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JOIN JANN on A&K’s South Pacific Voyage: Komodo, Papua & Great Barrier Reef from 21 Nov to 7 Dec 2022

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Join Jann Porter on Abercrombie & Kent’s South Pacific Voyage:
Komodo, Papua & the Great Barrier Reef
21 November to 7 December 2022

South Pacific Islands

“I’m looking so forward to this trip as it includes off-the-beaten track islands and great reefs, plus showcases natural and cultural wonders of Bali, the Komodo National Park, the Alor archipelago, the Maluku Islands and Papua in Indonesia; as well as Australia’s Lizard Island and the Great Barrier Reef. The expedition team is fantastic; I’ve travelled with most of them and they know the area really well and rate this as one of their favourite areas on the planet!”

 Embark on a Luxury Expedition Cruise to explore the rich tribal traditions, tropical seascapes and natural wonders of the paradisiacal South Pacific.

Voyage with A&K’s award-winning Expedition Team on exclusively chartered Le Laperouse and experience unforgettable days in Komodo National Park, one of the finest in the world with its wondrous marine ecosystem, unique culture and rare namesake dragon. Guests will also discover the storied spice island of Maluku, astonishing Papua and the Great Barrier Reef, whilst enjoying wildlife and nature walks, Zodiac excursions and landings, snorkelling and local village visits.

South Pacific Islands - map

A 2-night stay (21 to 23 November) at the Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay is part of the programme and will be included in the package price.

South Pacific Islands - pictures

Voyage Highlights

Discover paradisiac island life during a two-night pre-cruise stay at the luxury Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay, Bali.

 Enjoy Zodiac outings, snorkelling and shore visits with A&K’s award-winning Expedition Team. Gain insight into the history, culture and incredible diversity during exclusive excursions. Possibility of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with experienced instructors.

 Discover the beauty of UNESCO protected Komodo National Park while searching for the great dragons or enjoying water activities. Discover Kei Islands and the beautiful white-sand beaches of the Malukus. Uncover the natural and cultural riches of Papua, the land of a thousand cultures. Take a Zodiac voyage through the spectacular rainforest topped karst formations of Triton Bay. Swim and snorkel in the waters of Australia’s number one Great Barrier Reef Island.

Le Laperouse is a beautiful French motor yacht with a guest capacity of 184 but limited to only 148 guests on this exclusive charter.

Herewith a link to some stunning images and more information: Le Laperouse

All staterooms / suites have a balcony, Categories 1 to 6 have a shower; Categories 7 & 8 have a shower and bath.

Le Laperouse

Prices are in US Dollars including an Early Booking Discount of $3 000.00 per person and a reduced single fare for Categories 1 to 3:


Category 1 Classic Balcony Stateroom on Deck 3 @ $16 995.00 per person sharing; $24 492.50 for single occupancy

Category 2 Deluxe Balcony Stateroom on Deck 4 @ $18 995.00 per person sharing; $27 242.50 for single occupancy

Category 3 Prestige Balcony Stateroom on Decks 5 and 6 @ $19 995.00 per person sharing; $28 617.50 for single occupancy

Category 4 Deluxe Balcony Suite on Decks 4, 5 and 6 @ $29 495.00 per person sharing; $57 540.00 for single occupancy

Category 5 Privilege Balcony Suite on Decks 5 and 6 @ $32 495.00 per person sharing; $63 340.00 for single occupancy

Category 6 Prestige Two-Room Balcony Suite on Decks 5 and 6 @ $36 995.00 per sharing; $72 140.00 for single occupancy

Category 7 Grand Deluxe Balcony Suite on Decks 5 and 6 @ $42 995.00 per person sharing; $83 840.00 for single occupancy

Category 8 Owner’s Balcony Suite on Deck 6 @ $46 995.00 per person sharing; $91 640.00 for single occupancy

Optional Pre & Post Extensions

A&K is offering an optional 3-night pre-programme extension, Treasures of Bali, staying at the Four Seasons Resort at Sayan from $3 495.00 per person sharing and $5 490.00 for single occupancy and a 3-night Wonders of Cairns and Queensland post-cruise extension from $3 595.00 per person sharing and $4 690.00 for single occupancy.

Featured Experts

Expedition Leaders

I’m so excited about this trip to a beautiful, interesting area that I’ve always wanted to explore and the expedition team rate this as one of their favourite areas on the planet!

The fabulous itinerary includes off-the-beaten track islands and great reefs, plus showcases natural and cultural wonders of Bali, the Komodo National Park, the Alor archipelago, the Maluku Islands and Papua in Indonesia; as well as Australia’s Lizard Island and the Great Barrier Reef. Herewith a beautiful 9-minute video, Komodo, Papua & Great Barrier Reef video presented by Laurence Gosset-Lukaszczyk, the Product Manager for A&K’s Expedition Cruising.

