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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Quark launches new rewards programme

Quark announces the launch of a new rewards programme to honour its loyal travellers beginning in November 2014 to coincide with the Antarctic 2014/15 season.

The Shackleton Club will reward Quark’s loyal passengers with benefits and value-add options so they can personalise their Polar experience. Membership is open to anyone and those interested can sign up for The Shackleton Club online. Rewards will be fulfilled as of a passenger’s second Quark voyage for Bronze level, third Quark voyage for Silver level and fourth Quark voyage for Gold level. Benefits of the program include:

• Discount on future travel, combinable with other in-market promotions
• Onboard option of either internet card or satellite calling card
• Opportunity for last minute cabin upgrade (where available) for Silver and Gold members

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SAVE OVER £1,000PP ON A VOYAGE TO ANTARCTICA

Travel to some of the world’s most spectacular scenery and incredible wildlife, a visit to the White Continent is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Now Hurtigruten has made it even easier for you to follow in the footsteps of the famous explorers who have roamed this land, with savings of over £1,000pp on selected departures to Antarctica this winter.

 

The offer is available on the ‘Classic Expedition’ voyage on selected dates in November 2012 through to February 2013, with prices starting at just  £3295pp. Bookings can be made any time from now until departure. 

All voyages take place on board MS Fram, Hurtigruten’s newest expedition ship built specifically to sail in polar waters. Sit back and relax as ship glides through this amazing white landscape or enjoy a series of onboard lectures by experts on Antarctica. Polarcirkel boats are used to take guests ashore and closer to penguin colonies, ice formations and the wonders of Antarctica.

The Classic Expedition – from £3295pp (Was £4304pp) – Available on 29 November 2012, 8 December 2012 and 13 February 2013. This spectacular 10-day voyage offers a real insight into the planet’s last untouched continent. Prices start from £3295pp (was £4304pp) for an inside cabin and include full board on the ship, flights between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, transfers in Ushuaia, landings in Polarcirkel boats and lectures by the expedition team. Based on two sharing.

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

HURTIGRUTEN GUESTS HELP TO PROTECT THE ALBATROSS

Hurtigruten has been an active participant in many of the remote areas it visits on its expedition voyages and often raises money for needy causes. From early summer 2012, new fundraising activity will take place on MS Fram’s Arctic and Antarctic voyages that focuses on helping to raise money for the ‘Save the Albatross’ project run by the Bird Life International Foundation. The Albatross, which visitors to Antarctica can see fly past from the deck of the ship faces extinction mainly due to industrial long-line fishing. 

Hurtigruten will raise funds by auctioning off items at the end of each Explorer voyage. Among the items being auctioned off are, for example, the unique nautical chart of the respective voyage, signed by the captain, a Hurtigruten flag signed by all crew members, and expedition team jackets. 

MS Fram’s expedition leader, Karin Strand comments: “These animals are incredibly elegant when they move. To me, they are one of the most impressive bird species in the world, able to fly thousands of miles. Our guests recognise the privilege of being able to travel to the Antarctic, Greenland or Spitsbergen – and as a thank-you they would like to contribute to the future of these regions. We want to give something back to the regions we have visited and guests bid for unique keepsakes of their voyage that they can treasure and help raise money at the same time.

Each destination MS Fram visits raises money onboard for campaigns run by a range of organisations. For example In Antarctica, funds raised go to the Save The Albatross and Antarctica South Heritage Trust. In Greenland's children benefit from the donations: each year, the funds collected on the cruises go to the “Association of Greenlandic Children”. Since the auctions were first launched in 2007, €140,000 have already been raised. 

Hurtigruten sails to some of the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway's coast and Europe in the spring.

For more information call Hurtigruten – 0844 448 7601 www.hurtigruten.co.uk <http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk>  

Orion Expedition Cruises has released its 2013 Calendar of Sailings

Orion Expedition Cruises has released its 2013 Calendar of Sailings itineraries for the luxury expedition cruise ship Orion. Voyages with appeal to people who may feel they have “been everywhere” explore from the polar reaches of Antarctica to the tropical climes of Borneo, including expeditions to the Kimberley, Papua NewGuinea, Melanesia, New Zealand and the sub Antarctic Islands.

