7 cruises of discovery
Voyages on the high seas of yesteryear were devoted to exploration and conquest. Tara Harrison takes a look at a few ocean and river cruises that channel the historic pioneering spirit of Magellan and Mawson.
Northern Lights Astronomy
The experts: Astronomer Dr John Mason who has been studying the skies for more than 30 years and has produced several TV documentaries.
The discovery: NASA has issued a forecast that this year’s Northern Lights could be one of the best spectacles in a decade. A cruise in the northern winter with Bentours offers 11 days to see the skies trip the light fantastic. Northern Norway, where the cruise sails, is the zone for maximum activity. “I can offer an expert insight into the mysterious aurora along the way,” Mason said. The enigmatic Aurora Borealis has inspired myth and legend throughout human history. Mason will start by explaining that the phenomenon is a collision between energetic particles from the sun meeting those from the earth. An eternal battle in the heavens makes for one atmospheric cruise.
The price: Bentours’ Northern Lights Astronomy Voyage starts from $1830.
Grand French Art
The experts: A local art historian will point out the scenic sights that bear an uncanny resemblance to famous works of art, from Monet to Cezanne.
The discovery: An art themed cruise with Avalon Waterways down the Seine River allows clients to see masterpieces in Paris and then sail to the regions of rural France that inspired the landscape scenes. In Normandy, you can take a tour to Monet’s beautiful garden at Giverny. You may be surprised to find that the green bridge and the water lilies of his famous paintings are inspired by real locations. Giverny was the ultimate garden muse. Even better, once you see the garden that was Monet’s inspiration, you will visit the galleries which house the groundbreaking works. The Musee d’Orsay is one such art gallery in Paris. It also houses the work of Vincent Van Gogh, who lived and died in the town of Auvers-sur-Oise in Conflans. Van Gogh painted village life and the countryside during his time living in Auvers. During the cruise, there will be art lectures from the local expert to bring the history to life in vivid colour.
The price: Avalon Waterways’ Grand France Art cruise starts from $6573.
Antarctic adventure
The experts: Environmentalist Dr Claudia Holgate, biologist Dr Hans-Peter Reinthaler, as well as an on board marine biologist and oceanographer
The discovery: This Silversea expedition follows the likes of the great Antarctic pioneers from Mawson to Shackleton. The expedition team will whet your appetite for adventure with lectures while you sail from Argentina through to Antarctica’s southern waters. En route an onboard historian will lecture on the remnants of the seal hunting trade and the 1986 war on the Falkland Islands. An onboard geologist will also explain the volcanic forces that shaped the stunning Deception Island. Each day, passengers can take a zodiac boat trip to get up close and personal with ice floes and the wildlife on it. The zodiacs also allow for visits to penguin rookeries as well as scientific research bases. You will feel like you are on a genuine expedition, as the captain determines the route each day based on weather, ice and wildlife conditions.
The price: Silversea’s Antarctica expedition cruise starts from $10,850.
West Africa
The experts: Naturalists teach about wildlife, anthropologists teach about the birthplace of voodoo and historians trace the roots of slavery.
The discovery: Who knew you could cruise in Africa? It’s not the best-known way to see the continent, but it should be. G Adventures offers a 29-day cruise along the west coast, allowing travellers the convenience of a shipboard base with the flexibility to explore uncharted territories, such as the Bijagos Archipelego off the coast of Guinea-Bissau – one of the most unexplored areas on earth. The islanders are descendants of an ancient culture that practices an animist religion, consistent with a way of life that existed several millennia ago. Onboard, the ship is your very own sommelier versed in South Africa’s best. There will also be African film, art, music and photography workshops. “These countries are emerging destinations, little known and rarely explored by travellers,” G Adventures’ innovation vice president Jeff Russill said.
The price: G Adventures’ West Africa cruise itinerary starts from $16,999.
Forgotten Islands photography
The experts: Photographer Nick Rains and photographer-cinematographer Pieter De Vries will teach you the art of travel photography.
The discovery: This floating class in photography takes you along a remote route from Bali, through Indonesia’s forgotten islands and back to Australia. Get snap happy on Komodo, home of the prehistoric dragon that bears the same name. Maluku island is the cruise path less travelled with few foreigners ever overcoming the surrounding reefs to experience the ancient civilisations found here. Thursday Island in the Torres Strait may be part of Australia, but it is one of the last frontiers. Along the way, you will be taught the technicalities of cameras, how to maximise your photos as well as processing methods. You will leave the ship with a gallery of your own images – arguably, the ultimate souvenir.
