Aboard Hapag-Lloyd MS HANSEATIC in the South Seas

Expedition Südsee (South Seas) from Tahiti to Fiji 

Day 2: Huahine, Society Islands

One of the greatest thrills of expedition cruising is turning up on some of the most out-of-the-way locations. Hapag-Lloyd's Expedition Südsee is one of those rare itineraries where many of the seldom, if ever, visited locations are included. 

One day out from our embarkation point, Papeete, and we're tying up at a tiny wharf at theport of Fare on Huahine, the smaller, somewhat forgotten neighbour of Bora Bora in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. Reminiscent of the otherwise overlooked ports in the Marqueses I saw aboard Aranui3, this little village barely stirs even when a relatively massive vessel reverse parks on their meagre wharf. By the end of the day, local kids are climbing the mooring lines and plummeting 10m into the harbour amid whelps of fun. 

The island still relies on tourism to bolster its economy along with agriculture and fishing. The dominant accommodation is family-owned B&B, perfect for this sized island of just more than 6000 inhabitants. For getting around I chose not to join one of the pre-arranged tours and just get on a scooter (4800PF, about $40) and get lost. In three hours I'd circled both Huahines – Nui and Iti. The two-part island is joined by a single bridge that crosses the magnificent Baie de Maroe which locals claim is the most beautiful in the Pacific. Sure, it makes the shortlist. 

As I circle the island on the surprisingly good road, I tick off the sights: the ancient archaeological sites and tidal fish traps, pearl farm, vanilla farm, surf beach and site of the intriguingly named sacred blue-eyed eel, revered by the locals. Out of morbid curiosity, I also stop by the derelict Sofitel Heiva, once a premium over-water destination resort, but now a woeful shambles pounded by the elements. A groundsman, however, still keeps the lawns and gardens in perfect trim. 

Unfortunately our brief stay precludes investigating some of the other attractions that include underwater shark feeding and the circle tour of the islands by jet-ski. It's a popular spot for scuba divers and cruising yachties as well as serious 'Course Hawaiki Nui' canoe racers. 

After a busy day touring, HANSEATIC's 150 passengers sail away into the setting sun, champagne flutes waving, amid a Tannoy rendition of the ship's theme song; kind of a cross between a Munich Beer Hall sing-along and a patriotic anthem in old German style. After all, she has a her own distinguished maritime heritage to sing about. 

Next: the Cook Islands 

Read a more detailed account of HANSEATIC and her features in next week's Cruise Weekly.

Coral Princess heads to the Kimberley following $1 million refurbishment

Coral Princess Cruises' 35 metre catamaran Coral Princess has
re-entered service following a $1 million upgrade. The small ship,
which is currently en route to Darwin on her 11-night Cape York and
Arnhem Land expedition, will commence the company's Kimberley season
on 6 April.

The 50 passenger Coral Princess, which operates alongside the
company's flagship Oceanic Discoverer in the Kimberley between April
and October each year, has received new, state-of-the-art engines,
expansive teak decking and a completely remodelled dining room and
lounge area as part of the full refurbishment. The new look dining
room offers significantly more space, incorporates a comfortable
lounge alcove, rejuvenated décor and modern furnishings. All
accommodations aboard the ship have also been upgraded, with plush
carpets and stylish artworks creating a warm and welcoming onboard
atmosphere.

Coral Princess founder and Managing Director Tony Briggs said he
"couldn't be happier" with the ship's new look and initial reaction
from guests has been very pleasing. "This is a significant upgrade of
Coral Princess and we've no doubt our guests will be very impressed by
the high quality amenities, furniture and fittings throughout the ship
when they step aboard" he said. "We're pleased we've been able to
incorporate modern stylings, whilst retaining the welcoming ambience
and 'home away from home' feeling our guests are accustomed to."

Coral Princess Cruises, an accredited eco-tourism operator, is
committed to the concept of sustainable cruising, and the ship's new
"whisper quiet" engines have been developed to minimise emissions.
Following recent sea trials off Cairns, Briggs said the ship's new
engines provide increased power and greater stability, along with
significantly improved fuel efficiency.

Australian-owned Coral Princess Cruises pioneered small-ship
expedition cruising on the Kimberley coast in 1996 and has 34
departures scheduled across the 2012 season, which runs between April
and October. The company has rooms remaining available on several
departures. Coral Princess's fleet of three small ships also operate
year round cruises on the Great Barrier Reef, and further afield to
exotic destinations including Papua New Guinea, Melanesia and New
Zealand.

