Peregrine releases sail away sale with up to 30% off

#expeditioncruising .

The sale includes select Antarctica 20/21 Voyages and 2020 Adventure Cruises

Peregrine is offering up to 30% off* Antarctica Voyages and Adventure Cruises.

From 29th November to 8th December, travellers can book onto a Peregrine Adventure Cruise and select Antarctica Voyages, and save up to 30% off.

Examples of some of the sales on offer include:

Save $2,569 on Peregrine’s Best of Antarctica departing 4th November 2020:

Peregrine Adventures new expeditions to Antarctica

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• Peregrine will double carbon offsets on all of it Antarctica expeditions
• Lowest lead in prices starting at $7090, making Antarctica accessible for all
• Wellness comes to the fore with frozen yoga that turns Bikram on its head

Peregrine Adventures today launched new expeditions to Antarctica that will benefit both travellers and the environment.

Peregrine Adventures’ Antarctica Expeditions aboard the Ocean Endeavour will continue the company’s focus on sustainable and experiential style of cruising.

Win an expedition trip to Antarctica with Peregrine

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Yes, it's that easy. Follow these simple steps and you could be

on your way to the frozen continent.

LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

ENTER COMPETITION

Peregrine Adventures’ first custom-built expedition vessel in Galapagos #expeditioncruising

#expeditioncruising .

Peregrine Adventures’ first custom-built expedition vessel has begun cruising the Galapagos as part of the company’s burgeoning small-ship Adventure Cruising program which has grown 35 per cent year to date.

One of the newest and most sustainable ships operating in the Galapagos, Grand Queen Beatriz, named after the matriarch of the Galapagueno family who built and own the vessel, departed on her maiden voyage from Puerto Baquerizo Morena in San Cristobal on Saturday July 1.

Win a 15-day Vietnam Expedition Cruise with Peregrine #expeditioncruising

#expeditioncruising .



Experience the joys of small-ship cruising on this exciting journey along the beautiful coastline of Vietnam – from Hanoi in the north, to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. 

[Cruise details]

ENTER HERE

Entries close on 25/07/18

Featured Brochure: Antarctica Small Ship Cruises with Peregrine Adventures

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Small ship expedition voyages: Antarctic Peninsula • South Georgia • Falkland Islands

click to get this brochure now

The far icy reaches of our planet are no longer out of reach. You can visit the rugged wilderness areas of Antarctica, The Falklands and South Georgia where sightings of seals, penguins and whales are daily occurrences, and majestic icebergs often form the backdrop for your adventure.

The Antarctic is an immense wilderness region, where we are at the mercy of the wind, the ocean and the ice – conditions that can change rapidly and dramatically. We cannot survive alone in these icy extremes, but Peregrine's state-of-the-art expedition ships and experienced captains will take you deep into the polar regions in comfort and safety.

Peregrine's expedition ships unlock a miraculous, forbidden world where animals have no fear of man; where the din of a hundred thousand penguins drowns conversation; and where whales show as much curiosity in the behaviour of humans as we do in theirs.

On all voyages your time off the ship will be optimised, as once in a lifetime experiences ensure you have the very best opportunities to explore and to get excellent value. Peregrine takes the time to get under the skin of a destination. Seeing the famous landmarks and wildlife is a must, but exploring it with a passionate expert on foot or finding a quiet spot on the ship to enjoy the majesty of the surrounds in solitude are moments that will leave a lasting impression.

All Peregrine polar adventures have world-leading expedition staff, ship captains and crew who draw on their experience from hundreds of voyages.

Peregrine aims to set the industry benchmarks for minimum environmental impact and the most stringent safety practices. Operating within these guidelines, Peregrine will guide your polar experience while, at the same time, allowing you the choice and flexibility to see the polar regions in your own style.

Using the expedition ships as floating bases, you can choose the style of voyage that suits you.

Embrace the Spirit of Adventure on a journey to the end of the earth

Win a $10,000 Peregrine Adventure Cruise

#expeditioncruising .



