Quark New Arctic Season Offers 14 Arctic Circle Voyages

The new edition of World of Cruising has a feature on Arctic adventure cruising. Incredible wildlife, legendary routes, ice-filled fjords, culture and history all feature prominently in Quark Expeditions Arctic 2015 expedition line-up. The company begins its Arctic season May 28, 2015, at the onset of the Arctic summer, on three ice-strengthened small expedition ships.

New destinations include:   

Northwest Passage: Franklin’s Legend – Aboard the nimble small ship the Sea Adventurer, Quark returns to the fabled Northwest Passage in August. This 18-day voyage visits Thule and Inuit communities of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic. 

Iceland Circumnavigation: Ultimate Fire and Ice – This 11-day voyage features all the highlights of the island of fire and ice. Departing from the capital city of Reykjavik.  Iceland’s people, their unique cultural heritage and the island’s birdlife also feature largely on this itinerary. Prices start from £4,245 departing 18^th August  2015. 

Greenland’s Far North: Ultimate Thule–A 14-day voyage that explores the Thule region, synonymous with ‘the true Greenland’ for its untouched icescapes and sparsely populated Inuit communities. Prices start from £5,455 departing on 4^th August^, 2015.


Book by  May 30, and receive up to 25% saving as an early booking incentive.  

More info: 0808 120 2333  www.quarkexpeditions.com  

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Catch The Arctic Awakening With Hurtigruten

Springtime is an incredible time of year to visit Norway. As the sun returns to rejuvenate the Norwegian shores and temperatures begin rising, life returns to the land. This year it is even more accessible, with Hurtigruten offering free direct flights and a £250 saving on their 12-day 'Classic Round Voyage' along the Norwegian coast, departing in April.

At this time of year, there are great contrasts along the Norwegian coast. You can travel from a Spring climate in Bergen and head into the Arctic Circle, where signs of Winter are slower to disappear and snow caps still decorate the mountain tops. Travel as far north as Kirkenes on the Russian border and visitors can still participate in winter excursions such as a ‘Husky Sledge Adventure’ or ‘Snowmobile Safari’.

Those joining the voyage will be among the first of Hurtigruten’s customers to enjoy a trip into the Lyngenfjord. Flanked by the mighty, tall and steep peaks of the Lyngen Alps, the area offers natural contrasts with deep blue water, bubbling waterfalls and green banks in some areas, while elsewhere it shows its dramatic side with glaciers that reach from the steep banks to the fjord, rugged cliffs and deep canyons.

Depart on April 1 or 12  from London Gatwick or April 23  from Manchester and join the voyage from Bergen up to Kirkenes and back, stopping at 34 ports along the way. Prices now start from £1,043 per person for the April 1 departure, including direct return flights, transfers and the 12 day voyage on full board basis, based on two people sharing an inside cabin (subject to availability). 

More info: call Hurtigruten on 020 3582 6642 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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Saga's 'Last Chance' Arctic Explorer

Feb. 12.- It's Day Two of Saga Week on World of Cruising magazine, with a series of stories, features and special offers from the classic British cruise line. Today - a rare chance to visit exclusive Arctic destinations... 

Magdalena Bay is one of the most beautiful places on earth. There are no cars, no shops, no houses and no roads in this pristine, glistening fjord. The only trace of human life comes in the form of centuries-old whalers’ graves and the remains of whaling vats in this north-westerly region of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago (above, at sunrise).

And Saga Cruises' Saga Pearl II will dock here for the last time during its Arctic Explorer voyage, departing June 22, when passengers will wake up surrounded by snow-capped mountains and giant glaciers.

The ORCA charity team will also be on board to help passengers watch for wildlife and record sightings. On the ship’s last visit to the region, more than 400 mammals were seen, including blue whales and humpback whales.

Nearby Ny-Ålesund will also become a final port of call, also as a result of the heavy oil ban from January 1, 2015, which means no conventional ships can sail within the borders of Svalbard’s national parks on the east and west coast of the archipelago. Polar bear

numbers equal people in Ny-Ålesund’s shimmering, icy landscape, which is the world’s most northerly inhabited settlement. Wildflowers clothe the landscape in June as warmth from the midnight sun brings them to life after the long, dark polar winter nights.

Saga Pearl II will also call in at Longyearbyen, the largest and oldest settlement on Spitsbergen, where passengers can join a glacier hike or dog-sledding trips. During the sailing to Spitsbergen, the ship will visit the Lofoten Islands, where sea eagles make their home and Tromso, with the world’s most northerly botanic garden, as well as Stavanger, Geirangerfjord and  Bergen on a historic cruise, which promises holiday memories that can never be repeated.

