Aurora Expeditions have created a special photographic expedition for just 27 passengers. Accompanied by two professional photographers, David Burren and Martin Bailey from LuminOdyssey, this voyage is for all levels of photographers.

This 25 day trip begins in Ushuaia at the Southern tip of Argentina and cruises south over the Drake Passage to spend a week on the Antarctic Peninsula. Time will be spent exploring the historic and rich wildlife at Vernadsky Station, taking in the  spectacular rugged coastline from Lemaire Channel to the Gerlache Strait as you head northwards to King George Island. You will be greeted by fur and elephant seals as well as adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. As you continue north, you will witness the spectacular cliffs of the Falkland Islands, home to an abundance of breeding birds and the world’s largest black browed albatross colony at Steeple Jason Island as you steam towards Atlantic Patagonia. Following the steps of Darwin, you will explore the abundant wildlife, visiting Puerto Desaedo, Bahia Bustamante and the waters around Peninsula Valdes. Enjoy the spectacle of majestic orcas feeding on young sea lions at Punta Norte before you sail into the port of Mar del Plata.

Whether you’re using film or digital, a compact camera or an SLR, you will return with the essence of Antarctica captured by your lens. This may be an iceberg shining on a slate grey sea, minke whales spouting beside the ship, and clouds, pre-dawn pink, which morph into ice-draped mountains.

For digital camera photographers, resident experts, David and Martin will explain how to process and organise images with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3. Prior to the voyage David and Martin will be available to advise you regarding your photography equipment. During the passage to Antarctica they will present classes and seminars to help prepare you for the Peninsula & Falkland Islands, and these will continue throughout the voyage.

Background

David Burren: David is a renowned photographer and teacher. He teaches colour management and digital processing at Photography Studies College in Melbourne. David has photographed the natural world on all seven continents, from the deserts of outback Australia to the cold of the Antarctic summer and the Arctic winter. David’s personal site:

davidburren.com

Martin Bailey: Martin is a British nature and wildlife photographer based in Japan, and is known to many photographers through his popular podcast, blog and workshops. Martin’s personal site: martinbaileyphotography.com

Aurora Expeditions pioneered ship-based adventures and remain committed to small, low-impact groups keen to experience Antarctica in many ways, whether it is climbing, scuba diving, sea kayaking, photography or sitting quietly and absorbing the surrounding magnificence.

Aurora Expeditions is proud to be the first Australian member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATTO), dedicated to leading expeditions that respect the environmental guidelines and codes of conduct.

Prices start from US$9350 and include ship accommodation, all meals onboard, all shore excursions, lectures, medical services, port charges and taxes)

For further information contact Aurora Expeditions or your local travel agent. www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or 02 9252 1011 www.facebook/auroraexpeditions

Digital impression of MV Aria, due to launch in 2011

Peru-based Aqua Expeditions plans to launch its second vessel on the Peruvian Amazon in April.

Aqua Expeditions CEO Francesco Galli-Zugaro announced plans this month to launch the second Aqua Expeditions vessel on the Peruvian Amazon, the M/V Aria, in April 2011. The M/V Aria features 16 specially designed cabins with floor-to-ceiling picture windows, a fully air-conditioned top deck with observation lounge as well as the Aqua Expeditions’ signature Amazon Grill with award-winning Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

In addition to these amenities, the M/V Aria will also boast an exercise room and an outdoor Jacuzzi with sun deck, a unique addition to accommodate the discerning and fitness conscious traveler.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the world’s second five-star luxury vessel to sail the Amazon,” says Galli-Zugaro. “The M/V Aria will provide the ever-growing number of travelers who wish to explore one of the world’s last great wilderness areas with a one-of-a-kind travel experience.”

The boat’s itineraries will vary from those of its sister ship, the M/V Aqua, but will also explore remote areas of the Amazon River. The 24-crew member M/V Aria is staffed with four world-class nature guides and will also include an Amazon wildlife reference library and air-conditioned multimedia room.

For more information, visit www.aquaexpeditions.com.

What’s New

Independent adventure holiday specialist World Expeditions has just launched its Polar Voyages 2010/11 brochure, brimming with new and exciting voyages – including for the first time the Russian Arctic and Far East, a region that was until recently ‘off limits’ to western visitors!

