Le Boat Innovations on European Waterways

Le Boat, Europe's premier self-drive boating company, is pleased to announce a significant investment in new boats, as well as an expanded portfolio of products and services for the 2014 season.

"As the largest owner/operator of the largest fleet and network of bases in Europe, we are dedicated to continuously investing in Le Boat's existing fleet and buying new boats for the future... and, 2014 is no different.

"This year alone, we will invest over €7m on new boats which also includes an intensive winter maintenance program on all lower Anchor boats. Our package of new initiatives, products and services for 2014 clearly demonstrates our commitment to making inland waterways holidays a popular and accessible holiday option for everyone," said Cheryl Powell, Managing Director of Le Boat.

In addition, Le Boat have just launched their 2014 Le Boat brochures, with both physical and online versions available.

Ten Good Reasons to Visit the Kimberley

Experience the difference - ten reasons to choose National Geographic Orion to explore the Kimberley in 2014

With nearly 50 years experience travel with Lindblad Expeditions, the multi-award winning company that originated expedition cruising National Geographic Orion re-equipped with new tools for exploration including an underwater camera, hydrophone and video microscope 12 Zodiacs provide the perfect expedition craft for this region, being rugged, reliable and comfortable Expanded expedition team - up to 9 Kimberley region and veteran naturalists interact with guests to reveal the fascinating geology, marine biology, ancient art and modern and ancient histories. A top National Geographic Photographer and a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor on board for all sailings to assist and guide in taking better photographs Highest staff to guest ratio of any expedition ship in the Kimberley Includes complimentary flightseeing of the Bungle Bungle ranges Indigenous caretakers of Wandjina rock art at Raft Point share stories of the dreamtime with Orion'sguests EC3 Green Globe eco-certified ship and operations Fares start from AU$7,965 per person based on twin share - 15% less than our 2013 season brochure fare.

Recognised and awarded for environmental responsibility, National Geographic Orion provides the highest standards of onboard comfort, service and expedition experiences. For 2014, adding additional expedition tools provides an even wider range of exploratory options for guests.

More members for the expedition team, 9 for the Kimberley, mean every Zodiac excursion will have a team member on board to explain the highlights of the day, plus a National Geographic Photographer and Lindblad-National Geographic Certified photo instructor to assist guests with important aspects of capturing and enhancing the photos guests return home with.

MV Orion in the Kimberley

Adding a hydrophone and video microscope provides other opportunities for scientific exploration and discovery, exciting ways to see and hear the world around us.

A voyage on National Geographic Orion continues to include a complimentary Bungle Bungles scenic flight as part of the expedition experience, yet despite maintaining the high standards onboard and enhanced expedition experiences Kimberley fares for 2014 have been reduced by around 15% compared with 2013.

With just 9 expeditions planned for the 2014 Kimberley season voyages will fill quickly, so book sooner rather than run the risk of disappointment later.

Additional background

Established in 1979, Lindblad Expeditions is a U.S. based small ship expedition company which partners with the National Geographic Society. The expedition cruise ship Orion, rechristened as National Geographic Orion, will join Lindblad's existing fleet starting with March 2014 itineraries.

Lindblad Expeditions owns six ships: National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endeavour, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Islander. In addition, Lindblad operates four seasonal charters - Delfin II, Lord of the Glens, Jahan, and Sea Cloud for seasonal expeditions.

Destinations include the Arctic, Antarctica, Alaska, Baja California, Costa Rica and Panama, Galapagos, the Amazon, New Zealand, Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, Pacific Northwest, South America, Caribbean and beyond.

Lindblad Expeditions has a strong affinity with the environment with the belief that a traveller's own individual experience can be life-changing - leading to greater understanding, appreciation and stewardship of a place on earth. (www.expeditions.com )

RY Kalay Pandaw - launching in 2014

Deal: Take a Luxury Cruise Around Italy For Less With APT

 
 Images L to R: M/Y Variety Voyager; Sundeck Bar on the Variety Voyager; and Venice.

 
Take a Luxury Cruise Around Italy For Less With APT

Book APT's 11-day Bella Italia Luxury Small Ship cruise aboard the M/Y Variety Voyager and pay $6,495 per person, twin share, a saving of $1,000 per couple. The cruise sails from Rome, around the coast of Italy, taking in the Lipari Islands and Sicily, to Venice.

Highlights include the chance to visit Sorrento and Capri, cruise the Amalfi coast, explore ancient Italian villages and sample the country's gourmet cuisine and outstanding local wines.

Included are 29 meals, local guides, shore excursions, onboard lectures, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunches and dinners and all port charges, and tipping.

The offer is subject to availability and bookings must be made by 30 November 2013. Terms and conditions apply.

