APT Hebridean Sky Deal

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Sourced from CruiseCritic AU Deals

Expedition Cruising Deal

APT's Hebridean Sky

The deal: Set sail around the British Isles and Ireland for 11 nights on the freshly refurbished Hebridean Sky. This expedition journeys from Oban, Scotland to Portsmouth, London with stops at the Channel Isles and Scilly Islands off the Cornish coast. Sightseeing highlights include the chance to see Atlantic puffins, take a Zodiac cruise around Scotland's Shiant Islands and visit the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. Fares start at AU$12,590 per person, twin-share for a window stateroom

Why we like it: Book before 31 October 2015 and your companion will receive free return flights to the UK.

The catch: The free airfare deal locks you into flying with either Singapore Airlines or Emirates, two high-end carriers, which could make that second ticket rather expensive.

Book here: APT Luxury Cruising and Touring

Fine Print: This offer includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. The cruise itinerary may be subject to change and will be confirmed at time of booking. Prices are based on maximum occupancy and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Other tour operator charges may apply. Other restrictions may apply.

Cuba sailing tour and cruise

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See Cuba before it catches up to the 21st Century 

Including flights, tour and cruise - Mexico, Cuba and the Caribbean

Signs that time-warped Cuba may soon catch up to the 21st century have prompted Cruise Express to release a new hosted cruise tour to the island of Chevrolets, salsa bars, giant cigars and street music.

The 19-night tour next March will feature a Caribbean cruise from Cuba aboard the luxury tall ship, Star Flyer, as well as visits to iconic Aztec and Mayan pyramids and temples in Mexico.

Departing Australia on March 1, 2016, the itinerary begins with two nights in Mexico City where guests will visit the nearby Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan - ‘Place of the Gods’- where magnificent, stepped pyramids were built more than 2000 years ago. A flight to Cuba’s World Heritage-listed capital, Havana, follows for a three-night stay to explore the old city’s culture-soaked streets and colonial plazas filled with music. Also included is a full day tour to Viñales to discover Cuba’s world-famous coffee and tobacco plantations.



From Cienfuegos, on Cuba’s southern coast, guests will then board the 170-passenger, four-masted barquentine, Star Flyer, for a 10-night Caribbean cruise. They will visit Cuban towns such as historic Trinidad as well as picture-postcard destinations in the Cayman Islands, home to white sands and swaying palms.

Marrying the traditions of the past with the luxuries of modern-day cruising, Star Flyer takes passengers back to the grand age of sail. Boasting expansive, teak decks and 3300 square metres of billowing sail, the sailing vessel also features two pools, gourmet cuisine and first class service.

Back in Havana, passengers will disembark Star Flyer and fly to Cancun in Mexico for a two night stay. Included is a visit to the famous, 3000-year-old Mayan temples at Chichén Itzá on the Yucatan Peninsula. After time to relax in the resort city of Cancun, guests will fly back to Australia via Dallas.

Including return flights from Australia with Qantas, four nights in Mexico, three nights in Havana, the 10-night cruise and extensive sightseeing, the package is available from $11,490 per person, twin-share, or $14,490 for solo travellers.

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

For bookings and further details, see Star Clippers specialist Cruise Express

Darren Jew to join North Star Cruises Archipelago Adventure

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If strolling on tropical islands, snorkelling in pristine tropical waters and, revelling in the comfort of a floating boutique hotel sounds like the perfect short break – then don’t miss the TRUE NORTH’S Archipelago Adventure!

This 5-night sojourn around PNG’s rarely visited Louisiade Archipelago departs Cairns via private jet on the 13th of December and this year guests can also look forward to receiving expert tips from award-winning underwater photographer Darren Jew.

Darren Jew (Canon)

Darren’s work has been published in magazines, newspapers and books around the world whilst the Louisiades features some of the best snorkelling and diving in Paua New Guinea. The opportunity to receive advice and tips from a highly-regarded underwater photographer in such stunning circumstance is definitely an opportunity not to be missed.

Highlights include snorkelling over WWII wrecks, swimming with manta rays, drifting amidst huge schools of trevally and, being inspired by postcard-perfect islands fringed with sparkling beaches and palm trees.



