Eco Applause For Zegrahm Expeditions

We are big fans here at World of Cruising of the eco-friendly and environmentally aware policies of Zegrahm Expeditions, and we were delighted to see this press release this week, which points out their  amazing range of charitable donations and charity work in the areas where they travel.

Definitely another reason to think of a cruise with them:

SEATTLE, WA (February 8, 2012) - Each year Zegrahm Expeditions, the leader in adventure travel, has made it a tradition to donate to charitable organizations in the name of the company’s passengers, travel advisors, and friends as a part of the  World of Thanks campaign.  Because of increased interest in African expeditions, this year Zegrahm decided to donate to organizations that focus solely on the needs of the region, specifically Uganda, South Africa, and Sierra Leone.  In December, Zegrahm asked their community to vote on their favorite organization and the donation dollars were divided based on the number of votes each received.

With 50 percent of the votes, Zegrahm Expeditions was pleased to present Light Up a Life Project (LUALP) with over 50 pairs of shoes for the children of the Bwindi Watoto School and Orphanage in Uganda.  LUALP is dedicated to providing basic educational necessities and life skills to vulnerable children in the impoverished and remote areas in Africa. 

“Our World of Thanks program encourages greater awareness and understanding of the challenges faced in each region we visit,” stated Jon Nicholson, President of Zegrahm Expeditions. “It was especially gratifying to see the children’s faces when presented with new shoes, a true testimony to the generosity of Zegrahm’s exceptional travel community.”

In addition to working with Light Up a Life Project, Zegrahm also donated to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds and Greatest Goal Ministries.  The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) rehabilitates oiled, injured, and ill seabirds, as well as prepares and manages those birds during oil spills.  In addition, SANCCOB aims to raise awareness about conservation through environmental education.  Greatest Goal Ministries (GGM) works with the disabled and the war-affected amputees of Sierra Leone.  GGM has supported a number of incredible projects, including the delivery of 600 pairs of crutches and 110 wheelchairs. 

Travelers interested in visiting and participating in these projects can join one of Zegrahm’s expeditions this spring:

• South Africa and Namibia by Sea (March 18 - April 4, 2012; from $12,980) visits SANCCOB headquarters to observe the seabird rehabilitation process in person
• Tracing the West Coast of Africa (April 7 -24, 2012; from $12,980) will visit Greatest Goal Ministries, enjoy a lively soccer match, and meet the survivors
• Classic Uganda: A Primate Paradise (June 2 -15, 2012; from $13,980) travelers may have the opportunity to visit the orphanage and see firsthand how LUALP is working to improve the children’s lives

To learn more about the World of Thanks, request a brochure, or to make a reservation, please visit www.zeco.co.

Picture (above): the Light Up A Life project in Uganda with some of the children (pic courtesy www.lightupalifeproject.org) 

Last-Minute Bargain With Voyages of Discovery

Treat yourself to some last-minute sunshine this month by joining Voyages of Discovery’s MV Discovery on a 26-day Australia & Indonesian Islands cruise, from just £1,999 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Visit the cities of Sydney and Brisbane before exploring the magical Great Barrier Reef and the stunning islands of Bali and Komodo (Indonesia). Price includes return flights from London, transfers and the full 26-day voyage departing from Sydney (overnight) and visiting Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Darwin (overnight), Komodo, Bali (overnight), Semarang, and Singapore.

Based on February 7 departure; price includes all meals, entertainment and gratuities on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees, plus onboard lectures from a team of renowned Guest Speakers.

For more booking details, and more on Voyages of Discovery, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

The Art of Japan With Orion

Orion Expedition Cruises has released details of an exclusive eight-night Art of Japan voyage featuring visits to some of the most culturally significant high points around the Inland Sea of Japan.

Departing Busan, South Korea, on April 19, the itinerary has been tailored especially for art lovers and those with a curiosity about Japanese art seeking to better understand and experience the breadth of the country's art culture, including some fine collections of Western art.                         

Developed in conjunction with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, this tour embraces ancient Shinto shrines, exquisite formal gardens, art complexes and museums, samurai culture, medieval castles and contemporary architecture. From the floating red shrine of Itsukushima to collections of Claude Monet, the formal gardens of Korakuen and the contemporary art of Tatsuo Miyajima, this Art of Japan voyage onboard Orion II promises to be an artistic revelation.

