New Qantas Brisbane-Broome Service a Boon for Kimberley Cruisers

Qantas 737-800 arriving in Broome (BME). Photo: Simon Wilson/airliners.net

Qantas announced it will commence direct Brisbane-Broome services next year (2011), resulting in Broome becoming the third destination behind Perth and Karratha that Queensland passengers can fly to direct from Brisbane. The new services will be seasonal, operating from April-October, to coincide with the Broome dry season.

This new service will join Broome-Melbourne and Broome-Sydney services, resulting in passengers from the popular tourist destination being able to fly direct from Broome to three east-coast destinations, as well as Perth.

Coral Princess Releases 2011 Kimberley Programme – with Early Bird Discounts!

Oceanic Discoverer at Raft Point

Coral Princess Cruises is offering an Early Bird Special of 15 per cent off selected departures of its just-released 2011 Kimberley cruise programme. The 10-night exploratory cruise along the wild and beautiful Kimberley coast of Western Australia – much of it only accessible by sea – is Coral Princess Cruises' most popular voyage. 

In the new 2011 Kimberley & Across the Top brochure, Coral Princess is offering 36 departures, cruising between Darwin and Broome. For bookings on voyages departing between April 8 and May 6, 2011, a 15 per cent discount off the cruise-only cost applies to all cabin categories. These departures coincide with the early stages of the Top End dry season, when the many waterfalls that plummet directly into the sea or into dramatic gorges are at their most spectacular.

The Kimberley wilderness of Western Australia is three times larger than England with a population of just 30 000. Coral Princess's 10-night voyages cruise through one of the planet's oldest and most awe-inspiring sea and landscapes. Rivers carve their way through ancient, eroded mountains that were once the height of the Himalaya, dropping in champagne waterfalls such as the 80-metre King George Falls. Excursions ashore visit rock art galleries where Bradshaw (Gwion) paintings - the world's oldest known art - record a human history stretching back 50,000 years.

"It's a diverse and vast landscape that takes time to explore," explained Tony Briggs, Founder and Managing Director of Coral Princess. "The advantage of a Coral Princess cruise is that our ships are Australian-owned and flagged. This enables us to spend up to 30 per cent more time exploring the Kimberley during a 10-night cruise than the foreign-flagged vessels that must, by law, include an international port in an itinerary of the same length."

Having the extra time means that shore excursions are more frequent and more leisurely. On the Coral Princess cruise, there is an optional helicopter flight over the Mitchell Plateau for views of the impressive four-tiered Mitchell Falls, and bushwalks to idyllic swimming holes. The cruise explores the 800-odd islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, including an exhilarating Zodiac ride through the Horizontal Waterfalls, where the largest tides in the southern hemisphere force their way between rocky cliffs in a formidable display of the forces of nature.

Coral Princess – which pioneered small-ship cruising in the Kimberley 15 years ago, offers guests a choice of two purpose-built vessels: the 48-passenger Coral Princess or the luxurious 72-passenger Oceanic Discoverer.

"Our all-Australian crew and team of guest lecturers delivers an unmatched level of experience, knowledge and service that has seen our clients returning year after year," said Briggs.

Earlybird prices for the 10-night Kimberley cruise start at $5,908 per person, twin share, aboard the Coral Princess and $7,183 aboard Oceanic Discoverer, including all meals, lectures and services of expedition staff on board, excursions and group transfers. There are regular departures from both Darwin and Broome between April and October 2011.

The 15 per cent discount applies to all new bookings on departures between April 8 and May 6. The offer is for the cruise only, and is available until November 30 or until sold out.

At the beginning and end of the season, the Kimberley cruise can be combined with an 11-night voyage, Across The Top of Australia, between Cairns and Darwin, exploring the remote reaches of the Great Barrier Reef, Cape York, Torres Strait, Arnhem Land and the Cobourg Peninsula – visiting places of exquisite beauty and cultural significance so remote that they can't be reached any other way. Departing in March, April and October, prices for this 11-night cruise start at $6950 per person. There is a 10 per cent discount when booking the two cruises together.   

