SEADREAM II’S FORTS, PALACES, CITADELS – AND FLOWER-POWER

SEADREAM Yacht Club has a highly unusual 9-night sailing aboard the 56-stateroom mega motor-cruiser SeaDream II on May 10 2012, because this one starts 85km up Spain's Guadalquivir River in architecturally and culturally spectacular Seville.

And it will visit such small and unusual ports as Motril with its nearby 14th century fortress-palace of Alhambra in Spanish Granada, as well as Ibiza in the Balearic Islands that was the birthplace of "the rave," home to flower-power followers in the 1960s, and today is still considered Spain's "clubbing central."

This unique sailing also visits Bonifacio founded on the French island of Corsica in 828AD and dominated by a massive cliff-top citadel built in the 9th century, with other ports of call including Puerto Banus, Cartagena, Spain's Balearic Island's Palma de Mallorca and Menorca, Alghero on Sardinia (Italy) and finally Civitavecchia (the port for Rome.)

Prices start from US$6048pp twin-share including all gourmet 5-star dining, wines with lunch and dinner, drinks from the open bars, nightly cocktail receptions, power and sail watersports (in ports where permitted,) use of the 30-course golf simulator, onboard gratuities, and port charges and taxes.

The boutique SeaDream II carries a maximum of just 112-guests served by 95-crew, with many of her small and unusual ports of call on this sailing unable to be accessed by larger cruise ships.

Details from travel agents or visit www.seadream.com; airfares are additional.

AdventureSmith Explorations Offers Antarctica Basecamp Option

AdventureSmith Explorations is offering a new sea/land program that allows clients cruising Antarctica to engage in off-vessel activities including optional tenting. The program, entitled Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Cruise, offers two departures in 2012 and one in 2013 -- Feb.27 to Mar. 9, 2012; Nov. 22 to Dec. 3, 2012; and Feb. 25-Mar. 9, 2013. Per person double rates are from $8,350 in 2012 and $8,790 in 2013.

This first trip of its kind in Antarctica is modeled after successful basecamp adventure cruises in Alaska. The recently refurbished, 110-passenger motor vessel Plancius will anchor for two or three days each at diverse locations to serve as a comfortable hub that allows more time than usual for such off-vessel activities as hiking, snowshoeing, glacier walking/light mountaineering, kayaking, zodiac excursions, overnight camping at tented base camps, photography workshops and even scuba diving (extra fee).

“This trip keeps sea days as short as possible in order to spend more time ashore,” said Todd Smith, AdventureSmith Explorations’ founder. A strict “leave no trace” ethic will be the mantra for both basecamp and on-board programs. The Plancius plies the waters of the Antarctic Peninsula, a 500-mile-long mountain chain with peaks rising to over 9,000 feet, and numerous off-lying islands.

The adventure begins in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. While crossing the Drake Passage, varieties of albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars and petrels may be observed. Following the first sightings of icebergs, a protected island becomes the first multi-activity basecamp. In this alpine environment, there opportunities to scout the region on foot, zodiac and kayak, weather conditions permitting, and visit a British research station and post office. The cruise then follows the Lemaire Channel to Pleneau and Petermann Islands to witness Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and possibly humpback, Minke and fin whales.

Hikers, mountaineers and photographers (there will be photography classes included) will have the option to traverse other landscapes encompassing scientific stations with modern Antarcticans working on the White Continent and a crew at the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station. When cruising to Paradise Bay, with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, zodiacs and kayaks are available. Camping, including tented and open air, is optional, as some guests may prefer to remain on board. For those braving the elements, provided gear and field equipment include tents or wind and waterproof bivouac bags (lightweight alternative to a tent system). Guests are outfitted with mattresses and polar sleeping bags.

AdventureSmith Explorations is a 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. For more information, call 800-728-2875, email travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com or visit www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com.

Active Travel offers Burma, Irrawaddy and Rangoon

Best of Burma

Burma's celebrated Irrawaddy River is the country's principal highway and a magnet for lovers of colonial-style riverboat cruises. But beyond the river there's an age-old serenity unmatched by any other country in the region.

