North Star’s Cash Back Offer Makes a True North Cruise Even More Affordable

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

Orion presents pearls and opera in the Kimberley

Exquisite pearls and fine opera combine as naturally as champagne and caviar or Orion and the Kimberley, and this year two Orion Kimberley voyages provide exclusive inclusions for those interested in the finer things in life.

Join either 10 night Orion voyage and receive an invitation to the highlight of Broome's cultural events calendar of the year, OPERA UNDER THE STARS®, featuring performers of national and international acclaim including soprano Antoinette Halloran, tenors Aldo Di Toro and Stuart Skelton, and baritone, James Clayton.

* August 19, 2010 Pearls of the Kimberley or
* August 29, 2010 Kimberley Expedition

In addition, the Pearls of the Kimberley voyage incorporates Orion’s first visit to Rowley Shoals plus a Paspaley Pearls special event held at their South Sea Pearl Farm, Kuri Bay, including a cocktail party featuring opera singers flown in for this exclusive private performance.

Both voyages include Orion’s signature Kimberley explorations highlighting the visual drama of 3,000 kilometres of Kimberley coast with its ancient indigenous rock art, vast tidal changes, emerging reefs, dramatic waterfalls and prolific marine life – all experienced in a relaxed atmosphere of five star comfort under the watchful eye of 75 professional crew.

Additional information

Pearls of the Kimberley

Departing Broome - August 19, 2010

BROOME, Rowley Shoals, Nares Point, One Arm Point, Kuri Bay, Camden Harbour and Sheep Island, Montgomery Reef and Raft Point, BROOME.

Highlights include the three atolls of Rowley Shoals, one of the world’s pristine environments, with extensive marine life including giant cod, maori wrasse, turtles, dolphins, manta rays and whales. Snorkel and swim in this aquarium-like marine park, home to over 200 species of coral and more than 650 species of fish.

This is followed by a Paspaley Pearls special event at Australia’s first South Sea Pearl Farm, Kuri Bay, where Orion guests will learn to grade the harvest and sort the pearls. This will culminate with a cocktail party featuring renowned opera singers Sharolyn Kimmorley AM; soprano Rachelle Durkin and tenor Matt Morgan, flown in for a private performance.

This voyage will also include two nights accommodation at Pinctada Cable Beach, Broome’s new five star resort and spa experience. Enjoy the award winning OPERA UNDER THE STARS® featuring an outstanding cast of opera talent.

Kimberley Expedition – OPERA UNDER THE STARS®

Departing Broome - August 27, 2010

BROOME, (overnight onboard including OPERA), Cape Leveque, Talbot Bay/Horizontal Waterfalls, Montgomery Reef and Raft Point, Hunter River (for Mitchell Falls), Bigge Island, Vansittart Bay, King George River and Falls, DARWIN.

Commence your 10 night Kimberley coastal expedition with an invitation to this award winning, world-class event, OPERA UNDER THE STARS® featuring an outstanding cast, each acclaimed for their thrilling performances in the world of opera. This vibrant and inspiring group of stars will perform together under the stars at an exciting new venue, the Cable Beach Amphitheatre - situated adjacent to the turquoise waters and white sands of one of the world’s most picturesque beaches, Broome’s stunning Cable Beach.

OPERA UNDER THE STARS® 2010 will feature a sublime programme of music highlighting repertoire for both the Lyric Tenor and Heldentenor voices including gems such as “Cielo e Mare” from La Gioconda by Ponchielli and “Winterstürme wichen dem wonnemond” from Wagner’s Die Walküre. Also featuring will be the moving final scene from Act I of Puccini’s La Bohème; the divinely inspired duet “Au fond du temple saint” from Les Pêcheurs de Perles by Bizet and the rousing tenor aria “Nessun dorma” from Puccini’s Turandot.

Price Guide:

Fares begin from $9,100 per person for an ocean view Category B Stateroom.

Suites begin from $12,550 per person for a Junior Suite and Owners Suites with French Balcony are $19,055 per person.

Expedition fares are per person twin occupancy, include accommodation, all meals, landings and selected activities ashore plus invitation to OPERA UNDER THE STARS® in Broome on Saturday 29th August and inclusive accommodation in Pinctada or Cable Beach Resort.

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@orioncruises.com.au

It’s Orion whale watch time in the Kimberley

Late July through to September in the Kimberley is prime time to view pods of migrating whales – and what better way to see the largest humpback whale population in the world head north from the Antarctic to rest and calve than from on board the luxury expedition cruise ship, Orion?

With 3,000 kilometres of undeveloped shoreline and over 1,000 rarely visited islands, this land, so ancient it pre-dates the existence of fossils, ranks as one of Australia’s, and the world’s, truly remarkable destinations.

