Seadream at 30% of the original Athens to Barcelona 12 night price

A NEAR-FORTNIGHT sailing from Piraeus (Athens) in the Mediterranean's east to Monte Carlo in the north and Barcelona in the west – including visits to such other fabled names as the Isle of Capri and Roses on the Spanish Costa Brava – is selling aboard the world's highest-rated boutique vessel, SeaDream I in October of this year at just 30% of the originally-brochured cruise price.

All 5-star dining and wines with lunch and dinner are included aboard SeaDream I, as well as drinks from the open bars, nightly cocktail gatherings, use of a 30-course golf simulator, power and sail watersports (in ports where permitted,) mountain bikes for shore excursions, and even onboard gratuities.

Cruise Specialist Holidays has packaged this remarkable offer with return air from Sydney, 2-hotel nights pre-sailing in Athens and 2-nights post-sailing in Barcelona and airport/hotel/port transfers, with the whole 16-nights starting from $7495pp twin-share.

SeaDream I will sail from Piraeus (the port for Athens) on October 13 this year and after passing through the historic Corinth Canal (started by Emperor Nero in 67AD and finally opened in 1893) will visit Sicily, Capri, Ischia, Portoferraio, Portovenere, San Remo, Monte Carlo, Collioure, Roses and finally Barcelona.

For full details contact Cruise Specialist Holidays on toll-free 1300 79 49 59.

Save up to US$10,500 per couple to Antarctica

Save up to US$10,500 per couple to Antarctica

It’s not too late to book a trip of a lifetime. Limited space is still available on Abercrombie & Kent’s voyages to Antarctica this December. For pristine landscapes, rugged scenery, end-of-the-earth remoteness and unique wildlife this is the destination that has it all. A&K’s unparalleled expedition experience is down to its more than 20 years of operations there, the extraordinary calibre of lecturer guide on each journey and its vessel selection – the state-of-the-art MV Le Boreal.

Limited Availability

Reserve a category 1 cabin on a December 2012 Antarctica voyage and save 25%.

Classic Antarctica Climate Change Mission Trip: 8-19 December 2012. Price: US$8,250 per person (Save US$5,500 per couple)

Christmas in Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands: 18 December-4 January 2013. Price US$12,750 per person (Save US$8,500 per couple)

Travel with friends and save

Organise a group of friends and you can all save. When you refer friends travelling with you to Antarctica on one of the December voyages in another double cabin you can save an extra US$1,000 each.

Terms and conditions apply. Offers not valid for solo travellers.

After extensive refurbishment, the M/V Sea Voyager primed for Aug. 31 launch

In the past three decades, the ship has had three names, explored the waters of two continents, was affiliated with two other cruise lines, and has experienced a series of refurbishments. This most recent refurbishment – an investment of $2 million – took place between November 2011 and July 2012. In partnership with Colombia Ecoturismo, Sea Voyager Expeditions brought the vessel up to the highest of standards and turned the Sea Voyager into one of the nicest small ships afloat today by upgrading cabins and suites, improving public areas, overhauling the galley, installing a chlorination system, and making various other changes aimed at creating a truly exceptional expedition ship that features all the latest amenities and all the comforts travelers expect . . . and more.

MV Sea Voyager

As newcomer Sea Voyager Expeditions gears up for its launch on Aug. 31 – when it begins taking guests to explore the remote waters, beaches, jungles and cities of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Panama – one of the most exciting parts of the company's story is tied to its vessel, the M/V Sea Voyager. Built as an expedition passenger vessel in 1982 by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Baltimore, Md., the Sea Voyager has a varied history that ultimately led to its latest $2 million renovation, aimed at providing unmatched comfort for 60 guests and 31 crew members during expeditions that last from seven to 12 nights. For passengers who want to be among the first to experience the refurbished vessel, Sea Voyager Expeditions is offering special deals that apply on almost all departures between Sept. and Dec. 2012, with savings from 25 to 35%; discounted fares are $2,460 to $5,588 per person, double. Solo guests also win with no supplements, paying the same price as those booking as a couple.

