Aurora Expeditions Launches their 2013 Scotland & Arctic Season

Expedition cruise company, Aurora Expeditions has launched their 2013 program for Scotland and the European Arctic, introducing a sensational new voyage, Across the Arctic Circle – Scotland, Norway and Spitsbergen.

Ravenous in history and torment, the isles of Scotland and Arctic Norway tells the story of a powerful historic past of the Norse people. Relive the story as we follow in the footsteps of the ‘Masters of the Sea’, unafraid to explore new territories, accessible only by ship. Our historian, Carol Knott will highlight the exploits, mythology, and sagas through a vivacious account of their adventures and battles of the regions we visit.

For an even greater historic adventure and in-depth discovery of this ancient civilization, simply combine both exciting Scotland expeditions – Wild Scotland & Across the Arctic Circle – and receive 15% off the total price of both voyages.

Aurora Expeditions will return to the spectacular regions of Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland in their 17^th season to the European Arctic. Home to polar bears, walrus and whales, you will witness deep fjords, fantastic icebergs and glaciated peaks. For the more adventurous, sea kayaking is offered across all seven departures.

Our Scottish and European Arctic voyages will set sail on Polar Pioneer, an ice-strengthened ship with an excellent reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to her strength, size and manoeuvrability.

*Prices start from AU$6,900 per person twin share. A 10% earlybird offer is applicable for the first 10 bookings for each departure. Terms and conditions apply.

To receive more information about our Scotland and European Arctic itineraries, please visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or call + 61 2 9252 1033 / freecall 1800 637 688 in Australia. 

Amazon, Danube, Nile and Negro River Cruises

River Cruise – The Danube

Tour operator DialAFlight (www.dialaflight.com / 0844 556 6060) is offering a four-night cruise of the river Danube from just £569 per person. Valid for selected departures in November 2012, the price includes accommodation on a full-board basis in an inside stateroom, port tax and direct flights from London with British Airways.

Cruise through Vienna, Budapest and Blatislava on board the MS Vivaldi with optional guided tours and panoramic viewing. Visit the world-famous Opera and see the beautiful monuments to the Hapsburgs in Vienna, discover the historic forts of Buda in Budapest and see the splendid Baroque palaces of Bratislava under the slopes of the Small Carpathians

River Cruise – The Nile

Tour operator DialAFlight (www.dialaflight.com / 0844 556 6060) is offering a luxurious seven-day cruise of Egypt’s Nile river from £1,399 per person (saving £52 per person). Valid for travel on 1 September, the price includes accommodation on a full-board basis, tours and international flights from London.

Drift down the longest river in the world on the five-star Sonesta Moon Goddess. Starting in Luxor, cruise through the Valley of The Kings viewing the stunning Edfu, Kom Ombo and Esna temples as well as the granite quarries and temple of Philae in Aswan. On board, enjoy gourmet food and local entertainment each evening. Cool off in the pool, visit the spa or relax in one of just 49 private cabins with private balconies.

River Cruise – The Amazon and The Negro

Tour operator DialAFlight (www.dialaflight.com / 0844 556 6060) is offering a seven-night cruise of the Amazon and Negro river from £1,845 per person. Valid for departures between 1 September and 23 November, the price includes five nights of cruising on board the Amazon Clipper on a full-board basis, the first and last night at the luxurious Hotel Tropical, transfers and flights to Manaus with Tap Air Portugal.

Departing from Hotel Tropical, keep a look out for crocodiles and alligators on a journey upriver to Lake Janauacá. Canoe among jungle-lined waterways, fish for Piranha and stargaze in the nocturnal forest. Then journey to Manaus, viewing the giant waterlilies of the January Ecological Park and the famous ‘Meeting Of The Waters’ where the muddy waters of the Amazon meet the dark waters of the Negro river. See stunning freshwater archipelagos, watch pink dolphins and visit a local forest community.

Volcanoes and Snow Capped Mountains

Head to the Nordic onboard Voyages of Discovery’s (www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk / 0844 822 0820) Natural Wonders and Wildlife cruise to explore Iceland – a dynamic landscape of snow-capped mountains, bubbling lava fields, slumbering volcanoes and hot thermal springs. Nature enthusiasts will be able to discover the breath-taking fire and ice region of Reykjavik (Iceland) with its glaciers, geysers and active volcanoes.

