Wednesday 20 February 2019

Digital learning on Hapag-Lloyd expeditions

#expeditioncruising .

Exclusive to three new expedition class ships: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises introduces an innovative tool for digital learning



· Study wall: 6 × 1.8 m (19.6 × 5.9 ft) touchscreen wall
· More than 250 articles on a range of disciplines
· The Ocean Academy: Study Seats and the interactive Study Poster aid innovative learning

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is introducing a new, user-friendly concept for digital learning never seen before on board an expedition ship – the study wall, which will be found on board the new HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration, and HANSEATIC spirit expedition ships. With innovative touch technology and an attractive design, the 6 × 1.8 m (19.6 × 5.9 ft) screen allows guests to research complex topics and background information about their cruise destinations. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has been developing this concept for around two and a half years, in partnership with the Hamburg-based companies mgp ErlebnisRaumDesign GmbH and Intermediate Engineering GmbH.

Galapagos flights included with Lindblad

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Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has made it easier than ever for travellers to visit the stunning natural oasis that is the Galápagos with the launch of an incredible fly free offer available until the 30th of June on select 2019 departures.

Free return economy airfares are included when travellers book select Galápagos itineraries aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II and National Geographic Islander with Lindblad Expeditions. Trips start from $9,120* per person, twin share for 10 days. This offer is only valid on select departure dates between the 6th of July and 9th of November 2019; available departures dates can be found online.

Every expedition sails with a veteran expedition leader, a team of expert naturalists, an undersea specialist, wellness specialist, and a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor. Together, they provide guests with a greater understanding and appreciation for this exceptional place.

Guests will explore various islands in the Galápagos archipelago, renowned for their abundant wildlife with no fear of humans. Activities include snorkelling with sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions; and kayaking, paddle boarding and Zodiac cruises. Hike an enchanted terrain of lush green highlands to stark volcanic landscapes; pristine beaches to mangrove thickets; from arid terrain to black lava beaches adorned with emerald seagrasses.

Choosing to voyage the Galápagos with Lindblad Expeditions provides guests with an in-depth connection to the place unrivalled in the industry - its wildlife, its human population, its conservation - thanks to their 50+ years of experience and heritage in the region.

*Conditions apply & subject to availability.

For more information visit Adventure World Travel at adventureworld.com or call 1300 363 055


Ponant flight credit for South America

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Central America 2019 - 2020 special offer: $1,300 flight credit per person



A vibrant bridge between North and South America, Central America is significant for its vastly different cultures, wildlife and landscapes, its many unique locations recognised with UNESCO World Heritage status.

To visit Central America is to comprehend the mysteries of the Mayans, to explore wild coastlines and experience pristine natural parks, to trace the line of history by wandering through cities built by Spanish explorers, and discover the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal.

As if these are not a compelling enough reasons to visit, PONANT is offering a $1,300pp credit towards the cost of flights when the cruise is booked before 31 March 2019.

Monday 18 February 2019

True North Adventure Cruises introduces all-new Kimberley itinerary in 32nd season

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Pioneer adventure cruise operator, True North Adventure Cruises, prepares for its 32nd season in the Kimberley region of Australia's North West

The Kimberley Coast is renowned for its wilderness qualities, stunning scenery, vibrant indigenous culture and some of the best fishing action anywhere.

The company first offered adventure cruises along the Kimberley coast in 1987 and has since won numerous awards and accolades.

Tuesday 12 February 2019

Shipyard issues continue to plague Scenic, but there is good news

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Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has announced that the first sailing date for Scenic Eclipse, the World’s First Discovery Yacht™, is being amended to 15 August 2019.

“We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience these delays to the launch of Scenic Eclipse have caused our guests. As a company, we have done everything possible to complete the ship within the time limits that were set previously, but a series of events that are outside our control have put us in a position where we must delay,” stated a company spokesperson.

54th Wildlife Photographer of the Year

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The largest wildlife photography competition in the world, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, is opening at the Australian National Maritime Museum on 7 March, with discounted pre-sales opening today.

100 breathtaking photographs have been shortlisted from over 50,000 entries from 92 countries, and celebrate the diversity of the natural world, from intimate animal portraits to astonishing wild landscapes. The competition has grown exponentially from its launch in 1965 which saw 361 entries.