Ship Offers True Adventures in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Panama

In the cabins, all mattresses, bedding, pillows and curtains were replaced, and all suites now boast new couches, decorative lighting and original artwork. Bathrooms were retiled and resurfaced, and new plumbing and fixtures were installed to enhance both the beauty and function of the facilities. With an eye on ways to respect the environment that's the focal point of these expeditions, the ship now uses filtered sea water for toilets so that fresh water can be preserved. Each cabin has individual controls for air conditioning as well as an oscillating fan; in fact, the entire ship is air-conditioned and maintains a comfortable environment regardless of what temperatures might be like in the tropics just a few feet away.

Seeing what's happening in that tropical environment is much easier now, through a window-lined lounge that provides a 270-degree viewing perspective. Silhouette shades partially block the sun's rays or instantly transform a social facility into a learning facility, where the ship's team of five naturalists can educate guests about the wildlife, history and culture of the destination they're exploring each day. The loading deck, nicknamed "The Marina," is home to five new hard-bottom Zodiacs and a fleet of one- and two-person kayaks. Here passengers will find themselves less than a foot away from the water, allowing easy access to smaller vessels … or simply an opportunity to jump in or climb down a short ladder for a refreshing swim or snorkel.

The vessel has been brought up to the latest SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) requirements and has passed the stringent Classification Certification to ensure the highest standards of safety. A new water chlorination system brings the ship in line with standards required by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control (as required in the United States, even though the vessel won't be visiting U.S. waters). An overhaul of the galley resulted in the upgrade of all refrigeration equipment, dishwashing units, ovens and appliances, ensuring that the facility complies with or exceeds worldwide standards for public health and proper foodservice operations.

Sea Voyager Expeditions is committed to delivering quality guest experiences, being the leader in tropical expeditions, and preserving the countries the Sea Voyager visits. Details about the ship and all its itineraries can be found in the Sea Voyager 2012 Special Edition brochure, available on the company's website. Sea Voyager Expeditions' North American sales agent is Global Voyagers Group of Bellevue, WA. Further information, reservations and brochures, both printed and electronic, are available from travel agents or via Sea Voyager's visitor-friendly website, www.seavoyagerexpeditions.com; by phone at 888-912-2572; or via e-mail at info@seavoyagerexpeditions.com.

Vanuatu and Tonga Luxury Cruises

eCruising Now Representing InnerSea Discoveries

eCruising group of companies are now an Australian representative of niche cruising operator InnerSea Discoveries and American Safari Cruises with their new partnership, which began on July 1.

Known as the Un-Cruise company, InnerSea Discoveries and American Safari Cruises have been operating since 1997 and have a fleet of six vessels which carry from 22 to 86 guests. They specialise in adventure voyages in Alaska, the Colombia and Snake Rivers, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortes and Washington and British Colombia.

Founder and chairman Brett Dudley said they were very excited to have Inner Sea Discoveries on board to widen the range of product that ecruising offers the Australian market.

He adds, “Representing InnerSea Discoveries adds another dimension to our range and fills a gap for adventure small ship cruising. We were looking for another luxury adventure product to replace Cruise West after it closed down and this will be a perfect complement to our existing cruise options”.

Travel agents can log on to view the product through www.cruiseagents.travel or call 1300-558-864

Orion Expedition Cruises releases 2013 season brochure

Orion Expedition Cruises has released its 2013 season brochure; 64 pages detailing 33 voyages with expeditions to 94 destinations onboard the highly acclaimed expedition ship that sets the standard for expedition cruising across the region, Orion.

Eight years of operational experience is reflected across the range of bespoke 5 to 20 night itineraries to carefully selected destinations - expeditions that include Borneo and Sulawesi, Australia's Kimberley coast, the Great Barrier Reef, the islands of Melanesia, New Zealand, the Forgotten Islands of Sunda, Antarctica and Papua New Guinea.

From Admiral Yamamoto's headquarters in Rabaul to historic explorer's huts in Antarctica, this expansive, full colour brochure, includes voyage summaries and typical cultural, historic and wildlife experiences encountered. Useful reference for potential expedition travellers seeking rewarding cultural interaction and intellectual stimulation unknown in mainstream cruising.

