APT adds Antarctica

New brochure: APT South America and Antarctica 2013

Antarctica has been added for APT's South America 2013 small group holidays, which carry maximum 28 passengers.

This is the first time APT has package Antarctica in its 37 years travelling to South America.

An 11-day Antarctica trip using the specialised expedition ship Akademik loffe has been added to APT's popular 20-day The Very Best of South America in a package priced from $22,595 per person, twin share.

The Antarctica trip on the Akademik loffe has been billed as a key "APT Exclusive" alongside the small group structure for the entire South America program and access to Orient-Express Rail - Hiram Bingham Train (voted by the readers of Conde Nast Traveller magazine as the best train in the world) for the journey to Machu Picchu which comes with onboard four course dinner.

Features of the Antarctica cruise are the wildlife at Half Moon Island,including a breeding colony of Chinstra penguins, kayaking and an opportunity to camp overnight.

Companion fly free, discounted business class airfare and solo traveller discounts are early booking incentives launched with the brochure, which carries 11 packages, ranging from 21 to 36 days.

All journeys feature APT's acclaimed Freedom of Choice Touring and Dining, APT Tour Director and local guides, local arrival and departure transfers, port charges and all tipping. These expertly planned itineraries are fully inclusive. Flights within South America and meals, for instance, are included. APT offers a guaranteed price; providing travel agents a peace of mind when selling this unique product.

APT General Marketing Manager, Debra Fox said APT was enjoying excellent bookings this year from its customer base of discerning travellers.

"There is big demand for this 'wow factor' continent combined with our style of travel, and next year we're delivering even more with the addition of Antarctica and our own special experiences," she said.

Among the other special APT "Exclusive" experiences are a fun introductory Spanish lesson over coffee and croissants at Cafe Tortoni, a famous literati coffeehouse in Buenos Aires, a Bird Park near Iguassu Falls for a walk among toucans and other native birds as well as Rojo Tango for Argentina's ultimate Tango show, fine dining and quality local wine.

APT "Exclusive" accommodation staying at Miraflores Park Hotel in Lima, The Ritz-Carlton in Santiago, the Libertador at Lake Titicaca, Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel at the base of Machu Picchu and Llao Llao Hotel and Resort, near Bariloche and one of the Leading Hotels of the world while dinner in a Peruvian home and a BBQ Lunch on the shores of Lake Titicaca are special dining experiences.

The 20-day The Very Best of South America (from $11,995) is the backbone of APT's South America program, exploring the colourful cities and ancient sights of Argentina, Chile and Brazil. Passengers can tailor their holiday by choosing to add on a visit to the Patagonian Lakes, Galapagos Island cruises, Amazon River Cruises or Amazon Lodge stays.

Contact: 1300 229 804, see www.aptouring.com.au, see an agent.

Southbound for Adventure

Coming this month: Antarctica feature by Roderick Eime and images by Ewen Bell

Cultural cruise to Fiji

IT'S the friendliness of the people and their cultural richness that make a Fiji cruise so memorable, writes Sarah Mennie.

AN OLD man rests in a sagging hammock, a blow dart in his hand. In front of a nearby thatched hut, a young woman sorts coconuts to be sold at market.

Their village on Rabi Island, home to 15 people and a collection of pigs and chickens, is metres from a postcard-perfect beach. The smiles from the villagers are a reminder why Fijians are considered among the friendliest people in the world.

Read full story

Atlantic Odyssey voyage onboard Plancius interrupted in South Georgia

Vlissingen , 13 April 2012 | 12:32 CET

Reduced propulsion power of m/v Plancius interrupts Atlantic Odyssey voyage All passengers and crew are safe and sound The Atlantic Odyssey voyage onboard m/v Plancius is interrupted since 09 April 2012 due to the vessel experiencing an incapacitation caused by mechanical dysfunction of the main propulsion system causing a reduced propulsion power. The ship is sheltered in safe position resting alongside the jetty of King Edward Point Research Station in Grytviken/Cumberland East Bay/South Georgia (54°17′S, 36°30′W).
Passengers, crew and expedition staff are safe. There is no threat to life or the environment The spirit on board is - given the circumstances - good and passengers indulge in local walks and excursion program organized by expedition staff.

