Scenic Cruises is currently in talks with state governments over plans to deploy its Scenic Eclipse ship for a 2021 Australian season.
The news means that 6 small ship cruise lines are planning to sail Australian itineraries in 2021 with Kimberley coastal voyages on the list of all.
According to Scenic Tours' spokesperson, talks with state governments had been “positive” and advanced but no official statement would be forthcoming until they're concluded out of respect for passengers. However, he confirmed that talks had been advanced and the world’s first discovery yacht capable of carrying 200+ guests, Scenic Eclipse, was being prepared for her first visit to Australia.
Once permission is granted, the superyacht Scenic Eclipse will sail a season from May 30 through August 18, subject to permissions from local and federal governments. It is possible the vessel will have restricted berths, as many companies are offering under 100 guests per voyage to beat Australia’s biosecurity laws.
Cruise fares range from US$15475 to US$71040 per person in a 2-bedroomed penthouse for an 11-night journey between Darwin and Broome. 8 itineraries are planned for the cruise season.
Scenic Cruises joins Aurora Expeditions (fleet/which announced this week that its Greg Mortimer ship would be based in Australia), Silversea and Ponant, while the Australian cruise lines True North and Coral Expeditions (fleet) are already operating.