15% SAVING ON ANTARCTICA AND CHILEAN FJORDS CRUISE

14 February 2008

15% SAVING ON ANTARCTICA AND CHILEAN FJORDS CRUISE

Savings of up to fifteen per cent are available through Cruiseco on a nineteen day cruise-and-stay package that combines Antarctica and the Chilean Fjords in January of next year, with prices now starting from just $6795pp twin-share.

The 700-passenger luxury adventure cruiser Discovery will sail from Ushuaia and spend four full days visiting Antarctica’s Deception and King George Islands, Antarctic Sound, Hope Bay, Gerlache Strait, Paradise Harbour, the Lemaire Channel and Half Moon Island.

Other highlights will include two-nights in Buenos Aires pre-cruise, cruising the Drake Passage, Cape Horn and the Beagle Channel, Punta Arenas, Puerto Mont, the Chilean Fjords and alpine Lake District, Valparaiso, and two nights in Santiago.

The tour begins in Buenos Aires on January 11 and can be taken in the reverse direction and at the same price on January 25 (although this cruise does not visit King George Island;) air travel is extra.

For full details phone 1800 225 656 for the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise-specialist agency Australia-wide, or visit www.cruising.com.au

ADDITIONAL SHIP INFORMATION: The 20,000 tonne Discovery has two restaurants plus on-deck alfresco dining, ten bars and lounges, a nightclub, a lecture theatre and cinema, library, casino, card room, and internet centre.

There are two pools, two Jacuzzis, a gymnasium, health centre and beauty salon.

>Adventure a la carte – Cruising – Activities & Interests – Travel – smh.com.au

>Adventure a la carte – Cruising – Activities & Interests – Travel – smh.com.au

We are in the Patagonia wilderness. That’s middle-of-nowhere, no one-to-turn-to country. Inhospitable, impenetrable country, where even if you could force your way into the bush, you would lose your bearings within 10 metres.

Carlos is a tall, burly, powerful man with a scruffy beard. He wears a black military-style beret pulled low over his left eye. If you were casting for a movie, he certainly wouldn’t be the good guy.

He stares me straight in the eye, a steely glare. “Strip,” he orders. With his Spanish accent, it comes out as “Streeep” .

Adventure a la carte – Cruising – Activities & Interests – Travel – smh.com.au

Adventure a la carte – Cruising – Activities & Interests – Travel – smh.com.au

We are in the Patagonia wilderness. That’s middle-of-nowhere, no one-to-turn-to country. Inhospitable, impenetrable country, where even if you could force your way into the bush, you would lose your bearings within 10 metres.

Carlos is a tall, burly, powerful man with a scruffy beard. He wears a black military-style beret pulled low over his left eye. If you were casting for a movie, he certainly wouldn’t be the good guy.

He stares me straight in the eye, a steely glare. “Strip,” he orders. With his Spanish accent, it comes out as “Streeep” .

>Save on Aurora PNG

>

Step back in time and discover one of the final frontiers of adventure travel. In search of the authentic Papua New Guinea, each of our voyages aim to capture the best of this fascinating country’s cultural heritage and natural history.

Aurora’s relaxed style is the best way to witness colourful sing sings in the Trobriand Islands or explore the lower reaches of the mythical Sepik River. Stroll deserted tropical beaches, snorkel crystal clear waters or bushwalk through pristine lowland rainforest, teeming with exotic birds. For the more adventurous, our kayaking option offers a unique perspective of this captivating land.

Cabin	eNews $	You Save
Quad, Shared	AU$3,815	$675
Triple, Shared	AU$4,070	$720
Twin, Shared	AU$5,090	$900
Twin, Private	AU$5,940	$1,050
Mini Suite	AU$6,365	$1,125
Suite	AU$6,960	$1,230

* Discounts are only available on new
direct cruise bookings, as of 11/2/2008
and are not valid with any other offers.

For more information on both of our PNG voyages:

Voyage 1 ~ Rabaul to Alotau
Voyage 2 ~ Alotau to Rabaul

Click here to view our PNG photo gallery.

Travel is aboard Marina Svetaeva, and limited to only 100 passengers. These 11-day expeditions depart on the 18th and 28th of April, 2008.

PNG 2008 Brochure download and request

Our all-inclusive PNG flight packages have been put together by our expert reservations team and include international airfares (ex-Brisbane), domestic PNG airfares, pre and post voyage accommodation, airport transfers and land based tours.

