G Adventures expands its sailing programme for 2014/15

New sailing trips in Cuba, the British Virgin Islands and Turkey

Building on its current line-up of sailing trips, G Adventures has launched a range of new nautical itineraries in Cuba, Turkey and the British Virgin Islands.

The small-group adventure operator has seen a significant rise in demand for small-ship sailing over the years, crediting flexible itineraries, low-cost / high-value experiences and expert skippers as key reasons for its success. G Adventures’ sailing trips are among the itineraries that have the highest number of repeat travellers.

G Adventures also offers sailing trips in the Greek Islands, Thailand and Croatia. All itineraries vary in length from four to 15 days. The yachts and catamarans carry a maximum of eight or 14 travellers.  Aspiring sailors can also learn the ropes, receiving pointers from expert skippers and even taking the wheel themselves.

The 2014/15 Marine brochure is available now. All trips are guaranteed to depart. Itineraries include:

• Sailing Cuba – Havana to Havana - Sail on a catamaran through the beautiful turquoise waters of the Canarreos Archipelago, stop to snorkel or share a drink with friendly locals while enjoying the slow pace of life in the islands. Eight days and priced from £1,149 per person.
• Sailing the British Virgin Islands – Tortola to Tortola. – Sail on a catamaran through the beautiful turquoise waters of the British Virgin Islands, stop to snorkel in deep caves, anchor and jump aboard a floating bar and tour around islands by car, or go for a hike. Relax in the evenings and enjoy the sunset and the Caribbean sounds. Seven days and priced from £999 per person.
• Sailing Turkey – Bodrum to Fethiye – Discover tiny villages along the Turkish coastline, secluded islands and deserted beaches, swim in clear turquoise waters, learn to sail on a state-of-the-art catamaran, marvel at the ancient rock tombs in Dalyan and hike through ancient ruins, sail into the ancient port of Fethiye. A 10-day trip is priced from £1,149 per person.

For more information or to book, please call 0844 272 2040 or visit www.gadventures.co.uk

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Silversea expedition cruises will visit 500 destinations in 2016

Silversea's three expedition ships, Silver Explorer, Silver Discoverer, and Silver Galapagos, will collectively explore more than 500 destinations on 95 expedition cruises. Included among 88 inaugural calls are Gough Island, St. Helena; Lizard Island, Australia; Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles; Ko Phra Thong, Thailand; and South Cinque Island, Andaman Archipelago.

Silver Explorer's schedule retains its expedition cruises to Antarctica, South and Central America, the British Isles, Northern Canada, Greenland, and Arctic Norway. New itineraries include a 12-day expedition to the White Sea sailing roundtrip from Tromso on 11 June, and an 18-day journey focused on Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, sailing roundtrip from Kangerlussuaq on 22 August.

Silver Discoverer's six expedition cruises along Australia's Kimberley Coast from March to May highlight an exotic programme that encompasses Africa, New Zealand, Indonesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Russian Far East, and remote Alaska. On the schedule is a new 15-day, Phuket-to-Male sailing departing 2 December to explore Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Plus, on the 17 December, the ship departs Male on a new 17-day expedition to the Seychelles, Maldives, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Highlighting this voyage is an inaugural visit to Aldabra, an amazing raised coral atoll that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Silver Galapagos will again operate year-round voyages exploring the pristine and biologically diverse islands of the Galápagos.

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Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic six new itineraries on National Geographic Orion for 2015

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced six new itineraries for 2015 aboard the 102-guest National Geographic Orion.  From coral reefs to welcome ceremonies, guests will discover seldom-visited islands offering some of the most unspoiled undersea exploration. 

National Geographic Orion is perfectly equipped for the mission with a roster of exploration tools including full snorkeling gear for all, a SCUBA program that can accommodate up to 24 divers at a time with a dive master, a glass bottom boat, kayaks, a state of the art remote operated vehicle (ROV) that reaches depths of up to 1,000 feet, and a fleet of Zodiacs.

The new cruises include:

Bali to Palau: Exotic Indonesia 

Palau to Solomon Islands: Along the Pacific Equator 

Solomon Islands to Fiji: Hidden South Pacific 

Fiji to The Cook Islands: Polynesian Discovery

Cook Islands to Tahiti: Pristine Reefs of the South Pacific 

Tahiti to Easter Island: Tales of the Pacific

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Quark adds fly/cruise to Falklands & South Georgia to expedition Line-Up

Quark Expeditions  2015/16 Antarctic voyages line-up has expeditions tailored to accommodate travellers of all fitness levels, interest groups and even those with time constraints.

Returning passengers will find an additional fly-cruise itinerary enabling those with limited schedules to see the Antarctic as well as the Falklands and South Georgia in less time. Quark Expeditions® is a provider of the fly-cruise program, a popular choice with those who wish to visit the remote region but don’t have the luxury of time required for a longer expedition. Those in search of a classic Antarctic expedition experience will still find many options available to them, from the 21-day Epic Antarctica, to Quark's most popular expedition, Antarctic Explorer, with 11 or 12-day itineraries.

As an added value, passengers who make reservations by 15  November 2014 will receive an early booking incentive of 25 percent off premium cabins and 15 percent off non premium cabins on select voyages. 

