Clipper Cruise Line
Cruise West
Discovery World Cruises
Orion Expedition Cruises
Clipper Offers Discount On Select Cruises,
Special Savings For Singles
Small-ship leader Clipper Cruise Line announced
today that it has lowered the stateroom rates for several itineraries
in 2005 and 2006 and has reduced the single supplement for those
departures as well. With this benefit, double occupancy rates
are lowered up to $4,000 (combined) and single travelers can
save as much as $5,145 on a sampling of the unique and interesting
worldwide adventures presented aboard Clipper’s four small ships
(Nantucket Clipper, Yorktown Clipper, Clipper Adventurer,
and Clipper Odyssey).
To take advantage of these offers, travel
agents or their clients must mention the code “Fall Special
2005” at the time of the reservation. This promotion is valid
on a space-available basis for these cruises and will expire
on November 30, 2005. These discounts are applicable to new
bookings only and are not open to all ship categories or departure
dates.
For more information about these opportunities,
which are fully commissionable for qualified travel agents,
travel professionals may call their INTRAV/Clipper regional
sales representative at (800) 234-6900. These individuals are
Patty Noonan (Midwest, ext. 6841), Joan Bohan (Northeast, ext.
6839), Jennifer Reynolds (Southeast, ext. 6836), Jeff Harper
(Northwest - includes Northern California, ext. 6838), Barbara
Rubin (Southwest – includes Southern California, ext. 6837),
and Shelly Young (national accounts and consortia members, ext.
6922).
Clipper’s four small ships sail on voyages
worldwide, bringing passengers up close to places of natural
beauty and cultural interest. Travel agents may reserve space
for their clients on these, or any other Clipper cruise, by
calling (800) 325-0010 or (314) 655-6700. Copies of catalogs
and individual trip brochures on Clipper Cruise Line voyages
are available by contacting Clipper at 11969 Westline Industrial
Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 61346-3220; by e-mail at clipper@clippercruise.com
; or online at www.clippercruise.com.
Clipper Extends Its 2006 Itineraries To
Every Continent
Since its founding in 1982, Clipper Cruise
Line has stood for a high level of quality, hospitality, service,
and a cruise experience that is well beyond the norm. This
commitment to a more meaningful travel experience is quite apparent
in Clipper’s 2006 schedule, where the company has arranged more
than 40 cruise itineraries that encompass every continent aboard
its fleet of four small ships. “With our emphasis on visiting
interesting destinations — places of great natural beauty, exotic
wildlife, and historical or cultural significance — a Clipper
voyage offers lasting travel memories,” Clipper Cruise Line
Chief Executive Officer David Drier said. “Among the options
planned for 2006 are trips to famed archaeological sites throughout
the Mediterranean and North Atlantic, wine and cuisine-themed
excursions in Northern California and the Hudson River Valley,
wildlife-intensive discoveries, and relaxing voyages along both
coasts of North America. In addition to past-passenger favorites,
we’re also introducing a number of new adventures that are certain
to delight.”
Clipper’s trips are prime examples of the
three-sided benefits of small-ship cruising. The ships’ nimble
maneuverability and smaller size bring guests to destinations
in ways that larger vessels cannot — either providing access
to areas of natural beauty and cultural interest that have remained
outside the realm of mass-market tourism or to regions that
the company’s personal approach to discovery produces a more
meaningful experience. Second, the ships are unobtrusive, in
that their small size and capacity — carrying no more than 138
passengers on any departure — allows them to quietly visit ports
and sail through areas without disturbing the local environment.
Third, the overall travel experience is enhanced by the presence
of onboard regional experts that extend guests’ desire for lifelong
learning through travel.
Clipper’s 2006 schedule allows guests to
explore from Antarctica to above the Arctic Circle, and all
points in between. In the winter months, passengers can travel
to the ice-covered Antarctic Peninsula, the sun-drenched islands
of the Caribbean, or the spectacular fjords of New Zealand.
