Announced today by 'brand director' Peter Trembath, the former North Star Cruises will henceforth be known as 'True North Adventure Cruises'.
"Although there is much sentiment associated with the former name," said Trembath, "recent planning decisions have made it possible to focus solely on the True North brand."
The following changes will be installed on February 1:
"The name change will be the first of several significant events in 2017," said Trembath, "We are also looking forward to launching the new Barra Bonanza itineraries, a new web site, a new brochure, a new loyalty program, new facilities for guests embarking and disembarking in Broome and, not forgetting the celebrations surrounding our 30th Anniversary."
South Australia, West Australia, Kimberley Wilderness, Northern Territory, West Papua, Papua New Guinea
North Star Cruises designs luxury cruise itineraries for the most discerning adventurer.
As the market leader, North Star Cruises boasts impeccable customer satisfaction rates.
The True North cruise ship ensures enhanced levels of comfort so that guests experience the wilderness in surroundings more akin to one of the world's most exclusive hotels.
With an Australian crew, True North offers legendary service. A passenger limit of 36 and a crew of 20, attention to detail and excellence in service is guaranteed.
All cruise meals on the True North feature the finest local gourmet cuisine.
North Star Cruises offers a range of luxury itineraries to the magnificent Kimberley coast, West Australia, South Australia, Sydney and Papua New Guinea.
The True North is the only Kimberley adventure-cruise ship that travels with a full-time helicopter – an air-conditioned Bell 407. The True North is purpose-built for accessing shallow river systems and is fully licensed for fishing activities.
Avoid the crowds – the True North carries 6 dedicated expedition boats (not zodiacs!) that allow guests to experience wilderness in comfort and in small groups. Greater provision is made to allow flexibility so that you can do what you want, when you want.
Cruises are adventure orientated. Daily activities include scenic walks, helicopter flights, culture, fishing, snorkelling, picnics, diving, exploring, nature and much, much more.
The now revered adventure-cruise operator first cruised Western Australia's remote Kimberley coast during 1987 when founding director Craig Howson commenced fishing type charters along a coastline that was and still is largely inaccessible from land.
Howson discovered that the Kimberley was a haven for adventurers who were easily spellbound by more than 2,500 rugged islands and numerous navigable river systems crowned with stunning gorges and majestic waterfalls. When he mixed-in some of the best sports fishing action that you could imagine, unique wildlife encounters and, opportunity to see pristine examples of ancient rock art - the recipe for success was almost complete.
The last ingredient was making sure all could be enjoyed 'in style' and in 1999 North Star launched the first TRUE NORTH – a 28-guest adventure-cruiser that was more akin to a floating boutique hotel complete with a roof-top helicopter.
The Rowley Shoals, 300 square kilometres of undisturbed coral that conveniently lay off the Kimberley coast, added to the already sumptuous 'menu' and an annual repositioning cruise along the West Australian coast also quickly developed a strong following. The TRUE NORTH was soon boasting sales more than 2 years in advance and in response North Star launched the current 36 guest TRUE NORTH.
The bigger boat introduced greater operational capability and with North Star's loyal following ever-clambering for new destinations the company was able to expand its horizons.
In its launch year the new TRUE NORTH began exploring the picture perfect islands of Papua New Guinea and much like the Kimberley, the area became an instant hit with the adventure-hungry. In more recent times the company has added the Raja Ampats and Komodo Island to its busy sailing schedule.
North Star's brand director, Peter Trembath, happily trumpets the one thing that has not changed “The experience has always been king! Obviously life on-board is very different to a big ship environment – but we are also a very different option when compared to the more traditional expedition cruise. Expedition cruises tend to involve more time at sea and there is less focus on off-ship activities. Clearly the North Star difference is the company's unrelenting focus on giving the guest maximum opportunity to truly experience the destination and, the TRUE NORTH is purpose built to do just that!”