The relaxed luxury life onboard is exampled through Orion's range of accommodation options (including floor plans for Staterooms and Suites through to Owner's Suites) and facilities that include boutique, massage, spa, elevator and lounges – along with Serge Dansereau's award winning cuisine.

An electronic version of the Orion 2013 brochure can be downloaded from www.orionexpeditions.com/ebrochure or a printed version mailed directly simply by contacting Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate), emailing info@orionexpeditions.com or through specialist expedition cruise travel agents.

Additional information:

Orion expedition voyage highlights for 2013

• 16 February New Zealand Golf – includes Marlborough Sounds, Napier and the exclusive golf courses of Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs and Royal Wellington
• 24 February: South Pacific Splendour – includes Bay of Islands and Norfolk Island
• 6 March: Melanesian Discovery – includes Utupua, Ngella and Marovo Lagoon
• 16 and 27 March: Papua New Guinea Cultural Highlights – includes Watam Village (Sepik River), Tufi and Kitava
• 7 April: West Papua and Maluku – Includes Wewak, Urbanasi Island, Mapia Atoll and Raja Ampat
• 18 April through to 5 September: Kimberley – includes Crocodile Creek, Hunter River, Raft Point, King George Falls and inclusive Bungle Bungle flight
• 15 September: Kimberley with Spice – includes Ashmore Reef, West Timor, Sumba, Komodo and Badas Sumbawa
• 29 September: Borneo Discovery – includes Camp Leakey, Borobudur and Sulawesi
• 25 October and 18 November: Camp Leakey – Faces in the Forest (Borneo) – includes Camp Leakey, Kuching, Natuna Islands and Bako National Park
• 3 & 21 January 2014: 18 night Mawson's Antarctica – includes sub Antarctic Islands
• 8 February 2014: 20 night Scott & Shackleton's Antarctica – includes sub Antarctic Islands
  

Generous advance purchase options are available for those who act swiftly with lowest price savings guarantees of up to 40% off published prices. Savings vary by itinerary. Additional incentives are offered for back to back voyages.
 
For reservations, or to obtain more information call Orion Expedition Cruises:

61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) / 0800 444 462 (New Zealand) or see your travel agent. Email: info@orionexpeditions.com

 

 

The Love Affair Continues with Australian River Cruising

Captain Cook Cruises and SeaLink Travel Group have today released its new Murray River & South Australia brochure. The new brochure coincides with strong bookings on the Murray River with bookings up by 10% when compared to this time last year.

The glossy eight page brochure, titled 'Discover Murray River, Adelaide and Kangaroo Island South Australia' gives an in-depth look at river cruising in Australia, the facilities, accommodation and deck plans of the Murray Princess - the largest inland paddlewheeler in the Southern hemisphere. For the first time Captain Cook Cruises Murray River brochure also includes touring experiences on Kangaroo Island, in the Barossa, around Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills.

"We are thrilled to release our first domestic South Australian brochure showcasing two Australian icons - the Murray River and Kangaroo Island." said Anthony Haworth, General Manager for Captain Cook Cruises.

With the Murray River water levels remaining high Captain Cook Cruises has experienced significant growth in bookings over the past year and expect bookings to increase further after their stateroom upgrades are completed this year.

"We are experiencing a very exciting year for the Murray Princess, with passenger loads at all-time records and a major refurbishment planned over the next twelve months. This will only add to the Murray Princess's allure and grandness." explains Mr Haworth.

Captain Cook Cruises Murray River brochure is available through all major travel agents and can be viewed online at: http://www.captaincook.com.au/brochures

For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises on
T: +61-2-9206 1111
or visit www.captaincook.com.au

Adventure specialist Kumuka ceases trading

Adventure specialist Kumuka which ceased trading last week has apologised to passengers booked to travel.

It said all tours leaving up until yesterday would go ahead but anyone booked after this date would need to re-book with another operator.

Administrators have been called in and rivals Dragoman and Tucan have offered discounted rescue packages.