Peregrine Adventures and MiNDFOOD are offering one lucky MiNDFOOD reader an eight day cruise for two, valued over $10,000. Sailing Thailand's picturesque west coast Islands, aboard Peregrine's Panorama II, with return economy flights included.

Peregrine Adventures has just released an exciting new range of Asia Adventure cruises. Picture the same premium small ship cruises, except this time they're visiting some of Asia's best tropical islands and most exotic coastlines. The Panorama II will be your home on the seas for eight days as you take in some of the most spectacular islands off Thailand's west coast. The ship is equipped with 25 well-appointed cabins and a spacious upper deck.

The new eight-day round round-trip adventure takes you to stunning beaches and quaint villages on the less-visited isles of Similan, Ko Miang, Ko Surin Tai and Khao Lak. Each of the islands offer all the hallmarks of Thailand's idyllic south.

Cuba Small Ship Cruising: Into the ancient Valley of Tobacco

 #expeditioncruising

Benito welcomes me to his farm as I enjoy one of his products. (RE)

Foreman, Ismael, rolls a cigar in
the age-old fashion (RE)

With Intrepid Travel and Peregrine Adventures in Cuba aboard MV Callisto

Benito Camejo Nodarse is a local legend in Cuba's western Pinar del Rio province, the UNESCO World Heritage region renowned as the supposed birthplace of modern tobacco cultivation.

"Date un toque," says Benito in typically charismatic style as he pours us both a shot of local rum, "kill the rat!" - which I take to mean 'hair of the dog' or similar.

I take mine neat like Benito and the clear liquid is surprisingly smooth and soothing, while others prefer a shot of the farm's other product, coffee. Mix the two and you have a 'carajillo' (goddam!)

Tucked away among similar, privately-owned farms of less than 25 acres each, Benito's family have been here in the Vinales Valley for five generations producing the valuable crop first cultivated right here by the Spanish in the 16th century. Modern tobacco is derived from the wild 'cohibo' weed used by the long gone Arawak indian 'belique' (shamans) during ceremonies.

From that rough leafy plant sprung a most valuable primary product that has become a major contributor to the Cuban economy alongside coffee and sugar.

The karst outcrops typify the UNESCO-listed landscape and are
surrounded by scores of tiny private tobacco farms. (RE)

A few moments earlier, Benito's foreman, Ismael, had shown us the art of hand rolling the cigar into its familiar, leafy tube. Leaves from the mature plant are selected at different times and for different purposes and 'cured' in a thatched barn identical to those used by the early Spaniards. Leaves are hung on horizontal wooden poles for weeks to dry and 'cure'.

For instance, the top leaves are called 'volado' (hot) are harvested first and used as a binder for the cigar's contents. Next, a week or so later, the 'ligero' (light) leaves are plucked and used as the wrapper. Finally, the lower leaves or 'seco' (dry) ones are gathered and used for the filler. These will dictate the final flavour and aroma of the cigar.

New shoots appear, while in the background is
Benito's traditional thatched tobacco 'barn'. (RE)

Typically 90 percent of Benito's crop is selected for agreed government production under controlled conditions while any remainder is left for him to sell as he wishes. This is typically as 'cleanskin' cigars which come without any certified branding but smoke as well any Cohiba or Monte Cristo for a fraction of the price. Yes, I bought a clutch of 10 for not much more than a buck each.

From the Vinales Valley we continue southwest to meet MV Callisto, waiting for us at the farthest western point of the island, in the Guanahacabibes National Park.

ExpeditionCruising.com is travelling as a guest of Peregrine Adventures and Variety Cruises on the 'Cuba Panorama Cruising' itinerary aboard MV Callisto. See www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/cuba

Cuba Small Ship Cruising: Snapshots of Cuba

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Cuba is one big story and myriad vignettes at the same time. Founded in Spanish colonial 16th century and fought over, argued about, raided, plundered and isolated on and off for the next 500 years, Cuba contains a distinct set of time capsules from every era of its tumultuous evolution.

