Blue Lagoon Cruises halves pricing on all January 2011 cruises

Fiji's Blue Lagoon Cruises has announced an across the board 50 per cent discount on all its fully-inclusive three, four and seven day Yasawa Island cruises departing from now until 31 January 2011.

The special offer means pricing for a three-day cruise now starts from just AUD215* per person twin share.

Four-day cruises are priced from AUD300* per person twin share while seven-day itineraries lead in at AUD825* per person twin share.

Pricing includes all onboard accommodation, all main meals, morning and afternoon tea, cruise and cultural activities.

Each cruise program includes daily shore excursions. These range from snorkeling safaris and fish feeding to bush walking, fishing and glass bottom boating.

Cultural experiences include a visit to a remote village to partake in a traditional Kava ceremony and a visit to Blue Lagoon Cruises' private island of Nanuya Lailai.

A feature of the Nanuya Lailai visit is a traditional torch-lit Fijian 'Lovo' feast taking place on the island's famous white sand beach.

For cruise reservations telephone Blue Lagoon Cruises in Lautoka, Fiji, on +679 666 1622, facsimile +679 666 4098, via email on reservations@blc.com.fj or online at www.bluelagooncruises.com.

*Conditions apply. All cruises are subject to availability. Please note prices do not include international airfares or beverages (other than tea or coffee).

SEADREAM YACHT CLUB’S 2011 BALTICS, NORWEGIAN FJORD AND RUSSIA DEBUT

SEADREAM Yacht Club's 112 guest mega-motor-cruiser, SeaDream I will break from her normal Mediterranean sailings with a 10-weeks Baltics, Norwegian Fjords and Russia season this northern summer, starting with 11-nights on May 28 from Hamburg in Germany to Bergen in Norway.

This sailing will include a transit of the Kiel Canal and SeaDream I will be the first cruise vessel ever to visit Faaborg on Denmark's island of Fyn, one-time home of Hans Christian Andersen. She'll also visit 13th century Marstrand in Sweden, Lillesand in Norway that's a small and quaint village that due to it's  size is unable to cater for larger cruise vessels, and the tiny "Skjaergaarden" Islands with their opulent summer homes of Norway's wealthiest.

SeaDream will have a day in Oslo with its blend of old culture and today's modern Norwegian lifestyle, and by contrast visit remote Flam with its steep mountains and waterfalls… with an optional trip on the famous Flåm Railway.

On June 21 guests will experience the longest day of the year when the "midnight sun" bathes Norway in a near-24 hours of light, and the voyage will conclude in Bergen with a gourmet island beach barbecue.

Prices start from US$7924pp twin-share including accommodation in ocean view staterooms, 5-star dining, wine with lunch and dinner, open bars with selected premium brands, nightly cocktail gatherings, use of mountain bikes shoreside, power and sail watersports facilities, a 30-course golf simulator, onboard gratuities, and port charges and taxes. Air travel is additional.

For full itinerary details and prices see travel agents or visit www.seadream.com

Family Expedition Cruises in Galapagos

Travel companies who want clients with families to experience sustainable travel on a Galapagos cruise rely on Ecoventura’s eco-friendly fleet of small expedition vessels in the Galapagos region.

“Active travel companies who share our conservation mission increasingly target Ecoventura, especially when it comes to the family market where parents are concerned that the Galapagos experience communicate ecology and sustainability,” says Doris Welsh, Ecoventura’s Director of Sales & Marketing.

Welsh points out, “What sets Ecoventura apart from others in the Galapagos is the fact that we will dedicate one entire yacht just for families, and when demand is stronger, we have one boat for families with younger age children and one with teenagers. You will not find that on other vessels in Galapagos.”

Welsh notes that “obviously clients have booking options and can go through a travel agent who we hope is aware of Ecoventura (http://www.ecoventura.com/), or clients can book a package with top tour operators specializing in family travel and with whom Ecoventura frequently partners.” Clients can also opt to book directly with Ecoventura that maintains a sales office in Miami.

