Ocean Adventurer to sail as MS Expedition for G Adventures

)#expeditioncruising . 

G Adventures, one of the largest adventure travel companies worldwide, has announced a new ship for its Antarctic expeditions.

G Adventures release 2022 Arctic Expedition dates

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Adventures aboard the G Expedition to Norway and the Arctic available to book now -

Global adventure travel expert, G Adventures, has released its 2022 program of Arctic and Norway departures aboard the 134 passenger G Expedition to travellers and agents ahead of schedule. The 12 new departures, which will run from May to September 2022, will allow travellers to explore the wonders of the Norwegian Fjords and the diverse wildlife of the Arctic peninsula, and are available to book now.

Microcruising the Adriatic with G Adventures

#expeditioncruising .

From on board: S/Y Baltra

The grandeur of historic Kotor Bay rivals Cape Town (in my opinion) [RE]

If expedition cruising is a sub-set of cruising (I know, that is a whole other discussion) then it follows that 'microcruising' must be a subset of expedition cruising.

Take a 52-foot French-built monohull sailing yacht, add eight adventurous souls looking to explore  the glorious Dalmatian Coast in the pleasant, shoulder season of September.

G Adventures Introduces Reina Silvia Voyager Galapagos yacht

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Leading tour operator G Adventures proudly introduces a sixth yacht to its fleet of vessels for touring the Galápagos Islands, with 2020 departures posted on its website today. The custom-built catamaran will be among the most comfortable passenger touring vessels of its size in the Galápagos, and will reflect the company’s commitment to responsible tourism.

G Adventures Marine Sale offers big savings for Aussie travellers

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New savings of up to 25 per cent  released across 2018 Expedition and River cruises




The thrill of the Arctic sea spray against the face, the tranquillity of Burgundy's sleepy canals and the bustle of the Mekong's floating markets - these are just a few experiences available to travellers for less as part of G Adventures' Marine sale.

For those wanting to explore some of the world's most picturesque rivers, including the Mekong, the Ganges and Burgundy's Saône River, the sale offers up to 25 per cent OFF Riverboat tours when booked before February 28, 2018. Adventure-seekers can also save up to AUD $1250 on Norway and Arctic Expeditions, when booked before February 16,  2018.  

Adrian Piotto, Managing Director of G Adventures Australia & New Zealand believes the sale offers travellers the opportunity to snare a deal on some of the most unique and exhilarating adventures on offer.

"Our Riverboat Adventures and tours on board G Expedition enable travellers to visit areas other tours can't always reach, getting closer to amazing wildlife, marine sites and local communities," comments Piotto.

"Our smaller ships mean we can get all our Expedition travellers on land at each stop, and the size of all our vessels means our travellers get to know one another throughout their trip. This creates a real 'family-feel' on board which our travellers refer to time and time again after joining a Marine tour."

Tours offered within the Marine Sale include:

Save 25 per cent on Riverboat tours (booked before February 28, 2018) including:

• Mekong River Encompassed – Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, 10-days, Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap, now priced from AUD $1949 on select departures between March 1 and August 31.
• India River Cruise – Ganges Experience, nine-days, Calcutta return, now priced from AUD $1724 on select departures between March 1 and August 31. 
• Burgundy River Cruise Adventure – Northbound, eight days, Dijon return, now priced from AUD $2249 on select departures between March 1 and August 31. 

Save up to $1250 on Expedition tours (booked before February 16, 2018) including:

• Scottish Islands & Norwegian Fjords – 14-day, Edinburgh to Tromsø, now priced at AUD $8249 (save $1250) on select departures between May 8 and August 11.
• Realm of the Polar Bear – Eight-day, return from Longyearbyen, now priced at AUD $6149 (save $1250) for select departures between May 8 and August 11. 

GET G ADVENTURES BROCHURES DELIVERED FREE

http://www.gadventures.com.au

G Adventures' Big Chill is here

#expeditioncruising .

Travellers to save up to 20% on G Expedition cruises

Breathtaking glaciers, saw-toothed mountains, colossal icebergs, polar bears in their natural habitat and fields of ice that stretch on forever - these are just a few wonders available to travellers with the launch of G Adventures Big Chill sale.

The Big Chill, the adventure company's early booking bonus, offers savings of up to 20% across select trips from the G Expedition cruises for travellers looking to secure a place on a Norway expedition in 2018, an Arctic expedition in 2018, or an Antarctic expedition in 2018/2019.

