Featured brochure: Ponant - a Grand Voyage 2017

#expeditioncruising

This e-brochure details back-to-back voyages that include: South Georgia, South Africa, The Scattered Islands & The Seychelles, many being new destinations for PONANT.

Un-Cruise Adventures Adds Land Tours in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska

Rocky Mountaineer and Denali/Knik River tours extend the Un-Cruise experience to shore

Adventurers embarking on a small ship adventure cruise in Alaska or a river cruise on the Columbia & Snake Rivers may now extend their Un-Cruise experience on shore with two new land tours. Beginning in 2016, Un-Cruise Adventures offers a Denali Park & Knik River Adventure tour and a train journey through Canada and the Pacific Northwest aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

"Our guests say they're interested in extending their trips with us, so we're developing land tours to connect with our cruises," said Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO. "We are offering land tours that match our unrushed, uncrowded, unbelievable concept delivered by our ships to ensure our spirit of adventure extends through all we do."

A scenic train journey explores the Sea to Sky corridor and the Canadian Rockies. The Rocky Mountaineer extension has two itineraries combinable with either Alaska or Columbia & Snake River cruises.

An 8-night pre- or post-cruise Rocky Mountaineer tour between Seattle and Vancouver, BC (or reverse) can be added to the Columbia & Snake River cruise. Traveling via first-class GoldLeaf rail service, guests view scenic Howe sound, the lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley and the dramatic scenery of the Canadian Rockies with overnight stays in Seattle, Whistler, Quesnel, Kamloops and Vancouver. Two nights are spent in the alpine town of Jasper with a half-day guided tour of Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rail service, hotel accommodations, excursions/tours, park passes and select meals are included with rates starting at $7,895 per person, based on double occupancy.

In Alaska, the Exploring Muir's Wilderness cruise connects with a pre-cruise 7-night Rocky Mountaineer train journey between Calgary, Alberta and Seattle, Washington. First-class rail service travels through glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, the desert-like interior, to the lush forests along the coast.  Overnights are spent in hotels in Calgary, Lake Louise, Banff, Kamloops, Vancouver and Seattle. Highlights include a helicopter tour over the Rockies, the Banff gondola, Yoho National Park, a guided tour of Vancouver's North Shore and a gondola ride to Grouse Mountain.  Rail service, hotel accommodations, excursions/tours, park passes and select meals are included with rates starting at $5,395 per person, based on double occupancy.

Also beginning in April 2016, an escorted Denali National Park & Knik River Adventure package travels from Fairbanks, Alaska via an exclusive rail car accessed through a private entrance at the Fairbanks train station. A Un-Cruise Adventures' guide travels with guests for the duration of the tour for seamless logistics and an extension of the line's service from sea to land. Two nights are spent at a backcountry  lodge inside Denali National Park with ample time for hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking and guided touring. From the Denali rail depot, continue in a first-class deluxe dome rail car to Talkeetna, a historic gold mining town. Explore the area and enjoy a group dinner before a private transfer to Knik River Lodge.

Two days at Knik River Lodge are spent in comfortable riverside cabins with decks for viewing wildlife, mountains and possibly the Northern Lights.  At Knik, guests may hike the Chugach Mountain trail and explore the historic Independence Mine near the Knik River. Departing Knik, a short morning ride to Anchorage brings guests to the Alaska Native Heritage Center with presentations of dance, elder talk and Native Olympics, time to explore the city and an overnight stay.  Airport transfers, hotel accommodations, rail transportation and select meals are included. Guests choose a six-, seven- or eight-night package to connect with the line's Alaska adventure cruise.

Additional land package tours are also available including the Alaska Railroad & Denali National Park Adventure and Winterlake Lodge.

Celebrating 20 years in 2016, Un-Cruise Adventures operates a fleet of eight small ships carrying 22-88 guests. Boutique yachts, expedition vessels and small ships sail adventure and river cruises in Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico's Sea of Cortés and the Pacific Northwest. In 2016, eight departures will be offered in the Galápagos Islands and adventure cruising begins in Costa Rica/Panamá. An all Panamá adventure cruise begins in 2017.

Find more information on the Knik River and Rocky Mountaineer land tours online. To book or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or Un-Cruise Adventures at 888-862-8881 or sales@un-cruise.com

From aboard Coral Expeditions I, South-East Tasmania.

