Discover Cruising... with a difference

Discover the World Marketing Travel launches Discover Cruising 2012/13 brochure

Discover the World Marketing Travel is pleased to announce the launch of their 2012/13 Cruising brochure, which showcases the intimate yacht/small ship experience of Variety Cruises together with a selection of SeaTours programs.

“We are extremely excited to introduce this brochure to the Australian travel industry,” said Country Director Birgit Eisbrenner. “Our Tailormade SeaTours of Distinction have been especially created for the discerning traveller, looking for life enriching cruise and tour journeys”.

For over 25 years, Variety has been taking their guests to mesmerising cosmopolitan and out of the way ports of call in a relaxed, private yacht-like atmosphere with a friendly and professional crew. Variety’s intimate ships, which carry just 44-72 guests, dock so close to where guests want to be, they simply step ashore and are amongst all the action. This means, no queues to access tenders and a flexible cruise schedule which allows guests freedom to fully enjoy each port at their own pace.

Discover’s SeaTours programs include hotel stays and land extensions that can be easily anchored either pre and/or post each cruise itinerary. The SeaTours often boast close-up sightseeing experiences with small group or private touring; superior, first class or deluxe hotel choices; airport and ship transfers; special dining events and much more.

The destinations offered in the Discover Cruising brochure include: Arabian Peninsula, Cuba, Greece & Turkey, Adriatic (Croatia, Montenegro & Albania), The French & Italian Riviera and Southern Italy & Malta. Many of the programs feature Early Bird Booking Savings of up to 20% on the voyage fare and bonus Shipboard Credits. Visit www.discovertheworldtravel.com.au to download the brochure or contact Discover the World Marketing Travel for your copies today.

SeaDream Yacht Club’s Just Released 2013 European Schedule includes the Black Sea

SeaDream yacht club just released their 2013 European voyage schedule, first giving their past guests advance notice, then going out to the public at large.

From May through October 2013, SeaDream I & SeaDream II will sail to Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Montenegro, Malta and Portugal. New routes and destinations include Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Russia.

Highlights of SeaDream’s 2013 European season include:

Voyage # 11323: June 5-16: Yachting the best ports ofTurkey,GreeceandCroatiain 11-nights.

Voyage # 11333: Aug. 17-30: 13-nights, full circumnavigation of The Black Sea including Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Georgia and the north coast of Turkey.

Voyage # 11334: Aug. 30-Sep.7 An educational, 8-night voyage visiting ancient Troy and the Gallipoli battlefields in Turkey and Greece’s archaeological site of Mycenae.

Voyage # 11335: Sep. 7-13: “Mamma Mia” comes to life with calls to Skiatos Island,Volos, Kayala and Thassos Island, Greece.

Voyage # 11338: Oct. 2-12: 10-nights, featuring fabulous Greek Islands, Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast and a rare call to the island of Cyprus.

“All voyages are designed to make one feel as if they are aboard their own private yacht. In 2013, when calling on St. Tropez, France we’ll be doing a wet landing on the famous Pampelonne Beach; the place to see and be seen. SeaDream also stays late in lively St. Tropez. It’s a different experience to see a port after dark” said SeaDream’s President, Bob Lepisto. In 2013 SeaDream also stays late inPortofino, Mykonos, Santorini and Sorrentoto name a few.

Lepisto added “In 2013 we’ve not only broadened our mix of destinations, we’ve added voyages of varying lengths starting with our 7, 10 & 20-night Amazon River voyages. I think 2013 offers something for everyone.” All 2013 European routes have just been posted on SeaDream’s website. SeaDream suggests reserving early to ensure the best possible tariff. Click here for further details SeaDream’s 2013 European Voyages.  

International Expeditions Offers Travelers $1,000 Off On Two June Amazon River Cruises

Guests save more than 25% on June 1 and 22, 2012 departures of International Expeditions' award-winning exploration of the Peruvian Amazon.


International Expeditions, the world leader in engaging and authentic nature travel, (ed: their words not mine) is offering travelers a special $1,000 per person savings on its June 1 and 22, 2012 Amazon River cruises. While reaping a rare savings of more than 25 percent off regular fares, budget savvy travelers enjoy an in-depth look at the legendary nature and vibrant culture of the Peruvian Amazon.

