HMS Bounty lost in Hurricane Sandy

 
^{HMS Bounty, a 180-foot (54.86 meters) tall ship, sinks beneath the waves after being hit by Hurricane Sandy (EPA)}


The 180ft, three-mast vessel was about 160 miles west of the eye of hurricane when it went down, about 90 miles southeast of Hatteras, North Carolina.

It was a replica of the a British ship known for the mutiny that took place near Tahiti in 1789.

The replica was built for the 1962 film "Mutiny on the Bounty" which starred Marlin Brando and has featured in other movies including "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," starring Johnny Depp.

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Matthew Flinders: The Man Who Mapped Australia

The exciting story of Matthew Flinders the man who named Australia and the first to chart its coastline.

Matthew Flinders is a towering figure in Australian history the first to chart our coastline and the leading champion for naming the country Australia. In 1801 he was made commander of the expedition of his life the first close circumnavigation of Terra Australis.

Famous for his meticulous charts and superb navigational skills, Flinders was a bloody good sailor. He battled treacherous conditions in a boat hardly seaworthy, faced the loss of a number of his crewmen and, following a shipwreck on a reef off the Queensland coast, navigated the ship s cutter over 1000 kilometres back to Sydney to get help.

Rob Mundle brings Matthew Flinders fascinating story to life from the heroism and drama of shipwreck, imprisonment and long voyages in appalling conditions, to the heartbreak of being separated from his beloved wife for most of their married life. This is a gripping adventure biography, in the style of BLIGH: MASTER MARINER.
About the Author

Rob Mundle is the bestselling author of BLIGH: MASTER MARINER and ten other books, and a journalist and competitive yachtsman whose own family heritage is with the sea, dating back to his great-great-grandfather who was the master of square riggers. Rob has reported on more than 30 Sydney to Hobart Races, covered seven America s Cup challenges (including Australia s historic 1983 win), four Olympics and numerous other major international events.

For more information visit: http://robmundle.com/

Previous Books:
BLIGH

Hachette Australia
9780733628504
$49.99
Hardback
November 2012
400 pages
Biography: general

Scan Codes: If your phone can scan barcodes or QR codes with its camera, you can quickly store information about this title.

Last Amazon Cruises for SeaDream

SeaDream Yacht Club is getting the word out that with Asia replacing the Amazon in 2014, SeaDream II’s February and March 2013 Amazon voyages are the last it has scheduled to the region.

SeaDream president Bob Lepisto said the line’s maiden Amazon cruises this year were ‘extremely popular’ and due to demand, the company added more voyages in 2013.

These include sailings of seven to 20 days and unusual week-long round-trips from Iquitos, Peru, on the upper Amazon. Destinations include Leticia and Monkey Island, Colombia; Panelas, Jutai, Santo Antonio do Ica and Amatura, Brazil; and Pebas, Peru.

The two 20-night voyages between Bridgetown, Barbados, and Iquitos include calls at Devil's Island, French Guiana; Parintins, Manaus and Panelas, Brazil; Leticia and more.

Pre- and post-cruise land programs to Machu Picchu are available.

NEW BROCHURE COLLECTION OF EXOTIC SMALL SHIP ADVENTURES

Australia's premier small ship specialist, The Small Ship Adventure Co has released its new 2012-2013 brochure featuring a spectacular array of luxury and deluxe small ship cruises and eco adventures to some of the world's most exotic locations in Asia, Oceania, Scandinavia, Europe, Alaska, Antarctica and North and South America.

Tailored exclusively for singles, couples, families and groups including private charters for special events and corporate gatherings, The Small Ship Adventure Co has incorporated 20 meticulously produced and diverse itineraries in conjunction with American Safari Cruises, InnerSea Discoveries and Zegrahm Expeditions - one of the world's most acclaimed small ship expeditions which brings together the natural wonders, unique cultures and one-of-a-kind experiences across seven continents.

"The Small Ship Adventure Co is thrilled to release in the Australasian marketplace one of the most unique and exciting cruise products designed exclusively for travellers who are looking for intimacy, luxury and incomparable eco-adventures in places where larger ships simply cannot venture," says Kylee Kay, Managing Director of Sydney-based, The Small Ship Adventure Co.

Adding to the small ship cruise adventures are the exciting water expeditions by Zodiac boats or kayaks to the quiet atolls, coves and rivers, diving and snorkelling amid thriving marine life as well as a host of land excursions that reveal the region's culture, heritage, exotic wildlife and flora and extraordinary panoramas.

