Cruise Weekly: Orion - Headfirst into Adventure

From On Board: Headfirst into Adventure

Vessel: Orion II (formerly Clelia II)

Location: Port of Kagoshima, Japan

As we set sail from this busy port city, the newly re-christened Orion II is altering course to avoid the projected path of Typhoon Muifa, a newly categorised tropical storm threatening to collide with Okinawa, our intended destination. Following an earthquake thrill in the Aleutian Islands last month, we passed the volcano Sakurajima this afternoon as it puffed harmlessly into the air above us. Now we steam for Keelung on the island of Taiwan as Muifa lurks ominously in the waters to the NE of the Philippines.

Captain Frank Allica, an ex-RAN skipper and lifetime sailor, briefed the assembled passengers advising us plainly, “My responsibility is to the safety of you, my passengers, and this vessel. A possible category 5 typhoon? Sorry, we're outta here!”

Just as quickly as the port visits of Okinawa and Iriomote in the Ryuku Islands were cancelled, expedition chief, Justin Friend, manifested a new program for Taiwan, proving that adventure cruising is all about flexibility and preparedness.

“The port arrangements are made and our new itinerary includes a visit to one of the world's tallest buildings,” a surprisingly relaxed Justin told me, clearly pleased with his new plans.

The former Clelia II was delivered to Orion Expeditions earlier this year and immediately underwent an extended technical and cosmetic overhaul. While the technical aspects might be less obvious, the completely rejuvenated suites instantly bring the creature comforts up to a level recognisable to the many repeat passengers aboard. Long time Orion executive chef, Lothar Greiner, is joined by new arrival, Frederick Cyr from Quebec, and the food is indistinguishable from the high quality standards already set aboard Orion.

Launched in 1991, the new Orion II belongs to the well-regarded "Renaissance" class of ships, of which eight were built for the now defunct cruise line of the same name. Other vessels include the new Sea Spirit (formerly Spirit of Oceanus), Corinthian II and Noble Caledonia's Island Sky. At just 88m and a little over 4000 GRT, passenger capacity is a very comfortable 100, with ample public spaces including a club/library, main lounge/lecture space, dining room, boutique, salon, Jacuzzi deck and large reception. Passenger accommodation is in seven classes on five decks with 16 balconies.

While there are a few niggling technical issues, like the non-functioning elevator, the many Orion past-passengers seem perfectly happy with this latest addition to the fleet. True, some programs on Orion's new expanded fleet may be softer in some areas than offered elsewhere, the choice is there and should continue to draw new recruits to the growing Orion family of converted adventure cruisers.

For more on Orion II's new cruises, see www.orionexpeditions.com

HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS UNCOVERS THE FORGOTTEN ISLANDS OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC

HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS UNCOVERS THE FORGOTTEN ISLANDS OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC

The Subantarctic islands south of New Zealand are recognised as one of the worlds' great biodiversity hotspots. Protected by the wild Southern Ocean, these remote, uninhabited, and seldom visited islands are home to many of the world's albatross and penguin species.

Discovered by Europeans only in the late 1700s and early 1800s, the islands were quickly occupied by sealing and whaling gangs that plundered the seal populations and introduced pigs, goats, cattle, cats and rats. Today conservation efforts are focused on eliminating these non-native animals and returning the islands to their natural state.

Heritage Expeditions is offering adventurous travellers and nature-lovers the chance to explore these unique wildlife habitats on two special voyages to the Snares, Campbell and Auckland Subantarctic islands in 2011 and 2012.

The Snares Islands are a nature reserve of international importance. It is claimed that there are more birds nesting on this small forest-covered island than there are seabirds around the entire British Isles. The Snares is home to hundreds of thousands of Sooty Shearwaters, a large population of Buller's Albatross and the endemic Snares Crested Penguin.

Campbell Island is known as the albatross capital of the world. It is home to six species of albatross, including the majestic Southern Royal Albatross, Campbell, Black-browed, Grey-headed, Light-mantled and a small population of Wandering Albatross. It is also known for its 'mega herbs' – described by the English botanist Joseph Hooker as having a "flora display second to none outside the tropics". The voyages are timed to coincide with the peak of the flowering of these plants.

