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) 

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.

Into Africa - New Safari-Cruise With AMA Waterways

Here's a wonderful and thrilling new opportunity to combine a river-cruise with an African safari - the MS Zambezi Queen from AMA Waterways.

The luxury river-cruise line is marking its 10th anniversary in 2012 with the addition of an exclusive new ‘Africa Safaris and Wildlife Cruise’ programme, which includes a four-night cruise aboard the beautiful Zambezi Queen, specially-designed for wildlife viewing on the Chobe River in Botswana and Zambia.

The ship travels along the banks of Botswana's Chobe National Park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife in Africa. Here, guests will encounter elephants, leopards, lions and buffalo on excursions by boat or open-air vehicle, a visit to a local village, an authentic dining experience and delicious cuisine on board, all preceded by a choice of three extensive land tours into the heart of Africa, from the expanses of the Serengeti to the awe-inspiring Kruger National Park and the towering landscape of Kilimanjaro.

Each tour concludes with two nights in Victoria Falls, one of the most magnificent sights in the world.

AMA's three new Africa itineraries, ‘Stars of Africa’, 'African Sunsets’ and 'Golden Trails of Africa’, range from 16 to 19 days, commencing in June 2012 with prices from £5622pp, excluding flights and transfers.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury 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

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.

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.

Dolphins, Whales and Basking Sharks

Here's another great early-booking offer, with a great saving on a Noble Caledonia voyage to the Isles of Scilly, Ireland and the Channel Islands.

Wildlife fans in particular will want to make note of this out-of-the-ordinary expedition cruise, which explores our coastal waters to observe the marvellous seabird and marine life around some untouched coastal wilderness areas, with a flexible schedule that allows the captain and expedition team to take advantage of the unexpected, whether it be a sighting of dolphins or any unusual event.

In just eight days, passengers will get the chance to stroll along the leafy lanes of beautiful Tresco in the Isles of Scilly; visit the neighbouring islands of Bryher and St Agnes; land on uninhabited Great Saltee Island with its huge colony of gannets; and explore the bird colonies of little known Les Sept Iles by Zodiac.

On Lundy Island, guests will enjoy the antics of the puffins and, later in the day, sail around Grassholm, one of the world’s largest gannetries. No coastal cruise in this region would be complete without a visit to the Channel Islands, and this island adventure continues with calls at two of the most attractive, Alderney and Sark.

Exploration of these protected coastal waters will be made all the more enjoyable by the use of Zodiac landing craft, similar to those used by Jacques Cousteau. Zodiacs enable passengers to land in remote places, providing for an unusual perspective and make the otherwise inaccessible readily available. The expedition staff have a wealth of local knowledge, having undertaken numerous expeditions around Britain and Ireland. The experienced team lead the way and also provide evening round-ups of the day’s events and briefings on board.

This 8-day expedition cruise to the Isles of Scilly, Ireland and the Channel Isles is on board the charming little MS Island Sky, sailing from May 18-25, 2012, and costing from £2,195pp. And here's the special offer: book by October 28 and save £100 per person.

For more information, visit www.noble-caledonia.co.uk or the UK's adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Hurtigruten Launches New 2012 Brochure

Fancy kayaking silently in the fjords against an impressive mountainous backdrop? Or learning prawn-shelling skills from local Norwegian fishermen? These are just two of the activities available in 2012 as part of Hurtigruten’s new ‘The Spring Awakening’ onboard programme, which runs from 15 March to 31 May.

For next year, Hurtigruten is focusing on the different experiences the four seasons offer in Norway as they each offer something unique to enjoy. In addition, for 2012, Hurtigruten will be offering a range of packages that include flights from Stansted for added value, plus an extended Opera Voyage for those who like something a little different. The Spring Awakening programme aims to enrich the voyage with onboard activities and new land excursions.

It takes guests closer to the teeming life in the ocean, the migratory birds and the inhabitants of small communities. It includes activities such as fishermen coming on board and presenting skills such as shelling prawns with the guests, on board lectures and, for something a little different, during the spring a saxophonist plays on deck. In addition, customers can now enjoy a new excursion ‘Kayaking in Tromso’ which offers the chance to paddle in the waters off the coast of Tromso and enjoy the views and get closer to the marine life. Hurtigruten use stable, double sea kayaks and no experience is needed. Priced from £129pp.