Join with Orion’s specialist Expedition Team and create your own dreamtime stories when you to view pre-history Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art, land on remote islands and beaches, explore gorges, venture into a labyrinth of waterways in search of saltwater crocodiles or climb to the plateau next to the highest waterfall in the Kimberley, King George Falls.

Conveniently embarking and disembarking in Darwin or Broome, Orion’s 10-night voyages combine the contrasts of exploring the ancient and magnificent Kimberley wilderness, incredible at-sea experiences and the historic pearling town of Broome with its cafes and art galleries. All this plus the chance to see migrating humpback whales, estimated to exceed 20,000 individuals, breaching, tail slapping and blowing.

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@orioncruises.com.au

Orion Kimberley Expedition voyages – Select from 7 voyages between 20 July and 16 September 2010.

10 nights: Darwin/Broome and v.v. typically including King George River and Falls, Vansittart Bay, Hunter River (for Mitchell Falls), Montgomery Reef and Raft Point, Talbot Bay/Horizontal Waterfalls, Cape Leveque, the Lacepedes – refer to specific itineraries for details.

Only Orion’s Kimberley expeditions include one night’s accommodation in Broome pre or post voyage plus a Bungle Bungle sightseeing flight at no additional cost.

Fares Guide:

Fares begin from $9,100 per person for an ocean view Category B Stateroom.

Suites begin from $12,550 per person for a Junior Suite and Owners Suites with French Balcony are $19,055 per person

Wine Expert Joins True North Kimberley Wilderness Cruise

Respected wine sommelier Michael Tamburi will lead a food and wine soiree along the magnificent Kimberley coastline in August.

Mr Tamburi, who has owned and operated Perth's La Vigna fine wine outlet for 22 years, will join a two-week Kimberley Wilderness Cruise departing August 14.

North Star Cruises General Manager Peter Trembath said Michael would add a new and exciting dimension to the cruise.

"Michael will be sharing his amazing wine knowledge with our guests who will also enjoy gourmet produce including a bounty of freshly caught fish," said Mr Trembath.

"Michael is a respected wine educator, national judge and media commentator."

"It will be an exclusive experience which will result in a very special Kimberley Wilderness Cruise indeed!"

As an added bonus, guests who book a two week Kimberley Wilderness cabin before June 30 will also receive either four night's accommodation at the Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa or, a Linneys gift voucher valued at $2000.

Other highlights of a Kimberley Wilderness Cruise include:

-       Ancient rock art
-       A panorama of rugged mountains
-       Spectacular gorges
-       Barramundi fishing
-       Mud crabbing
-       Croc-spotting
-       Champagne heli-flights at dawn
-       Helicopter picnics to remote locations

North Star's two week Kimberley Wilderness Cruise operates between Broome and Wyndham. Guests can stay onboard for the entire cruise or, they can opt for a one week itinerary either disembarking or embarking in the Hunter River. 

Helicopter & light aircraft transfers (via Broome) are included in the one week itinerary.

Kimberley Wilderness Cruise prices start from $10,495 (one week trip).

See the itinerary at: http://www.northstarcruises.com.au/kwc_wyndhambroome.asp

For full itineraries, departure dates and prices visit www.northstarcruises.com.au

Watch Whales while Cruising the Kimberley with Coral Princess

The world's largest humpback whale migration sees up to 6000 whales heading up the 'superhighway' along Western Australia's coast to calve in the warm waters off the Kimberley between August and November. Coral Princess extended its Kimberley cruise program last year – and discovered that late season whale watching is 'simply incredible'.

"We lost count of how many whales we saw on the voyage. We had daily sightings, and several came within metres of the ship, with mothers appearing to 'show' their calves to the human onlookers," said Vicki Briggs, Director of Coral Princess Cruises.

"We're used to seeing whales on our voyages, but the late season departures were incredible in terms of the frequency of sightings, and for the experience of seeing mothers and calves interacting."

Coral Princess Cruises has added extra departures for its most popular cruise - a voyage exploring the remote Kimberley coast between Broome and Darwin – extending the season from its usual start in April through to October.

The 10-night Kimberley cruise visits Kuri Bay, home of the South Pacific pearl industry, and ventures ashore to view the world-famous Bradshaw (Gwion) paintings, - the world's oldest known indigenous art – and the towering, 80-metre King George Falls, the tallest waterfalls in Western Australia. There is an optional helicopter flight over the Mitchell Plateau for views of the impressive four-tiered Mitchell Falls, as well as excursions into secluded gorges and to rock pools perfect for swimming. The cruise explores the Buccaneer Archipelago – made up of 800 islands – and includes an exhilarating Zodiac ride through the 'Horizontal Waterfall', where the tide floods between rocky cliffs.

