Murray River Cruise savings with Captain Cook

Murray Princess

Winter just got Warmer on the Murray with Savings of up to 25%

Winter on the Murray River just got a whole lot warmer with Captain Cook Cruises Winter-Warmer sale. From June to August 2013, passengers can save 25% on most 3, 4 and 7 night Murray River Cruises and discover the winter enchantment and beauty of the Murray River.

The historic cruise starts with the ship itself, a modern replica of the paddle wheelers that cruised the Murray in the 1800’s. The PS Murray Princess has two spacious, yet cosy paddlewheel lounges featuring polished wood and gold trimmings, an elegant spiral staircase and spectacular two-story glass windows of the working paddle wheel.

“ Winter is one of the most picturesque times to experience the Murray River with crisp mornings, the mist on the river and a great value fare offer”, added Richard Doyle Head of Sales and Marketing for Captain Cook Cruises.

Sit back in the warm and cosy paddlewheel lounges and enjoy the amazing views as the Murray Princess cruises past towering limestone cliffs, through picturesque gorges and along riverbanks lined with mallee scrub and red gum forests.

High water levels combined with the winter activity on the river will see an abundance of Australian wildlife and birdlife including Swans, Swamp Hens and Wood Ducks and their young. Plant life is also thriving with Lignum bushes flowering and rushes and reeds getting a vibrant green colour to them. Led by on-shore guides passengers can enjoy nature walks, eco-tours and learn about the thriving ecology of the river.

Each day features exciting day trips to historic ports, sacred Aboriginal sites, a sheep station and woolshed and a native wildlife shelter.

There’s a food and wine trial that enables tasting at a number of vineyards and cellar doors, and one evening passengers can even enjoy an Aussie-style campfire barbecue on the river bank. A free Barossa Valley Tour is also available for any passengers on the 7 night Murray River cruise.

The three nights Discovery Cruise departs every Friday at 4.30pm and prices start from $666 per person, normally $888 per person.

The four nights Outback Heritage Cruise departs Mannum every Monday at 4.30pm and prices start from $899 per person, normally $1199 per person.

The seven nights Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise departs Mannum every Friday and Monday at 4.30pm and prices start from $1349 per person, normally $1799 per person.

Prices include all meals, accommodation, most tours, scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or onsite car parking and all onboard facilities.

The Winter-Warmer sale is valid for travel 01 June to 31st August 2013 and on sale until 31 August 2013.

As an extra bonus any passengers that book a group of four or more adults will receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine in each cabin on arrival. The Murray Princess will also celebrate The 3 night Christmas in July cruise departs July 19.

For further information visit www.captaincook.com.au

New Ha Long Bay Cruise Added to Helen Wong's Tours' Vietnam Program

A three-day leisurely cruise of breathtaking Halong Bay has been added to Helen Wong's Tours' comprehensive Vietnam brochure for 2013-2014.

The cruise, aboard one of the two Au Co luxury ships, is included in the leading Asian specialist's newly created 12-day Treasure of the Bay itinerary from the company's list of Premium Group Tours.

It is priced from $3990 per person, twin share from Australia.

"Both Au Co vessels have well-appointed cabins with contemporary furnishings and private balcony," said Helen Wong, managing director and founder of Helen Wong's Tours.

"We listened to what our customers wanted, so we decided to add this two-night luxury experience to the program," she said. "Vietnam, in particular Halong Bay, is proving a very popular destination for Australians."

In all, Helen Wong's Tours has 12 group tours, five premium tours and four Indo China Encounters for independent travellers in its new brochure, some itineraries extending beyond Vietnam to major cities and attractions in Cambodia (home of ancient Angkor Wat), Laos, Myanmar and China.

New to the brochure, as is the case with the tour specialist's China program, is a series of quick response (QR) codes for Smart Phone owners so they can watch "virtual tour" video coverage of major areas featured in the programs.

Scan the codes in the brochure and you will videos accompanied by music and commentary, at the tail of each a call for action phone number.

The comprehensive brochure also puts much emphasis on the leading specialist's Encounters Programs, designed for those who prefer the freedom and flexibility to pre-plan private travel on a preferred date - ideal for family and independent travellers.

