The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015/2016
2/
Cruise locations
The Small Cruise Ship Collection Destinations Iceland
Baltic
Norwegian fjords
British Isles Canada & Greenland
hawaii
Alaska Corsica & Riviera
baja california
Adriatic
cuba
panama costa rica
Canaries
Greek Islands
galÁpAgOs
THE Amazon
Falklands & South Georgia
patagonia Antarctic Peninsula
Cover image: MV Ushuaia in Antarctica, see page 8. Photo credit: Weisheng Lin.
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
/3
Cruise destinations
EAST GREENLAND
Spitsbergen
Russian far east
Japan
Papua New Guinea & Indonesia
South Pacific
FIJI
Seychelles
Kimberley & North Australia
Great Barrier Reef
New Zealand
Ross Sea
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
4/
About us
About us & small ships 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 of The Small Cruise Ship Collection 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.
Powell Ettinger – Founder & Managing Director
Small Ships – What & why? Our smallest ‘ship’ carries just 8 people and the largest carries a maximum of 264. 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? 3000? Just not feasible. • Queues. What are they?
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 through the Fjords of Chile and Greenland, and along the Amazon River.
Lara Paxton – Sales & Reservations Lara caught the ‘Travel bug’ at a young age, with various trips around Europe, but it was her trip to India when she was 13 that started her passion for exploration travel. By the age of 26, Lara had travelled to every continent in the world including small ship expeditionary cruises to both Antarctica and The Arctic. Her travel highlight was watching from the deck of a small cruise ship near Spitsbergen while a polar bear (unsuccessfully) hunted a walrus in the wild, an experience she will never forget.
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.
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
Q3314
/5
Antarctica
06-17
Spitsbergen
12-23
Canadian Arctic & Greenland
23-27
Iceland
28-29
DECEMBER
NOVEMBER
OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER
AUGUST
JULY
JUNE
33-35 & 37 35
North America & Alaska
38-40
Hawaii & Baja California
41
Central America & the Caribbean
42
Cuba & Grenadine islands
43
Patagonia
44
Amazon River
45
The Galápagos islands
46-47
New Zealand
48-49
Australia
50-51
Japan & the Far East
52
Seychelles
53 54-55
Papua New Guinea
56
Something different
57
River boats & sailing ships
MAY
32-33
Canary islands
Fiji & South Pacific islands
APRIL
30-31 & 37
Mediterranean under sail Greek islands
MARCH
23
Aurora Borealis
Croatia & the Adriatic
FEBRUARY
Cruise Calendar PAGEs
JANUARY
Cruise calendar
58-59
Luxury cruises
60
Family cruises
60
Single travellers 61 Cruises without flights
61
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.
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. See page 61 for more information on single passengers.
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
6/
Antarctic
Antarctica A cruise to Antarctica is the experience of a lifetime: it is one of the world’s most remote and exciting destinations. 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.
MV Ushuaia, see page 8
When to go 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 to 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. The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
/7
Antarctic Peninsula
Falklands & South Georgia 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 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. 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, 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.
Punta Arenas Ushuaia
Ross Sea The most remote Antarctic cruising expedition, sail deep into the heart of Antarctica in the footsteps of the heroic explorers to a seldom visited land. These expeditions have it all from the soaring albatross and abundant wildlife of the Auckland, Campbell and Macquarie Subantarctic Islands to the towering icy landscapes of the Trans-Antarctic Mountains and the huts of Scott and Shackleton. Join the Captain on the bridge to cross the Antarctic Circle, pass through the pack ice and enter the Ross Sea, see page 10.
Port Stanley Falkland Islands South Georgia Island
CAPE HORN
Livingston Island
DRAKE PASSAGE
King George Island H UT SO
Elephant Island
LANDS ND IS A L T SHE
Deception Island
Lemaire Channel Adelaide Island
South Orkney Islands
Cruise
WEDDELL SEA
ANTARCTICA
Classic Antarctica, page 8 Falklands/South Georgia, page 9 Fly cruise, page 10 Crossing the circle, page 11
ANTARCTIC CIRCL E
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
8/
Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula
Sea Adventurer
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent – 11 or 12 days This expedition offers the perfect chance to discover the best of the Antarctic Peninsula, the last continent’s most northern region. You’ll be delighted by penguins, seals and seabirds as they accompany you on your journey along the Antarctic coastline. Landing on the continent itself is a memorable highlight, where you’ll explore the iconic sights that make this one of the world’s most pristine, exotic and unforgettable natural environments. You have the choice of 3 ships and an 11 or 12 day itinerary.
The 118-passenger Sea Adventurer is among the very few vessels in the world specifically built for expedition voyages to the remote polar regions. Her ice-strengthened hull permits her to glide easily and safely through ice-strewn waters that are not accessible to conventional cruise vessels. For details of Ocean Endeavour, see page 26 and for details of Ocean Diamond, see page 28. 2015 07 Nov – 17 Nov 16 Nov – 26 Nov 25 Nov – 05 Dec 28 Nov – 09 Dec 04 Dec – 14 Dec 08 Dec – 19 Dec 10 Dec – 20 Dec 19 Dec – 29 Dec 28 Dec – 07 Jan
Ship Ocean Endeavour Ocean Endeavour Ocean Endeavour Sea Adventurer Ocean Endeavour Sea Adventurer Ocean Endeavour Ocean Endeavour Ocean Endeavour
Price from £3400 £3400 £3400 £4300 £3400 £4300 £3700 £4200 £4200
2016 06 Jan – 16 Jan 26 Jan – 06 Feb 03 Feb – 13 Feb 15 Feb – 25 Feb 21 Feb – 02 Mar 24 Feb – 05 Mar
Ocean Diamond Sea Adventurer Ocean Endeavour Ocean Diamond Ocean Endeavour Ocean Diamond
£4200 £5000 £3700 £4200 £3700 £4200
2016 – 2017 Dates Sea Adventurer
For enquires about 2016 – 2017 please visit our website www.small-cruise-ships.com
MV Ushuaia – Antarctic Peninsula Built for the United States Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the MV Ushuaia has been refurbished to accommodate a maximum of 84 passengers in 41 comfortable twin cabins and suites. The ice-strengthened ship is very well appointed and provides ample deck space and an open bridge policy. The full complement of Zodiacs ensures superb landings and wildlife viewing opportunities on the otherwise inaccessible coastline, see page 6 for image of MV Ushuaia. The expert captain, officers and crew are very experienced in Antarctic navigation and have a great love of nature. There is a specialist team of expedition leaders and lecturers, all extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, helpful and dedicated to the protection of the environment. 2015 Cruises Standard Standard Standard Premier Premier Superior Suite plus triple twin plus twin twin single twin twin 26 Oct – 14 Nov Classic South Georgia £5989 £6415 £8165 £9709 £11065 £10275 £10805 14 Nov – 24 Nov Classic Antarctic £3835 £4105 £5219 £6205 £7445 £6575 £6905 24 Nov – 04 Dec Classic Antarctica £3835 £4105 £5219 £6205 £7445 £6575 £6905 29 Dec – 08 Jan Classic Antarctica £4825 £5159 £6245 £7459 £8949 £7875 £8279 2016 08 Jan – 19 Jan 19 Jan – 28 Jan 28 Jan – 08 Feb 24 Feb – 04 Mar 04 Mar – 14 Mar 14 Mar – 24 Mar
Weddell Sea Quest Classic Antarctica Polar Circle Quest Classic Antarctica Classic Antarctica Classic Antarctica
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
£5305 £4345 £5305 £4045 £3835 £3835
£5675 £4645 £5675 £4329 £4105 £4105
£6875 £5619 £6875 £5315 £5219 £5219
£8205 £6715 £8205 £6335 £6205 £6205
£9839 £8055 £9839 £7605 £7445 £7445
£8665 £6699 £8665 £6699 £6575 £6575
£9109 £7039 £9109 £7039 £6905 £6905
/9
Falklands & South Georgia
Falkland Islands & South Georgia Falklands & South Georgia aboard National Geographic Orion – 22 days
Plancius
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula aboard Ortelius or Plancius The Southern Ocean is home to the greatest abundance and diversity of penguins and albatross in the world and this expedition is designed to give the maximum opportunity to see as much wildlife as possible. The Falkland Islands and South Georgia are home to hundreds of thousands of albatross and penguins along with seals and whales. Combined with awe inspiring scenery and the icy waters and landscapes of Antarctica, this is truly the expedition of a lifetime.
