Orion's Inland Sea of Japan - Samurai, Sake and Soba

Orion Expedition Cruises' new ship Orion II will be making her inaugural voyages to Japan in June and July 2011. The ten night Inland Sea of Japan voyages live up the promise of a path less travelled, with the specialist expedition team introducing guests to insider experiences, many exclusive to Orion.

Orion II will visit Kanazawa, one of the few places in Japan where geisha culture is still alive, its 100 year old former geisha house retaining the look and feel of 19th century Japan. Guests will enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at Kenrokuen Garden, considered to be one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. Ponds, fountains, waterfalls, pagodas and bridges harmonise within landscaped gardens first established in the 17th century by the feudal lords of Kaga as their private garden.

Cruise the moat surrounding imposing Matsue Castle; learn to make Soba noodles; stroll the main street of Sakaiminato with hundreds of bronze statues depicting animated cartoon monsters and enjoy a visit to Sakai's Sake brewery to sample their fine rice wine.

The path less travelled varies according to each voyage, including an introduction to the strict code of the samurai when guests meet a direct descendent of the Shoguns. Or guests may witness an extraordinary special event, the Sumo of the Bulls. Far from the barbaric Spanish bull rings, and in keeping with the respect shown to Ushioni, the great bull demon, participating bulls are treated with great respect. Two massive bulls pit their intuition against each other, locking horns until one of the bulls is brought to its knees, the other declared the victor.

Other experiences include traditional drumming with Japan's best Taiko drum troupe, Kodo, and a trip in a Taraibune - round barrel boats traditionally used to collect abalone and other molluscs from narrow coves.

An added attraction on these voyages is a side-trip to Busan (South Korea) with its world renowned Jalgachi Fish Market, arguably the best of its kind in the world, where every kind of edible sea creature is on sale.

With Orion even traditional Japanese highlights have an unexpected twist. A visit to one of the most recognisable images of Japan, the large vermillion coloured O-Torii symbolic entrance gate to the Miyajima (Shrine Island) is itself visually spectacular, yet when Orion II visits guests will be treated to an exclusive Kagura performance, with sacred music and dance of traditional ceremonies held in Japanese shrines.

The visit to Hiroshima revolves around the Peace Park, Peace Museum and the A-Bomb Dome and includes meeting one of the few remaining survivors of the actual bombing who will relate personal experiences of that day and life since the bombing in Hiroshima (the lecture will be translated into English).

Art lovers will be excited when, in Kurashiki with its cobblestone streets and boutique shops lining the river, guests visit the Ōhara Museum of Art. Established in 1930 by Magosaburō Ōhara, the museum houses works by El Greco, Monet, Matisse, Gauguin, and Renoir.

Mixing traditional highlights with the unexpected - providing fascinating insights into the culture, history and geography of a region - is part of Orion's DNA, revealed this time during inaugural expeditions to Japan.


PLEASE NOTE: some aspects of these itineraries may change as arrangements are finalised and not all shore experiences are included on each voyage - refer to Orion Expedition Cruises or your travel agent for detailed itineraries. Check for latest updates on www.orionexpeditions.com

Orion's voyages to the Inland Sea of Japan all start and finish in places with international flight access. Kobe and Aomori are the points of embarkation or disembarkation.

Fares Guide: Pricing onboard all Orion and Orion II voyages is in Australian dollars.

Early booking savings currently available

2011 Inland Sea of Japan - Discovery of an Ancient Culture 10 night fares begin from $8,150 per person for an Ocean View Suite/Category B. Junior Suites from $11,300 per person and Penthouse Suites with balcony are $16,400 per person

Expedition fares per person twin occupancy include accommodation, all meals, landings, port charges, gratuities and selected activities ashore.

Additional information:

Orion Expedition Cruises' itineraries for 2011 will include 49 voyages to 17 countries and more than 170 remote and exotic destinations stretching from Antarctica to the Russian Far East including Borneo, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and the Inland Sea of Japan (onboard Orion II) and Australia's Kimberley coast and Arnhem Land, New Zealand and the Sub Antarctic islands and Papua New Guinea (onboard Orion).

