Discover the beauty of Greenland, Iceland, Russia and follow the Northern Lights

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Experience the rugged beauty of Greenland and Iceland, the history of Russia and Follow the Northern Lights on a unique voyage. Discover Bentours using Augmented Reality-download the Stellar AR ap and using any 2015 Bentours brochure see these dream destinations come to life.



Bentours, Australia's specialist in travel to Scandinavia, Russia, Iceland and Greenland has put together these unique experiences for lovers of rugged beauty and natural wonders, amazing wildlife and fascinating history.

Venice to Croatia, Greece and Turkey on SeaDream I

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SEADREAM Yacht Club has two extraordinary opportunities to explore Croatia's smaller and less-known, yet wonderfully colourful and rewarding ports, in June of next year, or six of the most captivating smaller ports of Greece in July… and enticingly with the possibility of joining both these sailings into one never-to-be-forgotten fortnight with a 10 per cent discount on the price of the second week.



Choose this outstanding two-week opportunity to make the most of a holiday to the Mediterranean, and you'll sail from Venice on June 27 2015 aboard the mega motor-cruise SeaDream I, and complete your magical holiday in Athens' port of Piraeus on July 11.

And making it even more rewarding will be overnight stays in Opatija that's been dubbed “Croatia's Monte Carlo,” Sibenik where the little streets and centuries-old architecture of the “old town” merge with the modern stores of the “new town,” Split that's one of the oldest towns in Croatia and World Heritage Site listed, and Dubrovnik regaled as “The Pearl of the Adriatic.”

SeaDream I will also make a transit of the historic and spectacular 6.3km Corinth Canal that was started by Emperor Nero in 67AD and eventually opened in 1893.

The individual week-long sailings – Venice to Dubrovnik on June 27 2015 and Dubrovnik to Piraeus on July 4 – each start from US$5,426pp twin-share including premium wines with meals and bar drinks throughout the sailing… with the fortnight-long sailing starting from US$10,352pp twin-share including a US$500 per person discount for the second week.

The mega motor-cruiser SeaDream I carries a maximum of just 112 guests served by 95 crew. The price includes five-star cuisine, premium wines and bar drinks, power and sail water-sports where local authorities permit, a 30-international course golf simulator, state of the art fitness centre, mountain bikes for shore excursions, gratuities and port charges and taxes. www.seadream.com

For more details, call Cruise Express on 1300 764 509 or visit www.cruiseexpress.com.au.

For bookings and further details, see SeaDream specialist Cruise Express

Antarctic Cruises with Ponant - new brochure

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PONANT's 2015-2016 ANTARCTIC CRUISES

The world’s only French-flagged cruise line and top cruise line worldwide in polar expeditions for 15 years, PONANT’s itineraries to the Antarctic for the 2015-2016 season include, for the first time, three ships in the region plus an itinerary that includes the Sub Antarctic Islands of Australia and New Zealand.

THE ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE

Exploring the world’s extreme regions in five-star comfort has become a PONANT hallmark.

From November 2015 to January 2016, PONANT has three outstanding Antarctic itineraries offering a genuine polar safari experience to observe the region’s unique wildlife in its natural habitat. Aboard LE BORÉAL, L’AUSTRAL and the recently launched LE LYRIAL, luxury French-flag yachts of 122 to 132 staterooms and suites, designed for polar cruises and complying with the international “Green Ship” label, passengers gain access to protected sites only accessible to small capacity ships, limited in this region to 200 passengers.

Flexibility at all times is the approach that sets these cruises apart, with Zodiac® outings to get passengers as close as it is possible to nature, with time to linger over the region’s most emblematic sites. At any moment the ship may alter its course to admire the acrobatics of a humpback whale or land passengers on a beach to meet a particularly impressive penguin colony. It is a unique experience made all the more interesting by renowned South Pole specialists who are only too delighted to share their views and passion for these polar lands which they have been roaming for years.



Voyage examples: (current pricing, subject to increase)

Emblematic Antarctica - Le Lyrial / Le Austral

Complete immersion in the vast white world of the Antarctic Peninsula, discovering the tabular icebergs and drifting pack ice where fur seals and colonies of Gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins live.

Ushuaia - Ushuaia (11 days): 8 departures from November to January, including New Year Cruise
From 9060 AUD per person (direct flights and transfers Buenos Aires/Ushuaia included) plus $750 Safety and Port taxes

The Great Adventure: The Peninsula & South Georgia - Le Lyrial

Essence of the Antarctic Peninsula’s white landscapes and discovering of South Georgia with its imposing glaciers and black sandy beaches, home to vast colonies of king penguins.

