CAMPING UNDER THE STARS - AURORA EXPEDITIONS OFFERS EXTREME ADVENTURES IN ANTARCTICA

Can you imagine what it would be like to spend the night camping under the stars in the most remote location on earth? Or scaling an as yet unnamed mountain that few have even seen, let alone climbed? What about scuba diving in a fascinating underworld of gigantic icebergs amongst marine creatures found nowhere else?  

In its ongoing quest to provide the most extraordinary environmentally sensitive adventures in Antarctica, Aurora Expeditions has ten voyages during the Antarctic season between November 2009 and March 2010, which offer the most comprehensive program of adventure activities of any Antarctic tour operator including camping, mountain climbing, scuba diving and kayaking. 

During the Antarctic summer, there is almost 24 hours of daylight, which makes it possible for travellers who want to push the limits and become one of the handful of people who will ever experience these adventures in the most extreme wilderness on the planet. 

A 12-day 'Antarctic Peninsula for Climbers and Kayakers' (7 -18 December 2009) voyage offers the chance to climb icebergs and unclimbed peaks or paddle in pristine waters led by some of the world's most experienced mountain climbers and guides. 

A 12-day 'Across the Circle' (16 – 27 February 2010) voyage includes the opportunity to scuba dive below the Antarctic Circle in a once-in-a-lifetime underwater adventure. 

A 20-day 'Shackleton Odyssey', (27 February – 18 March 2010) voyage retraces the epic journey of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and offers the option for experienced climbers to repeat his alpine crossing on foot from King Haakon Bay to the now deserted whaling station at Stromness on the fabled island of South Georgia. 

There are also four trips that include an opportunity to camp out overnight on the ice. 

Prices start at US$5990 (ex-Ushuaia) per person triple share and include all meals on board, shore excursions, and an in-depth education program with expert commentary and talks by Aurora's team of naturalists, historians, geologists, expedition staff and special guest lecturers. The voyages also provide maximum wildlife viewing opportunities and visit a number of historic sites and scientific research stations. 

There is never a better time than now to take the trip of a lifetime. So if you're ready to take the plunge contact Aurora Expeditions on 1800 637 688 or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

Minerva’s Antarctic Expedition of a lifetime

Swan Hellenic – Minerva, the pioneers of discovery cruising in the UK, will once again be sailing south for winter 2009/10 to remote continent of Antarctica. This will be the last opportunity in a while aboard Minerva to explore the rugged scenery of the Falklands Islands, South Georgia, the South Shetland Islands and to the Antarctic Peninsula itself - passengers booking now will save £1,555pp!

Minerva is ideally constructed for these waters and takes exploring Antarctica to a new dimension. Passengers can cruise in comfort and style in the company of just 200 like-minded travellers (Minerva normally berths 320 passengers on summer cruises) – making for an intimate and unforgettable experience.

The award-winning Minerva Antarctic Expedition is an adventure experience without equal, exploring islands of rare beauty in the South Atlantic. Amid the spectacular landscapes that range from pristine ice cliffs to volcanic beaches and jagged peaks, Zodiac inflatable craft allow travellers to access sheltered inlets for close cruising and to admire the abundant wildlife at close quarters. Crossing the Scotia Sea to the tip of Antarctica, passengers will step ashore to a cacophony of wildlife including king and chinstrap penguins, numerous varieties of seal, majestic Wandering Albatrosses aloft and silent whales breaking through mirrored waters.

Antarctica is like no other place on earth and understanding its mysteries takes a special team. Those travelling aboard Minerva will be in the safe hands of Abercrombie & Kent’s award winning Expedition Team, who share their specialist knowledge as well as their enthusiasm for delivering the geology, history and zoology of the region to a wide audience. For example, as Minerva sails through the South Shetland Islands, guides will vividly describe the Heroic Age of Antarctic expeditions and recount what life was like for the members of Shackleton’s Endurance expedition who survived on the desolate Elephant Island for over four months before being rescued.

Minerva has been operating award-winning cruises to Antarctica since 2003, ensuring the perfect mix of adventure and exploration whilst still providing the on board comforts. With Minerva’s passenger capacity reduced, all travellers will enjoy the benefits of an outside cabin and with a crew of 146, passengers are at a privileged ratio that ensures they’ll want for nothing. There are also welcoming comforts, including complimentary parkas, backpacks and on board bar drinks including champagne (excluding premium brands), and a personalised post-cruise journal will bring the experience back to life in the years to come. Photographs and a diary depicting highlights of the cruise are also posted on Swan Hellenic’s website http://www.swanhellenic.com/antarcticlog.

