Compagnie Du Ponant new brochure - Expeditions in Antarctica - for 2014/2015 Season

Leading French cruise line and 5-star Expedition specialist Compagnie Du Ponant has launched its new brochure of 5-star Expeditions in Antarctica for the 2014/2015 Season.

THE ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE

The Antarctic brochure highlights Compagnie Du Ponant's expertise in the polar parts of the world where it has been offering a range of exceptional cruises since 1999 as once in a lifetime destinations.

Le Soléal launched in June 2013. Passengers gain privileged access to exceptional wonders of nature, thanks to its small capacity and latest generation technology designed specifically for polar cruises. An exclusive experience awaits travellers in the company of renowned South Pole experts aboard the luxurious French-flag yacht. Compagnie Du Ponant sets themselves apart from other expeditions through their five star signature concept allowing travellers to explore these extreme regions in luxury and comfort worthy of the world's best hotels.

ACCESS TREASURES OF THE WORLD BY SEA

Compagnie Du Ponant introduces three unusual itineraries embracing some exceptional ports of call (including nine Ushuaia-Ushuaia departures). A haven for truly unique flora and fauna, these strictly protected sites can only be reached by small ships, which in this region are limited to 200 maximum on board guests.

Aboard Le Soléal, cruises are punctuated by fascinating cultural, historic and geological encounters as a select group of speakers and guides share their passion for the region. At sea, every Zodiac® outing provides a different spectacle, be it coming face to face with vast colonies of penguins or Weddell seals, elephant seals, albatrosses or a group of humpback whales.

Emblematic Antarctic

A full immersion of the Great White Antarctic Peninsula, discovering tabular icebergs and the drifting pack ice where fur seals and colonies of Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins live.

Ushuaia- Ushuaia (11 days / 10 nights)

7 departures from November 2014 to February 2015

Historic Antarctic

Surrounded by the incredible white expanses of the Antarctic Peninsula whilst exploring the grassy moorlands of the Falkland Islands.

Ushuaia – Ushuaia (16 days / 15 nights)

Departs 28 February 2015

The Great Southern Loop

Highlights of three regions: Falklands and the black-browed albatross, South Georgia with its Emperor Penguins and the northern side of the Antarctic Peninsula with its majestic icebergs.

Ushuaia – Ushuaia (16 days / 15 nights)

Departs 19 December 2014

As the world's number one Polar cruise linke sailing to Antarctica and the Arctic, Compagnie du Ponant is renowned as the speciialit in these speicla parts of the world. Designed and engineered for polar cruises, Le Boréal and L'Austral and Le Soléal offer fascinating and unusual experiences in Antarctica and beyond the Arctic circle. Compagnie du Ponant offers the promise of rare and priviledged moments, a chance to experience the excitement of an adventure in five-star comfort. With 132 stylish staterooms and suites, Le Boréal and L'Austral and Le Soléal provide a unique environment, a combination of elegance, supreme comfort and wellbeing.

ABOUT TRAVEL THE WORLD

Travel the World has been providing discerning travellers with unique luxury experiences for over 30 years. From premium cruise holidays with the world's best cruise lines to enriching historic and cultural tours and luxurious resorts, Travel the World offers an exciting range of travel options beyond the predictable. The company has established new benchmarks of excellence in travel-related services to the Australian travel industry and consumers since it was founded in 1977.

For cruise information for Compagnie du Ponant, please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622.

A New Look for Kimberley Quest

After cruising the stunning, world renowned Kimberley coastline in the north of Western Australia since the 90’s, Kimberley Quest who were formerly known as Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises have officially announced and unveiled a new brand identity!

On any Kimberley Quest cruise guests will see and become transfixed by the sight of the magnificent White-bellied Sea Eagle. The new logo unveiled by Kimberley Quest emulates the spirit of flight and freedom that this magnificent bird enjoys.

Kimberley Quest launched their new look featuring their positioning statement, 'Beyond Adventure' stating that this is their family's pledge to deliver every guest with a Kimberley experience that goes beyond imagination and a level of comfort, friendship and service that goes beyond expectation.

As a family, Kimberley Quest have been exploring the Kimberley for more than 18 years. Whilst the strength of the business and their operations remains the sametheir new brand is future focussed. They have taken inspiration from how far Kimberley Quest has come and where it is going.

The release of the new brand also features a new website complete with stunning imagery, live availability searches and online booking functionality – the first Kimberley cruise company to offer live booking functionality such as this.

