Luxury And Adventure Cruising

SEA CLOUD HUSSAR: Spanish shipyard files for bankruptcy

July 25, 2010 – 3:51 am

On 19 June 2010, the Spanish shipyard Factoria de Naval Marin filed for bankruptcy, resulting in a halting of the construction work on the largest full-rigged three-mast passenger ship ever built, the “SEA CLOUD HUSSAR”. Following repeated delays in delivery, the shipyard is still unable to offer a completion date for the vessel. To safeguard its interests, the shipping company has therefore demanded reimbursement of the downpayments secured via bank guarantees. Sea Cloud Cruises is now in the process of examining how the construction of this vessel could possibly be finished.

For the most part, the vessel is in fact already completed and basically ready to launch. The interior fitting of the SEA CLOUD HUSSAR had already come to a halt earlier this year when one large supplier filed for bankruptcy.

Hermann Ebel, owner of the SEA CLOUD HUSSAR, expressed his continued interest in the completion of the cruise liner: “Together with all the parties involved, we are endeavouring to ensure the vessel is completed. However, we first have to wait for the Spanish court to appoint a receiver, but we do not expect any tangible results before the summer break.”

Sea Cloud Cruises has been a blue-chip cruise operator since 1979. The 79-year-old four-masted bark “SEA CLOUD” has set the standard for all other vessels marketed by the Hamburg-based shipping company. Guests are invited to set sail to the most stunning destinations in Europe and the Caribbean on board of one of two stately windjammers or an exclusive river yacht.

For more information please visit www.seacloud.com

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Orion presents pearls and opera in the Kimberley

July 24, 2010 – 3:50 pm

Exquisite pearls and fine opera combine as naturally as champagne and caviar or Orion and the Kimberley, and this year two Orion Kimberley voyages provide exclusive inclusions for those interested in the finer things in life.

Join either 10 night Orion voyage and receive an invitation to the highlight of Broome’s cultural events calendar of the year, OPERA UNDER THE STARS®, featuring performers of national and international acclaim including soprano Antoinette Halloran, tenors Aldo Di Toro and Stuart Skelton, and baritone, James Clayton.

* August 19, 2010 Pearls of the Kimberley or
* August 29, 2010 Kimberley Expedition

In addition, the Pearls of the Kimberley voyage incorporates Orion’s first visit to Rowley Shoals plus a Paspaley Pearls special event held at their South Sea Pearl Farm, Kuri Bay, including a cocktail party featuring opera singers flown in for this exclusive private performance.

Both voyages include Orion’s signature Kimberley explorations highlighting the visual drama of 3,000 kilometres of Kimberley coast with its ancient indigenous rock art, vast tidal changes, emerging reefs, dramatic waterfalls and prolific marine life – all experienced in a relaxed atmosphere of five star comfort under the watchful eye of 75 professional crew.

Additional information

Pearls of the Kimberley

Departing Broome - August 19, 2010

BROOME, Rowley Shoals, Nares Point, One Arm Point, Kuri Bay, Camden Harbour and Sheep Island, Montgomery Reef and Raft Point, BROOME.

Highlights include the three atolls of Rowley Shoals, one of the world’s pristine environments, with extensive marine life including giant cod, maori wrasse, turtles, dolphins, manta rays and whales. Snorkel and swim in this aquarium-like marine park, home to over 200 species of coral and more than 650 species of fish.

This is followed by a Paspaley Pearls special event at Australia’s first South Sea Pearl Farm, Kuri Bay, where Orion guests will learn to grade the harvest and sort the pearls. This will culminate with a cocktail party featuring renowned opera singers Sharolyn Kimmorley AM; soprano Rachelle Durkin and tenor Matt Morgan, flown in for a private performance.

This voyage will also include two nights accommodation at Pinctada Cable Beach, Broome’s new five star resort and spa experience. Enjoy the award winning OPERA UNDER THE STARS® featuring an outstanding cast of opera talent.

Kimberley Expedition – OPERA UNDER THE STARS®

Departing Broome - August 27, 2010

BROOME, (overnight onboard including OPERA), Cape Leveque, Talbot Bay/Horizontal Waterfalls, Montgomery Reef and Raft Point, Hunter River (for Mitchell Falls), Bigge Island, Vansittart Bay, King George River and Falls, DARWIN.

