Whale watching with Australis

Voyagers will be able to get ‘up close and personal’ with these creatures via the well-equipped Zodiac boats as well as receive lectures and a deeper insight from a whale specialist. Join Australis on an expedition voyage to observe the Humpback whale in its natural habitat, as they journey through the sights of the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel down to Cape Horn.

In addition to the voyage through the Fuegian Channels, the vessels will pass by Carlos III Island in order to experience Humpback whales as they regularly breach and slap the water with their tail and pectorals.*

* Australis cannot guarantee the sighting of whales due to their natural habits and constant movement.

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AdventureSmith Explorations

AdventureSmith Explorations Reports
Small Ship Cruises and Adventurous Land Packages
Still Available for Year-End Holidays - but Selling Fast 

 Suddenly it’s late summer with 2014 Holiday travel only months away. 

AdventureSmith Explorations that offers both sea and land excursions year-round reports that plans can still be made with them for prime holiday season December 2014 and early January 2015 escapes.

“But don’t wait too long,” said Todd Smith, founder/owner of AdventureSmith Explorations that specializes in small-ship expedition cruising that allows gusts to get up close and personal with the environments and landscapes they travel far to see.

Opportunities still available for Holiday cruises include the following destinations: Amazon, Antarctica, Australia, Baja (Mexico), Chile/Patagonia, Costa Rica, Panama Canal, Galapagos and Hawaii.

For example, Hawaii Christmas Cruises Hawaiian Seascapes Dec. 20-27, Dec. 27-Jan. 3, Jan. 3-10 on the 36-passenger Safari Explorer yacht lets guests explore four islands. This active itinerary includes time for snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, touring local farms and museums, and even night snorkeling. The 8-day cruise is from $3,595 per person double.

There are two Baja, Mexico, Christmas Cruises. The first is Wild Islands & Treasures of Baja Dec. 20-27, Dec. 27-Jan. 3 on the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Bird. This expedition unites its twin facets: culture and wildness. Guests explore pristine desert islands, rife with endemic species, rare plants and towering forests of cacti, and spot Humpback whales migrating in the Sea of Cortez. The 8-day cruise is from $5,690 per person double.

Cousteau’s Aquarium of the World Dec. 20-27, Dec. 27-Jan. 3 uncovers the area of Dabo Pulmo where French Oceanographer Jacques Cousteau led numerous expeditions in a setting of steep bluffs and sandy beaches. This Baja expedition through marine-life-rich waters aboard the 84-guest Safari Endeavour offers opportunities to snorkel among gentle whale sharks and sea lion pups, and explore the desert landscape explored by Cousteau. The per person rate for 8 days is from $3,395.

Baja, Costa Rica, Chile/Patagonia, Guatemala, Panama and Peru offer opportunities for both pre-set and on-request land departures that may also include itineraries suited to families. These combine hiking through rainforests, sourcing indigenous wildlife, sometimes whitewater rafting and explorations of archaeology, culture and history.

For example in Peru, the Peru Mountain Lodge Trek Dec. 20-26, Dec. 21-27 Dec. 24-30 Dec. 27-Jan. 2 is the very first trans-Andean lodge-to-lodge trek to one of the ancient world's most extraordinary sanctuaries: Machu Picchu. After full days of trekking, guests spend evenings unwinding by the fireplace, stargazing and enjoying a comfortable lodge. The 7-day program is from $3,489 per person double.

Costa Rica Christmas Tours, Quest for Pura Vida Dec. 20-28, Dec. 27-Jan. 4, combines the cloud forests of Monteverde and the active Arenal Volcano with the verdant lowland tropical forests of Tortuguero to highlight Costa Rica's diversity of nature and culture. This 9-day program combining mountains, rainforest and the Caribbean is from $2,700 per person double.

About AdventureSmith Explorations
Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, CA, along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. In 2012, owner Todd Smith joined the ranks of Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious 14th Annual Travel Specialists List as the world’s expert on small ship expeditions. A distinction he received again in 2013. For information, availability and 2014 reservations, Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com.

Hurtigruten's snow adventures.

Explore the Arctic Wilderness on an overnight husky or snowmobile adventure

If you fancy staying in a remote Arctic wilderness lodge, and making your way there by husky or snowmobile, Hurtigruten can now make that possible with the launch of two new overnight tours.

The two trips can be added to Hurtigruten voyages starting or ending in Kirkenes (northern Norway) between 5th January and 5^th April 2015.

