LAST night (Wednesday February 17) founder and chairman of the ecruising group of companies, Brett Dudley, hosted 80 industry, media and Loyalty Club members to a cocktail function at the Bathers Pavilion to launch Australia's newest elite travel company, 33 Degrees.

Derived from ecruising's uniquely created luxury cruise and land tours incorporating luxurious world-wide travel experiences, these exclusive itineraries have  out-grown the ecruising.travel brand.

Mr Dudley pointed out, “We decided to create a unique and separate company epitomising what they mean - amazing experiences, luxury and effortless travel.”

He told his guests, “Ecruising's cruise tours grew at such a speed that it was necessary to create a company dedicated to these immersive high –end packages and build a team of dedicated handpicked travel professionals who, with their extensive knowledge, will offer a concierge style of service to our 33 Degrees customers”.

The name 33 Degrees is derived from three of Brett's favourite cities, Sydney, Cape Town and Santiago, all of which are 33 degrees south of the Equator. The number 33 enigmatically stretches as a latitude line across many diverse cultures in many different time zones.

Mr Dudley added, “The range of tours visit some of the most remote and interesting places on Earth and may incorporate private jets,  exclusive use of small resorts and luxury ships by guests of 33 Degrees who are always accompanied by knowledgeable local guides and fully escorted by one of our experienced Tour Hosts.”

33 Degrees also offers the “Directors Selection” a range of tours personally developed and hosted by Brett Dudley.  The inaugural directors selection 33 Degrees tour is the 32-night “Seven Wonders of South Africa”, a unique itinerary that incorporates privately charter planes, exclusively use of the luxurious Phinda Mountain Lodge, privately charter rail journey on Rovos Rail- including an exclusive golf program hosted by a South African golf professional and a 16-night cruise from Cape Town back to Australia aboard the QM2.