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

25% Off Captain Cook's Murray River's Winter Wonderland

Captain Cook Cruises is offering 25% off Murray River cruises from June to August 2012 so passengers can discover the winter enchantment and beauty of the Murray River, its unique flora and fauna, secrets of Australian history and the taste sensations of the Murray's food and wine trail.

The historic cruise starts with the ship itself, a modern replica of the paddle wheelers that cruised the Murray in the 1800's. The PS Murray Princess has two spacious, yet cosy paddlewheel lounges featuring polished wood and gold trimmings, an elegant spiral staircase and spectacular two-story glass windows of the working paddle wheel.

Sit back in the warm paddlewheel lounges and enjoy the amazing views as the Murray Princess cruises past towering limestone cliffs, through picturesque gorges and along riverbanks lined with mallee scrub and red gum forests.

High water levels combined with the winter activity on the river will see an abundance of Australian wildlife and birdlife including Swans, Swamp Hens and Wood Ducks and their young. Plant life is also thriving with Lignum bushes flowering and rushes and reeds getting a vibrant green colour to them. Led by on-shore guides passengers can enjoy nature walks, eco-tours and learn about the thriving 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 one night.

The three nights Discovery Cruise departs every Friday at 4.30pm and prices start from $599 per person, normally $799 per person.

The four nights Outback Heritage Cruise departs Mannum every Monday at 4.30pm and prices start from $799 per person, normally $1065 per person.

The seven nights Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise departs Mannum every Friday and Monday at 4.30pm and prices start from $1233 per person, normally $1643 per person.

As an extra bonus Captain Cook Cruises will celebrate Christmas in July on the Murray Princess's July 20, three night cruise departure and any adults that book a group of four or more persons will receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine in each cabin on arrival.

Prices include all meals, accommodation, most tours, scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or onsite car parking and all onboard facilities.

The sale is valid for travel 01 June to 31st August 2012 and on sale until 31 August 2012.


For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises +61-2-9206 1111, Email: murray@captaincook.com.au or visit www.captaincook.com.au.

 

Night Time Crocodile Spotting on the Remote Kimberley Coast

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In the dead of night, Aurora Expeditions most intrepid passengers can board their small Explorer vessel alongside expert naturalist Dan Balint in search of crocodiles. Under the spectacular night sky, guests will quietly glide through the inky waters armed with spotlights whilst developing a greater understanding of the feeding and breeding habits of these magnificent reptiles.

Under the watchful eye of the expedition team, led by the original Kimberley Adventurer - Mike Cusack (Australian Geographic's Wilderness Couple), guests are taken on the voyage of a lifetime with activities including Rock Art interpretation, swimming under waterfalls, bush walks, beach BBQ's and shark feeding. Travelling aboard the newly refurbished Coral Princess with a maximum of 44 passengers, Aurora's innovative itineraries ensure passengers explore new locations each day, discovering all the highlights (and a few hidden gems) of the Kimberley Coast.

Renowned art historian - Garry Darby, unlocks the wonders of the ancient rock art, with special opportunities to explore Langgi and Bigge Island - one of the most significant historical and cultural sites on the Kimberley coast with its sacred ceremonial sites and spectacular Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) and Wandjina rock art.

Other highlights include The Mermaid Boab Tree at Careening Bay where in 1820 a carpenter aboard HMS Mermaid inscribed the name of the stricken vessel on a Boab. The twin trunked Boab is now 12 meters wide and a spectacular testament to Philip Parker King's pioneering travels. Other iconic destinations include the Horizontal Waterfalls, perfect for thrill-seekers, or the awe-inspiring Montgomery Reef.

11 day Broome to Broome voyages depart on 28th May – 7th June and 8th – 18th June 2012 aboard the newly refurbished Coral Princess. Prices start from $6990 per person for the voyage.

To view Aurora Expeditions' Broome to Broome voyages, click here

For further information contact 02 9252 1033 or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

Aurora Expeditions - Pushing the boundaries of Arctic Exploration

This year Aurora Expeditions will be visiting Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land on its 14 day 'Voyage to the End of the Earth' cruise, departing from Murmansk on 8th September. With only one other voyage being run to this region in 2012, Aurora Expeditions is the only 'small ship' tour operator visiting this undiscovered region of the Arctic in 2012.

