Australia Day Celebrations on special Murray Princess Cruise

Celebrate historic Australia Day on a special four night Murray Princess Australia Day cruise and enjoy Australia Day festivities while discovering the real history of the outback. The four-night cruise departs Monday 23rd January, 2017.

The Australia Day cruise features the popular four-night itinerary combined with Australia Day fun and games including Two Up and thong throwing and a special Captain's Australia Day Buffet Dinner.

On-shore excursions include a guided walking tour of Swan Reach and a visit to the Swan Reach Museum.

Learn about Aboriginal history at the amazing Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve - one of Australia's most significant archaeological sites and enjoy a guided boardwalk tour of ancient rock carvings.

Fall in love with the animals at a visit to a Native Wildlife Shelter and experience a fun and very Australian Woolshed Show.

Experience the excitement of cruising through Lock 1 at Blanchetown and enjoy some cellar door tasting and a tour of the vineyard at Burk Salter Boutique Winery.

Wildlife lovers can spot an abundance of nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank and birdwatchers can spend endless hours spotting a wide variety of river birds.

Plant life is also thriving and led by on-shore guides guests can enjoy nature walks, eco-tours and learn about the thriving ecology of the river.

Guests can sit back in one of two air-conditioned paddlewheel lounges and enjoy the amazing views as the Murray Princess cruises past towering limestone cliffs, and along riverbanks lined with mallee scrub and red gum forests. They can even watch the working paddle wheel through a spectacular two-story glass window in the Paddlewheel Lounge.

Food on board the Murray Princess is a highlight of the cruise. Guests will enjoy a hearty hot buffet breakfast each morning, a two-course or buffet lunch each day and a three-course or buffet dinner each evening. There is a spectacular Captain's dinner and dance, a special Captain's Australia Day Buffet Dinner and even an Aussie-style campfire barbecue dinner and bush dance on the river bank.

The four night Australia Day cruise departs from Mannum at 4.30pm on Monday 23rd January, 2017 and Early Booking Saver fares start from only $1076 per person twin share.

Fares include accommodation, all meals, guided nature walks, eco-excursions, onboard presentations, onboard free Wi-Fi, the Captain's Australia Day Buffet Dinner, live entertainment, use of ship's facilities including a sauna, spa, sun deck, bar, two lounges, restaurant and mini gymnasium with complimentary scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or secure car-parking in Mannum.

For Further information and bookings please contact:

T: 1300 729 938 from within Australia or +61 9 8202 8697 from Overseas

Email: murrayprincess@sealink.com.au

Visit: www.murrayprincess.com.au

Preview the four news ships by Ponant

#expeditioncruising
Ponant, the only French-owned cruise line and the world leader in luxury expeditions, presents its new series of yachts, the PONANT EXPLORERS.



Four new yachts will soon be added to the Ponant fleet, confirming the cruise line’s position as the world leader in luxury expeditions. The first two will arrive in time for the Summer 2018 season and the other two for Summer 2019.



Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Kerguelen: the names of the 4 ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series pay tribute to great French explorers who set sail to discover new continents.

Deadly Oceans: in search of the deadliest sea creatures

#expeditioncruising .

The world’s oceans are filled with an array of venomous and toxic marine critters, not to mention a whole host of apex carnivores.They continue to fascinate us with their magnificent appearance and behaviour, no matter how dangerous or shocking. Within the pages of Deadly Oceans you can join ace divers and wildlife photographers Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown as they tour the world in search of the deadliest sea creatures.

They are not only looking at the marine life that is specifically a danger to humans, but also those predators with amazing adaptations that make them supreme hunters, marveling at predators that conceal themselves, perfectly camouflaged to their surroundings, waiting to strike, sometimes at mind-boggling speeds. Taking a look at creatures from beneath the surface that have developed toxins to prevent them becoming prey, and finally focusing on the organism that poses the greatest threat, not only to all marine life in our seas and oceans, but also to the planet itself.

Deadly Oceans is illustrated with hundreds of stunning images, chapters cover everything from jellyfish to sea snakes, and cone shells to crocodiles and, of course, a whole range of sharks while the most deadlyspecies of them all may or may not come as a surprise.

About the Authors

Nick and Caroline are both aware winning underwater photographers and have been diving together since 1995. Their scuba adventures have taken them to locations all around the world, but they also still love diving in their native British waters. Caroline has a BSc (Hons) in biology and an MSc in Animal behavior. Nick has a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Biology, a DipEd in teaching and is a Fellow of The Royal Photographic Society. Caroline and Nick are both conversation driven and are involved in several charities that strive to protect our oceans.

