This was published 6 years ago
The Shipping News: Silversea to enrich culinary experiences
Wine tasting on a Silversea shore excursion in Spain. Credit:
Silversea is dishing up a smorgasbord of Enriched Voyages for 2018 and 2019 with a culinary or wine theme. On culinary voyages, Silversea chefs share their expertise through market-to-plate excursions, special menus, cooking demonstrations and dinners highlighting regional specialties. Cruises include a Norway voyage round trip from London in July 2018, a South American expedition in October 2018 and a Hong Kong-to-Singapore itinerary in November 2018. Wine voyages, meanwhile, feature world-class vintners, special tastings and private vineyard tours on cruises from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale in October 2018 and from London to Barcelona in May 2019.
Phone 1300 306 872. See silversea.com
RETURN TO ALASKA
APT's Caledonian Sky.
Windstar Cruises has launched its Signature Expeditions program focused on wildlife and the environment, in which guests can participate in complimentary classes, one-to-one discussions and topical presentations with industry-leading outdoor experts. The program starts in May 2018 with the 212-passenger Star Legend's arrival in Alaska, marking a return to Alaska for Windstar after a two-decade absence. A five-member expedition team will lead excursions by Zodiac, kayak or ashore on foot in destinations such as Kenai Fiord, Misty Fiords, Tracy Arm and the Inian Islands. Alaskan cruises will run until September 2018.
Phone 1300 857 43. See traveltheworld.com.au
SOMMER LOVING
Windstar's Star Legend at sea.
British-based tour operator Peter Sommer Travels has launched two new expert-led cultural gulet (traditional Turkish sailboat) cruises for small groups. The Walking and Cruising the Dodecanese itinerary for just 12 passengers explores the Greek Islands by sail and on foot, visiting archaeological sites off the beaten track. Meanwhile, in Croatia, a Gastronomic Gulet Cruise for 12 guests focuses on the gastronomy of the Dalmatian coast and islands, with visits to local producers, cooking classes, on-shore dining and the chance to sample regional dishes and wines. The company also does small-group, expert-led tours in Italy and Turkey.
See petersommer.com
REMOTE TASMANIA
Small-ship expedition company AdventureSmith Explorations is expanding its horizons with several new itineraries in destinations such as Indonesia, Patagonia, the Pacific Northwest and the legendary Northwest Passage in the Arctic. Also new is an eight-day Pristine Tasmania cruise on the 72-passenger vessel Coral Discoverer, which visits Tasman National Park and Maria Island National Park and, conditions permitting, spends two days exploring the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area at Port Davey, normally only accessible by week-long hikes or light aircraft. Tasmanian cruises are already running this season, with more departures scheduled for January, February and March 2019.
See adventuresmithexplorations.com
PLEASURES OF PNG
APT has a new, one-off departure to Papua New Guinea in partnership with Noble Caledonia, departing on October 2, 2018, on the 110-passenger Caledonian Sky. A 10-member expedition team will help bring the region's history, culture and landscapes to life, from PNG's volcanoes and waterfalls to its rainbow-bright birds and lush rainforests. Passengers will have the chance to stroll through markets, cruise the coast by Zodiac ride and attend dance performances by village warriors. Guests will also get a look at PNG's Australia-linked war history with a visit to the Coastwatchers Memorial Lighthouse.
Phone 1300 196 420. See aptouring.com.au
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