APT Celebrates Inaugural Voyage of the RV AmaDara on the Mekong

#expeditioncruising #rivercruising

Award-winning luxury travel operator APT today announced the expansion of its Asia river cruise fleet with the inaugural sailing of the new 124-passenger RV AmaDara along the Mekong River.

Welcoming the new rivership, APT Chief Marketing Officer Debra Fox said, "We are delighted to announce the addition of our latest ship, the AmaDara, to our fleet. Like our other Asian river cruise vessels, we've combined comfort and luxury with authentic local design and outstanding immersive sightseeing to ensure guests experience the very best of the region, both on and off the ship."

Joining sister ship the RV AmaLotus, the AmaDara features an innovative design, boasting 62 extra-spacious staterooms and luxury suites, as well as a new specialty restaurant. Each well-appointed stateroom includes a private 'Twin Balcony' comprising a French Balcony with a second full-sized step-out balcony. The ship's interior is reflective of elegant French colonial décor, while inspired by Southeast Asia with authentic Mekong artifacts and accents.

Guests sailing aboard AmaDara will enjoy an array of comfortable amenities including air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, a spa, a fitness centre and a refreshing sun deck with swimming pool.

The all inclusive lifestyle available to guests travelling on APT's Vietnam and Cambodia holidays also extends to the AmaDara. As well as a special Vietnamese welcome dinner designed by APT Asia Ambassador, celebrity chef Luke Nguyen, guests sailing on APT itineraries will enjoy inclusions such as all meals and beverages onboard, all flights within Asia, five star luxurious accommodation, an APT cruise or tour director, all sightseeing, transfers, airport taxes, port charges and tipping.

Travel agents can book clients to travel aboard the AmaDara as part of APT's 12-day Vietnam and Cambodia Highlights. Priced from just $4,395 per person, twin share, the trip commences with a two night stay at the five-star Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers in Ho Chi Minh City, from where guests can choose to learn about the battle of the Long Tan or visit the Cu Chi Tunnels before enjoying a special degustation dinner designed by celebrity chef Luke Nguyen, complete with matching wines, at Xu Restaurant.

The journey also includes a seven night lower Mekong cruise to Siem Reap aboard the AmaDara. Highlights include a visit to Evergreen Island, a rickshaw ride around Tan Chau, a Buddhist blessing at the monastery in Oudong, and an ox-cart ride through rural villages. The trip concludes with a two night stay at the Hotel Sofitel Angkor in Siem Reap from where guests can experience a 'Champagne sunrise' at the World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological and enjoy a special farewell dinner with traditional Apsara dance performance.

To find out more about APT's luxury tours and cruises to Vietnam and Cambodia, please call APT on 1300 196 420, visit www.aptouring.com.au or see your local travel agent.

Explore the remote islands of Polynesia with Silversea Expeditions

Explore some of the most breathtaking islands of Polynesia as Silversea Expedition's luxurious Silver Discoverer sails from Papeete, Tahiti to Apia, Samoa Islands on a 14-day voyage.

Departing on 4 November 2015, Silver Discoverer sails to the spectacular island paradise of Bora Bora, world-renowned as one of the planet's most stunning destinations, with its emerald-green hills, ancient marae stone temples and tranquil sapphire-blue lagoons, before cruising to the laid-back Cook Islands.  Porting at Aitutaki, Suwarrow Atoll and Manihiki, guests travel ashore by Zodiac to be greeted by local warriors, scout for breath-taking humpback whales and green turtles, encounter masked, brown and red-footed boobies in a protected National Park, and swim or snorkel around submerged lines of precious black pearls.

                     

Silver Discoverer continues her journey to the islands of Kiribati, the world's largest marine reserve, soon to be completely submerged by the waters of the Pacific.  Here, guests can encounter the 153 species of bird and marine life that inhabit the island of Kanton, before cruising to the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, a pristine UNESCO World Heritage Site.  This voyage concludes on the breathtaking shores of Apia, Samoa, where guests are treated to a traditional fire dance and a guided tour of the fascinating history and culture of this unique island nation.

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$16,750 in a View 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.

Un-Cruise new adventure in Panama

#expeditioncruising

Un-Cruise Adventures has released a new brochure of small ship adventure cruises from November 2015 through April 2017, including a new itinerary in Panama. Other areas covered include Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Hawaii, Mexico, the Galápagos Islands and Costa Rica.

The printed brochure has increased to 100 pages and includes details on twenty cruise itineraries plus land tour extensions. Colorful photos and maps illustrate each trip, and ship deck plans provide an overview of the line’s fleet of boutique yachts and small ships carrying 22-88 guests.

