Five new voyages for Variety Cruises

#expeditioncruising

Athens, Greece-based small ship cruise line Variety Cruises has announced it will launch five new itineraries in 2015 and 2016, including cruises in the Red Sea, Greece and Turkey, the Canary Islands and in Madagascar and its Mozambique Channel Islands.

New 2015 - 2016 Cruise Voyages

The Red Sea

The Red Sea Cruises will debut in 2016 on the 21-cabin Motor Yacht Harmony G, operating two 6 night / 7 day cruise itineraries in the area: the Kings and Pharaohs Cruise and the Splendours of the Red Sea Cruise, two equally fascinating cruise programs showcasing the treasures of the Red Sea and the cultural diversity of Egypt and Jordan. Variety Cruise's Kings and Pharaohs Cruise from Aqaba, Jordan to Suez, Egypt (or reverse) program includes Luxor, the ancient land of gods and pharaohs and home of the Valley of the Kings, and the Karnak and Luxor temples, Sharm el Sheikh in the Sinai peninsula and home to St. Catherine's Monastery atop Mt. Sinai and pre- and post-cruise tours in Jordan and Cairo, to unravel the amazing cultural diversity of the region.

The Splendours of the Red Sea Cruise from Hurghada to Hurghada, Egypt allows for more time in Aqaba, Jordan with visits of Petra and Wadi Rum, as well as for more swim stops to enjoy the sun and the underwater treasures of the Red Sea. For more information, please visit http://www.varietycruises.com/english/home/cruiseCalendar/Red+Sea/34 .

Greece and Turkey

The Aegean Mosaic Cruise is a 7 night / 8 day program from Athens to Istanbul (or reverse), with 4 sailings in 2015 and 9 sailings in 2016. Travelers sail on the 36-cabin Mega Yacht Variety Voyager, discovering both mainland port cities and islands throughout eight days. The cruise takes passengers everywhere from the exotic city of Istanbul and the fabled ancient cities of Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus to the glitzy Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, as well as off-the-beaten track islands of Patmos, Samos and Arki, where large cruise ships cannot dock. The cruise offers passengers six optional excursions and three swim stops at the most picturesque locations in the Greek islands. For more information, please visit http://www.varietycruises.com/english/home/cruiseCalendar/Cruises+in+Greece+and+Turkey/32 .

The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands Discovery on the 25-cabin Motor Yacht Harmony V is a 7 night / 8 day cruise program showing this 10 islands archipelago - a perfect fit for Variety's small ships -- with tremendous bio and cultural diversity and close to perfect weather conditions. Guests will sail this new program from December 2015 to March 2016, which is the best period to visit the Canary Islands with temperatures not exceeding 71-74 degrees Farenheit and when winds are at their lowest. Passengers explore Gran Canaria, the main island, with its capital Las Palmas, cosmopolitan Lanzarote, Tenerife and La Palma or Isla Bonita. The simple wild beauty of Fuerteventura and the small and quaint island of La Gomera enchant the senses. Variety Cruises will operate 14 sailings plus an end March repositioning cruise from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Malaga, Spain. An Excursions Package including walking tours and excursions is available at additional cost. For more information please visit http://www.varietycruises.com/english/home/cruiseCalendar/Cruises+in+the+Canary+Islands/36 .

Madagascar and its Mozambique Channel Islands

Madagascar and its Mozambique Channel Islands Cruise on the 21-cabin Motor Yacht Pegasus, is a 9 night / 10 day itinerary showing North West Madagascar in a way no land tour or cruise has done so before: The Madagascar mainland portion of the itinerary includes the magnificent Diego Suarez Bay, the Ankarana Park and Amber Mountain. The itinerary also includes an island hopping portion reaching the most beautiful islands in the Mozambique channel such as Hara, Mitsio, Komba, Sakatia, Iranji and Nosy Be. The program can embark from Nosy Be or from Diego Suarez and an Excursions Package is available including walking tours and excursions. There will be a Madagascar Specialist Guide on board to educate passengers on the islands and their histories. For more information, please visit http://www.varietycruises.com/english/home/cruiseCalendar/Madagascar/33 .


