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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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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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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Free Alaska Shore Excursions With American Cruise Lines

Wildlife, history and native culture all meet in south-east Alaska; it is an amazing area of scenic beauty and cultural experiences unlike anywhere else of earth (hence our feature on it in the current issue of World of Cruising - check out the digital version online on this link). 

And American Cruise Lines are offering a real bonus on their 8-day round-trip cruise from Juneau this summer, discovering areas like Petersburg, Tracy Arm and Sawyer Glacier. Visitors get to see incredible natural beauty, majestic wildlife and experience first-class onboard service on one of ACL's small ships.

For a limited time only, guests who reserve a stateroom on this Alaska cruise will receive FREE shore excursions AND a Pre-Night hotel stay in the magnificent city of Juneau.

Once on the cruise, you will be able to watch humpback whales frolic in the cool waters of the Gulf of Alaska as you cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage. The pristine coves and inlets offer superb opportunities to view sea lions, orcas, harbour seals and porpoise in their natural habitat. The 94-passenger American Spirit is also ideal as a viewing point for the array of breathtaking sights, from orcas surfacing alongside the ship to Tlingit totem poles pointing to the skies with astonishing mountain peaks behind them.

This unforgettable, personalised cruise experience starts at only $5,350 per person with Free Guided Shore Excursions and a Free Pre-Cruise hotel night in Juneau.

For even more of the south-east Alaska charm, American Cruise Lines also offer an 11-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise, from Seattle to Juneau. 

This unforgettable journey cruises the protected waters of the Inside Passage while docking regularly to explore the natural scenery, historic treasures and local communities along the way.

Early Bird Discount: Book early and Save $400 or more per stateroom on this cruise.

More info: call (in the US) 1800 460 4518 or visit www.americancruiselines.com.

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Majestic's New Wildlife Partnership

Innovative small-ship cruise company The Majestic Line,has confirmed their partnership with one of the country’s top wildlife guides, providing an exciting land tour on their new 2014 Hebridean cruise, named ‘Around Mull: Wildlife Explorer’.

The new voyage is aimed at guests keen to discover the many extraordinary diverse and rare species that make this island one of the premier hotspots for wildlife in the UK. The company’s crew of four have sailed these sheltered waters for many years and have first-hand experience of spotting incredible wildlife throughout the cruising season, including basking sharks, porpoises, Minke whales, otters, white-tailed and golden eagles.  

Guests can soak up an abundance of wildlife in comfort and style aboard Majestic's pair of mini cruise ships, enjoying exceptional hospitality against a stunning backdrop of mountains, remote white sandy beaches, and ancient castles.

More info: call 07748 360 148 or visit www.themajesticline.co.uk. 

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Take In Northern Cape With Voyages of Discovery

Any cruise that takes in beautiful Norway is always going to get our attention, and here's one with that - and a bit more.

Book now and you can also  take advantage of the Voyages of Discovery "Summer Solstice & Northern Cape" 15-day cruise that departs on June 14. Explore the rugged islands, inlets and yawning fjords that characterise Norway’s fissured coastline on this itinerary that takes in the highlights of the country.

From the city of Bergen, famed for its colourful waterfront houses, to Honningsvåg, which is the gateway to Europe’s most northerly point, passengers will enjoy numerous breathtaking vistas on this voyage to the majestic North Cape and the Land of the Midnight Sun. Prices start from just £1,839pp, plus early bookers can enjoy up to £200 on board credit on balcony cabins if booked by February 28.

Voyages of Discovery is also offering Book Early Fares, featuring savings of up to £250 per person, on their 14-day "Natural Wonders & Wildlife" cruise, departing May 17. This exciting itinerary promises nature, wilderness, wildlife and natural wonders as it takes guests on a journey to the Shetland Islands, Iceland, Faroe Islands and Orkney s. From the remote and staggering landscape of the Shetland Islands to the white glaciers and snow-capped mountains of Iceland, this is the ultimate holiday for outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts. Prices start from just £1,839 per person, plus up to £200 onboard credit on balcony cabins. Book by February 28.

 

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

More info: call 0844 417 2471 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk.

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One Ocean Offers Scientific Whale-Watching

Getting up close and personal with the wildlife, culture and scenery on any cruise is something we are really passionate about here at World of Cruising, hence anything that promotes these activities gets our seal of approval.

