Tauck River Cruise Guide aimed at novices

#rivercruising 
  
Tauck published a 'First-Timer’s Guide to River Cruising' aimed at answering many questions common to prospective cruisers. The new 24-page, full-color brochure is available free at www.tauck.com/riverguide, where novice river cruisers can request a print or digital edition.

Organized into Who, Why, What, Where and When sections, the guide provides information about the typical river cruise traveler, the reasons behind river cruising’s popularity and what a river cruise experience is like. The guide also includes notes on when to travel, the differences between Europe’s most popular rivers and information on why ocean cruisers and independent travelers ought to enjoy a river cruise experience.

A two-page spread provides guidance on what travelers should look for when considering the wide array of river cruises available today.

Tauck ceo Dan Mahar said the guide's primary goal is to educate those interested in learning more about river cruising, rather than simply promoting Tauck. But, not surprisingly, he thinks a knowledgeable, informed traveler will be more likely to choose a Tauck river cruise.

New expedition ship for Hurtigruten

#expeditioncruising

Norway Explorer will take the place of Midnatsol on Coastal Norway route

Hurtigruten has announced the purchase of a new expedition ship. The ship, temporarily named MS Norway Explorer, was built in Portugal in 2009 at the Viana do Castelo shipyard*, and is now making her way to Scandinavia. After she undergoes a total reconstruction including adapting for polar waters; upgrading the cabins, suites and public spaces for the 320 guests; and adjusting the power plants and emissions so as to meet Hurtigruten’s high standards, the ship will join the fleet along the Norwegian Coastal Voyage route. Fitting well into the company’s planned expansion to offer more expeditions, the new ship will replace the Midnatsol, which will join the MS Fram in Antarctica for the 2016/17 season.

“The new ship's maneuverability and optimal size will bring Hurtigruten`s guests even closer to nature,” says CEO Daniel Skjeldam. “We invest in our fleet to ensure that Hurtigruten remains a world leader in sustainable explorer travels along the Norwegian coast and polar destinations as well as enrich our guests' unique experiences by expanding our service at destinations such as Greenland, Svalbard and Antarctica.”

A leader in exploration travel, 123-year-old Hurtigruten is continuing to expand its marketing and sales efforts in North America as it invests in its future. Having been taken private late in 2014, the company is gearing up to offer new itineraries, an array of new soft and hard adventure excursions and expansion of its highly regarded expedition leader teams over the next few years.

The company’s fleet of now 13 intimate ships, each which carry 100 to 646 guests, allows travelers to enjoy the scenery and culture of the destination in a relaxed atmosphere. Additional information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly website, www.hurtigruten.us

Facts about MS Explorer Norway

• Number of guests: 320
• Total berth capacity: 180
• Gross tonnage: 7025
• Length: 97.53 m
• Width: 18 m
• Draft: 5 m
• Propeller System: 2x 360 Azimut thrusters
• Machinery: Diesel Electric
• Speed: 17.4 knots

Atlantida awaiting sale at the shipyard in Portugal

 * Editor notes: This vessel was previously known as "Atlantida" (IMO 9434060) and has already had an interesting history. According to a report in TradeWinds, Atlantida was first ordered in 2006 by Atlantico Line, a ferry company owned by the Azores regional government. The ship, contracted at EUR 50m, was completed in 2009 but Atlantico refused to take delivery, claiming its speed was one knot short of what was stipulated in the contract. Atlantico’s refusal to take delivery played a large part in the Portuguese shipyard's subsequent bankruptcy. Since then the yard, which has been under administration supervised by Portugal’s defence ministry, had been trying to sell the ship.

Star Clippers release new 2016 Mediterranean program

#expeditioncruising

Experience the spectacular natural wonders, ancient monuments and culinary flavours of the Mediterranean on a grand voyage with Star Clippers. Soak up the European summer aboard an intimate sailing ship, visiting idyllic ports and coastal towns as part of Star Clippers new Mediterranean program for 2016. 

