Lindblad’s seventh ship sets sail

Source: Seatrade Insider

Lindblad Expeditions’ seventh ship, National Geographic Explorer, is carrying its first passengers on a 14-day voyage from Iceland to Greenland.

The ice-class expedition vessel (ex Lyngen), which Lindblad Expeditions acquired last year from Hurtigruten and extensively rebuilt, now carries 148 passengers in 81 outside cabins.

‘With the tools and technology housed on board, she is the ultimate 21st-century expedition vessel,’ said Sven-Olof Lindblad, founder and president of Lindblad Expeditions. ‘She is also a beautiful ship that has been built with careful attention to detail and comfort.’

Equipment includes a remote operated vehicle that can explore to depths of 1,000 feet, a remote controlled crow’s nest camera with real-time footage broadcast on high-definition LCD screens within each cabin, an electronic chart system broadcast on a cabin TV channel, 11 Zodiacs and 36 double kayaks.

The vessel also offers a glass-enclosed observation lounge, a spa, library, bistro and restaurant.

Orient Lines announces its ship

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 18th July 2008

Source: Seatrade Insider

The new owners of Orient Lines confirmed they have acquired Maxim Gorkiy, which will be renamed Marco Polo II and embark on its maiden voyage from Barcelona April 15. A price was not disclosed.

Florida entrepeneur Wayne Heller, who bought the rights to the brand earlier this year, said his company will do everything to recreate the original Orient Lines concept, including longer, destination-intensive itineraries, a comprehensive enrichment program and value for money.

The respect for tradition will extend to renaming the decks and many public rooms on the new ship as they were called on the first Marco Polo, hiring Filipino crew and reinstating the crew show that always ranked as line’s top-rated entertainment.

Marco Polo II will carry 650 passengers and offer multiple, open-seating dining venues. The ship is ice-classed and able to operate in polar waters. Itineraries will range from 10 to 37 days, with a mix of traditional marquee ports such as St. Petersburg as well as lesser-known ports such as Bordeaux, Honfleur and Szczecin (for Berlin).

Built in 1969, Maxim Gorkiy was owned by Sovcomflot and has been sailing under charter to Germany’s Phoenix Reisen for many years. It underwent refurbishments in 1988 and 1995. The steam-turbine vessel will end its service for Phoenix this winter and enter an extensive drydock that will include any needed SOLAS 2010 updates.

‘The ship is in meticulously perfect condition. Very little work needs to be done but whatever work is needed, we’ll do it,’ Heller said. He said V.Ships is advising on technical issues.

The original Marco Polo is still operating, under different owners. But Heller said he is not concerned about confusion as that vessel is not currently marketed in North America, which will be Orient Lines’ primary customer source.

Heller said Polo Club members will keep their standing with the new Orient Lines, and whatever commission agreements travel agents held with the previous operator, NCL Corp., will be honored.

Bruce Nierenberg, evp, said the company will soon launch a direct mail campaign to Polo Club members, is hiring a seasoned field sales force and will begin making sales calls on agents. ‘We’ll definitely go after the British market,’ he added, saying that Australia, New Zealand and Germany are likely to be other targets.

Coral Princess Wraps Up a Quarter Century in New Zealand

Coral Princess Cruises will wrap up its 25th Anniversary year with a celebratory 12-night cruise of New Zealand's east coast, hosted by company founders Vicki and Tony Briggs, who pioneered expedition-style cruising in Australia a quarter of a century ago.

The company's luxury small ship, Oceanic Discoverer is a far cry from its first vessel – a converted submarine chaser – but the original ethos of experiencing great natural beauty, diverse cultures, dramatic coastlines and remote islands remains strong. The New Zealand Aotearoa cruise from Milford Sound to Auckland is designed to reveal facets of New Zealand even the locals don't know about, in the spirit (but not the discomfort) of the first ship-based explorers.

Departing from World Heritage Milford Sound and travelling to Auckland, the cruise explores the remote reaches of Milford and Doubtful Sound – described as New Zealand's most spectacular waterway - but also ventures into rarely-visited Dusky Sound. Stewart Island is renowned for its unusual bird life, including kiwis and penguins, and marks the southernmost point on the voyage. Heading north along the east coast, the ship stops at secluded Akaroa Harbour, where it's possible to swim with dolphins, while Kaikoura is known as the best destination for whale watching.