The Surrey-based overland truck operator, which covered Africa, Asia, Antartica (with MV Ushuaia), Latin America, North America, Europe and the Middle East, was established in 1983 and claimed to carry over 12,000 clients a year.

Its website said: "We are sorry to announce that Kumuka has ceased trading. We apologise unreservedly to all Kumuka passengers and we are working hard to respond to all enquiries."

It said Kumuka holidays, which traded all over the world, is ATOL protected for customers who book and pay in the UK. Passengers should contact the CAA.

The CAA could not say how many forward bookings there were but added that the operator was only licensed to sell 500 ATOL-protected holidays annually.

By Diane Evans - TravelMole

2 For 1 - Special Limited Offer to Borneo with Orion

Explore the diversity of Borneo

Nestled in the heart of the Malay Archipelago, Borneo is the world's third largest island. Ancient tropical rainforests, home to an extraordinary array of wildlife - proboscis monkeys, sun bears, macaques, hornbills, crocodiles, endangered Bornean pygmy elephants and orang-utans. A remote Rudyard Kipling-esque land of river systems abutted by thick rainforest and extensive wildlife all interlinked.

To understand more about what you may encounter and experience may we suggest you read this recent article written by UK based journalist Amy Watkins. Click here to view.

Should you need yet further inducement to experience this fascinating part of the world, much rarely visited by outsiders, join any Orion II Borneo voyage in 2012 and two travel for the price of one!

Select from a range of 10 night voyages with 5 varying itineraries to suit your preference for wildlife, remote cultural interaction or the marine ecosystems of the Coral Triangle.

This is a strictly limited offer and you must act quickly to secure a cabin – the 2 for 1 offer is valid for Category A and Junior Suites only. Guests wishing to secure a higher category of accommodation will receive 25% savings.

PLUS for solo travellers: No single supplement surcharge!

Never to be repeated offers for expedition travellers seeking rewarding cultural interaction and intellectual stimulation unknown in mainstream cruising. Don't miss out - limited availability.

Fares from $4,750*. Click here for more details.

Need help with flights and/or hotel accommodation? Our Concierge service can assist.

For more information or to book, please contact our Reservations Team on (AU) 1300 361 012, (NZ) 0800 444 462, (Int'l) +61 2 9033 8777, email info@orionexpeditions.com or contact your travel agent.

Terms and Conditions:

This special "2 for 1" offer includes all applicable savings. Valid for Category A and Junior Suites only. This applies to new bookings only. Subject to all normal booking terms & conditions. Current passport with six months validity is required. Offer for sailings departing 25 July 2012 - 22 October 2012.

*Fare includes all meals and accommodation, entertainment, educational programmes, port taxes, gratuities and use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities. Fares are per person in Australian Dollars. Itineraries are subject to tides, weather and Government regulations and may be changed without notice.

Luxury Adventure Cruises in Mexico's Sea of Cortés

86-guest Safari Endeavour pictured here in Alaska (ASC)

American Safari Cruises Debuts Bigger Yacht, New Itinerary


Safari Endeavour sails new weeklong adventure cruises from La Paz, Mexico

New to the American Safari Cruises fleet of upscale yachts, the refurbished 86-guest Safari Endeavour spends its first winter sailing Luxury Adventure cruises in Mexico's Sea of Cortés. Travellers interested in an Un-Cruise Adventure—up close access to nature and wildlife and exclusive excursions—may choose a warm water adventure exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site & Biosphere Reserve.

Weeklong Baja's Bounty expeditions sail roundtrip from La Paz, Baja, Mexico from November through April 2013. As an added incentive, guests booking by September 30, 2012 earn a US$316 travel credit per couple for travel through April 2013.

"The stunning desert landscape and rich marine life are the perfect backdrop for an un-cruise adventure," said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. "We're able to navigate into small coves and access islands inaccessible to larger boats."