An area shrouded in secrecy, the ability to visit the far reaches of the Russian Arctic is almost impossible to most. Aurora Expeditions Akademik Shokalskiy carries a maximum of 54 passengers, providing intimate exploration of this region.  The Novaya Zemlya archipelago comprises one large island and many small, stretching 1000km in an elongated crescent between the Barents and Kara seas. A veritable feast of wildlife and history, it is the easternmost point in Europe and remains one of Russia's most restricted regions; which is why so few operators have permission to travel there. Whereas, Franz Josef Land is an archipelago of 191 ice covered islands, the planet's last major landmass to be discovered and the modern day realm of the polar bear.

The remote northerly location of these stunning archipelagos supports diverse and prolific wildlife, reinforced by the creation of national parks in 2009.  The privileged few who take this voyage will explore the shore and Zodiac cruise around these islands of fascinating beauty and history, witnessing spectacular displays of bird and wildlife.  Kayaking is also available.

Highlights of the Voyage

·         Exclusive photography mentoring led by acclaimed photographer Martin Bailey click here for more information.
·         A true wildlife expedition: seek out the rarest bird species of the Arctic such as the Ross´gull and ivory gulls; Greenland whales, narwhals, polar bears and walruses.
·         Explore rarely visited historic sites, explorers' and hunters' huts and camps.
·         Encounter stunning sunsets and a chance of seeing the Northern Lights

Why travel with Aurora Expeditions?

·         For nearly 21 years, Aurora Expeditions have pioneered small group adventures to remote coastlines.
·         A passion for adventure – Each voyage aims to provide guests with the experience of a lifetime.
·         Taking a maximum of 54 passengers, the expert team seek out the best landing opportunities to ensure passengers maximise their time in the wilderness.
·         Flexible itineraries, numerous daily Zodiac landings, 24hr open bridge policy and fascinating educational lectures all contribute to ensuring the voyage of a lifetime. 

Prices start from US$8,890 per person. Voyage inclusions: Transfer from Murmansk airport to hotel, overnight accommodation in Murmansk, city tour and transfer to ship and transfer from ship to Murmansk airport

For more information on this spectacular voyage, please click here

 

G Adventures Announces New West Africa Sailings

Update: Save 20% off 2014 sailing - http://cruisepassenger.com.au/2014/01/20-west-africa/

New cruise destinations enabling travellers access to underexplored locations

G Adventures is proud to announce its first ever sailing program in West Africa aboard the M/S Expedition. The cruise will enable travellers to discover this largely underexplored area of the continent with ease, while uncovering West Africa's unique historical, cultural and natural landscapes in comfort and style.

There are three adventures passengers can choose from which will encompass more than 10 African nations in April 2013. All itineraries are now on sale and priced from AUD $5450:

The tour operator is recognized for trailblazing up-and-coming destinations and the new expeditions are among the first of their kind in the region, with ports of call including Ghana, Senegal, Benin, Cameroon and Togo.

"The program is ideal for expedition cruise enthusiasts seeking fresh experiences," says Jeff Russill, G Adventures' VP of Innovation. "It will also appeal to those who have not sailed before and want the convenience of experiencing West Africa by sea instead of land."

"This is a really exciting step for us. These countries are emerging destinations, little known and rarely explored by travellers.  Expedition-style cruising is perfect for this region as it means our guests are safe and comfortable onboard, and local communities will benefit from the ports of call," adds Russill. "Plus, travellers can forget the hassle of unpacking and packing, and discover the very best of coastal West Africa at ease."

The itineraries are designed to offer travellers a balanced combination of activity and leisure. Passengers have ample time to spot rare birds and wildlife with skilled naturalists, mingle in local markets, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, visit the birthplace of voodoo, trace the roots of slavery, and learn about the region from the experienced expedition staff.

Passengers also explore unreachable coastlines and visit uninhabited islands and traditional villages via a fleet of zodiacs. A notable highlight is the opportunity to discover the Bijagos Archipelego off the coast of Guinea-Bissau – a rare experience offered by very few operators. The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of the most unexplored places on Earth, and its inhabitants are descendants of an ancient culture that practices an animist religion.

While at sea, travellers can enjoy a variety of unique activities that complete the onboard education program including sommelier-led wine tastings, lectures from a panel of experts, an African film festival, and photography, plein air painting, art and music workshops.

"The world is your classroom and the most unforgettable travel moments are a result of engaging all your senses – not just by seeing," says Russill. "The itineraries provide the perfect balance between at sea days and shore excursions, and a range of activities to suit all interests."

The 140-passenger M/S Expedition features large cabins equipped with en-suite bathrooms and windows, providing an exceptionally spacious and comfortable experience for all guests.