The Arctic, Antarctic and Norway rank high on the world's “Mind-Blowing Places to Explore” list, and through G Adventures' Big Chill Sale it's even easier for travellers to cross these dream destinations off their bucket list.

Norway trips, Scottish Islands & Norwegian Fjords, Cruise the Norwegian Fjords in Depth, Norwegian Fjords & Arctic Discovery, exploring areas such as the stunning and wild Scottish coastline & north eastern islands to the majestic Fjords of Norway, are reduced by 20% when booking before July 3, 2017 for travel in 2018/19.

Arctic trips, Realm of the Polar Bear, Realm of the Polar Bear in Depth and Arctic Highlights, discovering the stunning Svalbard Archipelago, are reduced by 15% when booking before July 3, 2017 for travel in 2018/19.

Selected G Adventures' Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Islands, Antarctica Classic in Depth, Spirit of Shackleton, Antarctica Classic and Quest for the Antarctic Circle trips, all of which explore the region at the bottom of the world, are reduced by 10% when booking before July 3, 2017 for travel in 2018/19.

G Adventure's polar cruising programme has proven extremely popular amongst Australian and New Zealand travellers, and continues to see compounding growth year-on-year out of these markets. Adrian Piotto, Managing Director at G Adventures Australia and New Zealand, credits this to the Aussie and Kiwi love for adventure and insatiable appetite for travelling to the unknown.

“All of our G Expedition cruises offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from the unique wildlife, to the pristine landscapes and breathtaking beauty of the soaring icebergs,” he said.

“We're excited to be offering Australian and New Zealand travellers greater opportunity to explore the stunning natural wonders of these regions. Through the G Expedition travellers not only have the benefit of seeing the unforgettable scenery in comfort on board but are also given more shore time, with G Adventures' team of expert expedition guides there to provide a greater understanding of the area.”

Travellers are advised to book early. With these prices, the Big Chill isn't expected to last long.

To receive the savings, travellers must quote 17EX020EXP01 for Norway, 17EX015EXP03 on Arctic and 17EX010EXP01 on Antarctic.

For more information please visit www.gadventures.com.au and www.facebook.com/gadventures.

Terms and conditions apply.

Featured brochure: G Adventures Marine

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Get this brochure and more now. Free. Click.

Antarctica & Arctic Expeditions | South America Expeditions & Cruises | River Cruises: Amazon, Ganges, Mekong, Burgundy Rivers | Sailing Adventures: Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Cuba, British Virgin Islands, Thailand, Maldives

Galapagos for Every Budget with G Adventures

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G Adventures upgrades fleet and discounts Galapagos cruises allowing more Aussies to explore the islands

To celebrate G Adventures updated fleet of small Galapagos Islands cruise vessels, the adventure travel company is offering a large discount on cruises between January and March next year.

G Adventures is encouraging travellers and agents to book before November 30 to enjoy 20 per cent off Galapagos departures from January 1 through to March 31, 2017.

G Adventures have five vessels operating in the Galapagos, one for every style of traveller, including the Estrella del Mar which is designed for the younger traveller, the Xavier III and Monserrat which are great all round options through to the recently refurbished Yolita and Queen of the Galapagos which cater to a more discerning audience who want upgraded amenities.

All vessels have a certified naturalist guide from the Galápagos National Park Service, there to provide an in depth understanding of the nature and wildlife in the area.

Adrian Piotto, Managing Director G Adventures Australia and New Zealand, says G Adventures is committed to providing responsible and sustainable adventures in the region,

"The Galápagos Islands are one of those amazing places that lends itself to once in a lifetime experiences. Our travellers are treated to landings and excursions that give real insight into the regions history, culture and wildlife without harming the delicate ecosystems that exist in the area. Along the way they can study tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz, and pass through majestic Kicker Rock off San Cristóbal Island," he said.

The Yolita recently underwent an upgrade, transforming its interior to make it even more comfortable for adventurous travellers who want to see the beautiful islands and surrounding waters with added luxury. The attractive 16-passenger ship boasts spacious cabins and the large upper deck allows travellers to soak up the Ecuadorian sun.

For more information or to book a trip, call 1300 796 618 or visit www.gadventures.com.au

Discounts on G Adventures’ Norway Expedition Cruises

#expeditioncruising .