To book call 1300 278 278 or visit www.aptouring.com.au or see your travel agent.

Arctic Expedition Leader Conference in Copenhagen

In October approximately 40 Arctic expedition leaders from all over the world and 20 speakers from Svalbard, Greenland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Russia and Canada will meet in Copenhagen to discuss how to conduct sustainable expedition cruise operations in the Arctic.

The conference is organized by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) in cooperation with Visit Greenland and Cruise Iceland and, with financial support from the North Atlantic Cooperation Fund (NORA) and the Danish-Norwegian Cooperation Fund.

The following issues will be on the agenda:

•  how to safeguarding of the Arctic nature and environment
•  what expedition cruise operators can do to protect Arctic cultures and cultural remains
•  how to make sure that local communities are benefitting from high latitude tourism operations
•  what role expedition leaders and guides have in regard to a sustainable operation in the Arctic

The focus of the conference is on how to add value for the mutual benefit of both the local communities and the visitors in the Arctic. ”What we ultimately want to achieve with the conference is to bring all parts involved with expedition cruise tourism together in order to get a hands-on discussion about how to collaborate even better for the future.” says Ilja Leo Lang, Project Manager with AECO.

AECO is an organization safeguarding responsible, environmentally-friendly and safe expedition cruise Tourism in the Arctic. A majority of the expedition cruise operators in Svalbard and Greenland are members of AECO, which currently have 31 members. 21 of which operate approximately 26 expedition cruise vessels all over the Arctic. AECO’s members have committed themselves to act sensibly and according to the strict rules and regulations in the vulnerable Arctic region. AECO has developed a comprehensive set of guidelines for Arctic operations, which AECO-members are obligated to operate in accordance with, and also publish visitors-, site-specific- and wildlife- guidelines.

Read more on:
Visitor’s guidelines: http://www.aeco.no/guidelines/visitor-guidelines/
Site specific guidelines - Svalbard: http://www.aeco.no/guidelines/site-guidelines/
Operational and wildlife guidelines: http://www.aeco.no/guidelines
AECO web site: www.aeco.no

Participants in the Expedition Leader Conference:
Albatros Travel, Hurtigruten, Grand Espaces, Oceanwide Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, Polar Quest, Poseidon Expeditions, One Ocean Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, Noble Caledonia, Tallship Company, 69 Nord, Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, Visit Greenland, Svalbard Tourism, Cruise Iceland, National Park Russian Arctic, Lakehead University, Greenland’s Self-Rule, Danish Center for military studies, Danish Maritime Authorities, International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, Destination East Greenland, Nanu Travel, Destination West Greenland, Greenland National Museum & Archive and Norwegian Institute for Nature Research

Introducing A-ROSA European river cruises

A-ROSA Cruises was established in 2000 and operates river boat cruises throughout Europe on the Rhône/Saône, Rhine/Mosel/Main and Danube rivers. A-ROSA is one of the most ‘inclusive’ river boat experiences in Europe with complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the ship, open dining, gratuities, a selection of shore excursions, ground transfers and taxes all included in their rates (quoted in USD).

A-ROSA offers travellers an informed, intimate experience of Europe’s most beautiful riverside cities, villages and landscapes. The sleek, streamlined ships have been designed not only to elegantly ply some of the world’s most historic and storied rivers, but to offer guests a true sense of luxury, comfort and a feeling of home-away-from-home.

The cruises feature a host of shore excursions to explore castles, country sides, vineyards and museums as well as some of the continent’s most exciting, dynamic and diverse cities from Budapest to Provence and everything in between. Itineraries are created specifically for active travellers seeking cultural adventures and an opportunity to delve more deeply into passions like food, wine, art, music, and history.

Lynne Ireland's Inspired Luxury represents the brand in Australia.



www.arosacruises.com

Julie Goodwin Second Murray River Cooking Cruise

Julie Goodwin Masters the Murray and is
back with a Second Cooking Cruise

'MasterChef' winner and resident cook on Channel Nine's Today Show, Julie Goodwin, is back cooking on her second Captain Cook Cruises four nights Murray River Cooking Cruise, departing Monday, 10 March 2014 on-board the PS Murray Princess.

Not only will Julie be holding three on-board cooking demonstrations, but for the first time, she will also be hosting a dinner for passengers, with a three course menu selected by Julie and prepared by the Captain Cook Cruises kitchen.

Julie first partnered with Captain Cook Cruises on the Murray Princess in June 2013 and with the cooking cruise such a success it was an easy decision to invite Julie back for a second.