Follow the route of the Finnmark dog race on an overnight husky tour  

After meeting your dog team, you will set off on a 30km trip into Europe’s last wilderness - following the same tracks as the famous Finnmark Dog Race.

After a brief stop for some snacks and a rest (for both you and the dogs!), you will complete your journey to the wilderness camp, far away from any traffic or bright city lights.

Enjoy fresh king crab (a local speciality) for dinner and make use of the warm sauna before retiring to the peaceful lodge for the night. Early next morning you will start the day by feeding your team of huskies and enjoy your breakfast, while the dogs tuck into theirs, before heading back to Kirkenes in time for lunch.

Travel along the Russian border on an overnight snowmobile tour

Take a thrilling snowmobile safari along a frozen fjord to the remote Pasvik Valley where your wilderness cabin awaits. After a delicious dinner made with local ingredients, you can spend the evening watching the skies for the magical Northern Lights.

The following morning you will enjoy a hearty breakfast and get back on the snowmobiles for a tour along the Russian border, before heading back to Kirkenes.

Hurtigruten’s  seven day ‘Classic Voyage North’ from Bergen up to Kirkenes currently costs £889 per person departing on a choice of dates in January 2015 (Including the departure on 13 January on the MS Richard With). The price is based on two people sharing an inside cabin on full board basis. 

The overnight husky tour costs £1,227 per person, while the snowmobile tour costs £1,330 per person. International flights and transfers are available for an additional £395 per person.

For more information call Hurtigruten on tel: 020 3582 6642 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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Aurora Expeditions offer savings of 15 percent.

Expedition cruise company, Aurora Expeditions, are offering savings of 15 percent off the price of their cabin as well as receive bonus inclusions such as a stylish 2-in-1 polar expedition jacket and a printed keepsake Photo Book.

The 20-day 'Photographers: South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula'expedition departs 3 November 2014 and price starts from $6,900 per person, triple share (including discount). Photographers will capture perfect light as the days grow longer, watching king penguins shuffle eggs on their feet, elephant seals pup and fur seal males battle for mating rights.

The 12-day 'Spirit of Antarctica' expedition departs 6 December 2014 and price starts from £4,450 per person, triple share (including discount). This Antarctic adventure involves dramatic icescapes and wildlife spectaculars. On shore you are free to roam amongst prying penguins and sleeping seals, whilst in Zodiacs you'll enjoy magical rides past icebergs and glaciers.

All expeditions include onboard accommodation, meals, guided shore excursions, and an in-depth education program with expert commentary and talks by Aurora's team of naturalists, historians, geologists, expedition team and special guest lecturers.

                                     

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Island Holidays, South Atlantic Islands.

Operating since 1987 Island Holidays offer  special-interest holidays for small groups. 

Specialising in certain areas  notably the South Atlantic Islands with southern Africa and the Polar Regions they also offer visits to other place such as The Azores, Iceland, Ascension Island and Tristan De Cunha and a fully guided cruise to St Helena via Cape Town on the RMS St Helena.

They have a wide spread of cruises and offer a very specialised product. These include: 

Antarctic Peninsula, Peter I Øy, Ross Sea & Subantarctic Islands 31 day expedition.

Leaving from Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, Amundsen and Ross Seas, hugging the Ross Ice Shelf, Vist Scott’s hut and on to New Zealand via Macqaurie Island   9 Januray 2015. 11 February 2015 (In reverse) from  £17,140

St Helena and Cape Town

At the moment the only scheduled travel service to the island is the Royal Mail Ship. The RMS St Helena is not huge (maximum 150 passengers) a vital service both for passengers and cargo. The airport is due to open in 2016 so this is a great opportunity to take part in something that will probably soon be gone forever.  Oct 2014. Jan 2015 March 2015. From £7,555

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Blue Planet Expeditions

Blue Planet Expeditions specialises in small ship expedition cruises around the world to destinations including Svalbard, Antarctica and the Falkland Islands and will soon be offering 6 and 10 night cruises around the coast of Scotland. 

They use small ships taking 12 passengers.Once aboard ship, the price is inclusive, beyond anything accrued on a shipboard account.  There are no charges for any activity or excursion.   The company is based in Stromness, Orkney and is currently looking at purchasing their own ship.  