Featuring a shallow draft that allows the TRUE NORTH to go where bigger ships cannot, an exceptionally high crew to guest ratio of 22:36, six dedicated expedition boats and a ship's helicopter – there are few other examples of craft so keenly configured for discovery and adventure.
North Star's itineraries also never depart from theme – sea days are specifically excluded to ensure that every day on-board is an activity day and each day of every itinerary features multiple activities. The reoccurring theme really is tailor-made for the holiday-maker who is looking for much more than a holiday!
And not forgetting modern cuisine that is supplemented with the catch of the day, a stunning Australian wine list, a stylish ship's lounge and alfresco bar, spacious cabins complete with private facilities and satellite telephones - it's no wonder that guests often remark “that's the best holiday I have ever had!”
North Star is planning to celebrate the milestone year with several end of year cocktail parties on-board the TRUE NORTH and, a gala event is scheduled to be held in Broome during May 2017.
Bookings: Contact North Star Cruises on (+61 8) 9192 1829 or email cruise@northstarcruises.com.au
Visits to Seppeltsfield and Magill Estate retained in TRUE NORTH itinerary
The TRUE NORTH’s 2017 Southern Safari is again set to feature the world-famous Barossa Valley.
Guests on the 2016 sojourn out of Adelaide were treated to a bonus when lunch at historic Seppeltsfield and wine tasting at Penfolds Magill Estate were first added to the itinerary.
“The day was a big-hit with our guests so keeping both experiences in the Southern Safari line-up was an easy decision to make” reports North Star Cruises brand director Peter Trembath.
Guests will start their Seppeltsfield visit in the original 1851 homestead and discover the history of the Seppelt family before being treated to a private tasting in the “Trophy Cellar”. Lunch follows at “Finos” the estate’s celebrated restaurant.
After lunch entertainment includes a visit to the ‘Jam Factory’ - a contemporary craft gallery housed in Seppeltsfield’s historic stables.
And a late afternoon visit to Magill Estate will serve as a stunning prelude to embarkation on the TRUE NORTH.
Magill offers breathtaking views of the Penfolds vineyard and guests will indulge in a luxurious experience of storytelling and tasting before continuing onto the TRUE NORTH for their first night on board.
And Mr Trembath is quick to mention that visiting the Barossa is just the start of the wining and dining “The TRUE NORTH has a revered reputation for cuisine and the Southern Safari features Port Lincoln bluefin that melts in your mouth, oysters from Coffin Bay and some of Australia’s most reliable in-shore fishing for delectable blue swimmer crabs and King George whiting.”
“Plus, not forgetting that we spend 2 days exploring must-see Kangaroo Island. We also cage dive with great white sharks, visit the rarely visited Pearson and Franklin Islands and, discover some of Australia’s most beautiful coastline!”
The Southern Safari departs Adelaide on Jan 16 2017.
Bookings: Contact North Star Cruises on (+61 8) 9192 1829 or email cruise@northstarcruises.com.au
Ten years ago when I first sailed with North Star Cruises, owner and founder, Craig 'Craigo' Howson told me "You have to come to the Rowleys. It will blow your mind."
I am pleased to say that I have finally made good my promise to see this magical marine sanctuary for myself aboard his now multi-award-winning boutique small ship, MV True North.
click to enlarge
Located 260kms WNW off shore from Broome, this superbly isolated tropical reef system exists in a world of its own. While still visited by recreational users and fishers, the roughly 200 square kilometres are divided into 'sanctuary', 'recreational zone' and 'general use', so there is plenty for visitors to sustainably enjoy under the auspices of WA's Department of Parks and Wildlife (from 2013).
I'm told less than 300 divers are likely to visit in the course of any year and probably about the same number of recreational fishers. The two atolls, Clerke and Imperieuse, have their own lagoon and reef systems maintaining healthy populations of fish at every level of the food chain from tiny algae nibblers to massive predator species. Fish you are likely to see at any other reef system throughout the tropics, but in greater numbers all living together as they should, forming a healthy marine ecosystem.
