Book a last minute cruise to Norway from £995 per person

Join Swan Hellenic (www.swanhellenic.com/0843 3161 715) on the Oslo and the Fjords cruise from just £995 per person (Saver Fare, based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Passengers can experience Minerva’s maiden call to Førde (Norway) to explore the Black Friday Museum, dedicated to one of the fiercest air battles of World War II or visit the 90 metre high Huldrefossen waterfall.

The 16-day cruise departs from Portsmouth (UK) and calls at Olso (Norway), Aalborg (Denmark), Haugesund (Norway), Ulvik (Norway), Flåm (Norway), Førde, Åndalsnes (Norway), Olden (Norway), and Bergen (Norway), before calling back to Portsmouth (UK). Price is based on a 5 June 2013 UK departure.

Price includes relevant 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. A supplement for some shore excursions may apply. Cabin numbers may not be allocated at time of booking.

No single supplements are also available on selected cabin grades for solo travellers on this cruise.

For information about other offers included in Swan Hellenic’s 2013 cruise sale, please visit: www.swanhellenic.com

DANCING WITH WHALES IN NORWAY THIS SUMMER

DANCING WITH WHALES IN NORWAY THIS SUMMER

Hurtigruten launches new whale watching excursion for the summer

Anyone who has always wanted to see whales in their natural habitat can now do so as part of a voyage on the Norwegian Fjords with Hurtigruten. A brand new land excursion is being introduced between June and August 2013 that allows guests to enjoy this special experience whilst taking one of its classic voyages along the coast of Norway - the first time this has ever been possible.  

The excursion is available on day five of the Voyage North and travels to the whale spotting area outside Andenes in Nordland County. Guests will disembark early in the morning at Risoyhamn and head to Andenes by coach to join the sturdy whale-watching vessel MS Reine. The ship will travel out to the edge of the continental shelf where Sperm whales feed on the nutrients such as octopus welling up from the abyss.  Andenes is one of the few places in the world, let alone Norway, where the continental shelf is so close to the mainland. Using hydrophones, the ship’s crew can locate the whales underwater, and in 90% of sailings it is hoped to catch a glimpse of these giants of the deep.

After a few hours at sea, it’s back to land and onward towards Finnsnes to rejoin the ship, just before lunch. En route there is a ferry journey across Andsfjord to enjoy a different perspective of the northern coastal scenery, and see how these communities are connected by the ocean. The entire trip is approximately 7 hours. Priced at £205pp.

Classic Voyage North – from £1143pp (1 June to 31 July) – A seven-day Classic Voyage North from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes by the Russian border costs from £1143pp and includes half board on the ship in an unspecified inside cabin. Outside from £1386pp. Flights are extra

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

Hello everyone.

I'm away on a press trip until  30th of May. Hope to see you all then. in the meantime you can log on to our sister blog on http://timespentatsea.blogspot.com http://timespentatsea.blogspot.com

British Isles and Chelsea Flower Show

The cruise will be accompanied by Guest Speaker, Joanne Kidd, an official lecturer for the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts (NADFAS) with over 30 years of experience in designing, organising and running major floral events.

The British Isles and Chelsea Flower Show cruise departs from Portsmouth (England) and calls at St. Peter Port (Guernsey), Fowey (England), Waterford (Ireland), Dublin (Ireland), Kirkwall (Scotland), Invergordon (Scotland), Greenwich (England) and Dover (England) before calling back at Portsmouth (England). Price is based on a 14 May 2013 UK departure.

Price includes all relevant overseas transfers, meals and entertainment and the Guest Speaker programme on board the ship. Cabin numbers will not be allocated at the time of booking.

Please note: the half day Chelsea Flower Show shore excursion is subject to an additional £89 entry fee per person. Places are limited.

 For more information and to book call 0843 221 8499, visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com, Facebook or follow Voyages of Discovery on Twitter-@Voyagediscovery and view online at www.discoverycruise.tv

To keep up to date with all the latest news from Voyages of Discovery, visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com/blog

Anniversary Voyages launched including a special sailing into Lyngenford

HURTIGRUTEN CELEBRATES 120 YEARS OF HISTORY - 1893 -2013

Anniversary Voyages launched including a special sailing into Lyngenford

Anyone who wants to help make history can join one of 11 ‘In the Wake of Richard With’ anniversary voyages being offered by Hurtigruten this summer. Treats include a special sailing into Lyngenfjord in the Lyngen Alps area, the chance to get even closer to Norwegian culture with a series of on-board concerts plus special menus inspired by the 1893 era. 11 special departures are available each day from 21 June 2013 and all include 2 July, which marks 120 years since Richard With captained Hurtigruten’s very first departure from Trondheim along the Norwegian Coast.   

