Un-Cruise Columbia and Snake Rivers USA

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Un-Cruise Adventures’ 88-guest S.S. Legacy sails a new wine-centric itinerary on four departures along the Columbia and Snake Rivers in 2015. Departing roundtrip from Portland, the itinerary blends scenic cruising along four rivers with visits to nine wineries.

The weeklong Ameritage! Four Rivers of Wine & History itinerary sails Aug. 15, 22, 29 and Sept. 5, 2015. The inclusive cruise includes four rivers—Columbia, Snake, Willamette and Palouse—and highlights the burgeoning wine regions in Washington and Oregon including Walla Walla. A local wine expert joins guests on board for the week leading presentations and wine tastings.

Tastings at nine wineries are included in the voyage. Wineries include Springhouse Cellars, Maryhill Winery, AniChe Cellars, Bergevin Lane, Dunham Cellars, Terra Blanca, Sunshine Mill Winery and others. A visit to the Wine Shack in Cannon Beach includes tastings of Washington and Oregon wines. The Oil & Vinegar Bar nearby presents tastings of infused olive oil.

Highlights of the cruise include cruising through scenic Columbia River Gorge and visits to Hood River, Walla Walla, Astoria and Cannon Beach. Excursions explore towering Multnomah Falls, eclectic Maryhill Museum, Hanford Interpretive Center and Whitman Mission. A skiff ride travels into a scenic canyon to Palouse Falls.

Inclusive wine theme cruises offer on board interpretation by a heritage leader, a wine expert, and guided tours combined with meals; premium wine, beer and spirits; all taxes and fees and transfers. Rates begin at US$3,695 per person, double occupancy. All winery tasting fees are included.

The 88-guest S.S. Legacy also sails a weeklong Legacy of Discovery itinerary on the Columbia and Snake Rivers from August-November 2014 and April-November 2015. Charters and group incentives are available.

For more information, visit www.un-cruise.com

Bentours: Volga, Iceland, Norway cruises

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Come aboard a new 5 star riverboat cruising Russia’s waterways and be awestruck by the unspoilt beauty of the Norwegian fjords with these fantastic 2015 Bentours cruise offers

Bentours, Australia’s specialist in travel to Russia and Scandinavia has three of the best cruise destinations on offer that will excite and inspire travellers planning for 2015. See these destinations and more in the new 2015 Bentours Cruising brochure and experience Augmented Reality (AR) when you pick up a brochure.

MS Volga Dream

Experience Russia in style on the MS Volga Dream 11 River Cruise-Gold Program for 13 glorious days. You will be treated like a Czar aboard this 5 star boutique riverboat that is the first brand new built deluxe vessel to operate on the Volga River since 1990. Offering intimate luxury at an affordable price this vessel is the perfect way to discover the historical Russian waterways.

When moored you will stay in centrally located superior hotels while discovering Moscow and St Petersburg’s most famous attractions.While cruising on MS Volga Dream 11, discover the Russian countryside from your elegantly furnished stateroom or suite with large picturesque windows or a private terrace. Departing from Moscow this package includes 3 nights hotel accommodation in Moscow, arrival and departure transfers, 3 nights accommodation in St Petersburg, 6 nights onboard MS Volga Dream 11 in a Main Deck Duluxe Stateroom, 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 6 dinners, house wine/beer/soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board, visits to the Kremlin, Red Square, Armory and Trtyakov Gallery. This amazing package also includes a comprehensive sightseeing program, Russian workshops including lectures, classes, films, concerts and performances from AU$5038* per person twin share.

See the Land of Fire and Ice on this 11 day cruise departing from Reykjavik circumnavigating Iceland where you will discover the unspoilt beauty of this fascinating coastline. This journey allows you to experience breathtaking landscapes of spectacular glaciers, natural hot springs, epic canyons, powerful waterfalls and visit Iceland’s ancient sites. This cruise includes 10 nights in a Category l Inside Cabin, 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners, a comprehensive sightseeing program, landings in Polarcirkel boats and expert lectures by the expedition team from AU$9612* per person twin share. Rare beauty means rare departure date, so there’s only one for this cruise, on 23 May 2015.

