Cat Ppalu Cruises
Cruise West
Discovery Cruises
GAP Adventures
Orion Expeditions
Quark Expeditions
Star Clippers
Two Diadema Recovery Cruises Scheduled
In January 2006
Cat Ppalu Cruises has scheduled two Diadema
recovery cruises for January 14 to 20 and January 28 to February
3, 2006 aboard its vessel the Cat Pplau.
Diadema Recovery of the long-spined sea urchin
is progressing nicely and Cat Pplau has a mission to accomplish
in January! Polyps need a clean place on the coral to settle.
Network algae are the most common in the Bahamas. This algae
coverage on the reef limits the area of clean spaces dramatically.
Spawning season is upon us and the polyps will start to settle
in two to six months. The mission is to clean the reefs of
the network algae in patches allowing these polyps a clean home
on which to settle and grow on the reefs as opposed to the shallow
rubble sites that are inappropriate. Divers on the next few
recovery cruises will be cleaning the reef of network algae
to meet this goal. Cat Pplau will also dedicate some time to
population counts. Read more about the recovery efforts at www.diadema.org
There is a Tax Deductible Rate of $1,295.00
per person (a percentage is donated to the Environment Systems
Protection Fund); or a Non Tax Deductible Rate of $1,095.00
per person (for those who prefer to use the discounted rate
or international travelers not entitled to a tax break)
The full-boat charter Rate is $11,000.00
for up to 12 passengers, tax deductible.
The Cat Ppalu sleeps up to 12 passengers
in 6 private cabins. Boarding is in Nassau at noon on Saturdays.
This casual yet comfortable vessel makes the perfect classroom/lab!
If any of these dates don't work for you, join the VIP mailing
list by replying to this email and get first dibs on future
specialty trips! Enjoy the company of other like minded divers
on this weeklong trip to the Exumas—an area of the Bahamas worth
working for!
Website: www.catppalu.com
or email diadema@blackbeard-cruises.com
Cruise West Offering Savings On 2006 Alaska
Cruises If Booked By Dec. 9
Cruise West, the largest American-owned cruise
line, is giving holiday shoppers a chance to wow their loved
ones with a present that is too big to gift wrap. Guests who
book one of Cruise West’s 2006 Alaska itineraries before December
9, 2005, can save up to $1,800 per person and leave room for
some personal shopping on the side.* Examples of savings available
include:
-- Glacier Bay Highlights and Inside Passage
Daylight Yacht Tour itineraries. Cruise West offers a $200
savings for those who book by December 9 for departures before
June 15 and $100 for departures after June 15. (For all departures,
guests may save an additional $100 per person if payments are
complete by the same deadline.)
-- Cruise West’s 2006 Grand Voyages 12- to
25-day itineraries. For In Harriman’s Wake cruises, guests
can save $1,600 per person on the May 28 departure and $800
per person on the June 19, July 13 and August 4, 2006 departures.
The Coastal Odyssey and Voyage to the Bering Sea itineraries
departing prior to June 15 offer savings of $800 per person;
the Coastal Odyssey and Voyage to the Bering Sea cruises sailing
after June 15 provide a $400 savings. (For any of these departure
cutoffs, guests can save an additional $200 if booked and paid
in full by the deadline.)
-- Alaska’s Inside Passage, Wilderness Inside
Passage, Gold Rush Inside Passage and Best of Both Worlds itineraries.
For Cruise West departures on these itineraries leaving prior
to June 15, guests can save $400 per person. For departures
after June 15, guests can book by the deadline for a $200 savings.
(For either departure cutoff, guests can save an additional
$100 if booked and paid in full by the deadline.)
At Cruise West, taxes, port charges, fees
and onboard services are all included in itinerary prices.
Guests are neither expected nor required to tip for onboard
services.
Cruise West – a second-generation, family-owned
business – offers the opportunity to explore remote, worldwide
locales by providing distinctive, one-of-a-kind, personalized
itineraries not offered by the traditional larger cruise lines.
The casual style onboard encourages relaxation and congenial
interaction between guests and crew alike. To make reservations
or request the 2006 Alaska Brochure, visit www.cruisewest.com.
