Expedition cruise operator True North Adventure Cruises has completed a $4 million refit of its vessels True North and True North II ahead of the 2026 season.
Showing posts with label true north. Show all posts
Showing posts with label true north. Show all posts
Tuesday, 31 March 2026
True North completes $4m fleet refit ahead of 2026 season
#expeditioncruising .
Expedition cruise operator True North Adventure Cruises has completed a $4 million refit of its vessels True North and True North II ahead of the 2026 season.
Expedition cruise operator True North Adventure Cruises has completed a $4 million refit of its vessels True North and True North II ahead of the 2026 season.
Monday, 3 November 2025
True North celebrates 40 years of adventure with new 2027 Voyages
#expeditioncruising .
Marking four decades at the helm of adventure, True North Adventure Cruises has announced its most significant evolution yet – a 2027 sailing schedule that charts new destinations, expands guest favourites, and celebrates 40 years of redefining exploration across Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
Marking four decades at the helm of adventure, True North Adventure Cruises has announced its most significant evolution yet – a 2027 sailing schedule that charts new destinations, expands guest favourites, and celebrates 40 years of redefining exploration across Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
Friday, 1 September 2023
True North Maiden Voyage to the Great Barrier Reef
#expeditioncruising .
In partnership with The Great Barrier Reef Foundation, True North are inviting guests to a once-in-a-lifetime Reef Expedition across the northernmost tip of the Great Barrier Reef. Over eight nights, the inaugural conservation expedition will sail south from the Torres Strait Islands to Cairns, mimicking the movements of some of the Reef’s most majestic animals.
In partnership with The Great Barrier Reef Foundation, True North are inviting guests to a once-in-a-lifetime Reef Expedition across the northernmost tip of the Great Barrier Reef. Over eight nights, the inaugural conservation expedition will sail south from the Torres Strait Islands to Cairns, mimicking the movements of some of the Reef’s most majestic animals.
Saturday, 1 April 2023
True North II is launched
True North Adventure Cruises has added a second vessel to its fleet.
The TRUE NORTH II was re-launched today following an extensive refit in Fremantle.
Thursday, 2 February 2023
Howson to join True North II on maiden voyage
#expeditioncruising .
The TRUE NORTH II is scheduled to depart Fremantle on March 28 and this maiden voyage will feature one of True North’s most desired itineraries – the West Coast Explorer.
Wednesday, 2 November 2022
Broome-based True North to add second vessel
#expeditioncruising .
True North Adventure Cruises is excited to announce that TRUE NORTH's predecessor is returning to service.
The first TRUE NORTH to feature a ship's helicopter has more recently been available for charter in Indonesian waters.
True North Adventure Cruises is excited to announce that TRUE NORTH's predecessor is returning to service.
The first TRUE NORTH to feature a ship's helicopter has more recently been available for charter in Indonesian waters.
Tuesday, 7 July 2020
True North Adventure Cruises begins amended 2020 sailing schedule
#expeditioncruising .
Following a Covid-19 enforced shutdown, True North has resumed full-time operations, departing Broome on July 4 with a boatload of excited West Australians.
Following a Covid-19 enforced shutdown, True North has resumed full-time operations, departing Broome on July 4 with a boatload of excited West Australians.
Monday, 9 March 2020
New look True North after annual refit
#expeditioncruising .
The Adventure-Cruise Ship TRUE NORTH has resumed operations after extensive annual refit
The 36-passenger boutique vessel, True North, is dry-docked at Fremantle every year in February. No expense is spared bringing all facilities back to 'as new' condition. However, this year’s refit was even more extensive than usual.
The ship’s forward sundeck and alfresco bar areas were substantially refined to provide added user-friendliness and more enjoyable guest spaces.
The sundeck has benefited from the provision of improved and additional seating, new tabletops and daybeds, mood lighting and Tefroka coating, a premium, non-slip resin deck sealant. The alfresco bar area features new and improved table arrangements, additional lighting and Tefroka decking.
Managing Director, Craig Howson, explained that everyone at True North Adventure Cruises was excited about the refinements.
“We were aware that these areas of the ship were being underutilised – they have always been fantastic spaces, but we needed to make some improvements to ensure that our guests were able to take full advantage of both areas. This year’s refit provided the maintenance window that we have been looking for and now I can’t wait to join our guests as they relax in even greater style than before.”
In addition to usual refit requirement, other shipwide refinements included adding the impressive Tefroka decking to all external stairs, additional soundproofing in the ship’s lounge and the complete repainting of the ship’s exterior.