Helen Wong's Tours will also continue to offer good value for money through its use of quality accommodation and "Helen's Choice" series of bonus experiences included in the group and premium tour itineraries - at no additional cost.

Among the bonuses is dinner at the exclusive Press Club in the Vietnam capital of Hanoi, another a private twin-berth compartment on the overnight train journeys to and from Sapa in Vietnam's north.

Prices for group tours in the Vietnam brochure start at $3450 per person twin share from Australia for the 12-day Glimpse of Vietnam which visits Saigon, the Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi and Halong Bay (for an overnight stay).

Helen Wong's Tours, phone (02) 9267 7833, 1300 788328, www.helenwongstours.com

Cruise Croatia and save with Beyond Travel

CROATIAN specialists Beyond Travel are offering Beyond Travel Credits up to $225 per couple when you book a cabin on the Adriatic Explorer cruise in Croatia on a 2013 departure before March 14.

Sail aboard either the MS Eden or the MS Afrodita, both these motorised sailing vessels offer 19 spacious cabins featuring private facilities and air conditioning. They also have a fully air-conditioned dining salon with bar, and two sun decks- one with sun beds and tables.

The eight-day itinerary is a return trip from Spilt and visits ports such as Makarska, Korcula, Dubrovnik, Mljet, and Hvar. Priced from only $880 per person twin share it includes daily breakfast and lunch, sightseeing and transfers.

Travel Credits can be used on any additional services booked through Beyond Travel such as pre and post cruise accommodation, additional sights seeing, ferry services and much more.

There are numerous departure dates from May until September, for further details contact Beyond Travel on 1300-363-554 or email info@beyondtravel.com.au

Introducing Silversea's Silver Galapagos - a New Species of Corporate and Incentive Cruising

Luxury expedition cruise specialist Silversea is introducing the newest member of its fleet, the 100-guest Silver Galapagos, in September 2013. The stylish all-suite vessel - the first of its kind in the Galápagos Islands - is available for small group bookings or full ship charter and is ideal for companies seeking a truly aspirational corporate and incentive experience for their staff or clients.

Silversea's year-round schedule of 7-day expedition voyages aboard Silver Galapagos will take in the highlights of the untouched Galápagos Islands, featuring two itineraries round-trip from Baltra Island. The Western Itinerary will trace a path across the western, southern and eastern islands, including Santiago, Bartolomé, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz. The North Central itinerary will take in the north-east, central and south-east islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Seymour Norte, San Cristóbal, Española and Plazas Sur.

Silversea's all-inclusive fares are ideal for organisers wishing to know all costs upfront. Once onboard Silver Galapagos, groups will enjoy full-scale exploring from an enclave of luxury at sea that includes spacious, ocean-view accommodation; sumptuous gourmet cuisine; the personalised service of a butler; fascinating shore excursions; and a generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, such as complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, and stocked in-suite beverage cabinet.

For full ship charters, a range of meeting facilities including the main lounge are available onboard and Silversea's corporate and incentive experts will work with organisers to personalise special events and experiences throughout the voyage.

Silver Galapagos' schedule offers groups the life-enriching chance to discover a remote paradise that has long been regarded as a natural laboratory of evolution. On complimentary expeditions ashore guided by an experienced expedition team (certified by the Galápagos National Park Service), guests may experience up-close encounters with an abundance of wildlife that includes sun-basking land iguanas, giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, colourful marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins and Darwin's famous finches.

The program also offers opportunities to swim and snorkel in tranquil clear waters, witness unique highland ecosystems, hike through lush mangrove forests and across volcanic fields, explore natural lava tunnels, watch for wild flamingos (in season), read cave inscriptions from the 1800s, and learn about conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Detailed information and complete itineraries for Silver Galapagos are now available at www.silversea.com/expeditions.

For more information on corporate and incentive group programs, please contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or toll free 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com


About Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises, which is chaired by Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, is recognised as an innovator in the luxury cruise line industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit - all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Explorer and Silver Galapagos (debuting late 2013), Silversea Cruises' itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to both polar regions and over 500 fascinating destinations in between.

