Noble Caledonia's Rare Papua New Guinea Adventure

Noble Caledonia is taking its luxury adventure-cruise style on a rare journey to Papua New Guinea - the final cruise frontier - in February, with the voyage aboard MS Caledonian Sky including the ultra-rare Trobriand, D’Entrecasteaux and Marshall Bennett Islands. The exotic land of Papua New Guinea is, in the truest sense, the last untouched frontier on earth. With rare 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 secluded forests nurture more than 3,000 kinds of orchids, and the world’s largest butterfly and moth inhabit its rainforests. It is a place of enormously rich cultural diversity.

There is also no such thing as a typical Papua New Guinean as more than 1,000 tribal groups, each with different traditions, are now recognised. On this journey of contrasts, guests will witness an astonishing array of cultural ceremonies, from fascinating villages to the exquisite Tami, Trobriand and D’Entrecasteaux Islands, offering exceptional underwater experiences. The only comfortable way to explore this vast and intriguing land is by sea and Noble Caledonia are fortunate in having one of the finest and best equipped expedition vessels in the world for their explorations in the 114-passenger Caledonian Sky. Prices are from £5,595 for the 14-night cruise, sailing February 26, with a £400 saving per person off a limited number of book-now suites. For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's adventure-cruise experts.

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.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Hapag-Lloyd's International Expeditions For 2014/15

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced the arrival of its 2014-2015 expeditions brochure, offering 11 itineraries operated in English and German. 

The small and beautifully-appointed expedition ships Hanseatic and Bremen will be travelling to Siberia, the Chukchi Peninsula and Wrangel Island, Antarctica, the Chilean Fjords, Cape Verde, the Amazon, Alaska and the “small” Northwest Passage. The 184-passenger Hanseatic (above), the world’s only 5-star expedition ship, and the 4-star Bremen, carrying 164 guests, were built to provide intensive explorations in the most elegant surroundings.

Three outstanding sample itineraries are as follows:

New itinerary and destination – Expedition Siberia

During an expedition on the Hanseatic, guests will explore the region of Primorye. This unique itinerary makes stops in Pusan/Republic of Korea, various stops in Siberia/Russia, such as Rimsky Islands, Vladivostok, Petrov Island, and ends in Otaru/Japan. The Hanseatic is one of the few non-Russian ships to set out on this cruising adventure along the Siberian coast. This 15-night itinerary is from May 11-26, 2014, from Shanghai/China to Otaru/Japan, and rates start at £6,090 per person, based on double occupancy, cruise-only. 

The Pursuit of The “Small” Northwest Passage 

This 19-night itinerary on board Bremen is from August 18 to September 6, 2014, from Kangerlussuaq/Greenland to Reykjavik/Iceland and rates for this voyage through the High Arctic and the islands of Canada start at £8,010 per person, based on double occupancy, cruise-only. 

Discovering Antarctica and the Australia/New Zealand Sub Antarctic Region

This 26-night itinerary on Hanseatic is from January 25 to February 21, 2014, from Ushuaia/Argentina to Bluff/New Zealand, with stops in Macquarie Island/Australia and Auckland Island/New Zealand (includes charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia). Rates start at £13,360 per person, based on double occupancy, cruise-only. 

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

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.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Zegrahm's South Pacific Return

Zegrahm Expeditions, the world leader in small-ship cruising and overland adventures, has announced its return to the South Pacific in 2014 with a two-part voyage circumnavigating the world’s second largest island, New Guinea. Whether taken separately, or in combination, this itinerary exposes travellers to a rarely-visited region of the world.

Zegrahm president Edwin Blythe says: “This signature expedition offers unique opportunities to interact with remote villagers and explore one of the most biodiverse underwater worlds. Our expert team, including Zegrahm co-founders Mike Messick and Jack Grove, and field director Jonathan Rossouw, will help interpret all of the incredible highlights travellers will experience on this expedition.”