Pristine reefs are part of the Rowley Shoals (Oli Olroyd / North Star Cruises)
Aboard True North is US-born marine biologist Dr Justin Rizzari.
"What makes the Rowley Shoals special is their unusual isolation, setting them far away from human influences like unregulated fishing and agricultural run-off," says Justin, "Most problems almost all world's reefs suffer from are virtually unknown here and we have a system of rare ecological integrity."
Enjoying such a natural wonder in the company of family and friends is one of the great advantages of cruising with luxury operators like North Star Cruises and I've been most fortunate to coax my daughter away from her gruelling day job to join me out here for a brief safari into this aquatic wilderness.
Beach sundowners on an uninhabited sand spit, 200Kms offshore. (R Eime)
A day aboard True North is as fast and furious or laid back as you want to make it. For the high-energy types, there is a constant offering of fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling, backed up with gourmet cuisine prepared by two expert chefs and the supreme comfort of this 36-passenger, private motor yacht. Others can relax in the comfortable lounge, cocktail or cappuccino at hand, with a 360-degree absolute ocean view to destress to.
Double roasted pork belly aboard True North (R Eime)
While it is easy to catch small and medium size rock cod, trevally and emperor in the permitted lagoon areas, the big ones present more of a challenge. The massive aerobatic sailfish patrol the Indian Ocean just outside the reef and, I can tell you, hooking one of these ferocious monsters or a feisty tuna is a whole new ball game for this occasional fisher. Be prepared with lots of lures, upper-body strength and patience before you land one of these - and then say goodbye as you set it free again.
Wrestling the mighty sailfish (Oli Olroyd / North Star Cruises)
Underwater, the vast carpet of hard and soft corals is all but untouched by humans and it's a joy to see such expanses comprising 28 species of staghorn coral alone with their abundant populations of colourful reef fish and marine creatures.
North Star Cruises offer just two 5-day Coral Atoll Expeditions each year in September. For dates and prices see, www.northstarcruises.com.au
by expeditioncruising.com editor, Roderick Eime, aboard True North
NORTH STAR FOUNDER AWARDED MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
The founding director of North Star Cruises Australia, Mr Craig Howson, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to tourism in Western Australia.
Craig Howson (L) and co-director Mark Stothard receiving another award. (FILE IMAGE)
The award was announced in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Mr Howson first offered adventure-cruises along Western Australia’s Kimberley coast in 1987 and, in 2017 North Star will celebrate 30 years of successful operations.
Responding to the award Mr Howson said “It is very humbling to receive this recognition. It makes me realise how fortunate I was to pioneer adventure-cruising in the Kimberley. To see what has evolved from those early days is also very rewarding and I am extremely grateful to those who joined me along the way.”
An adventure on North Star’s adventure-cruise ship, the TRUE NORTH, has become one of Australia’s most desirable holiday experiences and the offering is also developing an equally revered reputation in international markets.
Mr Howson explained that the focus at North Star had always been on giving guests greater opportunity to experience the destination.
“We are very different to a big ship holiday. Our itineraries are always activity-based and much more suited to travellers who are looking for a holiday that is also a rewarding experience.”
Mr Howson added that “Life at North Star had not always been plain sailing.”
“There have been some tough times. It certainly wasn’t easy getting everything up and away and just when we started to gather some momentum – the global financial crisis took the wind out of everyone’s sails. Fortunately we had already developed a loyal following and we never lost sight of making sure that a holiday on the TRUE NORTH was the best holiday that you could ever have!”
“Currently we are experiencing another strong sales period and everyone at North Star is looking forward to growing the company.”
How does the song go...'don't go chasing waterfalls...'?
Maybe not the best advice when it comes to visiting the spectacular Kimberley region.
And if seeing the region’s many waterfalls is something that interests you - then a Kimberley Waterfalls itinerary is sure to please.
