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AdventureSmith Explorations

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Hurtigruten

AdventureSmith Explorations

Website: www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com

AdventureSmith ExplorationsAnnounces New Antarctica Program

AdventureSmith Explorations, the active travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small, expedition ships, announces an unprecedented introductory rate starting at just $2,795 per person for an 11-day itinerary on its new Antarctic cruises aboard the 124-passenger M/S Expedition.

M/S Expedition was thoroughly overhauled only two years ago for her operation in Antarctica. She operates two comprehensive itineraries: the 11-day Antarctic Peninsula and a 20-day Spirit of Shackleton cruise that includes the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia Islands and Falkland Islands. The season runs November 2010 through February 2011 with multiple monthly departures.

AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Company founder Todd Smith helped pioneer the concept of wilderness cruising that combines the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking, hiking and exploring remote wilderness areas ashore. The company matches guests with the top names in small ship cruising as well with intimate, boutique ships that may not make the radar of most travelers.

Its off-the-beaten-path destinations include Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Peru, the Arctic, Antarctica and Australia.

Cruise West

Website: www.cruisewest.com

Christmas Cruises Offer Alternative Way To Enjoy Holiday Times

Many of Cruise West's clients find that the best way to enjoy the holidays is to escape the chaos they create. And their warm weather cruises can make that happen... in style. The adventures below offer chances for discovery, relaxation, and rejuvenation in some of the most beautiful and fascinating places on earth. Christmas Dinner is served on any cruise happening on December 25. A celebratory toast and late night dinner buffet is available for guests who are on board on New Year's Eve. And children under 18 always travel at half price, so holiday time can still be family time.

A sampling:

--Baja Wilderness, Round trip from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico,

Seven Nights, Departures on December 24 and 31, 2010

--Panama City to Costa Rica (or reverse*)

Nine Nights - Departures on December 18* and 27, 2010

--Auckland, New Zealand to Sydney, Australia

-17 Nights, December 15, 2010 - January 1, 2011

--Sydney to Darwin, Australia

19 Nights, December 31, 2010 - January 19, 2011

Hebridean Island Cruises Hold Prices In 2011

Hebridean Island Cruises, for which Lord Sterling is Chairman, has launched the 2011 program for their cruise ship Hebridean Princess - this will be the ship’s 23rd season of continuous operation in and around the Hebrides. While demand for their cruises is high, the company has been able to hold cruise fares at the previous year’s levels meaning that 2009 prices will be continued into 2011. In addition, for the first time in over 15 years and in response to guest feedback, a number of longer nine-and ten-night cruises have been included.

As well as visiting over 30 Scottish Islands and usual cruising grounds of Scotland’s West Coast and the Western Isles from her base in Oban, Hebridean Princess will replicate a program around the sea lochs of Argyll and the Clyde Estuary during March and November of 2011. The same itinerary proved extremely popular when the ship operated there for the first time in 2010 and they have received many requests to return. Other preferred haunts included within the 2011 program are the Northern Isles, with visits planned to the remote Fair Isle, Kirkwall, Stronsay and Westray in Orkney plus calls to Lerwick, Unst and Scalloway in Shetland.

A highlight of the 2011 program has Hebridean Princess undertaking a series of cruises through August and September that see her circumnavigate Britain, with maiden calls both on the British Mainland and on the near continent. Her voyage takes her from the Northern Isles, down the East Coast of Scotland and England, across the Channel to France, then back via South West England, the Scilly Isles, Wales and Ireland, all in the complete opulence and country house style that have become synonymous with a cruise aboard this unique little British ship.

Hebridean’s Guest Speaker program, introduced in 2010, has been extended in 2011 with a line-up that includes Jim Gardiner, Chief Curator of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Gardens along with Mike Everett, a conservation and ornithology specialist who has worked for the RSPB for nearly 40 years. They will join Hebridean Princess’s regular Guides, each with unparalleled knowledge to help immerse guests in the history, culture, architecture, folklore and wildlife of the areas visited.

The ships’ owners, All Leisure Holidays Ltd, continue to invest heavily in the vessel, demonstrating their desire to operate the ship for many years to come. Throughout the coming winter, the Bay grade cabins will be completely re-built to emerge as new single cabins with private facilities. Other accommodation refurbishments will see a current small double cabin refurbished as a single cabin and two current large single cabins refurbished as double cabins.

Managing Director Colin Stone comments “A Hebridean Princess cruise is unique, not only for the inimitable on board ambience but also for the stunning coastline scenery visited and 2011 sees an exciting array of new destinations added to our already exhilarating programmed of itineraries. This unique vessel is enjoyed by a small number of passengers who have uncovered a ‘real gem’ and many experienced cruise line passengers, people looking for an intimate experience will enjoy the idyllic warm atmosphere that the ship provides in the company of an experienced passionate crew, dedicated to passenger service and to the clientele with whom they sail”.

Featuring some of the finest privately escorted tours, the luxurious Hebridean Princess offers the highest standards of accommodation, together with a level of service from an almost forgotten era. Carrying just 49 guests, Hebridean Princess has an enviable reputation for exceptional service and a dedicated crew of 38. She has thirty spacious, elegant and well-appointed cabins, 11 designed especially for the single traveler.

A selection of "Footloose" cruises caters for most walking abilities with a range of guided walks in the hills and mountains, seashores and lochs. These all-inclusive cruises of between four and nine nights depart mainly from Oban, sailing the waters of the Western Isles and beyond to far-flung St Kilda, the Orkney and Shetland Isles.

Website: http://www.hebridean.co.uk

Hurtigruten

Website: www.hurtigruten.com

Early-Booking Savings Of Up To 20 Percent On 2011 Cruises

Planning ahead was never more rewarding than with Hurtigruten's 2011/2012 schedule of Explorer cruises. Travelers can save up to 20 percent on next year's sailings in Greenland, Spitsbergen and Europe by booking before December 31, 1010 and in Antarctica by March 31, 2011. Guests who have sailed within the last three years are able to combine the savings with the Repeater Discount of 5 percent.

A new 78-page full-color Explorer Voyages brochure details Hurtigruten's portfolio of 20 adventure expeditions to both ends of the world. The 5- to 20-day itineraries offer guests unique opportunities to explore pristine environments, get up close to fascinating wildlife and gain valuable insight from experts in numerous disciplines including geology, marine life, climate, environment, history and culture.

--Antarctica -- one of the most popular of Hurtigruten's destinations, there are few Hurtigruten guests who are not immediately taken in by the tuxedo suited greeters (penguins), always out and ready to welcome new friends to their year-round home. And the penguins are just a small part of the experience as Antarctica offers dramatic scenery, countless species of bird and marine life, and haunting landscapes. Six itineraries of 12 to 20 days run from November through February. All of the itineraries begin and end in Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital and the land of the tango. Early-booking savings, good through March 31, 2011, means fares range from $5,858 to $13,684 per person, double and include roundtrip air between Buenos Aires and the boarding port in Ushuaia.

Highlights common to all sailings include a variety of landings on the White Continent -- "Half Moon Island" with its large colony of chinstrap penguins and seals; Port Lockroy, once home to a British base and now a museum; and Neko Harbor, one of only a few stops allowed on the actual Antarctica mainland versus the Peninsula, are just some of the examples. The longer sailings add time in the seldom visited Tierra del Fuego region including Diego Ramirez, Cape Horn, Puerto Williams and Magdalena Island; the Falkland Islands; South Georgia; and South Orkney Islands. The 15-day "Polar Circle Quest" takes the guests across the 66º33' latitude - where the air is crisp and they are able to take in rarely seen landscapes. Optional voyage extensions are offered to Machu Picchu and Iguazu Falls.

--Spitsbergen -- the land where polar bears reign supreme offers towering glaciers, spectacular fjords, Arctic deserts, the Midnight Sun and a wealth of both marine and land animals and migratory birds. Located midway between Norway and the North Pole, Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago and offer no roads to link communities - making Hurtigruten's sailings the best way to take in the never-ending vistas. And Hurtigruten has expanded its offerings for 2011, with six itineraries that range from five to 13 days, and booking by Dec. 31 lower fares to $2,907 to $9,073 per person, double. The June-September season has 27 departures aboard the MV Polar Star or MS Fram, two highly regarded expedition ships.

Expedition leaders point out, and in many cases, take guests ashore to see extreme Arctic sights such as ice-filled Hinlopen Strait; Nordauslandet Island; historical, near-polar settlements of Barentsburg and Ny-Alesund; the stunning Hornsund Fjord; Bear Island; Lilliehook Glacier; and Andreeneset, where the remains of the ill-fated 1897 Andree Balloon Expedition were found in 1930. A special eight-day Climate Voyage celebrates the 150th birthday of Fridtjof Nansen, the great Norwegian explorer and recipient of the 1922 Nobel Peace Prize, and makes an inaugural visit to one of the most isolated islands in the world - Jan Mayen.

--Greenland -- a focal point for climatic research and a polar destination like no other, Greenland attracts an array of scientists and travelers wanting to better understand how the world's climate impacts the environment, and get to see how its citizens have survived on the ice-capped island for more than 5,000 years.

Two itineraries -- nine and 12 days -- explore the western coast of this massive island, visiting small villages as well as rarely visited regions. Highlights include walking tours of Inuit towns with tongue-twisting names -- Qeqertarsuaq, Ukkusissat, Ilulissat and Uummannaq; abundant wildlife that includes numerous species of whales, seals (numbering about 2 million), walruses, polar bears, musk oxen, Arctic foxes and hundreds of bird species; and, on the 12-day adventure, Iceland's Reykjavik, and Grundarfjordur with its lava formations and volcanoes. On-board Expedition Leaders and experts teach guests about the biology, climate, history and geology and interaction with local people ensures lasting memories. A three-day Iceland extension is new for 2011 and numerous optional excursions round out these unique cruises. Sailings depart in June and July and with the early-booking savings range in price from $5,302 to $8,883 per person, double, if booked by Dec. 31.

--Europe -- guests can choose from an array of countries and experiences as the MS Fram travels along the coast of Europe during its Spring and Fall repositioning sailings. The Spring schedule offers a trio of sailings: from Lisbon, Portugal to the UK port of Dover, visiting Spain and France on the way; or an exploration of Norway's west coast and many of its most stunning fjords, ending in Oslo; or an exploration of the Pearls of the Baltic -- Copenhagen, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Estonia and Bornholm. Early-booking rates range from $1,021 to $5,047 if booked by December 31.

In the Fall, travelers venture further south: the 11-day 'highlights of the British Isles makes several stops in England, Scotland and Ireland before ending in Hamburg, Germany; the 15-day Western Europe & North Africa has that southern flair - venturing to France's Rouen and Nantes, Spain's La Coruña, Portugal's Leixos, Lisbon and Portmão, Morocco's Casablanca and Agadir, and then onto to Spain's Arrecife, and Canary Islands. Early-booking rates range from $1,671 to $5,275 if booked by March 31, 2011.

Holiday Time At Sea Onboard The MS Fram

Guests are treated to traditional carols, Norwegian glogg (mulled wine), Santa Claus, and a special Christmas breakfast. Cocktails set the stage for a New Year's Eve dinner followed by a midnight celebration. Of course, this is all mingled with the sight of blue whales and orcas feeding mere feet from the passenger's perch aboard the MS Fram - and penguin populations numbering in the tens of thousands.

The voyage must be booked by September 15; regular fares are $9,863 to $19,720 per person, double and include all meals onboard, the services of expert naturalist guides, noted guest lecturers, round-trip air between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia (air not included in the discount), PolarCirkel boat landings, and port fees.

Orion Expeditions

Website: www.orionexpeditions.com

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 travelers 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 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. 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

--Seven Borneo voyages which will circumnavigate the island

--Two Tasmanian Food and Wine focused voyages

--Orion’s inaugural Exploration of the Antipodes

--Three 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 fjordland and sub-Antarctic islands

--Eight voyages to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, including the Mekong

Delta, Ho Chi Minh and Angkor Wat

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 centers 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 emailing info@orioncruises.com.au or through specialist expedition cruise travel agents.

Star Clippers

Website: www.starclippers.com

Sailing The Caribbean During The Holidays

Travelers can pack their bags, leave the chill behind and celebrate the winter holidays on board a glorious tall ship. Royal Clipper brings sandy beaches and sunshine to the holidays with a special eight-night Caribbean cruise sailing round-trip Barbados departing December 18, 2010. The ship sails a seven-night cruise, also round-trip Barbados, departing December 26 for those that want to ring in the New Year on board. Star Clipper's seven-night holiday cruises in the Caribbean depart December19 and 26, 2010, and sail roundtrip St. Maarten. For a touch of the exotic, cruisers can join Star Flyer on its first holiday season in Costa Rica. The ship sails seven-night, round-trip Puerto Caldera cruises departing December 19 and 26.

Star Clippers decorates its ships and has special holiday dinners on the menu, and sometimes Santa makes an appearance, coming on board via the ship's zodiac! The line endeavors to be in port on New Year's Eve so guests can enjoy a fireworks celebration.

The Majestic Line

Website: www.themajesticline.co.uk

Trips To Explore Scotland’s West Coast

See the West Coast of Scotland from a unique vantage point aboard our beautifully converted traditional wooden vessels, the Glen Massan and the Glen Tarsan. There is no better way to explore the spectacular coastlines of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides. Soak in the scenery, wildlife and Scottish heritage, while enjoying exceptional food and hospitality on board.

New Scottish Cruise Itineraries for 2010 offered include:

-- New six-night October cruise: Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal

Find out about our fabulous new Autumn cruise to the Caledonian Canal taking in Loch Linnhe, Neptunes Staircase, Loch Ness and Urqhuart Castle, cruising to a backdrop of magnificent Ben Nevis and Glencoe. Click here to view the itinerary.

--Skye and the Inner Hebrides 6-night cruise

This is a new six-night cruise to Skye and the Inner Hebrides calling in at some of the most beautiful anchorages on the West Coast of Scotland. This cruise now only has availability on one departure in 2010--Saturday September 18th.

--Taste of Argyll: Specialty Food Cruise 2010

The Taste of Argyll Speciaity Food Cruise was declared a real winner in October 2009 so Majestic has programmed a one-off six-night cruise for September 2010. The cruise departs from Holy Loch on Saturday September 11th and is timed to coincide with the wonderful eatBute festival in the grounds of the splendid Mount Stuart Mansion on Bute This is a great opportunity to sample the fabulous local food produced in Argyll, both onshore and onboard prepared by your Majestic Line chef.

And if food in a main interest, the Majestic Line Galley Cookbook is now available!

Our chefs provide amazing meals from a small galley and the enjoyment of food on board provides some of the most positive comments we get from our guests. Ingredients are very fresh and sourced locally. Argyll specialty produce is used wherever possible; the variety and quality is superb. The Galley Cookbook is a collection of twenty of some of the most popular guest recipes from our Chefs who have contributed to the high quality of food and hospitality on board since we began The Majestic Line five years ago. Please get in touch if you would like a copy sent to you.

Majestic is now taking whole boat charter bookings for 2011 and 2012 at 2010 prices. Whole boat charter is great fun for a group of friends and perfect for a special celebration. A special discount of ten percent applies if booking the whole boat so get in touch to book your date! Phone Marie on 0131 623 5012 to discuss your plans. For anyone who has a special date in the week commencing August 14th, we have had a cancellation for whole boat charter and are prepared to consider a good offer!

There is also a choice of nine unique Scottish cruise itineraries departing from Holy Loch, Dunoon and from Oban. To take full advantage of the fabulous autumn colors in Argyll Majestic has introduced Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal six-night cruise departing Saturday 9th and 23rd October from Oban.

Variety Cruises

Website: www.varietycruises.com

Variety Cruises Announces Black Sea Treasures Itinerary

Variety Cruises will offer a Black Sea Treasures cruise in summer 2011. The eight-day program aboard the Pegasus mega-yacht is a one-way trip from Odessa, Ukraine, to Istanbul, Turkey, or reverse and includes visits to Romania, Bulgaria, and the Crimea Peninsula. Fares start at $2,690 per person, double. An introductory special includes a free two-night stay in Istanbul pre- or post-cruise with airport transfer, hotel and land excursions for bookings made and paid for by Feb. 1, 2011.

Variety is inaugurating the cruise with a free Istanbul land program. The offer is available pre- or post-cruise. It includes two nights at a deluxe hotel, two half-day excursions and one airport transfer. The offer is available for a limited number of cabins and does not apply to group bookings.

Voyages of Discovery

Website: www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

Winter Holidays To Exotic Ports

Destination specialist Voyages of Discovery will be celebrating the Winter 2010 holidays at sea on board the 650-guest mv Discovery. The Tales of the Old Spanish Main itinerary departs Belize City, Belize on December 23, 2010. This 11-night cruise visits Puerto Cortés, Honduras; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Cartagena, Columbia; and Maracaibo, Venezuela. The cruise ends in Bridgetown, Barbados on Jan. 3, 2011. Minimum inside fares start at $2,949 per person and include Free Air* from select Voyages of Discovery gateway cities.

M/V Discovery will be festively decorated for the holidays. Special onboard events are planned to celebrate Christmas and usher in the New Year.

All Voyages of Discovery itineraries feature comprehensive programs of informative talks by port lecturers and guest speakers, including enrichment lectures. Rollo Burgess and Robin Mina are the featured lecturers for this holiday itinerary.

Special rates for single travelers are also available. Discovery Club members enjoy an additional five percent savings.

*Air rates do not include airline and government fees and fuel surcharges.

Zegrahm Expeditions

Website: www.zegrahmexpeditions.com

Special Two-Week Cruise To Sicily Announced

Small ship adventure line Zegrahm Expeditions has announced plans for an epic two-week circumnavigation of Sicily -- a first for the company. The 13-day trip around the Mediterranean's largest island, will take place April 4 to 17, 2011 aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey. The voyage will include stops at historical Phoenician settlements near Marsala, and the Greek temples of Agrigento, Selinunte, Segesta and Morgantina as well as visits to the Roman theaters and villas of Taormina, Piazza Amerina, and Lipari and the ornate architecture of Norman-Arab castles and cathedrals in Cefalu, Palermo, and Monreale.

In addition to archaeological sites, Zegrahm says the sailing will focus on the island's gastronomical culture with stops at several vineyards for wine tastings, an olive oil production facility, local outdoor markets and local eateries.

On-board experts will include a native Sicilian with a Ph.D. in Italian literature and an archaeologist who has directed over 30 years worth of excavations in Sicily.

AdventureSmith Explorations

Blount Small Ship Adventures

Compagnie du Ponant

Conodros SA/Galapagos Explorer II

Hurtigruten

Le Boat

Lindblad Expeditions

Quark Expeditions

Star Clippers

Swan Hellenic

Variety Cruises

AdventureSmith Explorations

Website: www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com

Expedition Small Ship Cruising Allows Families To Share Sun-splashed Adventures

The active travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small, expedition ships suggests giving a holiday gift of a cruise that combine wildlife observation and culture with sunshine and traditional end-of-the-year celebrations. AdventureSmith Explorations is actively taking reservations for small ship cruises to South and Central American destinations, Mexico, New Zealand/Australia and Antarctica for the popular December/January holidays.

A Sampling of Family-Focused 2010 Holiday Departures Include:

--Voyage Through The Sea of Cortez - December 19-26, December 26-January 2 (http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/143 )

Bird Watching, Hiking, Sea Kayaking, Natural History Interpretation and Photography

--Panama Canal & the Wonders of Costa Rica – December 18-25, December 25-January 1 and January 1-8, 2011

( http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/48 )

Transit the legendary Panama Canal, Explore national parks and wildlife reserves

--Panama Family Adventure (Land Based) – December 24-Jan 1, 2011

( http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/310 )

New for 2010 with special child pricing

--Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Expedition – December 22-January 1, 2011

( http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/77 )

New trip and new ship for 2010. Bird watching, natural history interpretation, photography, and wildlife viewing

The small ships focus on experience away from the vessel, as in glaciers, whales, birds and land mammals; the large ships focus on dining venues, port of call shopping and ship-board entertainment. Depending upon the destination and itinerary, a typical cruise staff may include marine naturalists, historians, authors, research scientists and other onboard experts. Most shore excursions are included in the small ship rate because the concept of the cruise is to interface directly with the destination.

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, California along the western shore of Lake Tahoe. Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or 530-583-1775. Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com

Blount Small Ship Adventures

Website: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Blount Small Ship Adventures to Host Authors On Mississippi Cruises

Blount Small Ship Adventures, formerly American Canadian Caribbean Line, announced that four of its 2011 Mississippi River cruise itineraries will have Civil War authors onboard. While the cruise line has been taking travelers along the Mississippi River for nearly two decades, it recently enhanced programs to include more onboard activity as well as noted speakers. “We go where other cruise lines cannot,” said President Nancy Blount. “Our Niagara Prince ship has a lower profile than even our Grande-class vessels, making her the only overnight cruise ship able to transit the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal connecting the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River by way of the Illinois and Des Plaines rivers.”

In 2011, the cruise line is offering three legs of “U.S. Historic Rivers.” The first leg travels from New Orleans to Chattanooga, Leg 2 from Chattanooga to Nashville and Leg 3 from Nashville to Chicago. Guests will cruise along the Mississippi River, the Tenn-Tom Waterway; and the Tennessee, Ohio and Illinois rivers. Features include a bluegrass band, cruising through Tennessee’s “Grand Canyon,” a Mark Twain impersonator and a bow landing directly on the shores of Havana, Ill. There, cruisers can visit the restored pioneer village of New Salem, where Abraham Lincoln spent time as a young adult. For more information, call 800-556-7450 or visit www.blountsmallshipadventures.com.

