Explore the Wilderness of Far East Russia

FREE FLIGHTS: Explore the Wilderness of Far East Russia

Combine the flexibility of expedition travel with this brand new itinerary to create a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.  A journey of culture and natural history, this 12-day expedition ship voyage takes in a range of experiences unique to the Chukotka region. Potential wildlife sightings include Bears, Arctic Foxes, Walrus, Wolverines, and Polar Bears with an opportunity to sight one of the world's rarest bird species.  Visits to villages to meet the indigenous people reveal rich ancestral traditions and their ever-present connection to the sea.  Heritage Expeditions are offering FREE RETURN FLIGHTS worth USD $2,000 from Alaska to Anadyr (voyage start-point) for the next seven bookings – last day for booking is 31 May 2013 - be quick!  
Chukotka: Where Russia's Day Begins departs Anadyr on 11 July 2013 with cabins from USD $7,600.

Top Eight Luxury Small Ship Cruises

What constitutes luxury when it comes to small ship cruising?

The active travel company securing matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small expedition ships, AdventureSmith Explorations, says luxury can mean accommodation, service and dining as well as the flexibility to shape an itinerary into a customized experience.

When catering to more upmarket clientele, AdventureSmith Explorations (http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/) director and founder Todd Smith begins with a handpicked selection of eight of his company’s small ship cruises that fall into the luxury category. Indicative of the service his company provides, Smith goes behind the scene to offer these insider’s tips on the best cabins or suite accommodations on each vessel to maximize one’s time and enjoyment on the water:

An Alaska cruise, Discoverers Glacier Country aboard the 22-guest Safari Quest, offers upscale intimacy and gourmet dining along with the flexible itinerary of a private yacht charter. Insider’s Tip - The Captain Staterooms A1-A4 have a floor to ceiling sliding glass door opening to a small balcony (rare aboard small ships and yachts).  Smith says to book early and choose A4 or A2 for the quietest cabins on board.

Costa Rica, Panama Canal & Colombia aboard the 72-guest Variety Voyager resembles a millionaire’s mega yacht. Insiders Tip - While the Owners Suite and P Category suites are obvious choices for travelers seeking the finest cabins, the B Category cabins, especially on the Riviera Deck, offer a very nice cabin with view windows at a considerable value.  Advice is to book early to secure one of two Riviera Deck B cabins that are located away from the forward stairways.

An Amazon River Cruise aboard the 24-guest Aqua means enjoying the highest standards of modern-day luxury cruising on the Amazon. “Oversized suites are the largest I have ever experienced aboard a ship of this capacity, with a sitting area, king beds and a full walk in bathroom with shower.  Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Lima’s culinary stars, has created a menu that draws on both Peruvian and European influence,” says Smith. Insider’s Tip - Master Suites on the Main Deck are larger and can be adjoined which is a perfect option for families.  Because they are raised from the water level, suites on the Second Deck offer more expansive views into the surrounding rain forest.  

A Galapagos Cruise aboard the 16-guest Athala II offers spaciousness, stability and speed. A crew of 10 plus a bilingual naturalist guide offers a very high crew to guest ratio. Insider’s Tip – The main deck cabins are the obvious choice for luxury travelers because they are larger and they have balconies.  The cabins on the Upper Deck are smaller but they still offer a small sitting area, they open directly to the observation deck, they are very quiet and they can interconnect which makes them a great choice for families with kids.

In Antarctica The White Continent is a cruise aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer. “Luxury in Antarctica must be balanced with access; among ships with ice-strengthened hulls that offer daily shore excursions in Antarctica, the National Geographic Explorer is the finest,” says Smith. A partnership with National Geographic means traveling with the most experienced ice team available, including authors, professors, researchers and photographers. Insider’s Tip – Only a handful of cabins aboard the National Geographic Explorer can be considered luxurious and they sell out early, sometimes up to a year in advance.  Focus on Categories 5, 6, and 7 as these cabins offer balconies or verandas and all are located on the Upper Deck.