And Howson is looking forward to a busy year. “I think a lot of Australians will choose to holiday at home this year, to help with the bushfire recovery and possibly to avoid international destinations that present a higher risk of coronavirus infection.”
The ship departed Fremantle on March 5 and will visit the Abrolhos Islands, Ningaloo Reef and the Monte Bello Islands as part of the annual West Coast Explorer. A sold-out guest list will disembark in Dampier after 10 nights onboard.
The TRUE NORTH will then continue onto Broome ahead of the ship's ever-popular Kimberley season. A small number of cabins are still available for 13- and 7-night adventures along the spectacular Kimberley Coast.
EDITORS NOTE: See advice about interruption to service due to COVID-19
The Adventure-Cruise Ship TRUE NORTH has resumed operations after extensive annual refit
The 36-passenger boutique vessel, True North, is dry-docked at Fremantle every year in February. No expense is spared bringing all facilities back to 'as new' condition. However, this year’s refit was even more extensive than usual.
The ship’s forward sundeck and alfresco bar areas were substantially refined to provide added user-friendliness and more enjoyable guest spaces.
The sundeck has benefited from the provision of improved and additional seating, new tabletops and daybeds, mood lighting and Tefroka coating, a premium, non-slip resin deck sealant. The alfresco bar area features new and improved table arrangements, additional lighting and Tefroka decking.
 |
| Upgraded alfresco dining area |
Managing Director, Craig Howson, explained that everyone at True North Adventure Cruises was excited about the refinements.
“We were aware that these areas of the ship were being underutilised – they have always been fantastic spaces, but we needed to make some improvements to ensure that our guests were able to take full advantage of both areas. This year’s refit provided the maintenance window that we have been looking for and now I can’t wait to join our guests as they relax in even greater style than before.”
In addition to usual refit requirement, other shipwide refinements included adding the impressive Tefroka decking to all external stairs, additional soundproofing in the ship’s lounge and the complete repainting of the ship’s exterior.
 |
| Forward sundeck with new seating |
And Howson is looking forward to a busy year. “I think a lot of Australians will choose to holiday at home this year, to help with the bushfire recovery and possibly to avoid international destinations that present a higher risk of coronavirus infection.”
The ship departed Fremantle on March 5 and will visit the Abrolhos Islands, Ningaloo Reef and the Monte Bello Islands as part of the annual West Coast Explorer. A sold-out guest list will disembark in Dampier after 10 nights onboard.
The TRUE NORTH will then continue onto Broome ahead of the ship's ever-popular Kimberley season. A small number of cabins are still available for 13- and 7-night adventures along the spectacular Kimberley Coast.
EDITORS NOTE: See advice about interruption to service due to COVID-19
For more information go to www.truenorth.com.au
Bookings: Contact True North Adventure Cruises on (+61 8) 9192 1829 or email cruise@truenorth.com.au
Monday, 18 February 2019
True North Adventure Cruises introduces all-new Kimberley itinerary in 32nd season
#expeditioncruising .
Pioneer adventure cruise operator, True North Adventure Cruises, prepares for its 32nd season in the Kimberley region of Australia's North West
The Kimberley Coast is renowned for its wilderness qualities, stunning scenery, vibrant indigenous culture and some of the best fishing action anywhere.
The company first offered adventure cruises along the Kimberley coast in 1987 and has since won numerous awards and accolades.
Pioneer adventure cruise operator, True North Adventure Cruises, prepares for its 32nd season in the Kimberley region of Australia's North West
The Kimberley Coast is renowned for its wilderness qualities, stunning scenery, vibrant indigenous culture and some of the best fishing action anywhere.
The company first offered adventure cruises along the Kimberley coast in 1987 and has since won numerous awards and accolades.
Thursday, 17 January 2019
From on board True North. Great Whites in the Bight
#expeditioncruising .
Itinerary: Southern Safari
Location: Neptune Islands, SA
Ever since the 1975 thriller JAWS burst onto the cinema screens, the world has been terrified of sharks, the Great White Shark (GWS) in particular. It's true, the GWS is the only shark species that targets mammals, feasting on pinnipeds wherever they can be found – and very occasionally mistaking us for the flippered variety.
