Hurtigruten's New Greenland Wilderness Adventure

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Hurtigruten's expedition ship MS Fram is setting off on an extended voyage to explore the north-west of Greenland. The new trip includes new harbours and points of disembarkation, allowing guests to get to know the Greenland coast, with its breathtaking landscape and unique culture.

This new 'Arctic Wilderness Adventure’ is available as an 11 or 13-day voyage, starting from June , with impressive ice landscapes, beautiful nature and wilderness, trips to small settlements and encounters with the Inuit and their culture as the focal point of the two new expeditions, which begin in Kangerlussuaq and set a northern course across Disko Bay along the west coast of Greenland.

The 11-day 'Arctic Wilderness Adventure’ (June 26-July 6) costs from £4,900 per person, including early booking discount. The 13-day version (June 14-26) costs from £5,341,including early booking discount. The trip includes return flights from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq (the departure point), transfers and cabin on full board basis (based on 2 sharing). Flights to Copenhagen are available for an additional £360 per person.

More info: Call Hurtigruten UK on 0203 627 6069 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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Noble Caledonia's New Guinea Expedition

Regular readers of World of Cruising will not be surprised to know we are always on the lookout for great adventure cruise ideas.  Hence this latest option from Noble Caledonia really caught our attention, and we think it is highly worthy of highlighting. 

A passage from New Zealand to Papua New Guinea aboard the MS Caledonian Sky on January 7 2015.  21 nights from £7985

Mysterious Papua New Guinea is, in the truest sense, the last untouched frontier on earth. With exotic wildlife, turquoise seas, tropical rainforest, volcanoes and more than 1,000 tribal groups. It has all the ingredients for a truly memorable expedition cruise - its secret forests nurture more than 3,000 kinds of orchids, and the world’s largest butterfly and moth species.

More info: call  020 7752 0000 or visit www.noble-caledonia.co.uk.

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Cruise Nation Features Alaska Wilderness

We are huge fans of Alaska cruises here at World of Cruising, and here is something a bit different that promises to provide even more of that Big Country experience - award-winning tour operator Cruise Nation has launched new Alaskan cruise packages for this year with adventurous travellers firmly in mind.

In particular, intrepid cruisers can expect to sail through the wondrous ice landscape of the Tracy Arm Fjord, enjoy stop-offs at Alaska’s capital city, Juneau, and the fascinating gold rush town of Skagway, as well as stays in Seattle and Vancouver on an Alaskan cruise break with a difference.

The Alaskan cruises are part of Cruise Nation’s increasingly popular Smart Package options, which provide first-time cruisers and established cruise passengers with exclusive deals at unbeatable prices. Time-consuming DIY holidays are also given a run for their money as the packages come with free added extras, including free hotel stays and room upgrades.

Cruise Nation managing director Phil Evans explained: “Our new packages take full advantage of the awe-inspiring Alaskan wilderness and are going some way to shift the perception that cruise holidays only take in the fail-safe itineraries of the Mediterranean and Caribbean. We’re really excited to launch our new range, as they were created with the adventurous cruise traveller in mind, who wants to explore more of the world, whilst enjoying all the comforts and camaraderie of a cruise."

Get onboard an Alaska Glacier Bay Cruise and enjoy mini breaks in Vancouver and Seattle  from £1,299pp (a saving of £500pp), plus two free night stays in Vancouver and Seattle and a balcony room, if booked by March 31.

Return flights from London Heathrow are included in the price, departing on April 26 on the Carnival Miracle. This cruise holiday with a difference will begin with a 2-night stay in Vancouver, where visitors can wander around its top museum and gallery attractions all to the backdrop of its majestic snow-capped mountains. 

The Alaskan cruise will then take in the sights of Juneau, as well as fascinating Skagway, before sailing past the impressive ice landscapes of Glacier Bay (pictured). The Alaskan voyage will then end in Seattle, where there will be one night to explore the city’s bohemian Pike Place Market and travel to the top of the iconic Space Needle for incredible views of the city.