With 20 voyages and over 60 departures, this is one of the most comprehensive ranges of polar trips ever presented in a single brochure, featuring the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, Falkland Islands, the remote Ross Sea, Scotland, Greenland, Norway or the high Arctic region of Spitsbergen.

In addition to the new brochure, as of the 2011/12 season, World Expeditions will offer a fresh approach to experiencing Antarctica: a new fly/cruise option that allows less time at sea and lower prices but still the same quality voyage.

Antarctic journeys sail from Ushuaia via the Falklands to South Georgia and onto the Antarctic Peninsula – but now a series of special voyages are planned that will utilise a charter flight, allowing for the trip to start/end at Port Stanley in the Falklands, shortening its duration to 15 days (as opposed to the usual three weeks).

The fly/cruise option will save time and money (the charter flight will be included in the trip rate) without compromising on the Antarctica experience, as it will include the same number of landing days as on regular South Georgia departures.

All World Expeditions’ polar trips emphasise on animal encounters and maximum shore time, with many offering the opportunity to kayak, dive – and even camp on the Antarctic mainland for a night!

To celebrate the launch of the Polar Voyages brochure, World Expeditions now has a selection of special offers. All new polar voyages bookings will receive 5% discount, while there are savings of up to 25% on selected trips/departure dates:

• Around Spitsbergen: Save 25% off the following departures: 4 August 2010, 14 August 2010 and 17 August 2010
• Discover Antarctica: Save 15% off the following departures: 10 December 2010, 25 January 2011 and 22 February 2011
• Antarctica Encompassed: Save 25% off the following departures: 4 November 2010 and 22 November 2010
• Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula: Save 20% off a twin private cabin on the 17 February 2011 voyage
• Across The Circle: Save 20% off a twin private cabin on the 26 January 2011 voyage

The generic 5% discount is valid only for new bookings made by 30 July 2010, directly with World Expeditions and for polar trips departing before March 2011. Cannot be used in conjunction with the trip specific discounts outlined above.

*For more information and bookings please call 0800 0744 135 or visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk

- World Expeditions is independently owned and a truly global company, with offices in London, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland, Ottawa and Montreal.

Orion’s Christmas in Fiordland

Imagine Christmas Day and Boxing Day onboard the award winning 5 star expedition ship Orion, being wined, dined and pampered while surrounded by the spectacular World Heritage-listed New Zealand fiords.

PLUS receive 3 nights accommodation at the luxurious Sofitel Hotel & Spa in Queenstown, before or after the voyage, with the compliments of Orion Expedition Cruises.

Your 7 night Christmas-with-a-difference voyage commences in Dunedin, then, after a day to relax and settle into the rhythm of life onboard enroute to Jackson Bay, you will experience the grandeur of New Zealand’s fjords, with spectacular glacial hanging valleys, lush rain forests and plunging waterfalls, as Orion’s Captain explores deep into Fiordland.

You’ll see abundant wildlife from on board Orion or close up from her expeditionary Zodiacs. Seals and dolphins abound so bring your camera to capture that magic moment. From the natural beauty of Milford Sound to the spectacular Dusky and Doubtful Sounds and Stewart Island, you will experience the best that this region has to offer – all wrapped up in the 5 star comfort and service of Orion and her 75 crew.

A Christmas holiday unlike any other, with degustation Christmas fare in World Heritage surroundings.

Special offer: extend your holiday with an inclusive accommodation packages at no additional cost

Orion guests travelling on the 21 December 2010 departure can add the following pre or post voyage accommodation option, staying in one of the finest properties available:

Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa – (3 nights) includes transfers, breakfasts and a half day winery tour.

This inclusive package is an extension to Orion’s existing ‘Experience Australia’ voyages where guests can enjoy inclusive stays at some of the finest and most sought after properties in Australia. Email sales@orionexpeditions.com for your brochure.

Prices for this Orion Expedition Cruises inclusive package starts at the regular price of $6,040 per person based on twin share in a Category A stateroom and above. Please check with Orion Expedition Cruises reservations representative to confirm inclusions on 1 300 361 012, email sales@orionexpeditions.com or see your travel agent.

Accommodation package must be chosen at the time of booking. Subject to availability. For guests not wishing to take the inclusive accommodation package, savings of up to 15% are available. Some conditions apply.