Coral Expeditions to visit Tasmania this summer

#expeditioncruising 
 
Coral Princess Cruises will expand its expedition cruise program to Tasmania from this summer, sailing under its new name of Coral Expeditions (effective 22 June).

Recently refurbished Coral Expedition I

Continuing the company's pioneering tradition, Coral Expeditions I will be the first cruise ship to sail some of the remote coastlines of the island state. The first of 16 departures embarks 16 November 2015 and the season will run until February 2016.

A highlight of the seven night itinerary from Hobart will be two days exploring the pristine Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area at Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour with Coral Expeditions' Parks and Wildlife Ranger.

“Normally only accessible by seven-day hike or light aircraft, this region is undoubtedly one of the most pristine and beautiful landscapes on earth,” said Group General Manager Mark Fifield. “Our Australian-flagged ship is well suited for Tasmania. With her shallow draft and manoeuvrability, she can hug the coastline and go where few cruise ships can. Her tender vessel, the Explorer, allows all our guests to disembark in remote areas throughout.”

Passengers can look forward to an active adventure, with kayaking opportunities and expert-guided bushwalks in five national parks and two World Heritages Areas.

The itinerary includes hiking the start of the famed South Coast Track at Cockle Bay, an early morning walk to a scenic lookout over Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park, and exploring the remarkable beauty and wildlife of rarely-visited Maria Island, including its UNESCO-listed historic town of Darlington.

The cruise will also present a different side of the Port Arthur Historic Site on an exclusive 'Behind the Scenes' tour. The site's resident archaeologist will guide passengers through buildings and exhibits not normally open to the public before cocktails in the beautiful surrounds of Port Arthur's Asylum building.

With only 46 guests, small-batch food and wine experiences will be a focal point of the Tasmanian cruises. The itinerary includes picturesque Grandvewe Farm to sample its unique sheep milk cheeses and liqueurs and the option to gather berries on Bruny Island. The onboard menu will feature the freshest of Tasmanian produce and local specialties and a wine list showcasing Tasmanian varietals.

Pricing from AUD3,990 per person. ORDER A FREE BROCHURE

PONANT’s Classic European Cruises Collection - 2016

Save up to 30%, with No Single Supplement charges on many voyages

French luxury and expedition cruise line PONANT has announced an extensive  range of European voyages for 2016 - many currently available at 30% savings and no single supplement charges.

The PONANT European Collection, released both as a printed brochure and a convenient e-brochure download - http://bit.ly/PONANT-Europe-2016 - features 41 hand-crafted voyages, many including important UNESCO listed World Heritage highlights. The itineraries showcase the crossroads of ancient cultures that have shaped the modern world; a diversity of destinations endowed with layers of history, art, music, architecture and boundless culinary temptations.

With over 25 years of European cruising experience, PONANT draws on its heritage to offer guests a range of sailings designed to appeal to regular cruisers, as well as tempting those who have not yet cruised but understand the benefits of relaxed exploration by sea.

Enjoy French ambiance on the world's youngest fleet afloat, or sail on PONANT's classic three masted yacht. Either way, experience the difference small ship cruising offers. Venture where large ships simply cannot; experience the thrill of transiting the legendary Corinth canal; moor in intimate bays such as in Hvar and the Cyclades islands; view legendary Mt Stromboli; stroll the walls of Dubrovnik, explore the preserved streets of Valletta and wonder at the Imperial grandeur of St Petersburg.

Destinations include Corsica, Spain and Malta, Greece, Croatia and Montenegro, Turkey, Italy, Scandinavia and Russia - often venturing off the main marine highway to explore smaller, less visited ports of call including Elba, Corsica and the dramatic coasts of Ireland and the United Kingdom, Estonia and the Norwegian fjords, with the flexibility of exploring by Zodiac to get even closer to the action.  

This European Collection of itineraries ranges in duration from 7 nights to 12 nights with pricing from A$3918pp* port taxes included, for a 7 night cruise on board Le Lyrial from Civitavecchia to Athens, twin share in an ocean-view DeLuxe Stateroom with private balcony, deck 3.
[*Ponant Bonus price per person based on a double occupancy, including port taxes. Based on the first stateroom category available and subject to change based on availability.]