This amazing 15-night cruise costs from £3,099 per person, departing Dover on June 22, and includes Saga's standard VIP door-to-door travel service, all meals, 24-hour room service, all gratuities, porterage, travel insurance and cancellation cover.

More info: call 0800 056 8986 or click on this link.

For a longer version of this story see our News pages at the World of Cruising website, presented by Saga Cruises, on this link.

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Two Favourites Return To Quark's Arctic Fleet

By Editor Simon Veness

It's not often I beat our resident adventure cruise expert, Steve Newman, to the punch with a story on his favourite subject, but I did pick up this latest news from Polar expedition specialist Quark Expeditions, and thought it had some great ideas for 2015.

As we know full well at World of Cruising, adventure cruising now has a large and rapidly increasing following, hence it is a regular part of our feature line-up, and we also think it is worth highlighting on a regular basis as it truly offers that off-the-beaten-track experience.

Cruising to the Antarctic and Arctic Oceans is a sensitive issue, as there remain serious environmental concerns about large numbers of people visiting these parts of the world, especially by ship. But Quark have established a peerless reputation for handling these issues and still providing an amazing voyage into these unique regions.

And their big news for the Arctic season the year after next seas two popular vessels return to the fleet for the June-October period:

M/V Sea Adventurer

Currently part of Quark’s Antarctic fleet, Sea Adventurer (above) will undergo a refurbishment of cabin interiors before sailing during the Arctic 2015 season. This ship is a customer favourite because of its intimate size and ample public space. With a 1A ice-class rating and its operational range, this ship is well-equipped to navigate some of the more ice-laden regions visited by some of Quark’s Arctic itineraries. Formerly known as Clipper Adventurer, Sea Adventurer has an active stability system which helps steady the ship when sailing through rough waters. With a maximum occupancy of 117 and plenty of outdoor deck space, she offers a comfortable journey with plenty of opportunities for up close and personal viewings of the wildlife and scenery.

Sea Adventurer will operate eight itineraries in Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard, the Canadian Arctic and the Northwest Passage during the 2015 summer season.

M/V Ocean Nova

Originally designed to take on challenging ice conditions as a year-round Greenlandic ferry, the Ocean Nova is a 1B ice-class vessel with a small draft that allows her to navigate in shallow waters and reach places larger ships are unable to access. Last used by Quark during the Antarctic 2011/12 season, there are few expedition vessels available these days with fewer than 100 passengers, hence Ocean Nova offers a unique and intimate experience while offering full private facilities and public spaces. The top deck observation lounge affords fabulous views of the incredible ice, fjords and wildlife. With a maximum of 84 passengers, this will be Quark’s most intimate ship.

Ocean Nova will operate 11 itineraries through Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen, the UK and Norway during the 2015 season.

Quark president Hans Lagerweij said: “We’re thrilled to have both of these nimble and capable vessels in the Arctic season. The high ice class of both will allow for easier navigation through Arctic ice, enhance our passengers’ expedition experience and provide unprecedented access on our northern itineraries.”

Arctic 2015 Season Details

Quark’s 2015 Arctic season is scheduled to be announced in February. For more information, visit www.quarkexpeditions.com or call 0808 120 2333.

 

NB: Be sure to see our March edition (and don't forget we will have SIX issues each year starting in 2014, instead of 4) when Steve Newman will be previewing the 2014 Arctic cruise season.

 

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Take A Virtual Arctic Or Antarctica Expedition

Here at World of Cruising, we're always looking at new ways of getting to the polar regions, as they remain one of the greatest adventure cruise experiences on the planet.

And, if you're thinking about going and want to dip your toe into the ice -cold waters from your front room first, so to speak, Quark Expeditions may well have the answer as the company has launched an immersive and comprehensive new website promoting expedition travel in the Arctic and Antarctica. 

Far more than an online booking tool, visitors to the site will be captivated with all aspects of a Polar expedition and will (hopefully) be inspired by high-resolution images, most of which have been submitted by Quark passengers from their own voyages. Also available are videos which take you through a typical day in the life of an Arctic or Antarctic voyage, as well as how to pack for the Polar Regions. All content will be available for social sharing.

