National Geographic Quest Departs on Inaugural Voyage

#expeditioncruising

Photo credit: Ian Strachan/Lindblad Expeditions 

Welcomes Her First Guests As She Sets Sail From Juneau

Lindblad Expeditions' National Geographic Quest, the line's first new build in the history of the company, commenced her inaugural voyage yesterday as she set sail from Juneau. The most state-of-the-art expedition ship designed and purpose-built in the US, she departed with very excited guests for an 8-day expedition exploring Southeast Alaska.

Sven Lindblad, CEO and President of Lindblad Expeditions, commended the team on the achievement, "You all must feel a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, you have all worked tirelessly to make this possible, and are a part of history having played an important role in the building and launch of the most sophisticated and beautiful ship built in the US in decades."

The 100-guest National Geographic Quest will operate on the popular "Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness" expedition through August 26, and will finish off the Alaska season with a "Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia" departure on September 2, 2017.

The ship will then remain in the Pacific Northwest for a series of new voyages between Seattle and Vancouver, with stops in the San Juan Islands, Victoria, Alert Bay, and more far reaching stops in British Columbia's channels and fjords. Beginning in December 2017, she will reposition and operate expeditions in Costa Rica and Panama before kicking off a series of new voyages in Belize and Guatemala starting in February, 2018.

Silver Explorer heading to west coast of the Americas

#expeditioncruising

In 2018 Silversea Expeditions' Silver Explorer will debut a unique collection of voyages through the Americas, tracing a path north from Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world, all the way up the Pacific coastline to the multicultural vibrant hub of Vancouver.

Each of the seven new expedition voyages will offer unique opportunities for discovery and adventure in destinations overflowing with ancient history, stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife. Led by a team of experienced expedition specialists, many with advanced degrees in their fields, guests will enjoy enriching, immersive explorations designed to expand their global perspective.

"These new and exciting expeditions offer the modern-day traveller a chance to rediscover the naturally stunning and historically interesting west coast of the Americas," said Conrad Combrink, Silversea's Vice President of Expedition Planning and Strategic Development. "Each unique expedition will offer a wide variety of exploration activities -- from discovering rich marine ecosystems by Zodiac, cruising historically important rivers or exploring volcanoes, to hiking in rainforests, discovering prolific wildlife and savouring incredible cuisine. Our selection of expeditions along the west coast of these two great continents are designed to impress, and will leave even the most intrepid traveller longing for more."

Highlights of each unique and memorable adventure include:

Ushuaia to Valparaiso, 14 Days, February 25 - March 11 (Voyage 7804)

Travelling from the "End of the World" to the "Jewel of the Pacific," guests will discover a remarkable medley of landscapes: from the steep streets and jumbled buildings of Ushuaia, to the expansive lakes, glaciers, mountains and fjords of Patagonia.

Valparaiso to Callao (Lima), 10 Days, March 11 - 21 (Voyage 7805)

Discovering the very best of South America, guests will marvel at some of world's most spectacular scenery on this 10 day voyage. A complimentary excursion will fly guests high above the mysterious Nazca Lines, while local boat excursions to the Ballestas Islands will provide the opportunity to spot cormorants, blue-footed boobies, terns, pelicans and Humboldt penguins.

Callao (Lima) to Fuerte Amador (Panama City), 14 Days, March 21 - April 4 (Voyage 7806)

Four new destinations are waiting to be explored on this brand new voyage: Puerto Quepos, renowned for its varied fauna; Golfo Dulce, often referred to as Costa Rica's wonderland of biodiversity; Isla de Coiba, Panama's prison turned paradise island; and Panama City, Central America's cultural hub and cosmopolitan capital. A river adventure through Panama's legendary Darién Jungle will also reveal one of the world's most diverse ecosystems.

Fuerte Amador (Panama City) to Puerto Quetzal, 12 Days, April 4 - 16 (Voyage 7807)

Travelling along the Pacific coast of Central America, exceptional nature, fascinating history and remote communities will be encountered. Guests will delve deep into mysterious jungles full of exotic plants, rare wildlife and indigenous people rarely seen by the outside world. Guests will discover the splendid colonial architecture of Nicaragua and the serene coasts of El Salvador on this true voyage of wonder.

