Overnight cruises are back from Milford Wanderer after major refit

The Milford Wanderer is once again doing overnight cruises following a major refit that has seen it transformed from a boat with open dorm style accommodation that could carry 60 passengers into one with mainly double/twin cabins that now carry only 36 passengers.

Brian Humphrey is the general manager of maintenance and engineering for Real Journeys, who have overseen the refit, won’t reveal the full cost of the refit, estimated at a few million dollars, but has said that it has turned the Wanderer into what he considers to be now 4 star accommodation.

Mr Humphrey says that the only reason he wouldn’t give it a 5 star rating is because there are shared bathroom facilities, even though they are of the highest quality, like the other fittings. He added that all the cabins has also been insulated, which makes them very quiet and cosy.

The saloon has been extended to provide more space and more luxurious seating inside, and the interior has been re-designed with extensive use of wood panelling and brass light fittings in keeping with the traditional character of the Wanderer.    There’s also more deck space and under cover viewing for passengers.

Operating systems including plumbing and lighting have been revamped to make the vessel quieter and even more environmentally friendly.

The refit took six months and was carried out by Q-West Boat Builders in Wanganui.

Milford Wanderer Skipper Royden Vick was involved in the refit and said even he was surprised by the end result.

“The finish is exceptional,  from a customer point of view it’s tenfold better than what it was.  We’ve been doing trials and I’m now just looking forward to taking passengers out there to enjoy it,” said Royden.

The Milford Wanderer will do its first Nature Cruise today, joining the more luxurious Milford Mariner which has twin share cabins with ensuite bathrooms.