponant and Paspaley Pearls have announced a partnership to launch a new expedition yacht, the Paspaley Pearl, into the small ship luxury cruising market. The 30-guest Paspaley Pearl (will feature a crew of 21) will begin sailing in January 2025 after a multimillion-dollar refurbishment, offering year-round voyages to the Kimberley, plus northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and Eastern Indonesia.
Marrying Paspaley’s heritage of over 80 years in the Kimberley and Northern Australia with Ponant’s 35-year history of luxury expedition travel, the cruise vessel Paspaley Pearl is the embodiment of comfort and adventure.
Featuring 15 staterooms and suites and hosting a maximum of 30 guests per voyage, Paspaley Pearl emerges as the newest boutique expedition motor yacht in the Kimberley. Amongst the crew of 21 there will be four naturalist guides, providing expert-led experiences.
Expert Guides
Every Paspaley Pearl itinerary is enhanced by the presence of an expert expedition team. Comprising four seasoned naturalist guides, each with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for exploration, the team is an integral part of your journey. These guides bring the wonders of the natural world to life, offering insightful, engaging narratives that enrich your understanding and appreciation of the destinations visited. With their expertise, you’re not just observing; you’re fully immersed in the environment, wildlife, and local cultures.
Modern Locally-Inspired Cuisine
Indulge in a captivating fusion of exquisite locally-inspired cuisine paired with rare seafood sourced from the Kimberley region, featuring delicacies such as pearl meat, northern prawns, barramundi, and French cheeses. Paspaley Pearl’s menus, designed by the famed Serge Dansereau (formally of Bathers Pavilion), will be influenced by the daily catch of wild fish, ensuring a diverse culinary experience that also showcases premium Australian meats. Savour the artistry of simple, yet elegant, and skilfully prepared dishes, served with precision by a dedicated team of professionals.
Safety and Sustainability
Crafted by Vard, a Fincantieri Company, Paspaley Pearl launched in October 2021, undergoing a meticulous refit in 2024 for heightened comfort and performance. Measuring 53.5 meters in length, with a beam of 11.2 metres and a draft of 3.4 metres, Paspaley Pearl provides an intimate superyacht style retreat for 30 guests and a dedicated crew of 21.
Powered by two main aft Azimuth propellers and a forward tunnel thruster, complemented by a single rudder and fin stabilisers, Paspaley Pearl ensures impeccable manoeuvrability and stability. Safety is paramount, with two lifeboats and four purpose-designed exploration vessels. Embracing environmental responsibility, the vessel features an advanced wastewater treatment system, SOLAS certification and a fuel-efficient, quiet diesel-electric propulsion system. Catalytic inverters reduce NOX emissions by 90% and a heat recovery system provides hot water for showers and the galley.
Paspaley Pearl uses a dynamic positioning system, enabling her to operate in sensitive seabed areas with no need for anchoring. Setting a new standard with cutting-edge technology and sustainability, we invite travellers on an unparalleled journey of exploration and comfort.
Click here to see itineraries, prices and deckplans for the Paspaley Pearl.