The Minerva Antarctic experience is one people will cherish and find hard to equal. It’s no wonder that Condé Nast Traveller rated Minerva “the world’s best Antarctica expedition ship” two years running.

Captain Cook's Murray Winter Sale

To celebrate winter and all its beauty, passengers on Captain Cook Cruises Murray Princess can bring their friend or partner for half the price on any 3, 4 or 7 night cruise over the winter months of June, July and August and as an added surprise every three night cruise in July will celebrate Christmas in July.

There is no better way to discover the winter enchantment of the Murray River, secrets of Australian history and the taste sensations of the Murray's food and wine trail than on the romantic paddle-wheeler PS Murray Princess.

Enjoy the warmth of the cosy paddlewheel lounge and the amazing views it offers as the Murray Princess cruises past towering limestone cliffs, through picturesque gorges and along riverbanks lined with mallee scrub, red gum forests and century old stone causeways.

The river in winter attracts an amazing array of Australian wildlife and over 350 species of birds. Led by on-shore guides, passengers can enjoy nature walks, nocturnal eco-tours, a backwater boat tour and learn about the ecology of the river.

Each day features exciting day trips to historic ports, sacred Aboriginal sites, a sheep station and woolshed and a native wildlife shelter.

There's a food and wine trial that enables tasting at a number of vineyards and cellar doors, and in the evening, an Aussie-style campfire barbecue on the river bank.

Or stay on-board and heat up in one of two spas or saunas.

The three nights Discovery Cruise departs every Friday at 4.30pm and prices start from $775 for the first person and from $388 for the second person. The four nights Outback Heritage Cruise departs Mannum every Monday at 4.30pm and prices start from $1033 for the first person and from $517 for the second person. The seven nights Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise departs Mannum every Friday and Monday at 4.30pm and prices start from $1596 for the first person and from $798 for the second person.

All cruises depart from Manumm and prices include all meals, accommodation, most tours, scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or onsite car parking and all onboard facilities including use of two spas, two saunas, sun deck, two bars, two lounges, single sitting dining saloon and entertainment

The sale is valid for travel 01 June to 31st August and on sale until 31 August 2009

For reservations and enquiries please contact Captain Cook Cruises toll free on 1800 804 843, Int +61-2-9206 1111 or

email: murray@captaincook.com.au or visit www.captaincook.com.au

Cruise Weekly Comment: All Aboard for Svalbard

Just 600 miles from the North Pole lies the island group of Svalbard, of which Spitsbergen is the largest. Variously occupied and exploited by the Dutch, Russians and Norwegians, in 1920 it was decided that the Norwegians should administer it and the capitol, Longyearbyen, flies the Norwegian tricolour.

The archipelago was named and first mapped in 1596 by the famous Dutch explorer, Willem Barents and became a whaling station, a coal mining centre, a launching point for famous arctic expeditions and more recently, a mecca for naturalists, polar researchers and eco-tourists.

Despite Svalbard's extreme northerly location, the warm North Atlantic current keeps the surrounding seas ice-free almost year round. Temperatures average minus 16degC in winter and 6degC in summer.

During the so-called heroic age of polar exploration, men set forth to the extremities of the earth in search of all sorts of things, not the least being fame, glory and national pride.

Spitsbergen was an ideal point for 'jumping off' into the Arctic in search of the North Pole.

In 1897, the Swedish scientist and intrepid balloonist, Salomon August Andree, launched himself and two co-pilots on a journey to the North Pole from Danes Island and were never seen again. Well, not alive anyway. Their bodies, remnants of their balloon and a camera were accidentally found thirty years later on White Island in the far east of Svalbard. Andree's balloon crashed and the survivors had made it back to White Island before dying from Vitamin A poisoning (trichinosis) from eating polar bear liver.

Balloons were back on Spitsbergen in 1926 with the Italian, Umberto Nobile, along with Roald Amundsen and rich American Lincoln Ellsworth. Their voyage over the pole in the airship Norge (Norway) is the first creditable expedition to the North Pole even though many would argue that Cmdr Richard Byrd, who took off a couple of days prior with his Fokker Tri-Motor was the first. That is - if you discount both Peary and Cook!