"We are delighted to welcome Julie back for her second cooking cruise on the Murray River in March 2014. Julie's first cooking cruise was a huge success and from the feedback we received passenger's just loved watching Julie cook and then tasting her food, and they also really enjoyed having the opportunity to chat informally with Julie throughout the cruise." Says Richard Doyle, Head of Sales and Marketing, Captain Cook Cruises.

Julie agrees that the decision to return for a second cruise was an easy one.

"I had such a great time cooking on the paddle wheeler, PS Murray Princess, this year and when I was asked to do a second cooking cruise I immediately said yes. I'm looking forward to meeting even more passengers on this cruise and having a lot of fun cooking in the kitchen with them. I also can't wait to return to the beautiful Murray River." Says Julie Goodwin.

Captain Cook Cruises is confident the cooking cruise will sell out quickly.

"There are only 120 places available on the cruise, food and wine lovers wishing to combine their passion with a visit to the Murray River , and the opportunity to meet Julie Goodwin," Says Mr Doyle.

The four nights Murray River cruise allows passengers to discover the beauty of the Murray River and secrets of Australian history and culture between the historic riverport of Mannum to Blanchetown.

Each day features exciting day trips to historic ports, Aboriginal archaeological sites, a working sheep station and woolshed, a native wildlife shelter and vineyard and cellar door tasting.

The scenery is picturesque as the Murray Princess cruises past towering limestone cliffs, through picturesque gorges and along riverbanks lined with mallee scrub and red gum forests.

The four night Julie Goodwin Cooking Cruise departs from Mannum on Monday, 10 March 2014 at 4.30pm, returning to Mannum on Friday, 14 March at 9.00am. Prices start from AU$1079.00 per person, twin share.

Passengers also have the option to extend to a seven night cruise and visit the region between Walkers Flat and Murray Bridge, including a tour to the Barossa Valley and its wineries. The seven night cruise prices from $1799 per person

Prices include all meals, accommodation, three cooking demonstrations by Julie Goodwin, a hosted dinner with Julie, Captain's dinner, most tours, scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or onsite car parking and all on-board facilities including the use of spa, sauna, gym, sun deck, two bars, two lounges, single sitting dining saloon and entertainment.

For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises on

T: +61-2-9206 1111 or visit www.captaincook.com.au

About Julie Goodwin

In July 2009, Julie Goodwin, wife and mother of three boys, took out the title as Australia's first ever 'Masterchef'. Since then Julie's life has been a whirlwind. Julie wrote her first cookbook, 'Our family table' which went immediately to No 1 where it stayed for over 10 weeks and is one of Australia's largest selling cook books ever. Julie also became a regular columnist for the Australian's Women's Weekly, and resident cook on Channel Nine's Today Show. She also fronted her own cooking show Home Cooked! and became a celebrity cook on-board Captain Cook Cruises Murray Princess.

Ponant makes the Northwest Passage

Leading French cruise line and 5-star Expedition specialist Compagnie Du Ponant has just completed a first in the French maritime world with a crossing of the Northwest Passage from Greenland to Siberia on Le Soléal, a luxury yacht flying the French flag, specifically designed to navigate in extreme regions.

A FIRST UNDER THE FRENCH FLAG

Source: blog.ponant.com

Having left Kangerlussuaq in Greenland on the 26th of August, Le Soléal will arrive in Anadyr in Russia on the 16th of September, having successfully traversed the North Pole to become the first French commercial ship to take this mythical shipping route linking the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean via Arctic islands in North Canada; a legendary passage that has inspired generations of navigators since the 15th century.

The ship followed the historic route taken by Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer who in 1906 was the first to open the passage at the end of three years of exploration.

More than a century later, Captain Etienne Garcia, who has spent years navigating in polar waters, led this voyage in the footsteps of Amundsen, without assistance, through narrow channels of land and moving ice in what is still a little known region.

For the 215 passengers on Le Soléal – Solal meaning ‘one who leads the way’ – the latest generation of ship specifically designed for polar cruises, it was an unforgettable and moving experience with many exceptional encounters along the way.

LA COMPAGNIE DU PONANT, SPECIALISTS IN THE POLES FOR 11 YEARS

With 11 years of experience in the Arctic and the world leader in Antarctic cruises, Compagnie du Ponant is recognised as the specialist in the Poles. Designed and engineered for polar cruises, Le Boréal and L’Austral offer fascinating and unusual experiences beyond the Arctic Circle.

Both have the “ice” classification, meeting clearly defined international criteria, and in terms of safety equipment are at the forefront of technology. Stable and quiet, both were awarded Comfort 1 certification by Bureau Veritas.

On board, under captains who are experts at navigating these extreme zones, bi-lingual professionals in the Arctic accompany passengers: whether naturalists, guides or lecturers, all are specialists in this destination who share their knowledge, experience and passion.



RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Respecting the environment is a priority for Compagnie du Ponant, a member of the Charte Bleue d’Armateurs de France. From the design of the ships, which earned the international Cleanship label, to the outings ashore, every care has been taken to reduce the impact on our environment: from “green” equipment and eco-friendly hull coatings to raising awareness among passengers and crew, and respecting local people.

For cruise information for Compagnie du Ponant, please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622.

Ocean Cruising 51: Getting Lost in Alaska

Feature: Lindblad Alaska. News: Cruiseco, Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd

Celebrity chef Pete Evans of MKR fame to join MV Great Escape

The Great Escape Charter Company is thrilled to announce that celebrity chef Pete Evans of MKR fame will be joining MV Great Escape to share his culinary expertise with guests and crew.  He will prepare a fresh "dish of the day" for 7 nights, June 21st -28th 2014 on the popular Southern Kimberly Experience Adventure Cruise.

"I'm incredibly excited about catching fresh seafood straight from the pristine Kimberley waters and cooking up a feast onboard MV Great Escape in June!" Pete said.

The Southern Kimberley Experience explores the best of the Kimberley Coast from the Mitchell Plateau to Broome. Guests fly over the most spectacular scenic wilderness in a light aircraft, to arrive at Mitchell Plateau in the heart of the Kimberley. The onboard helicopter then whisks you over stunning Mitchell Falls and lands aboard MV Great Escape in the beautiful Hunter River wilderness, where your adventure cruise begins.

Highlights of the Celebrity Chef Small Group Luxury Adventure Cruise include:

• Explore Careening Bay where the infamous Mermaid Boab tree stands
• Cruise through the Prince Regent Nature Reserve
  
• Swim at the tranquil waterfalls at Camp Creek, surrounded by a captivating landscape
• Visit King Cascades with its exquisite rock pools and waterfalls
• Explore the stunning expanse of Montgomery Reef with its hundreds of turtles and extraordinary marine life
  
• Trek to picturesque Raft Point to view ancient Aboriginal rock-art galleries
• Cool off at Ruby Falls after a soothing mud bath
• Experience the famous Horizontal Waterfalls from the air
• Throw in a line and try your luck at catching a Barra
• Delight your tastebuds with fresh seafood and exquisite gourmet cuisine
• Celebrity Chef Pete Evans will prepare daily "dish of the day"

Pricing for an extraordinary experience of a lifetime: Horizon View Stateroom $9,865 per person twin share or $10,865 per person twin share for a Panoramic View Stateroom.www.greatescape.net.au. Limited availability.

Star Clippers Voted Adventure Cruise Line Of The Year By Readers Of Food & Travel Magazine

Tall ship cruise specialist Star Clippers has been voted ‘Adventure Cruise Line of the Year’ by readers of the glossy magazine, Food & Travel.

The award was made at a glittering ceremony at London’s Savoy Hotel on September 2, hosted by comedian Lucy Porter.

The Food & Travel Awards are particularly prestigious as they are voted for entirely by readers of the magazine, over a period of three months. Awards are presented to hotels, restaurants, airlines and individual chefs as well as cruise companies. Other categories in the cruising sector included ocean and river cruising.

“We are so thrilled to have won this award,” said Fay McCormack, UK general manager for Star Clippers, who attended the ceremony to receive the trophy. “Readers of Food & Travel have a strong interest in food as well as the general travel experience and this award is a reflection on the superb quality and romantic appeal of a Star Clippers voyage.”

To book, call 0845 200 6145 or visit www.starclippers.co.uk.

Silversea's new Silver Discoverer to cruise Australian waters

Clipper Odyssey to be renamed Silver Discoverer

Silversea to add Silver Discoverer in 2014

Silversea Cruises has just announced its eighth vessel, an additional expedition ship which will sail in "even more remote and stunning destinations" from 2014 - including several departures from Australian ports.

Dubbed Silver Discoverer, the new vessel will enter service with Silversea on 01 March 2014 after undergoing a major refurbishment. The ship will have capacity for up to 128 passengers and onboard facilities will include twelve Zodiac excursion boats and a glass-bottomed boat.

Silver Discoverer's 2014 voyages, which have just opened for sale, including 11 day Kimberley itineraries, cruises to "Wild Siberia," a 17-day Indonesian trip and a cruise ex Cairns to Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia.

Silversea ceo Enzo Visone said "it's fitting that, in our 20th anniversary year, our newest ship will continue the Silversea tradition of reaching some of the most remote areas of the world".

Source: Travel Daily.

New port of call for SeaDream: Macau

For the first time the former Portuguese enclave of Macau will be a port of call for luxury cruise ship SeaDream II.