To reserve your berth or for further details, contact us on +61-2-9252-1033 (1800-637-688 within Australia) or email Aurora at auroraex@auroraexpeditions.com.au

Save on Aurora PNG

Step back in time and discover one of the final frontiers of adventure travel. In search of the authentic Papua New Guinea, each of our voyages aim to capture the best of this fascinating country’s cultural heritage and natural history.

Aurora’s relaxed style is the best way to witness colourful sing sings in the Trobriand Islands or explore the lower reaches of the mythical Sepik River. Stroll deserted tropical beaches, snorkel crystal clear waters or bushwalk through pristine lowland rainforest, teeming with exotic birds. For the more adventurous, our kayaking option offers a unique perspective of this captivating land.

Cabin	eNews $	You Save
Quad, Shared	AU$3,815	$675
Triple, Shared	AU$4,070	$720
Twin, Shared	AU$5,090	$900
Twin, Private	AU$5,940	$1,050
Mini Suite	AU$6,365	$1,125
Suite	AU$6,960	$1,230

* Discounts are only available on new
direct cruise bookings, as of 11/2/2008
and are not valid with any other offers.

For more information on both of our PNG voyages:

Voyage 1 ~ Rabaul to Alotau
Voyage 2 ~ Alotau to Rabaul

Click here to view our PNG photo gallery.

Travel is aboard Marina Svetaeva, and limited to only 100 passengers. These 11-day expeditions depart on the 18th and 28th of April, 2008.

PNG 2008 Brochure download and request

Our all-inclusive PNG flight packages have been put together by our expert reservations team and include international airfares (ex-Brisbane), domestic PNG airfares, pre and post voyage accommodation, airport transfers and land based tours.

To reserve your berth or for further details, contact us on +61-2-9252-1033 (1800-637-688 within Australia) or email Aurora at auroraex@auroraexpeditions.com.au

>Sea lions massacred in Galapagos Islands

>

Ecuadoran authorities are investigating the massacre of 53 sea lions that were found with crushed skulls in the Galapagos Islands.

The dead animals were in an advanced stage of decomposition when they were discovered on the island of Pinta, scattered in a one-kilometre radius, said Galapagos National Park official Victor Carrion.

“The sea lions, including 13 pups, died because of a strong blow from someone. It was a massacre whose motives the prosecutor’s office must clarify,” Mr Carrion said.

The animals’ remains did not appear to have been mutilated, and no cuts were found on their skins or limbs, he said.

The authorities found no other killed animals but they have stepped up patrols of the islands.

The Galapagos islands are 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific ocean.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) placed the islands on its list of endangered world heritage sites last year, saying they were threatened by invasive species, growing tourism and immigration.

– AFP

Sea lions massacred in Galapagos Islands

Ecuadoran authorities are investigating the massacre of 53 sea lions that were found with crushed skulls in the Galapagos Islands.

The dead animals were in an advanced stage of decomposition when they were discovered on the island of Pinta, scattered in a one-kilometre radius, said Galapagos National Park official Victor Carrion.

“The sea lions, including 13 pups, died because of a strong blow from someone. It was a massacre whose motives the prosecutor’s office must clarify,” Mr Carrion said.

The animals’ remains did not appear to have been mutilated, and no cuts were found on their skins or limbs, he said.

The authorities found no other killed animals but they have stepped up patrols of the islands.

The Galapagos islands are 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific ocean.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) placed the islands on its list of endangered world heritage sites last year, saying they were threatened by invasive species, growing tourism and immigration.

– AFP

>Alexandra Shackleton joins Epic Antarctica Expedition

>The Hon. Alexandra Shackleton is Sir Ernest Shackleton’s only granddaughter. Her father was Shackleton’s younger son, Edward, who became Lord Shackleton.

Alexandra, a history graduate, is president of the James Caird Society, dedicated to preserving the memory of Sir Ernest Shackleton and honoring his leadership. She is a member of several Antarctic and Southern Ocean societies. Alexandra was a consultant on the television drama Shackleton, starring Kenneth Branagh. She has written several prefaces to books about her grandfather, and has spoken about his accomplishments around the world.

We are pleased to announce that Alexandra will be guest lecturer aboard Epic Antarctica: Semi-Circumnavigation aboard the giant icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov. She will share her insights into her grandfather’s life and the drive to preserve the hut he built in the Ross Sea.

