Cruise West Ventures to Patagonia 2011 -- By Land and By Sea

Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), the world's leading provider of small-ship explorations to the most fascinating destinations on earth, ventures to rugged and mysterious Patagonia in 2011 with four departures aboard the spacious 64-cabin mv Via Australis.  The new 8- or 10- night journey highlights hotspots in Chile by land and cruising through renowned channels, scenic bays and glaciated fjords from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas.  Save $600 per person by paying in full by April 30, 2010.

Patagonia is like no other place on earth offering impressive landscapes, beautiful vegetation and a variety of marine mammals and wildlife.  The journey includes two nights in the thriving city of Santiago where guests will partake on a private walking tour, lively folkloric dinner show and a full day touring Casablanca Valley, one of Chile's supreme wine regions, and historic Valparaiso, once the residence of poet Pablo Neruda.  Board the mv Via Australis in Punta Arenas, an included flight away, and head out to sea on a custom-designed 5-night voyage, cruising through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel that separates the islands of the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, making a stop at Magdalena Island to visit the immense colony of Magellanic Penguins.

Continue onto Ainsworth Bay located inside the Alberto De Agostini National Park that offers a sun-polar Magellanic forest, and if the timing is right, elephant seals lounging on the beach; explore a scenic amphitheatre of glaciers via Zodiacs in Brookes Bay; and search for marine mammals around Carlos III Island and Rupert Inlet, known for its unique biodiversity.  After navigating across Desolation Bay en route Pia Fjord, explore smaller inlets by Zodiac, stopping to hike to a look out point offering spectacular views of the entire glacier tongue of Pia Glacier.

Last day of exploration includes majestic 'Glacier Alley;' Cape Horn National Park, declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005; and Wulaia Bay, once the site of the largest Yamana aboriginal settlement. Disembark in Ushuaia and continue by plane to Argentina's capital city of Buenos Aires for one last night of fun including a farewell Tango dinner show and city tour.

The 10-night program includes two extra nights in Puerto Natales with private escorted tours of majestic Torres Del Paine National Park and Milodon Cave, where in 1895 the remains of extinct animals such as the Sabre Tooth Tiger and the Milodon (giant sloths) were found.

Choose from four departure dates: January 26, 31; and February 5 and 10, 2011.  Prices start at $6,095 per person for the 8-night and $6,795 for the 10-night program, before savings, and include internal flights, all excursions and hotel nights as listed.  Save $600 per person by paying in full by April 30, 2010. Note the journey operates one-way between Santiago and Buenos Aires or reverse, depending on departure date.  For further details, visit www.CruiseWest.com, call 800-296-8307 or a contact a travel professional.

After The Wet, the Kimberley Waterfalls and Mighty Rivers Flow

The famed Kimberley Waterfall Season is just around the corner – and the luxury adventure cruise ship, True North, is giving guests the opportunity to experience the Kimberley at its very best!

The True North kicks off the 2010 Kimberley Wilderness Season next month.

North Star Cruises' General Manager Peter Trembath said the period immediately following the monsoons presented as the best opportunity to see iconic waterfalls such as Mitchell Falls and King George Falls at their thundering best.

"In fact, there's no better time to see the Kimberley," said Mr Trembath.

"The whole region is transformed by rivers in flood, towering waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife," he said.

"Billabongs are swollen, massive wetlands are alive with birdlife, and let's not forget the barramundi will be biting!"

"True North's guests enjoy unique experiences you just can't find anywhere else, including helicopter flights to secluded locations every day of the cruise."

"This is always one of the most popular times of the year and the remaining cabins won't last long."

As an added bonus, this year's Kimberley Wilderness season  will feature a range of special guests including:

Guitarist Phil Ceberano provides classic accompaniment on board Kimberley Wilderness Cruises 2A Wyndham to Hunter River (27 March – 3 April) and 2B Hunter River to Broome (3 April – 9 April)

Kimberley  Artists Mark Norval & Donny Woolagoodja introduce the oldest paintings known to man on board Kimberley Wilderness Cruises 4A Wyndham to Hunter River (24 April – 1 May) and 4B Hunter River to Broome (1 May – 7 May)

Renowned artist Douglas Kirsop unlocks the secrets of landscape painting on board Kimberley Wilderness Cruise 5 Broome to Wyndman (8 – 21 May)

New  talent Andrew Tischler will astound with his life-like paintings on board Kimberley Wilderness Cruise 6 Wyndham to Broome (22 May – 4 June)

Geologist Phil Playford presents his theories on global warming and more on board Kimberley Wilderness Cruise 7 Broome to Wyndham (5-18 June)

Celebrity Chef Ryan Carey cooks up a storm on board Kimberley Wilderness Cruise 8 Wyndham to Broome (19 June – 2 July)

Other highlights of a Kimberley Wilderness Cruise include:

-       Ancient rock art
-       A panorama of rugged mountains
-       Spectacular gorges
-       Barramundi fishing
-       Mud crabbing
-       Croc-spotting
-       Champagne heli-flights at dawn
-       Helicopter picnics to remote locations

North Star's two week Kimberley Wilderness Cruise operates between Broome and Wyndham. Guests can stay onboard for the entire cruise or, they can opt for a one week itinerary either disembarking or embarking in the Hunter River.