Be inspired to walk among giant penguin colonies, explore stretches of the Antarctic Peninsula by kayak, or view an incredible display of the northern lights from the ship’s deck; it's all on offer in these amazing regions, and can be explored in more detail at the new site.

More info: www.QuarkExpeditions.com.

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Exodus Set Sail For Arctic, South Georgia & Antarctic

Adventure travel specialist Exodus Travel is offering some fabulous new Polar cruising opportunities this year and in 2014, with some real highlights for those who like to get really off the beaten cruise track.

Here are three of the best:

Baffin Bay Experience

An exploration of the wildlife and culture of the Canadian Arctic, coupled with the glaciers and icebergs of Greenland. The islands visited during this expedition range from the largest in the Canadian Arctic - Baffin Island - through to the world's largest, Greenland. With such diversity found in both the landscape and culture among these two islands, this voyage is a unique and exciting Arctic adventure taking place on the Akademik Ioffe. 

Finnish-built for the Russian Academy of Science, this stable yet manoeuverable ship was designed to travel quietly during hydro-acoustic research. First departure is August 4 and prices start from £4,930 per person for 11 days, including accommodation and most meals. 

Maritime Wildlife Adventure

An expedition cruise in the Atlantic Provinces of Canada visiting Nova Scotia, Quebec and Newfoundland, finishing with a jaunt across to France in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon. Starting in the seaside community of Sydney, Cape Breton, Exodus take every opportunity to discover the Maritimes and the potential for amazing experiences both on and off the ship, the Akademik Ioffe. 

Embracing historical culture, musical talent, a variety of marine mammals and hundreds of thousands of seabirds, this voyage is truly a wildlife adventure. Prices start from £4,000 per person for 10 days, including accommodation and most meals. 

South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula

This journey begins sailing east to South Georgia, where Ernest Shackelton is buried under the spectacular ice-crowned mountains. The ship will thread her way through magical fjords to Salisbury Plain and Gold Harbour, places so remote they have evolved into astonishing wildlife havens boasting 100,000-plus population of King penguins and chicks on their beaches. The island also supports significant populations of Elephant and Fur seals. 

The voyage continues to the South Orkney Islands and then enters an enchanted world of icebergs and ice-covered mountains, approaching the bays and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula. This trip takes place aboard the Sea Adventurer, which underwent a $13m polar conversion in 1998. Her proud reputation is complimented by her well-appointed elegance, and she comfortably supports 122 passengers. Prices are from £10,850 per person for 17 days, including accommodation and most meals.

For more info, visit www.exodus.co.uk and, for more adventure-cruise ideas, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's leading adventure cruising specialists.

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Zegrahm's New Iceland Explorers

Small-ship expedition specialists Zegrahm Expeditions are offering two special new voyages to Iceland in 2014, with the chance to experience the Land of Fire and Ice in extraordinary close-up. 

Since nearly 75% of Iceland can only be reached by ship, travelling aboard the 100-guest, all-suite Island Sky offers an ideal opportunity for personal exploring, with her small size and fleet of Zodiacs allowing guests to get closely acquainted with the sheer cliffs and isolated fjords that larger ships simply can’t access to view the country’s phenomenal bird and marine-life.

Departing on June 13, the 14-day Circumnavigation of Iceland also allows travellers to explore the country in depth. Highlights include exploring the fabled Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir Center; taking an exhilarating snowmobile ride across Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier; and photographing Iceland’s stunning landscapes, from bubbling hot springs and glittering glaciers to soaring volcanoes and plunging waterfalls. This expedition is priced from $10,970 per person.

Alternatively, Zegrahm’s 20-day Across the Arctic Circle: Iceland & Svalbard voyage departing June 24, will spend six full days exploring Iceland before venturing up to Svalbard, crossing the Arctic Circle en route. 

Travellers will receive a great introduction to the wonders of Iceland on this cruise and then be treated to more than a week of true Arctic exploration. Seeking out Svalbard’s iconic polar bears will be the main goal while exploring this Norwegian archipelago. Additional highlights include visits to historic research and whaling stations and opportunities to spot thousands of breeding seabirds such as kittiwakes and puffins. This expedition is priced from $13,970 per person.

For bookings, follow this link to our sponsors The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury adventure-cruise specialists.

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To The End Of The World With Hurtigruten

Journey to ‘the end of the world’ this year and visit the magnificent North Cape - Hurtigruten’s best-selling excursion. More than 54,000 guests took a trip to the famous rock plateau in 2012, making it the top-selling excursion once again.

