Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic’s 2018-19 Explorations brochure launch

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LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS & ADVENTURE WORLD LAUNCH 2018-19 EXPLORATIONS COLLECTION

On Tuesday evening, the Australian Museum played host to the much-anticipated launch of Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic's 2018-19 Explorations brochure, presenting the new 2018 South Pacific Collection and an exciting announcement that the brand is to expand to the Russian Far East in 2019.

Guests were greeted to a red-carpet arrival abundant with champagne and canapes of freshly shucked oysters and smoked lamb before being transported to the recently restored Westpac Long Gallery to learn about the "200 Treasures of the Australian Museum" collection.

The impressive collection which showcases 100 objects and 100 people that have influenced the nation includes an original King Penguin collected during Mawson's Antarctic expedition which has been donated by Lindblad Expeditions.

Visiting Vice President of Sales North America, Lesa Bain, welcomed media and consortia partners in the Halstrom Theatre where guests caught a glimpse of the exceptional life forms that make up Antarctica's ecosystems and extraordinary biodiversity from renowned Chilean anthropologist and filmmaker Juan Francisco Salazar.

In celebration of the launch of Lindblad's South Pacific expeditions the evening was capped off with an exclusive behind the scenes viewing of the Australian Museums extensive Pacific Spirit Gallery.

Commenting on the return of National Geographic Orion to the Pacific, "Lindblad Expeditions' connections and extensive research on the South Pacific region will enable us to show guests the cultural landscape, historic archaeological landmarks and incredible reef systems that can't be seen anywhere else in the world. We're so excited to have created five very different and unique itineraries to allow our guests to go out and explore the wonderful diversity of the South Pacific region."

To further celebrate the launch of the South Pacific collection aboard the National Geographic Orion, Lindblad Expeditions are offering travellers a special saving of $1,200 towards the cost of their guest voyage when booking by December 31st 2017.

For more information visit Adventure World at adventureworld.com or call 1300 363 055.

King of the Kimberley: True North's Craig Howson OAM

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True North Adventure Cruises' founder, Craig Howson OAM, celebrates his boutique adventure cruise company's first 30 years and recalls some of the rocky roads leading to that auspicious anniversary.

Read full story at Vacations Magazine:

[updated] What does the new Polar Code mean for expedition cruising?

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Update: see below

The introduction of the new Polar Code requirements for all maritime traffic in the regions of the Arctic and Antarctic waters is about to have a much greater impact on expedition cruising than many people in the industry may realise, claims longtime cruise professional, Gerd Wilmer of Sydney’s Landmark Travel.

“Many ships currently operating on polar cruises and more intending to may not have fully realised the implications of the Polar Code on their forward plans,” says Wilmer, whose specialist cruise agency has operated for almost 40 years in the Sydney suburb of Manly.

Hapag-Lloyd's Bremen is one of the first vessels to become Polar Code compliant.

The Polar Code in its entirety is a complicated technical document, but the most relevant section as far as expedition cruising is concerned means that vessels that do not currently have an Ice Rating of either 1A or 1A Super (see comments below) will not be permitted to operate below 60deg south or above 60deg north latitudes (with the exception of Iceland and Norwegian coast). Specifically this means Svalbard, Greenland and all of the Northwest Passage will require Polar Code compliant vessels. In the south, the entire Antarctic continent, including the Peninsula, requires this.

“There are one or two cruise lines who are advertising departures that, according to the code, will not be permitted on the dates advertised,” says Wilmer, “this may well cause some customer confusion and disappointment down the line.

“What is also most interesting is that many of these new, supposedly hi-tech ships under construction will not be certified under the Polar Code because of their light Ice Rating.”

Northern Polar Zone

Southern Polar Zone

The first implementation of the Polar Code came into force in January this year (2017) and second phase comes into force in January 2018. It states:

• Ships constructed on or after 1 January 2017 shall comply with the safety part of Polar Code at delivery.
• Ships constructed before 1 January 2017 shall comply with the safety part of the Polar Code by the first intermediate or renewal survey, whichever occurs first, after 1 January 2018. (renewal surveys take place at 5 year intervals)

So, from January 2018, Wilmer says we can expect to see some major reassignment of vessels currently enjoying their last taste of the ice.

NOTE: There is some discussion about whether an upgraded vessel can be deemed to be ‘new’ at time of application, plus there are also discussions about permitting certain non-compliant vessels into areas deemed ‘low risk’ around the Antarctic Peninsula. This article will be updated when these matters are clear.

