Explore the Galápagos Islands with Wild Earth Travel

The natural history of the Galápagos Islands has fascinated visitors since their most famous passenger, Charles Darwin, landed there in 1845.

Darwin’s observations during his voyage on the HMS Beagle laid the foundation for the theory of evolution. Today these islands remain a unique place on our planet and an environment almost untouched by humans.

The best way to explore this fascinating destination is on board a small ship expedition cruise. Small expedition cruise vessels allow access to otherwise inaccessible coastlines and close approaches to wildlife, while zodiac landing craft take you to the heart of the action.

Adventure travel specialist Wild Earth Travel offers a number of voyages to these islands on a variety of vessels with itineraries to suit all styles and budgets.

The consummate voyage is a 10-day journey on board the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour operated by Lindblad Expeditions. Lindblad has more experience than any other operator in Galápagos and the highest ratio of guests to naturalists, who work exclusively for the company.

Lars Eric Lindblad led the first non-scientific expedition to the Galápagos in 1967 and the company has been travelling there ever since, so their experience in the region is unsurpassed.

As passionate explorers, Lindblad Expeditions approaches these wild places with an entire tool kit designed for exploration. The goal is not to show a place off in the distance, but to truly explore it up close and in depth. On board, guests interact with world-renowned scientists, naturalists and researchers, using state-of-the-art exploration tools such as video microscopes, plasma screens, hydrophones, video chroniclers and bow cams; all of which add significantly to the experience of exploring the Galápagos, and are included in the cost.

Unique to Lindblad are its team of ‘Undersea Specialists’ who dive in remote locations and bring passengers even closer to nature’s wonders through the use of underwater cameras. Guests can swim, snorkel, and kayak almost every day using the complimentary equipment on board, or enjoy the glass-bottom boat which is exclusive to the National Geographic Endeavour.

Also exclusive to the National Geographic Endeavour, is a floating massage platform, along with other comforts such as a wellness programme featuring nature-inspired spa treatments, a fully-equipped gymnasium, and top class cuisine. Prices for the 10-day voyage start from US$5230.00 per person with departures throughout the year.

Wild Earth Travel also offers a range of other small ship expeditions to the Galápagos, including a 10-day voyage aboard the 48-guest National Geographic Islander; and a 14 or 18-day Natural History Galápagos Experience on board the 16-passenger yacht Tip Top IV.

(www.wildearth-travel.com)

ABC Nightlife with Tony Delroy: Fiji Adventure Cruising

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Expeditioncruising.com editor, Rod Eime, talks with top-rating ABC presenter, Tony Delroy, about 're-discovering' the remote islands of Fiji by small cruise ship.

Aurora Expeditions Celebrates Sir Douglas Mawson's Centenary

Aurora Expeditions have three exciting voyages to commemorate the centenary of Sir Douglas Mawson's Australasian Antarctic Expedition. In January 1912, explorer Douglas Mawson and 17 others landed at Commonwealth Bay. For the next year, they braved appalling conditions, when the wind speed averaged nearly 80 km/h, occasionally peaking above 320 km/h. Their expedition ranks as one of the most successful in polar exploration history.

Each of Aurora Expeditions' Centenary voyages visits three outstanding regions: Macquarie Island, where Mawson set up a communications base; the East Antarctic coast, a vast region where the polar plateau offers a dramatic backdrop to Mawson's Hut; and New Zealand's exquisite subantarctic islands.

Passengers departing on the first Mawson's centenary voyage will mark the departure from Hobart of the 1911-14 Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) led by Sir Douglas Mawson on Dec 2 1911—exactly 100 years to the day after the AAE sailed for Macquarie Island. 

 "The Mawson's Huts Foundation is looking forward to welcoming all passengers to the Sir Douglas Mawson Centenary dinner in Hobart on Thursday Dec 1.   Over 500 guests are expected to attend the dinner which is being supported by the Federal and Tasmanian governments and a flotilla of hundreds of ships will farewell your ship as you sail down to the Derwent on the first leg of your voyage to Mawson's Huts at Cape Denison.