This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of this historic adventure. The 31-day expedition departs Ushuaia on 13 November ending in Lyttelton (Christchurch NZ) on 13 December 2008. Prices are from US$19,900 per person triple share.

Exalted adventurers truly captured the spirit of Antarctic exploration, with Scott and his crew perishing on that fateful return journey from the pole in 1912 and Shackleton performing his miraculous 1916 rescue – now the stuff of legend.

It is in this spirit that Adventure Associates has offered voyages to the frozen continent for nearly two decades. Thousands of expeditioners have enjoyed a true journey of a lifetime, often retracing the steps of these intrepid pioneers in the process.

[ Read More ]

Alexandra Shackleton joins Epic Antarctica Expedition

The Hon. Alexandra Shackleton is Sir Ernest Shackleton’s only granddaughter. Her father was Shackleton’s younger son, Edward, who became Lord Shackleton.

Alexandra, a history graduate, is president of the James Caird Society, dedicated to preserving the memory of Sir Ernest Shackleton and honoring his leadership. She is a member of several Antarctic and Southern Ocean societies. Alexandra was a consultant on the television drama Shackleton, starring Kenneth Branagh. She has written several prefaces to books about her grandfather, and has spoken about his accomplishments around the world.

We are pleased to announce that Alexandra will be guest lecturer aboard Epic Antarctica: Semi-Circumnavigation aboard the giant icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov. She will share her insights into her grandfather’s life and the drive to preserve the hut he built in the Ross Sea.

This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of this historic adventure. The 31-day expedition departs Ushuaia on 13 November ending in Lyttelton (Christchurch NZ) on 13 December 2008. Prices are from US$19,900 per person triple share.

Exalted adventurers truly captured the spirit of Antarctic exploration, with Scott and his crew perishing on that fateful return journey from the pole in 1912 and Shackleton performing his miraculous 1916 rescue – now the stuff of legend.

It is in this spirit that Adventure Associates has offered voyages to the frozen continent for nearly two decades. Thousands of expeditioners have enjoyed a true journey of a lifetime, often retracing the steps of these intrepid pioneers in the process.

[ Read More ]

>From Fly-fishing in Patagonia to Luxury Amazon Cruising

>

Adventure Associates introduces two new ‘top-end’ products to its extensive Latin American portfolio.

The superb M.V. Atmosphere, a state-of-the-art expedition cruise vessel offers guests an unique opportunity of exploring Patagonia by air, land and water. Thanks to a first rate crew and a cutting edge air and water transport system, M.V. Atmosphere can deliver the thrill of fly-fishing, the majesty of whale-watching as well as bird-watching, nature photography and a varied selection of soft outdoor adventures in the southernmost corner of the world.
She was designed and carefully built to be the perfect means to explore the unseen Chilean Patagonia. Exclusive and intimate, she is manned by 32 crew and has a capacity limited to only 28 passengers. It carries aboard a six-passenger Bell 407 helicopter to airlift explorers to otherwise unreachable spots, six jet-boats to conquer the most recondite rivers of the Chilean Patagonia, a top-of-the-line Zodiac Hurricane boat to scout the coastline and an array of specialized watercraft such as portable zodiacs for heli-fishing operations and kayaks. Deluxe cabins for an 8-day cruise are from US$10,115 per person twin share, with complimentary transfers to and from Puerto Montt.

In tandem with this, is the new M.V.Aqua, the first luxury vessel ever to cruise the northern Amazon. She has 12 oversized guest suites, including four 180° panoramic master suites, featuring en suite sitting areas and generous outward-facing panoramic windows. The handsomely decorated, air-conditioned suites were designed by noted Peruvian architect Jordi Puig. Guests can socialise in the dining room, indoor lounge, on the observation deck and in the outdoor lounge. Gourmets, can enjoy fine dining deep in the Amazon jungle. Sound unlikely? Yet you will find it aboard the M.V. Aqua. You can gaze out at the great wilderness from the elegant comfort of the ship’s dining room. Executive chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Lima’s culinary stars, has created a menu that draws on both Peruvian and European influence. There are 3, 4 and 7 day cruise itineraries departing from Iquitos, with transfers provided from the airport to the wharf. Seven day cruises are from US$4,550 per person twin share.

Adventure Associates offerings range from exploration tours for the first time visitor and myriad choice for return travellers. For further information intending passengers should contact Adventure Associates on 1800 222 141 or visit their website at www.adventureassociates.com

Contact Davyyd Bressington for further information on (02) 8916 3007