Guests on the 10-day Amazon Voyage expedition travel more than 600 miles into the narrow tributaries of the Amazon aboard the 24-passenger riverboat Aquamarina, enjoying chances of rare wildlife sightings. Daily outings on this small-ship adventure take travelers deep into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve to spot diverse wildlife, hike into the rainforest, and even fish for piranha. During excursions into the narrow river tributaries, guests may spot more than 100 kinds of birds, pink and gray river dolphins, sloths, giant otters and nocturnal animals such as caimans and capybaras.

“There were so many highlights of our trip to Peru with International Expeditions,” said Amazon cruise guest Peg Smith of Toledo, Ohio. “The voyage on the river itself was awesome. The naturalists and expedition leader were so professional, friendly and full of knowledge about all of the plants and animals and birds. The staff on the boat was wonderful, and food was interesting and good.”

Amazon cruise passengers also spend time with the ribereños, native people of the Amazon’s remote villages, handing out school supplies to children and meeting with a local shaman. Guests enjoy a penetrating glimpse into daily life while also taking time to participate in a blessing ceremony, learn about local agriculture and crafts, or sing Peruvian songs. Ensuring a high level of authenticity, IE varies the villages guests visit during their Amazon expedition.

When not discussing the rainforest or village life with the local guides, guests can stargaze on the open-air top deck or sip cocktails while enjoying the evening entertainment, courtesy of the ship’s local crew of 16. A high staff-to-guest ratio — better than 2:1 — ensures that guests are well looked after during their days aboard the 24-guest Aquamarina.

Prices for the June 1 and 22, 2012 Amazon River expedition cruise start at $2,898 per person (with discount), and include accommodations, excursions, complimentary laundry aboard Aquamarina, most meals, guides, transfers, and tips to porters and waiters for included meals.

Celebrating 32 years of nature travel, International Expeditions specializes in small-group journeys to Earth’s most exhilarating destinations. A pioneer of environmentally responsible travel, IE is committed to preserving natural habitats and improving the welfare of the people and communities it visits. International Expeditions has been named seven times to Travel + Leisure’s list of “World’s Best” tour operators & safari outfitters and to National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine’s list of “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.”

For more information or a brochure on the Amazon River cruise, call International Expeditions at 1-800-234-9620 or visit http://www.IEtravel.com

Swan Hellenic's Minerva returns to Service

 

Swan Hellenic’s Minerva sailed into Portsmouth today following its multi-million pound winter upgrade programme.

Carrying a maximum of just 350 passengers, Minerva, the discovery led cruise ship spends its days taking discerning travellers to some of the world’s most iconic destinations and hidden gems.

Built specifically for Swan Hellenic and originally named by HRH the Duchess of Gloucester, the vessel has a unique loyalty with both passengers and crew alike.

Minerva boasts a country house style and Swan Hellenic prides itself on its discovery cruising ethos, which was pioneered by the company in 1954. Each sailing is escorted by Guest Speakers who bring each destination to life covering topics as diverse as the legacy of Tsarist and Soviet rule to the archaeology and culture of Greek Islands. Each Guest Speaker is an expert in their field with many considered to be the world’s foremost authority on their subject.

The ship’s company is today preparing the vessel for its first passenger cruise that departs from Portsmouth later this afternoon. HM Band of the Royal Marines will play from the ship’s deck as it departs on a 15 day cruise calling at Oporto and Lisbon (Portugal), Cadiz (Spain), Casablanca (Morocco) and Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Gomera, Santa Cruz de la Palma (Canary Islands) and Funchal (Madeira).

The upgraded ship boasts a number of new and improved features including:

· An additional 32 balconies to existing cabins, increasing the number of balcony suites to 23% of all cabin accommodation

· A new forward facing observation lounge and bar – the Orpheus Lounge – on the top deck, providing guests with expansive panoramic views

· A dedicated internet lounge

· An extension to the popular Shackleton Bar where guests can enjoy pre dinner drinks

· A new outdoor walk round promenade deck

· New en-suite facilities in every cabin

The ship also features a comprehensive library of approximately 5,000 volumes, many written by Guest Speakers past and present; two dining rooms enabling open seating dining, which allows passengers to dine with their friends at leisure plus the gym and spa services have also been relocated and upgraded.

