This was published 4 years ago
Silversea Cruises to visit more ports than ever
By Brian Johnston
Silversea Cruises' Silver Whisper in Sydney harbour. The cruise line's new summer 2020-21 voyages visit more ports than ever.
SUMMER LOVING
Silversea Cruises has rolled out its new summer 2020-21 voyages, which visit more ports than ever – 20 for the first time – in the Caribbean, Asia and South America. Silversea also sails to 49 destinations in eight countries in and around Australia on cruises between October 2020 and March 2021, including a 50-day circumnavigation of Australia on Silver Muse that departs Sydney on October 31, 2020, and also visits New Zealand and Indonesia. Silver Moon, meanwhile, will sail an inaugural season in Central and South America between January and April 2021, visiting 27 countries and 55 ports.
Phone 1300 306 872. See silversea.com
MATING SEASON
World Expeditions is offering a new Galapagos cruise on board the purpose-built yacht Solaris in 2020. The yacht carries just 16 passengers, and five of the 11 cabins are for solo travellers, with no single supplement surcharge. The cruise will be escorted by expert naturalist Jaime Dominguez, who has 30 years' experience, and is timed to coincide with the start of the marine iguana mating season when the reptiles change colour to bright reds and greens to attract mates. The eight-day cruise departs either Quito or Guayaquil on January 28, 2020.
Phone 1300 720 000. See worldexpeditions.com
CHINESE JOURNEY
The new season of Sanctuary Retreats' cruises on the Yangtze River in China has opened, with three- and four-night cruises between Chongqing and Yichang on luxury vessel Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer running until the end of November this year. The cruises visit the world's largest artificial military cave at Fuling and the renowned Three Gorges Dam, but the highlight of the journey is the dramatic Three Gorges, which feature towering cliffs, forest-crowned peaks and smaller tributary canyons. While on board, guests can experience aspects of Chinese culture such as calligraphy, tai chi, reflexology, tea ceremonies and dumpling making.
Phone 03 9536 1831. See sanctuaryretreats.com
GO DUTCH
If your idea of cruising involves boats rather than ships, then Le Boat continues to offer bespoke itineraries on the canals of the Netherlands. Among the options is a journey from Vinkeveen through Muiden and Weesp to Amsterdam, or a float from Hindeloopen through some of Holland's most beautiful towns such as Workum, Bolsward and Sneek, full of 17th-century architecture and art. Le Boat has one of the largest selections of rental boats in Europe, with fully equipped kitchens and accommodations for up to 12 passengers, with no experience or boating licence necessary.
Phone 1800 118 940. See leboat.com.au
HERITAGE RENEWED
Heritage Expeditions' ship Spirit of Enderby has just emerged from a makeover that has transformed the 35-year-old former polar research vessel. The ship now has a freshly painted exterior and revamps of its suites, cabins and hallways, plus bathrooms with new floors and light fittings. The work rounds off a makeover that began last year with a refurbishment of the bar, library and lounge, dining room and lecture theatre. Spirit of Enderby specialises in adventurous cruising in destinations such as Antarctica and the Subantarctic Islands, Pacific and Russian Far East.
Phone 1800 143 585. See heritage-expeditions.com
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