Eight years of operational experience is reflected across a range of 40 five- to 20-night itineraries capturing the very best regional destinations. Some perennially popular voyages, such as Australia’s Kimberley coast, warrant fifteen 10-night voyages in 2013 (and feature an inclusive and exclusive Bungle Bungle sightseeing flight), while other one-off expeditions explore the Solomon islands and the rarely visited Forgotten and Spice Islands of the Indonesian archipelago.

Experiences range from climbing active volcanoes in Melanesia to viewing pre-historic rock art in the Kimberley of North West Australia or an introduction to the ancient cultures of Papua New Guinea. Walk in the footsteps of polar explorers at the historic Antarctic base camps of Mawson, Scott and Shackleton and encounter extensive wild life in its natural habitat - crocodiles in the Kimberley, dragons in Komodo, rare birdlife in the sub Antarctic islands and endangered species of primate in Borneo. For others the food, wine and exclusive golf courses of New Zealand or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef will appeal.

Instead of a floating mega mall, Orion is a compact purpose-built luxury expedition vessel designed to carry just 100 guests in great comfort, with a crew of 75 providing attentive yet unobtrusive service. Sometimes challenging days in remote and unusual locations (in the company of the specialist Expedition Team) are balanced onboard with comforts akin to a small luxury hotel.

Pricing will be available from 1st April 2012 when Orion will start taking bookings.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Explore's new Polar Adventures Brochure

Explore's new Polar Adventures brochure features 3 new ships and 19 new polar voyages.  They are also offering up to 30% off selected Polar Voyages.

The new collection of Polar Adventures introduces more ships that'll take you into the heart of Antarctica and to the most rugged parts of the Arctic. Spot emperor penguins, the tallest penguin species in the world, in the Ross Sea, or naviage the Arctic on a two mastered schooner, the Noordelicht. These are just 2 of the company's new ideas, to complement their classic collection of Polar Adventures.

http://www.explore.co.uk/polar/16711-new-polar-adventures-brochure-and-save-up-to-30-percent

Commemorate 100 years of Antarctic explorers with G Adventures

Marking 100 years since Captain Scott voyaged to the Antarctic, 2012 is the perfect year to take a G Adventures cruise aboard the M/S Expedition to celebrate one of the world’s greatest historic expeditions.

G Adventures is offering 10% discounts on a range of Antarctic expeditions for bold travellers looking to explore this region during the cruise season (November to March). Tours must be booked by 30 November 2011 for the 2012/13 Antarctic tours departing between 7 November 2012 and 9 March 2013.

For travellers who don’t want to wait, there are still places available on selected 2011/12 departures, including the Spirit of Shackleton tour. Suitable for history fans, the voyage focuses on the adventurers and legends formed out of the ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’. The tour’s namesake, Sir Edmund Shackleton, was actually a third officer on Captain Scott’s first quest to Antarctica in 1901, making this journey a pilgrimage for travellers enticed to Antarctica by the dramatic history of its discovery.

Spirit of Shackleton. Trip code: XVSHSX, Price: From £7189 per person Duration: 20 days. Next available departure: 11 January 2012

This journey takes intrepid travellers to some of the world’s most remote wilderness including the South Georgia Islands, Falkland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Visiting historic sites of past explorers, including Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final resting place, this adventure illuminates many of the courageous legends from what is known as the ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’.There is extraordinary scenery and an abundance of diverse wildlife, including vast penguin rookeries, seal colonies and whale pods.

20-day adventures trip from Ushuaia, return, 18 nights on board the M/S Expedition, one night hotel accommodation in Ushuaia, All meals on M/S Expedition, Ushuaia airport transfer depending on flight departure details, Zodiac cruises and shore landings with expert expedition team, Lecture and educational programs, Waterproof boots and Antarctica destination guide book, Canada Goose expedition jacket for each guest who pays for a Category 5 Suite, Expert G Adventures Expedition Guide throughout.

For more details visit www.gadventures.com/ms-expedition-cruises or the Cruise Line   Why not subscribe to World of Cruising magazine?