Voyage I, 'Remote Islands of Papua New Guinea', departs March 8 and reveals a multitude of traditional villages where spiritual beliefs, artistic craftsmanship, ritualistic ceremonies, and the tradition of hospitality endure. Highlights include witnessing the spectacular fire dances of the Baining tribe; visiting the legendary Trobriand Islands, dubbed the “Islands of Love;” and exploring the Sepik River Delta. This 16-day expedition is priced from $10,970 per person.

Voyage II, 'Raja Ampat and Asmat Villages', departs March 19 and offers exquisite snorkelling and diving, and celebrates the cultural diversity of Papua and its outer islands. Guests will snorkel and dive among the amazing corals of Raja Ampat and Ashmore Reef; search for more than 500 species of birds, including the beautiful birds of paradise; and spend two exhilarating days in the Asmat, meeting elaborately decorated “warriors” and learning about their unique culture and highly sought-after carvings. This 18-day expedition is priced from $12,470 per person.

These fascinating voyages are aboard the all-suite 100-passenger Caledonian Sky. This beautiful vessel was completely refurbished in 2012 and features ocean-view suites, single-seating dining room, large lounge, elegant bar, and enclosed panoramic viewing deck. Travellers who chose to combine these voyages will save 5% off the rate of each expedition.

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

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.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Un-Cruise Adventures’ Big Year

Specialist luxury adventure-cruise operator Un-Cruise Adventures has announced its biggest-ever deployment for 2014, with 19 itineraries in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and the Pacific North-west, with eight vessels offering their range of Active, Luxury and Heritage Adventure cruises.

Their five main offerings are as follows:

Mexico’s Sea of Cortés

Joining the fleet in December, the renovated 64-guest Safari Voyager will sail Luxury Adventures year-round in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés on four different itineraries, all new. A week-long Cousteau’s Aquarium of the World cruise sails round-trip from San José del Cabo and visits two ports, Loreto and La Paz, with an emphasis on encountering whale sharks. A week-long Baja’s Whale Bounty cruise round-trip from San José del Cabo includes a trip to Bahia Magdalena for a panga ride to see gray whales up close.  Humpback whale-watching takes place at Gordo Banks and encounters with blue, pilot, fin and other whale species add to the bounty.  

Coastal Washington & British Columbia

New in 2014, an all-Washington itinerary, exploring the Olympic Wilderness and San Juan Islands. Sailing round-trip from Seattle, it includes extended time in Princess Louisa Inlet, in spring and autumn. The week-long Active Adventure aboard the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer visits South Hood Canal, Port Townsend, Deception Pass, Lopez Island, Orcas Island, Friday Harbor and Sucia Island. The 22-guest Safari Quest sails British Columbia’s Yachters’ Paradise round-trip Seattle in spring and autumn.

Hawaiian Islands

The 36-guest Safari Explorer yacht returns for its third season sailing Luxury Adventures among the islands between Moloka’i and Hawaii, the Big Island (and reverse) from November-April. The week-long Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary explore four islands, the Big Island, Maui, Lana’i and Moloka’i. Guests enjoy a full complement of water sports activities, night snorkelling with Giant Pacific Manta rays, exclusive tours on Moloka’i and encounters with dolphins, whales and turtles.

Alaska

Seven vessels cruise Alaska on 12 different itineraries ranging from one to three weeks from home-ports of Seattle, Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka from April-September. Three upscale vessels, the 22-guest Safari Quest, 36-guest Safari Explorer and 86-guest Safari Endeavour, sail Luxury Adventures round-trip from Juneau; expedition vessels Wilderness  Adventurer, Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Explorer sail Active Adventures out of Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka; and the 88-guest S.S. Legacy sails Heritage Adventures between Juneau and Ketchikan.

Columbia & Snake Rivers 
The 88-guest S.S. Legacy, a replica coastal steamer, sails Heritage Adventures along the Columbia and Snake Rivers in spring and fall. Week-long Legacy of Discovery cruises sail round-trip from Portland, Oregon, with a focus on Living History, including Lewis and Clark’s Expedition, the Oregon Trail, Native Americans and early pioneers. 