Hurtigruten has never sailed into Lyngenfjord as part a main itinerary before and as a special treat, each day during this 11-day period, a ship will stop here whilst travelling south bound between Skjervoy and Tromso. Located in the Lyngen Alps area, Lyngenfjord is 300km north of the Arctic Circle and guests can expect mountain peaks rising more than 1,000 metres directly from the fjord, blue glaciers, cascading rivers, gleaming mountain lakes and deep ravines. Guests will have the opportunity to meet a local prawn trawler and its fishermen, who come on-board with freshly caught prawns.

Integral to these anniversary voyages will be bringing Norwegian culture and history even closer and special on-board concerts are planned.

• In Geirangerfjord, a young 19-year-old fiddler and folk musician who has won various awards will perform to guests in local costume.
• In Tromso, Hurtigruten will focus on the electronic genre of music made famous by Royksopp as guest are joined by ‘Sounds of Nature’, two young students who describe their music as sound art. 
• In Berlevag the Berlevag Men’s Choir will perform a midnight concert on the quay.

To mark the occasion, special menus are being created by Hurtigruten’s team of chefs that are inspired by the food on-board DS Vesteraalen in 1893. Each ship will enjoy its own anniversary celebrations on-board on 2^nd July, in true Norwegian style. Guests should expect cake, coffee and music and much more.

This sailing period starts with MS Midnatsol departing Bergen on 21^st June 2013, followed by the complete fleet, with MS Lofoten being the last ship of this period departing Bergen on 1^st July 2013.

Classic Round Voyage – Daily from 21 June – 1 July – priced from £2137 per person to include 11 night’s half board on the ship and all the anniversary celebrations. Flights and transfers are extra and cost from £450pp. This price is valid on 21, 27 and 29 June departures.

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

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS-NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TAKES THE PAIN OUT OF FLYING

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS-NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

TAKES THE PAIN OUT OF FLYING…WITH FREE AIR

Experience Much Friendlier Skies with Free Air to a Wide Range of Geographies & Dates

 Flying is rarely a joyful experience and often inescapable – but for a selection of Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyages for the rest of 2013, it’s FREE.  With a fairly wide range of geography and dates to choose from, flying the skies just got a lot friendlier to embark on a remarkable life adventure.  

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, pioneers in expedition travel, offers small ship voyages in alliance to inspire travelers to explore and care about the planet. Their collaboration in exploration, research, technology, and conservation provides extraordinary travel experiences and disseminates geographic knowledge around the globe.  

The following free air offers are available on select departures in 2013.  All are subject to availability and apply to new bookings only http://www.expeditions.com/special-offers/.

Alaska: Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness, 8 days aboard the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion & National Geographic Sea Bird. http://tinyurl.com/dxgkxuw  Book by June 30, 2013 and receive complimentary round-trip airfare between Seattle and Alaska on select May and June 2014 departures.

Amazon: Upper Amazon Aboard the Delfin II, 10 days on a 28-guest stately riverboat. http://tinyurl.com/blqp5xn  Book by June 30, 2013 and receive a $500 air credit on select 2013 Upper Amazon departures; or combine a select 2013 Upper Amazon expedition with Galapagos or Machu Picchu and receive a $1,000 air credit.

Antarctica: Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands, 24 days aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer. http://tinyurl.com/bpb8cdv  Book by June 30, 2013 to receive complimentary airfare on select 2014 departures. Airfare based on round-trip economy group flights Miami/Buenos Aires.

Antarctica: Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent, 14 days aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer.  http://tinyurl.com/cpyvztr  Book by June 30, 2013 to receive complimentary airfare on select 2014 departures. Airfare based on round-trip economy group flights Miami/Buenos Aires.

Arctic:  Fabled Lands Of The North: Greenland, Baffin Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, 15 days aboard the 148-guest National Geographic  Explorer. http://tinyurl.com/boxx39w Book by May 31, 2013 to receive complimentary airfare on Ottawa to Kangerlussuaq charter flight. - a $1,200 value. 