A Pure Panama: Cultures, Coasts & Canals itinerary in 2017 sails roundtrip Panama City, Panama aboard the 64-guest Safari Voyager. Highlights include exclusive visits at Guna Yala Islands and Darién villages, explorations of historic Casco Antiguo and San Lorenzo Fort, wildlife viewing in the Darién Jungle by motorized dugout canoe, bird watching along the Chagres River and a full transit of the 48-mile long Panama Canal.

On the Pacific side of Panama, travelers hike into the Punta Patiño Nature Reserve in the Darién Jungle, spot wildlife on the Mogue River by motorized dugout canoe and meet locals at an Emberá village. Guests also explore the Pearl Islands Archipelago, dotted with 90 islands and 130 islets, by kayak, paddle board, skiffs and snorkeling, while keeping eyes peeled for whales and dolphins.

In addition to the Panama Canal transit, guests tour Miraflores Locks and museum, travel to Casco Antiguo, the historic quarter of Panama City, and visit the Presidential Palace, National Theatre and Metropolitan Cathedral.

On the Atlantic side, two days are spent exploring Guna Yala (formerly the San Blas Islands) with time for water sports activities, swimming, relaxing on a picturesque beach and touring a local Kuna village. An exploration of the Chagres River is followed by a visit to San Lorenzo Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first sailing departs April 29, 2017, and weeklong cruises continue through September. Rates begin at $4,395 per person, double occupancy. All adventures and activities are included along with innovative meals, a massage, transfers and premium wine, beer and spirits.

In fall 2016, a weeklong adventure cruise begins exploring Costa Rica and also includes a full transit of the Panama Canal. The Safari Voyager will remain in Central America full-time to sail itineraries in Costa Rica and Panama.

Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic open for Arctic bookings

#expeditioncruising

Arctic 2016 Now Open!

Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic opens bookings to one of the world’s most exhilarating destinations

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic the leaders in expedition travel, have released its much-anticipated 2016 Arctic program inviting adventure seekers to discover the many wonders of the Northwest Passage and North Pole.

From uncovering the Viking history of this polar region, hiking along the fascinating Scandinavian hamlets, to witnessing the extraordinary beauty and majesty of a polar bear in its natural environment, Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic offers guests an unrivalled experience allowing guests to follow in the footsteps of famed explorers and scientists.

Building on over 30 years of experience in Arctic exploration, the 2016 program comes complete with eight exhilarating expeditions of Norway, Svalbard, Iceland, Baffin Island and Greenland. Prices start from $6,240 per person - twin share, with itineraries ranging from 6-22 days, with departure available from May – September 2016.

A new addition to the Lindblad product range, Exploring Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic is a 13-day expedition that explores Greenland’s rugged fjords, enormous glaciers, and includes hikes of the wild islands that trace Canada’s north shores.

Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic is giving guests greater choice by offering a selection of pre and/or post-voyage extensions to enhance their Arctic experience. Travellers can personalise their holiday by immersing themselves in Iceland’s natural wonders, and explore this volcanic isle near the Arctic Circle, or discover the surreal Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle in Reykjavik.

Guests will be suitably prepared for polar exploration when travelling aboard the renowned premium National Geographic Explorer, which comes equipped with Zodiac landing crafts, kayaks and snorkelling gear. Her incredible features offer guests both the confidence to explore and the opportunity to go places no cruise ship has before.

For further information on Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic’s Arctic program, visit www.expeditions.com, or call 1300 361 012 (AU), 0800 444 462 (NZ), or + 2 9033 8700 (Asia/Intl).

Featured Brochure: Small Ship Adventure Company

#expeditioncruising


This is quite possibly the most comprehensive small ship brochure anywhere.

Luxury & Value Small Ship Cruising Adventures & Experiences

Click now to receive this brochure for free

More than 100 pages of stunning adventure all around the world.

North America | Alaska | Columbia | Mexico | Hawaii | Polar Regions | Arctic | North West Passage | Anatarctic Peninsula | South Georgia | Falklands | South America | Amazon | Galapagos | Africa & Indian Ocean | Nile | Chobe River | Seychelles | Asia | Bali | Mekong | Myanmar | India | Yangtze | Europe | Adriatic | Greek Islands | Russia | European River & Canal Cruising | Oceania | Australia | New Zealand | Vanautu | Fiji | West Papua

The Small Ship Adventure Company offers truly memorable experiences for discerning travellers who value luxury, quality, and intimate up-close encounters. Experience destinations that large ships simply cannot reach. Tick nine countries off your list on one itinerary or sit back and enjoy the guaranteed unique adventures of exploring untamed shores and pristine beaches.