In Asia Sailing the Mekong River: Cambodia, Vietnam, Angkor, Saigon is aboard the 48-guest Jahan that offers a step back in time into a distinctive British-Indian colonial themed boutique hotel.  Built in 2011 and specifically designed for Mekong River Cruises, she is, says Smith, “without question the finest ship on the river.”  Meals aboard Jahan are part of the exploration and offer a window in to the region with fresh, local ingredients highlighting outstanding Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisines.  Insider’s Tip – Limited departures mean this cruise sells out quickly.  The two Suites and two Category 3 Cabins sell out first because they are the largest at a whopping 376 and 549 square feet respectively.

Australia’s Kimberly Expedition aboard the 100-guest Orion is, says Smith, “more mega-yacht than cruise ship. No expense has been spared.” Insider’s Tip – Luxury travelers will want to focus on the Owners Suites or the Balcony Suites on Deck 5.  These cabins are the most spacious on board with a sitting area and floor to ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto a private French balcony (except Owners Suite 509 which does not have a balcony and is located near the stairway).

Sailing the Greek Isles aboard the 58-guest Sea Cloud combines tall-ship sailing with a highly appealing destination. Built in 1931 by E.F. Hutton for his wife Marjorie Merriweather Post, the Sea Cloud is a vessel of incomparable grace that harks back to the golden age of ship travel. Insider’s Tip – The Owner’s Suites (Category A) and Original Deluxe Cabins (Category B) feature Carrara marble, golden bath fixtures, polished teak, antique furniture, fireplaces and walk-in closets. The spacious original cabins (Category B) include artifacts collected by the Huttons from their travels. These wood-paneled rooms feature various armchairs, marble fireplaces, and antique furnishings. The remaining cabins (Category 1-4 are a mix of converted original officers cabins and additions made in the modern era.

About AdventureSmith Explorations
Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, CA, along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. In 2012, owner Todd Smith joined the ranks of Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious 13th Annual Travel Specialists List as the world’s expert on small ship expeditions. For information, availability and 2013 reservations Phone:  800-728-2875  toll-free, visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com or Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com

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Papua New Guinea aboard True North

2013 cabins selling fast, five-night sailings from just $7,995pp

Home to more than 600 islands and the largest area of rainforest outside the Amazon, Papua New Guinea is one of the world's last frontiers. Discovering the 'Land that Time Forgot' on-board a True North adventure-cruise is one of the very best ways to discover the wonders of this mysterious paradise.

Each year, during the months of October, November and December, the adventure-cruise ship True North offers several refined and uniquely different adventures to only the most pristine areas of West Papua and Papua New Guinea – featuring village life that has remained largely unchanged midst the ravages of the modern world and, some of the world's most remarkable scenery.

Time spent on-board ranges from five to twelve nights, however regardless of which itinerary is preferred – the end result is always days heavily laden with both cultural and natural history.

Australia's premier luxury adventure-cruise ship, the True North is purpose-built to sail deep into the heart of the wilderness, visiting untouched areas that larger ships cannot access. Guests are privy to only the highest quality experiences courtesy of True North's on-board naturalists and marine biologists, a ship's helicopter, six dedicated expedition boats and, a knowledgeable crew of 20 who tend to the every-need of just 36 guests.

Peter Trembath, GM at North Star Cruises says: "Both West Papua and Papua New Guinea are equally adventurous destinations but being on-board the True North allows for exploration in complete style! Every day is action packed – we use our own charter jet to fly our guests to the ship and from the minute they set foot on-board – the activities begin! Of course, guests need only involve themselves to their own preferred level of involvement and everything on-board is very relaxed – but the adventurous atmosphere is contagious and, most guests do try to cram in as much off-ship activity as they can. Getting to know the young Australian crew is also a treat – unlike the norm on bigger ships, our crew are encouraged to interact with the guests – they act more like chaperones than guides and this rather Aussie way of doing things is a big difference when comparing life on-board the True North – regardless of whether you are whizzing off into the sky on a heli-flight or heading off for a snorkel – our attentive crew members will be right by your side. And, after each adventure, guests return to the comfort and security of the True North."

