Flint Island - Southern Line Islands - Kiribati

#expeditioncruising

Post by Adventure and Expedition Cruising.

News from True North - North Star Cruises

#expeditioncruising !

source: http://newsletter.northstarcruises.com.au/t/r-e-cirhilk-jdhiiukkdk-r/ !

The TRUE NORTH's most famous cruise awaits! This is where it all started – this is what North Star Cruises is most famous for! North Star pioneered adventure-cruising in the Kimberley! It is still our ‘backyard’ and nobody knows the area like we do – we know about sites that others don’t and, we know how to do it all in comfort and style! From April 2015 the flagship Kimberley Ultimate itinerary will once again offer one the worlds’ most-highly regarded holiday experiences! But don’t miss-out – availability is already limited! If seeing the Kimberley on the magnificent TRUE NORTH is something that you have always wanted to do – act now! To select your preferred dates – just click HERE!

Magnificent Whale Sharks! The Whale Sharks of Cenderawasih Bay offers opportunity to experience a truly unique wildlife encounter. The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the biggest fish in the sea! They feed predominately on plankton (although in Cenderawasih Bay they have taken a liking to small baitfish!) yet they can grow to more than 12 metres in length. There are other places in the world where snorkelers can have a close encounter with these gentle giants - however we are pretty sure that nothing compares to a whale shark encounter in Cenderawasih Bay! Channel 7 recently featured a story on the TRUE NORTH’s visits to Cenderawasih Bay – to discover more about this amazing destination watch the video HERE! We only visit Cenderawasih Bay twice a year and availability in both 2015 and 2016 is disappearing fast! We strongly recommend making early arrangements to avoid any disappointment! To discuss your next adventure on the TRUE NORTH contact your preferred travel representative or your adventure partners at North Star Cruises on +61 8 9192 1829.

Looking for that perfect Christmas Gift? The TRUE NORTH's comfortable and super-practical adventure clothing offers some fantastic gift ideas for Christmas. Click HERE to see the latest collection. Look out for the ever-popular Mens Beige Gondwana Shorts – they have been reduced to $50 just in time for Christmas. Contact your adventure partners at North Star Cruises to arrange THE perfect Christmas gift! See you on the TRUE NORTH!

Small ship news headlines from Cyber Cruises

Small ship news from our friends at CyberCruises.com


Scenic Cruises' New River Ship To Sail Mekong In 2016

November 27th, 2014
Scenic Cruises' newest ship, Scenic Spirit, will debut in 2016 on the Mekong, according to the cruise line, which has just released details for the vessel. (cruisecritic.com)

Cyber Monday Deal: 25% Off Expedition Cruise With Adventure CanadaNovember 28th, 2014
On Cyber Monday, intrepid travellers can save 25% on Adventure Canada's thirteen-day expedition to Newfoundland and Labrador departing July 5th, 2015. The exclusive sale is valid on new bookings only, made December 1st before midnight. 

New Cuba Cruise Season Opens – Other Cruise News: More Reports From China – Individual Ship News
November 24th, 2014
by Kevin Griffin
Last week saw the beginning ofa new Cuba cruise season, with regular callers Thomson Cruises, Cuba Cruise and Star Clippers now being joined by small ship operator Variety Cruises.
Meanwhile, the competition heats up in China as both Carnival Corp & plc and Royal Caribbean Cruises make another move.
And finally, Costa abruptly withdraws the Costa Celebration while Semester at Sea announces the withdrawal of its Explorer and her charter toCelestyal Cruisesfrom next June.
Posted in News, The Cruise Examiner

Ponant's Le Lyrial launched in Ancona
November 24th, 2014
Ponant, the French boutique cruise shipping company, says its fifth luxury cruise ship Le Lyrial, ordered from Fincantieri, was launched on October 23 at the Ancona shipyard in Italy. The ship is to be delivered in Spring 2015. (cruisebusiness.com)
Tags: Fincantieri, Ponant (Compagnie du Ponant) - Posted in News

