Coral Adventurer Review

4.5 / 5.0
15 reviews
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Editor Rating
4.5
Very Good
Overall
Louise Goldsbury
Contributor

Coral Adventurer is the largest, newest addition to the Australia-based fleet. Carrying two to three times as many people as other Coral Expedition ships, it still feels small and easy to get around, thanks to an elevator, wide corridors and large rooms. For a hardy expedition vessel, it's remarkably spacious, elegant and bathed in natural light.

Everything feels open -- from the 1,000 sq. m of open deck space to the open bridge policy that allows guests to walk in and watch the officers' navigation. As befitting an Australian ship, it has more bars than restaurants and a casual, convivial vibe. A majority of balcony cabins, great dining and delightful Aussie/New Zealander crew make it a lovely home afloat.

One of the most attractive features is the line's signature Xplorer, which is a more accessible alternative to a tender (transfer boat) or Zodiac (rubber dinghy), because it is boarded from the marina deck and then smoothly lowered into the ocean via a hydraulic platform. Along with six Zodiacs, Coral Adventurer has two of these 60-seater, shaded Xplorer vessels, equipped with onboard toilets, for scenic rides and transfers to land. However, it sometimes feels like a floating bus tour, which may be a turn-off for some but a great comfort for others. Also, the ability to simultaneously deliver 120 passengers to a tiny island, village or beach in one large group is not always an advantage, as it risks comparisons to a big cruise ship experience.

But these minor negatives would be completely unnoticed by many people or swiftly forgiven upon returning to such a pleasant ship with its ever-patient, helpful crewmembers, highly experienced expedition leaders and a congenial captain who even gets involved in lectures, workshops and the pre-dinner social hour.

For more details about cabins, dining and things to do, see the separate sections of this review.

Pros

Equipped with an elevator and exploration vessels that lower from ship to water.

Cons

Only one dining room with a self-service buffet, except for dinner.

Bottom Line

A comfortable ship that makes adventurous itineraries more accessible.

About

Passengers: 120
Crew: 35
Passenger to Crew: 3.43:1
Launched: 2019

Fellow Passengers

The ship's elevator and Xplorer vessels tend to attract older adventurers. The majority of passengers are retired Australian couples aged in their 70s and 80s, with smaller numbers from Europe and North America. The youngest person on our sailing was 61 and the oldest was 95. There are also likely to be several solo travellers, who may request to share a cabin to save on the fare.

Coral Adventurer Dress Code

Casual is an understatement: some passengers go barefoot to breakfast and lunch. Shorts, T-shirts and summer dresses are worn day and night. Most people change into a fresh outfit for dinner. For shore excursions, waterproof sandals, sneakers or hiking boots are safer than thongs/flip-flops. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear and a small backpack to carry your camera, binoculars, medication and other essentials along with the provided refillable water bottle. When swimming in some destinations -- such as West Papua and Indonesia -- wear something more modest than a bikini or Speedos. The locals wear long boardshorts and long-sleeved shirts in the water, so it is fine to do the same. When snorkelling away from the beaches and locals, any form of swimwear is acceptable. No expedition clothing or footwear is provided onboard.

Coral Adventurer Inclusions

All meals, shore excursions and tips are included in the cruise fare. House wines, beers and sparkling wine are included during lunch and dinner only. Outside these times, plus other alcohol such as spirits and premium wines and beer, are charged to your onboard account. Soft drinks from the soda fountain, juices, filtered water, tea and coffee are complimentary.

The onboard currency is Australian dollars.

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Coral Adventurer Cruiser Reviews

Circumnavigating New Guinea, Fantastic small ship experience

The Coral Adventurer owned by Coral Expeditions is a modern small ship built to be able to sail close to small islands and into rivers. It sleeps 120 guests but there was only 90 on board.Read More
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Holidays2

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 64s

Do yourself a favour and experience the wonder of the Kimberley by cruising its otherwise inaccessible inlets.

However, Coral Expeditions’ Kimberley cruise from Darwin to Broome on the Coral Adventurer certainly does.Read More
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yilgiddie

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 80s

Best trip ever

So thank you Coral Expeditions for giving people this wonderful opportunity to see one of the most beautiful parts of our country.Read More
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Shazdog56

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 60s

Solar Eclipse Expedition

We saw many sunrises and sunsets, geology only seen in the Kimberley area, rode the horizontal waterfall, flew over the Mitchell River and viewed the waterfalls in a helicopter, saw up close the amazing Montgomery Reef, sailed through Whirlpool passage, saw crocodiles, turtles, fish, birds and fleeting visits of other wildlife too.This definitely not a cruise like any other it is truly an expedition and such a great learning experience from the moment you open your eyes to the time you close them again at the end of the day.Read More
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RoamingLadybird

many10+ Cruises

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