Cruise broker AdventureSmith Explorations, www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/, the active travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small, expedition ships, announces re-configured Australia cruise itineraries made possible by a fleet of three small ships carrying only 46 (Coral Princess), 50 (Coral Princess II) and 72 (Oceanic Discover) passengers. Their sizes mean that the ships can maneuver hard-to-reach points of interest such as the Great Barrier Reef that larger vessels can't.
For example, an 8-day Great Barrier Reef small ship cruise aboard Coral Princess is the "most popular and most comprehensive Great Barrier Reef cruise available in Australia," combining the lore of discoverer Captain Cook with the intrigue of the reef itself. Guests rub elbows with marine biologists and snorkel and dive nearly at whim. Rates are from AUD$2,883 per person double, representing "one of the best values in cruise vacations to be found anywhere in the world," according to AdventureSmith Explorations. Departures from Townsville and Cairns are weekly year-round. For details please see:
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/324
"Smaller boats mean more activity for guests," said Todd Smith, founder and director of AdventureSmith Explorations. "It is a lot easier to get 46 snorkeling-bound passengers onto the reef than it is to get 100 there. Plus Coral Princess has more experience as a dive/snorkel operator, having pioneered reef cruising in the region."
Small ship cruising in Australia is up according to Smith and 2011 is promising to be a banner year.
"According to Tourism Australia, it continues to be one of the hottest destinations in the world with 2010 visitors increasing by 6% over 2009. One of the hottest trends seen, Australia small ship cruise business has increased an impressive 30% each year for the past two years. Tourism Australia anticipates an even larger increase in 2011," said Smith.
Smith said that the fleet makes available "Explorer," an awning-draped aluminum excursion vessel used for landings and extensive exploration of King George Falls and secluded rivers.
Another cruise adventure accesses the Kimberley, a region on the northwest side of Australia bordering the Indian Ocean. An 11-day cruise is from AUD$6,950 per person double. The cruise aboard Coral Princess II or Oceanic Discoverer begins from the frontier towns of either Darwin or Broome and makes extensive use of "Explorer" on forays along the Outback. For details please see:
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/337
About Adventure Smith Explorations
AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Company founder Todd Smith helped pioneer the concept of wilderness cruising that combines the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking, hiking and exploring remote wilderness areas ashore. The company matches guests with the top names in small ship cruising as well with intimate, boutique ships that may not make the radar of most travelers.
In moving through exotic natural environments and exploring vibrant native cultures seldom associated with more mainstream cruise itineraries, AdventureSmith Explorations dedicates its efforts to small footprint, sustainable travel and has launched a carbon free cruising initiative. Its off-the-beaten-path destinations include Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Hawaii, Peru, the Arctic, Antarctica, and Australia.
The company's mission is to give back to the individuals, communities and environments touched by AdventureSmith Explorations trips by connecting travelers with a network of grassroots and global nonprofit partners worldwide including the Alaska Natural History Association, Neotropica Foundation and Galapagos Conservancy. The company was named by National Geographic Adventure as one of "The Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth" and is the recipient of Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious "World Savers Award."
Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, California along the western shore of Lake Tahoe. Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or 530-583-1775. Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com or visit: www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com.
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