“C’est magnifique!” Bratton buoyed by impending Ponant buyout

#expeditioncruising

While the ink on the paperwork may already be dry, the imminent transfer of ownership is not yet formalised. But Ponant’s Chairman Asia Pacific, Sarina Bratton, already has her Veuve Cliquot on ice.

Sarina Bratton signing her agreement with the co-founder and
CEO of  Compagnie du Ponant, Jean-Emannuel Sauvee in 2013.
Sauvee will remain with his company after the handover.

“It’s absolutely brilliant,” Bratton told ExpeditionCruising.com in an exclusive phone interview, “the Bridgepoint (a pan-European private equity investment group) phase has run a normal four-year course for a private equity fund and now they are moving on. Their timing is perfect for everyone.”

Artemis patriarch, François Pinault

New owners, the Pinault family-owned holding company Artemis S.A, is poised to move in any day. The billionaire French businessman, François Pinault, is listed by Forbes as 65th on their Billionaires List and owns such brands as Converse shoes, Samsonite luggage, Château Latour, the Vail Ski Resort in Colorado and Christie's auction house. His estimated fortune is US$13.7 billion.

“Ponant is now exceptionally profitable thanks to support from Bridgepoint,” says Bratton,”the funds allowed us to expand the fleet into what we have today.”

Bratton, whose luxury brand connections are well known, was uncharacteristically reserved when pressed on the question of her involvement in securing this massive deal.

“I was close to the activity, sure, but as you will understand, there are things we are not able to comment on at this critical point.

“What I am excited about is the long-term financial security, confidence and brand alignment we  stand to gain with this proposed transaction.”
Bratton was awarded an Order of Australia in 2014 “for her significant service to tourism, particularly the cruise ship industry and to business” and took the helm of Ponant in Australia after the luxury small ship cruise line she founded, Orion Expedition Cruises, was acquired by Lindblad Expeditions around the same time.

Bloomberg has estimated Ponant to have equity of around 400 million euro. The luxury French-flagged yacht operator had 120 million euro in revenue last year, according to its website. It was founded in 1988 and carried 23,000 passengers last year.

When the final nod is given, the popping of corks will surely be heard all the way to Marseilles.

Get Up & Go Goes Cruising!

#expeditioncruising

EC editor, Roderick Eime, writes about his voyage on the Hooghly River.
There's plenty more small ship action too.

This new, bumper edition of Get Up & Go magazine heads out to sea and along rivers to show you what's happening on the water now. Greece, India, Australia, Austria, PNG and Cambodia are visited by ships – big and small. We talk to Dame Judi Dench – the best Bond girl ever and reminisce about The Sound of Music. Places covered include: Toyama Japan, Macau, Fiji, Switzerland's heritage hotels, Wellington NZ celebrating, Botswana, Zambia, Germany, England and more. At home we head to Norfolk Island, the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales.

WIN a return flights with Tiger Air to Cairns for a stay in the fabulous Thala Beach Nature Reserve. Go on, get going and read all about travelling the world.

You can view an e-mag here Get Up and Go : Winter 2015, or better still, subscribe

Featured Brochure: Tauck Small Ship Cruising 2016

#expeditioncruising 

Yacht and Expeditionary Small Ship Cruising



The difference in Tauck's small ship cruising lies in the choreography – the combination of personalised cruising with cultural land exploration. From the moment you step ashore, our 90+ years of expertise on land ensures that on every moment of your shore excursions (all included in the price) count! Small ship cruising means more personal attention from the captain and the crew – you'll find the on-board atmosphere to be both club-like and comfortable. The pace is more relaxed, the conversations are richer, and the day-to-day experiences are shared with like-minded travellers.

Order this brochure today. Hard copy or digital option available.

More small ships headed to Cuba

#expeditioncruising

The 210-passenger Pearl Mist could be heading for Cuba soon? (Pearl Seas Cruises)

While still awaiting governmental approval, Pearl Seas Cruises announced plans to launch cruises to Cuba in the spring.

The seven- to 10-night cruises would offer the People-to-People educational and cultural programming that legalizes travel to the island long off-limits to Americans.

Read full report at Travel Pulse

French cruise company, Ponant, sold to Artemis

Artémis announces exclusive talks for the acquisition of PONANT

Artemis, the holding company of the Pinault family*, has announced yesterday holding exclusive talks for the acquisition of PONANT, the leader in the operation of luxury cruises.

Founded in 1988 by Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée and headquartered in Marseille, PONANT epitomizes the grand tradition of French Marine Navigation. Venturing to mythical destinations, PONANT is the leading cruise operator in the polar region. The company has the youngest and finest fleet in the market, including Le Ponant, the celebrated 88-meters (288 feet), three-masted yacht, plus 4 other luxury cruise yachts, each with between 32 and 132 cabins and suites. In 2015, PONANT will transport over 30 000 passengers, with revenues expected to exceed 140 million euros.

The demand in the luxury cruise market has been robust, buoyed with great resilience by an affluent and international client base, particularly from North America and Australasia.

Artemis will provide the capital to fuel PONANT's ambitions, its international expansion and the company's next level of growth. Partnering closely with co-founder & CEO Jean Emmanuel Sauvée and Deputy CEO Véronique Saadé, Artemis will continue to pursue PONANT's winning strategy, while preserving its essence - the refinement and excellence à la Française.

* holding company Artemis S.A., owns (or owned), among others, Converse shoes, Samsonite luggage, Château Latour, the Vail Ski Resort in Colorado, and Christie's auction house.

Crystal Cruises to enter luxury adventure cruise market with repurposed Megastar Taurus

#expeditioncruising

MegaStar Taurus at Singapore in 2007. Photo © Linda Sergey

Recent announcement by luxury cruise brand, Crystal Cruises, revealed that new parent company, Genting Hong Kong (GHK), intends to form a sub-brand Crystal Yacht Cruises to attack the small ship and adventure market.

To achieve this, the company will reallocate the 82m (270ft) Megastar Taurus, (IMO 8705266) renaming it Crystal Esprit. Built by the now defunct Flender Werft shipyard in Lübeck, Germany, in 1989 it has been known by former names Lady Sarah and Aurora II. Genting also owns the sister ship, The Taipan, (IMO 8705278 formerly MegaStar Aires). Both were acquired in 1994 from distressed European owners and have been somewhat underutilised, sailing out of Singapore primarily on private charters. The aging vessel will require some considerable refitting to bring it up to Crystal standards.