"The all-inclusive programmes not only incorporates itinerary flexibility and untold eco-experiences in the world's most pristine locales but also showcases the finest small ships; each outfitted with beautifully-appointed cabins to suit any budget and a host of luxe amenities, scrumptious meals and an expert crew that includes naturalists / guides.

Available for travel from October 3, 2012 until December 31, 2013, the fully-commissionable programme is sold in Australian dollars with a price guarantee on all itineraries when booked and paid in full. For further information, please contact The Small Ship Adventure Co -

Telephone:  1300 650 481 (toll free) or 02 9213 0000
Email:  res@smallshipadventure.com
Website: www.smallshipadventure.com.

SEA CLOUD CRUISES UNVEILS CARIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AMERICA BROCHURE - all shore excursions complimentary

SEA CLOUD CRUISES UNVEILS CARIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AMERICA BROCHURE

-         All shore excursions are included -

Sea Cloud Cruises has released a brochure dedicated to its range of Caribbean and Central American voyages aboard the luxurious windjammers, Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II.

Between December 2012 and April 2013, the stylish yachts will sail the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, taking in the natural parks of Costa Rica and Panama, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cuba, the world's second largest coral reef in Belize, ancient Mayan treasures in Mexico and much more. Biologists, local guides and lecturers will reveal the secrets of the region to guests while they enjoy the highest level of comfort that a luxury sailing ship has to offer.

Fifteen cruises of 8 days/7 nights to 15 days/14 nights are available, with fares starting from AUD$2,250* per person, double occupancy, for an 8 days/7 nights round-trip voyage aboard the 64-guest Sea Cloud. Departing from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica on 3 January 2013, Sea Cloud will call at San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua, and the Costa Rican highlights of Playas del Coco, Herradura, Quepos, and Islas Tortugas. All shore excursions are included in the cruise only rates offering excellent value.  Those with more available time can extend the cruise with a 4-day pre-cruise programme exploring Costa Rica.

Alternatively, a special combination fare of AUD$5,500* per person, double occupancy, is on offer for a 15 days/ 14 nights cruise aboard the 94-guest Sea Cloud II, departing Bridgetown, Barbados on 11 February 2012. Sea Cloud II will call at Port Elizabeth, Bequia; St George's, Grenada; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Willemstad, Curaçao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Cartagena, Colombia; Colón and Bocas del Toro in Panama, and finish in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica. Along the way, guests will visit a turtle sanctuary, kayak through mangroves, snorkel in marine parks and enjoy a jungle safari boat trip on Lake Gatún.  All excursions are included in the cruise only rate, a saving of over AUD$500*.  Those seeking a shorter cruise can book seven night segments from 11-18 February or 18-25 February 2013.

Jackie Foggitt, Managing Director, Sea Cloud Cruises, commented: "We are seeing a growing interest in the Caribbean and Central America amongst Australian travellers looking for that elusive combination of spectacular rainforest and beach scenery, abundant wildlife and vibrant culture. And what better way to explore the area than on an romantic windjammer that can navigate small harbours and hidden anchoring points?"

Sea Cloud Cruises all inclusive fares include all meals, from early breakfast to the exquisite four-course dinner menu and five course gala dinners, and drinks including carefully selected wines and beers, and a welcoming bottle of Champagne in each cabin.

*Rates are at current exchange rate and also put subject to change

For more information please contact Sea Cloud Cruises on toll free 1300 583 572 (Australia) or info@seacloud.com or visit www.seacloud.com

New Melanesian Voyages for Heritage

In October 2013 Heritage Expeditions will lead two new voyages into the Melanesia region. Being lesser-known than other Pacific islands, much of the region has escaped aspects of modern development and high-turnover package tourism.

With opportunities to visit and explore isolated islands, these voyages are ideal for expedition travel – flexible travel programmes make the most of every opportunity. Sail into a world that few have ever experienced, idyllic islands and isolated villages where unique time-honoured traditions and elaborately costumed dancers welcome us into their world. Birders will find a high number of endemic species and a chance to sight ‘once in a lifetime’ species. As well as optional birding excursions on offer, the opportunities for diving and snorkelling are second to none, with an additional scuba diving programme available.

Our 14-Day Melanesia Discoverer departs on 11 October 2013 and explores islands of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

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Kimberley: Coast of Many Colours

Orion serves as a comfortable base for exploring the fascinating
Kimberley coast of northern Australia . Picture: Orion Expeditions

Judith Elen

LIKE, say, a Van Gogh painting, the rust-red cliffs and canyons of Western Australia's Kimberley coast, with their strange shapes and colours, need to be seen at first hand to be truly appreciated -- and, ideally, from the water. 
 