Scandinavia just got a whole lot cheaper



G Adventures has launched discounts on all three of its Norway expedition cruises, offering 15 to 25 per cent off the once-in-a-lifetime adventures for Australian and New Zealand travellers.

The adventure operator is encouraging travellers to book early on the trips, which depart in May 2017 to secure their preferred itinerary, date and cabin category.

Adrian Piotto, Managing Director G Adventures Australia and New Zealand, says travelling Norway by ship is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to see the country.

“Norway has long been popular with travellers from New Zealand and Australia because of the natural wonders the country has to offer. It is a stunning part of the world, and perfectly fitted for expedition cruising. These new itineraries offer travellers even more ways to explore Norway and with the added discounts it’s a budget friendly way to tick off a bucket list destination,” he said.

On board the G Expedition, travellers have the benefit of seeing the fjords in comfort, with G Adventures’ team of expert expedition guides there to provide a greater understanding of the nature and wildlife in the area.

Agents and travellers must book by December 14 to take advantage of the discounts, with 25 per cent off Cruise the Norwegian Fjords – Tromsø to Bergen and 15 per cent off Scottish Highlands and Norwegian Fjords and Norwegian Fjords and Polar Bears of Spitsbergen itineraries departing between May 11, 2017 and August 11, 2017.

For more information or to book a trip to any of the above destinations, call 1300 796 618 or visit www.gadventures.com.au

G Adventures announces new expedition cruise itineraries for Norway

And launches early booking bonus for Norway and Arctic itineraries

G Adventures is introducing three new itineraries in Norway on board its expedition ship, G Expedition, in May 2017, following consumer demand for cruises in the area.

The adventure operator is also offering a 15 per cent early booking bonus for these trips, as well as all other 2017 Longyearbyen and Svalbard itineraries, to encourage travellers to book early and secure their preferred itinerary, date and cabin category.

Adrian Piotto, Managing Director G Adventures Australia and New Zealand, says travelling Norway by ship is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to see the country.

"Norway has long been popular with travellers from New Zealand and Australia because of the stunning natural wonders the country has to offer. On board the G Expedition travellers have the benefit of seeing the fjords in comfort, with G Adventures' team of expert expedition guides there to provide a greater understanding of the nature and wildlife in the area."

"It is a stunning part of the world, and perfectly fitted for expedition cruising. With these new itineraries travellers have even more ways to explore Norway."

The early booking discount is valid for all bookings made before June 30, 2016 and applies to all Norwegian and Artic itineraries departing between May 11, 2017 and August 11, 2017.

The three new Norwegian itineraries are as follows:

-              Cruise the Norwegian Fjords – Tromsø to Bergen -  Venture into the magical and mysterious lands along the coast of the Norwegian Sea for close encounters with glaciers and fjordscapes. Perfect for explorers long on ambition but short on time, this eight-day expedition brings travellers to important sites of Norway's ancient history, UNESCO-protected historic sites, and incredible nature. Was priced from $2,999pp now priced from $2,549 for an eight-day trip from Tromsø to Bergen.

-              Scottish Highlands and Norwegian Fjords - Go deeper into the otherworldly fjords of Norway on this unique journey through the Norwegian Sea. Discover UNESCO-protected wonders like the Standing Stones of Stennes, the mystical Ring of Brodgar, witness the curious clash of cultures in the Shetland Islands, and marvel at the stunning forests and waterfalls that line the fjords. Was priced from $5,199pp, now priced from $4,419pp for a 14-day trip from Edinburgh to Tromsø.

-              Norwegian Fjords and Polar Bears of Spitsbergen - Set sail from Bergen – the gateway to Norway's fjords – to the remote shores of Svalbard on this odyssey across the Norwegian Sea. Walk across the glaciers that carved the stunning landscapes, explore subarctic islands by Zodiac in search of polar bears, and walk through history at UNESCO-protected historical sites. Was priced from $6,299pp, now priced from $5,354pp for a 15-day trip from Bergen to Longyearbyen.

For more information or to book a trip to any of the above destinations, call 1300 796 618 or visit www.gadventures.com.au

Aboard MS Expedition: A sand blast on San Blas

#Expeditioncruising

From on board G Adventures MS Expedition in Panama
San Blas Islands, Panama
25 April 2016

G Adventures Zodiacs and local traffic mix in the waters off Carti Sugdub

Kuna lady displays her handmade embroidery, called 'mola'.