The exhibition arrives in Sydney at the National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, before touring around the country, and the world – the global tour providing a platform for them to be seen by millions of people.

“The golden couple,” Marsel van Oosten, The Netherlands, Grand Title Winner 2018, Animal Portraits


For more than 50 years, Wildlife Photographer of the Year has championed ethical wildlife photography while pushing boundaries of artistic freedom, narrative excellence and technical skill.

2019 will see three Australians in the finals:

  • Georgina Steytler, Mud-Rolling Mud-Dauber, Winner, Behaviour: Invertebrates, 2019
  • Justin Gilligan, Dinner for Two, Highly commended, Behaviour: Invertebrates, 2019
  • Robert Irwin, The Catch, Highly commended, 11–14 Years Old, 2019

Winning images are selected for their creativity, originality and technical excellence.

“We are thrilled to be launching this popular and innovative exhibition here in Australia. One of the Museum’s main objectives is conservation of our beautiful marine ecosystems and this competition raises awareness about the beauty and the fragility of the natural world,” comments Kevin Sumption, Director of the Australian National Maritime Museum.

“This is one of the most prestigious photography competitions in the world and we are delighted that Sydney audiences can once again enjoy these unforgettable and inspiring images at the Australian National Maritime Museum.”

Sir Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum, says ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year is one of our most successful touring exhibitions, enjoyed by millions of people all over the world. The awarded images shine a spotlight on nature photography as a work of art, whilst raising questions about our crucial role in shaping a sustainable future.’

Come and see the world through a new lens.

To find out more about Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Australian National Maritime Museum and to buy tickets, visit https://www.sea.museum/wildlife

Buy pre-sale tickets before 6 February and receive 20% off the Big Ticket, which includes Wildlife Photographer of the Year, James Cameron exhibition and access to all Museum vessels.

The Big Ticket is $32 ($25.60 pre-sale) for adults, $20 ($16 pre-sale) for children and concessions, $79 ($63.20 pre-sale) for families.


Wildlife Photographer of the Year tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for children and concessions, $50 for families.

Wednesday 6 February 2019

Expeditions to South Georgia with One Ocean

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One Ocean Expeditions (OOE), a world leader in expedition cruising, continues to evolve the exploration, study and education of the polar regions, including the sub-Antarctic region of South Georgia. A destination that profoundly touches travellers, it is known as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ and the greatest show on earth because of its sheer beauty and staggering abundance of wildlife.

Tuesday 5 February 2019

Pandaw adds ship to India

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With the safe arrival of the KATHA PANDAW in Kolkata last week by tug tow from Burma, Pandaw are delighted to announce a third vessel will go out to India this month – being the eighteen cabin KINDAT PANDAW, that will join her identical sister the KALAW also sailing out this month.

As many departures have sold out now, on both the seven-night Lower Ganges, from Kolkata to Farakka, plied by the KALAW, and the fourteen night ‘Upper Ganges’ from Kolkata to Varanasi, on the KATHA, the KINDAT will be used to provide additional departures on either.

The KINDAT, like her sister ships, belong to Pandaw’s unique ultra-shallow draft K-class. These were pioneered by the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the 1880s as the shallowest draft vessels of such a size on the planet, which they remain so today. This means that year-round they can sail all the way up to Varanasi and beyond. Being only twin-decked, they can also get under low bridges!

In 2020 Pandaw will expand operations to include the mighty Brahmaputra River and again with such shallow draft vessels can go far further than any other vessels operating on the river. The company plans to offer river expeditions as far up stream as Dibrugarh.

Pandaw founder Paul Strachan comments, “India is the jewel in the crown for river cruising, there are no other rivers in the world where there is such a magnificent combination of cultural treasures and majestic beauty; there is no other country where river cruising offers the ultimate travel solution to see all in tranquility and comfort”.

Monday 4 February 2019

CruiseAlong Black Sea and Aegean odyssey aboard Ponant


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The modern way to discover the ancient world

Nessebar, Bulgaria

For inquisitive souls interested in the history of civilisations reflective of diverse cultures both ancient and modern, stunning landscapes, iconic architecture, music and art styles, all intertwined with exotic tastes and sounds reflective of the crossroads of Europe and Asia, this 20 night CruiseAlong itinerary departing Istanbul to explore the Black Sea and Aegean islands en-route to Athens, will prove irresistible.