#expeditioncruising

Weather: Strong winds 35-40 knots. Sea: 3-4m swells.

Coral Expedition I. 35m, 50-passenger catamaran cruises at 12 knots.
At anchor near Woodbridge showing new 'navy grey' hull.

With stunning ocean scenery, precipitous sheer cliffs, fascinating wildlife and rich history, the remote southernmost reaches of Tasmania have been crying out for a dedicated small ship cruise product for years.

Cruise ship visits to the delightful capital city Hobart are nothing new, and the shore-side offering has been growing steadily over the years to the point where a new dedicated cruise ship terminal is now in operation within an easy stroll to the city centre. Many of the traditional cruise ships offer comprehensive shore excursions to the wine regions or historic Port Arthur. Even simple city walks are enriching with precincts like Salamanca Place offering all manner of interesting diversions for casual visitors.

Yet beyond the reasonably accessible city limits lies a whole other world of possibilities.

Recherche Bay, Cockle Creek, Bruny Island and the surrounding national parks to the south are full of great places to visit. While ashore, we take a vigorous hike to the lookout at Fluted Cape on South Bruny Island, to take in the wild scenery and meet a few of the locals like the Swift Parrot and wallabies who live in the park. In the village below, the Bligh Museum is a wonderful, if compact, trove of memorabilia dedicated to the early explorers of the region, particularly William Bligh who anchored here along with the French around the end of the 18th Century.

Enjoying the view from Fluted Cape

The 'holy grail' for expedition ships in this region however is remote Port Davey in the far Southwest National Park. Accessible only by ship or light plane, Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour contain natural treasures that send conservationists and nature lovers into a frenzy. Listed by UNESCO primarily for its rare temperate rainforests and wild rivers, the vast rugged area includes many rare and threatened species of flora and fauna, perhaps even the last redoubt of the legendary Tasmanian Tiger.

Tender landing passengers (dry) directly onto beach near Cockle Creek

Since the late '90s, the more adventurous small ships have attempted to make Port Davey a feature of Tasmanian itineraries. I'm told the first exploration by a modern expedition vessel was by Clipper Odyssey, closely followed by Akademik Shokaleskiy in February 1999 with Clipper Odyssey venturing beyond Port Davey into Bathurst Harbour.

In 2006, Strahan-based small ship operator, World Heritage Cruises, also added Port Davey to their portfolio of overnight Gordon River voyages in the brand new, 24-passenger catamaran, MV Explorer. Ultimately that company withdrew overnight voyages and the ship was sold overseas, deciding instead to stick with their tried and tested day cruises on Macquarie Harbour.

Orion Expedition Cruises followed in early 2006 with the 100m MV Orion, making numerous attempts to enter Port Davey during their west coast season, not always successfully. By 2008, Tasmania was off the menu.

As this was my first time back aboard a Coral Expeditions (formerly Coral Princess Cruises) vessel for several years, it was encouraging to see the company's first all-new ship in tip-top trim. New company owners have injected much needed funds into the fleet upgrade program which will see on-going improvements to all three vessels. Coral Expeditions (formerly Coral Princess) was launched in 1988 to replace the aging Fairmile-class launch and herald a new era for the company which has grown to the three-vessel fleet it is today.

Peek-a-boo.

Anyone familiar with Tasmanian waters will tell you things can get pretty hairy with weather blowing straight in from the Southern Ocean. The west coast in particular gets more than its fair share of battering and one of the chief reasons the south west coast remains virtually uninhabited is thanks to this inhospitable treatment.

And here we are on the verge of summer, rugged up against biting winds and chilly temperatures. When the warming sun makes an appearance, it's a delightful respite, like the day it graced us for our hike to Fluted Cape. However the seas have not been kind, with winds whipping up an uncomfortable swell and Captain Nathan of Coral Expeditions I has (so far) delayed our westward attempt in the hope the oceans settle sufficiently to allow a reasonably comfortable passage.

Expedition cruising, as you've read here and elsewhere many times I'm sure, is all about flexibility of itinerary. Because of the nature of the destinations attempted, ships are always at the mercy of the elements, predominantly wind, ice and tides. As such, passengers must bring with them an attitude of preparedness and not be dogmatic about schedules as it will always be the captain's call whether any passage is safe (or not) to attempt.