The 13-day Natural Wonders and Wildlife cruise costs from £1,699 per person. Cruise departs from Harwich (UK) on the 4 June 2013 and calls at Lerwick (Shetland Islands), Torshavn (Faroe Islands), Seydhisfjordur (Iceland), Husavik (Iceland), Isafjordur (Iceland), Reykjavik (Iceland), Heimaey (Iceland) and Kirkwall (Scotland) before returning to Harwich (UK).

Price includes all onboard gratuities, service charges and port taxes, free car parking at Harwich (UK), a comprehensive Guest Speaker programme and all meals and entertainment on-board. All Voyages of Discovery shore excursions are now also bookable online – visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk for further information.

Voyages of Discovery has introduced a new complimentary chauffeur service to the airport or port of departure for every guest choosing a higher grade cabin on Summer 2013 bookings (a superior cabin - category F or above - on Discovery or a Deluxe Cabin or above (Category OO) on Voyager).

For more information and to book call 0844 822 0820 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk.  

New River Cruise Brochure from Noble Caledonia

Noble Caledoinia have launched a new brochure dealing solely with River Cruises. The company's selection of river cruises includes journeys along the major rivers of Europe, Russia and China aboard vessels offering accommodation from 100-200 passengers. You will also find some more unusual journeys on smaller vessels in South East Asia and South America.

www.noblecaledonia.co.uk

Hurtigruten offers savings of up to £786pp

Fancy sailing along the Norwegian coast, set against the beautiful and brightly coloured backdrop of autumn? Thanks to a special offer from Hurtigruten, it is now possible to do so for less and save 45% on its Classic Round Voyage. Available on selected departures during September and October, prices now start from £1015pp, a saving of up to £786pp.

The offer is applicable to the popular 12-day Classic Round Voyage starting in Bergen in the south and travelling above the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes by the Russian border, before returning once more. Hues of red, orange and yellow fill the surrounding mountainsides and hilltops and while the temperature remains pleasant, many of the ships have fewer guests on board, offering a truly relaxing voyage.

Classic Round Voyage - Available on 10 and 21 September and 2,13 and 24 October, prices start at just £1015pp (saving £786pp), including direct flights from London Stansted, transfers and full board on the ship. Based on two sharing.

A voyage with Hurtigruten offers passengers the opportunity to get closer to the shores, coastline and communities of Norway as the ships call at over 34 ports of call, many of them not visited by the larger cruise ships.

For more information call Hurtigruten – 0844 448 7601 www.hurtigruten.co.uk

RMS St Helena Sets Sail in Ship Shape Following Refit

Travellers can set sail for a bygone era in style aboard the RMS St Helena, one of the world’s last working royal mail ships, which has undergone an extensive re-fit to offer increased capacity and an enhanced voyage experience.

Not just a passenger vessel, this working liner acts as the lifeline to the remote island of St Helena in the South Atlantic, sharing a fascinating glimpse into the leisured travel of days gone by. The refresh, carried out in dry dock in Cape Town, includes the addition of seven cabins affording 17 extra berths, and an improved gym with new equipment. The newly positioned gym is located on the top deck and is glass-fronted so passengers can run, row or pedal whilst admiring the ocean view.

This complements the existing facilities which include two bars, full service dining room, a sun deck, shop, swimming pool and library. From the attentive staff to the traditional ocean-going pastimes, passengers are assured of a first-class vintage voyage. The RMS St Helena regularly visits the ports of St Helena, Ascension Island and Cape Town. Passengers are made up of tourists and St Helenians, or ‘Saints’ as they are fondly known locally, travelling home.

The Royal Mail Ship St Helena was built in 1989 specifically to supply the island of St Helena, the British Overseas Territory deep in the tropical South Atlantic. Royal Mail Ships are sea going vessels that carry mail under contract by Royal Mail. The RMS St Helena is one of last remaining ocean-going vessels in the world still to carry the venerable title of Royal Mail Ship, held in the past by so many famous British passenger liners, the Queen Elizabeth amongst them. She is British registered, 6,767 gross tonnes and has 56 officers and crew. She also has modern facilities; stabilisers, air conditioning plus fax, email and satellite communications.

RMS St Helena is due to re-enter service on 29^th July 2012, visiting St Helena, Ascension Island, St Helena, returning to Cape Town on 16^th August.