In Asia Pacific, Silversea has been voted "Best Luxury Small Ship Cruise Line" by Australia's Luxury Travel & Style Magazine every consecutive year from 2006 to 2012 and Silver Whisper or Silver Shadow have also won the Gold Award as Best Small Cruise Ship in each of those years. Silversea has won similar awards from readers of Australia's Cruise Passenger Magazine. In the US, Silversea has been voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and awarded "Best Cruise Line for Luxury Small Ships" by Luxury Travel Advisor (2011).

Travel the World launches Island Escape Cruises

Travel the World today announced a new addition to its luxury and cruising portfolio, an exciting small ship cruising product, "Island Escape Cruises".

Island Escape Cruises offers intimate cruises around New Zealand and Vanuatu onboard the MV Island Passage. This luxury motor yacht is the ideal escape from a busy lifestyle and accommodates a total of 24 passengers in 12 spacious, individually designed cabins, featuring rich timber panelling and handmade New Zealand Kauri furniture.

The Island Passage also carries a purpose-built landing craft, three large tenders, sea kayaks, a five-seat helicopter, fishing and snorkel equipment to ensure that guests are equipped for adventure, exploring ashore or simply opportunities to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Onboard, guests can enjoy the best of New Zealand's cuisine; fresh local seafood delicacies, the best organic lamb, Santo beef, award-winning cheeses and fruit and vegetables selected from local markets, all presented by talented local chefs. The wine cellar offers award-winning Australian and New Zealand wines, with new releases specially selected from boutique vineyards.

For golf enthusiasts, Heli-Golf cruises are available, giving guests the chance to play on some of the most spectacular golf courses in New Zealand, including Kauri Cliffs, Bay of Islands and Titirangi golf courses.

Itineraries include 5 or 6 night cruises around the Bay of Islands, a 6 night cruise taking in the Islands of Auckland, 6 or 13 night cruises around Vanuatu or a 6 night cruise around Marlborough Sounds.

Bay of Island cruises start from $1,995 per person twin share and include accommodation onboard, shore excursions as per itinerary, use of tenders, kayaks, snorkels, fishing gear and all meals onboard.

For further information or bookings, please contact Travel the World on 1300 766 566 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au.

For media enquiries, please contact Nicole Craig at BLACK Communications on 02 8399 3005 or 0405 105 676, or email nicole@blackcommunications.com.au.

 

Windstar sails to Tahiti again

Windstar says "ia ora na" to Tahiti again

Windstar Cruises is excited to announce their return to Tahiti in the summer of 2014. Beginning May 2, 2014, Wind Spirit will sail seven-day voyages from Papeete, Tahiti. Wind Spirit will sail a total of 28 voyages in Tahiti, with the last voyage on November 7, 2014, before returning for the winter season to Panama and Costa Rica. This will be the first time Windstar Cruises has returned to the French Polynesia Islands since 2005!

Wind Spirit will sail to the following islands on her week-long voyage beginning in Papeete, Tahiti on her first sail of the South Pacific.

Moorea (overnight) - the beauty of this unforgettable island of love lies in drama and adventure.
Taha'a - this fragrant island is known for its abundance of vanilla and offers a glimpse of the traditional tranquil life of the Tahitians.
Raiatea (overnight) - recognized throughout Tahiti as the 'Sacred Island,' it also serves as the cultural heart of French Polynesia.
Huahine (overnight) - known as the Garden of Eden, with lush forests, untamed landscape and quaint villages.
Bora Bora (overnight) - an island paradise in the South Pacific and known worldwide for its natural beauty.

Guests can enjoy the aqua blue water of the South Pacific Ocean at the back of the yacht with Wind Spirit's watersports platform, which offers paddle boards, kayaks, hobie cats, wind surfing, snorkeling equipment and more.

Windstar's voyages from Tahiti will go on sale in mid-March 2013.

For bookings please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or www.traveltheworld.com.au

      

Tauck’s “Treasures of Southeast Asia” Cruise To Sail Aboard New Luxury Ship, Le Soléal

11-Day Cruise Is Combined With Land-Based Explorations of Both Hong Kong and Singapore

Tauck has announced a new 16-day land and sea exploration of Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore centered around an 11-day cruise aboard the new luxury small ship, Le Soléal.  Scheduled to launch this summer in Italy, the 466-foot ship has a capacity of 264 passengers and will also be featured on selected 2013 sailings of Tauck's cruise exploration of Iceland.