Example Trips include:

Falkland Islands Circumnavigation

7 - 21 Mar 2015

Become one of the few to circumnavigate the Falklands. This 14 night cruise aboard the MV Hans Hansson is a unique opportunity to explore these remote islands, admire the untamed wilderness and it’s abundant wildlife. From £6,000

Polar Bear Expedition

15 - 25 May 2015

A 10 night cruise aboard  M/S Stockholm. To explore the remote archipelago of Svalbard in search of Polar Bears and other Arctic wildlife.  From £4.800

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Cruise and Maritime Voyages 50th Anniversary cruise

Cruise and Maritime Voyages  has announced that to commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of their cruise ship Marco Polo next year, an epic voyage is planned to Canada and Greenland. The ship will sail from the vessel’s homeport - the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury. The 36 nights cruise departs on 24 July 2015 returning to Tilbury 29 August. Prices start from £2599pp. Bookings go on sale this weekend.

Tilbury is where CMV first based their Marco Polo cruise operations over 5 years ago reinvigorating the 98 year old harbour and a Grade II listed landing stage with an annual programme of regular cruise departures. CMV’s commitment to the Essex port has encouraged a recent investment of £2.6million with work due to start shortly.

From Tilbury Marco Polo will head off to the Shetlands, then the Faroe Islands and up to Iceland. The ship then cruises to Greenland and includes visits to Newfoundland, the St.Lawrence River, Québec and Montréal with a call into Cobh (Cork) Ireland on the way back to Tilbury. An introduction brochure on this cruise is available.

Check online for all details of Marco Polo cruises Watch more information about these and other departures at www.cruiseandmaritime.tv

www.cruiseandmaritime.com 0844 414 6185

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Quark Expeditions to add third small expedition ship to its Antarctic fleet.

Quark Expeditions will add a third small expedition ship to its Antarctic fleet. The 199-passenger Ocean Endeavour will replace the Sea Spirit during the

The ship will all-inclusive features, with pre-night hotel, all onboard meals, complimentary hot beverages, transfers to and from the ship, lectures and two shore excursions every day. In addition, Endeavour will feature unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, wine service with dinner as well as a wellness café and juice bar.
Cabin Types
With the growing demand of solo travelers, a number of cabins will be priced for single occupancy and will have no single supplement. Overall, Polar travellers will have a choice of 13 different categories of accommodation, from the spacious owner’s suite to a range of twin, triple and single cabins. Prices for an 11-day Antarctic Explorer voyage begin at £3,400 per person for triple accommodation.
New Adventure Activity
Quark will introduce stand-up paddleboarding in Antarctica as an optional activity on all voyages aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Those looking to explore the more untouched and remote corners of the Antarctic Peninsula will also be able to experience camping, kayaking, mountaineering and cross-country skiing on select trips. This costs £100.
Early Booking Bonus

As an early booking incentive, travellers who make a reservation by November 15, 2014, will save up to 25% off premium cabins and up to 15% off non premium cabins on select voyages. Additionally, those who book any voyage on the Endeavour before September 30, 2014, will also receive a free air credit (value of $1200, approx. £800).

How to Book For more information visit www.quarkexpeditions.com   or call 0808 120 2333

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Un-Cruise Adventures Offers Adventure Savings On Mexico’s Sea of Cortés Cruise

Travelers save $400/couple on small ship adventure cruise in Baja, Mexico

Un-Cruise Adventures, a small ship adventure cruise line, offers travelers booking a winter cruise vacation by Sept. 30, 2014 an adventure savings of $400 per couple. The 84-guest Safari Endeavour sails weeklong cruises out of San José del Cabo from November through March.

Travelers booking a Sea of Cortés adventure cruise by September 30, 2014 for travel November 2014 through March 2015, receive an adventure savings of $400 per couple.  The savings may not be used on the December 20 or 27 holiday departures.

The Sea of Cortés is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  In November and December 2014, Cousteau’s Aquarium of the World itinerary includes an opportunity to snorkel with gentle whale sharks, the largest known fish in the sea, plus time to explore historic towns of La Paz and Loreto.  From January through March when gray whales are calving in Bahía Magdalena, guests on the Baja’s Bounty! Whale Sharks, Whales & Mobulas travel overland to board panga boats in the bay and see whales and their calves up close.

Both itineraries sail from San José del Cabo, Baja, Mexico and include all adventure activities—snorkeling, hiking, skiff excursions, paddle boarding, beachcombing, a burro ride into the arroyo and snorkeling with sea lions at Los Islotes.  Expedition cruising allows for a flexible itinerary of island exploration and time to seek out and watch wildlife.

