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.

Kakyaking at Both Ends of the Planet and Between with Aurora

Kayaking in the far-flung corners of the world is an experience guaranteed to refresh any adventurer’s soul. From the icy waters of Antarctica and the European Arctic, to the remote, forgotten shores of Russia, and the tropical fjords of Papua New Guinea, Aurora Expeditions’ kayaking journeys bring you up close to a maze of wildlife and nature.

Exploring the fascinating, wildlife-rich waters of our world’s most untouched continent – Antarctica - is an experience hard to beat. We glide silently past ice floes topped with sleeping seals and pondering penguins. Seabirds soar above us, while curious leopard seals and agile Adele penguins play around our small crafts as we paddle the pristine bays and hidden channels. Cracking ice falls from glaciers and small waves rock our kayaks gently as we sit patiently to witness a whale blow.

Paddling the subantarctic islands of South Georgia is a rare privilege and a wildlife lover’s dream. Kayak amongst thousands of breeding king penguins, and lively fur seals. We journey deep into glacial bays as black-browed and wandering albatross, prions, terns and petrels soar overhead, and elephant seals loll on beaches watched over by multitudes of macaroni and rock hopper penguins.

The icy waters of Greenland and Spitsbergen are a maze of massive sculpted icebergs, ice-choked fjords and sheltered bays. As we paddle the pack ice we keep watch for polar bears, walrus, whales and narwhale. We float beneath souring sea stacks filled with nesting seabirds, and on land we spot wildlife such as musk oxen, reindeer and Arctic fox.

From gazing at sea-life through crystal-clear waters, to paddling among uninhabited tropical islands, sea kayaking around Papua New Guinea is an unparalleled experience. Discover hidden waterways and the quiet of this tropical paradise. We come face-to-face and paddle with locals who live daily on the water with paddle in hand.

All Aurora Expeditions kayaking expeditions are led by experienced guides. Paddling in small groups of no more than 12 provides us with the opportunity to gain intimate access to beautiful coastlines in some of the world's most remote destinations. Kayaking prices are not included in the voyage price and start from US$850 in Antarctica, AU$995 in the European Arctic, US$995 in Russia and AU$995 in Papua New Guinea.

Prices include use of kayaks and paddles, dry suites and guide. Intermediate experience is required. Advice on gaining kayaking experience can be provided for you to practice your techniques prior to your voyage.

For more information or to order a brochure visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au, email info@auroraexpeditions.com.au

Ppaua New Guine with Lindblad Expeditions

Exploring Papua New Guinea: Cultures & Wildlife: The 16-day itinerary explores the country’s natural splendor and intriguing cultures aboard the Oceanic Discoverer, a nimble 68-guest ship perfectly suited to exploring the coral reefs and great rivers. Rates begin at $14,790 per person based on double occupancy.

Check out his link to visit Adventure cruise specialists The Cruise Line

Papua New Guinea

Aurora Expeditions has launched a special commemorative voyage to Papua New Guinea next April, to mark the upcoming 70th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in Papua New Guinea during WWII. The voyage will encompass visits to historical sites from Alotau to Rabaul, ending with a special dawn ANZAC day service in Rabaul.

Lost in Paradise – Our fallen heroes will depart Alotau on 14 April 2012 landing at key historic sites such as Samarai Island, Linden Harbour, Jacquinot Bay, Tol and Rabaul. Our onboard historian will interpret the significance of these areas and shine a light on the courage and tragedy of Australia’s unsung heroes– The Lark Force – in the Battle of Rabaul, and the ensuing loss of lives, both troops and civilians, on the Montevideo Maru.

The voyage will also include opportunities to snorkel the pristine reefs, witness traditional sing-sings and simply take in the beauty of this natural paradise.

For families wishing to explore PNG, Aurora Expeditions has created Islands of Smiles. Exploring the islands and coastline of New Guinea, this voyage will visit Milne Bay and its surrounding islands, Lababia, Tami and Tuam islands, Madang and the mighty Sepik River. Parents and children alike can expect to be greeted with friendly smiles, and a diverse array of vibrant customs through sing sings, complex rituals and spectacular costumes.

Islands of Smiles will depart Alotau on 2 April 2012 and expeditioners will have the opportunity to explore Papua New Guinea, either by snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, bird watching, village walks, or sharing a beach football match with playful locals.

Prices for both 13-day expeditions start from AU$5,690 per person quad-share, including all meals on board, shore excursions and lectures. Sea kayaking surcharge is AU$995 and scuba diving stops will be organised on board. Aurora Expeditions can also organise all flight, accommodation, transfer and pre and post touring in Papua New Guinea.

Aurora Expeditions is renowned for travelling to wild and remote areas of the world, with the aim of creating life long ambassadors to the environment. They attract small groups of like-minded, enthusiastic people, passionate about our destinations people, wildlife and history.

For further information  visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au.

To download or order the brochure online visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/brochures.