ANOTHER AWARD FOR THE TRUE NORTH

Image: Mark Stothard

North Star Cruises Australia is pleased to announce more acclaim for the renowned cruise ship “TRUE NORTH”.

The TRUE NORTH was recently voted Best Soft Adventure Cruise Ship in Cruise Passenger Magazine’s annual reader’s awards.

Acknowledging the award, North Star’s General Manager said “North Star pioneered luxury adventure-cruising in the Kimberley 25 years ago. No one knows the Kimberley like we do – we live there, it’s our backyard. And the True North is purpose built for what we do – bigger ships cannot go where we go. Our repertoire is also unchallenged. We carry six dedicated expedition boats – fully surveyed 20 foot runabouts - our guests are primarily concerned with comfort and safety and rubber boats just don’t cut the mustard! Of course the fulltime helicopter adds another dimension to everything we do and, an all-Australian crew uniquely chaperones every activity. With just 36 guests on-board it’s always a relaxed small group feel with plenty of opportunity for personal service and attention to detail. Our guests pretty much get to do what they want, when they want and it’s no wonder they consistently remark “that’s the best holiday I have ever had.” Thanks to Cruise Passenger Magazine and all our supporters!”

North Star Cruises conducts adventure-cruises around the Australian coastline and in the stunning waters of the South Pacific.

Extended periods at sea are specifically excluded and daily activities can include scenic walks, fishing, snorkelling, diving and cultural events.

For more information on the TRUE NORTH see www.northstarcruises.com.au

Aurora Expeditions celebrates Mawson’s historic landing at Commonwealth Bay

Expedition cruise company, Aurora Expeditions, continues to celebrate the centenary of Heroic Antarctica explorer, Sir Douglas Mawson, and the 1911-14 Australasian Antarctic Expedition, with their second commemorative expedition on board the Akademik Shokalskiy attempting to reach Commonwealth Bay to celebrate Mawson’s arrival at ‘the home of the blizzard’ 100 years ago.

Mawson landed in Antarctica at Cape Denison in Commonwealth Bay on 8 January 1912, assisting to gain Australia’s 42 per cent claim to the continent, and establishing the Australasian Antarctic Expedition base camp, now famously know as Mawson's Huts.

The season so far has seen heavy sea-ice conditions in Commonwealth Bay, similar to the conditions Sir Douglas encountered a century ago. Entry to Commonwealth Bay has been affected by the presence of B9B, an iceberg the size of the ACT aground at the entrance to Cape Denison.

Aurora Expeditions’ first commemorative voyage departed Hobart on 2 December, 100 years to the day of Mawson’s departure. Passengers experienced the amazing beauty of the deep south whilst walking on ice, zodiac cruising amazing icebergs and glaciers, and spotting emperor penguins and whales. They unfortunately were unable to make it all the way to Commonwealth Bay due to the B9B iceberg.

Aurora Expeditions CEO, Lisa Bolton, assures that her experienced expedition staff and skilled Russian crew will do their very best to get their modern-day expeditioners safely into Commonwealth Bay to pay tribute to the our Heroic explorers.

“From recent reports and images we can see the ice starting to break-up and we are hoping that we can negotiate the pack ice enough for us to enter Commonwealth Bay. We are at the mercy of Antarctica’s winds and waves; whatever the outcome, our expedition staff will be making sure our passengers are having the time of their lives!”

Aurora Expeditions has been operating expeditions to Antarctica for two decades. This season they will run three commemorative voyages to East Antarctica to celebrate the Mawson Centenary, as well as 10 voyages exploring the Antarctic Peninsula from Argentina. Their 2012/13 Antarctic brochure is now available online at www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or call +61 2 9252 1033 to order a copy.

New Cultural Adventures in the Ancient Mediterranean

Cultural and archaeological tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels will introduce four new itineraries in 2012, offering extraordinary journeys among the historic sites and spectacular landscapes of the Mediterranean.

