American Canadian Cruise Line
American Canadian Cruise Line
American Canadian Caribbean Line Returns To Belize For Winter 2009
American Canadian Caribbean Line will return to the exotic area of Belize, Central America for the winter 2009 season. Belize is a country with incredible diversity, located by the second largest barrier reef in the world.
In addition, ACCL is celebrating the return of the Niagara Prince - and cruises to the regions only she can navigate including Lake Champlain and the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan.
Clients
who book any Belize or Niagara Prince sailing by September 1, 2008 will receive a 15 percent discount. Offers are not combinable.
If two cabins are booked on the same itinerary and at least one cabin's guests are new to ACCL, then each cabin gets from $250 to $500 discount depending on cruise length.
Website: www.accl.com
AMNH Expeditions
Visit the Historic Ports of Portugal, Spain And France
American Museum of Natural History is offering a cruise that will visit the ports of Portugal, Spain and France next spring. The cruisetour will be from May 8 to May 21, 2009 on the Island Sky and will highlight both the historical and the contemporary of three of Europe's most storied countries. Private wine tastings, museum visits, and the rare opportunity to visit several renowned prehistoric sites of southern France, guided by Dr. Ian Tattersall, AMNH curator and specialist in Ice Age cave art are scheduled.
Doctor Tattersall is curator in the Division of Anthropology at the American Museum of Natural History and an expert on physical anthropology and human evolution. He curated the groundbreaking exhibition Ancestors: Four Million Years of Humanity and the Museum’s highly acclaimed permanent exhibition, the Hall of Human Biology and Evolution. Rates start at $7,990 per person. Optional post-tour extension available.
For more information visit www.amnhexpeditions.org and click Cruises.
American Safari Cruises
American Safari Cruises Offers Air Credit On New Hawaii Inter-Island Itinerary
To help ease the crunch of fuel-induced airfare increases and checked-luggage fees, American Safari Cruises is offering a $150 per person air credit on its new inter-island luxury yacht cruises in Hawaii. July 18 is the air-credit booking deadline for inaugural season cruises December 2008 through early May 2009.
The 145-foot, 36-guest Safari Explorer, the company's new flagship, currently is sailing roundtrip from Juneau in Alaska for the summer season. In November it will relocate to Hawaii and on December 19 begin eight-day, seven-night cruises between the Big Island and Maui. While seeking out wildlife, the Explorer will also visit Molokai, Lanai and snorkel/dive sites. On shore, a helicopter tour over waterfalls and lava flows on the Big Island is among the included excursions. Fares begin at $3,995 per person, double occupancy. There are 21 scheduled departures.
Among the yacht's amenities is an active spa environment with complimentary massages from the onboard masseuse, yoga classes, a sauna, dedicated fitness area and top-deck hot tub. Other new design features include a wine library, two large suites with Jacuzzi tubs and balconies, some triple accommodations and all outside or above-deck staterooms. Like other American Safari Cruises vessels, the new yacht carries double sea kayaks and motorized shore boats for close-up exploration of the islands, snorkeling equipment, a sailboat and mountain bikes. There is a 2 to 1 guest-crew ratio.
More information at www.amsafari.com.
Audubon Nature Odysseys
Visit The Galapagos Up Close In 2009
The Galapagos Islands take center stage in 2009 when the world celebrates the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth; and the 50th year of the Galapagos as a National Park. Audubon Nature Odysseys will explore one of the most unique wildlife areas in the world with its Galapagos My Way cruise tour on board the40 passenger ship Isabella II from June 28 to July 8, 2009. See giant tortoises, nesting Waved Albatross, flightless Cormorants, swimming iguanas and endemic penguins that make these islands unique. Leading the program will be Dr. Michael Burger, Audubon’s Director of Conservation and Science. Rates begin at $7,490 double occupancy. More details at http://travel.audubon.org/details.php?id=620 .
Cruise The Route To Distant Islands From Patagonia to South Africa
Audubon Nature Odysseys is offering a unique voyage with its Route to Distant Islands: The Falklands, South Georgia & Tristan da Cunha aboard the 114-guest Corinthian II from February 29 to March 23, 2009. The cruise, which departs from Buenos Aires, will feature a team of lecturers and expedition of naturalists and scientists who are intimately familiar with the islands visited, introducing guests to the wildlife and historic areas. Rates begin at $10,995. Book by July 18, 2008 and receive complimentary economy jet air fare from Miami. More trip information at 1-212-979-3066 (US). Website: http://travel.audubon.org/
Cruise West
Cruise West Adds Departures Of Popular Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruises
Due to consumer demand, small-ship cruise line Cruise West has announced 20 additional departures of its Columbia River cruises in 2009, for a total of 35 departures. Cruise West was the first cruise line to operate cruises on the Columbia River in 1992 onboard the Spirit of Discovery and has been voyaging there ever since.
With the additional departures and four ships in 2009, the extended season will run later in both the spring and fall. Guests who choose the Taste of the Pacific Northwest itinerary have a choice of four departures in the spring and six departures in the fall onboard the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery. Prices start at $3,299 per person based on double occupancy.
The Voyage of Discovery itinerary is offered onboard the 96-guest Spirit of ’98 and two new ships to this itinerary, the 78-guest Spirit of Columbia and 78-guest Spirit of Alaska. There will be ten spring and 15 fall departures offered of this itinerary. Prices start at $2,199 per person based on double occupancy. Both itineraries are eight-day/seven-night, roundtrip Portland, Oregon.
For additional information on the Columbia & Snake River itineraries visit http://www.cruisewest.com/destinations/columbia_and_snake_rivers or call 1-800-689-1783.
Cruise West's Offers Pacific Northwest & British Columbia Cruises
Cruise West sails along the coasts of British Columbia and Washington state on the 2008/2009 Pacific Northwest Coastal Escape itinerary. The voyages will visit quaint ports, bustling cities, and remarkable wilderness that have changed little since Captain George Vancouver first set foot in the area.
The eight-day, seven-night Pacific Northwest Coastal Escape cruise, with departure dates of September 21, 28 and October 5, 12, 2008 and April 19, 26 and May 3, 2009 will sail on the 102-guest Spirit of Endeavour. Cruising round trip from Seattle, ports of call will include: Nanaimo, "The Harbor City"; Desolation Sound Provincial Marine Park, considered one of the most beautiful cruising areas in British Columbia; Victoria; and historic Port Townsend known for its Victorian architecture. Prices begin at $2,799 per person, round trip.
Guests are offered a variety of adventures, such as walking the paths at renowned Butchart Gardens; exploring the majestic Puget Sound in search of wildlife and sea life; and optional excursions including kayaking and High Tea at the Victoria Empress Hotel. Guests will also enjoy cultural and educational experiences unique to the Pacific Northwest. Highlights include: admiring cultural history and art of the Coast Salish people including totem poles and carving demonstrations at the Capilano Suspension Bridge; an exclusive Aeolian pipe organ recital by renowned Christopher Peacock at Rosario Resort; and viewing the stunning reflection of the more than 3,000 lights off the water from the Parliament Building in Victoria.
The Pacific Northwest Coastal Escape offers the Exploration Leaders Program, unique to the Cruise West experience, in which onboard experts provide guests with a wealth of insider knowledge and a passion for the history of the region. Guests on the itinerary will benefit from the insight of these leaders throughout their journey.
For additional information on the Pacific Northwest itinerary visit http://www.cruisewest.com/destinations/british_columbia or call 1-800-296-8307.
Elegant Cruises & Tours
Elegant Cruises Introducing New Extended Adriatic Itineraries In 2009
For 2009, Elegant Cruises & Tours is introducing new Adriatic itineraries designed to give passengers an opportunity for extended stays in two fascinating, immensely popular European cities-Venice and Dubrovnik.
Elegant's new seven-night/eight-day cruises, debuting April 15, 2009, sail one-way Venice to Dubrovnik and one-way Dubrovnik to Venice. All sailings feature ship overnights in Venice, Dubrovnik, Split and the charming island of Korcula, plus port calls in Sibenik, Mali Losinj and Koper. Cruise only rates begin at $2,895 per person. Elegant is offering NCMA members additional savings of $300 per person for these exciting Adriatic cruises if booked by November 15, 2008. Website: www.elegantcruises.com
Hebridean International Cruises
Hebridean Offers Private Plane Connections To Its Cruises
Cruising on the Hebridean Spirit has always been an exclusive experience. Now, to ensure cruises are as intimate as possible, Hebridean’s private plane now flies from the new Inflite private terminal at Stansted. Itineraries include
-- Seven nights from £3123 pp E Grade Double July 15 to July 22, 2008.
Sail through the turquoise waters of Turkey's south-western coast and the Greek Dodecanese and Cyclades islands and take in the ancient remains of empires and civilizations, including the ruined city of Perge and the sights of Naxos, Kos and Rhodes. As with all our tours, expect the odd white sandy beach and plenty of leisurely lunches in beautiful spots along the way.
-- Seven nights from £3243 pp D Grade Double from July 22 to July 29, 2008
With just 98 fellow guests, you'll find yourself among a select group of like-minded travelers for this tour that takes in ancient sites from the Roman, Hellenistic and Ottoman empires. You'll visit beautiful Byzantine architecture and classical Greek and Roman ruins and the WW1 memorial at Gallipoli before encountering Istanbul - an intoxicating blend of Western and Eastern culture.
-- Seven nights from £3129 pp E Grade Double from August 20 to August 27, 2008.
On this cruise through the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, visit the sites of the once-mighty Classical cities of Phillipi, Maroneia and Troy before final port of call, Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the Greek gods.
-- Seven nights from £3090 pp E Grade Double from August 27 to September 3, 2008
Charting a course through the Agean, Mirtoan and Ionian seas, this tour visits the sites of some of the ancient world's most important centers of power, some dating back to the 11th century BC. Sail the coast of Mount Athos with views of the magnificent monasteries and the Temple of Poseidon as well as the strongholds of Aigai and the Roman capital of the Greek province, Corinth.
More information at www.hebrideancruises.com
‘Hebridean Princess’ to Cruise Scottish Islands & Norwegian Fjords In 2009
Hebridean International Cruises’ Hebridean Princess, which celebrates her 20th year in 2009, will once again cruise the familiar waters of the Scottish islands plus Norwegian Fjords, including ten new cruises. In total, the 49-passenger luxury ship, homeported in Oban, will visit 33 islands. Itineraries include two new walking cruises, Footloose in the Norwegian Fjords and Footloose to Harris and the Outer Isles. Another new venture, Across the Isles of Tiree, features a visit to Loch Harport Oyster Farm on Skye.
