Cruise Weekly 2011/12 Ocean Cruise Guide
Expedition cruise companies featured: North Star Cruises, Orion Expedition Cruises, Voyages of Discovery, Aurora Expeditions, Ponant, Heritage Expeditions, Hurtigruten,
About Cruise Weekly
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Kimberley cruising
Stephen Scourfield, The West Australian
We pull into the Kimberley's King George River and follow its winding way from a wide mouth pouring into azure ocean, past mangroves and then great ramparts of Kimberley sandstone.
Round big sweeps and one final bend that reveals twin waterfalls, dropping side by side, throwing off a misty rainbow. Sparkling white gossamer against a massive red face.
Cruising the Kimberley coast reveals such spectacular sights every day; at every turn. It might be the 400sqkm Montgomery Reef which appears bizarrely in mid-ocean as the tide drops. It might be the indigenous rock art of remote sites like Raft Point.
The Kimberley across the north of WA is often and rightly described as one of the last wildernesses and marine treasures - rated alongside the Arctic and Antarctic. An area of significant biodiversity and one of the most intact tropical marine ecosystems on Earth.
Read More
We pull into the Kimberley's King George River and follow its winding way from a wide mouth pouring into azure ocean, past mangroves and then great ramparts of Kimberley sandstone.
Round big sweeps and one final bend that reveals twin waterfalls, dropping side by side, throwing off a misty rainbow. Sparkling white gossamer against a massive red face.
Cruising the Kimberley coast reveals such spectacular sights every day; at every turn. It might be the 400sqkm Montgomery Reef which appears bizarrely in mid-ocean as the tide drops. It might be the indigenous rock art of remote sites like Raft Point.
The Kimberley across the north of WA is often and rightly described as one of the last wildernesses and marine treasures - rated alongside the Arctic and Antarctic. An area of significant biodiversity and one of the most intact tropical marine ecosystems on Earth.
Read More
Heritage on 'Sunday Night' on Australia's Channel 7
For those of you that travelled with Dean Miller, the Camera man on our ship last year or this winter in Russia, his first documentary ‘In the Footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson’ will air at 18:30pm, Sunday 30th October, on Australia's Channel 7 featuring footage filmed whilst on board our ship, Spirit of Enderby.
It will include quite a few of you as well as the expedition staff including Rodney, Adam, Katya, Brad and Steve, the polar plunge, Mawson’s hut as well as the Ross Sea region and Subantarctic Islands. Be prepared to relive the waves of the southern ocean.
View the preview here if you have any problems with the video above.
For those of you that are unable to watch it on Sunday, it will be available online afterwards at Channel 7's Sunday website and we will also be featuring a story on it in our upcoming November electronic newsletter.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Variety Cruises Debuts Arabian Journeys in 2012
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| Variety Voyager, due May 2012 |
Variety Cruises Unveils "Arabian Journeys" in Fall 2012 to Explore the Mysteries of Oman and the Splendors of the Emirates
Much as Sinbad the Sailor discovered adventure in Middle East seas, Variety Cruises' new seven-night Arabian Journeys will debut in November 2012 for fantastic explorations of the Arabian Gulf and Omani Coast. The one-way, seven-night cruise will embark from Abu Dhabi or Muscat aboard the new Variety Voyager mega yacht (launching spring 2012) from November 2012 to April 2013. Fares begin from $2,790 per person, per week, based on double occupancy.
On each day of Variety Cruises' Arabian Journeys, travelers step off the ship into a new port of call. Coastal stops along the Musandam Peninsula showcase the area's almost mystical natural wonders. Inland, cruisers can encounter ancient forts and citadels, along with the rich traditions of the Omani nation. The one-way cruise embarks from Abu Dhabi or Muscat.
Day 1: Embarkation from Abu Dhabi after 3:00pm. Lecture on Khasab and the Musandam Peninsula
Day 2: Arrival at Khasab. Passengers choose from two tour options.
Day 3: Optional tour with a traditional Omani dhow sailing. Visit Telegraph and Seebi islands.