Voyage plan. (click to enlarge)

Consequently, if you are keen on sampling Coral Expeditions new Tasmanian itinerary, keep your fingers crossed for Port Davey by all means, but be mindful that conditions may well prevent the ship from making the 250km+ roundtrip from South East Cape. Either way, there will be plenty to see and do in the relatively calmer waters of the south-eastern region.

More information: www.coralexpeditions.com

New expedition ship being built in Croatia

#expeditioncruising

Update January 2016: it can now be revealed that the vessel is being built for Australian company, Scenic. [more]

ExpeditionCruising.com has learned that a new contract has been awarded to Croatian shipbuilder, Uljanik, for a 237-passenger, 10,000GT luxury cruise ship for delivery in 2018.

Based on those dimensions, the new ship would be the same general size as Ponant's current fleet the latest of which, Le Lyrial, was built by at Fincantieri's Ancona (Italy) shipyard.

Uljanik has not disclosed the identity of the purchaser, but new ships are also expected from Lindblad and Seabourn in 2018. [Stop Press: Lindblad reveals newbuilds]

Other designs fitting this broad category include:



STX France’s Project Ulysseas, a 145m, 200-passenger design revealed in March this year.



Knud E Hansen’s expedition ship design with 150 cabins and heavy-duty, ice-rated hull.



Sunstone Project Unlimited, first muted as far back as 2007 is a US design for a hi-tech ice class expedition ship.

Tales from the Arctic. Aaron Russ explores the Northwest Passage.

#expeditioncruising

Aaron Russ - Wild Earth GM

Aaron Russ, Wild Earth Travel's General Manager, can often be found leading expeditions on board small ship cruises around the world. He has led well over 100 small ship expeditions to the world's most interesting regions, with a particular favourite being the Polar Regions.

Aaron is always keen to share his experiences with our community of interested travellers. Read an excerpt of his trip report below to hear more about his experiences leading an expedition across the Northwest Passage, where Polar Bears hunted Beluga Whales, indigenous people generously shared their local traditions and the jawdropping scenery continued to amaze.

Aaron also recently led expeditions around Svalbard, read his Svalbard Trip Report here.



I have previously had the opportunity to explore the Canadian Arctic and Greenland extensively in the course of my time as an Expedition Leader, but I knew that this voyage would be different. Sailing from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Nome. Alaska we will complete a full transit of the NorthWest Passage sailing from the Atlantic to Pacific Ocean via the Canadian Archipelago and northern coast of Alaska. This epic voyage following in the footsteps of the great Norwegian Explorer, Roald Amundsen, is a 22 day voyage that sees us traversing nearly 5000nm and a third of the globe through one of the most isolated regions on earth.

We fly into Greenland on a specially organised charter flight from Montreal, leaving behind the late summer heat and landing just north of the Arctic Circle in Kangerlussuaq. Our ship Le Boreal waits at anchor in the fjord and with all aboard we depart for the 100+ nautical mile journey to the open ocean. Along the way we pass vast acreages of tundra where the occasional Musk Ox can be seen grazing in the distance. In total our group is just shy of two hundred passengers, spread across 4 spacious decks of Le Boreal. While this is a larger group by expedition standards at no time does the ship seem crowded and with a staff or 18 and crew of 145 every detail is taken care of.

To read more about Aaron's epic Arctic adventure, click here.
Click here to view Wild Earth Travel's small ship cruises throughout the Northwest Passage.
To view more of Aaron's images from the Northwest Passage, click here.

Fire aboard Ponant Le Boreal. Passengers evacuated. No injuries reported.

#expeditioncruising

Reports reaching us from various sources suggest a fire has broken out aboard Ponant's luxury expedition ship, Le Boréal, apparently in the engine room as it approached the Falkland Islands.

Royal Navy helicopter plucks passengers from the deck of Le Boreal

There were no injuries to passengers or crew from the fire, which was "of a technical nature" and has been extinguished, the line says.

View of liferaft from Port Stanley rescue helicopter.
Pilot Scott Robinson lifted 25 persons from this raft.

