Call of the wild

AUGUST 31

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CRUISE WEEK 2014

KASEY CHAMBERS

‘I CAN’T WAIT TO GET BACK ON A SHIP’

+

CHRIS BROWN JESSICA MAUBOY KATE LANGBROEK BAZ LUHRMANN HUGH JACKMAN LUKE NGUYEN

OUR COOL NEW CRUISING GENERATION PLUS 10 REASONS TO BOOK YOUR CABIN TODAY

OVER $100,000 WORTH OF AMAZING HOLIDAYS TO WIN 01_Discover_Cover_Final.indd 1

5/08/2014 4:27 pm

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO ADVENTURE CRUISING

CALL OF THE WILD

See our planet in a new light Adventure cruisers sail to exotic, remote places and get close to nature.

THERE ARE THOSE who, like me, believe expedition and adventure cruising isn’t cruising at all.

Indeed, one small-ship cruise line is so determined to separate itself from the traditional cruise community that it calls itself “Un-Cruise”.

Expedition and adventure cruisers regularly head out to far-flung reaches of the planet, the polar regions and hopelessly remote rivers. All share a spirit of adventure and a thirst to know more

26

Annoncepresse_CruiseWeek_ancienlogo_vecto.indd 1

26-27_Discover_Adventurei_jh.indd 26

about the planet. Today, no travel experience can match snorkelling and swimming with seals, witnessing the melting of the ice caps and the plight of polar bears and penguins First-time adventure cruisers normally come from the ranks of land travellers, transitioning from trekkers to sailors as the last mysterious parts of the planet beckon the would-be explorer.

More often than not, it is small ships that provide the only access to such regions.

The Russian Far East, Papua New Guinea – even rivers to nowhere – attract the curious spirit and adventurous alike.

And where once such adventures often meant boarding ice-breaking vessels and spending a few days roped to your bunk, today luxury adventure is gaining new followers very quickly.

Lines such as Compagnie du Ponant, Silversea, Hapag-Lloyd and now Lindblad provide enough hard-edged discovery time to tantalise the softer adventurers, at the same time

BY RODERICK EIME

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS OFFER THE CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE UNIQUE WILD LIFE

pampering them with spas, champagne and fine dining.

All of this with expedition leaders who are experts in

their fields – award-winning photographers to help you capture wildlife like a professional, plus historians

www.cruiseweek.org

24/07/2014 10:24:25

5/08/2014 2:35 pm

WINDSTAR CRUISES’ WIND SURF

THE KIMBERLEY  ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS

and anthropologists to help you understand our planet’s diverse peoples.

There are still plenty of exhilarating experiences to generate dinner discussion when you get home. Ice diving, snow camping, light mountaineering or even hot-air ballooning will add a heroic note to your next vacation.

So, yes: you could easily say expedition cruising is for non-cruisers, when the ship is just a way to reach such attractive destinations.

SO IF...

you’ve been sitting on the fence unsure about whether the ocean is your next move, consider a main course of adventure … with cruising on the side.

1 Be flexible. Itineraries can and do change quickly and unexpectedly.

2 Be mobile. You’ll be on your feet, walking, climbing and wading.

3 Be sociable. You’ll meet lots of people just like yourself who like the things you do.

4 Be curious. Get ready to see amazing things and ask questions.

5 Be bold. Try new things such as food, cultures and environments.

GOOD THINGS,

SMALL PACKAGES

OWNERS OF a pair of small ships that ply the Caribbean and Europe with just 112 passengers came up with a novel way to differentiate their tiny fleet from the more substantial competitors.

“It’s yachting, not cruising” is how Seadream describes its offering. Indeed, you really do feel like a billionaire as the crew takes you to small towns and villages while your small ship or yacht lies at anchor in the bay.

Smaller cruise ships are divided into two types: “small” is 251 to 700 passengers, while 50 to 250 is “boutique”. Among these are extraordinary sailing ships such as those operated by Windstar Cruises, luxury ships like those in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet plus gulets, barges and junks run by local operators.

Much of the entertainment consists of enrichment programs on everything from vulcanology to marine science.

It is an intimate experience, yet one where you will make new friends. Small ships go to small places – often villages without wharves or beaches – that really are undiscovered.

It’s time to BEGIN A NEW STORY with the World’s Best There are a thousand new stories to be experienced in Europe in 2015 as we celebrate our Silver Anniversary. Where will you begin yours?

When you sail with the World’s Best, your choices are all but limitless. Choose castles and wine tastings with vineyard tours one day, and a luxurious afternoon in our Feng Shuiinspired Crystal Spa the next. With 32 unparalleled voyages that call upon nearly every desirable destination across Europe, you can orchestrate your own personal experience that is destined to be exceptional.

Book your 2015 Europe Voyage before 31 October 2014 and receive exclusive Crystal values on every voyage. We look forward to creating the ultimate Crystal experience for you.

For full details of our Cruise Week BONUS* on selected 2014-2016 cruises, please contact your CLIA accredited travel professional or Wiltrans International on 1800 251 174.

2-FOR-1

LIMITED-TIME FARES, PLUS....

UP TO US$2,000

PER PERSON IN ADDITIONAL BOOK NOW BONUS SAVINGS

ALL INCLUSIVE COMPLIMENTARY WINE, SPIRITS & GRATUITIES

* Valid for bookings made 01 -08 September 2014. Terms and Conditions apply.

24:25

26-27_Discover_Adventurei_jh.indd 27

5/08/2014 2:34 pm