Vibrant sea greens frame the ancient orange-ochre of the land, and the expeditionary ship Orion forms a bridge. It's a cool way to be here. And there are turtles.

Orion Expedition Cruises' Kimberley itinerary moves between land and sea as easily as stepping into one of the ship's black rubber Zodiacs. It suits the timeless alliance of earth and water and gives passengers access to places difficult to reach. Sea breezes temper the heat of the sun and Orion is a cosseting base.

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A&K Long Cruises on the Nile

Long Cruises on the Nile reintroduced
   
After the recent resumption of Nile cruises between Cairo and Upper Egypt, luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) is pleased to announce that the small and exclusive cruise ship, Sanctuary Sun Boat III, last month won best long cruise award from Egypt's Ministry of Tourism at its World Tourism Day event in Cairo.

A&K reintroduced the long cruises between Cairo and Upper Egypt following the lifting of a 15-year ban on tourist traffic between the capital and Luxor by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism earlier in the year.

While the river highlights between the popular cities of Luxor and Aswan include a number of important temples, they are mostly from the Graeco-Roman era. Further north, in the area known as Middle Egypt, the sights are much older. One of the highlights of the newly opened stretch is Tel El Amarna, the capital of Egypt's heretic king Akhenaten and Nefertiti, which dates to 1353 BC. It was also the birthplace of Tutankhamun and when the boy king was crowned, he returned to Luxor with his treasure and Amarna was abandoned.

Another attraction is at Beni Hassan, where a collection of rock-cut tombs depict painted scenes of everyday life still in vivid colour. From a much more recent era are the two Coptic monasteries. The Red and White Monasteries get their names from the materials used to build them. Each is home to important sculptures and paintings from the 5th to 14th centuries.

Sanctuary Sun Boat III is a stylish and intimate vessel with a capacity of just 36 guests. Smaller than the average Nile cruiser, she exudes a style more exclusive club than cruise ship. Cabins are fully air-conditioned with panoramic windows and private bathrooms and the public areas are attractive and tastefully decorated. On deck there is plenty of space to soak up the river scenery plus a heated plunge pool.

A fully qualified Egyptologist conducts uniquely tailored sightseeing in small groups of no more than 15, avoiding site visits at busy times.

A&K's 15 day 'Egyptian Odyssey' includes the 10-night cruise between Cairo and Aswan on the Sanctuary Sun Boats III and IV with departures in April and June 2013.

Prices available on application.

To book your A&K itinerary today or to enquire further please contact Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 851 800 or www.abercrombiekent.com.au

Broaden your horizons on a Narrowboat holiday and save

Picture yourself gliding along Britain's tree-lined waterways in a traditional canal boat; cruise to Shakespeare's Stratford upon Avon to soak up the atmosphere or see a play; visit the Roman city of Bath or the historical industrial centres of the Midland or the North. Or cruise the spectacular Llangollen Canal in North Wales, Britain's most scenic canal.

Sample a pint of traditional ale and a pub meal beside a canal; explore a museum or marvel at the engineering of the handmade lock systems that allowed boats to climb up and down those rolling green hills transporting goods for more than two centuries.

Narrowboat holidays are ideal for couples, families or groups – with comfortable cabins and shower/toilets - no experience or boat licence required. Self-drive boat hire is available from bases across England, Scotland and Wales for week-long, mid-week or long weekend periods.

Boating holiday specialists Outdoor Travel, based in Bright, Victoria offers a wide range of narrowboats from March to October each year.

There are early booking discounts of up to 20% off these charming narrowboat canal holidays for new reservations for 2013 made before 21 December 2012.  Book now!

Cost for week-long hire of 2-4 berth canal boat from $740 (normally $925) including hire fees, cooking facilities, linen and towels.

Conditions apply

OUTDOOR TRAVEL Pty Ltd
The Active Holiday Company
PO Box 286, Bright, Victoria 3741, Australia
Tel (03) 57 501 441   Toll free 1800 331 582  Fax (03) 57 501020 
Email info@outdoortravel.com.au
Website:  http://www.outdoortravel.com.au/

Compagnie du Ponant Summer 2013 Brochure

Compagnie du Ponant has released their Summer 2013 Brochure featuring luxury cruises in The Great North, Canada, Mediterranean Northern Europe, The Baltic and Asia. Compagnie du Ponant offers travellers a unique and privileged cruise.

The new brochure celebrates the company's latest vessel, Le Soléal's inaugural season. Compagnie du Ponant's latest ship forms a warm and intimate atmosphere, refined design and contemporary decor inspired by the Yachting world. Le Soléal's maiden voyage begins with discovering Barcelona.

