20 CRUISE NEWS


February 2019 Travel News


More than 900 destinations to explore in next 12 months


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N ITS 10th year of expedition cruising, industry- leading Silversea Cruises is continuing to unlock a broad range of deep travel experiences for guests, taking them closer to the authentic beauty of the world. From the cool conditions of Antarctica to the warm climates of Australia and beyond, Silversea’s guests will explore over 900 destinations in 2019—more than any other cruise line. Standout experiences for 2019 include a recent trip to the isolated waters of the 66th parallel south and a number of upcoming voyages in the spectacular Kimberley region.


Symbolising Silversea’s commitment to unlocking unique and authentic experiences, Silversea’s Silver Cloud journeyed to the 66th parallel south on January 13, crossing into the Antarctic Circle. It was the fi rst time the ship has ventured so far south. Guests relished the opportunity to cruise in such remote waters and were rewarded with a special ‘Red Nose’ ceremony on the pool deck, an initiation ritual that has historically been performed on this momentous seafaring occasion. Shortly after, a record 98 guests participated in a polar plunge, which was followed by informative lectures and trivia games. Guests even spotted humpback whales as the ship sailed northward, rounding off a successful day. “You could feel the excitement in the air as we sailed closer to the line,” says Brooke Greene, a member of Silversea’s Expedition Team. “It was a special moment for everyone because most of the staff had never been below the Antarctic Circle, and it was certainly the fi rst time for all the guests. It made it all the more special that it was the fi rst time for Silver Cloud as well.”


Oceanwide Expeditions is off ering some amazing prizes to celebrate their fi fth birthday... with a trip to Antartica being the fi rst prize


Win a trip to Antarctica with Oceanwide...


Silver Cloud - crossed the Antarctic Circle on a recent voyage


“Led by our industry-leading Expedition Team, who enrich the adventure for our guests, our voyages to Antarctica are unique in their off ering,” says Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s SVP Strategic Development Expeditions and Experiences. “Not only do guests travel deeper into the last continent, witnessing the


iconic sights that defi ne this incredible region, but they do so in ultimate comfort with Silversea’s trademark service.”


Cruising in a distinctly diff erent ecosystem to that of Silver Cloud, Silversea’s Silver Discoverer will enable guests to discover Australia’s Kimberley Coast throughout 2019, showcasing the destination’s beautiful landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and fascinating aboriginal history, among other alluring features. Off ering truly immersive experiences in the region, Silversea guests will journey to the King George Falls by Zodiac, getting close enough to feel the spray from the 80m twin cascades; witness Aboriginal rock art, which dates back more than 50,000 years; and spot spectacular wildlife, including the saltwater crocodile, rare bird species, and various reptiles.


Many other memorable experiences will ensure a once-in-a- lifetime voyage.


“Many travellers who visit the Kimberley Coast share the opinion that it is a life-changing destination,” says Adam Armstrong, Silversea’s Managing Director for Australia & New Zealand.


“This remote and unspoiled region is a truly unique place that is best explored by ship. Silversea’s trademark level of comfort and exemplary service complement the immersive experiences on off er to make these expedition voyages unforgettable for guests.” Aboard Silver Discoverer, as on all other ships in Silversea’s fl eet, guests enjoy ocean-view suites, sumptuous cuisine, and the personalised service of a butler. Enriching the experience are such all-inclusive amenities as complimentary premium wines and spirits, speciality coff ees, bottled water, juices and soft drinks served throughout the ship; an in-suite bar, stocked with guests’ preferences; in- suite 24-hour dining; and unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi.


2019 IS already shaping up to be a very special year for Oceanwide Expeditions - not only is the pioneering polar expedition company celebrating its 25th year of existence, it’s also adding a brand new vessel to its fl eet. The adventure began in 1993, when Oceanwide (OEX) was founded out of a university research program in the northern Netherlands, eventually becoming the fi rst operator of civilian voyages to the Arctic island of Spitsbergen.


A quarter century later, OEX is now adding the world’s fi rst-registered Polar Class 6 vessel to its nautical family: the newly built m/v Hondius. Representing one of the most structurally and technologically advanced polar cruise vessels on the seas, Hondius is a fi tting capstone to OEX’s 25th birthday.


And because no birthday is complete without presents, OEX is also launching a prize-packed contest this month that off ers, among other things, three polar cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic.


Check out the list of amazing polar prizes: 1st prize - A trip to Antarctica!


The ‘Classic Antarctic’ route. This cruise delivers you to wondrous landscapes found in one of the harshest environments on Earth. The great star-actors of Antarctica are the penguins and in total seven species could appear before your very own eyes.


2nd prize - A trip to Greenland


The East Greenland – Scoresby Sund cruise crosses the Arctic Circle into the home waters of multiple species of whale. The expedition will spot huge icebergs as it journeys into the largest and deepest fjord system in the world. Along the way the Northern Lights is guiding our way.


3rd prize - A trip to Svalbard


The North Atlantic Odyssey cruise searches the waters of the North East Atlantic for a variety of marine life. The expedition crosses paths with dolphins as well as large baleen whales on the way to mysterious Jan Mayen with its massive volcano. And the prizes don’t stop there! 25 more contest winners will receive a 25 per cent discount voucher to use on a polar expedition of their choice aboard the new vessel Hondius, and all 250 fi rst participants will receive an exclusive OEX polar- themed handbag.


So if a once-in-a-lifetime voyage to the wildest regions on Earth has ever made your to-do list, you can enter on the website - oceanwide-expeditions.com/contest/


Chance to cruise Majestic Mekong


THERE’S the chance to join an Emerald Waterways on a 15-day ‘Majestic Mekong’ river cruise from £3,195 per person (based on 10 December 2019 departure). Sail through the heart of the famous Mekong River, full of beautiful landscapes, superb food and poignant history and fall in love with vibrant South-East Asia. Guests sailing with Emerald Waterways can experience historical iconic monuments and excellent local cuisine on the 15-day ‘Majestic Mekong’ cruise. Highlights include a traditional Buddhist Monk ceremony in Cambodia, a tuk-tuk ride through the streets of Phnom Penh (Cambodia), and a visit to the unspoiled My An Hung village in Vietnam, all part of included EmeraldPLUS experiences.


The 15-day ‘Majestic Mekong’ river cruise departs from Siem Reap and fi nishes in Ho Chi Minh City where guest disembark for the fl ight home. All prices include return fl ights, transfers, seven nights on-board the brand new Emerald Harmony Star-Ship, seven nights deluxe hotel stay, 14 shore excursions, seven EmeraldPLUS experiences, all tipping and gratuities, food and selected drinks on- board and exclusive on-board events and experiences.


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