Lindblad West Africa photo book

I've just discovered this excellent photobook produced by guests aboard Lindblad's 2012 West Africa Odyssey.

"In spring 2012, 148 guests embarked on a sweeping journey up the coast of West Africa, beginning in Cape Town and landing in 16 countries before saying their goodbyes to one another in Marrakesh. Before the trip ended they would each fill an entire passport with visas, be greeted by national press in Liberia, and pass among deserts, tropical islands, and cities that pulse with life. And nearly everywhere they stopped, they would be greeted by the people."

West Africa Odyssey by Grace Pitzer | Make Your Own Book

Intrepid Launches Sailing Adventures to Burma's Remote Islands

Adventure tour operator, Intrepid Travel has launched two new sailing adventures that will take small groups of travellers to some of the world's most remote islands, off the coast of Burma. The first departures will take place in November.

Despite Burma's recent tourism boom, the 800 islands in the Myeik archipelago remain well off the tourist track as they are difficult to reach. On Intrepid's new Burma Sailing Trip, travellers will be able to relax on Myauk Ni Island's secluded, white sand beaches, swim among schools of colourful fish and spot giant whale sharks at Palu Bada, snorkel with turtles near Ba Wei Island, take a jungle hike on Kho Yinn Khwa Island and meet a nomadic tribe of 'sea gypsies' on Bo Cho Island.

Intrepid will offer two itineraries, one starting in Burma's former capital, Yangon and the other starting in the Thai capital, Bangkok. Both will fly south to Ranong and transfer by boat to Kawthoung, at the southernmost tip of Burma, before setting sail around the islands on a skippered yacht and then flying back to the city where the tour started. Prices start from AUD2,295/ NZD2,940 (ex-Yangon) and AUD1,895/ NZD2,425 (ex-Bangkok) for a nine day trip, including return flights from Bangkok or Yangon, two nights' hotel accommodation, six nights in a twin berth cabin, snorkelling equipment, excursions, and most meals.

"While backpackers and honeymooners have long-flocked to Thailand and Indonesia for a slice of beach paradise, Burma's islands are one of the world's best-kept secrets," said James Thornton, Intrepid Travel's Managing Director. "Travellers who sail around Burma's islands with Intrepid will be impressed by pristine coastlines, jungle forests and historical sites dating back to the Stone Age, and they will also get a glimpse of a culture that remains virtually untouched by tourism."

For more information about Burma Sailing ex-Yangon visit http://www.intrepidtravel.com/burma-myanmar/burma-sailing-ex-yangon-70452 

For more information about Burma Sailing ex-Bangkok visit http://www.intrepidtravel.com/burma-myanmar/burma-sailing-ex-bangkok-70331 

For more information about Intrepid's sailing adventures visit www.intrepidtravel.com/marine/sailing 

Sea Cloud Cruises introduces enhanced sailing program for 2014

- Early bird savings of up to $650* per person for 2014 departures –


Sea Cloud Cruises, the specialist in boutique yachting, has released its 2014 program for its three yachts Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II and River Cloud II, with a number of exclusive experiences and an increased selection of short "taster" cruises.  Those hankering for a perfect combination of exhilaration and relaxation can enjoy an expanded range of pure sailing voyages where the focus is on lazy days at sea to sit back and enjoy the unique spectacle of Windjammer sailing.

Special highlights in 2014 for each of the luxurious vessels include the following:

On the legendary Sea Cloud an eight night summer Mediterranean sailing includes an exclusive private concert amongst the ruins of Ephesus.  Departing Kusadasi, Turkey on 30 June 2014 the magnificent windjammer will also visit the floating monasteries of Metéora and the idyllic Sporades islands before sailing into Istanbul on 08 July 2014. Rates for a guaranteed double cabin lead in at AUD$4,975* per person.

Sea Cloud II has a fascinating 10 night sailing from Dublin to Bilbao, Spain from 20 to 30 August 2014 which will also include an optional garden programme.  Guests can drink in the beautiful gardens and ambience of ports in Ireland and Cornwall and enjoy world renowned wines along the Bordeaux Wine Route in France. Culminating in Bilbao, lovers of modern art and avant-garde architecture can choose to extend their stay and visit the famous Guggenheim Museum.  Rates for a guaranteed double cabin lead in at AUD$5,650* per person.