The Auckland Islands are the largest of the islands in this region. Auckland Island is made up of two tremendous, extinct volcanoes with the western coastline sculpted into formidable cliffs, and the eastern coastline carved by glaciers into some of the most picturesque fiords in the world. The jewel in the crown is Enderby Island, a wildlife rich island that has no equal in the Southern Ocean and is home to the world's rarest penguin- the Yellow-eyed Penguin. Between landings, time at sea is filled with lectures on the biology and history of the Subantarctic islands by on-board experts, with opportunities to spot the many pelagic species of the region.

Two nine–day voyages on board the 'Spirit of Enderby' exploring these secret gems are scheduled for 28 December 2011 and 5 January 2012. Both voyages will focus on key ecological, historic and conservation themes. The second voyage will be supported by New Zealand Geographic with a portion of the fare going towards conservation projects run under the auspices of the New Zealand Geographic Trust, creating new opportunities for conservation and research projects in those locations and helping to secure their future. Prices start from US$3,250 per person plus US$250.00 per person to cover Government landing fees.

For further information phone 1800 143 585 (within Australia) or 0800 262 8873 (within NZ) or email info@heritage-expeditions.com

New Cruising Itineraries in Galapagos

Passengers from Ecoventura enjoy Giant Tortoise experience at Charles Darwin Conservatory (Roderick Eime)

Ecoventura Offers Two 7-Night Cruise Itineraries

Starting January 2012 on 20-Passsenger M/Y Eric, Flamingo I and Letty

New Itineraries Developed to Comply with New Galapagos National Park Regulations Will Enhance Experience While Minimizing Visitor Impact

Ecoventura's (http://www.ecoventura.com) environmentally friendly fleet of small expedition vessels in the Galapagos will alternate two 7-night itineraries approved by the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve beginning on Jan. 29, 2012.

Three 20-passenger sister yachts, MY Eric, Flamingo and Letty are charged with helping protect and preserve the fragile eco system while engaging guests in the splendors of the Galapagos archipelago.

Cruise rates start at $3,350 per person double occupancy per week. Shorter options are sometimes available on seasonal departure dates only for a 5 or 6 night cruise.

"Our team of experts carefully developed two distinct itineraries that would best benefit our client's interests and allow them to see the greatest variety of species of wildlife possible," explains Ecoventura spokesperson Doris Welsh. "The two weeklong itineraries can easily be combined to create the ultimate Galapagos experience providing a comprehensive view of the region's geology, history, wildlife and culture."

The itineraries complement park efforts to reduce erosion, pressure and possible stress on wildlife at the 14 most popular central visitor sites in the archipelago. This is being accomplished by redistributing visitor numbers across more sites away from the Central Islands. All tour boats in Galapagos must comply with this new regulation which will ultimately enhance visitor experience, said Welsh.

Both itineraries offer two guided land visits daily, snorkeling, dingy rides and kayaking, together optimizing opportunities to see iconic species of wildlife that make Galapagos famous: giant tortoises, penguins, frigate birds, boobies, flamingos, Darwin Finches, albatross, flightless cormorant, marine and land iguanas, lizards, many varieties of sea birds, whale, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and sea lions.

Passengers who chose Itinerary A will visit the Southern & Central islands stopping at La Galapaguera, Cerro Brujo, Punta Pitt on San Cristobal, Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay on Espanola, Punta Cormorant, Post Office Bay and Devil's Crown on Floreana, Humedales, Wall of Tears, Sierra Negra on Isabela, Bartolome, Black Turtle Cove and South Plaza Island as well as the highlands of Santa Cruz.

Passengers who book Itinerary B will visit the Northern & Western islands stopping at Playa Ochoa, Leon Dormido in San Cristobal, Prince Philips Steps and Darwin Bay in Genovesa, North Seymour, Bachas Beach, Darwin Station on Santa Cruz, Punta Espinoza in Fernandina, Tagus Cove, Elizabeth Bay and Urbina Bay in Isabela, Puerto Egas on Santiago, Santa Fe and Rabida Island.