The voyage visits Sakai Ko, Honshu Island; Hagi, Honshu Island; Hiroshima; Miyajima, Inland Sea; Uno Ko, Honshu Island; Naoshima, Honshu Island; and Takamatsu, Shikoku Island; before arriving at Kobe, Japan. Prices start from £3,825 per person (a saving of £670) including eight nights onboard, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury adventure cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Historic Day For Silver Explorer

Silversea Cruises are proud to announce their Silver Explorer and its Expedition Team accomplished a first in the ship’s history late last month, landing guests at Point Wild, Elephant Island – the location where survivors of the Shackleton Expedition lived under two lifeboats for more than four months while hoping for rescue.

After attempting to take guests to Elephant Island for nearly 10 years, Silver Explorer’s Captain Alexander Golubev was able to tuck the ship into a small and slightly sheltered bay just to the West of Point Wild, due to good weather conditions. Explorer’s unstructured itinerary to ‘Cruise and Explore the Antarctic Peninsula’ allows the Captain and the Silversea team to determine the exact itinerary as the voyage progresses, as conditions can vary so much in the Polar regions. 

Both guests and crew can take full advantage of the available conditions to explore as many sights and make as many zodiac excursions and landings as possible, and this was especially true in the case of Point Wild.

Guests can also combine true expedition cruising with an elegant onboard lifestyle with Silversea Expeditions. Offering two 10-day trips from £6,339 per person, on an all-inclusive basis, voyage 7226 departs December 3 and voyage 7227 departs December 13 from Ushuaia. Silver Explorer departs from the Argentine port and cruises through the Drake Passage and then the Antarctic Peninsula, before returning to Ushuaia. Price is per person, based on two people sharing a View Suite and includes all shore excursions, port charges, government fees and taxes. Economy flights are available from £2,299 per person.

Fares for voyages embarking/disembarking Ushuaia include economy class charter air service between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, plus transfers between Ushuaia airport and pier, on day of embarkation and disembarkation.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Stay and Cruise In Sea of Cortes With American Safari Cruises

Travellers needing an escape to sunny Baja have one more reason to book a luxury Sea of Cortés yacht adventure with American Safari Cruises. All new reservations for cruises departing by April 14 receive one complimentary hotel stay at Casa Natalia, a boutique hotel in San José del Cabo, Mexico. The 22-guest, upscale yacht Safari Quest sails week-long 'Aquarium of the World' adventure cruises from La Paz, Mexico, through April.

The offer is good only for guests flying into Cabo. The Safari Quest package includes transfers between airport, hotel and the yacht in La Paz, plus one complimentary night either pre- or post-cruise at the award-winning European-style Casa Natalia. Breakfast is included at the hotel. Transfer between Cabo and La Paz is via private shuttle. 

Sailing round-trip from the picturesque town of La Paz, the yacht explores amidst the hundreds of islands and islets in the Sea of Cortés. The itinerary includes exploration of Isla Partida, Isla San Jose, Isla San Francisco and Isla Espíritu Santo. A flexible and unhurried cruising philosophy promises time to seek out wildlife, including many different species of whales, dolphins and sea lions, which are all prevalent in the wildlife-rich waters.

Cruise fares start at $3,995 per person based on double occupancy. The inclusive cruise includes all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; and all port charges, taxes and fees. The 22-guest Safari Quest features a hot tub, Tempurpedic mattresses, heated tile floors in all bathrooms and upper category balconies. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2 to 1.

For booking details, be sure to check with the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd, on 0800 008 6677 or www.cruiseline.co.uk.

January Savings With Star Clippers

Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering generous discounts of up to 20% on selected voyages on the line’s three square-riggers for bookings made by January 31. In addition, returning guests qualify for an extra 5% discount. The savings apply to exciting and romantic cruises under sail in the Caribbean, the Baltic, the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, Central America and on transatlantic crossings during 2012.