Commence your 10 night Kimberley coastal expedition with an invitation to this award winning, world-class event, OPERA UNDER THE STARS® featuring an outstanding cast, each acclaimed for their thrilling performances in the world of opera. This vibrant and inspiring group of stars will perform together under the stars at an exciting new venue, the Cable Beach Amphitheatre - situated adjacent to the turquoise waters and white sands of one of the world’s most picturesque beaches, Broome’s stunning Cable Beach.

OPERA UNDER THE STARS® 2010 will feature a sublime programme of music highlighting repertoire for both the Lyric Tenor and Heldentenor voices including gems such as “Cielo e Mare” from La Gioconda by Ponchielli and “Winterstürme wichen dem wonnemond” from Wagner’s Die Walküre. Also featuring will be the moving final scene from Act I of Puccini’s La Bohème; the divinely inspired duet “Au fond du temple saint” from Les Pêcheurs de Perles by Bizet and the rousing tenor aria “Nessun dorma” from Puccini’s Turandot.

Price Guide:

Fares begin from $9,100 per person for an ocean view Category B Stateroom.

Suites begin from $12,550 per person for a Junior Suite and Owners Suites with French Balcony are $19,055 per person.

Expedition fares are per person twin occupancy, include accommodation, all meals, landings and selected activities ashore plus invitation to OPERA UNDER THE STARS® in Broome on Saturday 29th August and inclusive accommodation in Pinctada or Cable Beach Resort.

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website www.orionexpeditions.com

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

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Heritage Expeditions launch new icebreaker voyages

July 23, 2010 – 3:50 am

Award-winning expedition travel company Heritage Expeditions has signed an agreement with the MV Polar Star for all Antarctic and sub-Antarctic voyages aboard the former Swedish Icebreaker.

One of the most expeditionary vessels operating in the region with a capacity of just 100 passengers, the MV Polar Star will be operating in Antarctica from November through to March and offering a range of expedition voyages to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

The vessel’s icebreaker hull offers unrivalled levels of safety in Antarctica’s icy waters and also the ability to explore where others are unable.

Heritage Expeditions has successfully operated expeditions from Australia and New Zealand to the Ross Sea region of Antarctica for nearly twenty years and the opportunity to expand into the Antarctic Peninsula was a logical move.

With a full program of expeditions visiting the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands and South Georgia Heritage Expeditions now offers the most comprehensive range of Antarctic and Southern Ocean expeditions. The expeditions aboard the MV Polar Star will be marketed under Heritage’s small ship cruising brand, Wild Earth Travel.

Heritage Expeditions’ new Antarctic itineraries depart from Ushuaia, Argentina between November and March each year, ranging in length from 10 to 19 days with prices starting from US$5,260 (AU$6,331) pp.

To celebrate its inaugural season in the Antarctic Peninsula, there are 35% savings for the first three departures for bookings made before August 10th, including the South Georgia and Antarctica expedition, the Antarctic Peninsula expedition and the Antarctic Peninsula Christmas expedition. There are additional 20% discounts on selected departures throughout the season.

For further information please visit:

www.wildearth-travel.com

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Helicopter Voucher included on Great Escape Cruises

July 22, 2010 – 9:50 pm

The Great Escape Charter Company is celebrating 10 years of Kimberley adventure and to mark the end of this special year, the adventure cruise specialists have just released a fantastic offer of a complimentary helicopter voucher for all new reservations on the remaining 2010 August and September cruises.

“Given the late rains that the region has experienced recently it is a great time to be cruising the Kimberley coast and enjoying the fantastic waterfalls” says Chris Tucker, Captain of MV Great Escape, who has been exploring the region for nearly 25 years. “This is also the best time of year to witness the Humpback Whales as they migrate along the Kimberley coast to the calving grounds.”

If people opt for the 13 nights Kimberley Classic Adventure from Broome to Wyndham or vice versa, the complimentary chopper voucher affords guests the opportunity to experience the

‘BEST OF THE BIG FOUR’

This encompasses flights over the Horizontal Waterfalls, Montgomery Reef, Prince Regent Nature Reserve & the Mitchell Falls – what way to enjoy the Kimberley!! Offer valid until 14th August 2010.

If people do not have two weeks to spare, the 7 nights Southern Kimberley Experience is a great choice for exploring Broome to the Mitchell Plateau and the voucher is for

‘BEST OF THE BIG THREE’

This includes flights over the Horizontal Waterfalls, Montgomery Reef, & Prince Regent Nature Reserve. Guests still have the opportunity to enjoy the Mitchell Falls anyway, as the transfer flights to/from the vessel fly over this area and this helicopter flight is included in the cruise price. Offer valid until 17th September 2010.

