Austin-Lehman Adventures

Blackbear Cruises

Clipper Cruise Line

Hapag-Lloyd Cruise Line

Star Cruises

Austin-Lehman Adventures Expands Galapagos Island Programs:

Austin-Lehman Adventures’ popular Galapagos Island program expands for this fall and the coming year with weekly departures every Sunday for eight-day/seven-night excursions aboard a fleet of three identical, private, luxury 20-passengar yachts.

The program utilizes three identical sister ships to assure that a cabin is available to fit vacation schedules, says Dan Austin, Director. “While offering increased flexibility we’ve also been able to lower our prices,” Austin says, noting that a cruise-only package starts at just $1,950 per person, double occupancy (value season April 30 - June 10, August 27 - October 14, and November 26 - December 16) and $2,295 per person, double occupancy (regular season January 1 - April 29, June 11 - August 26, October 15 - November 25, December 17-31). 

An optional pre/post cruise add-on package includes three nights lodging in Quito (pre-cruise) and one night lodging in Guayaquil (post-cruise) with all airport transfers, Quito and Guayaquil city tours, and a full day Otavalo Indian Market tour. Rates are $565 per adult and $300 for children 11 and under per person, double occupancy.

As befits an Austin-Lehman Adventure, the cruise offers affordability and luxury in a small group setting. Two highly trained naturalists will be on board to accompany guests on the water and on shore. Compared to the norm of larger scale Galapagos cruise programs, Austin-Lehman’s offers the lowest guide to passenger ratio in the islands to ensure that each guest enjoys a flexible and personalized voyage.  

The itinerary includes all of the most sought-after and popular island locations including Playa Ochoa where guests can snorkel and swim with a sea lion colony; viewing red-footed and masked boobies along Darwin Bay; riding the motorized panga (small wooden boat) to observe red-billed tropic birds, frigate birds and herons; cruising to Isabela and Fernandina for close encounters with penguins, red and turquoise-blue zayapas crabs, marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants; hiking to the marine grottos of South James Bay for an ascent to the summit of Bartolome; touring the Giant Tortoise Breeding and Rearing Research Station on Santa Cruz and the Tortoise Reserve, and more.

The signature fleet of three identical Superior first-class 20-passenger motor-yachts, M/Y Eric, Flamingo I and Letty, was custom-designed for Galapagos excursions. The sister yachts offer tremendous value for superior comfort in spacious accommodations for small groups. Built in 1991 and refurbished every year, each yacht features ten double outside facing cabins located on three decks with polished teak wood interiors, window view or portholes, fully air conditioned throughout, private bath facilities with fresh, hot-and-cold-water shower, hair dryer, toiletries, roomy closet and drawers, overhead storage, separate climate controls, ionizer (iguana and booby deck only), intercom system, life vests, bottled water and fresh towels.

Public areas include a dining room, well-stocked bar and conference area with 29" flat screen television, DVD player, board games, library of books and DVDs. Stereo cassette/CD equipment is available on the bridge.  Picture windows surround the upper two decks and offer a spectacular panoramic view of the ocean and landscape.  Enjoy sea breezes, sunshine or a sky full of stars on lounge chairs and recliners located on the sun deck and observation points. With the exception of the optional land packages, all meals are taken aboard the yacht. Dinners focus on Ecuadorian and international cuisines.

Departures are all inclusive, air not included. There is no extra charge for beverages (mineral water, soda or juice).  Snorkeling equipment, custom wet suits, beach towels and sea kayaks are available at no additional cost.

ALA’s 2006 itineraries as well as all of their adult, family and custom exclusive trip options are outlined in a free, four-color catalog available from the company. To request the catalog, call toll-free 800-575-1540, e-mail at info@austinlehman.com  or log on to www.austinlehman.com.

Blackbeard Cruises

Two Diving Cruises Added For October At $569 Per Person

Blackbeard's Cruises is offering two October cruises at $569 per person: October 21 to 25; and October 29 to November1, 2005. The company offers great diving in the Bahamas aboard 65' sloops that sail from Miami to the western Bahamas.  Ten dives are offered over days with boarding at 6 pm on Friday.  Divers enjoy Saturday, Sunday and Monday in the Bimini area and then sail back that evening to arrive in Miami for a Tuesday morning clearance.  All passengers disembark by 9 am on Tuesday morning. 