Examples of savings off Star Clippers’ 2012 voyages include:

 

· Up to 10% off Mediterranean cruises on Star Clipper, now from £629 per person for four nights, round-trip Venice, departing July 28

· Up to 10% off Mediterranean cruises on Royal Clipper, now from £702 per person for four nights, round-trip Rome, departing June 5

· Up to 10% off Baltic cruises on Star Flyer, now from £499 per person for three nights Amsterdam-Hamburg, departing May 16

· Up to 20% off Costa Rica cruises on Star Flyer, now from £824 per person for seven nights round-trip Puerto Caldera, departing December

· Up to 20% off Caribbean cruises on Royal Clipper, now from £932 per person for seven nights round-trip Barbados, departing various dates in December

· Up to 20% off Caribbean cruises on Star Clipper, now from £824 per person for seven nights round-trip St Maarten, departing various dates in December

· Up to 20% off transatlantic crossings, now from £980 per person for 14 nights on Star Clipper, Las Palmas-St Maarten, departing November 10. 

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Along the Mekong - AmaWaterways’ Land-Cruise

Interested in the grand way to visit Vietnam and Cambodia, with time to explore on land as well as along the magnificent waterways of this part of the world? Look no further. AmaWaterways' Riches of the Mekong 15-night land-cruise includes two nights in vibrant Hanoi followed by an overnight stay aboard a luxury junk in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay.

This wonderful tour then continues, via a short flight, to Siem Reap (Cambodia), the gateway to the amazing Angkor Archeological Park to experience tours of world-renowned sites such as Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, the Bayon and the newly-reopened Baphuon Temple.

The journey continues with a 7-night voyage along the Mekong River from Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), calling into the bustling capital of Phnom Penh and numerous points of historical and scenic interest, including Kampong Chhnang, Oudong, Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Xeo Quyt and Cai Be.

Along the way, guests visit floating markets, rainforests and Buddhist monasteries; ride an oxcart and a trishaw and participate in the delicate craft of rice-paper making.

The full 15-night land-cruise costs from £2,422 per person and includes hotel accommodation, excursions and all meals, wine, beer, local spirits and soft drinks with meals on board, while the seven-night cruise-only option costs from £1,060 per person, including excursions and drinks.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Going Cruising? Try A Kayak!

Kayaking in the far-flung corners of the world is an experience guaranteed to refresh any adventurer’s soul. From the icy waters of Antarctica and the European Arctic, to the remote, forgotten shores of Russia and the tropical fjords of Papua New Guinea, Aurora Expeditions’ kayaking journeys bring you up close to a maze of wildlife and nature.

Exploring the fascinating, wildlife-rich waters of our world’s most untouched continent – Antarctica - is an experience hard to beat, gliding silently past ice floes topped with sleeping seals and pondering penguins. Seabirds soar above, while curious leopard seals and agile Adele penguins play around kayaks that paddle the pristine bays and hidden channels, with cracking ice falling from glaciers to create small waves.

Paddling the sub-antarctic islands of South Georgia is also a rare privilege and a wildlife lover’s dream, kayaking among thousands of breeding king penguins and lively fur seals. Here, you can journey deep into glacial bays as black-browed and wandering albatross, prions, terns and petrels soar overhead, while elephant seals loll on beaches watched over by multitudes of macaroni and rock hopper penguins.

The icy waters of Greenland and Spitsbergen are a maze of massive sculpted icebergs, ice-choked fjords and sheltered bays. Paddling the pack ice, you can keep watch for polar bears, walrus, whales and narwhals. 

From gazing at sea-life through crystal-clear waters, to paddling among uninhabited tropical islands, sea kayaking around Papua New Guinea is another unparalleled experience, discovering hidden waterways and the quiet of this tropical paradise. Here you can come face-to-face and kayak with locals who live daily on the water with paddle in hand.

All Aurora Expeditions kayaking expeditions are led by experienced guides, paddling in small groups of no more than 12 to gain intimate access to beautiful coastlines in some of the world's most remote destinations. Kayaking prices are not included in the voyage price but start from only $850 in Antarctica, AU$995 in the European Arctic, $995 in Russia and AU$995 in Papua New Guinea.