The Classic Voyage South, is a 6 day cruise beginning in Kirkenes that traverses south along the rugged Norwegian coast where you will be exhilarated by the shimmering glaciers, stunning mountains and spectacular fjords. Each season brings its own unique beauty to the Norwegian fjords, whether its snow capped mountains, brightly coloured spring flowers, sparkling glaciers in the summer sun or the red hues of autumn. The Classic Voyage South cruises for 6 days and is from AU$1856* per person twin share and includes on board accommodation, breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 5 dinners.

Book now to secure places by contacting Bentours at www.bentours.com.au, 1800 221 712 or enquiry@bentours.com.au

Conditions apply

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyage the best of the world’s seas and rivers

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There are some places in the world that are best explored by small ship – a chance to get as close as possible to the destination and explore the wildlife on land and in the sea.

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, the global leaders in expedition travel, voyage to some of the most remote and unique places in the world, providing guests the ultimate experience while also respecting the cultures and ecosystems they explore.

The following five expeditions are the ones that guests should put to the top of their priority list for 2014/15 – the places that need to be seen now from onboard an expedition ship. Rates are per person, in Australian dollars based on a double occupancy in a category one cabin:



The Galápagos Islands

Described as “a little world within itself” by Charles Darwin, the Galápagos offers a paradise where each island is different and the wildlife have no fear of humans. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic have raised millions for the conservation of this archipelago, and have two ships based there year round. Guests can explore Galápagos the way Darwin did – aboard an expedition ship. The voyage is designed to offer more in-depth learning and up-close encounters, with opportunities to hike, kayak and Zodiac, as well as snorkel with sea turtles, penguins, sea lions and the world’s only swimming iguana. The 10-day expedition departs and disembarks every Friday and Saturday from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Prices from $5,490.

The Kimberley and Spice Islands

Discover the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes etched with ancient human history and sail to remote island villages of Indonesia. Guest can search for spectacular wildlife, snorkel and dive at Rowley Shoals and witness giant manta rays glide through the water. Guests can also dive and snorkel at three more landings in the Spice Islands, including Komodo, one of Valerie Taylor’s favourite places to dive. Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary, will join this voyage as a Global Perspectives guest speaker. Following in the footsteps of his father, the first mountaineer to summit Mount Everest alone with Tenzing Norqay, Peter has climbed the highest mountain on every continent, including Mount Everest five times on different routes, as well as travelled extensively around Australia. The 15-day voyage departs Broome and disembarks Bali on 10 August 2014 and 16 August 2015. Prices from $11,155.

The Amazon

Guests will discover the wildlife of the upper Amazon, witness sunsets on the still waters of the Amazon Rivers basin and explore the tannin-rich lakes of the flooded forest of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve with the team of naturalists. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic offers three expeditions that explore the Amazon – the Upper Amazon; Upper Amazon plus Galápagos; and Upper Amazon plus Machu Picchu & Peru’s Land of the Inca. The Upper Amazon is a 10-day expedition that embarks and disembarks in Lima, Peru. Prices from $5,990. The Upper Amazon plus Galápagos is an 18-day expedition that departs Guayaquil, Ecuador and disembarks in Lima, Peru. Prices from $11,480. Upper Amazon plus Machu Picchu & Peru’s Land of the Inca is a 17-day expedition that embarks and disembarks in Lima, Peru. Numerous departures throughout the year. Prices from $10,980.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 134 species of sharks and rays and more than thirty species of marine mammals. Along with the Spice Islands, guests can snorkel, swim and dive the world’s largest reef and see a range of animals, from starfish and sea anemones to reef sharks and turtles. Aboard the National Geographic Orion, guests will have access to the new exploration tools as part of recent enhancements to the ship, including kayaks, a remotely operated vehicle that reaches depths of up to 300 metres, a glass bottom boat, Zodiacs and more. Dr. Lawrence Blair, an expert on the culture, geography and zoology of Indonesia, will join this voyage as a Global Perspectives guest speaker. The Spice Island Adventure is a 17-day expedition that departs Bali, Indonesia and disembarks Cairns, Australia on 20 October 2014. Prices from $15,540.



