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True North’s two-ship expedition fleet completes makeover

Australia’s True North Adventure Cruises completed a major makeover of True North and True North II ahead of the upcoming 2024 Kimberley season.

Helen Hutcheon, Australasia correspondent

March 28, 2024

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

The company’s original vessel, the 22-passenger mono-hull True North, was launched in 1999 and operated Kimberley cruises under the former branding North Star Cruises.

She was refitted in Fremantle and made her maiden voyage as True North II in March 2023, after operating charters in Indonesia under the name Ratu Motu. 

The purpose-built mono-hull True North was commissioned in 2005 and carries 36 passengers and a crew of 22.

Western Australia’s Echo Marine Group carried out the makeovers, which included revamped cabins, an overhaul and rebuild of the gearboxes and paintwork.

Relaxing environment

‘While guests will typically be spending the majority of their time exploring off the vessels, whether this be snorkelling, fishing or enjoying a heli-picnic, we want to ensure that their time back on deck or recharging in their cabins is in the most relaxing environment possible,’ owner Chad Avenell said.

‘As a 100% Australian owned and operated shipbuilding and sustainment company, we are proud to have supported True North on their annual refit,’ Echo Marine Group MD Mark Stothard said.

Partnership with crew

‘In partnership with True North’s experienced crew, we have worked hard to ensure both vessels are back in the water at the highest standard, ready to explore our great wilderness,’ Echo’s Chief Operating Officer Nick Gee said.

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Australia

About the Author

Helen Hutcheon

Australasia correspondent

Helen Hutcheon did her cadetship on a shipping magazine and worked in P&O’s Sydney office for seven years as a public relations journalist.

For 19 years she was deputy editor of Travel Week, which was Australia’s leading trade newspaper that covered major local and international industry events.

In 2008 the late legendary Rama Rebbapragada presented her with an award from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd ‘in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the cruising industry.’

In 2010 she won the Neil Frazer Award for ‘outstanding contribution to the cruise industry,’ elevating her to CLIA Australasia’s hall of fame.

She has been the Australasia correspondent for Seatrade Cruise Review since 1997 and for Seatrade Insider (now Seatrade Cruise News) since its launch in 2000.

 

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