Day 4: Passing by Kumjar and East Coast of Musandam Peninsula.
Day 5: Arrival at Sohar. Optional full day excursion. Drive to Nakhal. Rejoin ship in Sawadi Sands islands.
Day 6: BBQ lunch in a nearby island. Afternoon sailing to Muscat.
Day 7: Drive excursion of Fanja and Nizwa. Optional ½ day tour of Muscat.
Day 8: Disembarkation in Muscat.
Embarkations from Muscat is the reverse schedule.
Fares for the Arabian Journeys cruise include accommodations in double or twin cabins with private bathrooms and air conditioning; American buffet breakfast and two main meals daily; use of fishing equipment (subject to availability); coffee, water or tea; and an English speaking cruise escort. Port charges are an additional $290 per person.
Variety Cruises' new Variety Voyager mega yacht is expected to make a splash on its launch in 2012. Private yachting meets conventional cruising on this 223-foot state-of-the-art vessel. With room for just 72 passengers in 36 cabins, the ship creates an intimate atmosphere for commiserating, almost as if the cruise were itself a private group event. The Variety Voyager design features sleek lines and ample deck space. Inside, cabins and public areas are finished with warm fabrics, rich marbles, Axminster carpeting and soft-toned wood paneling. Unobstructed views of the ocean and ports envelop every area of the ship. An attentive 28-member service crew provides impeccable service, as if each guest were the ship's captain.
For more information on Variety Cruises, please call 1-800-319-7776 (US) and 1-866-944-8498 (Canada) or visit www.varietycruises.com.
About Variety Cruises
Variety Cruises' signature style of small-ship cruising offers life-enriching journeys for inquisitive minds. Founded in 2005, with a history dating back to 1949 under the Zeus name, family-owned Variety Cruises is one of today's largest boutique yacht cruise lines in the world. A fleet of 11 fully owned vessels includes mega yachts, sail cruisers and private luxury yachts. Each hosts a select number of passengers ranging from 12 to 75, providing the intimacy one might find on a private ship, and can dock into smaller ports of call in cosmopolitan locales. Variety Cruises' programs explore a colorful collection of popular sites and hidden gems in destinations including Greece, Turkey, the Adriatic, Italy, France, West Africa and the Mediterranean Sea. The experiential itineraries embrace each destination by allowing ample leisure time in each port, often docking right in the heart of a town or village and later offering swim stops in secluded bays. All the while, the friendly and ample staff help passengers feel right at home on board their floating boutique hotel. In 2011, Variety Cruises was honored with the Condé Nast Traveler Greece Reader's Choice Award for Best Small Ship Cruise Company in Greece. Variety Cruises is affiliated with key travel organizations, including but not limited to the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), Ensemble, and Vacation.com.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Victories In The Pacific Luxury Expedition Cruise
Richard Frank is one of the world's most celebrated specialists on the Pacific War and has published numerous award-winning books. Most recently he was the historical consultant for the Golden Globe-winning HBO mini-series The Pacific. It is an honor to have Richard on board the Oceanic Discoverer, a 72-passenger luxury expedition ship.
Due to its small size, Oceanic Discoverer can access rarely-visited islands, giving guests a unique opportunity to explore the history and idyllic natural beauty of the South Pacific. You will have the opportunity to experience the locations of famous World War II battles such as Guadalcanal, Tulagi, Bougainville, and New Britain. In addition to the historical importance of this expedition, Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has allotted generous time to soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Snorkel in some of the most pristine waters on the globe and view wildlife you have only seen in magazines or on film.
For more information visit www.pacificwarcruise.com
'Cup of Tea' not to everyone's taste
Sarina Bratton, Founder and Managing Director, Orion Expedition Cruises, writes:
To the many who kindly provided feedback on our newspaper advertisement – thank you. As promised, I provide you with some 'feedback on the feedback'!
It is fair to say that the headline above was polarising. Recycled from a vintage copy of Surfing World, it seemed an arresting answer to a question posed to me recently in an email from a guest: How do you describe the indescribable?