For wildlife enthusiasts a new cruise, Nordic Outposts, visits the Fair Isle, lying between Orkney and Shetland, owned by the National Trust for Scotland.
In November the Jewels of English Heritage voyage starts in Poole in November and visits HMS Dryad in Portsmouth during which passengers will see the historic map room, not normally open to the public. It was from there that Operation Overlord was overseen by Montgomery and Eisenhower. The room also contains the chart used during the planning of the Normandy invasion.
From Portsmouth the ship cruises up the English Channel with calls in Newhaven and Dover and down the Thames to Tower Bridge before an end of season gala dinner en route to Tilbury. Website: www.hebrideancruises.com
Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten Unveils Seven Convenient North American Segment Options,
Hurtigruten, formerly known as Norwegian Coastal Voyage, is offering North American travelers a convenient way of joining its popular 67-day Longitudinal World Cruise with seven segment departure options from St. John’s, New York and Pt. Canaveral. The company’s 318-passenger MS Fram, travels the east coast of Canada and the US as it makes its way from above the Arctic Circle to Antarctica. Booking a New York and Pt. Canaveral segment departures by July 31, 2008 discounts a companion’s fare by 50 percent, savings of $4,424 to $18,650. This offer is not valid for inside cabins or MG category suites.
Guests can sail on a 13-day segment between Canada’s St. John’s and Port Canaveral, FL, departing October 6, 2008; depart New York on October 14 on a 22-day journey to Callao, Peru, 29 days to Valparaiso, Chile or 46 days expedition to Ushuaia, Argentina; or sail from Pt. Canaveral on October 18, on 18-, 25- and 42-day segments to the same ports as NY. Fares range from $3,849 to $22,049 per person, double, for cabins and $8,649 to $45,999 for suites. Rates include in-depth exploration lectures, expedition guides and all meals on board.
The World Cruise journey begins in Reykjavik, Iceland on September 23, with the MS Fram plying the coasts of the U.K., Canada, U.S., Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama (including a transit of the Panama Canal), Ecuador, Peru and Chile. Additional North American ports of call include Sailor’s Island, Sydney and Halifax in Canada and Bar Harbor, Gloucester, Martha’s Vineyard, Newport, Charleston and Key West in the US.
Optional excursions run the gamut - in Maine, guests can hike along Acadia National Park’s Ocean Trail and take in the stately mansions of Newport, R.I. In Central America, they can travel via jungle boat down the flora- and fauna-rich Costa Rican Tortuguero Canals. In South America travelers can take in Costa Rica’s lush tropical landscapes, and a host of Chile’s grand colonial cities, national parks and wine regions. As MS Fram nears Antarctica, expert guides join the cruise to provide lectures about the mysterious and pristine White Continent. Cruising highlights include the Drake Passage, the body of water between the southern tip of South America and Chile’s Cape Horn and Antarctica’s South Shetland Islands, a visit to Half Moon Island, featuring a chinstrap penguin rookery; the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station on King George Island; and Neko Harbour, one of two areas used for ship in Antarctica.
MS Fram was custom-designed for cruising Arctic and Antarctic waters and is the newest and most luxurious ship in the Hurtigruten fleet. It features comfortable and stylish cabins and a variety of suites and junior suites, a restaurant two bars, panoramic lounges, Internet café, conference rooms, fitness room, sauna, two heated outdoor Jacuzzis, and gift shop
For more information about the cruise and optional excursions, contact Hurtigruten at (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures, (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; www.hurtigruten.us.
Antarctica Sailing Offers Close-Up Views Of Penguins In Marguerite Bay
Marguerite Bay, rarely visited even by Antarctic standards, is dotted with ice-covered islands, is home to the only known breeding colony of emperor penguins on the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula, and is the centerpiece of Hurtigruten’s newest 17-day Antarctica itinerary. Guests have multiple chances to go ashore and visit with these elegant creatures during the nine days spent in Antarctica. Other highlights include two nights in the lively city of Buenos Aires and a tour of Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, before departing for the Drake Passage and Antarctica about the MS Fram, the company’s newest and most deluxe expedition ship. Cabin fares are $6,499 to $10,699 per person, double; suites range from $11,299 to $18,799. Optional excursions are offered in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia (all excursions in Antarctica are included).
These once-in-a-lifetime voyages explore the vast and mysterious wilderness of the White Continent, the coldest, driest and windiest destination on earth, replete with gleaming icebergs, blue whales and orcas feeding mere feet from the ships, and penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands. Although the Marguerite Bay rookery is protected for environmental reasons and cannot be entered, guests are able to get close to the emperors nearby. Marguerite Bay is also home to several research bases, both new and old.
The sailings feature naturalist guides, noted guest lecturers and PolarCirkel boat landings. Other possible Antarctica landings, where even closer encounter with gentoo and chinstrap penguins is possible, include Whaler’s Bay on Deception Island, with its warm springs and black, volcanic sand; Half Moon Island, famous for its large, chinstrap penguin rookery, kelp gulls, Antarctic terns and whale spotting;
Cuverville Island, boasting the largest known colony of gentoo penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula; Antarctic Sound, where huge, mile-long tabular icebergs can be seen as well as an estimated half-million Adélie penguins; and Wilhelmina Bay, feeding ground for whales and seals.
Fares include air between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, transfers, all meals onboard, the services of expert guides, lectures and PolarCirkel boat landings; port charges and cruise taxes. Fuel surcharges are additional. Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen. For more information about the cruise, pre- and post-cruise explorations and optional excursions, contact Hurtigruten at, (800) 323-7436 or www.hurtigruten.us.
International Expeditions
International Expeditions Offers $200 Savings On Fall 2008 Galapagos Voyages
International Expeditions has been leading Galapagos journeys to the world’s most precious islands for over 20 years. A must-see on many an intrepid traveler’s hit list, an exploration of this scientific and natural treasure is even more appealing this fall with $200 per person savings on all October and November departures.
The Galapagos Islands are a haven for nature enthusiasts — home to tortoises that have grown to dramatic proportions, superb bird life and an astounding undersea world all set against a sublime landscape of deserts, beaches, lush highland forests and volcanoes. To help travelers gain a deeper understanding of this ecological wonder, Kitty Coley, noted geologist, naturalist and avid birder, will be aboard the October 24, 2008 expedition as guest speaker.
International Expeditions’ intimate M/V Evolution accommodates a maximum of 32 guests with comfortable cabins and spacious public areas. The ship provides a host of amenities including a dining room that offers Continental cuisine with an Ecuadorian flare. With a high staff-to-guest ratio and naturalist guides licensed at the highest level by the Galapagos National Park, guests enjoy personal relationships with the onboard experts.
On the ten-day Galapagos cruise, travelers have ample time to explore the islands’ diverse terrain and see first hand what Darwin discovered more than 175 years ago — how the isolated animals are evolving and adapting to their unique habitat. The itinerary offers an ideal mix of popular sightseeing spots and less-visited gems. Highlights include Fernandina Island, one the Galapagos' most volcanically active islands, known for its penguins, flightless cormorants and lava flows; Española, noted for its albatrosses and famous blowhole; and the red-footed booby and frigatebird colonies of Genovesa (a.k.a. Tower Island), where only small ships like the M/V Evolution are allowed. A favorite expedition is to “Black Turtle Cove,” where guests cruise silently in a panga (small boat) among the mangroves in search of golden rays and sea turtles. In addition to daily, guided excursions, there is plenty of time throughout the voyage to snorkel alongside sea lions, or relax in the clear waters of the Pacific.
Aboard International Expeditions’ October 24 departure Kitty Coley will share her in-depth knowledge about the Galapagos’ fascinating geology, flora and fauna through a very interactive, enthusiastic approach. A geologist, naturalist and avid birder, Coley spent 15 years as a professional geologist after receiving her MA degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Through her work, she spent extensive time in remote rainforests and rugged geologic settings around the world. She has lead over 80 expeditions to the Galapagos, Amazon, Costa Rica, Panama, Peruvian Andes and Machu Picchu, Antarctica and other worldwide destinations. When not traveling, Coley serves as a consultant to National Geographic magazine and enjoys scuba diving, white water and sea kayaking, and biking.
Per person prices for the ten-day Galapagos voyages departing October 10 and 24; and November 7 and 21 start at $4,298, including the $200 bonus savings, accommodations, most meals, local transportation, guides and group transfers. International and in-country airfare is extra, however flights can be arranged through International Expeditions. Additional Galapagos departures are available on December 19, 2008 and throughout 2009.
A six-day pre-voyage Machu Picchu and Cusco extension ($2,498 per person plus airfare) and one-day Guayaquil pre-voyage extension ($178 per person) are available, as is a three-day post-voyage Quito and Otavalo Market extension ($1,098 per person plus airfare).
For more information on International Expeditions visit www.ietravel.com or call 1-800-633-4734.
For more information or an International Expeditions brochure, call an International Expeditions destination specialist at 1-800-633-4734, see your travel agent, e-mail nature@ietravel.com , or visit www.ietravel.com/brochures.
Orion Expedition Cruises
New Itineraries Announced For Winter (Summer) 2008/09 Cruises
The winter of 2008/2009 is summer in the sailing areas of Orion Expedition Cruises.
It may be cold in the Northern Hemisphere, but Orion Expedition Cruises, based in Australia, has a selection of southern summer expeditionary cruises that include New Zealand and the Antarctic (for those who simply must immerse themselves in ice and snow regardless of season). These include the following sailings:
-- New Zealand South Island Exploration: November 30, 2008, 11 nights. Experience the scenic grandeur of New Zealand including the fjord lands, world famous Milford Sound and the wineries of the Nelson region. From $7216 US per person, twin share.
-- Antarctica - Commonwealth Bay: December 11, 2008, a 16-night expedition that includes World Heritage sub-Antarctic islands and the mainland of Antarctica, exploring in the footsteps of the great polar explorers. From $15,144 US per person, twin share.
