North Star to offer special guests and destinations
By: Katrina Archer and Bruce Piper, Cruise Weekly

All of North Star Cruises' voyages next year will be themed, featuring a range of guest speakers and chefs.

At the Australian Tourism Exchange in Melbourne last week, General Manager, Peter Trembath, said the move was a result of market demand, with 2010-11 itineraries currently being finalised for release in August.

He confirmed that next year True North would visit the Solomon Islands and West Papua for the first time, as well as continuing its popular Kimberley and Papua New Guinea voyages.

Trembath also revealed that the vessel's 2010 South Australian itineraries would for the first time offer a combination package with the upmarket Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island.

"We have found that Southern Ocean Lodge has the same values and aspirational clientele, meaning the products are extremely complementary," he said.

He said the refined South Australian itineraries would include a shore-based overnight stay at the lodge.

Trembath also confirmed that True North would continue to offer its signature onboard helicopter for guest excursions, despite the unfortunate incident last year when the aircraft ditched off the Kimberley coast.

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