For more information, prices and bookings, please contact your local Travel Agent or Discover the World Cruising on 1800 OCEANS (623 267) or email reservations@discovertheworld.com.au

New GSA for Voyages of Discovery, Swan Hellenic, Hebridean Island Cruises

#expeditioncruising 
 

Hebridean Island Cruises (supplied)

 To help broaden its visibility in key markets and increase sales, All Leisure Holidays Group has selected Discover the World to help with this mission in the countries of Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

Colin Wilson, group sales director for All Leisure Holidays Group said, “Partnering with Discover in Australia and New Zealand was a logical step for us to expand our growth in this region and with Discover’s vast network, our expansion into Scandinavia was an easy decision. These additional Scandinavian markets will create new customers for our brands as well as support our ships when they are positioned in these areas of the world”.

“We’ve enjoyed a long partnership with the Cruise Office in Australia and New Zealand and we would like to thank them for their work in promoting our brands in these markets”, continued Wilson. “However we wanted one business to help us work seamlessly in these new territories and as Discover was well known to us because a colleague had enjoyed a great relationship with them, Discover fit that bill”.

“We will capitalise on the growing cruise market for All Leisure Holidays Group”, said Jenny Adams, CEO of Discover the World. “The unique nature of its cruise brands, that include leading escorted tours, will especially appeal to the affluent and educated consumer. Given the track record we have with our cruise and tour clients, we know we can produce new customers and revenue for them and we are excited about working with the quality senior leadership team at All Leisure Holidays Group”.

All Leisure Holidays Group is headquartered in Market Harborough, England, All Leisure Group is the holding company of All Leisure Holidays, an established cruise company which owns the tour operators Voyages of Discovery, Swan Hellenic, Hebridean Island Cruises and Discover Egypt. Voyages of Discovery, Swan Hellenic and Hebridean offer destination-led cruises to a number of countries and are focused on the market for mature passengers while Discover Egypt offers packages to Egypt, including cruises and excursions on the River Nile.

In May, 2012, All Leisure group PLC announced the acquisition of Page & Moy Travel Group, a leading tour operator offering a broad range of packages, including touring holidays, city breaks, river and ocean cruises, safaris and classic rail journeys to the over-55s for more than 50 years. It currently trades under 2 brands, Travelsphere and Just You.

A fine drop on a grand voyage: Hurtigruten’s MS Fram Whisky Project

#expeditioncruising

The MS Fram expedition ship is currently loaded with two barrels of 21- and 25-year-old single malt whisky, which it is transporting from one end of the world to the other - a process that is said to refine the noble Scottish drop even further. After crossing the Antarctic Circle, the ship will head north to Greenland and Spitsbergen, with en-route stops scheduled in Scotland where the whisky was first produced.



The two 150-litre barrels of American oak filled with fine Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky which will cross four magical seafaring lines: the northern and southern polar circle, the zero meridian and the equator, have been firmly anchored on deck 9 in preparation for the long journey.

“We hope that the continuous rolling wave movements, temperature changes and sea air will further improve the excellent quality of our single malt and have a positive effect on it,” says MS Fram captain Arild Harvik. “As this is the first time that we have undertaken such a project, we filled a test bottle to check for changes in colour, strength and taste before and after the voyage”.

After just over ten months onboard MS Fram and over 126,000 kilometres travelled, the whisky will be transferred to limited edition bottles, with no more than 200 per barrel. The whisky is cask strength, meaning that after maturing in the barrel, it will not be diluted with water but will be filled directly from the barrel into the bottles. As the “MS Fram Expedition Whisky”, the single malt will carry its own, unique label and will be available to purchase on-board later this year, complete with a whisky diary and a certificate. The “MS Fram Expedition Whisky” can also be sampled in the bar of the expedition ship.




