Cruise Lines Continue to Support Mass Murder of Whales in Faroe Islands

#expeditioncruising



by Jim Walker - Walker & O'Neill Maritime Lawyers

Yesterday, residents in the Faroe Islands brutally slaughtered a pod of 30-50 pilot whales in the Danish island's annual gruesome, grindadráp (grind).

The Sea Shepherd organization, which is barred by Denmark from the Faroe Islands, wrote yesterday "the ordeal began this morning when locals spotted a pod of between 100-150 pilot whales passing by Svínoy. Several boats then drove the pod of whales approximately 11 kilometers to Hvannasund, where the whales were forced to beach, and slaughtered by locals. Faroese media outlets have confirmed between 30-50 pilot whales have been killed."

READ FULL STORY

Australian passengers robbed on Amazon Discovery

#expeditioncruising

Attacked: Amazon Discovery (pic: Avalon Waterways)

source: AP

Peruvian authorities say bandits have attacked an Amazon tourist boat and robbed more than two dozen tourists from the U.S., Australia and New Zealand.

Oscar Garrido-Lecca is the port captain in the river city of Iquitos and he says police are hunting through the area to find the robbers.

He says the attackers used a small craft to reach the Amazon Discovery, operated by Peruvian company Delfin Amazon Cruises in conjunction with , boarded it and then robbed passengers and crew of goods worth about $20,000 early Thursday.

The tourists included 21 Americans, six Australians and two from New Zealand. There were also 25 Peruvians working aboard.

After attacks on Aqua Expedition vessels in 2009, armed security officers were placed aboard each departure.

MORE: Questions asked after Amazon robbery

Aqua Expeditions MV Aqua Amazon sinks in fiery accident. No passengers aboard.

#expeditioncruising

Updated

* "at least seven dead and 13 injured." This figure since confirmed by company. (see below)
* "police believe a short circuit may have detonated the large fuel tank."

Report just received indicates the luxury Amazon river cruise boat, Aqua Amazon, has sunk as a result of an as-yet-unexplained accident during the turnaround procedure. Recent anecdotal reports point to a refueling accident either with gas or liquid fuel.

The Peruvian newspaper, El Comercio, also states that "the first police investigations reveal that aquatic ship arrived to the port to fill the gas tank without any security measures. The incident caused burns to 8 people, who had to jump into the flowing and being rescued by residents and staff Enapu who was nearby . . . It is presumed that some people were trapped inside the ship."

Distressing images of the vessel on fire and sinking (Daniel Carbajal via cruiselawnews.com)

Source: Daniel Carbajal via cruiselawnews.com

According to a statement issued by the cruise company, it occurred "during the regular Saturday supplying and turn-around hours for re-stocking of the vessel"

MV Aqua Amazon, pictured here in 2010, was lost in an accident while resupplying (R Eime)

Apparently an explosion occurred, holing the hull and resulting in the sinking of the ship at the wharf in the port of Enapu, located along the Itaya River, Punchana district in Iquitos (Loreto).
"The investigation is ongoing and more information will be shared as it becomes available.

"No passengers were aboard, but some of the crew have been hurt and up to four are declared missing.

Aqua Expeditions founder and CEO,
Francesco Galli Zugaro: "much
regret and sadness"

"All efforts are being made to get a better understanding of the status of the missing crew. The entire operations team is on the ground providing logistical support with local emergency services."

Aqua said that passengers scheduled to depart Saturday on the Aqua Amazon were reassigned to the Aria Amazon and “other ships.” Cruises on the Aria Amazon launch from Iquitos, Peru, the same city from where the Aqua Amazon was scheduled to depart.

The 40m, 400 tonne MV Aqua Amazon was the first vessel launched by Aqua Expeditions in 2007 by founder and CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro.

For reservation queries, please contact:

Lima: +511 434 5544
Singapore: +65 6270 4002
Toll Free in Australia: 1800 243 152
Email: reservations@aquaexpeditions.com


Update: 20 July 2016


A Statement from Aqua Expeditions Founder and CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro

Iquitos, Peru - July 19, 2016: Following the tragic incident involving the Aqua Amazon on Saturday, July 16, all of our efforts at Aqua Expeditions have been focused on finding the members of our crew who were on board at the time of the accident and were reported missing after the explosion that caused the vessel to capsize.