Kuna women in traditional costume.

I guess what makes the San Blas Islands so fascinating, is twofold. Firstly, their location in a quieter, yet very beautiful corner of the Caribbean and secondly, their curious autonomous status within the nation of Panama. The native Kuna people withdrew to these islands decades ago after pressure from landowners to either get with their program or ship out. The Kuna shipped out and stuck to their guns, declaring the San Blas Islands their own.

We came ashore on one of the lesser populated islands with a name like some Outer Rim planet: Carti Sugdub. We then relocated briefly to tiny Isla Perlo Chico for some frolicking in the water. Finally we ended up at not-much-larger Wylie Island for lunch of fried fish and chicken in a cute overwater restaurant/bar.

You'd be hard-placed to fit a soccer pitch on either of these last two 'islands' but each contain a bar, backpacker-style lodge, Kuna women's pop-up handicraft stalls and a tiny marina of sorts. Even though the area is apparently free of destructive storms, there must be some hazards, as two wrecks are nearby, one very recent, the other very old.

Away from the populated islands, the water is crystal clear, the white sand warm and the coconut trees sway ever so slightly in the gentle breeze. The visitors, I'm told come from all over, but mostly from Panama City for a genuine tropical island escape from the concrete and glass canyons of the burgeoning capital.

On Carti Sugdub, the scene is not so idyllic. The 1000 or so residents live cheek-by-jowl in cement and thatch shacks that extend right to the water's edge with no room for wheeled transport anywhere in the narrow alleys. Much of the available space is taken up by optimistic Kuna ladies displaying their very lovely embroidery, called 'mola'.

Again, the debris of modern consumerism in the form of discarded plastic bottles and non-biodegradable trash is everywhere. Communal latrines simply hang over the low concrete seawall where the bottom is lined with all manner of sunken stuff. A few lonely solar panels fill in for street lights and every second roof sports a bright red satellite dish.

Okay, this is not the shiny or contrived tourism offering, this is the real, everyday deal for these people and, for better or worse, this is what expedition cruising is all about. If you want air-conditioned shopping malls with 'Made in China' trinkets lining the shelves and burger restaurants, then get on one of the big ships with 2000 others and snuff out what's left of any genuine culture. You can't have it both ways.

While there were some frowns and sideways glances, G Adventures and their guests actively promote conservation and recycling efforts in many of the destinations they visit through their Planeterra Foundation. The San Blas Islands will have to go on next year's list for now.


All words and images (c) Roderick Eime


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Aboard MS Expedition: Maiden transit of the Panama Canal

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From on board G Adventures MS Expedition in Panama
Maiden transit of the Panama Canal.
24 April 2016

MS Expedition approaches Miraflores Locks

G Adventures expedition staff celebrate

The memorial plaque

Today I shared a first with G Adventures' flagship, MS Expedition. We both made our very first passage through the famous Panama Canal, that century-old engineering feat that joined – at great human cost – the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans by digging a whopping (80km) trench across the Panama isthmus.

Normally a vessel of this size would be required to travel at night when conditions were safer. The big Panamax ships (built to maximum canal dimensions) are the ones allowed to travel during daylight hours for maximum visibility, but G Adventures insisted on delivering maximum enrichment to guests and secured a daytime slot at some expense.

I will detail the entire, lengthy process in a later article, but to give you some idea, it was basically an all-day affair, entering the first (southern) lock at Miraflores after breakfast and exiting the northern end at Colon just before dinner. Watching the big ships squeeze in and out of the 100-year-old, 32m wide concrete compartments, each filled with more than 100 million litres of water, is quite a spectacle. And to think this whole shebang was designed in the late 19th century, well before any decent computing devices were available, is quite amazing.

There was quite the celebration aboard ship as the MS Expedition entered the first lock around 9am. This whole process was viewed via webcam at www.pancanal.com.

Cruise ships make up barely seven per cent of all canal traffic, but the Norwegian Pearl enjoys the distinction of paying the highest toll: US$490,000. This is calculated on the base rate of $5.10 per nett ton, but numerous add-ons, like pre-booking fee quickly add to the overall cost. The minimum costs for any vessel (eg private yachts) is currently US$800 and the lowest cost ever paid was 36c by Mr Richard Haliburton who swan the canal over the space of a week in 1928.

