The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2016/2017
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The widest choice We believe we have the widest choice of small ship cruises as we work with around 100 small ships all over the world. This brochure contains just 10% of the cruises we have. For a full range of cruises please see our website at www.small-cruise-ships.com. If we can't find you a small ship cruise somewhere, there probably isn't one available!
Front cover photo: 2Courtesy / TheofSmall Cruise Ship Collection – 2017 Ponant – The Antarctic in Luxury,2016 see page 11
Introduction The Small Cruise Ship Collection was established and is operated by expedition leaders, travel professionals and cruise enthusiasts. This is our passion, what we know best and what we recommend for our guests. After 20 years creating and leading expeditions aboard many of these ships, we know what works and what doesn't; our experience and huge range of cruises makes us uniquely placed to find the voyage that best suits you. We promote voyages with selected specialist cruise operators that don't cut corners in their quest to ensure you have an experience of the highest quality. Travel in an intimate, safe and comfortable environment. Travel to enjoy, but also to see and experience in the company of like-minded travellers. Our small ships offer comfortable to luxurious accommodation but above all else they are designed to take you to extraordinary places and give you amazing experiences.
The Small Cruise Ship Collection staff Aaron Russ — Expedition Leader & Founder
Powell Ettinger — Managing Director & Founder
Aaron spent his childhood holidays on small ships around the Subantarctic islands, New Zealand and Antarctica. He has led more than 100 small ship expeditions to the world's most interesting regions. He has a degree in zoology, a passion for photography and a desire to showcase the world's premier destinations. Antarctica still remains his favourite destination; however he recently led cruises around the Scottish Isles and spent time with the great Pacific navigator Mau Piailug in Micronesia. Aaron has recently visited Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, The Antarctic Peninsula, Spitsbergen, Greenland, Scotland and the Canadian Arctic, including a full traverse of the Northwest Passage.
Powell has 15 years' experience in the travel industry and also edited a wildlife and travel magazine for 10 years. Powell started his travel career trekking in the mountains of Morocco, Nepal, Iceland, Peru and Ethiopia before turning his attention to the seas and oceans of the world. Powell has travelled extensively on 6 continents including sailing the Greek islands and along the coast of Turkey, cruising along the Croatian coast, the Fjords of Chile and Greenland, along the Amazon River, the Scottish Islands, the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands off Australia.
Small ships — what & why? Our smallest 'ship' carries just 8 people and the largest carries a maximum of around 260. Most carry 40–100 passengers, and this gives them several advantages. • Nooks and crannies. Small ships can reach the parts larger ships cannot. A bay full of penguins in Antarctica, a small village in Papua New Guinea, a pristine reef in Fiji or a known polar bear haunt, larger ships can't access these nooks. • More personable. On a small ship, you will get to know the passengers, the captain and crew. It is strange, but true, that it is easier to meet people when there are fewer of them! • Rules and regulations. The standard for Antarctica is that no more than 100 passengers can go ashore. If your ship is carrying 150, or 300, either someone misses out or you have to wait your turn! • Small villages. If you are visiting a small village in Cuba, Greece or Tahiti, they will welcome a visit from 40–50 people, but 600? 3,000? Just not feasible. • Queues. What are they? 100% Financial protection The Small Cruise Ship Collection is a trading name of Wild Earth Travel UK Ltd. We are members of the Travel Trust Association, a trade association of Travel Agents, Tour Operators and Travel Organisers that operate trust accounts in order to provide complete financial protection for you, the consumer. All monies paid to us by you are deposited into a trust account which is supervised by an independent trustee. The funds are only released from that account after you have completed your holiday. By booking your holiday with a member of the TTA will protect you in the unlikely event of that member becoming insolvent.
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The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2016 – 2017
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MAY
APRIL
MARCH
31 visit www.small-cruise-ships.com
Antarctica
6–20
Australia Baltic
FEBRUARY
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Cruise Calendar
32 visit www.small-cruise-ships.com
Canary Islands
25
Croatia Cruises
26–27
Cuba
28–29
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33
French Polynesia
33
Galapagos
30
Greek Island Hopping Cruises
24
Greenland & Canadian Arctic 17 Iceland
23
Japan
32
New Zealand visit www.small-cruise-ships.com Norwegian Fjords & Northern Lights
22–23
Panama Canal & Costa Rica
29
Papua New Guinea
21
Russian Arctic
21
Scottish Isles visit www.small-cruise-ships.com Seychelles South Georgia & the Falklands Spitsbergen
34 7–17 12–19
Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam & Cambodia 35
Prices Price quoted in this brochure are a 'from' price, indicating what we expect the price to be. Sometimes cruise operators alter their prices, down as well as up. On receiving an enquiry we will check the latest price available for the cabin type on the specific cruise requested and confirm it to you before you book. Additionally, we cannot guarantee availability until we have checked with the cruise operator.
Once we have checked the availability and the price we will quote the final cost for cruise and cabin type requested. Once you have booked with us, the price of your holiday will only change if there is a large currency fluctuation in which case we reserve the right to impose a currency surcharge. See clause 13 (Surcharges — Price Increases After Booking) of our terms and conditions for further information.
Visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432
507 280
Single passengers Single passengers should enquire if there are any single supplement charges. Alternatively some of our ships have dedicated single cabins and some offer the option for single passengers of the same sex to share a cabin. When this is possible, passengers will not be charged a single supplement, even if there is no-one suitable to share the cabin.
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Antarctica A cruise to Antarctica is the experience of a lifetime: it is one of the world's most remote and exciting destinations.
To see a full range of our cruises, please go to www.small-cruise-ships.com
The Small Cruise Ship Collection provides the widest range of Antarctic cruises to the 3 main cruising areas: The Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, and the Ross Sea.
When to visit November: Courting season for penguins and sea birds, and flowers in bloom in the Falkland Islands. December and January: Seal pups and penguin chicks appearing, and whale sightings more frequent. February and March: Whale sightings at their best and penguin chicks fledging. Generally November and December will have more snow and ice and the wildlife will be courting and raising small chicks. Navigation in the Ross Sea is limited to January — February when the ice allows access to the coast.
Antarctic Peninsula The most popular Antarctic region, the Antarctic Peninsula, provides a multitude of landscapes and wildlife encounters. It delivers everything you could want in Antarctica: the huge tabular icebergs, vast landscapes, hillsides covered with penguins, and whales and abundant marine life. You will spend time in Zodiac boats and on selected expeditions you can paddle your own kayak. Learn about the history of exploration and discovery in Antarctica from experts and become a passionate advocate for the world's last great wilderness. Longer expeditions allow more time for exploration and the chance to travel across the Antarctic Circle or deep into the Weddell Sea.
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The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2016 – 2017
Polar ships The first thing to remember about visiting the Antarctic is that, according to IAATO agreements, only a maximum of 100 people can land on Antarctica in any group, so on vessels that carry more than 400 passengers landings become difficult or non-existent, so if you actually want to set foot on the continent, bear that in mind.
take the view that you will spend as little time as possible in your cabin, popping in occasionally for a shower and a quick kip, then some of the less luxurious vessels will be fine. Speed: Most vessels will take 2 days to cross the Drake Passage in each direction, though newer and larger vessels are a little quicker, which provides for more time in the Antarctic and less in the open seas. It is now possible to fly across the Drake Passage to in just 2–3 hours, see map.
