North Star Cruises Australia has announced some significant upgrades to the first day of its already popular Southern Safari itinerary!

The 8 night sojourn out of Adelaide has always commenced with a 'day amongst the vines' but guests embarking on the 2016 version will immediately benefit from a brand-new visit to Penfold's revered Macgill Estate.

Nestled in the foothills of Adelaide with views over the city, Magill Estate also offers breathtaking views of the Penfolds vineyard - the perfect setting to immerse one's self in Australia's most iconic wine label. 

Guests will discover historic Magill and indulge in a luxurious experience of storytelling and tasting.

Then it's onto another new destination - the famed Barossa Valley!

Wine has been a way of life in the Barossa since 1842.

There are some 750 grape growing families, many sixth generation, supplying quality grapes to more than 170 wine companies of all shapes and sizes. The best wines of the Barossa sit comfortably alongside the great wines of the world.  Barossa Shiraz and Eden Valley Riesling have led the way as regional heroes, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro, Grenache, Viognier, Semillon and Tawny all contributing to the Barossa's standing as one of the world's great wine regions.

North Star's feature winery in the Barossa is Seppeltsfield – home to the world's largest unbroken collection of fortified wines dating back to 1878!

The winery is a national treasure and living museum of Australian wine history.

Guests will start their visit in the original 1851 family homestead and discover the history of the Seppelt family from immigration and settlement by the Para River to the modern era. A private tasting in the Trophy Cellar focussing on the “Paramount Collection” and the 100 year old Para Vintage Tawny is bound to be another first day highlight!

Scrumptious midday dining will follow at 'Fino' in Seppeltsfield's original bottling hall and after- lunch entertainment will include opportunity to visit the 'JamFactory' - a contemporary craft & design gallery housed in the estate's historic 1850s stables.

Then, after a short coach ride back to Adelaide, it will be time to welcome all aboard the mighty TRUE NORTH and, after indulging in more culinary delight, guests will settle in for their first night on-board the much awarded adventure-cruiser!

Not a bad way to start an itinerary that also includes bucket-list Kangaroo Island, cage diving with great white sharks, swimming with giant tuna, oysters and champagne in Coffin Bay and, some of Australia's most reliable in-shore fishing! 

FAST FACTS

• Australia's premier luxury adventure-cruise ship, the TRUE NORTH is purpose-built to sail deep into the heart of the wilderness, visiting areas that larger ships cannot access. Guests are privy to very-high quality off-ship experiences courtesy of the ship's biologist and a team of naturalists, a ship's helicopter and six dedicated expedition boats.

• Exceptional food and wine are also at the heart of a TRUE NORTH experience. The ship's modern Australian cuisine is supplemented with locally sourced ingredients and complemented by an outstanding selection of Western Australian wines. Cabins are spacious and modern; there is a panoramic lower deck dining room, an alfresco bar, an observation lounge and a dedicated sports deck.

• Daily activities include scenic walks, fishing, snorkelling, diving, picnics, cultural events and spectacular flights in the ship's helicopter.

• Destinations include the Kimberley –  a panorama of rugged mountains, spectacular gorges and majestic waterfalls; the still-wild coast of Western Australia featuring the intriguing Abrolhos Islands, world-famous Ningaloo Reef, fishing paradise at the Montebello Islands and, the pristine Rowley Shoals; the breathtaking islands of the Raja Ampat; the whale sharks of Cenderawasih Bay; the mighty Sepik River and the un-spoilt islands of Papua New Guinea; the rarely visited Louisiade Archipelago; beautiful Sydney Harbour and, a seafood safari around the delightful Eyre Peninsular!