Patron of the Foundation the Governor General of Australia Ms Quentin Bryce AC has been invited to attend the dinner which will also mark the beginning of the "heroic era" celebrations for Antarctic exploration which saw the Norwegian Amundsen reach the South Pole ahead of the British Explorer Robert Falcon Scott, his demise and then Mawson's own incredible feat of survival after the loss of two colleagues". David Jensen, Mawson Hut Foundation.

These 26-day voyages are Aurora Expeditions' most adventurous in scope, with extended sea crossings and the chance to explore the pack ice edge, where much of Antarctica's marine life, including whales, seals and penguins, can be found. The voyages will visit Mawson's Hut and the abandoned French base at Port Martin, and the working research station of Dumont d'Urville. Prices start from US$17,475 per person twin share.

The voyage, "Emeralds of the Subantarctic" is a 13-day expedition, which takes you to Macquarie Island and Campbell Island, the Auckland Islands and, depending on sea conditions, a rare Zodiac cruise of the Snares Islands. This region contains the greatest diversity of seabirds in the world, often in astounding numbers. It's a tremendous opportunity to visit a wildlife wonderland. Prices for this voyage start from US$7,325 per person twin share.

Aurora Expeditions will be utilising their ship Akademik Shokalskiy for the East Antarctica voyages The decision to use small, ice-strengthened ships allows Aurora Expeditions to visit areas that other large cruise ships can't. For many years, Aurora Expeditions has been a leading expedition cruise company specialising in Antarctic and European Arctic expeditions. Since the early 1990s, Aurora Expeditions have shared their love of Antarctica with small groups of adventurous individuals keen to explore one of the wildest places on Earth.

Aurora Expeditions' dynamic team all share a great respect for natural and cultural environments. Aurora Expeditions continues to approach expedition travel as a catalyst for making a difference in one's life, and in the world.

www.auroraexpeditions.com.au | +612 9252 1033 | info@auroraexpeditions.com.au

Antarctica: A White Dream

Indians are one of the growth markets for inbound tourism the world over. Mumbai businessman, Jitendra Tanti, shares his adventure.

Source: www.punemirror.in

“Antarctic Dream”

It all began by boarding a flight in Mumbai which, via Johannesburg, reached Buenos Aires and then internally flew to Ushuaia – the southernmost city in the world, located in Argentina.

From there, I boarded the “Antarctic Dream” – an expedition cruise liner which would be my home for the next 11 days. Onboard the Antarctica Dream, I travelled to what seemed like another world within the one we live in. No place on earth can compare to the white wilderness presented as an elemental poem comprising of snow, ice, sky, water and rock.

Read Full Story

Travel & Living 44: Tui Tai Fiji Cruise Feature

Visit your local Harvey World Travel office for your copy of this superb magazine.



Please note: This is a pre-production copy and some editing marks still persist

SEADREAM YACHT CLUB RECEIVES TOP AWARD FROM CRUISE CRITIC

IN the first annual Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Awards, SeaDream 1  was placed #1 for Service in the Small Ship category.

"Cruise Critic members who have reviewed the ship are clearly very happy with their cruise experience," said Carolyn Spencer Brown, Editor in Chief of Cruise Critic. "SeaDream I gets excellent ratings for service, which is attentive and formal, without being fussy or intrusive."

Cruise Critic, the online guide to cruises, is one of the most influential travel sites on the web, and issued its most recent awards based entirely on reviews/ratings submitted by cruisers who posted a cruise review.  The site provides objective cruise reviews, features, ports-of-call profiles and destination information.

Acknowledging the award, Bob Lepisto, President of SeaDream, said "The crew aboard SeaDream I and SeaDream II are to be thanked for their tireless efforts to ensure each guest is well taken care of. Independent reviews like this reaffirm our claim of providing unbeatable service."

SeaDream Yacht Club which operates sister vessels SeaDream I and SeaDream II,  is rated the 'World's Best Small Ship Cruise Line' (source: the Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships annually from 2003 to 2011).

