Voyages of Discovery to Add Second Ship in December

Alexander von Humboldt at Funchal, Madeira, Portugal on November 6, 2008. Photo © Marcial Fernandes

Voyages of Discovery’s new ship, the 540-passenger Voyager, will join the fleet in December and then embark on its inaugural journey to South America. The ship will undergo final refurbishments in Portland Port, U.K., beginning on Nov. 1, in advance of its Dec. 4 maiden voyage. The ship, formerly the Alexander von Humboldt, was purchased by All Leisure Group in 2009 and has already received technical upgrades and more balcony staterooms.

Voyager will become the second ship in the fleet, joining the 650-guest Discovery, which will undergo extensive refurbishment prior to returning to service in March. Voyager will feature 270 staterooms, of which 87 percent are outside accommodations. Thirty have balconies. The ship will feature open seating dining in two restaurants, plus an intimate pre-bookable specialty restaurant, The Explorer Club, at no extra charge.

Other new additions to Voyager include an explorer theme to reinforce the brand’s destination-led cruises, a classic piano bar, a terrace with an all-weather dining area, digital media players in each stateroom so guests can view films, new artwork and upgraded furnishings in public spaces, a refurbished library and selection of reference books, and a bridge club that can also be used for guest speakers.

The inaugural 17-day sailing departs Dec. 4 from London (Portsmouth) to Barbados. Cruise-only fares begin at $1,699 per person, double occupancy. After a 16-day “Caribbean Gems” holiday cruise on Dec. 20, Voyager departs on a series of South American itineraries that include Panama Canal transits. The 20-day Feb. 6 “Natural Wonders of Latin America” itinerary, for example, includes Chilean fjords, wildlife on Peninsula Valdes, the glacial landscapes and the cities of Santiago and Buenos Aires. Fares in remaining stateroom categories begin at $3,299.

A wild account of an expedition cruise to Scotland

The Wild Scotland 2012 adventure surpassed my wildest expectations!

Sure, several of the places we visited are popular tourist destinations, accessible by local commercial travel choices. However, there's so much more to be gained by an all inclusive, extended Aurora adventure to the enchanted Scottish isles. Many of the stops were to remote and uninhabited islands. Stunning Hebridean scenery could be seen from the bridge in between the 2-3 landings per day (thanks to the Polar Pioneer open bridge policy).

At £300 for a day trip to St Kilda alone, I doubt there could be any economical advantage to doing it on your own.

Fingals Cave

One of the highlights of our afternoon on St Kilda, for example, besides exploring the World Heritage village, was zodiac drifting in a calm sea in the lea of Hirta and finding the grotto where a school of fish were hiding from circling, hungry gannets. A zodiac ride deep into Fingal's Cave was nothing short of thrilling (try to get a regular Staffa ferry to do that!)

The morning in one of the "most wild" places in Scotland was unforgettable. "Most wild" because signs of human habitation have yet to be found.

I'll never forget a magical, sunny day at Rubn'an Dunain, a site with Neolithic, Iron Age and Viking remains. Scenes of humanity through the millenia and how life in these ancient civilizations was so vividly brought to life, thanks to Carol, our onboard resident archeologist.

Rubn'an Dunain

My thought at the end of each day was, "..how could tomorrow possibly come close to topping this incredible day!?" But, it did!

The knowledge and experience of the expedition staff showed in their professionalism, care and attention to passenger needs. A great team!

Life aboard Polar Pioneer was comfortable, though most of the time it was back to the ship in time to eat or sleep. Meals were excellent, family style, simple and wholesomely gourmet.

Fellow shipmates, strangers from all corners of the globe, soon became freinds as our shared, extraordinary "Wild Scotland" adventure unfolded. The voyage of a lifetime!

Amy Cort, Wild Scotland, 2012

View a photographic account of Amy's voyage here!

Cruise Weekly 2013 River Cruise Guide

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'Sampler' sailings in Baltic

Romantics, old salts, and those looking for a different nautical experience can book 'sampler' sailing cruises on the replica clipper ship Star Flyer next year.

Star Flyer will operate two four-night cruises in northern Europe: Amsterdam to Hamburg, and Hamburg to Ostend, Belgium.

The May 5 off-the-beaten-track sailing from Amsterdam to Hamburg includes a seven-hour visit to the quaint German island of Helgoland, a tranquil car-free oasis known as a haven for seabirds, seals and sea lions and boasting colourful quayside cafes and a warm climate.