Artist rendering of Crystal Esprit

Artist rendering of Crystal Espirit marina with submarine deployed

Once repurposed, vessel will carry just 62 passengers as well as four 10-passenger Zodiacs and a 12-passenger Wider 32-foot megayacht tender. Guests will have a two-seat submarine, water skis, wakeboards, kayaks, Jet Skis, fishing, scuba and snorkel equipment at their disposal.

Crystal Esprit is scheduled to leave on her first “warm water itinerary” on December 23, 2015, bound for the Seychelles and followed by a post-cruise New Year’s Eve celebration at the Taj Hotel in Dubai. For 2016 and 2017, and early 2018, Crystal Esprit will sail the Seychelles, the Arabian Gulf and the Adriatic Coast.

Beyond this, GHK said it had also signed a letter of intent with Lloyd Werft in Germany to build three 1000-passenger “Crystal Exclusive Class” ocean cruise ships with the first of these polar ice class vessels expected for delivery in late 2018.

Crystal Yacht Cruises is the first of several expansive changes now being planned at Crystal since the line was purchased from Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) by GHK for a reported US$550million in May. In addition to the new expedition ship, Crystal intends to adopt a more aggressive growth strategy.

Portions of this report sourced from Kevin Griffin's The Cruise Examiner

Exciting competition to name Hurtigruten's new ship

NAME HURTIGRUTEN'S NEW SHIP AND WIN A VOYAGE ALONG THE NORWEGIAN COAST

In 2016, the Hurtigruten fleet will be joined by a new addition - one of the most flexible expedition ships in the world. She will embark on thrilling exploration voyages, but before she begins her journey, she needs a name. Come up with something suitable and you and a friend could be joining her as the special guest of the Captain, on the voyage of a lifetime along the Norwegian coast.

The ship, which has been temporarily called 'MS Norway Explorer', will initially operate on Hurtigruten's coastal route, taking the place of the MS Midnatsol, who will be heading south for a season in Antarctica.

The name must start with 'MS' (motor vessel) and has to be a Norwegian word or words or be an international word of Norwegian origin, for example the word "fjord". Other ships in the fleet are named after natural phenomena, places along the Hurtigruten route or key figures in Norwegian history.

Entrants can upload their suggestion to Hurtigruten's facebook page between 21 July and 10 August 2015 and the winner will enjoy a voyage on the new ship next year, as she travels along the Norwegian coast.

The prize will include cabin on full-board basis and excursions. More information about the competition can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/UKHurtigruten

Facts about the ship

·         Built in 2009 by the Portuguese shipyard Estaleiro Navais de Viana do Castelo (ENVC).
·         Modern and fuel efficient propulsion system
·         Highly maneuverable
·         Number of guests: 320
·         Total bunk capacity: 180
·         Gross tonnage: 7025
·         Length: 97.53 m
·         Width: 18 m
·         Draught: 5 m
·         Propeller system: 2x 360 Azimut thrusters
·         Machine: Diesel Electric
·         Speed: 17.4 knots

For more information contact your local Travel Agent, email Discover the World on hurtigruten@discovertheworld.com.au or call 1800 OCEANS (1800 623 267).

www.discovertheworld.com

Vale: Dr Nancy Sullivan, eminent PNG anthropologist and humanitarian

#expeditioncruising

Members of the expedition cruising community will be saddened to learn of the untimely death of 57-year-old Madang-based anthropologist, Dr Nancy Sullivan.

Dr Nancy Sullivan.
Many will remember her as the
much-loved,whacky anthropologist
of Madang. (Roderick Eime)

This writer has known Nancy for the last decade, since we met aboard Oceanic Discoverer in PNG in 2005 and I am humbled that a person of her intellectual calibre and academic standing should consider this relatively unremarkable journalist a friend . We kept in touch and despite her busy schedule, never failed to help me out with quotes and expert references for my many articles on PNG and that country's bewildering cultures.

In a cruel irony, Nancy endured many hardships in PNG that would have broken most people. Serious illness, physical assaults and the often frustrating bureaucracy of life in remote PNG would have been too much for most fly-in-fly-out first world anthropological 'experts'. To have her life taken so abruptly in, what appears to be, an uncomplicated, single-vehicle road accident while on vacation in her home state of New York, just beggars belief. This same accident also seriously injured two of her much-loved adopted PNG children, one of whom remains in a critical condition.

Despite her considerable and, in my view, unmatched knowledge of PNG cultures and customs, Nancy was totally approachable and patient, fielding my clumsy and plain dumb questions with aplomb and tact. And unlike so many erudite and high-achieving academics, Nancy had a disarming wit and a delightful sense of the ridiculous that enabled her to mix effortlessly with people at all levels of society. When she stepped ashore on the remote islands of PNG, she would be instantly engulfed by curious and giggling children, all playfully tugging at her golden blond hair and delighting in her generous cuddles.

Following in the footsteps of acclaimed anthropologists like Annette Weiner, to say Nancy had a passion for all things PNG is a massive understatement. She earned her PhD from New York University and had lived and worked in PNG for the last 25 years.

Nancy was always the centre of fun in her close-knit extended family. (Facebook)

She fought doggedly for women's rights, freedom of speech and land rights for disadvantaged landowners being railroaded by greedy multinationals. She ruffled many feathers in government for pointing her finger at corruption and mismanagement. To say Nancy was dedicated and fearless in her actions for the people of PNG and preservation of culture still falls well short of acknowledging the full depth of her immeasurable contribution.

Her important work preserving and documenting the prehistoric Karawari Caves in PNG's East Sepik will be an enduring legacy for the people of PNG for which they should be eternally grateful.

Nancy will be sorely missed by the many people whose lives she touched and enriched.

- Roderick Eime

More:

• The wonders of cave art of the Karawari in PNG East Sepik ABC Radio National
• Last of the Cave People National Geographic

Cruiseco's Authentic Asia India river cruise with 50% off second cabin

#expeditioncruising



Cruiseco the leading provider of worldwide cruising options in Australia and New Zealand, is delighted to provide guests with a fantastic offer. For any new bookings made until 24 July 2015, guests have the opportunity to save 50% when booking a second cabin on its bespoke Authentic Asia India 10-night cruise. Departing Kolkata on 12 November 2015, guests will embark on a luxurious and unforgettable adventure aboard the RV Ganges Voyager.