More info: call 0800 408 0758 or visit www.cruisenation.com. 

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Explore New Lands With Hapag-Lloyd

You know we love our adventure cruising here at World of Cruising, hence anything new in this vein immediately gets our attention. Luxury expedition-cruise company Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is featuring several new adventurous routes in 2014, pioneering the way for ships Hanseatic (above) and Bremen through the Northeast Passage and into the polar regions.

These exclusive and individual expedition cruises feature a maximum of 175 passengers and with the highest ice class for passenger ships, yet they remain superbly comfortable and stylish on board.

The design of each ship – with a low draught of just 4.8metres, maximum lengths of 122.8m (Hanseatic) and 111.5m (Bremen) – allows them to travel to destinations previously inaccessible to a cruise ship.

Says Thilo Natke, Captain of the Hanseatic: “When we offer new destinations with our expedition ships, we have to consult alternative sources and collect all the information we can find about the planned route. This is how we can paint a more accurate picture, which allows us to optimise our itinerary and prepare the excursions on land, together with the expedition leaders. 

"Then, for example, we research whether there have already been excursions ashore at the cruise destination, whether it was perhaps traversed by a sailing boat and whether there are any other cruises to the destination region on offer. The fact the expedition cruises do not call at traditional cities is also a challenge. Special excursions on land – for example in the tundra or on a remote island – are organised instead. Here we use our on-board Zodiacs.”

A cruise premiere: In 2014, the Hanseatic will be the first non-Russian passenger ship to traverse the Northeast Passage through the Russian Arctic. Other unique voyages include both the Arctic and Antarctic, Central America and Panama, Australasia, the Amazon and Alaska.

More info: call +49 40 3001 4580 (English-speaking hotline) or visit www.hl-cruises.com.

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Voyages to Antiquity Unveil Burma & Malaya

When it comes to the Far East, the countries of Burma and Malaysia remain some of the most unknown territory, with an exotic, almost mysterious side to them.

The best way to see as much of possible in a short time is by cruise, which is why Voyages to Antiquity are currently highlighting their voyage to "mysterious Burma & the Malay Peninsula" in January next year.

Cut off from the rest of the world for decades, Burma’s unique culture has been preserved; its incredible landscapes remain unspoilt, the golden temples and pagodas intact.

Much of this will be on display as the Aegean Odyssey will berth in the heart of Yangon for two full nights. With good quality hotels in short supply, the ship offers the perfect base for a full exploration. The voyage also takes in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Malaysia before disembarking in the dynamic city of Singapore for a 2-night hotel stay.

Prices start from £3,995 per person for this remarkable 21-day cruise-tour, departing January 4, 2015.

More info: call 0845 437 9737 or visit www.voyagestoantiquity.com.

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The Arctic's The 'Hot' Destination

Travel experts and many major publications globally have declared Arctic destinations among the most desirable places to head for in 2014, and this summer season to regions north of the Arctic circle looks like being a bonanza year.

It is why we at World of Cruising have made it our Adventure Cruising focus for the forthcoming new edition (publishing Mar 15), with our adventure-cruise expert Steve Newman producing a round-up on the myriad of options.

Polar adventure experts Quark Expeditions are also predicting an exceptional year for Arctic tourism, with increased accessibility and tour options, plus greater awareness of polar destinations and activities all grabbing the attention of adventure-hungry travellers, and they have flagged up Iceland and Polar Bear safaris as the particularly 'hot' topics.

Iceland has made several top tourism destination lists recently, including The Guardian’s Where to Go in 2014 guide. The volcanic island has earned the nickname ‘Hollywood of the North’ thanks to several films shot there recently, including Oblivion, Prometheus, The Secret Life of Walter Misty and upcoming releases Interstellar and Noah.

Quark president Hans Lagerweij explained: “Iceland has always been recognized as a prime destination for Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) viewing, but our ‘Iceland Experience’ package has become an incredibly popular choice for an add-on among photographers and those in search of an authentic cultural experience.” said Lagerweij.