The ship will also call at Den Helder and Texel in the northern Holland archipelago which are not often visited by big passenger ships.

In 1795 Texel wrote itself into military history books as the only time a navy (Dutch) was defeated by an army on horseback (French). Discovering that the navy was frozen in the ice around Texel, the French rode up and demanded surrender. Not a shot was fired.

The second sampler cruise departs Hamburg on August 24 2013 calling at Ijmuiden, a Roman era North Sea port in northern Holland, and also visits Den Helder/Text.

Prices start at $1359 including port charges and all meals and entertainment on board.

During the 2013 northern hemisphere summer of 2013 all three vessels of the Star Clippers tall ship fleet (the others are Royal Clipper and Star Clipper) will sail in Europe: the flagship Royal Clipper will be in the eastern and western Mediterranean; Star Clipper in the western Mediterranean and Aegean; and Star Flyer in the Baltic and southern Spain.

In the 2013 winter the fleet follows the sun -- Royal Clipper and Star Clipper sail the Caribbean, and Star Flyer explores the lush forested coastlines of Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

For Star Clippers sailing reservations contact your travel agent or Star Clippers on 1300 362 599 or email:starclippers@creativecruising.com.au
www.starclippers.com

Hurtigruten’s 2013/14 Explorer Brochure features New Voyages, Additional Departures & Savings up to 25%

Travelers seeking adventure in remote landscapes will be hard-pressed to choose between the array of voyages detailed in Hurtigruten's new 83-page full-color Explorer Voyager brochure, which details 21 itineraries, ranging from seven to 19 days, including three new voyages, additional departure dates for its Spitsbergen and Transatlantic routes and savings up to 25%.  Travelers can save up to 20% on 2013 sailings with Hurtigruten's new early booking discount system, where savings are had on a first come, first serve basis rather than by a specific booking date.  Also new is a flexible, multi-leveled pricing system and the opportunity to save 5% on a second voyage when booking two in sequence.  The popular 1893 Ambassador Club, a free loyalty club for guests who have sailed a minimum of three nights on any Hurtigruten ship in the past, receive an additional 5% discount on cruise fare as well as a range of other exclusive benefits.

    New itineraries are the 11-day "Southern Fjords & Disko Bay – Glaciers and Ice," which combines the highlights of southern Greenland's Disko Bay with stops in Iceland; the 10-day "Norwegian Fjords and Scotland – Historical Highlights," whose ports include the Shetland Islands, Leith and London; and "Western Europe – British Isles Explorer," a 12-day voyage that explores several islands before ending in Hamburg during its lively harbor festival, "Hamburger Hafengeburtstag."

Explorer Destinations

Antarctica: Increasing demand has Hurtigruten introducing a second departure of its 13-day "Polar Circle Expedition" for the 2013 season.  Unique to this year, guests on the "Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Voyage" visit South Georgia on Christmas Day, the 100-year anniversary of the consecration of the Whalers Church in Grytviken.  Though long known for its large variety of penguins, travelers will be equally enchanted by the dramatic scenery, countless species of bird and marine life, and haunting landscapes that comprise the "White Continent."  Five itineraries of 10 to 19 days run November through February, with all but one – the 19-day "Great Antarctic Expedition," which begins in Ushuaia – start and end in the lively capital of Buenos Aires. Fares reflecting early booking savings range from $6,302 to $9,782 per person, double.
 
Spitsbergen: located midway between Norway and the North Pole, the isolated island of Spitsbergen is only accessible by sea, making Hurtigruten's sailings the ideal way to take in the remote vistas.  The landscape of towering glaciers, spectacular fjords, Arctic deserts and the Midnight Sun is home to a wealth of marine life, migratory birds and land animals, especially polar bears.  The Expedition team illuminate the history and mystery behind unique Arctic sights such as the ice-filled Hinlopen Strait; Nordauslandet Island; historical settlements of Barentsburg and Ny-Ålesund; Bear Island; and Andreeneset, where the remains of the ill-fated 1897 Andree Balloon Expedition were found in 1930.  There are three departures of the 9-day "In the Realm of the Polar Bear" voyage, which circumnavigates Spitsbergen, and one each of the "Explorer Voyage" and "Climate Voyage."  Early booking fares for the July/August 2013 sailings range from $3,204 to $5,040.
 