Nobile, wounded by the fame wrested from him by Amundsen and Ellsworth, was back at Ny Ålesund again in 1928. This time his airship, suitably named "Italia", would be an all-Italian triumph. Or so he thought. Instead he crashed in poor weather and became the famous subject of the 1969 movie, "The Red Tent".

Today Svalbard is visited by tourists looking to experience one of the most remarkable and accessible Arctic locations thanks to the warming effects of the North Atlantic Current. Polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes and countless species of birds inhabit the islands. Marine mammals are abundant and seals, walrus, narwhals, orcas, belugas, bowhead and minke whales all inhabit Spitsbergen's coastal waters.

Join one of the several expedition vessels for a cruise of between 7 and 10 days around the islands visiting the various historic sites as well as the abundant wildlife. June, July and August are the best months to visit.

Operators for Svalbard include: MyPlanet, Aurora, Quark, Adventure Associates

Luxury Yacht Southern Cloud Available for Charter in Sydney Harbour

Australian private charter yacht, Southern Cloud is available for short term private and corporate charter in and around Sydney Harbour. A complete and unique luxury experience, Southern Cloud provides everything you could want in a luxury sailing yacht.

This fully refurbished and modernised 130ft sailing charter yacht is able to comfortably sleep 12 in decadent and luxurious surroundings. Including fully electric en-suite facilities for all seven bedrooms, full internet access, laundry and climate control, modern entertainment and a private crew of six staff, you will not have a single worry whilst on board.

On deck, expansive space provides room for dining and entertainment, making Southern Cloud the perfect vessel to experience and explore magical Sydney Harbour. With a 25 ft beam, this classically Bermuda rigged yacht can easily cater for large functions and events across the vast deck space.

“Southern Cloud represents a rare opportunity to privately charter a luxury yacht of this size and quality in Australian waters,” Ben Harvey, Southern Cloud’s manager says.

“Without physically leaving, you can escape the rigors and stress of Sydney on Southern Cloud. We can take you a million miles away by just sailing around the corner, and leave you without a worry on your mind”

This exclusive charter opportunity comes with everything you will need during your stay: a dedicated staff including a chef, engineer, stewardess and First Mate, diving and snorkelling equipment, a 24-hour water taxi service and all of the equipment you could need are provided for.

For AUD$1650 per person for three days and two nights aboard, twelve lucky guests can take in the very best Sydney has to offer, on the best private charter yacht in Australian waters. Drop anchor out the front of Taronga Zoo, visit Pittwater for a night, or slowly tack around Farm Cove and Rose Bay as you enjoy your company and beautiful surrounds.

www.southerncloud.com.au

Coral Princess’s Great Barrier Reef Winter Escape: A Different Perspective

Australians are being encouraged to holiday at home, but if you've already 'done' the Great Barrier Reef's islands, Coral Princess offers a new perspective on the world's largest living organism.

Coral Princess Cruises pioneered small-ship cruising on the Great Barrier Reef, exploring remote islands and reefs normally off-limits to island-based tourists, where snorkelling or SCUBA diving on pristine stretches of coral reef is a matter of diving overboard. Entering its 26th year of operations on the Reef, the company's three, four and seven-night Great Barrier Reef Cruises won Coral Princess Cruises the title of Major Tour and Transport Operator for 2008 at the Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards.

Coral Princess and her sister ship, Coral Princess II cruise weekly between Townsville and Cairns over three nights, or over four nights departing Cairns and travelling north to Lizard Island and return. The cruises show off some of the world's best snorkelling, swimming and coral viewing spots en route, such as Thetford Reef, and Sudbury Reef. The three-night voyage also visits Dunk Island and cruises through the Hinchinbrook Channel.

Accommodating a maximum of just 50 guests, Coral Princess is equipped with a glass bottom boat and inflatable zodiacs for daily reef and shore excursions. There's even an excursion to Coral Princess' own private island – Pelorus – with no one else in sight except for Coral Princess passengers and crew.

Qualified marine biologists and a SCUBA diving instructor are also on board to explain the natural history and biodiversity of the area, making a snorkel or SCUBA dive in the sparkling blue waters even more fascinating.