The PONANT hallmark - French ambiance, fine food and wines (open bar included, of course), intuitive service, indulgent pampering options and renowned design touches, all the while travelling in understated luxury - is epitomised in this collection of European itineraries.


INFORMATION & RESERVATIONS

Details of all PONANT European Collection voyages, including itineraries, pricing and shore excursion highlights are available at http://bit.ly/PONANT-EuropeanCruises2016
 or directly by contacting PONANT on Australia:1300 737 178 or + 61 2 8459 5000 / New Zealand: 0800 44 32 62, or emailing reservations.aus@ponant.com                                      

Further information available on the website:  www.ponant.com

The Expeditioner: Birding at the End of the World

Aurora Expeditions has partnered with BirdLife Australia to offer birding enthusiasts a chance to experience some of the most astonishing birdlife and wilderness on our planet. Limited to 54 passengers, our 18-day Scotia Sea Springtime voyage departs this November from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia and Antarctica. BirdLife Australia's senior bird ecologist Mick Roderick will join our expert guides aboard our small ship Polar Pioneer as special guest lecturer. The Expeditioner asked Mick why birds make him tick—or should that be tweet?

You are a self-confessed 'petrel-head'. What do you love about petrels?

I love all seabirds, but there is something about petrels, particularly the Pterodromas— just the word invokes a feeling of wildness and intrigue. These birds rarely show interest in boats in the way that albatrosses, shearwaters and other seabirds do, often screaming past at rapid speed, arcing up high and tilting their wings beyond perpendicular to the water. They are the Maseratis of the seabird world!

Tell us about your role at BirdLife Australia?

I coordinate the 'Woodland Birds for Biodiversity' project, one of BirdLife Australia's longest-running and community-involved projects. Over 80% of temperate woodlands in South-eastern Australia having been lost since European settlement, with it some serious declines in the birds that rely on them. I coordinate woodland bird surveys, particularly for our most endangered woodland birds such as Regent Honeyeaters and Swift Parrots. My role also involves undertaking private land conservation initiatives, community awareness raising and training in woodland bird identification and survey techniques.

What are your best tips for birdwatching?

Watch birds closely and they will teach you about themselves. Don't move around too much; if you stay still the birds will come closer to you. When identifying birds, train yourself to note the bird's shape, size and behaviour, as opposed to colours. This is useful for distinguishing difficult-to-identify species, particularly at sea where colour is of little help anyway. Oh, and in a forest environment you must learn the calls!

What are most looking forward to about the upcoming BirdLife Australia expedition to Antarctica & South Georgia?

Apart from the petrels? I'm very excited about visiting the islands where many of the seabirds breed.

Each passenger on this voyage receives a complimentary 12-month BirdLife Australia membership, a Polar Expedition jacket and a souvenir photo book. Included in the expedition price is the flight from Santiago to the Falkland Islands, along with all onboard accommodation, meals, excursions, lectures and guiding services. Scotia Sea Springtime Expedition departs 21 November 2015:

www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/birdlifeaustralia

Photograph Antarctica Alongside National Geographic Channel’s Tales by Light Photographer Peter Eastway

#expeditioncruising

Expedition cruise company, Aurora Expeditions, is encouraging budding photographers to act fast to secure their place on an exclusive photography expedition featuring Peter Eastway, AIPP Grand Master of Photography and one of the world’s elite photographers starring in National Geographic Channel’s new ground-breaking documentary series Tales by Light.

This unique opportunity will allow photographers of all levels to develop their skills under the eye of one of Australia’s best landscape and travel photographers as Peter guides students through a tailored program of lectures and workshops on essentials camera skills, photographing in the Polar Regions and post-production techniques. Peter will also be on hand on shore to assist with questions and help photographers capture that perfect Antarctic photograph.

Peter Eastway

Joining Peter is award-winning cinematographer Abraham Joffe. As one of Australia’s top DSLR filmmakers, and the creator and cameraman behind the Tales by Light television series, Abraham will share his passion for storytelling and filmmaking, offering workshops and guidance for those interested in cinematography.

