Expedition Cruise News & Views

 

The Aranui 5, a unique half freighter – half cruise ship, will include a visit to the colourful Marquesas Festival as part of its final voyage for 2017.

The biennial festival is an important cultural event in the Marquesas Islands, the northernmost of Tahiti’s five archipelagoes. The 2017 mini festival will be a four-day extravaganza of Polynesian music and dance from December 18 to 21, 2017, at Tahuata, the smallest of the inhabited Marquesas Islands.

To coincide with the festival, Aranui Cruises’ will make an extended visit to Tahuata on December 20 allowing travellers to participate in a community feast and enjoy the cultural festivities well into the night.

The festival was created to keep the Marquesan culture alive and showcases the vibrant traditions of the remote island group with visitors treated to rhythmical dances, powerful drum performances, games and contests of strength and skill, as well as chanting, sculpting and tattoo demonstrations.

 

As a regular visitor to the far-flung Marquesas Islands, Aranui Cruises are a unique position to showcase these extraordinary islands to the world and there is no better time to visit than during one of their spectacular festivals. As with any major event, accommodation and flights are at a premium during the festival so the easiest and smoothest way to experience the Marquesas Festival is with Aranui Cruises.

During its 14-day roundtrip cruises from Papeete, the 126-metre long mixed cargo and passenger vessel dispenses cargo while guests disembark and explore nine islands across three striking and distinct Tahitian archipelagoes. Travellers can enjoy Bora Bora and its famed blue lagoon; the chance to walk in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson, Herman Melville and Paul Gauguin on Nuka Hiva, Ua Pou, Ua Huka, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva and Hiva Oa in the far-flung Marquesas; and the picturesque Tuamotu ports of Fakarava and Rangiroa.

Departing on December 14, 2017, the Marquesas Festival cruise is priced from $8,670* twin share for a premium suite and $7,970* per person twin share for a superior deluxe room, both featuring a balcony.

Aranui 5 also features a restaurant, two conference rooms, lounges, a library, a boutique, a swimming pool, a fitness room, a spa and four bars including the popular Sky bar. 

 

A little while ago I was having a chat with Florian from polar specialists Oceanwide Expeditions when he let me in on a little secret; they would soon be releasing details of their long-awaited Antarctic Ross Sea expeditions departing in 2020.

Now, 2020 is still quite some time away and planning an Antarctic cruise almost three years in advance can seem like a brave move, I mean who knows what your personal situation will be in three years time? But in the case of this special voyage, it is one you need to get your name down early for, or risk missing out.

 

 

So what makes this trip so special? Well, firstly it is the most comprehensive Antarctic peninsula expedition you can take part in. Often, when joining an Antarctic expedition you need to choose to either travel down to the Antarctic Peninsula from Ushuaia in Argentina, or head to the Ross Sea and Commonwealth Bay region from Australia / New Zealand. Rarely do you get to do both sides of the continent during a single trip like this.

And secondly, it’s an itinerary only operated once every four or five years, so there’s always pent up demand. You must book far in advance otherwise it might be 2025 before you will have another chance to join this epic journey.

 

 

On this 32 day expedition you will be travelling aboard the sturdy Ortelius. She is an ice-strengthened small ship (rated to the equivalent of 1A; the highest ice rating) designed for polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica. Limited to no more than 116 passengers and 53 cabins, her size ensures a flexible polar experience with maximum wildlife opportunities. Ortelius carries ten high-powered zodiacs for landings and exploration. She also has a couple of helicopters onboard, adding yet another element to her exploratory capabilities.

Highlights of the voyage include the rarely visited volcanic Peter I Island, the huts of the British explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott on Ross Island, McMurdo Station and the Dry Valleys, two full days on the Antarctic Peninsula, a crossing of the legendary Drake Passage, the Ross Sea and New Zealand's sub-Antarctic Campbell Island, home to the Southern Royal Albatrosses. 

 

 

Prices for this stunning voyage start at USD $24,950 per person in a quad share room, or just a tick under USD $32,000 per person twin share. The departure dates are as follows:

Ushuaia, Argentina to Bluff, New Zealand – 13 January to 04 February 2020

Bluff, New Zealand to Ushuaia, Argentina – 15 February to 17 Match 2020

Click here to see the full itinerary

As we said, there’s lots of demand for this one, and with only a total of 106 cabins available across the two voyages you will need to book early. Give our Antarctic cruise specialists a call today to put your name down for more information.

 

 

If you are someone who wants to enjoy a Western Australian cruise, visiting amazing places with breathtaking scenery while at the same time experience the ambience of a luxury cruise vessel with fantastic amenities, then look no further.

Here at Expedition Cruise Specialists, we love expedition cruising and our team of cruise specialists are trained and experienced to help you make the right decision for your adventure.

We are  so much more than just another travel agency, we are people just like you and we know exactly what it takes for an expedition cruise to tick all the boxes.

With so much choice available, the world of expedition cruising can be confusing to the newcomer.

It would be a costly mistake if you choose the wrong cruise.

You need to find the right ship, the right itinerary and the right time of year to sail.

 

 

For Unforgettable Memories choose Kimberley Cruising

It has to be said that Australia has some of the most spectacular locations in the world, and the Kimberley region is right up there for incredible scenery and wildlife.

The region known simply as The Kimberley takes its evocative name from its most imposing landmark; an ancient mountain range visible from the rugged sea coast.

This is a land steeped in ancient Aboriginal culture and adorned with the world’s oldest known indigenous art, the mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) paintings.

However so few people get to see and experience the beauty and awe of this amazing part of the world.

The terrain is rugged and not easily accessible to mainstream vehicles or tourists wanting to go it alone.

The easiest and safest way to visit these remote areas is with professional and experienced tour guides who know the area well.

