The refurbished Island Passage
has added facilities and crew to
explore a different part of New
Zealand’s fiordlands.
FOLLOWING a significant upgrade, the
24-passenger small ship Island Passage has
started operating cruises that venture beyond
the usual Milford Sound region.
“The big ships have spoiled the remoteness
of Milford Sound and Dusky Sound,” Peter
Bissett, founder of Island Escape Cruises told
Cruise Weekly.
“Our new itinerary is in the northern fiords,
such as Nancy Sound and George Sound,
where nobody else is operating.”
The Island Passage, which also has cruises
in the more travelled sections of the World
Heritage Fiordland National Park, as well as
New Zealand’s Bay of Islands and Vanuatu,
recently underwent a six-week $500,000 refit.
The vessel has a more contemporary look,
with new carpet, textiles, furniture and bed
linens in suites and staterooms, and L’Occitane
toiletries in the upgraded bathrooms.
For the first time, an onboard cruise director
has been appointed to improve the passenger
experience, along with a chief stewardess and
a new marine biologist.
“People love our cruises to pieces but we
want to surprise them with a higher level of
service and make Island Passage the best little
ship in this part of the world,” Bissett said.
Planned in time for the 2014 Vanuatu season,
the helicopter deck will be converted into
an outdoor undercover lounge with alfresco
dining, six steamer chairs and a king-size bed
that guests can reserve for a night “sleeping
under the stars”.
Other changes already implemented include
new menus and updated wine selections, new
tableware and a fresh paint job.
All NZ fiordland packages include a pre-cruise
night at Queenstown Heritage Hotel,
helicopter transfers and scenic flights.
For more information and to make a booking,
see www.islandescapecruises.com.