Photographers can expect to capture Antarctica and South Georgia’s stunning, pristine landscapes and amazing wildlife as they travel to the same locations that Peter and Abraham captured while travelling with Aurora Expeditions during the filming of the final episode of Tales by Light. Discover what it is like to stand in front of hundreds of thousands of penguins, see cute seals linger on ice floes and be memorised by seabirds as they glide gracefully in the tailwind. As the days grow longer photographers can expect gorgeous sunsets with hues of pink and icebergs reflecting all shades of blue.

Travelling aboard small ship Polar Pioneer, the expedition accommodates just 54 passengers plus a team of expedition experts including naturalists and historians. The small-ship experience ensures regular shore excursions for the chance to truly maximise photographic opportunities. Polar Pioneer is supported by a fleet of Zodiacs and crew allowing all photographers to be shooting simultaneously with plenty of room to spare for camera equipment.

The complimentary photography workshops will be run on Aurora Expeditions’ 18-day ‘Scotia Sea Springtime’ expedition to Antarctica and South Georgia departing Santiago on 21 November 2015.

Prices start from US$14,300 per person and include photography workshops, ship accommodation, all meals on board, all guided shore excursions, lectures, a customised expedition jacket and memento photo book.

For anyone wanting to get a taste of the Antarctica and South Georgia experience, catch Peter’s episode of Tales by Light on Foxtel’s National Geographic Channel on 28 June 2015 at 8.30pm.

For more information call Aurora Expeditions on 1800 637 688 or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

SeaDream returns to Southern Caribbean in 2016

#expeditioncruising


SeaDream Yacht Club’s 112-guest twin mega-yachts will once again return to the Caribbean for the winter 2015-16 season. Both vessels will ring in the New Year overnighting in St. Barts on sold-out itineraries.

SeaDream's small yachts are returning to the Caribbean this winter. (SeaDream Yacht Club)

Then, SeaDream I will make its way to the Southern Caribbean for 12 sailings departing between Jan. 3 and April 2. The itineraries will showcase St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia and more.

In response to popular demand, three round-trip sailings from Bridgetown, Barbados, will be available, complemented by nine itineraries between Bridgetown and Marigot, St. Martin.

“The islands hold a special place for the SeaDream Yacht Club crew and guests, evident by our recent onboard fund-raiser during the trans-Atlantic crossing benefitting Hands Across the Sea, an organization dedicated to raising literacy levels in the Caribbean,” said Adrienne d’Annunzio, manager of the SeaDream Yacht Club loyalty program. “We look forwarding to exploring all the islands in 2016, but especially the less-sailed Southern Caribbean including the Grenadines, and making a positive impact on these small communities along the way.”

The full 2016 Southern Caribbean schedule for SeaDream I is available on the SeaDream website. Shore excursion highlights include a trip to the elite private island of Mustique, which measures just 3 by 1 1/2 miles and is home to Mick Jagger and Tommy Hilfiger, among other celebrities.

SeaDream’s signature “Champagne and Caviar Splash” is offered on all 2016 Southern Caribbean voyages. Guests wade into the surf to indulge in premium caviar and bubbles served on a surfboard covered in white linens. Guests then eat a BBQ lunch on a white sand beach and can swim, snorkel or lounge.

Inclusive yachting fares begin at $3,499, based on double occupancy.

For more details, call Cruise Express on 1300 764 509 or visit www.cruiseexpress.com.au.

For bookings and further details, see SeaDream specialist Cruise Express

Source: Travelpulse

Small ship “Saint Laurent" strikes dock. 22 injured.

#expeditioncruising 
 
Described by one news source as "a freak accident", the 210-berth Saint Laurent charged into a lock gate protector on the Eisenhower Lock at Massena NY while upbound from Montreal to Toronto. At the time, the ship was operating under charter to Paris-based Rivages du Monde and had on board 192 passengers and 81 crew.

