New Luxury Adventure Company Rebrands as Atlas Ocean Voyages, Opens HQ in Fort Lauderdale

Atlas Ocean Voyages is focusing on authentic, active and adventurous experiences in some of the world’s most captivating destinations, such as Antarctica, Baltic, Mediterranean, and Central and South America. The line’s luxurious and intimate small ships will bring inspired travelers on exciting itineraries for invigorating, at-sea and shoreside adventures, while employing the latest sustainability technology to help preserve the waters they ply for future generations to enjoy.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.– Mystic Invest Holding’s Chairman Mário Ferreira announced that the company’s U.S.-based subsidiary cruise line is changing its name to Atlas Ocean Voyages and establishing its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Mystic Invest Holding is a leading international travel and hospitality company, which owns and operates the world’s third largest river cruise fleet, as well as hotels, attractions, helicopter tours, consumer space travel, and now, ocean cruise ships. The cruise line was previously Mystic Cruises USA.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is focusing on authentic, active and adventurous experiences in some of the world’s most captivating destinations, such as Antarctica, Baltic, Mediterranean, and Central and South America.  The line’s luxurious and intimate small ships will bring inspired travelers on exciting itineraries for invigorating, at-sea and shoreside adventures, while employing the latest sustainability technology to help preserve the waters they ply for future generations to enjoy. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Navigator is currently under construction at WestSea Viana shipyard in Portugal and scheduled to launch in mid-2021.

“Atlas Ocean Voyages will bring inspired travelers on authentic and luxurious adventures around the world,” said Ferreira. “We adjusted our brand name to better reflect the distinctive and luxurious global experiences that North American guests will enjoy. And to bring our unique adventure-cruising vision to life, we’ve assembled a highly skilled team of experienced industry professionals to lead our operations in Fort Lauderdale. I am confident that travelers will delight in exploring the world in the new immersive and active way that only Atlas Ocean Voyages can deliver.”

Ferreira has appointed Alberto Aliberti as President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. He will lead the new company’s U.S. expansion. Alberto led strategic development and commercial operations at Mystic Invest and its subsidiary river-cruise company DouroAzul for nearly 15 years. He had also been a part of the shoreside management teams at Seabourn and Cunard. Prior, Alberto served aboard cruise ships for various lines, and started 27 years ago as a receptionist aboard Sun Lines’ Stella Solaris. Alberto is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.

“It’s an honor to lead Mystic Invest’s latest venture and we are excited to open Atlas Ocean Voyages new office in Fort Lauderdale,” said Aliberti. “We have an amazing team of industry professionals who will apply their breadth and depth of experience to bring new adventure travel options to U.S. travelers. We continue to build our Sales and Reservations teams and look forward to open bookings for World Navigator later this year.”

Lisa Auguste is the Vice President of Operations and responsible for establishing the adventure cruise line’s Fort Lauderdale headquarters and ensuring its ongoing office and call center operations. Lisa’s entire professional career has been in the cruise industry. She knows many areas of the industry and worked in nearly every corporate role, most recently as Vice President of Oceania and Regent Seven Seas’ International division. Her immense experience is pivotal as the cruise line continues to establish itself.

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Vice President of Sales and Trade Partnerships is Brandon Townsley. Brandon’s tenured career in the cruise industry includes sales and revenue positions at Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Virgin Voyages. He fully appreciates the indispensable service that the travel advisor community provides to both suppliers and travelers and will lead the cruise line’s Sales strategy to build loyal and mutually rewarding relationships with travel trade partners and industry leaders.

“Brandon is a commercial leader who understands the invaluable role that travel advisers play,” added Aliberti. “He will leverage his extensive industry experience and unwavering advocacy to excite and educate travel advisors about our new travel product and help them create unforgettable Atlas Ocean Voyages adventures for their clients.”