Antarctica with Exodus

Exodus Expeditions are offering an in depth exploration of Antarctica, combining the best of the Western side of the peninsula with the less visited, more remote, Eastern side.

This is a remarkable adventure visiting both sides of the Peninsula. You spend three days sailing along the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, along fjords and past icebergs, enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. The trip hopes to visit magnificent spots such as Cuverville Island, Wilhelmina Bay and Orne Harbour, before passing through the Antarctic Sound to the wild and remote east coast of the Peninsula in the Weddell Sea.

The epitome of the Weddell Sea is massive tabular icebergs, and watching these imposing and majestic bergs glide silently past the ship is a remarkable experience.  You will  explore islands and continental shores, hoping to visit Brown Bluff (Above), Hope Bay and Paulet Island, whose residents are Chinstrap and Adelie penguins in huge numbers.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with Antarctica cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Exodus new Polar Exepdition Cruises

Spitsbergen Explorer: 12 days (11 days ship-only) from £3,120 including flights. Next departure dates are 1 July and 23 July 2012.

Part of the popular Polar Expeditions brochure is the great exploration of Spitsbergen - home to Polar bears, walrus, Arctic foxes and huge colonies of seabirds. There is 24-hour daylight this far north in the summer and Exodus plans to maximise this from the decks of the 100-berth Vavilov or Ioffe. Easily maneuverable around the ice, these ships are perfect for such adventures and have the added advantage that passengers can be in inflatable Zodiacs in the water at just a few minutes notice – catching a Polar bear and her cubs playing in the ice or perhaps sailing in the same space as a 150 ton whale. Any photographic or wildlife fan should seriously consider these departures which are guided by award-winning photographer and Polar enthusiast Paul Goldstein.

Antarctic Explorer - 15 days (12 days ship-only) from £4,130 land only. Next departure dates are 13 November, 19 November, 29 November 2011, 3, 9, 11, 21. 31 December 2011 and 10, 20, 24, 31 January 2012.

An expedition which will appeal to every naturist, explorer, photographer or ornithologist. This is an adventure that takes passengers to the heart of the Peninsula, exploring the ice wilderness of the South Shetland Islands and the channels of the Antarctic. From towering icebergs to emperor penguins and leopard seals, this trip offers every part of Antarctica that you would want to see. Highlights include Iceberg Alley and Deception Island the 19th century refuge from icebergs and Polar storms. 

Journey to the North Pole - 15 days (12 days ship-only) from £14,260 land only. The next departures are 25 June and 6 July 2012

With only one departure a year and only one ship capable of offering this stunning itinerary – reaching the top of the world aboard the ’50 Years of Victory’ – this is a rare and rewarding trip which is worth every penny. Travel to the North Pole and en route, discover polar bears, stunning birdlife and the beautiful city of Helsinki. A trip that combines the raw power of the ship – cutting through ice metres thick – the use of helicopter flights for aerial viewing and Zodiac landings for intimate wildlife encounters, this is an expedition unlike any other.

For more information  visit www.exodus.co.uk or polar cruising specialists The Cruise Line.  Why not subscribe to World of Cruising magazine?      Image. Paul Goldstein Exodus     

Save Up to £1240pp on Antarctica Voyage

Always fancied heading down to the White Continent and following in the footsteps of famous explorers? Want to see some of the most amazing and awe inspiring scenery in the world but like the comfort of returning to a warm ship each day? Niche expedition cruise operator, Hurtigruten has launched a special offer for anyone wanting to visit Antarctica this winter that offers savings of up to £1240pp.

Book an Antarctic Discovery or Weddell Sea Adventure itinerary on selected dates in January and February 2012 and take advantage of a new, unspecified cabin offer. This means that passengers book a cabin at a special price which will be allocated to them on arrival. This could result in receiving a higher category cabin!

The voyage is onboard MS Fram, a ship specifically designed for polar exploration. Onboard lectures and talks lead by experts on Antarctica will ensure guests learn as much as possible during their voyage. Polarcirkel boats are used to take passengers ashore and closer to penguin colonies, ice formations and the wonders of Antarctica.

