Lindblad adds two new departures for Antarctica 2016 season

*Complimentary charter airfare and $1,000 special saving*

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced the addition of two new departures to their Antarctica 2016 season on November 7 and November 17. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the first citizen explorer voyage to Antarctica led by Lars-Eric Lindblad, the company cited the increased demand, and with two ships in the region, National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion, the season is almost sold out.

Both departures will be set aboard the 102-guest National Geographic Orion, and will follow the 11-night Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent expedition, one of the most exhilarating adventures the planet offers.

Guests will experience the marvels of this world of penguins in astounding numbers, myriad bird species, and whales; the majestic ice sculptures, and the splendid solitude.  The active, immersive adventure will include kayaking among icebergs, Zodiac cruises past resting leopard seals, and hikes on the continent with the best ice team on Earth - an expedition leader, eight veteran naturalists, a National Geographic photographer, a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, and an undersea specialist.    

Rates begin at AU$16,700 per person based on double occupancy in a category one cabin. Guests on the two departures will also receive a special saving of AU$1,000 and a complimentary charter airfare roundtrip between Santiago/Ushuaia.

For reservations or additional information on Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyages, visit au.expeditions.com, or call 1300 361 012 (AU), 0800 444 462 (NZ) or +2 9033 8700 (Asia).

One Oceans Expeditions join the prestigious Canadian Signature Experience Collection

Destination Canada welcomes Canadian cruise specialist, One Ocean Expeditions (OOE), to the Canadian Signature Experience (CSE) program with its unique 'Fins and Fiddles' expedition cruise to Canada's East Coast.  The CSE is a curated collection of innovative travel experiences designed to encourage local and global visitors to further explore Canada by introducing them to the most authentic and memorable experiences possible, Coast to Coast to Coast.

OOE's  'Fins and Fiddles' 11-day expedition cruise http://www.oneoceanexpeditions.com/canadian_signature_experiences_landing caters to travellers and families interested in exploring the diverse facets of Canada's friendliest region - the Maritimes and Canada's East Coast.  Departing from Louisbourg, Nova Scotia the voyage provides unrivalled access to remote communities, abundant wildlife, natural beauty and diverse cultural experiences representing Canada's rich history.  Zodiac excursions, soft adventures and educational seminars take place daily.  These activities include sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, on-shore guided hiking and bicycle touring; meetings with locals in remote fishing communities and educational seminars on marine wildlife, Canadian history and photography by onboard experts. Guests can experience as many activities on the ship as they do off the ship, defining the expedition cruise experience that is unique to OOE.

Trip highlights include encountering the fabled wild horses of Sable Island, Parks Canada's newest Natural Reserve off the mainland of Nova Scotia; visiting the world's largest gannet colonies on Bonaventure Island; setting foot on Canada's birth-place, Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, and walking on the earth's crust at Tablelands, a World Heritage Site in Gros Morne National Park.

"OOE is honoured to join the other exceptional members of the Canadian Signature collection", says Andrew Prossin, Managing Director at One Ocean Expeditions. "Together with operators from across the country OOE continues to innovate and develop outstanding Canadian travel experiences that differentiate our great destination on the competitive global stage," added Prossin.

With over 200,000 kilometers (over 124,000 miles) of coastline, Canada boasts the longest coastline in the world.  OOE's Canadian Signature Experience was chosen for the exceptional experience connecting travellers to Canadians and Canada's geography, rich cultural heritage on coastal communities and marine adventures.

In July 2017, OOE is introducing a new voyage on Canada's East Coast, the 'Labrador and Torngat Explorer' http://www.oneoceanexpeditions.com/voyages/labrador.  This inaugural 11- day voyage cruises along the rugged coastline of Newfoundland and Labrador and includes a visit to the jewel in the crown of Canada's National Park network - Torngat Mountains National Park – home to the highest mountains in Canada, east of the Rockies.  The trip also links several historic locations including the Viking settlement at L'anse au Meadows, a French-built fortress and various remote mission locations and isolated fishing ports.  The voyage takes travellers north into the higher Arctic latitudes and gives access to abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery in remote bays and fjords only accessible by the small ships operated by OOE.

For more information on One Ocean Expeditions' cruises please visit: www.oneexpeditionscruise.com

Peregrine’s ‘Big Polar Payout’ sees Antarctica sales soar

#expeditioncruising

Since launching Peregrine Adventures ‘Big Polar Payout’ on July 1, sales for the adventure travel company’s Polar Trips have increased by 1,100%.