Climate change concerns and the melting of polar ice caps have also resulted in increased interest in Arctic wildlife. “Spitsbergen is one of the greatest places on earth to observe polar bears in their natural environment,” said Lagerweij. “Demand is great and we now offer three Spitsbergen expeditions of varying lengths, each with ample opportunity to observe and photograph walrus, polar bears, reindeer and other species indigenous to the increasingly popular Svalbard archipelago.”

Lagerweij also notes that options like kayaking are skyrocketing in popularity, as these activities allow tourists to explore Arctic coastlines and waterways in a guided, safe manner. He added: “2014 is shaping up to be a record year for travel in and around the Arctic Circle, as travellers and mainstream media are eager to explore and share their adventures at the top of the world. This year, we expect to welcome aboard more old friends and new passengers than ever before.”

More info: visit www.quarkexpeditions.com or call 0808 120 2333.

 

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Alaska Theme Cruises From Un-Cruise

If you thought Alaska was all about the scenery and the wildlife, think again. Un-Cruise Adventures have just announced a wonderful series of typical small-ship cruise that are combined with experts in music, photography, marine biology and wine on seven theme cruises this summer. 

Guest experts sail on week-long cruises aboard both the 88-guest S.S. Legacy and 86-guest Safari Endeavour (above) in south-east Alaska.

The S.S. Legacy, a replica coastal steamer sailing between Juneau and Ketchikan, hosts the 1940s style group Letters From Home on the June 22 voyage. The group performs three-part harmonies, tap dancing and comedy. The Alaska’s Golden History cruise also focuses on the history of the Klondike Gold Rush and includes a shore excursion in each port.

Meanwhile, the Safari Endeavour, sailing round-trip from Juneau on a week-long Discoverers’ Glacier Country itinerary, hosts six themed cruises. The cruise spends two days exploring by land and sea inside Glacier Bay and remote wilderness areas. Hiking, kayaking, whale-watching, skiff excursions, stand-up paddle-boarding and wildlife watching are the main activities, but guest experts on board will provide additional activities for those interested.

Fresh, innovative cuisine is served on all vessels, with guests enjoying attentive, friendly service and a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Charters and group incentives are also available. And, for more on the Un-Cruise style in Alaska, be sure to check out our latest issue on this link.

More info: call (in the US) 1888 862 8881 or visit www.un-cruise.com.

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Happy 50th, MS Lofoten!

It's not often you hear about a ship celebrating its 50th birthday, but that will definitely be the case up in Norway in March, when Norwegian coastal specialists Hurtigruten will be saluting the half-century mark of the oldest and smallest ship in the fleet - the popular vintage vessel MS Lofoten. 

The ship made its maiden voyage from Bergen with Hurtigruten on March 5, 1964, and its birthday will be celebrated with a range of activities on board, including celebratory meals, special anniversary stamps and fishing directly from the ship, as well as special booking offers for those wishing to join in the celebrations.

By it’s 50th birthday, the Lofoten will have travelled almost three million nautical miles, transported 1.25 million passengers and docked over 75,000 times in the Hurtigruten ports. The smallest and oldest of the line's ships has been protected by a preservation order since 2011 and its traditional charm and unique character have earned it a large community of fans among passengers.

The anniversary voyage, setting out from Bergen on March 2, will be the prelude to the festivities. Numerous well-wishers and visitors are expected in the larger Hurtigruten ports, while traditional Norwegian dancing and music will also mark the occasion.

A host of other activities will also be available on board during the anniversary voyage and throughout 2014, including an exhibition of photos of the ship over the past 50 years, while passengers will also learn fascinating facts about this vintage vessel and the history of Hurtigruten in lively lectures. On the southbound route, passengers can even try their luck at fishing directly from MS Lofoten’s weather deck.