Oceanwide Expeditions takes precautions in the sake of passenger safety As a result of the propulsion failure the ship has only very limited sailing capabilities ( maximum 4- 5 knots in calm conditions), which means the vessel will not be able maintain course in rough seas of the open ocean. The original ship ´s voyage was aimed at crossing the Atlantic (embarkation of passengers took place in Ushuaia on 29 March, disembarkation of passengers was planned at Praia/ Cape Verdes on 05 May). The weather forecast is unpredictable due to approaching winter period. Oceanwide Expeditions decided to take precautions and cancel the crossing of the Atlantic based on mission to operate safe and environmentally responsible travel. It is planned that all 73 passengers, some crew members (from 35 nautical and hotel), 6 expedition staff and 1 medical doctor will be repatriated onboard chartered passenger vessel m/v Ushuaia which will sail to Grytviken, South Georgia from Mar del Plata, Argentina, departing on Friday 13 April at 12.00 hours, arriving in South Georgia on 18 April, approx 12.00 hours local time. It is expected that the vessel can depart from South Georgia the same day with all passengers, including expedition and hotel staff. The vessel is scheduled to arrive in Montevideo, Uruguay on 24 April for disembarkation and connecting travel arrangements .

Next-of-kin of passengers have been informed directly or via their booking agents by Oceanwide Expeditions. M/v Plancius will have to be towed with support of a tug boat from South Georgia. This tug boat will arrive in South Georgia in the afternoon of 17 April. IAATO ( International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators), Class (Lloyds register) , flag state (The Netherlands), South Georgia Government and National Authority in the Netherlands have received status reports respectively.

Public Relations | Oceanwide Expeditions
 Bellamypark 9, 4381 CG Vlissingen, The Netherlands

50 Degrees North brings Antarctica closer to you: iBook Application

 

During a recent visit to Antarctica, Esbjörn Torstensson of 50 Degrees North has created a practical and innovative iBook. Designed to enable future Antarctica travellers to get a good sense of the destination, the beauty of Antarctica is captured in its videos and pictures. It is not a comprehensive guide to Antarctica, it’s been put together to give future travellers an idea of the sights and sounds that they would experience visiting Antarctica.

If you have an iPad and want to do a bit of couch travelling, download our free iBook on Antarctica, http://bit.ly/Hox7Ts. The free iBook is available for download on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with iBooks and on your computer with iTunes. Books must be read on an iOS device.

Recent reviews of the iBook: “This iBook presents a unique view of a unique place. Fully interactive, beautiful photography and imagery combined with good commentary provide insight to this wonderful place.”

If you have any questions or would like more info, email us any time on info@fiftydegreesnorth.com or call us on 1300 422 821, if outside Australia, +61 3 8682 8905

About 50 Degrees North:

50 Degrees North Pty Ltd is a wholesale travel operator specialising on the area north of the 50th parallel north, as well as Antarctica (50 degrees south). The company is fully licensed, and a full member of the Travel Compensation Fund.

Plancius Stranded at South Georgia - Engine Failure

A handout pictured released by Inezia Tours shows the Dutch ship Plancius in Antarctica. The ship is stranded with engine trouble on April 11, 2012 on South Georgia island with some 100 people of different nationalities taking part in a tourist expedition.

Source: www.timescolonist.com

Some 70 tourists are stranded on board a Dutch polar exploration ship at South Georgia Island in the southern Atlantic after the ship experienced a partial engine failure, its owner said Wednesday.

The Plancius was lying under anchor off a pier in a bay outside South Georgia’s small port of Grytviken - a former whaling station and now a popular stop-off spot for cruise ships visiting Antarctica, Mark van der Hulst said.

"The ship is anchored off a pier in South Georgia after suffering partial loss of her engine. She is safe and sound and there is no danger for passengers," Van der Hulst of Oceanwide Marine Services told AFP.

"She is waiting for another passenger ship to pick them up and bring them to Montevideo, from where they will be flown home," he added.

The 89-metre (291 feet) long Plancius was then expected to make her way under own steam to Montevideo for an inspection, said Van der Hulst.

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Cruise lands guests right into Antarctic wildlife

 
CRUISECO has added one of the last frontiers to its diversity of world-wide cruise holiday options, with sailings aboard the 189-passenger expedition ship, Ocean Diamond from Ushuaia in Argentina to Antarctica in November and December this year – with 25% off these prices if booked by April 30.
 
In conjunction with polar specialists, Quark Expeditions, Cruiseco have a 9 night package on November 21 2012 that's priced from US$5,895pp twin-share and two 10 night packages on November 29 and February 9 2013 from US$6,595pp twin-share – less 25% if booked by April 30. All three include a night pre-cruise in Ushuaia, a sail down the historic Beagle Channel, crossing of the Drake Passage, and visits to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula with landings by Zodiac to view the myriad of land and marine wildlife, glaciers and ice-bergs.
 
It also has two longer 19 night packages on 3 November and 26 December 2012, that include a night pre-cruise stay in Ushuaia, visit to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands and Antarctica, and crossing of the Drake Passage, all at a remarkable price from US$12,995pp twin-share and less 25% if booked by April 30.
 