Additionally, Marie Fernandez-Abou is named Vice President of Marketing, and brings her extensive experience in branding, design and promotions to advancing the adventure cruise line and inspiring travelers. She previously served as Managing Partner at Miami-based Imagery Creative for 15 years and has been a recipient of the Hispanic Woman of Distinction and numerous outstanding business woman awards. Marie also brings extensive experience in leading strategic marketing initiatives for Seabourn Cruise Line and other travel and tourism clients. She currently also serves as Executive Director of the non-profit Pack of Dogs Volunteer Task Force and is a former Chapter President of the American Advertising Federation.

For the latest news and more information about Atlas Ocean Voyages, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com and follow @AtlasCruises on social media at Facebook and Twitter, and @AtlasOceanVoyages on Instagram.

 

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Wildland Adventures Bets On Home Team With Super Bowl Promo: 10% Off Galapagos Cruises, $500 More If Seahawks Win

Expressing confidence in their team’s victory, Wildland Adventures is celebrating with its own Galapagos Adventure Bowl by offering a 10% savings on a Galapagos Islands cruise in 2015. And the kicker: if the hometown Seahawks win, another $500 comes off the adventure package.

Wildland Adventures believes that Darwin’s survival of the fittest applies to the outcome of its home team, the Seattle-based Seahawks, as they compete in this Sunday’s Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, AZ.

Expressing confidence in their team’s victory, Wildland Adventures is celebrating with its own Galapagos Adventure Bowl by offering a 10 percent savings on a cruise through the Galapagos Islands in 2015. And the kicker: if the hometown Seahawks win, another $500 comes off the adventure package.

The small country of Ecuador is a player in this year’s half-time advertising break during the Super Bowl on Feb. 1. This is the first time the country has decided to promote itself in such an ambitious way to a huge US audience and it will be the only destination to be promoted in this event.

Why so bullish on the Seattle Seahawks? “Like Darwin’s observations of physical and behavioral characteristics of animals in the Galapagos, we have studied and documented the extreme levels of strength, size and speed among individual Seahawk players and we predict they will dominate in the Arizona bowl habitat,” said Sherry Howland, the company’s Galapagos Program Director and most ardent Seahawks supporter.

For details on Wildland Adventures Galapagos Adventure Bowl, see
http://www.wildland.com/trips/south-america/ecuador-and-galapagos/galapagos-adventure-bowl/overview.aspx

While aboard a deluxe 20-passenger yacht for eight days (the total package is 11 days/10 nights), guests explore where Darwin once roamed. They also enjoy three nights on the Ecuador mainland connecting through the capital city of Quito.

Galapagos Adventure Bowl is available only for new bookings made from Feb. 1-28, 2015 for departures in 2015. Space is limited by availability. Best available dates in 2015 are Sept. 4, 11, 18, 27, Oct. 25 and Dec. 4, 11. Other dates are available on request. Galapagos Adventure Bowl savings are not applicable with other discount programs.

For more information contact Wildland Adventures at; 1–800-345-4453, visit http://www.wildland.com/ or email info@wildland.com.

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New: Moral Compass: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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AdventureSmith Explorations Reports Space Still Available for 2014 Holiday Small-Ship Cruises, Adventures

Suddenly it’s late summer with 2014 Holiday travel only months away.

AdventureSmith Explorations that offers both sea and land excursions year-round reports that there is still space available for prime holiday season December 2014 and early January 2015 escapes.

“But don’t wait too long,” said Todd Smith, founder/owner of AdventureSmith Explorations that specializes in small-ship expedition cruising that allows gusts to get up close and personal with the environments and landscapes they travel far to see.

Opportunities still available for Holiday cruises include the following destinations: Amazon, Antarctica, Australia, Baja (Mexico), Chile/Patagonia, Costa Rica, Panama Canal, Galapagos and Hawaii.

For example, Hawaii Christmas Cruises Hawaiian Seascapes Dec. 20-27, Dec. 27-Jan. 3, Jan. 3-10 on the 36-passenger Safari Explorer yacht lets guests explore four islands. This active itinerary includes time for snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, touring local farms and museums, and even night snorkeling. The 8-day cruise is from $3,595 per person double.