 

And this is definitely the case with the latest opportunity from One Ocean Expeditions, who will feature marine and conservation expert Dr Ari Friedlaender on board the Akademik Sergey Vavilov to discover how whales behave in the icy waters of Antarctica this spring.

Specialists in small-ship cruise adventures One Ocean is offering a truly unique opportunity to join a 10-night Antarctic trip to study humpback, minke and killer whales, departing from Ushuaia on March 16.

Participants on this special departure will learn how to document whale numbers, help to conduct photo surveys, determine movement patterns of marine mammals and identify individual animals. They will also be able to locate and document the behaviour of whales previously fitted with satellite tracking devices.

The Marine Mammals voyage will be accompanied by Dr Friedlaender, a Research Scientist at Duke University, who has been to the Antarctic nearly 20 times on scientific voyages.

Accommodation for the trip is on board the impressive ice-strengthened ship, which has been designed for Polar research, with the comfort and safety of passengers its number one priority.

It offers a separate bar and lounge area, dining room (with exceptionally fine food), and a library, plus a theatre-style presentation room, gift-shop, fitness room, massage room, hot water spa, sauna and salt water plunge pool.

The 10-night voyage includes all meals and accommodation, plus Zodiac excursions and landings, ship transfers, foul weather gear and overnight camping. Prices start from $6,290pp based on triple share, while twin accommodation begins at $8,590pp. Suites range from $10,090 to $11,190.

More Info: call 0117 9658 333 or visit www.oneoceanexpeditions.com.

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Fred Olsen & The Amazon

Wildlife enthusiasts (and we know we have quite a few here at Time Spent At Sea!) will be intrigued by a rare opportunity from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ to take an extended voyage along the Amazon River this March, which promises to deliver an in-depth experience into this amazing region, sailing round-trip from the UK.

The 35-night ‘Amazon River & Beaches of the Caribbean’ cruise departs from Southampton on Boudicca on March 22 and will take guests deep into the heart of the rainforest, teeming with exotic flora and fauna. It will also visit some of the world’s finest islands in the Caribbean, including Barbados, St. Lucia and Dominica, offering beautiful beaches and the chance for some welcome relaxation in the sun.

Very few cruise lines are able to offer this sort of in-depth Amazon voyaging but, as Boudicca is a smaller-sized ship, she can take guests further up the River, where the people, culture and colourful wildlife never fail to inspire.

More info: 800 0355 242 www.fredolsencruises.com.
 

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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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Azores Get Wildlife Boost

The Azores islands - one of the Atlantic's unsung destination gems - are creating a real wave for themselves in 2014 by touting their great wildlife potential as a reason to visit, and that's something we are always keen to highlight here at World of Cruising.

The allure of the Azores’ whales, wild dolphins and vibrant pelagic sea creatures are helping to drive popularity for the subtropical archipelago, as the number of travellers taking trips to see the islands’ underwater wildlife with leading specialist tour operators increased by up to 200% over the last year.

 

Wildlife specialist Wildlife Worldwide (www.wildlifeworldwide.com) saw a two-fold increase in the number of their customers choosing to dive in the Azores and a 60% increase in the number of people taking underwater wildlife excursions such as swimming with the islands’

wild dolphins in 2013 compared to 2012. Leading specialist operator Sunvil (www.sunvil.co.uk) also experienced an 83% increase in bookings for whale-watching trips in the archipelago over the last 12 months compared to the previous year. 

More importantly, the islands represent a key stop-off point for transatlantic cruises, with all of Holland America, Azamara Club Cruises, Star Clippers, Celebrity, SeaDream, Silversea, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises calling in at the principal port of Ponta Delgada.

 

With 2014 marking the 30^th anniversary of the end of whaling on the islands, the Azores is a textbook example of a destination that has changed its fortunes from a tradition of whale hunting to a thriving tourism industry with whale conservation at its core.

 

The islands are a world-class scuba-diving and whale-watching destination (with 25

migratory species), and the only place in Europe where travellers can swim with wild dolphin species such as the spotted, striped and bottlenose dolphin in their natural habitat. 