For further details see travel agents or visit www.SeaDream.com 

(The expression "yachting" is not only a statement about size; it describes a lifestyle aboard the intimate vessels. Chic and stylish, SeaDream's 56-stateroom twin yachts are favored for their elegant informality, personal service provided by a crew of 95, state-of-the-art facilities, inclusive open bar and gratuities, ocean-view accommodations, luxury spa and world class cuisine. Itineraries include the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the Amazon. "It's yachting, not cruising.")

Uniworld Sails The Mekong River, 2012

UNIWORLD EXPANDS RIVER CRUISES AND TOURS IN ASIA IN 2012

AND ADDS BEAUTIFUL NEW SHIP, RIVER SAIGON, ON VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA'S MEKONG RIVER

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises introduces a new ship, River Saigon, and expands their Asia river cruises and tours in 2012, so travelers can experience this destination in world-class style and comfort for which Uniworld is known. With over 100 departures on 8 itineraries ranging from 10 to 24 days in China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, travelers can unlock the richness and vast diversity of this region. From the Great Wall of China to Cambodia's Angkor Wat, from Spiritual Tibet to bucolic Vietnam, and from the mighty Yangtze to the languid Mekong, Uniworld offers something for everyone.

Travelers can select from one of Uniworld's two new itineraries including a 15-day "Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong" River Cruise and Tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi; or a 24-day "Grand Asia & the Mekong" River Cruise and Tour from Beijing to Hanoi. Or opt to travel from Beijing to Shanghai for Uniworld's re-imagined 10-day land-based tour of "Classic China," or a 12-day "Splendors of China & the Yangtze" River Cruise and Tour.

For those traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia, Uniworld will launch in January 2012, a new beautiful ship, River Saigon, sailing the Mekong River with a maximum capacity of up to 60 guests. With a ship so intimate, travelers can experience this captivating region up close and in style with all the amenities and conveniences needed for the most comfortable trip possible.

Whichever Uniworld river cruise and tour travelers choose in Asia, they will receive exclusive VIP treatment throughout, along with a multitude of included benefits - from river view staterooms onboard beautifully appointed ships to deluxe hotels onshore; most meals, including special theme dinners and home-hosted lunches; captivating, fully escorted shore excursions; exciting entertainment; and so much more.

For more information, please contact your preferred Travel Professional or call Uniworld at 1-800-733-7820 or visit www.uniworld.com.

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world's only authentic boutique cruise line™, is recognized among the "World's Best River Cruises" by Travel + Leisure. It is the only luxury river cruise line named to Condé Nast Traveler's prestigious Gold List, and has received their Readers' Choice Award for "World's Top Small Ship Line" and won "Best River Ships" in their Readers' Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships in the world. Uniworld's cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey®; Uniworld is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey® amongst the best of the best in the cruise industry.

Uniworld features luxurious boutique ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, included shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, and award-winning hospitality. Uniworld offers over 500 departures sailing on 13 rivers in 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Uniworld is a member of CLIA, Cruise Lines International Association

Aurora Expeditions is Moving

Aurora Expeditions is moving office.
From the 20 June 2011, our new office address will be:-

Moran House
Level 3, 13-15 Bridge Street
Sydney 2000
New South Wales
Australia

Please note our contact numbers and emails will remain the same.

We look forward to seeing you in our new office.

The Aurora Expeditions team

www.auroraexpeditions.com.au | +612 9252 1033 | info@auroraexpeditions.com.au

Star Flyer to Sail Andalucia and Morocco

Star Flyer

Star Clippers will operate a new series of sailings next year from Malaga in southern Spain, exploring the romantic Moorish heritage of Andalucia and Morocco.

The graceful 170-passenger square rigger Star Flyer has scheduled five seven-night cruises round-trip from Malaga with departure dates between September 15 and October 13, 2012.

Ports of call include Casablanca and Tangier in Morocco, for visits to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, the market and the legendary Rick's Café in Casablanca (a replica of the café featured in the famous film), and the Kasbah and historic Berber town of Tetouan from Tangier.

Star Flyer then sails across the approach to the Straits of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean and one of the best spots in the area for whale and dolphin-watching. From historic Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in Spain, there's a chance to visit Seville, Andalucia's vibrant capital, famous for its flamenco dancing and Moorish architecture.