Akin to a private mega-yacht, accommodating just 50 couples, Orion II's staff of 70 professionally caters for the needs of everyone in an unobtrusive yet attentive way.

All 50 suites and staterooms have ocean views, marble bathrooms, flat screen TV and DVD/CD player, internet accessibility and choice of queen or twin bed configuration.

Elegant throughout, Orion's features include a sauna, health spa and gym, boutique, library with internet access, a wide range of water sport activities, plus a choice of dining areas and innovative menus created by multi-award winning chef, Serge Dansereau.

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website www.orionexpeditions.com
For reservations or to obtain a brochure of 2011 voyages call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) / 0800 444 462 (New Zealand) or see your travel agent.

Email: info@orionexpeditions.com

NORTH STAR CRUISES REDUCE PRICES

NORTH STAR CRUISES RELEASE LOWER PRICES FOR TRAVEL IN 2011 AND 2012

The True North, one of the finest adventure-cruise ships in the world has significantly reduced prices for many of its 2011 and 2012 North Star Cruise options. The company explained that the move to lower prices was an affirmative action designed to keep North Star in-step with a changed market.

The company's general manager, Peter Trembath, said "the changes are consistent with North Star's reputation for being a market leader and will surely make our cruises even more irresistible to the discerning adventurer!" 

In addition to lower prices –  North Star also announced 4 completely different options to cruise the magnificent Kimberley region: 

The Kimberley Ultimate has always been North Star's flagship adventure. A two-week soirée along the Kimberley coast featuring a wild and beautiful panorama of rugged mountains, spectacular gorges and majestic waterfalls. Plus unexplained rock-art, extraordinary wildlife and monster barramundi!

Kimberley Gorges (7 nights)

The Kimberley Gorges itinerary features the northern half of the Kimberley Ultimate cruise. Here the landscape is dominated by the Kimberley's stunning gorge country including the Berkeley River, the King George Falls and the Mitchell River. The cruise includes helicopter/aircraft transfer to Broome.

Kimberley Islands (6 nights)

The Kimberley Islands itinerary features the southern half of the Kimberley Ultimate cruise. A totally different Kimberley experience featuring the exhilarating Horizontal Waterfalls, intriguing Montgomery Reef and the mighty Price Regent River. The cruise includes helicopter/aircraft transfer from Broome.

Kimberley Snapshot (7 nights)

And finally, the best of the best! For those pressed for time or perhaps considering the budget – the Kimberley Snapshot is the flagship Kimberley Ultimate itinerary condensed into a single week. The cruise features several Kimberley icons including the King Gorge Falls, the Hunter River, the Prince Regent River, Montgomery Reef and the Horizontal Waterfalls. 

The multi-award winning adventure-cruise ship, True North, allows discerning guests to experience wilderness in surroundings more akin to one of the world's most exclusive hotels.  

Lavish features include:

• A sundeck, forward observation lounge, ship's lounge, alfresco bar, internet café, plasma screens with interpretive information, lower deck dining room with large panoramic windows, and fine dining.
• All cabins feature enhanced décor, en-suite facilities, in-house entertainment and satellite telephones.
• Multiple expedition boats (6) allow passengers greater opportunity to do "what they want, when they want". 
• To add another dimension to adventure – most cruise options feature an onboard helicopter.
• The purpose built True North is able to explore the upper reaches of shallow river systems.
• Adventure-cruises are conducted all around the Australian coastline and in the stunning waters of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

For more information visit http://www.northstarcruises.com.au 

Win $20,000 Kimberley Cruise - Closing Soon

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WIN! A LUXURY 10 NIGHT ORION EXPEDITION CRUISE FOR 2 TO THE KIMBERLEY VALUED AT OVER $21,000

 

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Written by Australians, for Australians travelling in Australia, every issue is packed with reviews you can trust, spectacular journeys you can actually do and the best photography published in the country. Australian Traveller is honestly Australian.

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A LUXURY 10 NIGHT ORION EXPEDITION CRUISE FOR 2 TO THE KIMBERLEY VALUED AT OVER $21,000 Accommodation in a Category A Ocean View Stateroom cabin for two people with gourmet onboard meals (including 24hr room service).