And there is no shortage of raw material to work with - such is the diversity and natural richness of these lands - every shore-party encounters a new adventure; the underwater spectaculars of the Raja Ampats, the towering jungle volcanoes at Bagabag Island, the dawn display of the red bird of paradise at Gam Island or swimming with manta rays at Losai Island - guests are constantly mesmerised by vistas of emerald islands, impenetrable jungles and seemingly endless corals.

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 Australian wines. Cabins are spacious and modern; there is a panoramic lower deck dining room, an alfresco bar and an observation lounge.

The True North repertoire in West Papua and Papua New Guinea offers life changing experiences for all - from the well-travelled aficionado, to the first-time cruiser eager to experience something different. Daily activities include scenic walks, fishing, snorkelling, diving, picnics, cultural events and spectacular flights in the ship's helicopter.  North Star is takings bookings now for adventure in the later part of this year:

The twelve-night West Papua Discoverer (7-9 October 2013) including the revered Raja Ampat Islands - starts from $21,995pp. Includes return charter flights from Darwin

• The eleven-night Sepik Soiree (12- 23 November 2013) and the ten- night Bismarck Bonanza (23 Nov - 3 Dec 2013) featuring the mighty Sepik River, the turquoise blues of Hermit Atoll and the volcanoes of Bagabag Island – starts from $14,995pp. Includes return charter flights from Cairns
•  The nine-night New Adventures in Paradise (3-12 December 2013) cruise sailing across the Bismarck Sea and including the beautiful Louisiade Archipelago - starts from $13,595pp. Includes return charter flights from Cairns
• The five-night Archipelago Adventure (12-17 December 2013) discovers the Louisiades and starts from just $7,995pp. Includes return charter flights from Cairns.

 Bookings: Contact North Star Cruises on  08 9192 1829  or email cruise@northstarcruises.com.au

Escape Australia's winter in luxurious cruising style with Travel Indochina

Australia's leading Asia travel specialist, Travel Indochina, is offering romantic winter escapes with great Mekong River Cruise specials for travel in July and August 2013.

Escape Australia's winter in style aboard a Mekong River Cruise on The Jahan from Saigon to Angkor, and enjoy special extras including spa treatments and city touring. Offering the ultimate in luxurious cruising, The Jahan has just 26 spacious cabins, all with large private balcony, and features the highest staff to passenger ratio on the Mekong River.

Valid for June 27, July 11 and July 25 departures, the 11 night package starts from just $3096* per person twin share, for a saving of $815 per person, and includes:

• ­   2 nights deluxe hotel accommodation with touring in Saigon
• ­   7 nights on board The Jahan in a Superior Cabin (free upgrade to Deluxe cabin subject to availability)
• ­   2 nights deluxe hotel accommodation with touring in Siem Reap
• ­   US$100 spa voucher per cabin
• ­   Breakfast and dinner daily, all lunches while on board
• ­   Arrival and departure transfers
• ­   Tips and porterage
• ­   10% discount on bar bill

For those wishing to travel in August, Travel Indochina is offering a saving of $530 per person for cruises on The Jahan's sister ship, The Jayavarman.

Valid for cruises departing 1st, 15th and 29th August 2013 from Saigon, 11 nights starts from $3245^ per person twin share, and includes:

• ­   2 nights deluxe hotel accommodation with touring in Saigon
• ­   7 nights on board The Jayavarman in a Superior Cabin (free upgrade to Deluxe cabin subject to availability)
• ­   2 nights deluxe hotel accommodation with touring in Siem Reap
• ­   US$100 spa voucher per cabin
• ­   Breakfast and dinner daily, all lunches while on board
• ­   Arrival and departure transfers
• ­   Tips and porterage
• ­   10% discount on bar bill

Discounts are also available on the 8 and 19 day cruise options.

*    From price valid for June 27^th, 11^th Jul, 25^th Jul 2013 departures from Saigon. The itinerary is available in reverse; contact us for dates and pricing. Offer ends 31 May 2013, unless sold out prior. The advertised from price includes the discount amount and is based on a Superior Cabin on a twin-share basis and the saving is calculated per couple twin share. Contact us for other dates.