Now can you imagine yourself embarking on an amazing adventure to the Kimberley region in the comfort of a luxury expedition cruise ship?

Yes please!

It’s true, this is on offer and is an absolute must for anyone who wants to get out there and do it in style.

Cruise the stunning waters of the Australian coastline on board one of several magnificent vessels.

We have carefully crafted cruise and touring itineraries to allow guests the opportunity to ‘experience the destination’ - daily activities include scenic walks, helicopter flights, fishing, culture, picnics, nature, exploring and much more!

 

 

Seasonal Savings

Expedition cruises along the Kimberley coast in Western Australia are only possible during the dry season between late March and early October each year, when weather conditions are ideal.

For more inspiration, contact us (Freecall within Australia) on 1800 90 20 80 or email [email protected] on and we will be happy to help you start planning an adventure of a lifetime.

 

One of our favourite polar vessels the M/V Spirit has just returned to service following a multi-million dollar refurbishment of all 54 passenger suites. Each suite has been completely refurbished with new carpeting, draperies, bed linens, upholstery, new furniture and fixtures. Best of all, all bathrooms are completely renovated with new tile throughout, stone vanity top with integrated mirror, designer sink and rain shower. A welcome retreat, indeed, after a day of exploring the polar world!

Check out our photo gallery below to see some photographs of the stylish new suites.

If you would like to experience the upgraded Sea Spirit for yourself, we still have a few rooms left for the coming 2017/18 Antarctica Season, and some great Earlybird offers (be quick as they finish soon!) on 2018 Arctic voyages and 2018/19 expeditions to Antarctica.

For more information about Sea Spirit and her polar expedition itineraries click here

 

If you’re a keen snorkeller looking for your next holiday idea, we’ve pulled together 10 of the best places to snorkel around the world on an expedition cruise. The list, in no particular order, includes bucket-list destinations like Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the Galapagos Islands through to little known paradises like Kiribati's Southern Line Islands and Raja Ampat.  Contact the team at Expedition Cruise Specialists to start planning your next great adventure today.

 

1.    Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

 

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is at the top of the bucket-list for water lovers. Stretching over 2,000 kilometres along the Australian coast, ‘the Reef’ wows visitors with its colourful corals and amazing sealife. Although coral bleaching is a concern, there are many parts of the reef still worth seeing (check out our recent blog on this topic). Three, four and seven-night expedition cruises depart Cairns aboard Coral Expeditions II each week.

 

2.    Indonesia’s Raja Ampat

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Home to over 70% of the world's known coral species, incredible marine life and outstanding natural beauty, Indonesia's Raja Ampat should be on every snorkeller’s bucket list. There’s expeditions on offer on various ships, including True North, Coral Discoverer and the Ombak Putih.

 

3.    Belize Barrier Reef

 

The dazzling undersea of the Belize Barrier Reef is second only to the Great Barrier Reef in terms of biodiversity. You can snorkel and dive it on National Geographic Quest’s  9 Day Belize and Guatemala expedition cruise.

 

4.    Kiribati’s Southern Line Islands

 

An 8 day cruise aboard National Geographic Orion takes you from Tahiti to Kiribati’s Southern Line Islands. It is one of the healthiest reef systems in the world and a rare place virtually unmarred by the touch of humans, which is why it was identified by the National Geographic Pristine Seas project as one of the few places researchers can study to see how reefs and undersea ecosystems looked before humans.

 

5.    The Seychelles 'Garden of Eden'

 

Hop from island to island aboard Variety Cruises’ 44-passenger Pegasus and snorkel over colourful coral reefs on this memorable eight day small-ship expedition around the Indian Ocean’s beautiful Seychelles.

 

6.    Galapagos Islands

 

Snorkelling in Ecuador’s offshore Galapagos Islands is all about the marine life. You will be able to snorkel with marine iguanas, frolick with sea lions, green sea turtles, Galapagos penguins and an incredible variety of colourful reef fish. National Geographic Endeavour II, Ocean Spray and Sea Star Journey all offer week long expeditions in this nature-lovers’ paradise.

 

7.    Melanesia’s Louisiade Archipelago

 

The Louisiade Archipelago offers some of the finest snorkeling in the South Pacific. There’s thrilling in-water activities at “Fish City” on Rossell Atoll and colourful corals at Egum Atoll to explore. You can even snorkel and dive over WWII aircraft wrecks. You can experience Melanesia aboard the True North.

 

8.    Australia’s Abrolhos Islands & Rowley Shoals

 

Located well off the vast coast of Western Australia, the Rowley Shoals and Abrolhos Islands offer spectacular snorkelling opportunities. Rarely-visited, the reefs are particularly well-preserved with myriad sea life to view. In the Abrolhos Islands you can also snorkel over the wreck of the legendary ship Batavia. Visit the Rowley Shoals aboard True North, and the Abrolhos Islands aboard Eco Abrolhos.

 

9.    Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago

 

Myanmar’s (Burma) Mergui Archipelago offers some of Asia’s best snorkelling - along with the interesting Moken culture of the ‘Sea Gypsy’ people. Only recently opening up to tourism, many of the best snorkelling spots can be found in Lampi Marine National Park. Discover it all on an 8 day expedition aboard the Andaman Explorer.

 

10.  Antarctica

 

Antarctica might be a surprising addition to our list as we tend to think of snorkelling as a warm water activity. Luckily, on their cruises Aurora Expeditions supply specially designed Waterproof© Snorkel-Drysuits, gloves and a hood to keep the icy-cold polar waters at bay. Through crystal clear waters snorkellers will discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins entering and exiting from the ice, marvel at the beauty of sculpted icebergs below the water and also witness marine life such as crustaceans, isopods, starfish and nudibranchs.