Down Under savings with Voyages of Discovery

Save up to £1370pp. 12 Snap up a great deal on Voyages of Discovery’s recently reduced South East Asia and Australia cruise.

A remarkable melting pot of Asian and Latin cultures thick with history and flavour, Manila promises an exciting start to a voyage inviting you to meet the ‘Wild Man of Borneo’ and immerse yourself in local life on charming Indonesian islands. ‘Tamed’ territory, Darwin is an eclectic blend – modern city, Asian village and frontier town.

‘Untamed’ Australia comes in the rich rainforests and underwater riches of the Great Barrier Reef. Sample life on the Gold Coast with its miles of glorious beaches, or stroll along with some of the Hunter Valley’s finest wines before sailing into the ‘Harbour City’ – its twin icons Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge stealing the limelight.

With an itinerary carefully crafted to get the most out of each port of call and bring to life destinations with renowned Guest Speakers and excursions, a cruise with Voyages of Discovery is a cruise you’ll never forget. South East Asia & Australia - save up to 37% and get away on a 20-night cruise from as little as £1699 per person (Based on two people sharing an inside guarantee cabin). Price includes return flights from London, transfers and a 21-day voyage departing from Manila (Philippines) – overnight and calling at Sandakan (Borneo, Malaysia), Bitung (Indonesia), Ambon (Indonesia), Darwin (Australia), Port Douglas (Australia), Brisbane (Australia) and Newcastle (Australia) before arriving at Sydney (Australia) - overnight.

Price is based on 21st January 2012 departure. Prices includes return flights from the UK, meals, entertainment and gratuities on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees, plus onboard lectures from a team of renowned Guest Speakers.

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

NEW AUSTRALIAN OVERLAND ADVENTURES GET UP CLOSE TO KANGAROOS, KOALAS & CULINARY ARTS

Ultra-luxury Crystal Cruises is offering two new four-day overland adventures that intimately explore the unique natural beauty and history of South Australia’s picturesque outback and 170 year-old wine country. During Crystal Serenity’s 7th February Sydney to Singapore voyage, guests can venture to Kangaroo Island, considered the Galapagos of Australia, or delve into the Flinders Ranges National Park & Barossa Valley wine country.

Departing from Adelaide and concluding in Perth, these overland trips allow plenty of time to sightsee in both cities, as well as enjoy the region’s indigenous wildlife. Highlights include:

· Kangaroo Island: An eco-friendly, luxury cliffside lodge serving organic cuisine, plus scouting the bush for wallabies, koalas, fur seals, and sea lions.

· The Flinders Ranges & Barossa Valley: Winery tours/tasting in Clare and Barossa Valleys, a traditional Aussie barbeque and emus, eagles and kangaroos with Australia’s largest mountain range as backdrop.

Prices for each Crystal Adventure start at $3,861 per person and $4,029 per person respectively based on double occupancy. Crystal’s passion for creating exclusive, eye-opening luxury shore-side experiences are cornerstones of its Crystal Adventures programme, earning the line top ratings for two decades.

For further information visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or adveventure cruise specialists The Cruise Line.

The Kimberleys

Nothing can fully prepare you for the dramatic contrasts of Australia’s north-west, rich in Aboriginal culture and galleries of ancient artwork. Towards the west, in the historic pearling town of Broome, the colours of nature are vibrant and intense: rich red earth, azure blue seas and brilliant white sand beaches. North of Broome lies the ragged Kimberley coast, a place you can only comprehend from the sea. Rugged gorges, inlets, waterfalls plunging 100 metres all combine for an awe-inspiring experience you simply can't have by travelling overland.

Orion Expeditions 10 night Kimberley Highlights showcase the breathtaking splendours of Australia’s wild and remote Kimberley Coast. This expedition explores ancient cultural rock art, towering sandstone cliffs and spectacular waterfalls like the 80m high King George Falls. This voyage embarks and disembarks in Darwin, affording wonderful touring opportunities in the Top End and the most convenient air connections to northern Australia. Please note these voyages are made up of two international sailings and will be ticketed as such. One way pricing to/from Jaco Island is also available.

For more details visit http://www.orionexpeditions.com/

The Kimberleys, Australia

I have just discovered Australia’s own luxury adventure- cruise ship, The TRUE NORTH.

The Kimberley is one of the last true wildernesses: it has not been spoilt by tourism or pollution and the best way to explore this ancient region is by cruising along its coast.

The True North is a small luxury liner with just 18 cabins – serving delicious gourmet food and wine with a staff of 20 young, attractive and extremely efficient crew members. It is a top class operation whether you enjoy hiking through wilderness with their biologists, admiring the plants and birds or fishing for giant barramundi.

Offering activity-based itineraries all around the Australian coastline and adjacent to the remote jungles of West Papua and Papua New Guineat he ship allows discerning guests to experience wilderness in surroundings more akin to one of the world’s most exclusive hotels.

However, the appeal of The TRUE NORTH complete with helicopter and multiple expedition boats was always bound to attract the attention of discerning overseas travellers and, according to North Star Cruises’ general manager, Peter Trembath, the tide has begun to turn.

For more information on the TRUE NORTH see www.northstarcruises.com.au