True North ship inspection Sydney January 2019 mega yacht cruise ship

Cruise Express

Australian owned and operated

True North Cruises – True North

Reviewed by: Jane Burrows and Jo Scheutz
Date: 5 January 2019
Cruise line and ship: True North – mv True North
Capacity: 36 passengers
Crew: 22
Year built: 2005 – has a 6-week refurbishment every year
Builder: Austral Shipyards, Fremantle – Western Australia
Size of the ship: 740 GRT
Speed: 14 knots
Where the ship cruises: Kimberley, Australian Coast, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia
Currency onboard: Australian Dollars

Embarkation / Disembarkation: As you would expect with a ship of this size there is never a queue for anything. You are straight aboard.

Main features / highlights: The ship has a unique no shoe policy onboard for both crew and passengers which sets the relaxed tone right away. This is your ship and you’re at home. This extends to an open bridge policy where you can come and go as you please unless this ship is maneuvering in port. With just 36 passengers and 22 crew there us a focus on excellent attention to detail and customer service. Also the ship has 6 tenders allowing passengers to go ashore without delay. The ship is Australian registered meaning it can travel along the coast without having to feature at least one international port to comply with coastal regulations. This means more time seeing what you really want to see.

Most suited to: Mostly 50+ passengers who are looking for a very informal atmosphere and relaxed way of exploring destinations not often visited by other cruise lines. The ship also explores the Kimberley and while there are several other ships that do this there is a distinct advantage to travelling with so few people. You can get up close and see what you want to see easier and quicker. Smaller groups ashore also mean you can explore and learn with more one-on-one time with the guides.

Atmosphere: Intimate – the ship is essentially a mega-yacht so there are no show lounges, ballrooms, buffets or anything else but does have everything you could need for in-depth exploration with no lack of amenities or comfort. There is a forward facing seating area with both covered and open seating.

Encounters with staff: We found all staff to be very friendly and knowledgeable. The staff are mostly Australian – they know what Aussies like and yes they have Vegemite onboard! 

Staterooms: There are three grades of stateroom. The lowest grade is the eight Ocean Class on Lower and Main deck which are fixed-twin cabins mostly with portholes. Mid-range is the six River Class on Main Deck that feature king-size beds and two large picture windows. On Upper Deck are the four Explore Class suites which feature three large picture windows, an enormous bathroom with double vanity and a complimentary mini-bar set up. All cabins are light and airy with ample wardrobe space, good size TVs and included bathroom amenities.

Inclusions: All onboard meals, soft drinks and water plus and all shore excursions. Not included are alcoholic beverages, helicopter excursions and any souvenirs or items of a personal nature. Alcohol is complimentary at beach parties and heli-picnics.

Self-service laundry: No – available through ships laundry and extra charge.

Dining: All meals are served in the one dining room with buffet style breakfast and lunch and a set menu for dinner. A unique feature is that the he galley door is always open and guests are encouraged to visit the chefs. There is an emphasis here on the freshest possible ingredients, often locally sourced. In fact you are welcome to join the chef on shopping expeditions or even join them fishing for the catch of the day – you can’t get fresher than that!

Entertainment: All cruises have a naturalist onboard who provides lectures on the destinations visited and the flora and fauna you might encounter along the way. The crew also provide a charming impromptu show on occasion. Beach BBQs and drinks are a feature of the cruises often in remote and unique locations. There is a small onboard library and one computer with internet access (extra charge).

Family facilities: There are no dedicated children’s’ facilities. Children are welcome however they would need to be fairly self-sufficient with no children’s entertainment as such. The chef can provide kids meals that are served in a separate area to the main dining venue.

Activities: The ship is licensed for fishing so anglers will be at home here. The main highlight here is really the ability to go ashore in unusual and remote destinations. Think oysters and champagne on a sandbar and sundown – yes please! The ship has a shallower draft meaning it can even nose right up to waterfalls.

The ship carries its’ own helicopter providing excursions to go on private picnics in remote locations not accessible any other way, as well as aerial explorations further afield to locations such as the Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley. Accredited divers will also be at home on this ship though for those without such skills snorkelling equipment is available for locations where swimming is possible.

Spa: No – don’t forget your sunscreen!

Smokers: Select outdoor areas.

Insider Tips: The vessel has Australian power points which is handy for hair dryers or phone chargers. There is no shop onboard as such so don’t forget your toiletries, sunscreen, batteries etc. The ship is fully stabilised however being a small ship those prone to motion sickness should also think about appropriate medications.

