Oceania's Big New Year Savings

Oceania Cruises, who operate four mid-sized luxury cruise ships specifically designed for lovers of good food and elegant living, is offering savings of up to £1,687 per person on selected departures between January 17 and March 29.

The offer is part of Oceania's `Explore your World’ promotion, which, on selected cruises, also gives clients free gratuities (worth up to $925 per booking) and a $1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom to spend on spa treatments, drinks, shore excursions or gifts from the onboard shops.

The sailings include a 25-night cruise from Bangkok to Beijing on board the 650-guest Nautica, departing on February 28, with port calls in Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and China, now from £3,025 (was £4,712, saving £1,687); and two cruises on board sister ship Regatta - a 21-night sailing from Auckland to Sydney, departing on March 8, now £2,541 (was £2,942, saving £401); and a 25-night voyage from Sydney to Papeete departing March 29 (now £3,025, saving £539), which also include the $1,000 per stateroom shipboard credit and free gratuities. 

Then there is an 18-night South Pacific sailing departing January 17 from Papeete to Auckland on board Regatta, which now costs from £2,178* (was £2,656, saving £478), with $1,000 credit per stateroom and free gratuities. 

And, in South America, the January 22 sailing on board Insignia, exploring Peru and Chile as the ship cruises the west coast of South America, now costs from £2,176 (was £3,080, saving £904), with $1,000 credit per stateroom and free gratuities.

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

Aqua Expeditions Publishes Peruvian Cookbook

Here's something you don't see every day - a chance to enjoy the gourmet Peruvian cooking from on board Aqua Expeditions' two stylish river-cruise ships on the Upper Amazon. We are big fans of Aqua in general, and this is a novel extra dimension to their high-quality offerings.

And here's what they say about it:

AQUA EXPEDITIONS LAUNCHES GOURMET PERUVIAN COOKBOOK,

FROM THE KITCHENS OF AQUA EXPEDITIONS

As the gastronomy industry booms in Peru, Aqua Expeditions is excited to announce the launch of a gourmet Peruvian cookbook designed by the company's executive chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

Chef Schiaffino's interest in food began at the young age of 13, while helping his father on their family farm. He eventually opened his own Peruvian style restaurant, which prompted CEO of Aqua Expeditions, Francesco Galli Zugaro, to seek his help with the cuisine aboard the MV Aqua and the MV Aria.

Because Chef Schiaffino's cuisine is so heavily influenced by Amazonian produce, it was a natural fit for Aqua Expeditions, whose vessels traverse remote areas of the Amazon River. Schiaffinio prepares most of his dishes using only the freshest local ingredients instilling five-star quality and taste.

The cookbook, From the Kitchens of Aqua Expeditions, offers exclusive interviews with Chef Schiaffino, himself, along with additional famous chefs, restaurateurs, and others who have been on board the first vessel, the MV Aqua.

"I am very impressed by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino... I'm about double his age, and I can tell that he will change how Peruvian cuisine is perceived throughout the world," says highly influential chef and restaurateur, Nobu Matsuhisa.

The cookbook includes a plethora of Chef Schiaffino's Amazonian and Peruvian recipes, from cocktails and starters to main dishes and desserts. Chef Schiaffino uses flavours from the jungle to perfect each dish that he creates. His main ingredients include sofrito, turmeric and sachaculantro, along with garlic and onions.

The cookbook will be available for purchase aboard the boats as well as www.thetravelerscollection.com.

For more on Aqua's range of cruises, see www.aquaexpeditions.com or, in the UK, contact the adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Aqua's New Ship Under Way!

I make no excuses for highlighting this great piece of cruise news from Peru, as we rate the operations of this specialist cruise line among the best of its kind, and well worth considering for those who like to get off the beatean track but still enjoy first-class creature comforts.

Aqua Expeditions have operated the 24-passenger MV Aqua for several years now, featuring superb up-close encounters on the Upper Amazon and journeys into the amazing wildlife preserve of the Pacaya Samiria Park.

It is a rare and eco-friendly opportunity to really experience a part of the world that remains fairly remote and inaccessible for the most part, plus great service and fabulous local cuisine.

And now Aqua has a second ship offering the same level of exclusive, deluxe travel in this part of the world, with the MV Aria joining the fleet earlier this month. And, following its maiden voyage, a delighted chief executive officer Francesco Galli Zugaro emailed us this letter, which we think is worth re-printing in full to highlight their latest offering:

"It is with great pleasure that I announce the MV Aria, Aqua Expeditions' second five-star luxury river-cruiser on the Peruvian Amazon, set sail this past Friday on its maiden voyage with 21 passengers aboard including myself, my wife and three children.