The Small Ship Adventure Co's expert travel advisors know how to match your cruising desires and ambitions with carefully selected land packages. Whether it be a stopover destination, or a pre or post tour extension, let the experts help you make your dream a reality.

Polar expedition cruising with Silversea Expeditions - new brochure

EXPLORE THE POLAR REALMS WITH SILVERSEA EXPEDITIONS

Silversea Expeditions is pleased to announce the release of its 2016 'Explore the Polar Realms' brochure showcasing luxury expedition voyages to the wondrous Arctic, Antarctic and New Zealand Sub-Antarctic.  With 12 departures throughout 2016, guests can explore these awe-inspiring natural regions on a voyage of seven to 18 days aboard the intimate Silver Explorer or Silver Discoverer.

Karen Christensen, Silversea General Manager & Director Sales/Marketing Australasia, says;

"Silversea Expeditions offer world explorers an incredible way to witness the untouched natural wonders of the remote Arctic, Antarctic and NZ Sub Antarctic regions.  Our expedition voyages are meticulously designed to offer discerning guests access to the raw beauty and endemic wildlife of these remote wildernesses, while maintaining the truly superior quality, all-inclusive lifestyle that can be expected from any Silversea cruise."

"With Silversea's expert expedition team of naturalists, historians and geologists, plus a selection of Zodiac and shore excursions, guests can delve deeper into these remote and stunning regions. Silver Discoverer and Silver Explorer, which has been purposely built to navigate the icy waters of the artic, afford guests the opportunity to explore majestic frontiers and encounter incredible wildlife, before returning to their exquisite ocean-view suite with butler service.  The incredible shore excursions are matched only by the luxury onboard, which includes the warmth of a bubble bath or sauna, being greeted with a hot drink or meal when returning from remarkable adventures or lunch on deck surrounded by heaters with warm blankets to keep guests nice and cosy in the Artic."

Highlights of Silversea Expeditions Polar expedition voyages include: navigating the icy and rugged landscapes of Svalbard; spotting Southern elephant seals and King Penguins on the stunning shores of South Georgia; embarking on Zodiac excursions around magnificent glaciers; experiencing the enormity of Prince Christian Sound, strolling through the lush rata trees and giant ferns of Campbell Island; and, encountering the mighty polar bear in its natural habitat.  Photography excursions and professional lectures are also on offer for a range of interests including diving, birding and wildlife spotting. Onboard a Polar expedition voyage, guests may disembark the ship to board a Zodiac, cross icy waters and stroll across a huge iceberg, enjoy afternoon tea in the midst of giant ice fields, or even hike up ancient glaciers. The opportunities for adventure are astounding and endless.




FEATURED VOYAGES:

V7618: Departing from Reykjavik, Iceland on 13 August 2016, Silver Explorer navigates through magnificent destinations such as the Denmark Strait, Skjoldungen Fjord and Prince Christian Sound on a 9-day voyage before concluding her journey in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.  Prices start from AU$9,250 per person, based on double occupancy in an Explorer Suite

V7626: Sailing from Valparaiso, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina, guests aboard Silver Explorer can discover the many natural wonders of this region, from the Drake Channel to the White Continent over 18 days.  The voyage, which visits the Antarctic Peninsula, affords guests the opportunity to witness whales, seals, and Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins, all in their natural environment.  Prices start from AU$22,650 per person, based on double occupancy in an Explorer Suite and include a one-way charter flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires

V9601: Aboard the luxurious Silver Discoverer, guests can experience the striking panoramic beauty, rich Māori culture and myriad of rare wildlife of New Zealand's Sub-Antarctic Islands as she sails from Dunedin to Lyttleton on this 16-day voyage.  This voyage also includes a rare opportunity for guests to experience Macquarie Island, Australia's Sub-Antarctic jewel, home to 72 bird species including the Southern Royal Albatross.  Prices start from AU$16,250 per person, based on double occupancy in an Explorer Suite

Explore the Polar Realms

Silversea Expeditions' fares include: up to one hours free WiFi per day; 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.



Copies of the new 2016 Silversea Expeditions ‘Explore the Polar Realms’ brochure are now available for order at www.tifs.com.au. For more information, contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit www.silversea.com.

Sail to four countries in 12 nights on a Grand Voyage with Star Clippers

#expeditioncruising

Star Clippers is offering a twelve night Grand Voyage from Lisbon to Barcelona in 2016. Departing April 25th, the Star Flyer will carry 170 guests to eleven eclectic ports in the Mediterranean.