Burma specialist, Active Travel, has an 11-day "Best of Burma" tour including Rangoon, Mandalay, Mingun, Amarapura - and a relaxing three day cruise to the ancient capital of Bagan aboard a colonial-style riverboat. A side-trip is also made to Inle Lake, a magical inland waterway where leg-rowing fishermen ply their trade against a backdrop of forested hills.

The tour is designed for independent travellers and departs from Rangoon every Monday.  Prices from A$2400 per person, twin share, ex Rangoon.

Other tours and cruises in Burma are also available. For further information call (02) 6249 6122. Or visit www.activetravel.com.au

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Coral Princess releases Spring Specials of up to 25% on selected expeditions.

Australia and the South Pacific’s pioneer of small-ship expedition cruising Coral Princess Cruises is offering Spring Specials of between 15 and 25 per cent on September, October & November 2011 departures of their Kimberley Coast, Papua New Guinea and Melanesia expeditions aboard the state-of-art, 72 passenger small ship Oceanic Discoverer.

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 before Darwin and Broome 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.

Exploring the Kimberley Coast in September and October affords guests the unique opportunity to experience the region’s annual whale migration. The cruise also 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.

Spring Special prices for the 10-night Kimberley cruise start at $6,337.50 per person aboard Oceanic Discoverer for departures on 30 September & 10 October 2011 and $7,182.50 per person on 9 & 19 September 2011 departures. The reduced prices include all meals, lectures and services of expedition staff on board and excursions.

Discovering Papua New Guinea and Melanesia by small ship offers even the most well travelled expeditioner the opportunity for new and unique experiences. During the 12-night Papua New Guinea expedition between Cairns and Rabaul, guests will enjoy the opportunity to come face to face with villagers in their traditional communities, experience the largest area of rainforest outside of the Amazon and snorkel over some of the world’s most pristine coral reef systems. Throughout the 15-night Melanesia itinerary from Cairns to Noumea, guests will explore Papua New Guinea, the rarely visited Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, travelling well beyond the reach of larger cruise ships to enjoy authentic experiences and the opportunity to interact with the South Pacific’s most exotic people and scenic locations.

Coral Princess Cruises is offering 15% discounts on these 12-night Papua New Guinea and 15-night Melanesia expeditions aboard Oceanic Discoverer departing on 3, 15 & 28 November 2011. The 12-night PNG itinerary is priced from $7,522.50 per person and the 15-night Melanesia itinerary is priced from $9,520 per person.

As part of the Spring Special, single travellers will be able to avoid the dreaded “single supplement” when they join Coral Princess Cruises in the Kimberley, Papua New Guinea or Melanesia on selected dates, a saving of up to $6,325.

The discounts apply to all new bookings on selected departures and are available until 10 October 2011 or until sold out.

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

Antarctica: Frozen Folly

A trip to East Antarctica is anything but a walk in the park. Our Adventure Cruise Guide editor follows gingerly in the footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson. Words & Photos: Roderick Eime

“Beyond the Roaring Forties there are the Furious Fifties and Shrieking Sixties, for the storms that ravage these regions become more and more severe as one proceeds further south.” – Herbert Ponting, 1921

Who in their right mind would willingly subject themself to this kind of discomfort? And to call a voyage to Antarctica a ‘cruise’– especially if you’re venturing beyond 70 degrees south – is a serious misrepresentation.

If your idea of a cruise is sitting on a deckchair beside a pool with a pina colada in one hand and a Jackie Collins potboiler in the other, read no further. Deep Antarctica is one of those places, like the moon, that is just so distant and unreachable that to travel there is almost the stuff of fiction.

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Cruise ship sinks. Dozens missing

File picture of 50-year-old river vessel, Bulgaria

AT least one person died and 97 were missing yesterday after a Soviet-era cruise ship sank on a Russian river.

The ship carrying more than 180 people sank in a heavy storm on Russia's Volga River, officials and witnesses have said.

A total of 84 people were rescued off the Bulgaria boat, which was carrying 182 tourists and crew members when it sank in the central Russian republic of Tatarstan, ministry spokeswoman Irina Andrianova told Vesti 24 television.

One woman has been confirmed dead, the spokeswoman said.

"There were 182 people on board. We have saved 84 people," Ms Andrianova said.

"One person died. Search and rescue operations are continuing," she added.