Amber Wilson, International Marketing Manager at Cruiseco, says,

"This truly unique and memorable travel experience combines the beauty of India's magical countryside with the vibrancy of its bustling cities, whilst in the splendid comforts of the RV Ganges Voyager. With the highest crew-to-guests ratio, attentive and unparalleled service, plus accommodation to rival the world's five-star hotels, guests can delight in the sights, sounds and flavours of India's enigmatic heart."

Cruising from Kolkata to Patna, guests will visit Kalna, renowned for its enchanting temples, and will experience the local charms and humble villages of Murshidabad and will have the chance to learn yoga in a world-renowned ashram in Munger.

"India allures travellers from all over the world for many reasons. Whether it's gazing upon spiritual monuments, walking through opulent palaces and spice laden markets or savouring delectable cuisines - India will awaken your senses."

This offering is only valid for all new bookings made until 24 July 2015, unless sold out prior. Prices start from AU$4,850 per person, based on twin share for a Signature Stateroom.

Prices include: a 10-night luxury cruise aboard RV Ganges Voyager from Kolkata to Patna, departing on 12 November 2015; all meals whilst aboard RV Ganges Voyager; local beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea and mineral water whilst cruising; house red and white wine with lunch and dinner; onboard gratuities to dining room and cabin staff; and included sightseeing in all cruise ports.

To book whilst cabins are available, or for more information, visit www.cruising.com.au, call (02) 9492 8520 or visit your local Cruiseco agent.

Antarctic Cruises with Silversea Expeditions

#expeditioncruising

Venture into Antarctica with Silversea Expeditions



Explore the seldom-seen continent of Antarctica aboard Silversea Expedition's luxurious vessel, Silver Explorer, as she navigates through an array of spectacular natural wonders from sculpted icebergs and calving glaciers to native wildlife on a 10-day roundtrip voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina.

Departing on 12 December 2015, Silver Explorer cruises through the legendary Drake Passage before continuing her breathtaking adventure through the Antarctic Peninsula, where guests can expect to be in awe of the natural beauty.  Guests can watch as seabirds glide through the air currents, seals sunbathe on slow-moving ice floes and humpback and orca whales breach the surface.  With Silversea Expeditions all shore and Zodiac excursions are included enabling guests to step ashore Antarctica's vast white wilderness, walk amongst a variety of penguin rookeries and perhaps visit scientific research stations.  All of these activities are guided by an expert expedition team of naturalists, ecologists and biologists.

If weather conditions permit, itineraries comprise of a number of Antarctic islands including: Aitcho Island, home to Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins; Paradise Island, renowned for its stunning scenery and Petermann Island, a geological masterpiece.  Silver Explorer then returns to Ushuaia with guests disembarking 22 December 2015.

Prices are per person starting from AU$15,110 in a View Suite based on 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 ship; an outstanding expedition team of expert guides and lecturers; 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.

Burma River Cruise. Solo saving offered

Cruiseco, the leading provider of worldwide cruising options, is offering guests fantastic solo traveller savings on select departures on its 11- or 17-night river cruise through Myanmar onboard Cruiseco Explorer. The luxurious, custom-built ship travels through the vastly undiscovered nation, sailing on the waters of the Irrawaddy, Upper Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers.

International Marketing Manager at Cruiseco, Amber Wilson, says:

"This is a prime time to visit Myanmar and Cruiseco Explorer is the perfect way to witness the kingdom, as it enables guests to travel in comfort and style, while still enjoying an authentic encounter of the country. To further enhance our guests' experience, Cruiseco Explorer maintains our company policy of only employing staff from surrounding areas, all of whom are well placed to share their local knowledge of traditions, cultures and history."

"Each evening guests dine on a fusion of traditional Burmese and western cuisine, while relaxing onboard Cruiseco Explorer with demonstrations and entertainment by local performers. By day, guests go ashore for a variety of excursions, experiencing the customary way of life and exploring unique villages."

Cruiseco is offering the following prices on select departure dates in 2015:

· For Cruiseco Explorer's 17-night luxury holiday departing on 31 August 2015 or 13 September 2015, discounted prices start from AU$7,998 per person, based on single occupancy.

· For the 11-night itinerary departing on 27 September 2015, discounted prices start from AU$5,498 per person, based on single occupancy.

· Departing on 11 October, 18 October, 29 November and 13 December 2015, 11-night itinerary prices start from AU$5,998 per person, based on single occupancy.

Prices include: return airfare from Australia; pre- and post- cruise stays in Mandalay and Yangon; and 7-night* cruise including sightseeing tours, gratuities and transfers.

*14-night cruise for guests travelling on the 17 night itinerary.

To book whilst cabins are still available, visit www.cruising.com.au or call (02) 9492 8520.

Tourists and researchers working together in the Arctic

Successful cooperation between the tourism industry and researchers

Blue-whales in Isfjorden in June, polar-bears feeding on dolphins, a white humpback whale in the North Atlantic, and a polar bear cub riding on his mother's back to cross open water. These are some of the interesting sightings that cruise ship operators have seen and jointly reported to the scientific literature in partnership with the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI). The valuable cooperation between the tourism industry and researchers is helping to increase knowledge about the Arctic environment during this time of rapidly changing conditions.

Members of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) have reported marine mammal sighting observations to the Norwegian Polar Institute's Marine Mammal Sighting Data Base. This data-collection is resulting in new knowledge about marine mammals in Svalbard, and the broader North-Atlantic.

Researchers spend a lot of time in the field in Svalbard, studying wildlife. However, the number of researchers is limited, the archipelago is large, and the summer season is short. AECO has members with expedition cruise vessels that circumnavigate Svalbard numerous times during a season. They visit areas researchers are unable to cover annually. Thousands of staff and passengers observe the wildlife and they share information on what they see with the researchers. Cooperation with the expedition cruise industry in the registration of marine mammal sightings has increased the number of eyes-on-the-ground enormously and resulted in a variety of interesting sightings and better base-line knowledge of relative densities and the timing of arrivals and departures of migratory species.

The data collected by AECO has contributed to new maps showing the distribution of walrus haul-outs, bowhead whales and white whales in Svalbard. From time to time, the reports include new and exciting information. This has been the case with a report of a polar bear cub riding on the mother's back in an ocean crossing, observations of polar bears mating on the ice in June, polar bears feeding on dolphins and a white humpback whale being observed in the North Atlantic (previous records of such a color anomaly only exist close to Australia). These observations have all resulted in scientific publications. Polar bears feeding on narwhals north of Svalbard, an extraordinary group of bowheads and blue whales in the archipelago in late spring/early summer, are exciting observations from this year that will make their way into the scientific literature soon.