The Tory Channel marks the entrance to the beautiful blue-green waters of Marlborough Sound, where Oceanic Discoverer's guides interpret the history and natural attractions on guided walks. The trip also takes in Art Deco Napier, historic Gisborne, the active volcano on White Island and there's time to explore the beaches and caves of the remote Mercury Islands, before ending the trip in Auckland.

The family-owned company is eco-accredited and owner, Tony Briggs has been instrumental in establishing environmental guidelines for tourism operators in Australia and the South Pacific.

"Looking back at our achievements over the past 25 years I am extremely proud that our company is now recognised as Australia's longest established and most awarded cruise line," said Captain Briggs. "This cruise is our opportunity to say thank you to all our loyal guests, many of whom have travelled with us numerous times over the last 25 years."

The Oceanic Discoverer accommodates a maximum of just 72 guests, as well as a purpose-built excursion vessel, Xplorer, and a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs to allow passengers to intimately explore the secluded bays and inlets.

The 12-night New Zealand Aotearoa cruise departs from Queenstown on February 28, 2009 and costs from $7190 per person in a Main Deck B stateroom, including all meals, excursions and taxes. Guests will also be treated to a 25th anniversary cocktails and dinner celebration and will receive a copy of the Coral Princess Cruises 25th anniversary pictorial book.

For further information, call 1800 079 545 or visit www.coralprincess.com.au.

Coral Princess Wraps Up a Quarter Century in New Zealand

#expeditioncruising




Coral Princess Cruises will wrap up its 25th Anniversary year with a celebratory 12-night cruise of New Zealand’s east coast, hosted by company founders Vicki and Tony Briggs, who pioneered expedition-style cruising in Australia a quarter of a century ago.

The company’s luxury small ship, Oceanic Discoverer is a far cry from its first vessel – a converted submarine chaser – but the original ethos of experiencing great natural beauty, diverse cultures, dramatic coastlines and remote islands remains strong. The New Zealand Aotearoa cruise from Milford Sound to Auckland is designed to reveal facets of New Zealand even the locals don’t know about, in the spirit (but not the discomfort) of the first ship-based explorers.

Departing from World Heritage Milford Sound and travelling to Auckland, the cruise explores the remote reaches of Milford and Doubtful Sound – described as New Zealand’s most spectacular waterway - but also ventures into rarely-visited Dusky Sound. Stewart Island is renowned for its unusual bird life, including kiwis and penguins, and marks the southernmost point on the voyage. Heading north along the east coast, the ship stops at secluded Akaroa Harbour, where it’s possible to swim with dolphins, while Kaikoura is known as the best destination for whale watching.

The Tory Channel marks the entrance to the beautiful blue-green waters of Marlborough Sound, where Oceanic Discoverer’s guides interpret the history and natural attractions on guided walks. The trip also takes in Art Deco Napier, historic Gisborne, the active volcano on White Island and there’s time to explore the beaches and caves of the remote Mercury Islands, before ending the trip in Auckland.

The family-owned company is eco-accredited and owner, Tony Briggs has been instrumental in establishing environmental guidelines for tourism operators in Australia and the South Pacific.

“Looking back at our achievements over the past 25 years I am extremely proud that our company is now recognised as Australia’s longest established and most awarded cruise line,” said Captain Briggs. “This cruise is our opportunity to say thank you to all our loyal guests, many of whom have travelled with us numerous times over the last 25 years.”

The Oceanic Discoverer accommodates a maximum of just 72 guests, as well as a purpose-built excursion vessel, Xplorer, and a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs to allow passengers to intimately explore the secluded bays and inlets.

The 12-night New Zealand Aotearoa cruise departs from Queenstown on February 28, 2009 and costs from $7190 per person in a Main Deck B stateroom, including all meals, excursions and taxes. Guests will also be treated to a 25th anniversary cocktails and dinner celebration and will receive a copy of the Coral Princess Cruises 25th anniversary pictorial book.