Helicopter and light aircraft transfers (via Broome) are included in the one week itinerary.

The first cruise of the season departs on March 13.

Kimberley Wilderness Cruise prices start from $10,495.

For full itineraries, departure dates and prices visit www.northstarcruises.com.au

Cruise the Kimberley with Coral Princess and Photographer, Steve Parish

Coral Princess Cruises has teamed up with world-renowned nature photographer, Steve Parish to help passengers 'capture' the magnificence of the Kimberley, on a 10-night cruise between Broome and Darwin.

The brilliant light of the Kimberley both inspires and challenges photographers: the intense palette of the landscape is undeniably dramatic – but to capture the extreme contrasts photographically and render them accurately requires a little insider knowledge. Ten days under Steve Parish's tutelage is a precious insight into the tricks of the trade.

Over aeons, the Kimberley coast of Western Australia has been scored and scoured by wind and water and painted with a super-saturated palette to form one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. Steve Parish – who rarely conducts photography classes – will draw on his 40 years of photographic field work in diverse Australian landscapes to inspire guests aboard the Oceanic Discoverer to capture their own vision of the Kimberley.

Over 10 days, cruising between Broome and Darwin, Parish will conduct a series of workshops, informal discussions and field excursions, covering topics such as the philosophy of nature photography and connecting with the landscape; style and technique; different subjects and – most relevant to the Kimberley's extremes – working with light.

The 10-night Kimberley cruise visits Kuri Bay, home of the South Pacific pearl industry, and ventures ashore to view the world-famous Bradshaw (Gwion) paintings, - the world's oldest known indigenous art – and the towering, 80-metre King George Falls, the tallest waterfalls in Western Australia. There is an optional helicopter flight over the Mitchell Plateau for views of the impressive four-tiered Mitchell Falls, as well as excursions into secluded gorges and to rock pools perfect for swimming. The cruise explores the Buccaneer Archipelago – made up of 800 islands – and includes an exhilarating Zodiac ride through the 'Horizontal Waterfall', where the tide floods between rocky cliffs.

The Oceanic Discoverer will carry a maximum of 68 passengers in luxury, with a complement of highly-experienced staff, including naturalist guides and guest lecturers

For Parish, whose work is recognised around the world and who has published numerous books, photography is "about promoting an understanding of the importance of nature. The first step has to be to light a fire in someone — inspire them to learn more, inspire them to genuinely become one with nature, urge them to connect with it and to celebrate its beauty and diversity."

The 10-night Coral Princess Kimberley Cruise with Steve Parish departs Broome on September 20, 2010, costing from $8750 per person, twin share, cruise only, in a Main Deck (Category B) stateroom.

For further information and reservations contact Coral Princess Cruises on 1800 079 545 or visit www.coralprincess.com.au.

RIVER CRUISE INTO ‘LOST CAMBODIA’ OF SOMERSET MAUGHAM

PANDAW River Cruises that operate replica 19th century colonial riverboats on the waterways of South-east Asia, will take guests on a rare cruise experience later this year into the upper reaches of the Mekong River and the little-visited “Lost Cambodia” of Somerset Maugham.

Just two 10-night journeys will be made upstream from Saigon to Siam Reap, and two downstream back to Saigon, with all meals, local beers and spirits, soft drinks, mineral water, tea and coffee and a daily “local cocktail” included in the price, that starts from US$4950pp twin-share and from US$1950 for a single cabin.

The 38-cabin Tonle Pandaw will sail these unique adventures with highlights including the great Mekong Delta, Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh, tribal villages, trishaw, and sampan and “Cyclo” excursions, a silk-weaving village, centuries-old temples, and now-dilapidated once-grand French colonial towns.

There will also be an excursion to Cambodia’s rare river dolphins, a road trip to the rarely-visited temples of Sam Bor, and a visit to an orphanage supported by Pandaw River Cruises.

A hotel night in Saigon pre-sailing and one in Siam Reap post-sailing are also included; the downstream itinerary has slight variations to that upstream.

Upstream sailings are on October 10 and November 1 and downstream on October 20 and November 10; airfares are additional. Details from travel agents, phone Pandaw River Cruises on (02) 8080 5622, email jlbati@ozemail.com.au or visit www.pandaw.com

Orion Itinerary Changes for Kimberley 2010

Now including Bungle Bungle complimentary flight-seeing and an overnight in Broome at no additional cost

Orion Expedition Cruises is enhancing its Kimberley itineraries for the 2010 season, offering the most inclusive Kimberley experience together with service standards unequalled in the Southern Hemisphere.