Saint Laurent tied up in Montreal

FleetPro Passenger Ship Management, managers of the 4,954grt cruise vessel “Saint Laurent,” report that the ship made contact with a concrete approach wall bumper of the Westbound door of the Eisenhower Lock in Massena, part of the Saint Lawrence Seaway system, at 2115 hrs on June 18.

"The Bahamas Flag vessel, which was on passage from Montreal to Toronto, was carrying a total of 192 passengers and 81 crew members. The passengers are mainly of French and Swiss nationality.

"As a result of the incident, 19 guests and 3 crew members suffered minor injuries and were transferred to Massena Memorial Hospital for treatment. The shipboard doctor was available at all times.

"The vessel remains in safe condition in the lock which is partially drained of water. All shipboard services are fully functional for guests on-board.

"A ship inspection team has been appointed by owners and managers and will attend the vessel to assess the damage, which is limited to the bow area, before any attempt is made to move the “Saint Laurent” out of the lock and onto a berth.

"At all times, the safety of passengers and crew is the absolute priority and owners and managers wish to thank the US Coast Guard and all the local agencies and emergency services who responded in such a timely and professional manner to this unfortunate incident.

"The company will carry out a full investigation onto the events leading up to the allision and cooperate fully with any official investigation."

The ship is operated by Haimark Line, which invested more than $3.5 million to refurbish the ship for this summer season. We have asked Haimark for a statement and will provide that when it's received.

FleetPro is a veteran group, also managing Silver Discoverer and Silver Explorer for Silversea Cruises.

Discover Shackleton's White Continent with Silversea Expeditions

#expeditioncruising


Explore Antarctica on Silversea's exclusive Shackleton Centenary Voyages during 2015 and 2016

See artefacts and iconic images in an exclusive exhibition on board Silver Explorer

Silversea Expeditions, the luxury expedition cruise line, will be operating a series of unique Shackleton Centenary Voyages to Antarctica in 2015 and 2016 to mark the 100-year anniversary of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's Endurance expedition. It is one of humankind's most remarkable stories of leadership, determination, and survival.

Shackleton's ship, the Endurance, sailed from Plymouth, U.K. towards Antarctica when, in 1915, just 200 miles from the Antarctic mainland, she was trapped between two ice floes in the Weddell Sea. The crew initially stayed put, hoping that the winds would change and free the ship however, after 10 months, they were forced to abandon the Endurance and strike out across the ice in search of help.

Launching the James Caird from Elephant Island

The story of how Shackleton led his men in the Weddell Sea party, over ice and ocean to safety, is one of the greatest survival tales in history.

Guests who book one of Silver Explorer's 18-day Shackleton Centenary Voyages, sailing roundtrip from Ushuaia, will enjoy in-depth explorations of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Elephant Island, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Voyage departure dates include: 14 November 2015, 3 January 2016, 2 February 2016, and 22 December 2016.

Guests will discover how six men travelled in a tiny lifeboat across the Southern Ocean in search of aid for their stricken crewmates and hear how the rest of the party managed to endure 138 days in one of the most inhospitable places on earth.

Sir Ernest Shackleton and Endurance beset in the ice

On these special voyages, guests will not only follow in the footsteps of the great explorer Shackleton, but also encounter wildlife like nowhere else in the world, including: rockhopper, gentoo, macaroni, king, Adélie, emperor, and chinstrap penguins. Guests will watch for seals, dolphins, whales, albatross, shearwaters, and petrels, as well as visit historic sites of the early explorers and remains of whaling operations, accompanied by a team of experts, which includes eminent naturalists, geologists, biologists, historians, and ornithologists.

Silversea's long-term partnership with the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) will bring other benefits for those travelling aboard Silver Explorer. An exclusive onboard exhibition will show a specially curated gallery of artefacts and images by the Endurance's official photographer, Frank Hurley, who documented the expedition on film and through iconic still photography.

There will also be a major exhibition, "The Enduring Eye: the Antarctic Legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton and Frank Hurley," which will be held at the headquarters of the Royal Geographical Society in London from the end of November 2015 to the end of February 2016, before a U.K. and international tour commences in 2017. Silversea guests sailing on Antarctica voyages will receive VIP access to the exhibition, with special tours arranged pre- or post-departure for the White Continent.