Petite by today's standards and rated world's Number 1 in the boutique category by the respected Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, this lavish 4300-tonne mega yacht will make the historic visit in March 2014 during her 13-day Asian voyage.

Macau was chosen as an overnight port for its fascinating Portuguese-infused characteristics and the fact that it was easily accessible by a ship of the SeaDream II's compact measurements, which are identical to sister ship SeaDream I.

 

That's SeaDream in the foreground! Look closely.

Like on many other cruise programs she is able to reach such interesting ports as Macau normally bypassed by larger cruise ships.

"To have a cruise ship of SeaDream II's calibre call on Macau speaks volumes for the appeal of city as a genuine port of call, perhaps for future small cruise ships to visit," said Helen Wong, general manager of the Macau Government Tourist Office (Australia and New Zealand).

"Macau's mix of east-meets-west, old-meets-new features makes for a fascinating visit for the 100 or more cruise ship passengers," she said.

"To sample and see elements of Portugal in the midst of Asia makes for a unique experience, very different from the other ports on this cruise.

"It will be our aim to ensure those who visit return to spend more time in what is a very special part of Asia."

The SeaDream II Asian voyage begins in Bangkok on March 2 with calls on Ko Chang/Ko Kut in Thailand, Sihanoukville in Cambodia, Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) in Vietnam for an overnight stay, Nha Trang also in Vietnam, Sanya on China's Hainan Island, Halong Bay (Vietnam) and Macau, ending in Hong Kong.

The ship will also have three days at sea, during which time guests will be able to enjoy the complimentary 30-course golf simulator and fitness centre, extensive library, the optional-cost Thai Spa.

SeaDream prices begin at $US7699pp, twin share (about $A1910) and include five-star dining, select premium brands from the open bars and at nightly pre-dinner cocktails, wines with lunch and dinner, use of an on-board golf simulator and fitness centre, gratuities, and port charges and taxes.

And with a mere 56 staterooms, SeaDream II can only cater for a maximum of 112 guests and 95 crew members.

The ship is rated World's Number 1 in the boutique category by the Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships for its relaxing and casual ambience with smart casual (no need for jackets, ties or formal wear at dinner,) and on-deck dining under shade cloths at breakfast and lunch, and several times each sailing at dinner as well,

Details: Travel agents or visit www.seadream.com

Details on Macau, www.macautourism.gov.mo

Bentours Follow the Northern Lights - NEW second departure

Bentours announces second Scandinavian Follow the Lights escorted tour in 2014

Bentours, Australia’s specialist in travel to Scandinavia is offering travellers a second chance to experience this year’s Northern Lights phenomenon. NASA scientists have predicted the coming European winter will provide conditions for the best Northern Lights in a decade and Bentours is offering a second departure of its popular Follow the Lights package.

Following the sell-out success of the first Follow the Lights tour, Bentours has developed a second 13-day reverse Follow the Lights – Special Group Departure package. Departing from Helsinki on 22 February, 2014 the package will give Australians another opportunity to experience the Northern Lights.

This escorted action-packed itinerary will take travellers deep into the heart of Finnish Lapland for an unforgettable winter adventure. Highlights of the tour include a night in the unique Kakslauttanen Igloo Village gazing up at the shimmering light show from the comfort of a warm glass igloo, exploring the rich culture of the region’s Sami people, scooting around on a snowmobile or roaming through the pristine Arctic landscapes aboard a traditional husky sled and a visit to Rovaniemi – the home of Santa Claus.

The Northern Lights adventure continues with a six day cruise on Hurtigruten (Bentours’ partner in Norwegian coastal cruising) through Norway’s majestic fjords visiting remote islands and coastal communities. The ship provides the perfect viewing platform to see the lights against the dark night sky, away from the artificial light of towns and cities.

For a pre glimpse of the spectacular Northern Lights show, Hurtigruten has developed an awe-inspiring video hunting the light with some of the best Northern Lights as seen from the ship’s deck, available at - http://bit.ly/1aX4PBs.

Bentours’ 13-day reverse Follow the Lights – Special Group Departure package has been carefully planned around the best vantage points for viewing the incredible Northern Lights phenomenon. Combining the expertise of knowledgeable guides, Bentours is offering travellers the best chance to witness the dazzling lights, also known as Aurora Borealis.

Packages start from AU$5,100 per person twin share departing from Helskini on Sunday 22 February, 2014 and includes 7 nights hotel accommodation in 4 star hotels, 5 nights Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage, first class rail from Helskinki to Rovaniemi, expert English speaking guide, as well as 12 breakfasts and 10 dinners.

Book now to secure places by contacting your local travel agent or Bentours at www.bentours.com.au, 1800 221 712 or enquiry@bentours.com.au.