Ortelius & Plancius Both ships started life as polar research vessels and both have been converted to carry passengers on polar expeditions, flying under a Dutch flag. They are true expedition vessels, comfortable rather than luxurious with an emphasis on safety and getting to the best regions of the polar oceans.
Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion has the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters make her highly manoeuvrable, and 14 Zodiacs are ideal transport for up close exploration. 2016 26 Jan – 16 Feb 15 Feb – 07 Mar
Price range £13479 – £25995 £13479 – £25995
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica aboard Akademik Ioffe – 19 days Designed for polar research, this ship is modern, comfortable, safe and ice-strengthened. As a research vessel, she needed to be as stable as possible so she has some of the latest stabilisation technology of any Antarctic cruise ship. 2015 23 Oct – 10 Nov 22 Nov – 10 Dec
Price range Kayaking £8849 – £14355 approx £550 £8849 – £14355 approx £550
Day 1-2: Departure from Ushuaia and sail to Falkland Islands. Day 3-4: On the Falkland Islands we will take in the history and see spectacular birdlife: Gentoo, king, Magellanic and rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses and king cormorants, waterfowl, night herons and passerines. Day 5-6: Two days at sea. Day 7-10: South Georgia, wildlife and history. Vast colonies of penguins, elephant seals and albatross, whaling history and Shackleton’s grave. Day 11-13: Sail to the Antarctic Peninsula via South Shetland Islands. Day 14-16: Into the Weddell Sea through the ice-clogged Antarctic Sound. Huge tabular icebergs will announce our arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. A million pairs of Adelie penguins, elephant, Weddell and fur seals as well as several species of penguin and many other local bird species as well as whales and dolphins. Visits to Deception Island, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, Port Lockroy on Goudier Island, Jougla Point, Neumayer Channel and the Melchior Islands. Day 17-19: At sea – Return to Ushuaia. 2015 – 2016 01 Dec 15 – 19 Dec 15 16 Dec 15 – 03 Jan 16 16 Jan 16 – 03 Feb 16
Ship Price range Plancius £8645 – £12649 Ortelius £9199 – £13519 Plancius £9929 – £14495
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
10 /
Antarctic Peninsula
Fly to Antarctica from Chile Most cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula involve sailing across the Drake Passage, a band of the south Atlantic between the southern tip of South America and the northern tip of the Antarctic. The average crossing time is around 2 days, depending on which ship you are on, and, more importantly, the weather is unpredictable. However, if you are pushed for time, or simply don’t fancy crossing the Drake Passage, which can be rough, you now have the option of a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas, in the Chilean Patagonia, directly to Antarctica where you board your expedition ship.
Ocean Nova An ice-strengthened expedition ship, Ocean Nova was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve Greenland’s west coast. In 2004 to 2005 she was completely refurbished and has now a career as a small and comfortable expedition ship. Ocean Nova accommodates 86 passengers in single, double and triple cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities.
Ocean Nova
Classic Antarctic Fly Cruise
Antarctica Express Air Cruise
Day 1-2: Meet in Punta Arenas hotel for briefing. Fly to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands and embark your ship. Day 3-6: Antarctica, cruising the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Day 7: Fly to Punta Arenas and a night in a hotel.
Day 1-3: Board your ship in Ushuaia and sail to Antarctica via Cape Horn and Nassau Bay. Day 4: Arrive in the South Shetland Islands. Day 5: King George Island, fly to Punta Arenas: overnight in hotel.
2015 – 2016 Triple cabin Twin cabin Single cabin 02 Dec – 09 Dec £6965 £7665 £10799 07 Dec – 14 Dec £6965 £7665 £10799 12 Dec – 19 Dec £6965 £7665 £10799 17 Dec – 24 Dec £6965 £7665 £10799 22 Dec – 29 Dec £8219 £9405 £13239 27 Dec – 03 Jan £8219 £9405 £13239 17 Jan – 24 Jan £7595 £8709 £12125 22 Jan – 29 Jan £7595 £8709 £12125 27 Jan – 03 Feb £7595 £8709 £12125 08 Feb – 15 Feb £7595 £8709 £12125 13 Feb – 20 Feb £7595 £8709 £12125
Polar Circle Air Cruise Day 1-2: Meet in Punta Arenas hotel for briefing. Fly to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands and embark your ship. Day 3-8: Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. Day 9: Fly to Punta Arenas. 2016 Triple cabin Twin cabin Single cabin 01 Jan – 10 Jan £9475 £10869 £15329 01 Feb – 10 Feb £9475 £10869 £15329 18 Feb – 27 Feb £9475 £10869 £15329
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
2015 – 2016 Triple cabin Twin cabin Single cabin 29 Nov – 04 Dec £2995 £3759 £4875 14 Jan – 19 Jan £2995 £3759 £4875
Sea kayaking It is possible to go sea kayaking under the guidance and leadership of an experienced Kayak Master, who will look for the best kayaking opportunities every day, based on suitable and safe weather conditions. The group will be supported by a dedicated safety Zodiac. Kayaking excursions last about 1.5 hours. Sea kayaking is available on Classic Antarctica Fly Cruises and Polar Circle Fly Cruises. The cost is approximately £600.
Much more choice online – our website contains dozens more cruises to Antarctica, go to www.small-cruise-ships.com for the full range.