The Society's historical collection relating to Antarctica provides a wealth of artefacts, photographs, archives, maps, charts and books which tell the story of the Endurance and Antarctica from its beginnings to the present day with a focus on the early explorers who gave us a greater understanding of the Great White Desert.

The Shackleton Centenary Voyages aboard the all-suite Silver Explorer include gourmet food, wine and spirits, the personalised service of a butler, and all excursions including Zodiac tours. A special Shackleton centenary commemorative dinner, with an elegant keepsake menu, will include such delicacies as a mousseline of Dover sole, beef Wellington, Antarctic bass filet, and a bitter-chocolate soufflé.

To find out more about Silversea's Shackleton Centenary Voyages to Antarctica, please visit: http://www.silversea.com/expeditions/royal-geographical-society/shackletons-centenary/.

For more information contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com

Coral Princess Cruises to rebrand as Coral Expeditions

#expeditioncruising

Cairns-based Coral Princess Cruises announced today it will rebrand as Coral Expeditions, effective 22 June. This comes after 32 years of operation under the former name, during which time the company has grown and evolved.

The new name stays true to the company's origins as a small ship pioneer on the Great Barrier Reef while updating the company image to reflect its evolution to adventure cruises to the more exotic regions of Australia and the South Pacific.

"Coral Expeditions recognises that we are now best known for our coastal expedition itineraries taking small groups of 44 to 72 passengers to remote regions and cultures in Asia-Pacific," said Group General Manager Mark Fifield.

Oceanic Discoverer

Captain Tony Briggs launched the company in 1984 with one converted Fairmile class submarine chaser and it now has three purpose-built ships and several hundred staff. It offers 3, 4 and 7 night award-winning Great Barrier Reef cruises and longer expeditions to the Kimberley, Cape York and Arnhem Land, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and the South Pacific. In November 2015, Coral Expeditions will launch its inaugural season of a unique series of expedition cruises along the coastline of Tasmania.

Each ship will be rechristened and refurbished in line with the new brand over the next year. Coral Princess will become Coral Expeditions I, Coral Princess II will become Coral Expeditions II and the flagship Oceanic Discoverer will be renamed Coral Discoverer.

The new logo has been designed by a Cairns-based artist, Brian Robinson. Brian grew up in the idyllic tropical surroundings of the Torres Strait Islands, located between the tip of Cape York Peninsula and Papua New Guinea. His work reflects his knowledge and appreciation of the culture of his people, the myths and legends of the Torres Strait, and the traditional motifs and natural carving ability of the Islanders.

"We believe our new logo accurately depicts the spirit of discovery and exploration that embodies our company," said Mr Fifield. "Our hallmarks of adventure, intimate comfort and quality dining delivered in a professional yet relaxed environment by Australian and New Zealand staff will remain at the heart of the Coral Expeditions experience."

Amazon River Boat Adventure with STA

Travellers keen to hop aboard a riverboat and experience the Amazon in style can join this adventure down the Amazon with STA Travel. Led by an Amazon Reserve naturalist guide, the cruise includes daily excursions by motorised skiff designed to reveal the exotic wildlife that calls the rainforest home – with any luck travellers will spot sloths, toucans and pink dolphins. And, with two full days for exploration in Pacaya–Samiria National Reserve, there is the chance to experience the jungle up close.

What's Included:

• 9 day/8 night visit Lima and explore the might Amazon River
• 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners (Allow USD50-80 for meals not included)
• 6 Nights aboard the Amazon River Boat, 2 nights in comfort hotels
• Amazon River Boat, Plane, Private Coach
• 2 Certified Amazon Reserve naturalist guide and support staff aboard the Amazon Riverboat
• Small group experience: max. 30  

Original price: $2499

Reduced price: $2125 (reduction of 15% on any departure Until 31st December, must book by 30th June)

To book: www.statravel.com.au or call 134 782