See: http://www.ecoventura.com/expeditionyachts/itineraries2012.aspx

After Jan. 29, 2012 Ecoventura guests can combine the two itineraries for an all-encompassing two-week program. Guests who book two consecutive weeks back to back are eligible for a 5 percent discount applicable any week (excluding holidays).

For scuba divers who want to combine diving in Galapagos with wildlife top side, the fleet's luxury dive live-aboard, Galapagos Sky offers one week in tandem with a second week on Eric, Flamingo or Letty.  Passengers are eligible for a 5 percent discount on selected departure dates.

About Ecoventura: Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. In operation since 1990, the cruise company transports 4,000+ passengers annually aboard its fleet of three expedition vessels; Eric, Flamingo and Letty, identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts. The company also operates the M/V Galapagos Sky, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard offering 7-night weekly itineraries visiting the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin.

To reserve a cabin or private charter, or to receive a copy of Ecoventura's 2011-2012 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.633.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries log on to http://www.ecoventura.com/.

APT adds Upper Mekong cruising

APT adds Thailand and Upper Mekong cruising in Laos

APT has added Thailand land touring and cruising the Upper Mekong in Laos to its Vietnam holidays.

Upper Mekong cruising will be on the stylish boutique river ship Mekong Sun (pictured), carrying up to 28 passengers.
 
Thailand land touring includes two nights in each of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Bangkok.

Three APT itineraries combine the six-day Upper Mekong cruise which starts and finishes in Luang Prabang with Vietnam and Cambodian land touring and Lower Mekong cruising (from $11,495 per person twin share) where APT operates La Marguerite and ms AmaLotus.

APT has fly free offers including taxes for the 26-day Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Thailand Discovery package (from $11,495 per person twin share) departing between November 2011 and April 2012, and on the 21-day Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand Adventure (from $9295). The deals apply to bookings before September 30, 2011. A $2000 deposit for a fly free offer is due within seven days of booking.

The 18-day Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand Adventure, from $8195 is billed by APT as the lead-in package. The price includes Ho Chi Minh City, seven-night Mekong cruise, port charges and tipping, 52 meals including Dine Around Dinners, soft drink, local beer and spirits available at all times on the Lower Mekong cruise, small boat excursions to the floating markets in Cai Be, Vinh Long and Sa Dec and on to Siem Reap and its Angkor temples, then to Chiang Mail and Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand, the old kingdom of Chian Sean and to Bangkok and its palaces and temples.

Contact: call 1300 229 804, visit www.aptouring.com.au or see a travel agent.

EC editor on extended assignment until August 24

Orion II at anchor in the Russian Far East (c) John Borthwick

Your editor and keeper-of-blogs at expeditioncruising.com will set off today on assignment and a rendezvous with Orion II in the Sea of Japan, then travel south to Sabah via Philippines. Stay tuned for updates here, Yahoo! and at Cruise Weekly. Later stories will appear in Cruise Passenger, Cruise International and Escape.

Fuel regulations send Antarctic cruise costs up

Anti-pollution rules will curb tourism to the continent and push up the cost the cruises, writes Caroline Shearing.

By Caroline Shearing - www.telegraph.co.uk

The cost of cruising to Antarctica is likely to rise next month with the introduction of new regulations that will compel ships visiting the region to use less polluting fuels.

From August 1, they will be banned from burning or carrying heavy fuel oil and must instead use marine gas oil, which is cleaner but considerably more expensive.

The change, which could cost large-scale tour operators several million pounds a season, has prompted some cruise lines to withdraw from the region, and visitor numbers are expected to fall to their lowest in almost a decade.

“The ban will reduce the number of voyages next season available aboard larger 'cruise-only’ ships – those carrying more than 500 passengers, with no opportunities to go ashore in Antarctica,” said Steve Wellmeier, executive director of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (Iaato). He confirmed that Holland America and Azamara Cruises will continue to offer cruise-only sailings, but Crystal, Princess, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania have dropped Antarctica from their brochures.