The inclusive Mexico cruise includes all activities; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; hot tub, sauna, exercise equipment, yoga on deck and a massage for wellness; transfers; and all port charges, taxes and fees.  Rates begin at US$2,995 per person, double occupancy before the savings.  To book or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or Un-Cruise Adventures at 888-862-8881 or sales@un-cruise.com.  

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Castles and Clans Cruise is a Fitting Finale

Small boat cruising with The Majestic Line will have a truly Scottish flavour this October as they celebrate the last cruises of their successful 10^th anniversary season. 

These final two ‘Castles and Clans’ themed 6-night cruises are perfect for anyone with an interest in Scottish history or with a personal Clan connection, exploring the rich Clan heritage of this idyllic corner of the Scottish Highlands and tuning in with Visit Scotland’s ‘Year of Homecoming’ 2014.

Cruise stopovers include the beautiful Island of Mull, home to descendants of the ancient clans of MacDonalds, Macquarries and MacLaines, among others.  On Mull, guests will have an opportunity to tour the ancient seat of the Clan Maclean at dramatic Duart Castle dating back to the 13^th century, and visit the colourful town of Tobermory, its museum and world famous Distillery. Other highlights include a tour of the quintessential Scottish castle, Castle Stalker on Loch Laich, with links to the Stewarts, Campbells and MacLarens; a stop at the Island of Lismore to discover the lush tranquillity of this little garden isle; finishing with a cruise up Loch Leven past Ben Nevis to visit magnificent Glencoe, where the infamous clan massacre of the MacDonalds by the Campbells took place over 300 years ago.

Life onboard will have a celebratory Scottish flavour too with delicious gourmet meals created from local speciality produce, a whisky tasting and food pairing evening, a St Andrews Day themed ceilidh and buffet for crew and guests with Skipper Sandy providing an address to the haggis, and live traditional music, including The Majestic Line’s owner Andy Thoms performing a tune or two on the bagpipes.

The ‘Castles and Clans of Mull and Glencoe’ cruises depart from Oban on 11^th and 18^th October with cabins currently available at a 10% discount on normal prices.

More information can be found at www.themajesticline.co.uk. 

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A new voyage to the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena

A new voyage pairing the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena - one time home to the observatory of Edmond "comet" Halley - and a visit to South Africa's national observatory for the first time will transport stargazers to astronomy heaven. 

Located 16 degrees south of the equator, virtually every constellation in the sky is visible at one time or another during the year on St Helena. Combine this with a visit to the South African Astronomical Observatories (SAAO) telescopes outside Sutherland in the Western Cape for a truly spellbinding experience.

The new 19-day tour departs from Cape Town in May 2015 on board the RMS St Helena, one of the last working royal mail ships in the world, in the company of professional stargazer, dark skies consultant, and author of the book "Stargazing for Dummies", Steve Owens. For the ultimate optical package, guests can add on the five-day pre tour to the Western Cape, visiting Sutherland to see the Southern Africa Large Telescope along with ample opportunities to appreciate the Southern hemisphere's stellar nightscape. 

Next stop, St Helena, an island steeped in astronomical history and one of the few places where both The Plough and the Southern Cross can be seen in the sky at the same time. Visitors can also marvel at the the Magellanic Clouds, and the galactic centre of the Milky Way. Time on St Helena will include guided tours of Jamestown's historical sites and buildings, visits to local landmarks such as the Heart Shaped Waterfall and Diana's Peak, a Napoleonic tour, coastal sightseeing including seeking out dolphins and nocturnal sky watching. 

The tour, departing Cape Town on 4 May 2015, costs from £2,695 per person including accommodation in a shared two berth cabin on A deck with private facilities and full board while on board the RMS St Helena, in a twin/double room on St Helena on a bed and breakfast basis, all tours on St Helena with evening meals where mentioned. The Western Cape pre-tour departs on 30 April 2015 and costs from £915 per person, based on sharing a twin room, all accommodation and meals as mentioned in the itinerary, entry fees and guiding fees. International flights are extra. For more information and to book visit http://rms-st-helena.com/tours/stargazing

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Falklnds Cruise numbers rise.

The Falkland Islands is looking forward to another good year for tourism according to the latest figures released by the Falkland Islands Tourist Board (FITB), with inbound tourist arrivals set to grow by 18.7% in 2014 to over 5,600 visitors and cruise passenger arrivals forecast to reach over 34,000.