Itinerary: Southern Safari
Location: Neptune Islands, SA
 |
| Our Great White Shark was a little late to the party, but here he is. (RE) |
Ever since the 1975 thriller JAWS burst onto the cinema screens, the world has been terrified of sharks, the Great White Shark (GWS) in particular. It's true, the GWS is the only shark species that targets mammals, feasting on pinnipeds wherever they can be found – and very occasionally mistaking us for the flippered variety.
Wednesday, 16 January 2019
From on board True North: Peaking Pearson
#expeditioncruising .
Itinerary: Southern Safari
Location: Pearson Island, SA
Australia has more than 8,000 islands within its maritime borders, and there aren't too many uninhabited islands in that total. Pearson Island is the second largest within the Investigator Group at 213 hectares and the group's highest point at 231m.
It was named in 1802 by, you guessed it, Matthew Flinders. Although Flinders did not state the source, he typically named his discoveries after benefactors or crew.
Today a group of us will summit the imposing granite outcrop on this human-free island, inhabited only by the cutest rock wallabies, some tiny dragon lizards, a few bird species and a scattering of pinnipeds.
We are accompanied by Pat Walsh, a ranger with SA Parks who gives us the lowdown on this isolated archipelago.
“There has never been any human habitation here on Pearson,” he tells us, “but sheep were run here for a short time in the 1840s.”
The islands have enjoyed progressive levels of protection since 1916 and now include the waters as a marine reserve. This announcement did not please recreational fishers who enjoy the rich bounty. More recently the Pearson Isles have been back in the news following Sea Shepherd's Operation Jeedara in response to BP's plans to drill for oil in the Great Australian Bight.
As our tenders put the landing party ashore, we receive curious stares from several fur seals cavorting in the shallows. Great golden granite expanses extend from the summit to the shore with large sandy patches sustaining sheoak, tea tree, ruby saltbush and rock fern. Pat was particularly chuffed to find a big West Coast Mintbush (Prostanthera calycina) which he tells us has all but vanished from the mainland because “pretty much everything likes to eat it”.
As I remembered from my only other visit here 10 years ago, a family of little rock wallabies live among the boulders, peering out occasionally as the clumsy bipeds shuffle around shore.
We set off uphill in a steady climb to the summit, calves burning as we pick our way through the low scrub which gives way to spindly shrubs and finally bald granite at the top where a stiff breeze keeps us in check. No parkour for me. The prospect of a heavy fall through the ample gaps bearing on my mind. Obligatory snapshots completed we head back down where True North sits like a child's tiny bathtime toy out in the bay.
Back aboard, chefs Luke and Gav have a healthy feast of abalone, fresh-caught whiting, and colourful salad waiting for us.
More: www.truenorth.com.au
Itinerary: Southern Safari
Location: Pearson Island, SA
Australia has more than 8,000 islands within its maritime borders, and there aren't too many uninhabited islands in that total. Pearson Island is the second largest within the Investigator Group at 213 hectares and the group's highest point at 231m.
It was named in 1802 by, you guessed it, Matthew Flinders. Although Flinders did not state the source, he typically named his discoveries after benefactors or crew.
Today a group of us will summit the imposing granite outcrop on this human-free island, inhabited only by the cutest rock wallabies, some tiny dragon lizards, a few bird species and a scattering of pinnipeds.
 |
| Australian fur seal greets us (RE) |
We are accompanied by Pat Walsh, a ranger with SA Parks who gives us the lowdown on this isolated archipelago.
“There has never been any human habitation here on Pearson,” he tells us, “but sheep were run here for a short time in the 1840s.”
The islands have enjoyed progressive levels of protection since 1916 and now include the waters as a marine reserve. This announcement did not please recreational fishers who enjoy the rich bounty. More recently the Pearson Isles have been back in the news following Sea Shepherd's Operation Jeedara in response to BP's plans to drill for oil in the Great Australian Bight.
As our tenders put the landing party ashore, we receive curious stares from several fur seals cavorting in the shallows. Great golden granite expanses extend from the summit to the shore with large sandy patches sustaining sheoak, tea tree, ruby saltbush and rock fern. Pat was particularly chuffed to find a big West Coast Mintbush (Prostanthera calycina) which he tells us has all but vanished from the mainland because “pretty much everything likes to eat it”.
 |
| The delightful Pearson Island Wallaby, a relative of the mainland Black-Footed Wallaby (RE) |
As I remembered from my only other visit here 10 years ago, a family of little rock wallabies live among the boulders, peering out occasionally as the clumsy bipeds shuffle around shore.