FAST FACTS

Australia’s premier luxury adventure-cruise ship, the TRUE NORTH is purpose-built to sail deep into the heart of the wilderness, visiting areas that larger ships cannot access. Guests are privy to very-high quality off-ship experiences courtesy of the ship’s biologist and a team of naturalists, a ship’s helicopter and six dedicated expedition boats.

Exceptional food and wine are also at the heart of a TRUE NORTH experience. The ship’s modern Australian cuisine is supplemented with locally sourced ingredients and complemented by an outstanding selection of Western Australian wines. Cabins are spacious and modern; there is a panoramic lower deck dining room, an alfresco bar, an observation lounge and a dedicated sports deck.

Daily activities include scenic walks, fishing, snorkelling, diving, picnics, cultural events and spectacular flights in the ship’s helicopter.

Destinations include the Kimberley – a panorama of rugged mountains, spectacular gorges and majestic waterfalls; the still-wild coast of Western Australia featuring the intriguing Abrolhos Islands, world-famous Ningaloo Reef, fishing paradise at the Montebello Islands and, the pristine Rowley Shoals; the breathtaking islands of the Raja Ampat; the whale sharks of Cenderawasih Bay; the mighty Sepik River and the un-spoilt islands of Papua New Guinea; the rarely visited Louisiade Archipelago; beautiful Sydney Harbour and, a seafood safari around the delightful Eyre Peninsular!

Bookings: Contact North Star Cruises on 08 9192 1829 or email cruise@northstarcruises.com.au

Explore New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic wilderness with Silversea Expeditions

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Enjoy ancient elfin forests, trek across the crater of New Zealand's only active volcano and view rare, endemic wildlife found on New Zealand's remote and rugged sub-Antarctic islands, with an unforgettable 14-day expedition voyage from Auckland to Dunedin, aboard Silver Discoverer.

Departing from Auckland on 20 December 2015, Silver Discoverer ports at White Island, home to New Zealand's only active volcano, where guests have the opportunity to experience hissing fumaroles and volcanic bombs. Silver Discoverer then makes her way to Napier, renowned for its impeccable Art Deco architecture and the world's largest mainland Gannet Colony. A gorgeous day at sea carries Silver Discoverer to Chatham Island, where guests can relax on deserted beaches, explore moody landscapes and discover unique plant and bird life.

Continuing her voyage, Silver Discoverer sails through New Zealand's UNESCO World Heritage recognised Sub-Antarctic Islands including: Pitt Island; Bounty Island; Enderby Island; and The Snares. Here, guests can explore, via Zodiac, tours on land and at sea that reveal in the region's remarkable natural beauty, awe-inspiring geography, and abundant wildlife including rare sea lions and eight species of penguins such as the rare Yellow-eyed penguin. The islands offer a bounty of volcanic and glaciated geography including cave-riddled basalt cliffs, pristine sugar-sand beaches, wind-and-water-chiselled monolithic rock formations and windswept grassy headlands. Snap a portrait of huge elephant seals lolling about on the beach or witness the incredible flight forays of young albatross and the graceful soar of their elders. Marvel at endemic birdlife that includes the world's rarest cormorant, the Bounty Island Shag, the Snares Black Tomtit, and the auk-like Diving Petrel. This voyage then concludes in Dunedin, the South Island's second largest city, with guests disembarking 3 January 2016.

Book this Silversea Expeditions voyage by 31 August 2015 and select a two-category suite upgrade or 50% savings on a second suite.

Prices are per person starting from AU$15,650 in an Explorer Suite based on double occupancy. Silversea Expeditions' fares include: all shore and Zodiac excursions hosted by an expedition leader; all-suite accommodation with butler service; gourmet meals with menus inspired by Relais & Châteaux; complimentary wines, Champagne and spirits served throughout the ship; an outstanding expedition team of expert guides and lecturers; and all gratuities.

This voyage is subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit http://www.silversea.com/expeditions.

Follow Silversea on Twitter, Facebook and the Silversea Blog.

American Cruise Lines Doubles Capacity on the Columbia and Snake Rivers

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American Cruise Lines announced today the Queen of the Mississippi (to be renamed) will join the Queen of the West in the Pacific Northwest on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.