Highlights include:

Cadiz
Known as ‘the cup of silver,' an ancient port almost African in appearance, the streets of Cadiz are lined with palm trees and churches topped with dome-like cupolas. Return visitors to Cadiz talk fondly of the food being the freshest seafood in Spain. Try the plump oysters and tiny shrimp sold on the market’s outskirts with a crisp glass of sherry, crispy churros sprinkled with a pinch of salt, or share Spanish tapas in one of the many rowdy taverns.

Cartagena
Stroll the narrow shaded streets with an agua de coco (coconut water) and uncover Cartagena’s Roman remains, Modernist houses made by the pupils of Gaudi and military fortresses. Bathe in El Totumo, a mud bath with alleged healing powers. According to folklore, the volcano used to spew lava but was turned into mud by a local priest who believed it was the work of the Devil, and banished him by sprinkling holy water into it.

Tangier
Tangier, the gateway to Africa and model for the film ’Casablanca’, has a nest of medieval alleyways to explore. Tour the medina (old quarter) and Kasbah (old fortress) and splurge at a typical bazaar. Feast on an authentic Moroccan lunch with couscous and tagine, and sample traditional mint tea at a tea bar. ‘The Cave of Hercules,’ long thought to be bottomless and to have sheltered Hercules overnight provides views of the Atlantic, and is the perfect excuse for a camel ride.

Malaga
Unfinished gothic cathedrals, traditional balconied buildings and an 11th-century Gibralfaro castle on top of a hill - this is Malaga, Pablo Picasso’s birthplace. Relax at beachside bars, taverns and bistros and the Paseo del Parque along the harbour, shaded by palm trees and adorned with fountains and Roman sculptures. Unwind back onboard the ship in your deluxe suite serving as your own peaceful haven, or join other guests at the indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar for a drink and seafood buffet.



You feel like you are on your own private yacht aboard Star Clippers with its two swimming pools, 1760 square metres of open deck and hidden balconies on either side of the bow, you’re sure to find your own secret hideaway.

Star Clippers’ Grand Voyage from Lisbon to Barcelona starts from $3,659pp including taxes, grats and the applicable 35% early booking discount per person sharing a twin cabin, departing 25 April 2016.

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

A-ROSA Aqua in collision with freighter on Rhine in Germany. Reports of injuries.

#expeditioncruising

Damage is clearly seen on A-Rosa Aqua (www.epa.eu)

Damage is clearly seen on A-Rosa Aqua (www.epa.eu)

A-Rosa Aqua

Reports are only just emerging of a collision between the A-Rosa Aqua and a Dutch-flagged freighter, Marjo-R, on the Rhine near Dusseldorf, Germany.

German news sources claim 11 passengers are injured, with three requiring evacuation to hospital.

At time of writing, there was no further details about the condition of any injured persons or likely interruption to cruises.

The German-flagged A-ROSA Aqua entered service in 2009 and carries a maximum of 204 guests. According to reports, the accident occurred at about 1000hrs with the Aqua carrying 170 passengers and 50 crew en route from Amsterdam to Basel.

Freighter Marjo-R in collision with A-Rosa Aqua (www.epa.eu)

Mekong and Irrawaddy Rivers with Insider Journeys

#rivercruising

Explore the Mighty Mekong and Irrawaddy Rivers in Luxury Boutique Style for Less with Insider Journeys

Savings from $2,866 per couple

Deck of the Jahan

For the month of August, Insider Journeys is offering Mekong River cruise savings starting from $4,916* per couple for December departures aboard luxury boutique cruise vessels. Selected Burma cruises are also available for October departures at 30%^ off if booked before 31st August.

Experience a river cruise along one of Asia's major lifelines, the Mekong, combined with a few days exploring the bustling streets of exciting Saigon, visiting the famous Cu Chi Tunnels and discovering the temples of Angkor, all guided by an expert local guide.

Insider Journeys' Mekong packages start from $2,916 per person twin share cruising on Heritage Line's charming Jahan or Jayavarman through Cambodia and Vietnam for departures 3 Dec, 10 Dec and 17 December 2015.

The itinerary includes Saigon, Cai Be, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Tonle Sap Lake, and Siem Reap.

The Jahan and the Jayavarman cruise ships offer the features of a luxury boutique hotel in the form of a river cruise. All superior staterooms are situated on the main deck, with modern amenities and full-sized balconies enjoying river views. Attentive staff are on hand to take care of passengers' every need, ensuring a relaxed and luxurious experience cruising along the Mekong.