The upgrade marks the first major work on the ship since its original remodelling from a spy ship vessel called ‘Okean’ (named after the Ukrainian shipyard where it was being constructed).

“Minerva’s renovations mark a new chapter in the long history of Swan Hellenic and underline All Leisure Group PLC’s commitment to the future of this popular ship, enabling it to remain at the forefront of cultural discovery cruising for years to come” explains Colin Stone, Managing Director Swan Hellenic. “We took onboard feedback from our passengers to ensure the major refurbishments allow the ship to continue to appeal to our loyal customers but also hopefully appeal to those who are keen to try their first discovery cruise on an intimate ship”.

The ship will start its 2012 season by offering a series of spring cruises around the Canary Islands, Mediterranean and Black Sea. Passengers can explore the flora, fauna and landscapes of the Canary Islands on an Islands of the Sun cruise while the Vintage Iberia & Italy cruise allows passengers to travel up the Guadalquivir River and stay in the centre of Seville – an experience which is unique to Minerva due to her smaller size.

Prices start from £1,495 per person on board the refurbished Minerva based on the 16 March, Vintage Iberia & Italy cruise.

All prices include return flights from the UK (where applicable), transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions in every port, meals and an integrated programme of Guest Speaker talks on board. There are no additional gratuities or hidden extras, and entrance fees to all attractions featured in the shore excursion programme are also included.

"Six Star" cruising comes to China

New six-star 'China Star' originally constructed as the Radisson Diamond in 1992

Source: Cruise Guru

Reports out of China confirm that China Cruise Company's first ship - China Star (ex Radisson Diamond) departed on her maiden voyage from Hong Kong's Victoria harbor yesterday (3/8).

Being touted as "the world's only six-star, two-hull cruise ship" the ship's new owners - said to be entrepreneurs in the east China City of Wenzhou invested over $79 Million dollars to refurbish and purchase the ship. Part of the renovations included adding balcony cabins to the ship as well as many internal and technical upgrades. The China Star can carry up to 400 people on 172 staterooms and was built in 1992. She is the only twin hull cruise ship currently sailing.

If successful China Cruise Company expects to add additional ships sailing to China, Japan, Korea and Russia.

Orion II dumped from 2013 program

Orion II is being sent back to its owner and dropped from 2013 sailing schedule

Source: Cruise Weekly

Orion Expedition Cruises’ troublesome second vessel will be returned to its owners in Nov – but a replacement is on the horizon.

RELEASING its 2013 Calendar of Sailings this week, Orion has revealed that it will not be renewing its lease of Orion II. Citing problems with the ship, the company’s managing director Sarina Bratton said: “We have not been satisfied with some performance aspects, such as the fuel efficiency of the vessel, and therefore have
decided to return the ship at the completion of the first charter term”.

Bratton said she hoped to make an announcement regarding another vessel “soon”, but it was unlikely to operate in 2013. “We have managed to accumulate a great deal of local knowledge and pioneered some remarkable remote destinations across Asia through investments in resource, time and money – this knowledge will see us return as soon as possible,” she said. “In the meantime it is very much business as usual.”

All scheduled 2012 Orion II voyages will go ahead, Bratton confirmed. “But we do not anticipate having a replacement vessel in Asia during 2013, so if planning to visit these destinations, then 2012 is the year to do this,” she said.

Orion II voyages for the balance of 2012 include expeditions to the Yangtze Delta (Kobe to Shanghai) and Shanghai to Tawau (Yangtze, Taiwan, Philippines), Java and the temples of Borobudur.

The original Orion will continue to offer voyages in 2013, in Antarctica, the Kimberley, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia, Borneo, New Zealand and the sub Antarctic Islands, with itineraries ranging from five to 20 nights.

There will be 15 opportunities for the 10-night Kimberley voyages (still to include a Bungle Bungle sightseeing flight for all clients), while other one-off expeditions are set to explore the Solomons and the Forgotten and Spice Islands of the Indonesian archipelago.

Prior to general release, the new inventory will be made exclusively to Orion’s past guests until 30 Mar 2012.