Baja California:  Journeys In the Sea of Cortez, 8 days aboard the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Bird. http://tinyurl.com/d5e43og  Book by June 30, 2013 for free round-trip air from Los Angeles to Los Cabos on Dec. 14th or children save 50% off the voyage fare on the Dec. 21st or 28th departures when traveling with a full-fare paying adult.

Baja California:  Land & Sea Photography Retreat, 8 days aboard the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Bird. http://tinyurl.com/cnffzvt Book by June 30, 2013 for free round-trip air from Los Angeles to Los Cabos.

Costa Rica & Panama: Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, 8 days aboard the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion. http://tinyurl.com/bp9rdqx Book by June 30, 2013 for free round-trip air from Miami.

Costa Rica & Panama: Panama To Costa Rica + Monteverde, Arenal Volcano And Sarapiqui, 15 days aboard the  National Geographic Sea Lion. http://tinyurl.com/d2d8qhx  Book by June 30, 2013 for free round-trip air from Miami.

Galápagos: Aboard the 96-guestNational Geographic Endeavour, 10 days. http://tinyurl.com/c3xqnlq Book by June 30, 2013 and KIDS FLY FREE between Miami-Galapagos on select August 2013 departures; or receive FREE ROUND-TRIP AIR for everyone on select Sept-Nov 2013 departures.

Mediterranean: Turkey And Greece: A Sailing Odyssey, 10 days aboard the 58-guest historic sailing yacht. http://tinyurl.com/bvv2msz Book a category A or B cabin and get free round-trip air from New York or choose a $1,200 air credit. We will cover tips to the crew and bar tabs for all guests aboard Sea Cloud on any 2013 Mediterranean departure.  Also, enjoy a complimentary night stay at the Electra Palace Hotel in Athens.

Pacific Northwest: Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey: Harvests, History & Landscapes, 7 days aboard the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Bird & National Geographic Sea Lion. http://tinyurl.com/d8kc7h2 Book by June 30, 2013 for a $550 air credit on the Oct. 14 & Oct. 20 departures only.

South American East Coast:  Epic South America: Jungle Rivers, Rainforests & The Colonial Coast, 38 days aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer.  http://tinyurl.com/d47hfpu Book by June 30, 2013 for complimentary economy group airfare Miami/Port of Spain, Trinidad, and returning Buenos Aires/Miami - a $2,100 value.

For reservations or additional information on Lindblad Expeditions’ voyages to some of the most beautiful and fascinating places on earth call 1-800-EXPEDITION, visit www.expeditions.com or call your travel agent.  

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION 2014 CALENDAR OF SAILINGS RELEASED

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION 2014 CALENDAR OF SAILINGS RELEASED

Orion Expedition Cruises has released its Calendar of Sailings for 2014 when, as part of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, Orion will be renamed National Geographic Orion.

ALL NEW VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY….

National Geographic Orion will venture further afield in 2014 with new itineraries that include destinations in Micronesia and the Islands of Moluccas - a heady mix of island cultures, World War II naval and military sites and brilliant snorkelling and diving. All new South Pacific island voyages include the Loyalty Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Millennium Atoll, Tahiti, Pitcairn and Easter Island, while voyages to Antarctica will for the first time focus on the Antarctic Peninsula and the wildlife sanctuaries of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

Popular favourite, Borneo, will again include visits to Camp Leakey for exclusive orangutan and wildlife experiences, and hallmark National Geographic Orion voyages to Australia’s Kimberley coastline remain - one with a variation that includes Rowley Shoals. Additionally, there are expeditions that include Komodo, Flores, Asmat, the Spice Islands, Torres Strait and the Great Barrier Reef.

The itineraries are a carefully constructed blend of undersea (for snorkelers and divers) and terrestrial natural history highlights, along with diverse and fascinating culture, history and anthropology.

In announcing the new itineraries, Sven Lindblad, Founder and President of Lindblad Expeditions, expanded on the new expeditions: “In March 2014 we will begin a new chapter in exploration with three remarkable inaugural voyages into unusual cultures, beautiful islands and some of the world’s finest diving and snorkeling. The National Geographic Orion will be equipped with a full roster of exploration tools, including kayaks and a state-of-the art ROV (remote operated vehicle reaching depths of up to 1,000 ft.), full snorkeling gear for all and a SCUBA programme that can accommodate up to 24 divers at a time.”

