The Voice of the Cruise Industry
Cruise Trade News
MENU menu

ULTIMATE DESTINATION GUIDE

Coral Discoverer

Formerly known as Oceanic Princess, yacht-like Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard of sophistication in expedition cruising when she was constructed in 2005.

About Coral Discoverer

Formerly known as Oceanic Princess, yacht-like Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard of sophistication in expedition cruising when she was constructed in 2005. The introduction of international voyages led to the need to rename the vessel due to international trademark restrictions, and so Oceanic Princess became Coral Discoverer.

As we continued to expand our expedition itineraries, Coral Discoverer sailed on pioneering expeditions through Papua New Guinea, the islands of the South Pacific, Vanuatu, New Zealand, West Papua, and the Spice Islands. She led explorations into remote areas, focusing on destinations that were largely inaccessible or could not be easily visited.

Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable, with a shallow draught to get up close to destinations, ocean views from all public spaces, an expansive open-air sun deck, all outside-facing staterooms, and state-of-the-art tools for exploration including the Xplorer, zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, and kayaks. A floor-to-ceiling refurbishment in 2018 meant she was updated to perfectly accommodate Coral Expeditions’ style of expedition cruising.

Comfortable, reliable, and intimately scaled, Coral Discoverer now navigates the waters of Australia’s coast from Tasmania to the wild Kimberley. Australian flagged and staffed by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be exceptional.

Ship Facts

Launch yearRefit yearLanguageGross tonnageLengthWidthCurrencySpeedCapacityCrew countDeck countCabin countElectrical plugs
20052016en-AU177963 meters13 metersAUS12 knots7224436 types:
AUS 3 Pin 230v
adapters provided:
false

Accommodation

The Coral Discoverer features all outside-facing guest cabins with ensuite bathrooms.

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, our six spacious Bridge Deck staterooms are 20sqm (215 square feet) in size and open out onto private balconies for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Safe

Promenade Deck (Category A) Stateroom

Encircled by a full-ship promenade, our 19 spacious Promenade Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Safe

Promenade Deck (Category B) Stateroom

Located in the bow of the ship and encircled by a full-ship promenade, our two Promenade Deck (Category B) staterooms are 15sqm (160 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, telephone and Junior King bedding. These rooms are allocated for Sole Use only.

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Safe

Main Deck (Category A) Stateroom

Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature large, twin porthole windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Safe

Main Deck (Category B) Stateroom

Located close to the Dining Room, our three spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature twin portholes for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Safe

Entertainment

On board you'll find multiple indoor and outdoor bars, as well as a lounge, library and shop.

Explorers Bar

There are fully stocked bars onboard with an excellent selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Bar hours are 10:00am to midnight. The laws governing our liquor license prohibit alcohol being brought onboard by guests.

Sun Deck with Lounges

The Sun Deck has evolved to become a new social space and the hub of on board community living. This area has been converted into an undercover deck area complete with round ‘Explorer Bar’ with bar stools and sun deck with lounges and an area for outdoor exercise equipment.

Onboard Library

There is a resource library onboard with an excellent selection of books covering natural history, geology, local cultures, and flora & fauna, as well as fictional novels and games to enjoy.

Gift Shop

Our small gift shop onboard stocks items from our Cruise Collection, including shirts, hats & backpacks. Contact us if you would like to pre-order prior to your cruise.

Dining

Dining

Start your day with a tempting choices from a fresh continental or hot breakfast a la carte daily changing options

Onboard our fleet of small expedition ships we offer a daily changing selection of plated and small sharing platter dining options that showcase the best of the region from your voyage

Lunches showcase a selection of hot and cold dishes, from salads and cold cuts to soups, fresh local seafood and seasonal tropical fruits both individual platted and small sharing plates

Evenings are a convivial time to dine with new friends and reflect on an exciting day of discovery over dinner. We welcome you onboard with a Seafood sharing concept dinner on the first night. Other evening meals over a three-course table d’Hote dinner menu, when selections are offered as you enjoy table service from our friendly dining room staff.

All our expeditions feature a memorable pre-dinner event ashore where we serve sunset drinks and canapes, often on a beach, and always in a beautiful location with a sunset view. These casual ‘sundowners’ are hosted by the Captain and are the perfect time to kick off your shoes and enjoy a beer, wine or cocktail while mingling with fellow guests in a relaxed atmosphere.

Lunch and dinner are accompanied by a curated beverage list featuring boutique Australian and New Zealand wines, beers and ciders.

Each voyage our Captain hosts a Captains Table for invited guests and ship’s Officers will endeavour to host dinner guests on an evening when operational matters allow.

Meet our Chefs

All our vessels have galleys located adjacent to dining rooms and we operate a Meet the Chef policy where we welcome guest interaction between chefs and guests. Our flagship vessel Coral Adventurer has an open galley window where guests can see the kitchen team at work.

Our chefs will come to the dining room to meet guests and can be seen manning behind the roast meat carvery or manning the hotplate on Carvery and BBQ Nights.