Excellent local and wreck-diving sites provide access to a colourful underwater world with creatures such as manta rays, morays, stingrays, dusky groupers, comb groupers, wrasses, parrot fishes, trigger fishes, breams and damselfishes. Spring and summer are best for spotting underwater wildlife, and the magnificent Blue Whale can be seen in April on its migration route.

More info: visit www.visitazores.com.

Photos: azoresphotos.visitazores.com

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Crystal's Overland Gorilla Adventure

Locking eyes with an almost-500 pound silverback mountain gorilla, with just a few feet of African forest standing in between, might not the thing most people would expect from a luxury cruise.

But Crystal Cruises are increasingly pushing back the boundaries of what's possible on a voyage, and the Gorilla Adventure is the latest possibility in their impressive Overland Adventure portfolio.

With just 600 mountain gorillas left in the world, and only a handful of active guests permitted on the excursion, Crystal’s new “Bwindi Forest Gorilla Tracking Experience” is an ultimate bucket list trip. The five-night journey is available only to guests sailing back-to-back on two of Crystal Serenity’s 2014 World Cruise segments: an 18-night March 10 voyage from Singapore to Cape Town and the following 21-night March 28 cruise from Cape Town to Southampton. From South Africa’s port of Durban, outing participants will travel deep into Uganda, then re-join the ship in Cape Town.

On non-tracking days, the group will also learn about Uganda’s wetland, savannah and forest eco-systems at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, and participate in a mock Batwa Pygmy (considered the “keepers of the forest” for more than 5,000 years) hunting party, including tribal singing and dancing. Luxury accommodation includes two nights at The Lake Victoria Serena Resort, set on the world’s largest tropical lake, and three nights at the silver-service Sanctuary Gorilla Camp.

The Bwindi Forest Gorilla Tracking Experience costs from $11,676 per person. The combined, 39-night cruise itinerary calls in Singapore (overnight); Jakarta, Mauritius/Port Louis, Durban, Cape Town, Walvis Bay, Luanda (maiden call), Bom Bom Island/São Tomé, Takoradi, Dakar, Agadir, Lisbon and Southampton.

Crystal is also offering 10 other Overland Adventures (shore excursions where guests stay inland overnight during a cruise) in Africa next year, taking guests to Nelson Mandela’s former home, through the countryside by Victorian-era railcar and on multiple safaris in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa.

More info: call 020 7399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk.

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Titan's New Iceland & Norway Extravaganza

I was beginning to think we were over-dosing on the Arctic here at World of Cruising but we are always keen to highlight something new, and Titan Travel's latest itinerary for Iceland and Norway looks well worth mentioning.

This represents a superb new cruise for 2014 to an area of incredible natural beauty and stunning landscapes. Journeying past waterfalls and glaciers, fjords and mountains, and witnessing bubbling springs is nothing short of magical.

 

And, with an exceptional catalogue of optional and diverse shore tours available - from whale-watching and bathing in the Blue Lagoon to puffin-spotting, train-journeying and city-touring - guests can tailor their holiday to be as active or leisurely as they choose.

 

From Iceland’s colourful Reykjavik, with its must-see natural wonders, to the magnificent Norwegian fjords leading to the fascinating port towns and cities of Olden, Bergen and Stavanger, this tour has something for everyone and should definitely be on your wish-list for cruises next year.

The 15-day cruise costs from £1,545pp and will be on Fred. Olsen’s classic ship Balmoral, departing May 31.

 

Additional features include:

 

• Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service
• Port taxes
• ATOL protection fee

 

More info: call  0800 988 5823 or visit

www.titantravel.co.uk.

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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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More Reasons To Try An Un-Cruise Adventure

You may remember we featured a cruise in Alaska with Un-Cruise Adventures in the most recent edition of World of Cruising (which you can still see on this link - pages 32-36), and we also featured the voyage in day-by-day blogs here at Time Spent At Sea, a series that earned a nomination in the 2013 Avis A-List Awards for travel blogs.

You can still see the blogs, starting with Day One, on this link. So you can tell we are committed Un-Cruise fans, and are always on the lookout for news from this highly distinctive and original adventure-cruise line.

With that in mind, here are some snippets about their forthcoming cruises for 2014 aboard their luxury period style of the unique SS Legacy (above), which we can thoroughly recommend as well worth looking into.