Compagnie du Ponant

Website: www.ponantcruises.com

Compagnie du Ponant’s Le Boreal to Explore the White Continent

The world’s newest mega yacht will sail in Antarctica this winter on ten- and 15-night voyages exploring the mythical White Continent, its dramatic scenery and the world’s largest concentration of marine wildlife. Guests aboard Compagnie du Ponant’s luxurious Le Boréal will have a front-row seat to view hundreds of thousands of penguins, towering icebergs and monumental glaciers during four Antarctic cruises from November 24, 2010 to February 8, 2011

The 264-guest Le Boréal combines chic French design with cutting-edge technology. Sleek and elegant, the 466-foot mega yacht was designed by Jean-Philippe Nuel with luxurious materials and the latest state-of-the-art equipment. Ponant guests will enjoy the best France has to offer: delicious cuisine, tasteful accommodations and a chic, yet informal atmosphere. The intimate size of Le Boréal and a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:2 mean guests will enjoy very personalized service. During the Antarctica voyages, the yacht’s fleet of zodiacs will provide guests an up-close-and-personal view of the continent’s rich marine life and stunning natural beauty, as naturalists provide in-depth understanding of these memorable sights.

Le Boréal is a certified “green ship” and a member of IAATO, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. New regulations proposed for cruise ships sailing in Antarctic waters would limit the size of the ships and number of passengers. More importantly for some large and small cruise ships, a new prohibition of using and storing heavy fuels would cause some lines to pull out of Antarctica altogether.

--The first sailing, South Georgia & Antarctica: The Penguin Kingdom, embarks on November 24 from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 15-night voyage calls at Montevideo, the charming colonial capital of Uruguay and then on to South Georgia, an island that is part of the Scotia Arc, a submarine mountain range stretching from the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. Disembarking at Gold Harbour or Fortuna amongst penguins and seals, an impressive sight awaits guests at Salisbury Plain. On this glacial expanse surrounded by tall mountains, more than 250,000 King Penguins gather. The port boasts the region’s first whaling station and the tomb of famed polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. The expedition continues on to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula where guests will encounter orcas, whales, albatrosses, giant petrel, four species of penguins and five species of seals. Next on the itinerary, a visit to Deception Island, home to the largest colony of chinstrap penguins (more than 120,000 couples) and a live volcano. The volcano generates summery microclimates both on the island and in its waters and guests can even take a dip at Pendulum Cove. Le Boréal sails through the Drake Passage, heading to its last port, the scenic city Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

--The second itinerary Antarctica: Land of Extremes is a ten-night round-trip voyage from Ushuaia (January 19, 29 and February 8, 2011.) After crossing the Drake Passage, Le Boréal will call at Neko Bay and guests will get their first glimpse of the Antarctic’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. Continuing south, between Booth Island and Cape Renard, Le Boréal will enter the stunning Lemaire Channel, where Booth Island’s tall cliffs are reflected in lake-still waters dotted with icebergs. The next calls are Cuverville Island, home to a large population of gentoo penguins (the third largest of the species) and Deception Island. Returning northward, the last port-of-call on the Antarctic continent is at Brown Bluff, home to a tuya, a rare kind of flat-topped volcano formed when a volcano erupts through a glacier. Brown Bluff also boasts a colony of 20,000 couples of Adelie Penguins.

Spacious and airy, Le Boréal has an abundance of public spaces: a theatre for performances and lectures, the Main Lounge with a dance floor and live music, the Panoramic Lounge for live entertainment and an area for Internet access, a Library, two open-air bars and two restaurants. La Licorne offers three meals a day in an elegant setting, while at the more casual La Boussole, guests can dine on lighter meals for breakfast, buffet lunch and themed dinners. The yacht also provides 24-hour room service. The Carita spa has a range of therapies and beauty treatments including a hammam and a hydrotherapy room. The Fitness Center comes with the latest treadmills, bicycles and kinesis equipment.

All but eight of Le Boréal‘s 132 suites and staterooms have verandas. Measuring between 484 to 200 square feet, the suites and staterooms are spacious and designed in a comfortable, contemporary style with king or twin beds, bathtubs or showers with L’Occitane amenities, flat screen satellite TV, DVD, CD and Ipod™ players, satellite direct-dial telephone and Wi-Fi. Le Boréal has the flexibility to reconfigure 40 staterooms into 20 suites making a total of 24 suites and 88 staterooms. For its Antarctic sailings, Companies du Ponant will restrict the number of guests to 200.

Compagnie du Ponant is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. Le Boréal has advanced wastewater treatment, reduced fuel consumption and lower exhaust emissions. The electric propulsion system is quiet and economic and the diesel engines use marine gas oil, a lighter cleaner-burning bio fuel. The mega yacht’s dynamic positioning means no anchor will destroy seabeds and its optimal underwater detection system avoids collision with whales and ice floes.

Prices for the Antarctic: Land of Extremes sailings start at $4,700 per person, double occupancy and include all wine, beer, mineral water, soft drinks and specialty coffees served with meals. For the South Georgia & Antarctica itinerary, rates begin at $5,440. Compagnie du Ponant offers travel agent commissions ranging between 10 and 15 percent.

Canodros S.A.

Website: www.galapagosexplorer.com

Galapagos Explorer II Announces Family Galapagos Adventure Package

Canodros S.A. is a tour operator operating in the Galapagos Islands with its ship Galapagos Explorer II. The company is proud to announce its special Family Galapagos Adventure package, which offers a discount of 75 percent off the cruise rate for two children under 15 years, and an additional 50 percent discount for a third child.

This Galapagos island family vacation package includes snorkeling equipment, Internet access, special activities for children, and a family picture. With this great summer vacation design package, passengers can enjoy their family’s company aboard a premiere Galapagos island cruise ship. The all-suite 100-passenger vessel is an excellent way to explore the Galapagos in style.

The Galapagos Explorer II is ideal for families that are looking to explore and partake in adventurous trips where close encounters with nature are commonplace. This Galapagos island cruise ship allows travelers to discover this magical archipelago, while enjoying a most luxurious environment. She is the only all-suite vessel operating in the Galapagos that offers up to 24 balcony suites, which allow passengers to observe nature while they rest.

All activities and island visits are included on the program. Passengers will be pampered with personalized crew attention while they enjoy the comfort of the cozy and casual areas of the Explorer II. Many travelers choose to combine a Galapagos with a stay on the Ecuadorian mainland, taking advantage of packages that include a stay in any of the four different regions of Ecuador.

Scuba divers are also welcome. Two different programs are offered at Mosquera Islet or Daphne Islet (two dives) and Academy Bay (two dives). The rate is US$195.00 (includes two dives) per day per person, and conditions apply to this service.

In June the "cold and dry season" begins, and the weather changes in the Galapagos (average 19º C). This is an excellent opportunity to observe marine life and bird reproduction periods during a Galapagos island family vacation.

Interested travelers should call their travel agents for more information or bookings, as this is the perfect combination to complete your clients’ adventure on this natural paradise. Children are considered from seven years old up to 15 for discount purposes. Discounts apply to cruise rate only. There is a maximum of three children per family reservation, and free snorkeling rental equipment is only for children. The Family Adventure Package is available for departures from July to September 2010.

Hurtigruten

Website: www.hurtigruten.com or www.hurtigruten.us

Hurtigruten's Norwegian Voyage Offers Half-Price Companions

Hurtigruten is offering 50 percent off the companion fare on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage through September 13. Passengers can choose from more than 100 departures of the six-, seven- or 12-day sailings along Norway’s fjord-filled, 1,250-mile west coast between Bergen and Kirkenes, close to the Russian border. Booking deadline is August 31; combinable offers include AARP onboard cabin credit of up to $100 and 10 percent savings for passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years. Regular fares range from $1,632 to $11,621 per person, double.

Besides seeing fjords, Hurtigruten guests visit 34 ports, including Trondheim, one of the country’s oldest cities and a thriving university town; Tromso, Europe’s largest town above the Arctic Circle; the Lofoten archipelago, with peaked mountains and villages filled with rust-red fishermen’s cabins; and Alesund, destroyed by fire in 1904 and completely rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style.

Climate Expert Dr. Jason Box To Lecture On Special Vikings Cruise

Hurtigruten has announced the addition of foremost Greenland climate expert Dr. Jason Box as a guest lecturer on its 14-day In the Wake of the Vikings. Dr. Box, associate professor of geography at Ohio State University's Byrd Polar Research Center, has traveled to Greenland 18 times over a span of 15 years, studying and witnessing the effects of global warming, and offers considerable experience and insights into the island's geography and culture.

This incredible odyssey, departing September 26, 2010 from Iceland aboard the 318-passenger MS Fram, encompasses some of Greenland’s and eastern Canada’s most spectacular natural and historical landscapes. Booking by July 31 means savings of 25 percent--reduced fares are $4,743 to $9,316 per person, double. Passengers who book suites also receive free round-trip airfare from JFK or Newark Airports.

Making use of multimedia lectures and Q&A sessions, Dr. Box will leave Hurtigruten's guests with a clearer understanding of one of the world's most discussed climate issues, global warming, and its effect on Greenland’s glaciers and climate. Other onboard experts from numerous disciplines, including geology, marine life, environment, history and culture, will also be on hand and will join the landings and shore excursions where passengers have the chance to get close to the culture, wildlife and communities of Greenland’s most isolated areas.

Before boarding the MS Fram in Reykjavik, Iceland, guests can take in some of the cosmopolitan city’s many museums and shops or sightsee among the glaciers, waterfalls and geysers just outside the city's boundaries. Four days are spent exploring the eastern and southern villages of Greenland including visits to Køge Bay, where the Greenland ice cap races to the sea; Umivik, the starting point of Fridtjof Nansen's epic first crossing of the Ice Cap; and Qassiarsuk, where Erik the Red in exile founded a colony that persisted for some 500 years. The ship then heads across the Labrador Sea, stopping in Newfoundland and then turning south to Halifax via St Anthony, Bonne Bay and Baddeck in Nova Scotia -- taking time to visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: L’Anse Aux Meadows, where Norse settlers began to get a foot hold in North America; Red Bay; and Gros Morne National Park; among other excursions.

Sailing aboard The MS Fram means large, comfortable lounges with panoramic windows and wonderful views from large outdoor decks; no need to dress up for dinner (unless you want to) and open seating; fresh seasonal ingredients, plenty of incredible seafood and a comprehensive wine list; multilingual tour directors; comfortable cabins - from the smaller inside accommodations to the large outside suites that offer TV, mini-bar, queen-size beds and numerous bonuses including a free bottle of champagne, two free shore excursions, complimentary wine with lunch or dinner and a free round of mini bar use; and a friendly and well-informed crew, ready to offer assistance and suggestions when asked. The public areas also include an Internet café, a wellness center with saunas, workout room and two glass-screened heated outdoor whirlpools.

All sailings include cabin category selected, three meals daily aboard ship, lectures, services of naturalist guides, specified land excursions and PolarCirkel boat landings, ship transfers, government fees, cruise taxes and port charges. Add-on airfares from dozens of North American gateways range from $100 to $600. Prices do not include airline fuel surcharges, air taxes and ticketing fees of $439 to $489.

Le Boat

Website: www.leboat.com

Discover Europe’s Waterways With Le Boat

Le Boat, the number one self-drive European boating company, provides the best way to experience Europe by cruising its inland waterways; it is a cultural, historical and culinary journey. Travel at your own pace, through breathtaking scenery, historic sites and charming villages, on self-drive canal cruisers, no experience necessary. Stop as often as you like to bike through a field of sunflowers, tour a local vineyard and winery, explore historic castles and museums or shop in lively, local markets. No experience required!

Le Boat has locations on the beautiful waterways and canals of France, Italy, England, Ireland, Scotland, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Le Boat offers boats that sleep 2 to 12 comfortably. So whether you are on a romantic getaway for two or traveling with family and friends Le Boat has the right cruiser for you.

Lindblad Expeditions

Website: www.expeditions.com

Lindblad Expeditions Invites Teachers To Discover The Best Classroom On Earth

This summer Lindblad Expeditions,the pioneering expedition travel company with a strong commitment to responsible travel, is opening the door for teachers to explore Darwin’s laboratory with an exclusive two‐ for‐one offer to Galápagos.

No matter how many National Geographic specials you have seen, nothing can prepare you for the magic of being in Galápagos, a natural habitat for some of the world's most interesting and unusual animals.

Teachers will come face to face with wildlife that has never developed a fear of people, snorkel with playful sea lions, kneel beside marine iguanas, marvel at Galápagos penguins and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.

The ten‐day itineraries are offered on select voyages aboard the intimate 48‐guest National Geographic Islander (June 26 and Aug 21, 2010) and the 96‐guest National Geographic Endeavour (July 23, July 30, and Sep 24).

The offer is open to teachers defined as any PreK‐12 active (non‐retired) educators. The offer is valid for first‐time Lindblad travelers only and new bookings only, and is not combinable with any other offers. It is available for all cabin categories and is based on double occupancy. Rates begin at $4,980 ($2,490 per person).

Lindblad Expeditions Introduces Three New Life‐Changing Voyages For 2010/2011

Lindblad Expeditions has announced three new itineraries for 2010/2011. These new journeys provide travel explorers a diverse range of destinations for life‐changing encounters with beauty, wildness and the seldom‐seen.

--Upper Amazon voyages explore the rain forests of Peru's Pacaya‐Samiria Reserve ‐‐ bordered by the Marañón and Ucayali rivers ‐‐ where the mighty Amazon is formed. This new ten‐day exploration of the Upper Amazon takes guests through wild lands of unsurpassed beauty aboard the Delfin II, which accommodates only 28 guests. Our Expedition Leader and experienced local Naturalists will help guests see and learn about the remarkable flora and fauna of the region, while the chef presents the finest Amazonian‐Peruvian gourmet cuisine on the river. Dates include August 28, September 11 and December 18, 2010 and January 15, and 29; February 12; April 30; May 7, 14, 21; September 3, 10, 17, 24 and November 5, 12, 19, 26, 2011. Rates begin at $5,590 per person based on double occupancy.

--Exploring New Zealand’s North & South Islands is an in‐depth exploration of these islands, as well as Stewart Island, with forays into famous sounds discovered by Captain Cook. Its volcanic landscapes are breathtaking, from the snow‐covered mountains and fjords of South Island to the cliffs and indented coastlines that run the entire length of the journey. The voyage will spotlight the unique wildlife that results from New Zealand’s long geographic isolation. Guests will walk on an active volcano, see a land

steeped in Maori culture, and discover a side of New Zealand few know aboard the 68‐ guest Oceanic Discoverer. The 17‐day journeys depart January 31 and February 12, 2011. Rates begin at $11,990 per person based on double occupancy.

--West Africa & Islands of the Atlantic explores five distinct and welcoming regions – Senegal, Gambia, Western Sahara, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands – offering a dazzling array of cultures, scenery, wildlife and experiences to inspire even the most experienced world traveler. See vivid birdlife and the legendary baobab trees, walk the dunes in the beautiful desert of the Western Sahara, and experience the daily life of Africa through its lively markets and music. The 13‐day expedition aboard the 148‐guest National Geographic Explorer departs April 7, 2011. Rates begin at $9,820.

Lindblad Offers Wild Alaska Photo Expedition In August

Lindblad Expeditions has teamed up with B&H, the world's leading retailer of imaging products, for their first Wild Alaska Photo Expedition. The one-of-a-kind one-week expedition aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird will head into the wild with top pros from National Geographic. They include Kim Heacox, award-winning writer/photographer and Alaska resident; Cotton Coulson, contributing editor to National Geographic Traveler who will guide guests through the latest techniques for shooting video with DSLR cameras, plus Lindblad Expeditions’ photo specialist Michael Nolan, an expert in shooting Alaskan wildlife.

To augment the finest in instruction, Lindblad is bringing aboard the ultimate in equipment. Guests will get to test drive the best photo and video gear – with plenty of “toys” to inspire every range of photography skill – and instruction from the onboard B&H gear specialist. Whether you’re a point and shooter, or a seasoned photographer, the itinerary is dedicated to improving your photography and appreciation of Alaska’s natural and cultural wonders. Talk gear, track big creatures, walk into old growth forests, kayak into still coves and draw close to calving glaciers in a zodiac – and capture some of your best field shots ever.

Characterized by active days shooting in the wild, and evenings offering photography discussions, presentations and mini workshops, the photographers and Expedition Team will always be available for assistance, whether it’s aboard the ship, exploring ashore or simply chatting over drinks.

This special expedition, Wild Alaska: A Photo Adventure departs August 29, 2010. Rates begin at $5,650 per person based on double occupancy. For reservations contact your travel agent.

Quark Expeditions

Website: www.quarkexpeditions.com

Quark Offering Air Credit on 2010/11 Antarctic Departures

For a limited time, Quark is offering a $1,500 USD air credit on a selection of 2010-2011 Antarctic departures! Visit the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula on Explorers' Quest; be one of the few to cruise south of the Antarctic Circle on our Crossing the Circle voyage; or mark the 94th anniversary of Ernest Shackleton's Endurance exploration in the Weddell Sea.

This offer is valid for the following departures:

--Weddell Sea

Kapitan Khlebnikov, November 06, 2010

Clipper Adventurer, November 25, 2010

Clipper Adventurer, December 22, 2010

Ocean Nova, November 21, 2010

Ocean Nova, January 24, 2011

Akademik Ioffe, December 29, 2010

Akademik Ioffe, February 08, 2011

Akademik Sergey Vavilov, November 16, 2010

--Crossing the Circle Voyage

Ocean Nova, February 11, 2011

Akademik Ioffe, January 26, 2011

Akademik Sergey Vavilov, January 21, 2011

Akademik Sergey Vavilov, February 13, 2011

Terms and Conditions:

New Reservations only.

Limited Availability.

$1500 USD air credit to be applied at time of final payment.

Offer expires July 30, 2010.

Not to be combined with other offers.

Triple cabins are excluded from the offer.

Commissions will be paid on the amount net of the $1500 USD reduction.

Star Clippers

Website: www.starclippers.com

Star Clippers Opens Bookings Through Spring 2012

Star Clippers has opened the books and is taking reservations on its summer 2011 through spring 2012 sailings aboard Royal Clipper, Star Clipper and Star Flyer.

The line recently unveiled the itineraries for its new Mediterranean sailings in summer 2011 that introduce ten maiden ports and take the ships to Greece and Turkey as well as the western Mediterranean. Come fall, Royal Clipper and Star Clipper return to the Caribbean and Star Flyer heads back to Costa Rica.

--When Star Flyer returns to the Mediterranean in 2011, the ship will begin sailing new seven-night itineraries between Athens, Greece, and Istanbul, Turkey. In addition to continuing roundtrip Monte Carlo, Monaco, cruises along the French and Italian rivieras, Star Flyer also will sail seven-night itineraries between Valletta, Malta; Monte Carlo and Athens. Come fall, the ship resumes round-trip Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, cruises to ports throughout Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua.

--During the summer, Royal Clipper sails the western Mediterranean with seven-, ten- and 11-night itineraries. The seven-night cruises sail round-trip Civitavecchia (Rome) and highlight the best of Italy. The ten- and 11-night journeys between Civitavecchia and Venice, Italy, call at ports in Italy, Sicily, Montenegro, Greece and Croatia. When Royal Clipper returns to the Caribbean in the fall, the ship sails two different seven-night, round-trip Bridgetown, Barbados, itineraries.

--Next summer, Star Clipper sails seven-night Greek Isles and Turkey cruises round-trip from Athens. In July, the ship sails two ten- and 11-night cruises between Venice and Athens to ports throughout Greece and Croatia, also including a call in Montenegro. When Star Clipper returns to the Caribbean in the fall along with Royal Clipper, the ship sails two different seven-night, round-trip Philipsburg, St. Maarten, itineraries, as well as two 14-night Panama Canal cruises.

--Guest looking for a longer cruise vacation can embark on a Grand Mediterranean Voyage from 12 to 21 days. The extended itineraries aboard all three ships offer a more in-depth exploration of some of the most beautiful areas in the eastern and western Mediterranean. Star Clipper sails itineraries that touch the shores of North Africa, Greece, Italy, Malta and Spain. Royal Clipper sails to ports in Italy, Spain, North Africa and Portugal. And Star Flyer's grand voyages visit ports in Portugal, Morocco, Spain, France and Greece.

--For those who truly love the sailing experience while also visiting exciting destinations, Star Clippers offers three fall ocean crossings ranging from 16 to 22 nights. The trans-Atlantic journeys in October 2011 take Royal Clipper from Lisbon, Portugal, to Bridgetown; Star Flyer sails from Malaga, Spain, to Bridgetown, and Star Clipper sails from Malaga to St. Maarten.

Guests who book early can take advantage of the line's Advance Purchase Discounts, which can equal significant savings for those looking for an economical vacation. Early bookings are strong for Star Clippers' 2010 sailing season, so guests are encouraged to reserve space early to ensure they get the sailing and cabin of their choice.

To request a brochure, call toll-free (800) 442-0556 or e-mail brochures. To make a reservation, contact a travel professional.

Swan Hellenic

Website: www.swanhellenic.us or www.swanhellenic.com

Discover Swan Hellenic’s Summer 2011 Hidden Gems!

Small ship cruising specialist Swan Hellenic has launched its Summer 2011 Cruise Program on their websites. The websites features a host of exciting and fresh destinations and cruises that revisit classic Minerva itineraries, all of which uncover the soul of each port. With lead-in fares from $1,425 per person, guests can be assured of exceptional inclusive value – an integral part of Swan Hellenic’s ethos since 1954.

While Minerva will call at some of the world’s most celebrated cities such as St Petersburg, Venice, Bordeaux and Dubrovnik, her itineraries also visit new and lesser known ports that add depth to every itinerary. In 2011, Minerva will call at Rovinj and Pula, both on the Istrian Peninsula. Other “off the beaten track” ports include Crotone in the southern region of Calabria, Italy and Lazio – featured in the “An Italian Serenade” cruise beginning with an onboard overnight in Venice May 11, 2011.

Swan’s 2011 program will also return to some of the well-loved, lesser-known ports that Minerva has not visited for several years. Swan Hellenic takes pride in listening to guest feedback and requests regarding itineraries. Consequently Minerva will return to her roots, offering in-depth cruises to the Hellenic world, visiting some of the major sites such as the royal tombs of Vergina and the monasteries of Meteora, but also some of the smaller, less-visited Greek islands including Lesbos, Chios, Milos, Symi and Delos. Late summer will see Minerva make a complete circuit of the Black Sea with visits to Sinop in North Turkey, Batumi in Georgia and the ports of the Crimea, including the site of the “charge of the Light Brigade” near Balaclava.