The $569 rate includes all meals, beverages/bar, diving, and lodging.  The $55 port tax and tip for crew is not included.

For more information or to reserve your space call (US) 1-800-327-9600 or visit www.blackbeard-cruises.com.  

Clipper Cruise Line/INTRAV

Cruise Line Clipper Offers Holiday-Season Getaways

With a host of well-designed travel options this holiday season, deluxe-tour operator INTRAV and small-ship expert Clipper Cruise Line present six itineraries appealing to all manner of guests. Adventure lovers will enjoy Clipper's expeditions to the wildlife reserves in Central America and the snow-covered vistas in Antarctica or INTRAV's 12-day safari in South Africa, while those wishing for a relaxing break will delight in cruises among the sun-drenched islands of the Caribbean or the spectacular landscapes found throughout New Zealand during the austral summer. "Our holiday trips are designed to give guests wonderful experiences and memories to treasure with loved ones for years to come," INTRAV and Clipper Cruise Line CEO David Drier said. "We offer options for virtually any taste, whether guests seek a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in hard-to-reach ends of the globe, a close-up discovery with fascinating wildlife, or a carefree getaway in the warm sun. And, since each of these trips is escorted by INTRAV's experienced travel staff or Clipper's award-winning hospitality staff, they present hassle-free journeys that allow guests to enjoy the holidays with family or friends. We want to ensure that our passengers have the holiday experience of their dreams."

Each journey offers tremendous value as well, with deluxe accommodations, transportation within the itinerary, and all meals included on the cruises (and virtually all meals on the safari). Thoughtfully arranged sightseeing excursions to must-see attractions and added ample leisure time - affording guests the chance to discover each destination's most intriguing sights through escorted tours or on their own - create the perfect blend of opportunities. To ensure comfort, the experienced travel staff escorts the journey to serve as a private leader and concierge throughout the stay.

INTRAV and Clipper offer six wonderful adventures this holiday season including:

-- Costa Rica and the Darien Jungle, Plus the Panama Canal - Along with a guaranteed daylight transit of the Panama Canal, passengers on this nine-day discovery that departs on November 16, 24, and 30, 2005, will experience lush rain forests and jungles, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife in Central America. Sailing aboard the 138-passenger Yorktown Clipper, explorers will observe countless birds, mammals, reptiles, and plant species endemic to the Curú Wildlife Refuge, Carara Biological Reserve, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Marenco Biological Station in Costa Rica, as well as the Choco Indian village in Panama's remote Darien Jungle. Optional extensions present the Gamboa Rainforest Resort on the banks of the Panama Canal or the national parks of Costa Rica. Rates begin at $2,830 per person, double occupancy. Included are seven nights aboard the ship, one night at the Meliá Cariari Resort in San Jose, all meals, and all sightseeing excursions/special events.

-- Expedition to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands - For guests seeking a slightly more intensive holiday experience, this 16-day adventure aboard the 122-passenger Clipper Adventurer (departing November 20, 2005) offers a firsthand look at the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands, historic Elephant Island, and the Antarctic Peninsula - renowned for its incredible vistas, thousands of penguins, and pristine beauty. Travelers will also enjoy Santiago and Buenos Aires before or after meeting the ship. Rates begin at $6,560 per person, double occupancy. Included are 11 nights aboard the ship, one night at the Sheraton Santiago, one night at the Sheraton Buenos Aires, charter air transportation within South America, all meals aboard the ship, all sightseeing and shore excursions, several special events, onboard gratuities and port charges, and a personal expedition parka.

