Fred Olsen & The Amazon

Wildlife enthusiasts (and we know we have quite a few here at Time Spent At Sea!) will be intrigued by a rare opportunity from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ to take an extended voyage along the Amazon River this March, which promises to deliver an in-depth experience into this amazing region, sailing round-trip from the UK.

The 35-night ‘Amazon River & Beaches of the Caribbean’ cruise departs from Southampton on Boudicca on March 22 and will take guests deep into the heart of the rainforest, teeming with exotic flora and fauna. It will also visit some of the world’s finest islands in the Caribbean, including Barbados, St. Lucia and Dominica, offering beautiful beaches and the chance for some welcome relaxation in the sun.

Very few cruise lines are able to offer this sort of in-depth Amazon voyaging but, as Boudicca is a smaller-sized ship, she can take guests further up the River, where the people, culture and colourful wildlife never fail to inspire.

More info: 800 0355 242 www.fredolsencruises.com.
 

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Expedition Amazon With Hapag-Lloyd

Anyone looking to experience the amazing Amazion River in true expedition style should give serious consideration to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and their adventuring duo Bremen and Hanseatic.

Their small size means the ships can travel a particularly long way upstream, giving passengers first-hand experience of the wonders of the Amazon both on board and during extensive Zodiac rides. The shallow draft of both vessels actually enables them to travel the more than 4,000km passage from the mouth of the Amazon in Belem to Peru and back.

A total of 12 robust Zodiacs await to carry the maximum 164 guests aboard the Bremen on numerous detours into the fascinating Amazonian environment while the slightly larger Hanseatic can carry 184 passengers and has 14 of these inflatable boats to take guests exploring. 

After Manaus, the Amazon narrows and flattens but both ships to continue on to Iquitos in peru. The constant proximity to the world’s largest tropical rainforest, the unusual flora and fauna and the indigenous cultures combine to make Hapag-Lloyd's Amazon cruises a true adventure.

Example cruise:

Bremen: Expedition Amazon from April 10-26, 2015 (16 nights) from Iquitos/Peru, in the Upper Amazon to Manaus; onward journey downstream from the Lower Amazon to Belem/Brazil, from £5,700 (per person, cruise only).

More info: call +49 40 3001-4580 (English-speaking hotline), email salesteam@hlkf.de or visit www.hl-cruises.com.

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Regent's New Winter Collection

Regent Seven Seas has introduced its 2014-2015 Winter Collection featuring voyages to Asia, Africa, South America, South Pacific, Caribbean, Europe and Alaska. In total, the line’s award-winning, all-suite vessels will sail 48 itineraries and 19 Grand Voyages to more than 200 destinations in 75 countries. The collection, which features cruises from November 2014 to May 2015, includes 23 new destinations from Busan, South Korea to Zadar, Croatia.

All Regent's sailings include round-trip air and transfers, unlimited shore excursions, premium spirits and fine wines and gratuities as well as a pre-cruise luxury hotel package, complimentary Wi-Fi and free land programmes on select sailings in Africa and Asia for those who book concierge-level and higher suites.

Out of Africa and into the Med on Seven Seas Voyager

The 700-guest, all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager begins its season in Dubai, travelling to Cape Town and then to Singapore. Maiden ports of call explored from November through December 2014 include Maputo, Mozambique; Langkawi, Malaysia; Nosy Be/Nosy Komba, Madagascar; and Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

From mid-January to April 2015, Voyager visits Asia and the Pacific on six itineraries ranging from 14 to 21 nights, calling on Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo and Dubai. For the first time, the line is calling on Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Busan, South Korea; and Ishigaki and Kagoshima, Japan.

May 2015 is spent in the Mediterranean with three itineraries, beginning with a 20-night journey from Dubai to Barcelona, followed by two seven-night sailings from Barcelona to Lisbon and then Lisbon to Southampton. Highlighted ports include Petra, Jordan; Rhodes, Greece; Málaga, Spain; Oporto, Portugal; and Bordeaux, France.