The first expedition sails from Auckland to Cairns, through Melanesia (Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea) with time on the Great Barrier Reef. The second voyage includes the Great Barrier Reef before heading up through Melanesia (Papua New Guinea) to Micronesia, visiting Chuuk Lagoon, Yap and many other spectacular islands en-route to Palau. The last week of this voyage presents some of the most spectacular undersea opportunities available on the planet where the newly installed onboard scuba facilities will come into their own. But there are also plenty of options for dry-landers, too. The third voyage runs from Palau down through Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands of Indonesia, ending in Darwin. Like the previous two, the undersea is a highlight but the culture and diversity of options on land is also extraordinary. Put simply: you will see many things on any one of these voyages you cannot find elsewhere on earth; they embody the word ‘exotic’.

Following the Kimberley season, between May and August 2014, National Geographic Orion will undertake two expeditions to Borneo voyaging between Bali and Singapore, both including visits to the orangutan sanctuary Camp Leakey.

It will then take an eastward journey with four voyages starting from Bali travelling all the way across to Easter Island - from the Spice Islands and Great Barrier Reef to New Caledonia, Fiji; then up to Samoa and across to Kiribati and French Polynesia with the fourth itinerary departing Tahiti to visit Ducie, Henderson, Pitcairn and other very hard-to-reach islands, ending in Easter Island.

National Geographic Orion then positions to Ushuaia for expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. 

Full details are available at www.orionexpeditions.com or a convenient 2014 Calendar of Sailings is available through Orion Expedition Cruises. This is to be followed by the release of a full 2014 brochure featuring details of all itineraries, inclusions and pricing.

Combination  Savings

Following high demand in 2013 for back-to-back expeditions there are again a number of voyages created especially to appeal to those seeking longer expeditions. Plus from the 2014 calendar Orion is doubling the back-to-back savings to 10%.

Solo Travellers

Recognising the growing solo traveller market Orion will be offering dedicated staterooms for solo travellers on each voyage with solo pricing.

Pricing for 2014 (examples)

All pricing per person twin share:

• 10 night Kimberley Expedition: Cat 1/B Stateroom £5,180, through to Owners Suite/Category 6 £10,840
• 10 night Camp Leakey: Cat 1/B Stateroom £5,473, through to Owners Suite/Category 6 £11,460
• 16 night Mysteries of Polynesia: Cat 1/B Stateroom £10,640, through to Owners Suite/Category 6 £21,990
• 18 night South Pacific Adventure: Cat 1/B Stateroom £11,970, through to Owners Suite/Category 6 £24,740

For further information and reservations call 020 7399 7620 or visit www.orionexpeditions.com

COMPAGNIE DU PONANT CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

COMPAGNIE DU PONANT CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

A new ship, Le Soléal, special offers (25% off selected cruises), and a year of special events to mark the occasion...

 This year, Compagnie du Ponant, the luxury yacht cruise company, market leader for polar destinations and five-star expedition specialist, is celebrating its 25^th anniversary with 25% off on a selection of eight cruises in Asia, Mediterranean, Great North, South America and Russia, and an exceptional series of celebrity on board guests throughout the rest of the year. The Anniversary Offer is valid for reservations made between 25 April and 25 May 2013 for cruises on Le Boréal, L’Austral and Le Soléal (each offering 132 staterooms and suites), and three-mast Le Ponant (32 staterooms).

Each of the 132-cabin, elegant and intimate, yachts offers spacious suites, impeccable service and excellent food and wine – plus their small size allows them to reach destinations that larger ships cannot, and offer its passengers to sail in the company of experts & historians as guides & lecturers who are passionate about their subjects.

In April 1988, with a dozen officers from the French Merchant Navy, current CEO Jean Emmanuel Sauvée embarked on this adventure by building the company’s first ship, the famous three-mast Le Ponant. What became as a dream is now a flourishing reality, with the addition of three prestigious vessels to the fleet, sisterships Le Boréal, L’Austral and Le Soléal which is launching in Venice at the end of June 2013.

An experienced bilingual crews, attentive service and exceptional itineraries in elegant surroundings are Compagnie du Ponant’s key selling points – with a modern and innovative fleet that has been sailing the world’s oceans for 25 years.