For those with music as a passion, Hurtigruten has extended its annual ‘Opera Voyage’ from four days to 12 where, alongside the set programme of concerts, additional concerts ashore can be added to make even more of the journey. The voyage features soloists and musicians from the National Norwegian Opera and provides an extra dimension to a winter sailing.

In addition, optional concerts can be added in impressive arenas such as the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, the North Cape Plateau and the Lofoten Cathedral, making this opera voyage a magical and memorable journey. Priced from £1,232 per person for a 12-day voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, it departs on 6 January including 11 nights full board on the ship, a tour leader and various concerts (based on two sharing).

Flights are not included and can be added from £400pp (price valid for bookings made before 31 December). For those looking for great value and direct flights, Hurtigruten’s 2012 flight inclusive packages from Stansted to Bergen are available on selected dates in April, May, September and October. The flights will combine with the 12-day Classic Round Voyage, which travels from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. Packages will include flights, cabin on full board plus transfer arrangements and prices lead in at £1,801pp if booked by 31 December.

For more info, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or adventure cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

Have a 'Blue' Christmas with Zegrahm Expeditions

Discover India, the Maldives, and some of the bluest waters on Earth with Zegrahm Expeditions this Christmas!

One of our favourite companies for expedition and adventure cruising, Zegrahm is offering a break from the traditional holiday season vacation. The voyage sails December 17 to January 3, cruising from the Indian ports of Chennai and Kochi to the Sri Lankan harbours of Trincomalee and Colombo, exploring India's Lakshadweep Islands and the northern Maldives. Highlights of the expedition include snorkelling, diving, shore walks, birding with naturalists, and a visit to a 16th-century Palace.

Since the Christmas season is a time to share with family and friends, Zegrahm is also offering a special group discount. Groups of four or more receive a 10 per cent savings on the brochure rate for each member. Groups of eight or more receive a 15 per cent saving. Travellers unable to take advantage of the 2011 voyage can even look ahead to Zegrahm's 2012 voyage, which takes place from December 1-18.

To learn more, visit www.zeco.com or contact the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

The Quad Berth Expedition

Following recent reports that the price of cruising in the Antarctic is set to rise, adventure travel specialist G Adventures has announced the introduction of its brand new - and better value - quad berths onboard their M/S Expedition.

The new quad berth cabins will be available for the 2012 Arctic and Antarctic season providing more capacity for travellers onboard, welcome news at a time when industry prices are set to rise, due to the recent introduction of new fuel regulations banning the use of heavy oil in this region.

Here's a typical G Adventures Arctic voyage:

Realm of the Polar Bear

Price: £2269pp; category 1A Quad; departure, July 6, 2012; duration, 8 days.
Description: Spot whales and polar bears, explore incredible scenery, brave the Arctic waters swimming, encounter Ny-Ålesund, birdlife and glaciers, discover breathtaking ice-covered fjords, glimpse herds of Svalbard’s many species of reindeer and take in daily lectures.

For more information, visit www.gadventures.com or contact the UK's adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Falklands Boost From Cruise Visitors

The Falklands (and their penguins!) welcomed a total of 40,542 passengers to its shores in the recent season (October 2010-April 2011), and an increase of 6% is expected for the forthcoming 2011/12 season, showing the islands continue to be a growing magnet for cruise lines.

The forecast rise would take totals to 43,000 arrivals, dovetailing the industry-wide upward trend of this sector (a record 1.7 million holidaymakers are forecast to sail in 2011 – source: Passenger Shipping Association).

Five new ships will make their maiden visits to the Falklands in the upcoming season: the luxurious Seabourn Sojourn (450 passengers), Island Sky (118), MS Artania (1,200), P&O's Adonia (710) and mega yacht L’Austral (264).

In total, 30 vessels are scheduled to visit the Falklands in the season ahead.