 This will be my 8th group cruise with Abercrombie & Kent and they have all been wonderful as the expedition team is superb, the ships are new and modernplus we’ve seen so many interesting and beautiful places. There is great camaraderie when cruising with others, although everyone is quite independent.

 I do hope that you can join me in exploring these beautiful islands and if it’s a trip that you’re interested in, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can discuss it in more detail and secure you the category of your choice.

We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394

SILVERSEA 2023 WORLD CRUISE – Sydney to Fort Lauderdale, 9 January to 28 May 2023 on the Silver Shadow

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139-Day World Cruise: South Side Story, All The World’s A Stage
Sydney to Fort Lauderdale on the Silver Shadow, 9 January to 28 May 2023
139 Days | 66 Destinations | 34 Countries | 20 Overnight Stays

Silversea World Cruise 2023

“Entitled South Side Story, Silversea’s 2023 World Cruise will take inspiration from the Southern Hemisphere’s most captivating cultures—their arts, their people, and the concept of performance as a means to engage with each destination,” says Jose Vuolo, Silversea’s Global Creative Director. “It was fitting, therefore, to leverage on the famous Shakespeare phrase, ‘All The World’s A Stage,’ which is an invitation to our guests to play their parts in this great story, while enjoying the spectacle of the world.”

“I take great delight in celebrating the annual launch of our new World Cruise,” says Fernando Barroso de Oliveira, Silversea’s President’s Ambassador to the Venetian Society. “With a focus on the breathtaking landscapes of the Southern Hemisphere, our guests will enjoy new, immersive experiences as they befriend like-minded travellers aboard our recently refurbished Silver Shadow.” Click on this link to view the preview of the 2023 World Cruise.

Silversea’s 2023 World Cruise, South Side Story, will depart Sydney on 9 January 2023, arriving in Fort Lauderdale on 28 May. Over 139 nights, the Silver Shadow will cross five continents to unlock immersive experiences for guests in 66 destinations, taking in 34 countries. A total of 40 destinations have not been visited on Silversea’s recent World Cruise itineraries. Guests will enjoy 20 overnight calls in 17 cities, as well as 10 bespoke events—five of which will be exclusive to full world cruise guests.

There will be at least one complimentary shore excursion in each port plus Overland Tours will be offered as an optional extra; details are still to be confirmed but will include for the first time an overland tour in Nepal as well as tours in Bagan, Skeleton Coast, Rwanda and New Guinea.

Prices for the full World Cruise are from $74 000.00 per person sharing.

Silversea World Cruise 2023 - map

Highlights of the 2023 World Cruise include:

An in-depth exploration of the natural history of Tasmania and New Zealand;
A deep discovery of Melanesia’s lesser-travelled coasts, including Papua New Guinea for the first time on a Silversea World Cruise;
An immersion into Southeast Asia’s rich, multi-layered culture and traditions, with overnights in iconic cities such as Hong Kong, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City;
Time spent in the Gulf of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, including opportunities to explore deeper inland;
A three-day exploration of Madagascar, with new calls in Mauritius and Réunion;
A seven-day discovery of the West Coast of Africa, starting with South Africa;
An immersive trip into the Amazon River for the first time on a World Cruise;
And new experiences in the Caribbean, with all-new calls in destinations like Ile Royale and Mayreau, among others.

Please let us know if this is a trip that you’re interested in as we expect it to book up quickly.

We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394

Windstar Cruises – 2022 Alaska

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Alaska

Windstar Cruises – 2022 Alaska

Herewith information about Windstar’s Alaska cruises and they have 8 onboard expedition experts who spend one-on-one time with guests providing insight on glaciers, culture and wildlife plus they lead optional Signature Expedition tours on zodiacs and kayaks. I’ve included links to additional information including popular highlights.

The Star Breeze will be completely renovated by October 2021 as part of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative. With only 312 guests, she’s large enough to pamper and entertain you, yet small enough to tuck into delightful tiny harbours and hidden coves that others can’t reach. Most suites only have a shower, no bath but there are some suites with a shower over the bath so let us know if you’d prefer this. Herewith links to information about the ship: Star Breeze, as well as a video of a sneak peek tour with Vice President, John Gunner and Captain Neil.

11-day Alaskan Splendors, Vancouver to Seward (for Anchorage); prices are from $6 499.00 per person sharing in a Star Balcony Suite 1.