All the ships we use are equipped for cruising in the Polar regions, so how to choose between them? Staff: All of the ships have very good and experienced crews and expedition teams. All vessels will have Polar experts on board, who will provide talks on subjects such as wildlife, glaciology, history, the environment, photography, marine life and geology, and will also accompany you on all shore visits. Does size matter? Smaller ships can get into the nooks and crannies others can't but can be more susceptible to the weather. Comfort level: You can choose from comfortable to luxurious. You can certainly cruise to Antarctica without foregoing life's creature comforts, but if you
Port Stanley
Punta Arenas Ushuaia
Falkland Islands South Georgia Island
CAPE HORN
Livingston Island
DRAKE PASSAGE
King George Island H UT SO
Elephant Island
LANDS ND IS TLA SHE
South Orkney Islands
WEDDELL SEA
Deception Island
Cruise Lemaire Channel Adelaide Island
Classic Antarctica, pages 8, 15 & 16
ANTARCTICA ANTARCTIC CIR CLE
Falklands/South Georgia, pages 9, 10, 11, 13 & 17 Fly cruise, page 9 Crossing the circle, page 15
Cruises
Passenger Length Cost per day Cost per day Antarctic South numbers metres triple double Peninsula Georgia
Akademik Ioffe
96
117
£522
£680
✓
✓ ✓
✓
Akademik Sergey Vavilov
92
117
£522
£627
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Fram
276
114
£350
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Hebridean Sky
114
90
£495
✓
✓
✓
Le Boreal
264
142
£600
✓
✓
✓
Le Lyrial
244
142
£600
✓
✓ ✓
Le Soleal
264
142
£600
✓
✓
✓
✓
MS Expedition
140
105
£390
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
£406
£336
Spitsbergen
Greenland
Kayaking
National Geographic Explorer 148
108
£800
✓
✓
✓
National Geographic Orion
103
£820
✓
✓
✓
102
✓
✓
✓
Noordelicht
20
46
£230
Ocean Diamond
224
124
£400
£600
✓
✓ ✓
✓
Ocean Endeavour
198
137
£400
£680
✓
✓ ✓
✓
Ocean Nova
86
73
£417
£490
✓ ✓
✓
✓
Ortelius
106
91
£440
£480
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Plancius
114
89
£500
£535
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Polar Pioneer
50
71
£493
£560
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Rembrandt Van Rijn
32
56
£190
£200
✓
✓
Quest
53
66
£440
£510
✓
Sea Adventurer
118
90
£425
£547
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Sea Spirit
112
90
£365
£464
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Silver Explorer
132
108
£600
✓
✓
✓
✓
Ushuaia
84
84
£387
✓
✓
£362
Visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432
507 280
✓
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Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent Antarctica is one of the last true wilderness areas on earth — largely unchanged since it was first discovered. The landmass of Antarctica is twice the size of Australia, yet is visited by just a few thousand people every year. It's home to some of the world's most spectacular wildlife — penguins, seals and whales are the main residents. This cruise is designed for first time visitors to Antarctica — You will explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula; Even on a short visit you will experience some magnificent icebergs, explore islands inhabited by thousands of various different various species of penguin including chinstrap, gentoo and Adélie; step ashore and walk amongst the wildlife, and take to the zodiac boats for close up encounters with marine life.
2016
Duration
Ship
Price from (triple cabin)
06 Nov – 16 Nov 18 Nov – 28 Nov 27 Nov – 07 Dec 03 Dec – 13 Dec 09 Dec – 20 Dec 12 Dec – 22 Dec 21 Dec – 31 Dec
12 11 11 11 12 11 11
Ocean Endeavour Sea Adventurer Sea Adventurer Ocean Endeavour Ocean Diamond Ocean Endeavour Ocean Endeavour
£4,000 £4,700 £4,700 £4,000 £4,200 £4,000 £4,700
2017
Duration
Ship
Price from (triple cabin)
02 Feb – 12 Feb 11 Feb – 21 Feb 20 Feb – 02 Mar 23 Feb – 06 Mar 05 Mar – 15 Mar
11 11 11 12 11
Ocean Diamond Ocean Diamond Ocean Diamond Ocean Endeavour Ocean Endeavour
£4,700 £4,700 £4,700 £4,700 £4,400
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The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2016 – 2017
Mandatory charter flight £540
£540 £540 £540
Mandatory charter flight
£540 £540
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake Explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula without having to spend at time at sea crossing the Drake Passage! The cruise includes charter flights between Punta Arenas and Antarctica. Keep your camera ready as you Zodiac cruise in search of whales, seabirds and astounding icebergs. Beaches dotted with leopard seals and penguins give way to icy plateaus, with snowcapped mountain peaks looming behind. You'll find yourself thankful for long hours of daylight so you can continue to take it all in. 13, 18, 23 Dec 2016
Triple cabin
Price from £6,000
Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise the Peninsula, South Georgia & the Falklands This voyage offers a comprehensive Antarctic and Southern Ocean experience in significantly less time than usual. You'll take a short threehour flight to the white continent to see all the highlights, visit the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, as well as the distinct culture and charm of the remote Falkland Islands. Exploring extremes is the hallmark of this voyage, which offers unprecedented pristine landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities. Finish your cruise with a flight to from the Falklands to Punta Arenas, Chile. 24 Feb – 12 Mar 2017 Triple cabin Price from £13,400
To see a full range of our cruises, please go to
Visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432
507 280
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South Georgia & the Falklands For most travellers, visiting the “White Continent” is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so if you have the time we recommend you optimise your visit by including South Georgia and the Falklands — you won't regret it.
The Falkland Islands The Falkland Islands are home to a resilient people with a long and fascinating history and some great wildlife. In one colony alone over 100,000 black-browed albatross breed annually, and rockhopper and Magellanic penguins compete for attention.
3 weeks needed! 1–2 Cruises visit just South Georgia and the Falklands, but the majority also visit the Antarctic Peninsula. These cruise are 2–3 weeks long, and you also need to allow 2 days to get to the start of the cruise from Europe or North America, and 2 days to get back. To see a full range of our cruises, please go to
www.small-cruise-ships.com
Wildlife South Georgia is one of the world's premier wildlife spectacles, absolutely enthralling visitors with the abundance of life. Steeped in Shackleton and whaling lore, covered mostly in glaciers and mountains, South Georgia explodes with life: five million pairs of Macaroni penguins, a thriving fur seal population, thousands of breeding elephant seals and more than 100,000 king penguins on a single beach.
Mountains & Glaciers South Georgia is 101 miles long, but only 20 miles wide at its widest point, and mostly much less than that, yet the interior is dominated by glaciers and mountains, of which 11 are more than 2,000 metres high with Mount Paget at nearly 3,000 metres being the highest.
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The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2016 – 2017
South Georgia & Antarctica in Luxury Cruise on one of the few luxurious expedition ships afloat today to visit the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula without foregoing life's creature comforts. Even the smallest cabins/suites are 225 square feet.
To see a full range of our cruises, please go to
www.small-cruise-ships.com
Emblematic Antarctica in luxury Tabletop icebergs, growlers, drift, pack ice... the Antarctic has its own language, which you'll soon speak fluently! Sail the Antarctic Peninsula in style. This is a fascinating journey to the heart of this remote land, Penguins live in their thousands, waddling on the shores, whilst Humpback whales come and swim alongside the ship.
The Great Austral Loop Cruise to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, home to imposing glaciers and the black sandy beaches play host to thousands of King Penguins, elephant seals and other wildlife. We head south to the Antarctic Peninsula where the highlights include iridescent icebergs, floating ice fields and extraordinary wildlife; whales, seals and tens of thousands of penguins. 2016 15 Nov 24 Nov 19 Dec
Price from £12,000
Visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432
Zodiac landings included in the cost. Cruise prices also include flights Buenos-Aires – Ushuaia – Buenos Aires in economy class. 2016 30 Nov – 10 Dec 04 Dec – 14 Dec 09 Dec – 19 Dec 04 Jan – 14 Jan
Price from £6,600
2017 14 Jan – 24 Jan 02 Feb– 12 Feb 12 Feb – 22 Feb 22 Feb – 04 Mar 23 Feb – 05 Mar
Price from £6,600
507 280
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Spitsbergen Spitsbergen is the largest and only inhabited island in the Svalbard archipelago, a remote island chain that lies nearly 600 miles north of Norway, and only 820 from the North Pole. These are wild and remote islands clad in ice where polar bears roam.