Antarctic Discovery - £3948pp (Was £4934) – SAVE £986pp – Available on 3 January and 14 February 2012. This 12-day voyage offers an introduction to the world’s most beguiling continent. Now priced from £3948 (was £4934) per person for an unspecified outside cabin including nine night’s full board on the ship, return domestic charter flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, one night’s b/b accommodation in Buenos Aires before and after the voyage, transfers and lectures. International flight packages are extra. Based on two sharing.

Weddell Sea Adventure - £4964pp (Was £6204pp) – SAVE £1240pp – Available on 21 January, this 15-day trip offers the chance to reach a latitude of 74° south into the rarely-visited, true heart of Antarctica, travelling in the wake of great pioneers such as Captain James Weddell and Sir Ernest Shackleton. Now priced from £4697 (was £6204)) per person for an unspecified outside cabin N grade cabin including 12 night’s full board on the ship, return domestic charter flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, one night’s b/b accommodation in Buenos Aires before and after the voyage, transfers and lectures. International flight packages are extra. Based on two sharing.For more information call Hurtigruten on 020 8846 2666 www.hurtigruten.co.uk

Antarctica 2012

Hurtigruen's Antarctica voyages for 2012 still have spaces. There are varied routes to choose from including the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula. Their ship the Fram is really great, speaking from experience here, and the excusriosn are simply stunning.
You can find out more on www.hurtigruten.co.uk

Hapag-Lloyd's 2012/13 Expedition Season

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises announces the arrival of their March 2012-May 2013 expedition brochure. Their small and beautifully appointed expedition ships, MS Hanseatic and MS Bremen, will be offering 12 international (English/German) itineraries next season.

They include travel in Antarctica, the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Spitsbergen, Norway, the Amazon, the South Seas and New Zealand. In addition, the expedition itineraries feature new ports of call in Madagascar and Mozambique and a maiden voyage through theSea of Okhotsk in Russia’s Far East.

The two ships were created to provide intensive exploration in the most elegant surroundings for a maximum of 184 guests on Hanseatic and 164 on Bremen.

Antarctica

Glaciers, icebergs, deep fjords and bays offer the setting for an unforgettable Antarctic expedition. In addition to observing bird colonies, guests will also have the opportunity to explore the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, bath in the hot springs on Deception Island and observe whales in the Antarctic Sound.

For more info, visit www.hl-cruises.com

Brown Bluff, Antarctica

This is Brown Bluff the most northerly point on the Antarctic peninsula. I just love the wake of the Polar Circkle boat as it takes people to the beach from Hurtigruten's polar adventure cruise ship "Fram".

We saw Orcas here as well as numerous penguins and seals.

You can't really explain Antarctica to anyone who has not been there.Iit is simply awesome. The word ineffable isn't used much these days but it should be about the White Continent. You can find out  more about Hurtigrutens' voayges to both polar regions at http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/

New Off-The-Beaten-Track Adventure Cruise To Antarctica Incorporating Brand New Activities

Antarctica Off The Beaten Track is a brand new 12-night adventure cruise frm One Ocean Expeditions incorporating a selection of extraordinary outdoor pursuits not previously available on other itineraries, which are designed to excite and inspire lovers of the Great Outdoors.

Departing Ushuaia, the world’s southern-most city, in Argentina on 8 November 2011, passengers travelling with One Ocean Expeditions on board Akademik Ioffe, an impressive ice-strengthened ship designed for Polar Research, will have the opportunity to experience three new activities: ski touring, overnight sea kayaking trips - unique in Antarctica to this operator - and full-day expedition field photography with renowned Polar photographer, Daisy Gilardini.

One of the only Antarctic ships still actively participating in true oceanographic science through Russia’s Institute of Oceanography in Kaliningrad, the Akademik Ioffe combines modern comforts and superb amenities with first-class safety and manoeuvrability.

