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Asia-Pacific Expedition Cruises

Looking for an adventure a little closer to home? We have fantastic selection of small ship expedition cruises that explore the extraordinary landscapes of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Indonesia. These unique journeys take you to some of the region’s most remote and awe-inspiring destinations, from rugged coastlines and ancient reefs to vibrant cultures and pristine wilderness.
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FAQs:

Our Asia Pacific small expedition cruises explore Australia and the Kimberley, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, with itineraries also reaching the Philippines and Singapore. It’s a wonderful option for travellers wanting genuine adventure a little closer to home. 

The best time for an Asia Pacific expedition cruise depends heavily on the destination, as the region spans multiple distinct climate zones. Broadly speaking, the optimal windows for the most popular expedition hubs are: 

The Kimberley (Australia): The dry season, May to October, is the premier time to go. For thunderous waterfalls and lush, newly washed landscapes, aim for May to June. For the best weather and wildlife, including whale watching, target June to August. 

Raja Ampat & Indonesia: The ideal cruising and diving window is October to April, when seas are calmest, visibility is at its peak, and manta ray sightings are most frequent. 

Japan: Expedition cruises generally operate in spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms, or autumn (September to November) for vibrant fall foliage and mild, comfortable temperatures. 

Cruise lengths range from 4 days, like the Kimberley Quest II: Taste of the Kimberley, to 18 days, like the Heritage Adventurer: Indonesian Explorer. The right length for you will depend on how deep you would like to explore each region and which countries you would like to include. 

An Asia Pacific expedition cruise brings you close to some of the region’s most remarkable wildlife, both on land and at sea. Each destination has its own ecosystem and signature species, so the encounters you have will depend on where you explore. 

  • Kimberley (Australia): Watch for humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, saltwater crocodiles and sea eagles along the region’s dramatic coastline and river systems. 
  • Japan: Keep an eye out for dolphins, seasonal whale species, and seabirds and migratory birds, with different sightings on offer in the northern and southern regions. 
  • Indonesia: Explore some of the richest marine biodiversity on Earth, with the chance to see manta rays, whale sharks, sea turtles, reef sharks and vibrant coral reefs, plus Komodo dragons and, on select itineraries, orangutans. 
  • Papua New Guinea: Discover exceptional birdlife, including birds-of-paradise, alongside dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, reef sharks and vibrant tropical marine ecosystems. 

Most Asia Pacific small expedition cruises include accommodation on board, all meals, daily excursions led by experienced guides, onboard lectures and non-alcoholic drinks. Depending on the cruise line and itinerary, some cruises also include airport and hotel transfers, pre or post-cruise accommodation, alcoholic drinks, and flights to and from the embarkation point. Our team can confirm exactly what is included for your chosen cruise so there are no surprises.