Tahiti & South Pacific to New Zealand & Australia on Seven Seas Mariner

The South Pacific is the featured region for Seven Seas Mariner’s winter offerings. The 700-guest, all suite, all-balcony ship opens the season with the choice of a 16-night itinerary from Miami to Los Angeles or a 34-night voyage from Miami to Papeete, French Polynesia. New ports of call include Corinto, Nicaragua; Nawiliwili (Kauai) and Kahului (Maui), Hawaii; Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands; and Fakarava, French Polynesia.

Mariner then makes her way to New Zealand and Australia, discovering new ports along the way such as Raiatea, French Polynesia; Rangiroa, French Polynesia; Champagne Bay (Espiritu Santo), Vanuatu; Pago Pago, American Samoa; and Huahine, French Polynesia.

From March to mid-April 2015, she explores South America, with three itineraries from Lima, to Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro; and Rio to Barcelona. For the first time, the line calls on Natal, Brazil known for its blend of stunning beaches and historical monuments.

From the Caribbean to the Fjords of Alaska on Seven Seas Navigator

Accommodating 490 guests, the all-suite Seven Seas Navigator starts the season with 16 Miami round-trip sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. From eco-tourism adventures in Belize City to the ultra-chic vibe of St Barts, guests will be charmed and captivated by island life. Of note is the 24-night Eastern Caribbean/Amazon River itinerary that begins on November 23 and includes calls on Santarém, Boca da Valeria, Manaus, Parintins and Alter do Chão, Brazil along the Amazon River.

In April 2015, Navigator makes a 10-night Miami round-trip to Bermuda with stops in Port Canaveral, Jacksonville and Charleston. Later that month, she sails west to San Francisco calling on Key West; Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Puerto Chiapas, Mexico; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; and San Diego, transiting the Panama Canal along the way.

The ship returns to Alaska in May 2015 with two seven and one nine- and one 14-night itinerary. Ports include Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Victoria in British Columbia; Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Hoonah, Anchorage, Skagway in Alaska; and Astoria, Oregon.
 

More info: for a brochure, contact Reservations on 02380 682280 or go to www.rssc.com

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Get In The Mood For Love With Fred. Olsen!

Cruise guests aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ four ships can expect a mood of romance on board this coming Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Whilst at sea, guests will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the day; the bars and restaurants will be decorated in St Valentine’s-themed decorations, like red and white balloons; there will be a Valentine’s-themed quiz during the day, and the flavour of this theme continues during the 'Show Time' in the evening.

There will then be heart-shaped cakes, pastries and chocolate delights served at the St Valentine’s Grand Tea Dance during the afternoon while special cocktails will be available, and the formal dinner in the evening will carry a 'Hint of Red' dress code.

There is still limited availability on Fred. Olsen’s 15-night 'Brazilian Amazon' fly-cruise (M1203), departing from London Gatwick or Manchester airport on February 2 to join Braemar in Bridgetown, Barbados. Ports of call include: Santarem (Brazil), Parentins (Brazil), Manaus (Brazil, overnight stay) and Scarborough (Tobago), returning to Bridgetown (Barbados) for the flight back to the UK. Braemar will be at sea on St Valentine’s Day, arriving in Scarborough on February 15.

Prices for this cruise start from £1,019 per person, based on an inside, twin-bedded cabin, subject to availability, and include return charter flights, all food and entertainment on board, port and airport taxes, and all transfers.

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

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SeaDream Opens for Early 2013 Bookings

SeaDream Yacht Club - with its mega-yachts SeaDream I & II, rated as the top Boutique Ships in the world by the 2011 Berlitz Guide - has released its early 2013 itineraries.

The twin, 112-guest vessels will spend January-April 2013 sailing the Caribbean, visiting the smaller yachting playgrounds and harbours that large ships cannot reach. In addition, SeaDream II will be sailing the Amazon River in February and March.

2013 Amazon Highlights

SeaDream II will sail two 20-night voyages; Bridgetown, Barbados, to Iquitos, Peru, and the return. Ports of call include Devil's Island, French Guiana; Parintins, Brazil; Manaus, Brazil; Panelas, Brazil; Leticia, Colombia, and more.