Outdoor enthusiasts, thrill seekers, naturalists and would-be adventurers will find it the perfect vessel on which to travel through Antarctica to witness the region’s pristine beauty and abundant wildlife. Plus, the unpredictability of the region adds to the anticipation and excitement of participating in adrenaline-pumping activities such as snow shoeing, hiking, cruising in inflatable Zodiacs, sea kayaking and overnight camping in stunning Polar terrain.Passengers will be able to choose from activities included in the package price, such as a relatively gentle hiking expedition along the rocky shore or a more challenging long distance trek to the outer limits, and overnight camping on the ice amidst the Polar landscape: a truly memorable experience.

Among the optional adventures on offer for those enrolled on the sea kayaking programme (US$750), is the brand new two-night polar sea kayak and camping excursion (additional fee US$300) led by experienced kayak guides. Previous sea kayaking and camping experience is necessary to participate in these pursuits and is subject to approval by a One Ocean Expedition guide.

Other options providing the opportunity to appreciate varied terrain amidst Antarctic snow pack include snow shoeing (US$45) giving access to breathtaking vistas unimpaired by waist deep powder, or the new, more strenuous mountaineering/ski touring expedition ($750) aimed at skiers who enjoy a challenge and are not afraid of skinning up for the run of a lifetime. Ski-touring also requires previous experience and approval from a guide before participation can be confirmed.

For keen photographers interested in field photography, a full day’s expedition with speciality polar photographer, Daisy Gilardini, is now on offer (US$45), focusing on capturing either adventure pursuits with a remarkable backdrop or stunning landscape scenes.The 12-night Antarctica Off The Beaten Track expedition includes all meals and accommodation plus Zodiac excursions and landings, special hiking programmes, ship transfers, foul weather gear and overnight camping. Prices start from US$8390 per person based on twin share, from US$6590pp for triple share and from US$10980pp in a One Ocean Suite. Price excludes flights UK – Ushuaia (available from £949 including pre-paid taxes and current fuel surcharges). Dates: 8 – 20 November 2011, (Ushuaia/Ushuaia)

For further information, visit www.oneoceanexpeditions.com or the Cruise Line

Air - Cruise to Antarctica

I took this shot of Chinstrap penguins on Half Moon Island earler this year when I went with Hurtigruten sailing across the Drake Passage.

 Now there is an air/cruise "open-jaw" option between Ushuaia – Antarctic - Punta Arenas on high season dates next season.  To find our more visit http://www.antarcticdream.com/

Walking Antarctica

Well excuse me crowing and blowing my own trumpet today but I have a piece on polar cruising in the Telegraph this morning. So here we are landing on the white continent in, believe it or not, high summer.

Take care for me now wherever you are.

Larsen's Hut, Paulet Island, Antarctica

This is the remains of Larsen's hut on Paulet Island. Some three miles off Dundee Island on the north east of the Antarctic Peninsula. I visited Antarctica with Hurtigruten.

The hut was built by Larsen and his crew when their boat was crushed in the ice and they were forced to drag the lifeboats over 14 miles of pack ice to get here and over winter in 1902.

They then rowed the 90 odd miles south to Snow Hill Island when the spring came to reach the geologists there. By an amazing coincidence Shackelton's ship was there to pick up the geologists as they thought Nansen and his crew had perished. Have a great day now.

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Brown Bluff, Antarctic Peninusla

Welcome to Brown Bluff  the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, you can see how it got it's name. It's actually a former volcano and you can see the layers of eruption on it. Have a great day now.

Southern Fulmar

This Souhern Fulmar was flying alonside the ship as we crossed the Drake Passage on our way to Antarctica. Not as spectacular as the Wandering Albatross but still a magnifcient bird. Hope all's well with you and have a great day wherever you are.

Sheathbill on Ship's Jacuzzi

This sheathbill landed on the ship's Jacuzzi just offshore from Port Lecroy on the west coast of the Antarctic peninsula. As you can see they don't have webbed feet and are also notorious for hitching a ride on ships as they're not great flyers. They live in the penguin colonies and because they don't have webbed feet are very fast runners so they nip in the second the penguin is off the nest and grab the eggs or youg chicks.

This one was obviuosly enjoying the warmth of the jacuzzi as it conveniently posed for me for about twenty minutes. Take care now and enjoy your day.