Explore the ruins of the ill-fated Victoria Settlement and fish for the elusive barramundi. And then for something completely different, soak-up the rainforest fringed coastline of Cape York and, the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef – all in a single itinerary aboard a luxury cruise ship.
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Over The Top Cruise-Only prices include:
- 13 night small ship adventure cruise aboard True North II (22 guests) from Darwin to Cairns
- All shipboard main meals featuring superb fine dining
- All adventure boat excursions
- Non-alcoholic refreshments throughout the day
- All fishing equipment
- Complimentary cafe style coffees and tea are available all day onboard
- Port and Govt taxes
-Coach transfer from port to Cairns accommodation or Airport
Not included:
-Alcohol onboard
-Helicopter flights
This itinerary is provided as example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the cruise tariff as a package or individually.
Special Conditions
*Conditions Apply: All prices shown here are per person share twin (unless stated as single) in AUD, based on best cruise fare at time of publication (16Aug23). Some categories may be sold out. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time. While we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ from the prices in our booking system at time of reservation. Transfers only included if guests are arriving/departing by air at specific airports on exact package dates. Offer subject to availability at time of booking. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Note - the following are not included in your cruise fare: Visitor pass fee, adventure wear and other purchases made on-board, and alcoholic beverages (except as offered on special excursions) are additional. Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the cruise tariff as a package or individually. This itinerary is provided as example only – prevailing conditions, local arrangements and indeed, what we discover on the day, may cause variation.
Special Validity Dates
Special is valid from 16 August 2023 to 7 October 2024 or until sold out/withdrawn.
Cruise Itinerary
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
7 Nov 2024
Darwin, NT, Australia
8 Nov 2024
At Sea
9 Nov 2024
At Sea
10 Nov 2024
At Sea
11 Nov 2024
Jensen Bay, Northern Territory, Australia
12 Nov 2024
Wessel Islands, Northern Territory, Australia
13 Nov 2024
At Sea
14 Nov 2024
Thursday Island, Queensland, Australia
14 Nov 2024
Cape York, Qld, Australia
15 Nov 2024
Forbes Island, Queensland, Australia
16 Nov 2024
Great Barrier Reef & Coastal Islands, Qld, Australia
17 Nov 2024
Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia
18 Nov 2024
Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia
19 Nov 2024
Ribbon Reef, Queensland, Australia
20 Nov 2024
Cairns, Qld, Australia
13 Night Cruise sailing from Darwin to Cairns aboard True North II.
Night One
Your ‘welcome aboard’ is in the frontier city of Darwin. Embarkation is 1700 hours – time for a cocktail with your fellow adventurers before departure at approximately 1800. Dinner is served shortly after leaving port and then it’s an overnight steam to the East Alligator River!
Day One
This morning the TRUE NORTH’s favourite ‘tender’ will provide some not to be missed opportunities to fly over spectacular wetlands adjacent to the world famous Kakadu National Park. Back on the water there will be some hot fishing action in our ‘other tenders’ for both the novice and experienced angler alike – reef fishing, mudcrabbing and, of course, barramundi fishing are all on the agenda! If you’ve never heard of the elusive barramundi before – you’ll soon know everything there is to know about this revered sport fish! A hard-hitting tenacious fighter prone to leaping from the water; barramundi are equally respected for their fine eating qualities and our guides are never short of a ‘barra’ story!
Join your fellow adventurer for some ‘up close’ sightseeing in one of our comfortable adventure boats and take in the rugged beauty of Australia’s remote top end as we visit Coopers Creek and Minimini Creek. Don’t forget to keep an eye on those pesky crocodiles because you won’t want to miss dinner tonight! A crisp white will be the perfect accompaniment to barra cooked just the way you like!
Day Two
Wake off the Coburg Peninsular and to another “not to be missed opportunity” in the helicopter! This time we explore the ruins of the ill-fated Victoria Settlement. The outgoing flight also visits Frenzy Creek where sharks, eagle rays, dugong, turtle and crocodiles can all be seen in shallow waters and, on the way back search for banteng cattle – they can only be found in the local wetlands!
Join a walk to a nearby wetland – our guides will help you identify some of the 85 species of mangrove found in Australia and the bird
watchers will encounter avian fauna of every imaginable colour! Squeeze in some more fishing time and sample mouth-watering oysters direct from the rock – they don’t get any fresher than this!
And at days end, the TRUE NORTH’s alfresco bar will be the perfect spot for an ‘outback sunset’ and our evening meal tonight will likely be traditional “Aussie Fare” in honour of the 1838 settlers.
Day Three
Spend the morning exploring the picturesque Gouldburn Islands. There will be numerous opportunities for reef fishing, bird watching and beachcombing. Then enjoy a leisurely lunchtime voyage back into the coast for some more barra action! There will be also opportunity to visit sites frequented by the Macassans – fishermen from Celebes (Sulawesi) that came in search of prized trepang (sea slugs) long before he arrival of the English settlers. Explore the many mangrove creeks or join the helicopter for an exhilarating view of the coastal vista.
