The Andes & Caribbean With Swan Hellenic

               

Destination specialists Swan Hellenic are offering a fabulous chance to explore the Caribbean AND the Andean mountains in one extended voyage in the New Year.

Swan's "Discover the Wonders of the Andes & Atacama" 25-day cruise departs on January 5, taking passengers through the Caribbean and along the Panama Canal to explore the highlights of Ecuador, Peru and Chile. 

Along the way, guests will get to admire the best Pre Columbian and Incan gold and pottery artefacts in Lima’s fine museums; discover the Santa Catalina Convent in the Peruvian ‘White City’ of Arequipa; and savour the fine wines of Chile’s Casablanca Valley. New Saver Fares start from £3,685 per person for an inside cabin and £4,735 for an outside cabin. With limited availability, early booker can now take advantage of fantastic savings of up to £1,015 per person.

Alternatively, the "Caribbean to the Canaries" journey is a 17-day cruise departing on March 29. Passengers will be able to step back in time to explore an historic Plantation House in Barbados; admire the natural beauty of the towering Pitons on the lush, volcanic island of St Lucia; and explore the undiscovered Iles des Saintes. The final port of call on this fascinating itinerary is the volcanic island of Tenerife, where the lava fields of Mount Teide await discovery. As part of an Autumn Sale, prices for this cruise start from £1,734 per person for an inside cabin and £2,256 for an outside cabin if booked by November 11.

Prices for both cruises include return flights to/from the UK, gratuities onboard and ashore, all relevant overseas transfers, meals, a comprehensive series of Guest Speaker talks and selected shore excursions. 

 

More info: visit www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844 488 1048.

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Great New Destinations With Aurora

Adventure company Aurora Expeditions has released its 2014/15 brochure - Expeditions - featuring an array of brand new destinations that include Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Alaska, Arnhem Land, Cape York, Bhutan and Patagonia. With the addition of a trekking programme to their ship-based expeditions, the new brochure spans 12 exciting destinations across 19 innovative itineraries.

With decades of experience taking passengers to Antarctica via South America, Aurora have introduced a new ‘Ecuador in Depth’ voyage in 2014 exploring the country’s Amazon Basin and the wildlife playground of the Galapagos by small ship. The expedition also incorporates land touring to allow passengers to experience the famed 'Avenue of Volcanoes' and the National Parks of central Ecuador.

In addition to their flagship expeditions to the Polar Regions, in 2014/15 the company will also offer the opportunity to follow migrating humpbacks up Alaska’s Inside Passage or explore Australia’s tropical north, combining the Kimberley Coast, Arnhem Land, Cape York and the Great Barrier Reef in one incredible voyage.

Along with new destinations, the brochure also features a refreshed Antarctic programme including the introduction of a new port and Antarctic Gateway, Puerto Williams, as well as a ground-breaking new activity, Polar Snorkelling, with the opportunity to explore underwater scenery unlike any other place on earth.

Those wanting to put their sea-legs to the test will have the opportunity to witness spectacular mountain scenery on an expanded range of trekking adventures throughout some of the world’s most remote, land-locked treasures including Nepal, Bhutan and Patagonia.

In Nepal, Aurora’s climbing guide and three-time Everest summiteer Tashi Tenzing, leads us deep into the heart of the Mount Everest region, introducing trekkers to Sherpa culture and hospitality. In Bhutan, highlights include sharing mountain trails with Buddhist pilgrims and yak herders across a spiritual and spectacular Himalayan kingdom.

In Patagonia, Aurora Expeditions have developed a 10-day programme of exhilarating walks amongst the pampas and ice-capped peaks of the Andes, the perfect warm-up to an Antarctic cruise. Each ‘Patagonia Adventure Trek’ is timed to depart in conjunction with one of their exciting Antarctic expeditions and travellers can save 20% when they book on adjoining departures.

More info: visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or call +61 2 9252 1033 or freecall 1800 637 688 (Australia only). 