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True North Cruises – True North

Reviewed by: Jane Burrows and Jo Scheutz
Date: 5 January 2019
Cruise line and ship: True North – mv True North
Capacity: 36 passengers
Crew: 22
Year built: 2005 – has a 6-week refurbishment every year
Builder: Austral Shipyards, Fremantle – Western Australia
Size of the ship: 740 GRT
Speed: 14 knots
Where the ship cruises: Kimberley, Australian Coast, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia
Currency onboard: Australian Dollars

Embarkation / Disembarkation: As you would expect with a ship of this size there is never a queue for anything. You are straight aboard.

Main features / highlights: The ship has a unique no shoe policy onboard for both crew and passengers which sets the relaxed tone right away. This is your ship and you’re at home. This extends to an open bridge policy where you can come and go as you please unless this ship is maneuvering in port. With just 36 passengers and 22 crew there us a focus on excellent attention to detail and customer service. Also the ship has 6 tenders allowing passengers to go ashore without delay. The ship is Australian registered meaning it can travel along the coast without having to feature at least one international port to comply with coastal regulations. This means more time seeing what you really want to see.

Most suited to: Mostly 50+ passengers who are looking for a very informal atmosphere and relaxed way of exploring destinations not often visited by other cruise lines. The ship also explores the Kimberley and while there are several other ships that do this there is a distinct advantage to travelling with so few people. You can get up close and see what you want to see easier and quicker. Smaller groups ashore also mean you can explore and learn with more one-on-one time with the guides.

Atmosphere: Intimate – the ship is essentially a mega-yacht so there are no show lounges, ballrooms, buffets or anything else but does have everything you could need for in-depth exploration with no lack of amenities or comfort. There is a forward facing seating area with both covered and open seating.

Encounters with staff: We found all staff to be very friendly and knowledgeable. The staff are mostly Australian – they know what Aussies like and yes they have Vegemite onboard! 

Staterooms: There are three grades of stateroom. The lowest grade is the eight Ocean Class on Lower and Main deck which are fixed-twin cabins mostly with portholes. Mid-range is the six River Class on Main Deck that feature king-size beds and two large picture windows. On Upper Deck are the four Explore Class suites which feature three large picture windows, an enormous bathroom with double vanity and a complimentary mini-bar set up. All cabins are light and airy with ample wardrobe space, good size TVs and included bathroom amenities.

Inclusions: All onboard meals, soft drinks and water plus and all shore excursions. Not included are alcoholic beverages, helicopter excursions and any souvenirs or items of a personal nature. Alcohol is complimentary at beach parties and heli-picnics.

Self-service laundry: No – available through ships laundry and extra charge.

Dining: All meals are served in the one dining room with buffet style breakfast and lunch and a set menu for dinner. A unique feature is that the he galley door is always open and guests are encouraged to visit the chefs. There is an emphasis here on the freshest possible ingredients, often locally sourced. In fact you are welcome to join the chef on shopping expeditions or even join them fishing for the catch of the day – you can’t get fresher than that!

Entertainment: All cruises have a naturalist onboard who provides lectures on the destinations visited and the flora and fauna you might encounter along the way. The crew also provide a charming impromptu show on occasion. Beach BBQs and drinks are a feature of the cruises often in remote and unique locations. There is a small onboard library and one computer with internet access (extra charge).

Family facilities: There are no dedicated children’s’ facilities. Children are welcome however they would need to be fairly self-sufficient with no children’s entertainment as such. The chef can provide kids meals that are served in a separate area to the main dining venue.

Activities: The ship is licensed for fishing so anglers will be at home here. The main highlight here is really the ability to go ashore in unusual and remote destinations. Think oysters and champagne on a sandbar and sundown – yes please! The ship has a shallower draft meaning it can even nose right up to waterfalls.

The ship carries its’ own helicopter providing excursions to go on private picnics in remote locations not accessible any other way, as well as aerial explorations further afield to locations such as the Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley. Accredited divers will also be at home on this ship though for those without such skills snorkelling equipment is available for locations where swimming is possible.

Spa: No – don’t forget your sunscreen!

Smokers: Select outdoor areas.

Insider Tips: The vessel has Australian power points which is handy for hair dryers or phone chargers. There is no shop onboard as such so don’t forget your toiletries, sunscreen, batteries etc. The ship is fully stabilised however being a small ship those prone to motion sickness should also think about appropriate medications.

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