For more information on RMS St Helena, plus a full list of scheduled tours and special offers, visit www.rms-st-helena.com and for more information on St Helena visit www.sthelenatourism.com

NO Fly Cruises for UK

A selection of No Fly Cruises from UK this morning for you all.

http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/bargains/news.cfm?NewsID=1973

9-Nt. River Elbe Fly-Cruise from £1,295
The Cruise: Viking River Cruises is offering a 9-night River Elbe fly-cruise on Viking River Cruises' Viking Schumann, sailing from Berlin to Prague on 16 March, 2013. Prices start at £1,295 per person for an outside cabin

How to Choose a Europe River Cruise

The Cruise: Planet Cruise is offering a 9-night Northern Europe cruise on Fred. Olsen's Balmoral, sailing roundtrip from Southampton on 13 December, 2012. Prices start at £499 per person for an inside cabin.

http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/bargains/news.cfm?NewsID=1984

13 Night Northern Europe from Harwich on Discovery 5^th January 2013.

http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?sort=date&port=&depcity=128&cl=&length=&startDate=5/1/2013&endDate=5/1/2013&portofcall=&shipID=&lifestyle=  

The Amazon with Holland America

26 night Amazon and Carnaval Explorer

Holland America Line offers a 26 night Amazon and Carnaval Explorer cruise onboard the ms Maasdam, which starts with two nights in Rio de Janeiro on 10 and 11 February 2013 and sets sail from there on 12 February 2013. The cruise then sails to Armacao dos Buzios, Salvador da Bahia and Fortaleza in Brazil before crossing the Equator and sailing into the Amazon. The cruise then spends just over a week cruising the Amazon, calling at Santarem, Boca da Valeria, Manaur, Parintins and Alter Do Chao in Brazil, then sails to Bridgetown (Barbados), Roseau (Dominica) and Philipsburg (St Maarten) before disembarking in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on 8 March 2013. The 26 night cruise starts from £4,834 cruise-only, based on two sharing an inside cabin.

26 night Amazon and Carnaval Explorer

Summer Sale on 2012 Yacht Cruises in Galapagos

Ecoventura’s (http://www.ecoventura.com) environmentally friendly fleet of small expedition vessels in the Galapagos offers a 10 percent discount on some seasonal departure dates through mid-December 2012. Guests booking a trip now for 2013 (excluding holiday weeks) can lock in 2012 cruise rates. This promotion can be combined with a 5 percent Early Bird discount for selected departure dates 180 days out from booking date.

The 2012 seasonal departures that apply are July 29-Aug. 5, Aug 19-26, Sept. 2-9, Sept. 16-23, Sept. 23-30, Sept. 30-Oct. 7, Oct. 21-28, Nov. 4-11, Nov. 18-25, Dec. 2-9 and Dec. 9-16.

Seven-night/eight-day cruise rates start at $3,550 per person, double occupancy before any discounts are applied. Additional discounts are available for children. All cruises run Sunday to Sunday.

Ecoventura’s three identical superior first-class sister yachts accommodate 20 guests and feature three decks of spacious staterooms with polished teak interiors trimmed with brass fittings. Accommodations include 10 double cabins with a window or porthole view and are appointed with one double bed or two twin lower beds, air conditioning, private bathroom (hot and cold water showers), bio-degradable soap/shampoo dispensers, hair dryer, closet, drawers, intercom and separate climate controls. There’s a dining room, well-stocked bar and conference area with a flat screen TV, library and panoramic picture windows, plus a partially covered upper sun deck with ample chairs for lounging and star gazing.

The company operates two different itineraries, both offering two guided land excursions daily, snorkeling, dingy rides and kayaking, together optimizing opportunities to see iconic species of wildlife that make Galapagos famous: giant tortoises, penguins, frigate birds, boobies, flamingos, Darwin Finches, albatross, flightless cormorant, marine and land iguanas, lizards, many varieties of sea birds, whale, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and sea lions.

Guests who book two consecutive weeks back to back for a complete Galapagos exploration are eligible for a 5 percent discount applicable any week (excluding holidays).

EDITOR NOTE: Doris Welsh, company spokesperson, advises that Ecoventura will be participating in the following travel trade shows in 2012:

• Sep 12-14 - Travelmart Latin America (Cartagena, Colombia)
• Nov 05-08 - World Travel Market (London, UK)
• Nov 12-15 - PURE Life Experiences (Marrakech, Morocco)

About Ecoventura: Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. In operation since 1990, the cruise company transports 4,000+ passengers annually aboard its fleet of three expedition vessels; Eric, Flamingo and Letty, identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts. The company also operates the M/V Galapagos Sky, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard offering 7-night weekly itineraries visiting the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin.