Montevideo - Ushuaia or v.v. (15 days to 16 days): 2 departures, November and February
From 7790 AUD per person (direct flights and transfers Buenos Aires/Ushuaia included) plus $1050 Safety and Port taxes

The Great Austral Loop - Le Boreal / L'Austral

Highlights of three regions - Falklands and the black-browed albatross, South Georgia and king penguins, plus the majestic icebergs of the North Antarctic Peninsula - make for an unforgettable journey.

Ushuaia - Ushuaia (14, 15 and 16 night options): 4 departures November and December 2105
From 9970 AUD per person (direct flights and transfers Buenos Aires/Ushuaia included) plus $1125 Safety and Port taxes

The Sub Antarctic Islands of Australia & New Zealand - Le Soleal

Extraordinary in their primitive beauty, mostly of volcanic origins and less icy than their ‘sister islands’, this rarely visited and protected region abounds in marine, airborne and terrestrial bio-diversity, earning UNESCO World Heritage status. “The Galapagos of the Southern Ocean”.

Christchurch - Melbourne (15 nights): 1 departure in December.

From 7080 AUD per person plus $1125 Safety and Port taxes

Online Brochure

Link to new Collection - Australian version:
ANTARCTICA CRUISES: December 2015 – February 2016.
http://fr.calameo.com/read/00013242389ec7c742966

Five new voyages for Variety Cruises

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Athens, Greece-based small ship cruise line Variety Cruises has announced it will launch five new itineraries in 2015 and 2016, including cruises in the Red Sea, Greece and Turkey, the Canary Islands and in Madagascar and its Mozambique Channel Islands.

New 2015 - 2016 Cruise Voyages

The Red Sea

The Red Sea Cruises will debut in 2016 on the 21-cabin Motor Yacht Harmony G, operating two 6 night / 7 day cruise itineraries in the area: the Kings and Pharaohs Cruise and the Splendours of the Red Sea Cruise, two equally fascinating cruise programs showcasing the treasures of the Red Sea and the cultural diversity of Egypt and Jordan. Variety Cruise's Kings and Pharaohs Cruise from Aqaba, Jordan to Suez, Egypt (or reverse) program includes Luxor, the ancient land of gods and pharaohs and home of the Valley of the Kings, and the Karnak and Luxor temples, Sharm el Sheikh in the Sinai peninsula and home to St. Catherine's Monastery atop Mt. Sinai and pre- and post-cruise tours in Jordan and Cairo, to unravel the amazing cultural diversity of the region.

The Splendours of the Red Sea Cruise from Hurghada to Hurghada, Egypt allows for more time in Aqaba, Jordan with visits of Petra and Wadi Rum, as well as for more swim stops to enjoy the sun and the underwater treasures of the Red Sea. For more information, please visit http://www.varietycruises.com/english/home/cruiseCalendar/Red+Sea/34 .

Greece and Turkey

The Aegean Mosaic Cruise is a 7 night / 8 day program from Athens to Istanbul (or reverse), with 4 sailings in 2015 and 9 sailings in 2016. Travelers sail on the 36-cabin Mega Yacht Variety Voyager, discovering both mainland port cities and islands throughout eight days. The cruise takes passengers everywhere from the exotic city of Istanbul and the fabled ancient cities of Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus to the glitzy Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, as well as off-the-beaten track islands of Patmos, Samos and Arki, where large cruise ships cannot dock. The cruise offers passengers six optional excursions and three swim stops at the most picturesque locations in the Greek islands. For more information, please visit http://www.varietycruises.com/english/home/cruiseCalendar/Cruises+in+Greece+and+Turkey/32 .

The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands Discovery on the 25-cabin Motor Yacht Harmony V is a 7 night / 8 day cruise program showing this 10 islands archipelago - a perfect fit for Variety's small ships -- with tremendous bio and cultural diversity and close to perfect weather conditions. Guests will sail this new program from December 2015 to March 2016, which is the best period to visit the Canary Islands with temperatures not exceeding 71-74 degrees Farenheit and when winds are at their lowest. Passengers explore Gran Canaria, the main island, with its capital Las Palmas, cosmopolitan Lanzarote, Tenerife and La Palma or Isla Bonita. The simple wild beauty of Fuerteventura and the small and quaint island of La Gomera enchant the senses. Variety Cruises will operate 14 sailings plus an end March repositioning cruise from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Malaga, Spain. An Excursions Package including walking tours and excursions is available at additional cost. For more information please visit http://www.varietycruises.com/english/home/cruiseCalendar/Cruises+in+the+Canary+Islands/36 .