‘MV Discovery’ to Make 25 Maiden Calls
in 2006
The Galapagos Islands, Lithuania, Ireland,
Corsica, Sicily, Israel, and Libya. The sound of these destinations
alone evokes excitement among intrepid travelers. The 650-passenger
cruise liner, mv Discovery will visit these ports and many more
for the first time as part of its upcoming 2006 worldwide cruise
program. In total, the ship will be making 25 maiden calls among
its 130 scheduled port visits.
Discovery is the flagship of Discovery World
Cruises, which offers affordable cruisetour vacations to Antarctica,
South America, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Europe and Scandinavia.
All cruises are packaged as complete cruisetour vacations, which
include hotel stays before and/or after the voyage.
-- In South America, passengers will have
the opportunity to discover the Galapagos Islands when Discovery
calls at San Cristobal for the first time on Polynesia, Peru
& Galapagos and Galapagos & Panama Canal, departing
April 7 and 27 respectively.
-- In Norway, Discovery will call at Hellesylt
and Geiranger for the first time during Norwegian Fjords, departing
May 24. In addition, Kristiansand will be a maiden call during
Norwegian Explorer, departing July 18. Baltic Discovery, departing
on June 22, will bring mv Discovery to Lithuania for the first
time, calling at the port of Klaipeda, and Gdynia, Poland (Gdansk).
-- Discovery crosses into the Arctic Circle
after calling at Lerwick in the Scottish Shetland Islands to
reach Isafjordhur, Iceland, on Fjords, Faroes, Fire & Ice,
departing July 6. Iceland, Greenland & Ireland, departing
August 6, adds visits to Sisimiut, Greenland; and Cobh, Ireland.
-- Discovery will also expand the number
of ports for passengers to explore in the Mediterranean and
Greek Islands. Mediterranean Odyssey, departing September 23,
includes maiden calls at Naples, Sicily and Venice, Italy; Cephalonia,
Greece; and the Croatian ports of Dubrovnik and Split. On Adriatic
& Aegean Treasures, departing October 4, new ports include
Lávrion and Volos in Greece, and Canakkale, Turkey.
The ship also ventures to new ports in the
Black Sea, Israel and North Africa. On Black Sea Discovery,
departing October 17, Discovery will call for the first time
at Sochi, Russia; Constanza, Romania; and Nesebur, Bulgaria.
On Holy Lands & Pharaohs, departing October 28, Discovery
will visit Haifa and Ashdod, historic gateways to the Biblical
treasures of Israel. During North African Treasures, departing
November 12, Discovery will call for the first time at Al Khums,
Libya, a country of guarded treasures which only recently opened
its borders to Western tourism.
As a mid-size cruise liner, mv Discovery
offers a more intimate and convivial onboard experience. The
20,216-ton vessel comfortably sails through the world’s oceans
and offers all the shipboard amenities sophisticated travelers
have come to expect, yet her size enables her to call at smaller,
out-of-the-way ports, which larger vessels are unable to visit.
Discovery is resplendent with 351 cabins and suites, three restaurants,
five lounges, a well-stocked library, casino, duty-free boutique,
Internet center, modern health club and spa, two Jacuzzis, and
two outdoor swimming pools – one beneath a retractable roof.
For more information about Discovery World
Cruises’ year-round cruise tours, visit www.discoveryworldcruises.com
. To make a reservation or request the new 2006 year-round cruise
brochure, please consult with a travel professional or contact
Discovery toll-free at (866) 623-2689.
Discovery Cruises Offers Exciting Galapagos
Trips Spring 2006
Check out www.discoverycruises.com
for news about Discovery’s cruise to the Galapagos scheduled
for April available in one of two segments. The first segment
is a 26-day cruise departing April 7 from Papeete and includes
visits to Peru, and the Galapagos. The shorter 16-day April
27 segment departs Quito and for Panama Canal and the Galapagos
ending in Nassau on May 13.
Tall Ship Explores Brazil's Wild Coastline
Adventurous cruisers with a taste for South
America will be happy with G.A.P. Adventures' program, Brazil
Tall Ship Sailing, which introduces the sailing vessel Tocorime
and her explorations of the most remote and exotic landscapes
on the Brazilian coastline.
Tocorime was built in the Amazon region with
great attention to detail, using only the most traditional of
hand tools and a wide range of tropical woods. More than two
kilometers of planking, 40,000 nails and screws, 40 tons of
ballast, eight kilometers of rope and enough sailcloth to fill
a quarter of a football stadium were used in the construction
of the ship on the banks of the Tapajos River. The three masts
are up to 100 feet tall. Tocorime has an enormous deck with
space for hammocks, bar facilities, large common seating areas
and sleeping areas.