A naturalist will be aboard the Amazon voyages providing in-depth information about the great river wilderness. Excursions will feature the jungle’s exotic plants and animals, Amazonian tribes, museums and markets. On one of Brazil’s best beaches, in Alter do Chao, SeaDream hosts their Champagne and Caviar Splash™. Optional pre and post-voyage over-land adventures feature one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.

Voyage-only fares for the two 20-night Amazon voyages, departing Bridgetown on February 10, 2013, sailing to Iquitos, Peru; and departing Iquitos on March 23, returning to Bridgetown, lead in at $16,999 per person with $1,220pp govt/port taxes.

2013 Caribbean Highlights

SeaDream II offers voyages in the lush & unspoiled Grenadines, including the islands of Mayreau and Bequia.

There are new calls in Puerto Rico to Fajardo Bay (calm, coral-rich water), Ponce (beautiful neoclassical buildings) and Caja de Muertos (superb snorkelling); more calls to Tortola and Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands; visits to the ports of La Samana and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic; and continued overnight stays in St. Barts, where guests enjoy the island’s entertainment after dark.

Caribbean, 7-night voyage-only fares lead in at $3,199 per person, plus $392pp govt/port taxes, sailing round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico to San Juan.

These voyage-only fares above are based on two people sharing Yacht Club Deck 2 accommodation and include all meals, onboard gratuities, wine with lunch and dinner, a complimentary open bar and use of the yachts' “water toys” and Marina (weather conditions permitting).

For more information, visit www.seadream.com or the UK's leading luxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Azamara's Amazonian Adventure

The special offers keep rolling in this week. Here's another one worth passing on:

Join Azamara Club Cruises’ Azamara Journey for an 18-night Amazon River cruise from only £2,899 per person (based on two people sharing an inside stateroom).

The price includes the 18-night Amazon cruise, departing Manaus (Brazil) and cruising the Amazon River, calling at Parintins, Boca Da Valeria, Alter Do Chao, Macapa, Devil’s Island (French Guyana), Bridgetown (Barbados) and Mayreau (Grenadines) before arriving into San Juan (Puerto Rico); all meals and room service; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programmes; housekeeping and dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the cruise; house wines with meals; speciality coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Flights are not included.

The price is based on a November 7 departure.

For more information, visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk or the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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SeaDream's Amazon Adventure

SeaDream Yacht Club has unveiled its 2012 winter and spring itineraries, featuring a FIRST for the ultra-deluxe line. Because, in February 2012, SeaDream II will sail two 20-night voyages to the mighty Amazon, with prices from $11,799 per person ($1,120pp taxes & fees).

The line's two luxury mega-yachts will spend the late aitumn season of 2011 and early 2012 cruising the Caribbean - with an emphasis on visiting the smaller yachting playgrounds and harbours that large ships cannot reach - and then offer the two signature Amazon voyages.

SeaDream’s President Bob Lepisto explained: “We are thrilled to be adding the Amazon to our programme of itineraries. While at the same time, the British Virgin Islands, such us Norman Island, Jost van Dyke and Virgin Gorda are true yachting destinations and continue to be a favourite with our SeaDream guests.”

Whether travellers are looking for adventure and exploration in the Amazon, or simply seeking a pampering, tropical Caribbean holiday, SeaDream’s intimate size and award-winning service are unmatched at sea. Lepisto added: “In fact, it is our size and maneuverability that allows our yachts to reach tricky spots like Anavilhanas, Brazil, and Iquitos, Peru.”

2012 Amazon Adventure Highlights:

· In February and March 2012, SeaDream II will sail the Amazon on two 20-night voyages: departing on February 13 from Barbados, sailing to Iquitos, Peru; or departing Iquitos on March 4, sailing to Barbados
· Itineraries showcase the best of the Amazon including Cuxiu Muni, Brazil, where guests have the option to take a night canoe trip in search of crocodiles, snakes and other night creatures.
· In Alter do Chao, Brazil, SeaDream hosts their Champagne and Caviar Splash™ on one of Brazil’s best beaches and guests may take a riverboat cruise on Maicá Lake to see rare pink dolphins.
· In Manaus, Brazil guest go “Flightseeing” in single or twin-engine aircraft, soaring over the Rio Negro, Rio Solimões, the Meeting of the Waters, the Amazon River and the magnificent expanse of jungle below.
· Visiting a small village located on Tupinambarana Island, guests enjoy a “Boi-Bumba” celebration. This exotic ritual of magic, mystery, passion and faith is a feast for the eyes and ears.
· A naturalist will be aboard both Amazon voyages, providing in-depth information about the great river wilderness.
· Excursions will showcase Amazonian tribes, museums, markets and the jungle’s exotic plants and animals.