Madagascar and its Mozambique Channel Islands

Madagascar and its Mozambique Channel Islands Cruise on the 21-cabin Motor Yacht Pegasus, is a 9 night / 10 day itinerary showing North West Madagascar in a way no land tour or cruise has done so before: The Madagascar mainland portion of the itinerary includes the magnificent Diego Suarez Bay, the Ankarana Park and Amber Mountain. The itinerary also includes an island hopping portion reaching the most beautiful islands in the Mozambique channel such as Hara, Mitsio, Komba, Sakatia, Iranji and Nosy Be. The program can embark from Nosy Be or from Diego Suarez and an Excursions Package is available including walking tours and excursions. There will be a Madagascar Specialist Guide on board to educate passengers on the islands and their histories. For more information, please visit http://www.varietycruises.com/english/home/cruiseCalendar/Madagascar/33 .


For more information, prices and bookings, please contact your local Travel Agent or Discover the World Cruising on 1800 OCEANS (623 267) or email reservations@discovertheworld.com.au

New CEO and Operations Manager at Alaskan Dream Cruises

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After four years of small ship cruising through Alaska’s Inside Passage, Alaskan Dream Cruises is preparing for growth, according to a company statement.

The Sitka, Alaska-based company recently hired two new executives, including Russell Dick as chief executive officer.

Russell was also recently named by former Governor Sean Parnell to the Alaska Tourism Marketing Board, an advisory board that will make recommendations for the state’s tourism marketing strategies.

Former president and CEO of Haa Aaní, LLC, a subsidiary of Sealaska Corp., Russell serves as chairman of the board of directors for Huna Totem Corp., the Native village corporation representing Alaska Natives with aboriginal ties to Glacier Bay and Hoonah.

He holds a master’s of science in management from Stanford Graduate School of Business; a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Stanford University; and a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting from the University of Phoenix. He is a member of the Tlingit Kaagwaantaan clan.

“Russell brings an incredible amount of experience to the organization and an innate understanding of what it means to share Alaska with our guests,” said David Allen, Alaskan Dream Cruises owner and president. “Alaskan Dream Cruises prides itself on offering visitors access to ‘True Alaska with True Alaskans’ and will continue to focus on sharing authentic experiences with travelers under Russell’s direction.”

Additionally, Peter Butz joins the executive team as operations manager, bringing decades of small-ship cruise line experience to Alaskan Dream Cruises. After extensive travels as an expedition leader with Lindblad Travel and Special Expeditions, Peter spent 25 years serving as the vice president of fleet operations and chief operating office of Lindblad Expeditions. He managed the growth of Lindblad Expeditions’ fleet to six vessels deployed in global operations, including Antarctica, Galapagos, the Arctic and Alaska.

Peter will oversee the operation aspects of the company, and will report to Russell as the company prepares for its fifth season. “I’m honored to be leading a team of professionals instrumental in creating the successes achieved thus far,” Russell said. “I’m inspired by the Allen family’s commitment to quality, service and creativity, which will continue to be the foundation of our success.”

Alaskan Dream cruises will offer 47 sailings ranging from 8- to 13-days aboard its three newly renovated vessels, visiting 17 ports of call throughout Southeast Alaska in 2015.

Earlybird savings on Cruiseco Adventurer Mekong sailings

Cruiseco is offering exceptional earlybird savings on a number of Cruiseco Adventurer sailings in 2015 and 2016.  Guests can choose between 11, 14, 16 or 18 night voyages on board this luxurious ship, which was designed specifically to travel along the mighty Mekong River, stopping at exotic villages, towns and historic landmarks along the way.

Laura Clarke, Manager Special Projects at Cruiseco, says this is a great opportunity to take advantage of the cruise line's unique itineraries.

"Cruiseco Adventurer, which is limited to just 60 guests, has set the benchmark for luxury cruising on the Mekong.  Regardless of which itinerary guests choose, they will have an unforgettable experience of this part of the world, creating memories that will last a lifetime.  All our itineraries are designed for travellers who want to 'feel' a country, not just 'see' one," says Laura.