Polar bears can be seen on most Spitsbergen cruises; Sea Spirit, Around Spitsbergen Cruise has a high percentage of sightings, see pages 18 – 19
To see a full range of our cruises, please go to www.small-cruise-ships.com
Wildlife Spitsbergen is one of the world's best places to see polar bears in the wild, not just because of the probability of seeing a bear, or several bears, but because of the setting you will see them in. No watching them scavenge on a rubbish dump from an overblown tractor, you will see them in their natural habitat, in the wild, with a backdrop of mountains and glaciers, and from the deck of your small ship or even from a Zodiac. Your chances of seeing a polar bear at all are greatly increased on a smaller ship, as they have the advantage over larger vessels of getting in much closer to shore and into areas where the bears frequent, and the expedition staff know where to look! Birdlife is prolific in the short northern summer, and you should also hope to see a great diversity of wildlife including polar bears, beluga whales, walrus, reindeer and Arctic fox. You will be kept busy with guided shore excursions, Zodiac cruising and ship based exploration.
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The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2016 – 2017
Ships that operate in Spitsbergen There are usually around 20 different small ships cruising the Svalbard Archipelago in the summer months, and we work with most of them. A few are highlighted in detail over the next few pages, and here are some of the other notable vessels. The prices comparisons are for a circumnavigation of Spitsbergen (or the nearest similar cruise).
Plancius
From £296 per day
Sturdy, comfortable and reasonably priced. Built as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy, she was completely rebuilt as a 114-passenger vessel in 2009. Plancius sails to northern Spitsbergen in search of polar bears and in complete circumnavigations of the archipelago.
Le Soleal/Boreal From £466 per day Tough, elegant and luxurious. These magnificent yachts of only 132 staterooms and suites, all with balconies, and provide an unusual diet of luxury expeditions. They both explore the waters of north and west Spitsbergen.
Akademik Sergey Vavilov From £364 per day Very tough yet very comfortable. See page 16.
Ortelius
From £296 per day
Sturdy, comfortable and reasonably priced. “Ortelius” was built 1989 for the Russian Academy of Science and converted to carrying passengers in 2011. The vessel has the highest ice-class notation and is a great expedition vessel for 116 passengers. Ortelius sails to northern Spitsbergen in search of polar bears.
Sea Adventurer From £391 per day Tough and custom made. The 118-passenger Sea Adventurer is among the very few vessels in the world specifically constructed for expedition voyages to the remote polar regions. Her ice-strengthened hull permits her to glide easily and safely through ice-strewn waters.
Sea Spirit
From £316 per day
Tough, custom made and luxurious. See page 18.
Visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432
507 280
Polar Pioneer From £305 per day Small and tough. Polar Pioneer was built in Finland in 1985 as an ice-strengthened research ship, and converted in 2000 to provide comfortable accommodation for 54 passengers. Polar Pioneer spends the summer sailing complete circuits around Spitsbergen.
Ocean Nova
From £428 per day
Small and tough and comfortable. The ice-strengthened expedition ship Ocean Nova was built in Denmark in 1992 with high ice class to serve Greenland's west coast. In 2005 she was completely refurbished and has now a career as a small and comfortable expedition ship.
MS Expedition From £268 per day Tough, friendly and reasonable. See page 14.
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To see a full range of our cruises, please go to www.small-cruise-ships.com
MS Expedition Few expedition ships offer the choice of space, comfort and expertise at such a competitive price as the Expedition. The Expedition provides an intimate small-ship cruising experience, completely refurbished in 2009, she boasts spacious cabins, each featuring ocean-facing windows or portholes and private en-suite facilities. Large common areas and observation decks provide panoramic views of the distinctive landscapes of some of the world's most remote regions. The Expedition can hold up to 134 passengers.
Cruises The Expedition plies the Antarctic from November — March and spends June — August around Spitsbergen. She is a striking and distinctive ship and carries an expedition team of 14 specialists (providing a high ratio of staff to clients), who are very well regarded in the industry.
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The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2016 – 2017
Special attributes • Fast — spend less time in transit and more time exploring. • Sturdy — excellent stability and performance in rough weather. • Safe — designed with safety in mind. • Responsible — environmental policies that meet and exceed industry regulations. • Ratio of 1 expedition member per 10 passengers. • Raised forward observation deck. • Large fleet of Zodiacs with four stroke engines. • Complimentary Wellington boots for duration of your cruise. • Complimentary destination guides for every passenger. • Medical clinic. • Sauna and gym. • Computer room with internet where available. • Free expedition parka to keep.
Category 4 cabin
Realm of the Polar Bear
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Islands
2016 13 Jun – 20 Jun 20 Jun – 27 Jun 07 Jul – 14 Jul Cabin category Quad Triple Twin
2016 23 Oct – 13 Nov
Price from £2,055 Price from £2,379 Price from £2,839
Realm of the Polar Bear in depth
2016 – 2017 21 Dec – 03 Jan 2017 08 Feb – 21 Feb 20 Feb – 05 Mar Price from £2,949 Price from £3,299 Price from £3,925
Antarctica Classic 2016 12 Dec – 22 Dec
Cabin category Quad Triple Twin
Price from £5,829 Price from £6,249 Price from £7,139
Spirit of Shackleton 2016 23 Nov – 13 Dec
2017 02 Jan – 12 Jan 30 Jan – 09 Feb 04 Mar – 14 Mar 13 Mar – 23 Mar Cabin category Quad Triple Twin
Price from £7,035 Price from £7,845 Price from £8,655
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
2016 27 Jun – 07 Jul 14 Jul – 24 Jul 31 Jul – 10 Aug 10 Aug – 20 Aug Cabin category Quad Triple Twin
Cabin category Quad Triple Twin
2017 11 Jan – 31 Jan
Price from £3,295 Price from £3,699 Price from £4,399
Cabin category Quad Triple Twin
Price from £7,699 Price from £8,599 Price from £9,999
2017 Spitsbergen The 2017 programme will be very similar to 2016, but exact dates are yet to be finalised. Please see our website for further details.
Visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432
507 280
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To see a full range of our cruises, please go to www.small-cruise-ships.com
Akademik Ioffe & Akademik Sergey Vavilov Designed and built as a scientific research vessels in Finland, these vessels are very stable, quiet and comfortable. Refitting and refurbishment over the last five years has cemented their place amongst the elite of expedition cruise vessels, with greatly improved comfort and facilities.
Antarctic Peninsula Adventure In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, we will hope to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature's glory. Planned excursions might include Neko Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay and even the southerly Petermann Island, where we will observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as a shocking abundance of penguins including some very large colonies of the comical Adelie penguin. At Half Moon Island we will see a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags. We also hope to see Humpback and Minke whales, and Orca. When we arrive, prepare to be dazzled by your first glimpse of the continent. The scenery here is amazing and the oddly-shaped icebergs that look like sculptures and the colossal 'tabular' icebergs that break away from the continent's ice shelf are always photographic highlights. We hope the weather will be mild enough to allow us all to step foot on the White Continent itself. There is also a chance to camp on shore overnight. Whatever your vantage point, whether it is on board or onshore expect to feel transformed as you experience twilight from the very bottom of the planet.
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The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2016 – 2017
2016 08 Dec – 18 Dec 18 Dec – 28 Dec 2017 15 Feb – 25 Feb 25 Feb – 07 Mar 16 Mar – 26 Mar Cabin category Main deck triple Twin semi-private Twin private Superior Shackleton suite One Ocean suite
£5,456 £7,066 £7,696 £8,186 £9,096 £9,796
Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica A far-reaching polar expedition that covers the very best of the region. South Georgia's penguin rookeries with more than 100,000 nesting birds and beaches are covered in fur seals and elephant seals. Next to Antarctica where we will find icebergs, more unique wildlife and we frequently encounter whales including Humpback, minke and orca. Our days are spent exploring on shore with expert guides including naturalists, marine biologists, ornithologists and adventurers as well as our resident photography professional. Cruising in inflatable Zodiac boats is another memorable activity. For the adventurers, we provide plenty of opportunities to explore on long hikes ashore, or by sea kayak. Special notes: October/November marks the arrival of spring, an exceptional time to visit. Late October is the beginning of the wildlife migration and peak breeding time for many species. In South Georgia male elephant seals battle for control of the beaches and females, and the courtship rituals of the albatross will convince you are in a wildlife documentary. The ice and snow conditions in Antarctica are pristine. December/January is the height of the southern summer. Penguins are rearing their chicks, while whales are feeding. Much of the early season sea ice has broken up which increases the number of potential landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula and in the South Shetland Islands.