For further information, call 1800 079 545 or visit www.coralprincess.com.au.

Cruise Weekly Comment: Fiji

Cruise Weekly – Comment by Roderick Eime

My first trip to Fiji was as a nine-year-old aboard P&O’s Himalaya, so any return to the friendly islands is always a nostalgic affair and gives me a chance to compare progress over the years.

My stay at the beautiful 5-star Radisson Resort Denarau Island reminded me that accommodation has improved exponentially in Fiji, especially on the exclusive island just outside Nadi where all the big names line up.

Out on the water, I sampled Captain Cook Cruises’s two key products; a 4-night Yasawa Island adventure aboard Reef Escape and a 3-night Sailing Safari aboard the classic brigantine, Ra Marama. The latter normally operates day tours, but was filling in for Spirit of Pacific (pic left) while in for servicing.

The sailing safari is a real Gilligan’s Island affair, with overnight stays at the low-impact Barefoot Lodge on Drawaqa Island. While not for everyone, it is a romantic and authentic tropical island escape perfect for couples and families. Wake up each morning to the sound of waves lapping on the beach just 20m away and swimming with the local Manta Rays is a huge attraction. (Yes I did!)

The 3, 4 and7-night cruises all operate aboard the stalwart MV Reef Escape, originally built by CCCs for the Hawkesbury River back in the late ‘80s. Not the newest vessel in Fiji waters, it nonetheless maintains a loyal following and is clearly popular with many repeat cruisers.

At time of writing, CCCs have no plans to change vessel or itineraries in Fiji although the ex-Matilda day boat, the catamaran Aussie One, will bolster the corporate charter fleet there later this year.

CCCs continue to offer great value for adventure cruisers. New offer just announced is 40% off the 7-night cruise for bookings made before 30 September. Check out the website for more offers. www.captaincook.com.au

SAVE UP TO 50 PER CENT ON UNIQUE VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY

Cruiseco has released a brochure of exclusive out-of-the-ordinary Northern Hemisphere cruises aboard the expedition ship Discovery in 2009, including discounts of up to fifty per cent for early bookings, special rates for singles in select cabin categories and included London stays and transfers with cruises starting in the UK.

In all there are twenty-three cruise options in the Black Sea and Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Baltic, Russia and neighbouring northern waters, the Adriatic and Aegean Seas, and North Africa between April 26 and November 2 2009.

Prices begin from a low $1444pp twin-share for a Cruise to the Riviera from Harwich on September 2 2009 that includes a night in London with airport/hotel/Harwich transfers, and 7-nights aboard Discovery to Lisbon, Gibraltar, Almeria (Spain,) and Nice – this price including a 50% discount if booked 90-days in advance.

Other cruise packages range from nine to 41-days with Early Booking savings of 20- to 47-per cent depending on departure dates; prices are inclusive of all dining, nightly show-lounge entertainment, destination lectures and onboard gratuities.

For a brochure and the name of the nearest to you of Cruiseco's 150 cruise specialists Australia-wide, phone 1800 225 656 or visit www.cruising.com.au 

MORE ABOUT DISCOVERY: The boutique 21,200-tonne Discovery has two restaurants as well as al fresco on-deck dining, four lounges and five bars.

Her onboard lecturers are matched to each cruise and can include experts in fine arts, specialists in such regions as the Middle East or the lands of the Vikings, explorers who've been to Mt Everest, the Arctic, Antarctic and South America, retired diplomats or marine historians.

The ship has a lecture theatre and cinema, library, bridge club, card room, shops, internet centre, two pools (one with retractable roof,) two Jacuzzis, a gymnasium and health centre, and beauty salon.

Cruise West Announces 26 Itineraries In 29 Countries For 2009 Season

Five New Itineraries Enhance Small Ship Line's Growing Repertoire

SEATTLE – Leading small-ship cruise line Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com) has announced 26 itineraries for the 2009 season, including four new and one re-introduced cruise. The four new voyages will visit Ecuador's Galapagos Islands, the Danube River, the East Indies and Melanesia; the Vietnam itinerary is being re-introduced by popular demand.