Variety Cruises Offers Seven-Night Greece and Turkey Cruise
November 21st, 2014
Variety Cruises will offer Aegean Mosaic, a seven night cruise of Greece and Turkey, beginning in August 2015. (travelagentcentral.com)
Tags: Variety Cruises - Posted in News

FICP Names Silversea Cruises' Kevin Regan Chair of Advisory Council
November 21st, 2014
Financial and Insurance Conference Planners (FICP) has elected Kevin Regan, director of corporate and incentive sales at Silversea Cruises. (travelagentcentral.com)
Tags: Silversea Cruises - Posted in Event / Convention / Exhibition, News

Aranui Celebrates 30 Years in French Polynesia
November 20th, 2014
Aranui Cruises, operator of the Aranui 3 mixed passenger-freighter vessel, is celebrating 30 years as the world's only soft adventure cruise provider to sail in French Polynesia. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
Tags: Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime, Freighter Cruises - Posted in News

Bahamas Celebration Remains Out of Service
November 20th, 2014
The Bahamas Celebration is still out of service after sustaining damage after hitting a still-unidentified underwater object on Oct. 31. (travelpulse.com)
Tags: Celebration Cruise Lines - Posted in News 

Star Clippers Offering $500 Onboard Credit for Holiday Sailings
November 13th, 2014
Star Clippers' 2014 Christmas and New Year's cruises will be waiving single-supplement fees on select Royal Clipper and Star Clipper itineraries. (travelagentcentral.com)
Tags: Star Clippers, Tall Ships / Sailing Yacht - Posted in News

AdventureSmith Explorations Adds Historic Yacht to Inventory of Small Ships Exploring Baja Peninsula
November 13th, 2014
Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations (adventuresmithexplorations.com) announces a new 10-day Baja, Mexico cruise aboard the 86-foot, historic eight-guest adventure yacht, Westward.
Tags: AdventureSmith Explorations - Posted in News

Lindblad Expeditions: Strange things happen at sea

#expeditioncruising

A radar blip turns out to be a whale carcass

You've heard me say it over and over. With expedition cruising, you just never know what's going to happen next. While that may unhinge certain travellers, for me it's part of the excitement of travelling in true expedition style.

Yesterday, in the open ocean en route to Manihiki Atoll, Captain Taillard picked up a blip on the radar. At first it was thought to be another small craft adrift. Then when visual contact was made, the rounded shape looked like an upturned boat, so he altered course slightly for a better look and perhaps to assist any survivors.

Soon the truth was revealed. It was a massive whale carcass, bloated and bobbing among the waves. With a bank of binoculars trained on the anomaly, it could be seen to be a sperm whale.

Such events are like a red rag to our underwater team and soon divemaster Justin and the marine squad were on their way to investigate. The ship stayed a couple hundred metres away but every so often the aroma of putrefying blubber would blow our way.

At $1000 per tooth, the temptation is there
to perform some ad hoc extractions (Justin Hofman)

Organic 'rafts' like these present opportunities for fish to congregate and feed on the bounty. Small pelagic trigger fish, wahoo and big travally were all lining up for a feed under the carcass which had obvious and disturbing evidence of shark bites. Big bites, probably from something like an oceanic white tip known for snacking on humans occasionally.

With the price of a sperm whale tooth easily $1000 a piece, I'm wondering if our away team had suddenly turned buccaneer at the temptation. But no, they returned with just fascinating video footage to share and quietly debating, I'm sure, whether they should have cashed in on this smelly windfall. There was no bringing this poor beast back to life.

Lindblad Expeditions in the South Pacifi: Manihiki, Island of Pearls

#expeditioncruising

Manihiki Atoll in the distant Northern Cook Islands sits just under the 10 degree south parallel and actually sits atop a 4000m underwater mountain. The flat atoll is made up of around 60 tiny islets and is just a few metres above sea level.

