Latest Austal Launch Heralds a New Era in Australian Adventure Cruising

Australian shipbuilder Austal yesterday celebrated the launch of what is arguably the world’s best live-aboard adventure cruise vessel, the 50 metre, 36 passenger “True North”. Construction of this vessel has proceeded rapidly since the contract, Austal’s second with fellow Western Australian company North Star Cruises, was announced 12 months ago and the magnificent new vessel will begin cruising in the new year, once fitout and sea trials have been completed.

Austal Executive Chairman John Rothwell said he was delighted to see the project reach this important milestone.

“Today is a proud day for the owners and for Austal, in particular the close knit group who have been working on this vessel over the last year. Skilled tradespeople such as these are the foundation on which our success is built and I can’t speak highly enough of the work that the entire team at Austal is producing,” he said.

The winner of multiple tourism awards, North Star Cruises is the longest established charter cruise operator to cover the vast wilderness of the far north of Western Australia. The company specialises in cruises along the spectacular Kimberley coastline and at the Rowley Shoals - three atolls on the edge of Australia’s continental shelf, 300 kilometres west of Broome.

Mr Rothwell said it was particularly satisfying that the vessel was not only designed and built in Western Australia but would continue to operate locally with one of the state’s leading tourism operators.

“That means that, in addition to the immediate economic contribution generated by building the vessel here, North Star’s operations will provide an ongoing boost to the economy particularly in regional areas. It is great to be playing a part in further developing our tourism industry in this manner,” he said.

North Star’s existing vessel, delivered by Austal in 1999 and also named “True North”, has been instrumental in developing the company’s reputation for offering the ultimate in style and comfort and the new, larger vessel will take the cruising experience to a level previously unheard of while maintaining the appeal of highly personalised onboard service and the ability to visit areas that are inaccessible to larger vessels without sacrificing onboard amenities.

The 36 berth aluminium monohull has four more cabins than the current vessel and greater space throughout. The mix of cabin types has also been changed in response to passenger demands for the higher end luxury provided by staterooms. Intending passengers will be able to select from three options on the new vessel: four premium staterooms on the upper deck, six staterooms on the main deck and eight large double cabins on the lower deck. Each cabin has its own en suite.

Whereas the current vessel has a combined lounge and dining area, the increased common area on the new “True North” is split over two decks. Dining takes place on the main deck and the lounge-bar is located on the upper deck and opens onto an outdoor area, providing guests with a spectacular viewing platform.

Another obvious and attractive feature of the new vessel is the range of equipment will be carried to enable passengers to explore the most remote and spectacular highlights of the cruising grounds. With a seven-seat helicopter carried on the top deck and six tenders on board, guests can undertake a range of different activities simultaneously – from scenic flights over waterfalls, rivers and gorges through to fishing, diving and exploring ashore.

The arrival of the new vessel will also see North Star Cruises expanding its sphere of operations with a 7-night, 8-day cruise in the waters of Papua New Guinea and 14 day “Over the Top” cruises linking Cairns and Darwin being added to the existing favourites in the Kimberley and Rowley Shoals.

ENDS