An unstructured itinerary explores hideaways such as Isla Espíritu Santo, Isla San Francisco, Bahia Agua Verde, Los Islotes and Loreto. Labelled the "Aquarium of the World' by Jacques Cousteau, the relatively unknown Sea of Cortés rivals the pristine environment and geo- and biological diversity of the world-renowned Galapagos Islands.  Flexible itineraries spend time seeking out dolphins and blue, fin, sei, orca and sperm whales. At Los Islotes, guests enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure snorkelling with playful, young sea lions.

Guests can be as active as they like and activities include hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling and skiff excursions.  A swim step and kayak launch platform on the stern of the vessel serves as the hub for guests embarking on water-borne adventures. Expert naturalists provide interpretation on guided excursions ashore and at sea.

During a port call in the historic mission town of Loreto, guests may join an included walking tour of the picturesque village exploring the historical buildings, mission, shops and plazas. Those interested in seeing gray whales may take an optional tour to lagoons on the Pacific side where the whales congregate seasonally.

Ashore, guided hikes explore forests of giant Cardón cactuses, traverse island ridges with sweeping views and head inland to explore scenic desert landscapes. Depending on whim, weather and the moon's cycle, guests may partake in an evening barbecue ashore at Bahia Agua Verde, swim in a bay filled with bioluminescence, enjoy a late night snorkel under the stars and visit with local fishermen on Isla Coyote, a remote inhabited island.

Cruise fares start at $3,153 in the Sea of Cortés based on double occupancy.  Transfers are included from either Los Cabos or La Paz airports. The inclusive cruise includes all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; a massage, exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; and all port charges, taxes and fees. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2.5 to 1. Yachts can be booked as a private charter or by individual stateroom. To book a yachting adventure or to request additional information, contact Small Ship Adventure Company on 1 300 650 481 or visit smallshipadventure.com.

Ponant Cruises now all inclusive

UPMARKET French-flagged, small-ship cruise operator Compagnie du Ponant has announced a simplified fare structure, in which cruise prices will include all meals, gratuities, port charges, taxes, fees and alcoholic drinks.

The company said that under the new plans the only additional charges passengers would incur would be optional excursions, transfers and personal expenses such as airfares.

The change is effective immediately for all new bookings, with the all inclusive offering valid for all ships and itineraries.

Cabins will feature fully stocked mini-bars and 24 hour room service and fares also include a welcome cocktail party and all onboard entertainment options.

At this stage the new structure has only been announced in North America, and it’s not clear what the local implications of the move are.

Compagnie du Ponant is represented in Australia by Travel The World.

Massive Savings on Antarctic Voyages

We thought we'd let you know about this amazing offer before the weekend so that you can be one of the first on Monday morning to secure your place on these amazing offers to Antarctica before berths are sold out.

Save up to 30% off selected Antarctic voyages

We've just released some hot, hot, hot deals to the planets coolest continent. But they won't last long.

Save 30% per person on the following two voyages to the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula while berths are still available.

Book before 01 October and also receive a free pair of Swarovski binoculars valued at over $1000!

A visit to Antarctica is on nearly everyone's travel wish list. Take advantage of this truly special offer while you can - it may never happen again.

Antarctica Peninsula Basecamp: A spectacular 12-day voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula with a floating 'basecamp' for our varied activities. Voyage departs Ushuaia 22 November 2012.

Discover Antarctica: Follow in the footsteps of those great heroes of Antarctic history as you set sail from the tip of South America to explore the Antarctic Peninsula on this 11-day voyage. Departs Ushuaia 26 November.

View even more Antarctic deals, which include special savings on a Christmas voyage and a journey to witness the Emperor Penguins.

Hurry, our small ship voyages are limited in capacity, ensuring you a more intimate experience of this extraordinary white planet. Call 1300 720 000 to speak with one of our Polar experts and to secure your saving.

Free Information Nights

Meet the experts and learn more about the world's most exciting places at one of our free information nights. World Expeditions' information nights offer the most up-to-date information about the destinations we visit. Our hands-on operational expertise throughout the world ensures that our presenters offer accurate advice on all aspects of travel to these specific regions.

CONTACT
Email for comprehensive trip notes at:enquiries@worldexpeditions.com.au or call TOLL FREE on 1300 720 000

www.worldexpeditions.com