Australian pearl producer Paspaley is charting a new course in luxury travel with the launch of Pearl Expeditions, a boutique expedition cruise venture set to commence operations in Jul 2025.
The new enterprise will be led by Sarina Bratton, widely regarded as the ‘first lady of cruising’, and will offer curated, immersive voyages through some of the most remote and pristine regions of northern Australia and Southeast Asia.
The fully Australian-owned venture marks a significant step in Paspaley’s ongoing diversification and expansion beyond its world-renowned pearl business. It also signals a reunion between Bratton and the Paspaley family, rekindling a partnership that began with the founding of Orion Expedition Cruises in 2005 – an acclaimed cruise line later acquired by Lindblad Expeditions in 2013.
Pearl Expeditions will operate the Paspaley Pearl, a custom-built, 53-metre luxury motor yacht accommodating just 30 guests. Onboard will be 21 crew members, including four dedicated expedition guides, ensuring a high staff-to-guest ratio and an intimate, personalised experience.
The yacht is designed to offer a seamless blend of comfort, style and adventure, all delivered with the signature relaxed Australian hospitality that the brand promises will set it apart.
The maiden voyages will begin in the Kimberley in Jul 2025, exploring both celebrated landmarks and hidden coastal treasures.
Highlights will include King George Falls, Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls, and the Hunter River, along with lesser-known gems such as Hidden Island and Hell’s Gate.
Guests will also be invited to visit one of Paspaley’s operational pearl farms – offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the company cultivates its world-class South Sea pearls.
Future itineraries will extend into Papua New Guinea, East Indonesia, Raja Ampat, and Borneo. Travellers can expect unique wildlife encounters, such as diving with whale sharks in Raja Ampat or visiting orangutans in their natural habitat in Borneo, alongside cultural experiences in destinations like the Sepik River and the Trobriand Islands.
Bratton, whose industry leadership and vision have shaped some of the region’s most respected expedition brands, described the venture as a new frontier in travel.
“Imbued with the relaxed Australian hospitality that will define us, Pearl Expeditions represents a new spirit of exploration, where immersive adventure and elegance converge,” she said.
The launch of Pearl Expeditions follows the abrupt dissolution of a joint venture late last year between Paspaley and French cruise line Ponant, which was also spearheaded by Bratton. The surprise exit by Ponant left a void that the new venture is now set to fill.
Paspaley Group Executive Director, James Paspaley, said the new cruise line reflects the company’s broader strategic vision and its strong ties to the Kimberley region.
“As an Australian company that has its roots in the remote waters of the Kimberley, we are excited to leverage the resources and skills of several of our businesses to create the Paspaley Pearl experience.”
Paspaley’s existing tourism portfolio includes high-end hospitality ventures such as The Wall Street Hotel in New York and the soon-to-be relaunched Pinctada Hotel in Broome.
Full details about the itineraries, vessel amenities, accommodation options, departure ports, and expedition dates for 2025 and 2026 will be released in the coming weeks. The company is preparing to launch a new website and social media channels, which will serve as the main platform for bookings and information.