Here are just a few 'freeze frame' captures from my last week on and around the island while sailing aboard Variety Cruises' MV Callisto with Peregrine Adventures.

Presidio Modelo (RE)

Isla Juventud: (Island of Youth) Just one of the five cavernous, abandoned jail blocks of the Presidio Modelo that once held both Fidel and Raul Castro following their arrest in 1953. The massive 'panopticon' prison is a carbon-copy of the Joliet Prison in Illinois. Construction began in the late 1920s and abandoned in 1959 following the Castro brothers' revolution. Most of the prisoners were political prisoners and quick to embrace the new regime. The island itself sees very few tourists and enjoys a relaxed lifestyle.

Late 1940s Ford Mercury

Pre-1960 US Cars: This magnificent Mercury convertible was parked on the cobbled, UNESCO World Heritage streets of Trinidad de Cuba in the country's south-east. For many years after the embargo, these vehicles were all Cubans had and their preservation was as much by necessity as nostalgia. Of course, most do not look as well kept as this example. The vast majority are pressed into service as ad hoc private taxis and seemed to be held together by magic as they rattle, belch and bounce along Cuba's pot-holed highways.

Cuban relief wood sculptor, Lazaro Niebla

Local artist, Lazaro Niebla: Most of the available Cuban souvenirs are a bland homogeneity of state-produced trinkets that seem to populate every street stall. Relief wood sculptor, Lazaro Niebla (43), is based in Trinidad de Cuba and a refreshing example of home-grown Cuban talent. His sculptures take about two weeks to complete and are carved from salvaged antique cedar windows and shutters. Each work represents an otherwise unremarkable elder of Cuba who he sees as the living heritage of the nation. Niebla has exhibited internationally and his works range in price from $2000-$15,000. www.lazaroniebla.com

Cigar smoking woman in traditional colonial attire (RE)

Old Town, Havana: An unmistakable image of Havana are the ebullient women dressed in bright colonial attire who are delighted to pose for tips. Some solo, some in small groups, some with props like umbrellas, flowers or cigars, these ladies and their male equivalents have become one of the enduring tourism trademarks of the 500-year-old capital and blend harmoniously with the restored buildings around the city's central square.

ExpeditionCruising.com travelled as a guest of Peregrine Adventures and Variety Cruises on the 'Cuba Panorama Cruising' itinerary aboard MV Callisto. See www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/cuba

From today, we transfer to MSC Opera for a new Caribbean adventure. www.msccruises.com.au

Cuba Small Ship Cruising: Into the ancient Valley of Tobacco

#expeditioncruising

The karst outcrops typify the UNESCO-listed landscape and
are surrounded by scores of tiny private tobacco farms. (RE)

With Intrepid Travel and Peregrine Adventures in Cuba aboard MV Callisto

Benito Camejo Nodarse is a local legend in Cuba's western Pinar del Rio province, the UNESCO World Heritage region renowned as the supposed birthplace of modern tobacco cultivation.

"Date un toque," says Benito in typically charismatic style as he pours us both a shot of local rum, "kill the rat!" - which I take to mean 'hair of the dog' or similar.

I take mine neat like Benito and the clear liquid is surprisingly smooth and soothing, while others prefer a shot of the farm's other product, coffee. Mix the two and you have a 'carajillo' (goddam!)

Foreman, Ismael, rolls a cigar in the
age-old fashion (RE)

Tucked away among similar, privately-owned farms of less than 25 acres each, Benito's family have been here in the Vinales Valley for five generations producing the valuable crop first cultivated right here by the Spanish in the 16th century. Modern tobacco is derived from the wild 'cohibo' weed used by the long gone Arawak indian 'belique' (shamans) during ceremonies.

From that rough leafy plant sprung a most valuable primary product that has become a major contributor to the Cuban economy alongside coffee and sugar.