The cruises depart on January 1; February
12, 19, 26; March 5; and April 9. Cost is CAN$1105 plus a US$250
local payment. This does not include international airfare.
For more information, go to www.gapadventures.com .
Sailing Adventure Off Turkey’s Aegean
Coast
G.A.P. Adventures also lists eight-day cruises
off Turkey's Aegean coast—Trip Code: TVBFG—visiting Bodrum,
Marmaris, Keci Adasi (Passage Island), Gˆcek, Fethiye.
A yacht adventure along the southern coast
of Turkey in the Aegean Sea. Sail for eight days (either direction)
from May to October, 2006 aboard a 49-foot yacht, with plenty
of time for swimming, snorkeling, and optional walks on shore.
Explore ancient archaeological sites and soak yourself in secluded
coves of crystal blue water. This is the Mediterranean - Turkish
style! For more information, visit http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/TVBFG.
In 1990 Bruce Poon Tip launched G.A.P
Adventures with the belief that other travelers would share
his desire to experience authentic adventures in the real world.
The ecologically-based company has grown from a one-man show
to a company of over 300, and from a handful of trips in Latin
America to hundreds of adventures on all seven continents. Trips
offer an insider’s look into the region’s ecology on a grassroots
level.
Orion Announces Expeditions To Papua New
Guinea And The Solomon Islands
For those who truly seek paths less traveled,
Papua New Guinea remains one of the worlds most diverse and
fascinating geographic and cultural landscapes. Impossibly dense
tropical rainforest, rugged terrain and active volcanoes conspire
to make PNG difficult to explore. However, the purpose built
expedition cruise ship Orion now provides the perfect base for
those seeking adventures in this paradise and the nearby tropical
islands of the Solomon’s.
Fares begin from $6,860 per person for a
10-night Islands of Papua New Guinea and the Solomons cruise
(departing Cairns 18 March, 14 October and 11 November 2006).
Fares begin from $7,550 per person for an 11-night Papua New
Guinea Highland Cultures cruise (departing Rabaul 28 March,
24 October and 21 November 2006).
Primitive tribal cultures, unique flora and
fauna, superb indigenous artwork and artifacts, unsophisticated
villages, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, wartime history
and relics combine to create unforgettable experiences for those
who join one of these six exciting Orion expeditions to Papua
New Guinea and the Solomon Islands during 2006.
Orion’s guests will become immersed in a
diverse array of experiences found nowhere else on the globe.
Evocative ports of call that include Milne Bay, Gizo, the Sepik
River, Samarai Island and Debyone Lagoon spark the imagination
– fortunately without disappointment, for much still remains
a tropical paradise that time has forgotten and tourism overlooked.
From the busy harbors of Rabaul and Samarai,
bustling with inter-island trading ships and seaplanes, to banana
boats and dug out canoes on the Sepik River, this is a land
of trade. Orion visits Kwato Island and the Trobriand Islands
where in the 1700’s, European traders used to stop to trade
in mother of pearl, sandalwood and sea cucumbers (bêche de
mer). Grand colonial buildings, lush gardens and magnificent
vistas of tropical seascapes will inspire guests much as they
did Somerset Maugham and James A Michener. In open-air markets,
shop for stone and wooden carvings, woven goods and baskets,
shell necklaces, clay pottery and carved Malagan or Sepik artifacts.
This is a region of geological wonder and
the 5 star expedition ship Orion, with her ten Zodiacs for penetrating
exploration, the perfect way to experience it. The D’Entrecasteaux
group boasts some of the mostly steeply-sided islands in the
world and the Cape Nelson fjord land is surrounded by dense
rainforest above sheer basalt walls, many with waterfalls plunging
into the sea. Offshore from Marovo Lagoon is Kavachi, one of
the world's only visible submarine volcanoes, which sporadically
erupts, tossing ash out of the sea and emitting a fiery glow
at night.
Orion’s diving enthusiasts will appreciate
Milne Bay’s diversity that includes war planes and shipwrecks.
Close to Alotau are pristine coral reefs, underwater volcanic
vents, caves and abundant marine life—manta rays, brilliant
tropical fish, whales and dolphins. The fishing is outstanding
and Orion’s guests are able to avail themselves of private charter
boats manned by experienced local operators to fish the best
spots.