The price: Orion’s Forgotten Islands expedition cruise starts from $7655.
Alaska, British Colombia & Haida Gwaii
The experts: National Geographic “Explorer of the Millennium” Wade Davis as well as two National Geographic photographers.
The discovery: This Lindblad cruise is a true expedition, as it changes course based on the weather and wildlife conditions. Basically, you won’t have to sail away from a pod of humpback whales, brown bears and baby seals due to schedule constraints. You also have the rare opportunity to visit the islands of Haida Gwaii and experience their culture first hand. Here the black bears are the largest in the world, thriving in the rich, largely untouched environment. Onboard naturalists will help you spot wildlife such as whales and sea lions.
The price: A remarkable journey to Alaska, British Colombia and Haida Gwaii starts from US$9990 ($10,930).
Route of Magellan
The experts: Historian and archeologist Dr Robin Woodward and foreign policy expert ambassador Edward Peck.
The discovery: Make like a 16th century Portuguese explorer on this cruise journey. Tracing the travels of Magellan, this cruise sails from Barcelona to Brazil, via the trade ports of Gibraltar, Casablanca, the Canary Islands, Tenerife, Mindelo and Recife. With three days at sea at some points of the journey, the experts will provide lectures on history and the current affairs of the region. Ambassador Peck has stories to tell of his 32 years of foreign service, conducting assignments across the Arabian peninsula and Africa. Having served in World War II as well as the Korean War, expect to be regaled with some incredible tales.
The price: Seabourn’s Route of Magellan cruise starts from $6708.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
Australian tourists are big spenders globally on experiences and nightlife, Mastercard report finds
Aussies are spending one of every five dollars, or 19 per cent, on experiences and nightlife – significantly higher than the global average of 12 per cent, according to the Mastercard Economics Institute report on travel in 2024. Australia is also the 7th top destination for travel globally in the past year while in Australia […]
Sydney confirms position as Australia’s No. 1 business events host
Sydney’s reinforced its position as the world’s preferred Australian host city, and top Australian city in the APAC region for international and local business events. Sydney secured 25th place in the worldwide ICCA city rankings and ranked 6th (ICCA) and 3rd (CVENT) in the Asia Pacific region. Tourism Australia also celebrated the ICCA 2023 rankings […]
Luke Mangan launches Bistrot Bisou, in Hotel Indigo, his first Melbourne restaurant in over a decade
Melbourne-born, Sydney-based chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan will open his first Melbourne restaurant in more than a decade this winter with the launch of Bistrot Bisou, set within the art-focused, character-filled Hotel Indigo. Set on the corner of Flinders Lane and Spencer Street, the relaxed French bistro and bar will feature modern takes on classic […]
Surf magazine Tracks hunt for grommets to launch Airb’n’b-style platform for surfers
Three young surfers on an all expenses paid surf trip on the Aussie coast.... What could go wrong?
Luxury cruise ship Paspaley Pearl by Ponant has appointed a new team of industry experts
Paspaley Pearl by Ponant will offer a gem of a cruise, as the new team shows by their pearly whites.
Memphis Tourism brings blues to Sydney as it adds Jack Daniels to sponsor roster
Memphis Tourism would win the award for coolest sponsor if there was one. But there isn't.
Jetstar and Qantas perception ratings soar following Bonza’s implosion
Forget what your mum told you, you can make yourself look better by making others look bad.
Train over Plane – Journey Beyond releases The Overland’s 2025 season
Clickety-clack, more than a century on track. Unlike the Overland, our poetry is not in demand.
AmaWaterways launches Australian operations at Sydney office with panoramic Harbour views
You should click on this article for the content but it's also okay if you just want to see someone cut a ribbon.
Travel insurance expert’s top 3 tips for Aussies stranded in New Caledonia amid riots
Despite appearances, being stranded in a luxury resort isn't all milk and honey.
Perfect Somewheres: Hotels.com celebrates best-in-class venues for guest experiences
Surprisingly, no hotels with bed bugs were represented in the top 1% of top hotels.