A few moments earlier, Benito's foreman, Ismael, had shown us the art of hand rolling the cigar into its familiar, leafy tube. Leaves from the mature plant are selected at different times and for different purposes and 'cured' in a thatched barn identical to those used by the early Spaniards. Leaves are hung on horizontal wooden poles for weeks to dry and 'cure'.

For instance, the top leaves are called 'volado' (hot) are harvested first and used as a binder for the cigar's contents. Next, a week or so later, the 'ligero' (light) leaves are plucked and used as the wrapper. Finally, the lower leaves or 'seco' (dry) ones are gathered and used for the filler. These will dictate the final flavour and aroma of the cigar.

New shoots appear, while in the background is
Benito's traditional thatched tobacco 'barn'. (RE)

Typically 90 percent of Benito's crop is selected for agreed government production under controlled conditions while any remainder is left for him to sell as he wishes. This is typically as 'cleanskin' cigars which come without any certified branding but smoke as well any Cohiba or Monte Cristo for a fraction of the price. Yes, I bought a clutch of 10 for not much more than a buck each.

From the Vinales Valley, we continue southwest to meet MV Callisto, waiting for us at the farthest western point of the island, in the Guanahacabibes National Park.

ExpeditionCruising.com is travelling as a guest of Peregrine Adventures and Variety Cruises on the 'Cuba Panorama Cruising' itinerary aboard MV Callisto. See www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/cuba

Cuba Small Ship Cruising: Viva la Revolution!

With Intrepid Travel and Peregrine Adventures in Cuba aboard MV Callisto

To use the term 'bucket list' is to yield to both superficiality and cliché but, if I were honest, Cuba has been on my 'places to see before you die' list for nearly 20 years.

With the world tumbling headlong into a multinational homogeneity quicker than you can say "would you like fries with that?", it's refreshing to see Cuba retain a staunch individuality that goes against the tide of global blandness. But for how much longer?

Let's remember that Cuba came to a virtual standstill in 1960 after Fidel Castro and his revolutionaries overthrew a corrupt, US mob-backed government and immediately fell victim to a long-standing US trade embargo that continues more-or-less to this day. A glimmer of hope was raised with some relaxation of sanctions by the Obama administration, but quickly slammed shut again by a protectionist Trump. Right now, Cuba is in a sort-of renaissance twilight zone, ready to move forward, but hampered by an unpredictable fog on the road ahead.

Combined with Castro's curious brand of Latino socialism which all but eliminated private enterprise, the freehold property market and capitalism generally, Cuba found itself in a real life time capsule. The populace had security of shelter, education, medical and food, but little or no incentive, nor mechanism beyond that. 

"We have a wonderful heritage in our architecture and culture," says Pedro Vazquez, a noted Cuban architect and urban designer, "but the lack of ownership means little or nothing has been done to maintain it."

Vazquez is referring to the urban sprawl of civic and residential structures all over Havana that portray a confusing mixture of proud colonial revival and sad neglect. Most buildings in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 'old town' are preserved and maintained by the state and host many thousands of tourists on a regular basis, but not far away are signs of a frail, teetering metropolis. Demolition may be forbidden, but without attention, many ageing structures fall victim to the salt air and elements and simply collapse of their own accord.

As an unabashed car nerd, my attention is immediately drawn to the mobile motor museum continuously on the move around the streets of Havana. I'm told tens of thousands of pre-1960 US-made cars still rattle and belch around the roads, kept alive by hybrid engine transplants and lashings of body filler. Chevrolet, Ford, Buick, Dodge, De Soto, Lincoln and even extinct brands like Studebaker and Turner can be spotted by the astute car buff. 