Overall visitor arrivals (including inbound tourists, cruise passengers and domestic tourists) are  expected to total almost 59,000, spending over £9.1 million. The total number of UK visitors (land based) is expected to top 3,000 in 2014, up 20% on last year.

Preliminary figures for the first half of 2014 (January to June) show the islands have already welcomed around 3,000 land based tourist arrivals, up by over 15% year on year.

Norwegian Cruise Lines will be returning to the Falkland Islands in December 2015. The 14-day voyage on board the Norwegian Sun will include a stop off in Stanley in the Falklands as well as Puerto Montt, Chile; Puerto Chacabuco, Chile; Punta Arenas, Chile; Ushuaia, Argentina; Puerto Madryn, Argentina; and Montevideo, Uruguay. Guests on board will also enjoy a scenic cruise through the Chilean Fjords, Strait of Magellan and around Cape Horn. www.falklandislands.com.

        

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Shearings Holidays has launched 19 new itineraries

Shearings Holidays has launched 19 new itineraries and added the MS Princess to its range of six exclusively chartered ships as part of its new 2015 river cruise programme. 

Shearings will for the first time offer cruises along the Loire on board the MS Loire Princesse. As well as taking in the sights of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the five-night all-inclusive ‘Landscapes and Chateaux of the Loire Valley’ also visits Nantes, Saint Nazaire, Ancenis and Angers. Prices start from £1,199pp.

The Mississippi river will also feature in the programme for the first time, with a cruise sailing from New Orleans to Memphis on board The American Queen, the largest paddlewheel steamboat ever built. The ten-day ‘Mississippi’s Southern Charms’ cruise gives customers the opportunity to explore the history of the Deep South, with prices starting from £2,799pp.

The operator has also extended its range of ‘Inclusive Cruises’ following positive customer feedback, with new itineraries such as the ‘Summer Rhine Valley Inclusive Cruise’, a ten-day inclusive break.

http://www.shearings.com

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Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic National Geographic Orion

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced that National Geographic Orion will undergo renovations to two public spaces during dry dock this September.  The renovations will be made to two public spaces: The Lounge (main) and the Observation Lounge, and are being redesigned to better serve the dynamic, learning-oriented community of guests and staff aboard.

Renovations include:

•               The current library will be removed from The Lounge, providing an additional 20% of space that will enable seating now for all guests and expedition team at once.   

•               The Lounge will feature a “circle of truth” in the center (as on National Geographic Explorer), which will serve as the focal area for all presentations and recap discussions by the ship’s expedition team and experts.

•               A newly designed bar.

•               Updating of all furnishings and carpets in a modern, expedition style.

•               Upgrade of all audio and visual functions including large high definition flat screens and contemporary audio system.

•               The Observation Lounge will undergo a complete refurbishment and layout change, and will feature an intimate library, nautical chart table, and a self-serve beverage station.

The renovations are being done by ICF Singapore, a world leader in interior ship design, and will be completed in time for the September 16, 2014 Wild Encounters from Borneo to Bali expedition.

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic launched the 102-guest National Geographic Orion in March 2014. While she has retained all her state-of-the-art comforts, the ship was equipped with a full roster of exploration tools including tandem kayaks, an innovative ROV (remotely operated vehicle reaching depths up to 1,000 feet), snorkeling gear for all, a dive master, scuba gear that can accommodate up to 24 divers at a time, and a glass bottom boat.

For more information or to book your Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic experience today, visit www.expeditions.com,

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Zegrahm Expeditions Announces Brand-New Itinerary to Peru's Amazon

15-Day Expedition Explores Amazon River and Andean Highlands

Zegrahm Expeditions,  is pleased to announce a brand-new itinerary in 2015, Amazon & Peruvian Highlands. This 15-day expedition explores both the lesser-visited Peruvian Amazon River and the Andean highlands. One full week will be spent aboard the luxurious, 28-guest La Estrella Amazonica, custom designed for cruising the Amazon and its tributaries. Each river-view stateroom has a private balcony, plus the ship holds kayaks and two excursion boats on board, permitting travelers to venture out for in-depth exploration.

Zegrahm field director, Kevin Clement, will lead this expedition which takes place April 17 – May 1, 2015 and is priced from $8,980 per person. 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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G Adventures extends Antarctic early booking bonus

10% savings on late 2015 Antarctica sailings

G Adventures has extended its early booking bonus for those looking to secure their place on an Antarctic expedition in late 2015.