Update 16 Oct 2017

Amanda Lynnes, MCIPR, Head of Communications and Environment IAATO comments:

"We (IAATO) have been involved right from the beginning of the code’s development and have held workshops for our members to get them ‘Polar Code Ready’."

Lynnes includes these notes for reference.

There is no restriction in the polar code requiring a 1A or 1A super - even if you look at the Polar Code which defines three categories of vessels (type A, B en C).

• Type A means designed for operation in Polar Waters in at least medium first-year ice, which may include old ice inclusions
• Type B means designed for operations in Polar waters in at least thin first-year ice, which may include old ice inclusions
• Type C is designed to operate in conditions less then Type A / B.

Type C would be the category where most Expedition vessels would fall under, although some are type B.

So no ship is excluded if it’s less than a 1A or 1A super, as long as the procedures and documents and certification are being met.

Operating in the Polar Waters depends on the Operating Envelope for the vessel, the operational assessment and an ice-risk system to be used, together with the PWOM (Polar Waters Operation Manual).

For existing ships there is no requirement to upgrade hull construction. The Polar Code Chapter 3, ships structure, clearly states “a category C ship need not be ice strengthened if, in the opinion of the administration, the ship’s structure is adequate for its intended operation.”

In response, Gerd Wilmer remains unconvinced.

"[IAATO] seems to think that some cruises will be able to use this clause* to operate inferior ships.
This will be very risky. As you know, cruises are planned 18 - 24 months before departure. I read the clause that Cat C ships will be allowed on an ad-hoc basis, taking into consideration current conditions."

* "These ships may be intended for open water or very light ice conditions and don’t necessarily need to be ice-strengthened."

Ref: Polar Code Guide

Aqua Expeditions Reduces Rates On Aqua Mekong In 2018 And 2019

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Aqua Expeditions, one of the world's leading luxury river cruise companies, is offering travellers to Southeast Asia an exclusive offer of 30 per cent reduced rates on selected Aqua Mekong voyages in 2018 and 2019.

Guests will experience the green Summer season on Asia’s Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia and experience the vibrant culture, history and cuisines of Southeast Asia aboard the sustainably crafted Aqua Mekong, a five-star floating hotel with 20 designer suites, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Mekong River, a 1:1 staff to guest ratio and twice daily off-board excursions by high-powered skiff.

Aqua Mekong is the only ship on this stretch of the river to offer a fully equipped gym, screening room, outdoor cinema, observation deck and an upper-deck pool. Guests will dine on world-class dishes created by renowned Australian Chef, David Thompson and board the Mekong’s only private tenders for expert-guided shore excursions to serene Buddhist temples and stilted villages or exploration by bicycle and kayak.

The promotion is valid for 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries from 1 May to 27 July 2018 (inclusive) and 3 May to 30 July 2019 (inclusive).

Lead-in rate for the selected 3-night Discovery Cruises will be USD2835 per person twin share in a First Deck Suite.

For more information and bookings, please contact your travel agent or Aqua Expeditions Australia on 1300 124 204 or reservations@aquaexpeditions.com.au

Aqua Expeditions was the first adventure travel company to introduce five-star luxury cruises on the Amazon River in Peru and on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro, founded Aqua Expeditions to cater to discerning, adventure travellers seeking to explore remote and culturally important destinations for luxury voyages on the world’s greatest rivers.

Aqua Expeditions’ 16-suite Aria Amazon vessel entered service in 2011, a creation of Peruvian designer, Jordi Puig and featuring floor to ceiling windows, Jacuzzi, gym, sundeck and the haute Peruvian cuisine of Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. In October 2014,

In October 2014, Aqua Expeditions expanded to Indochina with the launch of Aqua Mekong with 20 design suites, sailing the historic Mekong River between Cambodia and Vietnam.

www.aquaexpeditions.com.au

Polar bear feeding frenzy on Wrangel Island [watch]

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When Heritage Expeditions' Vessel, the Akademik Shokalskiy, berthed in the Russian Port of Anadyr on Monday 24th September, it had made history. It had successfully completed a double transit of the Northern Sea Route (more commonly known as the North East Passage). Passengers, staff and crew celebrated what they described as the 'best expedition voyage in the world.' There has been a limited number of expeditions through the NE passage in recent years, but this is the first time a back-to-back transit had been attempted.

The Akademik Shokalskiy departed the Port Anadyr (Eastern Russia) on 31st July 2017 bound for Murmansk. It made numerous stops along the Chukotka coastline before making multiple landings on Wrangel Island, the Medvezhyi Islands, the New Siberian Islands, Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago and Franz Joseph Land. 