For more information or availability, call Liz or Lisa at the office of The Great Escape Charter Company 08 9193 5983


*(conditions apply, not to be used on conjunction with any other offer).

The helicopter vouchers will be issued upon receipt of the final cruise payment.

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Captain Cook’s New 2011 Dates for Northern Fijian Dateline Cruise

July 22, 2010 – 3:50 pm

Captain Cook Cruises has released the 2011 dates for its seven nights Northern Fiji Dateline Discovery Cruise and due to the cruises popularity an extra two departure dates have been added.

The new 2011 departure dates are: 05 April, 03 May, 07 June, 05, July, 02 August, 06 September, 04 October, and 01 November 2011. Remaining 2010 dates include 03 August, 07 September, 05 October and 02 November.

The Northern Fiji Dateline Discovery Cruise is an amazing cruise that reveals the unique history, art and culture of the Northern Fiji Islands and allows passengers the ultimate experience of standing’ on the International Dateline.

Developed after months of extensive research and searching for secluded and exclusive locations, passengers are taken beyond the Yasawa Islands to very remote and exotic tropical Fijian islands. 

Day trips include the historic island of Ovalau which still features 19th Century colonial architecture and waterfront promenades from colonial rule, the Bouma Waterfall lagoon on Taveuni Island, the extinct volcanic crater, hot springs and thriving markets on Savusavu, a special children’s choral church service at Waiyevo and of course the 180th Meridian – the arbitrary Dateline between today and tomorrow on Taveuni Island.

There is plenty of swimming, snorkelling and diving off picturesque islands including Tivua, Nanuyakoto, Savusavu Bay, Nananu-I-ra and Sali Sali Island.

One of the most endearing features of this cruise is the generous welcome from Fijian village locals living on islands rarely visited by tourists.  Passengers will be given the extraordinary opportunity to experience village life and partake in a kava ceremony, enjoy a traditional ‘lovo” (earth oven) feast and dance to the drum of the meke (dance).

For those with limited time the 7 night cruise can be split into 3 or 4 nights, starting or finishing at various Northern Fijian islands including Savusavu, Taveuni and Levuka.

Prices for all three night Northern Fiji Dateline cruises starts from $839 per person twin share, the four nights Northern Fiji Dateline Cruise starts from $1049 per person twin share and the seven nights Northern Fiji Dateline Cruise starts from $1749 per person twin share.

Price includes shipboard accommodation, all meals, guided village and island tours, glass bottom boat excursions, on board entertainment and use of the ship's facilities including a swimming pool, spa, sauna, sun deck, cocktail bar and much more.

For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises toll free from Australia on 1800 804 843; Int +61-2-9206 1100, Email: fiji@captaincook.com.au or visit www.captaincook.com.au.

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Aman Resorts Opens Sveti Stefan in Montenegro

July 21, 2010 – 3:50 pm

Aman junkies in the know have been waiting for this for years—the opening of the 47-suite Aman Sveti Stefan complex off the coast of Montenegro. It’s the counterpoint to Villa Milocer, located across the bay, which opened in 2009.

Back in the 15th century, this small island on the Adriatic coast went from a powerful fortress to sleepy fishing village. In the 1950s and ’60s, enterprising hospitality types turned the town into a Mecca for the rich and famous. The quaint red-roofed buildings and stone streets were preserved while upgrading hotel interiors to include everything the luxury traveler expects in modern accommodations.

By the seventies, the place was sprawling with celebrities. Princess Margaret vacationed at Sveti Stefan as did Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren. But the world changed and when the Yugoslav federation failed in the 1990s, this enchanting enclave went into sleeper mode once again.

It wasn’t until 2007 that Aman Resorts placed a bid with the Montenegro government to redevelop the 40,700-square-foot Saint Stefan’s island. Aman first opened the stone mansion Villa Milocer, overlooking the isle, in 2009 and now, the entire complex is reading to welcome guests.

Visit and explore several fine dining venues, the spa, and three pink sand beaches—Sveti Stefan, Milocer Beach, and Queen’s Beach.

Sveti Stefan is the ideal home base from which to explore the towns of Budva, Cetinje, and Perast as well as Skadar Lake and the Bay of Kotor.

Rates start at $775, including roundtrip transfers from Tivat and Podgorica airports.