Airports boss says $1.7 billion Budget innovation fund will “kickstart” domestic manufacture of sustainable aviation fuel
Time to start saving up your waste - Australia is about to become a hub of biofuel innovation!
Apparent launches ‘All heart, no hassle’ campaign for Flight Centre’s Corporate Traveller
Despite appearances, even the most severe-looking businessperson wants heart in their travel.
Indaba 2024: Losing out on memory, South Africa Tourism hands its fate to children
South Africa Tourism's chief marketing officer reminds us all we were once joyful children and not grumpy adults.
ACA & CLIA join forces ahead of Australian Tourism Exchange
Watch your back Kyle and Jackie 'O' - a new power couple is in town.
South Africa eyes affordable tourism to grow market
In an unlikely move, South African Tourism is actually encouraging young people to travel MORE.
ATIA applauds government’s fast-track passport announcement
Excellent news if you've ever experienced the sheer horror of realising you don't have a functioning passport.
DayAway names Aussie partners for luxury community based membership
Tired of dining with the riff raff? Get yourself a DayAway membership and slip into a life of luxury.
Silversea expands Nova Class with Silver Ray
Be prepared - this article has more silver than your local jewellers!
Tourism Tasmania CEO says a trip to Tassie could cure your Aurora Australis FOMO
With images like these - you're bound to regret being asleep during Australia's version of the northern lights.
Flight searches to Ho Chi Minh City skyrocket by 246% as city strengthens ties to Oz
We aren't endorsing ditching your work to look at flights to Ho Chi Minh but we're also not not endorsing it.
On Location: Rejoice! It’s Your Daily Wrap Of Africa’s Travel Indaba
Spare a moment to think about the cleaner who had to pick up all the confetti after this one kicked off.
Lack of budget spend will hit international visitor recovery, says Australian Tourism Industry Council
We've done the monotonous trawl through budget reports so you don't have to. You can thank us later!
On Location: Expedia CEO assures AI will not replace human roles, announces AI text assistant
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, unless its announced at a big conference, then it'll probably be reported.
VietJet walks away from Bonza investment, administrators look to maximise chance of survival
VietJet's making big plays in Australia but is drawing the line at buying a defunct airline.
Top four airports return to profit after post-Covid period comes to an end
If you feel like we just haven't spent enough of our lives talking about Covid, then boy is this the article for you!
COMO launches new family-sized farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany
COMO Hotels and Resorts has launched its new farmhouse apartments in the heart of Tuscany, just in time for Australians to escape our wet winter. And it’s also an ideal time for Aussies of Italian ancestry to explore their home country as 2024 has been declared the year of Roots and Heritage Tourism by the […]
Green light, green fuel for Townsville Airport as passenger numbers set to double to 3.7m
All things sounding positive for Townsville, apart from the fact its football team is playing like 10 year olds.
New Caledonia in lockdown and airport closed after violent riots rock Noumea
New Caledonia officials have announced a 6pm-6am curfew, a liquor ban and have closed the country’s main airport after overnight riots in which vehicles were torched and roads blocked in the wake of proposed constitutional reforms. Australian Government website Smartraveller has issued an alert informing visitors to exercise a high degree of caution in metropolitan […]
‘Appalling’: Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO describes gaming rules at sea after P&O death
Gambling reform policy makers are shocked at the news surrounding the passing of a guest onboard last week.
Sydney gets excited for Vivid at the city’s favourite entertainment venues
Get lit! Well maybe not the kiddies, but there is a heap of bright and colourful events on at Vivid Sydney 2024.
Novotel Cabramatta launch reveals the start of new hotel and F&B partnership
Brothers will offer hotels bang for their buck in Sydney's booming southwest.
Roots & Heritage Tourism in 2024 with Italian Tourist Board’s Emanuele Attanasio: Travel Weekly TV
Don't blame us if you're yearning for a carb-filled pasta lunch after watching this week's episode!
Aeronology accepted into Virtuoso network as travel-tech company continues to thrive
Aeronology's the new kid on the block making big waves and lucky for you, we're here to get you up to speed.
Qantas suspends flights to Shanghai due to low demand
Low demand prompts Qantas to drop its Sydney-Shanghai flights like a hot dumpling.
From Castle Hill to Paris, local wellness cosmetics brand makes good in world’s best hotels
The harsh glare of our monitors on the news desk have been relieved somewhat by this local brand done good...