Open publication Featuring Ponant's L'Austral in Antarctica
Monday, 17 December 2012
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
What's New in Small Ship Cruising
AdventureSmith Explorations Adds 13 New Small Ship Itineraries for 2013: Reports Next Year's Sales 20 Percent Ahead of Last Year
Small ship, expedition cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/ reports that 13 new cruise itineraries have been added to its 2013 portfolio, which now represents more than 65 vessels operating worldwide
"Our top new trips have something for everyone, with familiar and easy destinations such as Alaska and Hawaii to exotic locales like the Arctic, Belize and the Adriatic Sea. Some of these trips are active with ample activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling while others offer easy wilderness or cultural cruising," said Todd Smith, owner and founder. He noted that the new trips were added to support growing demand from past clients who have indicated their preferences for Alaska, Antarctica and Galapagos.
Smith, in late 2012 joined the ranks of Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious 13th Annual Travel Specialists List as the world's top expert on expedition cruising.
"Three quarters of our clients this year were experiencing small ship cruises for the first time," said Smith, adding that 2012 sales are up 30 percent over 2011 and that 2013 sales are already 20 percent ahead of this point last year.
Following is a sampling of five new itineraries some of which are currently offering booking specials.
Fabled Lands of the North
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/471
The increasingly popular Arctic thrills adventurers with sightings of polar bears, walrus and whales in Arctic Svalbard and Spitzbergen. While most Arctic trip itineraries focus on Svalbard and Iceland and depart from northern Europe, making them challenging for travelers in North America, Fabled Lands of the North begins in Ottawa and ends in Newfoundland, making it easier for North American travelers to explore the dazzling North. This itinerary explores the Canadian Arctic including Baffin Island and the Labrador Coast combined with the rugged west coast of Greenland. New bookings made by Dec. 31, 2012, can opt for complimentary charter airfare from Ottawa to Kangerlussuaq (a value of $1,200 per person).
Alaska Unleashed
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/22
On the 36-passenger Wilderness Explorer guests spend significant time with the expedition team guiding them into some of Alaska's most scenic and untouched places. Although the lower passenger counts make the price point higher, the additional activity, says Smith, "makes it all worth it." Combine this with the company's Alaska Ultimate Adventure http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/466 for Alaska's most extreme cruise tour. New bookings on any Alaska Unleashed 2013 departure receive a $100 per person shipboard credit through Jan. 11, 2013.
Belize Ancient Sites, Rain Forests and Coral Reefs
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/464
With the second largest barrier reef in the world, countless island cayes, accessible rivers and small ports Belize is perfectly suited for small ship cruises. Remote mainland ports allow access to ancient Maya temples, pristine rainforest teeming with wildlife and the diverse cultures of Belize. Guests booking departures from Miami, Atlanta, Houston or Dallas-Ft. Worth can fly free, round-trip economy to Belize City or receive up to a $500 air credit.
AdventureBound Hawaii
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/462
Hawaii is an active travel playground but traditional vacations miss the mark with crowded beaches and rushed activity tours. AdventureBound Hawaii offers an affordable and active small ship cruise experience for travelers seeking to experience traditional culture, meet locals, and discover a Hawaii most never know. All explorations include a slate of activities including stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, and skiff tours with opportunities to go ashore for touring, hiking, or lose-your-cares beach time.
Adriatic Odyssey
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/472
The Adriatic Odyssey is an exciting new alternative to more traditional Mediterranean small ship cruises. By focusing solely on the eastern Adriatic this cruise offers a unique exploration of the lesser known and less crowded ports and historical sites. Guests who book a cruise departure by January 31, 2013 will receive a 50 percent discount for the second traveler. Solo travelers receive a discount on the single supplement (pay 25% supplement instead of the standard 50%).
Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, California along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. For information, availability and 2013 reservations Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free, visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com or Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com.
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
RMS St Helena – New Tours Announced
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| RMS St Helena |
New exciting voyages departing in 2013. Head to the far-flung British outpost, St Helena, in the Atlantic Ocean, onboard the historic and nostalgic, RMS St Helena. There is no journey like it.
Stargazing Tour
Travel in the company of Steve Owens, professional stargazer, dark skies consultant and author of the book, Stargazing for Dummies. Steve has many credentials, not least that in 2009 he set up the first International Dark Sky Park in the UK. He is working with St Helena, looking to protect their nightscape and benefit from dark skies.
St Helena is steeped in astronomical history and this tour will allow you to stargaze from a truly unique place. Among other places, you’ll visit the sites of Halley’s observatory, he of comet fame.