We set off uphill in a steady climb to the summit, calves burning as we pick our way through the low scrub which gives way to spindly shrubs and finally bald granite at the top where a stiff breeze keeps us in check. No parkour for me. The prospect of a heavy fall through the ample gaps bearing on my mind. Obligatory snapshots completed we head back down where True North sits like a child's tiny bathtime toy out in the bay.
Back aboard, chefs Luke and Gav have a healthy feast of abalone, fresh-caught whiting, and colourful salad waiting for us.
More: www.truenorth.com.au
From on board True North: Pinnipeds on Parade
#expeditioncruising .
Itinerary: Southern Safari
Location: Thistle Island, SA (near Port Lincoln)
The Australian Sea Lion is certainly one of the darling species in the South Australian wildlife catalogue. Best known for their favourite beach at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island (KI), these delightful critters are distributed all along the southern and western coastline between KI and as far west as the Abrolhos Islands. But all is not well in the pinniped* world.
As we swim among them here at remote Hopkins Island a few clicks offshore from Port Lincoln, the young animals taunt and tease us with playful antics, posing for our cameras and nibbling curiously on our fins. It's an idyllic life out here for them. Or so it seems.
Australian Sea Lions have enjoyed protection for almost 100 years since the hunting of all pinnipeds ceased in the mid-1920s. While their boisterous cousins, the fur seals, have recovered substantially in that time, the story has not been the same for the sea lions.
“Sea Lions have a peculiar site fidelity called philopatry,” Natalie Hill, our resident naturalist aboard True North tells me, “which means once a colony disappears, it's gone for good. With no females left to pass on the the hunting and breeding history to their offspring, the colony will never reestablish. Fur seals, on the other hand, can recolonise pretty much at will.”
As a result of the unregulated hunting throughout the 19th century, the sea lion has vanished from all sites in Victoria and Bass Strait and populations elsewhere have been painfully slow to recover, so much so that perhaps fewer than 12,000 individuals remain.
“Sea lions are listed by the IUCN as EN (endangered) and the slow breeding animals are particularly vulnerable to habitat disturbance and are unfortunately still found in bycatch, “says Natalie. “but methods are now in place to hopefully reduce this with the introduction of Seal Exclusion Devices (SEDs) in trawler nets.”
They are also on the menu for the only mammal-eating shark, the fearsome Great White.
Swimming with these fun-loving mammals is certainly one way to draw attention to their plight and commercial swims are available out of Port Lincoln and Baird Bay for regular tourists.
True North continues its voyage through South Australian waters before concluding in Ceduna.
More: www.truenorth.com.au
* pinnipeds are all Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses
Itinerary: Southern Safari
Location: Thistle Island, SA (near Port Lincoln)
 |
| Cruise attendant, Jaimee, cavorts with a local at Hopkins Island (supplied) |
The Australian Sea Lion is certainly one of the darling species in the South Australian wildlife catalogue. Best known for their favourite beach at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island (KI), these delightful critters are distributed all along the southern and western coastline between KI and as far west as the Abrolhos Islands. But all is not well in the pinniped* world.
As we swim among them here at remote Hopkins Island a few clicks offshore from Port Lincoln, the young animals taunt and tease us with playful antics, posing for our cameras and nibbling curiously on our fins. It's an idyllic life out here for them. Or so it seems.
 |
| Australian Sea Lions haul out on Hopkins Island (RE) |
 |
| Fur seals and sea lions were hunted to the brink of extinction in the 19th century. Sea Lions fared particularly badly as their populations are slow to recover. |
“Sea Lions have a peculiar site fidelity called philopatry,” Natalie Hill, our resident naturalist aboard True North tells me, “which means once a colony disappears, it's gone for good. With no females left to pass on the the hunting and breeding history to their offspring, the colony will never reestablish. Fur seals, on the other hand, can recolonise pretty much at will.”
As a result of the unregulated hunting throughout the 19th century, the sea lion has vanished from all sites in Victoria and Bass Strait and populations elsewhere have been painfully slow to recover, so much so that perhaps fewer than 12,000 individuals remain.
 |
| Young Australian Sea Lion comes to check me out (RE) |
“Sea lions are listed by the IUCN as EN (endangered) and the slow breeding animals are particularly vulnerable to habitat disturbance and are unfortunately still found in bycatch, “says Natalie. “but methods are now in place to hopefully reduce this with the introduction of Seal Exclusion Devices (SEDs) in trawler nets.”
 |
| A Seal Exclusion Device is designed to allow seals to escape trawler nets. |
They are also on the menu for the only mammal-eating shark, the fearsome Great White.