2013 pricing has increased by an average 3%, but advance purchase options are available, with savings of up to 40% off published prices.

Additional incentives are offered for back-to-back voyages, see www.orionexpeditions.com.

Small Ship and Yacht Cruise Charters Can Save up to 50 Percent Off Regular Per Person Cruise Rates

The active travel company securing matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small, expedition ships, AdventureSmith Explorations (http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/), also specializes in small ship and private yacht charters to such destinations as Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica, Panama, Galapagos, Mediterranean and Antarctica.

Todd Smith, founder, explained that on a private cruise charter groups select their own travel dates, traveling companions and itineraries, plus a full yacht charter (for 12 to 20 or 20 to 48 guests) can mean savings of up to 50 percent off of regular per person cruise rates. Larger small ships accommodate groups of between 48 and 148 passengers making them ideal for big family reunions and special celebrations.

Helpful information on chartering a small ship or yacht can be found online at: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/chartercruises.php

Typically charters are planned and contracted at least one year in advance of the cruise departure date, but as long as space is available a small ship can still be chartered most anytime. Off season charters garner the greatest savings while high season dates should be secured a year or more in advance.

Charters can be adapted to, among others, affinity groups, clients with special needs and secured as company incentives. Alumni groups, zoos and museums hire charters for their travel programs. Travel agents or group leaders can earn free berths by organizing charter cruises for clients and friends.

Cruise itineraries, on board programs, activity levels and even food service can be customized to a group’s interests, ability and budget.

Smith explained that AdventureSmith Explorations charter cruises are crewed charters, outfitted with an experienced and professional crew including naturalist guides for shore excursions.

“We do not offer bareboat charters. We believe that the captain, guides, chef and crew are an integral part of expedition cruising and that their experience and expertise are essential to a safe and successful voyage,” said Smith.

Alaska charter cruises are best from May through September. Costa Rica and Panama charter cruises operate year round with the high season running from December to March. Galapagos charters are available year round with access to a vast selection of motor yachts, sailing vessels and small ships. Mediterranean charter cruises are best booked between April and October. Antarctica explorations, Australia and South Pacific charters are also possible however these destinations favor larger expedition ships and therefore require larger groups.

Politics spoil cruise experience in South America

Port of Ushuaia (Argentina) is the gateway to Antarctica

One of the world's most exotic and expensive cruise ship circuits is being threatened by political strife, as Argentina's dispute with Britain over the Falkland Islands and social protests in Chile prevent thousands of passengers from going ashore along the tip of South America.

Argentina, the Falklands government and Chile have succeeded in attracting more high-end cruises in recent years. Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, takes in 450 visits a year from ships that sail between Rio de Janeiro and Chile's main port city of Valparaiso, stopping in isolated ports and even Antarctica.

But for mostly political reasons, a half-dozen ports of call have been canceled at the last minute in recent weeks, marring itineraries that include the islands, Ushuaia and Chile's scenic Aysen region.

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Freeze frames

WE can see for kilometres in every direction. All is ice -- before us unfolds a fantastical white desert, a frozen plain punctuated by snow-covered, bizarrely shaped hummocks, rising metres high.

The vista could be the landscape of an alien, frozen planet. Except that it moves.

Vast blocks of the horizon rise, ever so slowly, ever so slightly, above an adjoining section.

The effect is slightly giddying and reminds us that this is not land, but ocean -- the Southern Ocean, as few have seen it. The 54-passenger, Russian-crewed polar expeditionary ship Akademik Shokalskiy has sailed into a rare and impenetrable band of ice, 145km wide and even longer. This formidable frozen chastity belt is the result of a number of large icebergs trapping sea ice that would normally flow westerly across the east Antarctic coastline.

It is denying us our wicked way, which was intended to take us into Commonwealth Bay, home to Mawson's huts. Among the passengers there is an undercurrent of disappointment and some mumbles of dissent. The Aurora Expeditions staff -- a mix of Aussies, Poms and Kiwis, as amiable as they are professional -- has been exemplary. But just how do you deal with 50 people who have paid thousands of dollars only to be told on the doorstop of their destination, after 12 days of voyaging, that their main objective can't be reached?