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

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.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Australia's Kimberley By Land, Sea & Air

Orion Expedition Cruises is offering an extended season of 15 ten-night Kimberley voyages from late April to early September, travelling between Darwin and Broome and visiting King George River and Falls, Vansittart Bay, Hunter River (for Mitchell Falls), Montgomery Reef and Raft Point, Talbot Bay/Horizontal Waterfalls, Crocodile Creek and Nares Point. Orion's expedition team understands exploring this region of Australia is best undertaken in a variety of ways, and has selected options to enhance experiences by providing appropriate exploration by land, sea and air.

By land, enjoy plenty of time ashore to see Kimberley coastal highlights, including outstanding examples of pre-history at Gwion and mythical Wandjina indigenous rock art. Land on remote islands and beaches, explore vast gorges and climb to the plateau next to the highest waterfall in the Kimberley, King George Falls. At Raft Point meet Donny Woolagoodja, the appointed owner/guardian of the Wandjina rock art in the area, and other traditional land owners, welcomed ashore with a traditional purification smoking ceremony and authentic interpretation of the rock artworks that abound in the area.

By sea, explore magnificent Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Waterfalls and the mighty rivers of the Kimberley. From the safety and comfort of Orion's 10 Zodiac expedition craft, venture into waterways in search of saltwater crocodiles, turtles and sharks. Then return to the comfort of your five-star floating base camp for expedition cruising among a thousand islands in a region subject to some of the world's greatest tidal movements.

By air, exclusive to Orion, is an inclusive two-hour Bungle Bungle Ranges flight at no additional charge. Brought to the world’s attention only 25 years ago, their remote location ensures the Bungle Bungles remain an elusive destination seen first-hand by just a fortunate few. Optional helicopter sight-seeing provides the opportunity to trace the Hunter River at low altitude, skimming the plateau before touching down to explore the beautiful, triple-drop Mitchell Falls. From an aerial perspective, see the remnants of massive geological structural pressures that have folded and shaped the Kimberley landscape. 

With thousands of kilometres of undeveloped shoreline, the Kimberley - so ancient, much of it pre-dates the existence of fossils - ranks as one of the world’s great environmental wonders, a rare wilderness area worthy of the highest levels of conservation and protection. 

Prices in 2013 start from £5,665 per person, twin share, for an oceanview Category A Stateroom including all meals, lectures, inclusive shore expeditions, gratuities and port fees aboard the deluxe Orion. 

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

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.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Noble Caledonia's Galapagos Adventures

Following on from yesterday's blog about G Adventures' latest offerings in the Galapagos, here is another very timely story of the same destination, this time from Noble Caledonia.

Named after the giant Galapagos tortoise (above), this remote group of islands, 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador, are considered some of the most wondrous islands in the world. It was Charles Darwin who put them on the map. True, the islands were discovered some 300 years earlier, but Darwin’s five-week stay during his world expedition altered the course of human thought and history. 

One of the most amazing aspects of the Galapagos is that, even today, the archipelago is much the same as in Darwin’s time, a veritable ‘Garden of Eden’. Largely unspoiled by development, it is a place where fascinating and diverse wildlife is both abundant and fearless of man. Here you can swim with dolphins and Galapagos penguins, walk amongst giant tortoises, watch basking marine iguanas and be endlessly fascinated by the colourful and exotic birdlife. The isolation and late discovery by humans, along with a historical lack of predators, has set the stage for a unique environmental experiment and developed into perhaps the greatest showcase for evolution to be witnessed anywhere.

Today, there are a number of vessels cruising around these islands ranging in size from six to 600 passengers, but Noble Caledonia have chosen two very special vessels operated by their associates and experts in Galapagos cruises, Metropolitan Touring, who have almost 60 years experience of providing guests with unique and quality travel experiences. Isabela II and La Pinta are perfect for those who prefer a small, superior vessel, a highly experienced expedition team, small groups ashore and an environmentally friendly programme.