For further information and reservations contact Coral Princess Cruises on 1800 079 545 or visit http://www.coralprincess.com.au/.

Quark Expeditions Makes Arctic Cruise History in 2011

The Polar Adventure Specialist celebrates its 20th Anniversary

When Quark Expeditions 2010 Arctic expedition cruise season comes to an end September 8, preparation for its history-making 20th anniversary season begins. In 1991, the company operated two expeditions, one to the North Pole and the first ever passenger transit of the Northeast Passage. To mark the company's 20th anniversary, Quark returns to the North Pole, June 23 to July 7, 2011. The 20th anniversary vacation cruise through the Northeast Passage is part of a rare circumnavigation of the Arctic – July 10 to September 13, 2011.

Quark's first Arctic expedition cruise to the North Pole was aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker Sovetsky Soyuz. In 2011, 50 Years of Victory will transport travelers to 90 degrees N. Victory, a sister ship, is the most powerful and most advanced nuclear-powered icebreaker on the planet. Capable of producing 75,000 horsepower, on her maiden voyage to the North Pole in 2008, she reduced a 6 day transit to 4.5, breaking all previous records.

Thirty years ago a transit of the Northeast Passage was impossible as foreign visitors were not permitted to sail the freight route through the Russian Arctic. Sailing the northern route from Europe to Asia became possible when the management of Quark Expeditions took advantage of the economic crisis that occurred at the dissolution of the Soviet Union to secure the only vessel capable of navigating to the North Pole and through the Northeast Passage in a timely fashion - Sovetsky Soyuz. The 2011 voyage will be aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov, Quark's flagship and a legendary expedition ship.

The Arctic Circumnavigation

Travelers can sail on one of three segments of this never to be repeated vacation cruise. The full circumnavigation is 66-days long. The segments range from 21 to 28 days in length. The staging point for the circumnavigation and the Northeast Passage is Anchorage, Alaska. The Northeast Passage disembarks in Murmansk, Russia. The full circumnavigation disembarks in Anadyr, Russia. In between, travelers will explore Spitsbergen, Greenland, and the Canadian Arctic's Northwest Passage.

Sale into Summer on the Murray River with Captain Cook

Sale into Summer on the Murray River

Enjoy the sun, fun and river breeze of the Murray River this summer and save 25% on all 3, 4 and 7 night Murray River, Captain Cook Cruises.

The sale is valid until 28 February 2011 and valid for travel from 3 January 2011 to 28 February 2011.

Experience the summer beauty of the Murray River like never before as passengers steam down the river between the Blanchetown area and Murray Bridge for 280kms of incredible terrain, wildlife and Australian history and culture.

Sit back in the paddlewheel lounges and enjoy the amazing views as the Murray Princess cruises past towering limestone cliffs, through picturesque gorges and along riverbanks lined with mallee scrub, red gum forests and century old stone causeways.

The lowlands attract an amazing array of Australian wildlife during summer and over 350 species of birds. Led by on-shore guides, passengers can enjoy nature walks, eco-tours and learn about the ecology of the river.

Each day features exciting day trips to historic ports, sacred Aboriginal sites, a sheep station and woolshed and a native wildlife shelter.

There's a food and wine trial that enables tasting at a number of vineyards and cellar doors, and in the evening, an Aussie-style campfire barbecue on the river bank.

The three nights Discovery Cruise departs every Friday at 4.30pm and prices start from $583 per person, normally $777 per person.

The four nights Outback Heritage Cruise departs Mannum every Monday at 4.30pm and prices start from $779 per person, normally $1039 per person.

The seven nights Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise departs Mannum every Friday and Monday at 4.30pm and prices start from $1199 per person, normally $1599 per person.

Prices include all meals, accommodation, most tours, scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or onsite car parking and all onboard facilities including use of two spas, two saunas, sun deck, two bars, two lounges, single sitting dining saloon and entertainment.