Led by expert guides including archaeologists, historians and travel writers, the tours explore the great wonders of past civilisations while enjoying the food, culture and history of each region.

The four new itineraries are among 19 different tours and gulet cruises offered in Turkey, Greece and Italy, catering for small groups of no more than 18 people.  Showcased in the newly released Peter Sommer Travels 2012 brochure, they include 10 sailing itineraries aboard traditional wooden gulets, plying the azure waters of the Mediterranean between ancient sites and secluded coves while enjoying fine food served by a private on-board chef.

New tours offered by Peter Sommer Travels in 2012 include:

Cruising to the Cyclades (May 19-June 2) – A quintessential Greek island experience, sailing clear blue waters to more than a dozen Aegean islands in the Dodecanese and Cyclades archipelagos. Led by archaeologist Heinrich Hall, the itinerary includes glorious Santorini, laid-back Kos and mountainous Naxos.  Fifteen days, £3675* per person twin share (approx A$5549*).

Cruising the Carian Coast (July 21-28) – A special family sailing led by archaeologist Peter Sommer, visiting Turkey's south-west coast where ancient sites are scattered among beautiful towns and spectacular coastline, with plenty of opportunity for families to enjoy swimming and walking. Eight days, £2175* per person twin share (approx A$3284*) or £2050* per child up to age 12 (approx A$3095*).

Exploring Cappadocia (September 3-8) ­– An adventure among the remarkable geological formations and ancient cave dwellings of Cappadocia, hosted by historian Dr Michael Metcalfe and featuring an early morning balloon flight over Turkey's most celebrated landscape.  Six days, £1375* per person twin share (approx A$2076*).

A Carian Odyssey (September 8-22) – a gulet cruise along the magnificent Carian coastline of Turkey led by archaeologist Heinrich Hall, visiting spectacular sites like the marbled harbour city of Knidos and the cliff-face tombs of Kaunos, with time to enjoy quiet coves, scenic walks and fine food. Fifteen days, £3425* per person twin share (approx A$5171*). 

Among popular itineraries returning in 2012 is Peter Sommer's signature tour In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great: the Conquest of Asia Minor, a 20-day journey through Turkey chosen by National Geographic Traveller magazine as one of the world's ten best educational holidays in 2008.  A complimenting 20-day tour, In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great: from Boy to King, explores the ruler's early life in Greece through the ancient sites of Macedonia.

The new brochure also features Italian itineraries including the eight-day Cruising the Amalfi Coast and the eight-day A Gastronomic Tour of Eastern Sicily, as well as profiling a selection of magnificent timber gulets available for private sailing charters in Italy, Turkey and Greece.

*Tour prices include all meals and accommodation aboard gulets, road transfers, all crew and guide services, and all entrance fees and tips on excursions. Excludes airfares.

For full details and bookings contact Peter Sommer Travels in the UK on 0011 44 1600 888 220, email info@petersommer.com or visit www.petersommer.com. 

Win a Cruise on True North

Buy a subscription to Australian Traveller Magazine and receive up to $50 off your next hotel booking PLUS you could win a True North Kimberley Islands cruise for two worth $16,990.

All subscriber enjoy for free:
Savings of up to $41 // Convenient free delivery // Never miss an issue // A gift that lasts all year // No price rises during the subscription period.