A perfect add-on to South America or Antarctic itineraries, cruising is an ideal way to discover the Falklands archipelago, which is made up of more than 700 islands, allowing passengers to visit many sites that remain largely inaccessible to land-based tourists.

For further information, visit www.falklandislands.com or, for cruises, contact the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Gap Adventures Seeing Double In Costa Rica

A big increase in visitors to Costa Rica has been reported by a leading independent adventure tour operator, with Gap Adventures claiming bookings have more than doubled for their small-group guided tours this year.

It's easy to see why, though, with spectacular volcanoes, lush rainforests, unique wildlife and beautiful beaches all contributing to the appeal for this fabulous and versatile Central American destination.

Now, due to the immense popularity, Gap Adventures has introduced seven new tours for 2011.

Spotting wildlife while cruising through canals, searching for the elusive quetzal bird, hiking through jungles, chilling on the gorgeous Pacific coast, searching for dolphins on a sunset sail and whitewater rafting are all on offer, making for some wonderful cruise-tour opportunities.

Take this tour, for example:

Costa Rica Learn to Surf; Price, £649pp; Departs, 19 November

Highlights: Standing up on your first wave in Costa Rica, breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific and chilling on the beach. Enjoy an eight-day trip from just £649 per person. Price includes seven nights’ hotel accommodation, some meals, local transport, surfboard, rashguard and leash for four days, five surf lessons, two "surf safari" excursions to explore different breaks and a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout.

For full details, visit www.gapadventures.com or contact the adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Arizona In The High Arctic!

(Continuing my day-by-day Arctic tour with Hurtigruten)



Our final day with Hurtigruten in Spitsbergen. The afternoon saw us landing on Skanssebukin with its huge cliffs that look as if they have been plucked from Arizona and dropped here in the high Arctic.



Dunlin and Purple sandpiper foraged in the rocks whilst Little Auks and Puffins were flying back with bills full of fish. At one point, I witnessed an Arctic Skua chasing a puffin low across the water with the latter finally resorting to splashing into the water, still keeping its fish whilst the Skua shot overhead and flew off.



A fabulous week of contrasts, breathtaking scenery and amazing wildlife. Do go. you'll never regret it.





For more info, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or the adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Walrus and Glacier Day

(Continuing the day-by-day blog of my recent Spitsbergen trip)



Well what a day this turned out to be on our cruise with Hurtigruten. Watching some 40 Walrus watching us under the midnight sun was pretty memorable.



This happened on the tiny crescent-shaped pebble island of Moffen some 80 degrees north, which is also only 2 yards high. What on earth the Walrus do when there is a roaring Arctic gale with huge waves is beyond me.

That was followed by the unforgettable experience of taking the small Polar Circle boats and cruising through the ice field beneath the huge Monaco Glacier and along its wall.



Crushing our way through the ice into patches of clear water, we found the occasional Harp Seal sunbathing on the icebergs whilst Glaucous Gulls were on the look out for a quick snack. Can't believe this week has gone so quickly and tomorrow we fly home.

For more information on this and other polar cruises, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or contact the UK's adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

An Unexpected Encounter with Spitsbergen Reindeer

(Continuing the day-by-day look at my recent Spitsbergen cruise with Hurtigruten)



It's today that our voyage on Hurtiguten's M.V. Fram brings us to Kongsfjorden, one of the most beautiful areas of the cruise and one of the most spectacular places in Spitsbergen.



The bay of Fjortende boasts magnificent scenery, a glacier that calves into the sea and a cliff on the north side that's alive with breeding seabirds.

Svalbard reindeer - as you can see - are stockier than their Norwegian mainland cousins with distinctly shorter legs. They tend to live in small groups of five or six and feed off the moss and willow on the tundra.

Tomorrow we will be going on a Polar Circle boat cruise deep into the ice field of the glaciers in another bay.

More information about the cruise can be found on www.hurtigruten.co.uk or from the specialist adventure-cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

The World's Most Northerly Train

(Continuing my day-by-day look at my epic Arctic voyage with Hurtigruten)



Welcome to the world's most northerly settlement at Ny Alesund, with what must be the world's most northerly train. Now just a museum piece, she rusts away quietly after pulling wagons of coal to the port for some thirty years.