To reserve a cabin or private charter, or to receive a copy of Ecoventura’s 2012 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.633.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries log on to http://www.ecoventura.com/.

Ecoventura Contact: Doris Welsh
Email: doris@galapagosnetwork.com
Website: http://www.ecoventura.com/
Phone: 800.633.7972

FROM CONTINENT TO CONTINENT ON A TRANS-ATLANTIC VOYAGE WITH HURTIGRUTEN

Ever wondered what life was really like out on the ocean wave? Want to take a leisurely journey by shipfrom continent to continent? Hurtigruten is now offering guests the chance to do just this and enjoy a completely different experience on board one of its Trans-Atlantic voyages.

Expedition ship, MS Fram will start her winter repositioning journey from Las Palmas in the Canary Islands to Buenos Aires on 14 October 2012, in order to begin sailing around Antarctica. She will then return again on 12 March, ready to sail around Europe next summer, before making her way back across the Atlantic once again on 18 October.

During these special Trans-Atlantic crossings, guests can enjoy a very different way of life. The atmosphere onboard is informal and relaxed as the ship’s crew cast their uniform aside and slow down their pace of work. The time is used to get the ship ready for the new season and crew members carry out basic maintenance, while at the same time caring for the guests enjoying this Trans-Atlantic voyage as professionally and attentively as any other.

There are fewer guests on board compared to other Hurtigruten voyages and that alone makes the Atlantic crossing unforgettable. Guests spend a lot of time on deck, enjoying the sun or watching the ocean as it stretches from horizon to horizon. MS Fram is equipped with a sauna, whirlpool and fitness room and guests and crew mingle in a relaxed atmosphere. The crossings also include the famous Equator Baptism by King Neptune and his wife for those crossing the Equator for thefirst time, and BBQ’s on deck.

The 17-day Trans-Atlantic voyage is priced from £1615pp with full board on the ship, based on two sharing. Flights are extra.

For more information call Hurtigruten – 0844 448 7601 www.hurtigruten.co.uk

Ends

River cruising with Swan Hellenic

Explore historic cities and picturesque villages in the last of the summer sun onboard Swan Hellenic’s (www.rivercruises.swanhellenic.com / 0844 822 0679) Moselle and Rhine Valley cruise from £1,495 per person (based on two people sharing an outside cabin).

The eight-day September itinerary, Cruising the Moselle and Rhine Valley, begins and ends in Frankfurt (Germany). Passengers can disembark at Cochem (Germany) for a walking tour through the village’s squares and cobbled streets, or join a wine tasting to sample some of the region’s famous grape. History buffs will enjoy a visit to Germany’s oldest city, Trier, the former home of philosopher Karl Marx.

The Cruising the Moselle and Rhine Valley itinerary departs from Frankfurt on the 15 September 2012 and calls at Cochem (Germany), Bernkastel-Keus (Germany), Trier (Germany), Koblenz (Germany), Bonn (Germany), Cologne (Germany) and Rudesheim (Germany).

Price includes return UK flights, transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

For more information and to book visit www.rivercruises.swanhellenic.com or call 0844 822 0679. Follow Swan Hellenic on twitter - @Swanhellenic and like us on Facebook.

Private Label Worldwide is thrilled to announce the launch of ‘Si Datu Bua’. Si Datu Bua promises to be equally as magnificent as her older sister, Silolona, the flagship of an extraordinary fleet of newly built, yet traditional wooden sailing ships offering unforgettable journeys of exploration throughout South East Asia. Si Datu Bua was inspired by the famed Indonesian trading vessels of the Spice Island Trade Routes known as “Phinisi”, superbly hand-crafted from carefully selected massive timbers and recycled 300 year old colonial teak planks by the Konjo boatbuilders of Ara in collaboration with Seery Yacht Design ( SYD) to International German Lloyds standards of safety and comfort.  