Due to a change in interpretation of Australian Government rules governing cruise ships in the Kimberley region, Orion is slightly altering its Kimberley itineraries. This provides the opportunity to enhance the itineraries with the following additions - at no extra cost to guests:

* Visit to the port of Wyndham - opportunity to visit Kununurra, heart of the East Kimberley
* Inclusion of complimentary flight-seeing over the famous Bungle Bungle ranges
* Inclusion of one night's complimentary accommodation in one of Broome's finest hotels including breakfast and transfers
* Now an 11 night holiday for the original cost of 10 nights

First brought to the world's attention only 25 years ago, the Bungle Bungle ranges are part of Purnululu National Park, a natural wonder seen firsthand by only a privileged few. The ranges are best experienced by air and are a short flight from Wyndham or Kununurra. Orion Expedition Cruises will be the only operator in the region to offer this amazing experience as part of its Kimberley voyages at no additional cost.

Orion will also be providing overnight accommodation in one of Broome's top hotels before or after the 10 night voyage, thus providing guests with an 11 night holiday for the cost of the usual 10 night expedition.

Operationally, Orion will leave Australian waters to comply with international voyage requirements - this will provide guests on board with a relaxing and enjoyable day at sea to enjoy the premium 5 star comforts and facilities on board Orion.

Orion's Kimberley season runs from May to September, offering guests a range of twelve 10 night cruise itineraries between the tropical city of Darwin and historic pearling town of Broome (and vice versa).

Fares Guide:

Pricing remains unchanged

2010 Kimberley Expedition fares begin from $9,100 per person for an ocean view Category B Stateroom. Junior Suites begin from $12,660 per person for a Junior Suite and Owners Suites with French Balcony are $19,055 per person

Expedition fares are per person twin occupancy, include accommodation, all meals, flight seeing over the Bungle Bungles, one night complimentary accommodation in Broome and selected activities ashore.

Get Orion Expeditions brochures sent to your home for free

Maiden Voyage of MV Plancius

Announcing Cruise West's Galápagos in 2011

Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), the world's leading provider of small-ship explorations to the most fascinating destinations on earth, has added three additional Galápagos Island departures in 2011 for total of five voyages.   Discover the natural paradise that inspired Darwin to rock the scientific world and discover new wonders everyday.  Take advantage of the savings -- pay in full by April 30, 2010 and save up to $600 per person.

In the company of naturalist guides, aboard the gracious 50-suite Galápagos Explorer II, sister to ship to the lines Spirit of Oceanus, guests will scout for breaching whales, pink flamingos, blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, tiny penguins and flightless cormorants, to name just a few of the many species that call the Galápagos home.  Much of this extraordinary wildlife has never developed a fear of man.  The stunning wildlife viewing combined with exploring the volcanic shores of the remote islands and relaxing at pristine beaches makes the journey remarkable.

The 9-night journey starts at Latin America's best-preserved colonial historic center, Quito, with a city tour, welcome dinner at the Theatrum Restaurant & Wine Bar in the National Theater and two included overnights at the centrally located Hilton Colon Quito. Guests continue via plane to San Cristobal Island to board the Galápagos Explorer II for the next 7-nights, where the island adventure begins.

Guests will visit all the 'hot spots' to search for the wonderful creatures that Galápagos is known including: the southernmost island Española (Hood) that offers an amazing assortment of wildlife; Santa Cruz to visit the renowned Darwin Station and Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the islands; Rabida island with its startling red sand; desolate yet breathtaking Bartolomé Island that features a tuff cone known as Pinnacle Rock; Santiago (James) Island, the only island where fur seals can be found in the Galápagos; and Fernandina Island, where marine iguanas bask on every plausible surface and penguins can be found diving into the water.

Continue onto Isabela Island with its massive volcanoes and where intrepid sea-goers can snorkel at a cave that boasts a dazzling array of marine wildlife; ending the journey back at Santa Cruz Island to search for the 40 giant tortoises that live in the highlands.

Guests have the option to add a fully guided, post-cruise 5-night Land Tour of Cusco and Machu Picchu.  Spend one night in Lima en route to Cusco for two nights to explore the lively markets and significant monuments of the Inca Fortress, Citadel of Ollantaytambo and the Pisac ruins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.  Then it's onto a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to one of the Seven New Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Machu Picchu.  Guests will be welcomed to the charming Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel for a two-night stay.

Galápagos cruises depart March 14, 21; August 15, 22; and October 10, 2011. Prices begin at $4,999 per person, double occupancy.  Save up to $600 per person by paying in full by April 30, 2010.  For further details, visit www.CruiseWest.com, call 800-296-8307 or a travel professional.