One excursion provided as part of our combined Intrepid/Peregrine/Variety itinerary is a ride to 'Finca Vigia', Hemingway's former residence in a pair of well-maintained Chev Impalas operated by local auto-entrepreneur 'Nostalgicar'. Keeping these old girls in such neat trim is a non-stop labour of love as well as a healthy budget few resdident Cubans can afford. Most of these thousands of old cars operate as ad-hoc taxis, supplementing the shortage of reliable public transport and expensive (for locals) official cabs. 

Next, we travel overland from Havana to the bioreserve region and beachside playground of Maria la Gorda in the island's extreme south-west.

ExpeditionCruising.com is travelling as a guest of Peregrine Adventures and Variety Cruises on the 'Cuba Panorama Cruising' itinerary aboard MV Callisto. See www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/cuba

Images:

• Women in colourful costumes pose for photographs and tips around the Old Town (RE)
• Our driver, Oscar, poses with his 1959 Chev Impala. Behind is the 1960 model. (RE)
• Preserved section of the Old Town shows Havana's colonial glory (RE)
• Away from the maintained Old Town, the fading facades depict a frail city. (RE)

Half Price Antarctica Trips on Offer in Peregrine Flash Sale

#expeditioncruising .

Making Antarctica affordable for more Australians, Peregrine Adventures is offering 50 per cent off select voyages to the White Continent in 2017/18 as part of a flash sale this week.

On sale until 6pm on Sunday October 8, 2017, there's never been a better time to book a spot on an Antarctic adventure and see the best of what the region has to offer from unforgettable wildlife encounters to jaw-dropping vistas.

The Peregrine sale includes 50 per cent off:

·       A 10-day roundtrip journey from Buenos Aires, Argentina, exploring the Antarctic Peninsula    with the chance to spy penguins, seals and whales and a memorable landing on the continent, priced from $7235*, departing December 11, 2017

·       A 20-day roundtrip cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina, exploring the islands of South Georgia and the Falklands, and cruising the Antarctic Peninsula, priced from $13,700*, departing January 25, 2018

·       A 33-day journey from South America's southernmost tip, Ushuaia, to Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa via an incredible spread of Atlantic Islands – East and West Falkland, South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, St Helena, and Ascension - priced from $7800*, departing March 10, 2018.

Peregrine triples Europe cruise program in 2018 as 'overtourism' concerns grow

Peregrine Adventures is tripling the number of its small ship Adventure Cruising departures in Europe in 2018 in response to growing demand for more sustainable cruises.

After almost 40 years as a leader in small group adventure travel on land, Peregrine Adventures' first season of small ship cruises has been an overwhelming success with a pilot charter trip along the Croatian coast 95% sold out.

Now the carbon-neutral travel company will add four new charter itineraries to its Adventure Cruising range in Europe, with a total of 20 departures available in 2018. Peregrine Adventures will also offer a wider range of trips operated in partnership with Variety Cruises, which are carbon-offset by parent company, the Intrepid Group.

Cruise is one of the largest growing sectors in the global tourism industry, but the sector has been in the spotlight lately for sustainability issues with locals protesting against mass tourism in European cities such as Venice and Barcelona.

Peregrine Adventures Adventure Cruising range is operated by small ships with no more than 50 travellers onboard, enabling travellers to visit the small ports that big ships can't get to and explore little-known towns and villages in some of the world's hottest travel destinations. It's a conscious choice, enabling the renowned responsible travel company to operate in the same immersive local style as it offers on almost 2000 trips on land each year.



"Travellers are increasingly aware of the impact they can have on holiday," says James Thornton, CEO of the Intrepid Group. "We've heard from local leaders that cruise ship travellers are now being called 'ice cream tourists' because that's all they're buying when they visit an increasingly overcrowded city like Dubrovnik."

Thornton says he believes the demand for a more sustainable style of small ship cruising is so big, that Adventure Cruising travellers may outnumber those on Peregrine Adventures land-based trips in another ten years.

"We're starting small, but we have big ambitions to grow a more sustainable style of cruise ship travel. There has been an overwhelming response to this first season. By 2025, we may even see more Peregrine customers travelling on small ship cruises than on our land-based trips."  