A Waterfalls itinerary can also be a bit of a bonus when it comes to catching an elusive barramundi – the much-desired quarry often bites well early in the Kimberley season although the most determined fisher might be tempted to postpone his or her Kimberley experience until later in the year – barra also ‘come to notice’ towards the end of our Kimberley season and this is when the Kimberley Barra Bonanza is scheduled to depart.
The maiden Bonanza sailed in 2015 and produced some pretty solid results – our guests managed to land more than 40 barramundi plus a swag of other good eaters including coral trout, mangrove jack and fingermark bream. The 2016 Kimberley Barra Bonanza (7 nights) is scheduled to depart on 3 September.
But it doesn’t matter when you plan your Kimberley adventure – the earlier and later departures might be good for barra fishing but the middle months also bring distinct advantage. May-August are peak visitation months throughout the Kimberley – the weather is mild, it’s the best time of the year to visit the region’s many national parks and, not forgetting that Broome’s fabulous race-round, also provides a very entertaining interlude at this time of the year.
Regardless of the time of year - Kimberley cabins are always in demand and booking early is the best way to ensure your preferred departure date and cabin style.
To discuss your 2016 Kimberley adventure – don’t wait a minute longer; contact your preferred travel representative or your adventure partners at North Star Cruises now.
And, for a different take on our favourite subject – don’t miss acclaimed landscape artist Andrew Tischler’s thoughts on capturing the Kimberley landscape on canvas! Click HERE to read Andrew’s story.
According to a report in The Guardian, Australian expedition cruise line, North Star Cruises, have been told by a bureaucrat from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development to 'sack crew and hire foreigners' in order stay competitive.
This flies in the face of advice given under the previous government, where foreign-flagged vessels using majority foreign crew are required under cabotage laws to leave Australian waters when transiting between ports. Such laws are designed to protect domestic businesses from international operators governed by less stringent regulations - in this case payment and conditions of crew.
This argument came to the fore when Orion Expedition Cruises, billed as an Australian cruise company, flew a Bahamanian flag and hired European and Filipino crew, thereby competing against Australian flagged companies (North Star Cruises and Coral Princess Cruises) on an unfair 'playing field.'
If strolling on tropical islands, snorkelling in pristine tropical waters and, revelling in the comfort of a floating boutique hotel sounds like the perfect short break – then don’t miss the TRUE NORTH’SArchipelago Adventure!
This 5-night sojourn around PNG’s rarely visited Louisiade Archipelago departs Cairns via private jet on the 13th of December and this year guests can also look forward to receiving expert tips from award-winning underwater photographer Darren Jew.
Darren Jew (Canon)
Darren’s work has been published in magazines, newspapers and books around the world whilst the Louisiades features some of the best snorkelling and diving in Paua New Guinea. The opportunity to receive advice and tips from a highly-regarded underwater photographer in such stunning circumstance is definitely an opportunity not to be missed.
Highlights include snorkelling over WWII wrecks, swimming with manta rays, drifting amidst huge schools of trevally and, being inspired by postcard-perfect islands fringed with sparkling beaches and palm trees.
FAST FACTS
Australia’s premier luxury adventure-cruise ship, the TRUE NORTH is purpose-built to sail deep into the heart of the wilderness, visiting areas that larger ships cannot access. Guests are privy to very-high quality off-ship experiences courtesy of the ship’s biologist and a team of naturalists, a ship’s helicopter and six dedicated expedition boats.
Exceptional food and wine are also at the heart of a TRUE NORTH experience. The ship’s modern Australian cuisine is supplemented with locally sourced ingredients and complemented by an outstanding selection of Western Australian wines. Cabins are spacious and modern; there is a panoramic lower deck dining room, an alfresco bar, an observation lounge and a dedicated sports deck.
Daily activities include scenic walks, fishing, snorkelling, diving, picnics, cultural events and spectacular flights in the ship’s helicopter.