Demonstrating innovative travel in West Africa, G Adventures' land-based Voodoo Trail trip was selected as one of National Geographic Traveler Magazine's Top Tours of a Lifetime for 2009.

For more information please visit www.gadventures.com.

Variety Cruises Offers 2-for-1 Deals and More on Select Sailing for 2012 Itineraries - Book by April 13

Savvy travelers can now take advantage of Variety Cruises' unique small ship experiences with deals on last-minute bookings by April 13 on specific departure dates through 2012. Deals on new and classic itineraries aboard even their newest ships like the mega yacht Variety Voyager launching this spring, allow cruisers to indulge in exotic locales such as the mythic Greek islands, the French and Italian Rivieras, Abu Dhabi, Croatia and more. With its signature style of small-ship cruising, the family-run, Greece-based Variety Cruises is the premier line for life-enriching journeys for inquisitive travelers.

Specials on all programs include the following on select departure dates:

2-for-1 offers with 2nd passenger free, no single supplement OR

50% discount for 2nd passenger, 25% single supplement

Offers are valid for new reservations made until April 13, 2012, on all itineraries through October 2012 (except where noted); port charges are excluded from these discounts. Please visit, www.varietycruises.com for more information on participating sailing dates or call 1-800-319-7776 (US) and 1-866-944-8498 (Canada) to receive the 2012/13 Variety Cruises brochure.

2012 Greek Cruises

ANTIQUITY TO BYZANTIUM: Discover Ancient Greece aboard the Harmony G starting in Athens with visits to the tombs at Mycenae, Olympia and the spectacular Oracle Temple of Delphi; begins March 23, 2012.

JEWEL OF THE CYCLADES: Board in Athens on the M/S Galileo, a classic steel motor sailer, en route to the Aegean Islands with stops in Santorini, Mykonos and off the beaten path islands such as Paros and Folegandros; begins April 13, 2012.

CLASSICAL GREECE: Board the Harmony V mega yacht in Athens and explore stops in Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, the hidden-gem island of Kythira and more; begins April 20, 2012.

AEGEAN ODYSSEY: Cruise through the Aegean Islands and Turkey aboard the Panorama (spring/fall) or Panorama II (summer) experiencing the sights and sounds of the Mediterranean's rich cultural heritage; begins April 20, 2012.

TURQUOISE COAST & ISLANDS OF THE EASTERN AEGEAN: The splendor of the Turquoise Coast of Turkey and Greek Islands await travelers aboard the Panorama II as it travels through Marmaris, Rhodes, Symi, Patmos and more; begins April 27, 2012.

New 2012 Cruises

DODECANESE MOSAIC: Travel on the three-masted Panorama sail cruiser embarking from Rhodes or Aghios Nikolaos sailing through the beautiful ports of Bodrum, Santorini and the islands of Karpathos and Amorgos; begins June 19, 2012.

ROMANTIC RIVERAS: The French and Italian Rivieras come to life as the new 223-foot Variety Voyager mega yacht travels through chic hotspots such as Nice, St. Tropez, Portofino, Monte Carlo and more; begins July 14, 2012.

TREASURES OF SOUTH ITALY AND MALTA: Board the new Variety Voyager mega yacht as it cruises around Sicily exploring Taormina, Syracuse, Agrigento and Cephalu, with stops on the islands of Capri, Malta and Lipari; begins September 15, 2012.

THE ADRIATIC ODYSSEY: Travel the Ionian and Adriatic Seas aboard the Harmony G setting sail from Dubrovnik or Corfu. Discover the hidden and historical treasures of Croatia, Albania and Montenegro; begins July 22, 2012.

ARABIAN JOURNEYS 2012/13: Experience the wonders of the Arabian Gulf and the Omani Coast departing from Abu Dhabi to Muscat aboard the new Variety Voyager mega yacht; begins November 29, 2012.

Note: Special offer is valid for specified departures on this itinerary through March 2013 with payment made in full by July 1, 2012.

Cruise Passenger 47: Ponant, Pandaw, Kimberley, Orion, Borneo

This issue turned out to be a real small ship and adventure issue.

Open publication

15% Off Arctic Cruise Combo

Click for details

Spitsbergen, Dutch for 'pointed peaks', has a human population and a Polar bear population that is roughly the same. It is one of the most unspoiled wilderness areas in the world. Although 60% of the land is covered with flowing glaciers, it has incredibly diverse scenery, including tundra, fjords and mountains from which it gets its name.