NEW HOLLAND PUBLISHERS | HARDBACK | RRP $65.00

Great Barrier Reef - ‘cruise and stay’ package from Coral Expeditions

#expeditioncruising

Coral Expeditions is offering a fantastic ‘cruise and stay’ package for all Great Barrier Reef cruises during October, November and December. Guests can enjoy 3,4 or 7 nights on the UNESCO World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, experiencing tropical private beach escapes, superb snorkelling and diving, guided rainforest walks, along with exclusive moorings well beyond the day-tripping public and access to pristine and colourful coral gardens, as well as two complimentary nights at the luxurious Reef House in picturesque Palm Cove. All sailings depart from and return to Cairns, and are on board the Coral Expeditions 2 which has a maximum of just 44 guests and includes an on board marine biologist, SCUBA instructor and expedition guide.

The price includes; cruise accommodation, all meals on the cruise, select soft drinks, access to islands and national parks, snorkelling equipment, welcome/farewell drinks and all excursions listed in the itinerary as well as two nights’ accommodation in Palm Cove with daily drinks and canapes, and pre and post cruise transfers. The deal is valid for all October, November and December 2016 departures (excluding 23 December to 05 January 2017) and is subject to availability.

Costs: Pay from $1,596 per person. The offer expires by 23rd December 2016 and is for new bookings only

More details info:

https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/ 1800 079 545

http://www.reefhouse.com.au/

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race with Coral Expeditions

#expeditioncruising.

Get the best seat in the house

Hobart Waterfront - Credit to Tourism Tasmania
- Photo by Richard Eastwood

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race was originally planned as a cruise and there’s no denying the best seat in the house during this race is on a cruise ship itself! Coral Expeditions offer a seven night adventure around Tasmania throughout November and February, so hop on board the Boxing Day departure to ensure some prime ‘arm chair viewing’ of hundreds of yachts!

Whilst the Coral Expeditions cruise sets a very difference pace to the elite sailors darting across the Tasman Sea, the adventure, dramatic scenery and exploration of Tasmania’s coast is strikingly similar.

Guests can get under Tasmania’s pristine skin and behind the scenes with a variety of excursions offered including; Cheese and Oyster tasting tours, hiking along the famed South Coast Track, kayaking at the picturesque Adventure Bay, wine tasting, walks to the iconic Wineglass Bay lookout, encounters with the famed Tasmania Devils and a behind the scenes tour at Port Arthur.

Like the Yacht Race, this expedition is all about navigating new waters, carving out new routes in nature’s playground and enjoying a unique Tasmanian experience. Top coastal spots that leisurely Coral Cruisers’ can enjoy include:

Port Davey ‘the Narrows’ – an exploration of this pristine wilderness (normally only accessible by seven-day hike or light aircraft)

• Bruny Island – Kayak or swim amongst fur seals
• Freycinet National Park – hike to Wineglass bay
• Maria Island – spot native wildlife and explore rugged coastline
• Tasmania National Park – seals, dolphins and albatross sightings

Coral Expeditions guests will also be able to navigate the web of waterways threading inland across southern Tasmania as well as out-of-the-way places on the nifty excursion vessels, kayaks and inflatable Zodiacs and Explorer.

For food lovers and winos, you can’t enjoy a better pairing than a visit to Taste Tasmania followed by a Cruise, giving you the opportunity to meet the producers both at home and away. The food and wine highlights on the Cruise include:

• Tasmania Cheeses & Bruny Island Oysters
• Grandvewe Cheese Tasting
• Bruny Island wine tasting

Like each Yacht Race no two Tasmanian cruises are the same, rather than stick to a prescribed schedule the Coral team varies the itinerary to take advantage of the weather conditions and explore the most remote and untouched parts of Tasmania.

To book visit www.coralexpeditions.com

Connect with Coral Expeditions:

Facebook @coralexpeditions #coralexpeditions
Twitter @CoralExpedition #coralexpeditions
Instagram @coralexpeditions #coralexpeditions
Youtube @Coralexpeditionscairns

The Strand Cruise - Mynamar - Special offer

Launched in December 2015, The Strand Cruise is a 28-cabin luxury cruise ship plying the waters of Myanmar's Ayeyarwady River operating three- and four-night itineraries between the ancient cities of Bagan and Mandalay.  December offers perfect warm and dry sightseeing weather and is considered by many to be the perfect time to visit Myanmar.  As an added incentive during this time, The Strand Cruise has launched a new offer for passengers travelling on selected departures in December 2016 which features special value-added inclusions on top of its existing seasonal promotion of 30% off published rates, including a complimentary stay at the newly renovated Strand Yangon.