This three-year-old vessel, with all oversized staterooms and private balconies, will more than double the capacity on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The line’s brand new riverboat America will replace the Queen of the Mississippi on the Mississippi River in early 2016.

The repositioning of this riverboat to the Pacific Northwest and the introduction of the new 185-passenger paddlewheeler America to the Mississippi River will enable American Cruise Lines to meet the high demands for cruising on the Columbia and Snake Rivers and provide more capacity on the Mississippi River system.

This new Columbia River paddlewheeler features the largest, most well-appointed staterooms on the river with large sliding glass doors opening to private balconies. The glass-enclosed dining room comfortably accommodates all guests in one seating and seven spacious lounges throughout the ship offer areas for entertainment, relaxation and conversation. While on board the guests learn about the Pacific Northwest history and culture, while enjoying the finest in personalized service.

The new paddlewheeler the America is scheduled to be launched this week in Salisbury, MD, and will be moved to its East Outfitting Basin for completion of the upper decks and final outfitting. A new the Queen of the Mississippi is also under construction at Chesapeake Shipbuilding. These new riverboats for American Cruise Lines will be the finest Mississippi paddlewheelers ever built, introducing features never before seen on a riverboat.

True North in PNG's remote Louisiade Archipelago

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Archipelago a go go


An almost forgotten chain of islands off the coast of PNG holds a wealth of wonders for those who care to make the journey, writes Roderick Eime

Pandaw Launches Emergency Appeal: Floods in Burma

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Unprecedented levels of monsoon rainfall have led to massive flooding in Burma leaving whole regions under water. Many thousands of village people are now homeless and have lost livestock and food supplies.

In particular Sagaing and Magwe Divisions near the Pandaw Charity operational base at Pagan are severely affected and the island villages where Pandaw operates Clinics are now under water. As yet the human toll is not known but can only increase with the further risk of disease.

To help support the relief effort to remote villages, Pandaw will dispatch the ship KALAY PANDAW next week laden with 100 tons of rice and a full medical team from the Pandaw Clinics. The KALAY with a draft if only 2.5 foot will be able to penetrate inland areas to deliver food and medical aid.

Purser Ko Win Hlaing, who masterminded the Pandaw Charity Cyclone Nargis relief operation in 2007, will once again assume command. He masterminded the Pandaw Family Box, containing life essentials, and will work on reviving this again. As with Nargis Pandaw have the ships, team and generous supporters to be able to be first in and last out.

Fortunately the Pandaw Charity has a good reserve fund and is able to fund the initial supply of food and medication. The Pandaw charity can move fast but we will need all the help we can get.

To donate, please visit www.pandawcharity.com and click through to our online donation page.

Thanks for helping the people of Burma.

The Pandaw Charity registered in Scotland number SC 043379

About the Pandaw Charity
The Pandaw Charity was established following Cyclone Nargis in 2008 when the Pandaw ships, converted to floating hospitals, and their crews saved so many lives. Since then over twelve schools have been built and the UK-registered charity operates seven Pandaw Clinics in middle Burma which provide an average of 5,000 free treatments a month with a full time team of twenty medics, paramedics and pharmacists. This is entirely sponsored by donations from Pandaw passengers and a profit share from Pandaw River Expeditions.

Epic South America expedition voyage

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A leisurely expedition voyage along the west coast of South America in a boutique-size ship is the perfect way to explore some of that continent’s greatest sites and attractions.

A new cruise offering from Cruise Traveller, lasting over five weeks and including round-trip airfares from Australia, heads north along the full length of the South American continent, from Ushuaia in Argentina’s deep south to tropical Cartagena on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. 

MS Expedition

Called ‘Grand South America Discovery’, this is the adventure of a lifetime – complete with a three-day trip to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Throughout this 39-night, fly-cruise-tour-and-and stay holiday, you’ll travel in comfort aboard G Expedition, a fast, safe, spacious ship, completely refurbished in 2009. G Expedition delivers an intimate small-ship cruising experience with all meals aboard included and large common areas and observation decks providing panoramic views.

Visit Isla de la Plata, off Ecuador’s coast, with wildlife to match the Galapagos, but without the crowds and high prices. Explore fjords by Zodiac, see calving glaciers, visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley before heading north to the wilds of the Darien Jungle, once considered impenetrable. Relax on white sand beaches, transit the Panama Canal and wander through little townships, wineries and local markets.