SEADREAM YACHT CLUB’S GLOSSY NEW 2012/13 BROCHURE

SEADREAM Yacht Club has released a new 64-page brochure that's more a coffee-table booklet reflecting SeaDream's luxury yachting lifestyle, 2012/2013 voyage schedules, destinational information, pricing, and a comprehensive look at its chic 112-guest/95-crew mega motor-cruisers SeaDream I and SeaDream II.

The new brochure details SeaDream's Caribbean, Mediterranean, Amazon, Black Sea and Trans-Atlantic voyages, including 102 different ports in the Mediterranean – seventeen of them in Greece alone.

Popular Mediterranean itineraries commence in May with SeaDream I sailing the French and Italian Rivera, while her twin, SeaDream II starts the summer with sailings in the Greek Islands. The 2012/2013 brochure also details a number of new voyages, among them the Amazon River with SeaDream II sailing from Barbados to Iquitos, Peru roundtrip on two, 20-night voyages beginning February 13, 2012. SeaDream II returns again to the Amazon in 2013 with a shorter, 7-night upper-Amazon itinerary sailing Iquitos, Peru roundtrip also available.

Additionally, the brochure highlights expanded ports of call in Turkey (10 ports) and Croatia (11 ports,) with other sailings including Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Albania and Russia.

SeaDream's onboard amenities include all gourmet dining, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, golf simulator, complimentary mountain bikes and a water sports marina with motorized and non-motorized water craft.

An electronic version of the new brochure can be viewed on http://www.seadream.com/view-brochure, or see travel agents.

SeaDream's President, Bob Lepisto said: "This elegant new brochure reinforces the unique differences one finds when yachting with SeaDream. Well thought-out sections highlight onboard fitness and wellness offerings, service, cuisine, awards and guest testimonials. The maps, destination images, descriptions, dates and pricing are certain to make this an easy to use tool for travel agents and guests alike."

The SeaDream 'twins' operate 5- to 20-night sailings in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Black Sea and the Amazon River. They offer an unstructured and casual holiday experience and are also available for groups and full yacht charters for meetings, incentives and individual private family or group gatherings.

MS CALEDONIAN SKY, ASIA AS YOU’VE NEVER CRUISED IT BEFORE

CRUISECO have a range of unique new cruise-holidaying opportunities in Asia in 2013 for those wanting to go that step further, by passing the crowds and glitzy entertainment in favour of a 114-passenger luxury expedition vessel whose  emphasis is on spacious accommodations, fine dining, and shore excursions with naturalists, historians, ecologists, botanists, ornithologists or marine biologists.

These holidays are on the MS Caledonian Sky that was previously known as Hebridean Spirit, and whose operators have had twenty years experience in taking guests off the beaten track to learn more of the world around them.

Between March and October 2013, MS Caledonian Sky will sail 14-nights from the Coral Sea to the Spice Islands,15-nights circumnavigating Borneo, 12-nights through the South and East China Seas, do three 10-night cultural discovery tours of Japan and Korea, and make a 14-night circumnavigation of Sumatra.

Because of her size, the refurbished MS Caledonian Sky will be able to take guests into remote and often little-known areas inaccessible to traditional cruise ships. And on board, rather than Cruise Directors leading lavish entertainment programs, Caledonian Sky will have Expedition Leaders sharing their knowledge of local areas and later leading forays ashore, fine dining indoors or on deck with wines included at lunch and dinner, and spacious and luxurious cabins.

As an example, the 14-night Coral Sea and Spice Islands cruise departs 15 March 2013 and when booked by 31 May, prices start from only $7,299pp twin-share, that include a generous savings of $790pp. Balcony cabins begin from $9,359pp twin-share, also offering an outstanding savings of $1,590pp. Air travel is additional.

Prices also include select shore excursions, gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions, transfers per cruise itinerary and port taxes.

For a brochure, detailed itineraries and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise specialist travel agent, go to www.cruising.com.au.

Wild Earth Travel Newsletter

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2012, I hope that you have had an enjoyable summer. At the Wild Earth office we have been busy finalising some of our exciting upcoming expeditions including Papua New Guinea and Melanesia. With the occasional earthquake in Christchurch there is never a dull moment in the Garden City!

Introducing the MV Oceanic Discoverer



The MV Oceanic Discoverer is going to be our expedition vessel for both the Papua New Guinea and Melanesia Expeditions that we have planned for the upcoming year. I have just been aboard the ship on an expedition voyage around the New Zealand coast and it has been a great opportunity to get to know the ship a little better – as well as visiting places like Fiordland.

Read the full newsletter