Agents and tour companies can offer the advantage of helping a client with their air travel logistics and pre and post lodging plus cruise extensions. Many tour operators will package an Ecoventura 8-day cruise with extra days before or after exploring the regions of mainland Ecuador or Peru, Welsh points out.

Welsh notes that family travel accounts for a growing percentage of Ecoventura’s Galapagos cruise business. Ages 12 and up can join trips throughout the year. Families with kids ages seven and up are welcome to travel on any designated Family Departure (including Family Teen and Family Graduation trips) that target families who enjoy the companionship of other families with children of similar ages.

Activities for the youngest adventurers include a visit to the bridge, learning about navigational charts and how to tie nautical knots with the captain. In addition to games and activities, the vessels stock masks, fins, wetsuits and life vests in children’s sizes. Children-friendly menus are offered in addition to adult fare. Trips for teens ages 12 to 17 and for graduates ages 17 to 21 are more physically active and optimize the longer trails and varied sea kayaking and snorkeling opportunities. Children up to age 11 receive 25% discount and teens age 12 to 17 receive 15% discount off Ecoventura cruise rates.

To reserve a cabin or private charter, or to receive a copy of Ecoventura’s 2011 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.644.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries log on to www.ecoventura.com

Clelia II struggles in heavy seas in Antarctic. All safe

IAATO Statement reads in part:

Reports indicate that while Clelia II was encountering rough weather and sea conditions on the morning of December 7, a large wave hit the ship, breaking the starboard bridge window and dousing some electrical circuitry. This caused a temporary loss of communications and affected engine performance. Both engines remained operational and speed was reduced. There are no injuries to passengers, although one member of the crew sustained minor injuries. The ship reports no damage to the hull or discharge of oil or any other liquids or fluids from the ship.

Another IAATO ship, the National Geographic Explorer, operated by Lindblad Expeditions, accompanied the Clelia II for much of the day and was able to provide valuable assistance in restoring Clelia II’s communications.



On December 13, the charter company, Travel Dynamics, issued the following statement.

Clelia II in Antarctica

December 13, 2010: There have been many news reports regarding the storm that Clelia II weathered while crossing the Drake Passage, December 5 – 9. Unfortunately, some of the information presented in those reports is totally inaccurate, and we would like to correct the record.

After very successful landings in Antarctica, the last of which was in Port Lockroy on Sunday, December 5, the ship encountered stormy weather the moment it entered the Drake Passage. The wind was blowing at 50 knots, and the waves were 30-35 feet high. Captain Petersen, the master of the ship and a very seasoned mariner who has navigated the Drake over 150 times, reported that he has never seen weather conditions like these. Given the stormy weather, the ship reduced speed and was cruising slowly toward Ushuaia throughout the day and night of Monday, December 6. Tuesday morning, December 7, the storm intensified, and at 10:40 a.m. an extraordinarily large wave hit the ship, breaking one of the bridge windows. Water entered the bridge, damaging some of the electronic equipment. The main engines and electric generators were not affected and continued to operate.

The National Geographic Explorer was about 20 miles away, and was asked by the Clelia II’s captain to sail close to the Clelia II to render assistance, if needed. The Explorer stayed close to the Clelia II for about two hours, and when it was determined that Clelia II was managing well on its own, Explorer sailed away to resume its schedule.

Once out of the center of the storm, Clelia II was able to increase its speed and continued its course to Ushuaia, where it arrived in the evening of December 9. No passengers sustained any injuries. One crew member was injured slightly. During the storm, all the normal services to the passengers, such as meals, were fully provided.

It has been reported that the ship sent a distress call. It did not. It was also reported that the ship lost power. It did not – even at the height of the storm. We have asked the news media to correct the inaccurate statements they have made.

We are grateful to the passengers, who kept their composure and spirits up during the storm; to the ship’s captain, officers and crew for their superb seamanship; to the team of expedition leaders, who kept the passengers informed through their frequent briefings; and to the captain, officers and crew of the Explorer for their willingness to help.

Hurtigruten sailing out of trouble

source: Views and News from Norway

Norway’s passenger shipping line Hurtigruten hasn’t only sailed through a sea of financial trouble in recent years. Now it’s setting records in the winter off-season and charting a new course in Arctic areas.