Website: www.orionexpeditions.com
Quark Expeditions
Arctic 2009 & Antarctica 2009-10 Itineraries Announced
Quark Expeditions has announced its 2009-2010 itineraries. The expeditions include:
Emperors & Kings: Snow Hill Island and South Georgia—This icebreaker expedition begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, and ends in Santiago, Chile. En route, landings will be made at the Snow Hill Island Emperor Penguin rookery, and the King Penguin rookeries of South Georgia. This is the only itinerary offered that enables encounters with Emperor and King penguins during the same voyage. In addition, landings will be made in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). Therefore, participants will see Rockhopper and Gentoo Penguins as well. Conservationist and renowned wildlife artist Robert Bateman and photographer Birgit Freybe Bateman will be special guests aboard Emperors & Kings: Snow Hill and South Georgia. The Batemans will share their lifetime of experience during two shipboard presentations.
-- Quark’s new Arctic 2009 expedition starts and finishes in Ottawa, Canada. Embarkation is in Resolute, high above the Arctic Circle. Disembarkation is in Iqaluit, the capital of the territory of Nunavut. This icebreaker expedition will transit the Fury and Hecla Strait, on the west coast of Baffin Island. Often ice-packed, ordinary ships seldom sail this route. Learn more.
And Quark is giving away a cabin for two on the world's largest icebreaker, 50 Years of Victory, on her July 9 to 24, 2009 cruise. The prize (retail value: $45,380) includes return air transportation from Helsinki, Finland to Murmansk, Russia, plus 13 nights on board the vessel. Contest rules and entry form can be found on Quark’s website: www.quarkexpeditions.com
Star Clippers
Star Clippers' New Tahiti Cruise Atlas Highlights Voyages Through Spring 2010
Star Clippers' new Tahiti cruise brochure that showcases Star Flyer's itineraries from fall 2008 through spring 2010 is hot off the press and available to travel agents and consumers. The catalogue focuses solely on the line's Tahiti itineraries and is filled with stunning images of the region and in-depth details about ports of call, pre- and post-cruise packages, special honeymoon options and much more.
With the line's history of solid advanced bookings, the release of the Tahiti brochure will enable travelers to book a cruise with ample time to ensure they get the date and cabin of their choice. And, guests who book by September 30, 2008, will receive a one-category cabin upgrade.
Star Flyer currently is sailing its first full season in French Polynesia with seven-, ten- and 11-night itineraries to the Society Islands and Tuamotu Atolls. Ports of call on the year-round cruises include Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, Cook Bay and Opunohu Bay (Moorea) in the Society Islands, and Fakarava and Tiputa (Rangiroa) in the Tuamotu Atolls.
Guests will enjoy breathtaking scenery and numerous opportunities to snorkel and dive in some of the most spectacular sites in the world. And shore excursions are designed to introduce guests to the fascinating culture and history of the Polynesian people.
To request a new Tahiti brochure, call toll-free (800) 442-0556 or e-mail brochures. To make a reservation, contact a travel professional. For information, call Star Clippers at (800) 442-0551 or visit www.starclippers.com to view a video about the line or take a virtual tour of the Star Clippers ships.
Variety Cruises
New Ship To Offer Cruises In Greece & The Red Sea
The new 25-cabin Harmony V, being delivered in July 2008, will be the flagship of the Variety Cruises fleet. She will operate seven-day scheduled cruises in Greece
from May to October 2008 before sailing to the Red Sea/Hurghada where she will operate seven-day Red Sea Wonders cruise until March 2009.
The vessel offers flexible bed arrangements in the cabins, in-suite Corian bathrooms, flat screen TVs with satellite channels and attractive outdoor public areas including a mini spa.
In addition, the five-cabin Mega Yacht is the latest addition to the Variety Yachting fleet. Expanding its fleet of luxury yachts, Variety Yachting announced the purchase of the
AK, a 100 ft. Falcon, accommodating 10 Guests in 5 Cabins, all with in-suite facilities and fully air conditioned. The AK is available for charters in Greece and the Mediterranean, ready to take passengers to beautiful destinations where they can experience luxurious living. Website: www.varietycruises.com
Voyages of Discovery
New Antarctica Cruise Brochure Features Passenger Photography
Voyages of Discovery has launched launches a dedicated Antarctica brochure for 2008/9 with a focus on passengers’ photography and comment. Cruise specialist Voyages of Discovery is very focused on the passenger experience aboard Discovery cruises. With the launch of its new 2008/9 Antarctica brochure as much of the photography has been taken by the previous passengers themselves.
Linking with the brochure launch, a new video site has also been developed with a dedicated Antarctica area, www.voyagesofdiscovery.com/Antarctica The new site offers a unique insight into the destination, with video clips again highlighting the passenger experience and what future travelers can expect from their voyage to the white continent. From the comfortable surroundings onboard mv Discovery to the diversity of wildlife and breathtaking scenery that Antarctica offers. Positive feedback from our clients is highly valued and speaks volumes to prospective passengers,” says David Yellow, Managing Director. “There’s nothing more inspiring than reaction from an impartial source and featuring our passengers’ actual photography provides very real and positive images of the Antarctica we know and visit. There is no doubt that focusing on individual experiences provides a unique insight into this fascinating destination.”
Mv Discovery’s expedition team is headed by Dr Peter Carey, a zoologist and founder of the Sub Antarctic Foundations for Ecosystems Research. Six additional research scientists and lecturers, from the fields of biology, ornithology, glaciology and environmental physiology, escort landings ashore and bring every aspect of this remote wilderness to life through a series of informal lectures.
Award-winning Voyages of Discovery features seven voyages aboard the Discovery to the White Continent this coming winter, with more ports of call around the sub-Antarctic Islands, including South Georgia, the South Shetlands and the South Orkneys. The Falklands and South America also feature and all voyages represent excellent value for money.
Bookings made by August 31, 2008 entitle clients to a £500 saving per couple (based on twin occupancy) or £250 saving per person (based on sole occupancy). Additionally, there is no single supplement on selected cabins. Prices start at a competitive £2,995 pp* for the 23-day Cape to Cape voyage departing
February 7, 2009 (full brochure price is £3,750 pp). Beginning in Buenos Aires, the blues and whites of Antarctica await, where you’ll trace Shackleton’s heroic steps. After a visit to the Falklands, the ship then heads to lively Cape Town, via a rare visit to Tristan da Cunha, billed as “the world’s remotest island”.
*The lead-in fare includes early booking savings, and is based on two sharing an inside, twin-bedded cabin. All meals, flights, on-board entertainment, on-board gratuities, port and airport taxes, baggage handling and overseas transfers are included in the price. Optional pre-and post-cruise hotel packages and land tours to Iguassu Falls, the glaciers of Patagonia and Cape Town are also available.
To book or to request a brochure, call Voyages of Discovery on 01444 462 150 or, for further information, visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com.
Adventure Cruises in Antarctica & Africa Offered
South Georgia Island, Table Mountain, the Taj Mahal and the Valley of the Kings will be highlights of mv Discovery cruises this winter. Passengers will get to know the White Continent and its loveable penguins on a choice of voyages including a 22-night voyage from Cape Horn to Cape Town via Antarctica and Tristan De Cunha. A host of new and exciting ports headline Voyage of Discovery's first foray into the Indian Ocean, with calls at Port Louis on Mauritius; Maputo, Mozambique's coastal capital; Madagascar; the Seychelles and Maldives.
Voyages' Winter 2008/09 itineraries offer free air from New York, San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago and Toronto on eight South America and Antarctica cruises making it a unique, exciting and affordable way to experience the White Continent. Passengers take part in landings ashore and Zodiac cruises of scenic areas where landings are not permitted. Cruisetour packages include pre- and post-cruise hotel accommodations, transfers and sightseeing in Buenos Aires and Santiago, and flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia and Valparaiso/Punta Arenas and Santiago.
Website: www.voyagesofdiscovery.com
Wilderness Adventure Travel
View The Total Solar Eclipse In Polynesia Aboard the ‘Paul Gauguin’
Guests are invited to experience the solar eclipse from July 15 to 29, 2009 aboard the luxurious Paul Gauguin, specifically designed for the Polynesian waters. The voyage, sponsored by Wilderness Travel adventure company, will be led by Alex Filippenko, an award-winning professor of astronomy at University of California/Berkeley along with a team of local guest experts. Being aboard the Paul Gauguin for this event will give guests the opportunity to maneuver to the ideal viewing position on eclipse day on July 21, 2009 and offer an unforgettable journey between the Polynesian islands and lagoons including Bora Bora, Moorea and Taha’a.
The cruise is currently sold out but those interested in taking the cruise should call 1-800-368-2794 to be waitlisted or visit http://www.wildernesstravel.com/itins/evpolyne.html for more information.
The Paul Gauguin, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises carries 330 guests, offering a very intimate atmosphere to guests exploring the islands of Tahiti. For other cruises on the Paul Gauguin, visit www.rssc.com. For more information on the Paul Gauguin’s excursion, please visit Total Solar Eclipse on the Paul Gauguin.
Blackbeard Cruises
Orion Expeditions
Quark Expeditions
Star Clippers
Blackbeard’s Cruises/Ocean Blue Education
Dive into the Life of a Marine Biologist in The Bahamas this summer!
Not your typical summer camp experience—20 Days of Bahamas Reef Ecology & Seamanship. Join Ocean Blue Education and Blackbeard's Cruises this summer for the learning adventure of a lifetime. There is no better way to broaden your awareness of the ocean than by experiencing life at sea firsthand. We offer you the perfect platform to master leadership and teamwork skills that will propel you through high school, college and beyond. This summer, imagine yourself at the helm of a 65-foot sailboat, collecting invasive Lionfish, surveying sharks, sleeping under the Caribbean stars and diving among pristine coral reefs.
The Ocean Blue adventure begins the moment you step aboard the Morning Star in Nassau, The Bahamas. This 65-foot sloop sailboat will become your floating home and classroom for the next 20 days. The expedition will take you on a journey through the turquoise waters of the Central and Southern Bahamian Islands—New Providence,
The Exuma Islands Chain, Eleuthera, Concepcion, Little San Salvador, and San Salvador.
From day one, learn basic seamanship and acquire the skills to sail the Morning Star. Living aboard a ship means leaving the familiar behind and taking the exciting unknown head on. The focus of the expedition will be on the ocean and its coral reefs below. It is the dynamic combination of doing current ocean research while learning marine biology in an underwater classroom that gives you the deep understanding of our ocean and its reefs.