Hurtigruten guests flocked to the northernmost point of Europe on both the ‘North Cape’ (from £98pp) and ‘Breakfast at the North Cape’ (from £129pp) excursions, with the natural attraction being the spectacular plateau that rises a dramatic 307metres straight up from the Arctic Ocean. 

The North Cape and Hurtigruten have always been closely linked. After the  shipping company expanded the route all the way to Kirkenes in the early 20th century, just a few years after its foundation 120 years ago, the ships also started to pass the North Cape and passengers could admire the famous rock plateau the ship. Later, after completion of the road to the North Cape Plateau in the 1950s, the trip to the North Cape was included in shore excursion programmes. Its appeal has remained untarnished ever since.

Tromsø, Norway’s biggest city north of the Arctic Circle, also proved a major draw for guests, with almost 21,000 of them attending the ‘Midnight Concert in the Arctic Cathedral’ (from £44pp), the second best-selling excursion. In third was the ‘Taste of Vesteralen’ tour (from £64pp), with more than 17,000 participants. This tour explores the beautiful and dramatic scenery of the Vesterålen islands on the diverse bus tour from Harstad to Sortland.

However, Hurtigruten guests have a wide and diverse excursion programme to choose from, whatever their itinerary. For example, a total of 45 excursions are offered on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes. The maximum number and selection depends on the time of year.

Classic Round Voyage – from £1642pp:
Take the 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. Starting at £1,642pp from April 15 to May 31, the price includes full board on the ship, based on two sharing. Flights are extra and can be booked via Hurtigruten from £450pp.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's adventure-cruise specialists.

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Quark's New Arctic Explorations

Quark Expeditions has launched the company’s Arctic 2014 line-up, with an enticing season featuring 15 voyages that include three new Canadian Arctic expedition itineraries exploring the immense territory and majestic scenery of the final frontier, its indigenous peoples, history and diverse wildlife. 

The new 'Canadian Arctic & West Greenland' voyages are also aboard a new ship in Quark’s fleet, the 114-guest Sea Explorer (formerly Corinthian II, sister ship to Quark’s Sea Spirit). This ice-strengthened small luxury expedition ship features spacious ocean-facing cabins, all-inclusive bar and beverages and optional sea-kayaking adventures.

Three New Itineraries: 

• Arctic Quest: Greenland to Churchill – This new 16-day voyage in July and August ventures into the Arctic's far reaches, home of polar bears and walrus, where Inuit communities still maintain traditional ways of life. Explore the fjords of Greenland by ship and Zodiac and navigate the eastern-most channel of Canada’s historic Northwest Passage. Prices start from £5,095 per person for 15 nights (16 days) with three meals a day, all inclusive beverages, shore landings and on-board lectures.
• In the Footsteps of Franklin: Greenland & Canada’s High Arctic – Explore the best of Greenland’s west coast on this 13-day voyage in August and September, including Illulissat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the fastest and most active glaciers in the world. Crossing into Canadian waters en route to Resolute, cruise by spectacular limestone cliffs first sighted by explorer in the 18^th Century. Explore, on foot and by Zodiac, Beechey Island, landing site of the Franklin Expedition and the most notable landmark in the history of exploration of the Canadian Arctic. Prices start from £3,865 per person, including one night's accommodation pre and post-cruise in Reykjavik and Toronto, all inclusive beverages, shore landings and on-board lectures.
• Epic High Arctic: Baffin Island Explorer via Fury & Hecla – Follow a truly epic route explored by very few on this 13-day High Arctic voyage in September that will navigate the challenging Fury and Hecla Strait between Resolute and Iqaluit. Visit with world-renowned Inuit carvers and artists at Cape Dorset, marvel at the bird cliffs and spot walrus and polar bears while Zodiac cruising around Akpatok and Monumental Islands. Prices start from £3,525 per person for 12 nights (13 days), including one night's accommodation pre and post-cruise in Toronto and Montreal, all inclusive beverages, shore landings and on-board lectures.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's adventure-cruise specialists.

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Hurtigruten's Northern Lights Boost

A recent revision of NASA’s ‘solar maximum’ forecast means next winter could be one of the best in a decade for viewing the Northern Lights. Northern Norway is directly under the zone of maximum activity and is therefore an ideal place to experience this great natural light show. With this in mind, Hurtigruten has launched its winter 2013/14 programme packed full of itineraries in search of the Northern Lights and more direct flights to Norway than ever before. 