Anyone born in 1964 and therefore sharing a 50th birthday year with the ship will have a special reason to book during 2014, as they will travel at half-price when accompanied by another passenger. Other available offers include a free excursion for those booking selected cabin types.

Hurtigruten, is on a special quest for personal memories, stories, anecdotes and photos that passengers, enthusiasts or former crew members have collected about the ship. Those who submit their memories to mslofoten@hurtigruten.com by February 28 will be entered into a draw to win a Hurtigruten voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes for two people including flights.

A ‘Classic Voyage North’ from Bergen to Kirkenes, departing on MS Lofoten on April 4 costs from £834 per person, based on two sharing an inside cabin on full board basis. Flights and transfers are available for an additional cost.

More info: call 0208 846 2666 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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Discover More - For Less - With Silversea

This year sees the arrival of a new luxury adventure-cruise ship to the growing array of high-quality choice in this part of the cruise market. And, to celebrate Silver Discoverer's inaugural season, Silversea Expeditions is including round-trip economy airfare for new cruise bookings on select Asia Pacific expedition voyages.

Also available are reduced business class airfares. The bookings must be made by 31 March 2014. The offer is available for a limited time from select UK gateways.

Aboard the small-sized, all-suite Silver Discoverer, guests will be able to explore some of the world's most remote regions and enjoy enriching destination lectures, photo presentations and daily recaps. Zodiac excursions and interactive walks ashore will be led by the best and brightest in their field - marine biologists, ornithologists, geologists, botanists, historians and anthropologists.

The following is a small sampling of the Asia Pacific expedition voyages featuring cruise fares with economy round-trip airfare included:

"Southeast Asia" Voyage 9408: 24 May – 9 June , Bali to Keelung
This cultural and wildlife journey of 16 days focuses on Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Expedition highlights include the chance to see the famed Komodo dragon in its natural habitat, visit diverse tribal villages and come face to face with Orangutans. Silver Privilege fares start at £6,550 per person, including round-trip economy airfare.

"East Asia & Russian Far East" Voyage 9410: 2 – 19 July, Otaru to Seward
Spanning from the Sea of Okhotsk to the Bering Sea, this unique 18-day expedition will explore remote destinations such as Sakhalin Island, the Kuril Islands, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. Following the historic routes of explorers and traders, guests will have the opportunity to witness rare wildlife and spectacular natural landscapes, including massive volcanoes. Silver Privilege fares start at £9,450 per person, including round-trip economy airfare.

"Melanesia" Voyage 9418: 3 - 21 November, Cairns to Auckland
An 18-day expedition to unlock the mysteries of the Coral Sea, this intriguing voyage encompasses the islands of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, and Bay of Islands. These are some of the most idyllic places on Earth -- lush, tropical Edens with a stunning diversity of cultural and natural landscapes. Silver Privilege fares start at £8,550 per person, including round-trip economy airfare.

In true Silversea Expeditions style, guests aboard Silver Discoverer will enjoy spacious, ocean-view accommodations, gourmet cuisine, the personalised service of a butler, and a generous selection of all-inclusive amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, and stocked in-suite beverage cabinet.

More info: call 0844 251 0837 or visit www.silversea.com/specialoffers.

 

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More Norway From Hurtigruten

Norway continues to be a popular and highly aspirational cruise region for British holidaymakers (hence our big feature on Norwegian cruises in the current issue of World of Cruising).

And those looking for more options should definitely check out Hurtigruten’s new preview brochure for 2015/16 that showcases key Norwegian and Explorer voyages and includes more direct flight charters as well as a new coastal itinerary and ex-UK ‘Fjord Highlights’ Explorer Voyage.

Discounts of up to 25% are available on selected Coastal Voyage bookings made by September 30 and Explorer Voyages made by June 30.

Coastal Voyages

Voyage-only prices start from just £819 per person for the six-day Classic Voyage South for departures from January to March 2015, on a full board basis.  