Known widely as the 'Island of Pearls', Manihiki's 4km wide lagoon supports an entire pearl industry and is dotted with ramshackle structures atop little outcrops that indicate oyster beds waiting to be harvested.

National Geographic Orion, we were told, is the first passenger ship ever to stop here and the locals turned out en masse to greet us with gorgeous singing children and a sampler of the energetic Cook Islands dancing that looks like hula on double fast forward.

Lindblad Expeditions in the South Pacific: Foiled by Nuatoputapu

Zodiacs probe for entry through the lagoon at Nuatoputapu

GPS tracking shows Tim's attempts to find an entry

Sunday 23 November 2014

15 deg 57.13 S 173 deg 45.6 W

Sometimes called Keppel or Traitors Island, the locals served up a warm reception for Dutch circumnavigator, Willem Schouten in 1616. So warm in fact that muskets were needed to cool down the welcome.

Today Nuatoputapu would thwart us as we tried to get ashore for a village visit. The falling tide made finding the tiny channel tricky and outboard props were tilted almost to 45 degrees to try and avoid striking the limestone bottom.

Expedition leader, Tim Soper, a chap very experienced in navigating reefs and shoals in the robust Zodiac tenders.

"We think we've found the channel now," calls Tim over the 2-way to our skipper, Dave Cothran, interrupting an impromptu lecture on atoll formation under way in the brief lull in our forward progress.

But that progress fell agonisingly short of our objective, the village of Hihifo in the SW corner of the island. With tide continually falling Tim, imagining the bosun's displeasure at damaged propellers, called stumps and the tiny fleet made its way back to the ship.

Such is expedition cruising.

SeaDream cruise from Gallipoli to the Greek Islands May 2015

SEADREAM Yacht Club has a whole 9-days from Istanbul to Athens aboard its mega motor-cruiser SeaDream I in May of next year, with the opportunity to visit Gallipoli, the wonders of Ephesus or Kusadasi's grand bazaar, medieval Rhodes, and the Greek Islands' breathtakingly beautiful Santorini, Mykonos – and motor-vehicle free Hydra where locals and visitors alike get around on foot or by donkey.

There'll also be the chance to see the recently-excavated Terrace Houses and the House of the Virgin Mary near Kusadasi, the Monastery of St John on Patmos Island (where he wrote the Book of Revelations,) and Bodrum's Mausoleum of Halicarnassus that one's of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

SeaDream Yacht Club includes five-star cuisine and premium wines and bar drinks in its prices, together with power and sail water-sports (where locally permitted,) a 30-international course golf simulator, state of the art fitness centre, mountain bikes for shore excursions, port charges and taxes, and even gratuities.

The 9-days from Istanbul to Athens on May 21 2015 starts from US$6048pp twin-share; SeaDream I carries a maximum of just 112 guests served by 95 crew.

For more details see travel agents or visit www.seadream.com

ADDITIONAL DETAIL: FOR those not interested in visiting Gallipoli when SeaDream I has a day in Kepez there is an optional tour to the remains of the ancient city of Troy, and in Rhodes guests can see the extraordinary walls of the city that are 12 metres thick and surrounded by a moat 21 metres wide.

Santorini whose villages cling to the edge of an ancient volcano that wiped out the island's earliest settlements 3,600 years ago is considered Greece's most-popular destination, and at Mykonos there will be a full day and into the evening to enjoy its beaches and cosmopolitan lifestyle.

For more details, call Cruise Express on 1300 764 509 or visit www.cruiseexpress.com.au.

For bookings and further details, see SeaDream specialist Cruise Express

Aboard the newly refitted National Geographic Orion

#expeditioncruising

National Geographic Orion in new livery (R Eime)

The 103m, 106-passenger Orion is a ship that grabbed the attention of the public and industry and won many hearts among travelling Australians when she launched under the stewardship of Sarina Bratton almost a decade ago.