Passengers booking a cabin on a single or double occupancy basis for a three-night cruise between Mandalay and Bagan departing 2nd 9th or 16th December 2016, or for a four-night cruise between Bagan and Mandalay departing 19th December 2016, will be eligible for rates at 30% off published high season rates.  Furthermore, passengers travelling on cruises departing 9th, 12th, 16th and 19th will receive the following value-added inclusions:

·         one night in a Superior Suite at the newly refurbished Strand Yangon pre- or post-cruise

·         complimentary return transfers between The Strand Yangon and Yangon airport

·         return domestic flights between Yangon and point of embarkation/disembarkation of The Strand Cruise

A three-night voyage on The Strand Cruise between Mandalay and Bagan in December is priced from US$2,268/approx. A$2984 (usually US$3,240 before seasonal promotion applied) per person based on double occupancy.  Rates for a four-night cruise between Bagan and Mandalay in December is priced from US$2,514.40/approx. A$3308 (usually US$3,592) per person based on double occupancy.  Rates include all inclusions as described in the promotion, as well as all excursions and activities as published in the set itinerary, three meals during full sailing days, breakfast on day of disembarkation, soft drinks & local beer, house wine during meals, port charges, English speaking guides (alternative language guides can be provided on request subject to availability) and satellite WI-FI in all cabins and public areas.  Note that passengers travelling on 12th December will be eligible for the added value promotion but not the 30% discount.

Further details can be found at http://www.thestrandcruise.com/promotions.php

About The Strand Cruise

A reinvention of the legendary style of its sister property, The Strand Yangon, the new 28-cabin Strand Cruise ship is enhanced with latest technology such as individually controlled air conditioning and WI-FI from satellite communication.  The Strand Cruise is a genuine luxury cruise experience with access to many private moorings close to landmarks along the river. A highlight of the itinerary is an exclusive mooring overnight at Ava on the journey from Bagan to Mandalay, allowing passengers access the beautiful temple of Maha Aungmye Bonzan after the crowds have departed in the evening until the following morning.  The Strand Cruise is also the only operator on the river to offer visits to the iconic U-Bein bridge on both north- and south-bound itineraries.  www.thestrandcruise.com

 

SeaDream scores top spots with Berlitz

SEADREAM Yacht Club's SeaDream I and SeaDream II have been awarded  the top two Boutique Passenger Vessel placings in the prestigious 2017 Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships – the so-called "bible of world cruising." 

The Guide is researched and written by Douglas Ward who, with more than 1,100 cruises behind him, is considered the world's top authority on cruising and cruise ships. For each year's edition, Mr Ward takes into account hundreds of separate items based on personal cruises, and portside visits and re-visits to ships during the year.

Mr Ward scored SeaDream I a total of 1,754 points out of a possible 2000 points in his year 2017 Guide that's just been published, and SeaDream II a total 1,750 points, and noted the SeaDream twins' reputations for being "beautiful, intimate and with excellent food."

President of SeaDream Yacht Club, Bob Lepisto said the company was honoured and delighted to once again be so highly distinguished in the world-renowned Berlitz Guide.

"We thank Mr Ward and his publishers," Mr Lepisto said. "And I add my own thanks to our colleagues at sea, and those in our offices around the world who have all contributed to our continued success."

SeaDream I and SeaDream II each carries a maximum of just 112 guests in 56 staterooms, served by 95 crew. Included in sailings aboard the mega motor-cruisers are wines with lunches and dinners, premium drinks from the open bars, power and sail water sports where locally permitted, mountain bikes for shore expeditions, an onboard golf simulator and fitness centre, and port charges and taxes

For more information about SeaDream I and II, see travel agents or go to www.seadream.com

Pandaw’s China landing heralds a new era on the Mekong

PANDAW'S CHINA LANDING HERALDS A NEW ERA ON THE MEKONG

Pandaw River Expeditions has become the first Western operator to reach China's Yunnan Province via the Mekong River, when the RV Champa Pandaw moored yesterday at Guanlei.

The Champa Pandaw, which has 14 teak-finished staterooms, was specially built to withstand the strong currents and challenging navigational conditions of the Upper Mekong and deliver Southeast Asia's first ever "four country" river expedition.

Running from Oct-April, Pandaw's 14-night cruise The Mekong: from Laos to China operates upstream and downstream between the Lao capital Vientiane and Jinghong in China, via moorings in Thailand and Burma.

The cruise is the latest in a long line of pioneering river expeditions from the company which, since its foundation in 1995 has led the way on high-end experiential cruising on the rivers of Asia. Champa Pandaw is the latest edition to Pandaw's growing fleet of unique,  colonial-era ships. Built and finished to the highest levels of engineering and craftsmanship 17 of the ships currently ply Asia's waterways,  including the Irrawaddy, the Chindwin and the Mekong rivers.  

Paul Strachan, Pandaw's founder said:  "It has been a long-held dream of ours to offer travellers the chance to journey on a Pandaw ship on the Upper Mekong all the way to China, so today marks a major milestone in our history".