To celebrate their announcement Kimberley Quest have extended their Earlybird Offer, with guests booking between now to 31st December 2013 eligible for the Earlybird discount of 15% off 2014 Kimberley Cruises.

Kimberley Quest continues to provide luxury, expedition style Kimberley cruises that are beyond adventure and beyond their guests expectations!

For more information visit kimberleyquest.com.au, contact Kristy Bailey on 0408 020 886 or email sales@kimberleyquest.com.au

Vietnam to Cambodia on eight-day Asian Trails river cruise aboard Toum Tiou II

Toum Tiou II

Australian travellers can now discover the greater Mekong Delta’s rich cultures, colourful wildlife and ancient history on an eight-day Asian Trails river cruise between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Travelling aboard the Toum Tiou II, the voyage starts in Ho Chi Minh City and continues past the famous fruit orchards and vast rice fields of My Tho, the floating markets in Cai Be, and Vinh Long’s stilt house, which perch precariously on the river banks.

Crossing into Cambodia the cruise explores Phnom Penh, home of the Royal Palace, then on to Koh Chen and Kampong Chhnang before reaching Siem Reap, home of Angkor’s majestic temples.

Toum Tiou II

Toum Tiou II is uniquely designed to explore the Mekong, with a steel hull and low draft enabling it to travel the entire journey between Saigon harbour and Siem Reap pier*, along the way visiting remote villages and hugging the river line in order to give passengers unmatched views.

The vessel offers 14 double cabins, each featuring a large panoramic window, private lounge area, entertainment system, air conditioning and en suite bathroom.

Prices for Asian Trails’ eight-day river cruise are available from the company’s Australian representative, Sydney-based Tourism Portfolio (www.tourismportfolio.com.au).

Sarina Bratton talks about her new role with Ponant

At last I can talk

Sarina Bratton

And here I was thinking that six months “holiday” would be the most marvellous thing I’ve ever done. I can’t tell you just how much I’ve been itching to get back in to the industry I love. This morning, the attached press release is being issued and I will be interviewed by Alan Jones on Radio 2GB at 0810 Monday morning.

Hopefully the word will start to spread about my task to internationalise the business and product of Compagnie du Ponant. After departing Orion, I did not want a job and was happy to settle into a stress free life (apart from golf) and sit on a few boards. Having been approached by some overseas companies to do strategic consulting with them, I was particularly interested in Ponant. With three brand new, very appealing five star (sister) expedition ships (a fourth under construction) and a wonderful three masted sailing vessel, the appeal was too great for me to resist! Some of the things that proved to be challenges with the Orion business – inability to offer new destinations to enthused past guests and unavailability of additional newer ships, have been solved by Ponant.

Ponant's newest vessel, Le Soleal

When I look at the world's expedition fleet and see that the average age of ships is 25 years, it makes Ponant stand out as not only the most modern fleet in the world, but a fleet complying with the latest safety standards and benchmarking environmental technology. Combine this with French chefs, French cuisine and complimentary French wines and I feel that this is a winning recipe for outstanding expedition cruise experiences. I am really excited to work with the company in the internationalisation of the business and the product and look forward to sharing this experience with you in some spectacular destinations. Visit www.ponant.com to see what I mean.

Here's to more exciting cruising together.

Sarina

Sarina Bratton FAICD
www.sarinabratton.com

Travel the World and Ponant plan for growth

Sarina Bratton signs her agreement
with the founder and CEO of
Compagnie du Ponant,
Jean-Emannuel Sauvee

Travel the World, Australia’s leading provider of luxury travel experiences, and Compagnie du Ponant, the French cruise line and five star expedition specialist, announced today the expansion of operations in Australia.

In anticipation of the arrival of a new yacht in Australian waters in winter 2015, the owners of Compagnie du Ponant have appointed one of Australia’s most prominent and most highly regarded cruise professionals, Sarina Bratton, to assist them in their plans for growth.

Travel the World remains Compagnie du Ponant’s preferred partner in its Australian operations and is delighted to be partnering with Sarina in building on the success of the Compagnie du Ponant brand. Travel the World will continue to service the trade both commercially and for reservations well into the future.

With a long term agreement and partnership with Compagnie du Ponant, Travel the World looks forward to ensuring the trade business over the years ahead continues to grow.