7 -night Christmas in Fiordland voyage:

Departing 21 December 2010

Dunedin, Jackson Bay, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, Stewart Island, Dunedin

Fares Guide 

Fares begin from $5,200 per person for an ocean view category B stateroom (excludes pre or post accommodation offer)

Suites begin from $7,175 per person for a Junior Suite (category JS)

Orion’s spacious Owners’ Suites with French Balcony are $10,890 per person

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website www.orionexpeditions.com

For reservations or to obtain a brochure call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) or your travel agent. Email: info@orionexpeditions.com

Exploring the ruggedly beautiful Kimberley coastline aboard Coral Princess Cruises‘ exclusive small ships is even more appealing this spring with a 20 per cent discount on cruise prices and an offer for singles to cruise at twin share prices.

The offer is available on selected 10-night journeys departing during October 2010 aboard Oceanic Discoverer.

Coral Princess’s 10-night voyages cruise between Darwin and Broome through one of the planet’s oldest and most awe-inspiring sea and landscapes. Rivers carve their way through ancient, eroded mountains that were once the height of the Himalaya, dropping in champagne waterfalls such as the 80-metre King George Falls. Excursions ashore visit rock art galleries where Bradshaw (Gwion) paintings – the world’s oldest known art – record a human history stretching back 50,000 years.

The cruises explore the 800-odd islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, including an exhilarating Zodiac ride through the Horizontal Waterfalls, and there is an optional helicopter flight over the Mitchell Plateau for views of the impressive four-tiered Mitchell Falls.

The voyages also coincide with the annual humpback whale migration along the Western Australia coastline, providing guests with exhilarating whale watching opportunities.

The offer is valid for new bookings made from July 1 to August 31, 2010 or until sold out on selected October 2010 departures of the Kimberley expedition cruise program.

The discounted prices for the 10-night Kimberley cruise start at $6600 aboard the 72-passenger Oceanic Discoverer. Prices are per person, twin share and include the cruise, all meals, lectures and services of expedition staff on board and group transfers.

Single travellers cruise at the twin share rate aboard selected October 2010 departures of the Oceanic Discoverer. Prices start at $8250.

For further information and reservations contact Coral Princess Cruises on 1800 079 545 or www.coralprincess.com.au.

Award-winning expedition travel company Heritage Expeditions has signed an agreement with the MV Polar Star for all Antarctic and sub-Antarctic voyages aboard the former Swedish Icebreaker.

One of the most expeditionary vessels operating in the region with a capacity of just 100 passengers, the MV Polar Star will be operating in Antarctica from November through to March and offering a range of expedition voyages to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

The vessel’s icebreaker hull offers unrivalled levels of safety in Antarctica’s icy waters and also the ability to explore where others are unable.

Heritage Expeditions has successfully operated expeditions from Australia and New Zealand to the Ross Sea region of Antarctica for nearly twenty years and the opportunity to expand into the Antarctic Peninsula was a logical move.

With a full program of expeditions visiting the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands and South Georgia Heritage Expeditions now offers the most comprehensive range of Antarctic and Southern Ocean expeditions. The expeditions aboard the MV Polar Star will be marketed under Heritage’s small ship cruising brand, Wild Earth Travel.

Heritage Expeditions’ new Antarctic itineraries depart from Ushuaia, Argentina between November and March each year, ranging in length from 10 to 19 days with prices starting from US$5,260 (AU$6,331) pp.

To celebrate its inaugural season in the Antarctic Peninsula, there are 35% savings for the first three departures for bookings made before August 10th, including the South Georgia and Antarctica expedition, the Antarctic Peninsula expedition and the Antarctic Peninsula Christmas expedition. There are additional 20% discounts on selected departures throughout the season.

For further information please visit:

www.wildearth-travel.com

Captain Cook Cruises has released the 2011 dates for its seven nights Northern Fiji Dateline Discovery Cruise and due to the cruises popularity an extra two departure dates have been added.

The new 2011 departure dates are: 05 April, 03 May, 07 June, 05, July, 02 August, 06 September, 04 October, and 01 November 2011. Remaining 2010 dates include 03 August, 07 September, 05 October and 02 November.

The Northern Fiji Dateline Discovery Cruise is an amazing cruise that reveals the unique history, art and culture of the Northern Fiji Islands and allows passengers the ultimate experience of standing’ on the International Dateline.

