A once-overlooked New Zealand yacht has been transformed into Australia’s newest luxury expedition vessel following an extensive refit and a bold reimagining by Paspaley. Now sailing under the name Paspaley Pearl, the 53.5-metre motor yacht will begin a new chapter in July, carrying just 30 guests on immersive voyages across Australia’s remote north and beyond.
The vessel was originally launched in 2021 as Island Escape, designed for small-ship cruising out of New Zealand. After its former operator ceased trading, the ship was acquired by Paspaley in 2023. Initially, the iconic Australian pearling company partnered with luxury cruise line Ponant to bring the ship into service as Paspaley Pearl by Ponant, aiming for a 2025 launch in East Indonesia.
Sea trials were conducted off Fremantle in mid-2024, and the vessel was moved to Singapore for a comprehensive restoration. But by late 2024, Ponant quietly withdrew from the venture, leaving Paspaley to consider its next move.
Rather than shelving the project, Paspaley regrouped and decided to chart its own course. In early 2025, the company announced the launch of Pearl Expeditions, a wholly owned, Australian-operated cruise venture with a focus on intimate, luxury exploration. At the helm is Sarina Bratton AM—founder of Orion Expedition Cruises and widely regarded as the pioneer of high-end expedition cruising in the Asia-Pacific.
To bring the yacht to a world-class standard, Paspaley commissioned marine interior specialists ICF International, based in Singapore. Under the leadership of CEO Annie Chua, ICF managed the interior redesign and technical upgrades required to deliver a refined and sustainable vessel, purpose-built for remote exploration. The refit included the installation of advanced wastewater treatment systems, catalytic converters for emissions reduction, and bespoke interior enhancements for guest comfort.
The formal handover of the vessel took place on 13 May 2025 in Singapore, marking a milestone for the project. Bratton, who was present for the ceremony, described the event as “a very special ship handover with many highs and thankfully few lows.” The vessel arrived in Darwin on 20 May, ahead of its inaugural Kimberley voyage, scheduled to depart from Wyndham on 31 July 2025.
The Paspaley Pearl is spread across three guest decks and features 15 spacious suites, including seven with private balconies. With 21 crew members and four expedition guides on board, the yacht is designed for highly personalised service. Onboard amenities include a sun deck with an eight-person hot tub, multiple indoor and outdoor lounges, and a fleet of tenders and Zodiacs for off-ship exploration.
Pearl Expeditions’ initial itinerary focuses on the Kimberley region—one of Australia’s last true wilderness frontiers. Voyages will offer guests exclusive access to waterfalls, rock art, and coastal escarpments, along with a rare opportunity to visit one of Paspaley’s remote pearl farms. Following the Kimberley season, the ship will expand its reach to Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat, East Indonesia, and Borneo.
For Paspaley, the move into small-ship cruising is a natural extension of its long-standing connection to northern Australia. The company has operated in the Kimberley for decades through its pearl farming operations and is well-positioned to offer guests an authentic perspective on the region.
The launch of Paspaley Pearl also reflects a growing demand for boutique expedition experiences that blend comfort, culture, and conservation. With the guidance of Bratton and the backing of one of Australia’s most respected family businesses, Pearl Expeditions enters the market with deep regional ties and a clear identity.
As the ship prepares to welcome its first guests, Paspaley Pearl stands as a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the enduring appeal of Australia’s remote maritime frontiers.
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