For something different, next year the elegant River Cloud II will commence her season on the Danube in April 2014, the perfect time to enjoy the apricot blossoms in flower in the Wachau Valley and the Danube Delta in spring.  All voyages in 2014 will feature a particular theme, whether it be music, art, history or gardens and each will be accompanied an expert in their field who will bring each destination to life for guests.

A selection of three or four night "taster" cruises between Vienna and Budapest are also being offered for the first time between April and November 2014.  Rates commence from AUD$910* per person for a 4 night cruise.

*Rates are subject to currency fluctuation

For more information on Sea Cloud Cruises and the various sailing adventures on offer please contact Sales Activation Marketing (Sea Cloud Cruises representative for Australia/New Zealand) on toll free 1300 583 572 (Australia) or info@seacloud.com or visit www.seacloud.com

Sea Cloud Cruises offers a fleet of luxurious vessels that sail the oceans of the world and the finest rivers of Europe. Luxury and the personal, private atmosphere of small intimate yachts are the common elements of all vessels of Sea Cloud Cruises.  A blue chip cruise operator since 1979, the Berlitz Cruise Guide has awarded it five stars for many years.

The River Cloud II is a floating five-star hotel that takes only 88 pampered guests on the Rhine, Main, Danube and Danube Delta to Europe's most beautiful destinations.  The River Cloud II exudes Mediterranean elegance and charm and yet stiff formality is avoided at all times.

The Sea Cloud Fleet currently includes two five star windjammers:  the legendary Sea Cloud, built in 1931 for wealthy businessman's wife Lady Marjorie Merriweather Post now restored to her former glory and her sister ship Sea Cloud II which combines nostalgia with the latest in modern comfort.  The 81-year-old four-masted bark Sea Cloud with its high quality standard serves as the model for all other passenger ships that are part of the operator's fleet.

Sea Cloud II has 47 outside cabins and Sea Cloud offers only 32 outside cabins, (some with original marble bath) so impeccable and personal service is assured.  Life on board is like being on a private yacht.

Sail the Ayeyarwady aboard the new Sanctuary Ananda with A&K.

With Myanmar now firmly in the global spotlight, demand for this charming destination has never been higher. Beautiful and peaceful, with an ancient culture, wonderful monuments and friendly people, a holiday in Myanmar is certain to appeal to any Southeast Asia aficionado.

And what better way to experience Myanmar's charms than aboard new luxury river cruiser, Sanctuary Ananda. Abercrombie & Kent is delighted to offer guests a range of cruise itineraries on this state-of-the art vessel, from three through to eleven nights, on both the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) and Chindwin rivers, for a truly remarkable and fascinating way to enjoy all that Myanmar has to offer.

Named after the country's famed Ananda temple, the river cruiser features four decks, with twenty five spacious suites as well as all the creature comforts that define travel with A&K including world-class cuisine, a sundeck, spa and panoramic lounges. Four suites, including the luxurious Aloungpayah suite, will also have private butler service.

Sail aboard the Sanctuary Ananda as part of A&K's 8-Day Mysteries of Myanmar journey taking in British colonial Yangon, Shwedagon Pagoda, a luxury Ayeyarwady river cruise, the Temples of Bagan and the floating gardens of Inle Lake.

Priced from $5,775 per person twin share.

To book your A&K itinerary today or to enquire further please contact Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 590 317 or visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au <http://www.abercrombiekent.com.au>

Asia Yachting to Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Bali, Thailand and more

Please contact your travel professional or SEADREAM YACHT CLUB CONTACT US info@SeaDream.com   info-europe@SeaDream.com www.SeaDream.com

This email was sent to rodeime@gmail.com. If you are no longer interested you can unsubscribe instantly.

Cruise industry introduces vessel tracking in the Arctic

 

As a step to increase ship safety in Arctic waters, cruise operators that are members of AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) is introducing a satellite based vessel tracking scheme for vessels associated with the association. The scheme is called "AECO Vessel Tracking System"

 

AECO has decided to require members to participate in a vessel tracking system. This regards members operating SOLAS-vessels (passenger vessel of certain size). Today AECO launched the system and approximately 20 vessels with operations in Arctic waters are connected to it. These vessels and their operators can at any time easy log onto a website and get information about the other vessels, including name, position, course and speed.

 

'The AECO Vessel Tracking System is another step to increase ship safety in Arctic waters. Intelligence about other vessels, their positions and plans are important parts of the risk assessments operators are carrying out as part of their Arctic operations planning'  says Frigg Jørgensen, Managing Director of AECO.