Finish the day with a cocktail before yet another unforgettable evening meal!
Day Four
The barra will be on the bite early this morning and we will see every kind of water bird on scenic flights over the Arafura Swamp – possibly the largest paper-bark swamp in the world! Everyone on deck for ‘action-stations’ as we shoot the Gugari Rip – a spectacular tidal surge that is sure to get the adrenalin pumping!
Then some light game fishing for mackerel and other surface predators will keep the tempo up!
Fly over the outer reaches of the Wessel Group in the helicopter and then join the crew ashore at Jensen Bay for pre-dinner drinks and aperitif.
Day Five
This morning is your last chance to land “the biggest one yet” as we prepare to leave Northern Territory waters. Reef fishing, beachcombing and sightseeing opportunities will unfold all day as we explore the Wessel Islands and Cape Wessel area. Perhaps some delectable reef fish will be on the menu tonight before the ‘sometimes outrageous’ goings-on at the “Captains Party”.
Day Six
Today we are ‘on passage’ across the Gulf of Carpentaria! Time to recharge the batteries, update the travel log, enjoy the onboard activities and of course, indulge in more gastronomic delight!
Day Seven
This morning join a coach tour of Thursday Island. There will be opportunities to meet the local people, to shop for local art and, to just
wander around this idyllic island community!
At days end revel in a sunset shore excursion to Cape York – a unique photo opportunity on the northern most tip of Australia!
Day Eight
Start the day with some trolling and bottom fishing, explore the Macmillan River and then spend the rest of the day on beautiful Forbes Island. Enjoy a picnic lunch, snorkel in crystal clear waters, visit nearby sand cays and ‘have a go’ at the beach activities!
Day Nine
At Davie Reef the delights of the Great Barrier Reef are just a fin kick away – and in swimming pool like conditions you will be astounded by the colours of corals and fish alike! A day devoted to swimming, snorkelling and diving.
Day Ten
Down a rainforest fringed coast to Lizard Island – here a hike up to Cook’s Look is a must! There is more world class snorkelling including the giant clam gardens. Beautiful palm lined beaches, rainforest, and breathtaking coral – does it get any better? Yes it does – something very special this afternoon when we visit the famed Cod Hole where everyone gets an opportunity to have close encounters with the giant potato cod!
Day Eleven
Lizard Island and another day devoted to swimming, snorkelling and diving! There will also be opportunities for scenic flights in the helicopter and reef fishing.
Day Twelve
Last chance for a swim on the Great Barrier Reef as the TRUE NORTH graces Ribbon Reef #3. Then take a coach tour of Cooktown and the surrounding mountains before spending some free time shopping for gifts and, getting to know the locals! Then it’s back onboard for a farewell dinner to remember and the overnight steam into Cairns.
Day Thirteen
Our arrival in Cairns is in time for an early morning coach transfer to your accommodation or connecting flights – our crew is already looking forward to the next opportunity to welcome you aboard the TRUE NORTH!
TRUE NORTH II features a more intimate experience with just 22 guests and a combined saloon/lounge. The dining salon features a stunning ‘boardroom’ setting and the revered True North dining experience. There is also a sundeck, outdoor bar deck and a dedicated sports deck.
All cabins feature ensuite or private facilities with in-house entertainment and satellite telephones. The Explorer Class staterooms and River Class cabins offer queen-size bedsand the Ocean Class cabins feature roomy bunk-configured singles.
Just like the TRUE NORTH – TRUE NORTH II is purpose-built to explore coastal areas including the upper reaches of shallow river systems – guests need only step out of their cabins to experience wilderness. But the adventure doesn't stop there! Multiple adventure boats provide guests with greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want” and, to add yet another dimension to adventure, most itineraries feature an onboard helicopter!
And again, just like they are on TRUE NORTH, the crew of the TRUE NORTH II are generally young Australians who create a truly authentic onboard experience. Our crew are always very much part of onboard life - you may even feel as though they are having just as much fun as you are! That’s because they are – every day is an adventure for the crew as well and you will not be able to resist their enthusiasm and passion!
Unlike more conventional cruise experiences – True North crew are encouraged to interact with our guests. They will uniquely chaperone your every experience providing assistance, interpretation and genuine company. They will bait your hook and carry your SCUBA tank but they will also join you for dinner and entertain in the ship’s lounge. And not forgetting that they will also prepare fine meals of distinction, maintain your cabins with our renowned degree of attention and safely navigate ship, boat and helicopter to each destination. Guests on a True North adventure cruise never fail to recognize the outstanding involvement of the crew - they are one of the reasons that an adventure on the TRUE NORTH is not just another expedition cruise!
