The Seabourn Encore has arrived in Sydney for the first time, becoming the youngest ship to ever visit the city, according to a statement.

The ship’s arrival in Sydney last night came on the first day of Sydney’s busiest cruise month, with a total of 26 ships scheduled to make 45 calls to Sydney across the 28 days of February, including 15 days where two or more ships will visit.

Seabourn Director of Sales Australia Tony Archbold said it was a huge vote of confidence in Australia’s appeal as a cruise destination that Seabourn Encore was sailing in local waters during her maiden season.

“A visit to Sydney is always a highlight on our itineraries and our guests have shown such a strong affinity with Australia that we couldn’t resist bringing our newest ship down under. It’s testament to Sydney’s popularity as a world class cruise destination that Seabourn Encore will visit the city five times in her first 18 months,” Archbold said.

Archbold said the Seabourn Encore marks the start of a new era of ultra-luxury cruising.

“She is stunningly beautiful and offers everything you would expect from a modern luxury ship including world-class dining and entertainment, a cutting edge spa and a private veranda for every suite.”