The fastest vessel through the canal was the USS Pegasus (a hydrofoil) that completed the transit in 2hr41mins in 1979. In its lifetime, more than one million vessels have transited the canal. Already expansion works are well progressed to allow even larger ships (from max width of 32m to 49m) which will, if claims prove true, effectively double the capacity of the canal.

Further reading: Cruising the World's Great Canals
https://issuu.com/rodeime/docs/ftb46_cruiseregionfocus_rod

All words and images (c) Roderick Eime www.travography.com

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Aboard MS Expedition: Panama City exploration

Contrasting skylines of Panama City

Street in the old quarter

Panama Hats. About US$25 will get one.

From on board G Adventures MS Expedition in Panama
Panama City shore excursion
23 April 2016

From its inauguration in 1519 by Spanish conquistador, Pedro Arias Dávila,
Panama City has been a waypoint for treasure seekers and gold diggers. In
fact, so infuriated were the English that they sent the rampaging
privateer, Henry Morgan, to sack the fledgling city in 1671. Morgan took
gold, silver and hostages before leaving the place in flames.

The city was relocated and rebuilt, but succumbed to several subsequent
fires leaving the old city, now UNESCO listed, with a mixture of
architectural styles from Spanish, French and Caribbean influences. Then
again in 1989, US forces invaded in order to capture the rogue president,
General Manuel Noriega, again leaving portions of the old neighbourhoods in
ruins.

Now with the revelation of the so-called Panama Papers, this renegade city
seems none to keen to shed its reputation for creative banking and currency
conjuring. Since 2000, the government have made all manner of enticements to
foreign investors and the new skyline has grown like bamboo shoots in the
steamy heat. Made up mainly of residential condominiums, there is also a
fair share of corporate and hotel developments including a new luxury Trump
tower. Some of the original real estate pricing was a little optimistic,
with many of the strata properties falling by as much as half of their
initial asking price. A decent condo, I'm told, can be acquired for as
little as US$250,000 these days.

Prior to our transit through the canal, we had time to wander the streets,
taking in sights, sounds and smells of the old town where many buildings are
under restoration, adding a curious blend of sad cosmopolitan decay and
trendy colonial rejuvenation.

As one might expect, tourist traders were out in force selling all manner of
trinkets, but the prize was certainly the genuine Montecristi, that
distinctive handwoven hat so typified by historic figures like Teddy
Roosevelt and Ernest Hemingway. This is despite origins of the hat actually
deriving from Ecuador. An 'Ecuador Hat' is apparently too much of a mouthful
and a marketing impediment.


Words and Images (c) Roderick Eime


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Aboard MS Expedition: Survivor and the Panamanian pirate islands

ex-pat expedition guide, Brandon, relives an episode of Survivor at Mogo Mogo

The former drug lord's mansion on Chapera, now occupied by the Panamanian Coast Guard

Dirty looks from Survivor TV series security as their new secret location is sprung

From on board G Adventures MS Expedition in Panama

Mogo Mogo and Chapera Islands, Archipiélago de Las Perlas (Pearl Islands)
Friday 22 April 2016

Well, it's easy enough to deduce the origin of the name since a mighty 32 carat number was produced from the molluscs who still inhabit these shallow waters south of Panama.

But the islands are full of stories of intrigue and skulduggery even to this day. Pirates of the like of the 17th Century English privateer, Henry Morgan, operated in these waters during the English/Spanish conflict of the time and would have almost certainly have used the Pearl Islands as a hideout in between looting galleons and trashing Panama City.

Our activities were far more sedate. Zodiacs took guests ashore at both the uninhabited Mogo Mogo and adjacent Chapera for swimming and lazing about. The latter has been in the media in recent times for a number of reasons.

Many believe it was a drug staging point for the infamous Noriega prior to his arrest by US authorities and soon after the island was purchased outright by another drug baron, the Colombian Nelson Oriega. The figure of 1.5 million dollars was mentioned. He then built a sprawling beach house on a point overlooking the two islands but had the entire package confiscated after he annoyed someone in the Panamanian government. Oriega spent seven years in prison on a hastily concocted money laundering charge and is currently suing for the island's return.