Antarctica

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is bringing to life one of the most storied expeditions in modern history with special activities, amenities and events celebrating the Centennial of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Guests aboard National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion will be led by a remarkable expedition team, who will shed new light on the storied exploits of Shackleton and his men. And, since expedition photography is part of the Lindblad-National Geographic DNA, the season will be dedicated to Shackleton’s expedition photographer, Frank Hurley. Guests will also receive a commemorative Centennial edition parka that combines vintage- style expedition wear with high-tech fabrication for maximum comfort, and comes with a Centennial badge to commemorate the once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent is a 12-day expedition that departs Buenos Aires, Argentina, embarking/disembarking in Ushuaia, Argentina. Departures are Nov. 29; Dec. 9, 19, 29, 2014; Jan. 8, 18, 28; Feb. 7, 2015. Prices from $12,350. Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands is a 22-day expedition that departs Buenos Aires, Argentina, embarking/disembarking in Ushuaia, Argentina. Departures on the National Geographic Explorer: Nov. 9, 2014; Feb. 17, 2015; on the National Geographic Orion Dec. 27, 2014; Jan. 26 & Feb. 15, 2014. Prices from $20,720.

To obtain additional information on Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic or to book, visit www.expeditions.com, call 1300 361 012 or see your travel agent.

Mick Fogg joins Ponant as expedition consultant

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Mick Fogg

Sarina Bratton, Chairman Australasia of French-based expedition and luxury cruise line COMPAGNIE DU PONANT, today announced the appointment of acclaimed Australian adventurer and expedition consultant, Mick Fogg, to assist the company with development of expedition itineraries as it expands its expedition cruise content in the Asia Pacific region.

As an award-winning wildlife photographer and adventurer, Mick Fogg has spent 17 years scouting and developing new itineraries, leading expeditions and photographing some of the world’s most remote and spectacular destinations from Antarctica to South East Asia.


Sarina referred to Mick’s extensive experience, saying "Mick has led numerous cruise expeditions through the Sub Antarctic Islands, Australia’s Kimberley and Great Barrier Reef, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Malaysia and now he brings this wealth of knowledge, energy and passion to Compagnie du Ponant.

"His role will be to assist develop new itineraries that showcase the flexibility and attributes of Compagnie du Ponant’s purpose-built luxury expedition small-ship fleet, taking guests to remote and often rarely visited parts of the region to experience extraordinary destinations and cultural interaction."

Since obtaining an honours degree in Marine Biology from James Cook University, Mick has combined his passion for exploration and travel with a desire to educate people about the myriad of wonders that abound in nature’s richest realms. Mick is an engaging lecturer who enjoys sharing his keen interest in history, biodiversity and photography with an eclectic range of topics that span from “Why aren’t there monkeys in Australia?” to “Happy snaps underwater”.

In 2012 Mick was rewarded for his conservation work in Indonesia by being appointed the first Ambassador of Orangutan Foundation International (Australia).

The website www.ponant.com provides detail on the fleet, voyages, itineraries, inclusions – and the videos in particular will give an appreciation of the French style that is the COMPAGNIE DU PONANT signature. 

Contact can also be made by phoning 1300 737 178 or + 61 2 8459 5000 or by emailing reservations.aus@ponant.com

SeaDream goes North to the Baltics and St Petersburg

SEADREAM Yacht Club has begun a unique new season in Northern Europe over the coming northern summer, with sailings that will include Russia’s St Petersburg and the opportunity there to visit the Hermitage Museum as well as the Jacobson Ballet School and countless other priceless city attractions during two-night stays.

Other itineraries will feature smaller medieval cities across the Baltic with their picturesque “old towns” and ancient waterfronts in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Norway, Poland and Sweden – many of which large cruise ships simply cannot get into, and which greet the 112-guest SeaDream I with family-like enthusiasm.

SeaDream’s prices include all 5-star dining, wines with lunch and dinner, bar drinks, power and sail water-sports (where permitted,) use of a 30 championship course golf simulator, a state of the art fitness centre, mountain bikes for shore excursions, gratuities and port charges and taxes.

A 10-day sailing on August 6th from Copenhagen to Dover visiting Skagen in Denmark, ten ports, islands and fjords in Norway, and Harligen in the Netherlands, is priced from US$6949pp twin-share. For full details see travel agents or visit www.seadream.com

For full details see travel agents or visit www.seadream.com

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Guests will also get up-close with the majestic Norwegian Fjords on some sailings, and in Oslo in Norway be offered a complimentary excursion to the famed Hadeland Glassworks factory, founded in 1762 and today the largest glass and porcelain maker in Scandinavia – and now owned by SeaDream Yacht Club’s founder, Atle Brynestad.