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Brilliance of the Seas Rooms Review

July 20, 2010 – 3:50 pm

Brilliance of the Seas Rooms Review

You can conveniently relax in the luxurious suites of Brilliance of the Seas. Most of these suites offer balconies, multiple rooms and other complimentary services for the guests. You can choose the suites according to your requirements and budget. There are different options available.

Try Royal suite that provides the passengers with separate balcony, bedroom, baby piano, whirlpool tub. Other facilities for your comfort are made available in this type of suite too. Sleep up to 4 people along with accommodation for a rollaway bed is provided by such suites. Owner’s suites have separate living area, mini bar and private balconies and can accommodate same number of people as in Royal Suite. In case you are traveling with your family, you can book Royal family suites on the cruise. These suites offer twin bedrooms and bathrooms with a common living area. 8 people can sleep in Royal family suite. Grand suite and junior suite also provide with comfortable lodging to the passengers of Brilliance of the Seas.

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North Star’s Cash Back Offer Makes a True North Cruise Even More Affordable

July 20, 2010 – 9:50 am

North Star Cruises has announced a new cash-back incentive to travel on the award winning adventure-cruise ship True North.

The offer applies to the following cruises this year:

- Kimberley Wilderness Cruises 12, Wyndham to Broome, August 14-21, 2010
- Kimberley Wilderness Cruise 14, Wyndham to Broome, September 11-24, 2010
- All 2010 Coral Atoll Cruises 2010
- All 2010 Solomon Sojourns 2010

North Star General Manager Peter Trembath said savings of up to $4,999 are possible.

“There’s never been a better time to book a cruise on True North,” said Mr Trembath.

“The cash back offer has arrived just in time for the exciting second half of the year sailing schedule.”

Mr Trembath said the remainder of the 2010 season was action packed:

• Dry season - what dry season? Late rainfall is a bonus for guests booked on the revered Kimberley Wilderness Cruise where fishing, waterfalls and rainforest hikes are part of the experience.

• Broome events season: The Broome Race Round is in full swing culminating in the Broome Cup on August 14. The popular Opera under the Stars is staged August 28. Broome events are perfect timing for a Kimberley Wilderness Cruise.

• Wine sommelier Michael Tamburri joins Kimberley Wilderness Cruise 12 (Wyndham to Broome) to add another dimension to an already action packed itinerary which features the stunning King George Falls, fishing for barramundi on the Drysdale River, exploring ancient Bradshaw rock art and more.

• Kimberley Wilderness Cruise 14, Wyndham to Broome attracts another bonus - a 10% shoulder season discount.

• Coral Atoll Cruises to the stunning Rowley Shoals commence in September. The Shoals boast crystal clear waist deep water teeming with a huge variety of fish and brilliantly coloured coral.

• November heralds the maiden voyages to the beautiful Solomon Islands and its exciting mix of culture, vibrant coral reef, history and stunning South Pacific vistas.

Conditions apply - for more information contact North Star’s adventure partners at cruise@northstarcruises.com.au or visit the web site at www.northstarcruises.com.au

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Cruise Weekly: For a Real Adventure Mix, Just Add Ice

July 20, 2010 – 3:50 am

Position: 79 deg 19’N, 10 deg 36’E

At this latitude, Spitsbergen is a place that should be encased in ice, but the warm Gulf Stream keeps the world’s most northerly inhabited land freakishly thawed. And this is were I am going to get my first lesson in real sea-kayaking. Judd Hill is the kayaking guide aboard Aurora’s Polar Pioneer, the stalwart former-Soviet vessel used so successfully by the company founded by Aussie adventurer and mountaineer, Greg Mortimer.

After the initially complex ordeal of wrapping my ample self into a dry suit, donning a waterproof ‘skirt’ and gloves and inserting the whole clumsy package into the wobbly kayak we are away on our little water-borne adventure. Paddling the still waters in front of 14th July Glacier is straightforward enough and the occasional chilly splashes certainly keep me alert. The receding glaciers of Spitsbergen are calving off great chunks as the warm summer sun melts them. Beginning with a sound like a howitzer blast, hundreds of cubic metres of 50,000 year old ice plummets into the bay. A rolling crescendo of thunder accompanies the collapse and a mini tsunami rolls out into the bay.

“Never get closer than me to the glacier face,” warns Judd, recalling earlier moments of ‘excitement’, “and never get caught in shallow water (were breakers will form and swamp you). See that neat berg over there? Let’s check it out.”