 Si Datu Bua will take her guests on once in a life-time journeys throughout Indonesia and SE Asia from Papua and Raja Ampat, the holy grail of divers in the East, to the Spice Islands of Banda and further West to Thailand and Myanmar and the Andaman Islands of India, following clear skies and calm seas. The Komodo-Flores region is a perennial favourite noted for diving, spectacular pink sand beaches and as the native habitat of the Komodo dragon. This magnificent area has been a long kept secret for many years, but in 2012 the Komodo National Park was officially voted one of The Seven Wonders of the World. Si Datu Bua’s dedicated crew of 12 will lead guests to little known corners of this magnificent archipelago to experience history, culture and the traditions of its people. Dive or snorkel the best reefs in the world or simply relax on miles of teak deck, sail with fair winds shaded by the magnificent, lofty rust-coloured sails billowing in the wind. Try your hand at kayaking, wakeskateing, wake boarding, fishing or water-skiing, stroll along a deserted pink sand beach or while way the day relaxing with friends and family, reading a book or hiking.

All meals on board, whether it be Asian Fusion or Western cuisine, are created by Si Datu Bua’s chefs using the freshest local ingredients; from freshly caught tuna to perfectly ripe mounds of luscious tropical fruits and vegetables, from sashimi to home-made sorbet. Fine wines are selected by the dedicated Executive Chef and Si Datu Bua is the perfect place to sit back and sip a fine cognac under the stars of the Southern Hemisphere.

Si Datu Bua Journeys 2012 – 2013

April – August Komodo Archipelago – Indonesia

Base: Labuanbajo Eastern Flores & the Savu Sea – Indonesia

September – Nov Spice Islands of Banda – Indonesia

Base: Ambon Raja Ampat, Papua Barat – Indonesia

Tribal Papua &Baliem Valley – Indonesia

Dec – March Langkawi – Malaysia, Thailand, Andaman Islands of India ,

Base: Langkawi Mergui Archipelago – Myanmar

Special Launch Rate: Private Label Worldwide (www.privatelabelww.com; 01628 771 171) will be offering an introductory Bali & Komodo programme from July 2012 – 31^st August 2012 where guests can book a room on board Si DatuBua as opposed to chartering the boat exclusively. 7 nights (5 on Si DatuBua and 2 in Bali) from £6,550 per person including international flights to Bali, domestic flights from Bali to Flores Island, 2 nights in the luxury Kayumanis Private Villas on Bali, B&B, 5 nights on board Si Datu Bua including all food and soft drinks, excursions, watersports, diving, snorkeling and professional services of a crew of 12.

Rates for Exclusive Charter: Private Label Worldwide (www.privatelabelww.com; 01628 771 171) offers unique and truly memorable journeys on Si Datu Bua (sleeps 6) from $9,500 (£6,139 exchange rate 13^th July 2012) per day, plus tax & service. Price includes all food and soft drinks, excursions, watersports, diving, snorkeling and professional services of a crew of 12.





New Small Ship Cruises to Belize





The active travel company securing matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small expedition ships, AdventureSmith Explorations, announces savings of over $2,000 for bookings made by Aug. 1, 2012, on a new small ship cruise to Belize beginning in late December and including an optional pre-cruise extension to Guatemala.

Ancient Sites, Rain Forests and Coral Reefs dates are Dec. 22-29; Dec. 29-Jan. 5; Jan. 5-12; Jan. 12-19; Jan. 19-26; Jan. 26-Feb. 2; Feb. 2-9; and Feb. 16-23. Cruises begin and end in Belize City. See: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/464

Seven-night, all-inclusive cruises on the 138-guest Yorktown include ample off-ship opportunities to snorkel the world’s second largest barrier reef, explore Maya ruins, hike the Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve with a naturalist guide, and relax on Laughing Bird and South Water Cayes. There is also an optional extension to Tikal and Xunantunich, Guatemala. Excursions are enriched by naturalists, Mayanists, archaeologists and scientists who lecture on board.

Guests are assisted on and off sip by the seasoned Travel Dynamics International tour staff that specializes in escorted study groups around the world. Cocktail receptions, baggage handling and transfers and gratuities to porters, guides and drivers are all included in the fee offering savings from $1,600 to $2,200 per cabin if booked by Aug. 1. Per person, after-discount rates begin at $3,795.

The Belize Barrier Reef is known to support 70 species of hard coral, 36 species of soft coral, 500 species of fish and hundreds of species of invertebrates. At Great Blue Hole, a 1,000-foot circular coral rim, the clear water reveals underwater stalactites and sea creatures. Birders will delight in red-footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds, motmots, trogons, great green macaws, parrots and toucans. Active travelers enjoy swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.