Developed after months of extensive research and searching for secluded and exclusive locations, passengers are taken beyond the Yasawa Islands to very remote and exotic tropical Fijian islands. 

Day trips include the historic island of Ovalau which still features 19th Century colonial architecture and waterfront promenades from colonial rule, the Bouma Waterfall lagoon on Taveuni Island, the extinct volcanic crater, hot springs and thriving markets on Savusavu, a special children’s choral church service at Waiyevo and of course the 180th Meridian – the arbitrary Dateline between today and tomorrow on Taveuni Island.

There is plenty of swimming, snorkelling and diving off picturesque islands including Tivua, Nanuyakoto, Savusavu Bay, Nananu-I-ra and Sali Sali Island.

One of the most endearing features of this cruise is the generous welcome from Fijian village locals living on islands rarely visited by tourists.  Passengers will be given the extraordinary opportunity to experience village life and partake in a kava ceremony, enjoy a traditional ‘lovo” (earth oven) feast and dance to the drum of the meke (dance).

For those with limited time the 7 night cruise can be split into 3 or 4 nights, starting or finishing at various Northern Fijian islands including Savusavu, Taveuni and Levuka.

Prices for all three night Northern Fiji Dateline cruises starts from $839 per person twin share, the four nights Northern Fiji Dateline Cruise starts from $1049 per person twin share and the seven nights Northern Fiji Dateline Cruise starts from $1749 per person twin share.

Price includes shipboard accommodation, all meals, guided village and island tours, glass bottom boat excursions, on board entertainment and use of the ship’s facilities including a swimming pool, spa, sauna, sun deck, cocktail bar and much more.

For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises toll free from Australia on 1800 804 843; Int +61-2-9206 1100, Email: fiji@captaincook.com.au or visit www.captaincook.com.au.

The Great Escape Charter Company is celebrating 10 years of Kimberley adventure and to mark the end of this special year, the adventure cruise specialists have just released a fantastic offer of a complimentary helicopter voucher for all new reservations on the remaining 2010 August and September cruises.

“Given the late rains that the region has experienced recently it is a great time to be cruising the Kimberley coast and enjoying the fantastic waterfalls” says Chris Tucker, Captain of MV Great Escape, who has been exploring the region for nearly 25 years. “This is also the best time of year to witness the Humpback Whales as they migrate along the Kimberley coast to the calving grounds.”

If people opt for the 13 nights Kimberley Classic Adventure from Broome to Wyndham or vice versa, the complimentary chopper voucher affords guests the opportunity to experience the

‘BEST OF THE BIG FOUR’

This encompasses flights over the Horizontal Waterfalls, Montgomery Reef, Prince Regent Nature Reserve & the Mitchell Falls – what way to enjoy the Kimberley!! Offer valid until 14th August 2010.

If people do not have two weeks to spare, the 7 nights Southern Kimberley Experience is a great choice for exploring Broome to the Mitchell Plateau and the voucher is for

‘BEST OF THE BIG THREE’

This includes flights over the Horizontal Waterfalls, Montgomery Reef, & Prince Regent Nature Reserve. Guests still have the opportunity to enjoy the Mitchell Falls anyway, as the transfer flights to/from the vessel fly over this area and this helicopter flight is included in the cruise price. Offer valid until 17th September 2010.

For more information or availability, call Liz or Lisa at the office of The Great Escape Charter Company 08 9193 5983


*(conditions apply, not to be used on conjunction with any other offer).

The helicopter vouchers will be issued upon receipt of the final cruise payment.

North Star Cruises has announced a new cash-back incentive to travel on the award winning adventure-cruise ship True North.

The offer applies to the following cruises this year:

- Kimberley Wilderness Cruises 12, Wyndham to Broome, August 14-21, 2010
- Kimberley Wilderness Cruise 14, Wyndham to Broome, September 11-24, 2010
- All 2010 Coral Atoll Cruises 2010
- All 2010 Solomon Sojourns 2010

North Star General Manager Peter Trembath said savings of up to $4,999 are possible.

“There’s never been a better time to book a cruise on True North,” said Mr Trembath.

“The cash back offer has arrived just in time for the exciting second half of the year sailing schedule.”