Prices include use of kayaks and paddles, dry suites and guide. Intermediate experience is required. Advice on gaining kayaking experience can be provided for you to practice your techniques prior to your voyage.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's adventure cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Lindblad Open Up Prime Time Visits To Galapagos

In today’s travel world, savings never go out of season. And, with its equatorial temperatures and year-round wildlife, neither does the Galápagos experience. New for 2012, Lindblad Expeditions (with National Geographic) is offering lower seasonal rates to those who travel during less traditional vacation periods. 

The beauty of this special opportunity lies in the true year-round appeal of one of the world’s most magical destinations. The Galápagos Islands are defined by consistency, a place where the sun rises and sets at the same time, and where the temperatures stay in the same range, year-round. The only reason for labels such as “peak” and “off-peak” is the fact more people travel at peak periods because of traditional holiday times. 

Now, thanks to Lindblad, Galápagos Prime season rates begin at just $4,750 per person for a 10-day voyage on the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour, or $5,450 per person on the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander (based on double occupancy in a Category 1 cabin). Both are expedition ships equipped for genuine exploration, and add yet another layer of discovery with kayaks and Zodiacs that carry guests even closer into this world of natural wonder. 

And, to make travel there even more affordable, those who book an expedition before March 31 will receive complimentary flights on select 2012 departures from either New York or Miami, or receive upgrades to business class on the New York/Guayaquil flights for only $500 round-trip. This offer is limited to new bookings only and subject to availability.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's adventure cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Lindblad Expeditions Offer New Destinations

Lindblad Expeditions offer two new destinations in 2012

West African Odyssey: Exploring from South Africa to Morocco - Spanning 16 distinctive countries, the 37-day itinerary explores the entire west coast of Africa from Cape Town, South Africa, to Morocco, offering a dazzling array of cultures, scenery and wildlife. The epic adventure aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer will define the term “voyage of discovery.” Rates begin at $28,480 per person, based on double occupancy.

Exploring Papua New Guinea: Cultures & Wildlife - This 16-day itinerary explores the country’s natural splendour and intriguing cultures aboard the Oceanic Discoverer, a nimble 68-guest ship perfectly suited to exploring the coral reefs and great rivers. Rates begin at $14,790 per person, based on double occupancy.

For booking details, be sure to see http://www.cruiseline.co.uk/Lindblad-Expeditions for UK adventure-cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Hurtigruten Deploys Extra Ship In Spitsbergen

Captivated by the BBC’s Frozen Planet documentary that everyone is talking about? Fancy a trip to the frozen north next summer to see more of the landscape and wildlife of Spitsbergen? Polar experts Hurtigruten have just announced they will be sending an extra ship to the region next summer to meet the substantial increase in interest it is experiencing following Prince Harry’s Arctic expedition and current Frozen Planet TV programme.

Between June and August 2012, Hurtigruten will send MS Nordstjernen up to Spitsbergen to travel the west coast of the island for a total of 21 five and six-day itineraries. This nostalgic ship is well known in the Svalbard Archipelago having sailed there between 1994 and 2009 and, for many, exploring this frozen landscape and reaching the 80th parallel on a traditional ship is a perfect combination. Hurtigruten’s newest ship MS Fram will continue to sail the summer in Spitsbergen also.

Spitsbergen lies just 1,200km from the North Pole and is home to the King of the Arctic – the Polar Bear. On the journey through the light polar nights in the north of the archipelago, guests visit interesting settlements including the Russian coal mining town of Barentsburg and the Ny Ålesund research station, as well as excursions to fascinating glaciers and landscapes. In favourable weather conditions, the ship reaches the 80th parallel. An encounter with polar bears is one of the highlights of the trip, alongside walruses, arctic sea birds and of course the Midnight Sun.

POLAR ENCOUNTERS VOYAGE – From £1,614pp - A five-night ‘Polar Encounters’ voyage to Spitsbergen on selected dates in June, July and August costs includes four nights full board on the ship, one night’s B&B in a Longyearbyen hotel plus landings, sightseeing in Longyearbyen and accompanied by an expedition team (prices based on two sharing; flights are extra and can be booked via Hurtigruten from £844pp).

For bookings, click this link to visit the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Picture: Nina Bailey

Lindblad's Latest Adventure Options

Starting this month, Lindblad Expeditions' Peruvian Amazon expedition will be the first to offer kayaking in the Upper Amazon, providing guests even more accessibility to the lagoons, small tributaries and creeks of this pristine region.