For bookings and further details, see SeaDream specialist Cruise Express

Peter FitzSimons to join the True North

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North Star Cruises is very pleased to announce that Peter FitzSimons will be our special guest when the New Adventures in Paradise itinerary departs Cairns on December 3. Peter is a widely-respected war historian and will bring fascinating in-sight to North Star’s most-refined PNG itinerary which includes a heli-flight to the Kokoda Track Memorial at Isurava.

The itinerary commences with a charter flight to Kavieng where guests will join the mighty TRUE NORTH. Thereafter everybody on-board will be saturated in 10 nights of South Pacific delight featuring a visit to Rabaul – once described as the most beautiful harbour in the South Pacific, a stunning introduction to the uninhabited Lusancay Islands, opportunity to be part of the Kokoda visit and, mesmerising days in the equally spectacular and rarely visited Louisiade Archipelago. Every day of the itinerary is packed with activities such as village visits, natural history, fishing, snorkelling, diving and of course signature helicopter flights over smouldering volcanoes and breathtaking jungle. And as usual – all will be wrapped-up in the TRUE NORTH’s unequalled comfort and style!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to spend quality time with a truly thought-provoking Australian – space is limited and you will need to act quickly - contact your preferred travel representative or your adventure partners at North Star Cruises to reserve your cabin!

One Ocean 2015 Canadian Arctic Expedition series launched

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Polar cruise operator, One Ocean Expeditions have timed the release of their 2015 Canadian Arctic cruise programme, with Canada’s National Day – July 1. “We’re a proudly Canadian company, showcasing some of the most spectacular regions of our amazing country,” said Andrew Prossin – CEO of One Ocean Expeditions, speaking today from Squamish, British Columbia.

The company will be offering four small-ship expedition cruises in the northern Summer of 2015. “We are excited to be returning to the beautiful Maritime provinces and our new voyage takes in the best of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The Gulf of St Lawrence is remarkably rich in wildlife, very historic and has a wonderful Celtic culture,” said Prossin – a native of Cape Breton Island. One Ocean’s expedition ship, the celebrated Akademik Ioffe then voyages north, spending the remainder of the season above the Arctic Circle where she will operate two themed voyages starting in Iqaluit in Canada’s Nunavut province.

Richard Cunningham, the Australian Manager for One Ocean revealed, “Our themed voyages have proven to be very popular in Antarctica so we’re offering the same concepts in the Arctic in 2015. Guests can choose from an expanded range of off-ship activities on the ‘Off the Beaten Track’ voyage, or improve their photographic skills on the ‘Photography Symposium’ voyage where no less than five professional photographers will be aboard.”

Both journeys include time spent cruising the dramatic west coast of Greenland. The region is home to incredible ice bergs, picturesque villages, Inuit culture and copious wildlife, including frequent polar bear encounters.

Rounding out the offering in Canada’s far north, will be a 12-night journey through the fabled Northwest Passage starting in Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) and ending in Cambridge Bay in Canada.

To celebrate Canada Day and the launch of the 2015 Arctic expedition programme, One Ocean Expeditions are offering a travel credit of $US1,000 per person for bookings made before September 30 on all Canadian Arctic voyages.

For further information contact ONE OCEAN EXPEDITIONS on 02 8096 8787, or visit www.oneoceanexpeditions.com

New Appointments at AdventureSmith Explorations

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AdventureSmith Explorations Promotes
Chris Harter To Director of Sales and Operations

Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations is expanding its team to keep up with what Todd Smith, president and founder, calls “tremendous growth over this past year.”

Longtime AdventureSmith crew member Chris Harter has been promoted to the management team as Director of Sales and Operations. As AdventureSmith’s first employee nearly a decade ago, Chris is intimately familiar with the company’s destinations, operations and travel philosophy. During his tenure with the company he has traveled to Alaska, Baja, Ecuador, Svalbard, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Australia, Antarctica, Hawaii and Indonesia just to name a few of the company’s featured destinations. In his new role he will be in charge of a growing team of Adventure Sales Specialists and streamlining operations to make existing systems more efficient while also taking customer service to an all new level. He will also assist in the development of new and enticing destinations and itineraries.