The Norwegian shipping line with its unique vessels that combine cruising, ferry- and cargo service has seen winter bookings jump 32 percent this year, reports newspaper Nordlys. Over the past four years, the number of passenger overnight stays has more than doubled.

It’s clear that Hurtigruten’s marketing strategy to attract tourists during the winter has been a success. The shipping line has made the prospect of seeing the Northern Lights or experiencing sheer winter darkness as enticing as the Midnight Sun in the summer.

“For many, seeing the Northern Lights (nordlyset, or aurora borealis) is nearly a religious experience,” Aud Ræstad, cruise director on board the Hurtigruten ship Polarlys told Nordlys. “Tears stream down their faces, and those who manage to take pictures of the Northern Lights are overjoyed.”

Confirmed reservations for sailings in January, February and March this year are up 32 percent over the same months in 2010. The biggest increase has occurred among German tourists, followed by the British, French and Dutch. Hurtigruten earlier has reported strong increases in tourists from China as well, while the US market has traditionally been among the line’s most important.

Last fall’s re-negotiation of a contract with the state to ensure transportation service along remote stretches of the coast was critical in securing Hurtigruten’s finances. Chief executive Olav Fjell recently told newspaper Dagens Næringsliv (DN) that now the shipping line can build upon it, and he’s already eyeing new routes in the Arctic.

Fjell says it’s not unthinkable to someday offer cruises beyond Greenland, for example, and into the Northwest Passage and Arctic areas recently explored by Norwegian adventurer Børge Ousland. “That type of cruise is in huge demand,” Fjell told DN.

Hurtigruten already offers cruises to Svalbard, Greenland and from South America to Antarctica, in addition to its coastal cruising from Bergen to Kirkenes in northern Norway and its special cruises in the Baltic and Mediterranean.

The company has around 2,400 employees and annual revenues of around NOK 4 billion. It reported a 10.3 percent increase in operating profits for last year’s third quarter but a pre-tax loss of NOK 118 million tied to a lack of gains on currency exchange, reported DN.

A&K Cancels Jan. 4 Antarctica Sailing on Le Boréal

Abercrombie & Kent cancelled the Jan. 4 Antarctic cruise so its chartered vessel, Compagnie du Ponant’s Le Boréal, could undergo testing. The decision to cancel was made after inspections found “signs of wear” on some parts, and additional tests were advised.

Travel Daily reports up to 30 Australians are effected by the cancellation.

“We regret the disappointment but safety is our first priority,” A&K said in a statement. “All clients will receive a full refund or credit with a 10 percent discount for a future Antarctic cruise with A&K. Abercrombie & Kent has more than 20 years of experience operating safely in Antarctica and we are committed to providing the best expedition cruise experience.”

Ponant said the ship likely would have operated had the cruise been sailing anywhere but Antarctica. “If the ship had been sailing in any other part of the world, the parts would have been readily available and the work could easily have been done during its cruise,” Ponant said in a statement. “Compagnie du Ponant made the decision to replace the parts in Ushuaia prior to any problems arising while in the remote Antarctic region.”

“It is very unfortunate that the next sailing had to be canceled, particularly since it was completely booked. We felt we had to make that difficult decision as a precautionary measure and in the interest of our guests’ safety,” explained Terri Haas, chief commercial officer for the luxury cruise line. Ponant said the Jan. 19 cruise will sail as scheduled. For more information, visit www.abercrombiekent.com or http://en.ponant.com/.

Day 21 – The Big Blow

Wind gusts up to 70 knots atop Col Lyall Saddle, Campbell Island.