Swimming with these fun-loving mammals is certainly one way to draw attention to their plight and commercial swims are available out of Port Lincoln and Baird Bay for regular tourists.
True North continues its voyage through South Australian waters before concluding in Ceduna.
More: www.truenorth.com.au
* pinnipeds are all Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses
Sunday, 13 January 2019
From on board MV True North. Koala trouble on Kangaroo Island
#expeditioncruising .
Itinerary: Southern Safari
Location: American River, Kangaroo Island, SA
Everyone loves koalas. They're cute, furry and oh-so cuddly, but here on Kangaroo Island (KI) they are something of a bother, not the least to themselves.
With True North safely anchored in Ballast Head Harbor(1) at American River, our half-day coach tour aboard SeaLink was ready at 7am to whisk us from the jetty and off into the heartland of Kangaroo Island.
Our first stop is at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a privately run animal refuge covering 20 square kilometres of largely undisturbed mallee and eucalyptus wilderness. Opened in 2011 it mainly protects some 200-400 koalas, with 20 or so visible to visitors at any one time, sitting contentedly in their manna or bluegum trees.
Now there's trouble in paradise because the koalas are beginning to eat themselves out of house and home, exhausting their preferred leafy foodstuff. What I had forgotten was that koalas are not native to KI, instead in 1920 a small troupe of 18 animals was moved to the island from Victoria where they had been savagely hunted for their fur. This act of conservation has been somewhat too successful with numbers reaching around 50,000 today(2). What to do?
Lethal culling has been ruled out, relocation back to the mainland is too stressful for the animals (although trials are still be done in the Adelaide Hills and Blue Mountains), so a program of sterilisation is being undertaken with the hope further population growth can be prevented.
With our knowledge of local koalas considerably enhanced, we set off again for more routine sites, namely the iconic Remarkable Rocks and Admiral's Arch with its resident fur seal population at the far western end of KI.
There's time for more fishing and local sightseeing in the afternoon before another superb dinner from chefs Luke and Gav.
1. Early Australian spelling used 'harbor' without the 'u' in all South Australian ports, including Victor Harbor, Ballast Head Harbor and even Adelaide's main commercial port, Outer Harbor.
2. modelling done by the University of Adelaide based on 2015 survey data.
More: www.truenorth.com.au
Itinerary: Southern Safari
Location: American River, Kangaroo Island, SA
 |
| Kangaroo Island koala at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (supplied) |
Everyone loves koalas. They're cute, furry and oh-so cuddly, but here on Kangaroo Island (KI) they are something of a bother, not the least to themselves.
With True North safely anchored in Ballast Head Harbor(1) at American River, our half-day coach tour aboard SeaLink was ready at 7am to whisk us from the jetty and off into the heartland of Kangaroo Island.
Our first stop is at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a privately run animal refuge covering 20 square kilometres of largely undisturbed mallee and eucalyptus wilderness. Opened in 2011 it mainly protects some 200-400 koalas, with 20 or so visible to visitors at any one time, sitting contentedly in their manna or bluegum trees.
Now there's trouble in paradise because the koalas are beginning to eat themselves out of house and home, exhausting their preferred leafy foodstuff. What I had forgotten was that koalas are not native to KI, instead in 1920 a small troupe of 18 animals was moved to the island from Victoria where they had been savagely hunted for their fur. This act of conservation has been somewhat too successful with numbers reaching around 50,000 today(2). What to do?
Lethal culling has been ruled out, relocation back to the mainland is too stressful for the animals (although trials are still be done in the Adelaide Hills and Blue Mountains), so a program of sterilisation is being undertaken with the hope further population growth can be prevented.
 |
| Visitors enjoy Remarkable Rocks (SeaLink) |
With our knowledge of local koalas considerably enhanced, we set off again for more routine sites, namely the iconic Remarkable Rocks and Admiral's Arch with its resident fur seal population at the far western end of KI.
There's time for more fishing and local sightseeing in the afternoon before another superb dinner from chefs Luke and Gav.
1. Early Australian spelling used 'harbor' without the 'u' in all South Australian ports, including Victor Harbor, Ballast Head Harbor and even Adelaide's main commercial port, Outer Harbor.
2. modelling done by the University of Adelaide based on 2015 survey data.