Mazatlán to San Diego, 11 Days, April 21- May 2 (Voyage 7808)

The Sea of Cortez is home to UNESCO protected biospheres which include a wealth of marine mammals including whales, dolphins and sea lions. This narrow sea is fringed by remote islands, vast canyons and deep arroyos where explorers will encounter endemic iguanas, songbirds and jackrabbits. The rugged rocky coastlines are covered with a variety of cacti and succulents and are rich with seabirds, including the charismatic blue-footed booby.

San Diego to Vancouver, 11 Days, May 2 - 13 (Voyage 7809)

This journey is rich in Americana – travelling up the West coast to Monterey, guests will encounter the inspirational coastline of Big Sur before heading to San Francisco with her iconic bridge and fabled bohemia. Guests will explore stunning national parks and have the opportunity to hike along Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier as well as visiting small and truly authentic towns in the Pacific Northwest, experiencing life as it used to be.

Vancouver to San Francisco, 9 Days, May 13 - 22 (Voyage 7810)

With the towering redwoods of Eureka overhead and flanked by the fertile wooded hillsides of Astoria, this American odyssey is a west coast adventure that is truly awe-inspiring. Two new destinations of Anacortes and Cypress Island offer exceptional whale watching opportunities, while the quiet sophistication of Olympia and Mount Rainer offer soaring views and a picturesque landscape.

Silver Explorer offers a comfortable, intimate and convivial onboard lifestyle where guests can feel at home as they explore secluded realms. On board highlights include ocean-view suites, gourmet cuisine, personalised butler service, and a generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet, and at least one hour of free Wi-Fi per guest every day.

FEATURED EXCLUSIVE OFFER:

Book by August 31st and enjoy free economy class air roundtrip or get AU$3,000 savings per suite* on select voyages for Business Class flights booked through Silversea.

*Applicable only for double occupancy suites. Single-occupancy suites will receive savings of AU$1,500. Click here for more information.

For more information contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 (Australia), or visit http://www.silversea.com

Quark adds World Explorer [updated]

#expeditioncruising .

Artist rendering (Quark)

Quark has added World Explorer, a luxury vessel (ed: currently under construction) to its fleet of expedition cruise ships, continuing to bring a modern and comfortable cruise experience to Antarctica. This new addition to the Quark Expeditions fleet is an all-suite, all-balcony vessel and will embark on ten voyages during the upcoming season.

Aurora Expeditions Marks 25 Years of Antarctic Exploration

Australia's first and only owned and operated small ship expedition company, Aurora Expeditions, is celebrating 25 years since its first expedition to Antarctica later this year.

2017 marks a quarter of a century since Aurora Expeditions first took a small group of intrepid adventurers on a breathtaking expedition to the icy continent back in 1992. Since that inaugural adventure, the company has operated over 200 expeditions to Antarctica, offering everyday travellers the chance to discover the continent's remote wilderness and walk in the footsteps of some of the world's greatest explorers.

To mark the momentous occasion, the company has launched a special '25 Year Anniversary' expedition to Antarctica and South Georgia to pay homage to Aurora Expeditions' founders, Greg and Margaret Mortimer, as well as the long list of Antarctic explorers and adventurers that came before, and after, them.

Over 18 days, travellers will sail from South America onboard the intimate, 54-passenger Polar Pioneer and explore the Antarctic Peninsula, landing ashore daily to walk amidst the snow-capped peaks and shorelines teeming with wildlife. In the magnificent wildlife paradise of South Georgia, travellers can expect to witness colonies of 500,000 king penguins, feisty fur seals and the wandering albatross – one of the largest seabirds on the planet.

Travellers on the '25 Year Anniversary' expedition will also receive a series of exclusive added extras such as a special onboard anniversary dinner, a limited-edition anniversary explorer patch, and commemorative book highlighting photographs and stories of Aurora from the past 25 years.

The expedition will be led by one of Aurora Expeditions' original expedition leaders, Dr Gary Miller, who has been travelling and leading expeditions to Antarctica for over 30 years. Gary will be joined by a top-notch team including naturalist, historian and polar specialists.

The '25 Year Anniversary' expedition to Antarctica & South Georgia will depart Ushuaia, Argentina on 27 December 2017, and finish in Santiago, Chile on 13 January 2017.