Completed in just 12 months and in the most remote inland seaport of the world, this brand-new addition to our fleet features 16 sleek cabins with floor-to-ceiling picture windows, a fully air-conditioned top deck with a cool and contemporary observation lounge as well as Aqua Expeditions' signature Amazon Grill with menu designed by award-winning Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. In addition, the Aria has an exercise room and an outdoor jacuzzi with sun deck, designed to accommodate the fitness-conscious traveler.

The boat's itineraries vary slightly to complement those of its sister ship, the MV Aqua, exploring remote areas of the Amazon River and the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. The 24-crew-member Aria is staffed with four world-class nature guides and also includes an Amazon wildlife reference library and air-conditioned multimedia room.

The Aria will provide the ever-growing number of travelers who wish to explore one of the world's last great wilderness areas with a one-of-a-kind travel experience.

Thank you for your ongoing support and I look forward to hosting your clients with us soon.

Sincerely,

Francesco Galli Zugaro
Chief Executive Officer"

Aqua Expeditions Launches New Ship

Aqua Expeditions announces the launch of its second vessel, M/V Aria, a custom-designed river-cruise ship which will make its maiden voyage up the Peruvian Amazon and into the remote Pacaya Samiria Reserve for the first time in April.

Designed by stellar Peruvian designer Jordi Puig, the boat has 16 luxury outward-facing suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, an on-deck Jacuzzi, an exercise room, dining room and bar, observation deck, an onboard boutique and open-air lounge. The 147ft vessel will offer the rare experience of a 5-star hotel under the stars of the Amazon.

Aqua's combination of gourmet Peruvian cuisine by top chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, celebrated South American wines, a team of talented and experienced Amazon River guides – some of whom grew up in the Pacaya Samiria - and incredible wildlife viewing, turn a trip to Peru into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Aria will operate year-round itineraries up the Amazon River, ranging from three to seven nights. The vessel’s spacious living and sleeping areas, all with panoramic views, allow guests to spot wildlife even when below deck. Daily water-based excursions will also afford close-up encounters with the local wildlife such as the Amazon Pink River Dolphin, the Red Howler Monkey and the Greater Fishing Bat. Other unforgettable experiences include fishing for piranha, spending time with the communities that live on the banks of the river or just watching the Amazon drift by.

Aqua's commitment to protecting the Amazon and its wildlife has also been integral in the construction of the Aria. The boat uses fuel-efficient motors with low carbon emissions, has an on-board water purification facility to ensure river water is used wherever possible and a meticulous waste management system.

A three-night Amazon Discovery Cruise starts from £1,609 per person, based on two people sharing, on a full-board basis. This price includes all excursions, beverages (soft drinks, house wine and beer), transfers to and from Iquitos (if arriving on recommended flights) and entrance to the Pacaya Samiria Reserve.

For more information, visit http://www.aquaexpeditions.com/ or contact the adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Aqua Expeditions Prepares for Aria

Here at Time Spent At Sea (and World of Cruising), we are keen exponents and supporters of adventure cruising in all its guises. And this latest news release has got us dreaming of a luxury Amazonian voyage....

Peru, Mar 1.- The wait is nearly over as the final touches are being put in place on Aqua Expeditions' latest vessel, the M/V Aria. Scheduled to take its maiden voyage on April 24, the upgraded, design-driven vessel will join its sister ship as the two premier luxury cruisers in Peru's remote Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

Like its sister ship, the Aria's interiors, furniture and finishes have been entirely custom-created to provide guests with an unrivalled experience onboard while at the same time highlighting the jaw-dropping scenery of the Peruvian Amazon. Peruvian interior designer Jordi Puig was charged with outfitting the new vessel along with Aqua Expeditions' newly opened embarkation lounge in Nauta.

New upgrades debuting on the M/V Aria include:

* Floor-to-ceiling windows on all guest suites
* An exercise room featuring elliptical, treadmill, and spinning machines
* Celebrity chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino's fine dining menus, highlighting regional dishes and local ingredients
* Redesigned excursion skiffs with larger seats
* Rooftop Jacuzzi
* Special Tour Leader accommodations

The new vessel will run 3-, 4- and 7-night itineraries alternating with the M/V Aqua's departures to provide more options for travelers. The Aria will venture to a different area of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, offering the same wildlife viewing capabilities.