Departure dates:
2022: 31 May; 11 and 22 June; 3 and 28 July; 8 and 19 August 2022

Alaska 2

15-day Alaskan Explorations & Denali Cruise Tour, Vancouver to Fairbanks; prices are from $9 399.00 per person sharing in a Star Balcony Suite 1. Fairbanks is a 5h40m flight from Vancouver.

Departure dates:
2022: 31 May; 7, 22 and 29 June; 28 July; 4 and 19 August 2022

Alaska 3

11-day Islands & Inlets of the Inside Passage, Vancouver roundtrip from 20 to 31 May 2022; prices are from $6 199.00 per person sharing in a Star Balcony Suite 1.

7-day Scenic Alaska, Vancouver to Juneau; prices are from $4 999.00 per person sharing in a Star Balcony Suite 1.

Departure dates:
2022: 14 and 21 July 2022

Alaska 5

11-day Alaskan Coastal Adventures & Denali Discovery Cruise Tour, Vancouver to Fairbanks; prices are from $8 299.00 per person sharing in a Star Balcony Suite 1. Fairbanks is a 5h40m flight from Vancouver.

Departure dates:
2022: 14 and 17 July 2022

Herewith links to 3-minute overview videos on some of the ports:
Experience Haines and Ketchikan
Leave the Crowds in Wrangell and Juneau
One-of-a-Kind Sitka

THE CRUISE FARE INCLUDES
All meals in all venues at all times, including room service menu available 24 hours
All non-alcoholic beverages, including cappuccino, espresso, and other specialty non-alcoholic drinks
Welcome cocktails at reception
All onboard entertainment
Unlimited use of Fitness Centre
Unlimited use of all water sports equipment where applicable
Informative nightly port talks and destination briefings

We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394

Morocco with Abercrombie & Kent

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morocco

Morocco with Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has advised the following with regards to the desert and the best time to be in Morocco:

“You shouldn’t stay in the desert in June, July or August as it’s far too hot. The best time of year is mid-March to May when the landscape is green and lush, making for spectacular mountain hiking.

Morocco is also lovely in September and October, when temperatures are very pleasant and in the winter months from November to February, the daytime temperatures are still mild although the evenings can get cold.”

 

We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394

Viking – In Search of the Northern Lights on the Viking Venus in 2022 & 2023

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Viking - Northern Lights

In Search of the Northern Lights on the Viking Venus in 2023

Experience a land where dawn and twilight merge on the edges of the long Arctic night. Cruising far north in Norway’s winter, witness what few others see: wondrous snow-dusted landscapes, cities hushed in slumber and the luminous aurora borealis dancing in the sky. Sami legends, a sled dog ride and mysterious rock carvings bring you close to your destination. Join us on this truly illuminating cruise.

The Viking Venus was launched in June 2021 and offers popular itineraries in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including 6 trips In Search of the Northern Lights in January, February and March. This unique itinerary will allow guests the rare opportunity to explore the far north in Norway’s winter, during a peak period for aurora borealis sightings. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Northern Europe with overnights in Tromsø, Alta and Bergen, Norway.

In Search of the Northern Lights from Tilbury (for London) to Bergen, Norway on the Viking Venus; 13-days from $4 999.00 per person sharing.

2023 DEPARTURE DATES:
19 January, 31 January*; 12 February, 24 February*; 8 March, 20 March* (* itinerary operates in reverse i.e. Bergen, Norway to Tilbury, UK).

Herewith a link to a 3-minute video giving an overview of the itinerary.

Viking Ocean Cruises has a fleet of all balcony, state-of-the-art ocean ships. With a guest capacity of 930, the Viking Venus offers understated elegance with a modern Scandinavian design. Herewith a link to the deck plan and suite descriptions: Viking Venus.

Please note that no children/minors are allowed onboard; all guests must be 18 years or older.

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Enjoy the Viking Resident Historian delivering 6 iconic lectures: The Hanseatic League, The Vikings, Vikings on the move, Oceans in Context – History & Inspiration, History of Navigation and The Bayeux Tapestry. Herewith a link to a 4-minute video by Charles Doherty, Chief Viking Resident Historian.