Greenland: Hurtigruten's Greenland voyages combine breathtaking landscape – mountain formations, wildlife, icebergs and glaciers – with a deeper understanding of the Inuit people's heritage and culture, achieved through visits to Greenlandic communities and settlements.  Highlights include walking tours of Inuit towns with tongue-twisting names -- Qeqertarsuaq, Ukkusissat, Ilulissat and Uummannaq; abundant wildlife such as whales, seals, walruses, musk oxen, Arctic foxes and hundreds of bird species; and, on 15-day "National Park Expedition," the rarely visited Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest national park in the world.  On-board Expedition Leaders and experts teach guests about the biology, climate, history and geology and interaction with local people ensures lasting memories.  The four itineraries – ranging from nine to 15 days – depart in May through Sept., 2013.  Early-booking savings prices ranging from $5,917 to $8,206.
 
Europe: an array of countries are visited while aboard the MS Fram as it travels along the coast of Europe during its spring and fall sailings.  New for 2013, the popular "Southern Europe – Easter Voyage," which sails from Las Palmas to Lisbon, Portugal, will be forging a new route that takes in Arrecife, Agadir, Casablanca, Gibraltar and Portimão – among others; and the 19-day "Transatlantic Crossing," which debuted in 2012, will return with an additional departure date.  Other options include the 13-day "North Atlantic Islands – Autumn Adventure," the nine-day "Norwegian Fjords – Spring Adventure" and the 17-day "Western Europe – Migrating South."  Fares with early booking savings are priced from $1,344 to $4,107.

    Optional excursions provide guests with the opportunity to customize the cruise experience.  Guests are encouraged to book optional excursions prior to departure as space can be limited.

    As a leader in expedition cruising, Hurtigruten takes its commitment to safeguarding these remote destinations seriously and belongs to both AECO and IAATO - organizations that demand its members maintain responsible travel safeguards for future generations.  They also are promoting the clean-up of the Svalbard archipelago as well as making its deluxe expedition ship, MS Fram, available to marine biologists and other scientists as a platform for scientific research.

    Membership in the 1893 Ambassador Club loyalty is free of charge and its included discounts are for the cruise component only.  Guest who have already cruised can join by visiting www.hurtigruten.us/1893 or calling 877-301-3059; new travelers can join the program while onboard their voyage or after returning home.

    Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic's Spitsbergen, as well as year round along Norway's coast and Europe in the spring and fall.  The company's fleet of 13 intimate ships, with 151 to 646 berths, allows passengers to enjoy unique destinations in a relaxed atmosphere.   Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly web site, www.hurtigruten.us; or by phone: (877) 301-3117; fax (888) 524-2145; for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day.

North Star Cruises looks beyond Australia and to second vessel

Source: Travel Weekly

North Star Cruises will pursue an international “rainbow tourism” strategy with Asia at the forefront, in order to expand its operations.

The luxury carrier has relied almost exclusively on the domestic market for 25 years and general manager Peter Trembath admitted this aspect of the business made him nervous.

“We don’t want to have all our eggs in one basket,” Trembath said. “It was that realisation that sent us to Europe and North America.”

Read full report

Ocean Magazine - Ocean Cruising - Issue 44

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Mentions: Hapag-Lloyd (feature), Coral Princess Cruises, Orion, North Star Cruises

New diving safari offers unparalleled Seychelles underwater experience

Silhouette Cruises, one of the leading live-aboard operators in the Seychelles islands, has announced the launch of a new diving safari programme that will provide travellers with a unique opportunity to explore the archipelago's underwater world.

This 7-night itinerary, hosted aboard the company's historic century-old schooners - SV Sea Shell and SV Sea Pearl - will bring guests to the best dive spots around the islands, opening up an array of possibilities to see tropical fish, turtles, rays, sharks and other marine life in unique granite reef habitats.

The Seychelles inner-island archipelago rests on a plateau that broke off from the super-continent Gondwanaland millions of years ago, the islands themselves the remnants of a submerged granite mountain range. This unique geological phenomenon has created an underwater landscape unlike any other mid-ocean island destination - with large granite rock formations creating passages, overhangs and caves where marine life flourishes in abundance.

While clients on Silhouette Cruises' weekly departures often enjoy diving as part of the cruise, the new diving safari has been designed to maximise both the variety and quality of the diving experience.

Silhouette Cruises Executive Director Amit Wasserberg said: "Seychelles is a year-round diving destination and our weekly cruises are great options to make the most out of the diving opportunities available for each season," Wasserberg said. "But for our special diving safaris, we've selected only dates that coincide with the very best weather conditions. These periods offer great visibility but even more than that, they allow us to visit open-sea dive sites that are otherwise difficult to reach during other times of the year."