“Working at AdventureSmith has provided me with an incredible opportunity for personal growth and adventure” says Harter. “Living and working in Lake Tahoe we are surrounded by folks pursuing their dream professions; river guides, professional skiers, outdoor photographers and the like, but people always seems to comment about my work letting me know that I have the perfect job. And you know what, they’re right! I get to spread my passion for travel to our clientele, and better yet I can get out there and make sure our trips are the best they can be. Being able to watch our company grow over the years has been incredibly rewarding, and getting the opportunity to advance my career with a company I love in the process is icing on the cake.”

On Harter’s immediate plans, “I recently returned from Patagonia and I am excited about adding new South America offerings to provide more choices to our alumni clients and to increase our options for Antarctica extensions. Operationally I plan to update our incentive program for new and repeat clients with referral discounts, and group incentives for families, schools, corporate reward trips.”

The company’s rapid growth has led to other positions being created and/or filled. One new team member who will assist with sales as the company continues to expand is Tiffany Corbell who joins AdventureSmith Explorations as an Adventure Specialist.

“Tiffany’s resume reads like a seasoned AdventureSmith crew member/traveler with work and travel experience in many of our top destinations including Alaska, Costa Rica, Peru, Patagonia, Easter Island and Antarctica.  Her extensive travel industry experience combined with her vivacious personality and commitment to customer service ensures that our clients are in good hands,” notes Smith.

She says she is most excited “to assist fellow adventure enthusiasts with creating trips of a lifetime.”

Lis Korb, Office & Content Manager who recently assisted with the launch of a new website and customer database and who provided stability during a critical time of growth, is leaving the company. Replacing her is Audrey Vaughan who brings administrative and technical expertise to the post.

“She will manage the demands of our very detailed website,” says Smith. “We are confident that with her leadership our website content will continue to set the standard in the travel industry.”

Vaughan, who has lived and traveled abroad including New Zealand, Central America, Southeast Asia, Australia, Fiji and Alaska, said she is “excited to join a fun and professional team, who share my passion and love of travel.”


Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, CA, along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. In 2012, owner Todd Smith joined the ranks of Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious 14th Annual Travel Specialists List as the world’s expert on small ship expeditions. A distinction he received again in 2013. For information, availability and 2014 reservations, Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com

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G Adventures Expands Sailing Line-up

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New destinations include Turkey, British Virgin Islands and Cuba

G Adventures, the world’s largest adventure tour company, has today announced it will be expanding its sailing itineraries in 2014/15 to include Turkey, British Virgin Islands and Cuba. The growth in sailing itineraries comes after the success of G Adventures’ previous sailing programs which have experienced extraordinary demand.

G Adventures’ sailing trips are among the itineraries that receive the highest number of repeat travellers and since 2004, the adventure tour company’s sailing program has quadrupled in size, now with several itineraries in six countries.

Belinda Ward, Duchess of Delegation for G Adventures Australia and New Zealand, is eager to offer new destinations to travellers seeking flexible sailing itineraries that are low cost high value experiences with fully licensed, knowledgeable skippers.

“Sailing allows travellers to see parts of the world they wouldn’t necessarily have access to by land, and gives a totally new and exciting perspective,” she said. “Adding new destinations to our programs offers travellers even more places to see and explore from the comfort and convenience of our yachts and catamarans.”

“Travellers on our small-ship sailing itineraries appreciate the ease of having to unpack only once while relaxing at night with boats anchored in the most beautiful harbours – different every night,” Ward added. “During the day travellers can still be active and independent– there are plenty of opportunities to shop in local markets, savour local cuisine and explore the waters by snorkelling, swimming or kayaking.”

Sailing in the British Virgin Islands marks the first Caribbean tour for G Adventures. The operator also offers sailing trips in the Greek Islands, Thailand and Croatia, a destination that launched last year and nearly sold out. All itineraries range in length between four and 15 days. Yachts and catamarans carry a maximum of eight or 14 travellers.

Aspiring sailors can learn the ropes, receive some pointers from the expert skippers and even take the wheel themselves.

All trips are guaranteed to depart. Itineraries include:

Sailing The British Virgin Islands – Tortola to Tortola. – Sail on a catamaran through the beautiful turquoise waters of the British Virgin Islands, stop to snorkel in deep caves, anchor and jump aboard a floating bar and tour around islands by car or go for a hike. Relax in the evenings and enjoy the sunset and the Caribbean sounds. Seven days and priced from $1,749*.