The 2009 cruises include stops in 29 countries and 165 ports worldwide. The voyages will include 253 departures throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe and the South Pacific, with visits to 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Alaska, Cambodia, China, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Romania and Vietnam. Cruise West's nine small ships (with capacity ranging from 78-138 guests) allow for the company's trademark "up-close, casual and personal" experience, an opportunity not offered by larger cruise lines. Cruises range from three-night/four-day to 24-night/25-day, and start from $1,149 per person.

"Our Quyana Members (past guests) asked us to add new destinations and Cruise West listened by delivering four new distinctive itineraries and reintroducing Vietnam in 2009," said Dick West, chairman and managing director. "I personally scouted the Galapagos itinerary and the Danube River cruise. In honor of Cruise West's first European river cruise, I will host a Chairman's cruise on the first departure. As with all Cruise West voyages, these new itineraries will offer guests the hallmark Cruise West adventure - an authentic experience."

NEW & REINTRODUCED 2009 ITINERARIES

· Cruise West introduces the GALAPAGOS onboard the luxurious 40-guest Isabela II. The 10-day tour will start with two days in Quito before flying to Baltra Island to board the ship for an eight-day cruise. A post-cruise Machu Picchu Land Tour option is available. Three departures will be initially offered on August 23, August 30 and September 6, 2009.

· Cruise West ventures to Europe for the first time with its 11- or 12-day Danube River cruise VIENNA TO BUCHAREST onboard the elegant new 148-guest Amadeus Diamond ─ 2009 marks this vessel's inaugural year. This cruise highlights exclusive tours in Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and cruising in the Danube Delta. Four departure dates will be offered: July 16 and 24, 2009; and October 13 and 21, 2009. Add on a pre- or post-cruise Prague or Transylvania Land Tour.

· VIETNAM is reintroduced by popular demand. Originally offered in 2007, this 12-day itinerary cruises Haiphong to Ho Chi Minh City via Ha Long Bay, Hue, Danang, Hoi An, Qui Nhon, Nha Trang and the Mekong River. One departure will be offered on November 21, 2009 onboard Cruise West's flagship, the 120-guest Spirit of Oceanus. Add-on a pre- or post-cruise Cambodia and Angkor Wat Land Tour.

· Cruise the exotic East Indies, SINGAPORE TO SYDNEY for the holidays onboard the Spirit of Oceanus. Offered December 16, 2009, this new 17-day itinerary transits the waters of early European explorers and will feature mysterious cultures steeped in ancient history in Indonesia. Spend New Year's Eve in Sydney! Port calls to be announced fall 2008.

· Extraordinary islands throughout Melanesia are featured on the new 17-day SYDNEY TO FIJI voyage departing December 28, 2009. Visit isolated cultures and pristine waters in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and more. Port calls to be announced fall 2008.

2009 Itinerary Updates
· COLUMBIA RIVER CRUISES: Twenty additional departures of the Columbia River itineraries have been added. Four spring and six fall departures of the delicious Taste of the Pacific Northwest epicurean cruise have been added, increasing from three initial departures in fall 2008. Ten spring and 15 fall departures of the popular and historically based River Voyage of Discovery itinerary will be offered, up from 12 total departures in 2008.

· PANAMA & COSTA RICA: An extended season, one enhanced and two new land tours are offered on the nine-night Between Two Seas itinerary, traveling from Panama City to San José, Costa Rica or reverse, onboard the recently upgraded 100-guest Pacific Explorer. Highlights include traversing the entire Panama Canal and visiting the remote Emberá Village in the Darién Jungle. The enhanced cruise/land tour includes the 10-day cruise plus five nights of accommodations and adventures in Sarapiquí and Arenal, Costa Rica. The two new land tours include a two-night/three-day Monteverde Cloud Forest visit and a four-night/five-day stay in Tortuguero National Park.

· ALASKA: Alaska's Inside Passage itinerary will offer an extended cruise season with value pricing and two new add-on land tour options: two nights at a Denali Backcountry Lodge in conjunction with the four- or five-day Glaciers of Prince William Sound cruises; or a four day fully escorted Denali land tour traveling roundtrip from Anchorage in conjunction with the nine-day Alaska Whales & Wilderness cruise.

