APT has launched its new range of short duration, Small Ship Expedition Cruises within Australian waters aboard the Australian owned, 99-passenger MS Caledonian Sky from November 2021 through to March 2022.
Four of the eight unique and exciting itineraries are sailed intrastate, which means passengers need not be concerned about border closures, providing a remarkable opportunity for them to explore their home states in a new way while supporting local businesses.
“There is no doubt that our industry is suffering in many ways right now, and at APT we are trying to do everything we can to help. We are offering as much inventory as possible, so our travel agent partners have options for their customers,” said APT’s managing director Chris Hall. We know the ongoing challenges with border closures are deeply impacting us all, but we are determined to look forward, as we know from the success of our cruising on the west coast this year, people want to travel.
“Our recent Kimberley cruises have proven that when given the chance, people want to get out there and see their own backyard. From June to August, we conducted six cruises in the Kimberley and have maintained our customer satisfaction rating of 98% from guests which we are extremely proud of, especially considering the worker shortages in Australia with the borders closed.”
Your clients can now travel on these all-Australian journeys, with the bonus of sailing on a small ship which can access places and ports larger vessels can’t hope to visit, and the use of an onboard fleet of Zodiacs for even more flexibility.
To celebrate the launch these new itineraries, APT has included a discount of up to 15% off the price across all suites categories when booked by 31 October 2021, subject to availability.
Itineraries include:
• 5-day Coastal Victorian Discovery: Cruise from Melbourne return along the fabled Shipwreck Coast, visiting charming Port Fairy, Portland, Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles. Then enjoy the rare chance to cruise past the iconic limestone stacks at sunset before entering Western Port Bay and sailing by Phillip Island on the way to a wine tasting and lunch at a renowned Mornington Peninsula winery. Departing Melbourne 21 and 25 November 2021 these 5-day cruises are priced from $3,795 per person, twin share including the 15% discount.
• 8-day Tasmania’s Wilderness Coast: From Hobart return, explore King Island and its gourmet treats, the beautiful Freycinet Peninsula and World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain. Follow the Tamar Valley wine route for sparkling wine tastings, travel to Port Arthur Penal Settlement by Zodiac, and encounter Hobart’s eclectic Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). There are two departures 5 and 12 December 2021 which are priced from $8,895 per person, twin share including the 15% discount.
• 8-day South Australian Coastal Frontier: Cruise from Adelaide return along the Limestone Coast, with the option of visiting the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves or Mt Gambier, home to the famous Blue Lake. Discover Kangaroo Island’s scenery and wildlife, explore Port Lincoln by boat, and eat fresh-from-the-ocean oysters at Coffin Bay. Add a visit to the Barossa Valley for a special lunch at St Hugo. The four departures dates are, 30 December 2021; 6, 13, 20 January 2022 priced from $8,195 per person, twin share including the 15% discount.
• 8-day South West Coast Explorer: Depart from Fremantle return to discover Margaret River’s fine wineries and spectacular scenery, walking part of the famous Cape to Cape Track along the coast. Visit historic Albany, picturesque Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park and the Fitzgerald River National Park. The three departures dates are, 23 February, 2 and 9 March 2022 and priced from $7,391 per person, twin share including the 15% discount.
Other trips include a 7-day Tasmania Exploration from Melbourne to Hobart from $6,796, a 12-day Tasmania & South Australia Expedition from Hobart to Adelaide or reverse from $12,595, and an epic 17-day Tasmania & the Great Southern Coast journey from Hobart to Fremantle from $15,976; (all prices are per person, twin share and include discount).
APT is including their Domestic Peace of Mind Deposit Cover on all bookings. Guests can pay an upfront fee of $95 per person to postpone their holiday up to 100 days prior to departure. All monies paid can be used towards a new booking within three years of departure.
Full listing of the new cruises can be found HERE.
For more information speak to your ATG BDM call APT on 1300 278 278.
TOP IMAGE: Honeymoon Bay, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania/ APT