*Price is per person, based on twin share accommodation & subject to availability Follow the Lights - Special Group Departure 2014 Reverse is valid for sale and travel until 22 Feb 14. Advertised price is based on twin share accommodation in an N Grade Outside Cabin on Hurtigruten cruise for the 28 Feb 14 departure. Prices quoted are accurate as at 05 Sep 13. Offer valid for new bookings only and not combinable with any other offers. Final payment is due 100 day prior to tour departure. Full payment is required upon booking when reservations are made within 100 days of departure. A $700 deposit per person is required within 7 days of booking. Cancellations made 70 days or more prior to departure will be subject to loss of deposit. Cancellations made up to 69 days prior to departure will be subject of loss of up to 100% of total cost. Full payment is required 70 days prior to departure date. Single supplements apply. All airfares are excluded. Prices are subject to availability and may change due to currency fluctuations. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Tempo Holidays trading as Bentours International A.B.N. 51007331213 VIC License 31341

Coral Princess Cruises unveils new Raja Ampat and Spice Islands itinerary for 2014

Australia and the South Pacific’s pioneer of small-ship expedition cruising Coral Princess Cruises has launched a new 12-night Raja Ampat and Spice Islands expedition as part of its 2014 international schedule. The itinerary, operated aboard their state-of-the-art flagship Oceanic Discoverer, is featured in the company’s newly released 2014-15 South Pacific brochure.

The inaugural expedition, which departs Biak, West Papua, on 14 October 2014, showcases the natural beauty and amazing wildlife of this remarkable, yet rarely-visited, region. Highlights include an exploration of Cenderawasih Bay, home to one of the world’s largest populations of whale shark, and five days cruising amongst the limestone-studded islands of Raja Ampat. Guests will have the opportunity to snorkel and SCUBA dive over Raja Ampat’s pristine coral reef system, considered by many to be the world’s premier snorkelling destination harbouring over 75% of the planet’s fish and coral species. The expedition continues through the fabled Spice Islands and Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia, before concluding in Darwin on 26 October.

Prices for the 12 Night Raja Ampat and Spice Islands voyage aboard Oceanic Discoverer start at $10,990 per person in a Main Deck (Category B) Stateroom. A charter flight is also available from Darwin to Biak at the commencement of the expedition.

Tony Briggs, Founder and Managing Director of Coral Princess Cruises, says that the new expedition “follows in the footsteps of many other pioneering voyages introduced by the company, including the very first expeditions along Western Australia’s Kimberley Coast in 1996”. Briggs added that Coral Princess’s high level of repeat clientele ensures that the company is always seeking out new destinations to satisfy their guests, and that the Raja Ampat and Spice Islands adventure would appeal to “even the most well-travelled adventurer who thinks they have seen and done it all”.

The new South Pacific brochure also includes a series of 10 & 12 night Papua New Guinea expeditions from Cairns and Rabaul, along with a comprehensive 25-night New Guinea Circle voyage from Cairns to Darwin, departing in March 2014. Two 13-night ‘Islands of the South Pacific’ itineraries through the Melanesian archipelagos of New Caledonia, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and PNG will also depart in March and November 2014.

Australian-owned Coral Princess Cruises pioneered small-ship expedition cruising in Australia in 1983 and operates a fleet of three small ships on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Kimberley Coast and Cape York & Arnhem Land. Further afield, there are expeditions to Papua New Guinea, West Papua & Indonesia, the South Pacific and New Zealand.

For further information and reservations contact Coral Princess Cruises on 1800 079 545 or visit www.coralprincess.com.au. 

Jeremy Lindblad heading downunder for Lindblad Expeditions Australia

Lindblad Expeditions has announced the appointment of Jeremy Lindblad to the position of Business Development Director-Australia.  Jeremy will be based in the company's Sydney office where he will be responsible for business development opportunities within Australia and the Pacific region, oversee sales activities of the Pacific, and serve as the liaison for all marketing initiatives in Australia and New Zealand.  

Jeremy brings with him considerable expertise in the travel and hospitality industry.  For the past two years he was with LivingSocial, where he managed sales and business development in their Escapes travel division.  Previous positions include Director of Sales and Customer Service at Bloomberg Ventures and Corporate Business Manager at Quintessentially.

Expedition travel is in his DNA.  A third generation Lindblad, he is the grandson of Lars-Eric Lindblad, considered the "father of ecotourism" and the son of Sven Lindblad, Founder and President of Lindblad Expeditions.   From a very young age Jeremy has traveled extensively aboard the Lindblad-National Geographic fleet, which has provided him access to all aspects of the expedition, a keen understanding of the product and a passion for small ship exploration.

