Off The Beaten Track Adventures To Antarctica

Antarctica Off The Beaten Track is a brand new 12-night adventure cruise from 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 November 8, 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.

Other options providing the opportunity to appreciate varied terrain amidst Antarctic snow pack include snow-shoeing ($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 photographer, Daisy Gilardini, is now on offer ($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 $8,390 per person based on twin share, from $6,590pp for triple share and from $1,0980pp in a One Ocean Suite. Price excludes flights from the UK to Ushuaia (available from £949 including pre-paid taxes and current fuel surcharges). Dates: 8 – 20 November 2011, (Ushuaia/Ushuaia).

For further info, visit www.oneoceanexpeditions.com or the UK's specialist adventure-cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Tahiti In Focus

Paul Gauguin Cruises, who operate the boutique little Paul Gauguin based in Tahiti (formerly owned by Regent Seven Seas and still one of the most stylish small-ship offerings), have just announced a couple of exclusive photography workshops taking place on two voyages this August.

And, if ever there was a time when I would be keen to take up a serious study of taking pictures, this is it.

Celebrated photographers Jesse Kalisher and Roger Paperno will share their knowledge of the photographic art as they lead a series of photo-expeditions covering everything from flowers, beaches and pineapple fields to magnificent coastal views (definitely take some time to peruse those two website links for the photographers, by the way - just stunning images).

At the same time, they will reveal professional secrets such as when to use a wide-angle lens versus a telephoto lens, how and where to add perspective, how to find the perfect shot, how to capture the majesty of the spectacular landscape and how to control light to create beautiful portraits in this magnificent setting.

As if the lure of the South Seas isn't enough, this adds real appeal to any cruise, to my way of thinking. It's an area I have yet to visit among the 50-odd cruises I have taken, but it is definitely the kind of possibility that would catch my eye these days.

The cost of the photography workshop is $350 per person, including all lectures, exclusive shore excursions, private portfolio review, a hosted dinner and round-table discussions.

The August 7 sailing is a seven-night 'Tahiti & Society Islands' voyage starting in Tahiti and visiting Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora and Moorea before arriving back in Tahiti. The August 14 sailing is a 10-night 'Society Islands & Tuamotus' voyage starting in Tahiti and visiting Huahine, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Taha’a and Moorea before arriving back in Tahiti.

NB: Prices from £4,116 per person, including return scheduled flights from London (half-price flights between Los Angeles and Papeete), transfers, all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages and gratuities.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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