/ 11
Ross Sea
Ross Sea
Antarctic Circle Fly Cruise on Polar Pioneer An expedition to cross the Antarctic Circle, much further south than most people will ever go! By flying to or from King George Island we save 2-3 days at sea so we can push much further south than is usual in this time frame. With luck we reach magnificent Crystal Sound, pass through the Gullet and steam on to Marguerite Bay, where relatively few have gone before. Orcas, Humpbacks and Minkes feed in the channels.
Polar Pioneer Built in Finland in 1985 as an ice-strengthened research ship, she has been refurbished to provide simple yet comfortable accommodation for 54 passengers. This class of vessel has a fine reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to its strength, manoeuvrability and small number of cabins. The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced ice-navigators in the world and their enthusiasm is legendary. 2016 Price range 20 Feb – 01 Mar £5435 – £9659 28 Feb – 09 Mar* £5435 – £9659 2017 18 Feb – 28 Feb 26 Feb – 03 Mar*
£6085 – £10209 £6085 – £10209
*These dates run in reverse (i.e. Fly south and cruise back to Ushuaia).
NEW ZEALAND Christchurch Stewart Island The Snares
Invercargill
Chatham Islands
Bounty Islands Antipodes Islands
Auckland Islands
Campbell Island Macquarie Islands
Cruise Ross Sea & Bay of Whales – In the Wake of Amundsen Ross Sea – In the Wake of Scott and Shackleton
Balleny Islands
ANTARTICA
If you want to get seriously off the beaten track and to visit one of the remotest corners of the world, the Ross Sea is the place to head for. Visit penguin rookeries, marvel at the glacial ice tongues, ice shelves and sea ice. The seabirds, seals and whales are fantastic, and you can visit historic and modern scientific bases. These expeditions sail on the Spirit of Enderby or her sister ship. They are fully ice-strengthened expedition vessels, built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic research and perfect for Expedition Travel. They carry just 50 passengers and have been refurbished to provide comfortable accommodation in twin share cabins, approximately half of which have private facilities. These expeditions sail from New Zealand.
Ross Sea & Bay of Whales – In the Wake of Amundsen This special expedition heads to the Bay of Whales in the wake of Amundsen’s ship, the Fram, to see for ourselves this sacred place in Antarctic history. This voyage is on the Shokalskiy, the sister ship to the Spirit of Enderby. 2016 Price range Landing fees 07 Feb – 12 Mar £14985 – £22995 +£600
Ross Sea – In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton Shipping is restricted by impenetrable pack ice to just two months per year, and few people have ever visited this strange and beautiful territory. Ross Island: Mount Erebus, Cape Bird, Shackleton’s Hut, Scott’s Hut(s) and visits to a scientific field station (Scott and McMurdo Stations) are high on our wish list. 2016 Price range Landing fees 12 Jan – 10 Feb £13939 – £21045 +£600 10 Feb – 10 Mar £13939 – £21045 +£600
Cape Adare Coulman Islands Ross Islands
Scott Base McMurdo Station
ROSS ICE SHELF
Bay of Whales
Cape Royds Hut
Mawson’s Hut
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
12 /
Silver Explorer
Silver Explorer
LUXURY
The purpose-built luxury Silver Explorer was designed specifically for navigating the world’s polar regions without compromising on luxury. A strengthened hull with a Lloyd’s Register (1A) ice class enables the Silver Explorer to push safely through ice floes with ease. A fleet of Zodiac boats allows those on board to visit even the most off-the-beaten path locations and an expert expedition team provides insight and understanding to each unforgettable Silver Explorer luxury cruise adventure.
Cruises Silver Explorer carries a maximum of 132 passengers and divides her time between Antarctica and Spitsbergen, passing through the Caribbean and the Panama Canal and along the east coast of South America whilst travelling from one polar region to the other.
Suites & public areas Even the smallest suites (150 sq. ft.) are roomy and very comfortable, with sofas, on demand flat screen TVs. There is a range of suites all the way up to the palatial 730 sq. ft. owners suite. The Silver Explorer has a fitness centre, a spa, a beauty salon, a theatre and a couple of lounges to keep you busy if, for a short while, there are no polar bears, icebergs, penguins or whales to keep you on deck! The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
/ 13
Silver Explorer
Silver Explorer cruises 2015 29 May – 12 Jun 12 Jun – 22 Jun 22 Jun – 02 Jul 02 Jul – 12 Jul 12 Jul – 22 Jul 22 Jul – 01 Aug 01 Aug – 15 Aug 15 Aug – 27 Aug 27 Aug – 03 Sept 03 Sept – 20 Sept 11 Oct – 19 Oct 19 Oct – 02 Nov 02 Nov – 14 Nov 14 Nov – 02 Dec 02 Dec – 12 Dec 12 Dec – 22 Dec 22 Dec – 03 Jan
Cruises Price from Dublin – Tromso £5250 Expedition Spitsbergen £5750 Expedition Spitsbergen £6350 Expedition Spitsbergen £5450 Expedition Spitsbergen £6650 Expedition Spitsbergen £6350 Spitsbergen & Greenland £8050 Expedition Greenland £6450 High Arctic Adventure £4950 North Atlantic Adventure £6650 Panama Canal – Ecuador £2750 Ecuador – Chile £4250 Chile – Ushuaia £4150 Explorer’s Antarctica £19450 Classic Antarctica £7650 Classic Antarctica £6550 Falklands and Antarctica £9750
2016 Cruises Price from 03 Jan – 21 Jan Explorer’s Antarctica £21050 21 Jan – 02 Feb South of the Antarctic Circle £8850 02 Feb – 20 Feb Explorer’s Antarctica £12450 01 Mar – 23 Mar Ushuaia – Cape Town £13250 23 Mar – 15 Apr Cape Town – Dakar £7950 15 Apr – 29 Apr Dakar – Lisbon £3950 29 Apr – 09 May Lisbon – Portsmouth £3450 21 May – 31 May Scotland’s Islands £3450 31 May – 11 Jun Glasgow – Tromso £4150 11 Jun – 23 Jun Tromso, Archangel and Murmansk £6250 23 Jun – 03 Jul Expedition Spitsbergen £5150 03 Jul – 13 Jul Expedition Spitsbergen £5150 13 Jul – 23 Jul Expedition Spitsbergen £5150 23 Jul – 30 Jul Expedition Spitsbergen £3550 30 Jul – 13 Aug Spitsbergen and Greenland £7650 13 Aug – 22 Aug Expedition Greenland £4650 22 Aug – 09 Sept Expedition High Arctic £10650 09 Sept – 21 Sept North Atlantic Adventure £4450 23 Oct – 31 Oct Panama Canal – Ecuador £2950 31 Oct – 14 Nov Ecuador – Chile £4250 14 Nov – 02 Dec Chile – Ushuaia £10950 02 Dec – 12 Dec Classic Antarctica £6450 12 Dec – 22 Dec Classic Antarctica £6450 22 Dec – 09 Jan Explorer’s Antarctica £13250 N.B. The prices quoted are a guideline to the cheapest cabins on board for any cruise.