Students will be immersed in scuba diving, sail training, marine science, snorkeling and ocean research and marine conservation.
Whether scuba diving or sailing is new to you, Ocean Blue Education has a place for you on-board. Our scuba diving programs offer customized instruction and are taught by the best instructors in a comfortable setting. Our programs emphasize learning and camaraderie, not competition. Our dive programs offer customized instruction-the very best in the industry!
For more information contact: Tyler Korte at Ocean Blue Education email: obeducation@gmail.com or phone (910) 603-5110.
Orion Expeditions/Australia
Orion's 2009 Norfolk And Melanesian Islands Discovery Expedition
Building on the popular inaugural voyage in 2008 this beguiling island meander, is to be further developed in 2009 to include even more remote island cultural experiences. In the spirit of Orion's "paths-less-traveled", this 19-night itinerary includes two new destinations for Orion – Norfolk Island and Malekula (Vanuatu), as well as highlights selected from the 2008 voyage.
Departing Auckland on the February 27, 2009, Orion will explore the picturesque New Zealand coastline around Te Rawhiti inlet (Bay of Islands) and visit the charming township of Russell, before heading to the historic penal settlement of Norfolk Island with its romantic and brutal history of HMS Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives. Next stop, the beautiful Isle of Pines, also once a penal settlement, in the French-Pacific territory of New Caledonia.
The brooding presence of Melanesia's "Ring of Fire" will become apparent as Orion heads to the volcanic islands of Anatom and Tanna Island, home to the still-practicing John Frum cargo cult. Join the expedition team to experience one of nature's most spectacular events – a trip up the side of the active volcano, Mt Yasur, to perch next to the rumbling cavernous mouth as it ejects lumps of molten magma high into the evening sky.
Poignant reminders of the War in the Pacific abound with Orion crossing Iron Bottom Sound, a naval battleground and final resting place for numerous US, Japanese, Australian and New Zealand ships. In Espiritu Santo, scuba divers will be able to experience an unforgettable dive on the world's largest accessible ship, the 22,000 ton President Coolidge. Rabaul has many WWII sites to visit including Admiral Yamamoto's command bunker; hand cut caves still containing remnants of Japanese ships, tanks and armaments are a must-see.
There will be plenty of time to enjoy the gentle sea breezes of Marovo Lagoon,
the world's largest double barrier lagoon – slated for World Heritage status -
swim or snorkel at idyllic Mateana beach or feed the sharks at Uepi.
This voyage concludes in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, with guests invited to see
the Baining Fire Dancers perform their amazing bare-foot dancing and trampling
through a bonfire.
These destinations will appeal to anyone interested in experiencing the broad
cultural and historic diversity of the South Pacific.
Fares Guide:
19 nights Norfolk and Melanesian Islands Discovery departs Auckland
February 27 2009.
Fares begin from $13,435 per person for an ocean view Category B stateroom
Suites begin from $18,525 per person for a Junior Suite
Owners’ Suites with French Balcony are $28,135 per person
With 75 crew and a maximum of just 106 passengers Orion offers the highest staff to guest ratio and guest to public space ratio of any ship based in Australian waters.
Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the
website www.orioncruises.com.au
For reservations or to obtain a brochure call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033
8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) or your travel
agent. Email: info@orioncruises.com.a u
Quark Expeditions
Escape The Summer Heat With Two Unique Adventures To The Arctic
During the Arctic’s warmest time of the year, Quark Expeditions will offer two unique adventures - an 18-day Arctic exploration trip on the icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov and a 13-day Northwest passage adventure on the ice-strengthened Akademik Ioffe. Each trip explores a different region of the Arctic.
Four thousand years of history will be revealed on Quark Expeditions’ Arctic Quest from August 25-September 11, 2008. From the coast of Baffin Island to the shores of western Greenland, this remote, under explored area has a long history and a distinct culture that has continually adapted to the harsh environment. Beginning in Resolute, a small village above the Arctic Circle, Kapitan Khlebnikov will sail through Lancaster Sound to Greenland and then on to Ellesmere, Coburg Island and Baffin Islands.
In addition to historical sites, wildlife sightings may include two species of whales, narwhals and beluga, as well as polar bears, Arctic seals and dozens of species of birds. The Kapitan Khlebnikov will crush through thick ice including the nearly impassable Lincoln Sea along the western coast of Greenland. Other highlights include a visit to the massive twin glaciers of Ellesmere Island and the Inuit’s artist colonies of Baffin Island. Prices start at $14,500 per person based on triple occupancy.
-- Highlights of the Northwest Passage will be explored on Quark Expeditions Northwest Passage via Simpson Strait expedition. Taking place from September 6-18, this modified route through the Northwest Passage will attempt a unique sailing through Simpson Strait which was transited by Roald Amundsen in 1905. The shallower draft of Quark’s ice-strengthened Adventure Ship Akademik Ioffe makes possible this rare attempt to transit the strait. Departing from Resolute, the trip ventures to Beechey Island where three of Sir John Franklin’s crew were buried while searching for the Arctic passage to Asia in 1845.
The Akademik Ioffe will then travel through Bellot Strait to King William Island where the remaining members of Franklin’s expedition were beset in ice for two winters. They abandoned their ships Erebus and Terror in 1848. Other highlights include a visit to the Inuit village of Usqsuqtuuq called Gjoa Haven by Amundsen after he wintered there. A visit to the Smoking Hills, an area that has been burning for centuries, is also planned. The constant clouds of smoke that float over the hills gave the region its name. This 13-day active Arctic adventure trip also features kayaking. Prices start at $4,200 per person based on double occupancy.
For more information, call Quark Expeditions at 800-356-5699 or visit www.quarkexpeditions.com.
Quark Expeditions Offering Special Savings On Arctic Cruises This Summer
Quark Expeditions is offering some special rates for Quark friends and family members who wish to experience the high latitudes of the Arctic. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce the people you care about to expedition travel at savings of up to 75 percent off the regular rates.
The maiden voyage to the North Pole of 50 Years of Victory, June 23 to July 8, 2008, is available at a friends and family rate of $7,495 per person. Arctic Islands, July 21 to August 6, 2008, aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov sails from Murmansk to Franz Josef Land, Svalbard and Greenland, disembarking in Reykjavik. This expedition is available at a rate of $4,995 per person.
Labrador Explorer, July 10 to July 22, 2008, aboard Akademik Ioffe sails from St. John's to Iqaluit along the Labrador Coast. Berths are available at a rate of $3,495 per person.
Baffin Island Explorer, September 18 to 30, 2008, aboard Akademik Ioffe sailing from Resolute to Iqaluit via Ellesmere Island has berths available at a rate of $1,995 per person.
These offers are non-commissionable, and cannot be marked up. There is limited space available at these rates. Accommodation is in twin cabins. The prices are per person in US dollars.
If you or someone in your circle of friends is interested in joining one of these voyages, please contact our office at 1-800-356-5699, or at +1-203-852-5580, or at enquiry@quarkexpeditions.com , and refer to the "Friends & Family" offer.
Star Clippers
Star Clippers Offers Special Savings On 13-Night Far East Cruise Tour Packages
As Asia’s popularity as a tourist destination continues to rise, so does the popularity of Star Clippers’ Far East cruises. Guests flying to the Orient often look to enhance their cruise vacation with a pre- and post-cruise land excursion, and Star Clippers has answered the demand by offering two special 13-night cruise tours that combine a seven-night cruise aboard Star Clipper with four- and two-night pre- and post-cruise land tours.
The seven-day voyages aboard Star Clipper sail round-trip Phuket, Thailand, or between Phuket and Singapore. The four-night land tour explores Bangkok, Thailand, while the two-night land tour takes guests to either Phuket or Singapore, depending on itinerary.
Guests who book select dates for the cruise tour will save $700 per person off of the brochure rate.
Wonders of the Far East 13-night Cruise Tour
For passengers sailing on itineraries between Phuket and Singapore, the Wonders of the Far East’cruise tour includes four nights pre- or post-cruise in Bangkok and two nights pre- or post-cruise in Singapore.
The four-night Vibrant City land tour in Bangkok includes a stay at the five-star Montien Riverside Hotel, breakfast daily, a half-day city tour with a visit to the Grand Palace, the short flight between Phuket and Bangkok, transfers and a cultural dinner show. Optional add-on tours are available, and there will be time to shop independently and explore the many splendors of Bangkok.
During the two-night visit to Singapore, guests stay at the Orchard Hotel Singapore, located in the island’s premier shopping and business districts near the well-known Orchard Road. The tour also includes a half-day city tour, breakfast daily, optional add-on tours and transfers.
The seven-night sailings between Phuket and Singapore include calls at pristine islands such as the Similans, Phang Nga, Ko Adang, Ko Lipe and Ko Miang, Thailand; and Penang or Langkawi and Malacca, Malaysia.
In addition to the beauty that decorates each port of call, many of the islands and their surrounding waters are designated national parks, preserved to explore and enjoy for years to come. Ancient customs and traditions live on in this part of the world, and the mysteries of a little-known region unravel with each adventure ashore.
Fares for the 13-night ‘Wonders of the Far East’ cruise tour start at $3,240 per person, double occupancy, which includes the $700 savings. The savings are valid on the December 1 and 10, 2008, and March 11, 2009, land tour departure dates only. Port charges are additional.
Explore Bangkok and Phuket on ‘Senses of Siam’ Cruise Tour
The 13-night Senses of Siam package combines a seven-night Southern Route or Northern Route round-trip Phuket cruise with a four-night pre-cruise land tour of Bangkok and a two-night post-cruise tour of Phuket. As with the ‘Wonders of the Far East’ tour, the cruise tour on the round-trip Phuket voyages begins with a four-night ‘Vibrant City’ land tour in Bangkok that gives passengers the opportunity to explore this exciting metropolis of more than 10 million inhabitants.
Following the cruise aboard Star Clipper, the unforgettable two-night post-cruise Phuket tour features an evening performance of “Phuket FantaSea,” a spectacular show complete with traditional Thai shadow puppets, dancing elephants and daring acrobats as well as a Thai dinner before the show. The tour also includes a seafront hotel stay at the Merlin Patong Phuket, time to explore independently, optional add-on tours and transfers.
