Testimonials

What our clients say

“Well, it has been wonderful! We just loved Scenic Eclipse II. You were so right in suggesting we go on that ship, Ross.  Everything was perfect – cabin, food, drinks, zodiac adventures but mostly the wonderfully friendly staff in all parts of the ship.

We ended up doing four(!!!!) Helicopter flights, all wonderful. The Willy Creek Pearl Farm we had pre booked. Then we did 3 sightseeing trips. The two pilots were so obliging and informative. Peter declined doing a fishing trip as he was wondering how he would manage the terrain.”


Sue and Hans, NSW- June 2024

Scenic Eclipse II

“Thanks We had a amazing time on the cruise 

I’m sad it’s over .The 10 days just flew by”


Patricia and Gary, QLD – June 2024

Scenic Eclipse II

“The Scenic Eclipse II experience was magnificent, the Kimberly is a must do trip and I can’t think of a better way to do it.

Thank you to  everyone at Luxury Escapes for a seamless experience.”


Jan & Greg, VIC – June 2024

Scenic Eclipse II

“Thanks for this email, you got in first as I was going to send you an email this morning once we had settled back into ‘real’ life.

Peter and I want to thank you Ross for recommending the Scenic Eclipse II and to thank you Veronica for your support in preparing for the trip.

What can we say other than it was perfection, a life altering and mind blowing experience from beginning to end.
I am not even sure where to start in describing our holiday, from the moment we arrived in Broome to the moment we stepped off the yacht in Darwin, everything was incredible.
The Scenic 11 is absolutely world class and beyond, and as you said right up front Ross, the cabins and verandahs were spacious and uber luxurious and exquisitely appointed.

The spa /sauna facilities were world class, Peter spent a lot of relaxing time there and kept remarking on how incredible the whole set up was. I totally agree with him. The gym was amazing too.

The food is beyond anything we could have anticipated, it was the best we have eaten anywhere on our travels, both here and overseas. The choice of restaurants, the level of service, the food itself ( the sushi, the sashimi, the oysters, the lobster and I could go on and on) the settings of each restaurant, the wines and drinks. 

The bar itself is a work of art – the selection was world class again. And the barmen were world class too.

Amongst all these highlights however for us, the defining feature was the Scenic  staff, the crew and the incredible Discovery Team.  Each and every one of them was a standout, their attention to detail, their delight in their work, their genuine interaction with the guests was totally amazing.

This trip has changed us both – we were humbled by the scenery of the wild and wonderful Kimberley region, it has to be seen to be believed ( and from the air too – the helicopter ride was another highlight) Out trip will remain with us for a very long time.

thanks to you both again – we will be back on the Scenic 11 again.”


Peter & Michelle, NSW – June 2024

Scenic Eclipse II

“Thank you Betty for your email.  Well Le Laprouse was fabulous and Ponant certainly give their staff a lot of training who were exceptional from everyone member on that ship who always had a smile with a greeting and the Captain just gorgeous and included himself with the passengers regularly.  At times you could see that he had little sleep but always there mingling with a smile and a conversation. Fabulous.  The expeditions were very interesting and a highlight was champagne on a sandbank under a canopy with a musician. In fact, so funny as we were coming back to the ship, I said to the skipper on the zodiac “all we need now is champagne”, then surprise “ask and you shall receive” suddenly in the middle of the Timor Sea I could hear music and there we were!! Such fun ….  a wet landing on a sandbank in the middle of nowhere. I would highly recommend La Ponant as a great company to travel with who provide everything one could wish for. 

And,  thank you Betty for all your wonderful service and guiding me to take a trip in 2024 instead of 2023, wonderful.  To think, I made a random phone call to be greeted with a very welcoming voice at the other end and providing exceptional service.  Thank you very much Betty for everything you did for me.”


Toni, NSW – May 2025

Ponant

“Just to let you know we had a fabulous time on our trip.

The Ponant ship was a wonderful experience. We were treated so well, our cabin was great, lovely staff, food was amazing, and the daily zodiac trips were so well organized.

Could not fault a single minute. Would highly recommend to everyone.

The scenery was beautiful, got some great photos to remember our trip.

 Everything you, Heidi and Veronica organized went well. A couple of delayed flights but just gave us more time to explore!

Thanks to you all for your help.”


Lynne & Lindsay, NSW – May 2024

Ponant

“We have finally returned home.

The Kimberly Expedition was everything we hoped it would be.

And we have been raving about it to our friends and family ever since.

Everything went like clockwork!

Many Many Thanks to you and your team for all of your support and making this trip a memorable experience

Bye for now”


Michael & Ruth, QLD – June 2024

Ponant

“Yes we had a superb time , well organised and the excursions were very interesting, narrated by well informed guides.

Enjoyed the French culture on the ship, and the food was as expected….

