Demand High for Alaska Cruises

He Who Hesitates May Not Make Cut for Alaska Small Ship Cruise This Season;
Increased Demand, Diminished Inventory Cited as Factors

Considering an Alaska cruise vacation this year? Then best be an early bird, advises small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/, the active travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of expedition ships.

Todd Smith, founder and president, said a number of forces converging on this year's Alaska cruise season mandate booking early. Travel is rebounding and with the State of Alaska doing more marketing, demand is up. Alaska sales are up over 30 percent from last year for Smith's company alone that is poised to see its biggest-ever Alaska year. Plus Cruise West that once controlled 30 percent of the Alaska cruise inventory is no longer in business.

"Because of more demand at a time of less inventory, we're suggesting that people make their travel commitments earlier than usual in order to assure themselves space on a small expedition ship of their choice," Smith said.

He suggested that folks looking for a Cruise West alternative consider Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/60 aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird or Sea Lion. The industry's top on-board naturalists and expedition leaders have been slated for this program.

Another option is the Alaska Island Spirit Cruise aboard the Island Spirit, http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/56 offering exceptional value and a combination of nature, wilderness and authentic port stops.

New to the scene are two redesigned vessels being introduced this season that are expected to fill up quickly because they offer a high level of land-based adventure activity, said Smith. These are InnerSea Discoveries' Eastern Coves Adventure Cruise http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/38 and Western Coves Adventure Cruise http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/54 aboard either the 156-foot, 49 passenger Wilderness Adventurer or the 169-foot, 49 passenger MV Wilderness Discoverer.

For the first time in the history of Alaska cruising, guests aboard these two state-of-the-art ships will be able to pick and choose from such traditional activities as in-depth wilderness explorations by Zodiac, kayak or naturalist guided walks, to new, ground-breaking optional activities such as overnight wilderness kayaking, hiking and camping, expert fishing charters from the ship (local guides/boats rendezvous with the vessel to take clients fishing for the day) and flight-seeing. There will be some new activities included in the programming as well such as paddle boarding, caving and snorkeling.

Smith said that as many of the bigger expedition vessels are beginning to fill up, more travelers are considering AdventureSmith Explorations' selection of adventure yachts.


"From luxury to floating base camps we have an active Alaskan yacht cruise for every ability and budget," he said. For example, Smith points out:

Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise

http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/160;

Alaskan Safari Yacht Cruises

http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/19;

Active Inside Passage

http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/128, and

Active Prince William Sound Discovery Cruise

http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/127


About Adventure Smith Explorations

AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Company founder Todd Smith helped pioneer the concept of wilderness cruising that combines the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking, hiking and exploring remote wilderness areas ashore. The company matches guests with the top names in small ship cruising as well with intimate, boutique ships that may not make the radar of most travelers.

In moving through exotic natural environments and exploring vibrant native cultures seldom associated with more mainstream cruise itineraries, AdventureSmith Explorations dedicates its efforts to small footprint, sustainable travel and has launched a carbon free cruising initiative. Its off-the-beaten-path destinations include Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Hawaii, Peru, the Arctic, Antarctica, and Australia.

The company's mission is to give back to the individuals, communities and environments touched by AdventureSmith Explorations trips by connecting travelers with a network of grassroots and global nonprofit partners worldwide including the Alaska Natural History Association, Neotropica Foundation and Galapagos Conservancy. The company was named by National Geographic Adventure as one of "The Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth" and is the recipient of Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious "World Savers Award."

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, California along the western shore of Lake Tahoe.  Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or 530-583-1775. Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com or visit: www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com.

Media Alert

2 For the Price of 1 Antarctica Cruise Special! Book the 11 day small ship voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the M/V Plancius for the February 22-March 4, 2011 departure and receive two for the price of one. This means every second person travels for free. This offer pertains to any superior, twin or quadruple class cabin. Space is limited, contact AdventureSmith Explorations' Antarctic experts now. Trip details:

http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/315

Hunters Target Russian Polar Bears

A mother polar bear and first season cub photographed from the
deck of a cruise vessel in the Chukchi Sea. Photo: Roderick Eime

A group of concerned scientists and environmentalists have called for the Russian Government to block passage of legislation that may see the re-introduction of polar bear hunting in the remote Chukotka region of Russia.

"Many people are concerned about the situation with polar bears worldwide. Several populations are known to be declining, among which is the Chukotka-Alaska population.  It is well known that poachers in Chukotka kill up to 300 animals per year.  Introducing a quota would in reality, only serve to legalize the poaching," their partition reads in part.