We were most encouraged by the majority who responded enthusiastically, by those who said they 'love' the ad and felt motivated by it. However, I remain mindful that some saw it as irreverent while others saw it as annoyingly religious. (Neither, of course, were intended.) The candor and thoughtful feedback from each of the dissenting comments is appreciated and valued, and provides food for thought for our future communications. Other comments led to important text amendments.
The task for us is to determine how different and adventurous we should be with our advertising. It is certainly important we achieve "cut through". Or should we just leave being different and adventurous to the expeditions themselves? Whatever the answer, bringing you off-the-beaten-track itineraries will not change. That's guaranteed. It's what makes Orion Orion.
To the many who kindly provided feedback on our newspaper advertisement – thank you. As promised, I provide you with some 'feedback on the feedback'!
It is fair to say that the headline above was polarising. Recycled from a vintage copy of Surfing World, it seemed an arresting answer to a question posed to me recently in an email from a guest: How do you describe the indescribable?
We were most encouraged by the majority who responded enthusiastically, by those who said they 'love' the ad and felt motivated by it. However, I remain mindful that some saw it as irreverent while others saw it as annoyingly religious. (Neither, of course, were intended.) The candor and thoughtful feedback from each of the dissenting comments is appreciated and valued, and provides food for thought for our future communications. Other comments led to important text amendments.
The task for us is to determine how different and adventurous we should be with our advertising. It is certainly important we achieve "cut through". Or should we just leave being different and adventurous to the expeditions themselves? Whatever the answer, bringing you off-the-beaten-track itineraries will not change. That's guaranteed. It's what makes Orion Orion.
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Sailing with the Vikings
Tall ship cruise enthusiasts will trace the legendary voyages of the Vikings to 37 historic ports in Scandinavia and the Baltic next year.Between May and August, the four-masted luxury clipper ship Star Flyer will follow in the wake of the fearsome seafaring warriors who raided wide areas of Europe, Asia and North Atlantic islands between the late 8th and 11th centuries.
A string of countries are on Star Flyer 's first northern Europe program: The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Lithuanian, Russia (St Petersburg for two nights) Estonia and Latvia.
Some of ports are tiny gems unable to be accessed by big cruise liners.
The inaugural five-night cruise leaves Southampton for Hamburg on May 5 to launch the season of 18 cruises, mainly seven nights, from embarkation ports including Hamburg, Kiel, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen and Warnemuende.
An early highlight of the new Star Flyer Scandinavia/Baltic season will be participation in spectacular sailing parades with tall ships from around the world in Kiel, Hamburg and Rostock.
Fares for seven-night cruises range from $3319 per person including port taxes and all meals and entertainment on board. Early booking discounts apply to some cruises.
The two others ships in the Star Clippers fleet, the flagship Royal Clipper and Star Clipper, will offer 54 cruises throughout the Mediterranean in 2012.
All three ships offer a novel cruise experience, blending the adventure of traditional sailing with the luxury of a modern cruise ship.
For reservations contact your travel agent, or Star Clippers on 1300 362 599 or email:starclippers@creativecruising.com.au
www.creativecruising.com.au
www.starclippers.com
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Explore the Caribbean in the Comfort of a Deluxe Mega-Yacht on Compagnie du Ponant's 7-Night Fort-de-France Cruise
Miami, FL - Award-winning upscale yacht cruise company, Compagnie du Ponant, invites travelers to explore the Caribbean on the seven-night "Fort-de-France - Fort-de-France" cruise - one of 17 itineraries available in its newly added Caribbean roster - with limited time savings of up to 20%. Offering an experience that can only be had on the smaller, more intimate ships, the 90-passenger Le Levant takes in several off-the-main-stream stops on its four round-trip sailings from the west coast of Martinique. Ports are spread throughout Grenada, also known as the "Island of Spice"; Venezuela, a melting pot of indigenous, African and Spanish culture; and Trinidad and Tobago, an archipelago with diverse landscape ranging from coral reefs to forest and savanna. The nature of the deluxe yacht and the focus of the company on experiential travel means the advantage of smaller ports and more time for in-depth exploration ashore. Fares are currently being offered at a 20% savings under Ponant's Bonus program - the more in advance the booking, the greater the savings. Reduced prices range from $2,571 to $3,505 per person, double, for the Nov. 5 & 26, 2011 departures (regularly $3,213-$4,381) and $2,420 to $3,299 for departures on March 20 & 27, 2012 (regularly $3,024 to $4,123).