The Kimberley wilderness of Western Australia is three times larger than England with a population of just 30 000.

Coral Princess operates two ships in the Kimberley. The Oceanic Discoverer accommodates a maximum of just 72 guests and travels with a purpose-built excursion vessel, Xplorer and inflatable Zodiacs. Coral Princess accommodates a maximum of just 48 guests. In true expedition style, the itinerary may vary to take maximum advantage of opportunities to venture ashore, to explore the many waterfalls, river systems and reefs  - or to stop and watch the whales!

Prices for the 10-night Kimberley cruise start at A$6850 (A$6950 in 2011) aboard Coral Princess and A$8250 (A$8450 in 2011) aboard 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. There are regular departures from both Darwin and Broome between April and October.

For further information and reservations contact Coral Princess Cruises at www.coralprincess.com.au.

Orion Releases 2011 Expedition Voyages Brochure

Orion Expedition Cruises has just released its new, expanded, 2011 Expeditions brochure, which features the company's two ships, Orion and (to be introduced in May 2011) Orion II.

The 94 page brochure covers 49 voyages to 17 countries and more than 170 remote and exotic destinations stretching from Antarctica to the Russian Far East.

Destination summaries by region provide useful reference for potential expedition travellers and highlight the differences between typical mainstream cruising and the rewarding physical and intellectual experiences to be had on Orion's luxury small ship expedition voyages.

"The introduction of Orion II to the fleet in 2011 has inspired us to present our range of exciting year-round expedition cruises within a quality photo-image format to best portray our varied destinations and 5 star ships. Expansive landscape photography reflects seascapes and cultural interaction typically encountered on Orion expeditions and the expanded range of 27 different itineraries provides plenty of choice for potential guests".

"Orion's ecologically and culturally sustainable expeditions provide authentic experiences in remote and seldom visited destinations. Onboard lectures and shore-side interpretation by our expedition team allows our guests to absorb the surroundings and cultures unknown to mainstream tourism", commented Sarina Bratton, Managing Director of Orion Expedition Cruises, when announcing the release of the new brochure.

The luxury life onboard is revealed through Orion and Orion II's range of accommodation and facilities, (including floor plans for Staterooms and Suites through to Owner and Penthouse Suites) and examples of onboard facilities that include boutique, massage, spa, elevator and lounges – and Serge Dansereau's award winning cuisine.

The brochure has a useful pricing supplement with early booking incentives, rewards and notes on how to reserve your Orion Expedition.

If a photo tells a thousand words then video goes one better. The brochure also contains a DVD providing a taste of some of the destinations visited and typical cultural, historic and wildlife experiences encountered along the way.

2011 voyage highlights:

• 13 Kimberley Expeditions, with inclusive Bungle Bungle flights
• Orion's inaugural West Papua and Maluku Voyage of Discovery
• Orion II's Voyage of Discovery to the Russian Far East
• Discover the ancient cultures on Orion II's Inland Sea of Japan voyage
• 7 Borneo voyages which will circumnavigate the island
• 2 Tasmanian Food and Wine focused voyages
• Orion's inaugural Exploration of the Antipodes
• 3 Orion Antarctic Centenary voyages of celebration to Commonwealth Bay (Mawson's Hut) and the Ross Sea (Scott and Shackelton's huts)
• Lord Howe Island and Aotearoa, including the active volcano at Mt White island
• Christmas in New Zealand's spectacular fjordland and sub-Antarctic islands
• 8 voyages to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, including the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh and Angkor Wat


Additional information

Orion II's inaugural voyages in 2011 include the Russian Far East, an in-depth exploration of Borneo, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia (including a visit to Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument), and the Inland Sea of Japan.

Orion's itineraries feature 13 voyages exploring Australia's Kimberley coast, the rarely visited indigenous art centres of Arnhem Land, and a voyage to the Spice Islands. Voyages to New Zealand and the Sub Antarctic islands will include the rarely visited Chatham, Antipodes and Bounty islands, while Orion's Papua New Guinea itineraries feature an exciting new voyage across northern Papua to West Papua and Maluku.

An electronic version of the Orion 2011 brochure can be downloaded from www.orionexpeditions.com/ebrochure or a printed version mailed directly simply by contacting Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate), emailing info@orioncruises.com.au or through specialist expedition cruise travel agents.


Fares Guide:
All prices per person, twin share.

5 nights Great Barrier Reef / Orion: Fares from A$3,715 for an ocean view Category B stateroom; A$5,125 for a Junior Suite; Owners' Suites with French Balcony are A$7,780.