For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises toll free from Australia on 1800 804 843; Int +61-2-9206 1111, Email: or visit www.captaincook.com.au.

Cruise West: "We are working to restructure"

Cruise West Continues Restructuring Efforts

SEATTLE, WA (September 8, 2010) – Cruise West, a global leader in small-ship explorations, today announced that they continue to work towards a restructuring of the company and its operations. The first move in this restructuring is the termination of the Spirit of Oceanus’ Voyage of the Great Explorers. Additional assets may be sold and other steps are being pursued towards a restructure.

As part of this process, Cruise West has suspended accepting any new bookings.

The Spirit of Oceanus voyage ended at its scheduled port of disembarkation so as to minimize any negative impact to our guests. Cruise West plans to continue to operate its US flag ships and itineraries through October, 2010; Spirit of Endeavour will sail from Seattle on the British Columbia Cruise and the Spirit of ’98 from Portland, OR along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Cruise West will also complete cruises or land tours already underway in Alaska.

For those booked Spirit of Oceanus guests who may be affected by this news and who have not yet travelled, we recommend that you take the following steps:
1. If third-party travel insurance was obtained, a claim should be placed immediately with the insurer.
2. If payment was made by credit card, a claim should be placed immediately with the card issuer.
3. If the payment was made by cash or check, and you have no travel insurance, please send an email to info@cruisewest.com.

Cruise West executives will not respond to media inquiries or accept interviews at this time

Cruise West suspends bookings

source: Travel Daily

ADVENTURE World says it’s “business as normal” for its Cruise West bookings, despite the Seattle-based cruise operator selling the flagship Spirit of Oceanus and temporarily closing its reservations centre.

A recording on the Cruise West ‘emergency line’ states that “only the Spirit of Oceanus is affected at this point..we are in the process of restructuring the company with new owners and therefore have temporarily suspended taking new bookings.”

Cruise West is at the end of its 2010 Alaska season, but has an upcoming program of Mexican Riviera and Mississippi cruises.

It appears that passengers on board Oceanus have been put ashore in Newfoundland, ending the world cruise which was set to include an extensive Australian program including New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour.

AW spokesman Neil Rodgers today confirmed the sale of the Spirit of Oceanus, telling TD that agents with affected bookings had already been advised, while other itineraries were still available.

“We are currently in the process of finalising the 2011 Cruise West Worldwide brochure which will be launched to the Australian market within the next month,” Rodgers said.

Other Cruise West wholesalers including Travel the World and eCruising weren’t able to comment before TD’s deadline.

Gourmet Wine & Food Cruise in Marlborough Region of New Zealand

Specialist luxury small ship cruise company, Island Escape Cruises are offering two unique cruises in the Marlborough region of New Zealand.

This 5 night cruise visits some of the famous New Zealand South island’s vineyards in the Marlborough Region.

Not only is this region a truly remarkable cruising destination it is famous for its world famous Sauvignon Blanc’s, rich red wines and unique gourmet restaurants.

The cruise offers 2 days of visiting vineyards and restaurants with our onboard wine guide plus 3 days of stunning Marlborough Sounds cruising.

The ‘Island Passage’s’ chef will also be presenting onboard gourmet meals with locally sourced products to complement the wines of the region.

Highlights include:

-Private charter plane from Wellington to Picton (to join the ship)
-Onboard wine guide
-Cloudy Bay winery with a gourmet lunch
-Allan Scott wines
-Forrest Estate winery
-Wither Hills winery
-Hertzog winery
-Gourmet lunch at the Hertzog bistro
-Hunter wines winery
-Makana Chocolate Factory
-Optional opportunity to walk the Queen Charlotte Track
-Optional kayaking trips or beach combing walks
-Free soft drinks, fruit juice, bottled water & espresso coffee
-Free use of the ships sports fishing equipment including lures and bait
-Free use of sea kayaks and ships tenders
-On board expedition leaders
-Free small boat excursions with guides


Departure Dates: 14 & 21 November 2010.

Prices from AUD 3196.00 / NZD$3995.00 per person twin share.