After embarking from Fort-de-France, the 330-foot Le Levant sails to St. George, the capital of Grenada, where red-roofed, pastel dwellings are nestled within tropical rainforests, white sand beaches and impressive waterfalls. Ports in Venezuela include the Orinoco Delta, a labyrinth-like river in the heart of Warao Indian Territory that wends its way through primal forest and mangrove swamps; Puerto Ordaz, the site of the Llovizna Falls; El Arroyo and Arature, deltas housing a wealth of wildlife that is described and pointed out by a nature guide; and El Toro, where guests can see life in an Indian village. Greeting guests in Trinidad and Tobago's capital, Port of Spain, are exotic birds such as snowy egrets, white-necked herons and the scarlet ibis, seen nesting by the Caroni Swamp, and a vibrant nightlife. Continuing on to Grenadine, Le Levant pulls into Tobago Cays, where turquoise waters are home to colorful coral and tropical fish, before circling back to Fort-de-France.
Ponant's philosophy is front and center on its cruises: designed for the traveler who prefers to explore off-the-beaten-path, unspoiled destinations, especially those out of sight of the large ship masses. Just as important to the guests' experience as they trek around the world, is the on-board environment. The company prides itself on its discrete personalized service, assured with a staff to guest ratio of greater than 1:2, delicious cuisine - both haute and country French, stylish accommodations, elegant design, expansive sun decks and open-air restaurants.
Le Levant offers an intimate setting in a spacious environment for its 90 guests: two restaurants, a spacious lounge, several bars, a library, a swimming pool, a beauty and fitness area with sauna, and salon. A 4,300-square-foot Sun Deck provides plenty of space for relaxing in the sun and open air. Its 45 outside staterooms have an abundance of space and amenities - king size or twin beds, a desk, minibar, dressing table, marble baths with showers and L'Occitane amenities. The staterooms have all the latest technology including: flat screen satellite TVs, DVD/CD players, satellite direct-dial telephone, Wi-Fi and 110/220 outlets.
Included in all sailings are all meals, accompanied by wine, beer and soda; Captain's welcome, cocktail parties and gala dinner; 24-hour room service; and all entertainment, events and shows as indicated within the itinerary. Port charges/taxes, gratuities, optional excursions and transfers are additional.
Established in 1988, Compagnie du Ponant is a member of both La Charte Bleue d'Armateurs de France and IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators). All of Compagnie du Ponant's cruise itineraries are designed to protect marine wildlife, coastal environments and local flora and fauna.
Compagnie du Ponant's North American sales office is located at: 2 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 2000, Miami, Florida 33131. For reservations and further information, call: 1-305-398-9849 or toll free: 1-888-400-1082; fax: 1-877-533-3043; email: USreservations@ponant.com or go to en.ponant.com.
Monday, 17 October 2011
Aurora Antarctica 2012/13 brochure out now
Antarctica 2012/2013
10% early bird discount, book today!*
Aurora Expeditions are delighted to release their 2012/2013 Antarctica brochure.
With increased capacity, this season is set to be our biggest and best yet!
NEW FOR 2012/2013
* Choice of two ships - Polar Pioneer & Akademik Shokalskiy
* Additional Fly/Sail options, replacing one sea crossing with a flight
* A brand new voyage - 'South Georgia & the Weddell Sea'
* Greater assortment of voyage lengths ranging from 8 to 20 days
* More departure dates, with a selection of 20 voyages
* More availability of adventure activities
Book before 31 December 2011 to receive our 10% early bird discount!*
Plus, book on two voyages back-to-back to SAVE 15%!**
Be quick to secure your preferred voyage and cabin, as our voyages will fill fast!
