True North Cruises FAQ's
General FAQ's
Can Passengers do their own laundry? Are there laundry facilities onboard?
The True North’s cruise attendants will happily attend to your laundry needs. A nominal charge is applicable. Ironing is available upon request.
What is the standard of dress when cruising on the True North?
Generally ‘smart-casual’ however during the day casual t-shirts & shorts are recommended for activities & fishing. Bring a sturdy pair of walking shoes, and don’t forget your bathers!
Can I board the boat earlier than the embarkation time?
No, the crew are normally preparing the ship for your arrival. If you arrive prior to embarkation in Broome we would recommend you make your way to our office. You can leave your luggage and enjoy a wander around Chinatown before your transfer to the ship at 16:00. If you foresee a long wait time between your arrival in Kununurra and the 3.30 pm transfer, please contact one of our Adventure Partners in our Broome Office to pre-book your Transit package at the Freshwater Apartments.
Are the cruises BYO?
Generally BYO drinks are not permitted onboard as the True North operates a licensed bar. However, passengers may be permitted to BYO drinks in instances where the desired drink is not available from the ship’s bar but ONLY with prior written approval. Corkage will be applied to all BYO drinks. Contact our reservation staff at [email protected] for our latest wine list.
What is included in the cruise cost?
Adventures on the True North include all expedition boat excursions & activities, superb fine dining and non-alcoholic refreshments throughout the day, all fishing & snorkeling equipment and cylinders & weight belts (on dive trips). Complimentary café style coffees and tea are available all day. Scenic helicopter flights & alcohol are additional.
What is the standard of cuisine?
Easy – simply expect the finest in fine dining! Special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice.
Why the ‘no shoes onboard’ policy?
This policy assists with safety and promoting a casual atmosphere onboard as well as keeping the magnificent True North in showroom condition. However, footwear for shore excursions should be included.
What medical supplies should I pack?
It is recommended guests bring their own personal first aid items and personal medications sufficient for the cruise duration. For any unforseen incidences the TRUE NORTH has a fully equipped RFDS Medical chest onboard.
Are there power points in each cabin?
Yes, each cabin is equipped with 110v and 240v power points. The voltage will also support personal electronic devices such as hair straighteners and shavers. There is also a standard hotel-style hairdryer in every cabin.
What species of fish are commonly caught?
Only the highest quality in eating fish – mangrove jack, coral trout, finger-mark bream, monster golden snapper & the revered barramundi are caught in tropical waters. In ‘cooler climes’ West Australian jewfish, pink snapper, emperors and whiting are always popular.
West Coast Explorer FAQ's
Are transfers to & from the vessel included in the cruise cost?
Guests make their own way to the True North on the day of embarkation. Upon disembarkation in Dampier, you will be transferred to your post cruise accommodation or to the airport in Karratha, arriving at approximately 09:00.
Does SCUBA diving feature on this cruise?
Absolutely! Diving the Batavia wreck, Steep Point and the world famous Ningaloo Reef are just a few of the many diving opportunities on this cruise. A limited selection of diving equipment is available for hire onboard with prior arrangement. However, bringing your own personal equipment will ensure a perfect fit. Not a certified diver? Don’t worry, the snorkeling is just as good!
Is the heli onboard this cruise? 
Yes. This cruise offers heli scenic flights, and land and water activities.
Kimberley Cruises FAQ's
What other travel components can be arranged pre & post cruise?
North Star Cruises can provide valuable local advice and assistance when it comes to ‘getting around’ in the Kimberley and we are happy to help with accommodation as well as other tour arrangements. Broome & the surrounding Kimberley region has much to offer – make sure that you take full advantage of your visit to this remote destination – check out what’s happening on our Kimberley Calendar of Events or contact our adventure partners at [email protected] to discover more recommended products & events.
How many optional ‘heli-flights’ are offered?
Heli-packages are a great way to maximise your enjoyment. We offer approximately 20 different flights on our 13 night Kimberley Wilderness cruises and around 8 flights on our 6 or 7 night cruises.
What time is embarkation & disembarkation?
Embarkation is at 1700hrs & disembarkation proceedings are normally completed by 0900hrs. We recommend arriving at your embarkation point the day before or no later than noon on the day of departure. Why not stay a few nights and see what the Kimberley has to offer? Our reservation staff can assist with pre and post cruise accommodation and sightseeing options.
Are transfers to & from the vessel included in the cruise cost?
