Island Escape

Vessel: Double hull catamaran

Star rating: 4 star

Passengers: 21 Passengers overnight.  200 passengers day charter.

What's included:

• All on board chef-prepared meals
• Complimentary bottled water, fruit juice, soft drinks and espresso coffee
• On board expedition leaders
• Free small boat excursions with guides
• Free small boat sport fishing trips with guides
• Free use of all fishing equipment including lures & bait
• F ree use of snorkelling equipment
• Free use of sea kayaks
• Port Taxes
• Gratuities

What's new:

The Island Passage only cruises in sheltered waters and features 10 cabins accommodating a maximum of 21 passengers, ensuring an intimate and relaxing cruise.

On our Vanuatu cruises we visit Espiritu Santo and nearby islands. These have Vanuatu’s tallest mountains, the South Pacific’s most delicious beef, the world’s most beautiful beach and arguably some of the world’s most primitive villages.

In New Zealand we cruise the pristine waters of the Marlborough Sounds and the Bay of Islands where you can visit the ‘cradle of New Zealand civilisation’. Other options include our 'Treasure Islands of Auckland' where you will be amazed as you cruise out of Auckland to the stunning Hauraki Gulf and visit some of New Zealand’s most pristine islands and wilderness areas.

For small groups the Island Passage represents the ultimate floating luxury escape. Welcome to our Paradise.

Island Passage Cruises

The Island Passage is our beautifully-appointed small ship. Weighing in at almost 500 tonnes, she’s equipped to travel to inaccessible areas while delivering the highest level of passenger comfort.

On board you’ll find 10 spacious ensuite cabins, a large dining room and saloon lounge, a library and generous outdoor living spaces. In the galley, our chef works with the freshest local ingredients and delicacies to create memorable meals that reflect the day’s adventures.

For entertainment and exploration, Island Passage carries purpose-built landing craft, three large tenders, sea kayaks, a five-seater helicopter and snorkelling equipment. Never a dull moment, although lazing in a deckchair is always an acceptable option. During each journey, our eight-person crew are on hand to share their knowledge of the ocean and local landscapes. On selected trips, the learning experience will be enhanced by a New Zealand Geographic scientist, historian, photographer or explorer. The NZ Department of Conservation has granted Island Passage permission to operate in DOC sites within New Zealand.

The alliance between Island Escape and New Zealand Geographic is assisting research and exploration projects around the service region. Together we support the New Zealand Geographic Trust with funding for research and conservation in the areas we visit. 

Welcome aboard.

Onboard Experience
	Entertainment Island Passage carries purpose-built landing craft, three large tenders, sea kayaks, a five-seater helicopter and snorkelling equipment.
	Dining Relaxation, exceptional food and fine wine are an essential part of your expedition. Fresh air not only clears your mind, it makes you hungry. Island Passage is equipped with a professional galley and a chef who’s dedicated to making every meal magnificent. Local seafood (maybe even some you caught yourself) is often on the menu; you’ll also enjoy other delicacies and organic artisan foods produced in the local region. Breakfast and lunch are usually served on the aft deck, so that you won’t miss a single minute of any of the beautiful scenery. In the evening you’ll dine in style at one of the 10-seater tables. Conversation is invariably lively and lots of fun. Our on-board wine cellar is brimming with a selection of award-winning New Zealand wines. You won’t need to remember the recipe for your favourite aperitif; our bartender is well-versed in the magic of mixology.
	Facilities The Island Passage operates with a crew of eight and is registered as a New Zealand vessel under NZ Safe Ship Management. She has a tonnage of 496 GRT. The ship carries a selection of landing craft, tenders and kayaks to allow exploring off the ship into bays, estuaries and islands. The helicopter is available for trips beyond the range of our sea craft.
Accomodation
	Accommodation The Island Passage is perfect for a leisurely break from a hectic lifestyle. We only have accommodation onboard for 20 passengers. The ten spacious cabins, with rich timber panelling and New Zealand Kauri furniture, all fitted with DVD, audio and TV, and are all air-conditioned. Most with doors opening on to the outer deck, each cabin has its own private ensuite.
Cabins
	Expedition Cabins Located on the lower deck. All have two large portholes offering views out to sea and plenty of light. The Waimate Chanel cabin is 14 square metres (150 sq ft) and features a queen size bed. The Colville & Jellicoe Chanel cabins are 14 square metres (150 sq ft) each and feature 2 x twin beds plus a Pullman berth for a third passenger. The Tiri Tiri Chanel cabin has 2 x convertible single beds and is 18 square metres (194 sq ft). Each expedition cabin features spacious en-suites and are individually air-conditioned with flat screen TV. DVD/CD and free movies on demand are available.
	Staterooms These staterooms are 16 - 18 square metres (172 – 194 sq ft) and are located on the Promenade deck. Each stateroom has large picture windows with its own door opening directly onto the Promenade Deck, spacious en-suites and are individually air-conditioned with flat screen TV. DVD/CD and free movies on demand are available. The Kawai & Motatapu Island suites have twin bedding while the Rakino & Pakatoa Island suite features a queen bed. The Motatpu island cabin has wheelchair accessibility and has bathroom facilities to assist wheelchair guests.
	Bridge Deck Suite Space and luxury on the private Bridge Deck. Both suites are 20 square metres (215 sq ft), have doors opening directly to the teak bridge deck and are on the same level as the captain’s cabin, helicopter and boat deck. The suites feature king size beds with a very spacious en-suites, writing desk, easy chair and air conditioning. These suites offer the very best views on the ship from extra large windows and they are always in high demand. Large flat screen TV, DVD/CD and free movies on demand are available.