The ship was built to maneuver in and out of small bays and cayes that are inaccessible to larger cruise liners. A spacious lounge, dining room, sun deck, swimming platform and Internet access compliment comfortable cabin accommodations. and learning about the world and its many cultures enriches individuals and society as a whole, Travel Dynamics International excels at voyages that engage travelers with the destination and with one another.

 Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or 530-583-1775; Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com. Visit: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/.

Discover the Baltic with Voyages of Discovery

Don’t miss the chance to discover the Baltic this summer with Voyages of Discovery (www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk / 0844 822 0820) on Timeless Baltic cruise calling at Denmark, Russia and Poland.

The 15-day cruise explores monarchies, grand palaces and war history. Highlights include three nights in St Petersburg with a musical performance at the famous Hermitage Museum and an excursion to Berlin to uncover the history of the Berlin Wall. Guests will be accompanied by special Guest Speaker Hugh Bicheno, a military historian and Greg Neale, Founding Editor of BBC History Magazine, who will bring the cruise to life with stories relevant to each of the ports.

The Timeless Baltic cruise starts from £1,119 per person. Price includes a 15 day cruise departing from Harwich (UK) and calling at Copenhagen (Denmark), Saaremaa (Estonia), Tallinn (Estonia), St Petersburg x three nights (Russia), Gdynia (Poland), Szczecin (Poland), Sassnitz (Rügen Island, Germany) and transit through the Kiel Canal before returning to Harwich (UK). Price is based on a 3 September 2012 departure.

Price includes all gratuities, service charges and port/airport taxes, a comprehensive Guest Speaker programme and all meals and entertainment on-board. All Voyages of Discovery shore excursions are now also bookable online – visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk for further information.

For more information and to book call 0844 822 0820, visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk

Safari Endeavour sails new weeklong adventure cruises from La Paz, Mexico

New to the American Safari Cruises fleet of upscale yachts, the refurbished 86-guest Safari Endeavour spends its first winter sailing Luxury Adventure cruises in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés. Travelers interested in an Un-Cruise Adventure—up close access to nature and wildlife and exclusive excursions—may choose a warm water adventure exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site & Biosphere Reserve.

Weeklong Baja’s Bounty expeditions sail roundtrip from La Paz, Baja, Mexico from November through April 2013. As an added incentive, guests booking by September 30, 2012 earn a $300 travel credit per couple for travel through April 2013.

An unstructured itinerary explores hideaways such as Isla Espíritu Santo, Isla San Francisco, Bahia Agua Verde, Los Islotes and Loreto. Labeled the “Aquarium of the World’ by Jacques Cousteau, the relatively unknown Sea of Cortés rivals the pristine environment and geo- and biological diversity of the world-renowned Galapagos Islands. Flexible itineraries spend time seeking out dolphins and blue, fin, sei, orca and sperm whales. At Los Islotes, guests enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure snorkeling with playful, young sea lions.

Guests can be as active as they like and activities include hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and skiff excursions. A swim step and kayak launch platform on the stern of the vessel serves as the hub for guests embarking on water-borne adventures. Expert naturalists provide interpretation on guided excursions ashore and at sea.

During a port call in the historic mission town of Loreto, guests may join an included walking tour of the picturesque village exploring the historical buildings, mission, shops and plazas. Those interested in seeing gray whales may take an optional tour to lagoons on the Pacific side where the whales congregate seasonally.

Ashore, guided hikes explore forests of giant Cardón cactuses, traverse island ridges with sweeping views and head inland to explore scenic desert landscapes. Depending on whim, weather and the moon’s cycle, guests may partake in an evening barbecue ashore at Bahia Agua Verde, swim in a bay filled with bioluminescence, enjoy a late night snorkel under the stars and visit with local fishermen on Isla Coyote, a remote inhabited island.

Cruise fares start at US$2,995 in the Sea of Cortés based on double occupancy. Transfers are included from either Los Cabos or La Paz airports. The inclusive cruise includes all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; a massage, 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 2.5 to 1. Yachts can be booked as a private charter or by individual stateroom. To book a yachting adventure or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or American Safari Cruises at 888-862-8881 or email sales@innerseadiscoveries.com.