For further details on Cruise West's itineraries, visit www.CruiseWest.com or call (800) 689-1783.

~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~

Cruise West offers the opportunity to explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout North and Central America, Asia and the South Pacific. Small-ship cruising allows for personalized experiences not offered by larger cruise lines. Guest capacities aboard Cruise West's nine ships range from 78-138. Guests may expect personal enrichment through insightful shore programs, onboard narrative and presentations by local experts from a wide variety of backgrounds. In addition, destination specific materials and an array of books are provided in the onboard library on every vessel. Cruise West considers it a privilege to access some of the world's most pristine wilderness areas and culturally rich countries. With this in mind, Cruise West views itself as good stewards and encourages crew and guests to act responsibly with respect to the environment and diverse cultures visited.

For more information, call 1-800-689-1783 or visit www.cruisewest.com.

Orion's cultural expedition to Arnhem Land

This exclusive Orion cultural expedition provides rare access to remote Arnhem Land indigenous art communities, with plenty of time ashore to meet and talk with many artists, view and purchase original artworks and visit important galleries. Orion's expedition team and specialist guest lecturers enhance the experience with comprehensive briefings and workshops.

Departing Thursday Island in Torres Strait on 25th April this 7 night voyage concludes in Darwin on 2nd May, 2009.

Spectacularly located at the northern tip of Australia, Thursday Island is the perfect location to commence this fascinating expedition. A visit to the Gab Titui Cultural Centre reveals exquisite Torres Strait art that reflects the many unique cultures and traditions of the island communities and the islander's bond to sea and land.

Orion then explores the remote coastal regions of Arnhem Land, stopping at some of the most important indigenous art centres, many with limited access due to their isolation and the need for permits to enter indigenous reserves. Travelling the coast on Orion is the perfect way to visit these significant art communities.

This voyage will appeal to those interested in indigenous art from both aesthetic and investment aspects as well. Colin and Elizabeth Laverty – whose lifetime of collecting Australian contemporary art has culminated in one of the world's most important collections of Aboriginal art – will join the voyage to share their thoughts on the importance of Australian indigenous art; while Howard Morphy, Director of the Research School of Humanities at the Australian National University and extensive author on Australian Aboriginal art will also offer insight to provide a better understanding of indigenous art in Australia.

They will be joined by Hetti Perkins, a member of the Eastern Arrernte and Kalkadoon Aboriginal communities. Currently Senior Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art at the Art Gallery of NSW Hetti has worked with indigenous visual art for over twenty years.

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At Yirrkala Orion's guests will be met by a local Yolngu family. Following a traditional ‘cleansing’ with a time honoured smoke ceremony there will be face painting and tasting of oysters, freshly cooked mud crab and speared fish. Guests will receive first hand insight and share some distinctive Yolngu cultural experiences. The Buku – Larrangay Mulka Art Centre is one of the most prominent indigenous art centres in northern Australia.

Yolngu Art is based upon inherited designs which originate with ancestral beings that created the land. A special feature of Elcho is the Morning Star poles: feather decorated funeral rite poles each distinctive to their clan groups.

Recognised nationally and internationally, Maningrida is one of the powerhouse art areas of central Arnhem Land. Bark painting, pandanus weaving and wood carvings – especially the Mimi spirits – are all distinctive features of the artistic endeavour. A visit to the excellent Djiom Museum is a highlight, showcasing the richness of the ceremonial apparel and intricacies of the material culture.

Before arrival in Darwin, guests will visit the Munupi Arts at Pirlangimpi to view the distinctive features of Tiwi art, including ceramics and carved totemic Pukumani funeral poles. In addition Orion guests can take a journey back in time by visiting the remnants of Fort Dundas – one of the original attempts to colonise the Top End.

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Fares Guide: 7 night Orion voyage / 25th April 2009: Thursday Island, Torres Strait; Yirrkala, Northern Territory; Elcho Island, NT; Maningrida, NT; Pirlangimpi (Melville Island);Darwin, Northern Territory.

Fares begin from A$5,200 per person for an ocean view Category B stateroom

Suites begin from A$7,075 per person for a Junior Suite

Owners’ Suites with French Balcony are A$10,615 per person

Ranked #2 expedition cruise ship in the world in the current Berlitz Cruise Guide, Orion is the world's latest and Australia’s only purpose-built luxury expedition cruise ship.