 

'The operators will get easy access to the tracking information. For authorities this will be useful information and it creates redundancy on other systems that monitors ship movements. In connection with Search - and Rescue (SAR) operations we believe this system can give important additional information' Jørgensen says.

 

The scheme can also be used for coordination of sailing plans with the objective to keep some distance to other vessels.  

 

AECO is following IAATO (International Association for Antarctic Tour Operators) who has made an equivalent scheme mandatory for IAATO-members operating vessels in Antarctica.

 

The already existing AIS-system (Automatic Identification System) also gives information about the ship traffic and especially with the European AIS satellite running (in a test period), authorities already have an overview of the ship traffic in Arctic waters. The cruise industry does not, however, have access to AIS-information, except for nearby vessels. Through the AECO Vessel Tracking System, the cruise operators can get information about each other, regardless of their positions. 

 

AECO's Vessel Tracking System is not open to the public, but in addition to vessel operators connected to the scheme, relevant authorities will be given access if they require it. 

 

AECO - Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators

AECO is an international association for expedition cruise operators in the Arctic. The association's objectives are to ensure considerate, sustainable and safe expedition cruise tourism in the Arctic. Among the members are approximately 20 expedition cruise operators, operating 25 small and middle sized cruise vessels in the Arctic. This represents a great majority of the expedition cruise operators in the area. They annually carry 14000 – 15000 passengers. Large conventional cruise vessels are not a part of this.  www.aeco.no

 

www.aeco.no

 

JM Cousteau joins Paul Gauguin 11-Night Australs and Society Islands Cruise

Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering an 11-night “Australs & Society Islands” voyage on the MS Paul Gauguin departing Sept. 21 from Papeete, Tahiti. The cruise includes two whale-watching opportunities in Moorea in the Society Islands and Rurutu, an island in the rarely visited Australs chain. Guest lecturers will include marine biologist Scott Baker; Cécile Gaspar, president of Te Mana O Te Moana, a non-profit conservation organization; and oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau. The sailing also visits Huahine, Bora Bora, Taha’a (Motu Mahana) and Raiatea. Cruise fares start from $5,395 per person and include airfare from Los Angeles

Adventure Associates under new management (again)

Leading adventure travel company, Adventure Associates, has been sold to explorer, mountaineer and adventure tourism industry pioneer, Greg Mortimer, in partnership with experienced explorers and adventure travel operators, Sue Werner and Henrik Lovendahl.

Greg Mortimer founded Aurora Expeditions in the early 1990s with his wife Margaret after working together on the Australian Bicentennial Antarctic Expedition, which he organised and led in 1988. He is the recipient of a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), three Australian Geographic Society medals and was the first Australian to climb Mt Everest and K2.

Both Lovendahl and Werner have a long history of adventure travel having worked with Mortimer at Aurora Expeditions and as expedition leaders in the Arctic and Antarctic for almost two decades. Collectively these three explorers have visited the polar regions more than 200 times, combining their wealth of knowledge with their passion for showing others the world’s most fascinating places.

One of Australia’s longest-running adventure travel companies, this year Adventure Associates celebrates 40 years of taking those with a spirit of adventure to the far corners of the world.

Dennis Collaton,
founder of
Adventure Associates

Industry veteran Dennis Collaton founded Adventure Associates in 1973 with the goal of making the company the pre-eminent tour operator to South America; which in those days was an emerging destination for travellers. In more recent years the company has created and expanded its portfolio to include more than 50 destinations: from the polar reaches to the depths of the Amazon jungle; under the keen eye of renowned adventurer Mike McDowell, founder of Space Adventures, Quark Expeditions and Deep Ocean Expeditions.

"I am delighted that Adventure Associates is in the experienced hands of Greg Mortimer,” said Collaton. “He, Sue and Henrik have shown a passion for exotic travel, and I’m sure they will keep Adventure Associates at the forefront of the adventure travel industry."

“Dennis’ original vision and Mike’s cutting-edge creativity in pushing the boundaries of adventure travel will continue to provide a great model for us," said Mortimer. "We will continue their good work by managing the business with the values that have made the company such a long-standing success: passion, integrity, and going ‘beyond the ordinary’.