Amphibious operations continued under the leadership of Commander Russ throughout the morning with Zodiac cruises to the few significant spots along the shore including the site of WWII coastwatcher stations and the grave of a young 18th Century French astronomer buried ignominiously among the tussock. Like US Marines wading ashore on D-Day, we braved chilly water in our gumboots to get close to the southernmost tree in the world, a gnarly century-old sitka spruce planted for reasons unknown. Campbell Island had been the site of experimental sheep and cattle farming with the last animals removed just twenty years ago. Also removed in 2001, by way of a helicopter bait drop to military precision, was the island's insidious back rat population. Their spectacularly successful eradication has allowed the return of endemic flora and fauna. Little birds like snipe and pipit plus larger pelagic petrels and albatross have all shown a healthy recovery of
numbers since the menacing rodents' departure. While our Zodiacs buzzed amid the spray on the suitably named Perseverance Harbour, an elite squad of ten crack expeditioners made an assault on the 590m peak of Mount Honey with radio reports indicating solid progress. Afternoon's objective involved a return to secure positions on Col Lyall Saddle visited yesterday in blustery, wet and foggy conditions. The clearing cloud cover indicated promise, but when our party reached the ridge line, winds gusting to over 70 knots literally blew many off their feet and into the undergrowth. Our French videographer took a poorly synchronised step into the wind and was bodily lifted by a sudden blast and dumped upside down into the pleurophyllum. Wheeling albatross, on the other hand, soared above us all mocking our clumsy progress. Buffeted and pelted, the group and stragglers were back aboard, invigorated by the challenges and ready to celebrate the New Year.

New Cruise Ship – Stella Australis

For the 2010 – 2011 season a new expedition cruise ship will be in operation, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Cruceros Australis, a company that sails in one of the planet’s most virgin territories; Chilean-Argentine Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

“”Stella Australis” is the name of this new vessel that is being added to Cruceros Australis’ fleet, which currently runs the ships “Mare Australis” and “Via Australis”

The new ship will have a capacity of 210 passengers distributed in 100 cabins of 16,5 m2 (177 sq. ft.) each approx. She will be 89 meters long (292 ft.), and her beam or breadth will be 14.6 meters (47.8 ft.).

She will have three lounges for meetings equipped with modern audiovisual equipment, a dining room, an exercise room, and a spacious open deck area allowing the observation of the marvelous southern scenery at all times.

Each cabin will have picture windows, independent climate control, a private bathroom, and satellite phone.

“Stella Australis” is being built in Chile under the updated SOLAS 2001 and MARPOL 73/78 standards for worldwide ocean navigation certified by the ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), and is classified as a “Passenger Vessel”.

Cruceros Australis navigates between the Argentine city of Ushuaia (the southernmost in the world) and the Chilean city of Punta Arenas, including the Strait of Magellan, and the Beagle Channel in the extreme south of the American continent.

Impressive glaciers, native forests, penguin and elephant seal colonies can be seen on the journey towards the mythical Cape Horn, declared World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

The trip includes daily excursions in Zodiac boats, directed by the multilingual expedition team, complemented by cultural lectures about the natural surroundings.

The cruise is “all-inclusive”: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Open Bar for wine, beer, liquor and other beverages. The menu combines international cuisine and local recipes, which allows the discovery of the delicious and varied regional gastronomy, accompanied by Chilean and Argentine wines.

www.australis.com

AQUA EXPEDITIONS NAMED TO THE PRESTIGIOUS HARPERS' LIST

Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, the most respected publication in luxury travel, today announced its 2011 Grand Award Winners, featuring Aqua Expeditions' M/V Aqua in the category of "Best Cruise."

The brainchild of Francesco Galli-Zugaro, Aqua Expeditions is entirely unique to the Peruvian Amazon. Trips cater to discriminating, adventurous travelers and explore the more remote and pristine areas of the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve in the upper Amazon River and its tributaries. M/V Aqua, the flagship vessel, is 140-feet long with 12 spacious and luxurious guest suites. All of the suites are 230 to 240 square feet with large outward-facing picture windows and en-suite sitting areas. Launching Spring 2011, Aqua Expeditions' new vessel, the M/V Aria, will feature 16 suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, Jacuzzi, a gym, sundeck, and the same Pedro Miguel Schiaffino-designed menus. Fore more information on Aqua Expeditions, visit www.aquaexpeditions.com.

All of Mr. Harper's Grand Award winners possess exceptional character, a commitment to classic hospitality and a profound sense of place. Mr. Harper does not make his recommendations by means of a checklist, but uses his three decades of experience to distinguish the truly enchanting from the merely excellent.