Hideaway Tour
The Hideaway Tour focuses on the many aspects of St Helena’s landscape, from the historical to the environmental. The tour is led by Professor Colin Lewis who has published many books and research papers and specialises in the study of climate change as evidenced by landforms and other features.
He has published articles on the history of St Helena’s natural environment and the carbon content of the ocean surrounding the island, so you couldn’t be in better hands exploring this isolated and wonderful island.
Calling all Birdwatchers
There are only a few places left on this brand new Birding Tour, developed to introduce you to the natural wonders of St Helena. See nesting seabirds and the endemic Wirebird as well as the many endemic and endangered plant species found on the island of St Helena.
The tour is led by Alastair Kilpin who has travelled extensively, soaking up the natural world. He managed a large community-owned wildlife concession in the Serengeti where he trained guides and led walking safaris. He will be accompanied by other enthusiasts from St Helena National Trust. Book now to avoid disappointment.
Exciting Developments onboard the RMS St Helena
The popularity of the RMS St Helena continues to rise and to satisfy the increased demand, seven new passenger cabins were added during its 2012 dry dock. To accommodate the new cabins the doctor’s surgery was relocated and a brand new gym fitted on the funnel deck, offering spectacular views of the South Atlantic Ocean. So you can now pedal or power walk your way to fitness in one of the most amazing and inspiring gym locations.
(www.rms-st-helena.com)
Hang with orangutans in Borneo
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| A huge alpha male orangutan (not Big Tom) at the first feeding station. Picture: Obrien Barry |
I look down to see two incredibly long arms reaching up and a young orang-utan pleading to be picked up.
My tentative hands oblige.
With arms around my neck, two beautiful black eyes peer quizzically into mine.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/world/hang-with-orangutans-in-borneo/story-e6frfqai-1226532188229#ixzz2EfRLCj6g
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Polar Bear Attack - Close Call
Never take wild animals for granted. The Arctic is no zoo and these passengers had a lucky escape. Pay attention to your expedition leader.
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Flying High - G Adventures offering free flights between Peru and the Galapagos
For travellers who combine their Peru itinerary with a trip to the Galapagos in 2013
G Adventures will pay for the flight between Lima and Quito
G Adventures , the leading small-group adventure travel tour operator, is offering travellers a free flight between Lima and Quito (or Quito to Lima) for any Peru Itineraries booked in conjunction with a tour to the Galapagos Islands.
The offer is valid for trips departing in 2013 and gives travellers a great opportunity to experience the wonders of two of the highlights of South America – The Galapagos Islands and Peru - together.
Pete Rawley, Head Honcho of G Adventures Australia / NZ, says “This is another example of how G Adventures innovates our product and leads with service so we can offer both agency partners and travellers the best possible experience”.
“We run a number of tours in both Peru and in the Galapagos Islands, and by offering a free flight between the two, travellers can see both of these amazing destinations without breaking the bank.”
One-way tickets are available between Lima and Quito for up to 30 days between the two tour dates, allowing travellers the flexibility to spend a few extra days seeing the highlights of the area.
For more information, visit: http://www.gadventures.com.au/combine-peru-galapagos/
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
COMPAGNIE DU PONANT'S GASTRONOMIC CRUISE
Compagnie du Ponant has introduced its second partnership with French magazine Cuisine et Vins de France. In 2013 the new Gastronomic Odyssey onboard L'Austral sails around Andalusia, the Balearic Islands and Costa Brava in the company of experts from the leading gastronomic magazine.
The program includes gala dinners by the most talented Michelin-starred chefs of their generation: Emmanuel Renaut, the only chef to have received three Michelin stars in 2012, and Christopher Hache, chef at Les Ambassadeurs restaurant at Hôtel de Crilion in Paris, who has already received one Michelin star.
The gourmet journey will include three conference and tasting sessions of great champagne houses anbd excellent wines from the Bordeaux region, and introducing Spanish wines. These sessions will be hosted by Karine Valentin, Cuisine et Vins de France wine journalist and renowned wine expert and famous wine consultant Olivier Dauga.
The eight night experience from Malaga (Spain) to Marseilles (France) from 13 to 20 April 2013 with prices starting from AUD $3,268.
For cruise information for Compagnie du Ponant, please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
New 11-Night Fiji Lau Cruise from Captain Cook Cruises
Captain Cook Cruises, Fiji is embarking on the first ever Discovery Cruise, to a part of Fiji never seen by tourists before*, the pristine Lau group. The cruise onboard the MV Reef Endeavour is scheduled to depart on 22 October, 2013 for 11 amazing nights.