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Avalon Waterways Asia programme for 2015

Avalon Waterways Asia programme for 2015 features the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar for the first time with a newly designed Suite Ship, the ‘Avalon Myanmar’ and a sister ship, the ‘Avalon Siem Reap’ which will sail the River Mekong through Vietnam & Cambodia.

Avalon Waterways is offering a 15 day ‘Golden Myanmar & the Irrawaddy’ holiday including a 10 night cruise on the Irrawaddy River combined with a 3 night Yangon city stay.   The cruise is available on a north or southbound itinerary with the option of pre/post cruise hotel stays in Yangon, Bangkok or the scenic lake area of Inle.  Often referred to as the ‘Road to Mandalay’, the river is the centre of the historical, cultural and economic heart of Myanmar. The new Avalon cruise will sail past traditional riverside villages, ancient cities with intricate pagodas and temples as well as beautiful teak forests. Cruise highlights include the capital city of Yangon, the ancient city of Bagan, the U Bein Bridge at Amarapura, the spectacular sights of Mandalay, Bhamo, the religious site of Sagaing as well as the Islands of Kyun Daw.  Prices are from £5,369 per person*.

Built by local craftsmen, both new Suite Ships have a passenger capacity of 36 and are specially designed to provide the best way of experiencing the unique sights and landscapes from the river.  All staterooms are sized at a spacious 245 square feet (larger than the European Avalon Suite Ships) and feature a wall-to-wall panoramic window measuring 14-feet wide which opens to transform the living space into a large open air balcony, a large bathroom, spacious storage space and Comfort Collection beds. 

Both smaller ships have been designed so that they can cruise to places currently not available with other cruise companies.  Avalon Myanar will sail on the spectacular Upper Northern Irrawaddy and Avalon Siem Reap will be able to sail into Ho Chi Minh City harbour.

Other Asian and South American Avalon river cruises include the Yangtze in China and the Amazon in Brazil as well as small ship coastal cruising around the Galapagos Islands.

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Hurtigruten fleet gains new expedition ship for new Svalbard programme

Hurtigruten and Spitsbergen Travel are chartering MS Nordstjernen to offer a programme of expedition style short voyages around Svalbard from 2015.

The ship will be sailing through the months of June, July and August. Holidaymakers can combine a 3-4 day voyage with the unique activities and attractions offered in and around Longyearbyen.

Guests will be able to explore Longyearbyen, Barentsburg, Ny-Ålesund and the entire superb north-western coast of Spitsbergen. They can expect to see Arctic wildlife with walruses, polar bears, a diverse range of bird species and other Arctic animals such as whales, foxes, reindeer, and grouse.

MS Nordstjernen departs Bergen on June 1^st and visits a number of fjords in Western Norway, Ålesund Town, Lofoten, Tromsø and Honningsvåg/North Cape before setting sail for the Svalbard archipelago. The voyage concludes in Longyearbyen after the ship has visited the Moffen nature reserve at 80 degrees Latitude.

Having relocated to Svalbard, the ship will offer voyages departing from Longyearbyen every Monday and Thursday until 28 August. Prices start from £927 for a six day trip departing on 11 June including transfers, one night in a hotel in Spitsbergen on half board basis, voyage on full board basis, plus all hikes and landings. Flights cost from an additional £520 per person.

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Saga new Canary Island Coasts adventure cruise.

In answer to fun-loving passengers’ appetite for adventure tours, Saga has introduced a selection of action-packed excursions on Saga Pearl II’s new Canary Island Coasts cruise.

In Madeira, a four-wheel drive safari will take guests on and off-road through hidden valleys and mountain roads. There also be a RIB adventure to watch for whales and dolphins in the sea around Madeira, accompanied by a team of marine biologists. 

Tenerife’s Teide National Park has ideal conditions for stargazing and this sparkling experience starts with guests sipping champagne at sunset before dinner. As night falls, under the stars a guide will point out distant constellations and impressive planets using professional telescopes.

In Morocco, jump into a 4x4 vehicle for a scenic drive to Imouzzer Paradise Valley, leaving behind the palm groves and gorges of the River Tamrhakht to view the ever-changing landscape with traditional houses set among the Argan trees. For those who prefer to stretch their legs, trekking in the Atlas foothills is another new option. Walk across the rugged landscape of arid mountains and ochre-red rocks softened by lush palm and banana groves.

16 nights from £1,915, departing Southampton on 19 March 2016. Price includes UK travel package to and from Southampton, all meals and entertainment, afternoon tea, 24-hour room service, welcome cocktail party, unlimited tea and coffee.

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Amazon River specialist Rainforest Cruises new cruise and lodge package in Peru

Boutique Amazon River specialist Rainforest Cruises has launched a new cruise and lodge package in Peru.  The Peruvian Amazon adventure tour includes a four-day luxurious riverboat cruise and a gravity-defying tree-top stay.

Tours begin with two-nights in the Amazon's Treehouse Lodge, a collection of eight en-suite bungalows set from 25 feet to a staggering 65 feet in the air, all joined by secure walkways and platforms which are perfect for spotting the abundant tree-top wildlife.

