This was published 7 years ago
Cruise news: Itineraries from Silversea, Natural Habitat Adventures
Abercrombie & Kent sails into Venice.
WORLD WANDERS
Silversea has already rolled out its 2018 itineraries in 130 countries. They cover around 1000 destinations, of which an impressive 300 are new to the luxury cruise company. Among the highlights are a 44-day "Ultimate Mediterranean" cruise on Silver Muse visiting 39 ports; several cruises in the Indian Ocean; and a journey across the Pacific Ocean on Silver Explorer. Three ships undertake five new voyages in the Philippines, with a particular emphasis on the island of Palawan. Silversea's nine ships include the refurbished Silver Cloud, which will be converted to an ice-class expedition ship for 2018.
Phone 1300 306 872. See silversea.com
Tasmanian Boat Charters' Odalisque cruising Bathurst Harbour in Tasmania.
NATURAL HABITAT
Natural Habitat Adventures has added the 16-passenger Petrel to its privately chartered Galapagos fleet, and is offering a new 10-day "Classic Galapagos: The Natural Habitat Experience" itinerary through the islands. The voyage includes a night in raised canvas tents or tree houses at Tortoise Camp in the Santa Cruz highlands, and visits to Espanola, remote Genovesa and Floreana, where snorkelling reveals sunken volcanic craters home to sharks, rays and turtles. The luxury motor catamaran carries kayaks, snorkelling gear and wetsuits, and two on-board naturalists accompany guests on their encounters with iguanas, giant tortoises and whales.
See nathab.com
TASMANIAN ESCAPE
Tasmanian Boat Charters is tempting travellers wanting to fall off the map with three-, five- or seven-day cruises between February and May 2017 to isolated Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour in the South West Tasmania World Heritage Area, for which it has the only permit for permanent on-water accommodation. The company's Odalisque, which fits up to 10 guests and carries a chef among its crew, is reached on a scenic flight from Hobart. Beyond May, Odalisque offers overnight charters in other parts of Tasmania such as Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula.
Phone 0477 100 119. See tasmanianboatcharters.com.au
AUSTRALIAN VISIT
In early 2017, Azamara Club Cruises' 690-passenger Azamara Journey makes its Australian debut following a $US25 million refurbishment earlier this year. The revitalisation (and that of sister ship Azamara Quest) saw the addition of new venues and technologies, a redesign of cabins and a complete refresh of all public spaces. The ship now also offers new Spa Suites next to the refreshed Sanctum Spa which offer exclusive spa amenities. Azamara Journey will call into Australian ports 21 times between its arrival in Darwin on February 8, 2017, and early March.
Phone 1800 754 500. See azamaraclubcruises.com
ART AND HISTORY
Abercrombie & Kent is tailoring a special 11-day cruise journey in May 2017 that begins and ends with an immersion in Venetian culture and cuisine, plus a visit to the Venice Biennale in the company of an art specialist. Guests then cruise along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast on Ponant's luxury yacht Le Lyrial, with visits to Dubrovnik, Kotor and Rovinj, where the itinerary takes in archaeological sites, museums and gourmet experiences. Group size is limited to 24 (with guaranteed departure for a minimum of two guests), with an A&K tour director throughout the journey.
Phone 1300 851 800. See abercrombiekent.com.au
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