Following the sun on its trek to the Northern Hemisphere, the
ships will visit Japan, Baja California, America’s Atlantic
Coast, and the Mediterranean during the spring. Summer cruises
will visit the islands of the North Atlantic and Scandinavia,
the Great Lakes, Alaska, and Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.
Returning to their winter homes, the ships will call upon China,
Vietnam, Northern California, New England, and Chile in the
fall.
In addition to classic favorites, Clipper
is offering 14 new and enriching adventures for 2006, including:
-- Natural Wonders of the U.S. and British
Virgin Islands. This ten-day cruise aboard the 102-passenger
Nantucket Clipper features the secluded bays, marinas
and coves of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands to present
a Caribbean experience that goes leagues beyond the norm. Traveling
round-trip from St. Thomas, guests will visit Great Tobago,
Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Norman Island,
and St. John for warm sun, crystal-clear water, and a carefree
lifestyle. Cruise departs on January 7, 2006. Cabin rates
begin at $2,830 per person, double occupancy.
-- Stars of the Southern Hemisphere. From
the Fjords of New Zealand to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Featuring spectacular stargazing and breathtaking landscapes
from New Zealand to the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, this
19-day adventure using the 128-passenger Clipper Odyssey
offers an extraordinary expeditionary experience. A distinguished
group of experts — including an astronomer and marine biologist
— will accompany guests to enhance their understanding of the
unique natural world found Down Under. Cruise departs on February
22, 2006. Cabin rates begin at $8,390 per person, double occupancy,
and include two hotel nights in Queenstown, two hotel nights
in Sydney, a flight from Port Moresby to Sydney, and all sightseeing.
-- Exploring the Seas of Ulysses, Featuring
the Total Solar Eclipse . Coinciding with the total solar eclipse,
this 12-day cruise aboard the 122-passenger Clipper Adventurer
presents fascinating sights on land and in the sky. Traveling
from Italy to the Greek Isles, guests will enjoy port calls
in Naples, Palermo, Athens, Mýkonos, Rhodes, Iráklio, and Santorini.
An optional extension is available in Athens at additional cost.
Cruise departs on March 21, 2006. Cabin rates begin at $3,630
per person, double occupancy.
-- Classical Antiquities of the Greek Isles,
Libya, and Tunisia. Tracing the sun-swept shores of the Mediterranean
aboard the Clipper Adventurer, guests can view spectacular
Greek, Roman, and Muslim archaeological sites; discover the
legendary tales; and be among the first Westerners in many years
to visit Libya on this 13-day cruise. Highlights include a panoramic
tour in Athens; the Palace of Knossos in Iráklio; the Roman
ruin sites at Leptis Magna and a panoramic tour of Tripoli in
Libya; and the Bardo Museum in Tunisia. Optional extensions
are available in Athens and Valletta at additional cost. Cruise
departs on March 31 and April 11, 2006. Cabin rates begin at
$4,770 per person, double occupancy, and all sightseeing.
-- World War II Italian Campaign. Tracing
the path of the Allied forces along the beautiful Sicilian and
Italian coasts, this ten-day cruise on the Clipper Adventurer
brings alive the struggles and triumphs of this demanding campaign
that led to the surrender of the Axis troops in Italy. Joining
passengers on board are historians that will offer added details
and lead excursions ashore to enhance enjoyment and understanding.
An optional extension is available in Valletta at additional
cost. Cruise departs on May 17, 2006. Cabin rates begin at
$3,930 per person, double occupancy, and all sightseeing.
-- Cruising the Waterways of Coastal Maine.
This new eight-day cruise aboard the Nantucket Clipper presents
a close-up perspective on the rugged beauty and maritime history
of coastal Maine. Traveling between Boston and Bangor, optional
tours and port calls will visit Kennebunkport, Bar Harbor, and
Acadia National Park; plus, a cruise will highlight picturesque
Penobscot Bay. Cruise departs on May 24, May 31, and June 7,
2006. Cabin rates begin at $2,330 per person, double occupancy.
-- Islands of the Russian Far East. Along
with sightseeing and one night in Tokyo, this 14-day adventure
featuring the Clipper Odyssey presents an expeditionary
journey along the remote Kuril Islands. Guests will enjoy spectacular
geysers, impressive volcanic peaks, and a wide variety of birds
and other marine life in one of the world’s most-pristine environments.