Silver suite
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
14 /
Akademik Sergey Vavilov
Akademik Sergey Vavilov – Antarctic & Spitsbergen Designed and built as a scientific research vessel in Finland, the akademik sergey Vavilov is very stable, quiet and comfortable. Recent refitting and refurbishment has greatly improved the comfort and calibre of the facilities aboard the ship. Akademik Sergey Vavilov carries a maximum of 92 passengers. Vessel stabilization is gained through a combination of internal stabilizers and a built-in ballast trimming system. The rapid transfer of ballast between special trimming tanks reduces vessel motion and, coupled with a modern hull design, gives a stable platform for science and exploration. Akademik Sergey Vavilov boasts a fleet of Zodiacs, a sauna, a polar salt water plunge pool, fitness room, wellness centre, infirmary, library, lounge, mud room, presentation room, multimedia room, top deck and observatory.
Cruises The Akademik Sergey Vavilov is based in Spitsbergen from June to August, and then she delves into the Northwest Passage. Both locations are excellent for polar bears, whales and birdlife which complement the extraordinary scenery of the far north. From October to March Akademik Sergey Vavilov sails the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. These voyages start and finish in Punta Arenas in Chile and involve flights to or from King George Island and Port Stanley (see Antarctic fly cruises). The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
/ 15
Akademik Sergey Vavilov
Antarctic fly cruises Ultimate Antarctica – Amongst Emperors and Kings cruises include flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island and back from The Falkland Islands to Chile. This saves you a great deal of time sailing the open sea and means that you can maximise your time in the Antarctic.
Bridge access The officer on watch and a helmsman can always be found on the bridge and it is also the best place to meet the master of the vessel. The chart room is a fascinating place to visit and expedition staff or ship’s crew are often available to answer questions about the equipment and instruments. The bridge is also an excellent place to sightsee and view wildlife. Binoculars and wildlife identification guidebooks can be found on the bridge and, during much of the day, an expedition guide will be up there watching for wildlife.
Marine safety The Akademik Sergey Vavilov has an extremely experienced captain, crew. The ice-strengthened hull (Lloyds Register 1A, Canadian Type B) provides an exceptionally safe combination for polar expedition cruising.
Superior cabin
One Ocean suite
2015 Cruises Triple Twin Twin Superior Shackleton One Ocean share semi-private private suite suite 03 Jun – 12 Jun Spitsbergen Off the Beaten Track £3555 £4665 £5155 £5919 £6479 £7105 12 Jun – 24 Jun Spitsbergen Encompassed £4735 £6409 £7315 £8079 £8919 £9825 03 Jul – 13 Jul Spitsbergen in Focus – Photographic Symposium £3829 £5225 £5989 £6549 £7245 £8015 13 Jul 15 – 22 Jul Spitsbergen Encounter £3555 £4665 £5155 £5919 £6479 £7105 11 Aug – 23 Aug Northwest Passage – East to West £5869 £6990 £8385 £9089 £9789 £10485 17 Oct – 30 Oct South Georgia In Depth £7069 £7839 £9509 £9929 £11255 £12645 08 Dec – 19 Dec Ultimate Antarctica – Amongst Emperors and Kings £6999 £8385 £8955 £9509 £10065 £10905 N.B. One-way flight from Stanley to Punta Arenas is included 19 Dec – 29 Dec Antarctic Peninsula Explorer – Falklands* £6825 £8219 £8779 £9265 £9895 £10659 29 Dec – 09 Jan Ultimate Antarctica – Amongst Emperors and Kings* £7385 £9055 £9755 £10175 £10869 £11845 2016 09 Jan – 19 Jan 19 Jan – 30 Jan 30 Jan – 13 Feb 13 Feb – 23 Feb 23 Feb – 05 Mar 08 Mar – 18 Mar 18 Mar – 28 Mar
Antarctic Peninsula Explorer – Falklands Ultimate Antarctica – Amongst Emperors and Kings* Falklands and South Georgia* Antarctic Peninsula Explorer – Falklands Ultimate Antarctica – Amongst Emperors and Kings* Antarctic Peninsula Adventure Marine Mammals in Antarctica
£6825 £7385 £9055 £6825 £7385 £5225 £5225
£8219 £9055 £11215 £8219 £9055 £6269 £6825
£8779 £9755 £11915 £8779 £9755 £7445 £7455
£9265 £10175 £12599 £9265 £10175 £8015 £8015
£9895 £10869 £13515 £9895 £10869 £8499 £8499
£10659 £11845 £15535 £10659 £11845 £9195 £9195
*Return flights Punta Arenas – KGI/Stanley are included. Kayaking option US$795. Akademik Sergey Vavilov Arctic cruise dates were released shortly after this brochure was printed – Please see our website for 2016 dates and prices.
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
16 /
MS Expedition
MS Expedition – Antarctic & Spitsbergen The MS Expedition provides an intimate small ship cruising experience. Completely refurbished in 2009, the ice-strengthened MS expedition boasts spacious cabins, all with windows or portholes and private en suite facilities. The MS Expedition holds up to 140 passengers. Large common areas and observation decks provide panoramic views of the distinctive landscapes of some of the world’s most remote regions.
Cruises The Expedition plies the Antarctic from November to March and spends June to August around Spitsbergen. She is a striking and distinctive ship and carries an expedition team of 14 specialists, who are very well regarded in the industry.
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
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.