-- Navigating New Zealand's North and South Islands - Breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and friendly Kiwi culture on New Zealand's North and South islands are highlighted on a 14-day journey using the 128-passenger Clipper Odyssey. With holiday departures scheduled for November 27 and December 22 and 29, 2005, the expeditionary cruising through Fiordland National Park and optional escorted tours in picturesque towns, such as the Art Deco-styled Napier, bring the region to life. Additional highlights include chances to swim with the rare Hector's dolphin near Akaroa and an excursion to the colorful thermal fields of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. An optional postcruise adventure extends the journey for three nights at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. Rates begin at $4,770 per person, double occupancy. Included are nine nights aboard the ship, two nights in lake-view rooms at the Copthorne Hotel in Queenstown, all meals aboard the ship, sightseeing excursions in Queenstown, several special events, as well as onboard gratuities and port charges.

-- Exploring the Yachtsman's Caribbean - For a relaxing holiday, the Yorktown Clipper and 102-passenger Nantucket Clipper take guests to the secluded bays, marinas, and coves of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Departures on the Yorktown Clipper are scheduled on December 15, 22, and 29, 2005, and January 5, 2006; while the Nantucket Clipper departs December 19 and 26, 2005. Inviting, crystal-clear blue waters and soothing trade winds await snorkelers and sun-seekers during these tranquil, eight-day cruises that visit St. Thomas, Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Salt Island, Norman Island, and St. John. Rates begin at $2,050 per person, double occupancy. Included are seven nights aboard the ship, all meals, and several special events.

-- South African Wildlife Safari - Longstanding as a must do vacation, the wildlife and scenic beauty of South Africa present a holiday experience that goes way beyond the traditional fare. Arranged for just 26 passengers, this 12-day journey, that departs December 20, 2005, brings the wild beauty of this diverse nation up close. After three nights exploring Cape Town - with a city tour, Table Mountain excursion, Cape Peninsula tour, and time at leisure all scheduled - guests will enjoy morning, afternoon, and evening game drives during stays at Thornybush Game Reserve and Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, which both reside in world-renowned Greater Kruger National Park. A special extra is a visit to the Shangana Cultural Village for a glimpse into traditional tribal life. Rate is $4,995 per person, double occupancy. Included are deluxe accommodations at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, Thornybush Main Lodge at Thornybush Game Reserve, Sabi River Sun Lodge in Hazyview, and Lion Sands River Lodge at Lion Sands Private Game Reserve; all sightseeing and game drives; most meals; and all transportation within South Africa.

-- Inventing Southern Africa - For those wishing to plan individualized holiday vacations in Southern Africa, INTRAV also offers its Inventing Southern Africa department that specializes in custom-designed safari and other personalized adventures in the region.

For reservations or more information, travelers should contact their professional travel consultant or call INTRAV toll free at (800) 456-8100 or Clipper Cruise Line at (800) 325-0010. Copies of catalogs and brochures are available from travel agents or by contacting INTRAV or Clipper at 11969 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63146-3220, by e-mail at info@intrav.com or clipper@clippercruise.com  and online at www.intrav.com  or www.clippercruise.com.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Sail The Antarctica With The Annemarie Victory Organization On ‘MS Hanseatic’

Book a special trip with the world-savvy Annemarie Victory Organization, from February 19 to March 7, 2006, from Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands on the five-star luxury ship that cruises through the Antarctic region, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ MS Hanseatic.

When Annemarie Victory sponsors a trip to Antarctica, you may wonder if those penguins might be wearing real tuxedos. Known for shepherding her guests on merry, upscale treks throughout the world, and visiting their finest restaurants and palaces, Ms. Victory will transport her guests this time to a new kind of wonderland: The Sixth Continent. 

Sailing where other ships dare not venture in the highest style possible, the beautifully appointed Hanseatic, which is known for its unsurpassed abilities to navigate and explore difficult waters of the Antarctic due to its small size, an advanced high-tech navigation equipment, an ice-hardened hull and the highest possible passenger vessel ice classification 1A1 Super (E4), was created to provide intensive exploration voyages for its passengers from an elegant and plush atmosphere. “The Annemarie Victory Organization always provides exclusive and special experiences. When they travel to Antarctica on the Hanseatic, they’ll be in an exclusive club, because only the Hanseatic can traverse certain icy waters in this treacherous region where the most unusual ice formations and wildlife can be experienced,” notes Sebastian Ahrens, Managing Director, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “Unlike so many ships in the area, it does not skirt around the sidelines of Antarctica.”