The six year partnership with Travel the World has seen Compagnie du Ponant’s business grow from an unknown cruise line to one of the best positioned and fastest growing cruise brands in the Australian market, and the partners remain firmly committed to growing the business into the future together.

Michelle Taylor

Says Michelle Taylor, General Manager, Sales & Marketing for Travel the World, “Travel the World is proud of the growth that we have achieved working in partnership with Compagnie du Ponant and is delighted with the news of a new yacht bound for Australian waters and the opportunities that it brings. We are excited to be working with Sarina Bratton and Compagnie du Ponant and continuing our partnership into the future. Our focus will be continuing to service our trade partners both commercially and for reservations into the future, ensuring that the trade are serviced to a high level and continue to grow their Ponant sales in 2014/ 2015 and the years ahead”.

Travel the World has been providing discerning travellers with unique luxury experiences for over 30 years. From premium cruise holidays with the world’s best cruise lines to enriching historic and cultural tours and luxurious resorts, Travel the World offers an exciting range of travel options beyond the predictable. The company has established new benchmarks of excellence in travel- related services to the Australian travel industry and consumers since it was founded in 1977.

Sarina Bratton to head Ponant in Asia Pacific

Sarina Bratton signs her agreement with the founder and
CEO of  Compagnie du Ponant, Jean-Emannuel Sauvee

One of the company's sleek expedition ships Le Soleal

French luxury cruise and five-star expedition operator, Compagnie du Ponant has signalled its intention to develop the Australian and Asian markets with the appointment of Australian luxury expedition cruise pioneer Sarina Bratton to head its local operations.

Considered Australia's "First Lady" of cruising, Mrs Bratton, who dominated luxury expedition cruising in the Asia Pacific region when she created market-leading five-star Orion Expedition Cruises a decade ago, has been named Compagnie du Ponant's Australasian chairman and special advisor to the company's Marseilles-headquartered executive team. She sold her remaining shares in Orion earlier this year.

In her new role, Mrs Bratton will spearhead Compagnie du Ponant's  international development, with a specific focus on the Asia Pacific region, as both key destinations and source markets. The company will announce details of a Sydney-based regional management and sales operation in coming weeks.

Future plans for the company include the positioning of a new expedition ship in and around Australia from late 2015 for a program of itineraries featuring Australia, Asia and the Pacific islands. The company will also heavily promote accessibility to other unique global expedition destinations with its existing expedition sister ships L'Austral, Le Boreal and Le Soleal and its spectacular sailing ship Le Ponant.

Jean-Emmanuel Sauvee, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Compagnie du Ponant, said today he was "extremely delighted and excited" to have Sarina Bratton join the Compagnie du Ponant executive team.

"There are very few entrepreneurs and founders of cruise companies in this world, so Sarina and I are kindred spirits," he said. "We see the Asia Pacific region being an important strategic development for our business and recognise the pioneering itineraries, destinations and source markets developed by Sarina and her former team over the past ten years, as guiding pathways for our ongoing development."

Mrs Bratton said Compagnie du Ponant had the assets and balance sheet to become the global leader in small and five-star expedition ship operations.

"It is a real honour and a challenge to be a part of this unique business, both to help with the internationalisation of Compagnie du Ponant and also to bring a unique luxury product into a market I know so well," she said.

"Australia has never seen ships like these," Mrs Bratton added. "The majority of the world's small expedition ships are old, having been built in the late 1980's and 1990's. But Compagnie du Ponant has a fleet of four, brand-new, 'state of the art' ships and a touch of that unique French avant-garde style".

Each ship carries only 240 guests, and has the most advanced technical and environmental systems on any cruise line in the world. Each ship resembles a private luxury yacht flying the French flag and specifically designed to navigate in extreme conditions. This provides Compagnie du Ponant with a unique advantage.

Respecting the environment is a priority for Compagnie du Ponant, a member of the Charte Bleue d'Armateurs de France. From the design of the ships, which earned the international Cleanship label, to the outings ashore, every care has been taken to reduce the impact on the environment: from "green" equipment and eco-friendly hull coatings to raising awareness among passengers and crew, and respecting local people.

Compagnie du Ponant is owned by one of the largest private equity funds in Europe, Bridgepoint, thus providing stable financial underpinning for the company's rapid growth.

For reservations and enquiries: 02 82967076 or visit www.ponant.com

APT Announces New River Cruises in Myanmar (Burma)

River Cruise Line Offers 10- and 14-Night Myanmar Itineraries starting in 2014


Award winning luxury cruise and tour operator, APT, has announced it will launch a new ship and new river cruise program on Myanmar’s Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River.

