WEALTHY travellers are expected to jet in from all over the globe when the luxurious boutique mega-yacht SeaDream II makes its maiden voyage to Cairns in 2014.

The SeaDream II, rated the top boutique cruise ship in its class by the 2012 Berlitz Guide, is expected to dock at the Port of Cairns on February 1, 2014, with about 100 guests leaving the vessel and 112 coming on board for a 15-day, $9600 cruise to Bali.

Business and Leisure Travel managing director Martin Keating said Cairns was now a major port of call for one of the world's most exclusive and award-winning vessels.

He said SeaDream II would spend six months in Asia, the Northern Territory and Queensland from October 2013.

"This will be the first time the 100-passenger ship has included Asia and Australia in their program. SeaDream II makes its maiden call in Australia, arriving in Darwin on January 25, 2014, halfway through a voyage from Bali to Cairns," Mr Keating said.

"Departing from Cairns on February 1, she returns to Bali via five ports in Papua New Guinea and three Indonesian islands.

"In the past Australian guests would have had to fly all the way to the Caribbean or the Amazon to sail with SeaDream."

Marketing manager Vyvyen Wong said passengers would fly into Cairns a few days before the ship's arrival from the UK, US and Europe.

She said they were wealthy and keen to visit the exotic locations on the itinerary.

Ports North chairman Brett Moller said Cairns was long-regarded as a premier destination.

"The Far North region provides a unique and interesting experience for visitors and attracts a variety of cruise vessels," he said.

 

Share this article