Cruise departs on June 11, 2006. Cabin rates begin at $7,100
per person, double occupancy, and include one hotel night in
Tokyo, one hotel night in Anchorage, a flight from Tokyo to
Hakodate, a flight from Petropavlovsk to Anchorage, and all
sightseeing.
-- Arctic Odyssey – Retracing the Routes
of the Vikings. Following paths first established by intrepid
Viking explorers, guests aboard the Clipper Adventurer
will observe traditional communities, abundant wildlife, and
spectacular scenery along the Arctic Circle. Using the ship’s
onboard Zodiac landing craft, travelers on this 20-day expedition
will gain a close-up perspective of life in the remote North
Atlantic. Cruise departs on August 3, 2006. Cabin rates begin
at $9,420 per person, double occupancy, and include two hotel
nights in Oslo, a flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo, and all
sightseeing.
-- Cruising the Shores of Lake Michigan,
Featuring Mackinac Island. This eight-day, round-trip cruise
from Chicago aboard the Nantucket Clipper features the
largest lake wholly within the United States for its quaint
lakeside villages, scenic beauty, and cultural attractions.
A highlight is a full-day at Mackinac Island, long-recognized
as one of America’s premier resort destinations. Five cruises
depart from August through September 2006. Cabin rates begin
at $2,370 per person, double occupancy.
-- Expedition from the Arctic Circle to the
Norwegian Fjords. During the brief Arctic summer, guests on
this 14-day adventure featuring the Clipper Adventurer
will experience towering mountains, majestic fjords, bird-covered
cliffs, and wildflower-dotted tundra along the Norwegian coast.
A treasured memory will be expeditionary sailing through Norway’s
famed Geirangerfjord, which some consider to be the most beautiful
fjord in the world. Cruise departs on August 17, 2006. Cabin
rates begin at $6,170 per person, double occupancy, and include
two hotel nights in Oslo, a flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen
and all sightseeing.
-- Ancient Viking Settlements – Expedition
from Norway to Ireland. From Scandinavia to the British Isles,
travelers aboard the Clipper Adventurer will encounter
pristine scenery, Stone Age ruins, and abundant wildlife. Clipper’s
onboard staff will offer expeditionary cruising aboard the ship’s
fleet of Zodiac landing craft to bring guests even closer to
the natural delights. Cruise departs on August 27, 2006. Cabin
rates begin at $3,940 per person, double occupancy, and include
two hotel nights in Bergen.
-- Fall Colors of Maine. Another new journey
aboard the Nantucket Clipper features the colorful autumn
display along the New England coast. Between Bangor and Boston,
guests will enjoy quaint villages, colonial history, and a rainbow
of colors at the perfect time of the year. Cruise departs on
October 3 and 10, 2006. Cabin rates begin at $2,330 per person,
double occupancy.
-- South Pacific Islands, Featuring the Skies
of the Southern Hemisphere and the Leonid Meteor Showers. The
sand-covered beaches and crystal-clear waters between New Caledonia
and New Zealand are just a part of this 17-day adventure that
features the Clipper Odyssey. Guests will also enjoy nightly
stargazing during the Leonid meteor shower with an onboard astronomer
available to point out constellations and answer passengers’
inquiries. Cruise departs on November 9, 2006. Cabin rates
begin at $7,270 per person, double occupancy, and include one
hotel night in Nouméa and all sightseeing.
All Clipper Cruise Line itineraries include
deluxe accommodations in all-outside cabins aboard the ship,
all meals aboard the ship, port charges, and special extras
per the itinerary. Cruises aboard the Clipper Adventurer and
Clipper Odyssey also include onboard gratuities.