Prices start at $1 496 per person in a twin share cabin on the three-night cruise ex Townsville or Cairns, or $1 896 per person twin share for the four-night cruise from Cairns to Lizard Island and return, with weekly departures year round. Prices include accommodation, all meals, lectures and services of expedition staff on board, group transfers, activities and excursions during the cruise, and landing fees.

For further information and reservations contact 1800 079 545 or visit www.coralprincess.com.au

Last minute availability: Enjoy a Winter Escape Aboard the True North!

Put away your winter woolies and pack your swimmers and fishing hat for a breathtaking Kimberley Adventure!

Contact your adventure partners now and secure a place on one of the following departures to recieve a FREE nights accomodation pre and post cruise in Broome or Kununurra!*

The following cabins are available to book now:

CRUISE -- DATES -- CABINS AVAILABLE

Kimberley Wilderness 5 -- 09 May - 22 May -- Ocean Class
Kimberley Wilderness 6 -- 23 May - 05 June -- Ocean & singles
Kimberley Wilderness 7 -- 06 June - 19 June -- Ocean Class
Kimberley Wilderness 8 -- 20 June - 03 July -- River & Ocean Class

GO WILD IN STYLE ON BOARD THE TRUE NORTH THIS SEASON!

North Star Cruises Australia
Post Office Box 654
Broome 6725 Western Australia.
Telephone: + 61 8 9192 1829
Fax: + 61 8 9192 1830
Email: cruise@northstarcruises.com.au

URL:www.northstarcruises.com.au


*conditions apply, valid for new bookings - contact your adventure partners for details regarding accomodation offer.

Three Polar Travel Myths Debunked

Consumers considering the polar regions as travel destinations often have three misconceptions about the Arctic and Antarctica:

1. Neither region is a sun destination.

2. They are cold places to visit.

3. Polar voyages are more expensive than other cruises.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The polar regions are the ultimate sun destinations. Travel occurs in the summer months - June to September for the Arctic and October to March for the Antarctic. During the summer daylight is continuous above the polar circle. Consumers who choose itineraries that sail near or above a polar circle will be able to bask in the sun 18 to 24 hours a day.

Travelers to the polar regions are encouraged to pack swimsuits, for polar plunges. Although the temperature hovers above freezing, in some locales geothermal activity creates hot springs in which to laze. Admittedly, the weather can turn suddenly, but if consumers pack the gear recommended by the outfitter, they will be very comfortable no matter what the weather.

Polar expeditions range in price, and when comparisons are made with other cruise destinations, often they are favorable. This is because polar expeditions are virtually all-inclusive. Unlike more traditional cruises that charge fees for shore landings, the best polar expedition companies include shore landings in the cost of the voyage. Consumers are advised to comparison shop, as the lowest price is not necessarily the best value!

First time travelers to the Arctic would do well to consider Spitsbergen, Svalbard as a destination. Those considering Antarctica for the first time would do well to consider a Peninsula voyage.

About Quark Expeditions

Since 1991, Quark Expeditions has established a tradition of firsts in polar expedition travel. The company was the first to transit the Northeast Passage with commercial passengers; the first to take travelers to the "far side" of Antarctica and the first to circumnavigate the Antarctic continent with guests, twice. Quark is also recognized for its diverse passenger fleet; the largest in Antarctica - including the only polar-class icebreaker operating as an expedition ship there. The fleet enables Quark to operate the widest variety of polar itineraries of any other adventure company in the world, and the greatest number of departures to Antarctica. In October 2006 and 2007, Quark was named a recipient of National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime" for their "Emperor Penguin Safari" and the "Far Side" respectively. In the March 2006 edition, Outside magazine named the "Emperor Penguin Safari" as one of the New Trips of a Lifetime.

Friday Night Moonlight River Escape Aboard MV Fantasea Ammari

A fortnightly Friday night cruise aboard a 60m cruising catamaran now provides a tranquil, Friday night idyll allowing Brisbane residents and visitors to enjoy the lights of the city skyline.

The two and a half hour cruises aboard the boutique cruise ship MV Fantasea Ammari include a two course meal with beer, wine and soft drinks and are priced at AUD$120 per head.

Enabling guests to enjoy the tranquillity of the river and admire the city lights, the cruises leave Skyring Terrace at Newstead at 6.30pm and return at 9.00pm with a jazz band on board providing entertainment.

The menu of tempura fish, tandoori chicken breast and lamb and rosemary sausage kebabs with a choice of salads is complemented by a selection of Sirromet white, red and sparkling wines and a range of beers.