I first travelled aboard Orion in 2008 to PNG and as this was my only voyage under the previous configuration, I didn't have the emotional attachment many past passengers built up, some from over a dozen or more repeat voyages.

The change in ship operators has been well-documented elsewhere on this site but now it's my chance to see the structural, cosmetic and operational changes first-hand.

Section of main lounge showing new 'pulpit' for lectures
with new flatscreen TVs 

The most obvious change is to the lounge area, where Lindblad have installed a central 'pulpit' with AV controls for the lecturer whose presentations are streamed to the six flatscreen TVs installed around the expanded space.

“The stage has been removed and the space converted to more seating,” says Tracy Greiner, hotel manager who has been aboard Orion since the beginning, “and as you can see the whole lounge has been transformed to suit Lindblad's style of daily pre-dinner recap and drinks.”

Looking around the lounge, the memories come back despite the alterations. The chairs, tables, carpets, lighting, wall hangings and bar itself have all been changed or modified to ensure the full compliment of passengers can fit into the area with unrestricted viewing of any screen.

The old lecture theatre is currently not in use as the seating was not really adequate if all passengers aboard a full ship wanted to attend. That space is also being considered for repurposing, perhaps to a larger spa or gym facility as the current treatment room is only really a booth off the existing small fitness room.

New chart table in the Deck 6 Observation Lounge

The Observation Lounge on Deck 6 is now the home to the library and now includes a large chart table. The bar has been removed and converted to a self-service refreshment area with tea, coffee, soft drink and snacks. It seems to work well as a quiet space for those wanting to read and perhaps nod off for a bit. Two iMac computers are installed for guest use.

self serve refreshment bar

Dining is largely unchanged with meals served alternatively in the main deck (3) restaurant and outdoor café on the upper deck (4). The Serge Dansereau menu has been updated and rotates daily with the same cheerful service from many of the long-serving Filipino staff including executive chef Lothar.

A dive deck is now on the uppermost level above the unused lecture theatre with storage of vests, tanks and sundry equipment for a maximum of 24 certified divers at a ratio of eight divers per divemaster. Orion is now fully self-sufficient as a live-aboard dive vessel with three compressors including one for Nitrox and several days emergency oxygen if required. A Zodiac is also equipped with ladders for exclusive use of divers.

Divers now fully catered for aboard NG Orion

Of course, not all these changes are to the universal delight of the many past passengers. Several repeat cruisers are aboard for this voyage and the loss of after dinner entertainment and dance floor is one factor cited although the observation deck seems to have gained much wider acceptance.

I will be aboard until Tahiti, so please check back regularly for more news and updates.

Www.expeditioncruising.com

National Geographic Orion: Taveuni Island and Ringgold Islets, Fiji

#expeditioncruising

NG Orion at anchor off Taveuni (R Eime)

by Rikki Swenson·Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor

After a quiet night at anchor off the northwestern coast of Taveuni Island, we began our day heading ashore in various directions. Departing at first light were those interested in a birding walk on Des Voeux Peak. They were rewarded with sightings of 12 endemic bird species, most exciting being the beautiful silktail. The higher rainforest was lovely, loaded with epiphytes, and the rare tagimoucia, the Fijian national flower, in bloom.

Bouma Falls (R Eime)

The morning was brilliant with color, the rich cobalt blue sea complimenting the deep and bright greens onshore. After breakfast, our Zodiacs swiftly delivered the remaining guests to shore for their outings. Once again, we loaded up into the local open-air buses. A hiking group headed directly to Bouma National Heritage Park for a more rigorous trek to view the park’s lovely waterfalls. Others opted for a gentler outing, first heading into a nearby town. As we approached the Catholic Wairiki Mission, we could hear the soft sounds of a chorus of voices drifting across the grass. To our surprise, our five-minute stop turned into twenty-five minutes as we discovered the large church was half full of schoolchildren, seated on the floor, singing beautiful songs. The acoustics and their lovely voices combined into an absolutely magical moment as we stood in the doorways, listening and taking photographs of their cheerful faces. It was a bit of unexpected magic both for us watching, and for the kids who were delighted to see us.