Destinations include the Kimberley – a panorama of rugged mountains, spectacular gorges and majestic waterfalls; the still-wild coast of Western Australia featuring the intriguing Abrolhos Islands, world-famous Ningaloo Reef, fishing paradise at the Montebello Islands and, the pristine Rowley Shoals; the breathtaking islands of the Raja Ampat; the whale sharks of Cenderawasih Bay; the mighty Sepik River and the un-spoilt islands of Papua New Guinea; the rarely visited Louisiade Archipelago; beautiful Sydney Harbour and, a seafood safari around the delightful Eyre Peninsular!
Bookings: Contact North Star Cruises on 08 9192 1829 or email cruise@northstarcruises.com.au
#expeditioncruising ExpeditionCruising.com editor, Roderick Eime, was aboard the award-winning Australian vessel, True North, for an exploration of the Louisiade Archipelago of PNG. Stories will soon appear in popular press. Check back here soon.
Andrew first joined the TRUE NORTH in 2010 painting enpleinair (in open air) for all to enjoy and we are thrilled that Andrew is planning to once again immerse himself in the majestic Kimberley.
Since that first trip we have proudly featured Andrew's art on-board the TRUE NORTH and his reputation further afield has grown significantly. His exhibitions have routinely sold-out and Andrew now works almost exclusively under commission.
However, on this very special occasion Andrew is bringing a collection of work with him - the "True North Collection." These are paintings exclusively inspired by Andrew's time in the Kimberley. And, you can look over Andrew’s shoulder as this newest body of work comes to life by logging onto his studio blog here. Not only could this be your best opportunity to secure a stunning work from this now acclaimed artist – but you could also share in the creative process from conception to hanging.
To join in this celebration of one of Australia’s most stunning landscapes – just click here.
Contact your preferred travel representative or your adventure partners at North Star Cruises on +61 8 9192 1829!
TRUE NORTH WINS EIGHTH GOLD LIST AWARD IN THREE YEARS
Best Australian Adventure Experience and Best Luxury Cruise Ship (Small)
North Star’s Charity Turner and Peter Trembath receive the company’s
Gold List awards from Luxury Travel’s Adam Davey.
The adventure-cruise ship TRUE NORTH has again won the coveted award for Best Australian Adventure Experience at Luxury Travel magazine’s annual Gold List Awards. The ship was also voted Best Luxury Cruise Ship (Small) and has now won an impressive eight Gold List awards in just 3 years.
Luxury Travel progressively announced award winners via their social media network on Wednesday
and then followed-up in the evening with a reception for all finalists at Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel.
North Star Cruises Australia’s general manager, Peter Trembath, said the company’s long term loyalty to brand and, a culture of attention to detail and personal service was responsible for North Star’s consistent award-winning performance.
“There is a strong desire to ensure that every opportunity to engage the company is an opportunity to engage North Star’s original blend of adventure and luxury. And, the culture on-board the TRUE NORTH has always been about satisfying guest desire.”
Mr Trembath added “North Star has never shied away from introducing new opportunities for adventure and our proven recipe for going wild in style has always hit the mark with those who seek more than just a holiday.”
North Star’s success has meant that cabins on the TRUE NORTH were in constant demand however Mr Trembath explained that the determined adventurer could still secure a 2015 opportunity to experience life on-board the revered adventure-cruise ship.
“However, they will need to act quickly, remaining availability is disappearing fast!”
FAST FACTS
Australia’s premier luxury adventure-cruise ship, the TRUE NORTH is purpose-built to sail deep into the heart of the wilderness, visiting areas that larger ships cannot access. Guests are privy to very-high quality off-ship experiences courtesy of the ship’s biologist and a team of naturalists, a ship’s helicopter and six dedicated expedition boats.
Exceptional food and wine are also at the heart of a TRUE NORTH experience. The ship’s modern Australian cuisine is supplemented with locally sourced ingredients and complemented by an outstanding selection of Western Australian wines. Cabins are spacious and modern; there is a panoramic lower deck dining room, an alfresco bar, an observation lounge and a dedicated sports deck.