The ship then calls at Gibraltar, an outpost of Britain with a long and fascinating military history, before sailing along the sun-drenched Costa del Sol to Motril, the closest port from which to visit Granada, setting of the magnificent Alhambra’s palace and Generalife Gardens, with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop.

Prices start at $2339 including port charges. A discount of 25% applies for bookings before January 31, 2012. Children may qualify for a 50% discount.

Two further cruises include this historic region in 2012. A six-night voyage from Lisbon to Malaga, departing September 9, calls at Portimao, Cadiz, Tangier, Gibraltar and Motril. There’s another chance to explore part of Andalucia on the first leg of the ship’s transatlantic repositioning cruise, from Malaga to Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. Departing October 20, 2012, ports of call include Tangier and Cadiz, before spending two days at sea en route to Funchal, Madeira, and a further sea day before Las Palmas.

The new sailings from Malaga are in addition to Star Flyer’s new season of sailing in the Baltic sea from May 2012, that include an ex-UK departure from Southampton on May 5 2012.

MS HANSEATIC with New Cabins and Featuring the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Colours

•     Extensive shipyard renovations
•     New cabins with modern design on two decks

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is visually unifying the appearance of its fleet. After a 13-day-ship yard stay at Blohm & Voss in Hamburg/ Germany, the HANSEATIC now features the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' characteristic colors, an orange and blue band, as well as an orange funnel with the cruise lines logo. The comprehensive shipyard stay consisted of more than 780 items, among them, the renovation and modernization of two cabin decks, the buffet restaurant, and the sauna and pool area. The ship returns into service on June 10, 2011.

"With the charter contract for the HANSEATIC extended until 2018, we opted to add the visual unification of the fleet. Nevertheless, the legendary former logo of the HANSEATIC will be retained as a product logo on board", says Sebastian Ahrens, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, explaining the decision.

More than 400 shipyard employees worked in three shifts in order to implement the comprehensive modernisation plan, which included the fundamental renovation of the cabins on Deck 5 and Deck 6. Plenty of wood, new fabrics, furniture and carpeting helped to create a warm atmosphere, and now present a contemporary design for the HANSEATIC. The buffet restaurant Columbus Lounge also sparkles in a new color design and will now be called the "Bistro Lemaire." Further items include the modernization of the pool and sauna area, with a new steam sauna, as well as a multi-mode shower. In total, more than 11,482 sq. ft. of carpet, 621 gallons of paint and 3,937 sq. ft. of fabric were deployed in the context of the shipyard renovations.

New service options now available on the HANSEATIC include: worldwide mobile phone reception via OnAir, Wi-Fi in all cabins, an extended selection of international newspapers in full editions, as well as headsets for passengers during the excursions for better clarity for the experts to be heard.

Shining in new splendour, the HANSEATIC will set sail on 10 June for a four-day cruise from Hamburg via List/Sylt and Binz/Ruegen to Travemuende/ Germany.

Upcoming 2011 Expedition Cruises on the HANSEATIC:

NORTHWEST PASSAGE– A SHORTER ROUTE:

For the first time ever, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is offering guests the opportunity 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. The short itinerary departs from Kangerlussuaq/Greenland on August 14, 2011 and ends in Reykjavik/Iceland on September 2nd.

MAIDEN CALL – THE INDIAN OCEAN:

Guests will experience the heavenly and exotic island world between the Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritius onboard the HANSEATIC in November/December 2011, making a new stop in Nosy Lakandava/Madagascar. This 14-day itinerary departs from Victoria/Mahe on November 22, 2011, and ends in Port Louis/Mauritius on December 5th.

MS HANSEATIC, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' small and beautifully appointed expedition ship, and the world's only 5-star expedition ship according to Berlitz Cruise Guide, was created to provide intensive exploration in the most elegant surroundings for a maximum of 184 passengers. The HANSEATIC is known worldwide for its unsurpassed abilities to navigate and explore difficult waters of the Arctic and Antarctic due to its highest ice class for passenger vessels (E4). The HANSEATIC cruises the world year round, landing in unusual and remote destinations. A shallow draft and high manoeuvrability allow the ship to enter waters larger cruise vessels cannot reach.