With 75 crew and a maximum of just 106 passengers Orion offers the highest staff to guest ratio and guest to public space ratio of any ship based in Australian waters.

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website www.orionexpeditions.com

For reservations or to obtain a brochure call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) or your travel agent. Email: info@orioncruises.com.au

Cruise Weekly Comment: Kamchatka

Cruise Weekly – Comment by Roderick Eime

Expedition cruising has evolved somewhat from the hard-core voyages that rekindled this travel sector in the 1960s and ‘70s. Today, some ‘adventure cruises’ are simply hedonistic boutique yachts with champagne on tap, but just last week I was reminded that the core product is still alive and well.

SILVERSEA'S PRINCE ALBERT II SET TO EXPLORE FRENCH POLYNESIA FROM MARCH TO OCTOBER 2009

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has revealed details of its 2009 schedule of expeditions for the Prince Albert II, calling for the 132-guest luxury expedition ship's deployment in French Polynesia from mid-March to late October 2009.

The ship's positioning in Tahiti is the result of numerous efforts and successful meetings between Silversea and the French Polynesian government.
An exciting collection of new itineraries will feature the less-travelled regions of Polynesia ranging from the southernmost Austral Islands to the sprawling Tuamotu Archipelago and the northernmost Marquesas Islands. Highlights of the 2009 French Polynesia program include:

AUSTRAL ISLAND ADVENTURES
Nestled in the Tropic of Capricorn, the remote Austral Islands lie hundreds of miles south of Tahiti and enjoy a slightly cooler climate. Tubuai, largest of these volcanic islands, is probably best known for the failed landing attempts of the H.M.S. Bounty. (The island's villagers assaulted the unwelcome ship with a barrage of stones, and ultimately the mutineers sailed off to Pitcairn.) Prince Albert II and her fleet of 8 Zodiac boats will explore the unique culture, flora and fauna of Rapa, Raivavae, Tubuai, Rurutu and Rimatara on five 11-day, roundtrip journeys from Papeete. Silver Sailing fares start at US$3,897 per person, double occupancy.

JOURNEYS TO THE MARQUESAS
The mountainous islands of the Marquesas are located nearly 900 miles northeast of Tahiti and just south of the equator. With a lush, vibrant terrain bursting with myriad exotic flowers and fruit trees, it's easy to understand how this tropical paradise captivated the artist Paul Gauguin, who made the Marquesas his adopted home. On four roundtrip journeys of 14 days from Papeete, Prince Albert II's expedition team will lead in-depth explorations of Fatu Hiva, Pua Mau, Hiva Oa, Atuona, Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva and Tahuata, as well as Manihi and Fakarava Island in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Society Islands of Bora Bora and Tahaa. Silver Sailing fares start at US$4,917 per person, double occupancy.

TUAMOTU EXPEDITIONS
The isolated Tuamotu Islands, northeast of Tahiti, comprise the world's largest chain of atolls. Its 78 sparsely populated coral islands span over 900 miles of aquamarine waters. Dotted with quaint villages, coral churches and an abundance of wildlife - from bottlenose dolphins and coconut crabs to the rarest of birds - this remote archipelago offers endless possibilities for real Robinson Crusoe-style adventures. Departing from Papeete, Prince Albert II will embark on five 10-day expeditions to the Tuamotu islands of Tikihau, Rangiroa, Apataki, Arutua and Fakarava, as well as Raiatea, Maupihaa and Huahine in the Society Islands. Silver Sailing fares start at US$3,597 per person, double occupancy.

In the spirit of true adventure, all itineraries are unstructured by design. Following only a tentative schedule that allows for moment-by-moment flexibility, expeditions stay longer at sites of particular interest, or make slight detours whenever weather, nature or mere curiosity dictate.

The Prince Albert II offers full-scale exploring from an ultra-luxury base at sea, in true Silversea style. With the largest average size accommodation of any expedition ship, guests will enjoy spacious, ocean-view suites (many with French balconies or large private verandas), sumptuous gourmet cuisine, warm hospitality and personalised service (with a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1 to 1), and Silversea's generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, bottled water, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, 24-hour room service, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet and all gratuities. Plus, complimentary Butler Service is provided in the Grand and Owner's Suites.