Whether starting or ending your Orion expedition,
Rabaul has always been famous for its spectacular setting, being
surrounded by six volcanoes - some of which remain active today.
Poignant reminders of WWII are never far away. Dozens of sunken
aircraft and ships dot the harbor and to the north are sea caves
used as a drop-off point by Japanese submarines.
Famous for the Battle of Milne Bay, the township
of Alotau is rich in history and the New Georgia Islands, in
the west of the Solomons, offer further WWII heritage with Japanese
Zero planes ditched into the lagoon—one lying in just five meters
of water providing an excellent snorkeling opportunity.
Be it volcanic thermal springs, perfect surf
breaks at Kavieng, the world's largest butterfly, mountainous
topography, WWII history, sorcery or ancient artifacts Orion’s
six ten- and 11-night Papua New Guinea and Solomon’s expeditions
provide guests with remarkable opportunities to experience these
totally unspoiled parts of the world.
With Orion, you no longer need to look overseas
in order to access a world-class 5 star cruise ship. Akin to
a private mega-yacht, accommodating just 53 couples, Orion’s
staff of 70 professionally caters for the needs of everyone
in an unobtrusive yet attentive way.
All 53 suites and staterooms have ocean views,
marble bathrooms, flat screen TV and DVD/CD player, internet
accessibility and choice of queen or twin bed configuration.
Elegant throughout, Orion’s features include
a Sauna, Health Spa and Gym, Boutique, Library with Internet
access, a wide range of water sport activities, plus a choice
of dining areas and innovative menus created by multi-award
winning chef, Serge Dansereau.
Cruise fares include all meals in an unhurried
single sitting, the service of 70 experienced crew members,
guest speakers and/or expedition leaders and selected landings
& activities ashore.
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.au
Third Expedition Added To Emperor Penguin
Rookery In 2006
Due to overwhelming demand Quark Expeditions
has added a third expedition to the Emperor Penguin rookery
near Snow Hill Island, in the Weddell Sea, from October 8-21,
2006. The expedition begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina aboard
the icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov.
Carrying on a 15-year legacy of polar "firsts,"
last year Quark Expeditions confirmed the existence of a remote
rookery boasting 4,000 pairs of Emperor Penguins - and we're
still the only company taking travelers colony!
Itinerary is as follows:
October 8 And 9, 2006: Ushuaia, Tierra
Del Fuego, Argentina
Arrive in Ushuaia and transfer independently
to your included hotel. The next day, visit Tierra del Fuego
National Park on an included guided tour, keeping an eye out
for caracaras and Ringed Kingfishers. Then a traditional asado
barbeque is held before boarding the Kapitan Khlebnikov.
October 10 and 11, 2006: Crossing The
Southern Ocean
As you sail across the Southern Ocean, ornithologists
tell you more about the Emperor Penguins' biology, unique habitat
and winter nesting behavior, while photography experts lead
onboard workshops. On deck, look for Wandering Albatross, shearwaters,
petrels, whales and dolphins. And, if the skies are clear, watch
the horizon for Elephant Island, where Sir Ernest Shackleton
left the stranded Endurance crew while he and five men sailed
a lifeboat 800 miles to South Georgia Island to secure their
rescue.
October 12, 2006: Through Iceberg Alley
To The Weddell Sea
As the Kapitan Khlebnikov carries on across
the Antarctic Sound, you'll see massive tabular icebergs that
have broken away from the Antarctic ice shelf. En route, an
historian chronicles the exploits of Shackleton and other explorers
of the Heroic Age, including Otto Nordenskjold, whose arduous
1902 expedition (the first to winter on the Antarctic Peninsula)
was based on Snow Hill Island - and, of course, James Weddell,
as the ship heads toward the sea that bears his name.
October 13 To 16, 2006: Walking Among
The Emperors
As on any Antarctic expedition, but particularly
on this unique voyage, the itinerary may have to be modified
in response to changing weather and ice conditions as it is
Quark’s goal is to visit the Emperor Penguin colony in the best
possible weather.
Approaching Snow Hill Island, the Captain
and Expedition Leader rely on air reconnaissance as they choose
the best place to position the icebreaker. After flying by helicopter
to a spot near the rookery, guests walk across the ice, pausing
a short distance from the penguins so they can adjust to our
presence. Visiting this early in the breeding season (Earlier
than any other Emperor Penguin expedition mounted.) expect to
see young chicks still under the care of the adults.