Many will remember the island as the setting for one of the early 'Survivor' TV Series and the producers of the evergreen reality TV show are currently in the process of building a new set for a return installment. Our Zodiacs stumbled on the crew at work and gained some unwelcome stares from the set builders and their burly, shirtless security thugs. Secrecy would seem an impossible task as the waters just offshore make a popular route for yachties. That and the nearby populated island of Isla Contadora with its many elite mansions would make the activity hard to conceal. So, you heard it here first, Survivor returns to Panama! Location: 8.60, -79.03


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Aboard MS Expedition: Native welcome to Panama

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Village of Mogue, Rio Mogue
Thursday 21 April 2016

The stifling heat and humidity persisted, but our excitement remained
undiminished as we set out for the Darien Jungle Reserve to meet the Embera
people who live in the village of Mogue along the river of the same name.

We arrived in a small fleet of locally made 'dugouts', rough but rugged
wooden runabouts driven by small outboard motors, after navigating the
winding river a couple of kilometres inland. Dazzling little kingfishers
flitted among the leaves while herons and ibis patrolled the banks in search
of the little crabs that fearfully scampered in and out of their holes in
the mud.

The village sustains a population of about 500 residents spread out in
spartan but sturdy stilted huts made from quality local hardwood so prized
by the loggers.

Even though I was in another country in another hemisphere on the other side
of the world, I couldn't help making comparisons with the lands and people
of Melanesia who likewise live in isolation, trying to preserve their
ancient culture and homelands from the [insert your own adjective]
influences of Westernised culture.

This proud and attractive ethnic group live a largely subsistence lifestyle
amid the dense jungle and mangrove swamps on the south-western coast of
Panama. Here they grow the most succulent pineapples and watermelons in the
rich soil and, thanks to a large degree from responsible tourism, maintain
some elements of their traditional culture through handicrafts, song and
dance.

The influences of modern 'civilisation' could not be ignored. Some curious
residents filmed us with camera phones and all about the village were
plastic soft drink bottles and scraps of crisp and sweet packets. One of our
guides despaired at the issues of trash disposal, while another enlightened
us as to how he and some of the villagers were repurposing compactable
plastics into house bricks and pavers.

The debate continues: how to preserve and integrate tourism into a delicate,
isolated culture while maintaining that culture's dignity and integrity. In
my opinion, while it is being conducted by sensitive and considerate
operators working with properly trained professional guides, it works as
well as can reasonably be hoped. The alternative is for these politically
vulnerable people to fall prey to the darker side of capitalism.

Images:

* Local dugouts navigate the Rio Mogue
* G Adventures guests treated to performances in the village square
* Young Embera women perform traditional dance
* Portrait




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Aboard MS Expedition: Steaming wet Colombia

It quickly became known as the 'death march'. A little melodramatic perhaps,
but after four hours hiking in scattered groups in what appeared to be in
circles with a local guide who quickly vanished from view every time we set
off, it was one of those events you had to laugh about.

Bahia Solano on the Pacific Coast of Colombia is a remote fishing and
subsistence agricultural village deep in the primary rainforest. The local
people are predominantly of African descent, made up from slaves who escaped
their Spanish masters hundreds of years ago and vanished into the jungle as
best they good. By all accounts, a successful ploy.

Groups from MS Expedition set off in different directions in the 97%
humidity. Some for a waterfall, others for a 'botanical garden', while our
objective was the remote village of Huina that, as it turned out, raised
cattle in large clearings in the 'primary' jungle. The trail was narrow
through dense jungle, muddy with frequent stream crossings, swelled by
recent rains. Those rains thankfully did not recur during our walk, but
there would have been those, myself included, who would have welcomed a
cooling shower even though I looked like I'd been standing in one already.

After a series of comical 'hide and seek' episodes amid the undergrowth, we
eventually emerged at a tiny beach resort which provided a trickle of WiFi
and very welcome cold Colombian lager.

Images:

* Group assembles at the beach head
* Local woodcutter with 'wild acacia' planks
* Jungle trail near Bahia Solano




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Aboard MS Expedition: Isla dela Plata - Tiny island with a silver lining.

From on board G Adventures MS Expedition in Ecuador
Tuesday 19 April 2016

Expedition cruising is all about making discoveries and this little landmass
a few kilometres off the coast of Ecuador is one such example.

