New Zealand’s Island Escape Cruises has announced that it has received approval to operate two additional shorter nine-night Kimberley voyages.
The additional cruises will be on board on board its new yacht, Island Escape, roundtrip from Broome, departing on 17 and 26 September, in responses to demand, with its 12-night WA itineraries nearly sold out.
A representative of Island Escape Cruises told Global Travel Media that the company was operating in full compliance with the Australian Federal Government and State requirements with the “essential” crew that is bridge and engineering crew not required to be Australian but the “non-essential” crew that is the hotel and hospitality crew all Australian.
Island Escape Cruises had originally planned to operate the inaugural season of Island Escape in New Zealand waters but the bane by the New Zealand government prevented that happening, with Island Escape Cruises saying that it has permits to operate both in the Kimberley and Great Barrier Reef National Parks and also has a 10-night Great Barrier Reef voyage in October between Cairns and Brisbane.
Island Escape which carries 32 guests and 14 crew, has completed her sea trials and will welcome the first guests on board in Western Australia from 29 July, with Island Escape Cruises saying that Island Escape performs beautifully, is whisper quiet with her diesel electric propulsion, very smooth with her stabilisers and that she 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 and she also has a dynamic positioning system allowing her to avoid the use of anchors that would damage the sensitive seabed.
She also has an enormous amount of all fresco dining and relaxing over three decks.
A report by John Alwyn-Jones, Cruise Editor.
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