APT will offer guests the choice of two exclusive APT-only sailings in February and April 2015 aboard its new AmaPura river ship as well as joint sailings, along with partner AmaWaterways, from November 2014.

Full details of itineraries and pricing will be made available in January 2014 but travel trade partners and guests are being encouraged to pre-register their interest early as APT anticipates high demand.

Commenting on the news, Debra Fox, APT’s General Manager Marketing, said, “These are exciting times for APT, especially with the launch of our new ship in Myanmar. It’s a unique and spellbinding destination and one that has previously been out of reach to the Australian travelling public. Therefore we are anticipating high demand and would encourage guests to pre-register their interest early. We’re looking forward to helping our guests explore this fascinating destination in depth while enjoying the all-inclusive luxury signature style that is synonymous with an APT river cruise.”

One of the world’s most secretive, mysterious and fascinating places, Myanmar has a unique centuries-old culture and spectacular architectural wonders, including sacred structures gilded with gold leaf and encrusted with precious gems. APT’s river cruises are carefully crafted to hit all the country’s highlights:

· Bagan – A cultural treasure trove of more than 2,200 temples, stupas and pagodas, on par with Cambodia’s massive Angkor Wat temple complex.
· Mandalay – The country’s last royal capital and second largest city, the “Golden City” of Mandalay is regarded as Myanmar’s cultural heart, renowned for its master craftsmen and its patronage of the arts.
· Mount Popa – The stunning shrine perched at the top of Mt. Popa is considered the legendary home of spirit gods worshipped by Burmese Buddhists.
· Ancient Royal Cities – Inwa (Ava) was the capital of the Burma for more than 400 years, Amarapura has the world’s longest teak bridge, Sagaing is famous for its tranquil atmosphere, and Mingun has many historic sites to explore.
· Yangon (Rangoon) – The “Garden City of the East,” retains much of its colonial charm with cobblestoned streets, tree-lined avenues and Victorian architecture.

Guests will cruise the Ayeyarwaddy aboard the newly built all-suite AmaPura (2014), a 56-passenger vessel furnished with a combination of modern and traditional motifs. All 28 spacious suites feature a balcony (a French Balcony, a step-out Full Balcony or Twin Balconies), a well-appointed en suite bathroom and many other deluxe amenities. The ship’s elegant public areas include a restaurant, main lounge and bar, gift shop, spa, refreshing pool and a Sun Deck perfect for lounging, enjoying a cool drink, or simply gazing out at the passing scenery.

For further information regarding APT’s Myanmar river cruises, or to register interest prior to the brochure release, please call 1300 278 278 or see your local business development manager.

Griffin Survivor protection might just save your iPhone

Whether you’re an amateur wilderness enthusiast trekking through the Amazon rainforest or just relaxing on a beach in Mexico, with Griffin Technology's Survivor range, you can take your electronic device wherever you go and be sure it never gets damaged.

Survivor cases provide screen and port protection for your iPad, iPhone (5 and 4s), Kindle or Samsung Galaxy devices - from either drops up to six feet or waterproof protection of up to 10 feet.

Ideal for weather protection, and available in slimline, clear or coloured options to protect your device. Shattered screens will be a thing of the past.

The Survivor Protective Case range includes:

· Survivor iPad Harness Kit
· Survivor for iPad
· Survivor for mobile devices
· Survivor Slim (iPhone and iPod Touch)
· Survivor + Catalyst Waterproof (features protection from 10 feet of water. iPhone 5 only)