For reservations aboard a Clipper Cruise
Line ship, travelers should contact their professional travel
consultant or call Clipper toll free at (800) 325-0010 or (314)
655-6700. Copies of Clipper’s Small-Ship Adventures catalog
and individual trip brochures are available from travel agents
or by contacting Clipper Cruise Line by mail at 11969 Westline
Industrial Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63146-3320; by e-mail
at clipper@clippercruise.com
; or online at www.clippercruise.com.
Clipper Emphasizes Worldwide Destinations
In Restructured 2006 Catalog
Recognized as a leading small-ship operator
for offering unique and interesting cruises to every continent,
Clipper Cruise Line unveiled its 2006 worldwide schedule in
its new catalog today. Clipper’s Small-Ship Adventures catalog
presents brief descriptions on each of the more than 40 intimate
cruise adventures available next year aboard the Nantucket
Clipper, Clipper Adventurer, Clipper Odyssey, and Yorktown
Clipper.
The full-color, 156-page catalog has been
redesigned to emphasize the many wonderful locales that Clipper
visits. Cruises are organized under 11 headings — “The Real
Virgin Islands,” “Wildlife Encounters – Central America and
Baja,” “Best of the Bay,” “Wild Alaska, the Russian Far East,
and Pacific Northwest,” “Our East Coast Roots,” “Scenic Canada
and the Great Lakes,” “Pristine Arctic and British Isles,”,
“Exploring Europe and the Mediterranean,” “Today’s Far East
– Ancient and Modern,” “Pure Magic – Australia, New Zealand,
and South Pacific Islands,” and “Icescapes and Wildlife – Antarctica
and the Chilean Fjords” — to allow travel agents and their clients
to more easily locate their choice destinations. In addition,
the booklet provides trip descriptions, departure dates, day-by-day
schedules, stateroom rates, enhanced itinerary maps, and many
beautiful photos taken on actual Clipper voyages. Easy-to-read
details are also available for each ship, with deck plans and
cabin photos, to simplify the booking process.
Since its inception in 1982, Clipper Cruise
Line’s operational focus has been geared toward providing a
thoughtful alternative to those seeking a more meaningful travel
experience. The small size and great maneuverability of Clipper’s
ships enable them to navigate in secluded waters that have either
remained largely immune to the encroachments of development
and tourism or areas where superior knowledge and planning brings
forth a more meaningful experience. The lifestyle aboard Clipper
ships is informal and relaxed, with an ambience made possible
by small numbers of fellow passengers and excellent service
provided by our personable young crew. On each voyage, Clipper’s
well-trained hospitality staff caters to every need, and a staff
of onboard regional experts provides further insight into the
history, culture, and environment of the destination.
Travel agents and Clipper passengers may
obtain a glimpse into life on board a small-ship cruise by viewing
one of the company’s specially produced videos. Among the shows
available are adventures in Antarctica, Tasmania, New Zealand,
Japan, Alaska, Northern California, and Costa Rica/Panama.
To receive a copy of these complimentary videos, please call
Clipper toll free at (800) 227-4099.
For reservations aboard a Clipper Cruise
Line ship, travelers should contact their professional travel
consultant or call Clipper toll free at (800) 325-0010 or (314)
655-6700. Copies of Clipper’s Small-Ship Adventures catalog
and individual trip brochures are available from travel agents
or by contacting Clipper Cruise Line by mail at 11969 Westline
Industrial Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63146-3220; by e-mail
at clipper@clippercruise.com
; or online at www.clippercruise.com.
2006 Cruise West Alaska Land Tours Bring
Nature’s Beauty Into Focus
It was 280 years ago when Peter the Great
sent Vitus Bering to explore the North Pacific, yet it took
another 16 years before a member of a Bering expedition team
sighted land and Europeans officially discovered Alaska. The
good news for today’s travelers is that it won’t take nearly
that long for discovering “The Great Land” as Cruise West, the
small ship and Alaska cruise leader, will magnify the already-breathtaking
Alaska experience in 2006 with a series of spectacular land
tours available before or after the line’s cruise itineraries.