/ 17
MS Expedition
Category 4 cabin
MS Expedition cruises 2015 Cruises 1A 29 May – 12 Jun Norwegian Fjords and polar bears 12 Jun – 19 Jun Realm of the polar bear 19 Jun – 26 Jun Realm of the polar bear 26 Jun – 06 Jul Realm of the polar bear in Depth** 06 Jul – 13 Jul Realm of the polar bear** 13 Jul – 23 Jul Realm of the polar bear in Depth ** 23 Jul – 30 Jul Realm of the polar bear** 30 Jul – 09 Aug Realm of the polar bear in Depth 09 Aug – 19 Aug Realm of the polar bear in Depth 20 Aug – 26 Aug Svalbard Express 02 Sept – 16 Sept Arctic Highlights 29 Oct – 19 Nov Falklands, South Georgia and The Antarctic Islands 18 Nov – 30 Nov Antarctica in Depth* 29 Nov – 09 Dec Antarctica Classic* 8 Dec – 20 Dec Antarctica in Depth* 19 Dec – 02 Jan Journey to the Antarctic Peninsula*
1 £3049 £2349 £2349 £3349 £2399 £3349 £2399 £3449 £3449 £2049 £3049 £6799 £3999 £3499 £4699 £5999
2 £3399 £2649 £2649 £3599 £2699 £3599 £2699 £3699 £3699 £2349 £3399 £7399 £4399 £3899 £5099 £6399
3 £4099 £3199 £3199 £4249 £3249 £4249 £3249 £4349 £4349 £2899 £4099 £8399 £4999 £4499 £5699 £7299
4 £4749 £3849 £3849 £4949 £3899 £4949 £3899 £5049 £5049 £3399 £4749 £8999 £5599 £5099 £6299 £7999
5 £5399 £4499 £4499 £5549 £4549 £5549 £4549 £5649 £5649 £3999 £5399 £9599 £6299 £5799 £6999 £8599
£5999 £5149 £5149 £6249 £5199 £6249 £5199 £6349 £6349 £4499 £5999 £10499 £7099 £6599 £7799 £9499
2016 1 Jan – 11 Jan 10 Jan – 30 Jan 29 Jan – 08 Feb 7 Feb – 20 Feb 19 Feb – 03 Mar 2 Mar – 12 Mar 11 Mar – 21 Mar
1 £4199 £8699 £4199 £5599 £5599 £3499 £3299
2 £4699 £9399 £4699 £5999 £5999 £3899 £3699
3 £5399 £11199 £5399 £6899 £6899 £4499 £4299
4 £6099 £12599 £6099 £7499 £7499 £5099 £4899
5 £6799 £14099 £6799 £8099 £8099 £5799 £5699
£7599 £15599 £7599 £9099 £9099 £6599 £6399
Cruises 1A Antarctica Classic*# Spirit of Shackleton*# Antarctica Classic*# Quest for the Antarctic Circle*# Quest for the Antarctic Circle*# Antarctica Classic# Antarctica Classic#
*Camping on Antarctica is possible on this trip – Cost £199 subject to availability. **Kayaking available on these departures – Cost £429 subject to availability – Must be booked in advance. # Kayaking is available on these trips – Cost £549 subject to availability – Must be booked in advance. Category 1A: 2 upper berths, 2 lower berths, full en suite washroom, porthole. Category 1: 1 upper berth, 2 lower berths, full en suite washroom, porthole. Category 2: 2 lower berths, full en suite washroom, porthole. Category 3: 2 lower berths, full en suite washroom, window. Category 4 2 lower berths, full en suite washroom, large window. Category 5 Queen bed, lounge area, upgraded full en suite washroom, several large windows and fridge. 2016 dates are available on our website or through our office – Please contact us for an update.
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
18 /
Antarctic
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 bear can be seen on most Spitsbergen cruises, but MV Quest runs a series of cruises specifically designed to see polar bears, see page 21
Wildlife 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. 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, 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.
Northern lights Although the Aurora Borealis can occur at anytime of year, in the northern summer, when the nights are light it is almost impossible to see them. Once the nights are darker, in the autumn, you will have a much better chance of seeing this fantastic natural phenomenon. The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
/ 19
Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen odyssey Whales, pack ice and maybe even polar bears feature as we round Spitsbergen’s northwest coast into the Arctic Ocean and turn south into Woodfjorden. We search for ringed, bearded and harp seals and ashore, trapper’s huts, reindeer and Arctic fox. In Leifdefjorden, breeding eider ducks, terns, skuas, glaucous gulls and black-legged kittiwakes attract polar bears with cubs. Offshore, walrus feed on clams or haul out on beaches, especially on Moffen Island, a walrus sanctuary. With 24-hour daylight, there’s plenty of time to admire Alkefjellt, sheer basalt cliffs rising more than 250 metres – buzzing with some 200,000 nests of Brunnich’s guillemots.
Phippsoya
ARTIC OCEAN
Kvitoya Moffen
NORDAUSTLANDET
Monaco Glacier
Alkefjellet
Smeerenburg
SPITSBERGEN Longyearbyen
Polar Pioneer Built in Finland in 1985 as an ice-strengthened research ship, she has been refurbished to provide simple yet comfortable accommodation for 54 passengers. This class of vessel has a fine reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to its strength, manoeuvrability and small number of cabins. The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced ice-navigators in the world and their enthusiasm is legendary. 2015 13 Jul – 23 Jul 23 Jul – 03 Aug 2016 18 Jul – 28 Jul 28 Jul – 07 Aug
Barentsoya
Price from £3289 £3289
Bellsund
Edgeoya
Calypsobyen
BARENTS SEA
Cruise Spitsbergen odyssey, page 19 Around Spitsbergen, page 20 North Spitsbergen polar bear special, page 21
£3455 £3455
Polar bear quest, page 21 Spitsbergen circumnavigation, page 22 South Spitsbergen Aurora Borealis, page 23
Kayaking option £539.
Twin public cabin
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
20 /
Spitsbergen 2015 Ship 05 Jul – 14 Jul Ortelius 13 Jul – 22 Jul Plancius 14 Jul – 23 Jul Ortelius 22 Jul – 31 Jul Plancius 23 Jul – 01 Aug Ortelius 31 Jul – 09 Aug Plancius 01 Aug – 10 Aug Ortelius 09 Aug – 18 Aug Plancius 10 Aug – 19 Aug Ortelius 18 Aug – 27 Aug Plancius
Ortelius
Around Spitsbergen Ortelius & Plancius Both ships started life as polar research vessels and both have been converted to carry passengers on polar expeditions, flying under a Dutch flag. They are true expedition vessels, comfortable rather than luxurious with an emphasis on safety and getting to the best regions of the polar oceans.
Ortelius superior cabin
Cabins & prices Quadruple with porthole 2 upper and lower berths, private shower and toilet, desk and chair, flatscreen TV. Triple with porthole Same as a quadruple cabin but with just 3 berths. Twin with porthole 1 porthole, 2 lower berths, private shower and toilet, desk and chair, flatscreen TV. Twin with window 1 window, 2 lower berths, private shower and toilet, desk and chair, flatscreen TV. Twin deluxe 2 windows, 2 lower berths, private shower and toilet, desk and chair, flatscreen TV. Superior 2 windows, 1 double bed, 1 sofa bed, private shower and toilet, Desk and chair, flatscreen TV.
£3415
£4185 £4879
£5195
£5505
£6169
Plancius twin deluxe cabin
Day 1: Departure from Longyearbyen. Day 2: Krossfjorden and Zodiac cruise to 14th of July Glacier. Great birdlife, seals and Arctic foxes. Sail to Ny Ålesund, the world’s most northerly settlement. Day 3: Walk on tundra island of Andøya to see fantastic birdlife. Liefdefjorden and cruise to Monaco Glacier. Day 4-5: Land at Phippsøya just 540 miles from the North Pole. Polar bear inhabit this region, along with walrus and Ivory gull. Day 6: Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seal, ringed seal, polar bear and Ivory gull. Zodiac to bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich’s guillemot. Nordaustlandet, home to reindeer, Pink-footed goose, breeding Ivory gull and walrus. Day 7: Island of Barentsøya in search of Spitsbergen reindeer and Barnacle goose. Diskobukta – Zodiac cruise and land on a beach littered with whale bones and tree trunks. During breeding season area is patrolled by Arctic fox and polar bear. Day 8: Cruise side fjords of the spectacular Hornsund peak, 1,431m, and 14 glaciers – very good area for seals and polar bear. Day 9: Ahlstrandhalvøya. Beluga skeletons are a reminder of whale slaughter. Day 10: Disembark in Longyearbyen.