Everyone who orders or renews their subscription to AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLER magazine receives a Hotels.com booking discount worth up to $50

Simply buy a 1 year subscription and receive $25 off your next booking through Hotels.com

OR buy a 2 year subscription and receive $50 off your next booking through Hotels.com

PLUS you could win a Kimberley Islands cruise for two worth $16,990 The prize includes:

• 6 Nights’ accommodation for two in an Ocean Class Cabin aboard True North featuring an en-suite, in-cabin entertainment and private satellite telephone
• All gourmet meals
• Daily activities including scenic walks, culture, fishing, snorkelling, picnics, exploring, nature and much more!
• The True North carries 6 dedicated expedition boats (not rubber boats) that provide guests with the opportunity to experience wilderness in comfort and in small groups 

20 NIGHTS ON 5-STAR SEADREAM II FROM BARBADOS UP THE AMAZON

IF you got a nice bonus in your Christmas pay packet, SeaDream Yacht Club's 5-star SeaDream II is sailing two extremely rare voyages in February and March of this year – the first is 20-nights from Bridgetown in Barbados in the Caribbean on February 13 to the-once notorious Devil's Island in French Guiana, and then a dozen ports on the Amazon River in Brazil and Colombia to Iquitos in Peru, and the second is 20-nights back to Bridgetown on March 4.

And both sailings are now exceptionally priced for last-minute sale from US$16,619pp twin-share including all 5-star gourmet dining, wines with lunch and dinner, drinks from the open bars, use of a 30-course golf simulator, power and sail watersports (in ports where allowed,) onboard gratuities, government charges and taxes; air fares are additional.

SeaDream II carries a maximum of just 112-guests in 56-staterooms served by 95-crew, with open-seating dining indoors or on deck and with dress requirements at dinner Smart Casual only; for full itineraries and other details see travel agents or visit www.seadream.com

The Ultimate Australian Rail & Sail Adventure!

Broome and The Kimberley Holidays have combined The Ghan – the legendary journey through the heart of Australia – with a wilderness cruise of the magnificent Kimberley coastline in our 2012 Ultimate Rail Cruise holiday for 2012 . 

This year, our itinerary features a host of bonus inclusions and one-off experiences including: 

• A NEW tour in Darwin to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the WWII bombing

• A full day in Litchfield National Park

• A visit to Willie Creek Pearl Farm in Broome

• A BONUS lunch and beer tasting experience at Matso's Broome Brewery

• Earlybird Savings of up to $1500* per person

• Waiver of single supplements on April departures for Coral Princess 
 
A Gold Class journey on The Ghan is an incomparable way to travel to the two jewels of Australia's Northern Territory – the Red Centre and the tropical Top End. The Ghan's timetable makes the most of the daylight hours to offer unsurpassed views of the passing landscape; from the sweeping Adelaide Plains unfolding before your eyes to the majestic Flinders Ranges. Travel through the red earth and cobalt blue skies – the essence of Central Australia. Leave the train to enjoy tours in Alice Springs & Katherine, before arriving in Darwin, the relaxed capital city of the Northern Territory. Here, spend three nights at Mantra on the Esplanade, experience the city's fascinating history on a 'Frontline Australia, WWII Bombing of Darwin' tour and see spectacular tropical rainforest & waterfalls on a tour through Litchfield National Park. 

Step on-board the Oceanic Discoverer for a 10 day Kimberley Cruise of a lifetime. This is the perfect opportunity to cruise close to dramatic waterfalls, gorges, wildlife and marine life. Set out on adventures to find the hidden gems of the Kimberley with knowledgeable expedition guides. Swim in the crystal clear gorges, walk to the top of waterfalls, marvel at the ancient Aboriginal rock art or enjoy a mud bath at Ruby Falls. Eat freshly caught Barramundi or mud-crabs superbly prepared by your onboard chef. Oceanic Discoverer is Coral Princesses' flagship vessel, with a choice of superior accommodation and on-board facilities including a cocktail bar, spa pool, large sundeck, reference library and lecture lounge. 

Your Kimberley Cruise arrives in the remote outback oasis town of Broome, where the desert meets the sea in stunning colour; here spend three nights at the renowned Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa to watch the famous sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Discover how the beautiful Australian South Sea Cultured Pearl is produced on a Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour and enjoy a Lunch and Beer Tasting Experience at Matso's Broome Brewery. 