Cruise West enhances its annual cruise offering to “The Great
Land” with the opportunity to explore the majestic Denali National
Park and Preserve or find a distinctive wilderness experience
in secluded lodges, hiking along pristine trails, kayaking or
canoeing on still mountain lakes.
-- Denali National Park and Preserve – Land
Tour “B”
Guests on Cruise West who choose the Denali
National Park and Preserve land tour will experience a six million
acre wonderland comprised of 650 species of flowering plants;
39 species of mammals, including grizzly bears, ptarmigan, moose
and caribou; 167 species of birds; and 10 species of fish. Escorted
by a Cruise West guide, guests will enjoy one of the top tourist
attractions in Alaska, hopefully including a glimpse of 20,320-foot
Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America.
While touring Denali National Park and Preserve,
guests can also explore attractions such as the Alaska Native
Heritage Center, representing Alaska’s 11 diverse cultural groups;
Alyeska Resort, with the Aerial Tramway ride up to the 2,300-foot
level of Mt. Alyeska; University of Alaska Museum, Fairbanks,
internationally recognized for its extensive collections; Riverboat
Discovery Authentic Sternwheelers, the only remaining authentic
sternwheelers left in Alaska; and the scenic Alaska Railroad,
offering great views of Mt. McKinley, moose, bald eagles and
bears, plus a jaw-dropping ride over Hurricane Gulch, almost
300 feet below
-- Guests can also choose tour “C” which
includes an excursion along Prince William Sound, acclaimed
as one of the most beautiful places on earth. This tour includes
such highlights as Whittier, Turnagain Arm, the Chucach mountains,
College Fjord, Esther Passage, Chenega Glacier and Knight Island.
-- Cruise West “D” Tours allow guests to
choose from five distinct wilderness lodges, each one offering
a uniquely Alaskan experience. They include Camp Denali, an
intimate, family-owned retreat featuring a hand-hewn lodge and
private cabins with views of eight major snow-clad mountains;
North Face Lodge, one of only two lodges offering views of Mt.
McKinley; Kantishna Roadhouse, full of wildlife viewing opportunities
and nestled along the banks of clear-running Moose Creek
Winterlake Lodge, situated along the historic
Iditarod Trail and accessible only by floatplane; and Redoubt
Bay Lodge, sitting on five acres overlooking Big River Lakes
with one of the densest bear populations in Alaska.
Cruise West’s Alaska land tours complement
the line’s cruise itineraries, and guests can save up to $1,800
through Cruise West’s Early Bookings Savings Program.
To make reservations or request the 2006
Alaska Brochure, visit www.cruisewest.com
or call (800) 203-7043.
Discovery World Cruises Announces Expedition
Team For Antarctica
A noted team of polar explorers and lecturers
will accompany Discovery World Cruises’ third consecutive season
of Antarctic cruise expeditions. Travelers will learn about
the world’s most fascinating continent while exploring the maze
of icebergs and floes found in the South Polar waters aboard
the line’s mv Discovery. Excursions by motor launches and multiple
landings on the Antarctic Peninsula enhance the experience.
Although Discovery’s Antarctica cruises typically
sell out far in advance, a limited number of cabins are still
available on a 13-night Antarctica cruisetour, which departs
January 21, 2006. Highlights include Deception, King George
and Half Moon islands, as well as Antarctic Sound, Hope Bay,
Gerlache Strait and the Lemaire Channel. Rates begin at $3,595
per person, double occupancy, and include a two-night hotel
stay in Buenos Aires before embarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina,
eight nights aboard mv Discovery, and one-night in Ushuaia before
flying home.
Highlighting the voyage is a team of specialists
in glaciology and geology, marine life, seabirds, and Antarctic
politics and living conditions led by Dr. Peter Carey, director
of the Sub Antarctic Foundation for Ecosystems Research (SAFER).
Dr. Carey has made more than 50 trips to the continent as a
research scientist. An expert on seals and penguins, he also
works to preserve the delicate ecology of a group of small islands
that he purchased from the Falkland Islands.