Cruiseco Adventurer, designed exclusively for the Mekong River, has a number of itineraries available in 2015/16, including:

·         Saigon to Siem Reap, 11 nights.  Earlybird prices start from $3,499 per person, based on twin share; $5,699 per person, based on sole occupancy.  This voyage also operates in the reverse order.

·         Luang Prabang to Saigon, 14 nights.  Earlybird prices start from $5,015 per person, based on twin share; $7,955 per person, based on sole occupancy.  

·         Halong Bay to Saigon, 16 nights.  Earlybird prices start from $5,449 per person, based on twin share; $8,879 per person, based on sole occupancy.

·         Hoi An to Saigon, 18 nights.  Earlybird prices start from $6,009 per person, based on twin share; $9,809 per person, based on sole occupancy.

There are various departure dates available for each voyage, all of which are highlighted in the 'Authentic Asia Vietnam Cambodia 2015/2016' brochure available online.

"Many of the smaller ports visited by Cruiseco Adventurer are not locations which have been visited hundreds of times by other tourists.  Our guests discover something that is off the beaten track and truly special.  Travellers can learn about the culture and traditional rituals from the local Vietnamese and Cambodian people through our unique onshore excursions.  Highlights include Trishaw rides through villages, visiting the floating markets, and even receiving a blessing from a Buddhist monk," says Laura.

"I encourage those thinking about visiting Vietnam and Cambodia to take advantage of our earlybird fares, as space is limited and suites are selling quickly.  This part of the Asia is somewhere everyone should see, it's like nowhere else in the world," adds Laura.

Cruiseco Adventurer fares include: return airfares from Australia; a river cruise onboard Cruiseco Adventurer; extensive sightseeing with expert local guides, all transfers and gratuities for guides/drivers; breakfast daily; and local beers and wines with lunch and dinner as specified in the itinerary.

To book whilst cabins are available, or for more information, visit www.cruising.com.au or call (02) 9492 8520 or visit your local Cruiseco agent.

APT Caledonian Sky in Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

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Luxury base: the MS Caledonian Sky, after a morning snorkelling
among the atolls and coves of Pulau Wayag in West Papua. (Keith Austin)

source: traveller.com.au

To embrace the expedition cruise you must expect the unexpected and go with the flow, writes Keith Austin.

Expect the unexpected, they said. There's a limit to this frame of mind, of course. Take it literally and you'll jump in the Zodiac for a day's snorkelling equipped with an umbrella, a parachute and a box of matches.

But it was going to be a beach landing, some snorkelling and then a return from the beach to the ship; footwear seemed as useful as a parachute so I didn't take any. Who knew we would end up picking our way along a jungle path in search of an abandoned WWII landing craft?

Full story: http://www.traveller.com.au/ms-caledonian-sky-expedition-cruise-review-in-southeast-asia-beauty-and-surprise-10qpxr

Hurtigruten Gives North American Guests Easier Access to Greenland via Iceland

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New Itineraries Start at $6,307 and Include Time to Explore Reykjavik and Environs

Arctic fun 

Seattle, December 2014 – Hurtigruten, the leader in exploring polar regions on its specially designedexpedition ship, the MS Fram, has introduced itineraries aimed at making it easier for North  American travelers to visit Greenland next summer. While most other operators get guests to Greenland by routing them through a flight to and overnight stay in Copenhagen, Hurtigruten’s sailings in the months of June and July 2015 provide access to Greenland via flights through Iceland, reducing travel time; pricing for these trips starts at $6,307 per person, double including transport from Iceland to Greenland. Also new in 2015 is the “Experience Iceland” tour in Reykjavik, which gives visitors a three-day glimpse into that capital city and its surroundings either before or after their Greenland expedition; pricing starts at $563 per person and includes two nights at a first-class hotel, breakfast each morning, a full-day Golden Circle excursion with lunch, and an excursion to the Blue Lagoon (including the entrance fee).

There’s no better way to explore these remote areas than on a Hurtigruten voyage, during which guests have the opportunity to see Greenland’s icebergs calve into the sea, explore fjords, hike the country’s beautiful meadows and watch wildlife under the sparkle of the Midnight Sun. In addition, guests have the chance to visit isolated communities to see for themselves how man and nature interact here, with that powerful relationship being reflected in everything from language and music to clothing and food.

On the subject of Midnight Sun, Iceland also provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural phenomena … and an abundance of summertime activities to keep guests busy round the clock. Iceland is the land of volcanoes, glaciers and geysers, plus vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness just minutes away from the capital city of Reykjavik. On the Iceland extensions, visitors spend three days in and around the capital, including a day touring the famed “Golden Circle” and one at the Blue Lagoon.