State television reported that the two-deck Bulgaria was built in 1955 in what was then Czechoslovakia.

Read more at news.com.au

American Cruise Lines Awarded Contract to Operate in Glacier Bay

49-passenger American Glory

American Cruise Lines announced today that it has been awarded a contract by the Glacier Bay National Park to operate in the famed Alaskan park, making the line one of only several permitted to tour the breathtaking area. Known for its abundant wildlife and spectacular blue glaciers, Glacier Bay is a highly sought after destination for Alaskan cruisers and travelers. American Cruise Lines will offer seven-to-eleven night cruises including roundtrips out of Juneau.

Designated a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, Glacier Bay is a nature wonderland. A National Park Service Ranger and a Native Cultural Interpreter will join passengers aboard each cruise to provide narration and insight into Glacier Bay, as well as help spot wildlife such as mountain goats, whales and brown and black bears.

“It was important to be able to feature Glacier Bay on our Alaskan cruises,” said Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. “As one of the few places where people can still view the world as nature intended it to be, we wanted to make sure we could take our passengers there to experience it for themselves. We’re honored to have been awarded such a highly coveted contract and we look forward to showcasing the beauty Glacier Bay and the rest of Alaska has to offer.”

WILD EARTH TRAVEL REVEALS BRITAIN’S ISLANDS ON THE EDGE

Wild Earth Travel is offering adventurers the opportunity to explore the magic and mystery of the British Isles and Scotland by sea, with a comprehensive range of voyages on offer throughout 2012.

These voyages offer the chance to experience a side of the British Isles and Scotland rarely seen by visitors, navigating spectacular coastlines and threading through narrow channels to hidden lochs, visiting traditional farming communities and archaeological sites dating back to the Stone Age. One of the advantages of exploring this region by small ship is that travellers can visit a number of different places in a much shorter time compared with travelling overland.

A 14-day ‘Exploring the British and Irish Isles’ voyage aboard the National Geographic Explorer delivers history, culture and unexpected wildness. This adventure through England, Ireland and Scotland takes travellers to remote and beautiful islands such as Staffa and Orkney, adding culture and history to the spectacular landscapes. Highlights include the huge tropical gardens in the otherwise “English-y” isles of Scilly; the stunning geological architecture of Fingal’s Cave on Staffa; the quiet of Iona, the capital of ancient Celtic Christianity; and the 5,000-year-old Neolithic dwellings at Skara Brae. This special voyage is accompanied by Mary Robinson, the first woman President of Ireland, and formerly the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who will help bring perspective and context to modern Ireland. The voyage departs on 15 May 2012 from Portsmouth, UK and concludes in Bergen, Norway. Prices start from AUD 9,700 / NZD 12,570 per person.



A 9-day ‘Spirit of Scotland’ voyage around Scotland to the Hebrides and Northern Isles aboard the 86-passenger Ocean Nova, travels into the Atlantic to St Kilda, a once inhabited island which has now been left to the thousands of seabirds that frequent the huge cliffs that rise from the ocean. By contrast, the Inner Hebrides and the islands of Gigha and Islay offer lush scenery; and on Lewis travellers will see the mysterious Standing Stones of Callanish. In addition to these scenic wonders, the voyage visits the ancient Castle and Gardens of Mey. The voyage travels from Oban to Aberdeen and departs on 18 May 2012. Prices start from AUD 2,990 / NZD 3,880 per person.

The 8-day ‘Birds, Bottlenose Dolphins and Basking Sharks’ voyage from Portsmouth to Edinburgh departing 18 May 2012 on board the 116-passenger MS Island Sky, will appeal to wildlife and wilderness lovers, visiting the remote Channel Islands, the wildlife-rich uninhabited islands of Les Sept Iles in France; the two privately owned islands of the Saltees, along Ireland’s east coast, which attract nearly three million birds; and the isolated island of St Agnes with its population of just 72 people. Prices start from AUD 3,290 / NZD 4,250 per person.

A 14 –day ‘Islands on the Edge 2012’ voyage departing from Tilbury on 17 August 2012 onboard the MS Island Sky, follows Scotland’s wild coastline, visiting the historic sites of Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island; the Isle of Skye; the famous Ring of Kerry and the Channel Islands before disembarking in Portsmouth. A major highlight of this voyage includes a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh. Prices start from AUD 6,455 / NZD 8,355 per person.