Caribbean 2011/2012 Highlights:

· SeaDream II will operate two voyages round-trip from Barbados, exploring the glorious, lush Grenadines, St. Lucia and Grenada.
· SeaDream I will operate a round-trip voyage from Marigot, St. Martin, with an emphasis on the unspoiled French West Indies.
· SeaDream I & II will call on St. Barts with overnight stays, allowing guests to go ashore and enjoy the island nightlife.
· SeaDream I & II will call on the unique and less visited islands of Saba and Culebrita. Culebrita offers the rare opportunity for guests to swim in a Bioluminescent Bay.

The expression “Yachting” is not a sentiment about size; it is a statement about lifestyle aboard the small vessels. Chic and stylish, SeaDream’s 56-stateroom yachts are favoured for their elegant informality, state-of-the-art facilities, personal service provided by a crew of 95, inclusive open bar and gratuities, oceanview accommodations, luxury spa and world class cuisine.

SeaDream fares are always voyage only, and include open bar, wines with lunch and dinner, use of recreational and water sports toys (subject to local conditions) and include onboard gratuities.

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Azamara's Amazon

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Most people have a hankering to marvel at the mighty Amazon river and its jungle-lined banks. There is a new way to do this with Azamara Club Cruises by joining Azamara Journey for a 14-night Amazon cruise-only from £2043 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin). The largest river in the world provides guests with the opportunity to experience one of the planet’s greatest natural wonders and the chance to catch sight of a vast array of wildlife.

This eye-catching price includes a 14-night cruise, departing from San Juan (Puerto Rico) and calling at Gustavia (St. Barts), Roseau (Dominica), Mayreau (Grenadines), Bridgetown (Barbados) and then Macapa, Alter Do Chao, Boca Da Valeria, Parintins and Manaus (all in Brazil); meals and room service; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programmes; housekeeping and dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the voyage; house wines with meals; specialty coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Price is cruise-only and based on 25 October 2011 departure.

For more information, visit http://www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk/

Azamara Club Cruises will also be exhibiting at the Cruise Show in Birmingham on October 16-17 and at London's Olympia on March 26-27, 2011.

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Jungle Journey

By guest blogger Steve Newman

When it comes to thinking about high end luxury cruising, it's a safe bet that Azamara Club cruises would be on your list.

The company has a justifiable reputation for an extraordinary level of personal service, plus superb cuisine and accommodation. New destinations have been announced for next year and amongst these new cruises for 2011 is a 14-night river cruise to the Amazon on board the Azamara Journey (above).

What is highly worthwhile about this trip is the fact you get introduced slowly to the world's greatest river. Boarding at Puerto Rico, you get four days in the Caribbean on your way, two days at sea then a week cruising along the Amazon. Yes that's right, a full week! Which just shows you how long this river is before reaching Manaus, with its amazing opera house and other vestiges of jungle colonial life.

In fact, Manaus is roughly half-way across the continent of South America, so this is not so much a river as more of a continental cruise. One of the ports of call is at Boca de Valeria, a remote village with only 75 inhabitants where you really do see a contrast in life.

Apart from two speciality restaurants, concierge amenities and butler service available to all suite guests, Journey has more verandas than most cruise ships. This means you can sit and watch the green jungle slip quietly by, listening to the howler monkeys and parrots doing what they do best (making quite a noise!) or maybe catch glimpses of a herd of capybara, the world's largest rodent (looking like giant bald guinea pigs), grazing on the banks.

Either way, the Amazon rainforest is a definite one-off in life. It's changing fast, as we all know, so perhaps we should go while we still have the chance.

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