Another day of fabulous scenery and fantastic history and wildlife, too. Reindeer, brent goose and ivory gull were all spotted today, with us cruising close to some incredible glaciers.



I wish had more time and space to tell you about this wonderful place but I guess you'll have to wait for it to appear in World of Cruising next month!

This place is surrounded by signs warning you not to go outside the settlement as polar bears are around. All the houses have shovels and skis by the doors, with 4x4s parked outside.



You can find out more at www.hurtigruten.co.uk or, to book, visit the adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

How Can He Bear It?!

(Continuing the day-by-day look at my recent Arctic cruise around Spitsbergen with Hurtigruten)



Quite an eventful day today as we saw our first polar bear swimming beside the ship. I'm not really sure who was looking at who!



It's also great to see so many old faces from our recent Antarctic trip with Hurtigruten, and the Fram is as lovely as ever.



The scenery is truly spectacular up here and the bird life amazing. Longyearbyen is a tax-free zone so we have stocked up on booze and goodies for the flight home. Still strange to have no night time, though; the bar bill is starting to mount up already!



For more info on the cruise, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or contact the UK's adventure-cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Beluga Whales with Hurtigruten

Many thanks to all of you who emailed and said how disappointed you were we couldn't do the live blog from the Arctic on board Hurtigruten's Fram last week (due to internet connection problems).



So here in some form of compensation is a one-week-later very shortened daily entry. These Beluga whales were in a pod of some thirty animals we saw as the ship was berthed at Barentsburg on the first night.



They looked for all the world like a group of white jellybabies cavorting in the surf!



For more info on booking the cruise, see The Cruise Line Ltd.



See you tomorrow!

Enjoy Scenic Washington State & British Columbia with American Safari Cruises

Well-known in yachting circles as a favourite for 'gunkhole' cruising — a yachter’s paradise of quiet, scenic anchorages — the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands star in American Safari Cruises’ Pacific Northwest Passage itinerary returning in 2012. The cruise features Washington state and British Columbia, with a new home port of Seattle, Washington.

Beginning September 14, 2012, the 22-guest Safari Quest (above) sails 10 week-long cruises round-trip from Seattle. The yacht returns in the spring for six more week-long cruises beginning March 29, 2013. The Pacific Northwest Passage itinerary explores the inlets and islands of the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands including visits to Victoria, Jervis Inlet, the Harmony Islands, Princess Louisa Inlet, Nanaimo and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia; Friday Harbor, San Juan Island and Stuart Island in Washington.

Sailing from Seattle, the yacht passes through the historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks to Puget Sound. In Victoria, guests enjoy a tour of Butchart Gardens with a traditional British high tea, a visit to the Royal British Columbia Museum and the historic Empress Hotel.

A flexible itinerary allows time to search out and view wildlife such as orca whales, eagles, seals, sea lions, porpoise, black bears and deer. ASC's expedition-style cruising means the yacht freely explores among the inlets and islands of the Pacific Northwest. An onboard expedition leader provides expert narration while leading waterborne or land-based adventures including kayaking, hiking, beachcombing and skiff rides. Paddle boards are also available for solo adventures in these scenic waters.

Other highlights of the cruise include exploration by foot or by kayak in Princess Louisa Inlet, only half a mile wide and culminating at the spectacular Chatterbox Falls; scenery and solitude while relaxing in the upper deck hot tub; stroll along Nanaimo’s picturesque waterfront promenade; a visit to the town of Friday Harbor with boutiques, galleries and a Whale Museum; hiking along a bluff to Turning Point Lighthouse on Stuart Island and kayaking among the sheltered Harmony Islands.

Cruise fares start at $3,995 per person, based on double occupancy.

The inclusive cruise includes all yacht activities and equipment; transfers; meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; and all port charges, taxes and fees. The Quest also features a hot tub, Tempurpedic mattresses, and heated tile floors in all bathrooms and upper category balconies. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2 to 1. Yachts can also be booked as a private charter or by individual stateroom.

For more info, visit www.americansafaraicruises.com or contact the UK's leading adventure-cruise travel agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.