Tasmania has today welcomed Scenic Eclipse II on her maiden call to Hobart, marking the very first ultra-luxury cruise line to visit Tasmania.
Launched in 2023, Scenic Eclipse II has 114 suites with a capacity for 228 guests, or 200 guests for Antarctic expeditions.
Premier and Minister for Tourism, Jeremy Rockliff, said the arrival of Scenic Eclipse II is a demonstration of the strength and appeal of Tasmania as a cruise destination.
"It's very exciting to welcome one of the world's foremost luxury cruise lines, bringing 200 guests into port, with another 200 boarding for the start of their next expedition from Hobart," Premier Rockliff said.
"Tasmania is the gateway to the Antarctic, and we are particularly excited to welcome this vessel as it arrives from its first expedition to east Antarctica."
Scenic Eclipse II belongs to Scenic's fleet of the world's first ultra-luxury, polar class 6, 'Discovery Yacht' cruise ships founded in Australia. With state-of-the-art technologies to minimise environmental impact, they are also featured in the Warner Bros. Discovery series 'Maritime Masters - Expedition Antarctica'.
Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Clark said Scenic attracts travellers who are aligned to what Tasmania has to offer: bespoke experiences, quality food and produce, unique natural landscapes and a chance to get off the beaten path.
"Scenic specifically attracts high value travellers who are conscious of the environment and are sensitive of their impact while travelling," Ms Clark said.
"This maiden voyage is also a turnaround visit, which has flow-on effects for suppliers and operators, as the ship will need full provisioning and many guests will book accommodation in Tasmania pre and post their cruise."
Growing the visitor economy is an important part of the Government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
"One in eight Tasmanians work in the tourism and hospitality industry, and we are sustainably growing visitation, training our next generation of workers and backing businesses," Premier Rockliff said.