Apart from the many landings, staff kept very detailed wildlife observations and the expedition assisted the Arctic National Park with transport of researchers within the archipelago. Passengers disembarked on arrival in Murmansk.

The Eastbound Expedition departed Murmansk with a new group of passengers on the 29th August, visiting the same islands. Ice conditions were a little easier later in the season and wildlife observations were similar. On Wrangel Island passengers observed 181 Polar Bears concentrated around a dead Bowhead whale washed up on a beach. There were at least another 50 animals seen either making their way to or from the carcass.

This is the largest concentration of Polar Bears ever observed. This truly unique observation is attracting a lot of interest from researchers all around the world. Expedition Leader and owner of Heritage Expeditions, Rodney Russ, described the day as a highlight in his 32 year career as an Expedition Leader. "The sighting was ‘truly unforgettable, a day that all expeditioners aboard will never ever forget."

Heritage Expeditions Ltd is a New Zealand based company offering expedition cruises to Antarctic (Ross Sea), the Sub Antarctic Islands, South Pacific and Russian Far East. The next expedition to Wrangel Island will depart in July 2018 - bookings are now being taken. 

See www.heritage-expeditions.com or email.

Half Price Antarctica Trips on Offer in Peregrine Flash Sale

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Making Antarctica affordable for more Australians, Peregrine Adventures is offering 50 per cent off select voyages to the White Continent in 2017/18 as part of a flash sale this week.

On sale until 6pm on Sunday October 8, 2017, there's never been a better time to book a spot on an Antarctic adventure and see the best of what the region has to offer from unforgettable wildlife encounters to jaw-dropping vistas.

The Peregrine sale includes 50 per cent off:

·       A 10-day roundtrip journey from Buenos Aires, Argentina, exploring the Antarctic Peninsula    with the chance to spy penguins, seals and whales and a memorable landing on the continent, priced from $7235*, departing December 11, 2017

·       A 20-day roundtrip cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina, exploring the islands of South Georgia and the Falklands, and cruising the Antarctic Peninsula, priced from $13,700*, departing January 25, 2018

·       A 33-day journey from South America's southernmost tip, Ushuaia, to Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa via an incredible spread of Atlantic Islands – East and West Falkland, South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, St Helena, and Ascension - priced from $7800*, departing March 10, 2018.

Hurry! 2-for-1 deal with Ponant and Phil Hoffman Travel

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Exclusive to Phil Hoffmann Travel.

If you've ever dreamt of cruising Australia, this is the ultimate choice. Sail on Ponant's stunning yacht, L’Austral and experience a different and exclusive type of cruise. A concept of travel that is intimate, luxurious and authentic. Book by 30 September. Don't let this incredible 2-for-1 offer sail away!

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from
$21,060*
1st guest, 2nd guest free

Expedition cruising with Captain Cook Cruises in Fiji's Yasawas

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For no better reason than we love the images, here are some super new shots from expert travel photographer, David Kirkland, on assignment in Fiji. Enjoy.

Peregrine triples Europe cruise program in 2018 as 'overtourism' concerns grow

Peregrine Adventures is tripling the number of its small ship Adventure Cruising departures in Europe in 2018 in response to growing demand for more sustainable cruises.

After almost 40 years as a leader in small group adventure travel on land, Peregrine Adventures' first season of small ship cruises has been an overwhelming success with a pilot charter trip along the Croatian coast 95% sold out.

Now the carbon-neutral travel company will add four new charter itineraries to its Adventure Cruising range in Europe, with a total of 20 departures available in 2018. Peregrine Adventures will also offer a wider range of trips operated in partnership with Variety Cruises, which are carbon-offset by parent company, the Intrepid Group.

Cruise is one of the largest growing sectors in the global tourism industry, but the sector has been in the spotlight lately for sustainability issues with locals protesting against mass tourism in European cities such as Venice and Barcelona.

Peregrine Adventures Adventure Cruising range is operated by small ships with no more than 50 travellers onboard, enabling travellers to visit the small ports that big ships can't get to and explore little-known towns and villages in some of the world's hottest travel destinations. It's a conscious choice, enabling the renowned responsible travel company to operate in the same immersive local style as it offers on almost 2000 trips on land each year.



"Travellers are increasingly aware of the impact they can have on holiday," says James Thornton, CEO of the Intrepid Group. "We've heard from local leaders that cruise ship travellers are now being called 'ice cream tourists' because that's all they're buying when they visit an increasingly overcrowded city like Dubrovnik."