Fiji's Blue Lagoon Cruises launches new itineraries

#expeditioncruising

Blue Lagoon Cruises has re-launched itself with exciting new 3, 4 and 7 night itineraries and many other product developments on board its boutique cruise ship ‘Fiji Princess’.
The itineraries have been considerably enhanced to provide guests with many more daily activities, unique Fijian cultural experiences, interaction with local island villages and great evening entertainment.
Exciting options like swimming with Manta Rays, fire dancing, cave visits, a night at Tom Hanks’ “Castaway” island, diving and private island beaches are just a few of the new inclusions.
Executive Director of Blue Lagoon Cruises, Chris Jacobs said these were some of the most exciting changes seen in the 60 year history of Blue Lagoon Cruises.
“We are taking what is already an iconic tourism brand and making it even better,” Mr Jacobs said.
“We are moving toward a higher end delivery of service, dining and experiences that will delight guests who cruise with us,” he said.
“Cruises include the highlights of the remote and beautiful Yasawa Islands, a chain of islands in the north of Fiji that are simply idyllic,”
“Our cruises are also strongly Fijian – we are proud of the fact that guests cruise with all Fijian staff and meet the Fijians of the islands all along the way,”
“It is their home so who better to show it to you?” ”
Blue Lagoon Cruises now depart from Port Denerau Marina which, with its shops and restaurants it is a much better departure experience.
Guests can also combine an island resort stay in the Yasawas or the Mamanuca Islands with a cruise and have the best of both worlds – cruising through the islands and visiting deserted islands, as well as staying at an island resort.
The 60m (179 foot) MV Fiji Princess catamaran has 34 deluxe air conditioned and ensuited cabins, all above the waterline with large windows and ocean views – ones that change daily!
In line with the new itineraries, a new minimum age policy has been introduced, with cruises now only taking guests 14 years and older*.
“The changes that we’ve made at Blue Lagoon Cruises allow us to better cater for couples and honeymooners, as well as offer an intimate, boutique cruising experience for people who may not have been on a cruise before or who are looking for something a little more private than a large ocean going cruise ship,” Mr Jacobs said.
“The islands of Fiji offer stunning and protected cruising waters and because of the size of the Fiji Princess, we visit secluded bays and islands that larger ships can’t access – we even tie her up to a coconut tree in one anchorage!”
“With a maximum of 68 guests on Fiji Princess, no matter which beach or island we visit, guests won’t be overwhelmed by crowds, in fact most of the time, our passengers are the only people on the beach,”
Charters for business groups, weddings or other special occasions are also available, with customised itineraries designed around the needs of the group.

Ten of the world's most adventurous cruises

50 Years of Victory

"Cruising" -- the word conjures up images of overflowing buffets, arm-wrestling at the soft serve machine and death by deck quoits.
But there's another side to this kind of travel that spits in the eye of the stereotypical deckchair-hogging cocktail sipper -- and that's adventure and expedition cruising.
It's almost deceptive to call it "cruising."
It's truly "adventure by ship" where the often exotic destination is as much part of the attraction as the way you get there. These floating adventures take the form of anything from five-star Champagne explorations to ambling along in a tramp steamer. READ FULL STORY

When nature is the star (SMH)

When nature is the star Sydney Morning Herald Expedition cruising is taking off, with new vessels and journeys to tempt intrepid travellers, writes Louise Goldsbury. Many of the world's coves, capes and polar ...

Stunning welcome for SeaDream's first ever season into Asia

COLOURFUL welcome to SeaDream II in Goa, India.

SEADREAM Yacht Club says its SeaDream II has received "an absolutely stunning welcome" from quarters as diverse as national governments, local tourism authorities, travel operators and the media since arriving in October for it's first-ever season into Asia, northern Australia and Papua New Guinea.

The luxury mega motor-cruiser has already sailed from Mumbai to Singapore by way of ports in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia, and will undertake 18-itineraries in the region before season-end in April.

"We've been absolutely stunned by the extraordinary welcomes accorded us at virtually every port of call, large or small," said SeaDream Yacht Club's President India, Sudesh Kishore who was aboard from Mumbai to Singapore.

SEADREAM II arrives off Phuket in Thailand.

"We've had tourism and other ministers welcome us as a new chapter in their tourism ventures, as well as local government officials, members of the travel industry and local business organisations, sometimes with bands and cultural performances on the pier as we've docked," Mr Kishore said.

"At some places our onboard guests were even invited to join-in the dancing and cultural performances, which they absolutely loved, and our Captain and other officers were interviewed by enthusiastic local TV stations and newspapers as we exchanged city and national plaques and framed SeaDream photographs with local authorities.

"We also had up to 40 travel industry and media aboard at larger ports to inspect the yacht – the SeaDream concept is simply something they've not seen before, and they were genuinely interested in our philosophy of 'Yachting, Not Cruising,' with just-56 staterooms for a maximum 112 guests served by 95 crew, open bars and wines with meals, onboard gratuities included, and free use for guests of a wide range of land- and water-sports and fitness facilities."

As an example of sailings still available, 7-nights from Singapore to Bali departing 11 January starts from US$3,954pp double occupancy.

For full itineraries and fare inclusions in Asia, Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea, see travel agents or visit www.seadream.com