To learn about the full range of British Isles voyages on offer in 2012 call 0800 WILDEARTH (with NZ) or +64 3 365 1355 or visit www.wildearth-travel.com

BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATIONS WITH COMPAGNIE DU PONANT

Offering EU$150 shipboard credits per person and 5% reduction on selected itineraries 

For over 20 years Compagnie du Ponant has lead the way in luxury yacht cruises, offering passengers a unique experience that is personalised to each individual. With a limited number of passengers, comfortable cabins and convivial public areas, Compagnie du Ponant guarantees a relaxed, intimate atmosphere unique to all their cruises. 

To celebrate Bastille Day on the 14th of July, Compagnie du Ponant is offering every passenger who books during the week of 11-15 July 2011 a shipboard credit of EU$150. And to add to the festive spirit, the French Cruise Line is also reducing fares on Asian and South American cruises by 5% on bookings made between now and the 15th of July.

Compagnie du Ponant offers cruises worldwide with a fleet of five intimate luxury yachts and a true French spirit. Passengers who take up this exciting offer will discover golden shores inaccessible to most large ships, and experience Compagnie du Ponant's unique blend of private yacht intimacy with exciting bespoke itineraries. 

With 13 Asian itineraries on offer, passengers will have the choice to travel on Le Diamant to destinations that are exotic and memorable. Visit the bustling streets of Mumbai, with its rich diversity of geography and culture, or see the intricate décor of Vietnam. Explore China's colourful cuisine or Hong Kong's city of lights as you sail on Le Diamant with her113 cabins, 226 passengers and 120 crew members. Le Diamant offers private balconies and panoramic sea views from most cabins which create a unique European atmosphere and warm ambience. 

This limited offer also covers exceptional itineraries within South America travelling on one of the latest vessels, Le Boréal. South America is a sort after destination and will amaze you with the diversity of its immerse landscapes; waterfalls, arid deserts, volcanoes, tropical forests and a truly extraordinary flora and fauna. Passengers have the choice of cruising from Venezuela to Lima in Peru or Ushuaia in Argentina. For those interested in exploring Chile, Le Boréal will travel from Valparaiso to Ushuaia in Argentina. 

Le Diamant - 4th December 2011 - Hong Kong – Ho Chi Minh - $3, 241pp twin share incl. taxes.

Le Boreal - 11th November 2011 - Valparaiso – Ushuaia - Superior Stateroom $5,264 pp twin share incl. taxes.

Note: In order to take up this offer, passengers must secure their cruise by the 15th of July.

For further information about Compagnie du Ponant or to make a booking, please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or visit http://www.traveltheworld.com.au/Specials/Promotions/Ponant-Cruises-Sale.html  

American Safari Cruises Adds Hawaii

American Safari Cruises expands its warm water itineraries this winter with new adventure cruises among the Hawaiian Islands in addition to its voyages in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés. The upscale yachts specialize in active, outdoor explorations with flexible itineraries and a full component of adventure gear.

In 2011, the 36-guest Safari Explorer begins sailing new inter-island Hawaiian adventure cruises between Maui and the Big Island (and reverse). From November through April, weeklong Hawaiian Seascapes and 10-night Hawaii’s Traditional Shores itineraries explore Maui, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Molokini and the Big Island.

“This type of inclusive yacht cruise is a totally new way to vacation in Hawaii,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “We are an exclusive floating resort that cruises between the islands to show you the best of Hawaii. Going ashore with only 36 total guests means cultural experiences are more personal and authentic. And since we provide adventure gear and include activities, it’s 100% fun and relaxation.”

The 22-guest Safari Quest sails weeklong Aquarium of the World itineraries in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés from November through April. Sailing roundtrip from La Paz, Mexico, the flexible itinerary takes time to seek out the myriad marine life in this World Heritage biosphere reserve and explores Isla Partida, Isla San José, Bahia Agua Verde, Los Islotes, Isla Coyote, Isla San Francisco and Isla Espiritu.

In both warm water destinations, the two yachts feature exciting and novel holiday travel – Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day (with a special Hawaii Romance Package), Easter and special Kids in Nature family departures during popular spring break weeks in March.