It was first thought that four crew were unaccounted for; however, this figure rose to five on Sunday night when another crew member could not be located. In addition, there are two external suppliers who are also victims, bringing the total missing to seven people. As of 17:00 EST Monday, July 18, two of the victims have been identified and recovered. Five more remain to be found and recovered.

There are an additional eight crew members in recovery in the hospital following the explosion. Three are in intensive care and the remaining five are receiving the necessary medical attention. We are assuring them the best medical treatment possible.

We have been in close contact with their families and have been keeping them fully informed of news of their loved ones during this difficult time. Many of the crew have been with me from 2007 when we started. I considered them dear friends, not just employees.

The source of the fire and explosion is yet to be determined as preliminary investigations are still underway. We are supporting all efforts by the authorities and will continue to do so throughout the process.

Our industry partners, guests, families and friends have given me and everyone at Aqua Expeditions the strength and commitment to stay united and face this tragedy together. We are overwhelmed with the show of support that is continuing to pour in from all over the world and we will be eternally thankful.

I, along with our media and marketing teams, will be keeping the industry informed of further developments.

Sincerely,

Francesco Galli Zugaro

Hurtigruten new ship MS Spitsbergen Christened

#expeditioncruising

The much-anticipated christening of Hurtigruten’s new explorer vessel MS Spitsbergen saw a crowd of thousands gather in the town square of Svolvaer, a fishing village in Lofoten.

The destination is one of the most spectacular in the world for adventure travel, and truly one of the highlights of the Hurtigruten Norwegian coastal voyages.

The setting was picture-perfect, with the natural phenomenon of the Midnight Sun casting a magical light on the event as the ship’s Godmother, Norwegian explorer Cecilie Skog, smashed a champagne bottle into its side. As one of the most merited contemporary explorers, with numerous achievements including expeditions to the North Pole and South Pole, Mount Everest, Antarctica, and Greenland under her wing, Skog is a great match for the new vessel. She’s also climbed the ‘Seven Summits’ to stand on top of the highest mountain on each of the earth’s seven continents, living and breathing everything adventure travel and Hurtigruten’s ethos represent.

The ship is named after Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard Archipelago, located on the very northernmost part of Norway, next to the North Pole. The island is also where Hurtigruten’s founder, Richard With, first started explorer tourism in the Arctic in 1896, so it holds particular significance. She joins Hurtigruten’s fleet of explorer ships on Norway’s coastline, and will set sail on her first voyage from Bergen on 24 July 2016.

After spending her first season in Norway, MS Spitsbergen will alternate between the Norwegian coast and polar expeditions. From 2017, guests can sail with her to Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe and Shetland Islands, as well as to Arctic Canada. Here, passengers will discover L'Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the first Vikings settlements were discovered in 1960.

 

Voyage report: Tristan De Cunha

#expeditioncruising



by Aaron Russ

A few years ago I had the opportunity to join an expedition sailing from Cape to Cape across the waters of the South Atlantic. Aside from the destinations visited which I will get to shortly it really is quite a journey to be connecting two of the Southern Ocean's great capes in a single voyage. Departing from Ushuaia in Argentina we first visited the Falkland Islands before continuing to South Georgia, South Georgia is one of those places on the planet that continues to enthrall no matter how many times you visit and the opportunity to visit in the autumn was something that I was looking forward to and not disappointed by. We enjoyed settled weather and the King Penguin colonies were still a hive of activity.

From South Georgia we set course to the NE headed for Tristan da Cunha, this is the most remote inhabited island on earth and as such its not the easiest place to reach, so it was a real highlight to have the opportunity to visit. Sailing northwards it was fascinating to watch the seabird species change with Sooty and Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross becoming more prevalent as well as some great views of Spectacled Petrels following the ship. The weather had become noticeably warmer by the time we arrived in Tristan and the hospitality from the locals was even warmer, it was a significant occasion in the annual calendar of the island to have a ship visit and most of the population turned out to welcome us as we landed by zodiac in the small protected Calshot Harbour in front of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas.