Chefs replenish stores with local produce whenever possible and like to share insights into local markets and cuisine highlights through Chef Discussion sessions and cooking demonstrations with tastings.

Enrichment

A Coral Expeditions cruise is not about just passing through a region and seeing it from the ship’s deck. Instead, each day you will travel ashore and fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes, fascinating history and vibrant cultures of these remarkable locations.

Excursions & Lectures

A series of lectures will be presented during the cruise. These presentations are an integral part of your expedition and are designed to lend greater depth and understanding to your experience. The lecture series, films, and slide-shows will be presented in the bridge deck lounge.

The Xplorer

Our small ships are equipped with a fleet of excursion tenders to make travelling ashore as simple and comfortable as possible. Designed with flexibility and guest comfort in mind, our inflatable zodiacs, glass bottom boats and unique excursion tender ‘Xplorer’ ensure that even the least intrepid adventurer can explore ashore with ease. Our excursion boats board directly from the ship’s main deck, before the hydraulic platform gently lowers into the water, avoiding the need to clamber aboard or get your feet wet.

On most days during your adventure or expedition cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in two included shore excursions or activities (one in the morning and one in the afternoon), along with onboard briefings and presentations. The vast majority of excursions are included in your cruise price and in key locations, you will have the opportunity to enhance your experience through participation in optional activities such as a helicopter flight over the Kimberley’s spectacular four-tiered Mitchell Falls.

Kayaks

Both double and single kayaks are avaiable for use at select points throughout your cruise.

Shore Excursions

Our access to remote destinations and communities is unique in three special ways:

Firstly, the shallow draught of our small ships allows us to safely access and anchor in close to bays and landscapes that larger ships cannot reach giving us a bird-eye view of spectacular beaches, bays and at times, bustling port communities.

Secondly, our unique Xplorer tenders, comfortably appointed with shading and on-board toilet facilities, enable penetration inland with explorations into shallow rivers and streams, close to waterfalls and other extraordinary landscapes. Our inflatable Zodiacs and kayaks enable guests an up-close-and-personal view of reefs, islands and atolls and allow peaceful explorations of sheltered locations.

Lastly, our experienced Expedition Team, guided by an Expedition Leader and complimented by qualified experts with specific knowledge of local people, cultures and landscapes have the knowledge and connections, enabling unique access to areas often restricted to other travellers.

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

On some itineraries such as the Great Barrier Reef, and Abrolhos Islands & The Coral Coast, you will enjoy opportunities to snorkel and dive over the most colourful and pristine coral reefs. Our snorkelling and scuba diving departments are fully stocked with a wide range of snorkels, fins and masks (to fit all sizes) along with all the necessary equipment to allow you try the unforgettable experience that is SCUBA diving. Snorkelling equipment will be assigned to all guests at the commencement of each cruise.

Private Moorings

Our exclusive reef moorings enable unparalleled access to with the very best coral gardens, rainforests and secluded tropical islands visible right outside your window.

Guided by a qualified Marine Biologist and including a Dive Master; our Great Barrier Reef immersive expeditions showcase the very best of this World Heritage-listed natural wonder.

Guided Hikes

Time onshore is an important part of our expedition experience. In addition to exploring narrow waterways and secluded bays by tender vessel, our Expedition Team like nothing more than taking guests on a guided hike to points of interest, elevated look-outs, rock art sites and hilltop temples.

Our outdoor activities are designed to suit a variety of physical abilities and fitness levels and no athletic ability is presumed. Your Expedition Team will be on hand to guide and assist whenever necessary. Hikes vary in intensity and where possible, groups can be split to suit easy and moderate walkers as well as those who want to stretch themselves a little.

Cultural Interaction

We believe that interaction with local communities in an important part of any travel experience.

In the Kimberley and Top End of Australia, we are privileged to visit indigenous communities in Arnhem Land, the Tiwi and Thursday Islands and on the Cobourg Peninsula. Gaining insight into their ancient connection with the land and their culture and art, is a special experience. Not only will you be awed by the rugged beauty of these dramatic landscapes but by the unique ways of the Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Tiwi people who call them home.

In New Guinea and Islands of Indonesia, we are welcomed into coastal communities often with a ceremonial dance. Our visits help keep alive these traditional forms of dance and our itineraries have been carefully designed to showcase the very best traditional cultures, ancient rituals and the most spectacular scenery.

Deckplans

Sun Deck

  • Sun Deck & Loungers
  • Explorer Bar

Bridge Deck

  • Bridge Deck Bar
  • Lounge
  • Balcony Staterooms

Promenade Deck

  • Workout Area
  • Promenade Deck Category A & B Staterooms
  • Captain's Cabin

Main Deck

  • Xplorer Boarding
  • Main Deck Bar
  • Dining Room
  • Galley
  • Purser's Office
  • Main Deck Category A & B Staterooms

Sign In

Lost your password?