Born and raised in New York City, he graduated from Skidmore College with a degree in Management & Business.

Killer Whales Chase runabout

Post by Howard J Koepka.

Frisky orcas play in the wake of a fast runabout, much to the delight of the passengers

One Ocean Expands into Australia

Akademik Ioffe in the Arctic (R Eime)

by Louise Goldsbury, editor, Cruise Weekly

OOE expands Australian operation One Ocean Expeditions has appointed its first permanent Australia-based manager to serve its growing network of local wholesale and retail partners.

RichaRd Cunningham, a former manager at Active Travel, has taken on the newly created role of sales, marketing and PR manager Australia/NZ/SE Asia of One Ocean Expeditions, the polar cruise company founded by Andrew Prossin in Canada.

Prossin said Australia had rapidly grown to become “a very important market” for the company, which was previously represented on a smaller scale by the Active Travel team in Sydney.

“The move to appoint a permanent Australian manager is in response to increased demand for the One Ocean product from a broad range of cruise wholesalers and specialist polar, adventure and small ship
cruise sellers,” Prossin said. “We place a huge focus on customer service aboard our ships and we aim to replicate this service-based approach with our sales partners around the globe.”

Cunningham, who worked with Prossin at Peregrine Adventures more than 10 years ago, also held a marketing role at World Expeditions and was instrumental in bringing the OOE product to Australia in 2007.

“One Ocean Expeditions has certainly found its mark in Australia”, he said. “The Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov are very well known to Australian travellers, and the innovative team at OOE has changed the polar scene, introducing a raft of new initiatives over the past few years”.

Season 2014-15 will be OOE’s sixth in the Antarctic, with a record 21 departures as well as seven voyages in the High Arctic next year, including the Canadian Arctic, West Greenland, and Spitsbergen.

For info, visit www.oneoceanexpeditions.com or phone 0410 417 006.

Ocean and Sails Magazine - Limited time offer - free digital subscription

Ocean & Sails Digital Magazine Promotion

If you and your clients would like to keep up with our news and features within both Ocean/Sails magazine and our online newsletters, for a limited time only, you can subscribe to Ocean/Sails Digital Magazine for FREE for one year. Make sure you click the link below to sign up before this offer expires.
We are happy for you to pass this on to anyone that you think would like this great deal.

Link here: http://www.oceanmagazine.com.au - http://www.sailsmagazine.com.au

Zambezi Queen Offers Wine Cruises in Botswana

The Zambezi Queen, a ship that offers two- or three-night cruises on the Chobe River in Botswana, is hosting a weekend of wine tasting and with Graham Beck Wines, a South African winemaker. The event will take place Dec. 20-23. Participants will be led through the wine experience by Pieter Ferreira, the cellar master of Graham Beck Wines. It will include a variety of wine/food pairings featuring Graham Beck’s new Game Reserve wines, with tastings of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinotage paired with indigenous cuisine such as bobotie spring roll with banana chili sauce, Botswanan beef fillet and Namibian sole.

The Zambezi Queen is billed as “the first eco-friendly, floating boutique hotel in Southern Africa.” It’s 135 feet long and has 14 suites with private balconies.

True North 2-for-1 offer to PNG

Two for One Offer!



It's time to start packing

North Star Cruises Australia is pleased to announce a very special TWO FOR ONE* offer! Yep, that's right - make a booking and your companion travels for absolutely FREE

The offer applies to our 2013 Archipelago Adventure – a 5 night cruise to the remote and beautiful Louisiade Archipelago in PNG

Departing on December 12 - this is your chance to discover Japanese Zeros that crashed into the ocean off beautiful Deboyne Island during WWII. Visit Panepompom Island where ‘the locals’ will welcome you with impromptu singing and dancing. Explore exotic Panasia and be impressed with the Nimoa Island mission! The Renard Islands are also an opportunity to meet village folk and, to purchase hand-crafted artefacts. And for those keen on fishing, diving and snorkelling – these TRUE NORTH staples will feature every day of the cruise

Or if you would prefer a longer cruise, the TRUE NORTH will embark on the 9-night Adventures in Paradise on December 3. This is our most-refined South Pacific adventure and to make things even more attractive, standby rates are now applicable to this departure

The cruise begins in Kavieng and winds its way through New Hanova and New Britain, down to the uninhabited Lusancay Islands, across to picturesque Tufi and onto the remote Louisiade Archipelago before finishing in Alotau. Experience endless snorkelling and diving, exceptional fishing and fascinating village visits! Other highlights include flying over Rabaul’s active volcano and an opportunity to visit the moving Kokoda Track memorial at Isurava.

Archipelago Adventure and Adventures in Paradise also include return charter flights ex Cairns.

