Luxury cruise passengers left out of pocket after ship seized by receivers

Customers who booked "once-in-a-lifetime" luxury holidays to Western Australia's Kimberley coast are facing financial losses after the cruise company, Kimberley Pearl Tours (KPT), entered administration in January.

Despite the company's insolvency, KPT continues to advertise its high-end cruises, promising "one of the most memorable and incredible holidays of your life." Existing bookings were reportedly never notified of the company's financial distress. Bob Shawyer, who booked a trip with his wife, is now $8,500 out of pocket, having discovered the cancellation only by chance through an online search.

Adding to the distress, some customers, including Mr. Shawyer, received emails requesting final payments for their bookings even after receivers had been appointed. Ian Grant, who had booked a private family tour, was fortunate to discover the company's receivership before paying a substantial remaining balance of $140,000.

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My wife and I didn't get a holiday we've been dreaming of.

The company's sole director, Daniel Brown, took over KPT in 2024 and borrowed $395,000 from Blackbird Private Equity to finalize the purchase of the company's vessel, the "Kimberley Pearl." Within 19 months, his debt to Blackbird exceeded $1 million. Blackbird Private Equity is currently under investigation by Adero Law over allegations of unfair lending practices.

Mr. Brown is contesting the situation in Federal Court, alleging he was drawn into a predatory arrangement involving brokers, lenders, and insolvency practitioners. He claims receivers threatened to sell the "Kimberley Pearl" for less than its market value after seizing it in February. A court order currently prevents the sale of the company's assets, including the boat, pending further mediation.

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We could have paid that thinking it was hunky-dory.