The 60 metre MV Fantasea Ammari, which has previously cruised the Mediterranean and the Whitsundays, boasts four decks including an expansive, open sun deck which allows guests to fully appreciate Brisbane at night from the river.

The ship can host 270 guests while cruising the river or 180 in Moreton Bay.

It has four star accommodation for 64 guests in 32 spacious, air conditioned cabins equipped with ensuite bathrooms, bar fridge and plasma television screens and can be chartered for corporate or private events.

The ship is part of the Fantasea Adventure Cruising fleet which is owned and operated by the Campbell Family under the company Riverside Marine with headquarters situated on the Brisbane River in Newstead.

For reservations or further information call 07 3426 2520 or email ammari.reservations@fantasea.com.au

INTRODUCING COCOS ISLANDS AND REVISED PANAMA & COSTA RICA VOYAGES

~Sea and Wildlife Focus; Early Booking Savings~

Dive into an adventure with a rare visit to the Cocos Islands with Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), one of the world's leading providers of small-ship exploration cruises to the most fascinating destinations on earth. Cruise West is introducing two, six-night Cocos Island voyages and a revised nine-night Between Two Seas Panama & Costa Rica program for the 2009/2010 season. Combine both itineraries for a remarkable 15-night journey aboard the 100-guest Pacific Explorer that includes a full transit through the Panama Canal. Book early and save up to $1,200 per cabin.

The new Cocos Island cruise begins in Los Suenos, Costa Rica and offers three full days of land and sea exploration including guided walks, Zodiac tours, snorkeling and kayaking opportunities. This rarely visited UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts prolific bird life with some 90 species, unusual caverns to explore, the world's largest hammerhead shark population and more. Departures are available on January 24 and April 12, 2010, and may be combined with the January 15, January 30 or April 3, 2010, Between Two Seas departures.

The revised 9-night Between Two Seas voyage sailing one-way between Panama City and Los Suenos, Costa Rica, takes in the sights of Portobelo with a special performance by the Kuna Indians and traverses the entire Panama Canal. Always a highlight are the welcoming Emberá people in the Darién Jungle who are known for tattooing themselves with ink made from the fruit of the jagua plant. Newly added are two days at Coiba National Park, known for its abundant sea life, which makes for fabulous snorkeling, kayaking and nature walk opportunities. Rounding out this active and nature-focused itinerary are visits to Casa Orquideas at Golfo Dulce boasting beautiful gardens; and guided nature walks and beach time at Corcovado Conservation Area and Manuel Antonio National Park, known for prolific wildlife and bird viewing. Choose from 14 departures that operate from October 26, 2009 through April 3, 2010.

Avoid Holiday stress and enjoy a relaxing Christmas on the December 18, 2009 departure complete with festive Costa Rican and Panamanian holiday activities and traditional cuisine. Or ring in Feliz Año Nuevo on the December 27 sailing with a New Year's bash including a midnight toast and late night buffet.

Highlighting the stunning flora and fauna native to Costa Rica are three diverse Land Tour add-ons: The 2-night Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve known for its butterfly and hummingbird gardens; the 4-night coastal wildlife experience at famed Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast; or the 5-night of adventures in Sarapiqui and Arenal, Costa Rica that includes a visit to Doka Estate Coffee Plantation and the world-class Gold Museum, options to participate on the thrilling canopy zip line tour, a float or river rafting trip or a chocolate and pineapple plantation tour and Arenal Hot Springs.

Rates for Cocos Islands prices start at $2,799 and Between Two Seas begins at $3,999 per person based on double occupancy. Book and pay in full for October or November 2009 departures and save $350/cabin; save $1,200/cabin, double occupancy for departures December through March 2010. The 14-night Between Two Seas Cruise/Sarapiqui Land Tour starts at $5,899.

To book the Cocos Islands or Between Two Seas voyages or for additional information call 1-800-296-8307 or a travel professional or visit www.cruisewest.com.

More information about Cruise West, Cruise West's 2009/2010 voyages to cruise locales as diverse as Alaska, Panama & Costa Rica, Mexico's Sea of Cortes, Japan, Vietnam, Antarctica, the Galapagos, the Pacific Northwest or the romantic rivers of Europe can be found online at www.cruisewest.com or by calling 800-296-8307.

West Papua Discoverer - Places available

One person’s loss is another one’s gain.