Ship Profile & Stats
Maiden voyage: 1999
Tonnage: 281 tonnes
Length: 34 metres
Beam: 9.11 metres
Draft: 2.25 metres
Speed: 12-14 knots
Passenger capacity (dbl): 22
WHY YOU SHOULD CRUISE WITH TRUE NORTH ADVENTURE CRUISES
True North Adventure Cruises is the winner of numerous awards for excellence.
True North Adventure Cruises is an undisputed market leader and offers activity based itineraries especially designed for the most discerning adventurer.
True North Adventure Cruises consistently operates with impeccable customer satisfaction rates.
True North Adventure Cruises pioneered luxury adventure-cruising along the Kimberley coast 30 years previous. Others cannot equal our experience and knowledge!
Explore the magnificent Kimberley coast on either a 7 night, 10 night or 13 night voyage of discovery.
The TRUE NORTH is an Australian registered ship and is not required to exit territorial waters during Australian voyages – every day on-board the TRUE NORTH is an activity day!
The TRUE NORTH is the ONLY adventure-cruise ship in the southern hemisphere that travels with an on-board helicopter – an air conditioned Eurocopter.
The TRUE NORTH features enhanced levels of comfort throughout – allowing guests opportunity to experience wilderness in surroundings more akin to one of the world’s most exclusive hotels.
The TRUE NORTH features several lavish vantage points including a sundeck, an observation lounge, a ship’s lounge, an alfresco bar and a sports deck.
All cabins feature en-suites, in-cabin entertainment and private satellite telephones.
An internet café enables guests to maintain contact with the corporate world.
The TRUE NORTH is purpose built for accessing shallow coastal environs and river systems – bigger ships cannot go where we go!
The TRUE NORTH features computer controlled motion stabilizers.
The TRUE NORTH is fully licensed for fishing activities.
The TRUE NORTH is revered for its on-board dining.
Legendary and authentic service – the TRUE NORTH welcomes just 36 guests and, an AUSTRALIAN crew uniquely chaperones your every experience ensuring our renowned reputation for attention to detail.
Avoid the crowds – we carry 6 dedicated adventure boats (not rubber boats) that provide guests with opportunity to experience wilderness in comfort and, in small groups. We can also make greater provision for guests to do ‘what they want, when they want’!
Experience the destination – our cruises are activity-based and extended periods at sea are specifically avoided. Daily activities include scenic walks, helicopter flights, culture, fishing, snorkelling, picnics, diving, exploring, nature and much, much more!
A ship’s naturalist presents entertaining interpretative sessions.
Located on the main deck – Explorer Class staterooms feature a free standing queen size bed and a twin basin en-suite. Cabin size is 12 square metres (129 square feet). Other features include large panoramic windows, in-cabin entertainment and desk space.
Located on the main and lower decks – River Class cabins feature a queen size double and en-suite. Cabin size is 7 square metres (75 square feet). Other features include a large panoramic window or two port holes, in-cabin entertainment and option for pullman.
Located on the lower deck – Ocean Class cabins features roomy bunk configured singles and en-suite or private bathroom. Cabin size is approximately 5.6 square metres (60 square feet). Other features include a large porthole.
Located on the main deck – Explorer Class staterooms feature a free standing queen size bed and a twin basin en-suite. Cabin size is 12 square metres (129 square feet). Other features include large panoramic windows, in-cabin entertainment and desk space.
Located on the main and lower decks – River Class cabins feature a queen size double and en-suite. Cabin size is 7 square metres (75 square feet). Other features include a large panoramic window or two port holes, in-cabin entertainment and option for pullman.
Located on the lower deck – Ocean Class cabins features roomy bunk configured singles and en-suite or private bathroom. Cabin size is approximately 5.6 square metres (60 square feet). Other features include a large porthole.
Located on the main and lower decks – River Class cabins feature a queen size double and en-suite. Cabin size is 7 square metres (75 square feet). Other features include a large panoramic window or two port holes, in-cabin entertainment and option for pullman.
Located on the main and lower decks – River Class cabins feature a queen size double and en-suite. Cabin size is 7 square metres (75 square feet). Other features include a large panoramic window or two port holes, in-cabin entertainment and option for pullman.
Located on the main deck – Explorer Class staterooms feature a free standing queen size bed and a twin basin en-suite. Cabin size is 12 square metres (129 square feet). Other features include large panoramic windows, in-cabin entertainment and desk space.
Located on the lower deck – Ocean Class cabins features roomy bunk configured singles and en-suite or private bathroom. Cabin size is approximately 5.6 square metres (60 square feet). Other features include a large porthole.
Located on the lower deck – Ocean Class cabins features roomy bunk configured singles and en-suite or private bathroom. Cabin size is approximately 5.6 square metres (60 square feet). Other features include a large porthole.
Located on the main and lower decks – River Class cabins feature a queen size double and en-suite. Cabin size is 7 square metres (75 square feet). Other features include a large panoramic window or two port holes, in-cabin entertainment and option for pullman.
From
AU $20,995*
per person
*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.