Zodiac transfers and shore excursions, plus lectures and briefings by the specialist Expedition Team.

Choose from one of thirteen expeditions (from 25 April 2011 to 3 September 2011, subject to availability). Flights not included. For the full itinerary and voyage dates, visit www.orionexpeditions.com

 

Orion is the world’s latest purpose-built luxury expedition cruise ship, featuring an unmatched range of onboard facilities. With 75 crew and a maximum of just 106 guests, the multi award winning Orion offers the highest staff to guest ratio and guest to public space ratio of any ship based in Australian waters.

Orion’s ten-night Kimberley voyages combine the contrasts of exploring the ancient and magnificent Kimberley wilderness with its ancient aboriginal rock art, incredible at-sea experiences and the historic pearling town of Broome with its cafés and art galleries. For the full itinerary and voyage dates, visit www.orionexpeditions.com

Cruise to Australia's Kimberley Region with Aurora Expeditions

One of Australia's last great frontiers, the Kimberley sprawls across the isolated north-west of Australia, sparsely populated and wildly adventurous. Wrapped in burnished red rock walls and a stunning turquoise ocean, the areas magnitude and imposing, unspoiled grandeur will not only touch your spirit but leave an imprint on your soul. There is something vastly unique about this area.

Australian adventure company, Aurora Expeditions, is offering the opportunity to explore this timeless land with three voyages on board the 46-passenger vessel, Coral Princess. The cruise is equipped with some of the most passionate and knowledgeable staff on a small group journey set apart by size, skill and flexibility. Your unique adventure is also heavily committed to education and environment preservation.

The cruise will be led by legendary Kimberley expeditioner Mike Cusack of Australian Geographic's first 'wilderness couple' fame, who offers a special insight into one of Australia's least visited areas. Also on board as a guest lecturer will be renowned art historian and author, Dr Garry Darby who will unravel the mysteries of Aboriginal Bradshaw rock art and the famous Wandjina spirit paintings.

Over the course of your exploration into the Kimberley, your senses will be overwhelmed with ancient landscapes, sweeping gorges, powerful waterfalls, abundant wildlife and impressive Aboriginal cultural sites and haunting rock art.

Prices for the 11-day cruise start from $6950 per person twin-share, including all meals on board, shore excursions and lectures.

Special Offer - Book on a Kimberley voyage before 31 January 2011 to receive FREE accommodation and tour package valued at approximately $280! The package includes one night's accommodation in Broome and an indigenous tour of Minyrr Park tour with local Aboriginal Elder, Micklo Corpus.

Kimberley Coast Information Evening- Aurora Expeditions will be holding a FREE Kimberley Coast educational evening with guest speaker - Dr. Garry Darby on 9th February in Sydney, Australia. Please send an email to auroraex@auroraexpeditions.com.au for more details and to reserve your place.

For further information contact Aurora Expeditions on +612 9252 1033 or 1800 637 688 (Freecall from Australia) or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

Experience the Kimberley Coast & the Legendary Spirit of the Ghan in One Amazing Holiday

Coral Princes Cruises - Oceanic Discoverer

Infused with the essence of all things Australian, Broome & The Kimberley Holidays has released a spectacular trip of a lifetime combining The Ghan - the legendary rail journey through the heart of Australia - with a wilderness cruise of the pristine and remote Kimberley coast onboard the Oceanic Discoverer.

Broome & The Kimberley Holidays is Australia's leading specialist travel company for The Kimberley and beyond, based in Broome, WA. The Kimberley and The Outback are our home and in our region, local know-how goes a long way. We've combined two of our favourite experiences in this 'journey of a lifetime'.

Our NEW "18 Night Ultimate Cruise/Rail Expedition" features 10 nights aboard Oceanic Discoverer, cruising the sparkling waters of the Kimberley coast between Broome & Darwin, pre & post accommodation & touring in both Broome & Darwin, plus Gold service accommodation aboard The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide as follows:

Itinerary:

DAY 1-2: Depart Adelaide on The Ghan for 2 nights aboard this iconic train.