Low-Carbon Cruising, Anyone?

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Sailing ships have a lot less impact on the environment. So, for minimum impact, why not try a low-carbon sailing cruise? Also, with their shallower drafts, these smaller cruise ships can drop anchor off tiny islands and communities unvisited by the larger vessels, thus bringing low impact tourism and economic benefits to the smaller communities.

There are hundreds of unique options, everything from riverboat cruising down the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia to whale-watching vessels off Iceland. If you get that Columbus feeling, you can even take part in trans-ocean voyages or sail down the Nile on Bales’ six- cabin Edwardian yachts (left).

Bales’ four dahabiyyas are beautifully crafted 19th century-style river sailboats that revive the elegant days when aristocrats and sophisticated travellers cruised the Nile. Fitted out in colonial style with oriental and Egyptian touches, they have six individually designed cabins, thus producing very low impact on the environment and very few carbon emissions.

Bales Worldwide offers luxury holidays to more than 50 countries, including Canada, China, Egypt, Ecuador & Galapagos, India, Jordan, Peru and Tanzania.

For more information on Bales Worldwide, visit http://www.balesworldwide.com/ or for more on Nile cruising, contact adventure cruise specialist the Cruise Line Ltd.

New from Aqua Expeditions

One of our favourite niche adventure cruise operations, Aqua Expeditions in Peru, have just announced the opening of their new cruise terminal in Nauta.

The new facility (above) provides a stylish lounge/relaxation station at the tributary of the Amazon where guests board the luxury, 28-passenger MV Aqua (and in the spring, their new boat, the MV Aria).

The open-air lounge situated at the edge of the river was designed by Jordi Puig, who also designed the Aqua Expeditions vessels. Most of the furniture is tailor-made, including the wood sink made out of one piece of locally sourced pumaquirowood.

The lounge includes a refreshment area, relaxing cushioned chairs and bathroom facilities. In addition to using it for embarking and disembarking passengers, Aqua also plan to use the facility for special group functions.

For more information, contact Dalia Gibu, Aqua's Marketing and Sales Manager, at dgibu@aquaexpeditions.com.

To book Aqua's 7-day Amazon cruises from the UK, call adventure cruise specialist The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677 or get a copy of their Adventure Cruise Collection brochure.

South America with Noble Caledonia

By guest blogger Steve Newman

In 2012, Noble Caledonia are repositioning MS Island Sky to South America and have just launched the new brochure which features itineraries from the tip of Patagonia up to the West Indies.

From January to April 2012 she will operate a number of cruises throughout Latin America, up as far as Central America and through the Panama Canal to little known areas of the Caribbean.

Having been involved with many small ships in South America and the West Indies, Noble Caledonia know this area to be ideally suited to expedition cruising. The wild, open spaces of Patagonia and the dramatic coastal scenery of the Chilean fjords make for an unforgettable trip particularly if you prefer the cooler temperatures.

Alternatively, Chile’s lake region and northern territory with its magnificent national parks combines well with the natural and cultural wonders of Peru. Continuing north along the Pacific coastline, there is the chance to explore Peru, Ecuador and Costa Rica, including the remote Cocos Island, a mini Galapagos located some 300 miles out in the Pacific and an area much favoured by Jacques Cousteau, known for its sea turtles, rays, dolphins and hammerhead sharks.

Later in the season finds Island Sky exploring the little known but remarkably beautiful islands of the southern Caribbean Sea as well as the Caribbean Coast of Panama and Costa Rica. There will also be the opportunity to visit Cuba, the Southern Bahamas, Turks & Caicos islands and the pristine waters of the British Virgin Islands.

Why not join them for the Island Sky’s maiden visit to these endlessly fascinating waters and explore the wonders of nature and man with our accomplished expedition team and guest speakers?

For more information, visit http://www.noble-caledonia.co.uk.

Jack Hanna joins Aqua Expeditions!

This November, Aqua Expeditions will host naturalist and TV personality Jack Hanna and his film crew as they explore and document one of the most remote areas of the Peruvian Amazon, the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. Taking viewers Into the Wild, Hanna will sail on a three-night journey on the MV Aqua through various Amazon river tributaries and come face to face with the mystical pink dolphin, cayman, sloth, giant lilies and hundreds of other rare and exotic Amazon animal and plant species.