SPECIAL '25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY' PACKAGE OFFER

Aurora Expeditions have created a special '25 Year Anniversary' package offer for anyone wanting to join this exclusive expedition. The package is a fully-inclusive festive experience, featuring return international airfares to South America, a Christmas stopover in Buenos Areas including a Christmas Day tango show and dinner, and the 18-day anniversary expedition to Antarctica & South Georgia.

The 24-day package departs 23 December 2017 and starts from AU$24,900 per person, twin share.

For more information on Aurora Expeditions' '25 Year Anniversary' expedition or package offer call 1300 061 490, email info@auroraexpeditions.com.au or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

Christmas cruise with SeaDream to the Caribbean

IF you'll be in the United States or Canada in November of this year and have a few spare days up your sleeve, think about ducking down to the Caribbean and treating yourself to your best Christmas present ever – five days onboard the world's highest-rated boutique motor cruiser, SeaDream I at just a touch over one-third of the brochured price.

Beginning now from only US$2,279pp twin share compared with the brochured US$7,180pp lowest price, you'll sail from Marigot on St Martin in the French West Indies on November 20th, have an overnight onboard in Gustavia also in the FWI, and then enjoy balmy Caribbean days ashore at Sandy Ground in the British West Indies, South Friars Bay on St Kitts, Charlestown on Nevis, and back to Marigot.

With no more than 110 other guests indulged 5-star by 95 officers and crew, your hugely discounted price will include SeaDream's award-winning cuisine, premium wines, spirits and other drinks with meals and at the no-charge bars, power and sail water-sports, use of the golf simulator and fitness centre, port charges and taxes, and even staff and crew gratuities.

If this sounds like your best-ever early Christmas present, see your favourite travel agent or visit www.seadream.com

ADDITIONAL PORT INFORMATION: MARIGOT is possibly the most French in spirit of all cities in the French West Indies, with colonial homes sitting side-by-side with cafés, bistros, pastry shops and boutiques that offer the latest in European designer fashions and jewellery – and better still, at both duty- and tax-free prices.

GUSTAVIA is perhaps SeaDream's "most treasured" destinations in the Caribbean, with exceptional beaches, restaurants, shopping and places to explore with SeaDream's free onboard loan bikes.

SANDY GROUND is the place to swim with the dolphins or bike ride around the island, while SOUTH FRIAR'S BAY offers swimming, snorkelling, body surfing or breasting the many beach bars and restaurants.

CHARLESTOWN is a favourite with regular SeaDreamers with its land tours and restaurants and bars.


[] SEADREAM slips through the idyllic islands of the Caribbean.

 

Windstar Cruises Launches Star Collector Voyages

#expeditioncruising .

Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has launched a fresh series of back-to-back cruises, where longer and more in-depth voyages from 14 to 34 days feature few repeated ports in the new Star Collector Voyages.

In addition to the elegance of an extended trip with the luxury of unpacking only once, guests also get to take advantage of travelling light for these epic journeys, as all Star Collector Voyages include free daily laundry service.

Star Collector Voyages combine some of Windstar’s most popular itineraries for a longer exploration of the region and feature overnights in port (like Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong, for example), allowing guests to make the most of their trips.

“With dozens of sailings to choose from, and more to be announced for Europe 2018, we are thrilled to now offer an extensive collection of longer voyages designed for the person who wants to sail longer, get closer, and discover the world of Windstar 180 degrees from ordinary,” said Windstar President John Delaney.

Guests can cruise through multiple regions and cross the Atlantic on unforgettable journeys that cover numerous parts of the world on one of eight Star Collector Voyages:

Arabia & Ancient Spice Routes - Athens to Singapore - 34 Days: Embark from Athens on an odyssey of contrasts and retrace some of the oldest known sea routes in the world, experiencing the cuisine, culture, and landmarks of Egypt, Jordan, Oman, UAE, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia.

The Grandeur of Southeast Asia - Singapore to Bangkok (or reverse) - 28 Days: Set sail on a journey of memorable contrasts to sample elegant cuisines and explore breathtaking UNESCO settings in Malaysia, Brunei, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. (There are two sail dates on this itinerary.)

Sailing Among Dragons: China & Japan - Singapore to Beijing (Tianjin) - 28 Days: Wander through ancient temples and cosmopolitan cities in this diverging adventure of old and new in Vietnam, China, and Japan.