After making a quick stop at the 180° East/West Meridian marker which lay on the far side of a soccer field, we continued on to Bouma Park on the far side of the island. A short walk led us to the stunning Tavoro Falls. There, a dramatic drop of over 70 feet splashes into a great pool of cool water creating a perfect place for a refreshing swim. And the water fell, not only from the falls but from the sky as well, a sweet tropical rain accompanying us, cooling the air as we walked back to the buses.

Back on board National Geographic Orion, we set off for the Ringgold islands where we found a great place to have our first platform snorkel on an outlying reef. There were a terrific variety of corals and colorful fishes seen and it was wonderful to enjoy the bounty of the warm Fijian waters.

source: http://www.expeditions.com/daily-expedition-reports/or81421/176735/

Expedition report for NG Orion - Taveuni

#expeditioncruising

by Tom Ritchie - NG Naturalist

Kava ceremony

We awoke to a beautiful morning at sea and although we were in open ocean waters, we could at all times see land somewhere far in the distance. The winds were strong, but that was to be expected with the Southeast Trade Winds in this part of the world. In fact, the dependable trades are what makes it all work here, or at least did in the distant past when the Pacific islanders travelled about in huge sailing canoes. This relaxing time at sea gave most of our guests time to recover from their long travels, jet lag, etc. It was also a time to get to know the ship and give some briefings on Zodiac, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving operations, as well as an introduction to life in Fiji, its customs, our expectations, and proper behavior with the locals.

Are Expedition Cruisers the ultimate travel snobs?

#expeditioncruising

Opinion by Expedition Cruising editor, Roderick Eime



Expedition cruisers may still be a rare species, but their numbers are on the rise.

It’s the perennial barbeque stopper in which I always find myself embroiled. Is expedition cruising really cruising? The question is almost Darwinian. Where does expedition cruising fit in the taxonomy of travel? It’s like saying a dolphin is related to a hippo. Oh wait, you mean they are? Okay.

In trying to explain this conundrum, I usually say something pithy like big ship cruising is akin to staying at a resort where everything is laid on while expedition cruising is ‘adventure at sea’ and you have to go discovering stuff.

These discussions started a long time ago when the distinction between expedition and regular cruising was easier to define. In my pompous imagination, big ship cruising was for unimaginative types who needed their hand held and, like Pavlov’s dog, only ate when the dinner bell rang.

Expedition cruising, on the other hand, was for direct descendants of Shackleton and Scott, who would cheerfully withstand katabatic winds and live off soggy pemmican just so they could tick off a lesser speckled shag from their species list.

These days, just like the increasingly homogenised world in which we live, work and travel, the dolphins and hippos are less distinct. While there are still dolphins and hippos at either end of the evolutionary spectrum, like Darwin’s little finches, peculiar sub-species are evolving in between.

Just as some cruisers are drawn to the massive ‘Gigantors’ of the seas, others prefer a mid-size, calmer ‘gentle wind’. Others still will opt for a flowing Scandinavian river experience or a private and intimate charter.

Akademik Vavilov en route to South Georgia (Roderick Eime)

Having conversed with hundreds of passengers aboard the small ships in ridiculously remote locations, one thing can be almost universally counted on: those who consider themselves true expeditioners heap scorn on the masses who throng the big ships.

I can count on one frostbitten hand the number of travellers who have regaled me about their last cruise on the RMS Queen Gwendolyn and how they were absolutely mortified the caviar was only salmon roe and not Russian sturgeon. I mean, honestly!

Sometimes these mismatched voyagers will find themselves on the wrong ship in the wrong place, often with comical results. Poor expedition staff find themselves dealing with some bizarre events and behaviour.