The intimate and stately vessel, the Delfin II, will be equipped with five 2-person kayaks to provide this in-depth experience. Guests will be able to enjoy the signature Lindblad Expedition, a combination of elegant accommodation, knowledgeable experts and uniquely close encounters with the nature and culture of the region.

Or how about this fabulous itinerary: Vietnam & Cambodia — Along the Mekong River, including Angkor and Saigon. Lindblad's 14-day voyage takes in the sublime temples of Angkor Wat, the floating villages and vibrant markets along the Mekong, and the cities of Phnom Penh and Saigon. Sail aboard the new 48‐guest Jahan, with accommodations of a standard not available here before. Rates begin at $7,980 per person, based on double occupancy.

To find out more, see this link to visit the UK's adventure cruise specialists, the Cruise Line Ltd.

G Adventures New Antarctic Cruises

Marking 100 years since Captain Scott voyaged to the Antarctic, 2012 is the perfect year to take a G Adventures cruise aboard the M/S Expedition to celebrate one of the world’s greatest historic expeditions.

G Adventures is offering 10% discounts on a range of Antarctic expeditions for bold travellers looking to explore this region during the cruise season (November to March). Tours must be booked by 30 November 2011 for the 2012/13 Antarctic tours departing between 7 November 2012 and 9 March 2013.

For travellers who don’t want to wait, there are still places available on selected 2011/12 departures, including the Spirit of Shackleton tour. Suitable for history fans, the voyage focuses on the adventurers and legends formed out of the ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’. The tour’s namesake, Sir Edmund Shackleton, was actually a third officer on Captain Scott’s first quest to Antarctica in 1901, making this journey a pilgrimage for travellers enticed to Antarctica by the dramatic history of its discovery.

Spirit of Shackleton. Trip code: XVSHSX; Price: From £7,189 per person; Duration: 20 days. Next available departure: 11 January, 2012

This journey takes intrepid travellers to some of the world’s most remote wilderness including the South Georgia Islands, Falkland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Visiting historic sites of past explorers, including Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final resting place, this adventure illuminates many of the courageous legends from what is known as the ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’. There is extraordinary scenery and an abundance of diverse wildlife, including vast penguin rookeries, seal colonies and whale pods.

The 20-day adventure includes 18 nights aboard the Expedition with all meals, one night hotel accommodation in Ushuaia and Ushuaia airport transfer (depending on flight departure details), Zodiac cruises and shore landings with expert expedition team, lecture and educational programs, waterproof boots and Antarctica destination guidebook, Canada Goose expedition jacket for each guest who pays for a Category 5 Suite and expert G Adventures Expedition Guide throughout.

Antarctica With Exodus

Exodus Expeditions are offering an in-depth exploration of Antarctica, combining the best of the Western side of the peninsula with the less visited, more remote, Eastern side. This is a remarkable adventure visiting both sides of the Peninsula as guests spend three days sailing along the west coast, along fjords and past icebergs, enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales.

Weather permitting, the trip aims to visit magnificent spots such as Cuverville Island, Wilhelmina Bay and Orne Harbour, before passing through the Antarctic Sound to the wild and remote east coast of the Peninsula in the Weddell Sea. The epitome of the Weddell Sea is massive tabular icebergs, and watching these imposing and majestic bergs glide silently past the ship is a remarkable experience.

Guests will explore islands and continental shores, hoping to visit Brown Bluff Hope Bay and Paulet Island (above), whose residents include Chinstrap and Adelie penguins in huge numbers.

For more information and booking details, check out www.exodus.co.uk, or, for more on Antarctic expeditions and adventure cruising in general, see this link for the UK's adventuring sea-going specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Coffee And Football In Inuit Greenland

Fancy a coffee with an Inuit in their home? Or how about a game of football with the locals? Or the chance to meet local school children? Getting closer to the traditions and culture of the people who live in Greenland is a core focus on a Hurtigruten voyage to Greenland.

Greenlanders refer to their island as ‘Kalaallit Nunaat’ - the land of the people. And, in 2012, Hurtigruten will bring its guests closer to both the locals and the townships for the ultimate cultural experience. In turn, it also aims to give something back by offering the Inuits contact with the wider world, which for some is otherwise unobtainable.