Dr. Carey’s team includes Dr. Sean Fitzsimons,
a glaciologist and geomorphologist who has led 14 expeditions
to the Antarctic Peninsula with the New Zealand Antarctic Program
and the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition. The
author of numerous scientific publications and a senior lecturer
at the University of Otago, New Zealand, he will share his knowledge
of polar glaciers and other ice formations with passengers.
Dr. Fitzsimons will be joined by his colleague,
Dr. Craig Franklin, who has participated in 10 research expeditions
to Antarctica with the New Zealand Antarctic Program. An evolutionary
and environmental physiologist, he has a particular interest
in how animals survive and thrive in extreme environments. Dr.
Franklin is currently an associate professor at the University
of Queensland, Australia, where he runs a large laboratory and
studies such diverse species as crocodiles, sharks, burrowing
frogs and turtles.
Also onboard will be Paul Sagar, a biologist
with a long association with Antarctica and the subantarctic
islands. An expert on seabirds, his current research focuses
on the impacts of fisheries on albatross populations and the
causes of penguin population declines. Sagar is the author of
more than 50 scientific publications about the Antarctic region’s
birds.
MV Discovery, features 351 cabins and suites;
three restaurants; five lounges; a well-stocked library; casino;
Internet center; modern health club; two swimming pools, including
one beneath a retractable roof; and two Jacuzzis.
For more information about Discovery World
Cruises’ Antarctica itineraries, visit www.discoveryworldcruises.com.
To make a reservation, consult with a travel professional or
contact Discovery toll-free at (866) 623-2689.
Orion’s World Heritage Reef Highlights
Cruise – One Showcase Voyage Only
For the first time, the luxury expedition
cruise ship Orion will offer a seven-night cruise sailing
roundtrip from Brisbane. Departing Saturday November 26, 2005,
this cruise highlights stunningly beautiful and remote parts
of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef and features Lady Elliot
Island, the Percy Isles, Creal Reef, Heron Island and Fraser
Island. Fares start from just $4,550 per person.
From Fraser Island to the Percy Isles Orion’s
destinations showcase both iconic and the lesser known including
Heron and Lady Elliot Islands and remote Creal Reef. Guests
are able to swim or snorkel over pristine coral reefs teeming
with tropical fish or step ashore from a Zodiac onto bleached
white beaches. Exclusive beach barbeques, reef fishing, kayaking
and swimming are all part of the many relaxing experiences to
be enjoyed.
Guests have a wide range of options including
an exciting four-wheel drive tour to Lake Mackenzie, a freshwater
lake deep in the interior of Fraser Island. An exceptional experience
is landing by Zodiac to snorkel or swim at Creal Reef – a pristine
sand spit just 50 meters long that emerges from the Coral Sea
at low tide!
The Percy Isles are as remote as they are
beautiful and on both Lady Elliot Island and the coral cay of
Heron Island expect to see thousands of migratory seabirds.
Snorkelers and scuba divers may encounter turtles at this time
of the year as they instinctively return to lay their eggs.
Departing from and returning to Brisbane,
Orion’s guests quickly settle into the convivial ambiance that
is the hallmark of life aboard Orion, with its first class facilities
for just over 50 couples. All suites and staterooms feature
ocean views, the option of queen size or twin beds, marble bathrooms
and modern amenities like flat screen TV, DVD/CD player and
internet connectivity. The private luxury mega yacht feeling
continues with a dedicated staff of over 70 to ensure the highest
standards of service for all. Onboard facilities include health
spa and massage, hairdresser, sauna, gym, 24 hour room service,
well stocked library and informative briefings by guest speakers.
Dining is relaxed and casual yet of a high standard, with outstanding
menus that feature the freshest of produce accompanied by a
selection of fine wines to add to the occasion.