^   From price valid for 1^st, 15^th, 29^th Aug 2013 departures from Saigon. The itinerary is available in reverse; contact us for dates and pricing. Offer ends 31 May 2013, unless sold out prior. The advertised from price includes the discount amount and is based on a Superior Cabin on a twin-share basis and the saving is calculated per couple twin share. Contact us for other dates.

For more information and bookings, Travel Indochina's Asia experts can be contacted on 1300 365 355 or online at www.travelindochina.com.au. 

South Georgia with Specialists

Traveling with experts undoubtedly enhances any voyage, bringing a destination alive with insights that could be otherwise overlooked. Tim and Pauline Carr lived at the abandoned whaling station, Grytviken, South Georgia. As the only permanent inhabitants on the island for 14 years they have a commanding and unique understanding of the region. This couple were a keystone in taking the outpost from a fading memory to a conservation area that is now a historical treasure. Read more here.

Visit South Georgia with Tim and Pauline Carr on one of two 22-day Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica (via Buenos Aires) voyages. Voyages depart 31 Oct 2013 & 19 Feb 2014 with cabins from US $10,595.

Contact for more information.

 

 

Be Captivated by Arctic Svalbard

Polar bear and cub (R Eime)

An untouched arctic wilderness, the Svalbard Islands are a mass of glaciers, ice fields and icebergs with plentiful wildlife. Located halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is a popular polar destination with plenty of cruise options on offer from expedition-style through to cruise-in-comfort voyages.

Our hand-chosen companies use smaller, more manouverable ships giving ease of access to smaller bays and islets. They also make use of Zodiac craft to cruise glacier ice-fronts, provide hiking access to the tundra, and give an overall more intimate connection to the area. The benefits of small-ship travel are plainly obvious in a region such as Svalbard. Like-minded fellow passengers offer good company and the cruises are enhanced by onboard educational programmes delivered by experts.

Few Arctic destinations offer so much on one voyage. From the wildlife of Polar Bears, Arctic Reindeer, Arctic Fox, Walrus, Puffins to the landscapes of ice, tundra, air and water. Svalbard is Arctic.

Learn more about Svalbard.

Coral Princess Cruises releases "Spring Special" on Kimberley Expedition Cruises

Coral Princess Cruises, Australia's and the South Pacific's pioneer of small-ship expedition cruising, is offering Spring Specials on selected Kimberley expeditions during August and September 2013 aboard their state-of-art, 72 passenger small-ship Oceanic Discoverer.  In great news for single travellers, Coral Princess has waived the single supplement across the eligible departures, a saving of up to $4,895 per person.  When two passengers travel together in the same stateroom a 15% discount is offered, a saving of up to $3,087 per couple. For even greater savings, the 15% Spring Special discount can be combined with Coral Princess's Xplorers Club past passenger discounts of up to 10%.

The Kimberley wilderness of Western Australia is twice the size of the state of Victoria, with a population of just 30 000. There is no better way to discover the remarkable Kimberley than aboard a purpose built small-ship, and Coral Princess's 10-night voyages between Darwin and Broome explore some of the planet's oldest and most awe-inspiring landscapes. The Kimberley's rivers carve their way through ancient, eroded mountains that were once the height of the Himalaya, dropping in champagne waterfalls such as the 80-metre King George Falls. Excursions ashore visit rock art galleries where Bradshaw (Gwion) paintings - the world's oldest known art - record a human history stretching back 50,000 years. Exploring the Kimberley Coast in August and September affords guests the unique opportunity to experience the region's annual whale migration. The cruise also explores the 800-odd islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, including an exhilarating Zodiac ride through the Horizontal Waterfalls, where the largest tides in the southern hemisphere force their way between rocky cliffs in a formidable display of the forces of nature.

Spring Special prices for the 10-night Kimberley expedition start at $7,471.50 per person, twin share (or $6,592.50 for past passengers) whilst single traveller fares start at $8,790. The Spring Special discounts are available on Oceanic Discoverer expeditions departing on 26 August, 6 September and 16 September 2013.  The reduced prices include all meals, lectures and services of expedition staff and excursions.

The discounts apply to all new bookings on eligible departures and are available until sold out. 

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