NPI Arctic marine mammal researchers, Drs Kit Kovacs, Christian Lydersen and Jon Aars are using the data collected by the tourism industry to expand the global coverage of these animals during a time of rapid environmental change. "The data collected in cooperation with the tourism industry is very valuable to our work," says Dr Kovacs. "We really appreciate the efforts the industry is making in sharing their observations with us and helping increase knowledge about these animals in Svalbard, which is currently an arctic hot-spot that is changing 2-4 times faster than other areas," she adds.

Frigg Jørgensen, executive director in AECO says: "We are really glad to have this cooperation between the tourism industry and researchers. It is an example of how tourism activities can be a resource for others, and how cross-sector cooperation can work."

News items on increase of Blue whale sightings around Svalbard:

http://www.norwaypost.no/index.php/travel/hunting-a-fishing/30145
http://barentsobserver.com/en/nature/2013/06/more-blue-whale-sightings-arctic-waters-17-06

Blue whale factsheet:

http://www.npolar.no/en/species/blue-whale.html

Recent scientific papers based on reported observations by guides and passengers:

White-beaked dolphins trapped in the ice and eaten by polar bears: http://www.polarresearch.net/index.php/polar/article/view/26612

White Humpback observed off Svalbard: http://www.polarresearch.net/index.php/polar/article/view/19739

Polar Bear mating observed in late June: http://www.polarresearch.net/index.php/polar/article/view/25786

Polar bear cub hitching a ride on mother's back: http://www.npolar.no/en/news/2009/2009-10-06-polar-bear-cub-hitches-ride.html


AECO, www.aeco.no

Follow AECO on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ArcticCruiseOperators,

Twitter: @ArcticCruiseOp

Lindblad's New Expedition: 25% Off, $2,000 Special Savings

#expeditioncruising

Exploring New Guinea: Raja Ampat, the Trobriand Islands & the Asmat 18-Day Itinerary »

Venture where few outsiders have—to remote, wild New Guinea to explore legendary places. Experience the ancestral cultures of the Asmat and Trobriand Islanders; see the highly sought art of Melanesians; snorkel, dive, kayak, and glass-bottom-boat the stunning Coral Triangle; plus learn about the region's WWII and colonial history.

Ponant adding international touch

#expeditioncruising

The fastest-growing source markets for Ponant are Australia, France and the United States, according to Herve Bellaiche, executive vice president of sales. The company has recently seen a significant expansion in the U.S. market with the purchase of assets from Travel Dynamics. The office has grown from a few workers in Miami to a staff of 30 and a Manhattan address.

An Australia office overseeing Asia-Pacific that opened in late 2013 is also starting to pay dividends, while France remains the company’s number one market with loads of market penetration potential, said Bellaiche.

The arrival of a fourth new ship this past spring in the Lyrial marks more luxury expedition tonnage, as Bellaiche works to grow his brand globally.

The French brand may also be the best financed of the smaller luxury lines with the ideally sized five-star expedition ships occupying a niche with little competition.

“In the past our enrichment was mainly French-orientated,” said Bellaiche, “but now we are orientating it toward a more international clientele.”

Now included in the ticket price are all beverages, moving the product to a more all-inclusive experience.

“We are going to do more and more expedition cruises, that is clearly the plan,” noted Bellaiche.

And they will, with double Northwest Passage sailings scheduled for 2015 before three of the four new vessels will head for Antarctica for the entire winter season.

Next year will see the company’s first call in New York as well and provide an opportunity to show off tonnage in the U.S. market after a brief visit in 2014.

“Our deployment has been more of an evolution,” said Bellaiche.

"We consider ourselves different from (the other luxury lines), we do things they don’t. I don’t see a clear competitor,” Bellaiche continued.

Driving strong sales has been the decision to extend the booking window.

“Right now (in early June), every cruise is bookable through April 2017,” Bellaiche noted.

Pandaw's new South American river adventure – Rio, Iguacu Falls and the Amazon

#expeditioncruising

Luxury river expeditions company Pandaw has announced the expansion of its partner river cruise programmes with its first ever departures in South America in conjunction with the Amazon Dream.

Amazon Dream

To launch the new partnership Pandaw will be offering five special 14-night departures in 2016 exploring the lesser-visited and scenically varied region of the Amazon River from Santarem, where the blue waters of the Tapajos River and the Amazon meet for several kilometres, creating a delightful, ever-changing spectacle.

Lined by the forests, beaches of fine white sand stretch into the distance and the crystal-clear waters of the Tapajos bring to mind the Caribbean.

Commenting on the new partner programme Hugh Clayson, Pandaw’s Commercial Director, said: “This is an exciting addition to the Pandaw partner programme, which also includes the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Hooghly in India and River Kwai in Thailand. It has been introduced due to requests from Pandaw travellers, who will be able to discover the natural wonders of the great rainforest with its varied wildlife, flora and fauna, and like Pandaw expeditions in Asia will visit friendly local villages and discover the unique way of life of the people living on the Amazon”.

Pandaw’s partner ship, the Amazon Dream, carries just 18 passengers offering a comfortable base with excellent French-influenced cuisine. The nine-night cruise is combined with land arrangements staying three nights at the elegant 5 star Sofitel Hotel, Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, with an included excursion to Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain, and a two-night stay at the iconic Hotel Das Cataratas located next to the jaw-dropping Iguacu Falls.

Travellers can also choose to extend their journey with two nights in both Manaus and Salvador.

Highlights on the programme include:

• 3-night stay at the Sofitel on Rio’s Copacabana Beach, with included visits to Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain.
• 2-night stay at the iconic Hotel das Cataratas, Iguacu, with visits to the falls in both Brazil and Argentina.
• 9-night cruise on the Amazon Dream in the company of expert local naturalist guides.
• See the meeting of two rivers where the blue Tapajos interlaces with the yellow waters of the Amazon – plus spot beautiful pink dolphins and grey dolphins.
• Discover the flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest on guided walks and river expeditions, some by canoe.
• Visit Maguari and Munduruku villages and meet the communities who make their lives in the rain forest.
• Visit Alter do Chao, one of the best freshwater beaches in the world.
• Visit the charming waterfront area at Santarem.
• Venture out on a night expedition to experience the sounds of the rainforest after dark.

