| 52 passengers trapped in Antarctica to be rescued Sumter Item
The Aurora came within 20 kilometers (12 miles) of the ship Monday, but fierce winds ... The Akademik Shokalskiy, which left New Zealand on Nov.
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| Stricken Russian vessel spends New Year still stranded on ice DigitalJournal.com
The Russian vessel, Akademik Shokalskiy has been stuck in thick ice since ... Crew members on board the Aurora, owned by P&O Maritime, have ...
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| Bad weather delays rescure Tasmania Examiner
Aurora Australis was forced to abandon its rescue attempts yesterday at the risk of ... It is about 16 nautical miles east of the MV Akademik Shokalskiy.
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Friday, 3 January 2014
Latest news on rescue of Akademik Shokalskiy passengers
RV Saigon Pandaw sinks
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| Passengers disembark the near-new RV Saigon Pandaw (flickr: hansgoto@sbcglobal.net) |
On 21st December we received the news that the RV Saigon Pandaw had sunk off the Malaysian coast whilst under tug tow from Saigon to Singapore and then on to Yangon. There was no one on board so there were no casualties. We are still awaiting the results of the official investigation but we are told that the hull became swamped with water and capsized in heavy seas.
The Saigon, to have been renamed the Sagaing, was a much loved ship by all who sailed in her. Built only three years ago in Vietnam, she was on her way to take up duties in Burma where demand is now so high.
We have contacted all passengers booked and have the space in other ships to relocate them or if not convenient, passengers will be refunded the full amounts paid. Passengers have been incredibly kind and understanding over this and we are deeply grateful to them for their sympathy at such a time.
Despite this loss, with two new ships under construction, we at Pandaw still have the capacity to meet growing demand for river expeditions in Burma.
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Wednesday, 25 December 2013
M/V Akademik Shokalskiy stuck in Antarctic ice
The expedition ship Akademik Shokalskiy, carrying tourists and scientists aiming to repeat experiments made during Douglas Mawson’s expedition, has become wedged in Antarctic sea ice. Three icebreakers are on the way to the site, approximately 1500 nautical miles south of Hobart at position -66.88 S,144.39 E.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is coordinating a search and rescue for the ship after a distress message was sent by satellite at 7.20am Australian time.
According to reports there are no present dangers facing the passengers on the "Spirit of Mawson - Australasian Antarctic Expedition 2013-14’’. There are approximately 50 passengers and scientists on board carrying out many of the same experiments done during the expedition led by Douglas Mawson.
Three icebreakers in nearby waters are on their way to help the vessel, although it was expected the fastest would take two days to reach the Akademik Shokalskiy. The ship will likely spend Christmas and Boxing Day stuck in the ice.
The Russian-built ship, left New Zealand on December 9 and has about 50 passengers and 20 crew members. The voyage is part of a research expedition to commemorate the centenary of Douglas Mawson's exploration.
The Australasian Antarctic Expedition leader, Chris Turney, wrote on Twitter: "Heavy ice. Beautiful; light wind. Only -1degC. All well. Merry Xmas everyone from AAE."
NOTE TO NEWS REPORTERS: Expeditions Online is NOT the operator for this vessel but is an independent polar booking agent for this vessel and many other expedition ships.
See more at: http://expeditionsonline.com/more-information/news/mv-akademik-shokalskiy-stuck-ice
Monday, 23 December 2013
Summer Sale - Captain Cook Cruises Fiji
A 'SAIL' to Sizzle This Summer
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has released a sizzling summer sale, where passengers can cruise for seven nights but pay for only four. With prices starting from as low as $1560 per person for seven night Yasawa Island or Northern Discovery cruise everyone can now experience the beauty of the 'real' Fiji.
On any seven night cruise passengers will discover the pristine beaches, turquoise waters and remote villages, churches and schools of the real and untouched Fiji, aboard the 120-passenger, fully accommodated MV Reef Endeavour cruise ship.