Rescue crew member, Terry Mooney, comments on Facebook: "a fire in the engine room, everyone evacuated except 11 crew, it is now under tow. 2 RAF and 1 Bristow winching and 2 BIH evacuating the people to MPA. fire and emergency services out assisting with the evacuation of people. busy day."



Ponant says passengers were transferred to sister ship L’Austral,  also was in the region, and are being taken to Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands to be repatriated to their homes. The remainder of the Le Boréal sailing has been cancelled.

Royal Navy River Class Patrol Vessel HMS Clyde, was diverted to assist in the operation (MoD)

The Falkland Islands government later reported that all passengers from the Le Boreal's life rafts had been safely transferred to L'Austral, which was sailing for Stanley. The remaining 78 (mainly crew and 12 pax) who were transferred to land by SAR helicopters have now arrived in Stanley by coach via Mount Pleasant.

Le Boreal is now anchored safely with captain and skeleton crew on board.
More at Cruise Critic 

- this report will be updated as news comes to hand

PONANT announces new destinations for 2016 - 2017

​

Extraordinary voyages that include South Africa, Madagascar and the Seychelles Islands for the first time, plus new itineraries in the Pacific, Latin America and Asia

French Luxury & Expedition cruise line PONANT has just released an expansive brochure featuring an enticing range of itineraries for sailings between September 2016 and May 2017.

The 140 page brochure, available through travel agents or direct from PONANT in Sydney, is also available for download

For the first time PONANT ships will visit South Africa, voyaging from Cape Town to Durban, visiting the rarely visited Scattered Islands in the Mozambique Channel, and on to the idyllic islands of the Seychelles archipelago.

The brochure details a selection of 62 luxury voyages, 28 designated as Expeditions, with itineraries that include Japan, Vietnam, Australasia, Java, Borneo, Tahiti and Melanesian islands, east and west coasts of South America, the Caribbean, Africa and Antarctica.

Varying between 7 and 17 nights, but mostly of 10 nights duration, those with wanderlust can sign on for extended voyages - Grand Voyages that feature a 79 night itinerary wending from Hong Kong to Auckland; 45 nights from Panama to the Antarctic Peninsula; 51 nights from Milford Sound to Osaka, including Indonesia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Sub-Antarctic Islands; or 54 nights from Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing two oceans and including visits to remote British Overseas Territories, Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale Island and Gough Island, en-route to the Seychelles Islands.


Whether it be dramatic Fogo, 'the island of the volcano'  in Cape Verde, mythical Easter Island, far flung South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, the eco-systems of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers,  or the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, the voyages in this brochure will entice potential travellers interested in engaging, adventurous voyages, as well as those seeking a luxury cruise, happy to just settle back and relax, complimentary drink within reach.

Extend the holiday experience with well conceived shore excursions and land-based pre-cruise options. In South Africa, visit Zulu villages in Phezulu Reserve, while Pumba Private Reserve provides the chance to see the famous Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant). From Pisco, South America, take a flight over the extraordinary Nazca Lines, an archaeological enigma of gigantic size. Visit the beautiful temples of Prambanan and Borobudur in Java or experience the biodiversity of the Kinabatangan River, home to Proboscis monkeys and endangered Orang-Utans. In Cambodia, the Kingdom of Angkor awaits your pleasure. The brochure provides more tempting options.

PONANT's luxurious small ships: L'Austral, Le Soléal, Le Boreal and Le Lyrial, represent the youngest fleet in the world. With a maximum of 132 staterooms and suites (just 122 on Le Lyrial), enjoy the difference PONANT offers, including, for traditional sailors, cruising the Caribbean or Cape Verde islands under sail onboard the classic three masted yacht Le Ponant.

Enjoy French ambiance and style in luxurious surroundings with the amenities of large ships and the benefits of small ship cruising - access to lesser visited places, travelling in the company of like-minded fellow guests, attentive crew, chic surroundings - the feeling of being on your own private yacht rather than a floating mega mall.

Some voyages are designed as pure luxury cruises, perfect for relaxing holidays in style, while others have the added designation of Expeditions, taking advantage of the ships' compact size and manoeuvrability to probe hidden waterways, before launching Zodiac expedition craft for adventurous close-up opportunities. Throughout these cruises, specialist lecturers will enhance the experience, while Expedition voyages will also have a specialist expedition team on hand to guide, inform and enhance the experience.