19 days 20 days 18 days 19 days
2016 – 2017 28 Dec – 15 Jan
19 days
Cabin category Triple share Twin semi-private Twin private Superior Shackleton suite One Ocean suite
£9,166 £10,426 £11,826 £12,386 £13,296 £15,396
Akademik Sergey Vavilov — Westbound
Northwest Passage This iconic voyage explores the remote Northwest Passage and stunning fjords of the Baffin Island coastline. We follow in the footsteps of the early Arctic explorers such as Franklin, Amundsen and Larsen, exploring the archipelago of islands and channels that create Canada's high Arctic region. This is the home of the polar bear, the barren ground grizzly bear, musk ox, caribou and walrus.
2016 12 Aug – 24 Aug
Akademik Ioffe — Eastbound 2016 28 Aug – 09 Sept
Wildlife is a major draw card of our expedition but there is plenty of historical interest and the stories of that ill-fated expedition by Sir John Franklin nearly 170 years ago is central to our voyage. Franklin made his last heroic foray into the Arctic in 1845 with two ships and 129 men, never to be heard from again. The fate of the expedition remained a mystery until September 2014 when one of the vessels, HMS Erebus, was discovered in a remarkable state of preservation in the frigid waters of Victoria Strait.
Spitsbergen Encounter We begin our exploration of the Svalbard archipelago in Longyearbyen. Embark on the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, our home for the next nine nights, we sail out of Isfjorden (Ice Fjord) and begin our exploration down the west coast and around the southern end of Spitsbergen, the larger of the two principle islands that make up the bulk of the Svalbard archipelago. From the moment we throw the lines and start our voyage we are in the land of the polar bear, beluga, walrus and reindeer so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.
Visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432
2016 21 Oct – 08 Nov 31 Oct – 19 Nov 19 Nov – 06 Dec 20 Nov – 08 Dec
507 280
Cabin category Triple share Twin semi-private Twin private Superior Shackleton suite Owner's suite
£6,226 £7,346 £8,816 £9,586 £10,286 £11,056
Plus charter flight $1,200
2016 13 Jun – 22 Jun 14 Jul – 24 Jul Cabin category Triple share Twin semi-private Twin private Superior Shackleton suite One Ocean suite
£3,496 £4,546 £5,106 £5,946 £6,646 £7,346
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UP TO 15% OFF SPECIAL OFFER
2017 Arctic cruises
Sea Spirit
Early booking discount available for bookings made before 30 September 2016.
Sail aboard the remarkably comfortable Sea Spirit and experience the polar regions in grand style with spacious suites. Only 100 people at a time are allowed ashore in Antarctica, and Sea Spirit is the most comfortable vessel of this size working in the Polar Regions today.
To see a full range of our cruises, please go to www.small-cruise-ships.com
Sea Spirit was built in 1991, had a major overhaul in 2011 and was refurbished in 2016. Sea Spirit accommodates just 114 passengers, all in spacious suites with panoramic ocean views. Think king-size or twin beds, en suites, flat screen TVs and DVDs and satellite internet. Many suites have private balconies, lounge areas and dressing tables. There is a lounge, bistro and bar, hot tub, gym, a stateof-the-art presentation room and stabilisers for smooth cruising.
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The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2016 – 2017
One of the smaller cabins on board the Sea Spirit.
Iceland, Jan Mayen & Spitsbergen
15% OFF SPECIAL OFFER
This expedition includes 3 iconic destinations. We start with exploring fantastic Western Fjords of Iceland. Then crossing the Arctic Circle we stop at Jan Mayen Island, with its landscapes of breathtaking beauty and northernmost active volcano on the planet the Beerenberg. The last port of call is Spitsbergen, which is a must for those who want to see the Arctic in all its splendour. 16 Jun – 27 Jun 2016
Twin cabin
Price from £4,500 (was £5,295)
South & West Greenland
10% OFF SPECIAL OFFER
Icebergs the size of city blocks and soaring mountains provide a humbling perspective on our diminutive size within the natural world. The juxtaposition of glittering icebergs, deep blue sea and verdant hillsides in one scene may strike you as unreal, but that's Greenland. We expect to see whales and dolphins at sea and around the coast, and plenty of birdlife. We also hope to see Polar bears hunting for seals. The residents of the towns and villages we visit are unfailingly welcome, and we will learn something of the culture, traditions and way of life of these remote settlements. 22 May – 06 Jun 2017
Twin cabin
Price from £2,682 (was £5,365)
Around Spitsbergen Spitsbergen has a remarkably mild climate for its latitude due to the warm Gulf Stream; it sustains a lush and vibrant arctic eco-system featuring flora, birdlife, and Arctic mammals. The archipelago is one of the best places to observe polar bears and this in depth exploration cruise will show you the very best of the islands.
Iceland, Norway & Svalbard
21 Aug – 31 Aug 2016
15 Jun – 29 Jun 2017
Twin cabin
Price from £3,788
Spitsbergen, East Greenland & Iceland Spitsbergen for polar bears, Greenland for vast fjords and glaciers, and Iceland for the dramatic Westfjords, all interspersed with great whale watching and an iconic journey. 31 Aug – 13 Sept 2016 31 Aug – 13 Sept 2017
Twin cabin Twin cabin
Price from £6,269 Price from £6,269
10% OFF SPECIAL OFFER
Head north from the land of Ice and fire to the spectacular fjords of northern Norway to the dramatic peaks and glaciers of Spitsbergen, the best place to see polar bears. Twin cabin
Price from £6,460 (was £7,180)
West Spitsbergen & Icecap
10% OFF SPECIAL OFFER
Polar bears, mountains, glaciers, walrus, history and some other great wildlife are all highlights of this cruise, and we will get right in amongst them all by ship, zodiac and on foot. 28 Jun – 08 Jul 2017
Twin cabin
Price from £5,265 (was £5,860)
East Greenland: Aurora Borealis in Scoresby Sund 10% OFF SPECIAL OFFER
Franz Josef Land
Combine the vast ice cap of Greenland, one of the world's largest fjord systems and some of the world's most active glaciers with a great chance of seeing the northern lights, and you have one of the world's great expedition cruises.
A journey to the Russian High Arctic destinations of Franz Josef Land or Novaya Zemlya is a special privilege afforded to few people. This is a comprehensive voyage including Spitsbergen, Franz Josef Land is an unparalleled Arctic voyage of a lifetime.
13 Sept – 23 Sept 2016 13 Sept – 23 Sept 2017
30 Jul – 12 Aug 2016 14 Aug – 29 Aug 2017
Twin cabin Twin cabin
Price from £4,319 Price from £4,075 (was £4,530)
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507 280
10% OFF SPECIAL OFFER
Twin cabin Twin cabin
Price from £5,295 Price from £7,777 (was £8,645)
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To see a full range of our cruises, please go to www.small-cruise-ships.com
Spirit of Enderby The Spirit of Enderby is a fully ice-strengthened expedition vessel, built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic research and is perfect for Expedition Travel. She carries just 50 passengers in twin share cabins with outside windows or portholes, there is a combined bar/library lounge area and a dedicated lecture room. The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort, and she carries enough zodiac boats for everyone. Her Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit.
Ross Sea — In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton The Ross Sea region of Antarctica is one of the world's most remote places. This is serious expedition cruising — Shipping is restricted by impenetrable pack ice to just two months each austral summer so few people have ever visited this strange and beautiful territory. This is a unique opportunity to experience nature on a scale so grand there are no words to describe it. Little known Subantarctic Islands lie on our route — The Snares, Aucklands, Macquarie and Campbell Island. Sir James Clark Ross, Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton all passed through the Ross Sea — Shackleton's Trans Antarctic expedition in 1914–17 marked the end of this 'heroic' or 'golden age' of exploration, but many of the relics of this era, including some huts, remain. The dramatic landscape described by these early explorers is unchanged. Mt Erebus, Mt Discovery and the Transantarctic Mountains are as inspiring today as they were 100 years ago. The penguin rookeries described by the early biologists fluctuate in numbers from year to year but they still occupy the same sites. The seals, no longer hunted for food, lie around on ice floes seemingly unperturbed and the whales, which were hunted so ruthlessly in the 1920s, are slowly coming back.
