Saturday 31 May 2014

On The Go Tours Launches Cruises To The Galapagos Islands

   
On The Go Tours has launched a brand new selection of cruises to the Galapagos Islands, offering travellers the chance to explore this famed wildlife-rich archipelago on a 4, 5 or 8 day cruise onboard the M/C Anahi.

Island hopping through the Galapagos passengers will enjoy two guided excursions per day - with ample opportunity to swim, snorkel and kayak along the way. They will also have the chance to learn about astronomy, biology, evolution and other Galapagos related subjects through the guidance of an expert naturalist guide. Highlights include Floreana Island – renowned for its flamingos, Gardner Bay – famed for its sea lion population, Puna Suarez – home of the endemic albatross and much more.

Onboard each cabin boasts large windows for wonderful ocean views and beautiful wooden floors. On the main deck the catamaran has plenty of places to kick back and relax, while the upper deck features a charming bar, Jacuzzi and sun deck to soak up the sun and admire the views. Passengers will receive three tasty buffet meals each day and will be looked after by an attentive crew.
There are plenty of inclusions too, from an airport arrival transfer with an English speaking guide, to return flights from Quito to the Galapagos and one night pre and post tour accommodation in Quito.
For more information  Tel: 020 7371 1113    http://www.onthegotours.com



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Friday 30 May 2014

COMPAGNIE DU PONANT launches brand new itineraries in Oceania

COMPAGNIE DU PONANT launches brand new itineraries in Oceania for the winter 2014 / 2015 season with seven cruises to Australia and New-Zealand.

The new itineraries will take passengers to the South Pacific Ocean and Oceania with highlights including not only Darwin, the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania, but also Auckland and Rotorua, cradle of Maori culture.

L’AUSTRAL, a stunning French flagged yacht with 132 staterooms and suites, will sail through the majestic landscapes of the ‘down-under’ countries where breath-taking sceneries can only be matched by under-sea wonders.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: NEW YACHTING DESTINATIONS

Why choose a Yacht Cruise to discover Oceania?

· Combining wide open spaces with the delicate “French Touch” aboard L’AUSTRAL, the latest generation luxury yacht.

· Zodiac® outings with experienced naturalist-guides to explore unspoiled wildlife.

· Expedition programmes designed to explore Australia’s most emblematic sites and meet the Aborigines.

· Snorkelling in the turquoise blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

· Discovering New Zealand, an archipelago on the edge of the world, and Maori culture.

COMPAGNIE DU PONANT offers seven departures between 12 December 2014 and 15 February 2015 on board L’AUSTRAL, from just €2,150 per person – cruise only.

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




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Thursday 29 May 2014

AURORA EXPEDITIONS REPORT RISE IN NUMBER OF SOLO TRAVELLERS IN ANTARCTICA



Aurora Expeditions has reported a spike rise in the number of solo travellers making the trip of a lifetime to Antarctica. Figures from the last three years have shown a steady increase in the number of solo travellers booking on their small ship adventures, with early season voyages in 2013 showing as many as 29% of passengers travelling alone.

Aurora Expeditions’ no single supplement option has been popular with solo travellers for years, however there has been a marked increase in solos on voyages offering additional activities including camping, polar snorkelling, photography and kayaking. Interestingly there has also been a significant rise in the number of ladies joining their small ship expeditions, with 65% of solo travellers being female over the last 12 months.

Aurora offers a cabin-sharing service to keep the cost down for would-be solo travellers. The company will find a same-sex cabin partner for those travelling alone and if a suitable partner cannot be found, guests only pay the standard single occupancy rate; allowing solo travellers to keep the cost down whilst taking part in the ultimate small group adventure. Alternatively, if passengers prefer to be guaranteed a private cabin, they may book a cabin for sole occupancy at a discounted rate: 1.7 times the twin share rate.


Carrying a maximum of 54 passengers, Aurora Expeditions' ice-strengthened vessel Polar Pioneer is ideally suited for small groups. Led by a team of Polar Experts, voyages lend themselves to an informal style of travel, complete with open bridge policy, guided excursions, enriching lecture programme and a diverse range of activity options.

Visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/solotravellers for more information on avoiding single supplements and great tips about experiencing Antarctica.

