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.

Fly into Antarctica

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Here's a rare opportunity for an Antarctica fly-cruise - the boutique little Antarctic Dream will operate for some high season dates in 2011-12 with passengers flying across Drake's Passage once and navigating it the other way. Flights are to or from Punta Arenas in Chile while the sailing is between Ushuaia, the world's southern-most city, and the Antarctic peninsula.

Since 2002 and operating with the 80-passenger MV Antarctic Dream, a carefully-converted ex-Navy vessel, Antarctic Shipping S.A. has taken guests to the heart of this stunning region.

Their carefully planned itineraries offer an entirely different type of adventure cruise (you can even kayak if you like); one where you’ll be introduced to the Great White Continent and its seldom-seen wildlife whilst travelling on a luxury expedition cruise vessel guided by one of the most experienced teams sailing the region.

Check out Antarctic Dream or www.cruiseline.co.uk/Antarctic-Dream-Cruises for more information.