Royal Caribbean International has announced it would be basing the Celebrity Eclipse in Melbourne from the 2020/21 summer season.
Celebrity Cruises, known for their small ships, will be sending the Eclipse to Melbourne on December 23, 2020 for her inaugural season which will run until April 2021.
She’ll undergo a major refurbishment – $700 million to be exact – and the line will be updating her accommodation, public spaces and culinary programs.
“Melbourne was an obvious choice as a home port for this beautiful ship, which will be brand new to our shores,” said a spokesperson. “The ship’s modern luxury design, and award-winning wine and food programme fit perfectly with the state’s rich cultural and culinary scene.”
From Melbourne, she’ll be sailing from seven round-trip sailings which range between eight and 14 nights to destinations that include Tasmania, South Australia, New Zealand as well as the South Pacific.
This is another major ship to be based in Melbourne, with Cunard’s luxurious Queen Elizabeth starting her inaugural season in just a few weeks.
Victoria is fast becoming a major cruise destination. And while NSW and Queensland are boast the largest cruise market, Victoria ranks third taking a share of 12.8 per cent of the cruise population.