Constructed to sturdy Ice Class 1B standards for service in sea ice, G Expedition carries no more than 134 passengers. Its compact size (105 metres long by 18 metres wide) – suits South American cruising perfectly.

If you’re used to bigger ships, note that there are no ‘inside cabins’ on this cruise. Cabins consist of twin-size berths and face the ocean through a window or porthole, depending on deck. Suites have one queen-size bed.

Cruise Traveller’s ‘Grand South America Discovery’ departs Australia on 20 March 2016 with a flight to Buenos Aires. It costs from A$25,399, per person twin share, if booked by 18 September 2015 – which represents a saving of 20 percent (or A$5600) over the regular price.

The expedition voyage includes a night in a hotel in gracious Buenos Aires, birthplace of the tango. There’s another night ashore in Cartagena, a Caribbean gem on South American shores. Here in 1741, Spanish Admiral Don Blas de Lezo, with only one eye, one leg and one hand, successfully defended the city against British attack.

Another night is spent in Ushuaia, a city so far south it’s nicknamed Fin del Mundo (the End of the World). You’ll stay two nights in a hotel in Peru’s El Valle Sagrado (the Sacred Valley of the Incas) and another night in the Inca capital of Cusco. Flights from Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Trujillo are included.

Other inclusions on ‘Grand South America Discovery’:

• An excursion to spectacular Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chilean Patagonia, from Puerto Natales;

• A visit to the Simpson River National Reserve visit in Chile’s Chacabuco;

• Choice of excursions in Punta Arenas, southern Chile, and Ancud in the Chilean island province of Isla de Chiloe;

• In Peru, a city tour of Cusco, the ancient Inca capital.

• Tour of Ollantaytambo, an Inca archaeological site in southern Peru.

• Choice of four excursions in Colombia’s beautiful Bahia Solano.

G Expedition offers several large public areas to enjoy during sea crossings and between land excursions. All cabins are equipped with private ensuite facilities. Fine dining aboard includes international cuisine served in one sitting – and the large aft deck is equipped with barbecue facilities. Toast the cruise in the Polar Bear Pub, enjoy a sauna or keep in touch via the internet in the computer room.

The cruise rounds off in some of the world’s most fabulous tropical regions. The San Blas Islands of Panama are 378 Islands in the Caribbean Sea, only 49 of which are inhabited. After a day there, spend the next day in Capurgana , a fabulous beach destination on Colombia’s remote Gulf of Urabá ,

Disembarking in Cartagena, you will have seen and experienced a great deal of South America. Reflect on it all over an aromatic Colombian coffee before jetting back to Australia.

For more information, contact:

Cruise Traveller, Boutique Voyage and Cruise Specialists
Freecall 1800 507 777 or (07) 5575 8094.
sales@cruisetraveller.com.au
www.cruisetraveller.com.au

G Adventures Marks Silver Anniversary with Galapagos Package

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Twenty five years since one of the world’s leading tour companies, G Adventures, selected Ecuador as the destination for its first-ever tour in 1990, the company is offering a special cruise package to Ecuador’s famous Galapagos Islands, voted by readers of a major American magazine recently as the most beautiful islands on Earth.

The seven-day package will see guests cruise for four nights onboard the ‘Queen of Galapagos’, a yacht with nine luxury cabins all with private views, as they discover the unique wildlife which the archipelago is famous for. A highlight will be a visit to the island of Floreana, where G Adventures has partnered with locals in a new initiative under its Planterra Foundation to offer low impact, community-based ecotourism. Since 2012, G Adventures has helped islanders establish a community tour operation to manage tourism on the island – the first time an entire island has organised around community tourism in the Galapagos. The initiative aims to offer employment to young locals, minimise environmental impact and see residents take control of their island and manage tourist activities.

The Galápagos Islands were made famous by Charles Darwin when he visited in 1835. His observations of the endemic wildlife and the way they had adapted eventually formed the basis for his groundbreaking ‘Theory of Natural Selection’. Since then the Galapagos Islands have proved a popular attraction, with readers of the glossy US magazine, Travel + Leisure, recently voting them as ‘the most beautiful islands in the world’. Ecuador is becoming a popular holiday destination as Australians widen their horizons, with more than 12,000 Australians travelling to Ecuador in 2013, a 44% increase on 2009.