The Best of China, Korea & Japan - Hong Kong to Tokyo (Yokohama) - 28 Days: An ideal choice for adventurous travellers seeking an array of excursion options, this journey from China to South Korea and Japan grants access to more than 17 exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Crossing to the Caribbean Saints - Lisbon to Philipsburg (St. Maarten) - 21 Days: Rekindle the romance of a classic ocean voyage with this transatlantic cruise from Lisbon, Portugal to tropical Bridgetown, Barbados. Once in the Caribbean, set a course among the southern island havens and highlights, with stops at some of the best beaches in the world, ending in St. Maarten.

Classic Caribbean Havens & Harbors - Philipsburg (St. Maarten) to Colón (Panama) - 14 Days: Cruise the southernmost and warmest waters of the Caribbean, stopping off in sun-drenched Aruba and exploring the untouched natural splendours in Colombia and Panama.

Caribbean Beaches & Costa Rican Cloudforests – Bridgetown (Barbados) to Puerto Caldera (Costa Rica) - 14 Days: With time in the Southern Caribbean Islands, the charming remote white beaches and quaint village markets then give way to tropical jungles, the Panama Canal, and the Pacific Ocean, ending in Costa Rica.

Caribbean Explorations - Philipsburg to Philipsburg (St. Maarten) - 14 Days: Skip the usual Caribbean cruise stops and discover the small harbours, overlooked havens, and most remote secrets among the Leeward Islands, with the lesser-known charms of Barbuda, Soper’s Hole in Tortola, Gustavia in St. Barthélemy, St. Lucia’s Pigeon Island, and much more. (There are 14 sail dates on this itinerary.)

Bookings to be directed to your Travel Agent or Windstar Australia on 1300 749 875 orreservations@windstar.com.au

Windstar Cruises operates a six-ship fleet of small sailing and all-suite ships visiting 170 ports throughout Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, sailing year-round in Tahiti and the South Pacific, and adding newly-announced Alaska, Canada, New England, Asia and Arabia.

The boutique cruise ships are known for an intimate private yacht-style experience, unique itineraries and exclusive access to the world’s best small ports and hidden harbours. Windstar’s fleet is the market leader in boutique small ship cruising with a total of 1242 passenger berths.

All ships in the fleet have recently undergone multi-million dollar transformations to embody casually elegant yacht travel. The all-suite Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride serve 212 guests in all-suite accommodation; while sailing ships Wind Spirit and Wind Star sail with up to 148 guests, and Wind Surf serves 310 guests. The small ships cruise to quaint and popular ports in nearly 60 nations worldwide.

Windstar Cruises is a part of Xanterra Parks & Resorts®, known for “Legendary Hospitality with a Softer Footprint.” Xanterra’s entities also include lodges, restaurants, tours and activities in national and state parks, as well as resorts, railway and tour companies.

www.windstarcruises.com

Coral Expeditions maritime themed Sydney to Hobart itinerary

#expeditioncruising .

Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering cruise operator, launches a unique Sydney to Hobart maritime themed itinerary which sets sail with the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

This new itinerary will launch Coral Expeditions’ third season in Tasmania, and for the first time sees the Coral Discoverer, which underwent a significant refurbishment at the end of 2016, carry passengers across the channel from the Australian mainland to Tasmania.

Not only will guests get to enjoy the spectacle of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race at the start of the sailing, they will cruise alongside the yachts as they race along the scenic east coast, and arrive in to Hobart in time to witness the winners’ celebrations.

This maritime themed voyage welcomes Guest Lecturer John Longley on-board, who will give guests the insider perspective on the Yacht Race. Having participated in this prestigious race four times John has plenty of experiences to share.

John is an endless source of knowledge when it comes to ocean sailing, having also competed in five Americas Cups, three Admirals Cups, the Transatlantic race and many others. He also has many interesting stories to share on ship building as he was the Project Manager for the construction of the Endeavour replica. This ship is now on show at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, after John sailed around in the world in it.

As well as giving a series of lecturers John will join the expedition team in leading excursions to maritime attractions such as the Killer Whale Museum in Eden, the Davidson Whaling Station in Ben Boyd National Park, Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration and a visit to the Hobart Race Village for presentations.