There are two Baja, Mexico, Christmas Cruises. The first is Wild Islands & Treasures of Baja Dec. 20-27, Dec. 27-Jan. 3 on the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Bird. This expedition unites its twin facets: culture and wildness. Guests explore pristine desert islands, rife with endemic species, rare plants and towering forests of cacti, and spot Humpback whales migrating in the Sea of Cortez. The 8-day cruise is from $5,690 per person double.

Cousteau’s Aquarium of the World Dec. 20-27, Dec. 27-Jan. 3 uncovers the area of Dabo Pulmo where French Oceanographer Jacques Cousteau led numerous expeditions in a setting of steep bluffs and sandy beaches. This Baja expedition through marine-life-rich waters aboard the 84-guest Safari Endeavour offers opportunities to snorkel among gentle whale sharks and sea lion pups, and explore the desert landscape explored by Cousteau. The per person rate for 8 days is from $3,395.

Baja, Costa Rica, Chile/Patagonia, Guatemala, Panama and Peru offer opportunities for both pre-set and on-request land departures that may also include itineraries suited to families. These combine hiking through rainforests, sourcing indigenous wildlife, sometimes whitewater rafting and explorations of archaeology, culture and history.

For example in Peru, the Peru Mountain Lodge Trek Dec. 20-26, Dec. 21-27 Dec. 24-30 Dec. 27-Jan. 2 is the very first trans-Andean lodge-to-lodge trek to one of the ancient world’s most extraordinary sanctuaries: Machu Picchu. After full days of trekking, guests spend evenings unwinding by the fireplace, stargazing and enjoying a comfortable lodge. The 7-day program is from $3,489 per person double.

Costa Rica Christmas Tours, Quest for Pura Vida Dec. 20-28, Dec. 27-Jan. 4, combines the cloud forests of Monteverde and the active Arenal Volcano with the verdant lowland tropical forests of Tortuguero to highlight Costa Rica’s diversity of nature and culture. This 9-day program combining mountains, rainforest and the Caribbean is from $2,700 per person double.

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, CA, along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. In 2012, owner Todd Smith joined the ranks of Conde Nast Traveler’s prestigious 14th Annual Travel Specialists List as the world’s expert on small ship expeditions. A distinction he received again in 2013. For information, availability and 2014 reservations, Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com.

 

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Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Orion to Complete Renovations in time for Borneo to Bali Voyage in September

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced that National Geographic Orion will undergo renovations to two public spaces during dry dock this September.  The renovations will be made to two public spaces: The Lounge (main) and the Observation Lounge, and are being redesigned to better serve the dynamic, learning-oriented community of guests and staff aboard.

Renovations include:

• The current library will be removed from The Lounge, providing an additional 20% of space that will enable seating now for all guests and expedition team at once.
• The Lounge will feature a “circle of truth” in the center (as on National Geographic Explorer), which will serve as the focal area for all presentations and recap discussions by the ship’s expedition team and experts.
• A newly designed bar.
• Updating of all furnishings and carpets in a modern, expedition style.
• Upgrade of all audio and visual functions including large high definition flat screens and contemporary audio system.
• The Observation Lounge will undergo a complete refurbishment and layout change, and will feature an intimate library, nautical chart table, and a self-serve beverage station.

The renovations are being done by ICF Singapore, a world leader in interior ship design, and will be completed in time for the September 16, 2014 Wild Encounters from Borneo to Bali expedition.

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic launched the 102-guest National Geographic Orion in March 2014. While she has retained all her state-of-the-art comforts, the ship was equipped with a full roster of exploration tools including tandem kayaks, an innovative ROV (remotely operated vehicle reaching depths up to 1,000 feet), snorkeling gear for all, a dive master, scuba gear that can accommodate up to 24 divers at a time, and a glass bottom boat.

For more information or to book Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, visit www.expeditions.com, call 1-800-EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348), or call your travel agent.

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Bestway Tours Announces New Expedition to Bouvet Island, ‘Most Remote Island in the World’

Vancouver-based tour operator Bestway Tours & Safaris has put together an expedition to visit Bouvet Island, departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, on Mar. 24, 2015 on board the M/V Ortelius, an ice-strengthened UL1 class expedition boat with 47 cabins accommodating up to 104 passengers.