After the spectacular stay, guests join the luxurious Cattleya Amazon riverboat to embark on a four-day adventure cruise into the little visited Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, the largest protected wetland in the world and recognised as one of the areas of highest biodiversity on the planet.

The eight-person riverboat is sleeker and has a smaller engine than other vessels in the region, allowing the Cattleya to quietly navigate further along narrow tributaries and channels for more chances to spot illusive wildlife.

Prices for the six-day tour start from £1,529 per person, with all accommodation and full board included. 

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Seabourn visiting South Africa and Antarctica later on this year.

                           

Seabourn have two cruises visiting South Africa and Antarctica later on this year.

21-day Ultimate Antarctica and Patagonia sailing 

Join Seabourn Quest on a 21-day Antarctica and Patagonia cruise-only from £6,299 per person (based on two people sharing a Veranda Suite). Price includes a 21-day cruise departing from Buenos Aires and calling at Montevideo, Stanley, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, the Chilean Fjords, Castro, Puerto Montt and Valparaiso.  Price is based on 29 November departure. 

  

14-day South Africa Christmas sailing 

Join Seabourn Sojourn (above) on a 14-day South Africa Christmas cruise-only from £4,499 per person (based on two people sharing a Veranda Suite). Price includes a 14-day cruise departing from Cape Town and calling at Port Elizabeth, Durban, Richards Bay, Maputo, East London and Mossel Bay before arriving back into Cape Town.  Price is based on 21 December departure.

Un-Cruise Adventures Details New Galápagos Islands Adventure in 2016

Un-Cruise Adventures gears up for its first foray into Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands and the historic city of Quito, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with eight departures planned in 2016.  Travelers interested in a longer adventure in South America may add a four-night Amazon basin rainforest cruise and a six-night excursion to Peru and Machu Picchu.

The seven-night island cruise aboard the 48-guest La Pinta (above) sails from San Cristóbal Island and visits Española, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Bartolomé, Santiago and Chinese Hat Islet.

Departure dates in 2016 include 17 February, 16 and 30  March, 25 May, 6 July, 3 August, 14 September and 9 November.  Price includes two nights deluxe hotel accommodations; two commercial flights between Quito and Galápagos; port fees/taxes; entry fees to national parks/preserves; exclusive transfers; tours and adventure activities; breakfast, lunch and private dinner in Quito; and all meals plus premium spirits, wine, and beer on board La Pinta.  For 2016, rates begin at $8,995 (£5,628) per person, double occupancy for the inclusive land tour and island cruise adventure. 

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Hurtigruten has announced a new concept on-board MS Lofoten

Copyright Trond Gansmoe Johnsen_Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten has announced a new concept on-board MS Lofoten from April 2015. Launched in 1964 the ship’s characteristics, including a delicious 4-course dinner based on the menus of the 1960s, will be accentuated throughout her voyages, offering passengers nostalgic maritime experiences such as fishing directly from the ship, bridge tournaments, afternoon teas and a more traditional dining experience.

This small ship can navigate waters larger vessels can’t - bringing her passengers closer to the action and closer to the scenery.  While the ship will operate on the traditional coastal voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, Hurtigruten are currently working on a number of new diversions and ports of call to add to the experience from April 2015.

Nearly 30 excursions are available with further exclusive activities offered. Passengers will be given the opportunity to fish directly from the deck, or set pots to entice the fascinating king crab and retireve the catch on the return journey. The catch of the day will be prepared and served to the lucky fishermen at the next meal. In the evenings, all those fisherman’s tales gathered during the day, can be recounted over a game of bridge and a (complimentary) glass of sherry in the vintage lounge before dinner. Afternoon teas and quiz evenings will also be part of the new on-board experience.

Prices for 12 day Classic Round Voyage costs from £1,197 per person on full board basis, departing on 15 April 2015. Flights cost from £330 return. Other duration voyages are also available.    

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Captain’s Choice takes to the seas with the world’s largest nuclear icebreaker on a voyage 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.

The tour departs Helsinki on Saturday  18 July 2015 and will reach 90° North on Saturday 25 July in time for a BBQ on the Polar Ice Cap.

The south-bound voyage through the pack ice will be no less exciting passing 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 15 day voyage Quest for the North Pole takes place from 18 July to 1 August 2015 and costs from £18,385 per person including return flights form the UK.  Suite upgrades cost from £3,165 per person.  Prices are based on twin share. 

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Treasures of China and the Yangtze with Titan/Uniworld

This cruise through China from Titan/Uniworld will carry you from the ultramodern high-rises of Shanghai to the ancient Great Wall, revealing the great diversity of the country along the way.

Sailing on the Century Paragon with its two restaurants you follow the Yangtze into the heart of China, with mist-shrouded shrines and weather-shaped rock formations of the Three Gorges.

This holiday provides insight into the marvels of old and new China. Visit Beijing’s Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square and walk along the Great Wall, one of the wonders of the ancient world. 

Voyages from 14 April 2015 through to 20 Oct 2015 from £4,249. Includes flights and Titans VIP door to door pick up service.

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