The cruise will conclude with a New Year’s celebration to remember as Coral Expeditions’ guests will have a prime position overlooking the Derwent river for a spectacular fireworks display. Stepping off the ship the excitement continues as Coral Expeditions is offering guests a special promotion for the Taste of Tasmania festival, Tasmania’s iconic epicurean event, which runs from 28th December 2017 to the 3rd January 2018.

The itinerary also includes; cruising the scenic coastline from Jervis Bay to Twofold Bay, exploring Ben Boyd National Park, visiting the picturesque Maria Island, also home to the Darlington Settlement which is steeped in convict history, and taking to the dramatic sea cliffs of Tasmania’s east coast on the Fluted Cape Walk at Adventure Bay. The regular excursions are carried out on the Zodiacs and Explorer Tender which can be easily accessed from the main deck, and with a small group of guests on-board there are no queues or waiting around.

In true expeditionary style, the voyage offers guests a flexible itinerary to enable the Captain to respond to weather conditions, ensuring that guests see the best parts of Australia’s south-east coast and Tasmania in the best possible conditions. This allows for an element of discovery, as guests will be advised the day prior where their next journey lies.

On-board the Coral Discoverer, which holds up to 72 passengers, guests can expect spacious cabins, the Bridge Deck Staterooms having private balconies, contemporary communal areas such as the sun deck and stylish Xplorer bar, modern Australian cuisine made with fresh local produce, and an expert all Australian crew.

Coral Expeditions’ Sydney to Hobart, itinerary departs on 26th December 2017 and finishes in Hobart on 1stJanuary 2018. Prices start from $4,180 per person.

To find out more, email tasmania@coralexpeditions.com, call +61 7 4040 9999 or visit www.coralexpeditions.com.

Voyages to Antiquity Cuba and Jamaica 2018

#expeditioncruising .

Voyages to Antiquity has unveiled four new 13-14 day extended cruise-tours in Cuba and Jamaica as part of its 2018 program of sailings.

The classic liner, Aegean Odyssey, was built in Romania in 1973.
She was last overhauled and refitted in 2010.

The all-inclusive five-day land tour of Jamaica is added to the seven-day Highlights of Cuba sailing and includes visits to Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Dunn’s River Falls, Port Antonio and the island’s capital, Kingston.

Guests will stay in five-star accommodation during the land tour, all meals and sightseeing excursions are included.

The seven-day highlights of Cuba sailing allow guests to visit Havana, Cienfuegos, Casilda and Santiago de Cuba on-board the cultural cruise line’s ship, Aegean Odyssey.

Guests will be joined on board by a Caribbean historian and archaeologist, the former ambassador to Cuba and a renowned author as part of the cruise lines’ carefully curated program of insightful guest speakers allowing guests to get under the skin of the cultural, historical and natural treasures of each port of call.

Further extended cruise-tours in Cuba and Jamaica depart on January 15th, February 23rd and February 26th next year.

Join SeaDream in Spain next May thru October

#seadream

SEADREAM Yacht Club has responded to growing interest by regular guests to see more of Spain in 2018, with a program of ten captivating sailings to mainland ports and off-shore islands between next  May and October.

The twin mega motor-cruisers SeaDream I and SeaDream II will sail these five, seven, ten and eleven-day voyages out of Malaga and Barcelona, as well as Nice in France and Lisbon in Portugal, with daily ports of call that are some of Spain's most enticing.

It will be at these that SeaDream's guests will have the option of diving into the waters of some of Spain's finest beaches at places like Alicante and Marbella, to explore historic Roman ruins at Cartagena and some of the region's oldest cities such as Cadiz, and shop at luxury boutiques in Barcelona.

And by contrast stroll quiet and tucked-away villages on Ibiza or Mallorca (also known as Majorca) in the Balearic Islands, and experience the Mediterranean's outstanding dining and wining throughout, while catching first-hand how Europe's rich and famous enjoy summer holidaying at places like Puerto Banus with their exotic cars and million dollar boats along the town's beaches and waterfronts…

Prices for all sailings include SeaDream's award-winning 5-star cuisine, premium wines, spirits and other drinks with meals and at the no-charge bars, power and sail water-sports, use of the golf simulator and fitness centre, port charges and taxes, and even staff and crew gratuities.