"Captain Cook Cruises is so excited to be able to offer the first ever cruise around the Lau Group of Islands. We have worked really hard, using local knowledge and advice, to put together a fantastic 11 night itinerary that will not only show off everything Lau has to offer, but that will allow passengers to experience a remote and unspoilt part of Fiji." Says Jackie Charlton, Managing Director of Captain Cook Cruises, Fiji.
Invited to visit these incredible islands by locals eager to share their beauty, the 11 night Lau cruise will visit the untouched northern island of Lau - Wailagilala, Lau's largest Island - Vanuabalavu, the most beautiful Island in the Lau group - Fulaga, the uninhabited Vuaqava, Kabara - known for its wood turning and Tongan heritage and the untouched white beaches of Totoya Island.
On the way to and from the Lau group the cruise will stop in at Yanuca Island, Savusavu Bay and Kadavu, famous for its wildlife and underwater world.
Passengers can also sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views as they cruise through the Bay of Islands, renowned for its beauty, pristine waters and spectacular scenery and the central Lau Group, passing Islands such as Lakeba, Oneata, Komo, Namuka-i-Lau and Yagasa.
Exciting activities over these 12 days include Kayaking or river tubing on the Nasakawa River, mountain bike riding through hills, valleys and villages in Savusavu Bay, visiting a crater of an extinct volcano at Cobia, fishing at Wailagilala, visiting Fijian and Tongan influenced villages and schools, attending a local church service, exploring the flora and fauna of the Vuaqava region, a traditional Meke, Sevusevu and lovo feast and endless swimming, snorkelling and diving in the clear blue ocean water off picturesque islands and in beautiful lagoons.
If a day trip isn't for you, passengers can also stay on-board and be pampered at the ships Senikai Day Spa offering a range of body treatments, work out in the ship's mini gym or simply relax on the sun deck by the spa or pool or grab a cocktail at the pool bar.
Dining is another vital ingredient of these amazing cruises. Whether it is an alfresco luncheon, a casual barbecue or table d'hote dinner, all food is prepared on board from fresh local and imported produce and cultural on-board entertainment adds a special flavour to the mix.
The Discovery Lau cruise departs Tuesday 22 October 2013 at 1.00pm from Port Denarau and disembarks on Saturday 2 November, 2013 at 9.00am at Port Denarau.
The 11 night cruise is priced from $3430 per adult twin share, children 5 -17 years sharing with adults are priced from $730 per child and children under 4 years are priced at $1200 which includes a nanny service. Prices include accommodation, all meals, daily stopovers and water activities, guided village, school and island tours, glass bottom boat excursions, Marine Biologist and cultural talks, child minding during meal times (5 -10 years), on board entertainment and use of the ship's facilities including swimming pool, spas, pool bar, sun deck, sauna, cocktail bar, day spa and library.
For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises on T: +61 9126 8160 or from within Australia: 1300 To Fiji (86 3454), Email: fiji@captaincook.com.fj or visit www.captaincook.com.fj
* expeditioncruising.com editor notes: Blue Lagoon Cruises has previously visited the Northern Lau Group, while this is the first cruise exploration of the entire Lau Group (see map)
Navigating Vietnam from the water
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| The Cruiseco Adventurer sails through the Mekong River. Picture: Supplied |
"We were ambitious when building," Lloyd grins.
He has every reason to be pleased with himself. Hours earlier, Buddhist monks blessed the Cruiseco Adventurer before it was christened in port at My Tho, near Ho Chi Minh City, in Vietnam.
The luxury, 60-berth riverboat is at near capacity, with 48 passengers from Australia aboard for its maiden voyage.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/holiday-ideas/navigating-vietnam-from-the-water/story-e6frfqf9-1226527417500#ixzz2E1QPDCXM
Monday, 3 December 2012
Russia’s undiscovered Sea – wildlife encounters with the rare ringed ice seal
The Sea of Okhotsk, directly north of Japan and bordering Russia's south, is ice free for just a few months a year, and the open waters of spring are ideal for expedition travel in search of indigenous wildlife.
Heritage Expeditions pioneered expeditions to the Russian Far East and remain the most experienced and knowledgeable operator offering voyages to one of the last frontiers for travel and adventure.
The small numbers ( 50 PASSENGERS) aboard the Spirit of Enderby guarantee you more landings and more time ashore to experience, observe and enjoy. Their Sea of Okhotsk voyage departs 5 June to 21 June 2013 with cabins from US$8300.