Read full story

Travel to Antarctica Continues to Decline

Source: www.cruiseindustrynews.com

With the formal end of the tourism season in the Antarctic, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has released its final numbers for 2010-11. The total number of visitors to the region traveling with IAATO member-operators was 33,824.

This includes those traveling on traditional expedition ships, yachts, larger cruise-only vessels as well visitors participating in land programs. The overall seasonal results reflect a decrease of 8.3 percent from last year's total of 36,875 passengers.

In reviewing the numbers by category, traditional small and medium-size expedition ships – which carry 500 or fewer passengers and conduct landings – accounted for 18,534 passengers, a decline of nearly 13% from the previous season in this category.

There were a total of 14,373 passengers in the cruise-only category – those vessels that carry more than 500 passengers and only travel through the area without disembarking their guests ashore in Antarctica. This represented a decline of just over 4%.

A much smaller air-sea category that includes a combination of air transportation to Antarctica and small-ship cruising tallied at 531 visitors.

Land tourism accounted for an additional 386 visitors during the 2010-11 season. While the overall number of participants increased this past season for both the air-sea and land tourism categories, the numbers remain comparatively very low.

More than 100 different nationalities were represented during this past season, including citizens from every one of the Consultative Treaty Parties. Of those, the majority (77%) came from 10 different countries, with the US (37%), Australia (10%), UK (8%), Germany (7%) and Japan, the Netherlands and China (each at 3%) topping the list.

With a ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil (HFO) imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) set to take place this August, IAATO projects a significant decrease in the cruise-only category from 14,373 passengers to less than 5,000 for the 2011-12 season. As a result, the number of voyages by 500-plus passenger vessels is expected to decrease from 12 this past season to just five in 2011-12.

Because of this and the lingering effects of the slow economy, the overall number of visitors traveling with IAATO operators next season is projected at 25,319, a 25 percent decline from the season just ended.

"Antarctic tourism numbers have been trending downward since the 2007-08 season," noted Steve Wellmeier, Executive Director of IAATO. "The decline to date has largely been the result of the effects of the economic slowdown worldwide. While we expect this to continue playing a role, there is little question that the more significant factor in next year's lower numbers is the consequence of the HFO ban. The result will be visitor numbers overall that mirror those of a decade ago." Wellmeier adds that the priority for IAATO is to remain focused on its mission of safe and environmentally responsible travel and ensuring continued development and maintenance of best practice standards throughout the Antarctic tour operator community.

Free return flights to Russia for 2012 cruise

APT is offering free companion flights to Russia, including air taxes, for booking a holiday that includes a 12-day Russian Waterways cruise between Moscow and St Petersburg next year.

The booking has to be made before November 30, 2011 and applies to three stateroom categories on the 212-passenger ms AmaKatarina, a four-deck, two-restaurant 2011-rebuilt river ship which claims to offer the most spacious accommodation on Russia's waterways and the first of its kind to introduce Outside Balconies, a feature of over 70% of staterooms.

The Russian Waterways cruise is priced from $5695 per person, twin share, (based on Sep. 30, 2012 departure) which includes 11-night cruise, 32 meals, wine and beer with dinner, sightseeing excursions, tipping and transfers as well as Russian language lessons and Moscow Circus and St Petersburg ballet performances.

The ms AmaKatarina cruises along the Volga, Svir and Neva rivers, exploring the forested islands, vast lakes and quaint lifestyles of rural Russia.

Contact: call 1300 229 804, visit www.aptouring.com.au or see you travel agent.

Two for One on Galapagos Cruise

AdventureSmith Explorations Announces Two for One Galapagos Cruises
Late Summer / Early Fall on 32-Passenger Galapagos Evolution

Leading small ship cruise company AdventureSmith Explorations, http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/ that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of expedition ships, announces a two-for-one special (cruise rate only in shared cabin) for four late summer / early fall departures in the Galapagos on the classic motor yacht Galapagos Evolution.

The Aug. 25-Sept. 4, Sept. 8-18, Sept. 15-25 and Sept. 22-Oct.1 packages which begin and end in colonial Quito, Ecuador, include an 8 day / 7 night Galapagos cruise, pre and post cruise Quito hotel accommodations, airport/hotel transfers, round trip flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands and a half day tour of the Quito's old town, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site.