7 nights Gulf of Siam Explorer / Orion II: Fares from A$5,705 for an ocean view Category B Ocean Suite; A$7,910 for a Junior Suite; Penthouse Suites with Balcony are A$11,480.

10 nights Inland Sea of Japan /Orion II: Fares from A$8,150 for an ocean view Category B Ocean Suite; A$11,300 for a Junior Suite; Penthouse Suites with Balcony are A$16,400.

10 nights Kimberley Expedition / Orion: Fares from A$9,100 per person for an ocean view Category B stateroom; A$12,550 for a Junior Suite per person; Owners' Suites with French Balcony are A$19,055 per person. All prices twin share.

14 nights Ryukyu Islands and Sabah /Orion II: Fares from A$11,410 for an ocean view Category B Ocean Suite; A$15,820 for a Junior Suite; Penthouse Suites with Balcony are A$22,960.

18 nights Mawson's Antarctica / Orion: Fares from A$19,365 per person for an ocean view Category B stateroom; A$26,710 for a Junior Suite per person; Owners' Suites with French Balcony are A$40,555 per person. All prices twin share.

Cruise Diary: True North in the Kimberley

Few places in the world cause Australian eyes to light up brighter than the Kimberley, and the True North, crowned by its own helicopter, is ultimate way to experience it. This is a very abbreviated account of what to expect on a one-week adventure.

Day 1: From Broome we're transferred by light aircraft to the Mitchell Plateau where our helicopter awaits. A 15-minute ride and we land on the True North in the Hunter River below. What a way to start a cruise! A group has already set off on a three-hour hike, while the later arrivals choose between fishing or sightseeing on one of the six tenders. We reunite for dinner and a chance to meet our fellow passengers, while entertained by special guest, guitarist Phil Ceberano, who performs an acoustic set every night.

Day 2: Dressed only in our swimwear, everyone gathers on the bow for an intimate encounter with King Cascade. The captain edges the boat so close to the waterfall that we're all drenched – and loving it. Afterwards, two tenders venture out to the Ampitheatre Waterfall for a heavier aqua-pounding. Others have spent the day fishing, mud-crabbing, walking, or taking a scenic helicopter flight, so there are many stories to share throughout the evening.

Day 3: The highlight of the trip takes place today: a "heli-picnic" at Melaleuca Falls. The chopper shuttles passengers to a beautiful swimming hole where we enjoy a BBQ of fish, crab, prawns, steak and salads. We walk up to the waterfall and sit on a ledge behind the cascading water – an exhilarating experience. The rest of the afternoon is passed with a few drinks under the paperbark trees, before the helicopter whisks us back to the boat for dinner.

Day 4: I join a tender ride out to Montgomery Reef, home to turtles, birds, sharks and dugongs. Back onboard, our local guide Jarrad presents a talk on the Kimberley wilderness as we head down the Sale River for a short walk to another swimming hole. While some passengers fly off for a night of "heli-camping", the remaining 20 have a fancy-dress party to celebrate crewmember Mikey's 21st.

Day 5: More fishing and sightseeing down the Glenelg River, followed by a Kimberley-style day spa at Ruby Falls where we smear ourselves with mud. Continuing on to Steep Island, we embark on a 30-minute trek up to see one of the region's most accessible sites of Wandjana rock art. After dinner is the lively quiz night, which my team wins, of course.

Day 6: A tour of the bridge and engine room kicks off the morning, then a helicopter ride over Talbot Bay and the mining islands of Koolan and Cockatoo. Unfortunately the effect of the Horizontal Falls is spoiled by the neap tide, but our disappointment is washed away with a couple of beers and a game of cricket on the snow-white sands of Silica Beach – a good Aussie end to a great Australian adventure.

For details, see www.northstarcruises.com.au.

Where to Stay in Broome: The new Pinctada Cable Beach Spa Resort is the only official five-star accommodation in town. Managed by Marilynne Paspaley AM, the 72-room resort has a pool with spa and lap lane, alfresco dining, poolside café, cocktail lounge, gym, day spa, meditative garden and landscaping by Jamie Durie.

A few minutes walk from Cable Beach, it's a relaxing and friendly spot to stay before and after your Kimberley cruise. The ambience is enhanced with native plants, boab trees, original artworks and breeze-capturing balconies on all spacious studios. Airport pick-up is available.

For bookings, see www.pinctadacablebeach.com.au.



Louise Goldsbury is the editor of Cruise Weekly, available FREE to all cruise lovers in Australia and New Zealand. Sign up at www.cruiseweekly.com.au