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
Plancius
/ 21
Spitsbergen
Polar bear quest – on board MV Quest MV Quest visits Spitsbergen early in the season, when the midnight sun reigns supreme. The bird colonies are teeming with life and the peaks of the dramatic mountain ranges are snowcovered. The islands are still in the grip of the ice and we will search for walrus, whales, foxes and polar bears. MV Quest was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry on Greenland's west coast. Now completely refurbished as a small and comfortable expedition ship. MV Quest takes 53 passengers in 26 cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. 2015 24 May – 01 Jun 31 Jun – 08 Jun 07 Jun – 15 Jun 14 Jun – 22 Jun 21 Jun – 29 Jun 28 Jun – 06 Jul
Polar bear cruises Spitsbergen has many highlights, but for many people the polar bear is the main draw. Most small cruise ship cruises around Spitsbergen will spot some polar bears, but a few are specifically designed to find these magnificent beasts. We have selected a couple that maximise the chance of seeing these fantastic animals – and not just from on board the ship, but, more excitingly, close up from Zodiacs.
Prices from £4000 – £6500 depending on cabin choice.
North Spitsbergen polar bear special – on board Ortelius and Plancius 2015 Ship 11 Jun – 18 Jun Plancius 12 Jun – 19 Jun Ortelius 18 Jun – 25 Jun Plancius 19 Jun – 26 Jun Ortelius 28 Aug – 04 Sept Ortelius Cabins & prices Quadruple with porthole 2 upper and lower berths, private shower and toilet, desk and chair, flatscreen TV. Triple with porthole Same as a quadruple cabin but with just 3 berths. Twin with porthole 1 porthole, 2 lower berths, private shower and toilet, desk and chair, flatscreen TV. Twin with window 1 window, 2 lower berths, private shower and toilet, desk and chair, flatscreen TV. Twin deluxe 2 windows, 2 lower berths, private shower and toilet, desk and chair, flatscreen TV. Superior 2 windows, 1 double bed, 1 sofa bed, private shower and toilet, desk and chair, flatscreen TV.
£2719
£3275 £3799
£4045
£4385
£4775
2016 dates and prices are available on our website and from the office.
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
22 /
Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen circumnavigation – 13 days This extensive circuit of Spitsbergen is an in-depth expedition cruise to the Svalbard archipelago, where polar bear sightings are virtually guaranteed! You’ll explore Spitsbergen and other islands, always on the lookout for the ice bear and the tusked pinnipeds of the north – the walrus. Discover that Spitsbergen also boasts a remarkably diverse landscape, offering you the chance to explore everything from jagged mountain peaks and colourful fields of vegetation to sweeping polar deserts. We offer this expedition on two ships, Sea Adventurer and Ocean Nova. 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 that are not accessible to conventional cruise vessels. The ice-strengthened expedition ship Ocean Nova was built in Denmark in 1992 with high ice class to serve Greenland’s west coast. Completely refurbished for her career as a small and comfortable expedition ship, she accommodates 86 passengers in single, double and triple cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. Day 1: Embark in Longyearbyen. Day 2- 12: Every expedition will be unique, but a few of the favourite landing sites include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny London, Phippsoya, Alkefjellet and Sundneset and if ice conditions allow, we will land on seldom visited Kvttøya. Birdlife is outstanding and searching for polar bears is a constant activity, with Phippsoya and Isbukta being two of their preferred places for hunting. Whales abound in the seas and we will have time to learn about the local history (whaling) and culture too. Day 13: Disembark.
2015 Jun 20 – 02 Jul Jul 06 – 18 Jul Jul 23 – 04 Aug
Ship Price from Ocean Nova £4845 Sea Adventurer £4845 Ocean Nova £4845
2016 Jun 11 – 23 Jun Jun 22 – 04 Jul Jun 23 – 05 Jul Jul 04 – 16 Jul Jul 24 – 05 Aug
Sea Adventurer Ocean Nova Sea Adventurer Ocean Nova Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
£4845 £4845 £4845 £4845 £4845
/ 23
Spitsbergen
Aurora Borealis South Spitsbergen Aurora Borealis Sail to the north side of Bell Sund, a fjord system with two major branches and amazing landscapes. The calving Fridtjofbreen glacier is surrounded by glorious mountains. Polar bear are likely to be present in the Bellsund area, and we will keep a keen watch to find them. Finally we sail into the inner reaches of the Isfjord system, where on clear nights the temperature may drop to minus 10°C.
MV Noordelicht The beautiful MV Noordelicht was built in 1910 and converted in 1991 to a well-balanced two-masted schooner rig that is capable of sailing the seven seas. The qualified captain has great experience of the oceans, and together with the rest of the crew, he does everything possible to ensure that you have a wonderful and unforgettable journey. MV Noordelicht has 10 twin share inside cabins, each with 1 upper and lower berth, shared shower and toilet, wash basin, frosted glass ceilings which provide some daylight. 2015 Price 18 Sept – 25 Sept £2095 25 Sept – 02 Oct £1849 02 Oct – 09 Oct £1849 09 Oct – 16 Oct £1849 16 Oct – 23 Oct £1849
2016 departures To see all dates and prices for 2016, please go to our website www.small-cruise-ships.com
MV Noordelicht
Aurora Borealis in East Greenland Sail from Iceland to East Greenland and Scoresby Sund, where we hope to observe the Aurora Borealis – one of the great natural phenomena. This is a great area to observe the Aurora Borealis. We cross the Arctic Circle and continue north, perhaps seeing whales. We will spot our first icebergs appearing as we approach the east coast of Greenland near Kap Brewster. 2016 Ship Price from 31 Aug – 14 Sep Ortelius £3659 quadruple cabin £5219 twin cabin 06 Sep – 18 Sep Plancius £3659 quadruple cabin £5219 twin cabin 09 Sep – 16 Sep Rembrandt Van Rijn £1659 triple cabin £1819 twin cabin 16 Sep – 23 Sep Rembrandt Van Rijn £1659 triple cab £1819 twin cabin 23 Sep – 30 Sep Rembrandt Van Rijn £1659 triple cabin £1819 twin cabin 30 Sep – 07 Oct Rembrandt Van Rijn £1179 triple cabin £1299 twin cabin
Rembrandt Van Rijn
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
24 /
Antarctic
Canadian Arctic, Greenland & Iceland The extraordinary scenery combines with fantastic wildlife, the tragic history of exploration and the thriving local culture to make this a truly mesmerising destination.
