| More Island Escape Kimberley

NEW Zealand’s Island Escape Cruises has announced two additional nine-night Kimberley voyages to help meet surging demand for departures, with the company’s current 12-night WA itineraries almost sold out.

The shorter voyages, operating roundtrip from Broome, will depart on 17 and 26 Sep, with prices leading in at A$9,950 per person in an Ocean Suite.

The company has permits to operate both in the Kimberley and Great Barrier Reef National Parks, and is also offering a 10-night Great Barrier Reef voyage in Oct this year, cruising between Cairns and Brisbane.

The cruises will take place aboard the newbuild Island Escape yacht, which has now completed her sea trials and is undergoing final touches before welcoming the first guests aboard in Western Australia from 29 Jul.

“She performs beautifully, is whisper quiet with her diesel electric propulsion, very smooth with her stabilisers and has an enormous amount of al fresco dining and relaxing over three decks,” the company said.

Island Escape Cruises had previously planned to operate the inaugural season of its new vessel in New Zealand waters (CW 06 Nov 2020), but changed course after being granted permission to operate in Qld and then Western Australia (CW 17 Mar).

Island Escape carries 32 guests and 14 crew, and is fitted with the latest technology including state-of-the-art stabilisers and an energy recovery system which uses engine heat to make hot water for showers and the galley.

It also has a dynamic positioning system allowing it to avoid the use of anchors that would damage the sensitive seabed.