Amazon and The Nile with Bales Worldwide

Luxury Amazon Cruise from £3,595pp

Peru is one of several South American countries with sizable areas of land in the Amazon Basin, and the Pacaya Samiria Reserve offers pristine rainforest wildlife, yet is easily accessible from the city of Iquitos. Only in Peru do you have the opportunity to explore this terrain aboard the M/V Aria, the newest luxury river boat cruising anywhere in the Amazon. With expert local native guides, you will explore the wildlife and culture of this unique part of the world. This itinerary sees you visit Lima, the ‘City of Kings,’ before you fly north to cruise the Amazon and its tributaries on a four night cruise – a superb introduction to the jungle.

Nine day Luxury Amazon cruise with Bales Worldwide including four night cruise on the M/V Aria and three nights in Lima. Prices are per person based on two adults travelling and sharing on a mixed board basis. Price includes all applicable UK and overseas airport taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on select departure dates from July to December 2012. To book: Call 0845 057 0600 or visit www.balesworldwide.com.

Nile Cruise:

After 15 years of part-closure, the Egyptian Government has announced that they are opening up the great Nile from Cairo to Aswan. This iconic 600-mile journey was one of Bales Worldwide’s most popular holidays prior to closure and the company is thrilled to announce plans recommencing this luxury voyage again, aboard its exclusive Dahabiyya sailboats, from this October. Some of only a handful of boats allowed to make this timeless journey; Dahabiyyas are fully inclusive and cater for just 12 passengers. Each sailing is accompanied by an Egyptologist, making it the ultimate way to discover Egypt’s rich cultural heritage whilst passing through the breathtaking views, dreamy vistas and riverside towns.

During the journey guests can explore the lesser known sites of Middle Egypt, such as the rock-cut tombs of Beni Hasan, Tell el-Amarna and Abydos; a must for those who are fascinated by the history of Egypt. However the greatest highlight of all may just be rediscovering the River Nile aboard one of Bales Worldwide’s luxurious and traditional Dahabiyyas sailboats.

Bales Worldwide has been arranging luxury tours to Egypt for over 50 years and will start these unique and exciting cruises in the cooler months of autumn after the new 600 mile itineraries have been finalised and to celebrate the company’s 65^th Anniversary. Whilst departure dates and new operational elements of this tour are being completed, Bales Worldwide is offering those interested in the opportunity to pre-register interest online and be one of the first to receive finalised dates and prices for this unique experience.

For other fascinating Egypt holidays visit www.baleworldwide.com

Spend Christmas or New Year on a tall ship cruise

Spend Christmas Day snorkelling off the white sands of a tropical island in Central America, in the yachting enclave of Antigua’s Falmouth Harbour or in Iles des Saintes in the Caribbean. Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering spectacular Christmas and New Year itineraries on each of its tall ships, two of which will be in the Caribbean and one in Costa Rica. All the ships will be festively decorated and a traditional Christmas will be celebrated on board, adding to the atmosphere in all the ports.

Christmas departures

The stunning, five-masted flagship Royal Clipper, with a capacity of up to 227 guests, will be sailing a seven-night round trip from Barbados through the Windward Islands, departing on December 22nd. Christmas Day is spent anchored off Antigua, in beautiful Falmouth Harbour, a popular yachting enclave. The 7 night cruise costs from £1,390pp, including all meals on board, excluding flights.

The 170-guest, four-masted Star Clipper sails on December 22nd from St Maarten on a seven-night Leeward Islands itinerary, spending Christmas Day in Iles des Saintes, a stunning anchorage popular with private yachts, usually with a great festive spirit over Christmas. The 7 night cruise costs from £1,255pp, including all meals on board, excluding flights.

The third ship in the fleet, Star Flyer, will be sailing the coast of Costa Rica over Christmas 2012 on a seven-night voyage from Puerto Caldera, departing on December 23rd. Christmas Day will be spent on the tropical island of Isla Gamez, Panama, with soft sand beaches, superb snorkelling and protected waters for dinghy sailing, windsurfing and kayaking, all complimentary on a Star Clippers ship. The 7 night cruise costs from £1250pp, including all meals on board, excluding flights.

New Year Departures

Royal Clipper will spend New Year on a seven-night Grenadines cruise, round-trip from Bridgetown, sailing December 29th. On New Year’s Eve, the ship will be in St George’s, Grenada, sailing to sleepy, uninhabited Tobago Cays the following day, where guests can relax in the sunshine or snorkel over dazzling reefs. The 7 night cruise costs from £1,490pp, including all meals on board, excluding flights.