“We are currently reviewing our tours to get back to the company roots of offering small group expeditions to extraordinary places on all seven continents; as well as continuing the company’s original focus on South America and Antarctica through our partnership with specialist agency Movidas,” said Mortimer.

Robyn Smith of Movidas, a boutique agency that specialises in travel to Latin, Central and South America, and a long-term former employee of Adventure Associates, will take on the role of Travel Manager for Adventure Associates.

Other specialist tours in the Adventure Associates portfolio include two voyages at the end of this year celebrating the centenary of the main science programs undertaken by the Australasian Antarctic Expedition led by Sir Douglas Mawson; camping with Emperor Penguins in Antarctica; diving the RMS Titanic; and in-depth journeys in the Russian Far East, Africa and Asia.

For further information on Adventure Associates tours and destinations contact +61 2 8916 3000 or visit www.adventureassociates.com

Opera on the Irrawaddy

A fully-hosted musical charter on Myanmar's Irrawaddy River - February, 2014.

As you travel along the river from Mandalay to Rangoon, you may recall the famous Kipling poem, " Mandalay" which tells of a British soldier's longing to be once again on an old paddle steamer chunking along the 'road' (river) to Mandalay. Set in the era of British Colonisation of Burma, the poem tantalises with exotic images of "the wind in palm trees", "flying fishes playing in the river", "beautiful Burmese girls" and a "dawn which 'comes up like thunder' in the East".

A special cruise charter has been inspired by the poem, or more accurately, the famous song setting of Kipling's words as 'The Road to Mandalay'. It's a case of a song inspiring an adventure! Ever since viewing a TV documentary about the Irrawaddy flotilla and having light shed on a song he had performed often, baritone Stewart Cameron, co-founder of highly regarded Opera, Song and Musical travelcompany,OPERATIF! determined to one day take the trip himself.

Developments in Burma in recent years have made this journey possible, with a number of luxury, small ships starting to cruise this previously closed, beautiful region.

Modelled in style on the original Scottish-built steamers referred to in "Mandalay", these new ships are far more luxurious than their predecessors, with air-conditioned cabins appointed with teak and brass opening onto promenade decks, quiet engines replacing steam and paddles, elegant dining and bar areas and a wonderful array of meals prepared using the best of local ingredients. Unselfishly, Stewart is inviting a small group to share his journey which will appeal to both history and music lovers  and yes, you will definitely hear a stirring rendition of 'The Road to Mandalay.' In fact there will be several performances of classical music, song and opera during the cruise featuring Cameron, his soprano wife, Jennifer Parish and colleagues violinist Spiros Rantos and pianist Brachi Tilles. There will also be local cultural performances on board and daily excursions to temples, schools, villages, potteries and more.

In recent times, Parish & Cameron have diversified from purely producing performances to creating their own very successful brand of 'Music Lovers Tours.' This new musical Burma River Cruise has just been added to the suite of current, diverse offerings in Europe and the Pacific. Places on the boutique cruise are limited, with just 24 cabins available, all of the same high standard, with upper and middle deck cabins to choose from. 

The cruise departs Mandalay on 1st February 2014 on the ship RV Tonle. This relatively new vessel has a shallow draft making it easy to traverse shallow waters and gain access far up river. With three decks, including a covered observation deck on top, there is plenty of opportunity to drink in the stunning scenery from many vantage points. 

Parish and Cameron's tours are rapidly gaining a reputation for high standards of organisation and bringing 'lovers of classical music' together with tours that offer something unique. A similar venture, their Opera in Paradise festival held in various South Pacific destinations, in its 9th year, proves a great synergy between music and travel.

For those who adore both, a musical cruise on the Irrawaddy in Myanmar is sent from heaven.  

Bookings and enquiries to OPERATIF - Ph 1300 308 385 or online at www.operatif.com.au

Former Wallaby Nathan Sharpe enjoys a True North cruise around New Guinea

AUSTRALIAN rugby union player Nathan Sharpe retired from international rugby at the end of 2012 as the most capped Super Rugby player in history. 
 
The first thing he did after his final match was fly to Papua New Guinea for a fishing trip with his best mate since he was 10, with North Star Cruises.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/world/former-wallaby-nathan-sharpe-goes-fishing-in-papua-new-guinea/story-e6frfqai-1226671317872#ixzz2Xh4z5bsF

Travel Indochina experiences continued growth in cruise passenger numbers

Australia's expert in small group journeys and tailor-made holidays to Asia, Travel Indochina, has launched a significantly expanded range of Asian cruising options within the release of its third river cruising brochure.