Nothing can match the sight of adult Emperors
tobogganing, with surprising speed, across the ice or zipping
out of the sea back onto shore. Best of all, you have plenty
of chances to observe and record the Emperor Penguin's life
in its natural environment.
No other Antarctic travel company comes here
and Quark's exclusive adventure offers photographers, wildlife
artists and nature lovers extended time at the rookery, so you
can even enjoy a unique opportunity to visit the penguins at
night.
October 17 - 18: South Antarctic Peninsula
& South Shetland Islands
As the ship resumes her journey back through
the Antarctic Sound, the exact route and number of stops will
depend on the variable conditions encountered throughout the
voyage so far. The plan is to land on the Trinity Peninsula,
the northern end of the Antarctic Peninsula, joining the select
few who have actually set foot on the White Continent. Although
the focus of the expedition is on the majestic Emperor, plans
also include a visit an Adélie and a Gentoo colony.
Further on, the ship passes the South Shetland
Islands, presently a wildlife-rich chain that is home to 12
research stations operated by various countries. (Under the
Antarctic Treaty, which suspends all territorial claims, the
islands are not controlled by any one nation). Time and weather
permitting, you can look forward to further sightings of penguins,
seabirds and seals.
October 19, 20 And 21: Sailing Back
To Ushuaia
While every expedition is unique, all conclude
on a familiar note—a lively debate over how best to safeguard
the future of Antarctica and protect extraordinary species like
the Emperor Penguin. Quark’s Expedition Team specialists, in
their engaging recap sessions, challenge all its guests to become
ambassadors for Antarctic conservation.
Meanwhile, the ship makes its way across
the Drake Passage and through the Beagle Channel to Ushuaia.
After a last superb meal on board the Kapitan Khlebnikov, transfer
to the airport for your flight home.
Website: www.quarkexpeditions.com
Far Out Savings On Far East Sailings Aboard
‘Star Flyer’
Ancient wonders and hidden harbors beckon
as Star Flyer island-hops to ports dotting the Andaman
Sea on two round-trip Phuket, Thailand, itineraries and two
itineraries between Phuket and Singapore—all at a rate of two
for the price of one. Star Clippers is offering these savings
to U.S. residents on select departures from December 2005 through
March 2006.
Ports of call on the seven-night, round-trip
Phuket itineraries include Thailand's Batong Group, Surin Islands,
Ko Rok Nok, Phi Phi Islands, Ko Lipe, Ko Khai Nok, Phang Nga/Ko
Hong and Similan Islands; and Penang and Langkawi, Malaysia.
Departure dates are Feb. 11 and 25, and March 4, 2006, and cruise
fares at the two-for-one rate begin at $863 per person, double
occupancy.
-- Sailing seven-nights from Singapore to
Phuket on December 3, 2005, Star Flyer calls at Malacca and
Langkawi, Malaysia; and Ko Lipe, Phang Nga/Ko Khai Nok and Ko
Miang, Thailand. Cruise fares at the two-for-one rate begin
at $798 per person, double occupancy.
-- A special 11-night Phuket to Singapore
cruise departs December 17, 2005, and enables guests to celebrate
the holidays in warmth while visiting unspoiled beaches and
lush landscapes. Calls include Ko Surin, Similan Islands, Phang
Nga, Ko Khai Nok, Phi Phi Islands, Ko Rok Nok and Ko Adang,
Thailand; and Langkawi, Pangkor Island and Malacca, Malaysia.
Holiday cruise fares at the two-for-one rate begin at $1,358
per person, double occupancy.
Star Flyer combines the pampered luxury of
mega-yacht cruising with the exhilarating thrill of sailing
aboard an authentic clipper ship. Guests rediscover what sailing
was like during the glorious age of the tall ships while visiting
intimate ports of call untouched by larger cruise ships. The
four-masted clipper ship features a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.
Passengers dress in resort-casual attire and dine in one unhurried,
open seating. Whether unwinding in the bowsprit net while gazing
at the sea below or climbing the mast for a panoramic view of
the horizon, a unique sailing adventure awaits.
For more information or to make a reservation,
contact a travel professional, call Star Clippers at (800) 442-0551
or visit www.starclippers.com . To request a brochure,
call (800) 442-0556.