The seven-night Yasawa Islands Cruise is the ultimate Yasawa Island experience and passengers will discover the beauty of the Southern and Northern Yasawa Island group. Passengers can swim at the picturesque Blue Lagoon and explore the amazing Caves of Sawa-I-Lau. They will also visit the islands of Tivua, Waya, Naviti, Viwa, and Yageta, where schools and churches will be visited and guests can take part in a traditional village sevusevu ceremony, Meke and Lovo feast.
Captain Cook Cruises seven nights Four Cultures Discovery cruise , is the first ever Fiji cruise to circumnavigate Vana Levu, Fiji's second largest island and visits four distinctive Fijian cultures, Ellice Islanders (Polynesians), Banabans (Micronesia), Fijian and Indians. The cruise visits the islands of Kioa, Rabi, Druadrua, Labasa Town, Manava Cay and the world's third longest barrier reef, Kia Island.
The Four Cultures Discovery Cruise has six scheduled departures in 2014 including; 07 January, 04 March, 06 May, 01 July, and 02 September.
Captain Cook Cruises seven nights Colonial Fiji Discovery Cruise reveals the unique history, art and culture of the Northern Fiji Islands and allows passengers the ultimate experience of 'standing' on the International Dateline. The cruise also visits the islands of Ovalau, Taveuni, Savusavu and Waiyevo.
The Colonial Fiji Discovery Cruise has six scheduled 2014 departures including 01 April, 03 June, 05 August, 07 October and 02 December.
The cruise 7 pay 4 deal is for sale until 31 March 2014 and valid for travel from 01 April 2014 until 31 March 2015.
All seven night cruise depart from Denarau Marina and prices start from only AUD$1560 per person twin share, normally $2900. For families a separate Stateroom is available from just AUD$824 per room for up to two children 5-17yrs, when parents or guardians travel in Stateroom accommodation.
Prices include meals, guided village, school and island tours, daily island stopovers, water activities, glass bottom boat excursions, snorkeling and snorkeling equipment, on board entertainment, Tropical island lovo feast & kava ceremony, child minding during meal times (under 5-10yrs), transfers at the end of your cruise and use of the ship's facilities including swimming pool, spa, pool bar, sun deck, mini-gym, sauna, cocktail bar, day spa and library.
For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises on T: +61 9126 8160 or from within Australia: 1300 To Fiji (86 3454), Email: fiji@captaincook.com.fj or visit www.captaincook.com.fj
Sunday, 22 December 2013
New Zealand Helicopter Golf in Style
NEW ZEALAND HELI-GOLF CRUISES
Non-Golfing Partners travel at 50%
For the more than likely ultimate Australasia Golfing Holiday then look no further than our fantastic 7 and 10 day Heli-Golf Cruises onboard the beautiful "Island Passage"
Imagine, after a scrumptious breakfast on the aft Terrace, the helicopters land onto the ship and fly you off to the first tee of some of NZ's best courses. Green fees, carts, heli transfers, all onboard gourmet meals plus some afternoon sport fishing are all included.
The heli-golf season operates in NZ's Bay of Islands during February and March and we have just limited space left in 2014. So if you want to have the experience of a lifetime please do contact us now to discuss the best heli-golf cruise for you or your golf group.
And helping to keep your home team happy, non-golfers travel with you at half price.
New Zealand FREE: 0800 58 1717
Australia FREE: 1800 584 869
Email: info@islandescape.co.nz
Web: http://www.islandescapecruises.com/
Wednesday, 18 December 2013
Merry Christmas from Kimberley Quest
Not displaying properly? View online.
As Christmas is nearly upon us we would like to take this opportunity to wish you, your family and friends a very happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year!
Best wishes,
The team at Kimberley Quest
Note: with the exception of public holidays our office will be contactable by phone or email throughout the Christmas period.