A number of new regional flying options have been added to the programme, with direct charters to Norway now offered from five new regional airports: East Midlands, Cardiff, Newcastle, Dublin and Jersey. Additional charters have also been included from existing regional departure airports, with 69 planned in total for 2015.

Explorer Voyages

A one-off ‘Fjords Highlights’ has been added to the programme, departing from Dover on May 1, 2015. The unique 10-day trip on MS Fram sails over to Norway visiting some of the most beautiful fjords, including Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord, before returning to Dover. Prices start from £1,949 per person on a full board basis.

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

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A Nation Of (Holiday) Explorers!

According to the latest research on British holidaying ambitions, we are a nation of explorers. This probably won't come as a major surprise to the many cruise lines that already offer adventure and expedition-style voyages.

But exploration is definitely the key holiday trend for 2014 according to Celebrity Cruises, who say two thirds (65 per cent) of Brits are keen to experience something new on holiday this year.

In addition, Britons are proving their holiday ambition grit with over a third (35 per cent) believing they will be able to tick off their bucket list of top destinations to visit in their lifetime. One in ten think it is likely or very likely that they will experience them all, according to the research from Celebrity.

Brits are keener than ever to venture into the unknown with trips that will exercise the mind, rather than the body. The biggest holiday ambition is to visit a famous site (30 per cent), followed closely by being able to see wildlife (25 per cent) and experience a new culture (18 per cent).

Celebrity commissioned the research ahead of the launch of ‘Ben Fogle’s Great Adventures’ – a series of unique and exclusive shore excursions developed for those keen to add an alternative element to their holiday and really make the most of their time away. 

 

Writer, broadcaster and explorer  Fogle was appointed as Celebrity's ‘Destination Expert’ in 2013 to share his knowledge of the world with the cruise line’s guests and even shape the experiences they have on holiday. From life as a castaway on a Scottish island, to racing across the Antarctic and trekking the Sahara, he is certainly well qualified to advise on adventure and how to add a different dimension to holiday programmes. 

 

The new shore excursion programme includes speedboat rides and snorkelling with salmon in Norway, a gastronomic tour through Sicily, triathlon trails in Croatia and kayaking through the Stockholm archipelago.

Commenting on the survey results, Ben said: “It is really encouraging to see Brits realising  holidays can be more than a break away and an opportunity to try something different. Many are keen to realise their ambitions to take the road less travelled and immerse themselves in new cultures and experiences. With the launch of my Great Adventures, Celebrity Cruises are leading the way in innovative and exclusive shore excursions across the globe that will add a new and exciting dimension to their cruise holidays in 2014 and beyond.”

Ben Fogle’s Great Adventures were launched yesterday (January 24). For more information visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk/BenFogle or call 0844 493 2043. 

 

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Zegrahm's 2015 Line-up

Expedition cruise specialists Zegrahm Expeditions have unveiled a thrilling line-up for 2015, featuring 20  small-ship cruises aboard eight contrasting vessels, Caledonian Sky, Isabela II, Island Sky, La Estrella Amazonica, Oceanic Discoverer, Sea Adventurer, Sea Spirit and Variety Voyager (pictured, above).

Zegrahm fans will be keen to know there are several new itineraries, beginning with Insider’s New Zealand: Milford Sound to Auckland (Feb 4-20), a fascinating voyage that showcases the natural history and culture of both the North and South Islands, plus visits to off-the-beaten-path Tiritiri Matangi Island and Waiheke Island. 

From February 7-27, the company’s Philippines expedition will visit the most intriguing destinations within this 6,000-plus-island archipelago. Travellers will cruise up a subterranean river in St Paul National Park; snorkel or dive in the region’s crystal clear waters; and search for over 600 species of birds, among other highlights. 