MY Galapagos Evolution

Departures (guaranteed when 16 guests have signed up for the program) start at $5,895 for the first traveler with the companion paying only $1,100 for extras (in-country air tickets, transit control card and park entrance fees) exclusive of the cruise rate. See: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/58

For this same trip, guests may add a complimentary 4 night / 5 day Amazon adventure extension plus free extras valued at $600 per person if they forego the two for one offer and pay full price for the cruise. Bookings must be made by July 30.

"Special offers like this are increasingly rare in the Galapagos, especially during the popular months of August and September when temperatures are most pleasant for hiking and wildlife viewing," said Todd Smith, company owner and founder. He noted that the Galapagos Evolution is a unique adventure ship that has all the modern amenities "in the spirit of bygone oceangoing luxury" yet retains the adventurous atmosphere of a smaller expedition vessel.

This motor yacht is designed to give travelers the sensation of stepping back into the Roaring Twenties aboard a cruise ship dedicated to guest luxury and style. It has 14 cabins and two suites for 32 passengers. A crew of 18 plus two naturalist guides and a cruise director accompany each sailing.

About Adventure Smith Explorations
AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Company founder Todd Smith helped pioneer the concept of wilderness cruising that combines the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking, hiking and exploring remote wilderness areas ashore. The company matches guests with the top names in small ship cruising as well with intimate, boutique ships that may not make the radar of most travelers.

In moving through exotic natural environments and exploring vibrant native cultures seldom associated with more mainstream cruise itineraries, AdventureSmith Explorations dedicates its efforts to small footprint, sustainable travel and has launched a carbon free cruising initiative. Its off-the-beaten-path destinations include Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Hawaii, Peru, the Arctic, Antarctica, and Australia.

The company's mission is to give back to the individuals, communities and environments touched by AdventureSmith Explorations trips by connecting travelers with a network of grassroots and global nonprofit partners worldwide including the Alaska Natural History Association, Neotropica Foundation and Galapagos Conservancy.

The company was named by National Geographic Adventure as one of "The Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth" and is the recipient of Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious "World Savers Award." In June of 2011, Andrew Browning, a vacation sales consultant with AdventureSmith Explorations received TravelAge West's Wave Award in the category of Trendsetters - Upward Bound, RockStar Agent Under 40.

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, California along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe.  Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or 530-583-1775.

Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com
Website: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/

Explore the islands of Papua New Guinea with Orion Expedition Cruises

For those seeking a truly memorable experience, right on Australia's doorstep yet far removed from the familiar tourist hotspots of the South Pacific, Australia's closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea, is a tropical paradise forgotten by time and overlooked by tourism.

During March and October 2012, the two luxurious 100 guest expedition ships Orion and Orion II explore the islands of Papua New Guinea, with six 11 night voyages from which to choose. Accompany the specialist expedition team and visit isolated villages, encounter primitive tribal cultures, see superb indigenous artwork and carvings, unique flora and fauna, and enjoy world-class snorkelling in the famed Coral Triangle.

This land of 800 languages with its remarkable cultural diversity will take your breath away. Whether it is the mysterious art of the Sepik or the feathered head dresses of a Tufi tribesman, the historic battle grounds of World War II, volcanic tropical fjords or pristine white sand beaches, Orion's expeditions to Papua New Guinea will provide experiences that will stay with you for life.

 www.orionexpeditions.com

ANTARCTICA, FALKLAND ISLANDS AND BUENOS AIRES – JUST FOR STARTERS

Azamara Journey

START 2012 with a cruise like never before – this one goes to the isolated Falkland Islands, gives you three days visiting the remote Antarctic Sound and Peninsula, and then sails around legendary Cape Horn to one of the world's most vibrant cities, Buenos Aires.

Ushuaia, Argentina

And they're just for starters: the total 18-night package that's available through Cruiseco also includes return Economy Class international airfare from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth & Darwin, two nights pre-cruise in Buenos Aires with breakfast, 16-nights aboard the luxury 700-passenger Azamara Journey to Montevideo in Uruguay, Ushuaia (the world's southern-most city) and Puerto Madryn in Argentina, and back to Buenos Aires.