Kimberley Quest
Shop 5 Woody's Arcade
15 Dampier Terrace
Broome, WA 67251
1300 156 035
cruise@kimberleyquest.com.au
www.kimberleyquest.com.au
Season's Greetings from Lindblad Expeditions
Talk to an Expedition Specialist: (AU) 1300 361 012, (NZ) 0800 444 462 or contact your travel agent Season's greetings to readers of expeditioncruising.com
May the new year ahead bring
you calm seas and adventures
to make your spirit soar.
Warm Regards,
Sven Lindblad and all the team at Lindblad Expeditions
Did you know National Geographic Orion
sails to Antarctica over the holiday season
Sailing Adventure to Antarctica
With no previous sailing experience required, (but a keen sense of adventure a prerequisite!) you have the opportunity to help set sail, steer and navigate under the guidance of experienced professionals.
The objective is to explore the best of Antarctica, sailing along its mountainous coastline, mooring amid glaciers, and observing fabulous wildlife at close quarters. Two support landing craft and a polar guide means small groups can indulge in their own interests: sit quietly amongst the penguin colonies, visit research stations, hike ashore or silently cruise amid towering icebergs.
To learn more about this sailing expedition and other small ship wildlife voyages to Antarctica and the Arctic, call Aqua-Firma's polar experts and guides on 01428 620012, email info@aqua-firma.co.uk or visit www.aqua-firma.com
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
From aboard SeaDream II in Asia
As published in Cruise Weekly today.
From aboard SeaDream II
Location: Yangon, Myanmar
Vessel: SeaDream II, launched 1985, refitted 2002, 4260 tonnes, 105m, 112 passengers
SeaDream Yacht Club (SYC) [www.seadream.com] knows exactly what they’re about. The company launched with two identical vessels just a couple of weeks before the calamitous 9/11 event and founder, Norwegian-born entrepreneur Atle Brynestad, thought he was doomed. But against all predictions, not only did SYC survive, it flourished.
I’ve had my eye on these ships (whoops, ‘yachts’) for years and when their ground-breaking Asian itineraries were announced, I pounced. It was a bit of a risk for the regular Mediterranean and Caribbean-operating line, which had come under increasing (gentle) pressure from their growing legion of repeat guests to find new playgrounds to explore. Long time SYC Club Director, now Business Development Director, Asia, Thailand-based Richard Jones, was behind the push and with his extensive knowledge of the region, oversaw the 13 new itinerates that include major ports such as Yangon, Singapore, Hong Kong, Phuket, Langkawi, Bali, Bangkok and Cairns. After this exploratory season, SYC will return to Asia for the 2015-16 southern summer, but will only travel as far south as Bali.
Constantly lauded by the cruise industry’s independent arbiter, the Berlitz Guide, SYC has consistency ranked at or near the top of the tables for ‘Boutique Ships’ category (50 – 250 passengers) against some pretty stiff competition.
Chatting to some of the repeat cruisers, many of whom count their days aboard in the hundreds, it keeps coming back to service. Being treated like royalty with your every need predicted, without being fawned over or stifled. Our sommelier, Frank, a dashing and lively Hungarian of some ten years standing with SYC, would address us cheerfully with ‘How ya going mayte?” then proceed to elaborate on the salubrious wine list for this evening’s fine dining menu.
Another of the things that topped many repeat cruisers’ favourite things, was the all-inclusive beverages. Super quality wines, aperitifs and spirits are there for the asking. Okay, if you want Dom Pérignon, there’s a surcharge but the included drinks would satisfy most discerning tastes and many a late night was had at the Top of the Yacht Bar in entertaining company.
SYC might sound like a retirement plan for well-heeled and sozzled seniors, but my experience did not support that myth. Most passengers were middle-aged or older couples, some with tight families in tow enjoying some true luxury time together. Active types can utilise the water sport ‘toy box’ with jetskis, snorkelling, kayaks or hobbycats and when aboard, there’s a golf simulator to keep you swinging, although the a/c needs a tweek to keep it comfortable.