Mr Trembath said the remainder of the 2010 season was action packed:

• Dry season – what dry season? Late rainfall is a bonus for guests booked on the revered Kimberley Wilderness Cruise where fishing, waterfalls and rainforest hikes are part of the experience.

• Broome events season: The Broome Race Round is in full swing culminating in the Broome Cup on August 14. The popular Opera under the Stars is staged August 28. Broome events are perfect timing for a Kimberley Wilderness Cruise.

• Wine sommelier Michael Tamburri joins Kimberley Wilderness Cruise 12 (Wyndham to Broome) to add another dimension to an already action packed itinerary which features the stunning King George Falls, fishing for barramundi on the Drysdale River, exploring ancient Bradshaw rock art and more.

• Kimberley Wilderness Cruise 14, Wyndham to Broome attracts another bonus – a 10% shoulder season discount.

• Coral Atoll Cruises to the stunning Rowley Shoals commence in September. The Shoals boast crystal clear waist deep water teeming with a huge variety of fish and brilliantly coloured coral.

• November heralds the maiden voyages to the beautiful Solomon Islands and its exciting mix of culture, vibrant coral reef, history and stunning South Pacific vistas.

Conditions apply – for more information contact North Star’s adventure partners at cruise@northstarcruises.com.au or visit the web site at www.northstarcruises.com.au

(c) Waterproof Expeditions

Aurora Expeditions have launched the High Arctic 2011 brochure with voyages to Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland. In this fifteenth season of exploration, Aurora Expeditions has introduced a new voyage, “Iceland &Greenland Explorer focusing on Greenland’s south east coast as well as a new optional activity – scuba diving.  Under sea divers will delight in a realm of huge kelp forests alive with crabs, sea butterflies, sea hedgehogs, jellyfish and arctic fish. Those who would prefer to stay above the sea can opt for the ever popular sea kayaking, available on most voyages.

Aurora Expeditions will always surprise and delight our clients with magical sights. Imagine a walrus swimming in your wake, or a polar bear stalking a seal in the pack ice or the midnight sun breaking through the clouds to play across the wilderness of tundra, fjords and distant mountains.

The kingdom of the polar bear is best reached by Aurora’s Polar Pioneer. This small ice strengthened ship takes a maximum of 54 passengers and has the flexibility to reach places closed to larger vessels.

 Choose from three enchanting voyages whose highlights include:

Spitsbergen Odyssey (11 days from $6080 including ship accommodation, all meals onboard, all shore excursions, lectures, medical services, port charges and taxes)

Explore the home of the polar bear. There are no open sea crossings on this discovery voyage where you’ll find deep fjords, mysterious desert mountains and seals and whales in the Arctic pack ice. This voyage offers the best chance for finding polar bears and features wildflower walks, trapper camps and historical remains of whaling stations. Avid divers will love the inaugural arctic scuba dives which begin on this voyage on 31 July 2011.

Jewels of the Arctic (14 days from $7655 including ship accommodation, all meals onboard, all shore excursions, lectures, medical services, port charges and taxes)

This adventure combines the best of Spitsbergen and Greenland, with a taste of Iceland. Cross from Spitsbergen’s rugged northwest coast over the Greenland Sea to fantastic icebergs and the fairytale landscape of granite spires rising 2000 m above the fjords. Be welcomed by local Inuits and learn some of the trade secrets of their culture.

Iceland & Greenland Explorer (11 days from $6180 including ship accommodation, all meals onboard, all shore excursions, lectures, medical services, port charges and taxes)

This inaugural voyage visits the Westman Islands via the the colourful port Heimaey. One may hike to the still warm rim of Eldfell, an active volcano, or photograph the puffin cliffs before heading to the wild ice laden fjords of Greenland. Here passengers can expect vast tubular icebergs and an impressive array of wildlife. Cruise into unchartered waters with this inaugural voyage and feel the true thrill of being an explorer.

Aurora Expeditions are the pioneers of ship-based adventures. The staff and owners remain committed to small, low-impact groups keen to experience the Arctic in many ways whether by walking, scuba diving, sea kayaking or sitting quietly and absorbing the surrounding magnificence.

Aurora Expeditions is a founding member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, dedicated to leading expeditions that respect the environment and local cultures.

For further information contact Aurora Expeditions or your local travel agent. www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or 02 9252 1011 www.facebook/auroraexpeditions