This was published 7 years ago
Hapag-Lloyd's expedition ship MS Hanseatic to sail Pacific, Tahiti to Chile
Hapag-Lloyd's MS Hanseatic.
Coasting through Cuba
Lindblad Expeditions is the latest to sail into newly receptive Cuba, announcing a 10-night Cuba by Land and Sea itinerary that aims to capture the island nation's vibrant cultures and political history as well as its landscape. The first program departs on December 7, with 16 consecutive departures over subsequent months. The tour starts with a three-night stay in Havana, followed by a seven-night cruise along Cuba's southern coast on the 44-guest Panorama II, which will include an exploration of coral reefs and marine life in the company of the on-board naturalist.
Phone 1300 361 012. See www.expeditions.com
Armchair traveller
Australian author Fiona McIntosh will sail aboard SeaDream Yacht Club's boutique ship SeaDream I from Rome to Cannes in October. The cruise visits Sorrento, Capri, Bonifacio and Calvi in Corsica, St Tropez and Cannes. The author will mix, meet and chat with fellow guests about her life and writings rather than giving any formal, stand-up talks or Q&As during her week aboard. She might also share advice with any passengers hoping to one day break into print. McIntosh has published more than 30 adult fantasy and historical adventure-romance novels, plus a half-dozen children's books. Phone 02 9958 4444. See www.seadream.com.
Fiji refresher
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has just completed a $2 million refurbishment of its small ship MV Reef Endeavour, which hosts cruises around the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands and remote northern islands of Fiji. The refurbishment extends to the sundeck and cabins, and the whole ship has been repainted. All suites on the ship's A-deck now have new en suites, which will be extended to all cabins in the next refurbishment stage. The lounge and dining rooms have been given new windows: just the thing to get unobstructed views of coconut palms and scintillating blue seas.
Phone 1300 863 454. See www.captaincookcruisesfiji.com
Spanish sailing
Yacht charter company The Moorings has just launched its newest mid-size power catamaran, The Moorings 434PC, from Palma, capital of the Mediterranean island of Mallorca. Guests on the four-cabin yacht are free to follow The Moorings' suggested itinerary, or venture to nearby islands such as Ibiza, Formentera and Cabrera. Itinerary highlights include Porto Cristo, famed for its massive caves, wildlife-rich Cabrera Island and national park, and the famous beaches of Mallorca. The Moorings operates worldwide, with premium sail-it-yourself bareboat yachts, all-inclusive luxury crewed yachts with captain and chef, and power yacht charters.
Phone 1800 553 720. See www.moorings.com.au
Pacific passage
Hapag-Lloyd's 175-passenger expedition ship MS Hanseatic is sailing the Pacific on an itinerary from Tahiti to Puerto Montt in Chile between November 25 and December 19. The 24-day voyage takes in the Tuamoto Islands – the world's largest archipelago – and, weather permitting, will land passengers by Zodiac at Pitcairn Island for a meeting with descendants of the Bounty mutineers. Another highlight will be a stop at Easter Island to see its famous stone sculptures. The cruise will be accompanied by experts to provide insight into the Pacific's ecology and the history of its exploration by Europeans.
Phone 02 9977 7100. See www.hl-cruises.com
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