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Australian travellers are among the most avid cruisers in the world. They know what they like and, luckily for us, there is such a wide range of cruise products on the market that the right fit for a perfect maritime experience is out there; it is just a matter of finding it. When Pearl Expeditions‘ ship MS Paspaley Pearl departed on its maiden voyage late last year, a new era began for cruising in Australian waters and those of nearby destinations.

On a marine expedition aboard Paspaley Pearl, adventure is one aspect of the experience, with comfort and exclusivity as the others. This expedition ship was actually a private yacht before its recent renovation turned it into a vessel for affluent travellers seeking small-scale adventure along the coast of northern Western Australia, among the islands of eastern Indonesia, or on an excursion in the rarely visited country of East Timor. The fact that Paspaley Pearl carries a maximum of 30 passengers makes the onboard experience highly personalised, akin to being on a private yacht. Staff know all the passengers by name and their preferences for food, drinks, and entertainment; everyone interacts with friendly camaraderie.

: Aboard Paspaley Pearl, not all the jewels are off the ship

: MS Paspaley Pearl Suite 201

Obviously, on a cruise, the sea and the invigorating scent of salt air are big attractions. In the unpolluted waters offshore from eastern Indonesia’s islands, the coral reefs thrive, as do the colourful fish living within them. When venturing onto land during daytime excursions, Pearl Expeditions’ expedition leaders are as easygoing as they are knowledgeable. One of those land excursions is a highlight on any worldly traveller’s résumé. Komodo National Park lies in an isolated part of the Republic of Indonesia, but the comparatively small island of Komodo looms large in the minds of intrepid travellers seeking one of the ultimate wildlife experiences on the planet. Unknown to the outside world until 1912, Komodo dragons are now famous worldwide for their prehistoric appearance and lethal bite; they are fascinating to observe in the wild.

: Indonesia’s prisitne waters are ideal for diving and snorkelling.

: A Komodo dragon relaxing on the beach

To the unfamiliar, a trek through a rainforest where large predators amble their way to their next meal may seem like a foolish undertaking. When led by expert guides who know the habits of Komodo dragons, however, there is no need to fear. Just don’t block the path of a dragon on the move. Indeed, sometimes the beasts pass very close to human observers with no interest in sampling a variation for their usual diet. The mule deer are not as lucky.

Pulau Padar, an island in Komodo National Park

Unlike the dragons, though, no hunting is necessary to eat well on Paspaley Pearl. Splendid dishes are served by the wonderful staff who know no limits in their polished hospitality. The à la carte menus present hungry passengers with an array of satisfying and inventive options. Given Paspaley Pearl’s maritime itineraries, seafood plays a leading role in the culinary show, including the highly prized delicacy, pearl meat, served on the first night as a welcome to the Paspaley Pearl experience. A healthy supply of meats, produce, and bread supplements lunches and dinners on board, lunch taken outdoors, dinner more formally indoors. All dietary requirements are catered for with advance notice, so that each passenger is thoroughly pleased with the dining experience. Watch out for the chocolate chip cookies in the bar jar; they are too delicious to resist completely, no matter how strong one’s resolve.