As part of its commitment to sustainable tourism, in 2018 Peregrine Adventures has banned all single-use plastics such as straws, cups, and water bottles on board its Adventure Cruising charter trips. Cloth bags and refillable water bottles will be provided.

Peregrine’s ‘Big Polar Payout’ sees Antarctica sales soar

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Since launching Peregrine Adventures ‘Big Polar Payout’ on July 1, sales for the adventure travel company’s Polar Trips have increased by 1,100%.

Polar sales have soared in the past 2 weeks, making Antarctica Peregrine’s second biggest selling destination after South America.

Agents are embracing the incentive and there has been a 264% increase in the number of agents trained per week.

The Big Polar Payout offers an earlybird special to consumers for 2017/2018 Polar trips, as well as one massive incentive that will see one lucky store win back the entire cost of a Polar berth.

Agents also go in to the draw to win icy-cold Friday night drinks, for completing the training.

Sandra Worsfold and Tashi Lachman from Thor Travel and Amanda Sansom from Flight Centre Applecross have been the winners of the ice-cold beverages so far.

To go in the draw to win the Big Polar Payout and weekly icy cold Friday drinks, agents must register and complete the Intrepid Group’s online Polar sales training here:

www.surveymonkey.com/r/82J63D6 . For further information on the incentive and full terms and conditions, please contact your Intrepid Group BDM.

The Big Polar Payout is available to any store in Australian or New Zealand that books and deposits for a Peregrine Adventures or Intrepid Travel Polar trip before 31 August 2016.

Peregrine Adventures is offering travellers up to $8300 off select Antarctic voyages for the 2017/2018 season. The offer is available until 30th September 2016 - or until places are sold out. For more information and T &Cs visit: www.peregrineadventures.com/antarctica-earlybird


For more information on all Peregrine Adventures Polar trips, visit www.peregrineadventures.com/polar-voyages

Peregrine offers Arctic voyage with photographer, Steve Davey

Peregrine Adventures has announced that world-renowned travel photographer, Steve Davey will escort a photography group on the departure of its Spitsbergen Explorer voyage to the Arctic commencing on 9 June 2014.one day before embarkation and enjoy an exclusive welcome dinner and drinks reception hosted by Davey plus one night’s hotel accommodation, in addition to the11-day voyage aboard the Sea Spirit. Prices for the special photography charter start from AU$6,964pp for a triple cabin, AU$9,178pp for a main deck twin cabin, AU$10,108pp for a superior suite and AU$10,108pp for a deluxe suite, including all meals on board and refreshments.

- Order Peregrine Adventures Brochures Now - 

Davey will offer tailored tuition to help travellers perfect their photography skills while they explore the western edge of Svalbard and venture to outlying northern areas to see the hunting grounds of polar bears, watch walrus in their natural habitat, witness puffins and colonies of rare seabirds numbering into the thousands, and scan the Arctic Sea for whales.

Passengers who join the exclusive photography group led by Davey will receive expert tuition throughout the expedition, with a series of illustrated talks, group practical sessions, photographic tasks and personal review sessions, as well as advice on taking photos in the Arctic’s unique conditions. Private group Zodiac convoys will enable travellers to benefit from Davey’s considerable photographic experience in the Arctic.

“The Arctic’s epic landscapes and abundance of wildlife make it a photographer’s paradise, and the beauty of the fjords and icebergs will take your breath away,” said Erica Hazen from Peregrine Adventures. “With Steve on hand to share his expertise and offer masses of encouragement, this is a unique opportunity to capture some spectacular images of an incredible destination and come home with improved travel photography skills.”

Passengers who join the photography group will start their trip in Longyearbyen on 9 June 2014,

Based in London, Davey is author of the international best-seller Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die and has led a number of travel photography tours to some of the world’s most fascinating destinations. His most recent book, Footprint Travel Photography is a leading title on travel photography and covers all aspects of travelling with a camera.

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