Zodiac excursions can get a bit wild sometimes (Coral Princess Cruises)

The passenger who dolled herself up for the shore excursion, indignantly arranged herself in the grubby Zodiac, then promptly returned to the ship when it was clear she would have to get her feet wet and sandy.

Or, the horrified passenger who returned, trembling, to the ship because they had come face-to-face with ‘savages’ living in ‘poverty’.

Savages! (David Kirkland)

Another guest was bitterly disappointed at the lack of shopping opportunities on an Antarctic trip. Although I have to say, this guest clearly had not visited Port Lockroy recently which has, in the decade between my visits, evolved from a quaint folk museum into an antipodean emporium full of T-shirts, keyrings and snow globes.

The tiny shop at the British Antarctic base, Port Lockroy,
has grown into a mini-emporium for polar cruisers

But the greatest number of complaints, according to my sources across virtually all expedition cruise companies, is the small ships’ inability to visit the advertised ports or stick to a publicised schedule.

As the most developed branch of the order of primates, the species homo sapiens (IUCN conservation status: ‘least concern’) has developed a distinct aversion to disruption of routine. When things don’t go to plan or the unexpected occurs, this flighty mammal is prone to fits if pique and paralysis of decision rendering them pretty much useless. How they landed a man on the moon or split the atom is beyond me.

So, if you are of the genus that wants to huddle in the cocoon of security, safe in the knowledge that the midnight buffet will be served before pumpkin time, expedition cruising is definitely not for you.

For more information about Small Ship, Adventure and Expedition cruising, see Adventure Cruise Guide

Silversea Cruises Silver Discoverer in the Kimberley

VOYAGE OF THE WEEK – 14 NOVEMBER 2014

EXPLORE THE REMOTE KIMBERLEY REGION ABOARD SILVER DISCOVERER

Explore the incredible landscape of the Kimberley on board Silversea's latest expedition ship, Silver Discoverer. This 10 day voyage takes guests through this largely inaccessible location and uncovers the natural wonders of this beautiful part of the world.

Departing Darwin on 19 April 2015, Silver Discoverer sets sails for Western Australia's northernmost town, Wyndham, where guests can view the breathtaking World Heritage listed Bungle Bungle mountain range in Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage Site, during a scenic overflight.

The voyage then continues along Kimberley's coastal region for six days of exploration. Famous for having the second largest tidal range in the world after the Bay of Fundy, Silver Discoverer's flexible itinerary enables the Expedition team to take advantage of this natural phenomenon. Each day the Expedition Leader and Captain will determine Silver Discoverer's best course, depending on tide, weather and sea conditions.

Ports of call may include: Nares Point and Crocodile Creek, where guests will explore the superb location by Zodiac and enjoy a swim in the natural pool; Montgomery Reef, a river surrounded by cascading waterfalls and filled with an abundance of reef birds and sea creatures; and King George River and Falls, one of the Kimberley's most magnificent natural wonders, with amazing landscapes of near vertical red rock formations and a parade of wildlife. After six days of exploration and discovery, this voyage continues to Broome, with guests disembarking on 29 April 2015.

Prices are per person starting from AU$10,950 in an Explorer Suite, double occupancy. Silversea Expeditions' fares include: all shore and Zodiac excursions hosted by an expedition leader; all-suite accommodation with butler service; gourmet meals with menus inspired by Relais & Châteaux; complimentary wines, Champagne and spirits served throughout the ships; and all gratuities.

This voyage is subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit www.silversea.com/expeditions

Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia

Fly free to Kimberley with Silversea Cruises

#expeditioncruising

Economy or Business Class Flights Included at no extra charge on Luxury Kimberley Expedition

Includes Complimentary Beverages, Butler and Spectacular Bungle Bungles Flight

Free return flights from every mainland state capital are being offered by Cruise Express on two luxury cruise expeditions along the rugged Kimberley coast in April, 2015, with guests booking verandah suites receiving return flights in business class.