Addressed to the Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology, Yury Trutnev, the group, led by Deputy Director of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wrangel Island State Natural Reserve, Nikita Ovsyannikov, said the decision to reintroduce a quota could be a serious threat to the local bear population.

Russian media has reported that there are from 20,000 to 25,000 polar bears in the wild, including up to 7,000 in Russia. Russian experts say poachers kill from 300 to 700 bears annually. Melting Arctic ice affects the climate of the entire planet. Global warming has already driven polar bears to cannibalism and may threaten the lives of a quarter of the world's population by 2100.

Last month, the biodiversity program coordinator at WWF-Russia, Vladimir Krever, said polar bear hunting, with an annual quota of 29 animals per year, might begin on Russia's Chukotka Peninsula next year.

The illegal trade in polar bear hides, a species in steady decline throughout the Arctic, is on the rise in Russia. 
  

NORTH STAR CRUISES REDUCE PRICES

NORTH STAR CRUISES RELEASE LOWER PRICES FOR TRAVEL IN 2011 AND 2012

The True North, one of the finest adventure-cruise ships in the world has significantly reduced prices for many of its 2011 and 2012 North Star Cruise options. The company explained that the move to lower prices was an affirmative action designed to keep North Star in-step with a changed market.

The company's general manager, Peter Trembath, said "the changes are consistent with North Star's reputation for being a market leader and will surely make our cruises even more irresistible to the discerning adventurer!" 

In addition to lower prices –  North Star also announced 4 completely different options to cruise the magnificent Kimberley region: 

The Kimberley Ultimate has always been North Star's flagship adventure. A two-week soirée along the Kimberley coast featuring a wild and beautiful panorama of rugged mountains, spectacular gorges and majestic waterfalls. Plus unexplained rock-art, extraordinary wildlife and monster barramundi!

Kimberley Gorges (7 nights)

The Kimberley Gorges itinerary features the northern half of the Kimberley Ultimate cruise. Here the landscape is dominated by the Kimberley's stunning gorge country including the Berkeley River, the King George Falls and the Mitchell River. The cruise includes helicopter/aircraft transfer to Broome.

Kimberley Islands (6 nights)

The Kimberley Islands itinerary features the southern half of the Kimberley Ultimate cruise. A totally different Kimberley experience featuring the exhilarating Horizontal Waterfalls, intriguing Montgomery Reef and the mighty Price Regent River. The cruise includes helicopter/aircraft transfer from Broome.

Kimberley Snapshot (7 nights)

And finally, the best of the best! For those pressed for time or perhaps considering the budget – the Kimberley Snapshot is the flagship Kimberley Ultimate itinerary condensed into a single week. The cruise features several Kimberley icons including the King Gorge Falls, the Hunter River, the Prince Regent River, Montgomery Reef and the Horizontal Waterfalls. 

The multi-award winning adventure-cruise ship, True North, allows discerning guests to experience wilderness in surroundings more akin to one of the world's most exclusive hotels.  

Lavish features include:

• A sundeck, forward observation lounge, ship's lounge, alfresco bar, internet café, plasma screens with interpretive information, lower deck dining room with large panoramic windows, and fine dining.
• All cabins feature enhanced décor, en-suite facilities, in-house entertainment and satellite telephones.
• Multiple expedition boats (6) allow passengers greater opportunity to do "what they want, when they want". 
• To add another dimension to adventure – most cruise options feature an onboard helicopter.
• The purpose built True North is able to explore the upper reaches of shallow river systems.
• Adventure-cruises are conducted all around the Australian coastline and in the stunning waters of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

For more information visit http://www.northstarcruises.com.au 

Passengers of Damaged Polar Star Transfer to Other Ships

Polar Star Expeditions reports that the transfer of Antarctic passengers from its damaged Polar Star was proceeding Feb. 3, with 62 passengers aboard two other vessels and returning to Ushuaia, Argentina, according to a press release from the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. The remaining passengers were expected to transfer to a third ship the evening of Feb. 3. The other ships are IAATO members.

The Polar Star was damaged Jan. 31 when it hit an unchartered rock when anchoring just north of Detaille Island at the Antarctic Peninsula. It at first appeared that the inner hull of the double-hulled ship was undamaged, but the ship sailed to Arctowski Station, a Polish research facility on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. There, an underwater survey discovered additional damage and the company decided to transfer passengers to other ships rather than ferry them back to Argentina through the often-rough Drake Passage.

On Feb. 3, 42 passengers were transferred to the Marina Svetaeva, operated by One Ocean Expeditions of Edmonton, Canada. Twenty more passengers transferred to the Ushuaia of Ushuaia-based Antarpply Expeditions.