All port charges, government fees, air taxes and gratuities aboard Azamara Journey are also included.

Azamara Journey sails from Buenos Aires on January 13 2012, with prices for the 18-night fly, cruise and stay package starting from $8,480pp twin-share ex Sydney if booked by 31 September 2011 (or unless sold out before this date;) for those who wish Cruiseco can also pre-arrange all necessary airport, hotel, ship transfers at an extra cost.

For full details, prices from other mainland cities and the names of Cruiseco's 200 cruise-specialist travel agencies visit www.cruising.com.au

ADDITIONAL SHIPBOARD INFORMATION: The 30,000-tonne Azamara Journey has a main restaurant, two speciality restaurants, a coffee café and a separate grill, piano bar, wine bar, a choice of lounges, live entertainment, daily enrichment programs including wine and Champagne tastings and dance lessons, a Spa and Wellness Centre, and a pool, library, casino, game shows and selection of specialty shops.

Note from expeditioncruising.com editor: Azamara Journey fully complies with IAATO guidelines for light fuel in Antarctica regions and will be one of the few 'cruise only' vessels to participate under the new regulations that bans heavy fuel oil.

Weeklong Cruises in Washington & British Columbia Return to American Safari Cruises 2012 Deployment

22-guest Safari Quest sails Pacific Northwest Passage cruises from Seattle

Well-known in yachting circles as a favorite for gunkhole cruising— a yachter's paradise of quiet, scenic anchorages—the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands star in American Safari Cruises' Pacific Northwest Passage itinerary returning in 2012. The cruise features Washington and British Columbia with a new homeport—Seattle, Washington.

Beginning September 14, 2012, the 22-guest Safari Quest sails 10 weeklong cruises roundtrip from Seattle.  The yacht returns in the spring for six more weeklong cruises beginning March 29, 2013. The Pacific Northwest Passage itinerary explores the inlets and islands of the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands including visits to Victoria, Jervis Inlet, the Harmony Islands, Princess Louisa Inlet, Nanaimo and the Gulf Islands, British Columbia; Friday Harbor, San Juan Island and Stuart Island, WA.

"The intimate nature of this upscale yacht is ideal for navigating among the islands and scenic inlets in Washington and British Columbia," said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. "Sailing from Seattle will be more convenient for many people, and we've also increased the number of sailings in fall and spring."

Sailing from Seattle, the yacht passes through the historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks to Puget Sound.  In Victoria, guests enjoy a tour of Butchart Gardens with a traditional British high tea, a visit to the Royal British Columbia Museum and the historic Empress Hotel.

A flexible itinerary allows time to search out and view wildlife such as orca whales, eagles, seals, sea lions, porpoise, black bears and deer. Expedition—or gunkhole—cruising means the yacht freely explores among the inlets and islands of the Pacific Northwest.  An onboard expedition leader provides expert narration while leading waterborne or land-based adventures including kayaking, hiking, beachcombing and skiff rides. Paddle boards are also available for solo adventures in scenic waters.

Other highlights of the cruise include exploration by foot or by kayak in Princess Louisa Inlet, only half a mile wide and culminating at the spectacular Chatterbox Falls; scenery and solitude while relaxing in the upper deck hot tub; stroll along Nanaimo's picturesque waterfront promenade; a visit to the town of Friday Harbor with boutiques, galleries and a Whale Museum; hiking along a bluff to Turning Point Lighthouse on Stuart Island and kayaking among the sheltered Harmony Islands.

Cruise fares start at $3,995 per person based on double occupancy. The inclusive cruise includes all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; and all port charges, taxes and fees. The 22-guest Safari Quest features a hot tub, Tempur-pedic mattresses, heated tile floors in all bathrooms and upper category balconies. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2 to 1. Yachts can be booked as a private charter or by individual stateroom. To book a yachting adventure or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or American Safari Cruises at 888-862-8881 or email sales@americansafaricruises.com.

 www.americansafaraicruises.com

In Australia: Ultimate Cruising 1300 662 943