Prices for the 2014/15 Antarctic season start from US$7,100 per person based on a same-sex triple share cabin or $8,758 per person for a same-sex twin share cabin for a 10 day cruise including one night’s accommodation in Punta Arenas.


For more information visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or call Aurora Expeditions on 1800 637 688 or +61 (0) 2 9252 1033

Wednesday 28 May 2014

Zegrahm Expeditions Offers Brand-New Itinerary to the Philippines


Dedicated Itinerary Focuses on the Philippines' Unique Culture and Natural History
 Zegrahm Expeditions, t is pleased to announce a brand-new itinerary to the Philippines in 2015. This 21-day expedition explores the most intriguing islands of the vast Philippines archipelago, offering a host of unique opportunities to expose travelers to the undiscovered gems that make this country so intriguing. For example, travelers will have two opportunities to swim among whale sharks. Guests can get up close and personal with these gentle marine giants in one of the best places in the world to see them.
Highlights of this expedition include:
  • Cruising up a subterranean river, past bizarre rock formations and vast caverns, at St. Paul’s Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Snorkeling or diving in crystal-clear waters to search for a variety of marine life—tiny pygmy seahorses, colorful nudibranches, and manta rays.
  • Experiencing legendary Filipino hospitality throughout traditional villages and remote island communities.
  • Searching for over 600 birds, 194 of which are endemic, including the Palawan peacock-pheasant, sulphur-bellied bulbul, Philippine cuckoo-dove, and Palawan hornbill.
  • Visiting the geologically unique Chocolate Hills, a series of conical mounds that resemble chocolate kisses.
“We are thrilled to offer this new opportunity for our guests to see the stunning natural and cultural wonders of the Philippines,” says Zegrahm President Edwin Blythe. “Not only are we the only company to offer a dedicated expedition to the Philippines, we recently visited the country to scout the itinerary and to finalize the expedition details to ensure this is a truly once-in-a-lifetime trip.”

This expedition is aboard the 100-guest Caledonian Sky from February 7 – 27, 2015, is priced from $17,480 per person, and is being led by Zegrahm cofounders Mike Messick and Jack Grove. For more information about Zegrahm or to make a reservation on an upcoming expedition, please visit www.zegrahm.com or call 1-800-628-8747.
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Tuesday 27 May 2014

NEW BAJA ADVENTURE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS-NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC INTRODUCES  ** SPECIAL OFFER: BOOK BY JULY 31, 2014 TO RECEIVE A $550 AIR CREDIT** Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced Wild Islands & Treasures of Baja California, a new expedition that balances the Baja peninsula’s twin facets: culture and wildness.  Set aboard the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Bird, Lindblad has planned two 8-day holiday voyages with departures on December 20 and 27, 2014. 
The itinerary has been designed for guests to discover the pure wildness of Baja’s desert islands and the living sea, and to delve into the Peninsula’s unique culture and art from ancient times to modern.  Daily activities will cover a range of interests and fitness levels - perfect for explorers of any age - under the guidance of an outstanding expedition team of naturalists, marine biologists, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructors, and undersea specialists.  
Expedition Highlights include:
·         Explore pristine desert islands rife with endemic species, rare plants, and towering forests of cacti.
·         Stroll the charming seaside town of Todos Santos, a Pueblo Magico, and meet contemporary artists who live and exhibit their work here.  
·         Search for humpback whales, active off the southern coast of the peninsula.
·         Hike a desert arroyo to see ancient art, handprints hidden in a cave for millennia, and feel a connection to the ancients in this high, remote desert.
·         Snorkel at Cabo Pulmo, a vibrant reef and model for ocean conservation; and with the sea lions at Los Islotes.
·         Kayak, swim, and hike the pristine desert islands of the Sea of Cortez, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This is the ideal voyage for a shared holiday experience for families to enjoy together and apart.  Organized activities inspire curiosity in kids of all ages and may include hands-on science with a video microscope to view and identify undersea specimens; journal making; scavenger hunts onboard and on excursions; expedition landing craft-driving lessons; photo sessions with the photo instructor; lessons in star gazing; bridge time with the Captain and his crew learning navigation and mapping; kid-friendly menu options, and impromptu pizza movie nights.
Rates begin at $5,690 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.  To receive the special $550 airfare credit, guests must book their voyage by July 31, 2014.  The air credit is valid on new bookings only and not combinable with other offers.  