Galapagos Seals

Guests on the cruise will board the ship at Puerto Ayora after flying from Ecuador’s capital, Quito, on the mainland. A visit to the island of Floreana will include guided nature walks, an excursion to a lava cave and a stop at Post Office Bay – where 18th century whalers left letters for passing ships to deliver to their loved ones, a tradition continued by Galapagos visitors today. Guests can spend the afternoon snorkelling at an underwater volcanic cone, where they can spot tropical fish and sea turtles.

The yacht will then travel to Española, home to several sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls and the endemic Espanola mockingbird. In addition to spotting wildlife, guests can learn about the island’s geological history and swim in the clear blue waters. Guests will also visit the island of San Cristobal, known for the spectacular Kicker Rock which rises 140m from the sea, and its diverse wildlife, including flamingoes and marine iguanas. Guests will return to Quito the following day.

The seven-day package includes four nights aboard the Queen of Galapagos, two nights’ hotel stay in Quito, flights to and from the islands, snorkelling equipment, six breakfasts, four lunches, four dinners and all landings, excursions and transportation. The package costs from A$3599 per-person, twin-share and is available for departures throughout 2015 and 2016. For more information, visit www.gadventures.com.au or call 1300 853 325.

For information on Ecuador visit the consumer site – www.ecuador.travel

Travel trade site: www.trade.allyouneedisecuador.travel

Luxury Barge Cruises in Europe

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Book a last minute getaway and take advantage of substantial savings on August and October 2015 departures on luxury hotel barge cruises in Europe, including onboard the deluxe 20-passenger La Bella Vita in Venice and the Po Valley.

True to her name, La Bella Vita cruises through landscapes that offer stunning glimpses of the beautiful life. Cruise along breath taking Venetian canals, past famous monuments and colourful eye-catching buildings. Explore the Doge's Palace one day then visit Chioggia's bustling fish market the next. The arts, architecture and history of this captivating region have been influenced by many cultures over the centuries – Roman, Etruscan, Istrian, Byzantine and Renaissance – allowing for many wondrous excursions. Cruise on the Canal of Orphans past lagoon islands with ancient monasteries and tiny churches, taste renowned vintages at the Bagnol Estate with its Renaissance gardens and visit 14^th Century Estense Castle with its moat, drawbridges and marble balconies. The final destination of Mantua, home of poets and artists, with its neo-classical and baroque architecture, is a perfect ending to a magical cruising adventure.

Hotel barges offer charming, bespoke accommodation for a select group of 4 to 20 passengers cruising on the calm canals and rivers of Europe. These all-inclusive luxury hotel barge cruises include gourmet meals prepared by an experienced on-board chef, a selection of regional wines and cheeses with lunch and dinner and an "open bar". There are bicycles for guests' use and we include guided shore excursions by minibus on most days. You will be pampered by our cruise hosts, and on-board facilities such as a spa, Jacuzzi or exercise room are available for your use.

Boating and cruising holiday specialists Outdoor Travel Pty Ltd, based in Bright, Victoria are offering substantial savings on cabins and selected charters for new bookings made by 17^th August 2015 on GO BARGING - EUROPEAN WATERWAYS HOLIDAYS.

Savings are also available along the sun-dappled Canal du Midi in the South of France, the wine-making and gourmet regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux, or aboard La Bella Vita on the Veneto:

For a free copy of the brochure or to make a reservation contact Outdoor Travel on toll free 1800 331 582 or email info@outdoortravel.com.au

Antarctica and South Georgia with Aurora Expeditions

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Antarctica & South Georgia with Aurora Expeditions from Aurora Expeditions on Vimeo.
Travel with Aurora Expeditions on board Polar Pioneer to Antarctica and South Georgia and discover a world of mesmerising icebergs, snowy mountain tops, sparkling glaciers and unique wildlife. Visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

How rough does it get in the Drake Passage? [video]

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One of the most often asked questions about travel to Antarctica is "How rough does it get in the Drake Passage?"

Some days, it will be like sailing the 'Drake Lake'. Others days, well, take a look at this video.