Broome and The Kimberley Holidays 18 night package includes a Gold Class rail journey on "The Ghan" (from Adelaide to Darwin), all meals onboard the Ghan and Oceanic Discoverer, three nights accommodation at Mantra on the Esplanade in Darwin, a Litchfield National Park tour, a 'Bombing of Darwin WWII – The Forgotten War' tour, three nights' accommodation at the renowned Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa in Broome, a Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour and a Matso's Broome Brewery Lunch & Beer Tasting Experience. 

This package is on sale for $10,799*. SAVE up to $1500*pp, Hurry sale ends 29 February 2012. 

*Conditions Apply.

Reservations contacts:  1300 245 565 or reservationslabroomekimberley.com

For more information visit www.broomekimberley.com.au

Aurora Pays Tribute

Over 1000 lives were lost when the Montevideo Maru was torpedoed in July 1942

In support of our 2012 Papua New Guinea voyage Lost in Paradise – Our Fallen Heroes, Aurora Expeditions has collaborated with the Montevideo Maru Society.

The Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society was established to ensure national recognition and commemoration of the tragedies that ensued after the Japanese invasion of the New Guinea Islands in early 1942, including Australia’s greatest maritime disaster, the sinking of the Montevideo Maru with the loss of more than 1,000 lives. To make a donation to the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Memorial, visit www.memorial.org.au

Ocean Magazine - Ocean Cruising - Issue 41

Open publication - Mentions: Ponant, Ocean-Wide, Arctic Kingdom, Sea Voyager

Gecko's Launches Antarctic Voyages with 25 Per Cent Off

There's never been a better time to visit the Frozen Continent with the launch of Gecko's new affordable range of Antarctic adventures.  Gecko's has introduced three Antarctic voyages to their range of adventures, for departures between November 2012 and February 2013. To celebrate the launch, Gecko's is offering a 25 per cent early booking discount on bookings deposited by February 29, 2012. (Discount does not apply to triple cabin bookings).

Operated by Gecko's sister company Quark, the voyages will be on the Ocean Diamond, a modern, stable and fuel-efficient polar expedition vessel with all fuel emissions being carbon offset.

Starting and finishing in Ushuaia, Argentina, the itineraries include: 10-day Introduction to Antarctica priced from $4,170, per person, twin share; 11-day Antarctic Explorer from $5,096 per person, twin share and 20-day Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica from $10,046 per person, twin share. These prices all include the 25 per cent discount. There is a choice of seven different categories of accommodation, from triple and twin cabins to spacious balcony suites. All cabins and suites have private facilities and exterior views.

 A comprehensive range of activities is included in the voyage price, including snowshoeing, a photography program, a wellness program (with daily yoga classes) and all voyages will feature an 'Expert on Board' - a practicing scientist, historian or researcher from a prominent institution and polar research program who will conduct fieldwork during the voyage and share their knowledge and expertise with guests.

A program of optional activities is also available on each voyage including kayaking at $980 per person, overnight camping $230 per person, cross-country-skiing $600 person and mountaineering $600 per person. There are limited spaces for these activities and they need to be requested at time of booking.

There are eleven departure dates between November 2012 and February 2013.

For more information contact your travel agent or Gecko's Adventures on 1300 854 500 visit www.geckosadventures.com

ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS ON SALE FOR EASTER

ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS ON SALE FOR EASTER

ADVENTURE specialists Explore Worldwide are offering a discount of around $385 on their 17 -day Ecuatoriana and The Galapagos tour departing on April 4, 2012 over the Easter holidays.

The package covers the highlights of Ecuador, such as the 5,897 metre active Cotopaxi volcano, canoeing through the Amazon, the trails of Machachi, thermal springs in Banos and a trip in the Devil's Nose Railway before spending a week sailing, snorkelling and swimming through the 'Enchanted Isles' of the Galapagos Islands.

