Ocean Magazine - Ocean Cruising - Issue 37

Open publication Mentioned: Kimberley Cruising, Hanse Explorer, Heritage Expeditions, Wrangell Island, Silhouette Cruises Seychelles, Orion, AdventureSmith, Alaska, Oceanwide, Japan, Borneo

Kimberley Quest Cruise Deal

Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises offers "summer sail" 15% discount for Kimberley coast adventures

Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises has launched what it is calling a Summer Sail for its Kimberley coast cruises on the boutique Kimberley Quest II, just weeks before the start of winter.

PSCC is offering a 15 per cent discount on remaining cabins for the seven-day Southern Quest package operating between Mitchell Plateau and Broome over the winter-spring June-September 2011 season.

The deal means the price of the seven-day cruise is from $7093 per person twin share (normally from $8345) which includes cabin with ensuite, all chef-prepared meals served on the shady stern deck or in the air-conditioned lounge, full use of the vessel and guided land and water excursions, scenic light aircraft Broome-Mitchell Plateau flight and helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls in the transfer to the 18-passenger Kimberley Quest II.

Excursions to waterfalls (like King Cascade), rock pools, rock art, whale spotting, fishing and scenic tender excursions to the likes of must-see Horizontal Falls and Montgomery Reef are on the itinerary.

Cruising between destinations, there is plenty of time to take in the view from the spa on the forward deck or find a shady spot to read.

Contact: Tel 08 9193 6131, or see www.kimberleyquest.com.au

Why the Summer Sail tag?

Comment from Director, Lynne Ralston: "We have applied the summer tag because of summer-like weather the northern part of the continent experiences during this season. We'll be experiencing temperatures in the low to mid thirties and hopefully it will persuade chilling southerners to see this spectacular 'wow' piece of Australia in the most accommodating weather."

Exclusive deals to the Kimberley Coast, European Arctic & the Russian Coast!

Please note: These offers are only available to Aurora newsletter subscribers, so please contact Mael on the address below to join Aurora

Dear Expeditioner,

This month's newsletter is jam packed with great deals on a variety of Aurora Expeditions' voyages for this year!

Save 10% with last minute deals to the Kimberley Coast. We can bundle up a great European Arctic package saving you up to AUD$1000! Or check out our special offers on our Russian Coast voyages.

And remember, with the Australian dollar at an all new high, you will never get to our destinations at a better price – so book and pay for your trip-of-a-lifetime today!

Happy reading!

Mael Ressos
Sales Consultant – Aurora Expeditions
+61 2 9252 1033 or info@auroraexpeditions.com.au

In this issue

Escape to the Kimberley Coast & SAVE 10%
Complete Arctic Package - SAVE up to $1000!
10% to 15% off the Russian Arctic & Far East
Book direct & receive 25% off travel insurance
Coming soon to Sydney - the Ice Bear Project

From polar ice cap to the tropics - Orion Expeditions releases 2012 voyage itineraries

Orion Expedition Cruises has released an expanded range of path less travelled itineraries for 2012. Incorporating the first full year of voyages for Orion II, as well as Orion, these expeditions - well off the marine superhighway - include rarely visited destinations from polar ice cap to the tropics.
          
In addition to existing itineraries Orion takes a fresh look at New Zealand with new Pure New Zealand and Bay of Islands voyages.

Orion II's new sailings feature the islands of Micronesia and additional voyages to Japan with Art of Japan and Culinary Voyage of Japan itineraries. China is included for the first time with expeditions that includes the Yangtze Delta (Kobe to Shanghai) and Shanghai to Tawau (Yangtze, Taiwan, Philippines), while an inaugural visit to Java includes the temples of Borobudur.

2012 will see the two purpose-built expedition cruise ships undertake 69 voyages to 17 countries and 174 destinations stretching from Antarctica to the Russian Far East including Borneo, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Inland Sea of Japan, Korea, China and Micronesia (onboard Orion II). Australia's Kimberley coast, Arnhem Land, Great Barrier Reef, the Spice Islands, New Zealand, the Sub Antarctic islands and Papua New Guinea feature in Orion's range of expeditions.

The complete 2012 Calendar of Sailings is now available through travel agents or by contacting Orion Expedition Cruises direct on 1300 361 012 (Australia) or 0800 444 462 (New Zealand).

The website www.orionexpeditions.com also features details of the new voyages ahead of the pending release of the 2012 brochure in a few weeks.

Jerry Hall Cruises The Kimberley Coast on The True North

Well known actress and model, Jerry Hall was on board Australia's own luxury adventure cruise, The True North last week where she and her partner enjoyed a one-week Kimberley cruise.

"The Kimberley is one of the last true wildernesses: it has not been spoilt by tourism or pollution and the best way to explore this ancient region is by cruising along its coast. For someone like me there is no better ship than the TRUE NORTH. It is a small luxury liner with just 18 cabins – serving delicious gourmet food and wine with a staff of 20 young, attractive and extremely efficient crew members. It is a top class operation whether you enjoy hiking through wilderness with their biologists, admiring the plants and birds or fishing for giant barramundi. Cruising along the Kimberley coast on the TRUE NORTH is the trip of a lifetime," said Jerry Hall.