Click HERE for more information

To make a booking – contact your preferred travel representative or North Star’s adventure partners today on (+61) 8 9192 1829.

* Please note that the Two for One offer is NOT combinable with any other trade or consumer offer including loyalty bonuses.

Shore excursions: Yellow Water Cruise, Cooinda in Kakadu National Park

Guests get seriously up-close-and-personal with one of the biggest 'salties' in Yellow Water. (R Eime)

The Yellow Water Cruise in Cooinda (Kakadu) was certainly one of our highlight shore (ground?) excursions on the Bill Peach Journeys Aircruise. In just an hour we were surrounded by wildlife including crocodiles, eagles, ducks, pelicans and many tiny waterbirds. Just sensational.

New voyages and fresh destinations from Wild Earth Travel

 

Spring is arriving here in the Southern Hemisphere and we have a number of fresh, new voyages and exciting destinations on offer.

As humans we are naturally inquisitive so the opportunity to see and experience new areas is always appealing, as is doing something different to the masses. Our hand-picked voyages carry less passengers, enhancing the experience and giving greater flexibility - crucial elements when exploring a new destination.

Browse through this eNewsletter and read about some of the interesting voyages on Small Ships and Expedition Ships. We hope the suggested voyages put a spring in your step and inspire you to plan a new adventure beyond your home shores.

We are more than happy for you to discuss any voyage or destination you are considering - please email us, contact us by phone , or drop in to our office in Christchurch. Remember - here at Wild Earth Travel we have a wealth of first-hand knowledge of the ships and destinations, meaning we can answer your queries with confidence.

READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER

Cruceros Australis Rebranding

Cruceros Australis Shortens Name in Rebranding of Expedition Cruise Line

Expedition cruise line Cruceros Australis will now operate under the brand name Australis. The company said the shorter title will “resonate with consumers” because the word “Australis” means “South,” and the company explores the southernmost regions of South America, from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world.

Australis operates the 136-passenger Via Australis and the 200-guest Stella Australis from September through April. The upcoming 2013-14 season will include three-, four- and seven-night itineraries. Rates start at $1,389 per person, including airport transfers, shore excursions and an open bar. The company said it is developing itineraries with new partners National Geographic photographer Tommy Heinrich and explora, a tour operator specializing in remote areas of South America.

The Newest Cruise Ship on the Ganges

Bookings open for the Newest Cruise Ship on the Ganges

In February 2014, the luxury, small group cruiser 'Rajmahal ' will commence voyages on the holy river Ganges.

Indian river cruising is taking off. It's possible to cruise for some 1750 miles on the mystical rivers and inland waterways of India, travelling through the country in total serenity and comfort. The Ganges is one of the most celebrated rivers in the world. The 'Mother Ganges' is life, purity and a goddess to the people of India.

Active Travel have just commenced taking bookings for the newest cruise ship on the Ganges. An exclusive, small group cruiser, the 50 metre Rajmahal has 22 spacious cabins, all with a French balcony, plus a spa, saloon, dining room and large sundeck. The vessel has been designed specifically for conditions on the Ganges, with extra-shallow draught and reduced air draught providing a unique advantage over more conventional designs in these waters.

The Rajmahal will commence seven and nine day cruises along the legendary Upper Ganges, between Farakka and Patna in February 2014, visiting important temples and historical sites, as well as exploring local villages by cycle, rickshaw and minibus. There will be five sailings for the season.

It will also cruise the Hooghly River (or Lower Ganges), between Kolkata and Farakka over eight days, again commencing February 2014, with three sailings planned. The Hooghly flows through one of the most picturesque and culturally rich regions of India. The Rajmahal visits exquisite terracotta temples, lofty palaces, splendid old ruined cities, picturesque gardens and charming local villages.

Enquiries and reservations can be made with Active Travel on 1800 783 188 or visit their web site at www.activetravel.com.au for details of their Upper and Lower Ganges tours and other river cruises in India, Burma and along the Mekong.

Tere Moana in Tahiti

Richard Bailey, chairman of Paul Gauguin Cruises, and Diane Moore, president of the cruise line, detail plans for the company’s Paul Gauguin cruise ship, which sails the islands of Tahiti and other Pacific destinations, as well as the new Tere Moana, which cruises the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
[read more]

Shore excursion: Fast blast up the Ord River (video)

Triple J Tours run shore excursions along Lake Kununurra (Ord River). Their fast sightseeing boat cruises easily at 30+kts with three 350hp Yamaha V8 outboards in the rear.

We stopped off on our around Australia flight with Bill Peach Journeys and enjoyed an exhilarating afternoon with Grant and the team. Thanks guys.

Orion free information evenings