"All in all," says Mr. Harper, "2010 has been a bumper year." And "despite difficult financial times, the quality of these new discoveries is truly remarkable."

ABOUT AQUA EXPEDITIONS
The brainchild of Francesco Galli-Zugaro, Aqua Expeditions is entirely unique to the Peruvian Amazon. Trips cater to discriminating, adventurous travelers and explore the more remote and pristine areas of the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve in the upper Amazon River and its tributaries. M/V Aqua, the flagship vessel, is 140-feet long with 12 spacious and luxurious guest suites. All of the suites are 230 to 240 square feet with large outward-facing picture windows and en-suite sitting areas. Launching Spring 2011, Aqua Expeditions' new vessel, the M/V Aria, will feature 16 suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, Jacuzzi, a gym, sundeck, and the same Pedro Miguel Schiaffino-designed menus. Fore more information on Aqua Expeditions, visit www.aquaexpeditions.com.

About Andrew Harper
Free of advertising since its inception in June 1979, Hideaway Report is a private monthly publication for sophisticated travelers. The selection of hotels, resorts and restaurants for inclusion in this publication is made on a completely independent basis, with Andrew Harper, Inc. paying full rate for all meals, lodging and related travel expenses. Andrew Harper and his editors travel incognito to write opinionated and unbiased travel reviews for a private membership service, which provides personalized travel-planning assistance, bespoke tours and valuable travel privileges to its members. For more information about Andrew Harper, visit www.AndrewHarper.com. Be sure to follow Mr. Harper on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AndrewHarperTravel and Twitter at HarperTravel.

HURTIGRUTEN CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARIES OF POLAR HEROES FRIDTJOF NANSEN AND ROALD AMUNDSEN WITH UNIQUE EVENTS AND FOUR FASCINATING VOYAGES

The "Fram", an engine-equipped sailing ship suited for icepack and arctic travel (owned by famed explorer Fridtjof Nansen) on loan to the 1911 Roald Amundsen expedition and headed for the South Pole. (TIME)

In honor of the anniversaries of two national events – polar explorer, scientist and humanist Fridtjof Nansen’s birth, and polar hero and pioneer aviator Roald Amundsen’s historic trek to the South Pole – the Norwegian Government has declared 2011 the Year of Nansen-Amundsen. Hurtigruten, which was established in the same year that Fridtjof Nansen set off into the Arctic Ocean in his newly built vessel Fram, is celebrating the monumental year with several unique events, including a centenary celebration onboard their own MS Fram, named after Nansen’s famous ship, on Dec. 14, the day Amundsen and his men reached the South Pole; a polar city walk that visits the Polar Museum, which has special anniversary exhibitions; and four special 2011 itineraries honoring their legacies.

Fridtjof Nansen

• This year’s Climate Voyage, departing July 21, celebrates the 150th anniversary of Fridtjof Nansen’s birth with an eight-day voyage from Reykjavik to Svalbard aboard the deluxe expedition ship, MS Fram. Sailing from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Longyearbyen, the voyage takes in an ever-changing vista of glaciers, sunlight waters and icebergs, and the midnight sun. Guests are privy to fascinating climate-related lectures and debates on a variety of topics. Stops include Ny Alesund, an important field station for climatologists; Isfjorden, where guests will enjoy a polar barbeque; Longyearbyen, home to the University Centre, with its core focus on the natural sciences; and the isolated island of Jan Mayen. Prices for the voyage range from $3,763 to $5,554 per person, double.

• The 13-Day Polar Bears, Islands & Fjords itinerary, departing Sept. 7, sails a path similar to the one forged by Fridtjof Nansen on his 1896 voyage with an combines Hurtigruten’s classic “world’s most beautiful voyage” along the Norwegian coastline, with highlights in the polar waters of the arctic. The voyage sails from Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago and home to nearly 2,000 polar bears, to Norway’s cultural center of Bergen. Highlights include the remote Russian community of Barentsburg; magical Magdalenafjord set in the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park; Bjørnøya (Bear Island), well known for its seabird colonies; and the populous walrus colony on Moffen Island. Fares range from $5,154 to $6,832.