For reservations or additional information on Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyages to some of the most beautiful and fascinating places on Earth, visit www.expeditions.com, call 1-800-EXPEDITION (1-800-397-3348) or contact your travel agent.

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Monday 26 May 2014

Voyages to Antiquity Italy Croatia and Greece


Fly-cruise the Adriatic & Aegean
from £1,895* & no single supplement
Voyages to Antiquity
Call us: 0845 437 9737 More about this offer »
Voyages to Antiquity August fly-cruise
Enjoy special savings of up to £1,620† per cabin & no single supplement
Our new fly-cruise in August this year takes you to the outstanding coastlines and cultural sites of Italy, Croatia and Greece.
Departing on 11 August, you will savour the natural beauty of the Dalmatian coast, spend an overnight on board in two great European cities and visit some remarkable archaeological sites. Shore excursions are included in each port of call!
View the full itinerary ›
Prices start from £1,895pp* with no single supplement
Make 2014 the year you sail on board the elegant small ship, Aegean Odyssey - contact your agent today!
FARES FROM £1,895*pp
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Italy, Croatia & Classical Greece
11 August 2014
11-day fly-cruise
Fly to Venice (overnight on board) • Cruise to Zadar • Split • Korcula • Dubrovnik (overnight on board) • Kotor Bay • Corfu • Preveza (Arta) • Ithaca • Katakolon (Olympia) • Nauplia (Mycenae or Corinth) • Athens (fly home)
Premium Inside (Cat.L):
£1,895pp*
Premium Outside (Cat.H):
£2,395pp*
Deluxe Outside (Cat.F):
£2,650pp*
Deluxe Balcony (Cat.C):
£3,195pp*
Book your cruise
Our voyages include
» Return flights from London^
» Shore excursions, with a choice of tours in selected ports
» Excellent tour guides
» Open-seating dining
» Wine with dinner on board
» Gratuities on board
Special events
Adam Tanner
A fellow at Harvard University and a former Reuters correspondent on the Balkans.
Busy in August?
See our fly-cruise offer to Amalfi, Dalmatia and Venice in June ›
*Prices shown are per person and include all applicable savings. †Savings are based on double occupancy and vary by category on the categories indicated. No Single Supplement offer is subject to availability, and available only on certain cabin grades. ^Regional connections are not included in this offer price. Our Special Offers and discounts are strictly capacity controlled, subject to availability, and may be withdrawn at any time. Voyages to Antiquity (UK) Limited is registered in England. Ship's Registry: Malta.
Phone: 0845 437 9737
Email: reservations@voyagestoantiquity.com
For enquiries, speak to our team.
To ensure you continue to receive our email updates, please add news@voyagestoantiquity.com
to your address book or safe senders list.
You can unsubscribe or update your details at any 

Sunday 25 May 2014


Visiting the North Cape to see the Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights) has recently been voted the ultimate travel experience by British holidaymakers. If like them, you are keen to experience this extraordinary phenomenon, Hurtigruten has some incredible offers available – with an additional £100 off per person if you book online over the Bank Holiday weekend.
With other current offers including ‘second person travels for half price’ and ‘no single supplements’, the total saving off a Hurtigruten voyage could be more than £400 per person.
A list of the top 25 must-do life experiences was created by adventurer Bear Grylls for the Discovery Channel and voted on by 2,000 Brits. Forty-five % of respondents said the trip to the northernmost point of mainland Europe was top of their wish list.
Among the offers available (including the £100 Bank Holiday saving) are:

12 day Classic Round Voyage for £871 per person – save £424pp

Seven day Classic Voyage North for £564 per person – save £320pp

All prices and offers are subject to availability. Quoted prices are based on two people sharing an inside cabin on full board basis. The £100 Bank holidays discount is available for online bookings made from 24-26 May 2014 and is combinable with many existing offers from Hurtigruten.
For more information call Hurtigruten on tel: 020 3582 6642 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.