Eight passengers will transfer the evening of Feb. 3 to the Expedition, operated by GAP Adventures of Toronto, Canada. The remaining 10 manifested passengers—who are Polar Star lecturers and field staff—will stay aboard, along with the 35 crew members, for the return voyage to Ushuaia, once the final transfer to the Expedition takes place.

All three receiving vessels involved in the return of the Polar Star passengers—as well as the Polar Star itself—are expected to arrive in Ushuaia the morning of Feb. 6.

Martin Karlsen, president of Polar Star Expeditions, noted his gratitude to his colleagues at One Ocean Expeditions, Antarpply Expeditions and GAP Adventures for making arrangements to accommodate his guests. “We also greatly appreciate the kindness and cooperation of the passengers on the receiving ships for doubling up in cabins to make space available for the transfer of our passengers back to Ushuaia,” he added.

Karlsen stated that the support provided by the other companies is good evidence of the effectiveness of the IAATO contingency plan. For more information, visit www.polarstarexpeditions.com or www.iaato.org.

Quark Expeditions Adds New Itinerary, Departures on Sea Spirit

Quark Expeditions is introducing a new nine-day wildlife cruise through the Falkland Islands, Nov. 6 to 14, aboard its newest vessel, Sea Spirit.

The Falklands is a remote group of islands in the southern Atlantic Ocean. Carrying no more than 112 guests, Sea Spirit can anchor within the bays, transferring guests ashore with rubber inflatable boats.

The cruise’s wildlife watching includes species such as the Falkland Island grass wren and four species of penguins -- Gentoo, Magellanic, Rockhopper and King. Marine mammals, seals, dolphins and whales, inhabit the waters that surround the islands.

Based on twin occupancy, the per-person price for a Sea Spirit expedition begins at $4,390. Travelers who book any Sea Spirit expedition cruise before April 29 will receive a 15 percent reduction on six cabin categories, including cabins and suites with balconies. Triple cabins are excluded.

Those who book the Falkland wildlife cruise can get 6 percent off the second expedition when they book the 12-day “Antarctic Explorer,” Nov. 13 to 24. Travelers who book the two consecutive voyages save between $2,252 and $4,337 per person.

Quark Expeditions marks its 20th anniversary with the permanent addition of Sea Spirit to its Antarctic fleet. The vessel has either king-size or twin beds, an open bar, some balcony cabins, a hot tub and two bars. In addition to an open bar, Quark has included in the price of the expedition a 10MB wireless Internet access card and a parka to keep. To reduce luggage weight, a pair of rubber boots is loaned to each traveler for the duration of the voyage, and there are hair dryers and bathrobes in each cabin.

Every Sea Spirit “Learn-and-Cruise” adventure includes a resident photographer to assist travelers on deck and on shore. Following the wildlife cruise through the Falkland Islands, Sea Spirit will sail to Antarctica eight times from Nov. 13 to Feb. 10, 2012. Itineraries include the 12-day “Antarctic Explorer,” the 15-day “Crossing the Circle” and the 20-day “Explorers’ Quest” that includes landings in the Antarctic Peninsula and the Falkland Islands plus South Georgia. For more information, call 888-892-0171 or visit www.quarkexpeditions.com.

Star Clippers Big Cruise Discounts in Med

Star Clippers has slashed prices on 45 Mediterranean cruises on its three tall ships by up to 35% for bookings before February 28.

This means savings of between $780 and $1200 on seven-night cruises to the Greek Islands, Turkey and the French Riviera, and between $1100 and $2400 on 10 or 11 night itineraries to Italy and Croatia.

The early-booking discounted cruise prices between May and October include: Monaco Grand Prix trials seven-nights from $2069 (May 21); French Riviera, seven nights from $2340; Italian Riviera, 11 nights from $3719; Portugal, Morocco, Spain and France, 14 nights from $4199; the Greek Islands, seven nights from $2340. All prices include port charges. Discounts up to 50 percent may apply for children.

The 227-passenger Royal Clipper and the 170-passenger sister ships Star Flyer and Star Clipper will operate in the Mediterranean during the 2011 season sailing from Monaco, Civitavecchia (Rome) Cannes, Venice, Malta, Lisbon, Barcelona and Istanbul.

Royal Clipper will make a special late-season 11-night cruise on its popular Venice to Rome route, departing Venice on September 20 and arriving Civitavecchia (Rome) on October 1.
Ports of call include Rovinj, Hvar and Dubrovnik (Croatia) Kotor (Montenegro) Corfu (Greece) Taormina (Sicily) Capri and Ponza (Italy). Prices start at $3719 and include port charges, all meals and entertainment on board and 25% discount for bookings before February 28.