Fares begin from $4,550 per person for an
ocean view category D stateroom
Suites begin from $6,300 per person for a
Junior Suite (category JS
Orion’s spacious Owners’ Suites with French
Balcony are $9,800 per person
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
Orion’s 2007 Antarctic And Great Southern
Ocean Expeditions
Orion’s two summer 2007 expeditions to the
Southern Ocean and Antarctic will transport guests off the standard
Antarctic path, visiting spectacular parts of Antarctica including
those made famous by early intrepid explorers Scott, Shackleton
and Mawson. Departing from or returning to Hobart, cruises
start from just $11,700 per person for 15 nights and $15,600
per person for the 20 night voyage. Accommodation is strictly
limited to just 50 couples per voyage.
Orion was custom designed and purpose built
for strength and stability. Orion’s streamlined ice strengthened
hull together with state-of-the-art stabilizers, provides a
smoother cruise experience through the sometimes challenging
waters of the southern ocean. Less than two years old, Orion
is a veteran of two Antarctic seasons already, sailing from
South America to the Antarctic Peninsula. Orion’s next expeditions
conveniently set sail from Australia and New Zealand, crossing
the Antarctic Circle to places redolent with history and adventure.
-- Mawson’s Antarctica An extraordinary 15
night expedition. Commences January 13, 2007. True adventure
in the Antarctic and the rare chance to experience the world
of the Australian Antarctic explorer Douglas Mawson. Orion will
leave from Hobart in January, a time of warmer temperatures,
less pack ice and up to 20 hours of daylight.
Zodiacs will land guests on World Heritage
listed Macquarie Island, alive with a huge variety of wildlife
and beaches crowded with Petrels, Giant Skuas, King Shags and
White Headed Petrels. Rusting remains of machinery are a stark
reminder of brutal whaling days.
Cape Denison is the site of Sir Douglas Mawson’s
historic hut from his 1911-1913 expedition. This is one of the
Antarctic’s least visited sites and historic remnants such as
clothing, food crates, sleds, ropes and kerosene tins remain
in abundance. Our expedition leaders, Don and Margie McIntyre
are intimately familiar with this area having spent more time
at Cape Denison than any other person alive today!
Orion will cruise Commonwealth Bay, site
of the Mertz Ninnis glacier and Port Martin should offer spectacular
photography with 100 ice bergs in close proximity to the abandoned
French base.
Heading in the direction of New Zealand,
Orion’s Zodiacs will be in constant demand as she calls at Campbell
and Auckland islands, both abounding with wildlife and steeped
in history. This expedition for the adventurous concludes at
Lyttleton (Christchurch, New Zealand).
-- Scott and Shackleton’s Antarctica. This
20-night itinerary highlights the Antarctic of the explorers.
Commences January 28, 2007.
From Lyttleton (Christchurch, New Zealand)
Orion heads south to Auckland Island, scene of more than ten
shipwrecks and turbulent maritime history. Prolific wildlife
abounds including seals, penguins and remarkable birdlife.
Cape Adare, home to a million penguins and
the site of Borchgrevink’s hut, a reminder of the British Southern
Cross Expedition in 1899, is followed by Orion threading her
way through thick pack ice to Cape Hallett and the chance for
a Zodiac landing to inspect an abandoned US/NZ base. This magnificent
area features enormous glaciers and spectacular mountains 4,000
meters high.
Further opportunities for exploration ashore
include the Italian research base at Terra Nova Bay, and at
Cape Evans, Scott’s 1911 Terra Nova hut. Another poignant reminder
of Antarctic exploration is Shackleton’s hut at Cape Royds containing
fascinating historic artifacts.
McMurdo Sound is the most southerly water
navigable to shipping and, if conditions permit, Orion’s guests
will tread in the very footsteps of the early explorers and
visit Scott’s historic 1901-1904 Discovery hut. At Macquarie
Island guests will see the remnants of an abandoned whaling
station and have the chance to visit the Australian Antarctic
base at Buckles Bay. The voyage concludes in Hobart.
NOTE: There are only limited spaces for the
two Antarctic summer season cruises scheduled for 2007.
--The first, departing Hobart on January
13, 2007 is for 15 nights, traveling to the Antarctic via Macquarie
Island and completing the voyage via Campbell and Auckland islands
to arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand on January 28th.