Hurtigruten voyages include visits to Greenland’s small townships and the rare opportunity to gain a first-hand insight into the everyday life of the Inuits. Inuit houses are open for Hurtigruten guests and they are invited by local families to partake in a traditional ‘kaffemik’, the Greenland version of a cup of coffee and learn more about their way of life.

In Uummannaq, there is a welcome by local school children and the chance for them to mingle with guests. When the ship docks in the Ittileq township, guests, crew and locals join together for a traditional football match that sees sport bringing together different cultures.

Hurtigruten offer a selection of voyages to Greenland during the summer months. For example, The Heart of Greenland (from £4,117pp), a nine-day expedition along Greenland’s west coast visiting small settlements accessible only by boat. Available on June 10, 17 and July 1, the voyage includes seven nights full board on the ship, return flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, transfers and lectures by the expedition team. Flights from UK to Copenhagen are extra and can be booked by Hurtigruten. Price based on two sharing and valid if booked by 31 December 2011.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's adventure cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

American Safari Cruises Celebrates Inaugural Hawaii Season

Adventure cruise tour operator American Safari Cruises celebrated its inaugural season in Hawaii on October 26 when the 36-guest Safari Explorer began its first inter-island voyage. The upscale yacht will sail 24 voyages between Maui/Lana’i and the Big Island through May 2012.

The active adventure-style cruising of American Safari is available on seven or 10-night voyages that explore Lana’i, Moloka’i, Maui, Molokini and the Big Island. Itineraries sail between Maui/Lana’i and the Big Island and reverse; a scenic ferry ride also connects guests between Maui and the yacht on Lana’i.

A Hawaiian blessing for the yacht and crew took place on October 25 on Moloka’i. Cultural advisors from Maui, Lana’i, Moloka’i and the Big Island were invited to attend. Traditional Hawaiian protocols are also being arranged at each island to ask permission for entry. Others may choose to walk through ancient taro terraces. Guests will have a chance to help restore the terraces and make poi, a paste made from the root of the taro plant.

After a visit to the Moloka’i Museum and Cultural Center, a Hawaiian pa’ina celebration feast features locally sourced cuisine, including fresh fish and poi, seaweed, Moloka’i sweet potatoes and pork from the imu (underground oven), all staples of the Hawaiian diet. Local musicians join in the celebration along with a kumu hula dancer. On Maui, an early morning tour to catch the sunrise at Haleakala National Park takes guests up 10,000ft for a spiritual sunrise ceremony and stunning views of land, sea and sky.

In the afternoon, guests enjoy drift snorkelling at the nearly submerged crater of Molokini. Off the coast of Hawaii, the Big Island, the yacht spends time searching for dolphins, whales and whale sharks before anchoring offshore for water sports activities. On the second day, a skiff excursion takes guests snorkelling near Kealakekua Bay before going ashore for a bit of history at the place where Captain Cook died. In the afternoon, a local guide escorts guests on a historical walking tour of Kailua and Holualoa, a village filled with art galleries.

Fares start at $4,995 for the seven-night cruise and $6,495 for the 10-night cruise, both per person, double occupancy. Itineraries feature exclusive excursions and include all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; and all port charges, taxes and fees. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2 to 1 and includes Hawaii residents who have personal knowledge of the islands. Pre and post-cruise packages are available on Maui at Hotel Wailea and the Big Island at Mauna Lani.

For booking details in the UK, be sure to check with the adventure-cruise specialists of the Cruise Line Ltd and their American Safari Cruises section on this link.

New Voyages To St Helena

A series of new voyages departing in 2012 to the far-flung British outpost of St Helena have been introduced by St Helena Line.

Lying 1,500 miles north-west of Cape Town, the island has a rich history and dramatic natural beauty, and bookings are now being taken for the new 18-night Hideaway Tour, which departs Cape Town on May 7, 2012, on board one of the world’s last working Royal Mail ships, the 128-berth RMS St Helena (above).

Leading the tour will be Colin Lewis, Professor Emeritus of Rhodes University (South Africa), hugely knowledgeable about St Helena – its history and natural environment. Prof. Lewis will offer a special insight into this British outcrop, which was the place of Napoleon’s exile.