In addition, a specialised diving tender with capacity for 12, accompanies the "mother vessel" throughout the entire cruise, offering a more comfortable experience when venturing to and from the dive sites.

While diving may be the focus of the new cruise, Silhouette Cruises is also marketing the programme as a great option for couples who want to enjoy different things on the same holiday. In other words, a non-diving companion will be able to experience much of what makes Seychelles such an attractive destination - from some of the world's best beaches, to nature walks with unique flora and fauna, and water-sports like snorkelling and kayaking - while their partner is off enjoying their dives, all from the one unique platform of the vessel.

Individual bookings on a cabin basis and charter possibilities are both available. The scheduled dates for the Seychelles Dive Safari programme are as follows:

2012

3-Nov to 10-Nov
10-Nov to 17-Nov
1-Dec to 8-Dec

2013

9-Mar to 16-Mar
16-Mar to 23-Mar
20-Apr to 27-Apr
27-Apr to 4-May
2-Nov to 9-Nov
9-Nov to 16-Nov
30-Nov to 7-Dec

ABOUT SILHOUETTE CRUISES

Silhouette Cruises is a joint venture between Seychelles and international interests, founded in 1997 with a vision to introduce a new tourism concept. This combines the romance of sail with the charm of the world’s ultimate tropical islands: Seychelles.

The successful introduction of SV Sea Shell was followed by the arrival of a sister ship, SV Sea Pearl, in 1999. With a desire to introduce the same concept onboard a more comfortable platform, SY Sea Star began operating in 2004, followed by SY Sea Bird in 2007.

The company has recently expanded even further with the addition of a new expedition vessel, the MV Maya’s Dugong, which undertakes a variety of oceanographic research and monitoring missions, and is also available for select expeditions.

Silhouette Cruises has established a strong base in the Indian Ocean with years of experience in successfully operating cruises for tourists. The company is committed to build upon this success and provide high standards of service in a responsible and sustainable manner, in co-existence with the natural eco-systems in which it operates.

Pandaw New Burma Departure

www.pandaw.com

Windjammer Sailing Adventures Sets First Voyage for July 22

Windjammer Sailing Adventures has announced that its first voyage will depart July 22, departing round-trip from Grenada. The Mandalay, which formerly operated for now-defunct Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, will sail weekly, departing Sunday and returning Saturday, according to the company website. The cruises will visit “a selection of islands in the Grenadines,” including Grenada, Carriacou, Union Island, Mayreau, Tobago Cays, Bequia, St. Vincent and possibly others. “Remember, ports visited are subject to change ... we go where the captain and the winds take us!” the company website says.

Hurtigruten launches new Norway 2012/13 winter brochure

Northern Lights viewed from Hurtigruten vessel

With demand for the Northern Lights higher than ever, Hurtigruten has launched its 2012/13 winter brochure, packed with dedicated Northern Lights itineraries. The northern winter just gone, saw some incredible Northern Lights sightings and next winter is expected to see similar solar activity, fuelling excitement from customers eager to catch a glimpse. The brochure contains all Hurtigruten’s winter product in one place and is eye catching, and an ideal tool for agents to help capture the increase in demand. Overall, prices lead in at just £744pp for a five-night ‘Voyage South’.

Kathryn Beadle, Managing Director at Hurtigruten UK comments: ‘ We are yet again seeing an enormous demand from customers who want to experience the Northern Lights this winter, which shows no sign of decreasing. By doubling the number of charter departures we anticipate doubling our winter business and so far signs show we are on track to do this.’

‘What is also quite positive is that our competitors have seen the success we have had and are themselves introducing Northern Lights cruises, which we see as testament to our success. We view any competition as healthy not only to us but good for the industry as a whole as this further raises the profile of this unique experience.’

A summary of what you will find inside the 2012/13 winter brochure:
· Captivating Astronomy voyage departures accompanied by expert lecturers.
· Unique experiences on the Arctic adventure departures including a night in a Snow suite at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel.
· Excursions to areas seldom seen by tourists on departures operating entirely within the Arctic Circle.
· Dog Sledging and other exciting winter adventure activities available to add on selected departures.
· Sail through the beautiful Vesteralen and Lofoten Islands and fascinating Seven Sister Mountains.