The topic ‘whisky and its origin’ are covered in two voyages on-board MS Fram in April and May. Both start in the Norwegian city of Bergen with the 12-day “British Isles in the Spring” (24th April – 5th May 2014) journey covering Scotland, Ireland and England, while “The Viking Route” (13th – 25th May 2014), lasts 13 days, and visits Scotland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland.

Both journeys are accompanied by Scottish lecturer and whisky expert Bernard McGee, who will share his knowledge of single malt scotch whisky and arrange some tastings during the voyage.

Prices for ‘The Viking Route’ voyage start from £2,474 per person, twin share for an inside cabin on full board basis. Transfers are available for an additional cost.

For more information email Discover the World on hurtigruten@discovertheworld.com.au or call 1800 OCEANS (1800 623 267).

Costa Rica & the Panama Canal aboard Variety Cruises

Introducing Costa Rica & the Panama Canal aboard Variety Cruises
and
Book Early and Save 25%^ Off the Cruise Fare

Book any Variety Cruises Costa Rica or Seychelles itineraries shown below and save 25% per person off the cruise fare^. Single travellers are also rewarded with a reduced single supplement of only 25%^ (normally 50%).

NEW CRUISE DESTINATION – 8 DAY/7NIGHT TREASURES OF COSTA RICA & THE PANAMA CANAL

The close of 2013 and the beginning of 2014 introduces a new and exciting destination for Discover the World Cruising - the exotic and natural splendours of Central America including the incredible Panama Canal aboard Variety Cruises’ newest Mega Yacht Variety Voyager. This 8 day tropical voyage starts in the charming port of Los Seunos in Costa Rica and will continue to the famous nature reserves and national parks of Isla Coiba, Corcovado and Manuel Antonio, before the once-in-a-lifetime must do experience of transiting the Panama Canal. And there is no better way to experience transiting this engineering marvel than aboard a small ship, such as the MY Variety Voyager, as it allows you to get up close and truly appreciate the immensity of this great human feat!

Click here for details on our 8 Day/7 Night Treasures of Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Voyage.

To celebrate the launch of this exciting new itinerary, book any Costa Rica voyage departing between December 2013 and March 2014 by 31 July 2013 and SAVE UP TO $2,230^ PER COUPLE OFF THE CRUISE FARE!



8, 5 or 4 DAY SEYCHELLES - GARDEN OF EDEN
Lying in the tropical waters of the vast Indian Ocean are the unspoiled, unhurried and pristine Seychelles Islands. And there is no better way to explore them than with Discover the World Cruising and Variety Cruises, on an 8, 5 or 4 day voyage, aboard the twin hulled Mega Yacht Pegasus.

Please see page 27 of our 2013 Europe & Exotic Corners brochure for itinerary details.

Book any Seychelles voyage departing between November 2013 and April 2014 by 30 September 2013 and SAVE UP TO $1,362^ PER COUPLE OFF THE CRUISE FARE!



Contact our team today as only a limited number of cabins on each cruise departure will attract these great savings!

Discover the World Cruising also offer a choice of pre/post cruise hotels and can assist with arranging transfers between the airport and hotel and/or ship.


And remember to like Discover the World Cruising on Facebook to keep updated on the latest info, special offers and competitions on Variety Cruises.

For bookings or more information, please contact our Discover the World Cruising team on:

Tel: 1800 OCEANS (623 267)
E-mail: retailres@discovertheworld.com.au
www.discovertheworldcruising.com.au




^ Early Booking Savings are valid for new bookings only, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. 25% Saving and 25% Single Supplement are calculated on the cruise fare only, excluding port charges and taxes and are available on all Costa Rica voyages departing Dec 2013 – Mar 2014, and all Seychelles voyages departing Nov 2013 – Apr 2014. Bookings for Costa Rica cruises must be received and deposited no later than 31 July 2013, and 30 September 2013 for Seychelles Cruises. Deposit of $1,050 per person is required. Cruise sailing dates, shipboard accommodation type and cruise fares subject to availability at time of booking. Excludes Owner’s suite on Variety Voyager cruises and group bookings. * Cruise fares are based on cruise departures from Mahe, 07, 14 Dec 2013 & 04, 11, 18, 25 Jan 2014. Discover the World Marketing Travel trading as Discover the World Cruising. License No. 2TA06929.