Heritage Expeditions on 1800 143 585 (within Australia), 0800 262 8873 within New Zealand, or 1866 285 7884 from US/Canada
APT cruises into luxury small ship expeditions
New brochure: APT Luxury Small Ship Expedition Cruises 2013-14
APT cruises into luxury small ship expeditions
APT has released its first small ship expedition cruising brochure following the June investment in the Noble Caledonia and its specialists ships Caledonia Sky and Island Sky.
The May 2012-refurbished 110-passenger/74-crew Caledonia Sky is the main ship featured in the brochure -- APT Luxury Small Ship Expedition Cruises 2013-14 – specifically for the Australian and New Zealand market for cruises covering the regions of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia's Kimberley coast, and Japan while the Island Sky offers a circumnavigation of Cuba.
APT General Manager Marketing, Debra Fox said APT was providing the best of two worlds in this program: APT's hallmark high standards of travelling style, comfort, service and all-inclusive pricing that has evolved from 85 years experience; and adventurous and life-enriching encounters with some of the world's most isolated and inaccessible regions.
"This combination will top the bragging rights," she said. "It pushes the boundaries of conventional travel."
Of the ship, Ms Fox said "it feels like a private yacht or a fine Country Club", it is equipped with an International fine dining restaurant, lounges and sun decks, offers five different cabin styles, each suite is at least 216 square feet which is almost twice the size of suites on standard big ships, all cabins have WiFi and flat screen TV, and an elevator services all decks.
It visits smaller ports where big ships cannot stop because of their need of greater facilities and infrastructure. As a result APT will bypass the mass tourism circuit and is able to take advantage of ad hoc opportunities.
On the service side, all passengers can undertake excursions at the same time because it has 10 onboard Zodiacs and expeditions are led by experts (marine biologists, historians, geologists, anthropologists, explorers or botanists etc).
Prices include cruising, all meals, onboard lectures, tipping, gratuities, shore excursions (Freedom on of Choice Sightseeing Inclusions) and house wines, beers and soft drinks with all lunches and dinners.
Each departure is a one-off which APT says makes the APT expedition program the most specialised on the seas.
Fly free deals and discounts ranging from $250 to $1050 per person are offered for early bookings, expiry dates for which are between December 31, 2012 and April 30, 2013.
Lead-in cruise is the 14-day South East Asia Explorer (from $9995 per person, twin share, departing September 25, 2013) which cruises from Darwin to Singapore, following a route similar to "The Journey of the Krait", one of the most successful covert operations in Australian military history.
The 19-day Beyond the Dragon's Lair (from $13,959, departing February 13, 2014) starts in Jakarta and finishes in Port Moresby.
An 11-day Kimberley Coast cruise (from $7995, departing September 5, 2013) has 13 and 15-day options which include Darwin and/or Broome, while the 28-dayGrand Kimberley (from $17,395, departing August 19, 2013) includes an 11-day coast cruise and 17-day 4WD land tour with Kimberley Wilderness Adventures.
The 16-day Japanese Spring Gardens (from $11,995, departing April 17, 2014) is a cruise organised by APT's sister company Botanica. It starts in Kyoto, cruises the southern waters of Japan, sails to South Korea and then cruises along the west coast of Japan.
Also in the brochure are the 15-day Spirit of the Spanish Main (from $10,295, departing January 25, 2014) which starts in Nassau and cruises through The Bahamas, around Cuba to Mexico and Belize, and the 27-day Cuba and Mayan Adventure (from $17,795, departing January 22, 2014) which offers a city stay in Miami, the cruise and a ten day land tour of Belize and Guatemala.
These Cuba cruises are on Island Sky, which is almost identical to Caledonia Sky.
To complement the extensive sightseeing already included, APT provides a collection of handpicked Signature Experiences for a genuine immersion in each destination. Widely diverse, these activities are featured at no extra cost. One expedition offers the chance to roam the wilds of Rinca Island to see the fascinating Komodo dragons. Another adventure takes travellers to meet local Papuan tribesmen on an authentic village experience.
In personalising the expedition experience, APT also offers a range of different Freedom of Choice Sightseeing Inclusions – from rounds of golf and cooking classes, to military history tours and a Papuan Sepik River experience.
Free Air to Galapagos with Lindblad
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| National Geographic Endeavour |
Consistently rated one of the world’s best island destinations, Galapagos is like being in the ultimate zoo without the fences, and offers unprecedented proximity to wild creatures that exhibit no fear of humans. And with 40+ years exploring Galapagos, Lindblad Expeditions’ profound knowledge of the destination provides guests a unique, richly immersive experience and a life changing adventure for all ages.
The 96 guest National Geographic Endeavour offers year round 10-day expeditions in Galapagos.
Bookings and enquiries: www.wildearth-travel.com
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