The seven-night round-trip Phuket Southern Route sailing includes calls at Batong Group, Penang, Ko Lipe, Ko Khai Nok, Phang Nga/Ko Hong and Similan Islands. The seven-night round-trip Phuket Northern Route sailing calls at Surin Islands, Similan Islands, Hin Daeng/Ko Rok Nok, Ko Kraden, Phang Nga/Ko Khai Nok and Langkawi.
Guests are greeted at each island by breathtaking scenery enhanced by limestone hillsides and lush emerald-hued forests. Some of the best diving in the world can be found in the clear, tropical waters, and the unspoiled beaches are a tranquil haven for those who prefer to relax and soak up the sun.
Fares for the 13-night Senses of Siam cruise tour start at $3,280 per person, double occupancy, which includes the $700 savings. The savings are valid on the November 24, 2008, and January 5, 19; February 2 and 16, 2009, land-tour departure dates only. Port charges are additional.
Both 13-night cruise tours also include airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Bangkok and the return flight to the United States from Phuket. Reduced air add-on rates are available from select cities.
To request a brochure, call toll-free (800) 442-0556 or e-mail brochures@starclippers.com . To make a reservation, contact a travel professional; or visit www.starclippers.com to view a video about the line or take a virtual tour of the Star Clippers ships.
Star Clippers Opens Bookings Through March 2010
Star Clippers has opened the books and is taking reservations on cruises through March 2010 aboard Star Clipper, Star Flyer and its flagship, Royal Clipper. The diverse itineraries take the three authentic clipper ships around the globe, with cruises in Tahiti, the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Far East and trans-Atlantic and Indian Ocean crossings. Schedules and pricing are posted at www.starclippers.com .
-- With its maiden season in Tahiti under way to rave reviews, Star Flyer will continue to sail seven-, ten- and 11-night round-trip Papeete, Tahiti, cruises through March 2010 (and beyond). Guests will enjoy breathtaking scenery and numerous opportunities to snorkel and dive in some of the most spectacular sites in the world. And shore excursions are designed to introduce guests to the fascinating culture and history of the Polynesian people. Ports of call on the year-round cruises include Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, Cook Bay and Opunohu Bay (Moorea) in the Society Islands, and Fakarava and Tiputa (Rangiroa) in the Tuamotu Atolls.
-- Star Clipper sails to the wonders of the Far East and Mediterranean. From November 2008 through March 2009 and November 2009 through March 2010, Star Clipper will cruise in the Far East. The two different seven-night round-trip Phuket, Thailand, itineraries call at island jewels throughout Thailand and Malaysia.
The Southern Route includes calls at Batong Group, Penang, Ko Lipe, Ko Khai Nok, Phang Nga/Ko Hong and Similan Islands, while the Northern Route includes Surin and Similan Islands, Hin Daeng/Ko Rok Nok, Ko Kraden, Phang Nga/Ko Khai Nok and Langkawi. The ship also will sail seven-night cruises between Singapore and Phuket.
-- The Mediterranean continues to be an increasingly popular destination, and Star Clipper will sail Greece and Turkey routes during summer 2009. The ship sails two different seven-night round-trip Athens, Greece, voyages, including stops at passenger favorites such as Rhodes, Mykonos and Santorini, Greece, as well as Bodrum and Kusadasi in Turkey. The ten- and 11-night itineraries sail between Athens and Venice, Italy, and call at ports throughout Greece and Croatia, as well as Kotor, Montenegro.
--Royal Clipper sails to Caribbean and Mediterranean favorites. Royal Clipper continues to be the only ship in the fleet to offer Caribbean itineraries through 2010. Carrying just 227 passengers, the size of the ship allows the vessel to visit smaller ports that larger cruise ships cannot reach, making its itineraries some of Star Clippers' most popular.
Royal Clipper sails two different seven-night, round-trip Barbados itineraries from November through March. The Windward Islands itinerary features calls at St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, Iles des Saintes and Martinique. The Grenadine Islands itinerary includes calls at The Grenadines, Grenada, Tobago Cays, St. Vincent, Bequia, Martinique and St. Lucia.
During the summer, Royal Clipper will return to the western Mediterranean with seven-, ten- and 11-night itineraries. The seven-night cruises sail round-trip Civitavecchia (Rome) and highlight the best of Italy, including an evening sail past the still-active Stromboli volcano. The ten- and 11-night journeys that sail between Civitavecchia and Venice call at ports in Italy, Sicily, Montenegro, Greece and Croatia.
-- For those who truly love the sailing experience while also visiting exciting destinations, Star Clippers is offering Ocean Crossings ranging from 16 to 37 nights.
Trans-Atlantic journeys take Royal Clipper from Barbados to Malaga, Spain, and on to Rome in April 2009, and from Lisbon, Portugal, to Barbados in October 2009. The 37-night Indian Ocean crossings in March 2009 and October 2010 transit the Suez Canal and take Star Clipper between Phuket and Athens, calling at ports in Greece, Egypt, India and Sri Lanka.
Early bookings are strong for Star Clippers' 2008 sailing season, so guests are encouraged to reserve space early to avoid disappointment and ensure they get the cabin of their choice. Website: www.starclippers.com
Blackbeard Cruises
Cruise West
Elegant Cruises & Tours
Hurtigruten Expeditions
Majestic America
Special Cruises
--- American Museum of Natural History
--- Audubon Nature Odysseys
Voyages of Discovery
Windstar Cruises
Blackbeard Cruises
Blackbeard Offers Diving Cruises In Remote Regions of the Bahamas this Summer
Blackbeard's has been diving the Bahamas for thirty years with over 250 sites moored.
Hogsty Reef is one of the deadliest shipwreck traps in the Western Hemisphere! This is a place so untouched by intruders, that it typifies the definition of the word "unspoiled". It was also a dangerous place during the old shipping days before GPS devices existed. Almost invisible beneath deceptively tranquil waters lies a treacherous reef of jagged coral which has claimed hundreds of ships over the last 450 years. Hogsty Reef is one of only three true coral atolls in the Atlantic formed when the volcanic island slowly receded into the ocean. Surrounded by waters that plunge to depths of 6,000 feet or more, two small spits of sand in a horseshoe shaped formation encompass a crystal clear lagoon. The only entrance to the lagoon on the west side keeps the diving pristine. The entire formation of approximately twelve square miles provides a lush habitat for colorful schools of butterfly fish, parrotfish angelfish, grouper and snapper abound. And away from the protect ion of the reef mass, giant sharks and whales prowl the waters over the edge of the shear walls that plunge to the depths of the ocean.
The two visible wrecks are the only things that can be seen of the reef on initial approach. One of these is a WW2 liberty ship, wrecked in 1963 and from a distance looks like an intact ship. It is truly an amazing place. Inside is turquoise water, 25 feet deep over white sand. Outside the wrecks and atolls, there is a sheer drop to over 6,000 feet! So, there is phenomenal shear wall diving which attracts numerous sharks and rays.
The itinerary will be weather dependent and include the best dive sites of the above areas.
Scheduled dates: August 2 to 8 and August 9 to 15. Cost: $929 plus $50 fuel surcharge, $10 marine park fee & $40 port tax. Departing Georgetown, Great Exuma
Other trips scheduled. Call today to book your summer dive vacation! 800.327.9600
Or visit www.blackbeardcruises.com
Cruise West
Scuba Excursions Now Offered On Cruise West’s 2009 South Pacific Itineraries
Cruise West, a leading small-ship cruise line with worldwide journeys, will offer seven distinct SCUBA excursions on its three 2009 South Pacific itineraries. The January- through-March cruises sail on Cruise West’s flagship, the 120-guest Spirit of Oceanus, through the untouched beauty, remote villages and tiny atolls of the South Pacific islands. All three itineraries offer numerous additional activities and excursions with focus on the culture, history and marine biology of these spectacular islands. Guests who book any of the three 2009 South Pacific cruises by June 13, 2008, will save $600 per person and an additional $200 per person if paid in full by June 13, 2008.
2009 South Pacific Itineraries with SCUBA Excursion Options~
-- Pearls of Polynesia—SCUBA divers can explore Beqa Lagoon/Carpet Cove or Taveuni/Rainbow Reef on the Pearls of Polynesia itinerary, a 12-night trip that sails to Polynesia and Melanesia. Beqa Lagoon is renowned for its spectacular soft coral and abundant sealife; Carpet Cove houses a fishing shipwreck, sunk in 1996 and now host to a vibrant array of sealife, including the rare juvenile Blue Ribbon eel. Cost per two-tank dive: $185
The second dive option is in two parts: first is Taveuni, called the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” for its vibrant corals; the second is Rainbow Reef, where divers can expect 60-70 feet of visibility. Cost per one-tank dive: $139
The 12-night Pearls of Polynesia sails between Fiji and Papeete and visits Beqa, Fiji, to watch a traditional firewalking ceremony; the Cook Islands including Atiu, The Land of the Birds, which is not visited by many other tourists; and Tonga to meet with local villagers, participate in a kava ceremony and snorkel in the pristine waters. Pearls of Polynesia travels on January 12 and February 13, 2009, and starts at $5,399 per person with maximum early booking savings.
-- Island Sanctuaries—The 11-night Island Sanctuaries itinerary visits the remote oasis of French Polynesia, where SCUBA divers can choose from two adventures.
The first dive at Bora Bora/Tapu is located on the outside of a lagoon down a mooring line in 30 feet of water filled with dozens of black-tip reef sharks, moray eels, rainbow jackfish, triggerfish and large schools of butterfly fish. Cost per one-tank dive: $135
The second dive will investigate the calm waters of Fakarava’s lagoon, the second largest in Polynesia, and bring divers face to face to dolphins, manta rays, barracudas, blue fin tunas, sharks, angel fish and parrot fish. Cost per one-tank dive: $130
On this round-trip journey from Papeete, guests will visit a local pearl farm in Takapoto and travel through the Marquesas Islands to meet with villagers and explore the plush terrain. This itinerary sails on January 23 and February 2, 2009, and starts at $4,099 per person with maximum early booking savings.
-- Legends of the Pacific—The 16-night Legends of the Pacific journey explores Micronesian islands, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, traveling between Guam and Fiji. SCUBA divers can choose from three separate excursions.