Further Information and pictures can be downloaded at www.hl-cruises.com/photos. 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.

Black Sea Cruises aboard the Megayacht Pegasus

Black Sea Treasures Cruises from Istanbul to Odessa and Odessa to Istanbul from only $3520 per person twin share visiting Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey.

Gateway Travel launches new summer Black Sea Cruises into their product range. The 8 day/7 night cruises operate from July to September aboard the Megayacht Pegasus.

Prices include accommodation in a double or twin cabin; full board; filter coffee; tea & water all day; use of fishing equipment; English speaking cruise escort and VAT. Port taxes of Aud 378 per person are additional.

Contact Gateway Travel on (02) 9745-3333 or www.gatewaytravel.com.au for the full itinerary and price details.

Scenic Tours announces new exclusive enrichment experiences for river cruising

Marksburg - Scenic Enrich Medieval Banquet

Leading European river cruise operator Scenic Tours is offering a range of special enrichment activities, included in the cruise fare, for guests to discover the history, culture and cuisine of the countries visited.

From private tours of renowned castles and exclusive dining experiences to visiting local villages and meeting local wine vintners, the Scenic Enrich program allows guests to truly immerse themselves in local cultures and discover the essence of Europe, with a range of new and exciting options on offer for the 2012 river cruise program.

In 2012, guests aboard the 15 day Jewels of Europe River Cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest will have the opportunity to enjoy a day in the life of a traditional German village. With the Scenic Village experience, guests become part of the local community for a day, visiting the homes of local families and choosing from a range of traditional activities, from wine tasting and baking to visiting a dairy, an iron foundry or a private castle to meet a piano maker who restores 18th century pianos. The day ends with a magnificent barbecue with local villagers.

Also new is a host of Scenic Enrich experiences for those joining the 15 day Imperial Jewels of Russia River Cruise between St Petersburg and Moscow. Guests will enjoy a traditional Russian lunch at the old-world wooden 'Podvorie' restaurant in St Petersburg, where all produce and wine is home-grown at the owner's private summer residence. They will also experience a private Russian ballet performance, a home visit to taste authentic Russian tea and piroshky, and a private tour of Moscow's celebrated St Basil's Cathedral. Finally, guests will have the opportunity to meet a real Cosmonaut on a guided tour of Star City space training centre.

Scenic Tours' new river cruising program in France includes a visit to a typical French family homestead in Tournon for a delicious home-cooked meal. Guests will also meet a local wine vintner in the Beaujolais region and sample some of the best wines, cheese and sausages the region has to offer, as well as visiting a real working farm in La Camargue, France's 'wild west', where cowboys tend to herds of bulls destined for bullfighting in Spain.

Glen Moroney, founder and managing director of Scenic Tours commented: "We are delighted to be introducing these exciting new Scenic Enrich activities for 2012. These special events are developed exclusively to appeal to our discerning clientele. We aim to create memorable experiences that allow guests to really have a taste of the region they are visiting, meeting with locals and experiencing authentic European life."

Other popular Scenic Enrich activities include a guided tour of Marksburg Castle in Germany, a stunning building dating back to the 12th century with spectacular views over the Rhine. After a guided tour, guests enjoy a sumptuous private dinner and a night of entertainment provided by knights, musicians and jugglers all in medieval dress.

Also popular is a private concert featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss at the magnificent Palais Liechtenstein in Vienna, a baroque palace which was which was commissioned in the 17th century by the Prince of Liechtenstein. Guests are greeted with a glass of Austrian Sekt on arrival before enjoying an exclusive performance of Viennese music and dancing in the grand concert hall.

Scenic Tours' 2012 river cruise program includes spectacular journeys on beautiful waterways such as the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube aboard the Scenic 'Space-Ships', which are akin to travelling aboard a five-star floating hotel. In Russia, Scenic has exclusively chartered the Sergey Kutchkin – the newest ship on Russia's waterways, offering private outdoor balconies and the highest standards of service - and in France, the MS Symphony has exclusively been chartered to accommodate guests in quintessential Scenic style.

For more information or to book, call 1300 SCENIC (1300 723 642) or visit www.scenictours.com.au.