Iguacu Falls

The 14 night ‘Rio, Iguacu Falls & the Amazon’ tour costs from usd 4,795 per person based 2 people sharing a twin main deck cabin on 16th January 2016 departure. The prices includes all airport and other transfers, three-night stay at the 5 star Sofitel Hotel, in Rio (bed and breakfast basis), full day excursion to Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain, domestic flights from Rio to Iguacu and Iguacu to Santarem, 2-night stay at 5 star Hotel Das Cataratas, Iguacu (bed and breakfast basis), half day guided visits to the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of the Iguacu Falls including entrance fees, nine-night cruise (full board) on the Amazon Dream (sharing a twin main deck stateroom), all shore excursions, entrance fees, port taxes, porterage, mineral waters, services of the resident Amazon Dream cruise director and expert guides.

For reservations and further information, please contact:
+44 208 326 5620 - www.pandaw.com

Lindblad trades on NASDAQ

#expeditioncruising

Lindblad Expeditions expects to begin trading on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol LIND on or about July 9.

The expedition cruise operator merged with Capitol Acquisition Corp. II, a public investment vehicle, and has been renamed Lindblad Expeditions Holdings.

'We are excited to have closed our merger with Lindblad,' Capitol chairman and ceo Mark Ein said Wednesday. With its well-established brand, long-term National Geographic partnership, and track record of growth, 'Lindblad is exactly the kind of compelling long-term investment opportunity that we were looking for,' he added.

Lindblad patriach, the late Lars Eric Lindblad in Antarctica (supplied)

'Completing the merger with Capitol and entering the public markets represents an important and exciting milestone for us,' Sven-Olof Lindblad said. The funds raised, together with recent debt financing, give the resources to expand the fleet and opportunistically seek strategic acquisitions, he said.

With the closing of the merger, Ein became chairman and Lindblad ceo. They are directors, along with L. Dyson Dryden, cfo of Capitol; John Fahey, chairman of the National Geographic Society; and Paul Brown, ceo of Arby's Restaurant Group.

Lindblad currently fields six vessels—National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endeavour, National Geographic Islander, National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird—and operates charters on four other vessels, including Sea Cloud.

When plans for the merger and public offering were announced in March, Ein said at least two new vessels would be built for the company.

Citigroup Global Markets and Deutsche Bank Securities acted as capital markets advisers for the transaction. Latham & Watkins and Graubard Miller advised Capitol. Foley & Lardner and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom advised Lindblad.

Poseidon Expeditions' Sea Spirit in Russian Arctic first

#expeditioncruising

Poseidon Expeditions' Sea Spirit on Wednesday received the first permit to cruise into the territorial waters of Franz Josef Land without initially calling at a mainland Russian port.

The unprecedented voyage began July 3 in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and headed into the Russian High Arctic a few days later, navigating northeast through seasonal sea ice. The authorization was granted July 8, marking the first occasion in history that a non-Russian, foreign-flag vessel entered Franz Josef Land territorial waters without first stopping in a large port such as Murmansk or Arkhangelsk.

The current voyage, with 106 passengers and invited guests aboard, is scheduled to make stops at Alexandra Land, Northbrook Island, Hooker Island, Rudolf Island, Champ Island and other historic or wildlife-significant areas of the uninhabited polar archipelago, sea ice permitting.

The region consists of nearly 200 islands, with much of the terrain covered with glaciers. The archipelago served as a jumping-off point for notable attempts to reach the North Pole during the Heroic Era of polar exploration in the decades of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Nikolay Saveliev, president of Poseidon Expeditions, was pleased and excited to be aboard for the occasion. 'A lot of behind-the-scenes effort by many employees and shipboard staff went into this achievement,' he said. 'Speaking as both a company official and as a passenger, I truly appreciate the hard work that everyone put forward to make this happen, all designed to give our guests a truly unique polar expeditionary experience that was previously unattainable.'

Saveliev also commended the Russian authorities for their cooperation in making the 'incredible polar landscape of Franz Josef Land more readily accessible to visitors.'

Sea Spirit was built in 1991 as Renaissance V, then sailed for a decade in Alaska and worldwide as Spirit of Oceanus. The ship underwent technical improvements for polar cruising in 2010, and has been providing expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctic under its current name the past five years.

Mediterranean Grand Voyage aboard mid-size Voyager

#expeditioncruising

A leisurely five-week cruise on a boutique-size ship

A Mediterranean cruise lasting over five weeks on a boutique-size ship gives scope to visit brilliant places away from the tourist beat.

Cruise Traveller is offering a Mediterranean voyage overflowing with highlights, history, fine architecture, pretty Greek islands and beautiful bays – as well as famous cities like Venice, Istanbul, Nice and World Heritage-listed Dubrovnik.

The ‘Enchanting Mediterranean Grand Voyage’ starts in Marseilles on the French Riviera and ends in Athens after 37 memorable nights.

Several factors make this cruise very special.

Airfares are free. Flights from Australia to Marseilles (from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth) and back from Athens are included in the overall price which starts at A$9999 per person twin share.

You’ll have an ocean-view cabin, not an inside cabin.

The ship, Voyager, operated by Voyages of Discovery, is a boutique-size, smaller ship, carrying no more than 540 passengers. That means a less crowded way of cruising and the ability to sail straight into smaller ports, exploring places big ships don’t go.

Ship’s gratuities are covered, so you can forget about tipping aboard.

‘Enchanting Mediterranean Grand Voyage’ runs from 2 September to 10 October 2016.

All shipboard main meals are included and open seating lets you choose when and where you eat, and who you dine with. Choose between the elegant Discovery Restaurant, or the Veranda Restaurant with its indoor or al fresco tables – perfect for watching the sun go down.

An overnight stay in port lets you explore Nice, ‘Queen of the Riviera’. Voyager spends two days in Venice, an overnight in Istanbul and an extended stay in Piraeus to discover the ancient treasures of Athens.

An extended stay in Dubrovnik gives time to wander this city of medieval ramparts encircling narrow streets of cream-coloured stone.

Other points of distinction aboard Voyager include talks by guest speakers –explorers, naturalists and diplomats among them – and transfers by private car between airport and port in Marseilles and Athens.