More: www.truenorth.com.au
From On Board: True North in South Australia: Victor Harbor
#expeditioncruising
From on board MV True North II
Itinerary: Southern Safari
Location: Victor Harbor, SA
The waters off South Australia are renowned for their big creatures, not all of them friendly. But the story of tuna fishing is certainly one of outstanding success and yes you can actually swim with these massive, powerful fish in the open ocean.
Early this morning, True North motored imperiously past Rosetta Head and through Encounter Bay where Nicolas Baudin and Matthew Flinders had their famous rendezvous in 1802, dropping anchor in the shadow of Granite Island, a couple decent casts from the beach at Victor Harbor. (yes, that's how it's spelled)
Once operated out of the tuna capital of Australia, Port Lincoln, the whole operation is now located across the Gulf, just over an hour south from Adelaide and under the new name of 'Oceanic Victor'. Not only do we get to swim in the pen as these muscular missiles dart around in bursts of up to 70kmh chasing prostrate pilchards tossed in amongst us, we learn about their physiology, life-cycle and commercial importance.
Once cheap sandwich filler and petfood, Southern Bluefin Tuna ((Thunnus maccoyii, aka SBT) now commands tens of thousands of dollars per fish on the auction floor in Tokyo. The quota is around 6000 tonnes annually and is valued at more than $400million in export dollars. SBT are raised in “sea ranches” after they are caught wild in the ocean and fattened to market size.
The 40-odd fish here in the pen are around 50-60kg each and consume at least one kilo of pilchards each per day. These are hungry fish and weigh more than 100kg by the time they hit the market in Tokyo.
The tuna certainly are fascinating fish, but the 'cuteness' award goes to the pair of Port Jackson sharks rescued as bycatch from local fishermen. Christened Lilly and Charlotte by the team at Oceanic Victor, they are soaking up the cuddles and tummy tickles. Yes, really. They sit with us for an hour, posing for photos and nuzzling for more attention like a couple of friendly puppies. They live in their own big tank and can swim off at any time, but seem determined to spend as much time with us as they can.
Back to True North for another fabulous lunch prepared by chefs Luke and Gav before we set out across Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island to catch the next days' feed, namely the superbly tasty King George Whiting famous in these waters and – thanks to our expert guides – we bring back a healthy catch of these delicious fish.
True North remains here at Kangaroo Island for the next few days, sampling local pleasures and more fishing!
More: www.truenorth.com.au
From on board MV True North II
Itinerary: Southern Safari
Location: Victor Harbor, SA
 |
| True North visits South Australia every year (RE) |
The waters off South Australia are renowned for their big creatures, not all of them friendly. But the story of tuna fishing is certainly one of outstanding success and yes you can actually swim with these massive, powerful fish in the open ocean.
Early this morning, True North motored imperiously past Rosetta Head and through Encounter Bay where Nicolas Baudin and Matthew Flinders had their famous rendezvous in 1802, dropping anchor in the shadow of Granite Island, a couple decent casts from the beach at Victor Harbor. (yes, that's how it's spelled)
Once operated out of the tuna capital of Australia, Port Lincoln, the whole operation is now located across the Gulf, just over an hour south from Adelaide and under the new name of 'Oceanic Victor'. Not only do we get to swim in the pen as these muscular missiles dart around in bursts of up to 70kmh chasing prostrate pilchards tossed in amongst us, we learn about their physiology, life-cycle and commercial importance.
 |
| Southern Bluefin Tuna - always on the prowl (RE) |
Once cheap sandwich filler and petfood, Southern Bluefin Tuna ((Thunnus maccoyii, aka SBT) now commands tens of thousands of dollars per fish on the auction floor in Tokyo. The quota is around 6000 tonnes annually and is valued at more than $400million in export dollars. SBT are raised in “sea ranches” after they are caught wild in the ocean and fattened to market size.
 |
| True North guests up close and personal with giant Southern Bluefin Tuna (RE) |
The 40-odd fish here in the pen are around 50-60kg each and consume at least one kilo of pilchards each per day. These are hungry fish and weigh more than 100kg by the time they hit the market in Tokyo.
The tuna certainly are fascinating fish, but the 'cuteness' award goes to the pair of Port Jackson sharks rescued as bycatch from local fishermen. Christened Lilly and Charlotte by the team at Oceanic Victor, they are soaking up the cuddles and tummy tickles. Yes, really. They sit with us for an hour, posing for photos and nuzzling for more attention like a couple of friendly puppies. They live in their own big tank and can swim off at any time, but seem determined to spend as much time with us as they can.
 |
| Charlotte just loves a good tummy tickle (RE) |
Back to True North for another fabulous lunch prepared by chefs Luke and Gav before we set out across Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island to catch the next days' feed, namely the superbly tasty King George Whiting famous in these waters and – thanks to our expert guides – we bring back a healthy catch of these delicious fish.
