Three luxury super yachts have moored in Cairns for good bringing luxury tourists to Cairns

Big spenders dropping more than $300,000 a week are expected to flock to Cairns after a new fleet of super yachts docked for good in the Far North.

The Morris Group has permanently moored their superyacht fleet of MY Northern Escape, MY Flying Fish and MY Beluga available for charter at the Cairns Marlin Marina. MY Northern Escape captain Sam Aldred in the 41 metre superyacht master bedroom suite. Picture: Brendan Radke

Big spenders dropping more than $300,000 a week are expected to descend on Cairns after a new fleet of super yachts arrived in the Far North.

At 41 metres, the Italian built M.Y Northern Escape superyacht is the largest of three ships that have relocated to Cairns Marlin Marina in what is expected to boost local businesses and entice luxury travellers to Cairns.

The fleet, also made up of M.Y Flying Fish, and M.Y Beluga, sleep between eight and twelve staff and can set travellers back more than $300,000 a week.

The Morris Group has permanently moored their superyacht fleet of MY Northern Escape, MY Flying Fish and MY Beluga available for charter at the Cairns Marlin Marina. 41 metre superyacht MY Northern Escape's leather-clad bridge and wheelhouse. Picture: Brendan Radke

Morris Nautical CEO and M.Y Northern Escape Captain Sam Aldred said despite the price tag, each boat comes with a seven star chef, the best staff and produce money can buy, and just about anything clients want.

“We’ve taken bookings from the Solomon Islands right down to Sydney, so already booked up around 12 weeks of charters,” Mr Aldred said.

“Our eight crew comes with basically a seven-star chef who will be on board, we offer scuba diving, fishing, there’s nothing that we can’t do.

“It’s probably the highest quality of service that you’ll get.”

The new fleet is set to join a number of Super Yachts already moored in Cairns including True Blue and the Princess Alexandra.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said super yachts and luxury experiences make Cairns stand out to the world’s biggest spenders – and people were starting to notice.

The Morris Group has permanently moored their superyacht fleet of MY Northern Escape, MY Flying Fish and MY Beluga available for charter at the Cairns Marlin Marina. Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef manager Jodie Growden, Morris Nautical chief executive Sam Aldred, Ports North chief executive Richard Stevenson and Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen make the announcement on the 41 metre MY Northern Escape, which is available for charter from $300,000 per week. Picture: Brendan Radke

“As international visitation grows, we need world-class products to match the world-class environment that the destination offers,” Mr Olsen said.

“Each one of these three vessels is an icon in and of itself in international visitation potential for this destination in luxury, touring, and experience.

“In just a few days, we’ll be welcoming flights in with Fiji Airways from the US, increasing services from international visitors right across the world.”

The Morris Group has permanently moored their superyacht fleet of MY Northern Escape, MY Flying Fish and MY Beluga available for charter at the Cairns Marlin Marina. Second stewardess Becky Sayle mixes a cocktail at the upstairs bar on the 41 metre superyacht, which is available for charter from $300,000 per week. Picture: Brendan Radke

In recent years general tourism numbers have struggled to bounce back, sitting at roughly 60 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

But Mr Olsen said the luxury market has boomed and is only set to grow.

“I was in China ten days ago and the luxury market is what is back and growing,” Mr Olsen said.

“We have seen this huge rebound in high end luxury travel, not all our international markets are back … but that higher end traveller is what we are seeing really grow globally.

“The travellers have the whole world to choose from so you need a hook and these three vessels are a pretty amazing hook.”

Originally published as Three luxury super yachts have moored in Cairns for good bringing luxury tourists to Cairns