Kimberley Cruising Questions – Absolutely Everything You Need to Know Before Booking a Kimberley Cruise

When people are looking for a cruise in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, they often have lots of specific questions to help them plan their trip effectively. Here is our YOTSPACE list of absolutely everything you need to know before booking your Kimberley cruise.

Kimberley Cruises and Yacht Charters

What is the best time to visit the Kimberley on a cruise?

This question is crucial as the Kimberley experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, and the best time to visit may vary depending on personal preferences. Kimberley cruises operate in the dry season from April to October and each month of the year offers a different experience for visitors. Read the YOTSPACE blogs that describe the different months and what you will see on your Kimberley cruise as the temperatures change resulting in environmental changes and the change in the wildlife activity.

How long is the cruise duration?

Travellers want to know the duration of the cruise to plan their itinerary and determine how much time they can allocate to the Kimberley. Our cruises on our book by the cabin voyages are 8 day and 7 nights whereas our private Kimberley charters and superyacht charters can vary according to our charter guest requirements.

What is the itinerary and route of the cruise?

People want to know the specific places and attractions they will visit during the cruise, including stops at iconic landmarks like the Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef, or Mitchell Falls. On our YOTSPACE book by the cabin cruises we go into detail about the places we visit and everything they offer for visitors. With regards to private charters, we discuss with the guests the top things on their bucket list that they wish to tick off and then we plan an itinerary with the yacht captain from there.

What is included in the cruise package?

This question helps travellers understand what amenities, meals, excursions, and other services are included in the cruise price. With YOTSPACE our book by the cabin cruises on our brand-new yacht Eclipse we offer delicious food, local West Australian wines, beer, spirits and a complimentary cocktail daily. We also provide coach transfers for departure and return from the yacht from guest’s accommodation or the Broome airport. Small plane and helicopter transfers (if indicated in individual itinerary). With regards to superyacht charters there is the APA or advanced provisioning allowance that is added to the yachts charter cost to cater for food, beverages, fuel, national park fees, and any other incremental costs to operate the charter. You can read more about the APA on the YOTSPACE blog pages.   

What is the cost of the cruise?

Pricing is a significant factor for most travellers. They may ask about the cost of different cruise options and any additional fees or expenses to budget for. With our book by the cabin cruises on Eclipse it’s an all-inclusive price excluding alcohol and any one-off experiences mid journey such as extra helicopter flights and such. With regards to superyacht charters there is a base cost to charter the yacht and the crew and then the APA takes care of other incremental costs. Mid journey charter guests may need to top up the APA if they partake in lots of off yacht mid-journey activities such as charter flights around the Kimberley or other one off private charter experiences.  

Kimberley Cruises and Yacht Charters
Each of the four generously appointed cabins, equipped with individual entertainment amenities and modern, contemporary design and private ensuite.

What type of accommodations are available on the YOTSPACE Kimberley cruises?

Travellers always love to inquire about the various cabin types, amenities, and the overall comfort level of the accommodations. On Eclipse we offer 4 queen ensuite air-conditioned cabins and on the superyachts, the cabins vary from queens, kings and twin cabin configurations. We match our travellers to the right cruise based on whom they are travelling with and their budget.  

Is there a minimum age requirement for passengers?

Families with children or younger travellers may want to know if there are age restrictions for passengers on the cruise, which we can confirm with the captain. On superyacht charters the age is not a condition of travel. If the children are very young, we recommend you travel with a nanny or full-time carer that has 24 hours supervision of the children. The Kimberley is a very remote part of Australia, so any medical evacuations must be considered when travelling with younger children on a yacht. Entertainment of the children and other guests on your yacht are to be taken into consideration also.

What activities and excursions are available during the cruise?

Travelers want to know what they can do during the cruise, such as hiking, rainforest canopy walks, swimming, wildlife watching, fishing, or cultural experiences. Each one of our book by the cabin cruises follow a specific itinerary dependant on our location of departure. We visit the most iconic attractions and sneak in a few attractions that are only known to our highly experienced yacht crew. Eclipse can access locations other larger vessels cannot visit. Flights over waterfalls and Horizontal waterfall tours may be attached to the individual cruise itineraries. With regards to superyacht charters the guests are given the opportunity to create an itinerary for them to tick off the iconic attractions and see the Kimberley and her secrets the way they wish to travel.   