"We have faced many challenges developing this new and exciting route into Yunnan Province and I would thank all our team and partners for their part overcoming the difficulties to make it happen.

"Exploring the Upper Mekong on a four country river expedition from Laos to Thailand, Burma to China is a fascinating and unforgettable off the beaten track adventure, and passengers make the trip knowing that they entering exciting new territory."

Tony Deng, Managing Director on China Kindness Tour, Kunming, Pandaw's partner in China said:  "The arrival of the Champa Pandaw marks the beginning of a new era on Mekong River, and its an honour to be playing a part. We are very pleased to be partnering with a company of Pandaw's reputation on the Mekong in China. We see this as an important way of opening up Yunnan Province, which is, to high-end experiential tourism "

"Bigger than the entire country of the Netherlands or  Denmark, with a population of 45 million, Yunnan Province has so much to offer the traveller, from glorious mountain scenery, fabled cities such as Lijiang, Dali and Zhongdian, also known as 'Shangri-La'. It is also home to over 50 ethnic minorities".

Pandaws' four-country river expedition allows passengers to enjoy discovering charming villages and experience stunning scenery amidst pristine jungle. Highlights include the Golden Triangle, spectacular defiles, the Tat Kuang Si waterfall, and the very emerald green waters of the Mekong in China's Yunnan province. The journey includes overnight stops in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Chiang Saen and Jinghong.

Built in a specially created shipyard on the Burmese Mekong, using a methodology and design based on Pandaw's unparalleled knowledge of local riverine conditions, the Champa Pandaw was designed with ultra-low draft and extra powerful engines generating 1400 horsepower, almost twice the power of other ships in the Pandaw fleet.

For more information, visit www.pandaw.com

One Ocean Expeditions launches Brand New Loyalty Program

One Ocean Expeditions has always recognized the importance of loyal clients who choose to travel with them time and again.  Now a brand new loyalty program from the expedition cruise operator is expected to strengthen further relationships with past clients by doubling the existing automatic rebooking incentive to 10% and combining it with a selection of additional offers from three categories:  Booking, Travel and Personal.  

In addition to receiving a 10% discount on the cost of a voyage, repeat passengers may also choose one benefit from each of the following three categories.

'Booking' offers an upgrade or 50% off sole use of a cabin or 50% off charter flights where applicable.

The 'Travel' category includes a private transfer to the value of $150 (applicable in Ottawa, Edmonton, Punta Arenas, Buenos Aires and Ushuaia), or a complimentary hotel before or after the voyage, or a travel credit of $150 to assist with meals etc en route to or from the vessel.

Lastly, the 'Personal' category provides a choice from a Shipboard Bar Credit of $100, or a personalised Welcome Basket or a OneClub Outer Jacket, complete with special OneClub embroidered crest.

Managing Director, Andrew Prossin, comments:  "Over the years we have offered an automatic 5% rebooking incentive to all past OOE clients when booking their next voyages with us.  We are at a point when we would like to extend that offering to honour our past clients and so we are delighted to announce this new loyalty program in their favour."

For more information on One Ocean Expeditions' cruises, visit: www.oneoceanexpeditions.com


​

Western Australia's beautiful Kimberley [video]

#expeditioncruising #kimberleybucketlist .

Enjoy these stunning views of the Kimberley viewed from a drone. [Source: The Australian]

Cruising the Marquesas in the new Aranui 5

#expeditioncruising .

SeaDream's taste of the Mediterranean's good life

START TO 2017 WILL HAVE YOU SEADREAMING

IF you'll be in the USA come early next January and know you'll have a few spare days up your sleeve, fill them in with an unforgettable 4-day start to 2017 aboard the world's highest-rated boutique motor-cruiser, SeaDream I on a big-discounted round-trip sailing from Bridgetown, Barbados in the Caribbean.

Departing on January 3, the price of this 4-day sailing has been slashed from US$4624pp twin-share to just US$2223pp twin-share.

You'll visit the uninhabited Tobago Cays with their green turtles and coral reefs (and doubtless recognise where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed,) Union Island dubbed "the Tahiti of the West Indies," Port Elizabeth that's home to the famed "Mac's Lobster Pizza," and tiny Mayreau where crew will host SeaDream's exclusive Champagne and Caviar Splash in a picture-perfect secluded bay…

Included will be wines with lunches and dinners, premium drinks from the open bars, power and sail water sports where locally permitted, mountain bikes for shore expeditions, a no-charge onboard golf simulator and fitness centre, and port charges and taxes.

For full details see travel agents or visit www.seadream.com; SeaDream I carries a maximum of just 112 guests served by 95 crew.

[] The unique Champagne and Caviar Splash will be a feature of SeaDream I's 4-day Caribbean sailing from Bridgetown, Barbados next January.

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

For bookings and further details, see SeaDream specialist Cruise Express