Boutique cruise-holiday that explores Canada and heart of Arctic and Greenland

A cruise-holiday to Canada, which includes a 12-night voyage into the heart of the Arctic and Greenland aboard Adventure Canada’s Ocean Endeavour, has won praise from travellers and travel agents alike.

‘The Cross Canada Caper’, 25 nights, is the latest offering from boutique voyage and cruise specialist Cruise Traveller (www.cruisetraveller.com.au).

Travellers are likely to sight polar bears, walrus, marine mammals and bird colonies during a cruise of Hudson Strait. They are serenaded by Inuit throat-singers in remote Mittimatali and they cross the Arctic circle while sailing in the shadow of a spectacular Greenlandic fjord. ‘The Cross Canada Caper’ lets participants mingle with world-renowned Inuit carvers in Kinngait, visit a Greenlandic settlement and head across Canada from the prairies to the mountains on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train in fabulous Goldleaf class.

The holiday starts with a flight to Ottawa from Australia on 17 July 2017, followed by a night’s accommodation provided at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel Ottawa. ‘The Cross Canada Caper’ lasts 25 nights and costs from A$23,995 per person, including flights, cruise, train and touring across Canada and the Arctic wilderness.

Narelle Coenraads, a senior travel consultant from Helloworld Hornsby in Sydney’s upper North Shore, travelled on the same cruise recently and was delighted. She praised the pre-cruise information and booklet, the on-board lectures and presentations.

“The presenters were fantastic and always so interesting. They were very approachable as well. There was always a presentation on some topic throughout the day which was great. The Nikon camera program was a good idea for budding photographers to be able to borrow lots of different types of lenses etc to see what suited their needs,” she said.

Ocean Endeavour carries no more 198-passengers and is perfect for expedition cruising. Outfitted with twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, multiple lounges and a top-deck observation room, Ocean Endeavour is purpose-built for comfort in remote environments and is rated 1B ice class.

Voyages to Antiquity brochures available

Voyages to Antiquity have created a cruise experience which is designed for travellers who want to understand more about the history, culture and natural wonders of the ancient world.  The small ship, Aegean Odyssey, is perfectly suited to our destination-rich itineraries while our lecture programme connects you with the places you’ll visit before you even go ashore.

To see the latest brochure visit http://au.voyagestoantiquity.com/brochures/

New Platinum Penfolds Grange Dinner Cruise

Captain Cook Cruises has partnered with leading Australian wine producer Penfolds, to launch the Platinum Penfolds Grange Dinner Cruise, a new prestige dining experience on Sydney Harbour for lovers of fine wine.

Held on-board flagship vessel, MV Sydney 2000, the Platinum Penfolds Grange Dinner Cruise includes a six course degustation menu and a platinum selection of Penfolds bin and vintage wines to complement each course. A full bottle of Penfolds Grange; arguably Australia’s most celebrated wine and an official Heritage Icon of South Australia; accompanies the penultimate fifth course.

The complete Penfolds platinum selection includes Winemaker cellar Reserve Pinot Gris, Reserve Bin A Chardonnay, Kalimna Bin 28 Shiraz, Grandfather Rare Tawny and the bottle of Grange.

The six course degustation menu features canapés and sparkling wine on arrival; slow cooked pork belly in apple cider and pan fried scallops; Queensland Snapper with grilled King Prawn; Osso Bucco ragu with pumpkin gnocchi; seared aged angus beef fillet with sautéed mushrooms and rich seeded mustard jus; and petite bite of apricot tiramisu with a mini pistachio biscotto.

Complete Success on the Young Explorers Programme in Norway

To match the needs of our younger guests (and parents), Hurtigruten have started a Young Explorers Programme to make sure no one is bored on board their ships. On these journeys the kids will stay active and curious, get a deeper understanding of nature, climate and culture, and be introduced to topics related to wildlife, local food, environmental protection and famous explorers. A dedicated host will plan and organise all the activities which focus on fun and eco-friendly learning, tailor-made to trigger their sense of adventure. The hosts will arrange daily activities for the young explorers on board, and they speak both Norwegian, English and German.

Feedback from a recent voyage with one of Hurtigruten’s head guides said the program went off to a great start.

“Last week we had a very successful test trip of Young Explorer on MS Finnmarken. Children from Switzerland, England, France, Italy and Norway participated, and we had a lot of fun! We learn how to pack a backpack, we pitched tents on deck, we whittled barbecue sticks, and we barbecued twist bread and hot dogs. We fished from the dock in Brønnøysund, and learned how to fillet the fish by the Head Chef. We tasted Norwegian food – while we were blindfolded” they said.