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2017 10 Jan – 09 Feb 11 Jan – 09 Feb
Price from £16,750 £16,750
09 Feb – 11 Mar 10 Feb – 11 Mar
£16,750 £16,750
Papua New Guinea Explorer Follow in the footsteps of the great explorers though regions seldom visited; explore remote atolls, walk distant shores and snorkel coral reefs which have never been fully explored in Papua New Guinea. Small local communities are keen to share their rich culture, fascinating history and the rich biodiversity which supports their traditional way of life, be it plants, birdlife or beneath the sea. Papua New Guinea is a revelation of exquisite wild beauty and exotic cultural wealth. The incomparable biodiversity in both sea and land makes this one of the most mysterious places on earth, as rugged mountains give way to picture perfect white sand beaches. In this region which is home to more than 800 distinct languages and cultures we are sure to experience some remarkable interactions with the locals. 2017 17 Apr – 29 Apr
Russian Arctic Across the Top of the World This unique expedition crosses the Arctic Circle and includes the isolated and pristine Wrangel and Herald Islands and a significant section of the wild North Eastern Siberian coastline. It is a journey only made possible in recent years by the thawing in the politics of the region and the retreat of summer pack ice in the Chukchi Sea. The very small distance between Russia and the USA along this border area was known as the Ice Curtain, behind which then and now lies one of the last great undiscovered wilderness areas in the world.
Wildlife hotspot We will spend four to five days on Wrangel Island under the guidance of local rangers on the nature reserve. Untouched by glaciers during the last ice age, this island is a treasure trove of Arctic biodiversity and is known for the multitude of Polar Bears that breed here. The island also boasts the world's largest population of Pacific Walrus and lies near major feeding grounds for the Gray Whales. Reindeer, Musk Ox and Snow Geese abound too. 2016 Price from £8,250 01 Aug – 15 Aug 15 Aug – 29 Aug 29 Aug – 12 Sept
Sea of Okhotsk This is a truly unique journey in that it travels through a little known and seldom visited region that is rich in history and a major hotspot for terrestrial and marine wildlife. For an adventurous and open minded traveller this is a 'must do' expedition. Hundreds of Steller Sea Lion's haul out to breed on three small islands and one of these, Tyulenly Island, is also home to one of the largest concentrations and breeding colonies of Northern Fur Seals in the Russian Far East.
Magnificent birds Seabird numbers in the Sea of Okhotsk are spectacular. There are islands like Talan where the sky darkens with Crested Auklets. Other birds include Steller's Sea eagle, guillemots, puffins, auklets and fulmars. Harder to see but not uncommon on this expedition are the magnificent Kamchatka Brown Bear and the Arctic Ground Squirrel. 2017 12 Jun – 23 Jun
2017 Price from £8,250 24 Jul – 07 Aug 07 Aug – 21 Aug 21 Aug – 04 Sept
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Norwegian Fjords & Northern Lights 'The World's Most Beautiful Voyage' according to Lonely Planet.
To see a full range of our cruises, please go to www.small-cruise-ships.com Sail from Bergen to Kirkenes and back in 12 days. See 34 ports and cover over 2,500 nautical miles, allowing you to explore Norway's magical coastline. At any time of year, it's a voyage like no other. The drama of the scenery and the wildlife will stir the explorer in you. 22 of the ports lie north of the Polar Circle and you will be given the opportunity to join excursions tailormade to match your exploration level. Whatever you miss on the northbound sailing during night, you are able to see in daylight on the southbound sailing. This route rightly earns its place in the hall of fame of iconic traveller routes along with other classics like the Orient Express, Europe's Danube, and the revered Route 66. Visit cities like Bergen, Alesund and Trondheim, before crossing the Polar Circle and sail into Tromso. Southbound you get to see Lofoten and Trollfjorden in broad daylight, before we sail along the Helgeland coast, passing the Seven Sisters mountains. Admire the overwhelmingly beautiful west coast on our way to our final destination, Bergen.
In autumn the colours turn to reds and oranges, and as the nights get longer, the northern lights begin to appear. Winter is a different experience. The warm glow gives way to cold blue light and long hours of darkness, ideal if you want to see the northern lights. The fjords, especially in the north, look very different surrounded by snow capped peaks. Spring time brings green back to the hills, flowers to the pastures and beautiful fresh days.
Summer is the most popular time of year for exploring Norway's coast. The long, light days during the summer months seem to energise both nature and people. Even as far south as Bergen, you can experience 19 hours of daylight. Flowers bloom, rivers fill with fish and giant waterfalls cascade towards the ocean, creating a picture-perfect setting for a summer holiday. North of the Arctic Circle you can experience the Midnight Sun — Daylight in the middle of the night is an intense experience, and you may have to force yourself to go to bed.
The full cruise from and to Bergen takes 12 days, but you can also book the 6 day Bergen — Kirkenes or vice versa.
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Itineraries
Departs every day throughout the year. 6 days 12 days
Twin outside cabin Twin outside cabin
Price from £680 Price from £1,312
These cruises operate a 'flexible pricing' system, so prices go up (very occasionally down) as the vessel fills up and the sailing date approaches.
Iceland Circumnavigation
25% OFF SPECIAL OFFER
For bookings made before 30 June 2016. No single supplement!
Northern Lights & Whales
Iceland in September — A special month for a special voyage! Get to know the island of fire and ice from the sea and ashore! As the lazy days of summer slowly come to an end, Iceland transforms with the vibrant colours of autumn. Days become shorter, and the Midnight Sun bids farewell to make room in the sky for a spectacular display of dancing northern lights. Many are familiar with the term, Aurora Borealis, but few have experienced this natural phenomenon with their own eyes. By day we encounter a wide variety of whale species, especially in North Iceland near the Arctic Circle. By night we hunt for the magical northern lights, all from the vantage point of the open sea. This unique itinerary includes a 3-day-cruise along the West Coast and North Shore with distinctive shore excursions and lectures by local experts, a motor-coach trek through the Central Highlands between Akureyri and Reykjavik and a visit to the Blue Lagoon.
Iceland is a country of contrasts and the diverse natural landscape provides some unique experiences like nowhere else on earth. This cruise reveals both natural wonders and the Icelandic way of living. A range of exciting shore excursions brings the unique character of Iceland closer to you. Make a complete circumnavigation of Iceland on the Ocean Diamond, the ideal vessel for this cruise being large enough to be very comfortable, but small enough to get into the smaller bays and harbours. Heading clockwise from Reykjavik, we'll cruise to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which juts out from Iceland's west coast, Siglufjördur, once the center of the Icelandic herring industry, Akureyri and nearby Lake Myvatn, Flatey, the best place to see whales and dolphins in Iceland, the stunning Seydisfjördur,Höfn and the Vatnajökull glacier, and the Westman Islands. 2016 24 May – 02 Jun 11 Jun – 20 Jun 20 Jun – 29 Jun 29 Jun – 08 Jul 08 Jul – 17 Jul 17 Jul – 26 Jul 24 Aug – 02 Sept Cabin category Berth in a triple Double
Price from £1,985 £2,535 – £8,289
2016 17 Sept – 23 Sept Cabin category Berth in a triple Double
Price from £981 (was £1,310) £1,294 – £2,822 (was £1,762 – £3,763)
Siglufjördur
Isafjörcur
Flatey
Akureyri Seydisfjördur Stykkisholmur
ICELAND Höfn
Reykjavik
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Vestmannaeyjar
www.small-cruise-ships.com
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Cruise Iceland Circumnavigation
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Greek Island Hopping Cruises
To see a full range of our cruises, please go to www.small-cruise-ships.com
The Jewels of the Cyclades Sail from Athens around the glorious Cyclades Islands, including Mykonos, Paros and Santorini. A fantastic week of swimming, local cuisine (especially seafood), relaxing, exploring, whitewashed villages and some ancient history. We spend most of the evenings in port enabling you to experience the nightlife and tavernas of these wonderful small ports.