Star Clipper departs Philipsburg, St Maarten, on December 29th for an seven-night Treasure Islands cruise, spending New Year’s Eve in Virgin Gorda, where all the yacht clubs will hold big parties, and moving on to Soper’s Hole and Norman Island on New Year’s Day. The 7 night cruise costs from £1,355pp, including all meals on board, excluding flights.

Star Flyer sails out of Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, on December 30th, for a seven-night cruise along the Pacific coast, spending New Year’s Eve at sea, with a special party on board to toast the New Year. The 7 night cruise costs from £1,90pp, including all meals on board, excluding flights.

To book, call 0845 200 6145 or visit www.starclippers.co.uk.

Te Nile and amazon with ITC

The Nile, Egypt

Oberoi Zahra

Offering the most spacious accommodation on the Nile and the exceptional standards of service and hospitality that Oberoi Hotels and Resorts is renowned for the elegant Oberoi Zahra is the perfect way in which to unravel the mysteries of five thousand years of Egyptian culture. The 25 Luxury Cabins are elegantly appointed and feature large windows through which you can marvel at the changing scenery. For a little additional space and comfort choose one of the 2 Luxury Suites, each equipped with a separate living room, private terrace and Jacuzzi. Dining on board is an international experience and, as you would expect, the cuisine is a la carte and offers daily variety and choice.

Small enough to ensure a level of exclusivity and comfort that is unmatched in the region, at the same time the Oberoi Zahra is large enough to offer a variety of facilities. She has the only full service spa on the Nile, featuring four therapy rooms, and there’s surely no finer way to enjoy a spa treatment than while enjoying uninterrupted views of the Nile. The little things have been thought of too and one special treat is to use one of the on board telescopes to take in spectacular views of the Egyptian night sky. Choose to sail from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa on a 7 night itinerary, with shore excursions en route to a variety of magical sites. The Oberoi Zahra has arranged private docking, making for a relaxed experience each time you disembark and each excursion is by luxury coach and is accompanied by an English speaking Egyptologist.

Prices start from approx. £2500 per person however for an exact cost do let me know as ITC Classics will package this up for you. To book call ITC Classics 01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk

Amazon, Peru

Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions is the first adventure company to introduce five-star luxury cruises on the Peruvian Amazon. The 24-passenger M/V Aqua launched in 2008 and due to high demand M/V Aria (capacity of 32) launched this year. Each generously sized cabin comes with king-size bed, sitting areas and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, that provide an incredible viewing experience. The service is superb, the food gourmet with a Peruvian flair and the wine list the very best South America has to offer - but it’s the access into the world’s last great wilderness that makes it truly ultimate. Three- four- and seven-night cruises leave from Iquitos and sail through the Pacaya Samiria National Park, which is the size of Belgium, and a place where you can see squirrel monkeys, pink dolphins, Caimans and a rich bird life. Fish for piranhas, enjoy night river trips and visit the riberenos (riverside villages cut off from modern life) and smell of air in a world without pollution, because this is one of the last pristine places on earth, and fear not: Aqua Expeditions is as green as they come. Listed by Condé Nast Traveler US as a ‘World Saver’ (using travel to improve the planet) whether in education, poverty, wildlife, preservation and health, Aqua is on the ‘doing it all’ list!

Prices start from £4799 per person. To book call ITC Classics 01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk

HURTIGRUTEN FEATURES NEW, ONE OFF DEPARTURE FROM GREENWICH – 1 May 2013.

This brand new voyage will for the first time, start from Greenwich and takes in some of the very best of the UK. After sailing down the Thames, MS Fram visits Portsmouth and then the Isles of Scilly with its miles of white sandy beaches. Cobh and Dublin are called at in Ireland before heading to Douglas on the Isle of Man, Iona and Staffa in the Hebrides, Portree on the Isle of Skye, Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands, Leith (Edinburgh) and finally across the North Sea to Hamburg. This 12-day itinerary departing 1 May 2013 costs from £2498pp including full board. Based on two sharing.

Full itinerary here - http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/Europe-Cruise/European-Cruise/2013-Europe-Cruises/British-Isles-Explorer/
For more information call Hurtigruten – 0844 448 7601 www.hurtigruten.co.uk