Onboard experts will provide background lectures and recaps. Its 14 zodiac boats (small motorized boats) allow passengers to navigate closely to natural habitats and even make shore landings.

Just a few hours after observing sea animals up close or trekking near glaciers, Hanseatic passengers can be found sipping vintage cognac in the lounge or finishing off their gourmet meals from their Villeroy & Boch china in the dining room. Or, alternatively, they will remember the day’s events from their marble bathtub – and that’s not just the bathtub – the whole bathroom is marble. Ms. Victory will personally escort this trip.

The itinerary includes:

-- February 19-21:  Travel to and touring of Buenos Aires, with special emphasis on Eva Peron-related sights and a tango show.

-- February 22:  Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and board Hanseatic, which sails at 6 PM.

-- February 23-March 01:  Tour the South Shetland Islands and Antarctica Peninsula. Look for icebergs in Iceberg Alley, whales, seals, and thousands of penguins. Pass through Drake Passage, and land at Hannah Point, Peterman Island and Paradise Bay.

Other highlights include rock formations and glaciers at the Island Booth and Deception Island, where volcanic activity created a sea-flooded crater. In the narrow gateway, guests will see bubbling, hot geothermal springs.

-- March 2-4:  Explore the Falkland Islands. Its windswept terrain is reminiscent of Scotland. Visit one of the largest albatross colonies in the world. Landing at Stanley, Carcass Island.

-- March 5:  A stop at Chile’s most southern point. It is possible the legendary Hanseatic zodiacs will be able to take guests to Cape Horn, “the end of the earth.”

-- March 6-7:  Back to Ushuaia and then to U.S.         

Austrian born Annemarie Victory has been leading one-of-a-kind luxury tours throughout the world for many years. Fluent in French, German, Italian, and English and conversant in Spanish, she has successfully combined her extensive travel experiences and knowledge of fine cuisine by offering one-of-a-kind luxury tours throughout the world for discriminating, upscale travelers.

Prices for this trip begin at $9,934.00. To book a trip: Annemarie Victory, Annemarie Victory Organization, Inc., 136 East 64th Street, New York, N.Y. 10021; Tel.: (212) 486-0353 / Fax: (212) 751-3149. Visit Hapag-Lloyd Cruises at www.hl-cruises.com.

Star Cruises

Mega-Yacht Sailings At Savings On Star Clippers Winter Caribbean Cruises

Come November, passengers can leave the winter blues behind and head to the sun-kissed beaches and azure waters of the Caribbean aboard Royal Clipper or Star Clipper at a rate of two for the price of one. These savings are available to US residents on select departures from November 2005 through January 2006 for a limited time only as the offer expires November 15.

-- Royal Clipper, the 227-passenger flagship of the fleet, sails a seven-night, round-trip Barbados itinerary that includes calls at St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, Iles de Saintes and Martinique. The two-for-one offer is valid on the Nov. 27, Jan. 8 and Jan. 22 departures with fares starting from $798 per person, double, in an outside cabin.

-- The 170-passenger Star Clipper is sailing two seven-night Caribbean itineraries round-trip from St. Maarten. The Leeward Islands itinerary calls at Nevis, Iles de Saintes, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Antigua and St. Barts, and the twofer deal is valid on the November 26, December 10, January 7 and 21 departures. The Treasure Islands itinerary calls at Anguilla, Virgin Gorda, Norman Island, Jost van Dyke, St. Kitts and St. Barts, and the special pricing is valid on the January 28 departure. Fares for both itineraries start from $798 per person, double, in an outside cabin. Fares for a six-night Treasure Islands cruise departing Dec. 17 start from $688 per person, double, in an outside cabin.

are untouched by larger cruise ships.

To make a reservation, contact a travel professional, for information call Star Clippers at 1-800-442-0551 or visit www.starclippers.com. To request a brochure, call 1-800-442-0556.