True North remains here at Kangaroo Island for the next few days, sampling local pleasures and more fishing!
More: www.truenorth.com.au
Tuesday, 17 October 2017
King of the Kimberley: True North's Craig Howson OAM
#expeditioncruising .
True North Adventure Cruises' founder, Craig Howson OAM, celebrates his boutique adventure cruise company's first 30 years and recalls some of the rocky roads leading to that auspicious anniversary.
Read full story at Vacations Magazine:
True North Adventure Cruises' founder, Craig Howson OAM, celebrates his boutique adventure cruise company's first 30 years and recalls some of the rocky roads leading to that auspicious anniversary.
Read full story at Vacations Magazine:
Monday, 14 August 2017
True North listed in Chad Clark Certified 25
#expeditioncruising .
The adventure-cruise ship TRUE NORTH has been recognized as one of the world’s top experiential travel offerings at the inaugural CHAD CLARK CERTIFIED 25, a first-of-its-kind travel initiative that lists the world’s top 25 travel experiences.
The winners were announced at a gala interactive event at The Bellagio in Las Vegas on August 13.
Chad Clark, principal and owner of Chad Clark Travel Ventures, is a travel industry expert and self-described “experience junkie” who has spent years seeking out top-of-the-line travel experiences. He aims to set the industry standard for luxury travel with the inauguration of the CHAD CLARK CERTIFIED 25, an elite list of the world’s most prestigious, authentic and unique travel experiences.
“We are humbled and overwhelmed by the immense number of submissions we received from travel providers across the globe,” said Clark. “And, it’s an honor and a thrill to unveil the very best in luxury travel – the CHAD CLARK CERTIFIED 25. This initiative provides travel providers with an opportunity to have their premium experiences recognized and promoted in an innovative way, while simultaneously connecting travel advisors and ultimately travelers themselves, with exclusive, thoroughly vetted travel experiences that have an industry seal of approval.”
FAST FACTS
True North Adventure Cruises has won numerous awards for excellence including state and national tourism awards, export awards and numerous consumer awards.
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 adventure 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 landscapes, 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; some of Indonesia’s most stunning volcanic islands including Komodo – home to the largest lizard on the planet; the breathtaking islands of the Raja Ampat; the whale sharks of Cenderawasih Bay; the mighty Sepik River and the unspoiled islands of Papua New Guinea; beautiful Sydney Harbour and, a seafood safari around South Australia’s delightful Eyre Peninsula.
For more information go to www.truenorth.com.au
For more information on the CHAD CLARK 25 go to www.chadclarkcertified.com
The adventure-cruise ship TRUE NORTH has been recognized as one of the world’s top experiential travel offerings at the inaugural CHAD CLARK CERTIFIED 25, a first-of-its-kind travel initiative that lists the world’s top 25 travel experiences.
The winners were announced at a gala interactive event at The Bellagio in Las Vegas on August 13.
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| Chad Clark |
“We are humbled and overwhelmed by the immense number of submissions we received from travel providers across the globe,” said Clark. “And, it’s an honor and a thrill to unveil the very best in luxury travel – the CHAD CLARK CERTIFIED 25. This initiative provides travel providers with an opportunity to have their premium experiences recognized and promoted in an innovative way, while simultaneously connecting travel advisors and ultimately travelers themselves, with exclusive, thoroughly vetted travel experiences that have an industry seal of approval.”
FAST FACTS
True North Adventure Cruises has won numerous awards for excellence including state and national tourism awards, export awards and numerous consumer awards.
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 adventure 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 landscapes, 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; some of Indonesia’s most stunning volcanic islands including Komodo – home to the largest lizard on the planet; the breathtaking islands of the Raja Ampat; the whale sharks of Cenderawasih Bay; the mighty Sepik River and the unspoiled islands of Papua New Guinea; beautiful Sydney Harbour and, a seafood safari around South Australia’s delightful Eyre Peninsula.
For more information go to www.truenorth.com.au
For more information on the CHAD CLARK 25 go to www.chadclarkcertified.com
Saturday, 20 May 2017
True North Wins Best Australian Adventure Experience and Best Luxury Expedition Cruise
#expeditioncruising .