Voyager will make a maiden visit to the township of Calvi in Corsica, a blend of French style and Italian sunshine on the island of Napoleon’s birth. Another maiden call visits Rijeka on the Croatian coast at Kvarner Bay, an Adriatic inlet.

You’ll visit Messina in Sicily, Valletta in Malta and the Greek isle of Corfu. Corfu is one the Mediterranean’s most beautiful islands – narrow alleyways, silvery olive trees and vivid blooms set against a sapphire sea.

Another highlight is UNESCO-listed Alberobello in southern Italy, a town like no other with its characteristic Trulli houses dating from prehistoric times.

Then there’s Kotor. Not everyone has heard of this coastal town in Montenegro. It’s one of the best preserved and most delightful medieval towns in the Adriatic, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

At Split, a city on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, date palms line a seafront esplanade in front of the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s palace – a structure so well preserved that about 3000 people live within its walls today.

Other wonders of ‘Enchanting Mediterranean Grand Voyage’ include the 300-metre-high table-top hill and medieval fortress at Monemvasia, set on a Greek island, the legendary city of Troy and the magnificent archaeological sites of Pergamum and Ephesus.

The full itinerary is: Marseilles, France; St Tropez, France; Nice, France: Calvi, Corsica: Cagliari, Sardinia; La Goulette, Tunisia; Valletta, Malta: Messina, Sicily; Brindisi, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Split, Croatia; Rijeka, Croatia; Koper, Slovenia; Venice, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; Katakolon, Greece; Monemvasia, Greece; Piraeus, Greece; Thessaloniki, Greece; Kavala, Greece; Istanbul, Turkey; Canakkale, Turkey; Dikili, Turkey; Cesme, Turkey; Kos, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Gythion, Greece; Piraeus, Greece.

For more information, contact:

Cruise Traveller, Boutique Voyage and Cruise Specialists
Freecall 1800 507 777 or (07) 5575 8094.
Sales@cruisetraveller.com.au
www.cruisetraveller.com.au

Winners of Aurora Expeditions' 2014-15 Antarctic Photography Competition

#expeditioncruising

Congratulations to Michael Johnson, the winner of Aurora Expeditions' 2014-15 Antarctic Photography Competition.

Michael travelled to South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula aboard Polar Pioneer back in November 2014 and captured this stunning shot of King Penguins entitled 'Penguin Shadows'.

His image was selected by the judge James Ostinga, Managing Editor of Australian Photography + digital magazine, as the competition's overall winner. Well done Michael!

1st Runner Up 'Floating Castle' - Portal Point - Valerie Snyder

2nd Runner Up 'King Penguins' - Gold Harbour, South Georgia
Photo by Susmita Thomson

Big congratulations to runners-up Valerie Snyder, Susmita Thomson and Dirk Selderyk for their great submissions, along with Cheryl Rice, whose photograph was picked as the Aurora Team's favourite.

But there is still one last winner to pick. Help choose the 'Facebook Favourite' by 'liking' your favourite photos!

Tim Jacox is new President and COO at Un-Cruise Adventures

#expeditioncruising

Small ship cruise line Un-Cruise Adventuresannounced today that longtime executive Tim Jacox is stepping into a new role at the line as president and chief operations officer. The adventure and river cruise company has a fleet of eight ships and sails in Alaska, Columbia/Snake Rivers, the Pacific Northwest, Mexico, Hawaii, and Central and South America.

Tim Jacox

Jacox has been with the company for 14 years in executive management and sales and marketing roles. Previously, he was principal and executive vice president. Jacox partnered with Captain Dan Blanchard, principal and CEO of Un-Cruise Adventures in 2009 to reorganize and expand operations. Jacox is a 30-plus year veteran of the travel industry with 20 years spent in operations, sales and marketing, and executive leadership at the former Alaska Sightseeing/Cruise West.

“Tim and I have worked side-by-side for 28 years,” said Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO. “I think the opportunity for him to take the helm is not only timely, but appropriate, given the growth of our company.”

As president and COO, Jacox will oversee operations, marketing and sales, accounting and administration in the Seattle-based office. Executive leaders in the three primary departments will report to him. Stepping into this position rounds out a series of recent and ongoing initiatives as Un-Cruise Adventures expands, including investment in a new reservation system, development of a new website, support personnel, and additional office space. A search is underway for a vice president of sales and marketing.

“I am truly excited to lead such an outstanding, experienced, skilled and unrelenting group of team members at Un-Cruise Adventures,” Jacox remarked. “Small ship cruising has been in my blood since first starting in the industry in 1979, and working with travel agent partners stands as a mainstay of my career.”

Blanchard remains principal and CEO with product development directors reporting to him. He plans to spend time meeting guests in Alaska, planning the company’s growth and developing new destinations and itineraries that fit the line’s specialty of small ship cruises along the West Coast of the Americas. He also looks after the company’s public policy interests and environmental stewardship. Blanchard is based in Juneau, Alaska but maintains an office in Seattle as well.

With eight vessels plus one partner vessel carrying 22-88 guests, the company reports a carrying capacity of 13,350 guests on board its ships for 2015. In 2016, operations begin for the first time in the Galápagos Islands and Costa Rica/Panama.

To book or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or Un-Cruise Adventures at 888-862-8881 or sales@un-cruise.com.

Connect with Un-Cruise Adventures on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest , Google+ and Instagram.

Cruise Critic: Best Expedition Cruises for Australians and New Zealanders

#expeditioncruising

Cruising takes you to the world's most beautiful places...
Posted by Cruise Critic Australia on Monday, 6 July 2015

Alaska 2016 - Aurora Expeditions Releases Exclusive Sail & Rail Package

#expeditioncruising

To celebrate the release of their 2016 Alaska program, expedition cruise specialists Aurora Expeditions have designed an exclusive Sail & Rail Package for Aussie travellers looking to experience Alaska’s fascinating Inside Passage and beyond in 2016.

The 18-day package offers the chance to sail through Alaska’s maze of narrow straits and remote islands before jumping aboard a 1940’s rail adventure along America’s iconic West Coast and spending three incredible nights in Los Angeles.

Aboard the small and nimble Wilderness Adventurer, passengers will immerse themselves in some of Alaska’s greatest wilderness areas including the wildlife-rich Tongass National Forest, the picturesque glaciers of Tracy Arm and the Misty Fjord National Monument, also known as the ‘Yosemite of the North’. For the ultimate Alaskan adventure, days will be jam-packed with shore landings and activities including guided treks and Zodiac cruises, as well as water-based activities such as kayaking, polar snorkelling and paddle boarding.