Recorded as the most remote island in the world, Bouvet is located in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of the South Shetland Islands, Bouvet is a dependency of Norway, which is 13,000 km away. Bouvet is only 49 square km in size, of which 93 per cent is covered by a glacier. The center of the island is an ice-filled crater of an inactive volcano and is also the site of a Norwegian weather station.

The expedition takes participants from Ushuaia, Argentina through the Beagle Channel and the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands to visit Antarctic research stations and encounter Gentoo Penguins, Weddell Seals, Leopard Seals and Orcas. The expedition continues through the Weddell Sea for a possible landing in the South Orkney Islands and the rarely visited South Sandwich Islands. The highlight of the expedition is Bouvet Island. Due to the unpredictability of landings, Bestway has allocated two full days for landings on the island. The journey continues to unique Gough Island, the Tristan da Cunha Archipelago and St. Helena, the island where Napoleon died in exile. The expedition concludes on April 22, 2015 in Ascension Island.

The expedition is limited to a maximum of 104 participants, with costs starting at US$ 10,490 and includes 35 nights on a full-board basis on the M/V Ortelius, tea/coffee, landing fees, shore excursions, zodiacs and guest lecturers on board. Guests also have the option to continue from Ascension Island to Cape Verde.

For details view: bestway.com/tours/pvt/bouvet_expedition, call 1-800-663-0844 or email: bestway@bestway.com

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Lindblad-National Geographic Celebrates Centennial of Shackleton’s Expedition with Special Events

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is bringing to life one of the most storied expeditions in modern history with special activities, amenities and events celebrating the Centennial of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Atlantic Expedition.

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is bringing to life one of the most storied expeditions in modern history with special activities, amenities and events celebrating the Centennial of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Atlantic Expedition.

Guests aboard National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion on the 2014-2015 voyages to Antarctica will be led by a remarkable expedition team, who will shed new light on the storied exploits of Shackleton and his men on their ill-fated attempt to traverse the continent by foot, and the examples of leadership and survival that continue to be taught throughout the world today.  And, since expedition photography is an integral part of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic DNA, the season will be dedicated to Shackleton’s expedition photographer, Frank Hurley, whose remarkable images have helped everyone from amateurs to experts in the effort to piece together the ultimate expedition adventure.

One of the premier experts in this field is National Geographic photographer and writer Kim Heacox, the author of Shackleton: The Antarctic Challenge.  Lindblad Expeditions and Heacox have created an entertaining and inspirational multi-media presentation that uniquely captures the spirit of Shackleton and the crew that set sail with him on the Endurance in 1914, and that brings Hurley’s artistry into focus like never before.

With the inspiration still fresh in their minds and hearts, guests will have the chance to take to the ice themselves, led by a National Geographic photographer and a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, influenced by some of Hurley’s most iconic images. Those looking to trace Shackleton’s and Hurley’s journey will have plenty of opportunities to do so, hiking in the spacious beauty of the Antarctic alongside naturalists and historians who will recount the stirring saga on the beautiful and challenging terrain.

Such excursions will be enjoyed in both style and comfort thanks to the commemorative Centennial edition parka. The custom-designed parka, combines vintage- style expedition wear with high-tech fabrication for maximum comfort, and comes with a Centennial badge designed just for the occasion that will commemorate the once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Since special occasions deserve special treatment, Lindblad-National Geographic guests will have the chance to toast Shackleton, Hurley and their fellow explorers with the same whisky favored on the original voyage. In February, 2007, the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust made a stunning discovery, uncovering two crates of Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt, remnants of the 25 cases Ernest Shackleton ordered to provision his 1907 Nimrod expedition. Whyte and Mackay have issued a limited release of the whisky, and the ships have been provisioned with the legendary malt.  It will be  poured with complements on both the National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion to toast the enduring spirit of the heroic age of exploration that first inspired Lars-Eric Lindblad to bring the first citizen explorers to experience the remarkable beauty of the region a half-century ago.