Special Offer: Single Passengers travel at Twin Share Rates (Subject to availability).

Bookings
Your cruise specialist travel agent or Island Escape Cruises.
Tel: (02) 9389 2224
E-Mail: steve@islandescape.co.nz.
Web Site: www.islandescape.co.nz

MS HANSEATIC Successfully Sails Through the Legendary Northwest Passage

• Voyage through the Northwest Passage took 15 days

• MS HANSEATIC covered more than 4,000 nautical miles

• Cruise ends on 9 September in Nome/ Alaska

The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ship HANSEATIC has just covered more than 4,000 nautical miles. The expedition ship successfully sailed through the legendary Northwest Passage. This cruise with a duration of 26 days started on 16 August in Kangerlussuaq/Greenland, passed Disko Bay, which is famous for its icebergs, and sailed through the Northwest Passage headed for Nome, Alaska. Besides numerous animal encounters and excursions with the manoeuvrable Zodiacs, the highlight of the voyage was a meeting with the sister ship BREMEN.

On 23 August 2010, the HANSEATIC began the transit through the Northwest Passage near Resolute Bay, concluding the passage on 6 September 2010 upon arrival in Barrow/ Alaska. Only a very limited number of passenger ships accept the challenge of sailing through the entire Northwest Passage from east to west. The two Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expedition ships BREMEN and HANSEATIC are among the very few ships worldwide capable of tackling these routes thanks to their special constructional design and the highest ice class for passenger ships (E4). Naturally, the weather and ice conditions in this region also have an impact on the itinerary – after all, this is one of the distinguishing features of an expedition cruise.

Northwest Passage itineraries 2011:

For the first time ever, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers guests to discover the fascination of the Arctic and the Northwest Passage on a shorter, 19-day cruise with MS HANSEATIC. Sailing through a smaller portion of the Northwest Passage, guests will follow the traces of Amundsen and Franklin and explore the ice coast of Greenland as well as the untouched island world in the north of Canada.

Trip logistics: from Kangerlussuaq/ Greenland to Reykjavik/ Iceland, August 14 - September 2, 2011.

The full and very popular Northwest Passage will also be offered in August 2011 with MS BREMEN. The famous passage starts in Nome, Alaska amidst impressive testimonies of the Inuit culture before the BREMEN sails through the Canadian Arctic and thus the heart of the Northwest Passage, on a 25-day journey.

Trip logistics: from Nome/ Alaska to Reykjavik/ Iceland, August 13 - September 7, 2011.

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com. For bookings, inquiries or to request a brochure, please look for your nearest sales agent in your country at www.hl-cruises.com, link customer service (click here).

British passengers sue after iceberg incident

A doctor, a bank director and the chairman of a law firm are spearheading a seven-figure High Court battle with a British cruise operator after their luxury liner was hit by a glacier.

The MV Alexy Maryshev was on a ten-day sightseeing cruise in the Arctic around the Norwegian island of Spitzbergen when a glacier 'calved' an iceberg, creating massive shockwaves and littering the deck of the ship with slabs of ice.

The ship, which was carrying 48 British passengers had stopped near the glacier on August 8 2007 for passengers to take photographs when the ice and waves struck, London's High Court heard.

Read more

Gap Adventures reports strong growth in small-ship cruising & sailing voyages

Adventure tour operator records rising demand for voyages to Amazon, Antarctica, Galapagos, Greece, Thailand

Gap Adventures (www.gapadventures.com), leading provider of life-changing travel experiences, has announced plans to expand its marine offering as demand continues to grow for alternatives to mega-ship voyages.

The tour operator has recorded strong growth in its marine adventure offering over recent years, including completely selling out their Arctic cruise program for 2010, expanding their Greek sailing program from operating two to five boats in just six years to satisfy demand, while the ever-expanding Thailand sailing program, launched in 2009, virtually sold out in its first year.