Starting from US$3504pp twin-share for the 5-day sailing from Barcelona to Malaga on October 8 2018, they range up to US$7470pp twin-share for 11-days sailing Nice to Barcelona on July 21 2018.

SeaDream I and SeaDream II each carries a maximum 112 guests served by 95 officers and crew; for full details see travel agents, or visit www.seadream.com


Photo caption:

[] THE SeaDream 'twins' tucked into port in Nice harbour; they'll sail four voyages into or out of Nice in 2018 as part of a 10-sailing program to Spanish ports between May and October next year. (supplied)

L’Austral’s circumnavigation of Australia. Offer.

#expeditioncruising #ponant

Unbelievable savings aboard L'Austral's adventure around Australia

Cruiseco, the leading provider of worldwide cruising options in Australia and New Zealand, is pleased to offer discerning travellers an exclusive 'buy one get the second half price' offer aboard L'Austral, one of Australia's only luxurious circumnavigation voyages.  Departing Sydney Harbour on 25th January 2018, guests can choose to explore our nation in depth with the full 40 night circumnavigation.  Alternatively, travellers also have the choice of two shorter voyages; 14 nights from Sydney to Fremantle or 26 nights from Fremantle to Sydney.

Laura Clarke, Manager Special Projects & Group Sales, Cruiseco said,

"This exceptional cruise has been specifically designed by Cruiseco and Ponant to capture the true Australia, by inviting guests to go off the beaten track and visit some of our nations more secluded ports.  Aboard L'Austral, travellers will sail in comfort with only 123 cabins available, whilst enjoying the breathtaking landscapes and sceneries.  We would encourage all guests who would like to discover the wonders of Australia to secure their places now, as with this new offer cabins will disappear quickly."

Highlights of this holiday experience include visiting;

• Wineglass Bay, Tasmania for a guided walk to the lookout;
• Port Campbell, Victoria where guests can explore the 12 Apostles via various optional excursions;
• Port Lincoln, South Australia for a stroll around the beautiful township or take advantage of one of the optional adventurous excursions;
• Turquoise Bay, Western Australia known as one of Western Australia's best beaches guests can swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters;
• Yirrkala, Northern Territory where guests will enjoy a Welcome to Country ceremony, traditional demonstrations and visit to the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Gallery to meet the artists; and
• Lizard Island, Queensland located on the Great Barrier Reef guests can enjoy 24 white sandy beaches and coral reefs through swimming, snorkelling or guided walks.

As a feature of the itinerary, guests can expect to be accompanied by a specialist expedition crew including experts in the fields of botany, marine biology, history and photography to offer insights into the culture, heritage and landscapes of each port.

"Our optional overland excursions enable guests to amplify their Australian experience.  Travellers will discover local regions, indulge in food and wine and are guaranteed to learn about the cities and towns for an unforgettable holiday," added Clarke.

Prices for the 40 night circumnavigation departing 25th January 2018, start from AUD$29,900* for the first passenger, and AUD$14,950* for the second passenger, based on twin share or double occupancy in a Deluxe Stateroom.

Prices for the 14 night Sydney to Fremantle cruise, departing 25th January 2018, start from AUD$11,630* for the first passenger, and AUD$5,815* for the second passenger, based on twin share or double occupancy in a Deluxe Stateroom.

Prices for the 26 night Fremantle to Sydney cruise departing on 8th February 2018, starts from AUD$19,435* for the first passenger and AUD$9,718* for the second passenger, based on twin share or double occupancy in a Deluxe Stateroom.

Fares include: all meals onboard, including 24-hour room service; beverages – house wines, beers, sparkling wine, non-premium spirits; and a specialist expedition crew, and zodiac tours.

For additional itinerary options or to book whilst cabins are still available, visit www.cruising.com.au or call (02) 9492 8520.

*Prices are subject to availability and change. Terms and conditions apply.

Ocean Atlantic renovated for Antarctic Cruising Season

Australians have more reasons than ever to get excited about the upcoming Antarctic cruising season with one of Antarctica's most iconic expedition cruise ships, the Ocean Atlantic*, revealing a brand new look after recently undergoing a full-scale refurbishment.