Travelers will start their own learning adventure long before boarding their voyage thanks to Alfred Lansing’s acclaimed book “Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage,” which will be given to guests prior to departure.

Voyages throughout the season will also feature an array of Global Perspectives Guest Speakers who will add relevant insight and personal experience to the expedition community.  They include Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edward Larson, whose latest book is “An Empire of Ice: Scott, Shackelton, and the Heroic Age of Antarctic Science;”  Jared Diamond, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, scientist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author; Kendrick Taylor, Chief Scientist for a project investigating climate change and the Antarctic ice sheet; Joe McConnell, environmental scientist; Fen Montaigne, journalist and author of “Fraser’s Penguins: A Journey to the Future in Antarctica,” and Peter Hillary, of mountaineering royalty, who has summitted the highest mountain on each of the seven continents and established a new overland route to the South Pole.

Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent:  14 days/11 nights aboard National Geographic Explorer. Rates begin at $12,350 per person in a category 1 cabin based on double occupancy. Departures are Nov. 28; Dec. 8, 18, 28, 2014; Jan. 7, 17, 27; Feb. 6, 2015.

Antarctica, South Georgia and The Falklands:  24 days/21 nights aboard National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion. Rates begin at $21,360 per person in a category 1 cabin based on double occupancy. Departures on the National Geographic Explorer:  Nov. 8, 2014; Feb. 16, 2015; on the  National Geographic Orion Dec. 26, 2014; Jan. 25 & Feb. 14, 2014.

For more information or to book your Antarctica experience today, visit http://www.expeditions.com/destinations/antarctica/celebrating-the-centennial/, call 1-800-EXPEDITION or your travel agent.

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Aranui III Celebrates 10 Years Sailing Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia; 14-Day Journey Starts at $2346

Aranui III celebrates 10 years sailing through remote Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia (photo credit – Danee Hazama & Julien Avrial)

The new year marks the 10th anniversary of the Aranui III (www.Aranui.com) plying the waters of exotic French Polynesia with an itinerary that includes Tahiti and the remote Marquesas and Tuamotu Islands. The Aranui III is a well-appointed passenger-cargo vessel that offers 17 departures of the two-week cruise with rates starting at $2,346 per person, based on double occupancy.

In celebration of the 10th anniversary, the Aranui III will change the itinerary of its March 16 sailing by combining visits to Puamau and Atuona on Hiva-Oa to one day on March 21 and adding a stop in Bora Bora on March 28. In Puamau, travelers will visit an archeological site followed by lunch and a visit of Paul Gauguin’s grave and the village in Atuona. The visit to Bora Bora includes a picnic on the white sand beach of Motu, a private island, highlighted by roasted pig, shellfish curry and pumpkin pie, snorkeling and swimming with the sting rays.

The Aranui III departs from the Tahitian city of Papeete on a regularly scheduled 14-day journey.

Travelers can take advantage of a special 10% discount offered on select sailings throughout the year including a “Spring Discount” for the Feb. 23 sailing, a “Promotional Discount” for the April 6 itinerary, a “Pre-Summer Discount” for the June 8 sailing and a “Senior Special” for the Aug. 31 itinerary.

Travelers will board the Aranui III for a “Freighter to Paradise” complete vacation experience through 800 miles of the most spectacular and remote islands in exotic French Polynesia including Tahiti, the Tuamotu Islands and Marquesas Islands.

Travelers booking a stay aboard the Aranui III can choose from four different cabin categories – Suite, Deluxe, Standard and Class C – each providing different room configurations.

The Suites are large outside cabins (some with a balcony) featuring a queen-size bed, refrigerator and private bathroom facilities with a bathtub. Rates for a suite start at $5,331 per person.

The Deluxe rooms are large outside cabins designed with a queen-size bed, refrigerator and private bathroom facilities with a bathtub. Rates for the deluxe option start at $4,879 per person.