  
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Saturday 24 May 2014

Experience Midsummer on The Great Swedish Cruise along the Göta Kanal, with Simply Sweden



                                                                                                               Gordon Bain


Experience the local Midsummer holiday while cruising the famous Göta Kanal.
Spend five nights aboard the MS Diana sailing along the scenic waterway that connects Gothenburg and Stockholm, cruising between two seas, along three canals, across eight glorious lakes and through 66 locks.
- The Great Swedish Cruise (6 days), Stockholm - Gothenburg, 22nd June
- The Great Swedish Cruise (6 days), Gothenburg - Stockholm, 29th June

Alternatively
, there are other possible dates for a shorter Göta Kanal trip:
- The Classic Canal Cruise (4 days), Stockholm - Gothenburg 30th June (www.simplysweden.co.uk/gk_classic)   
- The Classic Canal Cruise (4 days), Gothenburg - Stockholm, 17th June
Spend three nights aboard the world’s oldest registered ship with overnight accommodation, the M/S Juno, which was listed in 2004 and is now a floating museum. Built at the Motala shipyard and launched in 1874, today this historic ship takes passengers along the Göta Kanal that connects Gothenburg and Stockholm. Cruise between two seas, along three canals, across eight glorious lakes and through 66 locks.

Silversea’s third expedition ship, Silver Discoverer



Silversea’s third expedition ship, Silver Discoverer, launched on 2nd April with
voyage itineraries that delve deeper into unseen cultures and make remote regions
that are relatively untouched by Western influences more accessible.
The ship will sail through Micronesia, Melanesia, Polynesia, East Asia and Russian
Far East, Southeast Asia, The Kimberley region of North-West Australia and New
Zealand Sub-Antarctic. The new itineraries, which have been created by Silversea’s
Director of Expedition Planning & Strategic Development Conrad Combrink, have a
specific focus on ports of call that never before been visited by other cruise lines.

                          Call 0844.251.0837      http://www.silversea.com/expeditions

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Friday 23 May 2014

Castles and Clans; Coastlines and Canals make for Classic Scottish Cruising




With exclusive visits to quintessential Scottish castles and a voyage through the very heart of Highland Scotland, a small-ship cruise in October is very tempting, especially with a 10% special offer.

Scotland’s award-winning small-ship cruise company, The Majestic Line, is offering a 10% discount on their two October 2014 cruises which provide a unique appreciation of both Scotland’s Hebridean coastline and Highland heartland. Guests will benefit from a reduction of £188.00 per person, making a 6-night cruise £1692.00.

The  ‘Castles and Clans of Mull and Glencoe’ 6-night cruise, departing on October 11th and 18th from Oban is a new addition for 2014 as part of ‘The Year of Homecoming’ festivities, allowing guests a special insight into Scottish coastal clan history.  Highlights include private tours of the seat of the Clan MacLean at iconic Duart Castle on Mull, and the quintessential Scottish castle, Castle Stalker, picturesquely set on a tidal islet on Loch Laich, an inlet off Loch Linnhe

More information www.themajesticline.co.uk or call + 44 (0)1369 707951.

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Thursday 22 May 2014

Secret Cruises


What are Secret Cruises?
Be it on a river, lake or at sea, Secret Cruises invites you onboard a beautifully designed, full-service vessel to embark on a moveable journey of discovery to places in Asia where no hotel can be. Cruises are available for both fixed departure dates throughout the year, and for private charters. Each carefully crafted vessel reflects the artistry, history and culture of a land and place. Destinations and itineraries vary according to season.

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                             www.rivercruiseurope.co.uk    http://adventurecruising.blogspot.co.uk    

Wednesday 21 May 2014

High Seas Low Prices with Ramblers Cruise & Walk Holidays


Following in the wake of their highly successful ‘Cruise & Walk’ programme in association with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines the operator has recently announced details of its expanded new range of holidays.

Commenting on the new brochure Tony Lock, Joint Managing Director of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, said, “Our popular cruise & walk programme combines the best of ‘life on the ocean wave’ with great walking adventures on terra firma. As well as our long-established choice of holidays in Europe, we now offer a superb selection of tantalising holidays in exotic destinations like, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea and Thailand.”

A range of extra benefits such as cabin upgrades, on-board spend, car parking or coach travel to and from port are complimentary on selected departures when booking more than six months in advance.   Plus £25 off all departures just for booking early! 