"We always pay close attention to industry trends, and we're happy to satisfy the demands of this growing community of sailing and cruising enthusiasts," said Gap Adventures Head Honcho, Pete Rawley. "With more and more Australian travellers choosing smaller, sustainable marine adventures – as opposed to the traditional large-ship experience – the outlook for future growth is positive."

In light of this demand, Gap Adventures plans to include Ko Samui sailing trips in Thailand from June to September 2011 to meet the year-round demand. The company is also investigating how best to expand its successful existing marine adventure products, along with sourcing exciting new journeys. While each Gap Adventures voyage is different, they all share the tour operator's trademark sustainable and authentic thrills—and always save plenty of time to enjoy the unique local wildlife and intriguing cultures.

"Gap Adventures will continue to bring happiness to the lives of adventure-cruising fans through its expanding range of cruising and sailing experiences covering the globe—from the icy shores of Antarctica to the steamy jungles of the Amazon River Delta," furthered Gap Adventures Head Honcho, Pete Rawley.

For more information, visit www.gapadventures.com


About Gap Adventures

Gap Adventures is a world leader in the adventure travel industry offering small group adventures on all seven continents and beyond to more than 100,000 global travellers annually. The award-winning trips, which focus on culture, nature and active travel, are ideal for those with a sense of adventure – people who want to leave the beaten path and authentically immerse themselves in a local culture or environment to experience the real world in a sustainable manner. Demonstrating its ongoing cultural, social and economic commitment to responsible tourism, Gap Adventures established the Planeterra Foundation, as a way the company and its passengers can give back to the communities visited. For more information, please visit www.gapadventures.com and www.planeterra.org

Ocean Magazine - Ocean Cruising - Issue 33

Open publication - Mentions: Aurora Expeditions, Sea Cloud, Great Escape, Heritage Expeditions, Ocean-Wide, Kimberley Quest

Blue Lagoon releases final 2010 ‘Historical & Cultural Dateline Cruise’ early bird rate

Fiji's iconic Blue Lagoon Cruises is again offering a rare – and very affordable - opportunity to visit Fiji's remote north-eastern reaches with the release of a 30 per cent 'early bird' discount applicable to its final 2010 'Historical & Cultural Dateline Cruise' scheduled to sail on 22 November.

To take advantage of the special offer, passengers must book by 15 October.

The discount means pricing for the all–inclusive cruise itinerary starts from AUD2450* per person twin share,  a saving of AUD735* per person on normal rates.

This unique cruise provides a special insight into an area extending well beyond the Fiji Island's more popular cruise routes and into a region that seldom receives attention from the outside world.

Highlights include a stop in the secluded islands of Kioa and Rabi, a visit the international date line on the garden island of Taveuni, a Yadua Passage crossing, the picturesque port of Savusavu, the Drudrua and Kavewa Islands and Macuata on the north-eastern part of Vanua Levu, the archipelago's second largest island.

New for 2010/11 is a picnic lunch on Taveuni as part of a visit to Fiji's famous Bouma Falls followed by a  traditional Fijian afternoon tea before heading back to ship.

A high spot of the overall cruise is a time-honoured greeting by Kioa islanders resplendent in traditional war dress, paddling out to greet passengers in outrigger canoes as part of their traditional welcome ceremonies.

Day six of the program is spent onshore at Blue Lagoon Cruises' private island of Nanuya Lailai in the pristine Yasawa Island group.

Cruise activities include daily shore excursions and water-based activities ranging from bush walks, snorkeling safaris, fish feeding, fishing and glass bottom boating.

Cultural experiences include a 'Lovo' feast on Nanuya Lailai, visits to remote villages and Kava ceremonies.

Blue Lagoon Cruises has positioned the popular MV Mystique Princess on the special service.

A full Historical & Cultural Dateline Cruise' itinerary can be viewed at www.bluelagooncruises.com.

For cruise reservations telephone Blue Lagoon Cruises in Lautoka, Fiji, on +679 666 1622, facsimile +679 666 4098 or via email on reservations@blc.com.fj.

*Conditions apply. Please note prices do not include international airfares or beverages (other than tea or coffee).