Our voyage continued from Tristan da Cunha to Cape Town without the opportunity to explore the rest of the wildlife rich islands in the Tristan archipelago but there are some truly spectacular islands which are vital habitat for numerous seabirds including albatross, penguins and petrels which I look forward to exploring on a future visit.

The final highlight of my voyage was arrival by sea to Cape Town, sailing past the Cape of Good Hope and into Table Bay was an experience not to be forgotten and an accompaniment of Southern Right Whales added to the experience.

Journey from Antarctica to Africa next March, see this impressive itinerary here. Current promotional fares from A$11,480pp in a Deluxe Stateroom, please enquire for the best available fares.

The Magic of Cruising in Myanmar... while saving up to $3540

Happy fisherman on Inle Lake
Photo Credit: Insider Journeys, Ian Richards

The Irrawaddy River is the lifeblood of Myanmar. Experiencing its many activities from sunrise to sunset is an essential part of any trip to the country. Asia travel specialists Insider Journeys are making an Irrawaddy cruise even more attractive with a limited time offer of up to $3,540* off selected cabins on their November charters booked before 31 July 2016.

Insider Journeys are offering the chance to see Myanmar like never before, balancing days of cruising in luxury on the stunning Irrawaddy Explorer with unique insights in pre and post backstreet walking tours in Mandalay and Yangon.

Travellers have the opportunity to visit curious unknown pockets of these cities, such as the captivating market where the locals trade their wares on the railway track, dispersing whenever a train approaches, and seeing local life and the lesser known sites which give insights into aspects of culture and history visitors don't normally learn about.

There's also the chance to kayak or sunset canoe around the stilt villages and floating farms of Inle Lake and to visit community projects that are focused on supporting local communities, improving their lives and protecting the local culture.

Travelling in luxury aboard the Irrawaddy Explorer
Photo Credit: Insider Journeys

The ship embraces the ambiance of a colonial era, with highly attentive staff, exceptional customer service, luxurious amenities and modern conveniences, a rejuvenating spa and a diverse menu of regional and western cuisines.

The 12 day Treasures of Golden Burma cruise includes

-      9 nights' cruise accommodation in a Maugham Suite
-      2 nights' hotel accommodation
-      Breakfast daily, 9 lunches and 11 dinners
-      Western Cruise Director
-      Sightseeing with local English-speaking guides and entrance fees
-      Arrival and departure transfers
-      Tips and porter charges

The 20 November departure travels upstream from Yangon – Irrawaddy River Cruise – Mandalay.

The 29 November departure downstream starts Mandalay – Irrawaddy River Cruise – Yangon.

Visit www.insiderjourneys.com.au or call 1300 365 355 for bookings.

***

* Save up to $3,540 in Insider Journeys' "Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off" for select cabins on the 20 November 2016 and 29 November 2016 Irrawaddy Explorer departures. Conditions apply, based on per person twin share basis only. Offer valid until 31 July 2016 or until sold out.

WIN a trip for two in the Galápagos with Aurora Expeditions

Small ship cruising specialists, Aurora Expeditions, have launched an online competition offering experience seekers the chance to win a cruising adventure for two in the Galápagos Islands!

The 'Galápagos Experience' competition will give the lucky winners the chance to jump aboard Aurora Expeditions' inaugural 9-day voyage to experience the very best of the remote Galápagos Islands. From aboard 38-passenger Isabela II, they'll have the chance to enjoy experiences such as snorkelling with sea lions, hiking on powerful ancient lava flows, observing spectacular seabirds, meeting a giant tortoise and more!

To enter the competition simply visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/galapagoscompetition and select the Galápagos experience you'd most enjoy and explain your choice in 30 words or less. The entry with the most inspired and creative response will win a cabin for two on Aurora Expeditions' inaugural Galápagos Odyssey, valued at US$13,200.

The competition is open to anyone aged 18 years or older and closes 31 July 2016 11:59 PM, AEST.

For full competition details visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/galapagoscompetition or for more information on Aurora Expeditions' Galápagos Odyssey expedition, visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au.