All is revealed in the brochure.

Email reservations.aus@ponant.com to request your copy of the PONANT 2016 to 2017 voyages brochures and start planning.



PRICING EXAMPLES:


•  Please note that all pricing exampled below is per person, twin share. Pricing is yield managed, reflecting current advance purchase Ponant Bonuses, many at 30% savings, currently available. 14 voyages feature special Single Traveller fares. Fares are yield managed and prices will increase as space is sold.

62 Itineraries range from 7 to 72 nights, many including Complimentary Excursions

From A$6,380 pp twin share for a 12 night Christmas voyage - The Mysteries of Melanesia - Cairns to Port Vila: 16th December 2016, L'Austral. Twin share, Deluxe Stateroom, private balcony, deck 3. (25% Ponant Bonus Fare)

From A$5,600 pp twin share for a 12 night cruise - Cordillera & Andean Secrets -   Valparaiso to Guayaquil: 18th March 2017, Le Boreal. Twin share, DeLuxe Stateroom, private balcony, deck 3. (30% Ponant Bonus Fare)
From A$5,360 pp twin share for a 7 night cruise - Cape Verde - Praia to Praia: 12th November 2016, Le Ponant. Twin share, Marie Galante Stateroom, Ocean View cabin, (30% Ponant Bonus Fare)

From A$9,370 pp twin share for a 15 night Expedition cruise - Scattered Islands & Seychelles - Durban to Mahe: 2nd April 2017, Le Lyrial. Twin share, DeLuxe Stateroom, private balcony, deck 3. (30% Ponant Bonus Fare)

From A$38,200 pp twin share for a 79 night Grand Voyage cruise - Hong Kong to Auckland: 13th November 2016, L'Austral. Twin share, Prestige Stateroom, private balcony, deck 4. (Ponant multiple voyage Bonus Fare applied)


INFORMATION & RESERVATIONS

Details of all PONANT 2016 - 2017 voyages including itineraries, pricing, pre cruise options and shore excursion highlights are available at:  http://bit.ly/PONANT-Brochure-Sept16-May17

Contact your travel agent, or PONANT on Australia: 1300 737 178 or + 612 8459 5000 / New Zealand: 0800 44 32 62, or email reservations.aus@ponant.com to request a copy of the 2016 - 2017 brochure                          

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

Quark's Ocean Endeavour hits ice. Forces cancellation of sailing.

Quark Expeditions Inc. had an incident involving the ship Ocean Endeavour near the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica (Lat/Lng:-62°21.0239‘, -62°18.6631‘) at approximately 3:30 AM local time Sunday 15 November.

Ocean Endeavour sustained some damage above the water line to the aft port side of the vessel after encountering ice. There are no passenger or crew injuries, and there has been no damage to the environment. The Master of the vessel performed temporary repairs to ensure safe passage north to Ushuaia for arrival as scheduled tomorrow 17 November.

Due to this unexpected incident, the Ocean Endeavour will need to undergo repairs and a Maritime Authority inspection. Consequently, Quark has made the difficult decision to cancel the Nov. 17, 2015 departure.

Passengers booked on the sailing are being given a full refund, and the company will also cover flight costs not reimbursed by travel insurance, up to $500 per person. If passengers want to rebook for the current season, Quark will move them to other Antarctica sailings, including those that are longer, at no additional cost, or rebook for next year at the same price they paid this year.

Source: IAATO.org and Cruise Critic

Lindblad celebrates 50 years. Memorabilia search.

#expeditioncruising


LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS – NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GETS SET TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF EXPEDITION TRAVEL

Renowned expedition travel company searches for memorabilia to mark the first non-scientific mission to Antarctica and birth of a new travel category

In 1966 Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first ever citizen-explorer expedition to Antarctica - at the time it was almost as extraordinary as a lunar launch would be today. It also marked the creation of the category of expedition travel.

Lars-Eric opened up remote regions of the world and countless opportunities for so many, helping them to experience and think of the planet differently. In 2016 Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic will honour Lars-Eric’s vision and courage in a myriad ways as they mark the 50th anniversary of these two major milestones.