Alaska

From June 15 through August 17, there will be 10 departures of a new Alaska’s Golden History cruise that bring the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush alive. The 7-night cruise visits Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Glacier Bay National Park, Haines and Skagway, while Frederick Sound and Icy Strait are also prime whale-watching territory. An 11-night Gold Rush Legacy cruise between Seattle and Juneau (and reverse) will be offered in June and August.

Columbia and Snake Rivers

From March through May and September through November, week-long cruises depart round-trip from Portland, Oregon, to explore the history and scenery of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Areas visited include the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Clarkston, Hells Canyon, Walla Walla, Washington Wine Country, The Dalles and Astoria, all of which offer another rare and history-rich cruise experience. 

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

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Crystal's Exclusive 'Rhino Excursion'

Well here’s another one to tempt you as we know many of our readers are ardent wildlife watchers when you’re cruising. In fact, it’s something we at World of Cruising are increasingly keen to focus on. So here’s what popped into our inbox recently.

Crystal Cruises’ newest Boutique Adventure promises an ultra-intimate and exclusive, hands-on “Rhino Conservation Experience” in Africa. Offered with Crystal Serenity’s March 10 voyage from Singapore to Cape Town, the excursion offers the opportunity to be a part of the vital local tracking and protection efforts aimed at keeping the animal from extinction. From helping locate rhinos to notching their ears while anaesthetised (enabling researchers to identify the animal and aide in the repopulation process), guests will assist the expert anti-poaching team from beginning to end.

The “Rhino Conservation Experience” is available only to guests also participating in Crystal’s mid-cruise, off-ship Overland Adventure to the Phinda Private Game Reserve. The Overland Adventure, which departs from Durban and returns to Port Elizabeth, features two nights of luxury accommodation and game drives in search of lions, elephants, buffalo and leopards. 

The full 21-night sailing departs Singapore for Jakarta, Mauritius, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town (overnight) with a two-night, inclusive pre-cruise programme to Bangkok and Cambodia beginning on March 7.  All-inclusive fly/cruise prices start from £6,344 per person if booked by January 3. The “Rhino Conservation Experience” costs $1,287 per person.

 

More info: call 020 7399 7601 or visit www. www.crystalcruises.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!

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.

Vote For Us In the Avis UK A-List Awards!

Voting opened today in this year's A-List Awards, the Avis Car Hire annual honours for keen travel bloggers everywhere.

It is the first time Time Spent At Sea has been nominated and we are thrilled to bits, so we hope all our many followers and fellow cruise enthusiasts will vote for us and put us on the A-List map!

The blog that has been chosen to represent our daily helping of cruise enjoyment was the final part of our grand Alaska voyage with Un-Cruise Adventures in August and September, and follows the day-by-day journey of that amazing Heritage-style experience through the historic region of the Yukon gold rush in 1898 (plus all the wonderful wildlife).

You can see the full blog on this link.

+Avis have opened the Awards up to a wide range of other bloggers, all of whom offer some excellent travel blogging, and everyone who votes will also have the chance to win an Avis UK Car Rental voucher to the value of £200, so there is obviously plenty of incentive to vote, too!

Here's what Avis say:

The Avis A-List Awards aim to recognise the contribution to travel and tourism made by

bloggers. We also want to acknowledge the thousands of travel enthusiasts that read and share experiences every day.

That’s why we’re not only rewarding bloggers for all their hard work but also those who vote for their favourite blog will also have a chance to win.

Please vote for your favourite blog and complete the information below to have the chance to win an Avis Car Rental voucher up to the value of £200 (to be spent internationally).

Please cast your vote to help us crown the best travel blogs of 2013. Voting closes on 31th October 2013 and the winners will be announced on 13th November 2013.

We're obviously hoping you vote for us at Time Spent At Sea and make the story of our Alaska trip one of the most popular of the year. We certainly have no hesitation in recommending Un-Cruise Adventures as one of the very best cruise experiences we've ever had in 80-plus journeys.

Here's the link to vote on: Avis A-List Awards.

PS: We're listed at number 19 of the 25!

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

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An Un-Cruise Adventure - Pt 12, Final Day

The grand finale of our magnificent voyage from Juneau to Seattle aboard the SS Legacy with the unique style of Un-Cruise Adventures... 