Solo travellers welcome!
The Aurora Expeditions team
www.auroraexpeditions.com.au | +612 9252 1033 | info@auroraexpeditions.com.au
*Early bird discount is valid on the first 15 bookings on each voyage. Valid on new, direct bookings only. Discount is not valid in conjunction with any other offer.
**Back-to-back discount valid on new, direct bookings only and not valid with any other offer.
Cruising to the heart of nature
Aurora Expeditions - Level 3, 13-15 Bridge Street, Sydney, 2000, NSW, Australia. Ph +61 2 9252 1033
Saturday, 15 October 2011
Coral Princess to receive $1 Million refurbishment
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| Coral Princess |
The 50 passenger small-ship, which operates alongside the company's flagship Oceanic Discoverer in the Kimberley between April and October each year, will receive new engines, expansive teak decking, reconfigured dining room and lounge, stylish new interior and exterior teak furnishings and revitalised décor as part of the $1 million investment.
Coral Princess Cruises, an accredited eco-tourism operator, is committed to the concept of sustainable cruising, and the ship's new "whisper quiet" engines have been developed to minimise emissions and improve fuel efficiency, whilst providing increased power and greater stability.
After re-emerging from dry dock the ship will resume service on the Great Barrier Reef in February where she will operate alongside her sister ship Coral Princess II before returning to the Kimberley in early April for the commencement of the 2012 season.
Australian-owned Coral Princess Cruises pioneered small-ship expedition cruising on the Kimberley coast in 1996 and has 34 departures scheduled across the 2012 season, which runs between April and October. The company is currently offering 15% discounts on April 2012 'Waterfall Season' departures aboard Oceanic Discoverer and the newly refurbished Coral Princess. The special is available on bookings made before 31 December 2011 or until sold out.
For further information and reservations contact Coral Princess Cruises on 1800 079 545 or visit www.coralprincess.com.au.
Editor's Note: Not to be confused with either of these vessels:
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| Coral Princess II, which operates exclusively on the Great Barrier Reef |
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| Coral Princess, the 90,000 GRT cruise ship operated by Carnival-owned, Princess Cruise Lines |
Mary Filbee joins Oceanwide Expeditions as Director of Marketing and Sales
It is my great pleasure to inform you that Mary Filbee has joined Oceanwide Expeditions as Director of Marketing and Sales. In this position, she will also be responsible for all sales activities in the English speaking markets (such as the US and Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand) and new product development. Please be so kind to direct your new sales enquiries for the English speaking markets, including group and charter requests to Mary Filbee. (The procedures for reservations remain unchanged. You can contact our head-office in Vlissingen, the Netherlands and for all reservations in the US and Canada you can contact our office in Houston, USA.)
Mary has long-term experience with and a great knowledge of the expedition cruise product in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions. As Marketing and Sales Director of Polar Star Expeditions she was responsible for all aspects of international marketing and sales activities, managed the reservations department, and developed new products, annual sailing schedules, daily itineraries and programming of the ship-based voyages (in cooperation with the Operations Manager). Mary has established relationships with tour operators and charterers worldwide.
Mary Filbee is based and will operate from Chester, Canada. She can be reached at mary.filbee@oceanwide-expeditions.com. Her phone number is ++ 1 – 902 275 4745, mobile phone ++ 1 – 902 277 2280.
I am sure that Mary is a welcome addition to our Oceanwide team and I am positive it will be a pleasure for you to co-operate with her.
With best regards,
Michel van Gessel
Managing Director
Oceanwide Expeditions
Mary Filbee was most recently manager of marketing and sales for now-defunct Polar Star Expeditions, a position she held for over seven years.
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Qantas The Australian Way: Go with the floe
Photo essay and article by Peter Robinson and images by Peter Eastway from Qantas The Australian Way, October 2011
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