MS Nordkapp

• Sailing aboard the MS Nordkapp, the seven-day Ice Breakers Voyage follows the path forged by maritime pioneers. Scandinavian historian and expert Arne Kertelhein gives detailed lectures about the polar heroes, their voyages and the cultures and inhabitants of the polar regions. The voyage departs Oct. 14, taking guests to the Art Nouveau town of Alesund; the medieval city of Trondheim; the Arctic Circle and the Lofoten Islands; Honningsvag and the North Cape; Kirkenes, just a few miles from the Russian border; and Tromso, where guests experience polar history firsthand on the Polar History City Walk. Prices range from $2,507 to $2,949.

• The popular 17-Day Chilean Fjords & Antarctica itinerary presents a unique opportunity to visit the breathtaking vistas of the Chilean fjords – a large area of remote isles, deep sounds, impressive glaciers and narrow passages – as well as the fascinating wilderness of Antarctica, where guests partake in celebrations on Dec. 14 in honor of the centennial of Roald Amundsen reaching the South Pole. Early booking rates for the Dec. 4, 2011 voyage range from $6,329 to $11,374 and must be booked by March 31, 2011; fares booked after this date range from $7,911 to $14,218.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway's coast and Europe in the spring. Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly web site, www.hurtigruten.us; or by phone: (800) 323-7436; fax (888)-524-2145; for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day.

Day 20 – Objective: Campbell Island

The day began at 0600 with wake-up calls, mustering the troops for breakfast and briefing. This morning's landings were presented as a military operation. The first group would hit the beaches at 0830 and face the enemy almost instantly they boarded the Zodiacs to shore. Instead of entrenched machine guns and land mines, the obstacles included a scary 40-knot wind blowing across the harbour driving sleet and rain like shrapnel. The first party wouldn't meet their objective for almost eight hours after a mighty hike across 'the saddle' down to Northwest Bay and back for extraction mid-afternoon, all the time savage gusts assailed them. Casualties began arriving back aboard within two hours, wet and bedraggled, the initial resistance had forced a partial withdrawal, but the survivors valiantly pursued their target. A second wave landed at 1030 and a third at 1400 which included several survivors of the first assault. The whole significance of this beachhead was to secure sightings and photos of the great albatross that breed here. Rodney even called it the 'Albatross Headquarters of the Southern Ocean'. After the day's operations and a hearty meal of lamb shanks and pork belly, Ewen's photography competition winners were announced and the day was declared a success.

Days 15 – 19 The Screaming Sixties and Furious Fifties

Spirit of Enderby pitches into a big wave (pic: Peter Diddams)

"Beyond the Roaring Forties there are the Furious Fifties and Shrieking Sixties, for the storms that ravage these regions become more and more severe as one proceeds further south.” - Herbert Ponting 1921

After five days at sea, Spirit of Enderby finally drops anchor in our refuge in Perseverance Harbour at Campbell Island. Like rabbits in springtime, hibernating passengers emerge from their cabins alerted by the sudden stability of the ship. After the bucking and rolling of the Southern Ocean, one could be forgiven for thinking we'd run aground. In truth, it wasn't as bad as legend would have it, but to call it a doddle would still be an understatement. It gave us a chance to sample the privations of extended time at sea battling queasy tummies, cabin fever and just plain boredom. The seas were too rough to be climbing up and down to the lecture theatre, so improvised laptop movie screenings, card games and humble book reading tested our resilience. Even so, our heated, well-stocked vessel was a paradise compared to last century's heroic explorers who bunkered down in pitching wooden sailing boats urged on by pitiful steam engines with as much power as a couple of Zodiac outboards. There were no mutinies to put down, no dogs and ponies to rescue from rogue waves, no frostbite or scurvy. Ewen's photo competition has been a huge hit with many passengers entering an impressive portfolio of images. We sat down, playfully bickered over the winners and are ready to announce the results to an eager audience tomorrow after a busy day planned ashore on this remote sanctuary.