Yes! If joining in Broome, you will be collected from your nominated accommodation, Broome airport or our office from 16:00. Collections from Kununurra (if joining the True North in Wyndham) will start from 15:30. On the day of disembarkation guests will be transferred by coach in Broome or Wyndham/Kununurra to accommodation/airport.
Does SCUBA diving feature on this cruise?
Crocodiles are a viewing highlight on our Kimberley Wilderness Cruises however they tend to be a little territorial when it comes to getting in the water! Diving is an option on our Southern Safari, West Coast Explorer, Coral Atoll, and all West Papua and Papua New Guinea cruises.
Coral Atoll Cruises FAQ's
What other travel components can be arranged pre & post cruise?
North Star Cruises can provide valuable local advice and assistance when it comes to ‘getting around’ in the Kimberley and, we are happy to help with accommodation and other tour arrangements. Broome & the surrounding Kimberleys have much to offer – make sure that you take full advantage of your visit to this remote region! Contact our adventure partners at [email protected] to find out more about recommended products and upcoming events.
What species of fish are commonly caught?
Pokadot cod are a real favourite but you can also do battle with mackerel, tuna and sailfish.
What time is embarkation & disembarkation?
Embarkation is at 1700hrs & disembarkation proceedings are normally completed by 0800hrs. If arriving into Broome on the day of embarkation feel free to visit our office (approximately 4 minutes from Broome airport) – we will happily store your luggage until your transfer to the True North.
Are transfers to & from the vessel included in the cruise cost?
Yes! A coach transfer from your nominated pre-cruise accommodation, Broome airport or our office is included in your cruise fare.
Does SCUBA diving feature on this cruise?
Absolutely! The Rowley Shoals are listed as one of the top dive sites in the world! Not a certified diver? A limited selection of diving equipment is available for hire onboard with prior arrangement. However, bringing your own personal equipment will ensure a perfect fit. Don’t worry, the snorkeling is spectacular!
Sydney Rocks FAQ's
Are heli flights available on this cruise?
Yes, there are a couple of optional heli-flights available. Why not fly to the Hunter Valley for some wine tasting. If enjoying nature is your preference, then join us on flight to the lovely Blue Mountains for lunch.
Are special meals organized for Christmas and New Years Eve dinner?
Certainly! Just wait and see what our chefs serve up to celebrate Christmas and New Years Eve!
Are transfers to & from the vessel included in the cruise cost?
No. Guests make their way to the wharf where the vessel is docked. Directions will be included with your cruise documents. Upon disembarkation we are happy to organise a taxi transfer if needed.
Adventure Cruises in Papua New Guinea FAQ's
How many optional ‘heli-flights’ are offered?
Heli-packages are a great way to maximise your enjoyment. We offer approximately 5 different flights on our Adventures in Paradise and Archipelago Adventure cruises. The Kokoda flight option on the Adventures in Paradise cruise has a limited amount of seats available. All heli flights are booked onboard.
What species of fish are commonly caught?
Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo, tuna, coral trout & sailfish. We’ve got all the fishing gear you need onboard!
What time is embarkation & disembarkation?
You will be collected in Cairns city centre at approximately 06:00 for a charter flight. It is HIGHLY recommended that you arrive in Cairns the night prior to the cruise date. Disembarkation proceedings are normally completed by 0800hrs. The charter flight back to Cairns will bring you back by 17:00 where you’ll need to clear customs and immigration.
Are transfers to & from the vessel included in the cruise cost?
From 0600 on the morning of embarkation you will be collected by coach from Cairns City centre hotels and transferred to Cairns International airport for check-in. Then you will board a private charter flight to PNG and coach transfer to the ship. On arrival back in Cairns (approximate arrival time 17:00) guests make their own way from the airport as the time it takes for each guest to clear customs and immigration varies greatly.
Does SCUBA diving feature on this cruise?
Absolutely! There are fantastic opportunities to explore the many coral reefs of these amazing islands. Not a certified diver? Don’t worry the snorkeling is just as good!
Do I need a passport for this cruise?
Yes. Please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity on it after your return travel date. We will ask for this information 2-3 months prior to embarkation. General information concerning travel in PNG will be included with your documents.
Is there any foreign currency exchange onboard?
We recommend exchanging Kina before joining your cruise. Kina is used for purchasing souvenirs, donations and resort purchases as the local villages tend to be cash only.
Get a Trip Quote Order a Brochure