IBERIA AND FRANCE – a choice of 10, 11 and 12 night holidays walking and sightseeing Europe’s Atlantic coastlines and countryside. Departures are from Southampton, Harwich and Newcastle with varying itineraries. An example is the 12 night ‘Iberia and France’ cruise from Harwich on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ‘Braemar’, which embraces Oporto (Portugal); La Coruna (Spain); Aviles (Spain); Santander (Spain); Getxo (for Bilbao, Spain) and Bordeaux (France).
Price from £1,150 – departs from 20 May 2014.

FJORDS OF NORWAY – 6, 7, 8, 10 and 14 nights amid some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.  Ports of call vary according to each holiday but some of the highlights include Bergen, Skjolden, Flåm, Eidfjord and Stavanger.  For example:
8 nights on board Boudicca  £1,075 –  departing on 29 June 2014.

LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN
15 nights aboard Black Watch or Braemar to some of Norway’s most remote ports with one cruise going as far as Svalbard – just 800 miles from the North Pole where one can walk across a glacier and visit an Arctic research station.  Other highlights include, the relatively undiscovered Lofoten islands, Tromsø and the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund.  For example:
15 nights on board Braemar £1,999 – departing on 20 July 2014.
 
MAGIC OF THE CANARIES - 15 nights departing 21 December 2013 from Southampton on Fred Olsen’s Balmoral.  Highlights include:- Lisbon, Portugal; Arrecife, Lanzarote; Las Palmas, Gran Canaria; Santa Cruz, Tenerife; San Sebastian, La Gomera; Santa Cruz, La Palma; Funchal, Madeira (2 days) For example:
14 nights on board Braemar £1,175 – departing on 27 October 2014.


THE JAVA SEA TO JAPAN – a 15 night holiday on Fred. Olsen’s ‘Balmoral’ including, Port Klang (for Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia; Semarang, Java, Indonesia; Komodo Island, Indonesia, Ujung Pandang (Kamassar), Sulawasi (Indonesia); Cebu (Phillipines); Naka, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands and Tokyo, (Japan).
Price from £3,775 (includes flights from Heathrow) – departs 14 February 2015.

SOUTH CHINA SEA TO SINGAPORE – a 14 night ‘Cruise & Walk’ on Fred. Olsen’s ‘Balmoral’ including, Hong Kong (china); Chân Mây, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam); Sihanoukville (Cambodia); Laem Chabang, Ko Sumui (Thailand) and Singapore.
Price from £3,575 (includes flights from Heathrow) – departs 14 March 2015.

In addition to this new range of holidays, the latest ‘Cruise & Walk’ brochure also features many ‘well trodden’ favourites like, the Fjords of Norway, Land of the Midnight Sun, Roaming around Britain and Ireland, Baltic Christmas Markets, the Canaries, Cape Verde and West Africa and many more !

All of the above prices include all meals, an exclusive welcome party on one evening and a traditional afternoon tea with waiter service on a sea day, walking tours, shore visits, sightseeing programmes and the services of a dedicated tour leader.


01707 386767

Join one of Saga’s mystery cruises




Join one Saga’s mystery cruises for adventure all the way –
wherever the captain decides to sail!

Captain Spekman’s Mystery Cruise - Saga Pearl II
Will Captain Kees Spekman sail left or right from Dover on the Saga Pearl II’s mystery cruise?
Passengers on this all-inclusive sea adventure will be left guessing as the itinerary will only be revealed day by day.
Captain Spekman’s morning announcements are always informative and cheery but on the mystery cruise guests will be hanging on his every word to hear which country they will visiting each day.
Passengers have been known to bring compasses and attempt to log on to shipping websites but all electronic charts will be switched off to ensure the destinations are a well-kept secret.
And it will be no good trying to extract information from the crew! They will not be able to spill the beans as only Captain Spekman’s right-hand men and women will know the answer - and they are sworn to secrecy.
Captain Spekman has, however, revealed a few clues; he plans seven ports of call, in at least four countries, and three will be maiden ports for Saga Pearl II.
Intriguing!
18 nights from £2518, departing from Dover on August 20, 2015. Price includes half-day excursions in every port, travel to and from Dover, all meals, all house-branded spirits, draught beer and lager, cocktails and soft drinks, entertainment and activities, 24-hour room service, welcome cocktail party, afternoon tea, all gratuities, porterage, travel insurance and cancellation cover.

For details call free on 0800 051 3355 or visit saga.co.uk/cruises

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