Ecologists and naturalists delight in the study of seabirds in an
environment not unlike the Galapagos Islands, several hundreds of kilometres
farther to the west. The magnificent frigate birds and delightful
blue-footed boobies nest here in abundance and are visited by many more
migratory species including the majestic waved albatross and tiny Tennessee
warbler.

Part of the coastal Machalilla National Park that embraces the town of
Puerto Lopez, Isla de la Plata and its fragile population enjoys the same
protection. Visitors can enjoy any number of guided hikes around the island
to see the nesting sites or snorkel in the waters where, if you're lucky,
the giant oceanic manta rays sometimes pass by.

The human history is just as fascinating and it is this that gives rise the
island's name, which in English translates to 'Island of Silver'. One
character connected to the islands is Sir Frances Drake. The knighted pirate
(or privateer, if you prefer) is said to have hidden great quantities of
looted treasure from the Spanish galleons as they made their way back to the
royal court of Spain from Peru. While small trinkets have been discovered,
the 'mother lode' of treasure, if it exists, is yet to be unearthed.

Images:

* Map showing location of Isla de la Plata
* Hikers climb to nesting sites along 'Fragatas' trail.
* Male frigate bird displays distinctive pouch

The writer is travelling as a guest of G Adventures [www.gadventures.com]




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Aboard MS Expedition: Earthshaking Welcome to Ecuador

Guide showing hiking options on Isla dela Plata

Frigatebirds fill the air above the island

Male Frigatebird displays

From on board G Adventures MS Expedition in Ecuador
Sunday 17 April, Monday 18 April 2016


"First the whole building shook, then I could hear the masonry and glass
falling," my excited roommate Geoff told me as I unpacked my bags in the
Hilton Colon, near the airport at Guayaquil.

My plane was already on approach to land when we were diverted at the last
minute to Quito. It was certainly a dramatic welcome to Ecuador!

The Hilton fared much better than some buildings and I soon learned that
hundreds of people were dead in the South American country after the biggest
quake in decades, a 7.8. But by the time I arrived, the debris inside the
hotel was swept up and the disco was back in full swing.

The following morning we set off as per schedule on our coach to meet G
Adventures MS Expedition at the port town of Salinas. Ecuador seems to take
this in its stride.

After some deft wrangling with authorities, caught up in the state of
emergency, we were able to gain permission to land at our first stop, Isla
de la Plata, a protected island just off the coast of Ecuador with an
ecology very similar to Galapagos with tottering Blue-Footed Boobies ambling
about the pathways and Frigatebirds gracing the skies over head.

With 97 per cent humidity and heat to match, groups set out to hike the
rough trails to see the nesting birds and endemic flora species.

Heading north, we crossed the equator about 9pm en route to Colombia and
Panama.




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Massive discount on G Adventures South America Expedition

#expeditioncruising

G Adventures to offer an exceptional 45% off an expedition cruise in South America December 4th, 2015



G Adventures has announced 45% off for travellers joining its new cruise itinerary sailing the coast of South America from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cartagena, Colombia.

The full South America Cruise – Ushuaia to Cartegena is 38 days long, departs March 21, 2016 and is now priced from £6,049pp*, (was £10,999pp). G Adventures is also offering 45% off for travellers with less time to join sectors of the trip for as few as 12 days.

The full 38-day trip visits 21 ports in six countries (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Peru). Highlights include a Chilean rodeo, barbecue and wine experience in Punta Arenas, as well a visit to the Copiapó mine where “Los 33” were trapped and rescued after 69 days in 2010.

There is also an optional fly-over of the ancient Nazca lines in Southern Peru, a three-day, land-based trip to Macchu Picchu, the opportunity to traverse the Panama Canal, and to relax on the idyllic San Blas Islands in Panama, of Microsoft Windows 95 wallpaper fame.

Other sectors are also available at 45% off and are listed below:

– South America Cruise – Chilean Fjords – 15 days departing March 21, 2016.
WAS priced from £5,359pp, NOW priced from £3,483pp.

– South America Cruise – Ushuaia to Guayaquil – 28 days, departing March 21, 2016.
WAS priced from £8,999pp, NOW priced from £4,949pp.

– South America Cruise – Santiago to Guayaquil – 15 days, departing April 3, 2016.
WAS priced from £5,359pp, NOW priced from £3,483pp.

