Expedition Vessels Made for Adventure & Indulgence
Floating Boutique Accommodation in the Wilderness
Local owner Pieter van der Woude’s custom-built expedition-cruise vessels have been designed for comfort, style, safety and an intimate wilderness experience in Tasmanian waters. The vessels, which are essentially floating luxury lodges, have been purpose-built for minimal impact tourism within Tasmania's most precious World-Heritage Wilderness.
Luxury expedition vessel Odalisque III, launched in January 2023, is On Board's dedicated overnight expedition vessel, hosting all multi-day expeditions include the Port Davey Escape, East Coast Expedition and South Coast Cruise.
Odalisque II, built in 2014, which houses just 6 guests, is also available for private charters and floating functions in Hobart.
Brand-New Luxury Expedition Catamaran
From January 2023, expeditions will be based on boutique-cruiser Odalisque III. Purpose-built for a luxury escape in Tasmanian waters, the catamaran, unsurpassed in its design, offers a new level of exclusive boutique accommodation in Tasmania’s wildest and most remote wilderness areas.
The expedition vessel houses two spacious lounges, three outdoor viewing decks and seven supremely comfortable cabins all featuring Queen sized beds with private ensuites. Throughout the vessel, including in the cabins, there are knee-to-ceiling windows that offer incredible panoramic views, meaning that guests will, literally, wake each morning to a different view of Tasmania’s World-Heritage wilderness. The décor, which changes from room to room, is a nod to the dramatic colours of the southwest or the soft, sandy hues of the east coast.
The new catamaran serves as a luxe launching pad for exploring the wilderness of southwest Tasmania and Freycinet on guided walks, tender and shore excursions. Guests can go beyond their comfort zones, without giving up their creature comforts.
Sustainable & Self Contained
Built in Hobart with a focus on using local materials and designed to have a low impact on the environment, Odalisque III is fully self-contained, including black water holding tanks working to Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Parks and Wildlife Service standards. Artisan makers crafted much of the furniture, including handmade ceramics, tableware, and artwork, in Tasmania. Tinted glass avoids excess air-conditioning, and cruises avoid single-use plastic. These are just some of our sustainable practices on board.
Exclusively Tasmanian
On Board is working with local artists, makers, and creators to deliver an exclusive and truly Tasmanian experience on Odalisque III. In the dining room, sample Tasmanian pinots from family-run vineyards, and taste your way through four craft beers and ciders on tap before feasting on a freshly-caught seafood served on exquisite custom-made ceramics handcrafted by a Hobart potter. On the walls, beds and lounges find linen screen printed with Tasmanian botanicals like kelp and a rare flowering holly, lomatia Tasmanica, and artwork from celebrated Tasmanian artists.
Wine & Dine
After a day (or an hour) of exploring, return to your floating oasis at the Wheelhouse Lounge. With sumptuous soft seating and surrounded by books and artworks by talented Tasmanian artists, including Michaye Boulter, it’s an elegant spot to end an active day. The bar is fully stocked with local sparkling wine, award-winning Tasmanian Pinot, and four Tasmanian craft beers and cider on tap. Its open helm creates a relaxed feel to mingle with other travellers and dive deep into conversation with the skipper. With expansive water views, multiple lounges and outdoor dining spaces, and a sun deck, Odalisque III is the crème de la crème of catamarans that doesn’t compromise comfort.
Odalisque III's Boutique Accommodation
Southwest Suites
The carefully curated suites of the upper deck exude sophistication, reflecting the moody colours of the south west. These refined staterooms are a little more spacious than their main deck counterparts and have larger private ensuites. Each Southwest Suite features a comfortable queen bed, expansive ocean views and direct access to the open bridge and wheelhouse lounge.
Coastal Cabins
The relaxed yet considered cabins of the main deck have a coastal-chic feel, emulating the soft, sandy colours of the east coast. These stylish rooms include a comfortable queen bed, a private ensuite with toilet and shower, and wide wilderness views through large windows. A twin bed option is available.
Tender Vessels
Daily tender excursions are made aboard our two tenders – 15ft aluminum dinghies which we affectionately call ‘tinnies’. These twin tinnies are versatile, safe and fast vessels. They’re well suited to handling the weather conditions of Tasmanian waters, which can change quickly, and have comfortable, stable seating. These tenders are ideal for exploring rocky inlets and sea caves, due to their maneuverability and easy handling.
Our tinnies were built to handle the best (and worst) of Tasmania’s wind, rain and waves. So that our guests too can head out whatever the weather, On Board provides weatherproof rain ponchos for all tender excursions.
Vessel Odalisque ll
Odalisque II is designed for those eager for adventure, but not so keen on roughing it. The vessel has three private cabins, a comfortable entertaining and dining area and three spacious outside decks for sightseeing, photography and sunset barbecues. The galley consists of a contemporary spacious kitchen with an island bench, soft lounge seats and large windows with panoramic views.
Our boutique-cruiser generally takes just six guests overnight (although it can host up to 10 on private charters) and up to 40 guests for private floating functions and events.