What is the wildlife and natural scenery like in the Kimberley?

People often ask about the unique flora and fauna in the region and the opportunities for wildlife sightings. Guests can expect to see different wildlife activity based on the seasons. Thanks to its mainland beaches and offshore reefs and islands there is a vast array of marsupials, bird and marine life such as the aggressive saltwater crocodile and the majestic humpback whales. The Kimberley is simply bursting with an array of exotic wildlife. With regards to flora and fauna you will see the iconic ancient boab trees, rainforests and palms that have had to adapt to life in the Kimberley and its seasons. Its wildflowers are a huge drawcard for photographers.   

What safety measures are in place on the cruise?

Travelers want to ensure their safety and may ask about emergency procedures, medical facilities, and onboard safety protocols. Upon boarding your Kimberley cruise the captain will talk all guests through the itinerary and the safety measures that are to be adhered to whilst cruising in the Kimberley. These safety measures are for both the guests and the crew on the yacht. The captain is the master of the ship and all directions from the captain are to be adhered to whilst at sea no matter if it is a private charter or a book by the cabin cruise as this is maritime law.   

Kimberley Eclipse - Tender for onshore exploring

Can dietary preferences and restrictions be accommodated?

This is important for travellers with dietary restrictions or preferences to ensure they can enjoy meals on the cruise. Most dietary restrictions can be catered for with advance notice and if not, this will be considered upon booking. The galley on yachts are not overly large so if food cross contamination/allergies is a major issue it will need to be made clear upon booking. 

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Understanding the cancellation policy is essential in case travel plans need to change. Each one of our Kimberley cruises will offer their own unique terms and conditions and this will be provided to the guest upon booking or can be read on the YOTSPACE website.

What should I pack for the cruise?

Travellers may ask for packing tips and recommendations for clothing, gear, and other essentials. We suggest you pack for a yachting holiday that encompasses some overland hiking and sitting under the stars at night. So swimmers, sun shirts, hats, walking shoes for overland and in the water, a coverall for cool nights on deck, cooler colours are vest and have some trousers or long socks that will cover your legs and or ankles when trapsing thru the rainforests. Make sure they are all easily laundered and do not require ironing or any special treatments. Quick dry clothes are best. No need to bring along your favourite fishing rod as our crew have everything that you need.

Do I need any special permits or visas for the Kimberley cruise?

Depending on nationality and the cruise itinerary, passengers may need specific permits or visas for entry. If travelling from overseas you will need to always have your passport and visas. Visit the Australia.com website for more information. Permits to visit special locations on your Kimberley cruise are taken care of by the yacht crew.

Are there any age or fitness restrictions for excursions and activities?

Some excursions may have age or physical fitness requirements, so passengers may want to know if these restrictions apply to them. View each of the individual itineraries and if still unsure speak to the YOTSPACE crew for more information.

What is the crew-to-passenger ratio?

Knowing the level of service and attention they can expect from the crew is important to many travellers and on our book by the cabin cruises on Eclipse we have 4 double cabins and 3 crew. With regards to our superyachts, it is dependent on the size of yacht and the number of guests.

Can I customize my cruise experience or add on additional excursions?

Some travellers may want to personalize their itinerary or add specific activities to their cruise. When chartering a superyacht or booking a private charter on Eclipse this is certainly an option. It is all dependant on the regions we cruise, the accessibility and the weather conditions at the time. We co-ordinate all of your requirements with the captain and aim to ensure we achieve all the bucket list items your request.

By asking these questions, potential cruise passengers can gather the information they need to make an informed decision and ensure they have an enjoyable and memorable experience in the Kimberley region.

Speak to the YOTSPACE crew at anytime and let them show you how to explore the Kimberley your way.

Read more here about visiting The Kimberley on a YOTSPACE superyacht voyage.

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Images : Tourism WA | Eclipse