Daily activities include scenic walks, fishing, snorkelling, diving, picnics, cultural events and spectacular flights in the ship’s helicopter.
Destinations include the Kimberley – a panorama of rugged mountains, spectacular gorges and majestic waterfalls; the still-wild coast of Western Australia featuring the intriguing Abrolhos Islands, world-famous Ningaloo Reef, fishing paradise at the Montebello Islands and, the pristine Rowley Shoals; the breathtaking islands of the Raja Ampat; the whale sharks of Cenderawasih Bay; the mighty Sepik River and the un-spoilt islands of Papua New Guinea; the rarely visited Louisiade Archipelago; beautiful Sydney Harbour and, a seafood safari around the delightful Eyre Peninsula.
Bookings: Contact North Star Cruises on 08 9192 1829 or email cruise@northstarcruises.com.au
Happy to be home. Craig and wife Holly (from LinkedIn)
Many of us might have been unaware that founder of North Star Cruises, Craig 'Craigo' Howson, had been involved in a serious motorcycle accident back in January.
Craig spent several weeks in hospital and gave his beautiful wife, Holly, and their three children, all his staff and many friends a bit of a fright.
Craig is now out of hospital and with his family and ready to get back to work after an extended rest and recuperation period.
I'm sure all readers will join me in wishing Craigo a quick recovery. He's a tough old SOB, that's for sure.
I have so many fond memories and experiences from the year past, some
just incredible from both an emotional and physical perspective.
I could write for hours but in the interests of brevity, my favourite Kimberley moment was a fishing expedition with Dennis whose sole aim was to catch a barra – but not just any barra - a BIG barra!
We were up early and we were treated to a complete ‘glass-off’. So we pushed up Camp Creek to where the fresh meets the salt - two dinghies with four fishers in each.
Dennis ended-up catching a massive 111.5cm thumper. Not only was he stoked beyond belief but all involved were equally entertained by the battle, the landing and best of all, the release.
Dennis and the BIG Barra
The event was also memorable because it resulted in my winning the annual crew prize for helping a guest to land the biggest barra! As a former master would say “Happy Days!”
My favourite international moment was experiencing the Sepik Soiree. The stilt village and the ‘crocodile initiations’ are incredible experiences. And, being a diver who has dived for a living, it’s always hard to go past those special moments underwater. The diving at the Hermit Islands was simply out of this world. Never before have I experienced clarity which seemed endless.
2014 was a very special year which I enjoyed immensely and, I would like to thank all of our wonderful guests for making it possible.
It seems like only yesterday that I was aboard the superb luxury expedition yacht, True North, when in fact it was nearly four years ago in the Solomon Islands when I last set (bare)foot on her decks.
Moray peeps out at me during our morning dive
The remains of the Zero fighter slowly being consumed by sand and coral
Guests ashore at Panapompom enjoy shade
Young islander and pandanus hat
True North at anchor off Panapompom Island
Not a lot has changed, just a few new faces, but Dr Andy Lewis the marine scientist and Chad the skipper are two there to greet me.
After arriving on an Alliance charter flight from Cairns to the historic Gurney airfield at Alotau, we're away in no time and among the glorious waters of PNG's Louisiade Archipelago, off the very easternmost tip of PNG.
Our first stop at Pananpompom Island is another deja vu moment. I first visited this idyllic little outpost with Coral Princess Cruise in 2006 and the tiny community is now seeing an increasing number of visits from small ships and yachts. The locals gather around us with no less curiosity than before, their warm smiles still a welcome recollection.
Sunsetters on the spit, Nivani Island (Panapompom opposite)
Young Harrison, 13, travelling with his grandfather engages in a most energetic interaction with the local boys and the stand-up paddle board becomes a focus of fun.
The day is capped of with sunsetters on the sandspit where PO Okura Shigeru would have waded ashore after ditching his Zero in May 1942 in the lagoon a few metres away from us.