Contact Discover the World Marketing for your copy of the Hurtigruten 2012/2013 Winter Brochure!

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising and is represented in Australia by Discover the World Marketing.

For more information, contact Discover the World Marketing on 1800 OCEANS (1800 623 267) hurtigruten@discovertheworld.com.au

No Supplements for Solo Travelers on Sea Voyager Expeditions in 2012/13

 

PAY SAME AS DOUBLE OCCUPANCY FOR 2012/13 SAILINGS BOOKED BY OCTOBER 31

Solo travelers save when booking a true adventure experience with Sea Voyager Expeditions – paying the same per person price for those booking as a couple.  The company, launching in August, is offering this no supplement program for those booking any 2012 or 2013 sailing by Oct. 31, 2012.  The relaxed and informal nature of the sailings and ship make it easy for singles to meet other guests, share meals and get to know each other on the varied excursions and activities.  Special single fares for the seven- to 12-night sailings range from $3,950 to $7,450 (vs. the singles brochure rate of $6,350 to $8,950). Offers are capacity controlled and based on stateroom availability.

The new cruise line sets itself apart from competitors by focusing attention on four of the world's most fauna- and wildlife-rich countries – Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Ecuador – visiting secluded bays, untouched wilderness, rarely visited small villages and Indigenous peoples.  Nearly all of the itineraries transit the Panama Canal – truly a unique experience from the perspective of a small ship.  Rounding out the unique exploration opportunities is the included onboard and shore-based education provided by the five expedition guides and naturalists aboard every voyage.

These experts offer insight into a wide array of fascinating topics, including local culture, history, wildlife, geology and climate.  Included are all meals, pre-post hotels, shore tours, admission to museums and parks, tax and port fees, and transfers when the SVE air program is used.

Itineraries choices include:

• Eight-night "Caribbean Parks & Islands of Colombia & Panamá" which focuses on the Panamá Canal transit, the San Blas Islands, and the rainforests, clear waters and exotic wildlife of Columbia's rarely visited coast;
• 12-night "Pacific Wilds of Ecuador, Colombia & Panama" and its similar reverse sailing, "Last Frontier of Panama Colombia & Ecuador " visiting Colombia's Malaga Bay and Gorgona Island NP and giving guests the chance to hike Panama's Darien Jungle and Ecuador's Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve;
• Eight-night "Unspoiled Pacific of Panama & Costa Rica" where highlights include Las Perlas Islands, Coiba Island – the world's third largest marine park -- and Osa Peninsula, named by National Geographic as "the most biologically intense place on Earth";
• Eight-night "Treasures of Costa Rica & Panama," where guests explore the Secas Islands with hikes, by Zodiac and kayak, and snorkel the secluded bays, Marenco Biological Reserve with its monkeys, toucans, parrots, manta rays, dolphins and other exotic wildlife, and Panama's Darien Jungle with a visit to the local Emberá village.

Sea Voyager Expeditions understands that every guest goes at his or her own speed and enjoys different interests.  So the line's flexible and low-key approach to touring allows guests to participate as much or as little as they wish – hiking the near-virgin forest trails one day, relaxing in the warm waters of a secluded beach, kayaking the calm waters of a hidden bay the next or just going for a leisurely swim off the back platform of the ship.  The friendly international crew ensures the onboard comfort and needs of the guests are met.  Meals are prepared by talented chefs making use of local ingredients, freshly caught seafood and, of course, locally grown coffee.

The M/V Sea Voyager is a versatile expedition ship designed for the tropics.  Its 60-passenger capacity allows for easy on/off access, a more personal experience, and close to nature feel.  All staterooms are air-conditioned with outside views through panoramic windows, ample storage, and private bath.  The ship has a roomy lounge with large windows, bar, fitness room, library with WiFi, massage room, dining room with 2-12 guests per table, buffet, deck space, fore, aft and covered decks, and a platform for getting on/off Zodiacs, kayaks, swimming and snorkeling.

The Sea Voyager Expeditions team is comprised of cruise industry professionals, many with more than 25 years of expedition travel experience.  The company is committed to becoming the leader in tropical expeditions and preserving their unique destinations.  Sea Voyager Expeditions North American sales agent is Global Voyagers Group of Bellevue, WA.  Further information, reservations and brochures, both printed and downloadable, are available from travel agents or Sea Voyager's visitor-friendly web site, www.seavoyagerexpeditions.com; phone: (888) 912-2572; email: info@seavoyagerexpeditions.com.