New Tasmania vessel

A NEW Australian expedition vessel, On Board’s Odalisque III, is set to “redefine Tasmanian luxury”, according to the cruise line (CW 26 Jul 2022).

Odalisque III was launched today in Hobart in a ceremony which celebrated Tasmania’s rich maritime history, its World Heritage wilderness areas, and the local artisans and suppliers involved in the ship’s design and build, which was overseen by the state’s renowned shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine.

The 24-metre, three-deck catamaran, catering for just 12 guests, will “merge indulgence with adventure”, featuring exclusive access to remote locations during the day, and fine fare at night.

Next week, Odalisque III will head to South West Tasmania for her inaugural expedition cruise, which starts 30 Jan.

The first guests aboard will enjoy On Board’s signature fiveday Port Davey expedition sailing, which explores the rivers and coastlines of Port Davey, Bathurst Harbour, and Melaleuca.

Odalisque III has been designed to create a very low environmental impact, with tinted windows to reduce the reliance on air conditioning, and a large lithium-ion battery bank to minimise the use of generators.

She will feature an allTasmanian crew of acclaimed chefs, guides, and more.

Guests will soon be able to fly direct from Hobart’s waterfront to Odalisque III’s exclusive mooring via On Board’s new Cessna Caravan seaplane, operated in partnership with Above & Beyond.

“Today shows what those of us in the Tasmanian tourism industry really can do to care for and share our precious place in a responsible way for future generations,” On Board founder and Odalisque III Captain Pieter van der Woude said.

“We want not only to showcase our incredible environment to guests but inspire and excite them to conserve the wild places that we love – and be absolutely sure that in 40 years’ time, when I am long gone, On Board will still be able to share the same wilderness with our guests.”

Present at the launch ceremony was Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith, who named Port Davey as one of the most precious places in the world.

“Businesses like On Board, who immerse guests in this incredible wilderness, providing luxury but with a care and passion for the place, are pioneering the future of Tasmania’s tourism,” he added.

On Board’s Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour expeditions run between Jan and May, and its East Coast Expeditions run from Jun to Nov.

Private charters are also available - CLICK HERE for more.