15-night cruise: Hobart/ Antarctica/ Christchurch
(Lyttleton). Fares begin from $11,700 per person for an ocean
view category D stateroom; suites begin from $16,200 per person
for a Junior Suite (category JS). Orion’s spacious Owners’ Suites
with French Balcony are $25,200 per person
-- The second, longer, cruise departs from
Christchurch on January 28, 2007, for a 20 night expedition.
During this cruise Orion will visit the Auckland Islands, Campbell
Islands, Cape Adare and Cape Hallett, Terra Nova Bay, cruise
the Ross Sea, Cape Evans, Cape Royds, McMurdo Sound, the Possession
Islands and Macquarie Island before arriving in Hobart on February
17.
Fares begin from $15,600 per person for an
ocean view category D stateroom.
Suites begin from $21,600 per person for
a Junior Suite (category JS. Orion’s spacious Owners’ Suites
with French Balcony are $33,600 per person
Orion offers 8 categories of accommodation:
26 staterooms and 27 suites. All feature ocean views, the option
of queen size or twin beds, fully-equipped marble bathrooms
and modern amenities like flat screen TV, DVD/CD player, internet
connectivity and mini-refrigerator.
Cruise fares include all meals in an unhurried
single sitting in either the dining room or outdoor café, 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 www.orioncruises.com.au
or by calling Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney
callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate). Email: info@orioncruises.com.au
Orion Offers Two Christmas And New Year’s
Eve cruises
Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in
style aboard the luxurious mega-yacht Orion. Departing from
Sydney on December 24 and 31, cruise highlights include a gourmet
Christmas feast, spectacular Boxing Day yacht racing, stunning
coastal scenery and breathtaking fireworks from just $4550 per
person for seven nights.
Sail away from the stress of Christmas Day
and feast on a gourmet menu of local specialties and traditional
Christmas fare inspired by award-winning chef Serge Dansereau.
Departing from Sydney Harbour on December 24, you will enjoy
Christmas Day in the picturesque surrounds of the Hawkesbury,
returning on Boxing Day to marvel at the spectacle of yachts
clearing Sydney Heads as they race down the coast to Hobart
in one of the world’s classic blue water yacht races.
Or celebrate New Year’s Eve in the style
of the rich and famous aboard your own luxurious mega-yacht
Orion. With the best seats in the house, Orion’s guests will
experience a never to be forgotten grandstand view of the world-famous
fireworks display lighting up Sydney’s harbor, bridge and Opera
House. This seven-night cruise will start December 31 and, like
the Christmas Cruise, move into a relaxed coastal saunter.
On both cruises Orion will at anchor in beautiful,
sheltered, Jervis Bay, famous for some of the whitest beaches
in the world. There will be plenty of time to swim, snorkel
or kayak in crystal clear waters before heading north to explore
the extensive waterways of Port Stephens and Broughton Island,
part of the Myall Lakes National Park.
This region is home to pods of bottlenose
dolphins and guests can experience the sheer joy of seeing these
beautiful creatures up close by joining a dolphin watch cruise.
Alternatively, a four-wheel-drive safari on the immense 30-meter-high
sand dunes of Stockton is both thrilling and fascinating, for
this is an area with prolific birdlife and evidence of ancient
Aboriginal occupation. A further option is to take in a round
of golf at one of the three Championship courses close at hand.
Despite being just twelve nautical miles
from Port Stephens, Broughton Island is an adventure to visit
with its unspoiled sandy beaches, weathered volcanic peaks and
stunted, wind-swept vegetation. There is excellent fishing for
snapper, kingfish, flathead and groper and the waters surrounding
the island are renowned for undersea caves, coral and sponge
gardens.
These two seven-night cruises conveniently
depart from and return to Sydney on a Saturday.
Seven-night fares begin from $4,550 per person
for an ocean view category D stateroom.
Suites begin from $6,300 per person for a
Junior Suite (category JS). Orion’s spacious Owners’ Suites
with French Balcony are $9,800 per person.
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