Ms Hall is travelling with her partner, Perth millionaire Warwick Hensley, who is on assignment for the London Times. She will report on her travels when she returns home and the likely front-page exposure will hopefully be a major bonus for all tourism operators in the Kimberley.

The appeal of this gleaming adventure-platform complete with helicopter and multiple expedition boats was always bound to attract the attention of discerning overseas travelers and, according to North Star Cruises' general manager, Peter Trembath, the tide has begun to turn.

"In the past year we have attracted strong attention from both North America and Europe. And this interest is all the more pleasing when you consider that we are still up against uncertain world economics and adverse exchange rates. The reputation of the TRUE NORTH is so strong; we are managing to buck the negative trends," said Peter Trembath.

Offering activity-based itineraries all around the Australian coastline and adjacent to the remote jungles of West Papua and Papua New Guinea, the TRUE NORTH has become a firm favourite with Australia's travelling elite. Even today, most of the guests onboard the TRUE NORTH are well-qualified Australian adventurers lapping-up the personal attention of the ship's enthusiastic and also very Australian crew.

Over 25 years the adventure-cruise ship TRUE NORTH has developed one of Australia's most revered holiday reputations.  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.

SPECIAL GUESTS JOIN TRUE NORTH IN 2011

North Star Cruises Australia is pleased to announce that some very special guests are scheduled to embark on the adventure-cruise ship TRUE NORTH during 2011 for part of the 'extraordinary people in extraordinary places' campaign.  Special guests to be announced for the first phase of the campaign include pioneers from the arts and entertainment industry with many more to be announced later in the year. 

Jacinda Bayne

To kick off the campaign, guests will enjoy the company and insight of Jacinda Bayne who is a much-lauded landscape artist and recent winner of the Mandjar Art Award. Jacinda will surely be in awe of the 'waterfall season' when she joins a Kimberley Ultimate cruise in early April and guests will have unique opportunity to see Jacinda bring this spectacular landscape to canvas.

Multi-award winning art teacher, Mark Norval is fast establishing himself as a TRUE NORTH favourite. Mark's relaxed and informal lessons were very popular with guests when he completed a 2010 Kimberley cruise and the inspirational Kimberley will again be 'centre of piece' when Mark rejoins the TRUE NORTH in late April.

Sarah McKenzie

Sarah McKenzie will be a real treat for guests embarking on the TRUE NORTH in May. At 22 years of age Sarah is already a pianist, vocalist and composer of remarkable flare and technique. Sarah has performed at some of Australia's highest profile jazz events and alongside headliners such as James Morrison and Michael Buble. Sarah's performances in the ship's lounge are bound to compliment an already impressive stage.

True North also welcomes Linda Klarfeld who is one of Australia's most accomplished bronze sculptors. Her works can be seen in many venues from places of worship to sporting halls of fame. However, when Linda joins a Kimberley cruise in August it will be the first time that she has taken her art to sea. Linda will offer guests opportunity to 'try their hand' at sculpting and some may even be fortunate enough to have their Kimberley experience immortalised in a very different form indeed!

Phil Ceberano and Russell Robertson

True North is thrilled to welcome back one of Australia's most talented guitarists, Phil Ceberano.  Phil has previously impressed True North guests with his entertaining performances – both on and off the stage when he embarked on an 'Ultimate Kimberley' cruise in April 2010. This time Phil teams up with good mate and former AFL Star, Russell Robertson. Phil and Russell met during the filming of the TV show 'It Takes Two' where Russell was runner-up performing with Phil's sister the fabulous, Kate Ceberano.  The pair went on to record Russell's debut album 'Higher' with Phil producing and performing.  Phil & Russell perform around Australia for many one-off VIP events. No doubt we have a couple of characters on our hands and the entertainment is bound to extend well beyond the ship's lounge!

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

RECORD BREAKING WET SEASON FOR THE KIMBERLEY

The crew of the adventure-cruise ship TRUE NORTH is sailing into the ultimate Kimberley waterfall season. The Kimberley has enjoyed a record breaking wet season with Kuri Bay recording 1395 millimetres in a month, the highest monthly rainfall recorded in Western Australia. Crew-members aboard the mighty TRUE NORTH have confirmed that the ‘waterfall season’ is living up to its name. Anyone who has travelled aboard the TRUE NORTH during the waterfall season will tell you there’s nothing better than seeing the Kimberley coast in all its glory.

The period immediately following the wet season presents the best opportunity to see iconic features such as Kings Cascade, Mitchell Falls and the King George Falls at their thundering best. The whole region is transformed by rivers in flood, towering waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife. Billabongs are swollen, immense wetlands are alive with birdlife and the barramundi will be biting!

Guests on the TRUE NORTH enjoy unique daily experiences including helicopter flights to remote and otherwise inaccessible locations.

This year’s ‘waterfall season’ kicked-off on the 12th March. This is always one of the most popular times of the year and the remaining cabins won’t last long. For up to date availability, please click on the following link: http://www.northstarcruises.com.au/sailingschedule.asp?Date=2011 or email North Star Cruises at cruise@northstarcruises.com.au

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.