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Avalon's New Adventures For 2014

Avalon Waterways has launched its 2014 European brochure with three new suite ships as well as a new dedicated Asia, Africa & the Americas brochure featuring the Amazon for the first time. An early booking offer of £600 per couple is offered on any 2014 cruise booked before September 30, with additional offers available on European cruises.

The new dedicated Asia, Africa, & the Americas brochure features cruises on the Mississippi, Mekong, Yangtze, Nile, coastal cruising around the Galapagos and the introduction of a new Amazon cruise aboard the ship Aria. A new vessel, Isabela II, will operate its existing ‘Ecuador & the Galapagos’ cruise and ‘Discover the Galapagos and Peru’ cruise.

The 12-day ‘From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon’ (from £5,499) is available with departures from February to December 2014. Highlights include 2 nights in Lima (San Francisco Monastery and Larvo Herrara Museum), 1 night at the Sacred Valley (Temple of Sacsayhuaman and ceremonial site of Kenko), 1 night at Machu Picchu, 2 nights at Cusco (Santo Domingo Monastery and the Cathedral) before the 3-night Amazon cruise aboard the Aria. 

Avalon’s Nile cruises include three different itineraries with departures available from January to December aboard either the 5-star MS Mayfair, one of the newest vessels on the Nile, or the MS Kasr Ibrim. The itineraries include the 9-day ‘Highlights of Egypt’ (from £3,319pp); the 12-day ‘Pyramids, Lake Nasser & Nile Highlights’ featuring a four-night Lake Nasser cruise on MS Kasr Ibrim (from £4,115 pp) and 16-day ‘Egypt, the Nile & Lake Nasser’ (from £4,585pp). All itineraries are combined with overnight stays in Cairo with guided city sightseeing.

The 16-day ‘Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong’ itinerary (from £4,029pp) provides an amazing insight into the fascinating culture, scenery and history of this area, while the Yangtze cruises include the 12-day ‘Magical China & Yangtze River’ (£3,469pp) and 16-day ‘Enchanting China & the Yangtze’ options (£4,500pp) aboard the newly launched Century Paragon or Century Legend, state-of-art ships offering deluxe staterooms measuring 300sq ft and with private balconies.

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

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Lindblad's New Galapagos Explorer

 

Lindblad Expeditions has announced a special offer of free round-trip airfare to the Galapagos on select expeditions aboard their National Geographic Endeavour. Book by December 31 to receive free airfare between Miami/Galapagos on the following 2013 departures: January 11, January 25, February 22, March 15, April 5

Consistently rated one of the world’s best island destinations, the Galapagos islands are like being in the ultimate zoo without the fences, and offers unprecedented proximity to wild creatures that exhibit no fear of humans. And, with 40-plus years exploring the islands, Lindblad Expeditions’ profound knowledge of the destination provides guests a unique, richly immersive experience and a life-changing adventure for all ages.

The 96-guest Endeavour offers year-round 10-day expeditions in the Galapagos. With an expert staff of naturalists on every expedition, guests can gravitate towards the team members whose interests in ornithology, geology, photography or undersea life mirror their own. Join them on hikes, Zodiac rides or on deck for a spontaneous wildlife encounter. Swim and snorkel with sea lions, penguins and sea turtles; explore caves and shorelines; and hike among blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas.

The Free Air offer is available on bookings made now through December 31, only on select departures as noted, subject to availability, and is valid for new bookings only. Rates begin at $4,990 per person, based on double occupancy for a Category 1 cabin.

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

Picture: Galapagos.com

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G Adventures Upgrades Galapagos Fleet

G Adventures has one of the highest quality operations in the Galapagos and is upgrading its fleet for 2013 with the acquisition of three 16-passenger motor yachts, the Daphne, the San Jose and the Queen of Galapagos. The company will be adding additional vessels in the coming months as it makes room for further growth.

Each of the new vessels caters to a slightly different market; the Daphne is the most affordable standard-level option, the San Jose is a comfort-level vessel and the Queen of the Galapagos provides an even more deluxe experience. G Adventures will continue to use its Javier comfort-level vessel, a firm customer favourite, meaning the fleet will be made up of four vessels in 2013. 