Packages include all onboard dining, shore landings with professional expedition leaders, a Quark Expeditions parka and loan of waterproof expedition boots, a photographic DVD of the voyage, comprehensive pre-departure material, group transfer on disembarkation to Ushuaia airport, service taxes and port charges.
 
For full details and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise specialist travel agent, go to www.cruising.com.au. Air travel is additional.

 

Win an Orion Kimberley Expedition Cruise

Typhoon threat creates an opportunity for Orion passengers

Closure of the port at Ho Chi Minh City due to severe bad weather kept Orion II in harbour and delayed departure twice. Highlights of the city and nearby had already been part of the scheduled voyage with a complimentary Mekong Delta excursion and the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels added at the last minute as a result of the delay, so further extra time in port called for something spontaneous and unusual.

The ship's Hotel Manager and Expedition Leader quickly researched options and organized interesting excursions that would appeal to the guests onboard and stimulate their appetite for local culture.

The most popular excursion with guests involved the ships chefs and dining room team on a "foodies" walk around the bustling local market where locals come to buy fresh produce as well as everything from bolts of cloth and home wares to jewelry.

Executive Chef Frederic and two Chefs led the guests and explained the exotic selections on display. Of course with Orion there is invariably something unexpected and Orion II guests wandering the markets were delighted to see familiar faces from the ship - Maitre'd Clinton and his team (all dressed in uniform) standing randomly around the market with taster platters!!

Guest (photography) lecturers Sue Flood and Nick Rains led a separate photo group through the market as well, capturing the activities and preparing for the onboard lectures and instruction on better photography.

Typical Orion points of difference, where attention to detail is paramount.

Back onboard, the port re-opened, Orion II has now departed and is making for Haiphong (Hanoi).

For reservations or to obtain a brochure of 2012 or 2013 expeditions call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) or your travel agent. Email: info@orionexpeditions.com


Pics: Orion II Wait Staff and general market scenes. Images by Nick Rains. 

G Adventures - 25% off Greek Sailing Adventures

click to enlarge

Greek Islands Sailing Adventure (Santorini to Kos)

Departing May 6, 2012 | Trip code: GVSK

A yacht adventure is the ideal way to experience what many consider the world's most beautiful islands: the Greek Islands. Sail for up to 8 days aboard our 50-foot yachts, with time for hiking, snorkelling and relaxing. Explore ancient archaeological sites and taverna-lined harbours, dine on fresh seafood and don't forget to try the Ouzo!

What's Included

• Fully licensed skipper, Snorkelling equipment, 7 nights aboard our yacht
• No meals are included but basic items on the boat will be covered by a food kitty. (Allow EUR140-245 for meals not included.)
• Our yachts are equipped with 5 twin-share cabins, 3 shared bathrooms and 2 showers (see Trip Details Important Notes).
• 50 ft sailing yacht.
• Skipper throughout.
• Small group experience; Max 8

For more information: http://www.gadventures.com/trips/greek-islands-sailing-adventure-santorini-to-kos/GVSK/2012/

Original price: $1449 AUD twin share

Reduced price: $1087 AUD twin share (reduction of 25 per cent)

To book: www.gadventures.com or call 1300 796 618

True North Crew Member Attacked by Croc Released from Hospital

pic: File image of adventure vessel, True North, showing helicopter.

A YOUNG woman who was attacked by a two-metre crocodile at a remote freshwater pool in the Kimberley region has been released from hospital.

Tara Hawkes, 23, a crew member on the tourist vessel True North, was swimming in Dugong Bay north of Derby on Sunday afternoon when a crocodile bit her upper leg as she left the water.

She was flown in the boat's helicopter to Derby Hospital, where she remained for two days before being released today.

Early today a Derby Hospital spokesman said Ms Hawkes was in a stable condition and was in "good spirits."

Peter Trembath of North Star Cruises, the vessel's operator, said Ms Hawkes' injuries were not serious and only required cleaning and stitches.

``We're pleased she's been discharged and we're expecting her to make a speedy recovery,'' he said.

``She loves her job and loves what she does, and I expect she'll be back at work as soon as she can.''

Mr Trembath said crew members had checked the crystal-clear pool and seen no crocs, but obviously one was there.

``As Tara was getting out of the water it latched onto her leg, but fortunately it wasn't a very big animal.''

Mr Trembath said the animal might have been a big freshwater croc or a small saltwater one.

``Freshies don't normally bite unless you step on them or if you corner them, which could have happened as she stepped out of the water.''

Mr Trembath said early reports of tour passengers having a tug-of-war with the animal to free Ms Hawkes were not true.

WA's Department of Environment and Conservation has put out an alert to tour operators not to let people swim in the area because it's believed the crocodile is still there.

