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Matt Dutile

The Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners were waiting for us, fanning an ironwood fire.

After jumping out of a Zodiac, we splashed ashore on a wide, sandy beach.

The Seabourn Pursuit cruise ship in Australia

Credit:Matt Dutile

It felt a bit like stumbling onto a movie set but this was no just-for-show stunt.

In 2011, Australia formally recognized a portion of the Kimberley as Wunambal Gaambera Country.

The preponderance of 1,000-pound saltwater crocodiles I spotted eight meant that there were no kayaking excursions on offer.

Pair of photos from Jar Island, one showing the beach, and one showing indigenous rock art

Matt Dutile

Seabourn Pursuit

The Staterooms

All 132 accommodations are suites with private verandas.

Most are Veranda Suites, measuring 355 square feet, including a 75-square-foot balcony with a table and chairs.

(On polar cruises, the cupboard is ideal for jackets and boots.)

A crocodile on the bank at Cyclone Creek, in Australia

Matt Dutile

Queen-size beds feature silky sheets and a soft, medium, and firm pillow for each side.

Surprisingly, theres no en-suite coffee machine.

Dinner service doesnt always dazzle, but it never disappoints.

Pair of photos from the Seabourn Pursuit cruise ship, one showing the captain’s deck, and one showing a guest cabin

Matt Dutile

On my trip, favorites included Guinness-braised short rib, fresh snapper with cauliflower, and nightly souffles.

The Restaurant emphasizes fresh fish, like Australian barramundi.

Some steaks hail from highly rated Washington state-based Double R Ranch.

Chef Mahesh in the dining room on board the Seabourn Pursuit cruise ship

I adored the nightly petits fours plate something thats now rare on luxury cruise lines.

The Colonnade often themes its buffet lunches and dinners and, as a plus, offers outdoor seating.

(The hoouse-made sorbets and gelatos were a highlight for me.)

Pair of dining photos on the Seabourn pursuit, one showing a tomato and cheese salad, and one showing champagne being poured at sunset on the deck

Seabourn Square is the place for coffee, as well as quick bites at breakfast and lunch.

For a ship of its size,Seabourn Pursuithas plenty of bars and lounges.

My favorite was the intimate outdoor Sky Bar, with its sweeping ocean and sunset views.

Chef Mahesh in the dining room on board the Seabourn Pursuit cruise ship

Pre-dinner, the Constellation Lounge vibes as the buzziest; many passengers return post-dinner.

The elegant Club with shimmery gold chairs offers afternoon tea and a dance floor.

Complimentary wines served on board included many made in Australia, and there were a few standouts.

Pair of dining photos on the Seabourn pursuit, one showing a tomato and cheese salad, and one showing champagne being poured at sunset on the deck

I often enjoyed mine with a glass of complimentary Champagne Montaudon Brut NV.

In-suite dining is available 24/7, from a large, varied menu.

Shore Excursions

Sailing the Kimberley requires rigorous safety standards and an expedition team that can execute them.

A zodiac at Horizontal Falls in Australia

Matt Dutile

On my voyage, a 24-member team did just that no easy task with many older passengers.

The energetic, experienced crew constantly repeated warnings about the 1,000-pound-plus saltwater crocodiles lurking silently beneath the waters surface.

With crocs around, we couldnt go kayaking, something thats possible on other Seabourn expeditions.

The pool on board the Seabourn Pursuit cruise ship

Matt Dutile

We spotted the twin, 250-foot-high King George Falls.

We marveled at gigantic crocodiles lounging on white-sand beaches.

And we motored past deeply gorged sandstone rock formations more than 350 million years old.

Every outing felt like a trip back to prehistoric times likeJurassic Parkby sea.

Expedition team members lead engrossing lectures, and also spend free time engaged in conversations with passengers.

One day, I met team member Emily Fosbery for an impromptu discussion about crocs, for example.

The small infinity pool on Deck 5 is flanked by two whirlpools.

Two more, with a bit more privacy, are located by the Sky Bar on Deck 9.

The spacious fitness center features weight and exercise machines.

A boutique carries everything from jewelry and clothing to sundries.

Complimentary classes include total body conditioning, abs classes, yoga, and guided stretching.

The salon provides manicures and pedicures, as well as hair styling.

We also had a dance party with a DJ under the stars one night.

There are five wheelchair-accessible suites on boardPursuit.