A relaxed itinerary of cruising from cove-to-cove among islands in Hawaii and the Sea of Cortés maximizes the yachts’ ability to act as a platform for water based adventures such as kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, swimming from the yacht’s swim step, snorkeling, braving the rope swing, sailing, skiff explorations and tubing. Guided excursions are led by expert on board naturalists.

In both destinations, exclusive cultural explorations ashore are included and led by the yacht’s expedition leaders. Guests in the Sea of Cortés visit Isla Coyote, a small island inhabited by the Cuevas fishing family, where guests will tour the village and visit with the family. On Hawaii’s Moloka’i, guests meet a local family for guided walks through the valley focusing on history and archaeology, a chance to help restore ancient taro terraces and a traditional Hawaiian pa’ina—celebration and feast.

In Australia: Ultimate Cruising 1300 662 943

Orion II's Thailand and Cambodia expedition voyages

Angkor Wat (Roderick Eime)

Capture the energy of bustling modern Asia balanced by the serenity of the ancient

Orion II's Gulf of Siam and Thailand, Temples and the Mekong expeditions provide the opportunity to experience traditional and modern Asia from a different perspective, often far from the clutter of the big cities.

From the flash of saffron robes in a Buddhist temple to the remote crystalline beaches of Tioman Island and the bustle of floating market stalls on the Mekong, these 7 night voyages combine the sensory contrasts of Asia into never to be forgotten experiences of sights, sounds and smells that encapsulate South East Asia.

Take an early morning elephant ride through the templest the world's largest religious complex, the World Heritage listed temples of Angkor Wat, to see first-hand the technological and architectural wonder of the ancient Khmer kingdom.

Cross the broad muddy waters of the Mekong Delta and mix it with the locals on an exclusive Zodiac exploration of the river and floating markets – Orion II being the first foreign ship to be granted permission to do this.

Bargain for batik, beaten brassware and shot silk in dazzling colours, sip a dry martini, lounge on a untouched beach, snorkel transparent waters and photograph sampans with their distinctive timber hulls and sun-bleached yellow sails.

These two itineraries reveal a balance of history, culture and relaxation that capture the energy of bustling modern Asia balanced by the serenity of the ancient.

Orion Expedition Cruises has released a pocket sized fold out map of the 2011 and 2012 Orion II expedition voyages to Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. A useful reference piece it captures all the important highlights for each voyage. A copy is available through your travel agent or on request by contacting Orion on info@orionexpeditions.com / Australia 1300 361 012 or New Zealand 0800 444 462

 www.orionexpeditions.com

Kimberley Cruise offers - FLY FREE

For two special departures in August and September 2011, Broome & The Kimberley Holidays are offering FREE return flights from most capital cities to join Orion on a spectacular expedition cruise of the Kimberley coast between Darwin and Broome.

Few travellers are fortunate to experience the majesty of the untamed Kimberley in all its splendor, especially late in the Kimberley cruising season when most of the waterfalls have ceased to a trickle. However this year is proving to be the exception.

Mr Bernard Whewell, Managing Director of specialist travel company, Broome & The Kimberley Holidays says, " a Kimberley Cruise is a holiday experience like no other. With the recent unseasonal rain in our region, passengers booking an end of season cruise are more likely to see spectacular scenery and waterfalls in flow, which is unusual at this time of year."

"This year, we have worked closely with our local cruise partners to negotiate offers representing great value for our clients, to experience one of life's great adventures" he says.

"We have partnered with Orion Expedition Cruises to offer our clients FREE FLIGHTS from any Australian capital city to join Orion in either Broome or Darwin. The cruise highlights include the Horizontal Waterfalls at Talbot Bay, the tidal phenomenon at Montgomery Reef, and the plunging waterfalls at King George Falls, to name a few."

10 Night cruises start from $8190* per person twin share in a Category B cabin on board Orion and includes our FREE FLIGHT offer. *Conditions apply. Available for immediate sale for travel on specific departures, 24 August 2011 ex Broome to Darwin & , 03 September 2011 ex Darwin toBroome.

Reservations contacts: 1300 245 565 or reservations@broomekimberley.com

For more information visit www.broomekimberley.com.au