"We are delighted to base the Prince Albert IIin beautiful Tahiti for a series of explorations next year," said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea's president and CEO. "The South Pacific is home to magnificent natural vistas and some of the world's most intriguing cultures, offering our guests the perfect setting for mind-enriching, authentic adventures."

"We are pleased to welcome the prestigious Prince Albert II to French Polynesia," said the President of French Polynesia, Gaston Tong Sang. "Since taking office, it has been my goal and intention to take all necessary steps to enable Silversea to visit the region. The Prince Albert II is a true luxury vessel with a privileged clientele that is attracted by cultural and authentic travel experiences."

Mr. Tong Sang added, "The itineraries and land programs designed by Silversea are in sync with our tourism positioning as well as our aims for the islands and remote archipelagoes development. The unique voyages developed by Silversea will enable travellers to discover the unknown beauties and treasures of our five archipelagoes in exceptional luxury."

For the balance of the year, the Prince Albert II will offer a series of Antarctic explorations with convenient roundtrip departures from Ushuaia.

For more information please contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or toll free 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com

Cruise Weekly Comment: Top End

Cruise Weekly – Comment by Roderick Eime

Historically, modern expedition cruising goes back to Lindblad’s Antarctic cruises of the 1960s, while in our region, Coral Princess Cruises founder, Tony Briggs was one of the first to offer extended cruises on the Great Barrier Reef with a converted, Fairmile-class, WWII-era submarine chaser in the early 1980s.

Today, small ship, adventure-themed cruises abound and many new operators are capitalising on the abundant scenic and natural wealth of our coastline from the Kimberley to Tasmania. But while WA’s Kimberley enjoys solid capacities, some of our other regions do not.

Initially the repositioning sector from Cairns to Kimberley was developed to incorporate Arnhem Land and Cape York expeditions, but these cruises have sometimes struggled to attract viable numbers.

Kimberley region stalwarts, North Star Cruises, have deleted their “Over the Top” itinerary in favour of an ambitious West Papuan itinerary for 2009. Their first exploration is fully booked with loyal past passengers, leaving just Orion and Coral Princess to operate this region.

“This (11-night voyage) is one of the most underrated itineraries we have,” says Briggs, “Arnhem Land presents some of the best indigenous experiences anywhere and along with World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Cape York, it’s a spectacular voyage.”

Orion offers similar expeditions, instead split into two products; the 7-night “Art of Arnhem Land” and the 5-night “Tropical Reefs and Culture” from Thursday Island to Cairns.

Orions’ fares begin at about $700pp per night, while Coral Princess are slightly cheaper.

NEW SHIP FOR THOSE WITH A QUEST FOR ADVENTURE

A spectacular first year in out-of-the-ordinary, out-of-the-way cruising with their boutique 352-passenger Spirit of Adventure, has prompted her owners to acquire a second ship for high-quality, intimate-style discovery cruising.

The slightly larger 450-passenger Quest for Adventure is undergoing a multi-million pound refit before her inaugural cruise from Harwich in the UK to the Baltic on July 1 2009.

Cruiseco, a consortium of 150 cruise-specialist travel agencies across Australia, represents the Spirit of Adventure company here and says Quest for Adventure will offer a friendly yacht-like atmosphere, coupled with the ability to visit small and lesser known ports that larger ships cannot access.

Expert onboard lecturers will conduct original shore excursions that will be included in the cruise price, and Quest for Adventure will feature formal and informal dining, a selection of bars, stylish public areas and quiet retreats, a 3000-book library, state of the art spa, and regular deck activities

Following her inaugural cruise to the Baltic, Quest for Adventure's itineraries will feature the Aegean and Black Seas, the Greek Isles, North Africa, the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, and the Far East including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Borneo, Indonesia and Singapore.

For full details phone 1800 225 656 for the name of the nearest of Cruiseco's 150-cruise specialist agencies Australia-wide, or visit www.cruising.com.au