To find fault with this well-oiled offering is to appear churlish, but if pressed I would say the bathrooms are a bit tight (especially if you’ve been enjoying the cuisine) and more simple, included shore excursions would be nice, such as a city walk led by one of the crew or staff. The shore-ex on my itinerary were add-ons ranging from Shwedegon Pagoda ($49) to Bagan by air ($795). The only included tour was a tender visit to the Sea Gypsy village.
Voyages are typically 7-days, with some 10 to 14 also on offer. Brochure fares are around $1000pp/day but substantial discounts can be had for early bookings.
For more information and reservations, contact SeaDream specialist:
Cruise Express on 1300 766 537.
From aboard SeaDream II
Location: Yangon, Myanmar
Vessel: SeaDream II, launched 1985, refitted 2002, 4260 tonnes, 105m, 112 passengers
SeaDream Yacht Club (SYC) [www.seadream.com] knows exactly what they’re about. The company launched with two identical vessels just a couple of weeks before the calamitous 9/11 event and founder, Norwegian-born entrepreneur Atle Brynestad, thought he was doomed. But against all predictions, not only did SYC survive, it flourished.
I’ve had my eye on these ships (whoops, ‘yachts’) for years and when their ground-breaking Asian itineraries were announced, I pounced. It was a bit of a risk for the regular Mediterranean and Caribbean-operating line, which had come under increasing (gentle) pressure from their growing legion of repeat guests to find new playgrounds to explore. Long time SYC Club Director, now Business Development Director, Asia, Thailand-based Richard Jones, was behind the push and with his extensive knowledge of the region, oversaw the 13 new itinerates that include major ports such as Yangon, Singapore, Hong Kong, Phuket, Langkawi, Bali, Bangkok and Cairns. After this exploratory season, SYC will return to Asia for the 2015-16 southern summer, but will only travel as far south as Bali.
Constantly lauded by the cruise industry’s independent arbiter, the Berlitz Guide, SYC has consistency ranked at or near the top of the tables for ‘Boutique Ships’ category (50 – 250 passengers) against some pretty stiff competition.
 |
| Champagne and caviar in the surf. A SeaDream institution.(R Eime) |
Chatting to some of the repeat cruisers, many of whom count their days aboard in the hundreds, it keeps coming back to service. Being treated like royalty with your every need predicted, without being fawned over or stifled. Our sommelier, Frank, a dashing and lively Hungarian of some ten years standing with SYC, would address us cheerfully with ‘How ya going mayte?” then proceed to elaborate on the salubrious wine list for this evening’s fine dining menu.
Another of the things that topped many repeat cruisers’ favourite things, was the all-inclusive beverages. Super quality wines, aperitifs and spirits are there for the asking. Okay, if you want Dom Pérignon, there’s a surcharge but the included drinks would satisfy most discerning tastes and many a late night was had at the Top of the Yacht Bar in entertaining company.
SYC might sound like a retirement plan for well-heeled and sozzled seniors, but my experience did not support that myth. Most passengers were middle-aged or older couples, some with tight families in tow enjoying some true luxury time together. Active types can utilise the water sport ‘toy box’ with jetskis, snorkelling, kayaks or hobbycats and when aboard, there’s a golf simulator to keep you swinging, although the a/c needs a tweek to keep it comfortable.
To find fault with this well-oiled offering is to appear churlish, but if pressed I would say the bathrooms are a bit tight (especially if you’ve been enjoying the cuisine) and more simple, included shore excursions would be nice, such as a city walk led by one of the crew or staff. The shore-ex on my itinerary were add-ons ranging from Shwedegon Pagoda ($49) to Bagan by air ($795). The only included tour was a tender visit to the Sea Gypsy village.
Voyages are typically 7-days, with some 10 to 14 also on offer. Brochure fares are around $1000pp/day but substantial discounts can be had for early bookings.
For more information and reservations, contact SeaDream specialist:
Cruise Express on 1300 766 537.