To mark the occasion, various events and offers have been organised throughout the year:

25 YEARS: -25% OFF a selection of cruises

A 25% discount on a selection of cruises, giving opportunities to discover the company’s yacht-style cruising philosophy – with exceptional destinations and moorings inaccessible to larger ships, gourmet cuisine and impeccable.

Access treasures of the world by sea – discover the new “Ponant Discovery” extensions – more than a cruise it is a sea voyage...

This season, Compagnie du Ponant has launched a while array of new itineraries in the Arctic (LE SOLÉAL will cross the famous North West Passage this summer) and Asia. It has now introduced “Ponant Discovery” extensions, to offer guests the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into the culture and treasures of countries – the Atacama Desert, Iguazu Falls, Machu Picchu, Easter Island and Galapagos are amongst many dream destinations now accessible on these “cruise-voyages”.

Special guests

Throughout the year, and to celebrate its 25^th anniversary, many very special guests will be honouring Compagnie du Ponant with their presence on board. They include: famous opera singer, Ruggiero Raimondi; ex-government minister and philosopher, Luc Ferry; poet, writer and musicologist, Alain Duault; child psychiatrist,  Marcel Rufo; singer and song writer, Hugues Auffray; comedian, actor and singer, Michel Leeb; jazz violinist, Didier Lockwood; Breton singer and harpist, Cécile Corbel; the troupe from the musical Mamma Mia; soprano and actress, Inva Mula… and many other surprises.

For more information or to book, visit www.ponant.com or call 0800 980 4027

Get up to £200 free on board credit with Voyages of Discovery

Voyages of Discovery (www.voyagesofdiscovery.com, 0843 221 8499) is offering up to £200 free on board credit with bookings on selected Summer 2013 cruises.

On board credit is available on the following cruises:

·         The 15-day Mediterranean Medley cruise, from £1,749 per person (Saver Fare, based on two people sharing an inside cabin). Highlights include visits to the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum and the famous Ufizi Gallery in Florence.

·         The 13-day Adriatic, Aegean and Corinth Canal cruise, from £1,649 per person (Saver Fare, based on two people sharing an inside cabin). Passengers can discover the history of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage and visit the fascinating Meteora Monasteries.

·         The 13-day In the Footsteps of St. Paul cruise, from £1,449 per person (Saver Fare, based on two people sharing an inside cabin). This cruise follows in the footsteps of the apostle, St Paul, including the Christian site of Philippi and the Monastery of St. John. Passengers also have the option to visit the Holy Land (Jerusalem) after their cruise, for an additonal fare.

Saver Fare prices include return flights from the UK on fly cruises, all relevant overseas transfers, meals and entertainment, gratuities and the Guest Speaker programme on board the ship. Cabins will not be allocated at time of booking and payment must be made in full.

On board credit can be spent in the shop and in bars on board the ship.

For more information and to book call 0843 221 8499, visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com, Facebook or follow Voyages of Discovery on Twitter-@Voyagediscovery and view online at www.discoverycruise.tv

To keep up to date with all the latest news from Voyages of Discovery, visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com/blog

 *Offers are subject to availability. £200 on board credit applies to Saver Fare outside cabins. Saver Fare inside cabin bookings receive up to £150 on board credit.  

Cruise with Swan Hellenic and save up to £1,500 per person

Cruise to Norway with Swan Hellenic (www.swanhellenic.com/0844 822 0679) and save up to £1,500 per person this summer.

Perfect for art fans, passengers on board the Oslo and the Fjord cruise will enjoy a visit to Vigeland Park which commemorates renowned artist, Gustav Vigeland, followed by a trip to the famous Munch Museum - home to several thousand paintings, prints, drawings, engravings and photographs by artist, Edvard Munch. Guests who are inspired by the art can try their hand at their own masterpiece by taking part in the watercolour workshop on board the ship.

The 16-day Oslo and the Fjords cruise starts from £1,495 per person (Saver Fare price, based on two people sharing an inside cabin). Cruise departs from Portsmouth (England) and calls at Oslo (Norway), Aalborg (Denmark), Haugesund ((Norway), Ulvik (Norway), Flam (Norway), Forde (Norway), Andalsnes (Norway), Olden (Norway), Bergen (Norway) before returning to Portsmouth. Price is based on 5 June 2013 UK departure.

Price includes relevant transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions worth up to £650 per person, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities on board and ashore and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. A supplement for some shore excursions may apply. Cabins may not be allocated at time of booking.