Prize Details

The prize includes one standard twin-share cabin for two people on Aurora Expeditions' Galápagos Odyssey expedition departing 3 October 2016, including return flights from Quito, Ecuador to the Galápagos Islands, 8 nights' accommodation aboard Isabela II including meals, all shore excursions and transfers to and from the ship in the Galápagos Islands.

*The prize does not include international airfares to/from Ecuador, airport transfers, travel insurance, camera equipment, expedition clothing, passports, visas, vaccinations, meals not included in the expedition itinerary, optional activities, spending money, gratuities and all items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, and email or phone charges.

Australis Cruises named best small ocean cruise line in world

Australis Cruises has been named the #1 cruise line in the Small Ocean Cruises category in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards 2016.  This is the first year that this category was added to the coveted World's Best Awards.

Every year, the readers of Travel + Leisure, the largest travel magazine brand in the United States, vote on their favorite destinations, hotels, resorts, spas, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, rental-car agencies, and more in the World's Best Awards survey.  The awards experienced record participation this year. Travel-industry professionals are not invited to vote.

In 2016, to reflect the ever increasing diversification of product within the cruise industry, Travel + Leisure editors made an editorial decision to have four ocean cruise categories. The former Small Ocean Cruises category (ships carrying fewer than 600 passengers) will now refer to lines with ships carrying between 250 and 599 passengers as Mid-Size, while Small refers to lines with vessels of under 250 passengers.

Pedro del Río, Australis' CEO, said: "We are pleased and proud to be named #1 in the Small Ocean Cruises category for this prestigious award from Travel + Leisure.   Our cruises are expeditions through southern Patagonia in Chile and Argentina.  They appeal to travelers who look for adventure."

Australis, with ships sailing through one of the wildest and most beautiful regions of the world, has been cruising in the southern-most channels of Patagonia for more than 25 years.  Dazzling experiences include majestic glaciers, Cape Horn, Wulaia Bay and extraordinary wildlife.   These are journeys of discovery in a pristine natural environment that is home to magnificent flora and fauna.

For more information, visit www.australis.com

Facts:

Australis operates 3-, 4- and 7-night programs between Punta Arenas and Ushuaia from September until April annually. See www.australis.com for details. Bookings can be made by through South American specialist agency, Movidas [www.movidas.com.au]

South America Experts

* Based in Chile, Australis offers 'bottom of the world' cruises in Patagonia and to Cape Horn aboard 200-guest expedition ships every summer.  

The Week in Expedition Cruising: are you up to date?

#expeditioncruising

A weekly round-up of #expedition and #adventure #cruising news.

http://rodei.me/29xzji7

History: The misery of Peary’s elusive channel

#expeditioncruising




There was fame, honour and respect to be won by those who explored Greenland around the turn of the last century. For some, there was also death.

Read full article

Cruising the Komodos and beyond by Pinisi schooner

#expeditioncruising

By Jacqueline Lang and Peter Rigby

The ship’s bell rings. Like school kids racing to recess, we tear out of our cabin, and spring on to the tender whisking us out to a snorkelling hotspot.

Soon we’re kicking away in the Komodo Sea, gliding over reefs teeming with multi-coloured tropical fish.

We’re in a remote part of eastern Indonesia; our new home, the Ombak Putih, a glorious 12-cabin wooden schooner built in the traditional pinisi-style.

For seven days, we’re island hopping with 18 passengers and 13 crew, exploring parts of the Indonesian archipelago most tourists never get to see.

Read full story at The Starfish
 

Antarctic tourism industry under pressure

#expeditioncruising

On 29 June, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) held their equivalent to the annual US football or basketball draft...attempting to secure their cruise ship landing schedules for the "top" Antarctic tourist destinations...Deception Island, Port Lockroy, Palmer Station...in an effort to insure that all of the cruise ship passengers had a unique Antarctic experience (eg not seeing any other cruise ships on their voyage). Fortunately I had an opportunity to visit/transit many of the great places along the Antarctic Peninsula during early or late austral summer when the cruise ships weren't around...and as I was working in the US Antarctic Program I was getting paid to do so! Anyway, here's the Guardian's take on this (the article took me a bit aback by the mention of "football" as played in the US rather than in the UK). https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/26/antarctica-tourism-regulations-cruises-field-trips