Their efforts begin with a search for memorabilia from Lindblad voyages in the 60s or 70s – from the legendary first expedition to Antarctica in 1966 to other remote parts of the world. The search is on for:

· Expedition photos – ideally with Lars-Eric Lindblad and/or his expedition team

· Vintage ship photos or photos aboard the ship

· Original voyage documents including vintage luggage tags, patches, pins or other collectibles: jackets, t-shirts etc. plus any short Lars-Eric stories/anecdotes

· Postcards or letters from people on Antarctica or other voyages

The collection of memorabilia will be used in a multitude of ways, including being featured (with credits) in the updated version of Lars-Eric Lindblad’s autobiography, Passage to Anywhere that will chart the history of expedition travel from 1966 to now.

To share your materials, send negatives and/or collectibles via tracked mail (please insure any items of value to you) to: Lindblad Expeditions, c/o Rebecca Orman, Level 2, 8 West Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060. Small digital files should be emailed to 50years@expeditions.com; and large digital files can be uploaded to http://anniversary.expeditions.com. Items will be photographed and returned via tracked mail.

For more information, please visit www.expeditions.com.

Aranui 5 Arrives in Tahiti

#expeditioncruising



Aranui Cruises’ new ship Aranui 5 has arrived in its new home - Tahiti.

With the dramatic peaks of Moorea in the distance, the 126-metre long freighter cruised into Papeete for the first time yesterday to a traditional water jet welcome from local tug boats.

Aranui 5 will now spend a month in port making final preparations for its maiden voyage on December 12.

The inaugural cruise coincides with the Marquesas Art Festival - held in the far-flung archipelago once every four years - providing guests with a rare double thrill of local ceremonies at each maiden port as well as a spectacular celebration of Polynesian culture and tradition during the ship’s call to Hiva Oa.

Aranui’s Regional Representative Australia New Zealand Laurent Wong said he was thrilled Aranui 5 had arrived in time for the arts festival.

“Guests travelling on our maiden voyage will truly have the trip of a lifetime as the first to enjoy the luxurious comfort of our new freighter as well as experiencing the Marquesas during a time of brilliant colour and activity,” Mr Wong said.

“Aranui 5 has been a long time in the making and we are so excited that she has finally arrived in her new home.”

The custom-built dual-purpose vessel replaces Aranui 3 and will continue to dispense cargo to ports across the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands while passengers disembark and explore the islands.

With capacity for 254 passengers, Aranui 5 offers a range of accommodation options, from the operator’s first single staterooms to new premium and deluxe categories, styled in a natural colour palette, with Polynesian flourishes including Marquesan-inspired décor and Paul Gauguin prints.

To cater to the demand for balcony cabins, more than half of the ship’s rooms (60) feature a private balcony - five times more than offered on Aranui 3.

The new cruise freighter also offers suites with king beds, airconditioned public spaces including a restaurant, two conference rooms, lounges, a library, a computer room, a boutique, a swimming pool with a whirlpool, a fitness room, a spa and four bars, including the popular Sky bar.

Aranui’s 14-day roundtrip cruises from Papeete visit Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Huka in the Marquesas, Takapoto and Rangiroa in the Tuamotus and the famed Society Island of Bora Bora. The freighter line dispenses a lifeline of food, fuel and other staples to remote island ports while passengers disembark and explore a range of complimentary excursions including hikes, 4WD tours, a visit to the Paul Gauguin museum and a picnic on a secluded beach in Bora Bora.

Packages for Aranui 5’s April 30, 2016, departure start from $6363* including all meals, excursions and wine with lunch and dinner onboard.

n.b Aranui 5 replaces Aranui 3 as the number 4 is considered bad luck by the third generation Tahitian-Chinese family who own the cruise company.

For more information or to book visit www.aranuicruises.com.au or call 03 9449 3778.

*Subject to availability, conditions apply.

Seabourn Launches New Kayak Excursions in Antarctica

#expeditioncruising

Ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn is bringing its guests even closer to the majestic and unspoiled natural wonders of Antarctica with new Ventures by Seabourn kayaking excursions.

Launching directly from Seabourn Quest’s fold-out watersports marina, guests will have the unique opportunity to explore Antarctica’s exceptional scenery and wildlife close up and at sea level.

