Frequently
Asked Questions
Small Footprints. Infinite Horizons
Booking & Travel
How do I make a booking?
Contact our Expedition Concierge on 02 7235 9999, email concierge@pearlexpeditions.com, or book through your travel agent. Our team is ready to help create your perfect expedition experience.
What if I'm a solo traveler?
We offer one Solo Ocean Stateroom (#107) on each departure at no surcharge. Once this is booked, or if you prefer an Horizon Stateroom, our Expedition Concierge can discuss solo supplement pricing for other categories.
What form of payment do you accept?
We accept Direct Deposit, Visa, and Mastercard for your convenience.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, Pearl Expeditions requires all guests to obtain comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation cover. Your policy number must be submitted with the Passenger Information Form.
Embarkation & Arrival
What time can I embark and disembark?
Embarkation begins at approximately 4:00 PM. We recommend arriving the day before to account for any unexpected flight delays. Disembarkation starts at 8:30 AM, so we suggest booking departing flights for midday or later.
What's Included
& Costs
What's included in the expedition cost?
Your expedition includes all accommodation aboard Paspaley Pearl, exceptional dining overseen by chef Serge Dansereau with meals and premium beverages (including French champagne and fine wines), all shore excursions (except third-party activities), services of our specialist expedition team, port taxes and fees, and gratuities.
What's not included?
Premium wines and spirits listed separately, third-party shore excursions such as helicopter tours, scuba diving, passport and visa costs, and travel to and from embarkation ports.
Can I exchange money onboard?
We don’t provide currency exchange services aboard the vessel. Where practical, we’ll arrange exchanges through local agents at ports of entry. We encourage obtaining foreign currency before departure. Currency needs vary by destination: Australian dollars for the Kimberley, US dollars for Dili, Indonesian rupiah for Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea kina for PNG.
Onboard Experience
What's the dress code?
Clothing is resort casual with no formal evenings required. For shore excursions, we recommend lightweight, quick-drying layers and a light spray jacket for Zodiac activities. Evenings and early mornings can be cool during winter months, so pack a sweater or cardigan.
What footwear should I bring?
For shore landings, pack ‘Crocs’ or quick-dry water shoes/sandals—thongs (flip-flops) aren’t recommended. Bring sturdy enclosed walking shoes for longer explorations. Onboard, you’re welcome to go barefoot during the day, but soft, white-soled flat shoes or sandals are required for evenings (no heels).
Are laundry facilities available?
While public laundry facilities aren’t available, our hospitality team will gladly attend to your laundry needs, with ironing available upon request.
What are the power outlets like?
The vessel is fitted with universal electrical plugs for your convenience.
Is WiFi available?
Starlink internet is available throughout the vessel at no cost. While we can’t guarantee 100% coverage in all remote areas we visit, connectivity is excellent in most locations.
Can I use my drone?
We maintain a no-drone policy for all guests to preserve the tranquil atmosphere and respect wildlife in the sensitive environments we visit.
Can I bring my own beverages?
We offer an extensive selection of wines, spirits, and local beers included in your fare, plus premium options. If you desire a particular variety not on our lists, contact our concierge team—we’re happy to accommodate special requests.
Activities & Excursions
How do I sign up for shore excursions?
Due to our intimate scale, guests don’t need to sign up for most shore experiences—everyone participates together. The only exception is helicopter flights in the Kimberley, which require advance booking with third-party operators.
Can I scuba dive?
Scuba diving is available on selected Papua New Guinea and Indonesia voyages. We provide complimentary snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins), though bringing your own ensures the perfect fit.Â
For diving, you’ll need a minimum PADI Advanced certification (or equivalent), a current ‘fit to dive’ medical, and log book showing recent dive history (within 12 months). We provide cylinders, weight belts, and weights. Divers typically bring personal equipment including regulators, BCD, and wetsuit.
What level of fitness is required?
A reasonable general fitness level is required for expedition activities. Our experienced expedition team will advise on specific fitness requirements before commencing any activities, ensuring everyone can participate safely and comfortably.
Health & Safety
Are there medical facilities onboard?
We maintain a dedicated medical room with comprehensive medical supplies, 24/7 external medical consultation access, and crew trained in basic medical practices. One of our stewardesses is a qualified nurse, adding to our onboard medical capabilities.
What happens in a medical emergency?
If the Captain determines a guest requires external medical care, we immediately contact the guest’s travel insurance company. Depending on location, services like the Royal Flying Doctor Service may be engaged to transport the guest to the nearest appropriate hospital.
Do you allow children onboard?
Children over age 6 are welcome aboard. All children remain the responsibility of their guardians at all times, as we don’t provide childminding facilities. Children must be supervised throughout the expedition.
Is there a lift onboard?
While we don’t have a lift, our 21 dedicated crew members are always available to assist with any accessibility needs, ensuring every guest enjoys their expedition comfortably.
Cancellations
What if I must cancel my expedition?
All cancellations must be advised to our Expedition Concierge in writing. Please refer to our booking terms and conditions for specific cancellation fees and policies.