Hurtigruten launches new Norway 2012/13 winter brochure

Northern Lights viewed from Hurtigruten vessel

With demand for the Northern Lights higher than ever, Hurtigruten has launched its 2012/13 winter brochure, packed with dedicated Northern Lights itineraries. The northern winter just gone, saw some incredible Northern Lights sightings and next winter is expected to see similar solar activity, fuelling excitement from customers eager to catch a glimpse. The brochure contains all Hurtigruten’s winter product in one place and is eye catching, and an ideal tool for agents to help capture the increase in demand. Overall, prices lead in at just £744pp for a five-night ‘Voyage South’.

Kathryn Beadle, Managing Director at Hurtigruten UK comments: ‘ We are yet again seeing an enormous demand from customers who want to experience the Northern Lights this winter, which shows no sign of decreasing. By doubling the number of charter departures we anticipate doubling our winter business and so far signs show we are on track to do this.’

‘What is also quite positive is that our competitors have seen the success we have had and are themselves introducing Northern Lights cruises, which we see as testament to our success. We view any competition as healthy not only to us but good for the industry as a whole as this further raises the profile of this unique experience.’

A summary of what you will find inside the 2012/13 winter brochure:
· Captivating Astronomy voyage departures accompanied by expert lecturers.
· Unique experiences on the Arctic adventure departures including a night in a Snow suite at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel.
· Excursions to areas seldom seen by tourists on departures operating entirely within the Arctic Circle.
· Dog Sledging and other exciting winter adventure activities available to add on selected departures.
· Sail through the beautiful Vesteralen and Lofoten Islands and fascinating Seven Sister Mountains.

Contact Discover the World Marketing for your copy of the Hurtigruten 2012/2013 Winter Brochure!

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising and is represented in Australia by Discover the World Marketing.

For more information, contact Discover the World Marketing on 1800 OCEANS (1800 623 267) hurtigruten@discovertheworld.com.au

Discover Cruising... with a difference

Discover the World Marketing Travel launches Discover Cruising 2012/13 brochure

Discover the World Marketing Travel is pleased to announce the launch of their 2012/13 Cruising brochure, which showcases the intimate yacht/small ship experience of Variety Cruises together with a selection of SeaTours programs.

“We are extremely excited to introduce this brochure to the Australian travel industry,” said Country Director Birgit Eisbrenner. “Our Tailormade SeaTours of Distinction have been especially created for the discerning traveller, looking for life enriching cruise and tour journeys”.

For over 25 years, Variety has been taking their guests to mesmerising cosmopolitan and out of the way ports of call in a relaxed, private yacht-like atmosphere with a friendly and professional crew. Variety’s intimate ships, which carry just 44-72 guests, dock so close to where guests want to be, they simply step ashore and are amongst all the action. This means, no queues to access tenders and a flexible cruise schedule which allows guests freedom to fully enjoy each port at their own pace.

Discover’s SeaTours programs include hotel stays and land extensions that can be easily anchored either pre and/or post each cruise itinerary. The SeaTours often boast close-up sightseeing experiences with small group or private touring; superior, first class or deluxe hotel choices; airport and ship transfers; special dining events and much more.

The destinations offered in the Discover Cruising brochure include: Arabian Peninsula, Cuba, Greece & Turkey, Adriatic (Croatia, Montenegro & Albania), The French & Italian Riviera and Southern Italy & Malta. Many of the programs feature Early Bird Booking Savings of up to 20% on the voyage fare and bonus Shipboard Credits. Visit www.discovertheworldtravel.com.au to download the brochure or contact Discover the World Marketing Travel for your copies today.