Our group of 4 was perfect for sharing experiences, better that just as a couple or single.

You get a big tick.”


Harry White, N.Z – Aug 2024

Ponant

“You organised everything beautifully thank you.  We had a truly wonderful experience.

Very best wishes “


Anne, NSW – Aug 2024

Ponant

“We all had the most fabulous time, and I can’t thank you enough for all that you did to help us get there (and back).

Broome was wonderful, with lovely morning walks on that beautiful beach followed by a swim, before we went off to expolre the area.

As for our time on Le Jacques Cartier – I cannot fault a thing – it was all simply amazing – the boat itself is just gorgeous, all the staff were so friendly, attentive, helpful, and knowledgeable. We all learnt so much and the daily trips on the zodiacs were fantastic.

The food was delicious (the scales show how much I enjoyed it all).”


Kirsty, VIC – JUL 2024

Ponant

“Thank you for making contact with us.

We certainly did have the most fabulous time on the Kimberley cruise.

The Seabourn Pursuit experience was amazing. We could not fault it. 

Our suite was gorgeous, food and dining options fantastic, service staff very attentive, expedition staff were professional and safety conscious. We enjoyed the talks available in the Discovery Centre and thought the evening briefings were enjoyable to go over what we had done that day and informative for what we would be doing the next day.

Despite it being a new itinerary, as well as having to be flexible to work around the tides, we thought everything was very well organised and well communicated.

We loved the daily excursions in the zodiacs (even at 5.30am!), being immersed in the untouched beauty of the Kimberley landscapes. We saw plenty of wildlife and relished being in the summery weather away from cold Sydney.

We can’t say enough good things about the wonderful experience it was.

Thank you to you and Ross for organising our booking, flights and accommodation.”


Kathryn & Craig – NSW

Seabourn Pursuit

“Thanks Veronica and Ross, we had a great time on board and topped off by a relaxing 3 day in Broome.

All was good with Pursuit – ship condition, suite, food, service, zodiac excursions all excellent -provided 10/10 reviews to Seabourn.

Many thanks for your wise counsel in advising and arranging – we had a ball exploring the Kimberley!”


Tony & Nathalie, VIC – JUL 2024

Seabourn Pursuit

“On behalf of John and I, we want to express our thanks and gratitude to you and Veronica for all your professional expertise in organising this incredible trip for us.

From the first phone call with you Ross you have always gone above and beyond in your service. You have done this with the highest level of grace, calmness and experience. We also felt in very capable hands with Veronica, especially with the additional post cruise arrangements in Broome. Any questions we had were always respected by you both and always answered with 100% integrity and in the most timely way. Suburb!

The trip itself was incredible! From the hands-on meet and greet with 1000 Asmat warrior peoples, to the 50000 year rock art at Jar Island to the breathtaking snorkeling in Raya Ampat, West Papua.. it was above all expectations. The ship was also magnificent. I love my morning yoga and this was also very easily accommodated in the stretch work out area with the delightful fitness crew.  We will cherish the memories forever.

Once again we feel very blessed to have you support us and organise this trip and look forward to planning our next adventure with you.

If you have any future clients that are considering this cruise please direct them to my posts on the Seabourn Pursuit FB group if they are looking for another independent  viewpoint.”


 John & Deanne – NSW

Seabourn Pursuit

“I would like to thank you and Ross for recommending Seabourn to Rick and I.  We both had an incredible time.  Seabourn looked after us from the very start to the end. Their logistics are second to none.

A couple of things of things that may help other guests.  The bed is king size and so so comfortable.   The disembarkation was also incredible where they put us up in a hotel in Broome and then bused us to the airport when our flight was due.

Initially I was apprehensive about getting on and off the zodiacs, but the staff were so very careful and helpful getting us on the zodiac and off with two men assisting us to do so.

I was a little worried about getting sea sick, but the ship is very stable and no sea sickness as a result.

Food and wine on the ship was so beautiful.  Staff replenished our favourites in the bar fridge daily including French Champagne.

We really appreciated your assistance in recommending and organising this trip and we are recommending your company to all our friends and family.

Again thank you and Ross so much for a very memorable journey.”


Susan & Rick, SA July 2024

Seabourn Pursuit

“We had the best time & couldn’t fault Seabourn Pursuit. Our suite was unreal….had a bath & walk in robe!

We met some lovely people who we will visit & them us.

We got to snorkel at Ashmore reef too with good conditions & the expeditions were amazing. PS: I had the caviar platter with champagne with our new friends onboard. Yum”


Wendy & Nick , VIC – June 2024

Seabourn Pursuit

“We loved Seabourn!  The crew were professional, the ship was new and delightful.  We made some wonderful friends. The expedition crew were knowledgeable. Food and service was wonderful.”


Margaret, NSW – July 2024

Seabourn Pursuit