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Experience

Exploration and adventure is the very essence of True North Adventure Cruises. The flagship 'Kimberley Wilderness Cruise' is the quintessential adventure cruise - a wild and beautiful panorama of rugged mountains, spectacular gorges and majestic waterfalls, unexplained rock-art, extraordinary wildlife and monster barramundi.

“Our experiences are designed to ignite our guests’ sense of wonder – and that in turn inspires an appreciation of the importance of preserving wilderness.” - True North Adventure Cruises Founder and CEO, Craig Howson.

The ship’s compliment normally includes either a naturalist or guest lecturer. Interpretative information is presented on wall-mounted screens in the lounge. Small group expeditions ensure constant access to knowledgeable guides and an onboard library is also available.

Whilst the True North Adventure Cruises are renowned for comfort and style, shipboard life is not the focus – there are no swimming pools or casinos onboard, conversely the focus is very much about providing guests with every opportunity to experience the destination.

All cruises are activity-based and feature the True North Adventure Cruises’ unequalled style, stunning modern cuisine and a young Australian crew. Multiple expedition boats encounter wilderness in small groups and, to add yet another dimension to adventure, the True North and True North II sail with an onboard helicopter.

The Kimberley Wilderness Cruise is a ‘gallery’ hosting possibly the oldest art known to mankind – Aboriginal rock paintings. Each itinerary features opportunity to admire pristine examples of both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style art. Wandjina art is characterised by spirit figures. In local Aboriginal stories the Wandjina were the cloud and rain spirits who created the landscape and its inhabitants. Gwion Gwion art is only found in the Kimberley and consists primarily of human figures ornamented with accessories such as tassels and headdress. Past research concerning this art has included debate about the origins and the ethnicity of the artists. Guests access ‘galleries’ either via guided walks or dedicated helicopter flights. The ship’s biologist/naturalists provide entertaining interpretive sessions. Some departures feature guest speakers with elevated knowledge of First Nations Aboriginal culture.

The True North and True North II feature dedicated adventure boats, instantaneous filling facilities for SCUBA cylinders, complimentary snorkelling equipment and experienced divemasters. A marine biologist is normally included in the ship’s compliment when visiting coral environs. The Coral Atoll Cruise includes some of the world’s most revered coral habitats including The Rowley Shoals. Adventure South West encounters the wonders of the Bremer Bay Canyon and the endless beaches that skirt Cape Le Grand of Western Australia.

There are usually no tracks in the areas visited, in fact, many of True North Adventure Cruies' destinations can only be accessed by a purpose built ship. Larger ships are typically confined to oceanic waters and even smaller ‘expedition ships’ are generally only able to cruise up and down coastal regions. The True North and True North II are able to explore shallow coastal waters and river systems. A taste for adventure and a carefully crafted sailing schedule ensures every destination is experienced at its stunning best. "Go wild in style".