The release of the 64 page brochure has also coincided with the inclusion of cruise packages on Travel Indochina's new consumer website http://www.travelindochina.com.au/global/asia-cruises.

Thirteen new itineraries across the Mekong, Yangtze Ayeyarwady and Chindwin Rivers in Indochina, China and Burma respectively, are included in the new brochure.



Two new vessels have also been introduced into the Travel Indochina stable; the 'Mekong Sun', suitable for the upper reaches of the Mekong River, with a maximum of 28 guests, and Orient Express' new Burma cruiser, the 'Orcaella', with 25 spacious cabins.

Managing Director of Travel Indochina, Paul Hole, says the uptake of river cruising in Asia has been strong.

"Last year we experienced an unprecedented 400% year-on-year growth in cruise passenger numbers," says Paul.

"This year has continued to provide strong results, with an increase of 83%."

"We've continued to expand our offering to keep up with travellers' seemingly insatiable appetite for new experiences along Asia's fascinating main rivers. River cruising offers a unique way to experience Asia, spanning the lifeblood of many of these countries. We've been working with this demand to provide more flexibility in our packages, offering trips varying in length to suit all preferences, from 4 – 22 day options."

One of the new packages available is a 5 day/4 night 'Mystical Luang Prabang & Cruise' option that includes a 3 day cruise on the Mekong Sun, and 2 nights deluxe accommodation staying at Luang Say Residence after the cruise. The relaxing escape also includes a cooking class at Tamarind, and plenty of time to explore all that Luang Prabang has to offer.

To mark the release of the brochure, 2014 Early Bird Sale prices are available for select cruises.

Early bird Mekong River cruise packages on the luxurious Jahan and Jayavarman vessels are available for a range of Jun – Sept 2014 8-22 day departures from either Saigon or Siem Reap.

For sale from 01 Jul to 31 Aug 2013, the 12 Day 'Saigon to Angkor' Mekong cruise package was $3,823 pp twin share 'Superior Cabin', and is now $3,490 pp twin share, for a saving of  $333 pp twin share, or $666 per couple.

Travel Indochina is also offering solo cruisers a 'Yangzi Explorer' Yangtze River Cruise with no single supplement for the 16 – 27 March and 1 June – 4 September 2014 departures.

The brochure provides information designed to make a traveller's life easier, with new content that includes shore excursions, cuisine, charters and full deck plans.

For full details of River Cruising itineraries or a copy of the brochure, Travel Indochina's Asia experts can be contacted on 1300 362 777 or travindo@travelindochina.com.au.

Le Soleal delivered to Ponant

Le Soleal is the third ship of its type delivered to Ponant

Fincantieri has delivered the third of three luxury cruise ships to the French cruise line Compagnie du Ponant. Le Soleal was delivered at the Ancona shipyard today.

Described as being similar to a mega-yacht in size and appearance, Le Soleal is a unique niche product and will be the cruise line's new flagship. She is designed to offer passengers different experiences, reaching destinations around the globe inaccessible to larger vessels.

The new ship, which will fly the French flag, is approximately 11,000 tons, 142 meters long and 18 meters wide. It can accommodate more than 260 passengers in 132 cabins and suites, all with a sea view, 94% of which have a private balcony.

Like with its twin sisters, Le Boréal and L'Austral, the Bureau Veritas classification society has assigned Le Soléal not only an ice class, for navigation in polar and sub-polar regions, but also Clean Ship and Comfort Class certifications, by virtue of the ship's latest-generation technology for reducing environmental impact, noise and vibration.

Le Soléal differs from the two previous ships with the design of her public rooms, all developed for the first time entirely by Fincantieri with products and craftsmen selected by a special in-house team, and equipped, like all the cabins, with a latest-generation energy-saving lighting system using only LEDs made in Italy. Fincantieri's newest build also has a different coloured hull and higher installed power to allow more flexibility in cruise planning.

Compagnie du Ponant, based in Marseille, has a fleet of three cruise ships targeting the luxury market, which has now been expanded with the addition of Le Soléal. Founded in 1988, today the company is a member of the UK-based Bridgepoint Group.

Fincantieri has built 65 cruise ships since 1990, of which 42 since 2002. Another nine ships are being built or due to be built in the Group's yards.