Each of the 10-night voyages between Broome and Darwin are aboard the deluxe Silversea Expeditions ship, Silver Discoverer. Carrying just 120 guests who are pampered by 96 crew, the ship is the only vessel on the Kimberley coast boasting a swimming pool and all cabins are suites with ocean views, butler service, flatscreen TVs and a complimentary mini-bar. Beverages onboard Silver Discoverer are complimentary throughout the ship.

The first voyage sails from Broome on April 9, 2015, and traces the Kimberley’s soaring, crimson-coloured cliffs, towards Darwin, with guests boarding the ship’s zodiacs to visit the famous, 100m-high King George Falls and ancient Aboriginal art sites and search for wildlife, including crocodiles. A complimentary flight over the spectacular beehive formations of the Bungle Bungle Ranges is also included in the package.

The second voyage from Darwin to Broome on April 19 follows the same itinerary.

The package is available from $10,950 per person, twin-share, including complimentary, economy-class flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth to Broome and back from Darwin for the first cruise departure or to Darwin and back from Broome for the second departure.

Guests booking a verandah suite with its own private balcony from $22,050 per person, twin-share, will receive the return flights in business class, offering a luxury holiday the whole way.

For bookings, call Cruise Express on 1300 764 509 or visit www.cruiseexpress.com.au.

Star Clippers 2015/16 tall ship sailing program

Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers has launched its 2015/16 programme, featuring romantic cruises from three to 24 nights on its three stunning true sailing ships, with sailings between November 2014 to March 2016.

The three ships will sail in the Caribbean in winter (Star Clipper from St Maarten, Royal Clipper from Barbados and Star Flyer from Cuba) and in the Mediterranean and Aegean in summer. In addition, there are one-off sailings between Barbados and Panama (on Star Flyer); transatlantic crossings on all three ships in spring and autumn; and mini-cruises in the Mediterranean from three to five nights in addition to the longer sailings.

New for 2015

Ten-day Cuba cruises from $3415pp

Star Flyer will operate two new ten-day Cuba itineraries in March 2016, sailing between Cienfuegos, its winter base, and Havana, the capital. Ports of call include Maria La Gorda; Isla de la Juventud; Cayo Rico; Cayo Largo; Georgetown and Cayman Brac in the Cayman Islands; and Trinidad.From $3415 per person including port charges, cruise-only, departing March 6 and 16.

Venezuela and the ABC Islands

Royal Clipper will spend winters operating her usual enticing Windward Isles and Grenadines itineraries out of Barbados but two new, exciting cruises have been added, circling the entire southern Caribbean. Departing Barbados, the 14-night voyage calls at four ports in Venezuela (the coast of which is scattered with beautiful, unspoiled islands); the 'ABC' islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao in the Dutch Caribbean; and the Grenadines and St Lucia, with departures on March 28, 2015 and March 26, 2016. From $4849 per person including port charges and gratuities, cruise-only, departing March 28, 2015.

Farewell Balearics season from $2365 pp

Star Clippers will be introducing new itineraries, yet to be announced, for summer 2016, so summer 2015 will be the final season sailing the Balearics, with six sailings on Star Flyer in July and August round-trip from the glamorous port of Palma, calling at ports including Formentera, Ibiza, Valencia, Mahon and Soller. From $2365 per person including port charges, cruise-only.

Taster cruises from $1015 pp

Once again, Star Clippers will be offering mini-cruises, ideal for those who would like a taste of life on board a true sailing ship. Choose between three nights round-trip from Venice; four nights round-trip from Rome; or five nights from Malaga to Rome, all on Royal Clipper. Star Flyer, meanwhile, offers three- or four-night sailings from Cannes; and a four-night one-off cruise, taking in the practice day of the Monaco Grand Prix.

From $1015 per person including port charges for a three-night cruise from Cannes on Star Flyer, calling at L'Ile Rousse in Corsica and St Tropez, departing September 23.