On top of featuring a range of brand new cabins, the overhaul included the transformation of all cabins, designed to provide guests with comfortable and stylish surroundings when cruising Antarctic waters.

Also renovated were the ship's common areas such as the restaurant, Veranda bar, and the lecture hall.

A relatively small ship with a capacity of 195 passengers, the Ocean Atlantic allows travellers to sail close to the shore and access narrow inlets enabling travellers to see the most untouched corners of the White Continent. As an ice-class vessel, the ship is one of the strongest ships operating in Antarctica.

"We're so pleased to see one of our favourite Antarctica vessels bring guest experience to new heights" said Greg Carter, co-founder of Polar Specialist Chimu Adventures.

"Cruising the glacier landscapes of this ultimate bucket list destination is an already largely inspiring experience in itself but these new improvements will really add that additional amount extra spark."

Super Early Bird Discounts of up to 35% can currently be enjoyed when booking Chimu's 10-day Discover Antarctica (now from AU$ 8,075* twin) on board the Ocean Atlantic. An exclusive Chimu charter, this voyage takes in the best of wildlife and scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula whilst being joined by special guest Campbell Remess, the 13-year old charitable teddybearmaker from Tasmania who has made a name for himself for his acts of kindness, making teddy bears every day and gifting them to sick and needy children across the globe.

For more information, visit http://www.chimuadventures.com/en-au/tour/discover-antarctica-cruise

Chimu Adventures
Suite 101 / 308 Pacific Highway
Crows Nest, NSW, 2065
Ph: (02) 9458 1213
www.chimuadventures.com

* Editor's note: Ocean Atlantic (IMO 8325432) was built in Poland in 1986 as a 140m 12800GT Roll On / Roll Off passenger ferry christened Konstantin Chernenko. 2017 marks her full conversion to expedition duties. Bureau Veritas: Ice Class 1B

Hurtigruten adds Atlantic Canada, Newfoundland, the Gulf of St Lawrence and New England

#expeditioncruising .

Hurtigruten, which has been running the legendary Norwegian coastal voyage since 1893, will add Atlantic Canada, Newfoundland, the Gulf of St Lawrence and New England to its itineraries starting in April 2018.

Following the 2017-18 winter season in Antarctica, the 318-berth Fram will depart Miami in early April and sail up the East Coast to offer April and May sailings between New York and Halifax. Key ports include New York, Boston, Newport, St John’s NF and Halifax.

One of the more interesting itineraries will be round trip from New York on April 15, a 15-night voyage calling at Newport, Boston, three ports in Maine, Halifax, St John’s NF, St Pierre, Louisbourg, Portland and New York. This voyage can also be booked as a 7-night voyage from New York to Halifax or as an 8-night voyage from Halifax to New York on April 22.

On April 30, the Fram will depart New York on a 10-night cruise to Yarmouth, Charlottetown PEI, Bonaventure Island, Percé and Havre St Pierre in Quebec, Bonne Bay NF, the Magdalen Islands and Halifax.

The Fram, which was built in 2007 at Fincantieri, will offer six Atlantic Canada and New England cruises before returning to her usual Iceland, Greenland and Northern Europe itineraries for the summer.

She will return to Halifax in October after her usual expedition voyages to northern waters. On October 8, she will offer a 12-night cruise from Halifax to Miami with calls in five New England ports including Boston, an overnight in New York City and a call in Charleston before arriving at Miami.

A century ago the Red Cross Line offered similar cruises between New York, Halifax and St John’s NF.

For more details of Hurtigruten’s Atlantic Canada and New England cruises please apply to The Cruise People Ltd in London on +44 (0)20 7723 2450 or email PassageEnquiry@aol.com.

New expedition cruise ship, Ventus Australis, floats out

#expeditioncruising .

Ventus Australis – the new expedition cruise ship being built for Patagonian cruise line, Australis, for ‘bottom of the world’ voyages to Cape Horn and the glaciers and fjords of Tierra del Fuego – has met the sea for the first time with a float out in Chile.

Variety's Callisto damaged. Cruises cancelled.

#expeditioncruising .

Variety Cruises has been forced to cancel its summer 2017 Iceland programme on the 34-passenger Callisto -- one of the line's eight motor yachts -- due to damage caused to the ship as it refuelled.

Full report at Cruise Critic