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

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.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Now Booking - Galapagos With Silversea!

Luxury expedition cruise specialist Silversea has opened the books for its 2013 and 2014 Galápagos programme.

Its year-round schedule of 7-day expedition voyages aboard the 100-guest, all-suite Silver Galapagos will begin operating in late September 2013. The two voyages will be as follows:

Western Itinerary: Saturday to Saturday, round-trip from Baltra Island 
Silver Galapagos will trace a path across the western, southern and eastern islands, including Santiago, Bartolomé, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, San Cristóbal, and Santa Cruz.

North Central Itinerary: Saturday to Saturday, round-trip from Baltra Island
Silver Galapagos will encompass the north-east, central and south-east islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Seymour Norte, San Cristóbal, Española, and Plazas Sur.

Fares start at £3,550 per person, based on double occupancy.

This new schedule will offer adventurous travellers the chance to discover a wild, pristine paradise that has long been regarded as a natural laboratory of evolution. Through complimentary expeditions, guided by an experienced expedition team (certified by the Galápagos National Park Service), Silversea guests will be able to experience up-close encounters with an abundance of wildlife including sun-basking land iguanas, giant tortoises, blue and red-footed boobies, colourful marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins and Darwin's famous finches.

The programme will also offer the opportunity to swim and snorkel in tranquil clear waters, witness unique highland ecosystems, hike through lush mangrove forests and across volcanic fields, explore natural lava tunnels, watch for wild flamingos (in season), read cave inscriptions from the 1800s, and learn about conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

In true Silversea Expeditions style, guests of Silver Galapagos will enjoy full-scale exploring from an enclave of luxury at sea, including spacious, ocean-view suites, gourmet cuisine, butler service and a selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities such as complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship and all gratuities.

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

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.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Orion's Photo Focus On Vietnam

Orion Expedition Cruises is delighted to announced that award-winning British wildlife photographer, author and filmmaker, Sue Flood, is to join international photographer Nick Rains as a guest presenter onboard Orion II during a nine-night Vietnam Explorer photographic voyage departing March 30.

This voyage is an opportunity for enthusiasts of all levels to improve their photographic skills while on location in one of the world’s most photogenic settings, Vietnam.

 

Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, this voyage includes four photogenic World Heritage sites - Hue, Hoi An, My Son (above) and Ha Long Bay. There will be ample opportunity to experience and capture the cultural, historic and geographic diversity of Vietnam, including the Saigon River busy with sampans, the traditional fishing village of Baie de Cu Mon, which is rarely seen by outsiders, and Nha Trang’s Communist Party headquarters.

 

Nick and Sue will hold regular workshops onboard before taking guests ashore on location along with members of Orion’s specialist expedition team.

 

Photography workshops include professional advice and instruction on understanding and optimising camera settings, selecting the best lens for the occasion, framing your subject and ‘capturing the moment’ along with instruction on the dark art of digital editing-software and printing.

Explore, experience and shoot from dawn to dusk, with internationally recognised and awarded professional photographers; then relax, compare images and enjoy superb cuisine, wines and company by night onboard Orion II.

 

The nine-night Vietnam Explorer photo expedition departs Ho Chi Minh City to Haiphong (for Hanoi), and includes Nha Trang, Baie de Cu Mon/Bai Nam Beach, Da Nang (for My Son and Hoi An), Chan May (for Hue), Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba.  

 

Book before the end of February and save 30%, with prices from £3,850 per person, including eight nights on Orion II, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.