The company's’ operation in the Galapagos is truly unique as it only books customers on its own vessels. This means they travel with other G Adventures’ travellers and have a complete G Adventures experience. The company operates and staffs the vessels and employs its own naturalist guides, all of whom understand the line's core values and  customers’ expectations.

Current vessels will maintain operations as per the normal G Adventures high quality service until the end of the year when the new trio will take over operations.

Itineraries for the three new vessels include: 

A six-day Voyage Galapagos – South Islands standard-level trip onboard the Daphne, priced from £1,249pp from Quito return for departures from September to November 2012 and January to April 2013. 

A seven-day Voyage Galapagos – South Islands comfort-level trip onboard the San Jose, priced from £1,649pp from Quito return for departures from January 2013 year-round. 

A 10-day Deluxe Galapagos – Northern Islands deluxe-level trip onboard Queen of Galapagos, priced from £2,599pp from Quito return for departures from January 2013 year-round. 

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

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Welcome to Sea Voyager Expeditions

Travellers looking for a true adventure experience amongst four of the world’s most fauna- and wildlife-rich countries - Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Ecuador - are being offered a special incentive from Sea Voyager Expeditions – 25% to 35% savings on almost all September-December departures this year.

The new cruise line sets itself apart from competitors by focusing attention on these under-explored regions and their untouched wilderness, rarely-visited small villages and Indigenous peoples. All four of the specially priced itineraries transit the Panama Canal -  a unique experience from the perspective of a small ship. Included are all meals, pre-post hotels, shore tours, admission to museums and parks, tax and port fees, and transfers when the SVE air programme is used.

Itineraries with savings are:

• The 12-night "Pacific Wilds of Ecuador, Colombia & Panama" and its similar reverse sailing, "Last Frontier of Panama Colombia & Panama" visiting Colombia’s Malaga Bay and Gorgona Island NP, hiking in Panama’s Darien Jungle and Ecuador’s Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve 
• The specially priced (at $3,672 to $6,712) eight-night "Unspoiled Pacific of Panama & Costa Rica" where highlights include Las Perlas Islands, Coiba Island – the world’s 3^rd largest marine park, and Osa Peninsula - named by National Geographic as ‘the most biologically intense place on Earth,' with prices from $2,567 to $4,762
• And the eight-night "Treasures of Costa Rica & Panama" where guests explore the Secas Islands with hikes, by Zodiac and kayak, and snorkel the secluded bays, Marenco Biological Reserve with its monkeys, toucans, parrots, manta rays, dolphins and other exotic wildlife, and Panama’s Darien Jungle with a visit to the local Emberá village, with prices from $2,567 to $4,762.

Accompanied by experienced naturalists and guides, guests participate as much or as little as they wish – hiking the near-virgin forest trails one day, relaxing in the warm waters of a secluded beach or kayaking the calm waters of a hidden bay the next. Naturalists span the sciences - birds, marine mammals, plants, history/culture, etc - sharing their love and knowledge of the region’s tremendous offerings, while the friendly international crew ensures the onboard comfort and needs of the guests are met. Meals are prepared by talented chefs making use of local ingredients, freshly caught seafood and, of course, locally grown coffee.

The M/V Sea Voyager is a versatile expedition ship designed for the tropics. Its 60-passenger capacity allows for easy on/off access, a more personal experience and close-to-nature feel. All staterooms are air-conditioned with outside views through panoramic windows, ample storage, and private bath. The ship has a roomy lounge with large windows, bar, fitness room, library with WiFi, massage room, dining room with 2-12 guests per table, buffet, deck space, fore and aft covered decks, and a platform for getting on/off Zodiacs, kayaks, swimming and snorkelling.

For more information and bookings from the UK, follow this link to the Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury adventure cruise specialists.

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Silversea Purchases Galapagos Explorer II

Silversea Cruises has purchased Canodros S.A., the premier Ecuadorian tourism company that operates in the Galapagos Islands, and their upmarket expedition ship, Galapagos Explorer II.