Accompanying Swan’s inspiring range 2011 summer itineraries are bespoke podcasts from long serving and well respected Minerva Cruise Director, Paul Carter. This unique feature is a first for the cruise industry. Each podcast presents Paul’s expert insights and provides a personal narrative that will bring each itinerary to life. These commentaries, all voiced by Paul in his own distinctive style, are available to download from: www.swanhellenic.us/podcasts.

Equally new and exciting for Swan Hellenic’s 2011 summer season is that Minerva will now sail from the historic naval port of Portsmouth. What finer way to begin your Swan Hellenic cruise than by sailing away past the Historic Dockyard, the Old Portsmouth Waterfront, Victorian fortifications and the Isle of Wight.

Swan Hellenic is a division of UK-based All Leisure Group, which also operates Voyages of Discovery, Hebridean Island Cruises and tour operator Discover Egypt.

Experience The Elemental Power Of Nature On Sagas Of Ice And Fire Cruise

Journey to the Norse world on Swan Hellenic’s Sagas of Ice and Fire cruise with eminent volcanologist Dr Peter Cattermole to discover Iceland, a country still being formed by the elemental forces of nature. One of a panel of four Guest Speakers travelling on this cruise, Dr Cattermole’s stimulating talks on volcanology will include discussing the causes and long term effects of Eyjfjallajökull’s recent eruption.

Dr Cattermole, a former lecturer in volcanology and planetary geology and a former principal investigator for NASA’s Planetary Geology and Physics Programme, will be introducing passengers to Iceland and the history of volcanoes, covering topics such as Why does Iceland exist?; How do volcanoes work?; Recent events in Southern Iceland; Fissures, fires and fantastic furies and The Convenient Untruth which will discuss the issues surrounding climate change.

Sagas of Ice and Fire is perfect for those nature enthusiasts keen to see the elemental power of nature up close, secure in the knowledge that they are travelling in complete safety, comfort and style aboard Minerva. A full-day stay in Reykjavik offers passengers an introduction to some of Iceland’s cultural highlights and unique landscapes including a visit to The Golden Circle which includes the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, geyser area and Thingvellir National Park, which is situated, on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Reykjavik is some 160 km (100 miles) from Eyjafjallajökull, the now notorious volcano that recently caused disruption over UK airspace. Volcanic activity is now much reduced but, depending on weather conditions and the strength of the eruption during this cruise, passengers might even spot the dramatic steam clouds from its crater as Minerva cruises around the south coast of Iceland.

Minerva will also close-cruise the island of Heimaey, with the ship’s Promenade Deck providing the perfect vantage point from which to observe sheer cliffs and teeming wildlife, including puffins. You might also catch sight of Eldfell, a cinder cone volcano formed during an unexpected eruption on Heimaey in January 1973.

Other Icelandic ports of call on this cruise include Grundafjordur, from where you can discover Snaefellsjökull National Park, remote Isafjordur, capital of the West Fjords, and Akureyri, from where you can visit the Lake Myvatn area where volcanic activity has created a lunar-like landscape still being shaped by newborn lava fields and bubbling mudflats.

Sagas of Ice and Fire departs July 28, 2010 for 16 days, fares from £1,725pp With a great value fare of just £1,725pp and Dover’s convenient road and rail links, joining this ‘no-fly’ cruise couldn’t be easier. Additionally, Swan Hellenic contributes £125 towards parking your car at Dover, so passengers can step straight out of their car to begin their cruise.

To obtain your preferred cabin on this unique cruise please call Swan Hellenic’s Reservations Department on 0844 209 9000.

Variety Cruises

Website: www.varietycruises.com

Variety Offering New Turquoise Coast & Islands of Eastern Aegean Cruise

Variety Cruises is launching a new “Turquoise Coast & Islands of the Eastern Aegean” cruise aboard its newest vessel, the Halis Temel motor yacht. Exploring Turkey and Greek islands, the cruise will sail August through November and April to November next year. An introductory offer allows travelers to book a second person for 25 percent off, based on double occupancy. Or, solo travelers may book with no single supplement fee. Regular fares begin at $1,350 per person in 2010 and $1,490 in 2011.

The eight-day program departs from Marmaris, Turkey, to Patmos, Rhodes and Bodrum. The cruise fares include accommodation in double or twin cabins with private bathroom and air conditioning, full American buffet breakfast and two meals daily, a Welcome Cocktail, a Turkish Night, Captain’s Dinner, use of fishing and snorkeling equipment, multilingual cruise escort and coffee, tea and mineral water.

The Halis Temel motor yacht hosts up to 24 guests in 12 cabins. The wooden hull vessel was built in Bodrum and features a restaurant with glass-enclosed show kitchen, bar, indoor lounge, ocean-view dining, sun deck with bar, large Jacuzzi, Internet station and library. Private charters are available.

American Canadian Caribbean Line

Canadros Expeditions

Classic International Cruises

American Canadian Caribbean Line

Skylines And Islands: New York City To Toronto Via The Erie Canal

Save $250 off per person if booked by June 15! AARP members receive up to $100 onboard credit. Journey through American and Canadian history on this ten-day adventure from the Hudson River to Lake Ontario. Begin your cruise in New York City. Travel through the locks of the Erie Canal, going where other ships simply cannot travel. Discover Ontario as you travel into Kingston where the scenic beauty of the Thousand Islands welcomes you to Canada. In the Niagara Region, you have the option of touring a vineyard, sampling their wines, enjoying a delicious lunch, and exploring Niagara Falls up-close. Packaged stays in New York City and Toronto are available at a great rate!

The ten-day cruise departing August 14 & August 25, 2010 starts at $2,790 per person.

Website: www.accl-smallships.com

Canodros Expeditions

Exploring The Galpagos Up Close

Ecuadorian tour operator Canodros offers Galapagos cruises onboard the M/V Galapagos Explorer II that is ideal for explorers and adventurous looking for close encounters with nature and discovering this magical archipelago. The all-suite 100-passenger vessel is an excellent way to explore Galapagos in style. For this fall they are offering two promotions Green Galapagos rates starting at $1,341 with discounts from $149 up to $444 and on special departures the Rabida promo starting at $1,240 available all year. Conditions apply to all promotional rates.

The Galapagos Explorer II was refurbished in 2009 and balconies were added to eight of the suites. Explorer II now offers 24 balcony suites. All excursions are lead by a naturalist bilingual guide, groups up to 15 passengers will warrant a personal experience on the islands and a deep encounter at this museum of natural history that will offer a truly understanding of wildlife and evolution. All activities and islands visits are included on the program.

Many travelers choose to combine a Galapagos with a stay on the Ecuadorian mainland, taking advantage of the packages that include a stay at any of the four different regions of Ecuador. Website: www.canodros.com

Classic International Cruises

New Italy-to-Australia Autumn Voyage Aboard The Athena

Classic International Cruises will begin its seventh annual season Down Under next summer with its first-ever voyage from Italy to Australia. Sailing from Rome on November 14, 2010, Athena’s 35-night cruise includes 12 days spent visiting ports in the Mediterranean, including Naples for trips to Pompeii, an overnight stay in Venice, calls at Dubrovnik, Corfu in the Greek Islands and Athens and an extended visit to Port Said in Egypt to allow passengers to see the Pyramids.

Athena will then sail on to Sri Lanka, Thailand and Singapore before docking in Perth on December 19, 2010, to begin Classic International Cruises’ seventh annual program of summer cruises from Western Australia.

The voyage, available from $171 per person per day, with single supplements of just 25 per cent in selected cabins, will be the first of 13 cruises Athena will offer to and from Perth next summer.

The onboard currency will also be in Australian dollars, adding to the savings.

The 35-night voyage from Rome to Perth is available from $5995 per person, twin-share (or $171 a day).

The 600-passenger Athena is a traditional, mid-sized liner boasting an intimate, yacht-like atmosphere, personal, old-fashioned service and fine cuisine as well as traditional wooden deck chairs, marbled reception foyer, pool, fitness centre and sauna, five bars and lounges, nightclub, show lounge, casino, library, boutiques, cinema and two restaurants. All cabins have a full-sized bath.

Cruceros Australis

Cruceros Announces Two Cruises Retracing Darwin’s HMS Beagle Voyage

Cruceros Australis announces two upcoming themed cruises focused on Charles Darwin's HMS Beagle voyage accompanied by topic experts as as the ship retraces Darwin’s voyage through the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel. Sail also through the famous Glacier Alley where he played a major role in saving his fellow crewmen from almost certain disaster. In gratitude, Captain Robert FitzRoy of the Beagle named Mount Darwin in his honor. And the ship visits a place Darwin saw only from the deck of his ship: the legendary Cape Horn.

Unlike his comparatively short visit to the Galápagos Islands, Charles Darwin spent about two years in Patagonia, including more than three months in Tierra del Fuego, where he had contact with the indigenous people of the region-an experience that greatly influenced his famous Origin of Species.

Cruceros Australis owns and operates the Mare, Via and Stella Australis (in construction) which navigate the waters and fjords of Tierra del Fuego and its archipelagos in Southern Patagonia. Website: www.australis.com

Cruise West

New Itineraries Added For Danube River Cruises

Building on last year's successful series down the Danube from Bucharest to Vienna, guests in 2010 can choose from the original Danube River itinerary or from two newly added itineraries that meander farther west. New to 2010 is a cruise down the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers on October 3 traveling for 11 nights from Vienna to Cologne.

Guests will sail into Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site resplendent with over 1,200 historic buildings; through the beautiful Altmühl Valley to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia and historically the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire; and along the River Rhine to Rüdesheim, a charming old wine town nestled in the upper middle Rhine Valley area.

Travelers may choose to enjoy the Rhine, Main and Mosel Rivers on an 11-night cruise from Cologne to Basel (with Cruise West Chairman Dick West as host) departing on October 13. Among the cruise highlights are a welcome dinner hosted by Dick and Leslie West with a midnight sailing from Cologne to view the lights of its Gothic towers; a cruise through the exceptional Rhine Gorge passing a multitude of castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock; and an upfront view of villages, vineyards and forest along the beautiful Mosel River to Cochem, home to the world's finest Riesling wines. Rates start at $4,999 per person. Website: www.cruisewest.com

Hurtigruten

14-Day Iceland/Greenland/Canada Cruise Departs September 26

Hurtigruten has announced a pricing special on the new 14-day Iceland-Greenland-Canada In the Wake of the Vikings expedition cruise. Following in the footsteps of the ancient Norsemen this voyage travels from Iceland to southern Greenland and then onto Canada's Labrador and Newfoundland. This incredible odyssey, departing September 26, encompasses some of Greenland's and eastern Canada's most spectacular natural and historical landscapes. Highlights include a visit to Koge Bugt, where the Greenland ice tip reaches the sea; Umivik, where Fridtjof Nansen went ashore and started his epic traverse of the Ice Cap by ski; and Qassiarsuk, where Erik the Red was exiled. The MS Fram then heads across the Labrador Sea in the footsteps of the Vikings, stopping in Newfoundland and then turning south to Halifax via St Anthony, Bonne Bay and Baddeck in Nova Scotia.

The journey is complimented by informative lectures, landings and shore excursions. Booking by May 31 aboard the deluxe 318-passenger MS Fram, saves 25% off the regular fare -- $4,743 to $9,316 per person, double, with the discount. Booking a suite will add free round-trip airfare from JFK or Newark Airports. Two Greenland-Iceland sailings of 11 and 12 days are also available with special pricing. Websites: www.hurtigruten.com or www.hurtigruten.us

Orion Expeditions

Orion Expedition Cruises Offers Far-Flung Voyages with Unbeatable Benefits

Enticing travelers with voyages to remote destinations such as Antarctica, Melanesia and Australia’s rugged Kimberley region, Orion Expedition Cruises announces a special incentive for agents and consumers alike. For a limited time only, Australia’s only international-standard, five-star expedition cruise line is offering a $250 to $500 bonus to travel agents for each passenger booked on one of the below four sailings. In addition, guests receive a shipboard credit of the equivalent of USD $500 per person. The offer applies to the following Orion Expedition Cruises departures:

· 10-night Forgotten Islands & Asmat Art sailing (departs September 26, 2010)

· 11-night New Guinea Islands Adventure sailing (departs October 11, 2010)

· 12/13-night New Zealand & Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure sailings (13-night sailing departs December 8, 2010; 12-night sailing departs January 15, 2011)

Offering guests once-in-a-lifetime trips to several of the world’s most inaccessible locales, Orion Expedition Cruises combines rugged adventure with unparalleled service and comfort onboard.

New in 2010, Orion’s Forgotten Islands & Asmat Art sailing takes guests to Wallacea, the deep water area separating the Australian and Asian continental plates, as well as to stunning tropical islands, notable for their diversity of flora and fauna and involvement in ancient trade routes. Also remarkable for its foray into ancient lands and cultures is Orion’s New Guinea Islands Adventure”sailing. On this voyage, guests explore the rich culture of a land of 800 languages, its spectacular natural wonders – including volcanic fjords and white beaches – and historical relics from World War II. Lastly, Orion’s 12- and 13-night New Zealand & Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure sailings are island-hopping adventures ,which introduce travelers to pristine World Heritage-listed sites such as the Macquarie and Campbell Islands, with penguins as far as the eye can see, as well as the remarkable New Zealand fjordlands.

The MV Orion is a 53-cabin luxury expedition vessel accommodating 106 guests and a crew of 75 – the highest staff-to-guest ratio of any Australian passenger ship. Onboard luxuries include elegantly appointed staterooms with ocean views or private French balconies, private marble baths with Lanvin toiletries, spa treatments at the intimate Vega Health Spa and world-class dining by Sydney chef Serge Dansereau in the Constellation Restaurant. For more information, email inquiry@orionexpeditions.com or visit www.orionexpeditions.com for more information or to book a cruise

*Agent bonus incentives are paid on the first two passengers sharing the same stateroom, based on double occupancy, USD. The guest’s shipboard credit is $500 per person based on double occupancy; maximum of $1,000 per stateroom. Travel offer applies to new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time. Travel offer is subject to availability. Please contact Orion Expedition Cruises at (877) ORION US,.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Celebrations Of Life And Love Aboard The M/S Paul Gauguin

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, offers romantic respites set within the magical backdrop of exotic islands and inspirational scenery. The idyllic sailing experience is perfect for betrothed hopefuls, vow renewals, newlyweds, and couples celebrating milestone anniversaries or, simply, each other.

The m/s Paul Gauguin’s Romantic Escapades experience offers guests the opportunity to disembark for a night to spend an evening in an overwater bungalow at one of Bora Bora’s award-winning luxury resorts, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. Couples can enjoy treatments at the resort’s Deep Ocean Spa’s glass-bottom, overwater couples' bungalow; candlelight dinners for two on a private motu; or lounge beachside enjoying stunning views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanau.

The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is also home to the only overwater wedding chapel in French Polynesia – the Blue Lagoon Chapel. A variety of commitment and wedding packages are available for both beachside and chapel ceremonies. The resort’s most popular ceremony package includes traditional gowns, a Tifaifai quilt (a traditional Tahitian wedding quilt symbolizing a couple’s union), a local priest, a group of dancers and musicians, tropical flower arrangements, leis and crowns, as well as a wedding certificate made of traditional tapa.

Back onboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, a number of customized romantic options await couples, including: relaxing spa treatments at the new Deep Nature Spa, sunset dinners enjoyed on the couple’s stateroom private balcony, private dives and island excursions, in-stateroom bottle of Champagne, celebratory confections, and a Polynesian blessing ceremony performed by Les Gauguines – the ship’s own troupe of Polynesian entertainers.

The m/s Paul Gauguin was built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France. The ship is 513 feet long, 71 feet wide and has a draft of 16.9 feet. The ship can accommodate 332 guests with a staff of 215 and is one of the top Exclusive Charter and Incentive Group venues in the industry. The m/s Paul Gauguin has undergone more than $25 million in enhancements since its inaugural sail in 1998.

For rates and reservations for Paul Gauguin Cruises, contact your Professional Travel Agent, call 1-800-848-6172 or visit www.pgcruises.com. For rates and additional information on the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa visit www.boraboraspa.intercontinental.com.

Quark Expeditions

Travelers get a behind-the-scenes look at documentary film making in Antarctica

Ireland’s Crossing the Line Films will be filming an ambitious project about the 20th century race to the South Pole on Quark Expeditions’ icebreaker, Kapitan Khlebnikov. Travelers aboard the Weddell Sea and South Georgia expedition cruise, November 6 to December 5, 2010, will experience an authentic behind-the-scenes look at the business of documentary film making. Filming will occur in the air from onboard helicopters, on the ship’s decks, and on the frozen sea ice.

The expedition celebrates the heroes of the 1914-17 Antarctic expedition led by Sir Ernest Shackleton. After their ship Endurance sank, Shackleton led his men across the frozen Weddell Sea to Elephant Island, then sailed a lifeboat 800 miles by dead reckoning to South Georgia. There he affected the rescue of his men left behind.

Quark Expeditions itinerary includes a visit to Elephant Island, an in-depth exploration of the seldom-visited east coast of the Weddell Sea, plus landings on South Georgia. On the island, participants will pay their respects to the Endurance heroes at Shackleton’s graveside in Grytviken.

In addition to an insider’s glimpse into documentary making, travelers will participate in aerial sightseeing, enjoy fine dining, visit remote research stations and explore Emperor Penguin rookeries. The expedition begins in Ushuaia, Argentina and ends in Santiago, Chile. Per person prices for this 30-day adventure start at $21,990.

Visitors to the Weddell Sea in 2010 earn Arctic savings in 2011.

Travelers aboard the Weddell Sea expedition will be entitled to save 6% off the cost of Quark Expeditions’ Arctic Passage in 2011. John Murray will be special guest aboard Khlebnikov’s historic final transit of the Northwest Passage. His passion for the Northwest Passage quest compelled John to back the Irish-Canadian Franklin Search Expedition that sought the underwater location of Erebus and Terror, Franklin’s lost ships. Website: http://www.quarkexpeditions.com

Star Clippers

Two New Seven-Day Itineraries Offered In Costa Rica

Costa Rica makes it debut on Star Clippers' roster beginning November 2010 when the 170-passenger Star Flyer inaugurates two seven-day, round-trip itineraries from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica. Calling at some of the most exciting ports in the country, the itineraries, which run through March 2011, mark the first time Star Clippers has deployed a vessel in this region.

The first itinerary calls at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; and Playa del Coco, National Park Santa Rosa, Puerto Carrillo/Samara and Islas Tortuguas/National Reserve of Curu, Costa Rica.

The second itinerary calls at Isla Coiba, Panama; and Golfito, Isla del Cano/Drake's Bay, Quepos and Curu/Islas Tortugas, Costa Rica. Two additional itineraries between Balboa, Panama, and Puerto Caldera also call at Isla Iguana, Panama.

With 9,000 higher plant species, 850 bird species, hundreds of frogs and reptiles and 10 percent of all mammals on earth, the region is an adventurers' paradise. Whether it's an on-land excursion or an underwater exploration, Costa Rica is sure to live up to its reputation as exotic, exciting and endearing. Website: www.starclippers.com

Tauck Expeditions

Tauck Offers Reduced Singles Pricing On More Than 40 Cruise Departures

Solo cruisers weary of paying the customary single supplement will have over 40 opportunities to enjoy special savings this year by traveling with Tauck. For 2010, the Connecticut-based leader in upscale guided travel is reducing its single supplement on 42 departures of 13 different small-ship ocean voyages and European river cruises.

According to Tauck CEO Dan Mahar, the savings offered are considerable. “In several cases we’ve reduced the single supplement by over 70 percent, allowing single travelers to save as much as $2,500,” said Mahar. “On the 13 itineraries where we’ve trimmed the single supplement, the average reduction is 61 percent or over $1,400 in cash savings.” Mahar added that the singles pricing program is offered annually by Tauck, and that availability each year is limited.

Those interested in more information should contact their local travel professional, call Tauck at 1 800 468 2825, or visit www.tauck.com.

Voyages of Discovery

Voyages Of Discovery Launches Summer 2011 Program

Destination specialist Voyages of Discovery launches its Summer 2011 program on their website. Savings of up to $2,936 per person, along with free and reduced air add-ons from the line’s select 26 North American gateway cities are featured.

The 650 passenger mv Discovery will embark on her most enticing summer program to date. The 20,000-ton vessel is cruising to some of the most fascinating places in the Mediterranean, the Baltic and Scandinavia along with destinations in Iceland, the White Sea and Archangel and the North Cape.

Featuring some unusual destinations the Summer 2011 program itineraries are sure to appeal to those seeking adventure in unfamiliar and extraordinary ports in the world.

--Voyage to the White Sea and Archangel guests will follow in the wake of WWII Arctic convoys to discover the indelible marks left by revolution, war and communism in northern Russia. Guest speakers will include natural scientists and historians. A lecture featuring Second World War code breakers and demonstrating an original and working 1940s Enigma machine is currently scheduled.

--In Search of the Holy Lands will explore many less-traveled but historically rich cultures in the Middle East. Guests will have a chance to explore the holy city of Jerusalem and the Sea of Galilee on Discovery’s return to the region after a four-year absence.

Be it an excursion to the unknown or a familiar site, Voyages of Discovery offers cultural cruises to fulfill every interest. Castles and Gardens of the British Isles is inspired by the country’s greatest gardens as well as by its history, politics and geology. “A Baltic Symphony” will equally impress lovers of the arts, history and architecture. In addition to great savings, all Voyages of Discovery itineraries feature an extensive enrichment program. Top historians, diplomats, scientists and naturalists provide background and insight into the history, culture, flora and fauna of the destinations visited.

Many of Discovery’s Summer 2011 cruise-tour packages include pre- and/or post-cruise London hotel stays. Earlier it was announced that Discovery will be sailing from Portsmouth, the UK’s most famous naval city as well as Harwich – providing fast and easy access from London. With Free to $249 air add-ons guests have come to expect great value from Voyages of Discovery.

Special rates for single travelers are also available. Discovery Club members enjoy an additional 10 percent savings on Summer 2011 cruises when booked by June 30, 2010.

The Summer 2011 cruise preview will be available in early June. Guests and travel agents are able to view these cruises now by visiting the website www.voyagesofdiscovery.com for itineraries and pricing.

For reservations contact your travel professional or Voyages of Discovery at 866-623-2689 or www.voyagesofdiscovery.com.

Voyages of Discovery Visits New Ports In Europe And The Caribbean This Fall

Beginning with the 11-night September 22 Venice & the Adriatic itinerary, the 650-guest mv Discovery will visit Split, Croatia (September 30) for the first time. The 13-night October 2 "Worlds of Ancient Civilizations" cruise will visit Nauplion, Greece on October 7. The 15-night November 3 "In Search of Ancient Civilizations" itinerary includes three new ports: Trapani, Sicily; Cagliari, Sardinia; and Cartagena, Spain.

Later in the fall, Discovery is returning to the Caribbean and South America with a transatlantic cruise including St Kitts on the 20-night "Discovery of the New World" which departs Malaga, Spain November 18th. The 13-night December 1st Colonial Trails of the Caribbean include several ports not visited since 2006 such as Trinidad, Curacao, Aruba and La Guaira, Venezuela.

All Voyages of Discovery itineraries feature comprehensive programs of informative talks by port lecturers and guest speakers, including enrichment lectures.

Special rates for single travelers are also available. Discovery Club members enjoy an additional 5% savings. Website: www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

Discover Remote Northern Scandinavia On A Voyages of Discovery Cruise

Few Scandinavian cruises match the scope and splendor of Discovery’s adventure

Cruise passengers are increasingly looking beyond the Med for more adventurous summer destinations and choosing to head north. The North Cape & Spitsbergen, a 15 day Voyages of Discovery cruise which starts from just £1,199 travels to arctic waters offering spectacular rewards of beauty.

July is the perfect time to experience the rugged coastal landscapes of Norway at their most tranquil and beautiful. Travelling by sea is the best way to reach its many remote islands, inlets, coves and giant fjords and 650-passenger, Discovery is the perfect vessel for these waters. Small enough to hopscotch her way around smaller ports and off-the-beaten-track destinations, she is also large enough to ensure absolute comfort at all times.

The cruise is attracting budding photographers, artists, wildlife lovers and geologists who know that Discovery will take them closer to the majestic coastal landscapes, unique flora, fauna and incredible wildlife which thrive in these challenging but enchanting environments.

Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Arctic Svalbard archipelago is home to seals, reindeer and polar bears, which guests can expect to see under midnight sun. Renowned zoologist, Dr. Peter Carey’s long-time love of Polar regions makes him a perfect guide for this adventure. He will enlighten guests through talks about the wildlife, glaciers and their landscapes, the natural history of Svalbard and the importance of latitude in how the sun drives Arctic ecology.

Carey will be joined by a formidable team of experts, who not only enrich customers’ experiences of the destinations they visit, but also socialize and dine with guests, imparting their wealth of knowledge in the lecture theatre and also during lively discussions over dinner or coffee.

Stephen Westcott is a pioneer in the world of natural history, almost always working in regions where no previous study has been conducted. His approach has always been to minimize the impact of his presence on the habitats and environments, which he chooses to study. This has meant becoming expert in good field craft – something that he also teaches to others.

Derek Blundell is Emeritus Professor of Geophysics at the University of London. His research ranges from rock magnetism to seismology, from earthquakes and volcanoes to landscape evolution and glacial processes but he is also a respected authority on global climate change. Stephen Jones will regale guests with tales from his fourteen years as a polar expedition leader, photographer and broadcast cameraman, while historian Nick Hewitt will cover maritime history in the region, covering everything from the Vikings to World War 2.

The cruise has been meticulously planned around the interests of Voyages of Discovery’s discerning customers to ensure that the program of talks, classes and refined evening entertainment which are all included in the price, will appeal to everyone with a thirst for knowledge and a spirit of adventure.

The cruise is selling fast but please visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk or call 0844 822 0820 for further information or to book.

American Safari Cruises

American Safari Cruises

Website: www.americansafararicruises.com

Cruises Designed To Pursue Adventure

American Safari Cruises offers luxury in the pursuit of adventure. The company’s three yachts have high-end amenities including on-deck hot tubs, private bathrooms with heated floors, staterooms with Tempur-pedic mattresses, a 2-to-1 guest-crew ratios, and complimentary bar with premium liquors, fine wines and microbrews. Two of the yachts have saunas and one offers complimentary massages from an onboard massage therapist.

The company has five itineraries: Alaska’s Inside Passage, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, the Columbia and Snake rivers, Washington wine country, and the islands and fjords of the Pacific Northwest. Inter-island Hawaii explorations begin October 26, 2011, with visits to tradition-steeped islands such as Molokai and Lanai for an authentic step back in time. Eight-day, seven-night or 11-day, ten-night active adventures are slated for the 36-guest Safari Explorer through May 11, 2012.

Cruise West

Website: www.cruisewest.com

Cruise West Offers $2,500 VISA Gift Card Promo

Expand the mind and enrich the soul on an unforgettable European journey with Cruise West and receive a choice of a free $2,500 VISA gift card or apply the same savings towards the cruise fare. Book and pay in full by May 28, 2010, for any of the nine European adventures from the 2010 Voyages of the Great Explorers series to take advantage of the promotion.

Cruise West is offering nine distinct voyages in Europe ranging from 12- to 19-nights aboard the 60-suite Spirit of Oceanus. Prices start at $9,595 per person. Exciting itineraries include:

· 14-nights Alexandria to Istanbul, departing May 4

· 14-nights Istanbul to Venice, departing May 17

· 12-nights Venice to Valletta, departing May 30

· 13-nights Valletta to Rome, departing June 10

· 13-nights Rome to Barcelona, departing June 22

· 16-nights Barcelona to Honfleur, departing July 4

· 19-nights Honfleur to Oslo, departing July 19

· 15-nights Oslo to London, departing August 6

· 19-nights London to St. John’s, departing August 20

Guests can expect exclusive encounters, included shore excursions at every port and an extraordinary ‘Ultimate Explorers Experience’ designed to bring guests into direct personal contact with fascinating people and cultures. The discovery and learning continues aboard ship as well with expert guest speakers sharing their knowledge through topical presentations. In addition, further exploration by Zodiac to pristine inlets and hard to reach villages fulfill the promise of an unforgettable journey.

Book and pay in full between April 12 and May 28, 2010, for any of the nine 2010 European voyages to receive the $2,500 VISA gift card (in US dollars) or savings towards the cruise fare. Offer is per person and valid on new bookings only.

Cruise West Re-Traces Famed Expedition With Columbia & Snake River Cruise

Tracing the travels of explorers Lewis and Clark, Cruise West sails on two of the West’s mightiest rivers with the seven-night River Voyage of Discovery from April through October. Commencing and ending in Portland, Oregon, the cruise traces nearly a 1,000 miles of the famed expedition along the mostly pristine and wild Columbia and Snake Rivers. From the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge – carved by great floods thousands of years ago -- to the towering black pinnacles of basalt to the engineering accomplishments of the locks and dams that make these two waterways vital shipping lanes, the cruise views blend natural wonders with manmade marvels.

Throughout the cruise, the Pacific Northwest's pioneer history is brought to life with a special series of included excursions, knowledgeable local guest speakers, and narration and presentations by the onboard Exploration Leaders. In addition, guests can look forward to an enhanced array of delicious food and wine choices through the line’s Palate program.

Excursions include a motor coach tour to breathtaking Multnomah Falls, the tallest falls in Oregon; a jet boat up Hells Canyon past 7,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs; wine tasting in historic Walla Walla, renowned for producing some of the finest wine in Washington state; and an excursion to Astoria to visit the Lewis & Clark National Historic Park and the site of Fort Clatsop -- where the explorers spent a hard winter by the Pacific Ocean.

The River Voyage of Discovery cruise offers Saturday departures on the 96-guest Spirit of '98 that was designed to emulate an early steamer with carved wooden cabinetry, plush floral upholstery, and a Grand Salon complete with a full bar and old-world charm. Sunday departures are on the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery that offers ample outside deck space for optimum viewing.

The line is including a free pre-cruise hotel stay for all

Small-ship explorations allow up-close and personal experiences unmatched by the traditional larger cruise lines. For more than 63 years Cruise West has provided authentic travel experiences where the destination is the focus. The fleet of small ships with guest capacities ranging from 78-148 explores remote and distinctive destinations throughout the globe. A robust onboard enrichment program further enhances the guest experience through topical guest lecturers, additional exploration by Zodiac and included excursions at every port.

Hurtigruten

Website: www.hurtigruten.com

Hurtigruten Publishes Its 2011 Norwegian Coastal Voyages Brochure

Hurtigruten’s modern fleet sails deep into the heart of a unique and spectacular landscape on six to 12-day itineraries -- from the cultural center of Bergen to Kirkenes, high above the Arctic Circle, and back again. New Year's Eve on the North Cape, Opera in Oslo, Viking history and myth, the midnight sun, the Northern Lights, stunning fjords, wildlife at every turn...the list of cruise and land opportunities goes on and on and interested travelers can get a sneak peek with a new full-color, 20-page 2011 Norway Preview brochure - an industry first.

Savings offers are detailed as well: travelers booking a 2011 cruise vacation by September 30, 2010 enjoy a ten-to-20 percent discount on many departures -- more than $1,000 savings on a 12-day cruise; an additional 10 percent combinable discount is given to guests who have traveled with Hurtigruten during the past three years; all topped off by 5 percent savings on shore excursions when pre-booked. And, of course, the advantage of booking early is having first choice of the ship, date of departure, cabin grade and excursions. Discounted fares range from $815 to $4,618 per person double; higher prices are for suites. Single supplements are waived on a number of January through April sailings.

The centerpiece of every offer are the six-, seven- and 12-day sailings along the spectacular fjord-filled west coast of Norway year-round -- a voyage named the world’s most beautiful voyage by Lonely Planet’s Bluelist. Hurtigruten’s modern fleet journeys 1,250 miles between Bergen and Kirkenes, making 34 ports of call as the scenery changes from small fishing villages in the rugged Lofoten Islands, to Art Nouveau Alesund, the medieval Viking capital of Trondheim and Norway's Paris of the North, Tromso.

Excursions

Getting off the ship and enjoying the local scene is an important feature of Hurtigruten cruises, so the company has developed dozens of high-quality excursions. Port excursions range from city tours of Alesund and Tromso to the more unusual Lofotr Viking Feast -- a true Viking feast held in a recreation of the largest Viking building ever found -- to the simply fun Dog Sledding in Tromso and Scootertrip in Lapland. The Polar History Walk, Tromso highlights this medieval town’s links with polar explorations; amid flickering lights, the elegant church in Tromso is the setting for the Midnight Concert in the Arctic; a short drive through Kirkenes brings guests to the Gabba Reindeer Park and a visit to the snow hotel on the Kirkenes Snow Hotel trip; and the UNESCO Islands explores The Vega archipelago, consisting of 6,000 islands and islets where guests visit the E-house and touch down on Vega. Most optional excursions can be booked before departure, saving 5% off the price.

Theme Voyages

As more travelers look to return home with memories of unusual and educational experiences, Hurtigruten has sought out the interests of their passengers in an expanded roster of more fascinating possibilities for 2011. Examples include: Celebrations in the Arctic -- ringing in the New Year as no one else can - with the countdown held on the North Cape, Europe's most northern point, departing Dec. 26, 2011; Opera Voyage is an opera-lover's dream trip - daily concerts on board and a Norwegian New Year's Concert at Oslo's brand-new Opera House - Jan. 4, 2011; and Birds of the Nordic Coast takes place as millions of migrating birds return to the Arctic for nesting - a true ornithological event with lectures and stellar bird-watching opportunities - May 20, 2011.

Sailing aboard Hurtigruten ships means large, comfortable lounges with panoramic windows and wonderful views from large outdoor decks; no need to dress up for dinner (unless you want to) and open seating; fresh seasonal ingredients, plenty of incredible seafood and a comprehensive wine list; multilingual tour directors; comfortable cabins - from the smaller inside accommodations to the large outside suites with private balconies, picture windows and even Jacuzzis on some; and a friendly and well-informed crew, ready to offer assistance and their suggestions when asked.

Ms Fram Makes Antarctica Landings Easy

Earnest Shackleton, whose exploration of Antarctica is considered one of history's greatest survival stories, is the focus of Hurtigruten's 19-day Shackleton's Antarctica, one of five Antarctica adventure voyages offered at ten- to 20 percent off regular fares if booked by May 31, 2010. This amounts to a savings of $512 to $3,673 per person. For those who need a bit more time to plan, all but the 19-day sailings will be offered with a 10% reduction for bookings through July 31. The 13- to 19-day itineraries, priced after the discount at $6,468 to $16,047 per person, double (higher fares are for suites), include a night in Buenos Aires before and after the cruise, all meals on board, the services of expert guides, lectures and PolarCirkel boat landings. This offer can be combined with Repeater Discounts -- 10% savings for passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years.

These once-in-a-lifetime voyages explore the vast and mysterious wilderness of the White Continent, the coldest, driest and windiest destination on earth, replete with gleaming icebergs, blue whales and orcas feeding mere feet from the ships, and penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands.

T--he 19-day Shackleton's Antarctica, departing November 1, follows much of the same path as Shackle ton’s original Endurance Expedition of 1914. It navigates the western-most outposts of the Falkland Islands and visits whaling stations and beautiful Drygalski Fjord on South Georgia Island before heading to Antarctica. Discounted fares are $6,672 to $12,327 per person, double. An itinerary of 17 days -- Shackleton's Christmas -- follows a similar route, departing Dec. 17, and celebrates Christmas during the voyage with traditional carols, festive meals, Santa Claus visits and a New Year's gala. This celebratory cruise is priced from $8,161 to $16,047 during the promotion.

--The 15-day Chilean Fjords & Antarctica heads off to areas inaccessible to many other cruise ships as the MS Fram is both ice-rated and built to a size that allows passage close to shore. Besides spending nearly six days in the White Continent, passengers sail for four days along the stunningly scenic Tierra del Fuego and Chilean Fjords, visiting Diego Ramirez and its numerous sea bird nesting sites, the desolate Cape Horn, picturesque Puerto Williams, and Punta Arenas - an historical center of trade and culture. Discounted fares are $6,468 to $11,494; departures are Nov. 19 and Dec. 3.

For guests with a bit less time and wishing to focus solely on Antarctica, Hurtigruten has two 13-day options, both of which spend nine days exploring the White Continent: Weddell Sea Adventure and Polar Circle Quest.

-- The Weddell Sea Adventure, departing January 20, 2011, follows much of the same route as the Swedish Antarctica Expedition of 1901-04, venturing as far into the northern region of the sea as possible and visiting some of the same historical sites including James Ross Island and Snow Hill Island, where expedition leader Otto Nordenskjöld and five colleagues spent two winters. T

--The Polar Circle Quest, departing February 1 and 13, 2011, heads to the rarely visited Marguerite Bay, home to the only known breeding colony of emperor penguins on the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Although the Marguerite Bay rookery is specially protected for environmental reasons and cannot be entered, guests are able to get close to the emperors nearby. Other highlights include visits to Deception Island, Lemaire Channel and Cuckerville Island, home to the continent's largest known population of Gentoo penguins. Both itineraries are promotion priced from $6,753 to $12,673.

The 12,700-ton, eight-deck MS Fram, designed specifically for cruising Arctic and Antarctic waters and for easy loading of its PolarCirkel excursion boats, accommodates 318 guests in suites and staterooms, boasts a restaurant, two bars, panoramic lounges, library, Internet café, conference rooms, work-out room with saunas and two glass-screened heated outdoor whirlpools, as well as a friendly and well-informed crew ready to offer assistance and suggestions when asked. Suites include seating areas, some with two rooms, TV, mini-bar, queen-size beds and numerous bonuses including include a free bottle of champagne, two free shore excursions, complimentary wine with lunch or dinner and a free round of mini bar use.

Lindblad Expeditions

Website: www.expeditions.com

Four New Voyages Planned For 2011

Score an explorer first on one of Lindblad Expeditions’ four new voyages for 2011.

-- Upper Amazon: Exploring Peru's Pacava-Samiria Reserve voyages into a unique environment – the confluence of rivers where the mighty Amazon is formed. This expedition takes us through wild lands of unsurpassed beauty. Our Expedition Leader and experienced Naturalists will help you to see and learn more about this remarkable region. Note: This expedition also offers three 2010 departures.

-- Epic Arctic: Russia’s White Sea, Franz Josef Land & Arctic Svalbard is a historic exploration into a Russian icescape only reached by a small handful of visitors. In fact, when we arrive, National Geographic Explorer will be the first foreign ship to call at Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya in over 80 years. There is one planned departure, July 21, 2011, and if you’re inspired, we urge you to book early as we anticipate this date to sell out.

-- Exploring New Zealand’s North & South Islands is an in-depth exploration of these islands and Stewart Island with forays into famous sounds discovered by Captain Cook. We’ll walk on an active volcano, and see a land steeped in Maori culture. Discover a side of New Zealand few know.

-- The West Africa & Islands of the Atlantic explores five distinct and welcoming regions –Senegal, Gambia, Western Sahara, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands – offering a dazzling array of cultures, scenery and wildlife. See vivid birdlife and the legendary baobab trees, walk the dunes in the beautiful desert of the Western Sahara, and experience daily life of Africa through its lively markets and music.

Windstr Cruises

Website: www.windstarcruises.com

Learn Tuscan Cooking On Wind Surf’s September 5 Rome to Venice Voyage

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, offers guests the opportunity to learn about Tuscan cooking from Volterra’s Chef Don Curtiss and Michelle Quisenberry on Wind Surf’s September 5, 2010, Rome to Venice voyage.

Windstar’s Signature Collection Host Series features distinguished guests throughout the 2010 season, including Curtiss and Quisenberry. The duo will discuss Tuscan cooking during a lecture and question and answer session and also conduct a cooking demonstration. When the ship is in Kotor, Montenegro, Curtiss and Quisenberry will host a market tour.

Curtiss was formally trained in classic French cuisine and taught at the Sofitel French Culinary School. He led the helm at Miami’s Le Café Royale before becoming Executive Chef of Café des Artes on Ocean Drive. Curtiss’ Northwest culinary adventure began in 1992 holding Executive Chef positions at Al Boccalino, Assaggio, Prego Ristorante as well as Chef Partner at II Fornaio. He and wife, Quisenberry, own Volterra which is located in Seattle and named after the Tuscan hilltop where the couple married. The restaurant features seasonal Tuscan specialties showcasing Curtiss’ innovative style including all natural, organic meats and poultry as well as house made pastas. Curtiss has been named One of America’s Most Innovative Chefs, by Wine Spectator and Volterra has received international acclaim and numerous awards. Bon Appétit calls Volterra the city’s toughest reservation. For more information on Volterra, visit www.volterrarestaurant.com

Wind Surf’s seven-day Rome to Venice sailing departs September 5, 2010, and visits Capri, Italy; Taormina, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Hvar, Croatia. Cruise fares start at $2,749 per person, based on double occupancy.

To complement this sailing, Windstar is offering guests a special shore excursion with Curtiss and Quisenberry in Kotor, Montenegro. A guide meets guests at the ship and takes them a short distance from the pier to the local market. As guests tour the market they will see a stunning array of local produce and a variety of handmade cheeses. Guests will learn from Curtiss and Quisenberry how to select the best vegetables and fruits as well as what to look for in artisan cheese as they interact with market vendors. Guests will have time on their own to further explore the market and then make their way back to the ship. The 1 ½-hour excursion is $19 per person and can be purchased online at www.windstarcruises.com.

Wind Surf accommodates 312 guests and offers deluxe, oceanview staterooms that include beds with luxury linens and mattresses, flat-screen TV and DVD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, waffle-weave robes with slippers and sumptuous L’Occitane products. Suites also include an extra bath, TV and sitting area. Bridge Suites give guests the additional luxury of a spacious private living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. Culinary wonders abound in Wind Surf’s The Restaurant, Degrees, Le Marché and Candles. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate Windstar’s complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing and kayaking from the ship’s water sports platform.

American Safari Cruises

Coral Princess Cruises

Cruceros Australis/Galapagos II Explorer

Expeditionary Cruises: Ecoventura, AdventureSmith Explorations, Crown Cruise Collection

World Luxury Cruise Vacations

TourCrafters’ Sailing Greece Program

Variety Cruises

Voyages of Discovery

Voyages to Antiquity

American Safari Cruises

In advance of its 2011 comprehensive all-destination brochure due out this summer, American Safari Cruises announces dates and rates through November 2011 for four destinations: Alaska’s Inside Passage, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia and Snake rivers, and the Pacific Northwest.

Alaska

In 2011, all three of the company’s luxury yachts will spend two full days in Glacier Bay National Park on eight-day, seven-night cruises roundtrip from Juneau.

• The 145-foot, 36-guest Safari Explorer will sail May 13 through Sept. 2 on 17 departures; prices begin at $4,895 per person double occupancy.

• The 120-foot, 22-guest Safari Quest will cruise May 20 through Sept. 2 on 16 departures, including two Kids-in-Nature sailings geared for families with young children; prices begin at $5,495 per person.

• The 105-foot, 12-guest Safari Spirit sails May 13 through Aug. 26 on 16 departures; prices begin at $6,095 per person.

The three yachts also offer two 15-day, 14-night cruises between Seattle and Juneau: The Safari Explorer departs Seattle April 29 and Juneau Sept. 9 with prices beginning at $8,095; the Safari Quest departs May 6 and Sept. 9 beginning at $8,295; and the Safari Spirit departs April 29 and Sept. 2 beginning at $9,995.

Mexico

The Safari Spirit’s eight-day, seven-night cruises in the wildlife-rich wilderness of Mexico’s Sea of Cortés run November 20 through December 27, 2010, and January 8 through March 19, 2011, roundtrip from La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur. A burro trail ride, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming with sea lions, whale watching and hiking are all included activities. Prices begin at $6,995.

Hawaii

Hawaiian Islands weeklong yacht explorations to Maui, Molokai, Lanai and the Big Island begin Oct. 26, 2011, and run to May 3, 2012. Dates and rates are available now; full details will be released by the end of March 2010.

American Safari Cruises pioneered yacht cruising in Alaska 13 years ago; the company is owned by InnerSea Discoveries, based in Seattle, Washington. Website: www.AmericanSafariCruises.com

Canodros SA/Galapagos Explorer

Galapagos Explorer II Offers Special Rates

Take advantage of promotions available during March to May 2010: Albatross rates starting at $1,267 discounts from $224 up to $666; June to September: 75% discount for the second child.

From October to December: Green Galapagos rates starting at $1,431 with discounts from $149 up to $444, and during all year Rabida promo rates start at $1,240. Conditions apply to all promotional rates. More information at http://www.galapagosexplorer.com.

For reservations contact a travel agent. Canodros SA is based in Ecuador

Coral Princess Cruises

Coral Princess Cruises Banishes Single Supplements on the Great Barrier Reef.

Australian-based Coral Princess Cruises has banished the bane of the solo traveler – the ubiquitous 'single supplement' – on its three, four and seven-night Great Barrier Reef cruises. Single travelers can opt for their own private cabin aboard Coral Princess II at no extra cost, a saving of up to $965 on the seven-night cruise. Coral Princess cruises weekly between Townsville and Cairns over three nights, or over four nights departing Cairns and travelling north to Lizard Island and return. The cruises can be combined as a seven-night voyage.

Coral Princess Cruises pioneered small-ship cruising on the Great Barrier Reef, exploring remote islands and reefs normally off-limits to island-based tourists, where snorkeling or SCUBA diving on pristine stretches of coral reef is a matter of simply diving overboard.

The cruises show off some of the world's best snorkeling, swimming and coral viewing spots en route, such as Thetford Reef and Sudbury Reef. The three-night voyage visits Dunk Island and cruises through the Hinchinbrook Channel, while the four-night cruise stops at Cooktown and Lizard Island.

Coral Princess II accommodates a maximum of just 44 passengers and is equipped with a glass bottom boat and inflatable zodiacs for daily reef and shore excursions to deserted coral cays; to wander in ancient rainforests or to explore historic sites. Qualified marine biologists and a SCUBA diving instructor are also on board to explain the natural history and biodiversity of the area, making a snorkel or SCUBA dive in the sparkling blue waters even more fascinating.

The offer is open for new bookings by genuine solo travelers for all departures in 2010 and until further notice. Prices start at $1 496 per person on the three-night cruise ex Townsville or Cairns, or $1 896 per person for the four-night cruise from Cairns to Lizard Island and return, with weekly departures year round. Prices include accommodation, all meals, lectures and services of expedition staff on board, group transfers, activities and excursions during the cruise, and landing fees.

For further information and reservations, visit www.coralprincess.com.au

Expeditionary Companies

Expeditionary Companies Offering Unique Wilderness Tours

Ecoventura Offers Expeditionary Cruises To Galapagos

A family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador. In operation since 1990, Ecoventura transports 4,000+ passengers annually aboard three expedition vessels, identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts, plus a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard. The vessels are all being purposefully retrofitted to meet or exceed the highest possible environmental standards. More information at www.ecoventura.com

AdventureSmith Explorations

Based in Lake Tahoe, California, AdventureSmith Explorations offers small ship, expeditionary cruise vacations. Founder Todd Smith pioneered the concept of wilderness cruising that combines the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking and exploring ashore in remote wilderness areas. AdventureSmith Explorations matches its portfolio of stellar expedition cruising companies to the needs of its clients, sometimes steering them to boutique ships that are off the radar of even the most seasoned travelers.

Dedicated to sustainable travel, AdventureSmith Explorations orchestrates connections with the world's most exotic natural environments and vibrant native cultures through small ship cruising. Voyages combine intimate cruising with rewarding and exciting activities such as sea kayaking, hiking and rafting in exotic locales not normally accessible to mainstream itineraries. The company specializes in extraordinary, off-the-beaten-path destinations in Alaska, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Guatemala, the Arctic, Antarctica and New Zealand. Website: www.adventuresmithexplorations.com

Crown Cruise Collection Offers Cruise To The North Pole

For those looking for adventure, exploration and a bird’s eye view of the Top of the World, a 15-day Expedition Cruise to the North Pole aboard the nuclear-powered Russian icebreaker 50 Years of Victory is an once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Crown Cruise Collection based in Princeton, New Jersey, and in partnership with AllThingsCruise and Expedition Cruises, is offering an extraordinary journey to the North Pole on the Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Years of Victory. The Arctic adventure runs between July 23 and August 6, 2010. Included are seven-to-ten helicopter excursions as well as three-to-five landings onto islands and the islands and archipelagos of the Russian Arctic. Exploration of the Franz Josef Land Archipelago (191 islands in the northeastern Barents Sea) is in the offering.

Travelers will depart Helsinki by charter flight to Murmansk, then voyage on the Barents Sea to the North Pole and the islands and archipelagos of the Russian Arctic aboard this nuclear-powered icebreaker with power, state-of-the-art technology and comfort all rolled into one.

What’s it like on top of the World? Polar bears, arctic foxes, walruses and seals and snow owls are only a few of the species native to this wild, untamed land. A land so varied that it can be covered by ice so white it looks blue or with a carpet of mosses and lichens the colors of which would stir the imagination of even the most seasoned of artists. An expedition voyage to the Arctic or beyond is a sense-arousing, heart-opening experience that touches the very soul of all who have ever ventured into this unique domain where beauty, silence, and awe all intermingle to create an image so intense it brands itself into the mind forever.

The expedition includes two nights in a top Helsinki hotel before and after the cruise, group transfers between hotel and ship, an incredible voyage to the North Pole, all planned shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by helicopters, and lectures and informal talks by experienced Expedition team and guest lecturers. A Russian Visa is required for this trip.

For more information and complete details about the North Pole Expedition Cruise, visit Crown Cruise Collection at US toll-free (877) 222-8404, direct-dial +1 (609) 945-9803 or www.Support@CrownCruiseCollection.com.

Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten Offers Savings on Coastal Voyage Cruises

A 20 percent savings special is available on most daily departures of Hurtigruten's Norwegian Coastal Voyage, September 15 through October 31. The special fares range from $1,067 to $2,446 per person, double, for cabins on the six-, seven- and 12-day voyages, if booked by June 30.

The Coastal Voyage takes in Norway's spectacular fjord-filled, 1,250-mile west coast between the charming Hanseatic port of Bergen and Kirkenes, close to the Russian border. Besides the fjords, Hurtigruten guests visit and explore an eclectic array of ports (34 in all), including Trondheim, one of the country's oldest cities and a thriving university town; Tromso, Europe's largest town above the Arctic circle; and the Lofoten archipelago, with peaked mountains and quaint fishing villages; as well as spending time and Alesund, rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style after a 1904 fire.

Hurtigruten, a world leader in expedition cruising, also sails to Antarctica, Greenland and Spitsbergen. Website: www.hurtigruten.com

Orion Expedition Cruises

Orion Expedition Cruises Enhances 2010 Kimberley Expeditions

Orion Expedition Cruises, Australia’s only international-standard, five-star expedition cruise line, is enhancing its expedition itineraries to Australia’s rugged Kimberley region from May to September 2010. With this development, and together with unparalleled service standards, Orion boasts the most exclusive Kimberley experience in the Southern Hemisphere.

The enhancements come as a result of an amendment to Australian government regulations for cruise ships in the Kimberley, a remote region in Western Australia consisting of steep-sided mountain ranges and several patches of rainforest. Orion Expedition Cruises has adhered to the updated government regulations by adding new excursions for guests at no extra cost.

Orion’s 11-night expedition to the Kimberley region sails from Broome, venturing to the Lacepede Islands, Montgomery Reef, and King George River. Enhancements to this itinerary include the following:

A Visit to the Port of Wyndham – Guests receive the opportunity to visit the oldest town in the Kimberley region, established in 1885 as a result of a gold rush in Halls Creek, and Kununurra, located in the heart of East Kimberley, with sites including the Ord River and Lake Argyle.

Complimentary Bungle Bungle “Flight-Seeing” – The Bungle Bungle Range comprises a part of the breathtaking Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage Site and natural wonder seen firsthand by only a privileged few. Brought to the world’s attention only 25 years ago, the range – famous for its visually-striking sandstone domes – is best experienced by air, and is a short flight from Wyndham or Kununurra. Orion Expedition Cruises will be the only cruise operator in the region to offer this amazing “flight-seeing” experience as part of its enhanced Kimberley voyages, at no extra cost.

One-Night Complimentary Accommodations – As an added bonus, Orion will provide overnight accommodations in one of Broome’s finest hotels before or after the ten-night voyage. Including breakfast and transfers, this additional night allows guests to experience an 11-night Kimberley adventure for the cost of a usual ten-night expedition.

Operationally, Orion will leave Australian waters to comply with international voyage requirements – this will provide guests onboard with a relaxing and enjoyable day at sea to enjoy the premium five-star comforts and facilities onboard Orion Expedition Cruises.

For more information and to book an Orion Expedition Cruises adventure, travelers can contact the cruise line at (877) ORION US, inquiry@orionexpeditions.com or visit www.orionexpeditions.com.

Orion Expedition Cruises Announces 2011 Calendar of Sailings

In keeping with the Orion Expedition Cruises philosophy to take voyagers on “a path less traveled,” the cruise line will welcome a second ship, the 100-passenger Orion II, to the fleet in 2011. The additional vessel will double capacity and allow expeditions to access a wider array of unique destinations – all enjoyed in a casual ambience boasting world-class facilities and attentive service onboard.

Orion II’s inaugural voyages in 2011 – all of which are currently open for booking – include the Russian Far East, also known as the land of ice and fire; a circumnavigation of the island of Borneo, the home to the orangutan (an endangered great ape species); Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument; Vietnam; Thailand; and the tranquil Inland Sea of Japan.

In addition to the new ship’s sailings, the fleet’s original ship, Orion, will feature 2011 itineraries – also currently available for booking – with voyages exploring remote and exotic destinations including Australia’s Kimberley coast; the rarely visited indigenous art of Arnhem Land; and a voyage to the Spice Islands, known to the Chinese as the “land of fragrant nails” (referring to the abundance of cloves). Voyages to New Zealand and the Sub-Antarctic islands will include the seldom-visited Antipodes islands, while Orion’s Papua New Guinea itineraries will include an exciting new voyage across northern Papua to West Papua and Maluku.

The 2011 voyages on Orion and Orion II will feature:

--13 Kimberley Expeditions, each including Bungle Bungle “flight-seeing”

--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

--Seven Borneo voyages including a Circumnavigation of Borneo

--Two Tasmanian Food and Wine focused voyages

--Orion’s inaugural Exploration of the Antipodes

--Three Orion Antarctic Centenary voyages of celebration to the Ross Sea (Mawson’s Hut) and Commonwealth Bay (Scott’s and Shackleton’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

--Eight voyages to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, including the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh and Angkor Wat

At the end of 2011, Orion Expedition Cruises will offer celebratory Centennial voyages to the historic Antarctic explorer’s bases of Mawson, Scott and Shackleton.

Designed for travelers who seek intellectual and physical stimulation, Orion’s ecologically sensitive expeditions provide authentic experiences in remote and seldom-seen destinations, allowing time to relax and absorb the surroundings and cultures.

Guests to the unique voyages will discover worlds unknown to mainstream tourism. They will explore hidden rivers, coves and fjords; photograph crocodiles, brown bears, Komodo dragons, penguins and humpback whales; visit ancient temples and stand inside Mawson’s hut; dive on World War II wrecks, snorkel untouched coral reefs; learn about ancient and mysterious cultures and visit traditional tribal villages.

Onboard the cruises, biologists, ornithologists, marine biologists and historians – members of the dedicated Orion Expedition Team – and special guest lecturers reveal secrets of lands visited, sharing their knowledge and insight to enhance the travel experience.

For more information and to book an Orion Expedition Cruises adventure, travelers can contact the cruise line at (877) ORION US, inquiry@orionexpeditions.com or visit www.orionexpeditions.com.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises Offers Exclusive Sailing With Jean-Michel Cousteau

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest rated and longest continually-sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, announces an exclusive voyage with explorer and environmentalist, Jean-Michel Costeau, departing May 22, 2010. Cousteau will join guests of the m/s Paul Gauguin as the ship sails for 16 days to Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook and Society Islands. As the ship’s special guest, Mr. Cousteau will offer a series of lectures with videos of his work in the oceans of the world, as well as accompany several dives from the ship.

The m/s Paul Gauguin’s revolutionary Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program was created by Cousteau and his Ocean Futures Society. The unique, groundbreaking program introduces travelers to the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia. The program aims to give young participants ages 9 to 17 direct, hands-on, interactive experience with knowledge of marine and island ecosystems. Young Ambassadors will explore coral reefs, hike rainforest trails and visit marae (ancient Polynesian temples). They’ll learn how black pearls and vanilla are cultivated, how volcanic islands become coral atolls and how to paddle an outrigger canoe. Parents are encouraged to join children on eco-excursions and other activities aboard and ashore. This program is available on all cruises from June through August and on select holiday cruises for a nominal fee of $269 per child.

Rates for the May 22, 2010 sailing begin at $6,545 per person. For reservations on this m/s Paul Gauguin cruise, visit www.pgcruises.com.

The m/s Paul Gauguin will embark on 38 expeditions in 2010 to destinations including Tahiti, the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, the Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji, and New Zealand. Each of these exclusive voyages will highlight the beauty of French Polynesia from the luxurious and spacious accommodations on board the m/s Paul Gauguin, which underwent a multi-million dollar enhancement in 2009. The ship’s staterooms, public areas and restaurants have been upgraded to reflect the luxurious standard that is characteristic of Paul Gauguin Cruises.

Owned by Pacific Beachcomber S.C., the leader in French Polynesia luxury destination resorts, Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the award-winning luxury cruise ship m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a luxury cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific. The m/s Paul Gauguin was built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France. The ship is 513 feet long, 71 feet wide and has a draft of 16.9 feet. The ship can accommodate 332 guests with a staff of 215 and is one of the top Exclusive Charter and Incentive Group venues in the industry. The m/s Paul Gauguin has undergone more than $25 million in enhancements since its inaugural sail in 1998. Since 1998, the m/s Paul Gauguin has completed more than 500 South Pacific cruises and served more than 140,000 guests, including more than 12,000 honeymooners.

Paul Gauguin Cruises Offers Smooth Sailings For Savvy Singles

There’s good news for single travelers – Paul Gauguin Cruises--is waiving single supplement fees for seven spring sailings, making it more affordable than ever to sail solo. Now singles can enjoy the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia: explore coral reefs; hike rainforest trails; visit marae (ancient Polynesian temples); get lost in a great book on Paul Gauguin’s private island, Motu Mahana; indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment; or savor a split of something sparkling on their private balcony aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. Who says two is better than one?

Reservations must be made by April 30th, 2010 on one of the sailings below. Contact your Professional Travel Agent, call 1-800-848-6172 or visit www.pgcruises.com.

Sailing Dates*:

April 6, 2010: Cook & Society Islands - 11 nights

April 17, 2010: Society Islands - seven nights

April 24, 2010: Society Islands - seven nights

May 8, 2010: Fiji Westbound Itinerary - 13 nights

May 22, 2010: Fiji Eastbound Itinerary - 15 nights

June 12, 2010: Society Islands - seven nights

June 19, 2010: Society Islands - seven nights

*Applies to Stateroom Categories B-F

Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions Announces Arctic 2010 Expedition Leaders

Five experienced Expedition Leaders are returning to the Arctic in 2010, announced Vermont-based polar adventure specialist Quark Expeditions. To celebrate the announcement, travelers who book one of four select Arctic voyages will receive a free extended stay in Oslo, Norway or Reykjavik, Iceland. These packages have a retail value of $1100 and $663 per person respectively.

Quark's Expedition Leaders have various backgrounds. Some are scientists, some historians, many are wildlife specialists and some are skilled yachtsmen and kayakers. All have worked their way up through the ranks to the position. The experience they gained as Zodiac drivers, naturalists, and lecturers is essential for their role as Expedition Leader. They include:

--New Zealander Graham Charles is an internationally renowned kayaker with an irreverent sense of humor and unquenchable enthusiasm. Graham will be leading expeditions to Spitsbergen, Eastern Greenland, Iceland and the Canadian Arctic from July 8 to August 20, 2010.

--Dr. Kirsten le Mar uses her training and experience as a field biologist as Expedition Leader aboard the icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov. Kirsten will lead three End of an Era expeditions from Anadyr, Russia to Resolute, Canada in 2010.

--Canadian Brandon Harvey studies orcas when he is not leading an Arctic voyage. Between June and September 2010, he will lead expeditions to Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland aboard the 46-passenger Akademik Shokalskiy.

--David "Dutch" Willmott has always been drawn to adventure travel in wild places. He has sailed and raced yachts all over the world. He will be leading expeditions to Spitsbergen, Svalbard in June 2010.

--David "Woody" Wood started working on expedition vessels as a bartender, so his people skills are well honed. He is an experienced Zodiac driver and can handle firearms -- essential in the Arctic. He will be leading expeditions to Spitsbergen, Svalbard from July to August 2010.

--Jan Bryde will lead Quark's Arctic trip to the North Pole, July 9 to 23, 2010. 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest nuclear-powered icebreaker is Jan's home away from home.

Extend Your Stay

The Oslo extended stay offer is available on three departures: Introduction to Spitsbergen, June 21 to 28; Spitsbergen Explorer June 27 to July 7 or July 14 to 24, 2010. Guests who book any of the listed expeditions will receive a package that includes one night in Longyearbyen and two nights in Oslo.

The Reykjavik extended stay offer is available on Iceland, Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, August 3 to 20, 2010. Guests who book this voyage will receive a package that includes four nights in Reykjavik, Iceland.

To receive more information about the Arctic offer and Quark's Expedition Leaders visit www.quarkexpeditions.com or call toll free US 1-888-892-0171.

World Luxury Cruise Vacations

WLCVacations Showcases Stimulating Cruises to the Galapagos Islands

World Luxury Cruise Vacations proudly highlights two unique programs aboard Isabela II this 2010. Across five sailing dates, two special onboard guests will make cruises to the Galapagos Islands even more engaging.

On April 4th and July 11th, the 40-passenger Isabela II will host acclaimed nature photographer Jonathan Green on a trip dedicated to travelers with a penchant for photography. This special photographer's cruise will not only allow passengers to capture the majestic environment of the Galapagos region, but equip them with modern photo techniques during presentations and workshops throughout the cruise's duration. Passengers will learn different approaches to landscape and wide angle portraiture, macro and portrait photography, and how to utilize the unique lighting of the Galapagos Islands.

Those interested in nature without a keen sense on how to photograph it may also consider booking a cruise on board Isabela II for June 13, August 22, or December 5, 2010. On these three special departures, Dr. Theofilos Toulkeridis, a prominent Ecuadorian geologist, will lead special excursions to discuss Galapagos' young and active volcanism and how it affects the islands' wildlife. When not experiencing the islands first-hand, guests will have the opportunity to hear Dr. Toulkeridis expound upon the geology of Ecuador and Galapagos in stimulating onboard lectures.

Both packages feature extended stays before and after the cruise, making the entire trip an 11-day/10-night enrichment program, which includes two nights in Quito -- a UNESCO World Heritage site -- before the cruise, and one night in Guayaquil after. The cost for each package starts at $4,209 per person.

The vessel Isabela II is a motor yacht fitted with comfortable accommodations, private en suite bathrooms, and spacious public areas. Completely refurbished in 2000, Isabela II is fully equipped to provide comfort to guests while making minimal impact on the fragile environment of the Galapagos Islands.

In addition to promoting the beauty and allure of the Galapagos Islands through unique departures and special guests, WLCVacations also features early booking specials on board Isabela II during the month of March to encourage travelers to experience the unspoiled Islands. When travelers book and deposit prior to March 31, 2010, they will receive 20 percent off cruise fares starting as low as $1,500 per person. The offer is valid on any departure in March, April, May, September, and the first two weeks of December.

For more information on Isabela II, visit http://www.wlcvacations.com/shipdeck_Isabela%20II_151-125.html , or email info@wlcvacations.com. Website: www.wlcvacations.com

The WLCVacations travel agency is US-based and a member of CLIA. Its collection of vessels, consisting of more than 80 small-ships, setting sail in a wide range of popular destinations such as French Polynesia, South America, Europe, and Asia.

TourCrafters

TourCrafters Offers Sailing-In-Greece Package

TourCrafters has put together a Sailing in Greece package with departures every Friday from May 21 to September 17. Assuming eight passengers on the sailing yacht, the eight-day/seven-night package starts at $1,729 (in May), including round-trip air from New York to Athens, fuel surcharges, seven nights’ accommodation on board the yacht, an English-speaking skipper, fuel, mooring fees, boat cleaning, laundry, water, service charges and taxes. There is an extra per person charge for fewer than eight passengers. In addition, groups of six or eight can charter the whole yacht. Meals, not included in the price, are at the passengers’ own expense.

The sailing yachts used are the eye-catching Bavaria 44 or Gib’Sea 44, each of which has three double cabins, one with bunks, two toilets and showers, a comfortable main salon with dining and seating for eight and a fully-equipped galley. Linens and blankets are provided.

The itinerary of approximately 131 sea miles starts off with an airport transfer to the fashionable port of Glyfada, where a suggested dinner in a typical taverna is accompanied by an orientation program. Then it’s on to Anghistri, a beautiful little pine-covered island with four villages, and Epidaurus on the Peloponnese mainland, famed for Greece’s best-preserved ancient theater and the Sanctuary of Asclepius. Next comes Poros, a hilly isle with sandy beaches and a pretty town, and Hydra, the most photogenic island of the Saronic Gulf with its donkeys, sea captains’ mansions and boat-filled harbor. On Aegina, an island known for its pistachio production, there’s a town full of neoclassical buildings, narrow streets and tavernas serving fresh fish and delicious meze. Here, too, there are beautiful sand beaches and the well-preserved Temple of Aphaia. Moni, a tiny islet on the way back to Glyfada, where the population consists of wild goats and peacocks, is the last stop.

Air fare add-ons are $25 from Boston, $125 from Chicago and Miami and $275 from Los Angeles (departures from Los Angeles are available only in September). All prices quoted are per person double occupancy, do not include airport taxes of approximately $105 and are subject to availability and change. Reservations must be paid for within 72 hours of booking. For additional information, visit www.tourcrafters.com. For reservations, call 800-482-5995.

Star Clippers

Star Clippers Offers Advance Purchase Discounts

Star Clippers is offering Advanced Purchase Discounts up to 45 percent off brochure fares on select fall Caribbean, Costa Rica and Ocean Crossing voyages in 2010. Star Clipper, Royal Clipper, and Star Flyer will reposition from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and Costa Rica in October with cruise fares up to 40 percent off. The voyages are 23, 28 and 29 nights respectively, including a Mediterranean sailing before the trans-Atlantic crossing

Star Flyer begins new Costa Rica itineraries in November with savings up to 40 percent. The seven-night itineraries call at ports throughout Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica and start at $1,125 per person, double. Bookings must be made by May 31, 2010, to take advantage of the rates.

Variety Cruises

Variety Cruises Offers Special Savings

Greece-based Variety Cruises is offering special savings on select cruises. They include

--Aegean Odyssey: Two free nights at a deluxe Athens hotel and one half-day Athens city tour. Available for a limited number of cabins and for select sailings August to October, 2010.

--Jewels of the Cyclades: Two free nights at a deluxe Athens hotel. Available for a limited number of cabins and for select sailings August to October, 2010.

--Classical Greece: Two free stays at a deluxe Athens hotel and one half-day Athens city tour. Available for a limited number of cabins and for select sailings July to October, 2010.

--Tales of the Adriatic: Receive two free stays at the 4* Hotel in Split or Venice and one half-day tour of either Split or Venice. Available for a limited number of cabins for select sailings June to August, 2010. Website: www.varietycruises.com

Variety Cruises Launches New Rivers Of West Africa Cruise In December 2010

Variety Cruises will set sail on its new cruise adventure to West Africa in December 2010. The Rivers of West Africa cruise will explore a land of lush vegetation and cultural beauty by way of the winding Saloun and Gambia rivers. Passengers will spend eight days aboard the newly renovated Pegasus mega yacht. Embarking from Dakar, Senegal, the program sails from December 17, 2010 through March 18, 2011, with fares beginning at $2,490 per person, per week. An excursion package is available at an additional cost.

Passengers will sail aboard the megayacht Pegasus, which hosts just 46 guests with 23 cabins in a relaxed, congenial atmosphere. The vessel, which will be fully refurbished in March 2010, affords magnificent sea views as guests stroll 2,500 square-feet of open deck, furnished with comfortable deck chairs and spaces for delightful al fresco meals. Passengers can relax with friends in the handsomely appointed lounge, browse in the well-stocked library or enjoy ocean-view dining in the spacious restaurant area. A platform on the stern enables swims right off the ship when weather and anchorage conditions permit.

Life on board centers around the indoor/outdoor lounge and the American bar on the upper deck. Friendly service on-board is provided by the captain and his experienced marine and hotel crew members. Cabins are equipped with twin or queen size beds with large windows or portholes. All cabins offer en suite bathrooms with shower, TV/DVD players, hairdryers, individually controlled air conditioning and safety deposit boxes.

The Rivers of West Africa cruise departs Fridays from Dakar in Senegal and sets sail to Djiffere via the Saloun River. From Djiffere, passengers have the unique opportunity to explore the vibrant village of Joal Fadiout, a fishing community built entirely of shells.

The cruise continues along the Gambia River to the following ports of call:

--Tendaba, home to Kiang West National Park and the Baobolong Reserve

--Kuntaur, a thriving port village on the Gambia river

--Janjangbureh, location of River Gambia National Park, a conservations sanctuary for chimpanzees, hippopotamuses, Nile crocodiles and many bird species

--Banjul, the capital city of Gambia and nearby the Nature Reserves of Abuko and Makasutu

The Rivers of West Africa cruise fares begin at $2,490 per person, per week, which includes:

--Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.

--American buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

--Coffee, tea and water free all day.

--Use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability).

--English speaking Gambia River Expert.

Fares do not include shore excursions or crew gratuities. Optional pre or post land program extensions feature seven days in Mali and Timbuktu. Explore the charming local markets of vibrant Mopti, and revel in the beauty of the impressive mud brick Grand Mosque of Djenné. Spend a full day in Timbuktu, and discover why it is has earned the nickname “City of Mystery.”

For more information on Variety Cruises’ Rivers of West Africa program, please visit www.varietycruises.com

Variety Cruises was founded in 2005. It is one of the largest small ship cruise company worldwide with a fleet of more than 17 fully owned vessels, including cruise ships and luxury yachts. The family-owned company offers scheduled tours through Greece, Turkey, the Adriatic Sea, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean, and a charter yacht program that further traverses the globe. Itineraries are a unique opportunity to savor the cultural, architectural, historical and natural diversity of each port.

Voyages of Discovery

Voyages Expands Book Inside~Sail Outside Promotion To Winter 2010/11

Destination specialist Voyages of Discovery has expanded its Summer 2010 Book Inside ~ Sail Outside promotion to include the recently announced Winter 2010/11 South America program. The Winter 2010/11 brochure will be released the week of March 15, and a customizable pdf of the brochure is available on the line’s website.

Mv Discovery will embark on its first-ever circumnavigation of South America in January 2011, with cruises and cruise combinations from 15 to 80 nights. Early Booking savings up to 38 percent are available, along with free and reduced air add-ons from the line’s 26 North American gateway cities.

The South American deployment continues the line’s expansion of winter itineraries following six seasons in Antarctica. Currently, the 650-passenger Discovery is sailing the Indian Ocean visiting South Africa, en route to the Red and Black Seas and finally Harwich (London) to begin the Summer Northern Waters cruise season.

The 80-night Grand South America Discovery cruisetour sails roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados, on January 3 and includes a three-night post-cruise hotel stay in Bridgetown. Fares for the cruise begin at $12,429 per person, double occupancy, and include free air add-ons from Voyages of Discovery’s Eastern air gateways.

The season begins with a 20-night “Discovery of the New World” transatlantic crossing from Malaga to Barbados, sailing Nov. 18, with calls at Cadiz, Antigua and St. Kitts, and a three-night post-cruise hotel stay in Bridgetown. Fares start at $2,779 per person, double.

The Winter 2010/11 season also features a selection of pre-, post- and mid-cruise overland tours, including a three-night excursion to the Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires ($1,225 per person) and a two-night mid-cruise excursion visiting Machu Picchu from Callao ($1,315 per person).

Guests also can experience a day trip to the Galapagos Islands from Manta, Ecuador, or a three- or four-night cruise around the islands on the 100-passenger Galapagos Explorer II. The day trip to the Galapagos is $809 per person and the three-night cruise starts at $2,639 per person for a Classic Suite.

Special rates for single travelers are also available. Discovery Club members enjoy an additional five percent savings.

Guests and travel agents are able to view these cruises now by visiting the website for itineraries and pricing. Website: www.voyagesofdiscovery.com.

For reservations contact your travel professional or Voyages of Discovery at 866-623-2689.

Voyages of Discovery is a division of UK-based All Leisure Holiday, which also operates Swan Hellenic, Hebridean Island Cruises and tour operator Discover Egypt.

Voyages of Antiquity

Voyages To Antiquity Unveils Lecture Program

Voyages to Antiquity crafts a remarkable onboard lecture program featuring experts in all facets of Ancient Civilizations – including art, history, archaeology, geology, architecture, wine and cuisine– to bring to life the glory of the Mediterranean as it was thousands of years ago. Expert enthusiasts will lead guests through the elegance of ancient Greek architecture to the monumental splendor of Roman cities and the wonders of Egypt’s Pyramids. Then, while back onboard, passengers will enjoy the wine and cuisine of the local culture they have just explored.

“Voyages to Antiquity was born of an interest to provide a uniquely in depth understanding of the ancient civilization and cultures of the Mediterranean,” said Mitchell J. Schlesinger, director of sales and marketing. “We have assembled an extraordinary collection of experts who will not just provide interactive onboard lectures, but mingle with guests in a variety of informal settings both on and off the ship to provide an unparalleled enrichment experience.” As an example, The Light of Greece itinerary that explores 15 different Greek Islands and four Turkish cities features a variety of experts discussing topics that range from Classical Greek Architecture to poetry and philosophy as well as art and culture and even local wine and food.

The Pompeii Is Something So Wonderful itinerary – which takes guests on an in-depth voyage of the Amalfi Coast, Sicily and Croatia – features experts in Classical Literature, Sicilian cuisine and wine, art, architecture and archaeology as well as a former British Ambassador to Italy.

Inspired by The Middle Sea, authored by Lord John Julius Norwich, Voyages to Antiquity was created to offer sophisticated travelers an unparalleled destination immersion and educational experience combining the very best in cultural travel in a tranquil, informal atmosphere. The inaugural season, beginning May 2010, features nine itineraries (16 departures) focused entirely on the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Aegean Seas as well as North Africa and the Red Sea.

The Aegean Odyssey is currently under undergoing extensive refurbishment to reduce capacity from 570 to 380 guests, featuring 82 brand new (200-500 sq. foot) staterooms and suites, of which 42 have balconies. Additionally, the ship features enhancements to all public rooms, particularly the Spa and Terrace dining venues and redecorations ship wide. Voyages to Antiquity offers boutique-style cruising with a “smart casual” environment free of nightclubs, casinos or formal nights. The experience is enhanced by friendly Filipino service and open-seating dining in three venues.

Website: www.voyagestoantiquity.com

AllThingsCruise

American Cruise Lines

Cruise West

Hebridean Cruise Line

Hurtigruten

International Expeditions

Voyages of Discovery

AllThingsCruise

Website: www.allthingscruise.com

Journey to the Top of the World

For those looking for adventure, exploration and a bird’s eye view of the Top of the World, a 15-day Expedition Cruise to the North Pole aboard the nuclear-powered Russian icebreaker 50 Years of Victory is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The 50 Years of Victory is the world’s most powerful and sophisticated expedition vessel.

AllThingsCruise, in partnership with Expedition Cruises (www.expeditioncruises.com), is offering an extraordinary journey to the North Pole on the Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker “50 Years of Victory.” The Arctic adventure runs between July 23 and Aug. 06, 2010.

American Cruise Lines

Website: www.americancruiselines.com

American Cruise Lines Expands to the West Coast

American Cruise Lines will start operating seven-night itineraries aboard the

recently acquired Queen of the West, on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in 2010. Queen of the West, a 120-passenger, U.S. flagged cruise ship, is currently the only authentic paddlewheel, overnight passenger vessel, operating in North America.

American Cruise Lines is planning several different itineraries that will depart from Portland, Oregon and Clarkston, Washington, starting in the summer of 2010. Stops along the route will include the Columbia River Gorge, Multonomah Falls, Mt. St. Helen’s, The Dalles, Hells Canyon and Astoria.

Passengers can look forward to a few modifications to the ship including a number of

larger staterooms and a decrease in passenger capacity, allowing for an even higher level of personal service from the all-American crew.

American Cruise Lines Introduces a Brand New Itinerary for 2010

New Itinerary Added To American Spirit’s 2010 Schedule

American Cruise Lines has added a brand new itinerary to its 2010 schedule, the

Philadelphia and Potomac Cruise, which will cruise between Philadelphia and the

Washington DC area. This eight-day, seven-night cruise aboard the American Spirit will depart from either Philadelphia or Washington DC following the Delaware River, through the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, into the Chesapeake Bay and up Potomac River. Stops along the course will include the C&D Canal; Chestertown, St. Michaels, Annapolis, and St. Mary’s (all located in Maryland); Mt. Vernon and Alexandria/Washington DC.

The new itinerary will give passengers the opportunity to visit cities and towns that played a role in shaping our nation, including three cities that have all served as the nation’s capital. From the bustling port of Annapolis, considered America’s sailing capital and home to the United States Naval Academy, to the quiet villages of Chestertown and St. Mary’s, each port has its own unique history and culture. Visits to two magnificent historic homes are scheduled on the cruise: Winterthur, an American country estate and the former home of

Henry Francis du Pont; and Mt. Vernon, the plantation home of the first President of the

United States, George Washington. Other expertly planned shore excursions will include

sailing the Chester River onboard a traditional schooner, a visit to the renowned

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and a trolley tour of our nation’s capital.

The 100-passenger ship features over-sized staterooms, many with private balconies, spacious observation decks, a well-stocked library and a glass enclosed dining room

Cruise West

Website: www.cruisewest.com

Cruise West Reveals 2011/2012 Worldwide Voyages Aboard the Spirit of Oceanus

Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), the world's leading provider of small-ship explorations to the most fascinating destinations on earth, announces its second edition of the Voyages of the Great Explorers in 2011/2012. Twenty-five meticulously crafted itineraries from Asia to the Mediterranean, Europe to the Americas and throughout the South Pacific offer the most discerning and well-traveled guests an array of extraordinary choices and authentic experiences. Book and pay in full by April 30, 2010 and save up to $4,600 per person and receive free international air of up to $1,500.

While several ports are repeats from the original 2010 voyages, there are a myriad of exciting new ports in which to have your passport stamped in countries such as Israel, Greece, Morocco, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Nicaragua, Peru, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and more.

Exclusive encounters, inclusive pricing (except alcohol) and personal touches define the Cruise West experience:

The 2011/2012 Voyages of the Great Explorers 25 unique back-to-back itineraries will circumnavigate the world in 335 days, commencing in Singapore on February 22, 2011 and ending in Hong Kong on January 24, 2012. The 25 voyages will visit six continents, 254 ports of call in 61 countries while crossing 14 seas and oceans, and transiting four canals -- Port Suez/Port Said (Suez Canal transit); Corinth Canal/ Corinth (Mycenae/Nafplion); Kiel Canal; and the Panama Canal.

Prices start at $6,545 per voyage for the 13-night Panama City to Lima. Book and pay in full by April 30, 2010 and save $2,300 to $4,600 per person (depending on the voyage) and receive free international airfare of up to $1,500. Cruise West must reserve the air. Save an additional five percent by booking consecutive voyages.

Hebridean Cruise Line/UK

Website: www.hebridean.co.uk

Hebridean Princess Offers Gastronomic Tour Of The Island Of Skye

Setting the benchmark for luxury cruising, Hebridean Island Cruises has just launched a brand new itinerary for 2010 – A Gastronomic Tour of Skye. Complementing the stunning scenery of this western region of Scotland Hebridean Princess will visit two of Scotland’s most renowned restaurants and experience a cookery demonstration by best selling cookery writer Claire Macdonald.

Hebridean have always offered a standard of food which is unique to the cruise industry. With itineraries predominantly around the British Isles, Hebridean Princess sources her food from local suppliers. All the fish is sourced from Scottish waters, the meat is supplied by H.D. Ferguson Butchers of Lochgilphead and unlike many cruise ships which source cheese from the continent, Hebridean Princess shops for hers locally, featuring Lanark Blue and Isle of Mull Cheddar among others.

While experiencing some of the finest locally sourced food onboard Hebridean Princess taste buds will be delighted with exquisite lunches at two of Scotland’s top restaurants. The Three Chimneys, located on the Isle of Skye, is housed within the bare stone walls of an original crofter’s cottage around 100 years old. Like Hebridean Princess, this renowned Scottish restaurant prides itself on matching fresh local food with breathtaking scenery and beautiful sea views. Owned by famous Scottish chef, Shirley Spear and her wine expert husband, Eddie Spear, it has a long-established reputation. Due to the intimate nature of the restaurant, it has just three small dinning areas covering the whole ground floor, guests will be taken in two groups, either visiting Dunvegan Castle and then sitting down to lunch or vice versa.

In addition guests will experience the inspiring dishes of the Cuillin Hills Hotel, who also pride themselves on using the best seasonal produce, procured from Skye and the Highlands to create a modern take on classic Scottish dishes. Located across from the Cuillin Hills, ‘The View’ restaurant offers elegant and stunning food in a sublime setting.

To further whet the appetites of aspirant foodies this cruise treats passengers to a demonstration in the Michelin star awarded Kinloch Lodge by best selling cookery writer Claire MacDonald. Famed for her practical and realistic recipes - quintessentially Scottish in flavor, but truly international in appeal - she is also admired for her willingness to share the secrets of her award winning kitchen.

This culinary inspired tour also caters for whisky lovers with an afternoon visit to the Talisker Distillery, the only distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins. For those passengers who’d like to continue the tastings Hebridean Princess has her own whisky bar with an international collection of over 50 whiskies - many of which are west coast malts.

A food lover’s paradise, this cruise will culminate in the Gala Dinner on the final night - a six- course feast showcasing some of the best Scottish food, including at taste of Haggis, accompanied by Robbie Burns’ Address to the Haggis, delivered by the Captain. This cruise provides a unique Scottish gourmet experience not to be missed.

A Gastronomic Tour of Skye – departs May 15 for 5 nights, fares from £2,330pp

Hurtigruten

Website: www.hurtigruten.com or www.hurtigruten.us

Hurtigruten Offers Spring/Summer Exploration Cruise Specials --

Hurtigruten has announced pricing specials on its Spring and Summer line-up of Exploration Cruises--cruises designed to take in some of the world's most remote destinations. All offer savings of 25 percent on the price of suites aboard the expedition ship, the MS Fram, and free air from New York's JFK or Newark's Liberty International Airport, if booked by April 31, 2010. And to make it even more of a deal, Hurtigruten is allowing the discount to be combined with a two other offers: a ten percent Repeater Discount for passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years. American Association of Retired People (AARP) members receive a $50 shipboard credit American Automobile Association (AAA) members. Add-on airfares from dozens of North American gateways range from $100 to $600.

Included cruises are three "Greenland" September departures - discounted rates for suites are $5,649 to $9,314 per person, double; the 11-day, May 29 "Climate Pilgrimage" sailing to Northern Norway and the Arctic island of Spitsbergen -- $5,108 to $7,137 for suites (other cabin grades on this cruise enjoy a 15% reduction - no free air - $4,100 to $5,263); and a new European cruise -- “Baltic Adventure” -- a fascinating 11-day, roundtrip journey that takes in major sites in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia and Poland - suite fares are $4,325 to $5,522.

While guests see the effects of 'global warming' firsthand in Greenland, from both the deck of the luxury expedition ship and on shore, experts in numerous disciplines, including geology, weather, marine life, environment, history and culture, fill in the gaps of their understanding of this ice-encrusted ancient land. Passengers take in sights and scenery little changed in 5,000 years while moving from village to village, as well as spend time ashore, meeting and sharing time with the local population. Scenic highlights include Eqip Sermia Glacier, a huge wall of ice that calves directly into the sea; towering icebergs in Disko Bay and at the mouth of Jakobshavn Ice Fjord, a World Heritage Site; and Jakobshavn Glacier, the world’s most active glacier. Guided walking tours take in Inuit villages and towns, with tongue-twisting names – Qeqertarsuaq, Ukkusissat, Itelleq and Ilulissat – and illustrate how the friendly local populations flourish in one of the harshest climates on Earth.

-- Guests on Hurtigruten's "Climate Pilgrimage" visit research stations, track wildlife, participate in field studies and meet with some of the field's top climate research scientists during visits in Northern Norway and the Arctic island of Spitsbergen. The warming of the Arctic now allows vessels to cross the 80th parallel - something not possible less than 20 years ago. Walruses, whales and polar bears rule this region and the MS Fram will treat guests to a close look at the marginal ice-zone and its large yearly variations.

-- “Baltic Adventure” showcases the variety, beauty and fairy-tale quality of the Baltic Sea. The 11-day adventure begins and ends in Norway's Oslo, exploring the city and visiting the museum that houses the original Fram - the only wooden-hulled ship to explore both poles, more than 100 years ago. Highlights include Sweden's Stockholm, known as the "Venice of the North"; Finland's Helsinki, boasting a lively marketplace, rich cultural life and architectural gems; St. Petersburg, Russia's cultural capital, home to the famed Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum; Estonia's capital city of Tallinn, a World Heritage Site due in large part to its 13th-century Toompea Castle and Kadriorg Palace; and Poland's port city of Gdynia, a sister site of the 1970 rebellion, and now an important center of commerce.

The 12,700-ton, eight-deck MS Fram, makes significant use of Greenland’s culture as inspiration for design while incorporating a striking Scandinavian feel. Suites include seating areas, some with two rooms, TV, mini-bar and queen-size beds. The ship boasts an Internet café, a large glass-enclosed observation salon offering panoramic views, restaurant with ocean views, wellness center with saunas, work-out room and two glass-screened heated outdoor whirlpools; a friendly and well-informed crew is ready to offer assistance and suggestions when asked.

All sailings include cabin category selected, three meals daily aboard ship, services of naturalist guides, specified land excursions and PolarCirkel excursions, ship transfers, government fees, cruise taxes and port charges. Airline fuel surcharges, air taxes and ticketing fees are additional.

Explore Spitsbergen And See Polar Bears On A Hurtigruten Cruise

Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, located above the Arctic Circle, is populated with more than 4,500 polar bears, making it one of the best places in the world for sightings, albeit without guarantees. And Hurtigruten is making every effort to accommodate that opportunity for its guests by offering itineraries that explore the far flung reaches of the islands where the King of the Arctic reigns supreme: the nine-day "Svalbard Explorer," nine-day "Kingdom of the Polar Bear" and the groundbreaking 11-day climatology expedition "Climate Pilgrimage." The departures are between May 29 and August 19, 2010, with prices ranging from $4,016 to $9,516 (CAD $4,220 - $9,340) per person, double. Most sailings are aboard the relatively new deluxe expedition ship, MS Fram, built purposefully for the Arctic and Antarctic waters.

Spitsbergen's stunning landscape of jagged peaks and arctic tundra and abundance of wildlife ranging from polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and arctic foxes to whales, walruses and ringed and harp seals makes for an ideal location to study climate change - the theme of a groundbreaking 11-day expedition cruise being offered May 29. And to make it even more enticing, Hurtigruten is offering a 25 percent discount and free air from New York for those booking suites by April 30 - other cabin grades enjoy a 15 percent savings offer (no air).

Guests aboard the MS Fram will have the opportunity to visit research stations, track wildlife, participate in field studies and meet with some of the field's top research scientists - getting the climate story from those who are best informed. Highlights include Norway's Tromso; Honningsvag, Europe's northernmost city; a visit to the North Cape; a stop in Gjesvaerstappen, a unique birding cliff where the Norwegian Polar Institute has studied a host of seabirds; exploration of Spitsbergen; and possibly crossing the 80th parallel. The focus of the research is on the effect of climate changes on wildlife - sea birds, polar bears, auks, Arctic foxes, walruses - as well as the phenomenon called surging glaciers. Fares range from $4,823 to $9,516 before the savings. (11-day sailing is marketed in the U.S.)

-- The "Svalbard Explorer" encompasses the entire west coast of Spitsbergen all the way up to the 80th Parallel. After spending a day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard's largest settlement, the MS Fram takes its guests to a variety of stunning places: beautiful fjords such as Hornsund Fjord, Magdalenefjord and Krossfjord; Bear Island with its famous cliff Stappen, home to hundreds of thousands of Brunnich's guillemots; landings on the Ahlstrands Peninsula or Calyposbyen; guided walks in Ny-Alesund, the world's northernmost settlement; and spending time at the edge of the North Pole ice edge. Prices range from $4,016 to $7, 403 (CAD $4,220 - $7,780) for the nine-day adventure.

-- There are two nine-day "Kingdom of the Polar Bear" itineraries. Itinerary 1 explores the northern and eastern regions of Spitsbergen, always on the lookout for the king of the Arctic animals. Besides the day in Longyearbyen, guests take in Ny-Alesund; several fjords - Magdalenefjord, Smeerenburgfjord, Woodfjord, Wahlenbergfjord, Murchinsonfjord, Hornsund and Icefjord; Hinlopen Strait and the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet; with numerous Zodiac landings along the way. Itinerary 2 is a variation -- adding a visit to Kvitoya, where the ice cap covers 98 percent of this easternmost island, and where the remains of the 1897 Andree Arctic balloon expedition were found in 1930. Fares range from $5,403 to $8,887 (CAD $5,680 - $9,340).

Saving offers include a10 percent "Repeater" discount - for passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years; "AARP" and "AAA" members receive a $50 shipboard credit; and guests booking a voyage within five weeks of their last sailing receive a 10 percent "Welcome Back" discount, combinable with the 10 percent "Repeater" discount.

All Spitsbergen itineraries include daily lectures from onboard naturalist guides, expedition leaders and Zodiac landings, all meals aboard and some on land, cabin category selected, shore excursions, transfers and port charges. Round-trip flights from New York via Oslo are available as are add-on airfares from dozens of other North American cities; optional excursions, gratuities, and fuel surcharges and taxes are additional. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather and ice conditions and may differ from one departure to another.

International Expeditions

Website: www.ietravel.com

International Expeditions Waives Singles Supplement

International Expeditions, a specialist in nature travel, is offering single travelers a savings of $1,200 on its March 5 Galapagos Voyage departure. While reaping savings of 20 percent off regular fares, solo travelers may enjoy exploring the unique landscapes, flora and fauna of nine extraordinary islands with other like-minded individuals. Now in its 30th year, International Expeditions prides itself in its passionate local naturalist guides who lead a roster of small-group journeys. Guides on this Galapagos cruise are licensed at the highest level (Level 3) by the Galapagos National Park; and enhance travelers’ experiences by sharing their in-depth knowledge and bringing them within inches of giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins, iguanas, short-eared owls and many other animals.

On the 10-day Galapagos Voyage itinerary, International Expeditions’ 32-guest Evolution navigates to nine islands. Unlike larger vessels, it is small enough to access some of the most compelling sites, including outlying Genovesa (Tower) Island, which features thousands of red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and storm-petrels. The ship’s pangas (landing craft) are used several times a day to go easily and quickly ashore. Onboard, guests sail in comfort with first-rate accommodations, fine cuisine and a host of amenities including an observation deck (perfect for whale watching), sun deck and canopied bar, plus complimentary snorkeling equipment, wetsuits and kayaks. While touring the archipelago’s dramatic landscapes, travelers also visit Fernandina and Isabela Island, where small volcanoes have recently erupted, and Tagus Cove, a well-protected area sheltered by two enormous volcanic craters. Here, guests can snorkel in the crystal blue waters with green sea turtles (underwater visibility is best in March), see marine iguanas nesting, and hike uphill for a stunning view of Darwin’s Lake and nearby craters. With authentic travel at the root of International Expeditions’ programming, guests have the opportunity to tour Puerto Ayora, the islands’ largest human settlement with ample time to stroll through the colorful art galleries and boutiques.

In addition to daily snorkeling and outings through desert terrain, lush rainforests, volcanic soils and powder-white beaches, other highlights include a visit to the Darwin Research Center, world famous for its tortoise breeding programs; an exploration of Santiago Island, a haven for finches, doves and Galapagos hawks; and a sailing to Kicker Rock, a rocky mass jutting over 500 feet from the ocean. Per person prices for the 10-day Galapagos Voyage departing March 5 start at $4,798 per person (with the single supplement savings), and include accommodations, Galapagos National Park tax and transit fees, daily excursions, most meals, local transportation, guides, transfers and tips to porters and waiters for included meals. International and in-country flights are not included, though arrangements can be made through International Expeditions. Additional Galapagos Voyage departures are offered year-round, with per person prices starting at $4,798 based on double occupancy. For more information, call 800-633-4734, e-mail nature@ietravel.com or visit www.IEtravel.com.

Voyages of Discovery

Website: www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

Voyages Of Discovery’s Late Summer Cruise Sale

Destination specialist Voyages of Discovery announces exceptional savings on its Summer 2010 cruisetour program – book an inside cabin and sail in an oceanview cabin!

For a limited time, guests who book an inside category (N or M) will be upgraded to an oceanview category (K or J respectively). Along with $199 to $399 low-cost air add-ons from 25 select Voyages of Discovery gateways, this offer will sell out quickly. Special rates for single travelers are also available.

This offer is valid for seven selected sailings starting with the July 26, 2010 Fjords, Faroes, Fire and Ice 11-night Harwich (London) to Reykjavik itinerary. This cruisetour includes a two-night pre-cruise London hotel stay before visiting Flåm, Ålesund, Tórshavn, Akureyri and an overnight in Reykjavik prior to disembarking on August 6. The inside category N fare starts at $3,493 per person for a category K oceanview cabin.

The Iceland & Greenland 17-night itinerary begins with an overnight on board in Reykjavik on August 6. The 650-passenger ship mv Discovery sails for Ilulissat (120 miles north of the Arctic Circle), Nuuk, Qaqortoq, Greenland; with a stop in Kirkwall before arriving in Harwich on August 20. A two-night post-cruise hotel stay in London is included. The inside category M fare starts at $5,082 per person for a category J oceanview cabin.

Combine Fjords, Faroes, Fire & Ice with Iceland & Greenland for a 25-night In the Wake of the Vikings Grand Voyage. Inside category M fare starts at $7,176 per person for a category J oceanview cabin. This reflects a savings of up to $3,374 per person.

In addition to great savings, all Voyages of Discovery itineraries feature an extensive enrichment program. Top historians, diplomats, scientists and naturalists provide background and insight into the history, culture, flora and fauna of the destinations visited.

A Taste of France the 13-night roundtrip Harwich (London) cruise takes in St. Peter Port, La Rochelle, overnight stays in Bordeaux and Rouen (Paris) with St Malo (Mont San Michel) in between before returning to Harwich. The itinerary begins with a two-night pre-cruise London hotel stay. Inside category N fare starts at $3,847 per person for an oceanview category K cabin.

Flying from North America on August 27, guests will begin a two-night pre-cruise London hotel stay before boarding Discovery in Harwich and then departing for Bergen, Ålesund, Hellesyft, Geiranger and Flåm. Disembark in Harwich. Inside category M fare is $3,279 for an oceanview category J cabin.

The mv Discovery repositions to the Mediterranean on September 3, 2010, on a 20-night Grand Iberia & Italy sailing. Included is the two-night pre-cruise London hotel stay before visiting Lisbon, Gibraltar, Almeria, Nice (overnight), Santa Margherita, Livorno for Florence/Pisa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Sorrento (overnight), Palermo (overnight), Catania and disembark in Valletta. Inside category N fare is $4,574 for a category K cabin.

Note: The Late Summer Sale is first come, first served and may be withdrawn at any time. Guests book an inside category N or M and are upgraded to an ocenview category K or J respectively.

Voyages Of Discovery To Circumnavigate South America

Destination specialist Voyages of Discovery will embark on its first-ever circumnavigation of South America next January 2011 with cruises and cruise combinations from ten to 77 nights. Early-booking savings up to 32 percent are available, along with free and reduced air add-ons from the line’s 26 North American gateway cities.

The South American deployment continues the line’s expansion of winter itineraries following six seasons in Antarctica. Currently, the 650-passenger Discovery is sailing in India, Asia and Africa.

The 77-night Grand South America Discovery cruise sails roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados, on Jan. 3. Fares for the cruise begin at $12,429 per-person, double occupancy, and include free air add-ons from Voyages of Discovery’s Eastern air gateways.

Individual cruises include Belize to Bridgetown (Dec. 23, 11 nights, from $2,949 per-person, double); Bridgetown to Montego Bay (Dec. 1, 13 nights, from $2,819); Bridgetown to Buenos Aires (Jan. 3, 30 nights, from $4,739); Buenos Aires to Valparaiso (Jan 29, 24 nights, from $4,299); and Valparaiso to Bridgetown (Feb. 16, 36 nights, from $6,019).

The Winter 2010/11 season also features a selection of pre-, post- and mid-cruise overland tours, including a three-night excursion to the Iguassu Falls from Buenos Aires ($1,255 per person) and a two-night mid-cruise excursion visiting Machu Picchu from Callao ($1,315 per person).

Guests also can experience a day trip to the Galapagos Islands from Manta, Ecuador, or a three- or four-night cruise around the islands on the 100-passenger Galapagos Explorer II. The day trip to the Galapagos is $809 per person and the three-night cruise starts at $2,639 per person for a Classic Suite.

Special rates for single travelers are also available. Discovery Club members enjoy an additional 5 percent savings.

The Winter 2010/11 cruise catalog will be available in late February. Guests and travel agents are able to view these cruises now by visiting the website for itineraries and pricing. Voyages of Discovery’s website features videos of each itinerary.

For reservations contact your travel professional or Voyages of Discovery at 866-623-2689.

Compagnie du Ponant

Ponant Offers Theme Cruises In The Mediteranean In 2010

Haute Cuisine, spa and golf: enjoy unique cruising experiences in the Mediterranean

Themed cruise are a great way for travelers to indulge in a favorite hobby or discover a new passion whilst travelling from one magnificent port to another. French cruise line, Compagnie Du Ponant is launching a number of new themed cruises for 2010, including the cruise line’s first gastronomic, golf and wellness themed cruises.

Taking place on Ponant’s newest ship, Le Boreal, the nine-night Marine Harmony cruise from the French ports of Nice to Honfleur offers the ultimate pampering experience at sea. Guests will enjoy relaxing treatments, al fresco massages, yoga and Pilates workshops as well as health and wellness advice from experienced specialists. As guests recharge their batteries, Le Boreal will transport them to scenic ports in the heart of the Mediterranean and along Europe’s Atlantic Coast, including Barcelona, Almería, Málaga and Cádiz, Spain; Lisbon and Porto, Portugal and Dartmouth, Devon, UK. Departing on June 18, 2010.

Gourmet food and wine feature onboard Le Diamant’s seven-night Gourmet’s Odyssey cruise from Marseilles to Nice. Guests will sail in the company of top Michelin-star chefs and renowned sommeliers who will share their secrets, passion and talent, inviting cruisers to discover new gastronomic creations every day. Onboard menus are inspired by the itinerary’s ports of call, which include Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Ajaccio, Corsica as well as Civitavecchia (Rome), Livorno and Portoferraio, Italy. Departing on May 2, 2010.

Tee off at some of the most scenic golf courses in the world on the seven-night Tee Time in the Mediterranean cruise onboard Le Ponant, which sails roundtrip from Nice, France. This cruise takes guests to five exceptional golf courses in the French Riviera, Corsica and Italy, including Bonifacio’s renowned Sperone Golf Club. At each port, Ponant will offer return transfers to the golf course, green fees with carts, management of clubs and bags as well as meals. For non-golfers, the itinerary offers plenty to see and do in Portofino and Portoferraio, Italy; Portisco, Sardinia; and Bonifacio, Calvi and Cannes, France. Two departures on July 10 and 17, 2010.

Cruise prices include all meals, white, red and rosé pouring wines served with lunch and dinner, accommodation and entertainment whilst cruising, as well as taxes and cruise NDAs. Website: http://www.ponant.com

Newbuild Le Boréal Will Be In Monaco For The Prestigious F1 Grand Prix.

To celebrate her first season, Le Boréal is heading for two of the French Riviera’s most glamorous and sought-after events!

On her May 13 t0 17, 2010 cruise departing from Nice, the cruise will stop in Cannes for a day during the Film Festival, followed by two days in the Principality for Formula 1’s most coveted motor racing event of the year: the Monaco Grand Prix. Passengers will be at leisure to immerse themselves in the star-studded ambiance of the film festival, as they stroll along the famous Croisette to the red carpet of the Palais des festivals. In Monaco, those who wish to can purchase tickets for the race simply by contacting our team when you book your cruise (prices on request and depending on availability). More information at http://www.ponant.com.

Cruise West

Cruise West Offers Savings On All Or Part Of Its 2010 World Cruise

Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), the world's leading provider of small-ship explorations to the most fascinating destinations on earth, is offering unprecedented savings for all 24 individual voyages (ranging from nine- to 19-nights) that combine to form the epic world adventure, Voyages of the Great Explorers.

Whether you are eyeing a trip to Italy, North America's East Coast, the Mediterranean, Greek isles, India, Egypt or London there is tremendous value offered in this landmark year. Guests will save up to $1,550 per person ($3,100 per cabin) and receive FREE round trip international airfare from select U.S. Cities: San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Washington D.C. (IAD or DCA) and New York (JFK), Houston (IAH) or Seattle (SEA) or an air credit of $750 per person by booking and paying in full by January 15, 2010. The free air or air credit is valid for Voyages 1 through 18 of the 24-voyage segments of the Voyages of the Great Explorers.

Tip: Those making reservations should know that they have the option—actually 24—to book a segment of the World Cruise instead of booking the entire cruise. The segments can be booked individually or as back-to-back options.

Cruise West Offers Five New Voyages

From Pitcairn Island, the final destination of the mutineers aboard the HMS Bounty, to the cosmopolitan sophistication of Sydney, Australia, warm-water adventurers can sail the pristine blue waters of the South Pacific, visiting numerous remote tropical islands on five new memorable voyages offered by Cruise West for the 2010 season.

Starting in November 2010, the five voyages explore from Easter Island to Tahiti (Voyage 19); the Tahitian Islands to Fiji (Voyage 20); the Fijian Islands to New Zealand (Voyage 21); The Maori Coast (Voyage 22); and a thrilling New Year’s Eve discovery of Australia (Voyage 23). Shore excursions are included at every port and each voyage will be enhanced by an extraordinary ‘Ultimate Explorers Experience’ (UEE), designed to bring guests into direct personal contact with fascinating people, cultures and natural wonders.

-- Described as a “string of island pearls,” the South Pacific islands beckon travelers bent on warm water exploration. Voyage 19: Easter Island to Papeete, Tahiti travels to such uninhabited locales as Henderson and Ducie Islands, renowned for their rare birds and indigenous flora, pristine coral atolls, and remote beaches; and Fakarava, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. A highlight of the tour is a visit to Pitcairn Island, where Fletcher Christian brought the HMS Bounty following a mutiny against Captain Bligh.

Accompanied by anthropology expert Dr. Charlie Urbanowicz -- a Life Member of the Polynesian Society, and the Association for Social Anthropology of Oceania, who will offer his keen insights into the islands’ peoples and cultures throughout the voyage -- this 17-night voyage departs Nov. 1, 2010; prices start at $11,895 per person before savings.

-- Sailing further into the heart of the Polynesian island chains, Voyage 20: Papeete, Tahiti to Lautoka, Fiji offers visits to atolls and villages not accessible by larger cruise lines including Maupiti, Atiu, Palmerston and Vava’u. Highlights of this serene exploration include an exclusive cultural performance, visits to inland villages, and the living coral gardens of Aitutaki (UEE). Zodiac visits to private islands, snorkeling safaris, cave swimming, a Fiji firewalking ceremony and a traditional kava ceremony fulfill the promise of an unforgettable experience.

Joining Urbanowicz on this voyage as co-lecturer is Dr. Aldona Jonaitis, noted expert on arts and culture of aboriginal people and a much sought after speaker on the arts of the South Pacific. This 15-night voyage departs Nov. 17, 2010; prices start at $7,895 per person before savings.

-- Voyage 21: Lautoka, Fiji to Auckland, New Zealand –- Delivering a true explorer experience, this voyage visits the most remote islands of the South Pacific to view elaborate dances on Ambrym and indulge in pristine snorkeling and wildlife viewing accessible only via Zodiac boat. Guests will learn about the centuries old Maori culture and early New Zealand history in the historic areas of Waitangi and Kerikeri before concluding the voyage in Auckland, one of New Zealand’s great scenic cities. Highlighting this voyage is ascending the slopes of Mt. Yasur on Tanna Island (UEE), one of the world’s most active volcanoes that often spew molten rocks in thrilling pyrotechnic displays. With Jonaitis continuing as guest lecturer, this 14-night voyage departs Dec. 2, 2010; prices start at $7,195 before savings.

-- Known as “The Land of the Long White Cloud,” New Zealand is the focus of Voyage 22: Auckland, New Zealand to Sydney, Australia. Guests will immerse themselves deep into Maori culture, explore the famous geothermal region of Rotorua with bubbling hot springs and the country’s most active volcanic landscape (UEE). Napier offers Art Deco architecture and wine tasting, while British culture abounds in Christchurch, ripe with art galleries and museums. After celebrating Christmas at Stewart Island and Rakiura National Park – a stunning natural paradise with rare trees and vegetation, and native birds -- the voyage visits Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a series of dramatic fiords and inlets. After a visit to beautiful Milford Sound, the voyage concludes in Sydney Harbor just in time to see the firecracker lavish spectacle on New Year’s Eve.

Accompanied by special guest speaker Dr. Kirt Kempter, an expert in plate tectonics and related volcanism, this 17-night voyage departs Dec. 15, 2010; prices start at $14,395 before savings.

-- The Land Down Under is the final star in this five-voyage constellation that begins with the New Year. Voyage 23: Sydney to Darwin, Australia brings guests up close and personal to a country and continent that boasts unique flora and fauna blended with sophisticated metropolitan culture. With no less then three UNESCO World Heritage Sites featured in the 19-night itinerary, highlights of this Australian adventure include cruising up the Brisbane River, visiting a koala sanctuary, exploring the Kuranda rainforest, and delving into Aboriginal culture through art, music, and dance. Heritage site, Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, features the natural marvel of tall rainforests growing on sand dunes over 700 feet high. Heritage sites Hamilton and Whitsunday Islands offer exploration of the Great Barrier Reef (UEE) via a glass-hulled, semi-submersible coral viewer or through numerous world-class snorkeling opportunities. Traversing the northern coast of Australia, the voyage concludes in modern Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory and situated on a gulf of the Timor Sea.

Special guest speaker Clyde Roper, a senior emeritus zoologist in the Smithsonian’s Department of Invertebrate Zoology, will lend his insights and research in marine biology and bioluminescence. A popular tour lecturer, Roper’s field studies have taken him on extensive explorations of the South Pacific. This 19-night voyage departs Dec. 31, 2010; prices start at $10,695 before savings.

Hurtigruten

Seniors Get Fare Reduction On 2010 Spring, Fall & Winter Coastal Voyages

Hurtigruten is rewarding mature travelers - those 60 and older - with a 10% fare discount when sailing along the 1,250-mile fjord-filled Norwegian coastline. And to make it even more of a deal, Hurtigruten is allowing the discount to be combined with a variety of other offers: 10% Repeater Discount - for passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years; AARP - members receive a $50 shipboard credit on 12-day cruises or $35 on the six- and seven-day sailings; "Welcome Back Discount" - passengers booking a future cruise within five weeks of their last voyage receive a NOK 2,000 (@$320) onboard credit. Six-, seven- and 12-day cruise-only fares, with the senior savings, range from $1,085 to $6,404 per person, double; combined with the "Repeater Discount," the range is $964 to $5,692. The offer applies to new bookings for sailing from January 1 - April 15 and September 15 to December 31, 2010. No deadlines or black-out days are in effect.

Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from Hurtigruten's website www.hurtigruten.us or www.hurtigruten.com.

Hurtigruten Gives New Meaning To The Term 'Polar Bear Club'

You don't have to be a member of a polar bear club - those hardy groups of cold water plungers - to take advantage of Hurtigruten's offers to enjoy a dip in the world's coldest waters, whether in Antarctica, the Arctic's Spitsbergen, Greenland, or Norway's Vardø on the Barents Sea. “As far as sea conditions allow, our expedition team will ensure that the bravest of our guests are able to satisfy their thirst for adventure in the water," states Hurtigruten product coordinator Jørn Henriksen. Ideal for those travelers who prefer to bring home more than t-shirts and tans, the dip in the polar waters is something that truly stands out when it comes to bragging - and the Polar Dip Certificate awarded to each participant provides needed verification.

During Antarctica's summer months, guests aboard Hurtigruten's deluxe expedition ship, MV Fram, can enjoy the remarkably refreshing icy waters of one of the largest natural harbors in the world -- off the volcanic Deception Island. The average temperature of this natural ocean pool is a bracing zero degrees Celsius. However, geothermic activity does mean that bathers can occasionally feel a 'comfortable' current of water above freezing. During the North Pole's summer, guests aboard the same ship can entertain a quick jump into the waters of Spitsbergen's Magdelenefjord, avoiding the icebergs, of course; or for those spending 8 to 15 days exploring Greenland, a brief splash in the sea around Uummannaq, a small town 360 miles north of the polar circle and site of the annual Ice Golf World Championship. If a swim in ice-free waters is preferred (due solely to the Gulf Stream), Hurtigruten offers a Norwegian Coastal Voyage cruise extension that makes its way to Norway's Vardø on the Barents Sea, where guests can float in a survival suit while their team leader dives for the evening's meal of King Crab - a wonderful way to combine a sea frolic with the need to catch dinner.

As a leader in Expedition Cruising, Hurtigruten's portfolio of adventure expeditions take guests to both ends of the world -- where pristine environments, unique wildlife and stunning vistas are combined with the opportunity to learn from experts in numerous disciplines including geology, marine life, environment, history and culture.

Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from Hurtigruten Inc., www.hurtigruten.us or www.hurtigruten.com.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Offering Culinary Education Sailing With Chef Dean Max

“There’s something about the water which is magical to me,” says Dean James Max, the Executive Chef of 3030 Ocean, located on Fort Lauderdale beach at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. Fortunately, his fascination with the sea made him the perfect fit for a chef education program on the m/s Paul Gauguin. Onboard the ship’s May 1, 2010 seven day sailing to Tahiti and the Society Islands, Chef Max will educate guests on his sophisticated, yet simple, modern American creations, full of fresh-from-the-ocean oysters, clams, fish, and crabs. While onboard, Chef Max will host cooking classes, culinary seminars and fishing excursions with Paul Gauguin guests.

His goal onboard runs in tandem with the theme of his first cookbook, “A Life by the Sea,” to enlighten guests on the benefits of a seafood-rich diet while assuaging their fears of cooking seafood. “The delicate nature of fish scares home cooks,” comments Max. “To cut down the fear factor, I intentionally kept the recipes simple but stylish. The book was a two-year labor of love aimed at demystifying seafood.”

In addition to 3030 Ocean, Chef Max is also impressively the Chef/Restaurateur for Latitude 41 Restaurant, Amp 150, Cheeca Lodge, and Brasserie Cayman. Website: www.pgcruises.com

Quark Expeditions

Quark’s Akademik Shokalskiy Returns To The Arctic In 2010

Five Arctic itineraries: Spitsbergen Explorer, Spitsbergen, Eastern Greenland, Iceland, West Greenland Explorer, Ultimate Thule Expedition and East Greenland Explorer are being ;offered on the Akademik Shokalsiy which returns to the Arctic this year.. All itineraries include optional kayaking.

In the Arctic, Shokalskiy's capacity drops to 47 passengers per departure. Always exclusive, and always intimate, Shokalskiy is even more so in the Arctic.

The three new Greenland itineraries are perfect for quick getaways. The short duration coupled with highly competitive pricing make East Greenland Explorer and West Greenland Explorer excellent value for Greenland travelers in 2010.

All five expeditions are available for immediate booking. Website: www.quarkexpeditions.com

Still Time To Book An Itinerary On The ‘Kapitan Khlebnikov’

In October 2009, Quark Expeditions announced that the polar adventure company’s flagship, Kapitan Khlebnikov, will retire in March 2012. Four months later, Quark announced that the 13-itinerary End of an Era program is an unqualified success. One of the voyages to remote locales in Antarctica has sold out, and others in the Arctic and Antarctica are well on their way.

Despite the fact that the ship’s retirement is two years away, travelers who hesitate to reserve a cabin may find they have missed the boat – or in this case – the icebreaker. There are cabins left on Quark’s first End of an Era sailing, Northwest Passage: West to East (July 18 to August 5, 2010). On that voyage, special guest Andrew Lambert, author of The Gates of Hell: Sir John Franklin’s Tragic Quest for the Northwest Passage, will return to Khlebnikov to deliver presentations about Franklin, and why a pursuit of scientific discovery had disastrous results. Also, the Laughton Professor of Naval History, will be present when the documentary, Franklin’s Lost Expedition, in which he and Khlebnikov appear, is shown.

A free information kit about the Northwest Passage voyage can be downloaded from the Quark Expeditions website www.quarkexpeditions.com. Per person prices start at $16,490. The 19-day expedition embarks in Anadyr, Russia and disembarks in Resolute, Canada. Other 2010 Arctic cruises scheduled on the Kapitan Khlebnikov are scheduled for August 3 to 18, 2010 and August 16 to 31.

Travel Dynamics International

Great Lakes Cruising Returns In 2010

Travel Dynamics International is scheduling a further ten departures in the Great Lakes for summer 2010. The seven-day itinerary aboard the 100-guest, all-suite Clelia II between Toronto, Ontario and Duluth, Minnesota features port calls at Niagara Falls, Manitoulin Island, Mackinac Island, Houghton (on the lushly forested Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula), and Thunder Bay. The itinerary is

offered from June to September 2010, with rates beginning at $5,695 per person based upon double occupancy. Rates include all meals, drinks and excursions. Airfare is not included.

Also new for 2010 are eight themed cruises:

Family cruises (July 3 and July 24 departures) offer special enrichment programs for adults and children separately, focusing on the history of the Great Lakes region, so that multi-generational families can enjoy a varied yet educational vacation together.

Special Photography cruises (July 17 and September 11 departures) offer onboard and offshore workshops with professional photographer Allen Rokach, whose work has been featured in National Geographic Magazine.

Two music-themed cruises on the Great Lakes are also scheduled. The July 10 departure will be accompanied by classical and American traditional music performed by members of a major symphony orchestra. The August 28 departure includes concerts of great American music from Broadway, Hollywood and Jazz traditions, along with lectures by Bill Messenger, a nationally renowned jazz pianist.

On the September 4 departure, the technological innovations of the Great Lakes region will be highlighted with talks by William Halal, an aerospace engineer who worked on the Apollo program. And on the September 18 departure, a health and wellness program will feature talks by Dr. Stephen Sinatra, an integrative cardiologist, and yoga sessions with instructor Peggy Cappy, creator of the long-running PBS show “Yoga for the Rest of Us.”

Travel Dynamics International’s 2010 Great Lakes cruises also feature three optional extensions: a two-night pre- or post-cruise stay in Toronto; a one-night pre- or post-cruise stay in Duluth; or for cruises embarking in Toronto, a spectacular five-night pre-cruise transcontinental rail journey from Vancouver to Toronto.

From May to October 2010, Travel Dynamics International will use the 100-guest, all-suite Clelia II for seven other itineraries in North American waterways from the US Eastern Seaboard to Newfoundland and Greenland.

Website: www.TravelDynamicsInternational.com.

Voyages of Discovery

Discover more of Latin America & the Caribbean With Voyages of Discovery

The new Latin America & the Caribbean brochure from Voyages of Discovery features an incredible selection of cruises from November 2010 – April 2011. Discovery will follow in the wake of famous explorers, travelling to some unmissable destinations full of color and fascination in unhurried comfort and safety. These include the Amazon, the Orinoco, Falkland Islands and the opportunity to visit the extraordinary Galapagos Islands.

Discovery will also be sailing to historic Cuba, where walking around is like a step back in time. Cuba is on the threshold of great change and is a must-see destination in the Caribbean, yet Voyages of Discovery is one of the few cruise lines to travel there.

The beautiful imagery, imaginative cruise titles and vivid descriptions of every destination in the new brochure help capture the magic of the Voyages of Discovery experience. It outlines what passengers can expect on board with information on the facilities, cabins, food, hospitality and everything that’s included and what’s not. The brochure also introduces the staff and eminent guest speakers who enrich each journey and bring the destinations to life.

Discovery’s Winter 2010/11 program sees her crossing from the tranquil Mediterranean to the upbeat Caribbean via Central America, then on to a 79-day complete circumnavigation of South America from only £7,499* per person. The individual cruise prices start from only £1,299 (or just £70 per day) and include all flights, food, accommodation and gratuities on board. For those seeking a truly epic journey, full of amazing new experiences and outstanding savings, the Grand Voyages in the brochure are combination cruises linking entire regions together. Starting from just £2,399 per person, they offer truly fantastic value.

Guests will enjoy their voyage accompanied by around 650 like-minded passengers, the experienced British Captain and friendly staff and crew. They can expect a warm, personal service without the crowds that inevitably come with bigger ships. As well as the main ports of call, Discovery visits smaller ‘off the beaten track’ destinations and stays in port longer, so there’s more time to explore.

The new Latin America & the Caribbean brochure is available online from www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk/southamerica or by calling 0845 018 1808.

US fares available at www.voyagesofdiscovery.com.

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon Offers 30 Per Cent Early Bird’ Discount On 2010-11 Cruises

Fiji's iconic Blue Lagoon Cruises is offering huge savings on all three, four and seven-day Yasawa Islands cruise programs with the release of a 30 per cent "early bird" discount. The offer applies to all 'Club' and 'Gold Club' programs booked for travel from April 1, 2010 until March 31, 2011. The boutique cruise specialist's only stipulation is that all bookings must be made before a December 31, 2009 cut-off date to qualify for the 30 per cent discount. The discount means prices for the 'early bird' start from just AUD318.00* per adult twin share for a three-day/two-night 'Club' cruise.

All Blue Lagoon Cruises programs include all meals and cruise activities ranging from daily shore excursions and snorkeling (complete with free snorkeling equipment) safaris to fish feeding, fishing and glass bottom boating.

Cultural experiences include a 'Lovo' feast, visits to remote villages, Kava ceremonies and a day spent at Blue Lagoon Cruises' private island of Nanuya Lailai.

Website: www.bluelagooncruises.com. For cruise reservations telephone Blue Lagoon Cruises in Lautoka, Fiji, on +679 666 1622, facsimile +679 666 4098 or via email on reservations@blc.com.fj.

*Conditions apply. Please note cruise prices do not include international airfares or beverages (other than tea and coffee).

Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten Announces "Climate Pilgrimage" Cruise In The Arctic

Hurtigruten makes every effort to educate its guests on a host of subjects -- culture, geography, historical aspects, botany, wildlife - and most importantly these days, some of the reasons for and effects of climate change on these destinations and its wildlife. That topic is the primary focus on a just-announced new voyage -- "Climate Pilgrimage" -- to Northern Norway and the Arctic island of Spitsbergen. The 11-day voyage, aboard one of the world's newest, state-of-the-art, polar-ready cruise ships, MS Fram, offers guests the opportunity to visit research stations, track wildlife, participate in field studies and meet with some of the field's top research scientists - getting the story from those who are best informed. The May 29, 2010 departure is priced from $4,823 to $9,516 per person, double.

The first two days are spent in Norway's Tromso, visiting the Polar Environmental Centre, where climate scientists discuss the task at hand and the status of the research being done. A stop in Europe's northernmost cities, Honningsvag, includes a visit to the North Cape Plateau, and a stop at Gjesvaerstappan - a unique bird cliff where the Norwegian Polar Institute has done research on a host of seabirds including puffins, gannets, auks and guillemots.

The remainder of the trip is spent exploring the remote Arctic island of Spitsbergen where polar bears, Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, whales, walruses and ringed and harp seals and dozens of other animals and migratory birds still roam the stunning landscapes of their natural habitat -- a natural classroom to learn about and see the effects of climate changes. On Bjornoya (Bear Island), participants observe the changes to bird habits at one of the largest concentrations of seabirds in the Northern Hemisphere. Research in Hornsund, Spitsbergen's most southern fjord, includes polar bears and the feeding grounds of auks, while in Bellsund, guests learn about the phenomenon call surging glaciers. Ny Alesund has been the jump off point for several historic attempts to reach the North pole - Amundsen, Ellsworth and Nobile are some examples of explorers. Guests will explore a large glacier front and possibly enjoy an Arctic beer at one of the world's northernmost pubs.

The warming of the Arctic now allows vessels to cross the 80th parallel - something not possible less than 20 years ago. Walruses, whales and polar bears rule this region and the MS Fram will treat guests to a close look at the marginal ice-zone and its large yearly variations. The final two days are spent exploring Isfjorden, Spitsbergen's largest fjord system, observing giant bird cliffs, and visits to the University Centre of Svalbard and Svalbard Museum in Spitsbergen's capital town of Longyearben.

Fares include the cruise and all meals onboard, flights from Spitsbergen to Oslo, lectures and excursions by experienced biologists, geologists and other scientists, applicable land transfers, port fees and some land excursions. Transatlantic airfare, optional excursions, gratuities, and fuel surcharges and taxes are additional.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen. Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from Hurtigruten Inc., (800) 323-7436; fax (954) 486-9340; for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day; www.hurtigruten.us or www.hurtigruten.com.

Island Windjammers

Set Sail For A Unique Experience

Join Island Windjammers aboard S/V Diamant, a 101’ brigantine schooner, as she sets sail from St. George's, Grenada on weekly six-night cruises beginning November 15, 2009.

Hosting an intimate group of just 12 passengers, Diamant will explore the enchanting Grenadine islands, considered by many to be among the most exclusive sailing grounds in the Caribbean.

The itinerary includes Bequia * Carriacou * Mayreau * Palm Island *

Tobago Cays * Union Island.

Rates:

High Season (November 15, 2009 – May 29, 2010): $1699 per week

Low Season (May 30, 2010 – November 13, 2010): $1599 per week

Rates include all meals, draft beer, wine and soft drinks plus gratuities and port taxes.

More information at www.islandwindjammers.com

Lindblad Expeditions

Expedition Style Travel — Making Connections With Nature, History & Culture

These History & Culture 2010 itineraries are designed to strike a balance between the known and the unknown; between must-see highlights and fresh discoveries; between the contemporary culture of cities and towns and the nature that has created the character of every place we explore.

The expeditions invite travelers to experience Europe in new ways. European Odyssey, traveling from Copenhagen to Lisbon, is a passage through centuries of history and a variety of cultures. In the Mediterranean expeditions take on two distinct styles: Some like The Hidden Isles of the Mediterranean sail aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer. Others like Sailing the Greek Isles circle the Cycladic Islands in the 44-guest sailing yacht Panorama.

In Egypt voyages will make the sweep of Egypt's history and grandeur of its culture a lasting memory forever after. And, a land expedition has been added to South America voyages. Exploring Peru: Land of the Inca.

Featured Expeditions:

-- Exploring the Baltic's Historic Waterways over 17 days in August and September 2010. Prices starting at: $11,540.

--Exploring the British and Irish Isles for 14 days; April 2010. Prices starting at: $9,440.

Travel with renowned news broadcaster Ted Koppel discovering the history, culture, music, archaeology and landscapes of western Britain & Ireland

BOOK BY DEC. 30 FOR SPECIAL OFFERS:

• Take up to $3,000 off the cabin fare on select cabin categories.* Call for details.

Book by December 30 for special offers.

For more information visit www.expeditions.com. Be sure to mention code 6EMAIL when making a reservation.

*Savings are per person on select departure dates and/or cabin categories. Offers are valid for new bookings only.

Voyages of Discovery

Early Bird Savings On Summer 2010 Cruises

Destination specialist Voyages of Discovery has launched its Summer 2010 cruise atlas with 20 percent Early Booking Savings and low-cost air add-ons from 25 North American gateway cities. Guests who book by February 1, 2010, will save an additional 10 percent with the line’s Launch Offer Savings. Special rates for single travelers also are available.

The Summer 2010 season offers 11- to 17-night voyages ranging from Greenland to Normandy, the Black Sea and the Levant. As Voyages of Discovery rarely repeats an itinerary, the line also will offer eight unique Grand Voyages ranging from 21 to 43 nights.

Cruise destinations aboard the 650-guest Discovery include the Arctic, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Red Sea and North Africa. Two-page spreads for each itinerary provide destination highlights, an historical description of each port, details on the scheduled guest speaker(s) and outstanding values such as hotel stays and low-cost air add-ons. The brochure can be viewed on line, downloaded and printed from the website and emailed to a client or friend.

The line’s website-- www.voyagesofdiscovery.com -- also reflects the new design of the Summer 2010 brochure. New streaming video for Winter 2009/10 cruises to India, Asia and Africa also have been added to the site. “We’re pleased to present a fresh new look to both our brochure and website,” said Mark Flager, vice president of sales, marketing and passenger services. “With the addition of destination videos for our Winter 2009/10 programs and richer destination and lecturer content, we’re providing a better understanding of our cruisetour programs to travel agents and their clients.” Summer 2010 destination videos are in production and will be added to the site shortly.

All Voyages of Discovery itineraries feature an extensive enrichment program. Top historians, diplomats, scientists and naturalists provide background and insight into the history, culture, flora and fauna of the destinations visited. Scheduled guest speakers include Air Chief Marshall Sir Richard Johns; Derek Blundell, Emeritus Professor of Geophysics at Royal Holloway, University of London; and Prof. Richard Wilson, host of the BBC’s acclaimed “Writers and Places” series.

New ports in 2010 include Sicilian Catania, Nauplion near the Greek citadel of Mycenae, the island of Korcula and the city of Split on the Dalmation Coast.

Each of the itineraries has been carefully planned to maximize time spent ashore, exploring sights, many beyond the reach of larger ships. Guests will also be able to visit incredible inland destinations including Berlin and Cairo. Overnight stays provide passengers with the opportunity to appreciate the art and historic treasures of cultural epicenters such as St Petersburg and Venice or the outstanding volcanic beauty of Reykjavik.

-- Summer 2010 programs on the spacious and elegant, 650-passenger mv Discovery include a rare visit to Ilulissat, Nuuk and Qaqortoq, Greenland, on the 17-night Iceland & Greenland voyage sailing August 6 from Reykjavik, Iceland. Cruise fares (with Launch Offer Savings) start at $4,337 per person.

-- At Dundee, Scotland, guests can visit the line’s namesake vessel, the restored RRS (Royal Research Ship) Discovery, flagship of the 1901 British National Antarctic Expedition under the command of Lt. Robert Falcon Scott.

-- Also new in 2010 is A Taste of France, a ten-night voyage calling at St. Helier, Channel Islands, and La Rochelle, Bordeaux (overnight), St. Malo and Rouen (for Paris and the Normandy beaches). Fares for the Aug. 17 cruise begin at $3,458.

Every feature on the mv Discovery is designed with passengers’ comfort in mind. $3.5 million has been spent on updating and improving the facilities on the vessel over the last two years and a further $3.5 million will be spent this year.

From late May to late August next year, a majority of Voyages of Discovery’s summer cruises will sail round trip from Harwich (London). Cruisetour packages feature two hotel nights in London pre- or post-cruise with an included half-day sightseeing tour.

To celebrate the launch of its Summer 2010 program, Voyages of Discovery is offering a 10 percent Launch Offer Savings for guests booked by February 1, 2010. Special rates for single travelers are also available.

Voyages of Discovery is a trading division of UK-based All Leisure Holidays, which also owns and operates Swan Hellenic and Hebridean Island Cruises.

For reservations, contact your travel professional or Voyages of Discovery at 866-623-2689. Visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com to order brochures and for complete itinerary information and pricing.

Audubon Nature Odysseys

Hapag-Lloyd Cruise Line

Hurtigruten

Island Windjammers Inc.

Quark Expeditions

Voyages of Discovery

The World

Audubon Nature Odysseys

Unique Three-Week Cruise Explores The Southern Skies

Southern Seas Southern Skies Cruise Focuses on Astronomy

Departing February 25 from Ushuaia, Argentina, the 1114-guest Corinthian II will explore the waters—and the skies—of the southern hemisphere. Stargaze from the ship's deck, learning about the magnificent southern sky in the company of noted astronomer Rick Fienberg, former edit of Sky and Telescope magazine and former NASAa astronaut Captain Rick Hauck. Also joining the cruise will be Piers Brendon, a noted British historian who will offer a historical perspective of the islands that are the last remaining British possessions. The ship departs Ushuaia for several calls in the Falklands. She then sails to South Georgia, Nightingale, and Tristan da Cunha and concludes the cruise at Cape Town, South Africa on March 19.

Airfare from Miami to Buenos Aires and return from Cape Town is included in the cruise rate. Membership in the Audubon Society is required. For more information on rates, excursions, etc., visit http://travel.audubon.org/details.php?id=920

Cruise To The Jungle Rivers & Rain Forests Of South America

Audubon Nature Odysseys if offering a cruise to the Jungle Rivers & Rain Forests of South America from April 17 to May 2, 2010. The cruise will allow guests to explore the Amazon, Suriname, Demerara and Orinoco Rivers aboard the all-suite, 100-guest Clelia II. For more information call 212-979-3066 or 800-967-7425 in the US. Website:

Cruise West

Cruise West Offers Unprecedented Savings on 24 World Wide Voyages

Cruise West is offering unprecedented savings for all 24 individual voyages (ranging from nine- to 19-nights) that combine to form the epic world adventure, Voyages of the Great Explorers. Book and pay in full by December 18, 2009, for maximum value-add savings.

Whether guests are eyeing a trip to Southeast Asia, North Africa, the Mediterranean, Greek isles, East Coast Canada and USA, Australia or the South Pacific, there is tremendous value offered in this landmark year. Guests will save up to $1,550 per person ($3,100 per cabin) and receive FREE round trip international airfare from five select U.S. Cities: San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Washington D.C. (IAD or DCA) and New York (JFK) or an air credit of $750 per person by booking and paying in full by December 18, 2009. The free air or air credit is valid for Voyages 1 through 18 of the 24-voyage segments of the Voyages of the Great Explorers.

Additional saving incentives for all 24 voyages (except where noted) include:

-- Bring a friend (new booking) and each person receives $500 off the

cruise fare

-- 50% savings for all children 18 and younger

-- Single supplement will be waived on Voyages 1 - 4 in all cabin