Experience the Northern Lights in Alta; home to some of northern Europe’s most magnificent natural beauty, Alta’s frequent clear skies make it an ideal place to view the luminous aurora borealis during the height of the viewing season.
Experience Nordic Life with the Sami Community of Máze; while in Alta, visit the nearby native Sami community of Máze for an authentic lunch of local dishes and an exciting ride in a reindeer-drawn sleigh.
Visit the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø; home to the largest concentration of wooden houses in northern Norway dating back to 1904, marvel at the classic architecture contrasted with modern buildings, including the Arctic Cathedral, a stunning triangular building in white and icy blue often called the “Opera House of Norway” for its resemblance to the Sydney Opera House.
Step into the Viking Age in Stavanger and visit the Archaeological Museum, where a host in traditional Viking dress will demonstrate essential tools and artefacts of the time period, then stop at the Swords in Stone monument commemorating the Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872.
Ascent of Mt. Ulriken in Bergen; a panoramic tour of Bergen takes you to the beautifully preserved wharf of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was central to Bergen’s role in the Hanseatic League. Afterwards, embark on a gondola ride for a scenic ascent to Mt. Ulriken, the highest of Bergen’s famous Seven Mountains.

PRE- AND POST-CRUISE EXTENSIONS
Extend this cruise with a 3-night pre-cruise tour in the South Coast and Reykjavik at $2 299.00 per person sharing and admire the rugged natural beauty of Iceland’s volcanic landscape. Travel through the scenic South Coast, viewing the Gullfoss waterfall and the Haukadalur geothermal area with its geysers and hot springs; visit the black-sand beaches of Vík and gaze at the Reynisdrangar rock formations offshore.
There is also the option of a 2-night post-cruise tour in Bergen or Oslo at $499.00 per person sharing. Uncover the long history and rich culture of Bergen, encircled by majestic mountains, fjords and glaciers, and take in the setting that inspired the Viking sagas.

We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394

Northern Lights A&K tours for Iceland, Lapland & Finland

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Northern Lights

Abercrombie & Kent is an excellent operator with three great tours to consider for the Northern Lights. 

Northern Lights - ice castle

Northern Lights of Lapland, 9-day Connections Boutique Group Journey with prices from $8 395.00 per person sharing based on 2020; 2022 prices & dates will be finalised by the end of July.

Travel in search of the northern lights — one of nature’s most compelling spectacles — and experience the culture of Lapland, trying your hand at dogsledding and snowshoeing and staying in a unique hotel made from ice.

Northern Lights of Lapland - map
Northern Lights of Lapland - itinerary

A&K ADVANTAGES
Venture to the northernmost end of Europe to experience the beauty and culture of Finland in the wondrous winter season
Enjoy dinner at the SnowCastle, built each year in a striking new style
Cruise in a genuine icebreaker, with the option to take a dip in the frigid waters of the Gulf of Bothnia
Get around like a local when you try your hand at dogsledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing
Spend two nights in the Arctic SnowHotel, and learn how this incredible place is brought to life each year
Watch for the northern lights from your own glass igloo
17 meals, with 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners

Tailor Made Finland: Helsinki & Lapland, 8-day Luxury Tailor Made Travel, Private Journey with prices from $15 895.00 per person sharing.

Visit Helsinki, Finland’s cosmopolitan capital, and then venture north to Finnish Lapland to enjoy a wide array of activities that capture the wonder of the region, as you drive sled dogs and ride by horse-drawn sleigh, go snowshoeing and snowmobiling, sample local culinary treats and enjoy some of the best opportunities anywhere in the world to behold the spectacular northern lights.

Finland: Helsinki & Lapland - map

A&K ADVANTAGES
Visit with herders at a reindeer farm and go for a sleigh ride
Savour a three-course luncheon at a kota restaurant
Luxuriate in a Finnish sauna and soak in a Jacuzzi, while watching for the northern lights
Tread over crisp snow beneath sparkling Arctic night skies on snowshoes
Hunt for the aurora borealis on a thrilling snowmobile safari
Drive your own sled-dog team and enjoy a private horse-drawn sleigh ride

Tailor Made Iceland: Winter Landscapes, 7-day Luxury Tailor Made Travel, Private Journey with prices from $12 495.00 per person sharing.

Discover a land of black sand beaches, cascading waterfalls and lava carved-moonscapes as you soak in the therapeutic Blue Lagoon, search for the Northern Lights, witness the eruption of Strokkur geyser and delve into the heart of Langjokull glacier.

Iceland: Winter Landscapes - map

A&K ADVANTAGES
Explore Iceland’s colourful capital city and the stunning wealth of diverse landscapes that line this island nation’s southern coast
Relax in the curative waters of the mesmerizing Blue Lagoon
Search for the awe-inspiring Northern Lights
Discover the roots of Icelandic civilization in Thingvellir National Park, home of the Vikings’ first parliament
Trace the southern coastline, photographing black sand beaches, volcanic outcroppings and dramatic cliffs
Venture into the man-made ice tunnels of Langjokull for a rare glimpse of a glacier’s interior
Traverse the mountain ridges of Thorsmork aboard a rugged Super Jeep

We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394