Polar sales have soared in the past 2 weeks, making Antarctica Peregrine’s second biggest selling destination after South America.

Agents are embracing the incentive and there has been a 264% increase in the number of agents trained per week.

The Big Polar Payout offers an earlybird special to consumers for 2017/2018 Polar trips, as well as one massive incentive that will see one lucky store win back the entire cost of a Polar berth.

Agents also go in to the draw to win icy-cold Friday night drinks, for completing the training.

Sandra Worsfold and Tashi Lachman from Thor Travel and Amanda Sansom from Flight Centre Applecross have been the winners of the ice-cold beverages so far.

To go in the draw to win the Big Polar Payout and weekly icy cold Friday drinks, agents must register and complete the Intrepid Group’s online Polar sales training here:

www.surveymonkey.com/r/82J63D6 . For further information on the incentive and full terms and conditions, please contact your Intrepid Group BDM.

The Big Polar Payout is available to any store in Australian or New Zealand that books and deposits for a Peregrine Adventures or Intrepid Travel Polar trip before 31 August 2016.

Peregrine Adventures is offering travellers up to $8300 off select Antarctic voyages for the 2017/2018 season. The offer is available until 30th September 2016 - or until places are sold out. For more information and T &Cs visit: www.peregrineadventures.com/antarctica-earlybird


For more information on all Peregrine Adventures Polar trips, visit www.peregrineadventures.com/polar-voyages

New ultra luxury small ship cruise tour of Scotland and England

Revealing a Very Royal Affair

Exclusive, new, luxe cruise tour to England and Scotland featuring The Ritz, royal palaces, private dining and luxurious cruise and rail journeys

One of the finest journeys ever offered by Cruise Express

Private tours of English royal palaces, an exclusive dinner in Scotland's finest medieval castle, a stay at the London Ritz and journeys aboard the opulent Belmond Royal Scotsman train and the boutique Scottish ship, Hebridean Princess, are highlights of an exclusive new 2017 cruise tour released by Cruise Express.

Departing Australia on August 7, 2017, 'A Very Royal Affair' is a luxurious, 21-night journey by road, rail and sea through England and Scotland. The tour begins with two days in London followed by an in-depth exploration of Scotland, including tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a private tour and morning tea aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia and a ride on the UK's highest railway.

Among the tour's many highlights are:

* Two nights in London's legendary Ritz Hotel.

* Private tours inside Kensington Palace – home to Prince William and his family and once the home of Princess Diana - and Clarence House, home to Prince Charles and his wife and once the residence of the Queen Mother.

* An overnight trip aboard the glamorous Belmond Royal Scotsman train from London to Edinburgh, including a champagne afternoon tea, cocktails, canapes and gourmet dinner and breakfast.

* Three nights in Edinburgh including a private tour and morning tea aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, premium tickets to the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and a visit to the magnificent 17th Century Hopetoun House, billed as Scotland's finest Georgian manor.

* A visit to Scotland's famous St Andrews Cathedral.

* A trip  up 1245m-high CairnGorm Mountain along a 40-degree funicular track - the UK's highest railway.

* An elegant champagne reception and dinner in the multi-towered, 600-year-old Glamis Castle near Blairgowrie. Described as Scotland's most beautiful castle, Glamis was the childhood home of the Queen Mother.

* A tour of romantic Cawdor Castle and its ornate gardens near Inverness. The castle is linked to Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth

* A visit to 227m-deep Loch Ness, home to the world's most famous monster.

* A private tour with three course lunch in spectacular Inveraray Castle, nestled by a loch in the Scottish Highlands and home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll.

The centrepiece of the tour is a seven-night cruise from Invergordon to Oban around the top of Scotland and through the wildly beautiful islands of The Hebrides aboard the luxurious, 49-guest ship, Hebridean Princess. Twice chartered by the Queen for private family holidays, the Hebridean Princess boasts just 30 staterooms - each uniquely named and decorated in rich, baronial style. While enjoying gourmet cuisine, guests will visit ports such as Wick – home to the world's shortest street (just 2m long) – and picturesque fishing villages like Scrabster, Ullapool and Lochinver. Passengers can also explore the pretty islands of Skye, Raasay and Muck.  Shore excursions and beverages are complimentary throughout the cruise.

Including return flights from Australia, 12 nights' touring and the seven-night cruise, 'A Very Royal Affair' is available from $22,990 per person, twin-share from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane and from $22,590 per person, twin-share, from Perth.

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

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.