*The Honiara/Guadalcanal trip explores the Western Battlefields of World War II at the beach of Ruanui, where divers will investigate a Japanese transport ship teeming with coral and pelagic fish life; the second dive will search another Japanese transport ship with anti aircraft guns on the wreck. Cost per two-tank dive: $120
*The Chuuk dive explores “Operation Hailstorm,” a battle that sank more than 60 ships more than 60 years ago. Schools of jacks patrol the outside of the ships while stunning soft corals are attached to the ribs and beams. Cost per two-tank dive: $199
*The third SCUBA excursion, at Pohnpei’s largest surrounding lagoon, offers a choice of three world-class dive sites: Palaikir Pass, home to a “shark city” of 100 grey reef sharks; Mwand Pass, with schools of colorful small reef creatures; and Manta Road, an underwater channel located between two reefs where manta rays are spotted nearly every day of the year. Cost per two-tank dive: $185
The Legends of the Pacific brings guests to areas seldom visited by other travelers, on an insider’s expedition of native villages, World War II sites and tiny islands. The itinerary sails on December 28, 2008, and February 26, 2009, and starts at $6,449 per person with the maximum early booking savings.
For additional information on the South Pacific itineraries visit http://www.cruisewest.com/destinations/south_pacific or call 1-800-296-8307.
Elegant Cruises & Tours
Early Booking Savings For New Red Sea Itineraries Aboard ‘MS Monet’
Monasteries of the Lonely Desert is Elegant Cruises new Red Sea cruise/tours aboard the 62-passenger MS Monet. The exciting itinerary sends the Monet through the Gulf of Suez to the beautiful Red Sea with visits and excursions to the Gulf of Aqaba, Safaga, Luxor, Petra and Amman. Explore the early origins of religion across the vast, remote Egyptian desert with a focus on the remarkable desert monasteries of early Christianity, including the Monasteries of St. Anthony & St. Paul, now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The maiden voyage for Monet's new Red Sea cruise/tour itinerary begins in Cairo with the Monet departing the port of Ein-el Sokha on December 20, 2008, with additional departures January 3, 2009 and February 14, 2009. Dates for the reverse itinerary, departing Aqaba and cruising to Ein-el Sokha, for Cairo, are December 27, 2008, January 10, 2009, January 24, 2009 and February 7, 2009. Book before May 31 and save $300 per person off published rates.
Brochure rates for the 14-day/13-night cruise package including meals onboard, shore excursions, four nights land portion in Jordan, one overnight in Cairo, all transfers, and guest lecturer begin at $3,512 per person, based on double occupancy, exclusive of land portions in Cairo and Jordan. Group and charter rates are available. To qualify for the special savings, early booking deposits must be received by May 31, 2008. NCMA Agent-only bonus commission of $200 for first ever booking with Elegant Cruises & Tours applies. For more details, or to book, contact Elegant Cruises & Tours, (516) 767-9302/ toll-free (800) 683-6767 or email info@elegantcruises.com.
Hurtigruten Expedition Cruises
Savings Opportunities Of Up To $3,600 Per Person On Five Diverse Programs
Hurtigruten, formerly known as Norwegian Coastal Voyage, is offering unprecedented savings, ranging from $1,000 to $3,600 per person, on five distinct Antarctic expeditions in 2008 and 2009 with itineraries ranging from 13 to 22 days. Guests can also take advantage of Hurtigruten’s $849 to $1,049 roundtrip airfare from Miami or New York. These once-in-a-lifetime voyages explore the vast and mysterious wilderness of the White Continent, the coldest, driest and windiest destination on earth, replete with gleaming icebergs, blue whales and orcas feeding mere feet from the ships, and penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands. This promotion is not combinable with other special offers.
The discounts apply to all five of Hurtigruten’s Antarctica programs including
-- the company’s newest adventure, the 17-day North & South Antarctica expedition aboard the MS Fram, the world’s newest expedition ship. This is Hurtigruten’s longest visit to the White Continent – nine days – and takes participants to the rarely visited Marguerite Bay, an extensive bay dotted with ice-covered islands, surrounded by stunning mountainous icebergs and is home to the only known breeding colony of emperor penguins on the west side of the Antarctica Peninsula. With the discount, fares range from $5,799 to $15,599 per person, double for January 22 and February 3, 2009 departures, a savings of $1,000 to $3,600 per person.
--Another new expedition—the 19-day Antarctica & The Falklands/Malvinas itinerary—- aboard the 350-passenger MS Nordnorge, navigates the western-most outposts of the Falkland Islands and the narrow passage between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula. With savings of $1,100 to $3,100, travelers pay $5,499 to $13,099 for the November 6, 2008 sailing and $300 more for the February 12, 2009 departure.
-- Travelers can take advantage of savings opportunities aboard MS Fram’s 13-day Argentina & Antarctica program, which highlights Buenos Aires and Ushuaia as well as five days in Antarctica. Fares on all departures from November 2008 to February 2009, are $3,999 to $12,749, saving $1,100 to $3,500 per passenger.
-- The 19-day“Antarctica, Argentina & The Chilean Fjords expedition offers the special rates on December 4, 2008 and January 1 and 29, 2009 departures -- $5,599 to $13,499 ($1,100 to $$3,000 in savings).
-- The 22-day Falklands/Malvinas, South Georgia & Antarctica adventure features similar savings on its February 27, 2009 sailing with fares of $6,399 to $14,799.
MS Fram, designed specifically for cruising Arctic and Antarctic waters and accommodating 318 guests in suites and staterooms, boasts a restaurant, two bars, panoramic lounges library, Internet café and conference rooms.
The 350-passenger MS Nordnorge features Art Nouveau and Art Deco embellishments, and a variety of staterooms and suites, restaurant, panoramic lounges, library Internet café and conference rooms
Fares include all meals onboard, the services of expert guides, lectures and PolarCirkel boat landings. Roundtrip air from Miami or New York is offered at between $849 and $1,049 per person; add-on air from dozens of US cities is available. Fuel surcharge and air taxes are $294.70 per person on all sailings.
For more information about the cruise, pre- and post-cruise explorations and optional excursions, contact Hurtigruten at, (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures, (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; website:www.hurtigruten.us .
Majestic America Line
Cruise Alaska Aboard Majestic America Line's ‘Empress of the North’
Majestic America Line gives guests exclusive access to hidden treasures found in Alaska's Inside Passage aboard the distinctive 223-guest Empress of the North.
Alaska is well-known for being an unforgettable experience for visitors. Majestic America Line offers travelers the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views of Alaska in luxurious comfort. With just 112 staterooms and suites, Empress of the North's intimate, small ship experience provides unique access to the vast wilderness and waterways of Alaska's Inside Passage that most Alaska cruises miss.
All 2008 itineraries, which begin April 28, allow guests to explore up close the spectacular glaciers, natural wonders, the majestic grandeur of Alaska's endless forests, plummeting waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and the rich culture of America's last frontier.
Expert naturalists, cultural representatives, historians and wildlife experts elevate the
Alaskan experience for guests. Enrichment programs and select shore excursions are
included in the cruise price.
And if you are an American citizen, no passports and exchange rates required.
A special Alaska cruise aboard the Empress of the North departing Juneau, May 24, 2008, will be hosted by distinguished sports leader and business entrepreneur Peter Ueberroth. Ueberroth served as sixth commission of Major League Baseball, president of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and was named 1984 Man of the Year by Time Magazine.
For more information, contact a travel agent, call 1-800-434-1232 or visit http://www.majesticamericaline.com.
Special Cruises
American Museum of Natural History Expeditions In 2008
The American Museum of Natural History in New York is offering a variety of expeditionary cruises in 2008. A sampling:
-- Bell’Italia—Ten-day cruise aboard Sea Cloud from September 16 to 27. Explore Rome, Sardinia, Corsica, Elba, Florence, Explore Rome and Florence with private visits to the Vatican and the Duomo and gourmet and artisan walking tours. Experience the exhilaration of Sea Cloud under sail on a five-night cruise with stops at the lovely and historic islands of Sardinia, Corsica and Elba. Rates from $10,995.
--Treasures of the Black Sea—August 04 to August 15, 2008. Nine-day cruise aboard Le Levant. Cruise from ancient Istanbul to Anatolian villages along the Black Sea Coast. Explore the fascinating history of the Crimea, experience the rich folkloric heritage of Ukraine, and visit Bulgaria’s World Heritage site of Nessebur. Observe contrasts in architecture, cultures, and landscapes, from colorful minarets and vibrant bazaars to lovingly preserved Byzantine churches. Rates from $6,995 up.
-- Vietnam & Cambodia aboard the Mekong Pandaw—November 05 to November 18, 2008. Linked by the mighty Mekong River, Vietnam and Cambodia share a complex history. Ruled by successive kingdoms, colonized by Europeans, torn apart by war and revolution—their people have endured much. But the Indochina of today is a far more forgiving and forward-thinking land than you might imagine. On this special program, delve into both ancient and modern Cambodia and Vietnam. Bioarchaeologist Jeffrey Schwartz will be onboard as Study Leader. Rates from $6,595 up.
-- Australia's Great Barrier Reef—October 29 to November 08, 2008. Board the 44-passenger Coral Princess II and explore the world’s largest living organism: Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Learn about the reef’s complex ecosystems and ecology from on board marine biologists. Take advantage of ample opportunities to snorkel and dive in brilliant blue waters or observe of the reef from a glass-bottom boat. On shore, enjoy a traditional beach barbecue and guided nature walks. Rates from $6,990 up.
-- New Zealand: The Last Great Paradise—January 24 to February 08, 2009.
Aboard the Clipper Odyssey, observe the shy and rare yellow-eyed penguin, the bubbling mud pots of geothermal activity, the glacial beauty of Fiordland, and the skilled hands of expert Maori woodcarvers. Learn about the historical, cultural, and natural wonders of New Zealand from AMNH study leader Jim Webster, a curator in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the American Museum of Natural History, and Neville Peat, a native New Zealander, noted naturalist, and award-winning author whose insider perspectives add a special dimension to this program. Rates from $8,790 up.
For more information on other AMNH Expeditions, visit, http://www.amnhexpeditions.org.
Audubon Nature Odysseys Announces The Grand Voyage
From the Strait of Gibraltar to Patagonia—November 20 to December 22, 2008. Take a grand Voyage to West Africa, the Atlantic Islands and South America aboard the 114-guest Corinthian II. The cruise can be purchased in total or opt for one of two segments: Part I—November 20 to December 7 (Malaga to Salvador)
Part II—December 4 to 22 (Salvador to Ushuaia).
