Windstar Cruises will join the increasing number of small ship luxury lines in Australia in 2020-2021, using the renovated Star Breeze ship.
The all-suite 312-passenger vessel will sail a series of “immersive” journey to Australia and New Zealand. The cruise line will offer its “Signature Expeditions”, what Windstar calls “intimate, expedition-style adventures and active enrichment, with kayaks and Zodiacs, launched right from the ship in remote bays and hidden harbours”.
Star Breeze will sail out of Cairns to Melbourne, with visits to some of the most iconic destinations in the country, including the Great Barrier Reef. In New Zealand, the vessel will sail the North and South Islands, quaint port towns, and all major cities.
Overnights will be offered in Christchurch and Wellington, as well as scenic fjord cruising and calls to smaller places such as Napier, that is a jumping-off spot for the wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay.
Star Breeze will offer 2 voyages visiting a mix of both Australia and New Zealand with “sightings of kiwis, koalas, and kangaroos” between Sydney and Auckland. The vessel will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment, including a brand new pool and surrounding deck area, 2 new dining venues, a redesigned spa and fitness centre, and fifty new suites and a 3-bedroom Grand Owner’s Suite.
Bookings are open for Windstar’s Australia & New Zealand itineraries in 2020-2021 with a total of 9 departure dates offered. The new voyages run between November 2020-February 2021 beginning at US$4,599 per person, double occupancy.
Additionally, Wind Spirit is offering the opportunity to experience South Pacific trade winds on one of the most iconic sailing ships in the world. Currently based in Tahiti, the vessel is expanding its South Pacific reach in 2020 and will also visit Australia.
Reservations are now open for Wind Spirit’s 2 week-long ocean crossings with lots of time to enjoy the ocean from New Caledonia to Australia and a 15-night cruise from Australia to Indonesia, featuring calls to Cairns, Port Douglas, Yirrkala, Darwin, Thursday Island, along the northern coast of Australia. Prices start at US$1,299 per person for the Coral Sea Crossing.
The 6 Windstar itineraries on offer include:
- 12/13-day Hidden Indonesia & Great Barrier Reef Exploration from Benoa, (Bali), Indonesia to Cairns, Australia
- 11-day Deep Dive Down Under: The Great Barrier Reef & Beyond from Cairns to Melbourne (or reverse)
- 13-day Penguin Parades to Pinot Noir: the Wild Side of Australia & Tasmania from Melbourne to Sydney
- 15-day Walkabout With Tassies, Aussies & Kiwis from Sydney to Auckland
- 15-day Comprehensive New Zealand round trip from Auckland
- 14-day Kiwis, Koalas & Kangaroos from Auckland to Sydney.