 

About Sue Flood

Sue is an award-winning wildlife photographer, author and filmmaker. She joined the BBC Natural History Unit in 1993 and spent 11 years at the BBC, fulfilling a lifelong ambition to work with her childhood (and adult!) hero, Sir David Attenborough. Her experience including working as Associate Producer on the award-winning series The Blue Planet and also Planet Earth and the Disney nature movie Earth. Sue also produced four films for the BBC:  Polar Bears on Thin Ice; A Boy Among Polar Bears; Killer Whale Special; and Life of Mammals. In March 2005 Sue left to pursue her wildlife photography career and she is now a professional photographer, represented by Getty Images. Recognition of Sue’s work includes awards in the following competitions: International Photographer of the Year, Travel Photographer of the Year, the Art Wolfe (Best of Festival) Award in the International Conservation Photography Awards, and Royal Photographic Society Silver Medal.

 

About Nick Rains

Nick Rains, studied Zoology at university in Britain which led him to a career in photography. Over the years, Nick has worked with the Australian Tourism Commission, Tourism NSW, Penguin Books, Readers Digest Books, Shell Petroleum, BBC TV, Sports Illustrated, World Heritage Commission, Australian Geographic plus many more. Nick is involved with teaching and writing and is the editor of Better Digital Camera magazine. 

For booking info, be sure to check out this link with the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists. The Cruise Line Ltd.

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.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

The Art of Japan With Orion

Orion Expedition Cruises has released details of an exclusive eight-night Art of Japan voyage featuring visits to some of the most culturally significant high points around the Inland Sea of Japan.

Departing Busan, South Korea, on April 19, the itinerary has been tailored especially for art lovers and those with a curiosity about Japanese art seeking to better understand and experience the breadth of the country's art culture, including some fine collections of Western art.                         

Developed in conjunction with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, this tour embraces ancient Shinto shrines, exquisite formal gardens, art complexes and museums, samurai culture, medieval castles and contemporary architecture. From the floating red shrine of Itsukushima to collections of Claude Monet, the formal gardens of Korakuen and the contemporary art of Tatsuo Miyajima, this Art of Japan voyage onboard Orion II promises to be an artistic revelation.

The voyage visits Sakai Ko, Honshu Island; Hagi, Honshu Island; Hiroshima; Miyajima, Inland Sea; Uno Ko, Honshu Island; Naoshima, Honshu Island; and Takamatsu, Shikoku Island; before arriving at Kobe, Japan. Prices start from £3,825 per person (a saving of £670) including eight nights onboard, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.

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

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.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Historic Day For Silver Explorer

Silversea Cruises are proud to announce their Silver Explorer and its Expedition Team accomplished a first in the ship’s history late last month, landing guests at Point Wild, Elephant Island – the location where survivors of the Shackleton Expedition lived under two lifeboats for more than four months while hoping for rescue.

After attempting to take guests to Elephant Island for nearly 10 years, Silver Explorer’s Captain Alexander Golubev was able to tuck the ship into a small and slightly sheltered bay just to the West of Point Wild, due to good weather conditions. Explorer’s unstructured itinerary to ‘Cruise and Explore the Antarctic Peninsula’ allows the Captain and the Silversea team to determine the exact itinerary as the voyage progresses, as conditions can vary so much in the Polar regions. 

Both guests and crew can take full advantage of the available conditions to explore as many sights and make as many zodiac excursions and landings as possible, and this was especially true in the case of Point Wild.

Guests can also combine true expedition cruising with an elegant onboard lifestyle with Silversea Expeditions. Offering two 10-day trips from £6,339 per person, on an all-inclusive basis, voyage 7226 departs December 3 and voyage 7227 departs December 13 from Ushuaia. Silver Explorer departs from the Argentine port and cruises through the Drake Passage and then the Antarctic Peninsula, before returning to Ushuaia. Price is per person, based on two people sharing a View Suite and includes all shore excursions, port charges, government fees and taxes. Economy flights are available from £2,299 per person.

Fares for voyages embarking/disembarking Ushuaia include economy class charter air service between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, plus transfers between Ushuaia airport and pier, on day of embarkation and disembarkation.

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

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.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.