The package now costs from $5008 per person twin share and includes 16 nights' accommodation in various hotels,  hosterias and boats , 15 breakfasts,  eight lunches and dinners, all transportation and the services of a tour leader, drivers, boat crew and local naturalist guide in the Galapagos.

Other departure dates through 2012 are available for a slightly higher price.

Explore Worldwide holidays are designed as small group exploratory holidays and range in length from eight days to four weeks. They offer more than 450 itineraries in over 130 countries.

Venture Holidays has more information on Explore Worldwide product at 1300-414-151 or visit www.exploreworldwide.com.au

Hurtigruten Celebrates the MS Finnmarken's Return

HURTIGRUTEN CELEBRATES MS FINNMARKEN'S RETURN TO NORWAY WITH EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS FOR RETURNING GUESTS – 1893 AMBASSADOR CLUB MEMBERS SAVE UP TO 20%

Six-Day Southbound Sailings Start at $930 for Ambassador Club Members

Award-winning cruise-company Hurtigruten is celebrating the return of the newly-refurbished MS Finnmarken to its Norwegian Coastal Voyage itineraries for 2012 – and inviting previous Hurtigruten guests to return as well, with exclusive savings of up to 20%.  Designed in an Art Nouveau style reminiscent of the original MS Finnmarken (built in 1912), this 628-berth ship is outfitted with lounges, bars and bistro, conference facilities, fitness room, sauna, swimming pool, and outside Jacuzzis.  After spending two years as a hotel ship in Australia, the MS Finnmarken will once again join the fleet of 11 Hurtigruten ships offering six to 12-day itineraries along Norway's spectacular west coast, sailing to 34 ports between the cultural center of Bergen and Kirkenes, high above the Arctic Circle.  The voyages offer guests a unique glimpse into Norwegian culture – Viking history and myth, the midnight sun, the Northern Lights, stunning fjords and rare glimpses of wildlife at every turn – as well as an exciting array of optional excursions to help personalize the voyage.  Members of the 1893 Ambassador Club, a free loyalty club for guests who have sailed a minimum of three nights on any Hurtigruten ship in the past, save up to $2,290 on bookings made by Feb. 29, 2012 for specific voyages between Jan. 1 and May 16, 2012.  Discounted fares range from $930 to $9,158 (regularly priced $1,163 to $11,448); higher prices are for suites.

Hurtigruten's modern fleet visits 34 unique ports of call as it sails the 1,250 miles between Bergen and Kirkenes, a an itinerary named the "world's most beautiful voyage" by Lonely Planet's "Bluelist."  Guests take in an ever-changing landscape of small fishing villages in the rugged Lofoten Islands; Art Nouveau Alesund, the medieval Viking capital of Trondheim; and Tromsø, which was recently selected by Frommer's Guide as a Top 10 Cruise Destination 2012. 

Optional excursions provide guests with the opportunity to customize the cruise experience: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geiranger Fjord praised by National Geographic; a journey across the 71st parallel to the North Cape, home to grazing reindeer and the indigenous Sami people; and the Lofotr Viking Feast, which immerses guests in Viking culture with a visit to the Viking museum and a real Viking feast, complete with home-brewed mead.  Guests are encouraged to book optional excursions prior to departure as space can be limited.

Rates are subject to availability and include accommodations in cabin or suite of your choice; full board; and entrance to the Hurtigruten Museum (on six-, 11- and 12-day options).  International flights, optional excursions and fuel surcharges are additional.

The 1893 Ambassador Club loyalty discount reward can be combined with Early-Booking fares and other selected discount programs.  Membership in the program is free of charge and its included discounts are for the cruise component only.  Guest who have already cruised can join by visiting www.hurtigruten.us/1893 or calling 877-301-3059; new travelers can join the program while onboard their voyage or after returning home. 

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic's Spitsbergen, as well as year round along Norway's coast and Europe in the spring and fall.  The company's fleet of 13 intimate ships, with 151 to 646 berths, allows passengers to enjoy unique destinations in a relaxed atmosphere.   Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly web site, www.hurtigruten.us; or by phone: (877) 301-3117; fax (888) 524-2145; for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day.