Thornton says he believes the demand for a more sustainable style of small ship cruising is so big, that Adventure Cruising travellers may outnumber those on Peregrine Adventures land-based trips in another ten years.

"We're starting small, but we have big ambitions to grow a more sustainable style of cruise ship travel. There has been an overwhelming response to this first season. By 2025, we may even see more Peregrine customers travelling on small ship cruises than on our land-based trips."  

As part of its commitment to sustainable tourism, in 2018 Peregrine Adventures has banned all single-use plastics such as straws, cups, and water bottles on board its Adventure Cruising charter trips. Cloth bags and refillable water bottles will be provided.

Responsible polar tourism promoted in joint AECO / IAATO conference

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October 1 - 4, more than 90 representatives from the Arctic and Antarctic expedition cruise industry will gather in Iceland for the second AECO/IAATO Polar Field Staff Conference. The topic of the conference is evolution and new challenges in the polar tourism industry.

The three-day conference program includes sessions on growth management, technological developments, safety standards, operational development, citizen science and field staff qualification.

The Polar Field Staff Conference is organized by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operations (IAATO). The conference gathers guides, expedition leaders and operations managers working for AECO and IAATO. The aim of the gathering is to support the two associations' joint mission of advancing safe and environmentally responsible travel in the polar regions.

"It's a chance to discuss the practical issues that staff are facing out in the field, but it's also an opportunity to weigh in on the larger perspective of polar tourism," says Frigg Jørgensen, Executive Director of AECO.

Expected growth

According to Jørgensen, with greater interest in Arctic and Antarctic itineraries, managing growth will be an important topic at this year's conference, "It is in the industry's interest to ensure sustainable growth. AECO and IAATO are continually developing guidelines and raising standards to promote safe and responsible tourism. Our members have decades of polar field experience, and their expertise is one of our best resources as we prepare for growth," says Jørgensen.

Positive contributions

The conference also highlights how the industry is doing to have a positive impact in the polar regions. One example is the many citizen science initiatives that enable polar visitors and crew to contribute to research projects, such as collecting data for whale identification or sea-ice monitoring.  

"Involving visitors in polar research is not only good for science, it also gives them a deeper understanding of the polar regions and the need to protect these unique and globally important areas," says Damon Stanwell-Smith, Executive Director of IAATO.

Photo

Photo caption: "Safety is an important aspect of responsible polar travel. Bringing tourists safely through polar bear country in Svalbard is just another day on the job for an Arctic guide. Photo: Ilja Leo Lang." Download high resolution image here.

2017 AECO/IAATO Polar Field Staff Conference

The biennial joint AECO/IAATO Polar Field Staff Conference is aimed at operation managers, expedition leaders and senior field staff, who are working for members of AECO and/or IAATO. This year's theme is Evolution and New Challenges in the Tourism Industry. The two-and-a-half-day conference will take place at Hótel Örk in Hveragerði, Iceland, from October 1-4, 2017.

Members of the press are welcome to request press accreditation by contacting Edda Falk, Communications Manager, AECO, at edda@aeco.no / cell: +47 47 63 25 50.

Program and list of speakers available here:

https://www.aeco.no/events/aeco-iaato-field-staff-conference-2017/

AECO - Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators

www.aeco.no

International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)

www.iaato.org

Women-only expeditions in the Galapagos

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A leading travel company that specializes in women-only expeditions has teamed up with female Ecuadorian, naturalist-trained guides for two itineraries that explore on land or from the sea the Galapagos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wild Women Expeditions offers more active travel departures for women only than any other tour company in the world. Its programs in the Galapagos epitomize for owner Jennifer Haddow the importance of being part of the solutions emerging in places where tourism, among other issues, places fragile infrastructure at risk.

“We run adventure programs with highest standards in ecotourism,” says Haddow. “This includes giving back to communities and investing in conservation. Wild Women Expeditions is an Ambassador of the Galapagos Conservancy, and supports the Charles Darwin Foundation whose research and program implementation affect how people both live and visit here in harmony with this environment.”

The land-based, Galapagos Islands Multisport Adventure uses small water craft to explore the distinguishing features of some of the islands that reveal the pressures of a volcanic history that led to the formation of this archipelago. Guests hike to a volcano rim, kayak to beaches of docile sea lions, snorkel through fantasy worlds of colorful fish swarming a lava cone, and even while stand up paddle boarding bear witness to a bizarre birdlife that remains unafraid of humans, even after being the subjects of attention to throngs of curious passers-by.