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

Luxury ‘Cultural Discovery’ Cruise from Venice to Mantua - £500pp off June 2 Departure

The variety of charming waterways between Venice and Mantua promises a unique and magical cruising experience and the itinerary aboard La Bella Vita includes fascinating excursions that offer a real insight into the many cultures - Roman, Etruscan, Istrian, Byzantine and of course Renaissance - that have influenced the arts, architecture and history of the region over many centuries. This special voyage departing on Sunday, June 2 also gives the opportunity to enjoy the diverse landscapes and nature en route, from picturesque lagoon islands with their colourful houses, to wild beach dunes and pine woods with a variety of birdlife; from the charming Venetian port of Chioggia via the River Po and Bianco Canal to the captivating lakeside setting of elegant Mantua.

La Bella Vita is a stylish 20 passenger vessel that has been refitted to high standards to offer comfortable, fully air-conditioned accommodation. She has two upper deck junior suites and eight lower deck staterooms, all offering en suite facilities, and a bright, spacious dining room and bar area where delicious Italian specialities will be served. Louvred doors open to the side decks to give a perfect viewing platform, whilst above is a huge sun deck. La Bella Vita is the perfect vessel from which to immerse yourself in Italian Renaissance culture as you cruise the Venetian lagoon and the calm waters of the Po Valley en route to the elegant city of Mantua.

The reduced price of £1,890 per person includes:

* 6 nights accommodation aboard in an air-conditioned, en-suite cabin.

* The services of an experienced Captain / Host, Chef, Housekeeper(s), Driver/Tour Guide.

* All gourmet meals, fine wines and an all-day open bar

* Daily excursions by chauffeured minibus to chateaux, vineyards, markets, etc

* Return transfers to and from local meeting/drop off point.

For full details, contact European Waterways:

www.gobarging.com      Tel: 01753 598555

Zegrahm Expeditions Launches 2014 Small-Ship Cruise Line-Up

Expedition Schedule Features New Trips and Past Guest Favorites to All Seven Continents

Seattle, WA (April 25, 2013) –Zegrahm Expeditions, the world leader in small-ship cruising and overland adventures, is pleased to announce the company's 2014 ship-based expedition schedule. The line-up of adventure cruises features 14 extraordinary voyages that reach all seven continents aboard the Sea Adventurer, Isabela II, Island Sky, and Caledonian Sky. Accommodating between 40-100 guests, the vessels are staffed by an exceptional expedition team of scientists, naturalists, and historians. 
 “From Antarctica to the Black Sea and Madagascar to the Galapagos, we are offering travel to some of the world’s most remote and exotic places in 2014,” stated Edwin Blythe, Zegrahm’s President. “Not only are we introducing new itineraries and bringing back a few past favorites, but with more voyages aboard the Island Sky and Caledonian Sky, we can simultaneously be exploring several different regions of the world and capitalize on the best time of year to be there.”
Highlights of Zegrahm’s 2014 season include:
Circumnavigation of New Guinea: This two-part voyage received great reviews in 2009 and Zegrahm is excited to include it on their line-up once again. Travelers can explore the underwater wonders of the region’s vibrant coral reefs and visit remote villages in the Trobriands, Rabaul, and the Asmat. Voyage I sails March 8 - 23, 2014 and Voyage II follows March 19 – April 5, 2014.
Mysteries of the Far North: Russia’s White Sea: This new itinerary exposes travelers to an area long closed to Western travelers. Taking place July 20 – August 6, 2014, the itinerary features sublime beauty, magnificent architecture, and fascinating history.
Pearls of Polynesia: Fiji to Tahiti: In 2014, this always-popular itinerary is featuring an exciting new “voluntourism” opportunity that allows travelers to contribute to ecological preservation efforts on Suwarrow Atoll in the Cook Islands. In addition, the 17-day adventure, September 15 – October 1, 2014, offers a great mix of culture and natural history from searching for rare endemic species to learning about traditional island life.
Ultimate Aldabra: A Journey through the Seychelles: For the first time, Zegrahm is offering seven full days exploring the island group, which is a world heritage site and has remained largely untouched by humans due to its remoteness. The expedition sets sail November 16 – December 2, 2014. 
For more information about Zegrahm or to make a reservation on an upcoming expedition, please visit www.zegrahm.comor call 1-800-628-8747.