Leading the Audubon Group will be Nature Odyssey leader Susan Drennan. Rates from $6,995 double occupancy. Note: If not a member of Audubon, there is an additional moderate membership fee. More information at http://travel.audubon.org
Voyages of Discovery
Cruise Line Begins Fifth Antarctic Season In November
Voyages of Discovery operates the mv Discovery and will begin its fifth Antarctic season in November. The vessel will carry a maximum of 500 passengers on its voyages to Antarctica, the Chilean Fjords, Patagonia, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.
The Discovery’s expedition team is headed by Dr. Peter Carey, a zoologist and founder of the Sub Antarctic Foundation for Ecosystems Research.
Voyages of Discovery’s 2008-09 Antarctica voyages include flights, overseas transfers, all meals and lectures onboard, gratuities and taxes (price are per person). Optional pre- and post-cruise hotel packages and land tours to Iguaçu Falls, the glaciers of Patagonia and Cape Town, South Africa are also available. An additional 5 percent discount is available on bookings made by May 31 2008. Itineraries include:
November 16, 2008: Voyage to Antarctica, 35 nights, Lisbon to Buenos Aires, from £3,275
December 3, 2008: Antarctica & Falkland Islands, 18 nights, roundtrip Buenos Aires, from £3,295
December 16, 2008: Antarctica, Chile and Patagonia, 17 nights, Buenos Aires-Santiago, from £3,395
December 26, 2008: Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica, 21 nights, Santiago-Buenos Aires, from £3,995
January 10, 2009: Antarctica and the Chilean Fjords, 20 nights, Buenos Aires-Santiago, from £3,995
January 24, 2009: Antarctica and the Chilean Fjords, 20 nights, Santiago-Buenos Aires, from £3,995
February 7, 2009: Cape to Cape, 22 nights, Buenos Aires-Cape Town, from £2,795
For further information, contact Voyages of Discovery on 01444 462150 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk.
Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises Sails the Awe-Inspiring Greek Isles in 2008
Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, offers guests exceptional opportunities to experience the mythical beauty of the Greek Isles aboard 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit. In 2008, travelers on Windstar Cruises can choose from 46 7-day sailings during May through October to these ancient, hauntingly beautiful locales in the Greek Isles.
Windstar is the only cruise line that offers such an extensive season of Greek Isles itineraries. These cruises have traditionally been favorites of Windstar guests who return year after year to sail on the warm, cobalt blue waters of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian Seas. Due to their popularity, the cruises sell out quickly each season.
Itineraries start or end in Venice, Italy; Rome, Italy; Athens, Greece; or Istanbul, Turkey, with one itinerary featuring Sarande, Albania and two itineraries featuring Dubrovnik, Croatia. A variety of Greek ports are offered including Capri, Messina, Gythion, Navplion, Ermoupolis, Katakolon, Gythion, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Monemvasia, Corfu, Cephalonia and Kythira. Sailing from one magical port to the next, highlights include historic Athens, the lush island of Corfu, the Byzantine ruins in Kythira, fashionable boutiques of Mykonos, the cliffs and white-washed architecture of Santorini and the Acropolis of Rhodes.
Windstar's also offers its Connoisseur Collection, which allow guests to combine two Greek Island cruises on Wind Star and Wind Spirit into a 14-day voyage with no repeating ports.
The line recently invested millions in fleetwide enhancements in its Degrees of Difference initiative which focused on structural and technical operations along with upgrades to guest areas, remodeled bathrooms in staterooms and an expanded beauty salon and spa. On Wind Star and Wind Spirit, the Lounge, Veranda and Pool Bar were renovated. In order to take each ship's comfort level to a new degree of luxury, Apple iPod Nanos and Bose SoundDock speakers, flat screen televisions, luxury linens and mattresses as well as L'Occitane bathroom amenities were added in each stateroom across the fleet.
Cruise rates begin at $2,599 per person, based on double occupancy. Website: http://www.windstarcruises.com
Abercrombie & Kent
Hurtigruten
Orion Expeditions/Australia
Quark Expeditions
Star Clippers
Travel Dynamics International
Abercrombie & Kent
Adventure Cruising in Birding Heaven: Explore the Bering Sea and Russian Far East
The rich waters of the Bering Sea and the unique diversity of habitats in the Russian Far East combine to create one of the world's most interesting ecosystems for birdwatchers
and nature lovers alike. Join Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) for the adventure of a lifetime as we cross the Bering Sea into the amazing world of Siberian Russia aboard the intimate 118-passenger expedition ship, Clipper Odyssey.
-- Wildlife viewing along the coastline of Kamchatka and the Chukotka
peninsula is unparalleled. On the Russian Far East and Kamchatka (July
2-16, 2008) explore the peninsula that is home to the world's largest
concentration and population of Steller Eagles. Other highlights include
Cape Navarin, one of the most abundant seabird colonies in all of
northeast Russia, and Anadyr Bay, an important breeding area for
waterfowl with some 145 species of birds, 18 of which are listed in the
Russian Red Data Book. Even on days at sea, get your field book out as
you stand on deck to watch birds from six continents migrate across the
Bering Strait.
-- On Bridging the Bering Sea (July 15-29, 2008) follow the islands that
once formed the land bridge between Asia and North America, now home to
hundreds of different bird species including Black-footed Albatross,
Northern Fulmar, several species of Petrel, Cormorant, Auk and Puffins,
to name only a few. Venture by Zodiac, Clipper Odyssey's stable
inflatable boats, to explore the jagged cliffs and rocky shores of
Aghiyuk Island, home to more than 1,000,000 birds. Tiny Hall and St.
Matthew Islands are birders' paradises where many seabirds nest,
including the indigenous McKay's Bunting.
The 118-passenger 'Clipper Odyssey' carries a fleet of Zodiac landing craft so all guests can go ashore on out-of-the-way islands and remote stretches of coastline, not accessible by land or larger cruise ships. Cabins are comfortable and well-appointed, meals delicious and service impeccable. The small size of the 'Clipper Odyssey' allows access to more rewarding and authentic harbors. A customized glass-bottom boat affords a carefree look at the underwater world.
Carefully-crafted itineraries designed by A&K's expedition staff offer an in-depth, personal introduction to unspoiled and otherwise inaccessible regions of the Russian Far East and Alaska, in addition to the South Pacific.
Russian Far East & Kamchatka: Nome to Nome—July 2-16, 2008; $9,795 - $15,795
Bridging the Bering Sea: Nome to Seward--July 15-29, 2008; $8,995 - $14,995
Alaska Inside Passage: Seward to Vancouver--July 28-August 9, 2008; $6,995 - $12,995
Polynesian Paradise: Papeete to Papeete--Oct 24-Nov 8, 2008; $7,395 - $13,995
South Seas Voyage: Papeete to Fiji--Nov 5-22, 2008; $8,695 - $15,595
New Zealand Family Adventure: North and South Island--Dec 17, 2008-Jan 3, 2009; $9,995 - $15,595
Seasoned naturalists, ornithologists, geologists and historians sail on every Clipper
Odyssey voyage. Our Experts provide insight on shore and back on board, conduct informative lectures and recap the day's discoveries during informational get-togethers.
To request a 'Clipper Odyssey' brochure, call Abercrombie & Kent at
(800) 554-7094 or visit www.akodyssey.com.
Hurtigruten
Florida Departure For 41-Day World Cruise Segment To Antarctica
Another first in a decade of firsts for Hurtigruten is the addition of Pt. Canaveral, Florida as the October 18, 2008 embarkation point of a 41-day segment of its 67-day Longitudinal World Cruise aboard the world’s newest expedition ship, the 318-passenger MS Fram. Normally priced at $11,999 to $41,699 per person, double, Hurtigruten is offering 50 percent savings on a companion’s fare when booking selected stateroom and suite categories by April 30, 2008 -- a discount of $5,999 to $13,075. For bookings after April 30, Hurtigruten is offering per person savings of $750 on staterooms and $1,500 on suites.
Taking advantage of the reverse of seasons by passing into the Southern Hemisphere as the North begins winter, the one-year-old expedition ship MS Fram, designed and built especially for up close sailing in polar waters, departs Pt. Canaveral in late fall, stopping in Key West, before leaving the U.S. on its way to the trip’s most prominent feature – Antarctica and the Chilean Fjords. The warm weather and sunny climes of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica and Columbia’s San Andreas Island, precede the ship’s transit of the Panama Canal – in itself even more fascinating as the size of the ship offers eye-level views of the “mules” that pull the ships.
Stops during the journey down the west coast of South America include many smaller and more unusual ports than can be had by larger vessels – Salaverry, Peru; the pre-Columbian city of Manta, Ecuador; Arica and Iquique, Chile; and Ushuaia, Buenos Aires. Other stops are Peru’s Callao and General San Martin, and Chile’s Coquimbo, Valpraiso, Puerto Montt, Puerto Chacabuco, Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas. Guests are also treated to the stunning scenery, diverse wildlife and glacial environment while cruising the Cockburn and Beagle Channels, Chilean Fjords and spending several days in Antarctica.
Passengers interested in shorter segments may also disembark in Callao (19 days; $5,949-$20,699) or Valparaiso (27 days; $8,299-$28,949). Or head up to Reykjavik, Iceland to take in the full 67-day event, adding the UK, Canada and the U.S. eastern seaboard to the Pt. Canaveral itinerary; priced from $17,499 to $60,899.
Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from Hurtigruten Inc., (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; www.hurtigruten.us or www.hutrigruten.com.
Orion Expedition Cruises/Australia
Orion Offering Special Gulf Of Siam Cruise In 2009
Orion Expedition Cruises, the Australian-based company Sarina
Bratton launched in 2005 with the 4,000-ton Orion, will make its Asia debut
in 2009. One highlight of the new itineraries is an 11-night Gulf of Siam
Explorer voyage from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City departing September 29, 2009.
