Paspaley, Australia’s foremost producer of fine pearls and a renowned name in fine pearl jewellery, is proud to announce the launch of Pearl Expeditions—a new, uniquely Australian owned, immersive expedition cruise venture. This initiative marks a partnership between Paspaley and cruise industry trailblazer Sarina Bratton AM, bringing together unparalleled expertise and a shared passion for exploration.
At the heart of Pearl Expeditions is the PASPALEY PEARL, a purpose-built, boutique expedition motor yacht offering an exclusive and intimate experience for just 30 guests. Marrying state-of-the-art design with a relaxed yet stylish onboard ambiance, the vessel is set to redefine boutique expedition cruising.
This venture reunites Sarina Bratton AM with the Paspaley family who were co-founders of the acclaimed Orion Expedition Cruises - the pioneer of luxury expedition cruising in Australasia. Orion’s legacy laid the foundation for what has since become a thriving global segment of the cruise industry.
Pearl Expeditions is a natural evolution of that groundbreaking vision. It draws on the deep regional knowledge of the Paspaley Group, combined with the talents of former Orion team members who first set the standard for boutique expedition travel. Beyond their rich pearling heritage in the Kimberley,
Paspaley also has extensive experience in luxury hospitality through its award-winning Wall Street Hotel in New York and is preparing to relaunch the Pinctada Hotel in Broome, Western Australia.
As the last Australian pearling company with origins in the historic natural pearl industry, Paspaley’s name is intrinsically tied to the Kimberley and the remote waters of Northern Australia. Over nearly a century, Paspaley has developed proprietary nautical charts and regional expertise critical for navigating the Kimberley Coast—where tidal shifts can reach an extraordinary 14 metres.
Backed by this unmatched local insight, PASPALEY PEARL will set sail on its inaugural expeditions in late July 2025, exploring the awe-inspiring Kimberley coastline. Future voyages will journey further afield to Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat, East Indonesia, and Borneo, regions where Sarina and her Orion team established enduring cultural connections with local communities and village elders.
The PASPALEY PEARL, at 53.5 metres in length and 11.2 metres in beam, strikes the perfect balance between stylish space and nimble access to remote destinations. In Kimberley, guests will experience iconic sites such as King George Falls, Montgomery Reef, and Hunter River, while also venturing to lesser-known treasures like Hidden Island, Hell’s Gate, and even a rare visit to one of Paspaley’s operational pearl farms.
In Southeast Asia and Oceania, guests can explore the enigmatic Sepik River, encounter the cultural wonders of the Trobriand Islands, dive alongside whale sharks in Raja Ampat, follow the spice trails of the Moluccas, and reflect on our evolutionary connections with orangutans in Borneo.
Pearl Expeditions offers a journey where modern elegant design meets the spirit of adventure—a bold new chapter in Australian exploration, created by those who know these waters best.
James Paspaley, Executive Director of Paspaley Group, says: “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.”
Adds Sarina: “Guests will journey with a team of 21 attentive crew, including four highly experienced expedition guides, who bring not only innate professionalism and local knowledge, but also share a passion for these remarkable places. Imbued with the relaxed Australian hospitality that will define us, Pearl Expeditions represents a new spirit of exploration, where immersive adventure and elegance converge.”
“We invite you to expect expeditions that offer more,” she continues. “More time to immerse yourself in each discovery, more depth of understanding, more flexibility, more meaningful interactions with both place and people, more connection with your expedition team. ‘More’ is achievable when you share your adventures with just 30 fellow adventurers.”
Details of destinations, life onboard, accommodation options, expedition dates and itineraries for 2025 and 2026 will progressively be made available and updated on our website: www.pearlexpeditions.com to go live soon.
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