Then, from March 11-28, Zegrahm will trace nearly 3,000 miles of Coastal Brazil with Buenos Aires & Montevideo. This 18-day journey offers the perfect blend of natural history and culture, from snorkelling in the clear waters of Abrolhos Marine National Park and the Ilhabela Islands to discover some of Brazil’s healthiest marine systems, to visiting a small seaside artist community and exploring Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

In addition to new small-ship cruises, Zegrahm is offering a number of innovative overland adventures in Southern India, Cuba and Oman, which will be complemented by a number of signature voyages from Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands, Ultimate Galápagos, and a Circumnavigation of the Black Sea to Snow Monkeys and Cranes of Japan, Classic Botswana and Iran: Wonders of Persia.

Company President Edwin Blythe said: “Continuous innovation is one of our core values, and we are constantly focused on crafting new itineraries based on our guests’ feedback and interests. Our 2015 line-up is no exception and we are really encouraged by the excitement our travellers have shown so far.”

More info: visit www.zegrahm.com or call (in the US)1800 628 8747. 

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Zegrahm's Indian Ocean Odyssey

Small-ship voyages are definitely a major trend for 2014, and it is interesting to see the wide array of cruise ideas rolling in from a great range of operators (be sure to see our Adventure Cruise News section in the new edition of World of Cruising, which is out this month, for a full look ahead).

 

The latest is from Zegrahm Expeditions, who are featuring two exclusive cruises to the Seychelles and Madagascar in 2014.

Titled Ultimate Aldabra and Voyage to Madagascar, the two journeys—which can be taken in combination—take travellers to the lesser-visited islands of the western Indian Ocean aboard the all-suite, 100-guest Island Sky (above).

Departing November 16, the 17-day Ultimate Aldabra, is a voyage to explore the remote islands of the Seychelles, which have remained largely untouched due to their inaccessibility, and offers the unique opportunity to witness a pristine natural environment. A highlight of the expedition is spending four full days at the magnificent Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is priced from $12,970 per person, double occupancy.

Then, departing November 28, the 19-day Voyage to Madagascar includes Zanzibar, Comoros, Réunion and Mauritius, with a fascinating combination of natural history and East African culture. Highlights include discovering the unique flora and fauna of Madagascar—photogenic lemurs, 32 species of reptiles, and over 100 species of birds--and wandering a labyrinth of serpentine alleyways in Zanzibar’s Stone Town, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is priced from $13,980 per person, double occupancy.

More info: call (in the US) 1800 628 8747 or visit www.zegrahm.com.

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Hurtigruten's 2-For-1 Deal

If a trip into the Arctic Circle to experience the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, why not make your dream a reality in 2014? Norway is a 'hot' destination even when it's cold, and the choice for winter voyages in the region has never been better (it's also one of the reasons we have an Adventure Cruise feature on it in the forthcoming new issue of World of Cruising next month).

With that in mind, Hurtigruten are currently offering two for the price of one on voyages along the Norwegian Coast during January and for selected dates in February.

From Snowmobile Safaris to a Husky Sledge Adventure or even a visit to a Snow Hotel, there are a whole host of amazing experiences that can be added to your voyage to make it the trip of a lifetime.

The discounts are available on the six-day Classic Voyage South, the seven-day Classic Voyage North and 12-day Classic Round Voyage. 

You can join any one of the daily departures during January of the 7-day Classic Voyage North from Bergen up to Kirkenes on the Russian border for just £472 per person (based on two sharing on full board basis). Return international flights and transfers start from an additional £390 per person.

The offer is subject to availability, valid for new bookings made by December 31 and is not combinable with any other offer. It applies to all cabin types, except suites.

More info: call 020 3582 6642 or visit http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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Swan's New Ex-UK Options

The growth of cruises from UK ports has been a major part of the overall rise in popularity of cruising in Britain, and the good news for those who prefer not to fly is that there are even more of these options ahead in 2014.

 

Swan Hellenic are a notable company to feature this type of voyaging, and their unique little Minerva has two fascinating new cruises from historic Portsmouth to highlight this week.