Orion is to call at Tioman Island and Kuala Terengganu in Malaysia and Ko
Samui and Ko Kood in Thailand. The ship will stay overnight in Cambodia’s
Kampot for shore excursions to Angkor Wat and in Ho Chi Minh Ci. Website: http://www.orioncruises.com.au
Quark Expeditions
‘50 Years of Victory’s Maiden Voyage to North Pole June 23, 2008
The newest addition to the Quark Expeditions fleet is the largest, most sophisticated, and powerful icebreaker ever constructed. 50 Years of Victory will debut June 23 on its maiden voyage to the North Pole. Built in Russia, the vessel is the first Arktika-class icebreaker (built by the Russian government and operated by Murmansk Shipping Company) to have a spoon-shaped bow
50 Years of Victory will depart on June 23, 2008, July 6 and July 19 for the North Pole. The first two departures are 16-days in length, and the third is 17-days to accommodate the viewing of a total solar eclipse.
50 Years of Victory, offers 64 cabins accommodating 128 passengers. Ample public space includes an Aft Saloon and Forward Lounge, in addition to a bar and library. The Aft Saloon converts from a presentation room during the day to a place to dance and socialize in the evening. For relaxing, there is an indoor pool and two saunas. An on-board gym offers windows so guests can enjoy the scenery while exercising. A shop and massage services are also available.
The vessel has five cabin categories, all with facilities en suite, windows that open to an ocean view along with a television and DVD player. There are 46 standard twin cabins, six mini suites, six suites, one Victory Suite and six Arktika Suites. Special features of the larger Victory and Arktika Suites include bathtub and refrigerator. Website: www.quarkexpeditions.com
Star Clippers
Star Clippers Offers Free Air To Tahiti From L.A.
Star Clippers is offering guests free air travel to Tahiti from Los Angeles, Calif., on seven departures in 2008. Guests flying from other select gateways are eligible for a savings of $800 off of the airfare, and those wishing to book cruise-only will receive a discount of $800 per person off the double-occupancy cruise rate.
Eligible departure dates for the seven-night cruises are June 29, July 6, Aug. 10 and Dec. 14. The 10-night cruises with the special savings depart July 24 and Aug. 28. The 11-night cruise departing Aug. 17 also is included in the offer.
Star Flyer sails round-trip Papeete, Tahiti, cruises year-round where guests can dive and snorkel in some of the most spectacular sites in the world. And shore excursions are designed to introduce guests to the fascinating culture and history of the Polynesian people.
-- The seven-night itinerary calls at Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, and Cook Bay and Opunohu Bay, Moorea, with an overnight in Papeete before disembarkation.
-- The ten-night cruise takes Star Flyer to the Society Islands and Tuamotu Atolls, with special cruising in the Rangiroa Lagoon. The ship calls at Fakarava, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha'a, Huahine and Moorea. The 11-night voyage adds an overnight call at Huahine.
To request a brochure, call toll-free (800) 442-0556 or e-mail brochures. To make a reservation, contact a travel professional. For information, call Star Clippers at (800) 442-0551 or visit www.starclippers.com to view a video about the line or take a virtual tour of the Star Clippers ships.
Travel Dynamics International
Travel Dynamics Offers Nine Africa Cruises From Fall 2008 To Fall 2009
Observing elephants in Gabon’s Loango National Park, visiting the lush vineyards of Stellenbosch, South Africa, taking in a mask dance performance in Mali’s Dogon Region and exploring ancient ruins in Libya’s Leptis Magna may appear to have little in common, but with cultural and expedition cruise company Travel Dynamics International these are just some of the dramatic excursions to take place on the African continent from winter 2008 through fall 2009.
Among the new and back-by-popular-demand cruises are:
-- Desert Kingdoms and Imperial Cities: A Christmas /New Year’s Voyage from Casablanca to Dakar - The ideal itinerary for holiday adventurers, this December 18, 2008 - January 2, 2009 cruise aboard the 34-guest Callisto embraces exotic culture—including the oral storytellers, jugglers, snake charmers and magicians of Morocco Marrakech’s Djemaa el-Fna Square—and evocative nature, as in the arresting silence of Mauritania’s desert and mountains. Guests will ring in the New Year in tropical Senegal to rhythmic drumbeats and Marche Soumbedioune’s colorful crafts.
-- Coexistence of Cultures and Faiths: Christianity, Islam and Judaism in the Maghreb and al-Andalus – This exploration of the three great monotheistic faiths in North Africa and Southern Spain unfolds in March 2009, with two nights in Marrakech before embarking on Callisto and sailing for the Moroccan towns of Essaouira, Casablanca and Rabat. An overnight excursion to Fez celebrates one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar into Spain, where Islamic culture was well entrenched before the 8th-century Moorish invasion, guests will come to know the most treasured cities of al-Andalus: Seville, site of the Alcazar, and Granada, home of the incomparable Alhambra Palace.
-- The Road to Timbuktu and the Rivers of West Africa – This two-week voyage has departures in January and February, 2009. Prior to embarking on Callisto in week two, travelers will savor the dazzling attractions en route to fabled Timbuktu, including the Grand Mosque of Djenne, the bustling city of Mopti and the Dogon region, where mask ceremonies, vibrant rock paintings and mystical cliff dwellings await the culturally inquisitive. Transporting guests to Timbuktu is a chartered plane. Once aboard ship, the group will cruise down the Gambia and Saloum rivers of Senegal and The Gambia, experiencing the extraordinary villages and wildlife of the Kiang West National Park and the Makasutu Culture Forest. The voyage concludes amid the vibrant markets, fine museums and storied slave history of Dakar.
-- West Africa Discovery: Desert Cities, Imperial Capitals and Natural Treasures - This is a unique opportunity to cruise along the west coast of Africa from Dakar to Casablanca, with departures from February – March, 2009. Senegal, the poster country of new urban Africa, will intrigue cultural questers through such attractions as the Marche Soumbedioune, while those seeking the quiet beauty of the desert and mountains will revel in Mauritania’s natural offerings. This 13-night cruise aboard Callisto also features Marrakech’s magical Djemaa el-Fna Square.
-- South Africa by Sea - Beginning with two nights in Cape Town, this March 19-April 3, 2009 voyage aboard the board the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II boasts a number of calls not usually available on South African cruises. Travelers will enjoy touring Stellenbosch wine country and the bold Cape Peninsula mountains before tacking west for the acacia woodland of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park, home to rare black rhinos; Addo Elephant National Park; and Port Elizabeth’s Victorian architecture. Humpback whales might be sighted off the bow as the ship forges through Richards Bay into cosmopolitan Durban.
-- A Voyage from the Cape of Good Hope to Gibraltar: Exploring the Cultural & Natural Diversity of Africa – For those who want to do it all, this grand voyage of March 31 - May 4, 2009 follows in the wake of the early explorers and merchant ships of the 18th and 19th centuries. Corinthian II will traverse the length of Africa’s Atlantic coast, calling at ports and exploring destinations largely unknown to travelers. Embarking in Cape Town, the port city near the landmark Cape of Good Hope, guests will explore virtually every country along Africa’s west coast: South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Cameroon, Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Mauritania and Morocco, before reaching the Rock of Gibraltar and wrapping up in historic Seville. This is an unprecedented opportunity to observe ancient cultures and tribal customs as well as landscape and animal life, from the dunes of Namibia to the wildlife of Gabon’s rainforests and from the markets of Ghana and Senegal to the medinas of Morocco.
-- Ancient Lost Cities of Libya and Tunisia: Greco-Roman Civilization Between the Desert and the Sea - History buffs and adventure seekers can get up close and personal with the ancient Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans who settled the coastal cities of Libya and Tunisia and turned them into centers of power. This nine-night cruise aboard Corinthian II during May – June, 2009 introduces travelers to Libya’s Leptis Magna--the capital of Roman North Africa--from the Arch of Septimius Severus to the Severan Forum and the Hadrianic Baths. Other attractions include the historic medina of Tripoli, also in Libya, and the impressive Roman amphitheater of El Djem in Tunisia. This voyage culminates in a visit to Crete and its historically rich town of Chania.
-- North Africa’s Mediterranean Coast Through the Centuries – On this expansive journey along North Africa’s entire Mediterranean coast, guests will sail aboard Corinthian II from Egypt to Morocco, discovering marvels like the Roman ruins of Djemila; the old city of Tlemcen; the World War II battlefields of Tubruq; and Libya’s Greco-Roman cities. The 16-night cruise (plus one night in a Cairo hotel) in October-November, 2009 will also explore the walled holy city of Kairouan, Tunisia, the Islamic world’s preeminent pilgrimage site after Mecca and Medina, and consider Tangier’s history of invasions, from the Phoenicians in the 7th century B.C. to the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Visigoths and, in the 8th century, the Arabs.
-- Passage to Leptis Magna: Exploring Ancient Landmark Sites of the Mediterranean - As the pioneer of cruise travel to Libya, Travel Dynamics is pleased to introduce travelers to its historic shores and monuments. This eight-night cruise (plus one night in an Athens hotel) in October, 2009 begins with an exploration of Athens and Crete’s historically compelling town of Chania before Corinthian II sets sail for North Africa. In Libya, participants will stroll through ancient Cyrene and Apollonia, and on to the Roman ruins of Leptis Magna, the most lavish ancient city of North Africa. They will also visit Tripoli’s Jamahiriya Museum and the remains of coastal Sabratha before sailing back to Athens via Pylos, with a visit to the Mycenaean Palace of King Nestor.
Rates begin at $6,995 per person, including suite accommodations, shore excursions, open bar, with wine served for lunch and dinner, and all taxes. For bookings contact Amalia Ciprijan at email Amalia@travdyn.com. For additional information, call 212 774 1534. Visit the enrichment cruise company’s website at www.traveldynamicsinternational.com.
AMNH Expeditons
Elegant Cruises & Tours
Hebridean International Cruises
Star Clippers
Sunsail Vacations
Traditional Fleet of Indonesia
AMNH Expeditions
Join An American Museum of Natural History Expedition To The Aegean
American Museum of Natural History is offering an itinerary from Istanbul to Athens aboard the 90-passenger Le Levant from October 1 to 12, 2008. Flowers of the Aegean is both a cultural and culinary cruise featuring the wines and cuisine of the region as well as in-depth exploration of the area’s cultural highlights. There is also an optional post-trip extension to Sounio and The Peloponnese from October 12 to 15.
Rates from $9,795 per person do. AMNH membership is required to join this cruise.
If booked by February 15, save $800 per couple, $400 per person. For more information, visit www.amnhexpeditions.org or call 1-800-462-8687 (US). The website offers a breakdown of cruises offered in 2008 either by region or by date preference.
Elegant Cruises & Tours
Diverse Itineraries Offered By Elegant Cruises In Europe