True North Adventure Cruises wins multiple categories at Luxury Travel Magazine’s annual Gold List Awards.
The Broome-based adventure cruise operator scored significant wins as Best Australian Adventure Experience and Best Luxury Expedition Cruise.
The company has now won multiple Gold List awards since 2013 including five consecutive wins as Best Australian Adventure Experience. The total number of Gold List Awards won during the same period has reached 13.
Commenting on the company’s Gold List success, brand director Peter Trembath said “The high number of wins demonstrates the outstanding levels of customer satisfaction associated with an adventure cruise on the TRUE NORTH.
“Our guests don’t just disembark happy, they get off saying that their time on board was the best holiday they have ever had!”
When asked to explain the TRUE NORTH difference Mr Trembath responded “We have always focussed on providing unparalleled access to stunning coastal environments and unequalled opportunity to truly experience the destination. An adventure cruise on the TRUE NORTH is definitely not just another expedition cruise.”
Mr Trembath added that the wins were also an acknowledgement of the outstanding service culture that exists aboard TRUE NORTH “Nothing is too hard for our crew members.”
The latest accolades come as True North Adventure Cruises prepares to celebrate 30 years of successful operations.
On May 26 more than 300 guests will attend a gala celebration at Broome’s historic outdoor picture theatre, Sun Pictures. The event will include a feature length screening of the company’s anniversary movie 30 Years of Adventure.
True North Adventure Cruises wins multiple categories at Luxury Travel Magazine’s annual Gold List Awards.
The Broome-based adventure cruise operator scored significant wins as Best Australian Adventure Experience and Best Luxury Expedition Cruise.
The company has now won multiple Gold List awards since 2013 including five consecutive wins as Best Australian Adventure Experience. The total number of Gold List Awards won during the same period has reached 13.
Commenting on the company’s Gold List success, brand director Peter Trembath said “The high number of wins demonstrates the outstanding levels of customer satisfaction associated with an adventure cruise on the TRUE NORTH.
“Our guests don’t just disembark happy, they get off saying that their time on board was the best holiday they have ever had!”
When asked to explain the TRUE NORTH difference Mr Trembath responded “We have always focussed on providing unparalleled access to stunning coastal environments and unequalled opportunity to truly experience the destination. An adventure cruise on the TRUE NORTH is definitely not just another expedition cruise.”
Mr Trembath added that the wins were also an acknowledgement of the outstanding service culture that exists aboard TRUE NORTH “Nothing is too hard for our crew members.”
The latest accolades come as True North Adventure Cruises prepares to celebrate 30 years of successful operations.
On May 26 more than 300 guests will attend a gala celebration at Broome’s historic outdoor picture theatre, Sun Pictures. The event will include a feature length screening of the company’s anniversary movie 30 Years of Adventure.
Tuesday, 24 January 2017
Goodbye North Star Cruises
#expeditioncruising .
... and hello 'True North Adventure Cruises'
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."
... and hello 'True North Adventure Cruises'
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:
- New trading name: TRUE NORTH ADVENTURE CRUISES
- New web site address: www.truenorth.com.au
- New email addresses: In lieu of @northstarcruises.com.au etc. all email addresses will change to @truenorth.com.au e.g. sales@truenorth.com.au
- New social media addresses (already installed):
- https://www.facebook.com/truenorthadventurecruises
- https://twitter.com/MVTrueNorth
- https://www.instagram.com/truenorthadventurecruises/
- https://au.pinterest.com/truenorthcruise/
- https://www.youtube.com/user/truenorthadventurecruises
Tuesday, 3 January 2017
Experience the wonder of a True North Luxury Adventure Cruise
#expeditioncruising .
Featured Brochure
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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.
Join North Star Cruises for the adventure of a lifetime.
Saturday, 15 October 2016
World's best expedition cruise lines
#expeditioncruising . 
In recent years, urban fugitives have used the world’s growing fleet of modern expedition cruise vessels to set out and cross seas and oceans to unexplored lands in search of adventure. Such has been the surge in interest that great effort and expense has been employed to design a new breed of luxury ship to cater for the growing legions of travellers craving life’s big adventure.
In recent years, urban fugitives have used the world’s growing fleet of modern expedition cruise vessels to set out and cross seas and oceans to unexplored lands in search of adventure. Such has been the surge in interest that great effort and expense has been employed to design a new breed of luxury ship to cater for the growing legions of travellers craving life’s big adventure.
Read Full Story at Vacations & Travel
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