Its ships are the perfect viewing platform, as they can be seen against the dark night sky, away from the artificial light of towns and cities. To make it as easy as possible to go in search of the Northern Lights, a total of 47 direct flight departures are being offerednext  winter, including trips from Glasgow and Bournemouth for the first time. These sit alongside all the other existing regional airports Hurtigruten offer direct flights from in the winter, including Gatwick, Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Bristol, Edinburgh and Belfast.

Packages with direct flights are available on two itineraries. There are 32 departures on the hugely popular ‘Arctic Highlights Voyage’ from Tromsø to Kirkenes, which spends its entirety within the Arctic Circle, thus giving the best opportunity to see the Lights. Prices are from £995pp, including return flights, three nights' half board on the ship and one night’s B&B accommodation in Tromso.

The ‘Classic Round Voyage’ from Bergen to Kirkenes and back has 15 flight inclusive departures this winter. The 12-day trip gives longer on the ship and therefore more nights with which to search for the Northern Lights. Prices are from £1,372pp, including return flights, and 11 nights full board on the ship.

Staying in a snow hotel continues to be a ‘must-do’ for many and five extra departures have been added that include a night at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel at the end of a voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes. There are 25 departures of the eight-day ‘Arctic Wonders’ voyage between December 27 and March 28, with flights included from either Gatwick or Heathrow. Prices start from £1,593pp.

After another sell out year, Hurtigruten has also added yet another Astronomy Voyage date, bringing the total now available to five. Accompanied by a renowned Astronomer, a series of lectures and a tour of the night’s sky ensures the world of planets, stars and meteors is better understood along with the myths and legends linked to our skies. The voyages follow the ‘Classic Round Voyage’ route and prices start from £1,608pp, including flights from Gatwick or Heathrow.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's adventure-cruise specialists.

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Lindblad's Iceland & Greenland Spectacular

Lindblad Expeditions will mark the fifth anniversary in 2013 of its flagship National Geographic Explorer, the line’s 148-guest state-of-the-art expedition ship, with seven new itineraries that will connect guests to incredible places, cultures and people around the world – including a pair of special expeditions that combine spectacular destinations and an array of world-renowned special guests to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the National Geographic Society.

Circumnavigation of Iceland : This is a rare opportunity to discover riveting geography in its totality. This multi-faceted expedition creates a cohesive narrative of the amazing geological extremes. Cruise among magnificent icebergs in Jokulsarlon, and spend a day on the Arctic Circle spotting rich birdlife. Kayak into fjords and serene bays, and go hiking on spectacular and remote stretches of the coast. Explore Europe’s largest ice cap and discover the lava-sculpted landscapes of the Westman Islands. Soak in hot springs, and see boiling mud pots and the thundering Godafoss Waterfall. Go whale-watching on the shores of Iceland and its surrounding isles. Cap off the adventure with a soak in Reykjavik’s famous Blue Lagoon. Joining the voyage is Andrew Evans, National Geographic travel writer and author of the Bradt Travel Guide: Iceland. Departs July 10 for 10 days/8 nights on National Geographic Explorer, with rates beginning at $7,990 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.

Along the Viking Trail – From Iceland to Greenland: Follow in the wake of legendary explorers as you discover the dramatic landscapes and rich traditions of Greenland and Iceland. Explore Iceland’s western fjords by Zodiac; kayak among the magnificent icebergs of East Greenland; and hike amid charming northern hamlets. Along the way, get immersed in Nordic history on visits to fascinating Viking sites and settlements with our experts. Explore Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city, and discover the wild western coast of Iceland. Venture to two remarkable sites on the Viking Trail, settled by Erik the Red 500 years before Columbus. Joining the voyage is author and adventurer Tim Severin, one of the last traditional-style explorers. Departs July 18 for 12 days/10 nights. Rates begin at $9,620 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.
 

Arctic Quest - Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic: Venture deep into the far reaches of the Arctic, where we will trace the rugged fjords of Greenland and navigate the mouth of Canada’s legendary Northwest Passage. Glide between soaring icebergs at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord, spot polar bears on the pack ice, and watch for a wide variety of whales, from minke and killer whales to the rare narwhal. We will explore Uummannaq, site of Greenland’s impressive mummy find, and visit the historic Inuit village of Sermermiut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get up close to massive glaciers, and hike the wild islands that dot Canada’s northern shores. Joining the voyage is Henning Thing, Ph.D. in arctic wildlife ecology. The 17-day expedition departs July 27 and August 10. Rates begin at $16,160 per person based on double occupancy. 

