APT has released new domestic cruise itineraries aboard Caledonian Sky. The short-duration Small Ship Expedition Cruises see return journeys sailing from Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide and Fremantle. Sailing from Nov through Mar, half of the program focuses on intra-state itineraries, meaning passengers need not be concerned about border closures. APT Managing...
APT has released new domestic cruise itineraries aboard Caledonian Sky.
The short-duration Small Ship Expedition Cruises see return journeys sailing from Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide and Fremantle.
Sailing from Nov through Mar, half of the program focuses on intra-state itineraries, meaning passengers need not be concerned about border closures.
APT Managing Director Chris Hall told Cruise Weekly the company’s experience with border restrictions meant it wanted to minimise interstate fly-cruising.
“We wanted to take the chance to showcase more of the state that you wouldn’t normally get to see…typically, it’s one or two nights and then you’re moving on, but this time we’ve got the luxury of time to spend a bit more time,” Hall explained.
“What we’re doing is providing opportunities for Australians to see a place they may have been before, but from a coastal angle.
“The gift of having a small ship is getting to a number of those out-of-the-way locations and utilising the Zodiacs, turning it into a proper expedition, albeit not too far from home.
The itineraries will provide an opportunity for pax to explore their home state in a new way while supporting local businesses.
“Our partners in the supply chain, the different rural places we’re going to visit, the cities where guests will do pre- and post-accommodation and utilise restaurants, all those parts of the economy are hurting,” Hall said.
“This deployment helps a lot of businesses around Australia, and I think that’s a great thing to be able to do at this time.”
To celebrate the launch of the new itineraries, APT has included a discount of up to 15% off the price across all suites categories when booked by 31 Oct, subject to availability.
The key itineraries include a five-day Coastal Victorian Discovery, cruising from Melbourne return along the Shipwreck Coast, visiting Port Fairy, Portland, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Twelve Apostles, with passengers enjoying the rare chance to cruise past the iconic limestone stacks at sunset, before entering Western Port and sailing by Phillip Island on the way to a wine tasting and lunch at a Mornington Peninsula winery.
This cruise is priced from $3,795 per person, twin share including the 15% discount.
There is also an eight-day Tasmania’s Wilderness Coast from Hobart return, exploring King Island and its gourmet treats, the Freycinet Peninsula, and World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain.
Passengers will also follow the Tamar Valley wine route for sparkling wine tastings.