Tauck's new "Treasures of Southeast Asia" itinerary will kick-off with an included two-night exploration of Hong Kong featuring accommodations at the Kowloon Shangri-La and guided sightseeing, and it will conclude with a two-night stay in Singapore (also with in-depth guided sightseeing) and accommodations at the Marina Bay Sands.

Between stays in Hong Kong and Singapore, Tauck guests will spend 11 days cruising aboard Le Soléal with ports of call including Hai Phong, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).  Throughout their journey, Tauck guests will enjoy a wide array of unique experiences highlighting the history and culture of Southeast Asia, beginning with a dim sum culinary experience, market visits and other activities in Hong Kong.

In Vietnam, guests will travel on a day trip to explore Hanoi, sail on Ha Long Bay aboard a traditional junk, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son.  Guests will also tour the Cao Dai Temple in Da Nang, experience daily life at a Vietnamese school and a local farmer's home, and explore historic, sprawling Ho Chi Minh City.  Tauck's guests will also learn about Singapore's rich multiculturalism during tours of its Chinatown, Little India and Little Arabia neighborhoods, and explore its history during a visit to the Asian Civilisations Museum.

Tauck's "Treasures of Southeast Asia" journey is priced from $9,990 per person (double occupancy, plus air), with southbound departures scheduled for October 28th and November 19th, and a reverse-itinerary, northbound departure slated for November 8th.  Each departure is virtually all-inclusive, with all shore excursions, gratuities, port charges, airport transfers, luggage handling, onboard alcoholic drinks and much more built into the price.

TAUCK AND COMPAGNIE DU PONANT

The "Treasures of Southeast Asia" itinerary is the latest collaboration between Tauck and Compagnie Du Ponant, the French small ship cruise line that owns Le Soléal and a number of other ships featured on Tauck's ocean cruises, including Le Soléal's sister ships L'Austral and Le Boréal, as well as the 60-passenger Le Ponant.  Tauck is Compagnie Du Ponant's largest single customer, and Kiki Tauck Mahar, wife of Tauck CEO Dan Mahar, is serving as the official godmother to Le Soléal.

For further information on TAUCK please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au

Sea Cloud Cruises Easter sailings

 

-Special Solo offer: save over AUD$1700 per person-

 

Sea Cloud Cruises is offering a choice of two Easter voyages in 2013 aboard its stylish windjammer yachts, Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II.

Experience volcanoes, pristine beaches and idyllic anchorages in the Caribbean Sea with a round-trip voyage from Bridgetown, Barbados aboard the legendary Sea Cloud – a beautifully restored yacht accommodating just 64 guests. From 28 March to 4 April 2013, Sea Cloud will call at islands such as Bequia; Union Island in the Grenadines; Domenica; Îles des Saintes, and St Lucia. Guests will visit a turtle sanctuary; snorkel and swim in the Tobago Cays; walk in Cabrits National Park; enjoy a Creole cookery lesson, and visit Soufrière's botanical gardens and volcanic sulphur springs.

Fares for the 8 day/ 7 night cruise start from AUD$3615* per person, double occupancy.

Solo sailors can save over AUD$1,700 per person for the 8 day/ 7 night cruise with fares starting from just AUD$3876* per person, for a guaranteed single cabin, a saving of over AUD$1,700 per person.

Alternatively, explore the many charms of Cuba aboard the luxurious 94-guest Sea Cloud II. An 11 day/ 10 night voyage will depart Havana, Cuba on 27 March 2013, arriving in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on 6 April 2013. Ports of call will include the Cuban destinations of Maria la Gorda, Isla de la Juventud, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, as well as Port Antonio, Jamaica. Along the way, guests will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Havana's old town, visit a salsa bar in Santiago de Cuba and raft on the Rio Grande. Fares start from EUR 4075 per person, double occupancy.

Sea Cloud Cruises fares include all meals, from early breakfast to the exquisite four-course dinner menu and five course gala dinners, and drinks including carefully selected wines and beers, and a welcoming bottle of Champagne in each cabin.

*Rates are subject to currency fluctuation

For more information please contact Sales Activation Marketing (Sea Cloud Cruises representative for Australia/New Zealand) on toll free 1300 583 572 (Australia) or info@seacloud.com or visit www.seacloud.com

 

Pandaw Cruises newsletter February 2013

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