A department spokeswoman said it was believed the animal was a saltwater crocodile.

The True North, which can carry up to 36 passengers, is continuing on its adventure cruise.

A wildlife officer was on the way to the scene of the attack and the DEC says it is assessing options to deal with the crocodile.

Dugong Bay is south of Talbot Bay, near Horizontal Falls, off Derby, 2500km north of Perth.

True North, which can carry 36 passengers and has 20 staff, was purpose-built to access remote wilderness areas. It was the cruise ship used by American model Jerry Hall and her Perth-based boyfriend Warwick Hemsley on a recent trip to the Kimberley.

Ms Hawkes posted pictures of True North on her Facebook page.

Passengers pay thousands a day for a berth - a seven-night Kimberley adventure costs $9000-$14,000 a person.

The vessel is due to take passengers from Wyndham to the King George Falls this weekend.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/woman-bitten-by-croc-in-was-kimberley/story-e6frfq80-1226316880761#ixzz1qx31bXBZ

Aboard Hapag-Lloyd MS HANSEATIC: Cook Islands

Aboard Hapag-Lloyd MS HANSEATIC
Expedition Südsee (South Seas) from Tahiti to Fiji
28-29-30 March 2012

Pic: Zodiac operations at Palmerston Atoll.

The tiny Pacific island nation of the Cook Islands occupies an inordinate amount of space. For the 2.25 million sq km of ocean, just 240 sq km comprises any sort of land. This rare, habitable commodity is divided between 15 major islands and supports 13,000 residents who hold NZ passports and spend NZDs.

The major island of Rarotonga (or just Raro, for short) is 32 kms around the perimeter road and hosts the majority of population and activities. Despite the lack of a tie-up wharf, cruise ships of all sizes still make occasional stops at the port of Avarua where they disembark by tenders boats and disappear for a few hours on well-organised tours or just wander the quaint seaside shopping district in search of that iconic souvenir, the black bearl.

Aboard the MS HANSEATIC, the famous 184-passenger German expedition cruise ship, we make a couple of extra stops in this island group. 220 kms north is Aitutaki, a sleeping atoll known for a couple of high-profile destination resorts. The little island opened up to the world after the US SeeBees built an airstrip in 1942 and the recently renovated airport is as busy now as it was during the frenzy of WWII. Again, I bypassed the organised tours in favour of a one man mountain bike safari ($8NZD/day from Rino Rentals). It was fun to greet the locals with a lusty 'Kia Orana' and see their bemusement as the flabby white guy puffed and panted his way around the island. I also had time for a quick scuba dive with Onu Hewett (PADI Bubbles Below) and spent the first few minutes encircled by a mass of colourful reef fish competing for the half a coconut he gave me. The voracious little critters chomped at the white flesh with such force they nearly knocked the thing out of my hands several times and one particularly greedy parrot fish nipped the end of my finger. Ouch. The undersea environment is mainly hard corals and rock in which turtles and reef sharks are common.

Access to the wharf at Aitutaki was by ship's tender, in this case the covered lifeboats. All freight must be barged ashore as even the smaller freighters can't penetrate the tricky lagoon with its many coral obstacles. Also at the wharf was an massive twin-hulled Polynesian voyaging canoe (vaka) undergoing a painstaking restoration. 'Te Au O Tonga' was built in 1994 as part of a Pacific-wide voyaging event culminating in Hawaii. Progress is slow, but steady.

Our third and last stop in the Southern Group of the Cook Islands is at Palmerston Atoll, a true 'Gilligan's Island' experience. Named by Cook in 1774 the island was annexed from the British Government in 1863 by a renegade ship's carpenter, William Marsters, who turned up with two Polynesian wives on the then uninhabited atoll. He added a third wife and 23 children, with 50-odd descendent still occupying the island in a most curious feudal system. There's a church, a clinic, a school, a main street, a relatively new solar-powered, satellite telecommunications system (currently inactive) and lots of coconuts.

No aircraft can land on Palmerston and a freighter visits only a couple of times each year. Occasionally yachts drop in, but the lagoon is a formidable barrier passable only with an experienced local 'pilot' to guide us. Our visit is part supply run as we ferry boxes of essentials to the tiny community from Aitutaki. There's much jubilation as bags of flour and rice and cartons of beer and cigarettes are unloaded. Enormous frozen parrot fish, the only cash economy of the island, are offered in return. 

As we wait for our departing Zodiac shuttle, two heavy coconuts thud onto the sand just a couple of metres away reminding me of the welcoming prayer from Rev. Marsters, "May the Lord give us guidance and protect us from falling coconuts!" Amen to that.

Next destination: Samoa