For relaxed moments on board, the ship’s outer decks provide excellent viewing platforms to observe wildlife such as whales, moose, and black and brown bears, and the onboard hydrophone and bow-mounted underwater camera provide amazing insights and sounds of Alaska’s underwater world.

For added adventure, a journey along the Coast Starlight railway on board the exclusively-chartered ‘Silver Solarium’, a classic 1940’s Budd-built stainless-steel sleeper carriage, will be available for just 8 passengers. Travelling along America’s West Coast between Seattle and Los Angeles, passengers will relax in their private cabins or the fully-glassed dining dome during this 2-day rail journey past dramatic snow-covered peaks, lush forests and long stretches of Pacific coastline.

As a finishing touch, a 3-night stay in Los Angeles, including a full-day city tour, will allow passengers to discover the ‘City of Angels’ and its many famous spots such as Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Hollywood.

Departing on 19 and 26 May 2016, the ‘Sail & Rail Package’ is limited to only 8 passengers per departure. Price starts from $14,995 per person and also includes return economy flights from Australia’s East Coast cities, internal connecting flights in North America, accommodation, airport transfers, as well as a polar expedition jacket and memento photobook.

For more information on the exclusive 2016 Alaska Sail & Rail Package, contact Aurora Expeditions on 1800 637 688 or info@auroraexpeditions.com.au or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

Cruise a trio of Asia's great rivers

#rivercruising



Issued: Jul 2, 2015



Broaden your horizons and ignite your spirit…

Join one of these three, enthralling journeys each on a different great river of Asia. Cruise along the Irrawaddy River in mysterious Burma where locals still ride trishaws past gilded pagodas. Sail along the mighty Mekong between Vietnam and Cambodia, visiting silk-weaving villages and the glorious Angkor Wat – the world’s largest temple. Or explore one of India’s holiest rivers, the Brahmaputra, and visit the famed Taj Mahal and the ornate palaces and forts of colourful Rajasthan. Whatever sensory filled adventure you choose, you’ll travel in luxury and enjoy low, all-inclusive fares from just $2999 per person for 12 days including flights, touring, accommodation, sightseeing and your exotic river cruise.

Bon Voyage from the team at Cruise Express



Burma

Departs: Sep - Dec, 2015
Package Includes: return flights, 7 night luxury river cruise , 2 nights in Mandalay, 2 nights in Yangon, sightseeing, onboard gratuities and transfers
from: $4,499* pp twin / $5,499* solo




Vietnam and Cambodia

Departs: Jun - Sep, 2015
Package Includes: return flights, 7 night cruise from Saigon to Siem Reap, 2 nights in Saigon, 2 nights in Siem Reap, sightseeing, onboard gratuities and transfers
from: $2,999* pp twin / $3,998* solo





India

Departs: 6 November, 2015
Package Includes: return flights, 11 night luxury land tour of India including extensive touring, 7 night river cruise including all meals, Cruise Express souvenir backpack, group transfers throughout

from: $9,990* pp twin / $14,990* solo





*Fares are subject to change and may be withdrawn at any time. Offers are subject to availability at the time of booking. Cancellation and amendment fees apply. Passengers are bound by the terms and conditions as set out by Cruise Express and its suppliers and may be obtained at the time of booking.

Copyright © * 2015* *Cruise Express*, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Cruise Express International
Suite 92, 24 Buchanan Street
Balmain NSW 2041
Australia

Active Travel offers $1500 saving, plus two free nights hotel stay before Antarctica voyage

Save A$1500 Per Couple and Stay Two Nights For Free on Extended Antarctic Expedition

Australian polar travel specialist, Active Travel, is offering an international flight saving of A$1500 per couple as well as two free nights in Ushuaia for bookings on an 18-night voyage by ice-strengthened expedition ship to Antarctica this October.

This special offer, valid until sold out, applies for an October 23, 2015 departure and includes a A$1500 flight saving per couple, complimentary polar gear and two free nights' accommodation at Ushuaia, including breakfasts, before travellers embark on the 18-night 'Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica' round-trip cruise from Ushuaia - the most southern city in the world - aboard the expedition ship, Akademic Ioffe.

The in-depth expedition is the longest Antarctic itinerary offered by Active Travel, and guests will be accompanied by Active Travel founders, Robert Fletcher and Christine Pearson, who will share their love for the great white continent. The voyage will take passengers to the Falklands, home to a profusion of seabirds and migratory birds, and then the remote island of South Georgia where thousands of king penguins cake the shores. The itinerary includes a visit to old whaling stations and the grave of history's most famous Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.

The voyage continues south through the rugged South Shetland and South Orkney islands before reaching the coast of Antarctica where four days are spent exploring the great white continent and visiting scientific research stations and historic huts during daily excursions by the ship's zodiacs. The opportunity to spend a night camped on the ice may also be possible, weather permitting.

Including onboard lectures, meals and zodiac excursions, the 20-night package is available from US$14,495 per person, twin-share. Bookings will include two free nights' accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia prior to the cruise and a flight credit of A$750 per person flight credit to be used towards international flights to Ushuaia booked in conjunction with the cruise through Active Travel.

Other pre/post cruise accommodation and touring around South America can also booked through Active Travel.

Active Travel offers one of the most extensive range of Antarctic and Arctic adventures available to Australians in partnership with long-standing polar travel specialists, One Ocean Expeditions, which Active Travel pioneered in the Australian market in 2008.

For details, visit www.activetravel.com.au or call 1300 783 188.

Le Lyrial - Ponant's Newest Ship

#expeditioncruising

LE LYRIAL, A NEW JEWEL IN PONANT’S FLEET

Celebrating its inaugural voyage in May 2015 PONANT’s latest ship, Le Lyrial, one of four sister ships that comprise the youngest fleet in the world, has created quite a stir. Interested guests, travel industry and media alike have been eager to obtain more information on this latest iteration of PONANT’s small luxury expedition ship.

Responding to demand, PONANT has created a microsite specific to Le Lyrial, http://lyrial.ponant.com/english.php, with video of the Fincantieri shipyard construction, 360 degree views, facts and figures and interviews. Plus, a magazine style brochure and an e-brochure full of Q&As designed to satisfy even the most curious.