Royal Clipper will operate a three-nights cruise departing Civitavecchia on June 1, returning June 4, calling at Porto Vecchio (Corsica) and Portoferraio (Elba). Prices start at $1499.

Contact Creative Cruising 1300 362 599 or email starclippers@creativecruising.com.au
Www.starclippers.com.au  or www.creativecruising.com.au
            

IAATO: Update on Polar Star Incident

Source: IAATO


Polar Star Expeditions reports that the transfer of passengers from its MV Polar Star is proceeding with no problem, with 62 passengers now safely aboard two other IAATO vessels and returning to Ushuaia, Argentina. The remaining passengers are expected to transfer to a third IAATO ship this evening.

Earlier today, 42 passengers were transferred to the MV Marina Svetaeva, operated by One Ocean Expeditions of Edmonton, Canada. Twenty additional MV Polar Star passengers were transferred to the MV Ushuaia of Ushuaia-based Antarpply Expeditions.

Eight passengers will transfer this evening to the MV Expedition, operated by GAP Adventures of Toronto Canada. The remaining ten manifested passengers – who are actually comprised of MV Polar Star lecture and field staff – will stay aboard, along with the 35 crew members, for the return voyage to Ushuaia, once the final transfer to the MV Expedition takes place.

All three receiving vessels involved in the return of the MV Polar Star passengers – as well as the MV Polar Star itself – are expected to arrive in Ushuaia Sunday morning, February 6.

Martin Karlsen, president of Polar Star Expeditions, noted his gratitude to his colleagues at One Ocean Expeditions, Antarpply Expeditions and GAP Adventures for making arrangements to accommodate his guests. “We also greatly appreciate the kindness and cooperation of the passengers on the receiving ships for doubling up in cabins to make space available for the transfer of our passengers back to Ushuaia,” he added.
Karlsen stated that the support provided by the other companies is good evidence of the effectiveness of the IAATO contingency plan, one of the important facets of the association.

Victoria Cruises Adds 14 Departures on China’s Yangtze River

In response to higher-than-anticipated demand for its “Three Gorges Highlights” program on China’s Yangtze River, Victoria Cruises has added 14 new departures in March on the Victoria Jenna, Victoria Anna and Victoria Katarina.

“While our March programs typically see lower occupancy, many were already close to capacity at the start of 2011, leading to the decision to expand our schedule with additional sailings,” said Larry Greenman, manager of public relations and customer service for Victoria Cruises. “Tourism to China has proven far more resilient than anyone had expected and is bouncing back at a much greater pace than other destinations closer to home.”

Newly scheduled 2011 sailings for the Victoria Jenna depart on March 6, March 9, March 13 and March 16. For the Victoria Anna, the cruise line has added March 1, March 4, March 8, March 11, March 15 and March 18. New Victoria Katarina departure dates are March 3, March 6, March 10 and March 13.

A one-time shore excursion fee of $90 per person will provide guests with an excursion to the Three Gorges Dam site in San Dou Ping, a tour of the “Ghost City” of Fengdu at Mingshan Hill, and a sailing through the Small Gorges of the Daning River, one of the Yangtze’s tributaries.

Rates start at $980 per person, based on double occupancy, for superior private balcony staterooms, and $1,180 per person, double occupancy, for Executive Deck accommodations. Victoria Cruises also offers Executive, Deluxe and Shangri-La Suites (priced from $1,590, $2,080 and $2,560 per person, double occupancy, respectively) which provide the same upgraded "Executive Deck" amenities with even more spacious, further enhanced suite accommodations.

For more information, visit www.VictoriaCruises.com.
Australian enquiries: Helen Wongs Tours

Coral Princess Suspends Great Barrier Reef Sailings ahead of Cyclone Yasi

Due to severe tropical cyclone Yasi, Coral Princess Cruises has suspended all Great Barrier Reef sailings. A recorded message on the office telephone informs callers that they expect the office to re-open on February 3, with the next scheduled sailing anticipated on Tuesday, February 8 (5-night Townsville-Cairns). CPC founder, Tony Briggs, tells EC.com that all vessels are secure and out of the storm path. Sydney office will continue to take calls and issue updates. Ph: 1800 079 545.