And, in a very rare opportunity, Aqua Expeditions has been granted access to a limited number of cabins for travellers to join Jack and his crew on this adventure.

Departing Iquitos on November 6 (returning November 9), this exclusive itinerary will allow Aqua guests to meet Jack and his staff in the luxurious and intimate 12-suite vessel.

*Space on the three-day departure is extremely limited. To reserve, contact Dalia Gibu at dgibu@aquaexpeditions.com or by calling toll-free in the US on 1866 603 3687.

ABOUT JACK HANNA

Jack Hanna is an icon in the world of wildlife conservation and exploration. Jungle Jack Hanna's hands-on approach has won him widespread acclaim as Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, conservationist, author, television personality and lifelong adventurer. After twelve years hosting Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures, he launched his latest syndicated TV series, Jack Hanna's Into the Wild. In 2008, Into the Wild received an Emmy for Outstanding Children's Series, and Jack was nominated for Best Host of a Children's Series. Recognised around the country as America's favourite zookeeper, Jack has made countless television appearances since 1983 on shows such as Good Morning America, The Late Show with David Letterman, Larry King Live, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Maury Show, Fox News Programs, and CNN News Programs. For more information, visit http://www.jackhanna.com/.

Very often, the best souvenirs are the ones you can't wait to share with friends and family; the keepsakes that are saturated with memories and can sum up an entire trip or voyage on their own. Following this idea, Aqua Expeditions (one of our regular favourites here at Time Spent At Sea when it comes to adventure cruising) and its vessel, the MV Aqua, is now offering guests sophisticated alternatives to the clichéd souvenir.

Committed to providing an authentic wildlife and cultural experience to its guests, Aqua has released a music CD for guests to relive their Amazonian voyage on dry land. The CD is a musical compilation performed by Aqua Expeditions' "house band" - made up of Aqua's crew - and was recorded in Iquitos, Peru, its vessel's home port.

The CD contains a collection of 12 tracks of instrumental and lyrical favorites that include Peruvian classics like "El Condor Pasa," "Besame Mucho" and other internationally known pieces. The album cover boasts artwork by famous Peruvian artist Christian Bendayán and can be purchased onboard in the Aqua's boutique.

In addition to this, Aqua Expeditions' Wildlife Checklist, used during excursions into Pacaya Samiria Reserve, can also be transformed into a stylish keepsake. Listing dozens of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, insects and common plants and trees, the guide keeps track of the many wildlife sightings while exploring the Amazon. It reads like a 'wish list' of the most exotic living things on Earth and includes the elusive Pink Dolphin and the endangered Amazonian Manatee; enough to elicit a little jealousy from even the most seasoned adventurer.

More from Aqua Expeditions

Adventure cruising has become very much our theme recently (and certainly this week, thanks to the sterling efforts of guest blogger Steve Newman!), hence the latest news from deluxe Peruvian specialist Aqua Expeditions really strikes a chord with us.

Following on from the success of their first Amazon river-cruise vessel, the MV Aqua, the company will launch an even more luxurious and quality-conscious vessel in 2011, the MV Aria.

Again concentrating on the upper reaches of the river from Iquitos in Peru, the newcomer will help to chart more lesser-known stretches of the mighty Amazon, providing a genuinely fascinating and ultra-personal look at this part of the world, but in great style. Aqua Expeditions were featured in the glossy new Adventure Cruise Collection of the Cruise Line Ltd (the UK's leading luxury adventure cruise specialist) earlier this year, and it seems that is already having an impact on future bookings.

The Aria will feature 16 specially-designed cabins with floor-to-ceiling picture windows (there are just 12 on Aqua, hence this is a slight enlargement), a fully air-conditioned top deck with Observation Lounge as well as Aqua's signature Amazon Grill, with award-winning Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, affectionately known as 'the Jungle Chef' in Peru.

In addition to these amenities, Aria will also boast an exercise room and an outdoor Jacuzzi with Sun Deck, a unique addition to accommodate the discerning and fitness conscious traveller.

"We are thrilled to announce the launch of the world's second five-star luxury vessel to sail the Amazon," says founder and CEO Francesco Galli-Zugaro. "The MV Aria will provide the ever-growing number of travellers who wish to explore one of the world's last great wilderness areas with a one-of-a-kind travel experience."

Count us in, say I.

(Now, how do we work our schedule to ensure we can get on board next year!)

PS: You can also look up more about the new ship on their own blog on this link: Aqua Blog