Sailing Turkey – Bodrum to Fethiye – Discover tiny villages along the Turkish coastline, secluded islands and deserted beaches, swim in clear turquoise waters, learn to sail on a state-of-the-art catamaran, marvel at the ancient rock tombs in Dalyan and hike through ancient ruins, sail into the ancient port of Fethiye. 10 days and priced from $1,799*.

Sailing Cuba – Havana to Havana - Sail on a catamaran through the beautiful turquoise waters of the Canarreos Archipelago, stop to snorkel or share a drink with friendly locals, while enjoying the slow pace of life in the islands. Eight days and priced from $1,949*.

For more information or to book, call 1300 796 618 or visit www.gadventures.com.au

Aurora Expeditions' Photography Guide Awarded 2014 Victorian AIPP EPSON 'Photographer of the Year'

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Aurora Expeditions' are proud to announce that their resident Polar Photography Guide, Joshua Holko, has been awarded the 2014 Victorian Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) EPSON 'Photographer of the Year' for his stunning photograph taken in Antarctica during his November 2013 expedition on board the company's small expedition vessel, Polar Pioneer.

With an image featuring Aurora Expeditions' small expedition ship, Polar Pioneer, and a vast tabular iceberg, Joshua, a Moab Master and full-time professional landscape, nature and wilderness photographer and teacher, also won the award's 'Science, Environment and Nature Photographer of the Year' and 'Creative Award of the Year'.

“It's a great honour to have been named the 2014 Victorian AIPP EPSON 'Photographer of the Year'. My love and passion for photography is only heightened by the fact that I get to team my profession with visiting some of the most amazing places on earth. Antarctica is truly one of the most photogenic places I have ever visited.” says Joshua.

Joshua will be joining Aurora Expeditions 'Spirit of Antarctica' expedition in December this year and is inviting budding photographers to join him on board to discover the art of professional photography. The 12-day voyage will allow passengers to spend time honing their photography skills amongst the ice and wildlife of Antarctica alongside one of Australia's most inspiring photographers.

Delivering Canon and AIPP-accredited workshops, Joshua will run an exclusive and complimentary on board photography program that is open to all levels of photographer. The program also includes informal talks and image reviews, opportunities for one-on-one instruction and informal side-by-side shooting from the deck, in Zodiacs and during shore landings.

The expedition aboard small ship Polar Pioneer, accommodates just 54 passengers plus a team of Expedition Experts including naturalists and historians. The small ship experience ensures passengers enjoy the highest staff: passenger ratio and have the opportunity to truly maximise photographic opportunities. Polar Pioneer is supported by a fleet of Zodiacs and crew allowing all photographers to be shooting simultaneously with plenty of room to spare for camera equipment.

The 'Spirit of Antarctica' voyage featuring complimentary photography workshops with award-winning photographer, Joshua Holko, departs 6 to 17 December 2014 from Ushuaia in Argentina. The expedition price starts from US$8,700 per person, triple share and includes a complimentary waterproof polar jacket and hardback voyage journal, plus all accommodation, meals, shore excursions, guiding services, landing fees and photography program.

Join Joshua on this exciting Antarctic adventure and hone your photography skills in the most beautiful place on Earth.

For more information visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or freecall (Australia only) 1800 637 688 or +61 2 9252 1033 to speak to an Expedition Expert.

Spirit of Antarctica: Photography Expedition 6-17 December 2014

This 12-day voyage allows passengers to spend time capturing the ice and wildlife of Antarctica alongside one of Australia's most recognised photography experts. Departing Ushuaia and finishing in Punta Arenas, Chile, the route includes special access into areas normally restricted to scientific research, and exploration of spectacular locations such as the breathtaking Lemaire Channel, the Gerlache Strait and the surreal geothermal Deception Island, to name but a few. Photographers can expect to see plentiful wildlife including various species of penguins, whales, and seals. For more details on this voyage, please click here.

True North and El Questro combine for ultimate Kimberley luxury

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El Questro Homestead and the luxury adventure-cruise ship True North (both members of Luxury Lodges of Australia) have partnered to offer the ultimate Kimberley experience.

The El Questro Homestead/True North partnership will allow guests to experience the Kimberley in unrequited luxury from the magnificent Kimberley coast to the oasis that is El Questro Homestead located at the heart of the 1 million acre El Questro Wilderness Park.