The Standard rooms are outside cabins with two lower berths and private bathroom facilities. Prices for the standard room start $4,018 per person.

The Class C option is described as a dormitory style room with upper and lower berths, air conditioning but without private bathroom facilities. Prices start at $2,346 per person.

All rates quoted are per person and do not include port tax, cruise tax and tourism tax, which may total up to $350 depending on stateroom category, as well as a fuel surcharge of $100 per person.

The cruise includes three meals with complimentary wine daily, guided excursions outlined in the itinerary, picnic and meals on shore. Optional excursions such as scuba diving and fishing are additional.

For more information or to book an Aranui III vacation, call 800-972-7268 or visit http://www.aranui.com.

 

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Quark Expeditions announces 2013-14 Antarctic Season; Book by Sept 30 for Discounts

Polar Pioneer Introduces the First-Ever Polar Floating Film Festival Voyage and a New Fly Cruise Itinerary

Quark Expeditions, a leader in polar adventure, has just announced its Antarctic 2013 -2014 season. Highlights include a voyage featuring the first-ever Floating Polar Film Festival in conjunction with Hot Docs, a fly-cruise itinerary that takes passengers across the Antarctic Circle, and a 23-day ‘do it all’ Antarctic adventure. The Epic Antarctica itinerary is the only voyage of its kind to take passengers to South Georgia, the Falkland Islands as well as the Antarctic Peninsula.

With 32 departures starting November 1, 2013, Quark offers more Antarctic voyages than any other Polar operator.

New Expeditions Added

Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica via Buenos Aires: Explorers and Kings
The inaugural voyage of the season aboard the Sea Spirit offers passengers an unprecedented experience. Departing from Buenos Aires, the 22-day voyage offers passengers the first-ever Floating Polar Film Festival. Curated by North America’s largest documentary festival, Hot Docs, this on-board festival will feature a diverse documentary film program set against the remote beauty of Antarctic waters. The journey starts on November 1, 2013 on the Sea Spirit.

Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle
Quark’s newest fly-cruise voyage offers passengers all the incredible experiences and bragging rights of crossing the Antarctic Circle, in less time than a typical voyage. This new 11-day expedition (instead of the usual 15) departs on December 22, 2013 and will have passengers celebrating New Year’s Eve aboard the Sea Adventurer.

Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia: Epic Antarctica
For those looking for the ultimate Antarctic experience, there is now a 23-day ‘do it all’ expedition on the Sea Adventurer which departs February 23, 2014. This extensive itinerary offers travelers a chance to see seven species of penguins, and more than 30 species of birds while visiting the “Galapagos of the Poles.” This is the only voyage available taking passengers to the Falklands and South Georgia as well as across the Antarctic Circle to the Peninsula.

Ships
The largest of Quark’s fleet, the ‘Super Yacht,’ Ocean Diamond, is back with Quark Expeditions for its second season of Carbon Neutral voyages. The ship features unparalleled comfort and stability.

Passengers will enjoy a massage and wellness program, the largest Polar library, in-room flat screen TV and DVD player and each cabin offers exterior views and en-suite bath. An all-inclusive beverage package is also available on this ship.

Sea Adventurer (formerly known as Clipper Adventurer) boasts outside cabins with en-suite facilities, a TV and DVD player in every cabin, a Polar Boutique, internet access, a fitness room and more. All-inclusive beverage packages are available on this ship.

Sea Spirit is Quark’s luxury adventure ‘all-suites’ ship and features all-inclusive beverages on every voyage, every suite has an exterior view and en-suite bath, in-room satellite phone and flat screen TV and DVD player. This ship also offers passengers a hot tub and workout room, polar library and many more amenities to suit every passenger’s needs.

How to Book
As an early booking incentive, travelers who reserve by September 30, 2012 will receive a 25% discount on suites* and 20% off on all other cabin categories.

Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition – 14 & 15 days from $6,995
Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North – 10 days from $7,395
Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North – 9 days from $6,995
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake – 8 days from $7,995
Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle – 11 days from $10,995
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent – 10-12 days from $4,595
Antarctic Peninsula East and West: Explorers’ Route – 15 days from $12,995
South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari – 17 days from $14,995
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings – 19 & 20 days from $9,495
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica via Buenos Aires: Explorers and Kings – 22 days from $13,995
Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia: Epic Antarctica – 23 days from $13,495

Prices listed above are in U.S. dollars and are per person based on triple occupancy. For more information contact a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 888-892-0171 or visit www.quarkexpeditions.com.

For over 20 years, Quark Expeditions has been the leading provider of polar adventure travel. With its diverse fleet of specially equipped vessels and seasoned expedition leaders, they offer travelers unparalleled access to the most remote regions on earth. In 2011, Quark was named a recipient of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” for their “Three Arctic Islands” voyage.

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Zegrahm Expeditions to Offer ‘Vietnam and Cambodia by Sea’ Trip in 2013

Zegrahm Expeditions, a Seattle-based tour operator specializing in an expeditionary style travel, is offering a 19-day Vietnam & Cambodia By Sea” trip, departing January 27, 2013.

From the bustling cities of Vietnam to the forest-enshrouded Angkor temples of Cambodia, this 1,400-mile journey in the comfort of the air-conditioned, 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey showcases a wealth of cultural riches and a bounty of sublime vistas. Travelers get to sample local culinary delights during a private cooking class, you cycle through emerald rice fields, and explore bustling, colorful markets.

Other highlights include:

Exploring the exquisite temple complexes of enchanting Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cruising down the Perfume River in vibrantly painted dragon boats

Visiting the “forbidden city” of Hue, once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, the ruins at My Son, and the historic center of Hoi An, all World Heritage Sites

Enjoying a stunning martial arts demonstration with music and dance by Vietnamese hill tribes (see a video from the 2010 Vietnam expedition).

When you travel with Zegrahm, virtually everything is included in the cost of your trip, such as: all gratuities, from porters and ship’s crew to tour guides; all accommodations, including pre-voyage hotel night; welcome dinner and orientation briefing; daily activity options; a top-notch lecture and expedition team; all meals; transfers on group arrival and departure days; gift certificates for recommended expedition gear and reading materials; comprehensive packets to prepare for your trip; medical and emergency evacuation insurance; a dedicated Zegrahm program manager and air coordinator to answer all of your questions.

For details call 800-628-8747 or 206-285-4000 or visit www.zeco.com

 

Zegrahm Expeditions offers Voyage up the West Coast of Africa Visiting 9 Nations

Zegrahm Expeditions, a leader in small ship cruising and overland adventures, is offering a captivating voyage up the West Coast of Africa. Starting in Douala, Cameroon and ending in Dakar, Senegal, the journey visits nine nations and explores the region’s intriguing cultural heritage, storied history, and numerous natural wonders.

In addition, a highlight of the trip is a visit to Greatest Goal Ministries (GGM), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Sierra Leone’s war-affected disabled and amputee community. Trip participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a lively soccer match with the amputees.

“Because of the positive feedback we received from guests on our inaugural Tracing the West Coast of Africa expedition in April 2012, we decided to offer the itinerary again in November 2013,” stated Jon Nicholson, President of Zegrahm Expeditions. “Many of our guests said visiting the GGM clinic and watching the soccer match was the highlight of the trip and was truly inspiring.”

Priced from $13,980 per person, the 18-day Tracing the West Coast of Africa expedition also visits historic ports of call, rich in local culture and colonial architecture, as well as pristine natural areas where guests can search for the abundant animal and bird life that call this region home. Highlights include the lush volcanic islands of São Tomé & Príncipe, the vibrant markets in Benin and Togo, and crossing Africa’s only suspended walkway in Kakum National Forest in Ghana. Guests will also visit Abidjan in Ivory Coast, known as the “Paris of West Africa,” as well as the beautiful beaches of Sierra Leone.

To learn more about the Tracing the West Coast of Africa expedition, to request a brochure, or to make a reservation, please visit www.zeco.com or call 800-628-8747.

 

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