MV Galileo The 50 metre Galileo is a classic steel hull motor sailer built in the style of a Turkish Gulette. On the main deck there is a lounge, bar and elegant dining room. Guests on Galileo particularly enjoy the shaded outdoor deck area with an outdoor bar and the ship's sun deck equipped with sun beds, deckchairs and a Jacuzzi.
Classical Greece
10-20% OFF SPECIAL OFFER
Classical Greece shows Greece at its best: The beautiful whitewashed Cycladic Islands of Santorini and Mykonos, Crete the largest and southern-most Greek Island and the Peloponnese with Monemvassia and Nafplion and their historical treasures. Add to these destinations the less know and quaint islands of Kythira will probably see turtles swim inside the port of Kythira where we will be docking for the night and Hydra, a summer destination for the Athenians. Spend your week aboard the Harmony V, see details opposite, swimming in secluded bays, eating calamari in quayside cafes, exploring whitewashed villages and ancient ruins, and sampling the best of Greek cuisine and viniculture!
The Cabins The M/S Galileo's 25 outside guest cabins are located on the lower and the upper deck all with large windows or portholes, twin or queen sized beds and en-suite bathrooms with showers. All cabins are fully air-conditioned and offer storage space and a radio. Weekly departures from April — October. Departures every Saturday from April — October. Cabin category Category C Category B Category A Port charges
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£1,166 £1,760 £2,280 €230
Cabin category Category C Category B Category A Category P Port charges
Price from £1,504 (was £1,880) £1,760 (was £2,200) £2,016 (was £2,520) £2,240 (was £2,800) £170
Canary Islands To see a full range of our cruises, please go to www.small-cruise-ships.com
Harmony V A modern vessel with a sleek high-tech look very similar to the private yachts to be found in the famous ports of the world. The 55 metre long Mega Yacht was launched in June 2009 has state of the art twin stabilizers to allow for safe and comfortable cruising. There is a spacious lounge, a bar and a room. The large sundeck offers a shaded outdoor area for all day dining and a bar as well as sun chairs and loungers. The swimming platform on Harmony V stern will allow for easy access to the ship and for a wide range of sea related activities. The Harmony V cabins are all located on the upper and main decks and all of them are equipped with windows. The 25 cabins feature twin or queen sizes beds, upper deck cabins feature flexible bed configuration, flat screen TVs, music channels, mini fridge, safe deposit boxes and hair dryer, and en suite bathrooms.
This 8 day cruise takes in the best that this 10 islands archipelago has to offer. The Canaries are a perfect fit for our small ship ethos with a tremendous bio and cultural diversity and a fantastic climate. We visit the Canaries from November — April, which is a great time to visit the Canary Islands with temperatures not exceeding 22/ 23 degrees Celsius and when winds are at their lowest. Highlights include La Gomera Island, the second smallest island of the Archipelago, a circular island with volcanic origin with a 1,500 high peak. The whistled speech or 'silbo gomero' is still used by the locals to communicate with each other. Tenerife highlights include the Giant Cliffs rock formation and the Cave of wind, a lava tube which is 17 km long. You will have the opportunity to walk on the stunning 'Route of the Volcanoes' in La Palma and the dramatic Caldera del Tuburiente National Park. On Lanzarote we can enjoy the whitewashed houses of Yiaza and Timanfaya National Park — also known as 'the Mountains of fire' and the wineries producing the white Malvasia wines in Lanzarote. You can join this cruise in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria on Saturdays or Tenerife on Sundays. Cabin category Category C Category B Category A Category P Port charges
2016 26, 27 Nov 03, 04, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 Dec 2017 01, 07, 08, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 Jan 04, 05, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 Feb 04, 05, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 Mar 01, 02 Apr
Cruise
Price from £1,435 £1,675 £1,995 £2,395 �220
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Canary Islands
LA PALMA ISLAND
LANZAROTE ISLAND Arrecife
Santa Cruz
TENERIFE
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Corralejo
FUERTEVENTURA ISLAND
LA GOMERA ISLAND Las Palmas San Sabastian
Category C cabin
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Port Cristianos
507 280
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Croatia Cruises Croatia's Adriatic Coast could almost have been designed specifically for small ship cruising. Calm, clear blue, waters protected by dozens of islands, myriad small bays and inlets, dozens of small ports and villages that are inaccessible to even medium size vessels, towns dominated by grand Venetian architecture and full of small restaurants and cafes, fantastic local cuisine, vineyards, a benign climate, a dramatic mountainous backdrop and the glorious cities of Dubrovnik and Split.
Futura
To see a full range of our cruises, please go to www.small-cruise-ships.com
Cruising in Croatia We have a wide range of cruises that sail through the islands between Split and Dubrovnik, and some further north that sail from Opatija. They all sail on small vessels that carry a maximum of around 40 passengers and depart virtually every Saturday and Sunday from April — October. A typical day will involve 3–4 hours cruising, a couple of swim stops in secluded bays, and visit to a small town or two, and a night in a port where you are free to explore the local restaurants.
The vessels All the vessels we use provide air-conditioned, en-suite cabins, dining rooms and plenty of deck space. They are all crewed by Croatians who provide a wealth of local knowledge and expertise. We have 2 levels of vessel, comfort and luxury. Luxury vessels are a little newer and have slightly larger cabins, and you will also get more inclusions on a luxury cruise (such as city tours, transfers etc). Breakfast and lunch is provided every day, and usually 2 evening meals during the week allowing you to sample some of the many local restaurants.
Prices Prices vary depending on cabin choice (upper or lower deck), dates (June – September is peak season) and level of vessel (comfort or luxury). Prices vary from £429 for a week in a lower deck cabin in low season, to £1,280 for VIP upper deck cabin with private balcony on a 1 week luxury cruise.
Routes Most cruises sail from Dubrovnik or Split, usually returning to whichever they started from, though increasingly there are 1 way cruises between the two.
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Adriatic Odyssey
20% OFF SPECIAL OFFER
Croatia, Montenegro, Albania & Greece Sail on board the luxurious Panorama sailing cruiser to some of Europe's most beautiful coastlines. Dubrovnik is one of Europe's best preserved cities, and Kotor Bay is an absolutely stunning fjord with steep sides plunging into the glassy waters dotted with tiny islands that often have a single church or just a few buildings clinging to them. Other highlights include Corfu, the Grand Lady of the Ionian Islands and the greenest island in Greece, the charming town of Saranda, boasting the most attractive waterfront on the Albanian Riviera, sailing in the Bay of Kotor, the deepest fjord in the Mediterranean and a night in the unique port of Paxos.
Panorama Panorama is a dramatic a 3 masted sail cruiser which can accommodate up to 49 passengers in 24 cabins. During the day, life on board centres around the outdoor areas, the 2 bars and the sun deck. In the evening you can relax in one of the ship's two lounges, the library, and have a drink while you listen to the piano music. The swimming platform on Panorama stern enables you to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit.
Cabins The Panorama's cabins are located on 3 decks; category A cabins are located on the upper and main decks and have windows, while category B and C cabins are on the lower deck and have portholes. C cabins are slightly smaller than the B cabins. All cabins are finished with wooden furniture and light fabrics. The fully equipped bathrooms are finished with marble. All cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone (for internal use), hair-dryers, mini-fridge and safety deposit boxes.
CROATIA MONTENEGRO
Departs every Sunday from June — September. Cabin category Category C Category B Category A Port charges
Korcula
Dubrovnik Kotor
£1,151 (was £1,439) £1,292 (was £1,615) £1,631 (was £2,039) �280
Budva
ADRIATIC SEA Saranda
ALBANIA
Corfu
IONIAN SEA
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507 280
GREECE
Paxos
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Cuba Discovery Cruise The vessels You have the choice of undertaking this itinerary on a beautiful 3 masted sail cruiser Panorama II, see below, or a luxury mega yacht MV Voyager, see opposite.