The first series of Mediterranean voyages well underway, (including joining sister ship Le Soléal at Gallipoli for the 100 years Anniversary ANZAC Day Memorial Service), Le Lyrial will soon be heading south to join L’Austral and Le Boréal for a southern summer season of Antarctic voyages.

[PONANT is the number one operator in the polar regions, carrying more passengers to the Arctic and Antarctic than any other shipping company.]

Background information: May 2015 - Le Lyrial, commenced its inaugural season. A light-grey hull, an exquisitely slender bow, a sleek line silhouette, 122 staterooms and suites designed by highly regarded French designer Jean-Philippe NUEL.

THE FOURTH SISTER SHIP IN A SUPERB SERIES

In the wake of Le Boréal (2010), L’Austral (2011) and Le Soléal (2013), Le Lyrial is the last in PONANT’s superb series of 4 sister-ships flying the French flag. All CLEANSHIP certified these ships are the latest in maritime design and innovation.

With these ships, offering sophistication and efficiency, the only French cruise line and world leader in Polar cruising perpetuates the great French maritime tradition; one that offers exceptional destinations and Five-star services on small capacity ships embodying a lifestyle “à la française”.

Like her sister ships, Le Lyrial embodies a subtle atmosphere, a combination of luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is the company’s signature. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and intimate size (only 122 staterooms and suites) make her a rare and innovative ship on the cruise market, giving passengers the feeling they are on a private yacht.

AN EVOCATIVE SYMBOL

Le Lyrial refers to the Lyra constellation in the northern hemisphere. Its principal star is the blue Vega, one of the brightest stars in the sky which is on its way to becoming the next northern pole star, a fitting reference for a Five Star Expedition specialist of the polar regions.

FIVE-STAR INTIMACY AND REFINEMENT

Entrusted once again to French interior architect Jean-Philippe NUEL, the interior design, cosy yet contemporary, embodies the ‘Yacht Cruises & Expeditions’ universe as conceived by PONANT, a subtle combination of intimacy, authenticity and elegance with the inimitable “French touch”.

In a close collaboration with Veronique SAADÉ, Deputy CEO of PONANT, he created a “yachting” feel inspired by the dream destinations the company visits and the blue light of the Vega star in the Lyra constellation. The result is a subtle variation around a palette of blues, ranging from the luminous delicate grey-blue of the Polar ice to splashes of the vivid turquoise blue found in Mediterranean coves.

ONE DECK DEDICATED FOR THE FINEST SUITES

To meet its clientele’s expectations, PONANT has redesigned Deck 6 on Le Lyrial to accommodate larger suites, up to 66 m2 for the Owner’s Suite. As a result Le Lyrial has 122 staterooms and suites compared to the 132 on Le Soléal, L’Austral and Le Boréal.

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE OF TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE
Detail itineraries of Le Lyrial cruises are available at: http://en.ponant.com/Cruises/All-Cruises?order=&type=&bateau%5B%5D=Y&lang=eng-GB

Further information on Le Lyrial, PONANT’s fleet of ships and itineraries is available by contacting PONANT on Australia:1300 737 178 or + 61 2 8459 5000 / New Zealand: 0800 44 32 62, or emailing reservations.aus@ponant.com

Further information available on the website: www.ponant.com

Responding to demand, PONANT has created a microsite specific to Le Lyrial, http://bit.ly/PONANT-Le-Lyrial, with video of the Fincantieri shipyard construction, new pictures, 360 degree views, facts & figures and interviews.

PONANT also created a magazine style brochure full of Q&As designed to satisfy even the most curious. This magazine is also available online on http://bit.ly/PONANT-LeLyrial-Magazine

Galapagos Islands cruise package - Free island flights and international air credit

Explore the Galápagos Islands – Where the Wild Things Are.

Book before August 30, 2015, for $500 Air Credit & Complimentary Galapagos Flights

Australians can explore Ecuador's iconic Galápagos Islands year-round with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, spot an abundance of wildlife aboard a National Geographic ship and receive $500 air credit per person plus free flights to the islands from the mainland if bookings on select departures are made by August 30, 2015.

Boasting 58 volcanic islands on the equator 900km west of continental Ecuador, the Galapagos archipelago was made famous in 1835 when naturalist, Charles Darwin, visited as part of a five-year voyage which led to his work, "The Origin of Species". In observing the local wildlife, Darwin found that some animals separated from their main population had adapted to their environment, eventually changing to become new species. Today more than 26 endemic species have been identified, including 15 types of passerine birds known as Darwin's finches, the giant Galápagos tortoises – the largest in the world, with some more than 1.5 metres in length - and marine iguanas – the only lizards in the world which can forage in the sea. The Galápagos is the only place in the world where these animals can be seen in their natural habitat.



The diverse wildlife is also known for its lack of an instinctive fear of humans, offering visitors intimate encounters with the creatures and excellent opportunities for photographs.

Like Charles Darwin, travellers on Lindblad's nine-night Galapagos expeditions will explore the world-famous islands by expedition ship, with the gracious, 96-guest, National Geographic Endeavour or the intimate 48-guest National Geographic Islander acting as a home base from which to discover the volcanic coastlines and endemic wildlife. Seven nights will be spent onboard, during which time travellers will visit the islands of Bartolome - where they will snorkel with Galápagos penguins, Santiago – where they will encounter fur seals, Santa Cruz – home to the Charles Darwin Research station, Isabela – where travellers will swim and hike over rugged shoreline, Fernandina – with its marine iguanas and flightless cormorants, Floreana – where travellers will snorkel with sea lions and spot sea turtles, and Española – home to waved albatross and hundreds of Darwin's finches.

Expeditions are priced from A$6990 per person, twin-share, for the nine-night itinerary and includes one night's pre and post-cruise accommodation in either Guayaquil or Quito in mainland Ecuador and the seven-night cruise with onboard meals, non-alcoholic beverages, all excursions, zodiac and kayak expeditions, lectures and presentations, park and entrance fees, the expertise of expedition staff, and the use of wetsuits and snorkel equipment.  Departures are available year-round. Bookings made before August 30, 2015, on selected departures from August 20 - December 15, 2015, will attract $500 air credit per person plus complimentary return flights from the mainland of Ecuador to the Galapagos. Conditions apply.

For more information and to book call Lindblad Expeditions on 1300 361 012 or visit au.expeditions.com

For more information about Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, visit www.ecuador.travel

* Travel trade site address : www.trade.allyouneedisecuador.travel