G Adventures’ Antarctica Classic, Antarctica Classic in Depth and Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Islands trips, which all explore the regions at the bottom of the world on board MS Expedition, are reduced by 10% when booking before August 31, 2014 and travelling between October 29, 2015 and December 8, 2015. 

Perfect for first time or seasoned travellers, these early-season departures give people the opportunity to see breathtaking glaciers, saw-toothed mountains, colossal icebergs, and for those travelling to South Georgia, King Penguins in an intimate setting during their mating season.

G Adventures’ expeditions on board the MS Expedition include an expert team of specialists including ornithologists, marine biologists, and a photographer to make sure travellers get the perfect shot.

To receive the saving on category 3, 4 and 5 cabins only, the promotional code ‘G14ANTARCTIC10EBB’ must be quoted when booking. The lead-in fare and trip is as follows:

        Antarctica Classic - Set foot on Antarctica. An 11-day trip from Ushaia return was priced from £2,999pp* and now priced from £2,699pp. Prices do not include flights. 

For more information or to book, please call 0344 272 2040 or visit  www.gadventures.co.uk

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With Captain's Choice to the North Pole!

 Captain’s Choice, is taking its concept of all-inclusive luxury touring to a different level next July, as it takes to the seas with the world’s largest nuclear icebreaker on a voyage to the North Pole.

 

This will be the first trip to the North Pole for Captain’s Choice, but the very last passenger voyage for the ‘50 Years of Victory’.  Her maiden voyage was in 2007.

 

Before returning to escort duty in the Russian Arctic the ship, which carried the Olympic Torch to the North Pole in October 2013, will take guests of Captain’s Choice on a one-off journey of discovery as she powers through up to three metres of ice on her quest to reach the North Pole 

The tour departs Helsinki on Saturday 18^th July 2015 and will reach 90° North on Saturday 25^th July in time for a BBQ on the Polar Ice Cap, in a nod to Captain’s Choice Australian roots and the company founder and pioneering explorer, Phil Asker.

 

As with all Captain’s Choice range of luxury tours, the Quest for the North Pole aboard ‘50 Years of Discovery’ will include:

 

·         All flights and travel arrangements on the tour

·         Five star accommodation or best available in destinations

·         All sightseeing tours and several additional options

·         Helicopter flights

·         All meals, wine, beer and soft drinks on board and on land

·         A tour escort team and doctor from beginning to end

·         Use of the ship’s facilities including the sauna, spa and gym

·         Access to the team of experts – scientists, marine biologists and conservationists

·         Expedition gear

·         Many additional touches for which Captain’s Choice Tours are renowned

Guests will depart Helsinki after two nights at the Radisson Blu on 18^th July for a short charter flight to Murmansk, Russia’s last frontier before the Arctic, where they will board the Icebreaker which will be home for the next eleven nights. Cabin gear, boots and expedition gear will be assigned to each guest in preparation for the voyage.  Cruising through the Barents Sea, guests will have the opportunity to talk to the ship’s team of experts and scientists ranging from glaciologists to marine biologists and conservationists, and take a helicopter ride over the ice itself.

The arrival at the North Pole on Saturday 25^th July will be marked by a gourmet BBQ Polar-style, prepared by the ship’s on-board team of chefs.

 

The south-bound voyage through the pack ice will be no less exciting as the ship powers through towering volcanic mountains, icebergs and glaciers at Franz Josef Land, a largely unexplored archipelago of 91 islands that was only discovered in 1873.  Here sightings of polar bears, walrus and seals are common place.  Guests will board zodiacs (weather permitting) to explore the hinterland in search of wrecks, wildlife and seabirds.

 

The voyage finishes with one last night in Helsinki although guests also have the option of pre and post touring in Russia and the Baltic States.

 

The 15 day voyage Quest for the North Pole takes place from 18^th July to 1^st August 2015 and costs from £18,385 per person including return flights form the UK.  Suite upgrades cost from £3165 per person.  Prices are based on twin share.

 

The ‘Best of Russia’ pre tour option costs from £3100 per person twin share, and the Baltic States Post Tour costs £3565 per person.

 

For further information and a copy of the new brochure, please visit www.captainschoice.co.uk or call T: 0800 046 7727

 

Captain’s choice is holding a series of free information seminars from 3^rd to 18^th  September in London, Edinburgh, Harrogate, Chester, Ashford, Winchester and Bath.  To sign up please visit www.captainschoice.co.uk/presentations

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