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's adventure-cruise specialists.

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Hapag-Lloyd's Northwest Passage Adventure

This August, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will be offering a rare Northwest Passage itinerary on the only 5-star expedition vessel in the world, the MS Hanseatic. The cruise will be guaranteed bilingual, departing Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, on August 16 for a 24-night voyage cruising north of the Arctic Circle and ending in Nome, Alaska, on September 9. It is one of the most famous sea routes in the world and has been both a myth and challenge for centuries.

The Hanseatic premiered the Northwest Passage for Hapag-Lloyd in 1994. Since then, both the line's expedition ships, Hanseatic and Bremen, have successfully cruised through the Passage 12 times. In summer 2009,  both ships met there for the first time, travelling in opposite directions.

This year's Hanseatic journey starts in Greenland and crosses Disko Bay, where guests can observe the bizarrely-shaped icebergs. The ship will then cross the Canadian Arctic, the heart of the Northwest Passage. Thanks to its shallow draught, Hanseatic is able to sail close to the coast, giving guests box seats for viewing the rugged and icy panoramas of the shores. Guests will be thrilled to encounter caribou, polar bears, musk oxen, bald eagles, and whales, while taking full advantage of the many Zodiac landings to explore the impressive glacial coasts along the route.

Other planned highlights (weather permitting): a visit to a former whaling base on Herschel Island; a landing in Cambridge Bay on Victoria Island, including a visit to the wreck of the Maud, in which Roald Amundsen conquered the Northwest Passage; zodiac landings in Peel Sound, the Franklin Strait and Larsen Sound; and a stop in Barrow, Alaska, the most northern city in the world.

The voyage-only fares lead-in at £13,210 per person, based on double occupancy for an outside cabin. 

For bookings, follow this link to the Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury cruising specialists.

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Saga Sapphire’s 2013 Epic Journeys To The sun

You have to love a good, flowery PR intro - and this is one of the best, from Saga Cruises....

As long as man has existed, he has been drawn to the different seasons as the earth revolves around the sun and the phenomena which surround this celestial sphere. As the latest jewel in Saga’s fleet, Saga Sapphire will shine brightly next year as she travels to destinations where the sun and earth come together in an incredible spectacle of nature, or where the warmth of the sun is sure to delight sun worshippers.

In search of the Northern Lights

- Watch nature’s own theatre unfold above you

Seeing the aurora borealis is a jaw-dropping and mystical moment. This extraordinary voyage to the far reaches of Norway passes through Viking heartland and across the Arctic Circle. Along the way, passengers can explore Norway’s picture-perfect scenes of remote villages, majestic glaciers and peaceful fjords. A selection of optional winter activities include dog sledding, snowmobile safari and an overnight stay at the Alta Igloo Hotel, which is made entirely from ice and snow – even the beds!

A few Superior Cabins are still available on this very special trip, which departs March 12, for 16 nights. Prices start from £5,519 per person.

Land of the Midnight Sun

- Head North to the Arctic for the ethereal glow of the night time sun

This unforgettable journey unveils the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Arctic Circle as passengers sail far north to the ‘top of the world’. In Norway, gaze upon sparkling fjords, waterfalls, glaciers and mountains then explore the country’s most captivating cities and fishing towns. A highlight of the trip is the journey along the ice barrier besides spellbinding glacial scenery to Magdalena Bay, one of the most remote ports in the world. Find blue ice packs towering like icy skyscrapers as you travel as far north as you can without an icebreaker. Passengers and crew will be on the lookout for walrus, Arctic fox, reindeer and bowhead whales. 
Cruise departs on June 19, for 15 nights, and prices start from £2,671 per person.

Africa and the Solar Eclipse

- A journey of epic proportions to 0°latitude and 0°longitude

Join the voyage of a lifetime as Saga Sapphire navigates the coastlines of Spain and Africa to view a phenomenon which occurs only once every 19 years. This total eclipse will be special as it will cross both the Equator and the Greenwich Meridian at 0°latitude and 0°longitude. On November 3, the Captain will position the ship for passengers to witness a hybrid eclipse of the sun. From this incredible vantage point (weather permitting), guests will observe in awe as the sun shrinks from view, giving a new meaning to “sun-downer” cocktails on deck.

Departing October 18 for a 28-night voyage, prices start from £4,292 per person.

For bookings, don't forget to contact The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's cruising specialists, on 0800 008 6677.

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