Shore party in Greenland

Hurtigruten’s 13-day “Glaciers and Ice” itinerary is offered in both June and July. On this journey, guests visit the southwestern coast of Greenland, which is the largest island on the planet. Highlights include Disko Bay – known for its spectacular icebergs and array of arctic wildlife – and the southern fjords. Excursions include opportunities to hike, kayak or even take a helicopter ride. This voyage also includes fascinating glimpses into the history of Greenland, with emphasis on the country’s Viking culture. These itineraries start at $6,309 per person, double for the June 2 departure and $6,307 for the July 3 trip. Meanwhile, the 11- to 14-day “Arctic Wilderness Adventure” itinerary departing on June 23 unlocks the mysteries of Northwest Greenland and visits such ports as Qasigiannguit and Upernavik. Pricing for this trip starts at $7,195; the length of the trip varies, based on whether guests opt for the Iceland extension.

A Hurtigruten explorer voyage goes well beyond a simple cruise that offers some interesting land excursions. The company employs Expedition Team members who are not just expert lecturers, but also official hosts and guides. Many of these experts are residents of the areas being explored, and they offer insight into the biology, history, geology and people of these remote areas. They have lots of information to share, but they’re also full of passion and enthusiasm for these special regions. As the escorts of the shore landings and hikes, the Expedition Team helps guests make the most of their visits while teaching them how to avoid disturbing the fragile ecosystems they’re exploring.

When it comes to exploring polar waters, nobody can match Hurtigruten, a Norwegian company whose captains are the current generation of professionals immersing themselves in the philosophies and traditions of this type of exploration. The MS Fram is named for the original Norwegian vessel that became the first ship to drift across the Arctic Ocean … and the one that took renowned explorer Roald Amundsen to his starting point in Antarctica as he raced to reach the South Pole. Today’s MS Fram drew its inspiration from the originalFram, taking the most advanced technology to create a purpose-builtexpedition ship that focuses on guest comfort and safety. It boasts 127 cabins, many of which are named for polar heroes. The front of the ship is especially designed so guests can observe the marine wildlife and natural phenomena that are in abundance on these voyages.

Hurtigruten sails to the most remote of destinations as well as year-round along Norway's coast and in Europe. The company’s fleet of intimate ships, which each carry 100 to 646 guests, allows travelers to enjoy the scenery and culture of the destination in a relaxed atmosphere.

Additional information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly website, www.hurtigruten.com; by phone at 877-301-3117; or fax at 888-524-2145. To order brochures 24 hours a day, call 800-582-0835.

G Adventures cancels cruise due to engine failure

 

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MS Expedition (R Eime)

G Adventures has cancelled an Antarctica cruise after an engine failed on its expedition cruise ship.

The ship was berthed in Ushuaia, Argentina, when its portside engine failed unexpectedly on November 18, and G Adventures' engineers and the engine's manufacturers have been unable to fix the problem.

The line made the decision to cancel the ship's next sailing, on December 7, after being told that it was unclear whether the repairs would be completed in time.

G Adventures confirmed in a statement that all passengers on the cancelled cruise have been offered a full refund as well as discounted rebooking options of 15 percent off another Expedition cruise or 20 percent off any other G Adventures tour.

A spokesperson for the line told Cruise Critic that an update on the ship's status was expected later this week.

Source: http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=6093

Cruising is a consuming passion - NG Orion

Just learned from our hotel manager, Tracy Greiner, about some of our consumption habits aboard National Geographic Orion since we left Fiji on 18 November.

 

• 3000 eggs
• 520 lbs potatoes
• 1300 toilet rolls
• 320 litres ice cream
• 300+ lbs of beef
• 520 bottles of wine
• 500 beers
• 1540 cans soda
• 2500 baked cookies

 

and from the engine room

 

The ship has burned 150 tonnes of diesel travelling 3100 NM

 

The ship uses up to 50 tonnes of water per day, most of which is in the cabins. An estimated 20% is used in the galley and laundry. The water maker on board can produce up to 100 tonnes.

Hanging on in the Tuamotus - Rangiroa drift dive

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Post by Adventure and Expedition Cruising.

More images:

Millennium Atoll - the most pristine marine ecosystem in the world?

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Post by Adventure and Expedition Cruising.