Themed cruises

Yoga and meditation

Star Clippers offers regular yoga and meditation themed cruises, with three highly qualified teachers offering two daily complimentary yoga and meditation classes on board. All classes take place on deck in the fresh air, early morning and just before sunset and all are suitable for any level of experience and conducted in English. The eight yoga cruises for 2015 include:

January 18 and 25: Christel Vollmer, sailing on Star Flyer from Cienfuegos, Cuba

January 24 and 31: Inge Schöps, sailing on Star Clipper from St Maarten

May 16 and 23: Raphaella Rose, sailing on Royal Clipper from Rome

August 1 and 8: Christel Vollmer, sailing on Star Flyer from Palma

From $2365 per person including port charges, excluding flights, for a seven-night round trip from Palma on Star Flyer.

Star Clippers is offering an early booking discount of up to 35% until January 31, 2015 for the European summer sailings and until April 30 for winter Caribbean 2015/16 sailings.

For more details, call Cruise Express on 1300 764 509 or visit www.cruiseexpress.com.au.

For bookings and further details, see Star Clippers specialist Cruise Express

Star Clippers operates three of the world's largest and tallest sailing vessels. Visiting ports often untouched by larger cruise ships and offering passengers the activities, amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht, Star Clippers is recognised as one of the premier speciality cruise lines.

Passengers can enjoy the romance of sailing on board a true tall ship in a relaxed atmosphere with high standards of service provided by an attentive crew. All three ships have expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining, a convivial Tropical Bar on deck and a comfortable piano bar and are large enough to offer first class accommodation and dining, but small enough to call into intimate ports, untouched by large cruise ships.

The two smaller ships, Star Flyer and Star Clipper, take 170 passengers each, with a crew of 74, while Royal Clipper carries 227 with a crew of 106.

Un-Cruise awarded best expedition cruise line by Porthole Magazine readers

#expeditioncruising


Porthole Cruise Magazine readers chose Un-Cruise Adventures as best expedition cruise line in the magazine’s 16th annual Readers’ Choice Awards in 2014. The small ship adventure cruise line explores remote and scenic destinations with an emphasis on flexible itineraries, wildlife viewing and active pursuits outdoors.

“It’s especially meaningful to be recognized by Porthole readers—a discerning group of travelers,” said Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO. “We’re happy to be growing, innovating and offering more adventures including Costa Rica, Panama and Galápagos in 2016.”

Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards are determined by thousands of readers and online fans of Porthole Cruise Magazine who voted for their favorite cruise lines and ships in 54 cruise-related categories.

“We take expedition cruising seriously, and we mean to make it easy and fun,” said Tim Jacox, principal and executive vice president. “Custom made kayak launch platforms are one example of our approach; people feel safe and comfortable and can go kayaking without any experience. Exceptional onboard amenities such as hot tubs, included massage and yoga/stretching classes complement the outdoor activities.”

In business since 1996, the company has expanded from operating yachts in Alaska to operating a fleet of eight vessels carrying 22-88 guests. Boutique yachts, expedition vessels and small ships sail adventure and river cruises in Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, coastal Washington, British Columbia and Columbia and Snake Rivers. In 2016, eight departures will be offered in the Galápagos Islands and adventure cruising begins in Costa Rica and Panama.

Adventure activities guided by expert naturalists are included on all adventure cruises and may include kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, skiff excursions, whale watching, polar plunge, hiking, beachcombing and cultural encounters. Flexible itineraries allow time to seek out and view wildlife up close, explore deeper into wilderness areas and take advantage of current weather and wildlife. On river cruises, guided tours to points of historical interest are included each day along with crew in period uniform and onboard living history presentations.

See the full list of Porthole Cruise Magazine award winners online. Winners will be published in the November/December 2014 issue of the magazine. To book an Un-Cruise adventure or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or Un-Cruise Adventures at 888-862-8881 or sales(at)un-cruise(dot)com.