Led by qualified guides, Seabourn guests can paddle amidst glistening white-blue icebergs, penguins, curious seals and other wildlife in specially designed cold climate dry suits. In addition to Antarctica, Ventures by Seabourn optional kayak excursions will also be offered at South Georgia Island and Port Stanley (Falkland Islands / Islas Malvinas).  
 
“The wildlife and wonders of Antarctica never fail to amaze, and Ventures by Seabourn allows our guests yet another up close and personal opportunity to experience its natural beauty,” Seabourn Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales John Delaney said.


“With our knowledgeable world class expedition team leading the kayak adventures, it’s an off-ship excursion that guests won’t want to miss and will never forget.”

Introduced to Seabourn Quest this year, Ventures by Seabourn is an informative, educational and exhilarating way for guests to enhance their cruise experience. The optional excursions are guided by knowledgeable and experienced expedition teams of scientists, scholars and naturalists who are part of the vessel’s Seabourn Conversations program. In Antarctica, Seabourn Quest’s kayak guide will be Matt J. Dolan, who has kayaked the entire Inside Passage from Seattle to Muir Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska – a journey that encompassed more than 2000km and a feat few have accomplished.

Beginning November 29, 2015, Seabourn Quest returns to Antarctica for its third season of four 21- to 24-day voyages between Valparaíso, (Santiago) Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Each includes days exploring the Chilean coast and fjords, Beagle Channel, Glacier Alley, the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park, the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas, Montevideo and six days of cruising and landings on the Antarctic Continent in uncompromised Seabourn luxury. An extended 24-day itinerary departing December 20, 2015, will include two days exploring the sub-Antarctic wildlife Eden of South Georgia, renowned for its beauty and its vast, teeming rookeries of king penguins and other seabirds, as well as breeding elephant and fur seals.

Fares for the 21-day Antarctica cruise on Seabourn Quest departing Buenos Aires on November 28, 2016, start from $19,500* per person double occupancy.

*Subject to availability, conditions apply

For more information see a licensed travel agent, call 13 24 02 or visit www.seabourn.com

Silversea 2017 Expedition Cruises

#expeditioncruising

SILVERSEA EXPEDITION CRUISES

Silver Discoverer in sub-Antarctic

Silversea's luxury expedition fleet will expand to four ships in November 2017 when Silver Cloud joins Silver Explorer, Silver Discoverer, and Silver Galapagos.  Over 100 expedition cruises will explore the world's most fascinating and remote regions.  Featured among dozens of inaugural calls are such places as Ampangorinana, Nosy Komba (Madagascar); Aride Island, Seychelles; Maheshkhali Island, Bangladesh; Makura Island, Vanuatu; Isle of May, Scotland; and Grimsey Island, Iceland.

Fresh from an extensive refurbishment and conversion to an ice-class expedition ship, Silver Cloud launches a series of Antarctica voyages in November and December, featuring itineraries from 10 to 19 days, and sailing mostly roundtrip from Ushuaia.

Silver Explorer in Greenland

Silver Explorer's schedule retains its ever-popular expedition cruises to Antarctica, South and Central America, the British Isles, Northern Canada, Greenland, and Arctic Norway.  Of special note is a 15-day expedition (7719) focused on Greenland and the Canadian Arctic.  Sailing 31 August 2017 from Kangerlussuaq to St. John's, this voyage features a rare visit to Canada's remote Torngat Mountains National Park, renowned for its spectacular natural scenery.

Silver Discoverer's six expedition cruises along Australia's Kimberley Coast from March to May highlight an exotic program that encompasses Madagascar, Seychelles, Indonesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Russian Far East, and remote Alaska.  On the schedule is a new 16-day, Colombo-to-Kolkata sailing (9704) departing 11 February 2017, to explore the Andaman Islands and make the first-ever cruise ship visit to Bangladesh, with explorations of Chittagong, Maheshkhali Island, and the Sundarbans, one of the world's largest mangrove forests and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Silver Galapagos will again operate year-round voyages exploring the pristine and biologically diverse islands of the Galápagos.

For all-inclusive at its most inclusive, Silversea is leading the way.  Guests enjoy ocean-view suites, gourmet cuisine, the personalised service of a butler, and a generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits, a stocked in-suite beverage cabinet, onboard gratuities, and complimentary WiFi for each guest.

Voyages for Silver Muse, scheduled to debut in early 2017, will open for reservations in the coming weeks.

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