El Questro Homestead

El Questro Homestead

El Questro Homestead is located on a 1 million acre working cattle station and is one of Australia's most spectacular destinations in far north Western Australia.

Just 110km from Kununurra, El Questro is a remote and rugged destination that promises the seclusion to explore this iconic part of Australia with its landscaped forged over 350 million years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions – the result of which is the stunning Emma Gorge, Chamberlain Gorge and Cockburn Ranges. With four major rivers systems across the property, guests will see native animals, birds and fish in the rivers, fresh water springs and salt water estuaries.

A wide variety of exclusive experiences are on offer every day of the season which runs until the end of October each year. These allow guests to take in the vastness of the area by 4WD, helicopter, horse and on foot – all led by expert guides. In addition to new scenic flights available for this season, full-day fishing tours for the elusive local barramundi are also available. Homestead guests also enjoy exclusive access to the thermal springs of Zebedee Springs each afternoon.

Dining is a delicious event with menus inspired by local and Western Australian produce and guests can select to join other guests at a communal table or enjoy the privacy of dining for two on the ridge overlooking the Chamberlain Gorge – a truly unique El Questro experience.

True North (Mark Stothard)

True North

True North offers an exciting journey along the Kimberley coastline - one of the world's last great wilderness frontiers.

Guests have ample opportunity to explore otherwise impossible to access beaches and rivers. There are majestic waterfalls, awe inspiring gorges, abundant wildlife and encounters with ancient cultural history – a Kimberley experience like no other!

Starting in the pearling port of Broome - a seven-day Kimberly cruise aboard the True North includes the iconic Horizontal Waterfalls, the chance to 'land a barra' at Leadline Creek and maybe again in the Sale River, the opportunity to witness the tide falling from Montgomery Reef, the option to visit the Mitchell Falls via scenic heli-flight and, the privilege of seeing The Bradshaws – the oldest art known to man!

“Combining the spectacular coastline of the Kimberley on a True North cruise with a stay at El Questro Homestead, in the heart of this raw and rugged landscape, is a fantastic way to experience this stunning part of Australia,” said Lori Litwack, General Manager, El Questro Wilderness Park.

Craig Howson, founding director, North Star Cruises Australia added: “Our guests have already accumulated the very best in life experiences and they continue to have the highest expectations when embarking on the True North. They consistently disembark proclaiming that their time on-board was the best holiday that they have ever had, and the opportunity to combine a stay at the El Questro Homestead will lift the experience to even greater heights.”

The El Questro Homestead / True North Experience

A great value add has been designed for guests who choose to enjoy the El Questro Homestead / True North experience during 2015 -:
$250 per person on board credit for any True North Kimberley cruise
a two-for-one Miri Miri two-hour helicopter scenic flight from El Questro Homestead
half-price scheduled transfers to and from El Questro Homestead
a premium bottle of wine each night at El Questro Homestead

Prices for a seven-night True North Kimberley cruise start from $11,095 per person while three nights at El Questro Homestead starts from $3,464 per person.

The True North price includes all normal cruise activities and dining excepting alcoholic beverages and scenic heli-flights. The El Questro price includes accommodation, gourmet meals, all beverages including Champagne and Australian wines and selected touring.

For more details visit www.elquestro.com.au or www.northstarcruises.com.au

Paradise Cruises introduces 'Halong Gay Cruise' 2014

Inspired by the International Day against Homophobia and Harvey Milk Day, and to highlight the admirable progress made by Vietnam's National Assembly in legal recognition of same-sex relationships, Paradise Cruises is delighted to be leading the way with Halong Bay's first ever Gay Cruise.

The cruise will take place on the 24th August 2014, the same month as Viet Pride, which takes place each year in Hanoi. The events and activities have been meticulously designed for a broad spectrum of LGBT communities, singles and groups, both locally and internationally, to relax and jointly celebrate LGBT pride and rights.



Cruise highlight is the Beach Gala Dinner which allows passengers to witness happy and touching moments of same-sex weddings officiated on the beach, a premium romantic beach dinner with live music, a beauty contest, Tai Chi class demonstration, various activities at Titov Island and Beach, Tuan Chau Marina, visit of Luon Cave and 'Surprise Cave'.

Price per person: USD$210.00 (Sharing a double basis), for inclusions please click here.

Paradise Cruises is represented in Australia and New Zealand by Complete Travel Marketing