Panorama II
To see a full range of our cruises, please go to
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Panorama II is a dramatic a 2 masted sail cruiser which can accommodate up to 49 passengers in 25 cabins. During the day, life on board centres around the outdoor areas, the 2 bars and the sun deck. In the evening you can relax in one of the ship's two lounges, the library, and have a drink while you listen to the piano music. The swimming platform on Panorama II's stern enables you to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit.
See the best of Cuba from one of our two luxurious vessels. Visit Havana, a mix of old colonial architecture and vibrant Cuban life; Cayo Largo, home to miles of white sand beaches, nesting sites for sea turtles, flamingos, iguanas and some dramatic birdlife, including cranes and tiny bee hummingbirds; Cienfuegos, the 'Pearl of the South'; and Las Terrazzas UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Guanahacabibes National Park, a crucial site for nesting sea turtles. You can snorkel coral reefs, visit the critically endangered Cuban crocodile breeding farm, a colonial era coffee farm and Sugarmills Valley (Valley de los Ingenios) — a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will visit some historical sites such as the Bay of Pigs, old Havana and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trinidad, a meticulously well-preserved Spanish colonial city, rich in architecture, cobblestone streets, palaces and plazas, it is referred to as the “museum city of Cuba.
Havana
Playa Giron
Cienfuegos
Maria la Gorda
Casilda/Trinidad Cayo Largo
CUBA Cruise Sights & Sounds of Cuba
CARIBBEAN SEA
Coach transfer
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Cabins The Panorama II's cabins are located on 3 decks; category A cabins are located on the upper and main decks and have windows, while category B and C cabins are on the lower deck and have portholes. C cabins are slightly smaller than the B cabins. All cabins are finished with wooden furniture and light fabrics. The fully equipped bathrooms are finished with marble. All cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone (for internal use), hair-dryers, mini-fridge and safety deposit boxes. Panorama II sails every Saturday throughout the year. Cabin category Category C Category B Category A Port charges
£1,120 £1,360 £1,760 €360
Panama Canal & Costa Rica To see a full range of our cruises, please go to
www.small-cruise-ships.com
Luxury Cuba cruise MV Voyager This new 223ft state of the art mega yacht accommodates 72 passengers in 36 cabins. The Voyager's sleek lines and ample deck space are very much what one expects from a millionaire's super yacht. You will get unobstructed views from almost anywhere on board, and, above all, the professional service of a crew of 28. All cabins have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, TV with DVD player, mini fridge, safe deposit box and WIFI (at a charge). Cabin category Category C: Cabins are on the lower deck and have double or twin beds. They have oversized twin port holes. Category B: Cabins on the lower deck oversized twin port holes and main deck double windows. Category A: Cabins on the main deck offering double windows. Category P: Cabins on the upper Horizons Deck offer double windows and flexible bedding configuration. Owner's suite: Located on the upper Horizons Deck offering 2 x double windows, and is the largest cabin. The Owner's suite offers flexible bedding configuration as well as an extra sofa bed. Every Saturday from December — March. Cabin category Category C Category B Category A Category P Owner's suite Port charges
Price from £2,124 £2,520 £2,808 £3,456 £4,320 €390
An unusual cruise that takes in the coasts of Costa Rica and Panama as well as the fabled Panama Canal. You will experience the wildlife, cultures, history and landscapes of Central America from your floating 'boutique hotel'. Hike through lush jungle, watching for colourful macaws and hummingbirds, slow moving sloths, screeching howler monkeys, expressive white-faced capuchins and squirrel monkeys in the canopy above. Snorkel with the multi-coloured menagerie of the coral reefs. Navigate alluringly beautiful and secluded island coves and mangrove forests by kayak and skiff and witness the incredible engineering feat that is the Panama Canal.
Callisto A “boutique” cruise ship, having just been refurbished, she offers the highest standard of accommodation, comfort and safety. The yacht's public areas are homely and generous, decorated with rich fabrics, handsome woodwork, gleaming brass, antiques and fine works of art. During the day, life on board centres around the indoor and outdoor areas including the upper deck lounge/bar and dining room as well as the cosy library located on the sun deck. The yacht features two broad sun decks for sunbathing and the swimming platform on Callisto's stern enables you to swim off the ship when in sheltered bays. Service on board is provided by your Captain, the Cruise Coordinator and your experienced Marine and Hotel crew members. 2016 21, 30 Dec 2017 08,17, 26 Jan 04, 13, 22 Feb 03, 12, 21, 30 Mar 08, 17 Apr Cabin category Category C Category B Category A Category P Port charges
Visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432
Price from £2,040 £2,400 £2,800 £3,160 £470
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Galapagos it's almost impossible to exaggerate the sheer spectacle of the islands that provided inspiration for Charles Darwin's ground-breaking theory of natural selection.
To see a full range of our cruises, please go to www.small-cruise-ships.com
MV Majestic
Athala II
Tip Top IV
This remote archipelago is a land of stark lava formations, cactus forests, lush green highlands, turquoise bays and quintessential tropical beaches. But, best of all, it is overflowing with wildlife at every turn. Within minutes — sometimes seconds — of landing on this dot in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, you can be face-to-face with more strangely fearless and curious animals than anywhere else on Earth. 620 miles off the coast of Ecuador and on the equator, Darwin's “Enchanted Isles” consist of a cluster of 13 “proper” volcanic islands, six smaller islands and more than 100 islets. Every one has its own unique atmosphere, distinctive landscape and inimitable wildlife. We use more than 20 vessels in the Galapagos that cater for all tastes from luxury to budget, small and family orientated. We offer cruises from 3 days to two weeks, and departures almost every day of the year! Tell us what you are looking for, and we should be able to help.
Quito and the Jungle Combine with a few days in Quito and visit the beautiful community run Sani Jungle Lodge.
Sani Jungle Lodge
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Quito
Alaska Few places offer as much untamed scenic grandeur as Alaska. Witnessing this vast landscape has a humbling effect on those who see the dramatic fjords and coast line, but we do more than witness it, we experience it, get under its skin, and from close up, not through a pair of binoculars.
Our vessels Our vessels are all designed to work in these waters, and are all staffed by experienced and dedicated crew. The size of the vessels means we get into the nooks and crannies the big vessels read about in magazines. The crew know the best places to look for the wildlife, be it on land on underwater, and most of the vessels carry underwater hydrophones to listen for the whales!
Cruises We have dozens of cruises, mostly starting or finishing in Seattle, Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, but we also have a few that use Seward, Vancouver, Nome and Anchorage too.
Inside Passage
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Words cannot adequately describe what it feels like to stand on the crest of an age old glacier, see a whale gracefully breach above the sea's surface or watch a grizzly hunt for spawning salmon in the gushing Alaskan rivers.
Cruising Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage is an unmatched way to combine a love of adventure with a love of the sea. Take in the peaks and glaciers, the wonder and wildlife that are the hallmarks of the Alaskan wilderness.
Southeast Alaska Southeast Alaska is a vast wilderness of narrow channels, small coves and abundant wildlife. It is a bustling tourist destination, with massive ships cruising there every day.
Travelling in small ships will introduce you to an Alaska that others never see, much less experience. You'll do more than just see Alaska through an observation lounge; you'll be an active participant in all that it has to offer, from Zodiac rides around impossibly blue ice to savouring locally caught seafood at dinner. Throughout your expedition, the experience will be defined by the Expedition Team. Exceptionally knowledgeable, but also extremely accessible and friendly, they'll show you Alaska not just as guides, but also as amiable companions.
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Australia Great Barrier Reef Discover everything that this memorable region has to offer; the best parts of the Reef, spectacular rainforest trails and beautiful tropical islands including Lizard and Dunk, along with a private island paradise, Pelorus.
All year round 3, 4 and 7 night cruises that reveal that there is a lot more to the Great Barrier reef than reefs! Price from £1,594 for 1 week Cruise aboard the state-of-the-art Coral Discoverer to discover all of the icons of the Kimberley Coast over ten unforgettable days between Darwin and Broome. In the north, discover the majestic King George River with its towering 80-metre twin falls and the mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion) Paintings of Bigge Island. Explore the Mitchell Plateau and cruise the Kimberley's big rivers before experiencing beautiful King Cascades, remarkable Montgomery Reef and the amazing natural phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls in the south. Regular departures April — September from £5,079.
