Cruising in Viking’s lair is a shore thing

The maiden visit of luxury ship Viking Orion to Hobart has been hailed as further evidence of Tasmania’s growing reputation as a cruise destination. SEE THE VIDEO TOUR

THE maiden visit of luxury ship Viking Orion to Hobart has been hailed as further evidence of Tasmania’s growing reputation as a cruise destination.

The boutique, adults-only Viking Orion, which can carry up to 930 guests, docked in Hobart on Friday as part of its 15-day voyage from Sydney to Auckland.

Australian Cruise Association CEO Jill Abel. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Australian Cruise Association chief executive Jill Abel said the state “is well recognised in terms of its brand, in terms of its produce and its cultural offerings”.

“I think the cruise industry is really identifying with that, and I think in some of these lines like Viking, that opportunity to immerse these passengers in the destination is very important,” Ms Abel said.

The Viking Orion cruise ship.

While the Viking Orion is decadently decked out with features including an infinity pool and a snow grotto, there is far more to the cruises than what is on board.

Viking Cruises Australian and New Zealand managing director Michelle Black said the destination-focused itineraries were designed for experienced travellers who had an interest in geography, culture, and history.

“Each journey includes a shore excursion in every port, providing a deep immersion in the destination, whether it’s music and art, architecture or food and wine,” Ms Black said.

Ms Black said the ship would visit Hobart five times in 2019 as part of its 15-day Australia and New Zealand itinerary, and would extend its season in the state in 2020.

The atrium onboard the new Viking Orion cruise ship. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

The main pool deck. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

According to the Viking Cruises website, a 15-day cruise from Auckland to Sydney, which includes a stop in Tasmania, from December 30 ranges in price from $7995 to $36,395.

Destination Southern Tasmania chief executive Alex Heroys said it was great to be able to attract a high-end, high-yielding vessel that was interested in the destination. He said Viking passengers “are the kind of passenger that gets up early in the morning, gets out on tour, and disperses around Southern Tasmania”.

“We surveyed in 2016 with the State Government and the City of Hobart, and that returned a figure of $172 per passenger on each arrival,” Mr Heroys said.

“If you take the figure for the vessel, that’s a direct passenger spend of $160,000. With the high-yielding passengers, what we’re looking to do is increase that yield by showcasing the type of quality, high-end products we have in Southern Tasmania.”

The snow grotto in the spa. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN