American Safari Cruises Gears Up for Unstructured Yacht Itineraries in Hawaii

The inaugural season for American Safari Cruises in the Hawaiian Islands begins on October 26, 2011. To celebrate, this small-ship luxury line is offering excellent fares and a $300 per couple value-added travel credit ($150 for solo travelers). This credit will be given on any new booking made between June 1 and July 29, 2011 for travel between October 26, 2011 and May 3, 2012.

American Safari Cruises' 36-guest Safari Explorer is the only small-group expedition yacht offering overnight cruises in the Hawaiian Islands. Guests sail one way—on the leeward side of the eastern-most Hawaiian Islands—on an active luxury adventure between Maui and the Big Island that includes exclusive visits to Molokai, Lanai, and Molokini.

These unstructured itineraries—like those the cruise line offers in Alaska's Inside Passage and Mexico's Sea of Cortes—allow plenty of time for wildlife sightings, active adventures (like kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking), and cultural experiences.

ASC offers an inclusive experience, including transfers between the airport and yacht; taxes and port fees; entry fees to parks and preserves; onboard gourmet meals, premium wine, beer, and spirits; onboard naturalists; shore excursions; and "from the yacht" activities (like swimming, fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling).

There are two itineraries to choose from: the 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes and the 10-night Hawaii's Traditional Shores. 

American Safari Cruises Hawaiian Island Highlights

• humpback whale watching
• night snorkeling at Molokini
• interact with Big Island Pacific Mantra rays
• guided hikes along Molokai's famed Kalaupapa Trail
• exploration via kayak, sailboat, paddle board, snorkel, bicycle, and skiff
• complimentary onboard massage
• opportunities for golf on Lanai, Molokai, Maui, and the Big Island
• hands-on cultural experiences in Molokai's Halawa Valley

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact American Safari Cruises at 1-(888) 862-8881.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photos courtesy of American Safari Cruises

Orion Expeditions Releases 2010 Itineraries

Orion Expeditions, the expeditionary cruise line out of Australia, has released its 2010 cruise itineraries for the 53-cabin MV Orion. Early bookings are eligible for 15 percent off the full fare.

Orion is a rugged yet luxurious ship and you'll spend your days hopping in the Zodiacs to explore land by day while your evenings will be devoted to enjoying the ship, gourmet meals, and educational presentations in the ship's lecture theater.

2010 Orion Expedition Itinerary Highlights

• February 3: New Zealand Highlights (10 nights). From Invercargill, with its stately Victorian and Edwardian architecture, guests are transported by coach to the fishing port of Bluff on the southern tip of New Zealand. Thus begins an unforgettable voyage through the abundant natural wonders of the north and south islands, with stops in Milford Sound, Dusky Sound, Dunedin, Akaroa, Kaikoura, Wellington, Marlborough Sounds, Napier and White Island. The journey ends in Auckland. Prices begin at $6,490.



• March 1: ISLANDS Magazine Melanesian Discovery (16 nights). From Auckland, Orion sets sail on a northern course for Rabaul in Papua New Guinea, with stops at intriguing, rarely visited islands in Vanuatu and the Solomons along the way. Among these are the idyllic Isle of Pines with its eight Kunie tribes; Tanna Island where guests can hike an active volcano; Espiritu Santo, where James Michener penned “Tales of the South Pacific”; Utupua Island for exceptional snorkeling; and Santa Ana island, whose inhabitants are known for their fine woodwork. Prices begin at $9,430.
  



• March 27 and October 11: New Guinea Island Adventure (11 nights). Spectacular diving, pristine beaches, and ancient tropical fjords are the focus of this voyage. Leaving from Cairns, Orion ventures to Rabaul, stopping along the way at unforgettable destinations such as Deboyne Lagoon with its shipwrecked WWII-era Japanese Zeros; Egum Atoll, rich in marine wildlife and vast species of birds; and the remote Lamassa and Duke of York Islands, known for their natural beauty and friendly locals. Prices start at $7,135.
  



• April 17 and October 22: Papua New Guinea Cultural Highlights (11 nights). An introduction to the mysterious art and tribal cultures of the Sepik River and Tufi region, the voyage also includes the four idyllic atolls of the Tami Islands, the hot springs of Fergusson Island, and the lively harbor of Milne Bay, among other memorable adventures. Prices start at $7,135.
  



• April 28: Tropical Reefs & Culture/Northern Queensland (6 nights). This jaunt through Northern Queensland leaves from Cairns and takes guests to Lizard Island with its coral gardens and giant clams just offshore, Stanley Island, home to fascinating indigenous rock art, Orion Reef (a white-sand spit ideal for snorkeling), and more, before ending at Thursday Island. Prices start at $3,540.
  



• May 4: Art of Arnhem Land (7 nights). Departing from Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, this voyage is hosted by Australia’s pre-eminent collectors of indigenous art, who introduce guests to the remote art communities of the Arnhem Land coast. Prices start at $4,120.
  



• May–September: Kimberley Expedition (10 nights). The rugged coastline of Australia’s northwest abounds in dramatic scenery and fascinating cultural experiences. Highlights include the historic coastal town of Broome, known for its pearl diving and palm-fringed Cable Beach; the wild and remote Kimberley coast, home to spectacular gorges, inlets and waterfalls; and the cosmopolitan northern capital of Darwin. An August 27 sailing includes a special performance of the world-class Opera Under the Stars at the Cable Beach Amphitheatre. Prices begin at $7,395.
  



• May 31: Kimberly–Art of Exploration (10 nights). From Darwin to Broome, this voyage takes guests on an art- and nature-themed adventure through northwestern Australia. Stops include the northernmost town of Wyndham–the gateway to the art centers of Warmun and Kununurra; fascinating Aboriginal rock art at Vansittart Bay, Bigge Island and Montgomery Reef; and the natural wonders of the spectacular King George River and Falls–viewed by Zodiac or helicopter, and Mitchell Falls. Prices start at $7,215.
  



• July 10: Spice Island Adventure (10 nights). This round-trip from Darwin offers a chance to explore the forgotten Islands of Maluku, the underwater paradise of Alor, and the 14 active volcanoes and fascinating villages of Maumere, Flores. There are also stops in Komodo, home to the Komodo dragon, Sumba with its fascinating island culture based on three social strata, and more. Prices start at $5,890.
  



• September 26: Forgotten Islands and Asmat Art (10 nights). This Asian expedition launches from Darwin and visits the intriguing “forgotten” islands of Malaku, including tiny Kisar and Yamdena Island, where villagers will lead guests on a tour of Sangliat Dol; several of the 90 Aru Islands, known for their natural beauty; the Agats Museum on the island of New Guinea; Thursday Island to explore the rich history of the Torres Strait; and Orion Reef and Lizard Island for snorkeling. The journey ends in Cairns. Prices start at $5,890.
  



• November 2: Great Barrier Reef (7 nights). Orion’s Expedition Team guides guests through an exploration of Australia’s World Heritage Great Barrier Reef that is far removed from the bustle of resort crowds. Zodiac safaris allow guests to snorkel and swim over a pristine and seldom visited section of Hardy reef. The voyage also includes a visit to the exclusive luxury resort of Hayman Island, and Percy Island for kayaking or a leisurely afternoon on a shaded beach, and ends in Sydney. Prices start at $4,120.
  



• November 9: Australia’s Wild South-East–Voyage of Discovery (7 nights). Embarking in Sydney, guests sail down the East Coast of Australia into the beauty of Jervis Bay and the surrounding natural bushland. The voyage then continues south, stopping at Phillip Island with its famous little penguins. This expedition marks an Orion milestone with the ship’s first-ever arrival in Melbourne. Prices start at $4,120.
  



• November 16: Southern Australia Culinary Delights–Voyage of Discovery (7 nights). Created for the epicurean traveler, this culinary adventure leaves from Melbourne and–in another first for Orion–journeys west to South Australia. Here, guests enjoy visits to the Limestone Coast, Kangaroo Island, Eyre Peninsula and Fleurieu Peninsula, returning to Melbourne with plenty of culinary inspiration. Prices start at $4,120.
  



• November 24: National Parks of Tasmania (7 nights). Orion offers guests a rare opportunity to explore the pristine wilderness of Tasmania (over a third of which is preserved in a network of National Parks). Adventures include the rugged landscape and plentiful wildlife of Flinders Island, hiking at Wineglass Bay, the ruins of a convict settlement at Maria Island, and the local oysters at Coles Bay. The journey begins at Melbourne and ends at Hobart. Prices start at $4,120.
  



• December 1: Wild Tasmania (seven nights). Beginning and ending in Hobart on the Australian island of Tasmania, this unforgettable journey explores the island’s World Heritage and wilderness areas, with landings by Zodiac along the rugged coastline, from spectacular Port Davey to Maria Island to Coles Bay for oysters and Tasmanian wine. Prices start at $4,120.
  



• December 8: New Zealand & Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure (13 nights). Traveling from Hobart to Dunedin, New Zealand, this island-hopping adventure is paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Guests explore the wilderness islands of World Heritage-listed Macquarie and Campbell, the Auckland Islands and Snares Islands, as well as the spectacular New Zealand fjordlands. Prices start at $8,425.
  



• December 21: Christmas in Fjordland (7 nights). Leaving from Dunedin, New Zealand, this voyage makes the ultimate holiday gift for shutterbugs. The journey highlights the spectacular scenery of the wilderness islands of Campbell, Auckland, Stewart and Snares Islands, as well as the New Zealand fjordlands. Prices start at $4,120.
  



• December 28: Mawson’s Antarctica–Commonwealth Bay (18 nights). A once-in-a-lifetime adventure for intrepid travelers, this voyage sails from Dunedin past towering glaciers and snow-shrouded mountains to Commonwealth Bay, where guests can step inside the huts left behind by Mawson’s historic Antarctic expedition. Prices start at $15,345.
  



• February 1, 2011: Scott and Shackleton’s Antarctica–Ross Sea (20 nights). From Christchurch, the MV Orion crosses the Antarctic Circle to visit penguin breeding colonies in the Ross Sea Region. Guests will also observe elephant seals, Hooker sea lions, and the endangered Wandering Albatross as they visit sites charted by explorers Scott and Shackelton in their historic race to the South Pole. Prices start at $17,050.

Remember, this is an Australian cruise line. The prices above are quoted in U.S. dollars and may be subject to change due to currency fluctuation.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Lindblad's Nat'l Geographic Explorer Charts European Adventures This Summer

Sven-Olof Lindblad, president of Lindblad Expeditions, writes compelling letters. Like many of you, I'm on Lindblad's mailing list and every so often I receive a brochure with a letter penned by Mr. Lindblad himself. His missives are always persuasive and he crafts the letter to dovetail with a special offer that makes it really difficult to say "no" to an upcoming expedition adventure.

His May 15th letter introduces us to the 148-passenger National Geographic Explorer and her summertime European itineraries. He talks about visiting Europe "through the front door" from the sea. I agree when he says that it's a magical way to see Europe.

"It's different sailing into a harbor, watching a city's skyline unfold in front of you, than entering by bus from the airport."

That is so true!

Lindblad goes on to say that "at the end of the day, what's perhaps most important is the camaraderie that so naturally develops on the National Geographic Explorer between, frankly, the most intersting guests on the planet, a most engaging staff of historians, naturalists, and just plan raconteurs, and a crew that is really enjoying their new ship and would love to have you join them."

If only I had some more time to devote to vacations this year! Lindblad is promoting two excellent European itineraries right now that include free air and $2,000 in cruise fare savings.

European Odyssey: A Passage Through Centuries of Culture & History
September 27, 2009 aboard the National Geographic Explorer

• 9/27: depart the U.S. for Copenhagen, Denmark
• 9/28: arrive in Copenhagen
• 9/29: Lubeck, Germany
• 9/30: Transit the Kiel Canal
• 10/1: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• 10/2: Oostende, Belgium (Bruges)
• 10/3: Bayeux, France
• 10/4: Cherbourg, France (Normandy D-Day Beaches)
• 10/5: St. Malo and Mont-St. Michel, France
• 10/6: at sea
• 10/7: Ile D'Aix and La Rochelle, France
• 10/8: La Cote Basque, France
• 10/9: Bilbao, Spain
• 10/10: La Coruna/Santiago De Compostela
• 10/11: Islas Cies and Bayona
• 10/12: Oporto, Portugal
• 10/13: Lisbon, Portugal

Exploring the Baltic's Historic Waterways
September 5 and 13*, 2009 aboard the National Geographic Explorer
*travels from St. Petersburg to Copenhagen

• Day 1: fly to Copenhagen, Denmark
• Day 2: Copenhagen
• Day 3: Lubeck, Germany
• Day 4: Christianso & Bornholm Islands, Denmark
• Day 5: Gdansk, Poland
• Day 6: at sea
• Day 7: Riga, Latvia
• Day 8: Visby, Gotland, Sweden
• Day 9: Stockholm, Sweden
• Day 10: Stockholm Archipelago
• Day 11: Tallinn, Estonia
• Day 12: Helsinki, Finland
• Day 13–15: St. Petersburg, Russia
• Optional Moscow extension is available

If you book the September 5th Baltic voyage, you'll sail with Gil Grosvenor, chairman of the National Geographic Society, and his wife Wiley.

For more information about these voyages, talk with your travel agent or contact Lindblad Expeditions at 1-(800) 397-3348.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Photo courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions and copyright Sisse Brimberg & Cotton Coulson

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Video: Active Cruises for Nature Lovers

When I think back on my favorite vacations, most tend to be the ones that focused on viewing animals or enjoying the great outdoors. Yet, if you know me, you know I'm a "princess" type that—when traveling—requires fairly spacious accommodations and excellent meals that end with a slice of chocolate cake.

It's lucky for me then that so many luxury cruise lines offer adventures that get up-close to wild animals—safely and comfortably.

Here are some videos that show off just a few luxury cruise options with a focus on nature:

American Safari Cruises
Sailing Alaska's Inside Passage and Mexico's Sea of Cortez

Lindblad Expeditions with National Geographic
Sailing Alaska, Antarctica, Artic, Baja California, Egypt's Nile River, Europe, Galapagos, and the Mediterranean

Orion Expedition Cruises
Sailing Antarctica, Australia's Kimberley Region, Melanesia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Southeast Asia

If any of these cruises piqued your interest, talk with your travel agent or call the cruise line. Do not be afraid to go out there and experience nature and far-flung destinations. You will not be disappointed!

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Silversea's 2009 South Pacific Season Announced

Ever since Silversea's new 132-passenger expedition ship, Prince Albert II, was launched earlier this year, fans of the cruise line have been anticipating details about the ship's upcoming visits to the South Pacific from mid-March to late October 2009.

The itineraries have been released and there are some outstanding options that include lesser known ports of call in the Austral Islands, the Marquesas, and the isolated Tuamotu Islands. Perhaps the best news is that these Polynesian cruises will follow only a loose itinerary, allowing for the flexibility to stay longer at one location or make a slight detour due to weather conditions.

The following itinerary descriptions were provided by Silversea:

Austral Island Adventures
Nestled in the Tropic of Capricorn, the remote Austral Islands lie hundreds of miles south of Tahiti and enjoy a slightly cooler climate. Tubuai, largest of these volcanic islands, is probably best known for the failed landing attempts of the H.M.S. Bounty. (The island's villagers assaulted the unwelcome ship with a barrage of stones, and ultimately the mutineers sailed off to Pitcairn.) Prince Albert II and her fleet of eight Zodiac boats will explore the unique culture, flora and fauna of Rapa, Raivavae, Tubuai, Rurutu, and Rimatara on five 11-day, roundtrip journeys from Papeete.
Silver Sailing fares start at $3,897 per person, based on double occupancy.

Journeys to the Marquesas
The mountainous islands of the Marquesas are located nearly 900 miles northeast of Tahiti and just south of the equator. With a lush, vibrant terrain bursting with myriad exotic flowers and fruit trees, it's easy to understand how this tropical paradise captivated the artist Paul Gauguin, who made the Marquesas his adopted home. On four roundtrip journeys of 14 days from Papeete, Prince Albert II's expedition team will lead in-depth explorations of Fatu Hiva, Pua Mau, Hiva Oa, Atuona, Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva, and Tahuata, as well as Manihi and Fakarava Island in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Society Islands of Bora Bora and Tahaa.
Silver Sailing fares start at $4,917 per person, based on double occupancy.

Tuomotu Expeditions
The isolated Tuamotu Islands, northeast of Tahiti, comprise the world's largest chain of atolls. Its 78 sparsely populated coral islands span over 900 miles of aquamarine waters. Dotted with quaint villages, coral churches and an abundance of wildlife—from bottlenose dolphins and coconut crabs to the rarest of birds, this remote archipelago offers endless possibilities for real Robinson Crusoe-style adventures. Departing from Papeete, Prince Albert II will embark on five 10-day expeditions to the Tuamotu islands of Tikihau, Rangiroa, Apataki, Arutua and Fakarava, as well as Raiatea, Maupihaa, and Huahine in the Society Islands.
Silver Sailing fares start at $3,597 per person, based on double occupancy.

The Prince Albert II is a luxury expedition ship offering an all-inclusive experience featuring spacious staterooms (many with French balconies or full verandahs) and a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.

For more information about Prince Albert II, talk with your travel agent or visit Silversea's website.

Photos courtesy of Silversea.