Ocean Endeavour, page 26
Wildlife is a major draw with polar bears, walrus, musk ox, Arctic fox, several species of whale and great numbers of birds to keep anyone even vaguely interested in natural history absolutely spellbound. There is plenty of historical interest with the disappearance of the ill-fated Franklin expedition into the Arctic in 1845, when two ships (the remains of one were found in 2014 on the sea bed) and 129 men were never seen again. The scenery is unbeatable. The Jacobshavn Icefjord spews massive tabular icebergs out into Disko Bay. The stark white of the bergs stands out in beautiful contrast to the deep blue of the sea. The bird cliffs at Prince Leopold Island make a wonderful spectacle, and the endless snow-clad hills and sea ice emphasise just what a beautiful yet harsh part of the world this is. The hardy people who still inhabit this land are always happy to share and display their culture, and indeed tourism plays an important role in preserving their way of life. Iceland is very different, positively cosmopolitan by comparison. However it is wild in its own way, with volcanoes shrouded in ice sheets, steaming geysers and bubbling hot pools, but with the bright lights of the very lively Reykjavik never far away. The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
/ 25
Canadian Arctic, Greenland & Iceland
The Northwest Passage This iconic voyage through the remote Northwest Passage follows in the footsteps of the early Arctic explorers such as Franklin, Amundsen and Larsen, as we explore 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, and we journey through the wild Canadian north aboard the expedition ship, Akademik Ioffe. Wildlife is the 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 more than 150 years ago are central to our journey. Franklin made his last heroic foray into the Arctic in 1845 with two ships and 129 men, never to be heard from again. We visit the last known wintering site of his ships the Erebus and Terror, and other sites along the way where traces of the expedition have been found. For lovers of remote expedition cruising this journey has it all!
Three Arctic islands – Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen This fantastic expedition cruise takes you to Scorsby Sund, on the northeast coast of Greenland, high above the Arctic Circle in Spitsbergen and Iceland. Polar bear, musk ox (pictured above), reindeer and walrus and several species of whale are commonly seen. No other Arctic adventure takes in such varied destinations ranging from active volcanoes to massive glaciers. If you want to experience the Arctic in all of its beauty, then you must venture to these three Arctic islands. 2015 MAPDuration Ship Price from 26 Jun – 07 Aug 13 Sea Adventurer £4245 14 Aug – 27 Aug 2015 13 Ocean Nova £5035 2016 17 Jul – 29 Jul 15 Aug – 28 Aug
14 14
Sea Adventurer Ocean Nova
£5035 £5035
Departs 12 – 24 Aug 2015/11 – 23 Aug 2016.
GREENLAND SEA
Main deck Twin semi Twin Superior Shackleton One Ocean triple private private suite suite £5855 £6965 £8359 £9055 £9755 £10449
GREENLAND Beechey Prince Island Leopold
Victoria Island
Devon Island
Somerset Prince Island of Wales Island
GREENLAND BAFFIN BAY
Uummannaq Fjord
Cambridge Bay
CANADA Cruise The Northwest Passage
SPITSBERGEN Scoresby Sund
Iiulissat
Mittimatailk (Pond Inlet)
Bellot Strait (Fort Ross) King William Island (Victory Point)
Longyearbyen
Sisimiut Baffin Island
Itilleq Fjord
NORWEGIAN SEA
Kangeriussuaq
Denmark Strait Akureyri
Iqaluit
Reykjavik
ICELAND
Cruise Three Arctic Islands Sea Adventurer Three Arctic Islands Ocean Nova (inc. charter flight)
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
26 /
Ocean Endeavour
Ocean Endeavour – Greenland & Arctic Canada Sailing with a maximum of 198 passengers, Ocean Endeavour is the perfect vessel for expedition cruising. Outfitted with twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, multiple lounges and a top deck observation room, she is purpose-built for remote environments. The Ocean Endeavour boasts a 1B ice class, enabling her to freely explore throughout the Arctic summer. Launched in 1982, she has had numerous upgrades, most recently in 2014. At 137 metres long Ocean Endeavour has plenty of interior and exterior space.
Cruises Ocean Endeavour spends her summers cruising between Greenland and the north of Canada, including sailing into the famed Northwest Passage. Cruising to quaint villages, dramatic fjords and calving glaciers, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife, including caribou, polar bear, walrus, musk ox and a selection of whales. Visit Beechey Island to see the gravestones of the legendary Franklin expedition.
Cabins & public areas The Ocean Endeavour’s cabins are stylish and comfortable. All cabins have private washroom facilities, TV and air-conditioning. There is a variety of cabin categories available ranging from 100-320 sq. ft. The public areas include outdoor dining, a swimming pool, sauna and even a hot tub! The three lounges allow for multiple workshops and presentations to occur simultaneously. The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
/ 27
Ocean Endeavour Ocean Endeavour’s shallow draft and manoeuvrability allow her to access isolated fjords, bays and secluded communities. Enjoy the class and comfort of a boutique hotel, while venturing to some of the world’s last great frontiers aboard the Ocean Endeavour!
GREENLAND SEA Ellesmere Island
Quaasuittuq (Resolute)
M
cC
lu
Experts
re
St ra
it
Ocean Endeavour always carries a very strong team of experts and expedition staff, usually numbering 20-30 people who have a very wide range of specialties, including naturalists, artists, photographers, musicians, culturalists, marine mammal experts, historians, ornithologists and even a film maker!