Up until just the other day, the first West Papua Discoverer itinerary from North Star Cruises (who operate the multi-award-winning True North II) was a total sellout.

Due to a last minute cancellation, a handful of cabins have come back on the market for this ground-breaking expedition cruise.

In the genuine spirit of adventure and discovery, True North will venture to seldom-visited lands to the west of Papua New Guinea, formerly known as Irian Jaya.

A few things to make clear up front; 1) This is an expedition. There is a general itinerary planned, but unplanned things will almost certainly happen. Landing sites will alter which could just as easily mean unexpected surprises and discoveries. 2) It’s expensive. Why? Because the logistics of operating a small ship in remote waters, included passenger transfers and provisioning add unavoidably to the costs. How much? Starting price AUD $20k per person, twin share.

Even so, with space available for less than a dozen passengers, this could be the adventure of a lifetime. All of True North’s renown expedition facilities will be at hand for this journey; diving, snorkeling, fishing, helicopter sight-seeing as well as shore excursions to islands only Google Earth can reveal.

Kofiau Island, Aljui Bay, Karas Island, Pulau Mansuar and even one nick-named ‘Jurassic Park’ (Arguni) because of its steep, densely wooded atolls and sheer cliffs. At the conclusion, guests will fly out of Timika by charter to Darwin.

All of this wonder isn’t much good unless you have someone to help you interpret it and that’s where Drs Gerry Allen and Mark Erdmann (pictured) come in. Both will hold lectures and enrichment sessions for guests to help them come to terms with the fascinating above- and underwater landscapes and all that they hold.

True adventurers with both the spirit and the where-with-all, especially those with SCUBA diving experience, will gain enormously from this rare opportunity.

North Star Cruises director, Craig Howson, concedes the company has a lot riding on this journey. “Obviously we conceived this itinerary before the economic crunch, so while we are committed to this journey, we will have to very carefully assess future sailings.”

So this rare opportunity could be an only opportunity.

See the proposed itinerary at the North Star Cruises website: www.northstarcruises.com.au or just get on the phone. (+61 8) 91921 829

Buy 1 Get 1 Free Arctic Cruise Expedition from Churchill to Kuujjuaq (Canada) on 22 July, 2009!

Travelling through the Arctic brings you to a place of pristine landscapes with rolling tundra and dramatic fiords; see polar bears, muskoxen and other rare wildlife under the midnight sun; and take an up-close look into the unique culture of the Inuit people. An exotic and stunning land.

Our Arctic Expeditions, get you closer. An Inuit-owned company, they bring you into the heart of this land. The friendly staff, including top-notch guides and naturalists, accompany you throughout. With the intimate, ice-strengthened ship, travel in safety and comfort to remote shores and visit wildlife colonies, archeological sites and Inuit villages.

Among the places we may visit are:

Akpatok Island
An uninhabited island of soaring bird cliffs and small rocky beaches. Here we'll use our zodiacs to scout the beaches in search of walrus and polar bears.

Quaqtaq & Diana Island
At the northern tip of a peninsula jutting into Hudson Strait, Quaqtaq lies directly in the path of migrating marine mammals. On nearby Diana Island, herds of muskox roam the island amid fields of wildflowers and thick beds of soft lichen.

Kangiqsujuaq
Passing through a deep fiord with steep rocky walls, we anchor in the community of Kangiqsujuaq (Wakeham Bay). We feast on locally harvested foods, and enjoy an amazing performance of traditional Inuit throat singing and drum dancing.

Digges Island & Mansel Island
At Digges Island we visit the spot where Henry Hudson first encountered native Inuit. We cruise along the cliff face and visit Mansel Island, a favourite place for walrus and polar bear.

Walrus Island
This small, rocky outcrop in the northern reaches of Hudson Bay is a favourite haul-out for hundreds of walrus. We zodiac the shores and marvel at the size and number of these massive creatures with their gleaming ivory tusks, so awkward on land but incredibly agile in the water.

Churchill
The relatively warm waters of the Churchill River are a favourite summering ground for thousands of glistening white beluga whales. Watch for them on deck as we maneuver up the river and prepare for our journey home.

Price is US$5195* for cruise only and the second person travels on the cruise for free. Bookings must be paid by 30 Apr, 2009.

Contact Adventure Destinations on (03) 9570 4466 or 1300 136 330. *terms and conditions apply.