UPDATE: Expedition ship hits rock in Antarctica

Source: IAATO

Update:
1 Feb 1000 US EST
1 Feb 1500 UTC
1 Feb 1200 Local Time (Ushuaia)
Incident Details:
Vessel: MV Polar Star
Incident Location: Reported as S 66° 51.37’ W 66° 47.81’
Time of incident: 1130UTC / 0830 Local Time January 31

The MV Polar Star received permission from its flag state and classification society to depart its location near Detaille Island, and is now proceeding north along the Antarctic Peninsula, with the intention to return to Ushuaia, Argentina under its own power with all passengers and crew aboard.

In making the announcement, Polar Star Expeditions reports that following yesterday’s incident when the double-hulled ship touched a rock that resulted in a minor breach of the outer hull, officers and crew spent the day assessing damage, taking corrective measures, and consulting with the Halifax home office, flag state and classification society officials.

Last evening at approximately 2100 local time, the MV Polar Star departed its location near Detaille Island and is currently heading north-northeast at approximately 10 knots toward Arctowski Station, a Polish research facility on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. There, as an added precaution, station divers will make an underwater inspection to confirm that the vessel is fit to return to Ushuaia, where passengers will disembark and further assessments of damage and repairs will be made. The company added that an estimated time of arrival in Ushuaia would be announced tomorrow, once the ship departs Arctowski Station.

MRCC Chile and MRCC Punta Arenas have been informed of the plan, and will continue to actively monitor the situation, as will other IAATO passenger vessels in the vicinity of MV Polar Star.

Weather reports in the area are currently good, with similar forecast for the next few days, including the Drake Passage. There are no reports of injury to any of the 80 passengers and 35 crew aboard MV Polar Star, and no evidence of any leakage of fuel oil.

31 January 2011

A mid-ocean emergency rescue for passengers aboard Polar Star in Antarctica.

Early this morning Antarctic expedition cruise ship Polar Star hit rocks mid-Antarctic, leaving passengers stranded “in middle of nowhere.”

Regular Cruise Passenger contributor Kris Madden contacted Cruise Passenger early this morning via email to say Polar Star hit rocks and now has a crack in her outer hull.

Although details at the moment are sketchy, the incident was severe enough that “we had an emergency procedure” and all passengers are now sitting in a “disabled ship in middle of nowhere.”

“No imminent danger but it was pretty scary there for a few hours and looked like we would have to abandon ship … In all likelihood we will be transferred to a rescue ship in the area tonight,” Kris said.

At this time there are no media statements about the incident and Polar Star Expeditions have not responded to our requests for information at this time.
We will keep you closely informed of any developments.

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IAATO: Update on Polar Star Incident

Release Date: January 31, 2011
Incident Details:
Vessel: MV Polar Star
Date: January 31, 2011
Incident Location: Reported as S 66° 51.37’ W 66° 47.81’
Time: 1130UTC / 0830 Local Time

Polar Star Expeditions of Halifax, Canada is reporting that the company’s expedition vessel MV Polar Star struck an un-surveyed rock – reported at S 66° 51.37’ W 66° 47.81’ – while anchoring just north of Detaille Island at the Antarctic Peninsula. The incident occurred at approximately 1130 UTC, or 0830 local time. The MV Polar Star is currently floating free, unassisted in 37 meters of water.

While facts are still being gathered, an initial assessment of damage by Captain Jacek Majer indicates a breech to the outer hull, with the inner hull intact. Reports indicate that the vessel’s emergency response systems have been effective in dealing with the breech.

The relevant Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCC) have been alerted and are assessing the situation. Other IAATO vessels in the vicinity have also been notified.

On board the MV Polar Star are 80 passengers and 35 crew members.

Passenger nationalities are 32 American; 9 Canadian; 14 British; I Irish; 8 Australian; 2 New Zealanders; 3 Dutch; 1 Austrian; 1 German; 1 Swiss; 2 Swedish; 2 Czech; 1 Turkish; 1 Japanese; 2 Taiwanese; Crew nationalities are: 6 Polish; 27 Filipino; 2 American.

All passengers are aware of the situation, and there are no reports of injuries. Current weather reports in the area indicate rain and sleet and temperatures approximately 1°C.

Possible environmental impacts:
The captain reports there is no apparent oil spill outside the ship, but booms have been deployed as a precaution. More details on this will be forthcoming.


Polar Star Expeditions and MV Polar Star
Capacity: 105 passengers, 50 crew
Length: 86.5 meters
Breadth: 21.2 meters
Draft: 6.85 meters
Gross Tons: 4,998
Ice Class: DNV Ice 1A
Registry: Barbados
Classification Society: DNV (Det Norske Veritas)
Year Built: 1969, rebuilt 2000
The Polar Star has been traveling to Antarctica since 2001