Day 12 - Seattle

It's 7am and we have finally come to the end of our fairly epic voyage with Un-Cruise, the navigation of the Hiram M Chittenden Locks (known locally as Ballard Locks) into Fishermen's Terminal in Seattle.

It's always a fascinating process going through the lock stage and we enjoy an  early-morning gathering on deck with Larry talking us through what's going on, and a bit more about Seattle itself. The salmon are still active and we see some beautiful specimens jumping several feet out of the water with resounding splashes!

After arriving in the inner basin (once again, where the big ships never venture), we troop down to the Klondike Dining Room for our final breakfast aboard.

The disembarkation arrangements are as smooth and seamless as those when we arrived,

with our suitcases being whisked off the ship while we are at breakfast, and loaded onto a bus for the airport without us having to lift a finger.

Thankfully, there is no rush to get off and we are able to say some heartfelt goodbyes to fellow passengers who have become firm friends in the course of the 12 days. Notable among them are Australian photographer Jocelyn Pride (who has taken some magnificent pics during the voyage - be sure to see more at http://www.jocelynpride.com.au/) and her husband Peter, and Jim and Ann Blanchard, plus just about everyone else!

It has been a wonderfully convivial group, apart from everything else, and it has been great to share travel stories with such a collection of well-travelled and fun folks. It was quite startling to learn that just about everyone had travelled with Un-Cruise before and were keen to come back for more - the ultimate endorsement of the product.

Finally, we DID have to get off, and it was to a full line-up of the crew and staff, providing hugs and handshakes all round as we said some more fond farewells. And yes, there were a few tears, too. 

The voyage itself has been a dazzling daily collection of highlights, both on board and in the

scenery and wildlife around us. Alaska never disappoints from those points of view, but this cruise proved off-the-charts amazing.

Equally, the Un-Cruise Adventures style of relaxed, unhurried and (often) unscheduled cruising is a huge hit with us. We loved absolutely every minute of it.

Now, we wouldn't normally do this, but we want to give a name check to everyone who helped and made this journey special, as it's one we will always remember. To a certain extent, the PR people and the crew are simply doing their job and (without wishing to sound condescending) it is important for them to showcase their product as efficiently as possible. But we think this went above and beyond all but one cruise we have previously experienced, and is certainly on a par with the

great Nomads of the Seas voyage we enjoyed in Chile a few years ago.

So here goes with the extensive array of fully-deserved plaudits...

EVP Tim Jacox and director of business development LouAnn Stanley, who proved such wonderful company onboard, as well as ensuring we saw everything we needed to (and to Sarah Scoltock, back in the office, for great pre-cruise organisation).

Captain Dano (Daniel Quinn) and his wheelhouse staff of First Mate Katie, Second Mate Rob and Third Mate Lyman (my Open Mic Night partner!) for both great navigation, enormous skill in finding (and staying with, the wildlife), and the personable style to tell us all about it, along with deck hands Travis and Kristen (a more conscientious, hard-working and ship-proud pair would be hard to find).

Then there were the Grand Salon staff Jason, Heather and Sharon for serving great drinks

and providing ever-smiling service, even at 6.30am; and the Klondike Dining Room staff Cheryl, Amber, Julio, Derek and Kirsty for equally good service with a fun attitude.

Finally, there were the incomparable troupe of re-enactors/entertainment staff/historians/characters/naturalists/photographers and all-round stars Larry West (a fount of all knowledge on the region) and Kenne Williams (together, below), Ryan (as Swedish photographer Eric Hegg, right) and Arika (above left). 

Four true champions of Alaska and the Heritage Cruise style - long may they fly the Un-Cruise flag and its unique style! More importantly, the 49th state is now firmly embedded in our hearts forever and we WILL be back, as we can feel a much longer - and deeper - story that needs to be written.

To learn more about Un-Cruise adventures, call 1888 862 8881 in the US; or visit www.un-cruise.com. In the UK, specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line can also help with bookings.

Be sure to read the full report of the cruise in the Autumn edition of World of Cruising, out now! You can subscribe here: www.worldofcruising.co.uk/subscribeOrder.html 

 

"This article has been written to recognise the author's contribution to travel and tourism by Avis Car Hire (http://www.avis.co.uk) on the A-List Awards 2013." 

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.