Silversea plans to add Galapagos Explorer II to its ultra-luxury fleet of six ships next year, after the all-suite, 100-guest vessel undergoes a major refurbishment. The new vessel will then set sail in September 2013 after being renamed.

Until that time, Galapagos Explorer II will continue on its planned schedule of cruises and will continue to be operated by Canodros, which is based in Guayaquil, Ecuador. 

Canodros will also continue handling reservations for Galapagos Explorer II, as well as sales and marketing through its established network of travel companies and tour operators.

For more information about Silversea Cruises and bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury cruising specialists.

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Celebrity's Galapagos Highlights

Celebrity Cruises have unveiled their list of Galapagos Islands highlights, all available with their unique ship Celebrity Xpedition in this amazing part of the world.

• Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz - Visit the hypersalinic lagoon and view flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and the many nesting iguanas, from which the Hill gets its name.
• Punta Espinoza, Fernandina - Walk with dragons in the largest colony of endemic Marine Iguanas in the Galapagos.
• North Seymour, Galapagos - Discover the land where blue-footed boobies nest, sea lions play and the largest colony of frigate birds in the Galapagos congregates.

Sample Itinerary

10-Night Galapagos Fly/Cruise, joining Celebrity Xpedition from £4,584 per person (based on two sharing an oceanview stateroom). Voyage includes return flights from London Heathrow, two nights pre-cruise and one night post-cruise hotel accommodation in Quito (Ecuador), and a seven-night cruise departing Baltra (Galapagos) and calling at Daphne Island (Galapagos), Caleta Tagus (Isabela), Puerto Egas (Santiago, Chile), Rabida (Galapagos), Sullivan Bay (Santiago, Chile), Mangle Point (Fernandina), Las Bachas (Santa Cruz), Bartolome Island (Santiago, Chile), P. Baquerizo (San Cristobal), North Seymour (Galapagos), Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal), Kicker Rock (San Cristobal) and Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) before returning to Baltra; all meals and entertainment onboard and relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on an April 15 departure.

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

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‘Strictly Come Cruising' Fred Olsen Style

By guest blogger Steve Newman.

If you were inspired by Kara Tointon's triumphant victory in the final of Strictly Come Dancing, why not join a cruise to the home of hot Latin dance, and try your hand at Tango and Salsa while on board?

Fred. Olsen has some limited availability on the final sector of its epic Black Watch ‘Around South America’ voyage in 2011. The 30-night sector is the final leg of the voyage, joining Black Watch in Callao (Peru), and travelling back to Southampton, via the Panama Canal and the Caribbean.

Flights are from London-Gatwick, departing on February 21, to Callao (Lima, Peru), where there is an overnight stay, before visiting Salaverry (also Peru), then cruising to Manta (Ecuador), from where it is possible to visit the old Spanish colonial city of Montecristi.

Next port is the wonderfully named Flamenco (anchor port for Balboa), at the entrance to the Panama Canal, for another overnight stay. A great highlight of this cruise is a day-time transit of the Panama Canal, which brings Black Watch to her next port of call, Puerto Limon in verdant Costa Rica. This is one of the oldest cities in Latin America, and is steeped in history.

The next part of the cruise offers a host of glorious Caribbean islands in the sun – Aruba, Curacao, Barbados (above), St Lucia, St Kitts, Antigua and St Maarten, then the return Atlantic crossing broken by a visit to the Azores, en route back to Southampton.

A special extra on this cruise is a theme of ‘Latin American Rhythms’ through Fred. Olsen’s exclusive programme of special interests, The ArtsClub. Guests can learn some of those stunning dances, while visiting their homeland. Whether your dancing talents match those of Pamela Anderson or Anne Widdecombe, you can improve your steps and have a lot of fun in the process, learning from experts on board.

Prices for this cruise start from £2,704 per person, based on two adults sharing a Superior Outside cabin, with a Latesaver deal. This price includes the outward flight to Callao, transfer to the ship, accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port and airport taxes. There is no extra charge for participating in The ArtsClub.

Find out more by visiting http://www.fredolsencruises.com/ or call the special cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Oh, and Merry Chrustmas!!

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