River view from a Jayavarman Superior Stateroom

With only 12 superior staterooms available on the Jahan and 14 on the Jayavarman per departure, this opportunity will not last.

The tour includes 4 nights hotel accommodation, 7 nights cruise accommodation, breakfast daily, 7 lunches, 11 dinners, transport in air-conditioned vehicles, join in touring, entrance fees, local English speaking guides, return transfers, tips and port charges. Prices inclusive of flights** are available, with departures from most Australian capital cities.

Enjoy sailing the magnificent Irrawaddy River onboard the new Anawrahta, due to be launched September 2015. With some of the largest cabins and highest crew-to-passenger ratios on the Irrawaddy, the Anawrahta offers a luxurious onboard experience for its fascinating itineraries along the Irrawaddy.

The Golden Land Voyage package includes 4 nights cruise accommodation in a deluxe cabin, breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, sightseeing with local English speaking guides and entrance fees, arrival and departure transfers, tips and port charges.

For more information and bookings, Insider Journeys' Asia experts can be contacted on 1300 362 777 or visit www.insiderjourneys.com.au.


***

* For sale until 31st August 2015

^ Burma price from $3,444 per person twin share

** Flight and airfare information is available upon request

Luxury Small Ship Cruising Sale - Iceland, The Med, Northern Europe...

Combining Tauck's signature land sightseeing with
personalised small ship cruising

2016 Space Selling Fast - available dates:

Venice & The Dalmatian Coast on 28 August '16
Iceland: Land of Fire & Ice on 13, 20 and 27 July '16
St Petersburg & the Baltic on 6 & 13 June '16
Treasures of the Aegean on 10 & 31 August '16



Interested in other itineraries?

Contact us for a copy of Tauck's 2016 Small Ship Brochure
Phones open 9am on Monday

Call Sarah, Keryn or Val on 1300 857 437
or travel@traveltheworld.com.au

Haimark launches on the Amazon

#expeditioncruising



Fast-growing Haimark Ltd. will launch six-night river voyages on the Peruvian Amazon aboard the new 44-passenger RV Amazon Discovery starting Oct. 11.

Read full report

Two Newbuilds planned for Lindblad

#expeditioncruising



by Theresa Norton Masek

Lindblad Expeditions Inc. plans to place orders for two small coastal vessels in the third quarter with delivery expected in 2017 and 2018.

“These new vessels, which will be 100-passenger, U.S.-flagged ships, will allow us to capitalize on the strong demand for our expeditions with routes similar to existing ones where demand is in excess of our capacity,” President and CEO Sven-Olof Lindblad said. “We are also reviewing a variety of acquisition opportunities that we believe would be accretive to our planned expansion. Given our strong capital position and the fragmented nature of our industry, we are well positioned to act as a platform to facilitate consolidation.”

The news was disclosed in a press release announcing second-quarter results for the company, which became public in July upon completing a merger with Capitol Acquisition Corp. II. Capitol changed its name to Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc. and now trades on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the new symbols LIND and LINDW.

Sven-Olof Lindblad

Lindblad said adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $12 million, a 9.1 percent increase from $11 million in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA was $26.3 million for the first half of 2015, a 4.8 percent increase over the same period last year.

Sven-Olof Lindblad said the 9.1 percent increase was achieved despite a “slight decrease” in ticket revenues due to softer demand for Africa and Indian Ocean voyages.

“During the summer of 2016, the Orion will be redeployed to Europe as part of our already planned integration of the Orion acquisition into our fleet,” he said. Lindblad bought Orion Expedition Cruises in March 2013 and integrated the ship into its fleet a year later.

Ian Rogers, Lindblad’s CFO and COO, said bookings for 2016 are slightly ahead of where they were at this time last year.

“Although it is too early to provide a detailed picture for 2016, bookings remain strong with 43 percent of ticket revenue for the 2016 financial year on the books, as at June 30, 2015, compared with 40 percent in 2014 for the 2015 financial year,” he said.

Lindblad also announced it appointed Bernard W. Aronson as an independent director. The founding partner of ACON Investments LLC, a middle-market private equity group, Aronson previously served as a director of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. from 1993 until 2015.

He also serves as the U.S. Special Envoy to the Colombian Peace Process, serves or has served during the past five years as a director of Kate Spade Inc., Hyatt Hotels Corp., Chroma Oil and Gas LP, Sequitur Energy, ACON Franchise Holdings, Mariner Energy and Northern Tier Energy. He serves on several non-profit boards including The Nature Conservancy Maryland/D.C. chapter, The Amazon Conservation Team, and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.