 

Explore the gardens of Scandinavia at springtime with Swan's ‘A Scandinavian Spring.' After a daytime transit of the Kiel Canal, Minerva sails through the Baltic Sea to explore historic Gothenburg and the friendly city of Oslo before enjoying the panoramic views of Norway’s spectacular fjords. Prices for this 12-day cruise start from £1,775 per person and guests will be joined by a range of inspiring Guest Speakers, including Sir Richard Dales, former ambassador to Norway. The cruise departs on April 28.

The second choice is 'An Icelandic Summer,' which also takes in St Kilda, the most remote part of the British Isles, as well as the rugged, volcanic scenery of Iceland. This voyage offers fascinating wildlife and dramatic scenery, along with invigorating hikes and a full day Golden circle excursion, where guests have the opportunity to bathe in natural hot springs and discover the rugged scenery of the isolated Faroe Islands. Prices for this 16-day cruise start from £2,485 per person and it sails on June 16.

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

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Exploring Holland & Belgium, Expedition Style

We always try to bring you something new when we can here at World of Cruising. But an adventure cruise in Holland and Belgium with zodiacs? Read on!

Most expeditions with Lindblad Expeditions are epic, an immersion in  the wilderness. Many cover great swaths of geography, sometimes logging thousands of miles in a voyage. But this voyage is different. The 9-day Exploring the Low Countries: Holland and Belgium slows it down and offers a different kind of immersion, where lesser distances are covered and hidden facets of familiar places are explored.

Set to depart May 4,on the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer, the expedition will discover an ideal mix of cultural highlights including the perfectly preserved medievalism of Brugge and Gent, Amsterdam art, and the nature that formed the culture of the Low Countries, while exploring Holland and Belgium by sea.

 

Guests will visit islands renowned for their rustic beauty and birdlife; transit city canals by Zodiac; and experience all the charm for which these sites are renowned.
More info: visit www.expeditions.com or call (in the US) 1800 397 3348. 

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Try Camping - in Antarctica!

If our picture (above) looks a little bleak, don't let that put you off - because it represents a unique opportunity in the cruise world to go camping in one of the most pristine places on the planet.

 

We know here at World of Cruising that our readers are a pretty adventurous bunch, hence we thought the idea of spending a night with thousands of penguins would have significant appeal. This is Paulet Island in Antarctica, and it is a truly amazing place.

And, next winter, adventure cruise specialists Hurtigruten have added an extraordinary new excursion that will allow guests to pitch tents and spend a night like no other, camping in this unworldly terrain. This excursion is for true adventure seekers who want to indulge their spirit of discovery. In a small group of no more than 15, they will be taken ashore to set up camp and spend the night, equipped with outdoor equipment specially tailored to the region, including warm winter sleeping bags and expedition tents.

 

Even more importantly, Hurtigruten is now offering this 13-day “Land of the Penguins” voyage departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, on November 19, 2014, from just £5,699 per person (for an inside cabin). Flights and one night in a hotel before and after the voyage costs from £1,750 per person, while the unique camping excursion costs approximately £330 per person (payable locally).

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

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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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Hurtigruten Launches The Authentic Lofoten Experience

We have long been fans of the great country of Norway and feel it is one of THE great cruise destinations in the world, so much so, in fact, it will be featured as the new adventure cruise destination in the new-look January edition of World of Cruising.

And, in timely fashion, Norway's majestic mountains and picturesque fishing villages are at the centre of a new 12-day tour with specialist cruise operator Hurtigruten, combining a voyage on the MS Midnatsol along the Norwegian coast with a three-day stay in the beautiful Lofoten islands. 

Departing on March 3, Midnatsol will ply its usual route from Bergen, heading northwards up the coast to disembark in Svolvær where, over the next three days, guests will discover the area by land. There will be white water rapid rides on the sea, high coastal walks and plenty of other activities to highlight the attractions of the region.

The trip costs from £1,295 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin) including voyage, land arrangements, full board and full day ‘Lofoten Highlights’ excursion. Flights are available for an additional £450 from London.

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

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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