After a relaxing five-night voyage on board the part passenger, part cargo ship, passengers will arrive at St Helena on May 12, where they’ll be joined by island residents Basil George and Vanessa Thomas for a fascinating and diverse eight-day itinerary. Highlights include a trip to Napoleon’s last residence, Longwood House (arguably one of the finest Napoleonic museums in the world), plus other sites of historic importance, including Napoleon’s Tomb.

A boat trip, tour of the grounds at Plantation House where the Governor resides, an evening talk from the National Trust of St Helena and a walking tour of the capital, Jamestown, are also included. A Botanical Day will allow the chance to uncover some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna, plus the opportunity to spot the endemic Wirebird. The RMS arrives back in Cape Town on May 25.

The Hideaway Tour costs from £2,765 per person based on two sharing an A deck cabin. The price includes eight nights’ B&B accommodation on St Helena, entry fees and guide costs, all meals on the RMS and some meals in St Helena. Return international flights to Cape Town are not included.

For more booking details, be sure to check with the UK's adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

New Antarctic Options

The Antarctic Dream, an 80-passenger expedition cruise ship with an ice-strengthened hull renowned for its long-time service in the Chilean Navy, has unveiled a new “Fly and Sail” programme for the 2011-2012 Antarctica travel season, which began on November 1.

The programme allows travellers to experience the crossing of the Drake Passage, the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, but reduces the regular itinerary by three days by cutting out a second crossing of the Passage.

Lectures are offered by the Expedition Leaders and additional presentations and workshops are offered by geologists, naturalists and special guests, which include celebrated photographers, wildlife experts and award-winning scientists.

For more info, visit www.antarcticdream.com or the UK's adventure-cruise specialist agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Whale Sharks with Zegrahm in Mozambique

In March of 2012, one of our favourite eco and adventure-cruising lines, Zegrahm Expeditions, will celebrate a first as they visit the coast of East Africa on an inaugural tour. This Mozambique Odyssey visits Tanzania and South Africa aboard the spacious 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey.

The World Wildlife Fund is partnering with Zegrahm on this exceptional journey, which includes a visit to Quirimbas National Park, co-created and expanded by the WWF and now the largest marine protected area in the Indian Ocean and Africa. Quirimbas was once the poorest province in Mozambique but now has the country’s highest growth rate thanks to the park.

WWF’s involvement ensures that local communities and park authorities alike share both the benefits and the responsibilities of managing the park on land and at sea. Guests on this expedition will see just how much support is needed—the park protects over 750,000 hectares of coastal forest, mangroves, and rich coral reefs including the abundant marine life, sea turtles and hundreds of fish species.

In the middle of Zegrahm’s journey, cruise to the beautiful beaches of Punta da Barra, where passengers will have the opportunity to see whale sharks, which are present year-round in this area, and there’s a good chance of seeing manta and devil rays, loggerhead and green sea turtles, and even bottlenose dolphins. Snorkel and swimming excursions among this incredible marine life will be very high on the agenda.

For more info or to book, be sure to check with the UK's adventure cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd on this link.

Aurora Expeditions Expand Antartica Season

Expedition cruise company, Aurora Expeditions has released their exciting new 2012/13 Antarctica programme, with a 10 per cent early-booking discount.

With 20 voyages encompassing the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, this season is set to be their biggest ever as the programme has a variety of new features, including a choice of two ships, with the addition of Akademik Shokalskiy.

The increased capacity also allows for a greater variety of voyage lengths (8 to 20 days), and more opportunities for adventure activities, with kayaking offered on 16 voyages.

With the successful uptake of the Fly & Sail options, Aurora have increased these in 2012/13, allowing passengers to see more in a shorter amount of time, and cutting out one sea crossing. These voyages will include either a flight in from Santiago or Punta Arenas in Chile, or a flight out from King George Island or Stanley in the Falkland Islands. Prices for the 2012/13 Antarctic season start from $6,365 per person, based on a triple cabin for an 8-day cruise.

Bookings made before December 31 will receive the 10% early bird offer (valid on the first 15 bookings on each voyage only; direct bookings only and not valid in conjunction with any other offer).

For more info, visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or the UK's adventure cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.