– South America Cruise – Santiago to Cartagena – 25 days, departing April 3, 2016.
WAS priced from £6,999pp, NOW priced from £3,849pp.

– South America Cruise – Guayaquil to Cartagena – 12 days, departing April 16, 2016.
WAS priced from £4,399pp, NOW priced from £2,859pp.

(* Prices do not include flights and are based on four people sharing a Category 1A Quad cabin)

Epic South America expedition voyage

#expeditioncruising

A leisurely expedition voyage along the west coast of South America in a boutique-size ship is the perfect way to explore some of that continent’s greatest sites and attractions.

A new cruise offering from Cruise Traveller, lasting over five weeks and including round-trip airfares from Australia, heads north along the full length of the South American continent, from Ushuaia in Argentina’s deep south to tropical Cartagena on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. 

MS Expedition

Called ‘Grand South America Discovery’, this is the adventure of a lifetime – complete with a three-day trip to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Throughout this 39-night, fly-cruise-tour-and-and stay holiday, you’ll travel in comfort aboard G Expedition, a fast, safe, spacious ship, completely refurbished in 2009. G Expedition delivers an intimate small-ship cruising experience with all meals aboard included and large common areas and observation decks providing panoramic views.

Visit Isla de la Plata, off Ecuador’s coast, with wildlife to match the Galapagos, but without the crowds and high prices. Explore fjords by Zodiac, see calving glaciers, visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley before heading north to the wilds of the Darien Jungle, once considered impenetrable. Relax on white sand beaches, transit the Panama Canal and wander through little townships, wineries and local markets.

Constructed to sturdy Ice Class 1B standards for service in sea ice, G Expedition carries no more than 134 passengers. Its compact size (105 metres long by 18 metres wide) – suits South American cruising perfectly.

If you’re used to bigger ships, note that there are no ‘inside cabins’ on this cruise. Cabins consist of twin-size berths and face the ocean through a window or porthole, depending on deck. Suites have one queen-size bed.

Cruise Traveller’s ‘Grand South America Discovery’ departs Australia on 20 March 2016 with a flight to Buenos Aires. It costs from A$25,399, per person twin share, if booked by 18 September 2015 – which represents a saving of 20 percent (or A$5600) over the regular price.

The expedition voyage includes a night in a hotel in gracious Buenos Aires, birthplace of the tango. There’s another night ashore in Cartagena, a Caribbean gem on South American shores. Here in 1741, Spanish Admiral Don Blas de Lezo, with only one eye, one leg and one hand, successfully defended the city against British attack.

Another night is spent in Ushuaia, a city so far south it’s nicknamed Fin del Mundo (the End of the World). You’ll stay two nights in a hotel in Peru’s El Valle Sagrado (the Sacred Valley of the Incas) and another night in the Inca capital of Cusco. Flights from Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Trujillo are included.

Other inclusions on ‘Grand South America Discovery’:

• An excursion to spectacular Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chilean Patagonia, from Puerto Natales;

• A visit to the Simpson River National Reserve visit in Chile’s Chacabuco;

• Choice of excursions in Punta Arenas, southern Chile, and Ancud in the Chilean island province of Isla de Chiloe;

• In Peru, a city tour of Cusco, the ancient Inca capital.

• Tour of Ollantaytambo, an Inca archaeological site in southern Peru.

• Choice of four excursions in Colombia’s beautiful Bahia Solano.

G Expedition offers several large public areas to enjoy during sea crossings and between land excursions. All cabins are equipped with private ensuite facilities. Fine dining aboard includes international cuisine served in one sitting – and the large aft deck is equipped with barbecue facilities. Toast the cruise in the Polar Bear Pub, enjoy a sauna or keep in touch via the internet in the computer room.

The cruise rounds off in some of the world’s most fabulous tropical regions. The San Blas Islands of Panama are 378 Islands in the Caribbean Sea, only 49 of which are inhabited. After a day there, spend the next day in Capurgana , a fabulous beach destination on Colombia’s remote Gulf of Urabá ,

Disembarking in Cartagena, you will have seen and experienced a great deal of South America. Reflect on it all over an aromatic Colombian coffee before jetting back to Australia.

For more information, contact:

Cruise Traveller, Boutique Voyage and Cruise Specialists
Freecall 1800 507 777 or (07) 5575 8094.
sales@cruisetraveller.com.au
www.cruisetraveller.com.au