DAY 3: Arrive in Darwin, Australia's most unique capital city and stepping stone to an awesome array of adventures. Accommodation is included at Mantra on the Esplanade Darwin for 3 nights.

DAY 4: Join Aussie Adventure Holidays on a Litchfield National Park/Waterfalls day tour. You will have the opportunity to visit the main falls of Tolmer, Florence and Wangi Falls plus the delightful Bluey Rockholes, with plenty of time to relax in the crystal clear refreshing waters.

DAY 5: A dinner cruise on the sailing schooner "Alfred Nobel" in Darwin Harbour is the perfect way to spend a balmy Darwin evening.

DAY 6-16: Your cruising adventure begins with Coral Princess Cruises as you board Oceanic Discoverer for a 10 night exploration voyage to the Kimberley. Experienced guides supervise the expedition itinerary, maximising the experiences offered by the breathtaking scenery, while a specially designed excursion boat and inflatable Zodiacs allow you to explore the many gorges and rivers.

DAY 16-18: Arrive in Broome, once the pearling capital of the world, a unique and exotic town with a romantic and often flamboyant history. 3 nights accommodation is included at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa. There are many additional touring options available in Broome - take a town tour to learn more of Broome's fascinating history, visit Willie Creek Pearl Farm for an insight into the fascinating process of cultured pearling or a scenic flight over the rugged inland gorges of the Gibb River Road.

DAY 19: Depart Broome for your home port.

Packages start from $10,999 per person and more information can be found by following this link.

Reservations contacts: 1300 245 565 or reservations@broomekimberley.com
For more information visit www.broomekimberley.com.au

Aurora Expeditions' Kimberley Adventures educational event (Sydney)

Fine arts and aboriginal arts specialist lecturer to share insights into Aurora Expeditions' Kimberley Adventures

Aurora Expeditions are offering you the chance to meet Dr. Garry Darby, an art historian, lecturer and author specialising in Aboriginal art. Garry will give an illustrated talk about Wandjina and Bradshaw art and share his own personal insights of the Kimberley region.

The Kimberley event will take place from 6-8pm on Wednesday the 9th of February at Aurora Expeditions office ( Suite 201, Level 2, 88 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney)

Garry lectures at the University of Sydney and Macquarie University and has three degrees in fine arts. He has studied at the University of New England and the University of Sydney. He specialises in Aboriginal art and has led flying study tours into Central Australia, Arnhem Land and the Kimberley for the past ten years. Garry acts as consultant for corporate collectors and Sydney galleries and regularly teaches courses about all aspects of Aboriginal and western art history at Sydney institutions and colleges. In 1999 Dr Darby was part of a team which staged the outstanding exhibition "Desert Dreaming" at the United Nations Building, New York.

He has curated a number of exhibitions of Aboriginal art in Sydney including 'Desert Dreamtime' at Kambala, 'Exploring the Dreamtime' at Trinity Grammar School and "Wandjina!: Art of the Kimberley" at Macquarie University. In the latter he worked very closely with Mowanjum artist Donny Woolagoodja.

Aurora Expeditions' own expedition experts will also be on hand to answer any questions about travelling to the Kimberley Coast in 2011 / 2012 or any of their other destinations.

For many years, Aurora Expeditions has been a leading travel company specialising in Antarctic and High Arctic expeditions. Over the years, Aurora Expeditions has expanded its scope from polar exploration to include new, rarely explored destinations such as Papua New Guinea, the Kimberley and the Russian Coast. In its quest to seek destinations that push the boundaries of travel, Aurora Expeditions has purposely kept the number of participants on each departure small, allowing more intimate encounters with wildlife and cultures, and lessening its impact on the regions visited.

Along with the guidance of its experienced founders, Aurora Expeditions' dynamic team all share a great respect for natural and cultural environments. Aurora Expeditions continues to approach expedition travel as a catalyst for making a difference in one's life, and in the world.

Bookings for the 'Educational Evening' are essential as places are limited. To book your seat, please call now on 02 9252 1033.

For more information on Aurora Expeditions, visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/events <http://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/events>