While hiking to the spot where Darwin’s HMS Beagle landed in 1835, the guide discusses Darwin’s theories and findings from his five-week exploration of the islands. On another day, a six-mile roundtrip hike leads up Sierra Negra, an active volcano with the second largest (6.5 mile span) caldera in the world where birdlife is abundant.

The per person, double rate is from $5,495 for this 10-day Multisport vacation with dates of Nov. 11-20, 2017, and Nov. 10-19, 2018. Included are domestic flights from Quito, Ecuador, to San Cristobal in the Galapagos and Quito return from Baltra, plus related airport transfers; national park and transit control taxes and documentation; three nights camping on Galapagos Islands; six nights double occupancy in hotels; ground transportation and private group transfer by motorized boats between islands; all meals from beginning of program to end including a dinner with a local fishing family; four days of sea kayaking and wildlife viewing; one-day hike of Volcan Sierra; all gear and equipment related to programs including kayak, stand up paddle board and snorkeling excursions; and the expertise of English-speaking naturalist guides; Alejandra Mosquera and Africa Berdonoes.

Born and raised in Quito, Alejandra Mosquera started guiding in 2004 and now divides her time between guiding and parenting.

Africa Berdonoes grew up in the Galapgos islands, scuba diving since age12 and later becoming a Dive Master and guide. She once crossed the Pacific Ocean in a traditional Polynesian canoe, powered by wind and guided by stars. She holds an advanced degree in Protected Area Management. She believes the Galapagos can one day be an example of humans living in harmony with nature.

The cruise-based Galápagos Islands Eco-Yacht Adventure utilizes the M/V Eric a hybrid solar-powered vessel which incorporates some of the best conservation-focused technology in the world and sets the bar for environmental sensitivity for ships in the Galapagos. In accordance with Galapagos National Park protocol, M/V Eric’s route ventures through the islands on routes proscribed to minimize environmental impact.

Twenty privileged guests travel aboard this luxury yacht enroute to bold discovery and quiet revelation while walking stretches of land that serve as nesting sites for clusters of fearless, air-born creatures or snorkeling and swimming alongside a friendly sea lion or following the trail to the dramatic ocean blow hole or watching colorful crabs crawling along the shoreline. A visit to Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena (formerly the Charles Darwin Research Station) helps connect these experiential dots.

The per person, double rate for this eight-day Nov. 26-Dec. 3, 2017, adventure on this solar-powered yacht is from $5,295. The rate includes roundtrip domestic flights from Quito to San Cristobal and related airport transfers; single, double or triple-berth accommodation for seven nights aboard M/V Eric; national park and transit control taxes and documentation; all meals aboard; complimentary use of wet suits and snorkeling gear and excursion and activities-related equipment such as sea kayaks and stand up paddle boards; guided hiking and Zodiac excursions; and the expertise of English-speaking naturalist guides; Malena Cruz and Gaby Espinoza.

Magdalena “Malena” Cruz enjoys sharing her knowledge of sea currents, geology and the marine reserve. She studied to be a Tourism Professional Guide at the Universidad Internacional del Ecuador. When not guiding, she manages her family’s hotel on San Cristobal.

Maria “Gaby” Espinoza holds degrees in science education from the University Estatal Guayaquil. Fluent in English and German, she became a naturalist guide in 1990. Conservation is her passion.

About Wild Women Expeditions

Founded in 1991, Wild Women Expeditions is the world’s largest women-only travel company. Its initial focus was on canoeing on remote Ontario waters. Through an unwavering focus on Canada, one of the wildest, most pristine countries in the world, Wild Women Expeditions became experts in a pioneering niche that introduced small groups of women into wilderness settings. The company now hosts guests all over the world, offering more trips and more women-only, backcountry camping adventures than any other women’s travel company in the world.

Source: Late Cruise News
 

New Amazon departures for Aqua Expeditions

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Aqua Expeditions has added two new departures on the Aria Amazon in Peru for the upcoming winter season due to popular demand. Aqua Expeditions will now be offering departure dates on November 27 and December 1, 2017.



Guests can experience the “high-water” season on Aqua Expeditions’ luxurious 147-foot-long cruise ship with only 16 spacious staterooms on board. As always, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy active wildlife excursions with jungle hikes across suspended bridges, as well as fishing, kayaking, canoeing and biking. In addition, guests can also experience drinks at sunset, live on-board entertainment, movie nights, stargazing by telescope, spa treatments, and 5-star cuisine by Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.