Alaskan Dream Cruises Adds New Itineraries

Alaskan Dream (Louise Goldsbury - Cruise Weekly)

Alaskan Dream Cruises has announced three new itineraries, additional ports of call and ship renovations.

Alaskan Dream Cruises is owned and operated by an Alaska Native family in Sitka, Alaska. The company will operate its second season from May through September 2012.

The 42-passenger Alaskan Dream will sail on three new itineraries in 2012: an eight-day trip that focuses on many less-explored destinations, including Hobart Bay and Kasaan, and two more comprehensive 11- and 13-day trips through the Inside Passage.

The three itineraries also include new ports of call for the cruise line: Ketchikan, Skagway, Haines, Thorne Bay, Kasaan, Wrangell and Gustavus.

The new eight-day Alaska’s Inside Passage Sojourn itinerary travels from Sitka, a community rooted in Alaska’s Russian history, and ends in Ketchikan, a popular fishing and arts community in the area. In between, travelers are treated to the lesser known destinations of the Inside Passage. The village of Kake claims the world’s largest totem pole; visitors are greeted in Petersburg by children who perform a Norwegian folk dance; Kasaan is home to the only remaining Haida clan house in Alaska; Thorne Bay was once the largest logging camp in the world; and Misty Fjords offers glacier-sculpted cliffs that staff say rival the awe-inspiring scenery of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. In addition, Hobart Bay is an adventure base camp visited exclusively by Alaskan Dream Cruises, offering sea kayaking, all-terrain vehicle tours and small Zego sport boat excursions. Rates for the cruises begin at $2,269.

The Alaska’s Southeast Explorer 11-day itinerary also traverses the waters between Ketchikan and Sitka, but expands the route to include the capital city of Juneau; Glacier Bay National Park and Gustavus, the small community that sits at the entrance of the park; Skagway, known for its gold rush history; Haines a small fishing community with an expansive bald eagle preserve; and Wrangell, one of the oldest towns in Alaska. Travelers also spend an evening on Colt Island at Orca Point Lodge, which is available only to guests of Alaskan Dream Cruises and its sister company Allen Marine Tours, for an Alaska salmon and king crab dinner. Rates for the cruises begin at $3,399.

The 13-day Alaska’s Glacier Bay and Inside Passage Voyage follows a similar route as the 11-day cruise, but spends additional time off the beaten path. Guests explore Windham Bay from a private wilderness retreat that offers fishing, sea kayaking and two-person outboard motor boats. A full day is spent whale watching and viewing other marine life among the Inian Islands and near Point Adolphus, a world-famous feeding area for endangered humpback whales. Guests will also visit Lake Eva near Sitka for a hike on a newly rebuilt trail in Tongass National Forest, the nation’s largest. Rates for the cruises begin at $3,989.

Complimentary shore excursions that range from adventure activities to cultural experiences are included in all of the company’s cruises. In addition, local naturalists and Alaska Native guides conduct onboard presentations on the rich culture, flora and fauna of the region.

“Our itineraries and local connections allow travelers to get under the surface of Southeast Alaska and really explore the small towns and under-the-radar destinations,” said Michael Wien, Alaskan Dream Cruises’ vice president of sales and marketing. “We are Alaskans showing off our state and sharing the places that are truly special to us.”

Alaskan Dream Cruises also renovated both of its ships to welcome guests in time for the new season. Its 42-passenger Alaskan Dream, formerly the Executive Explorer, was redone with new carpet and paint, closets were added in passenger cabins and the forward lounge was revamped.

The Admiralty Dream, formerly the Spirit of Columbia, was give a new, lighter color scheme in the cabins and public areas, as well as new carpet. The forward lounge was redesigned to give guests more space to relax and connect with each other.