New itineraries in Asia begin in October 2013 aboard Le Soléal. For the first time, Le Soléal is calling at the Land of the Rising Sun, a country rich in contrasts, where the pace is set by the energy of its huge cities and the calm serenity of the gardens. From Tokyo to Osaka, the new beating heart of Japan, via Kyoto, the romantic, from sacred gardens to slumbering sanctuaries, secular temples to the delicate landscapes of Nara, Le Soléal offers cruises that are unique and captivating.

The 2013 Summer Brochure also includes new themed cruises in partnership with various companies to allow guests to experience golf, music, food, wine and beauty in a memorable way. The programs include talented experts, workshops and prestigious guests. Activities range from tasting sessions of fine wines and cookery workshops with some of the most famous French Michelin-starred chefs on a cruise between Andalucia, the Balearic Islands and the Costa Brava to the "Golf Special" in Italy, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily.

From the immaculate whiteness of the Arctic to the subtle perfumes of the Asian continent, Compagnie du Ponant's 2013 journeys abroad yachts with restricted capacity and carefully choreographed itineraries.

www.traveltheworld.com.au

 

Orion's Limited Offer - Inclusive Charter Flight

During March and April 2013, our award-winning expedition cruise ship Orion will again provide a very civilised and luxurious way to interact with the ancient and primitive cultures of near-neighbours Melanesia, Papua New Guinea and West Papua - exciting places untouched, or changed, by mainstream tourism.

All these itineraries seamlessly incorporate a charter flight direct to or from the ship in Cairns or Rabaul for boarding or disembarkation and FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY we are INCLUDING THE FLIGHT AT NO ADDITIONAL COST to you.

Normally the charter flight would cost $600 for guests taking advantage of this hassle free option (which by-passes Port Moresby and conveniently avoids connecting flights) and for a short time we are waiving the charge on all new bookings made before 30 November 2012.

These voyages provide exceptional cultural experiences, as well as amazing snorkelling and WWII history. They rank as favourites among our specialist Expedition Team members.

Orion's voyages provide modern day explorers with the opportunity to venture to places far from mainstream tourism, yet to do so in the company of like-minded fellow travellers, in comfort and safety and without sacrificing creature comforts.

Our Concierge can assist with flights, pre or post hotel accommodation and tours. Please notify our Reservations Team when you make your booking.

Melanie Bernstein
Loyalty Programmes Manager


* Offer for new bookings made by 30 November 2012. Fares are per person, twin share in Australian Dollars. Fares include best savings available. Savings are subject to availability and vary by category type and sailing date.

Coral Princess announces next installment in 'Victories in the Pacific' series

Australians on the Kokoda Track, 1942

Australia's pioneer of small-ship expedition cruising Coral Princess Cruises has announced details of the next installment in their popular Victories in the Pacific series, visiting the major World War II battlefields of the South Pacific. The 10-night 'New Guinea Campaign' expedition departs Port Moresby on 13 November 2013 aboard the company's state-of-the-art, 72 passenger small ship Oceanic Discoverer.

The itinerary, developed by Coral Princess in conjunction with Australia's foremost military historian and author Mat McLachlan, features a visit to Cape Gloucester on the island of New Britain, the first time an organised tour group has landed in this historically significant area. Another highlight is a day spent around the villages of Buna and Gona on the eastern end of the Kokoda Track, where Australian and US forces suffered major losses in a bloody 3-month battle with the Japanese Imperial Forces before eventually forcing the Japanese into retreat.

The expedition will be personally guided by McLachlan, who will share insights into the battles, along with countless tales of heroism of the young Australians who went to war, many of whom never returned. McLachlan will lead tours of the key battlegrounds of Milne Bay, Goodenough Island, Sanananda, Lae, Madang and Kimbe Bay. SCUBA divers will also have the opportunity to dive the bombed wreck of the Japanese supply ship Kotoku Maru.

The 'New Guinea Campaign' follows on from the company's successful 'Guadalcanal Campaign' expedition of March 2012, a highlight of which was the emotional return of US veteran Chuck Meacham to the island of Puruata, his first visit to the island since landing on the Japanese-controlled island in 1943.

Oceanic Discoverer

Prices for the 10-night 'Victories in the Pacific: The New Guinea Campaign' expedition aboard Oceanic Discoverer start at $9,090 per person in a Main Deck (Category B) Stateroom. The company is also offering a three night pre-cruise extension in Port Moresby, where participants will be able to join a service at the beautifully maintained Bomana War Cemetery on Remembrance Day and visit famed Owen's Corner on the western end of the Kokoda Track.

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