This is where it all started – this is what North Star Cruises is most famous for!
North Star pioneered adventure-cruising in the Kimberley! It is still our ‘backyard’ and nobody knows the area like we do – we know about sites that others don’t and, we know how to do it all in comfort and style!
From April 2015 the flagship Kimberley Ultimate itinerary will once again offer one the worlds’ most-highly regarded holiday experiences!
But don’t miss-out – availability is already limited!
If seeing the Kimberley on the magnificent TRUE NORTH is something that you have always wanted to do – act now!
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the biggest fish in
the sea! They feed predominately on plankton (although
in Cenderawasih Bay they have taken a liking to small baitfish!)
yet they can grow to more than 12 metres in length. There are
other places in the world where snorkelers can have a close encounter with these gentle giants - however we are pretty sure that nothing compares to a whale shark encounter in Cenderawasih Bay!
Channel 7 recently featured a story on the TRUE NORTH’s visits to Cenderawasih Bay – to discover more about this amazing destination watch thevideoHERE!
We only visit Cenderawasih Bay twice a year and availability in both 2015 and 2016 is disappearing fast! We strongly recommend making early arrangements to avoid any disappointment!
To discuss your next adventure on the TRUE NORTH contact your preferred travel representative or your adventure partners at North Star Cruises on +61 8 9192 1829.
Looking for that perfect Christmas Gift?
The TRUE NORTH's comfortable and super-practical adventure clothing offers some fantastic gift ideas for Christmas.
For those trying to make a departure from the Christmas norm, the four day Sydney Rocks on board the mighty True North might be just the ticket.
Following on from its exploration of the magical waters of Papua New Guinea, the True North makes its way down Australia’s east coast arriving in Sydney just in time for the festive season.
And the Sydney Rocks itinerary is an ultimate Christmas indulgence. Guests are able to share special times with family and friends whilst being spoilt in typical True North style.
Departing on December the 25th, guests embark in time for a sumptuous Christmas dinner on spectacular Sydney Harbour. The next day, all aboard are guaranteed ‘front row seats’ for the start of one of Australia’s greatest sporting events, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. A pre-race visit to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is also included.
Then, over the next three days and nights the True North will explore the beauty of the Hawkesbury River. There will be plenty of time for swimming, bushwalking and relaxing. There is also an opportunity to explore the Hunter Valley via the ship’s helicopter which will whisk guests away for a day of wine tasting.
“In typical True North style, you can do as much or as little as you like!” says Peter Trembath, GM at North Star Cruises.
“Thanks to our knowledgeable Australian crew of 20, a maximum of just 36 guests can rest assured that they will be pampered in signature style. It always makes for a welcome change when compared to a usually more frantic festive season!”
Australia’s premier luxury adventure-cruise ship, the True North is purpose-built to sail deep into the heart of the wilderness, visiting areas that larger ships cannot access. Guests are privy to only the highest quality experiences courtesy of True North’s on-board biologist and a team of naturalists, a ship’s helicopter and six dedicated expedition boats.
Exceptional food and wine are also at the heart of a True North experience. The ship’s modern Australian cuisine is supplemented with locally sourced ingredients and complemented by an outstanding selection of Western Australian wines. Cabins are spacious and modern; there is a panoramic lower deck dining room, an alfresco bar and an observation lounge.
Daily activities on board True North include scenic walks, fishing, snorkelling, diving, picnics, cultural events and spectacular flights in the ship’s helicopter.
§ The four day Sydney Rocks sails roundtrip ex Sydney on 25 December. Prices start at $3,995pp.
Bookings: Contact North Star Cruises on 08 9192 1829 or email cruise@northstarcruises.com.au
Locals in dugout outriggers pay a visit on True North’s PNG cruise.
Travel 1000 kilometres south-west along PNG’s barely chartered east coast,
passing through some of the world’s least-visited islands. Photo: North Star Cruises
Great 'executive summary' of expedition ships by Craig Tansley for the AFR