Japan
To see a full range of our cruises, please go to
www.small-cruise-ships.com
The Best of Japan Cruise to the “Country of the Rising Sun”, an extraordinary blend of modernity and tradition. You will visit some of Japan's iconic destinations aboard the luxurious L'Austral. Japan will open its doors to you and reveal its imperial past, where the history of the Samurais rubs shoulders with the subtle delicateness of geishas. 2017 01 Apr – 09 Apr 09 Apr – 17 Apr 17 Apr – 25 Apr 25 Apr – 03 May Safety and port charges
Price from £2,846
£312
To see a full range of our cruises, please go to
www.small-cruise-ships.com
32 / The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2016 – 2017
Fiji
Fiji Explorer Cruise 3 nights, 4 days. Price from £699. Departs every Friday.
You'll have the opportunity to see and do so much on this cruise, that you'll come away with memories from a holiday of a lifetime. You'll see mother nature at her best, be welcomed into the friendliest culture in the world, discover an underwater world of vibrant life, laze on countless golden sand beaches and luxuriate in warm lagoons. To put it simply, you'll be transported to paradise!
Fiji Wanderer Cruise 4 nights, 5 days. Price from £929. Departs every Monday.
EARLY BOOKING OFFER
Fiji Princess Fiji cruises, 3, 4 and 7 nights. Fiji Princess has 34 high-standard air-conditioned twin cabins, all with en-suite. All the crew are Fijian, many coming from the island villages that we visit. Fiji's people are renowned for great hospitality, friendly smiles, lots of time for laughter and most of all, the ability to make the most of 'Fiji Time', which pretty much means 'relax, unwind and enjoy the slower pace of life.'
Escape to paradise
7 nights, combine the 3 and 4 night cruises. Covering the full length of the magnificent Yasawa Island chain, Modriki and the Sacred Islands. Price from £1,129 departs every Friday all year round. To see a full range of our cruises, please go to
www.small-cruise-ships.com
French Polynesia & The Marquesas Islands To see a full range of our cruises, please go to www.small-cruise-ships.com Unique is an overused word, but you won't find another one like this. A 14 day adventure cruise in French Polynesia and the Marquesas islands. Your journey begins with a cruise from Tahiti to Fakarava, then to Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Fatu Hiva, Tahuata, Ua Huka, Rangiroa and back to Papeete. Ever since the Marquesas were first discovered by European explorers, artists, travellers and dreamers, they have shared the sense of beauty and wonder that is fundamental to this rugged volcanic archipelago forged from the furnace within our Earth. Thrust up from the floor of the Pacific islands millions of years ago, the Polynesian people have made it their home for 2,000 years developing and nurturing their ancient customs, energetic and enthusiastic dancing and exquisite arts, crafts and tattoos.
Departures every 3 weeks on the ½ freighter, ½ cruiser Aranui 5.
Visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432
507 280
2016 – 2017 Dormitory Stateroom twin-share Deluxe twin-share Superior deluxe twin-share Junior suite twin-share Premium suite twin-share Royal suite twin-share Presidential suite twin-share Port charges
Price from £1,879 £3,329 £3,695 £3,889 £4,269 £4,669 £4,925 £5,819 £204
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25% OFF DOUBLE CABINS
No single supplement!
Seychelles The Seychelles Islands are the perfect destination for both summer and winter cruises due to their warm year round climate.
To see a full range of our cruises, please go to www.small-cruise-ships.com Discover the Seychelles the best way: By small ship! Hop from island to island in this unspoilt paradise and visit a variety islands renowned for their fauna and flora, and beaches. Snorkel or dive to see an amazing underwater world. Walk into centuries old rain forests with unique and endemic species of wildlife and spot the rare black parrots, the world famous Coco de Mer palm trees or the giant land tortoise.
MV Pegasus The twin-hulled Pegasus, built in 1990 and completely renovated in 2009, accommodates just 49 guests in a relaxed, congenial atmosphere. There are 21 cabins on board in 3 classes, all of which have TV, air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. On board you will enjoy magnificent sea views as you stroll the 2,550 square feet of open deck. You can relax with friends in the handsomely appointed lounge, browse in the well-stocked library or enjoy ocean-view dining in the convivial and spacious restaurant area. A platform on Pegasus stern enables you to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit.
Aride Curieuse Anse Lazio
Felicite Island Praslin
North Island
Cousin Island
St. Pierre Island Baie St. Anne
La Digue Island Mamele Island
Silhouette
St. Anne Island Fregate
Victoria
Moyenne Island
Port Launay
MAHE ISLAND
Cruise 3 nights
INDIAN OCEAN
7 nights 4 nights
We have three itineraries to choose from, lasting, 4, 5 or 8 days. Cruise Mahe — Mahe 1 week Mahe — Praslin 5 days Praslin — Mahe 4 days
Port charges 2016 £220 £170 £125
Port charges 2017 £258 £187 £168
Discount only applies to 1 week (Mahe – Mahe cruises). *Requires £700 booking deposit. Applies to most dates. Weekly departures throughout the year prices vary depending on dates.
34 / The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2016 – 2017
Cabin category C £1,023 (was £1,365)* £975 £819
Cabin category B £1,166 (was £1,555)* £1,085 £899
Cabin category A £1,376 (was £1,835)* £1,289 £1,135
South East Asia To see a full range of our cruises, please go to www.small-cruise-ships.com
Glimpses of Lost Myanmar Thailand, Myanmar & Malaysia These Myanmar voyages spend a full 5 days exploring its rarely visited Andaman coastline, including the remarkable towns of Dawei and Mwalamyine and the famed Mergui archipelago. A highlight of the journey is the half day navigation of the mighty Irrawaddy, possible due to the shallow draft and navigation capabilities of the Coral Discoverer. Your Myanmar immersion is complemented by visits to delightful Melaka and Pangkor in Malaysia and the marine wonderlands of Ao Nang and Tarutao National Marine Park off the Thai coast. 2016 – 2017 25 Nov – 07 Dec 07 Dec – 19 Dec 19 Dec – 31 Dec 31 Dec – 12 Jan 2017
Price from £7,277
Beaches, Villages & Temple-Towns
MYANMAR
Cambodia, Vietnam & Malaysia
Yangon
Unlike many cruises between Singapore and Vietnam, this voyage between Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City has only one day at sea. We hug the Malaysian coastline, sampling the incredible beaches and underwater marine life in Pulau Tioman and the Perhentian Islands. Round off your Malaysian experience with a day at the traditional Malay town of Kota Bharu. Take advantage of the shallow draft of the Coral Discoverer as we thread through rarely seen islands off the Cambodian coast. Included in your cruise fare is a full day charter flight excursion to Angkor Wat in Seam Reap. A navigation of the busy Mekong delta on the Coral Discoverer caps your 4 nation voyage. 2016 12 Jan – 22 Jan 15 Feb – 25 Feb
Mawlamyine
Dawei
CAMBODIA Mergui Archipelago
Siem Reap
Swinton Island
VIETNAM
Sihanoukville Kampot
Kawthoung
ANDAMAN SEA
Price from £5,399
Ho Chi Minh City Con Son Island
THAILAND
Ao Nang
Tarutao N.P.
Kota Bharu Pulau Perhentian
MALAYSIA Pangkor Melaka
Pulau Tioman
SINGAPORE
Visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432
507 280
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SPITSBERGEN – page 12
RUSSIAN ARCTIC – page 21
NORWEGIAN FJORDS – page 22
NORTHERN LIGHTS – page 23
GREEK ISLANDS – page 24
CROATIA – page 26
CUBA – page 28
GALAPAGOS – page 30
AUSTRALIA – page 32
SEYCHELLES – page 34
SOUTH EAST ASIA – page 35
The Small Cruise Ship Collection Phone: 01432 507 280 46 Bridge Street Email: info@small-cruise-ships.com Hereford Website: www.small-cruise-ships.com Herefordshire HR4 9DG Facebook: www.facebook.com/smallcruiseships 36 / The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2016 – 2017
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ANTARCTICA – page 6