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Scenic Adds Land Tour to Six-Day Black Sea Cruise

Scenic Cruises is offering a 12-day “Black Sea Explorer” package that includes a six-day land tour with a six-day river routes cruise. The land portion includes three days each in the Hungarian capital of Budapest and Bucharest, Romania. The cruise visits ports in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary.

The trip includes excursions such as a show at a Hungarian Puszta horse farm, a home-cooked Croatian lunch in a house, a tour of Buda and Pest, and a visit to Bran Castle, known as the home of Count Dracula.

Prices for the April 14, May 19 and May 26 departure dates range from $5,395 to $7,380 per person, double. The 18-day “Black Sea & Turkey” river cruise, which combines this itinerary with an additional four ports, is available for prices ranging from $7,465 to $9,450.

ABC TV: The Wild Ones: Edge of Nowhere

Macquarie Island, situated in the cold and furious Southern Ocean, is one of the most remote and little known places on Earth and is the last green outpost of land before the ice of the Antarctic. Here, on this tiny island at the end of the world, resides one of the largest concentrations of wildlife on the planet.

Dean Miller, scientist and marine biologist, dedicated twelve months of his life living on the island to study and document the return of the Antarctic fur seals from the brink of extinction.

Armed with a High Definition camera, Dean set out to observe and document every type of seal, every type of penguin, killer whales and every marine bird you can think of, and in the process captured the unique stories of each of these creatures and the wild island that they call home. It is a wild, colourful and rich story; it is the Edge of Nowhere.

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Help Save Endangered Wildlife with Heritage Expeditions

Russian Sea Otter and pup

Heritage Expeditions is offering two special voyages in 2012 offering dedicated wildlife lovers the chance to become a part of genuine conservation projects helping to save endangered species from extinction in the remote Kuril Islands and Russian Kamchatka Peninsula.

The 18-day ‘Sea Otter Survey’ voyage will be led by a team of world-renowned professionals, who will undertake much-needed research on the Sea Otters of the region. Participants will join the research teams in Zodiacs and on shore patrols to assist with invaluable research and data collection. There will also be plenty of opportunities for birding, photography and hiking – or to simply enjoy the rugged beauty of these remote volcanic islands north of Japan. Largely uninhabited, their isolation has created a sanctuary for some of the highest concentrations of wildlife on earth. In particular, the secluded islands of Paramushir, Atlasova and Shumshu have the highest numbers of sea otters in the region.

A highlight of the voyage will be a landing at the rarely visited Kurilsky Nature Reserve on Kunashir Island, which is also home to numerous breeding bird species including the endangered White-tailed Eagle.

The second voyage, ‘In Search of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper’, run in conjunction with Bird Life International, will conduct vital surveys of one of the world’s most critically endangered birds, travelling to places very few people have visited.

The warmer Pacific Ocean climate creates ideal conditions for seabirds and the area is one of the richest in the world, both in terms of the number of species and their sheer abundance.

Heritage Expeditions is a Bird Life Species Champion and is committed to helping Bird Life International’s work in protecting the world’s most threatened species from extinction.

A previous expedition in 2011 made ornithological history by finding a previously unknown breeding site of these rare birds. While the search for Spoon-billed Sandpipers are the central focus of the voyage, there are countless other wildlife highlights including Steller’s Sea Eagles, Brown Bears, and a high diversity of whale species including Blue, Killer, Grey, Humpback and Sperm Whales.

Both expeditions will take place on board the 50-passenger Spirit of Enderby, a former Russian research vessel, purpose-built for polar and oceanographic research and refurbished to provide comfortable accommodation for travellers.

Prices for the 18-day ‘Sea Otter Survey’ voyage departing on 9 May 2012 start from US$4900 per person. Prices for the 14-day ‘Search for the Spoon-billed Sandpiper’ voyage, departing on 24 June 2012 start from US$8400 per person. Prices include all on board ship accommodation, meals, transfers, all shore excursions, landing fees and onboard lectures by experienced naturalists.Heritage Expeditions is also able to arrange competitively priced airfares, as well as additional pre and post voyage touring in the Russian Far East.

For further information phone 1800 143 585 (Australia) or 0800 262 8873 (NZ) or visit www.heritage-expeditions.com