Launch of Indian river cruise vessel, ABN Rajmahal
The latest addition to our fleet, ABN Rajmahal, was launched in Calcutta last week. The 22-cabin vessel has been specially designed with extra-shallow draught, triple engines and low air draught, for our pioneering City of Light cruises between Patna and Varanasi.
These innovative 7-night cruises will operate in August and September 2014, the only months river conditions allow. During the winter months ABN Rajmahal will be taking over our current programme of cruises on the Hugli and the Ganges, with her maiden commercial voyage scheduled for 15 February 2014, preceded by fam cruises for invited overseas tour operators and for journalists.
BRAHMAPUTRA CRUISES IN OCTOBER
Assam in October is a joy, with good weather, lush scenery, clear views and easy cruising. A perfect combination with Darjeeling, Sikkim or Bhutan therefore. Since Kaziranga and other parks are not reliably open at this time, the ideal solution is one of our Frontier Lands cruises, AD1 or AD5, between Guwahati and Dhubri. These feature tea gardens, a Maharajah’s palace, archaeological sites, temples and silk weaving, and the joining point at Cooch Behar can be reached in a little over two hours by train from New Jalpaiguri. To offer maximum flexibility to tour operators, we are currently proposing these cruises for group departures only, on operators’ own choice of dates.
SOMETHING TO BOAST ABOUT
We are delighted that Lonely Planet India’s Travel Awards have placed our Diphlu River Lodge at Kaziranga as India’s second best wildlife resort, behind Oberoi’s Vanya Vilas and ahead of the Taj Mahua Kothi. Meanwhile CNN International has placed Assam Bengal Navigation as one of the World’s Top Ten Adventure Cruise Operators.
IMPROVED TRAIN LINKS FOR HUGLI AND GANGES CRUISES
Our Hugli and Ganges cruises feature one-way rail travel between Calcutta and Farakka at the beginning or end of the cruise. So we are delighted to advise that under the latest timetable this service operates on the Shatabdi Express, with duration reduced from an earlier 6-plus hours to just 4 hours 15 minutes. Moreover the same train provides a fast and convenient link between Farakka and New Jalpaiguri Junction, the station for Darjeeling and Sikkim, thus opening up new possibilities of combining a cruise with the Himalayas.
Assam Bengal Navigation. www.assambengalnavigation.com
Bookings: www.activetravel.com.au
Monday, 16 December 2013
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Takes Best Expedition Cruise Line For Second Year Running
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| Guests enjoy kayaking in Alaska with Lindblad Expeditions (R Eime) |
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has been named the Best Expedition Cruise Line in the Cruise Passenger Readers’ Choice Awards – voted by the cruisers themselves. This is the second year in a row it has been awarded this accolade, formerly under Orion Expedition Cruises.
This small ship expedition company, in alliance with the National Geographic Society, voyages to all seven continents, and provides guests what is arguably the most extraordinary travel experience a person can have. With the assistance of its renowned expedition team, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic allows guests to explore by Zodiac, kayak or on foot, venture to remote beaches and hidden coves, and get close to nature, wildlife and different cultures.
Jeremy Lindblad, Business Development Director Australia for Lindblad Expeditions, says: “We are honoured to receive this award, which only encourages the crew and office staff to strive to make our expedition experiences even better. 2014 will be a big year for Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, with our best service offering and destination portfolio yet.”
The Cruise Passenger Readers’ Choice Awards have been in operation for nine years and is one of the most coveted awards in the industry.
Lindblad Expeditions announced the acquisition of Orion Expedition Cruises this year. The inaugural voyages of the National Geographic Orion will take place in March 2014, and will offer Orion guests past and present access to expeditions around the globe, and on the line’s fleet of ships and seasonal charters. The acquisition will increase passenger capacity for Lindblad Expeditions by 18 per cent.
For more information on Lindblad Expeditions visit www.orionexpeditions.com.
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