We paddle a few hundred metres over to the largest berg in the bay, a bright blue almost architecturally formed mass about the size of a ten storey building. And remember, we’re only seeing the top floors. Judd is still cautious, “That’s close enough.”

No sooner had his warning sounded, than chunks the size of refrigerators start dropping off the side of the berg, then a whole side sheers off with a mighty rumble and splash. “Wow!” is the only word that I can manage. The change in balance is enough to upset the equilibrium and the entire mass begins to rotate; slowly at first, back and forth. More bits collapse like sunstruck guardsmen fainting - and then the climax. Like Neptune himself coming forth, the giant cube upends itself in its own mini-cataclysm showering the surrounding water with more high-velocity fragments. When it’s all over and my throat is hoarse from hollering, the water around us is choked with icy debris and we have to clobber the pieces and ride high over lumps to escape the carnage. As I look over to Judd, I see him loading a hefty block into his kayak, his face smeared with boyish satisfaction, “That’s going in our whisky tonight!” .


Doing It: Aurora Expeditions, in conjunction with Southern Sea Ventures, offer sea kayaking as an option aboard their 10-night Circumnavigation of Spitsbergen itinerary annually in July. For further information, contact Aurora Expeditions on 1800 637 688 or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

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Aurora introduces scuba diving on voyages to the Kingdom of the Polar Bear

July 19, 2010 – 3:50 pm

Aurora Expeditions have launched the High Arctic 2011 brochure with voyages to Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland. In this fifteenth season of exploration, Aurora Expeditions has introduced a new voyage, “Iceland &Greenland Explorer focusing on Greenland’s south east coast as well as a new optional activity - scuba diving.  Under sea divers will delight in a realm of huge kelp forests alive with crabs, sea butterflies, sea hedgehogs, jellyfish and arctic fish. Those who would prefer to stay above the sea can opt for the ever popular sea kayaking, available on most voyages.

Aurora Expeditions will always surprise and delight our clients with magical sights. Imagine a walrus swimming in your wake, or a polar bear stalking a seal in the pack ice or the midnight sun breaking through the clouds to play across the wilderness of tundra, fjords and distant mountains.

The kingdom of the polar bear is best reached by Aurora’s Polar Pioneer. This small ice strengthened ship takes a maximum of 54 passengers and has the flexibility to reach places closed to larger vessels.

 Choose from three enchanting voyages whose highlights include:

Spitsbergen Odyssey (11 days from $6080 including ship accommodation, all meals onboard, all shore excursions, lectures, medical services, port charges and taxes)

Explore the home of the polar bear. There are no open sea crossings on this discovery voyage where you’ll find deep fjords, mysterious desert mountains and seals and whales in the Arctic pack ice. This voyage offers the best chance for finding polar bears and features wildflower walks, trapper camps and historical remains of whaling stations. Avid divers will love the inaugural arctic scuba dives which begin on this voyage on 31 July 2011.

Jewels of the Arctic (14 days from $7655 including ship accommodation, all meals onboard, all shore excursions, lectures, medical services, port charges and taxes)

This adventure combines the best of Spitsbergen and Greenland, with a taste of Iceland. Cross from Spitsbergen’s rugged northwest coast over the Greenland Sea to fantastic icebergs and the fairytale landscape of granite spires rising 2000 m above the fjords. Be welcomed by local Inuits and learn some of the trade secrets of their culture.

Iceland & Greenland Explorer (11 days from $6180 including ship accommodation, all meals onboard, all shore excursions, lectures, medical services, port charges and taxes)

This inaugural voyage visits the Westman Islands via the the colourful port Heimaey. One may hike to the still warm rim of Eldfell, an active volcano, or photograph the puffin cliffs before heading to the wild ice laden fjords of Greenland. Here passengers can expect vast tubular icebergs and an impressive array of wildlife. Cruise into unchartered waters with this inaugural voyage and feel the true thrill of being an explorer.

Aurora Expeditions are the pioneers of ship-based adventures. The staff and owners remain committed to small, low-impact groups keen to experience the Arctic in many ways whether by walking, scuba diving, sea kayaking or sitting quietly and absorbing the surrounding magnificence.

Aurora Expeditions is a founding member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, dedicated to leading expeditions that respect the environment and local cultures.

For further information contact Aurora Expeditions or your local travel agent. www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or 02 9252 1011 www.facebook/auroraexpeditions

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