Ad
Banks Island ds
en
G
ul
f
Qaanaaq
Aujuittuq (Grise Fiord)
Beechey Devon Island Island
GREENLAND
Kap York Coburg Island
s
Melville Bay
Karrat Fjord
BAFFIN BAY
ale fW eo t inc Strai Pr
m
un
Melville Island
Pim Island
Somerset Prince Island of Wales Ikpiarjuk Island (Artic Bay) Mittimatailk (Pond Inlet) Prince Leopold
Ulukhaktok (Holman) Victoria Island
Uummannaq Fjord
Northeast Baffin Fjords
Iiulissat
Kangeriussuaq
Niqinganiq (Isabella Bay)
Kugluktuk (Coppermine)
Sisimiut
Qikiqtarjuaq (Broughton Island)
Usqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven)
Itilleq Fjord
West Grenland Nuuk
Pangnirtung Baffin Island Kinngait (Cape Dorset)
Nunavut
CANADA Cruise
Digges Island
HUDSON BAY
Mighty Saint Lawrence
Kimmirut (Lake Harbour)
Kangiqsujuaq (Wakeham Bay)
South Baffin
Akpatok Island
Torngat Mountains National Park
Nunavik Kuujiuaq
Heart of the Arctic
Wonderstrands
Out of the Northwest Passage Sable Island
Labrador
Quebec
Arctic Explorer Into the Northwest Passage
Labrador Sea
Hopedale
Newfoundland Circumnavigation Newfoundland & Wild Labrador
NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
Hebron
Ile Bonaventure Provincial Park
Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
Saguenay Fjord
Lower Saint Lawrence
Arctic Safari Quebec City
Red Bay
St. Anthony/ L’Anse aux Meadows Conche
Woody Point/ Gros Morne Notre Trinity Bay National Dame Bay St. John’s Park Newfoundland Forillon Miawpukek National (Conne River) Park/Gaspé South Saint-Pierre Coast Iles de la Madeleine
Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia
Sable Island
Ocean Endeavour cruises 2015 14 Jun – 23 Jun 24 Jun – 04 Jul 05 Jul – 17 Jul 17 Jul – 29 Jul 09 Aug – 20 Aug 20 Aug – 05 Sept 05 Sept – 21 Sept
Cruises Mighty Saint Lawrence Newfoundland Circumnavigation Newfoundland and Wild Labrador Heart of the Arctic Arctic Explorer Into the Northwest Passage Out of the Northwest Passage
*Quad cabin from £1809 £2505 £3485 £2785 £3899 £6269 £6269
*Double cabin from £3275 £4179 £5155 £4459 £5575 £8289 £8289
**Charter flight cost $US $295 – $995 $1795 $1995 $2195 $2195
2016 01 Jun – 10 Jun 11 Jun – 19 Jun 19 Jun – 29 Jun 29 Jun – 11 Jul 11 Jul – 23 Jul 04 Aug – 15 Aug 15 Aug – 26 Aug 26 Aug – 11 Sept 11 Sept – 26 Sept
Cruises Mighty Saint Lawrence Sable Island Newfoundland Circumnavigation Greenland and Wild Labrador Heart of the Arctic Arctic Safari Arctic Explorer Into the Northwest Passage Out of the Northwest Passage
*Quad cabin from £1815 £1675 £2655 £3495 £2795 £4055 £4055 £6290 £5595
*Double cabin from £3285 £2795 £4335 £5175 £4615 £5735 £5735 £8459 £7759
**Charter flight cost $US $350 – – $1095 $1995 $2195 $2195 $2395 $3195
*Discovery Fee. Every passenger is required to make a payment of $250 US (Approx £175) as a discovery fee. The Discovery Fee is donated to support local projects, educational, environmental and cultural, in the areas that Ocean Endeavour sails to. **Charter flights. Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of many of the start and finish points, we can book seats on private charters that are timed to coincide with these cruises. These charters fly from and to various different airports, depending on the cruise, so please check the details with The Small Cruise Ship Collection.
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
28 /
Ocean Diamond
Húsavík
Ocean Diamond – Iceland The Ocean Diamond was completely refurbished in Norway in 2012, and boasts all the creature comforts you would expect from a vessel of this calibre. Thanks to two stabilizers that significantly reduce roll and an ice-strengthened hull (ice class 1D), Ocean Diamond is the ideal ship for expeditions in the Arctic region. Due to the ship’s compact size, she can take passengers to places off the traditional cruise routes to experience all the highlights of both Iceland and Greenland. With a maximum of 224 passengers, the Ocean Diamond features a range of modern on board amenities and is staffed with outstanding officers and crew, as well as bilingual expedition leaders and guides. The vessel carries 18 Zodiacs for forays ashore. The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
/ 29
Ocean Diamond
Cruises Ocean Diamond spends her summers sailing around Iceland (start and finish in Reykjavik) with occasional forays across to Greenland and back. Iceland offers some spectacular cruising and some exciting shore excursions – such as a four-wheel-drive Jeep tour to the foot of the Vatnajökull glacier or even a game of midnight golf!
Flatey
Akureyri Seydisfjördur
Cabins & public areas There are 109 cabins and suites available and all feature outside views (porthole, window or balcony), full private en suite bathrooms featuring bathtub and shower, a writing desk, individual temperature control, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite phone access, hair dryer and flat-screen television and DVD player. Cabins range in size from 180-325 sq. ft. After a busy day of exploration, passengers can browse books or DVDs in the well-stocked Polar library or enjoy views of the spectacular Arctic scenery from the panorama salon. 2015 Cruises 03 Jun – 12 Jul Iceland Circumnavigation 12 Jun – 21 Jun Iceland Circumnavigation 21 Jun – 30 Jun Iceland Circumnavigation 30 Jun – 09 Jul Iceland Circumnavigation 09 Jul – 18 Jul Iceland Circumnavigation 28 Jul – 06 Aug Iceland Circumnavigation 06 Aug – 16 Aug On the Trail of the Vikings 16 Aug – 27 Aug Iceland and Natural Wonders of Greenland*
Siglufjördur
Isafjörcur
Stykkisholmur
ICELAND Höfn
Reykjavik
Vestmannaeyjar Cruise Iceland Circumnavigation
Porthole Obstructed view Obstructed view Porthole Window Window Window Sliding door lower upper deck captain's deck lower main captain's main deck observation deck deck deck upper deck deck £999 £1506 £2020 £2595 £3046 £3424 £5820 £6847 £1195 £1793 £2151 £2732 £3227 £3586 £6096 £7172 £1195 £1793 £2151 £2732 £3227 £3586 £6096 £7172 £1326 £1989 £2387 £3029 £3580 £3978 £6763 £7956 £1326 £1989 £2387 £3029 £3580 £3978 £6763 £7956 £1195 £1793 £2151 £2732 £3227 £3586 £6096 £7172 £1116 £1674 £2244 £2883 £3386 £3804 £6467 £7608 £1646 £1841 £2468 £3172 £3724 £4185 £7113 £8368
2016 Cruises Triple cabin Outside cabin Outside cabin Outside cabin Suite porthole obstructed view picture window 24 May – 02 Jun Iceland Circumnavigation £1595 £2495 £2945 £3745 £6095 11 Jun – 20 Jun Iceland Circumnavigation £1995 £2495 £3095 £3845 £6445 20 Jun – 29 Jun Iceland Circumnavigation £1995 £2495 £3095 £3845 £6445 29 Jun – 08 Jul Iceland Circumnavigation £2095 £2745 £3245 £3995 £6745 08 Jul – 17 Jul Iceland Circumnavigation £2095 £2745 £3245 £3995 £6745 17 Jul – 26 Jul Iceland Circumnavigation £2095 £2745 £3245 £3995 £6745 26 Jul – 06 Aug Iceland and Natural £3045 £3995 £4995 £6345 £10595 Wonders of Greenland* 13 Aug – 24 Aug Iceland and Natural £2745 £3475 £4795 £6095 £10045 Wonders of Greenland** 24 Aug – 02 Sept Iceland Circumnavigation £1995 £2495 £3095 £3845 £6445 02 Sept – 12 Sept On the Trail of the Vikings £1595 £2395 £2995 £3695 £6195
Balcony suite £7395 £7745 £7745 £8095 £8095 £8095 £12795 £12095 £7745 £7495
Early booking discount – Any 2016 cruise booked before 30 November 2015 will receive a 20% discount. *Iceland – Greenland **Greenland – Iceland. Includes Charter flight Keflavik – Kangerlussuaq/Kangerlussuaq – Keflavik incl. transfer in Kangerlussuaq.
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
30 /
Antarctic
Croatia & the Adriatic The coastline of Croatia, dominated by dozens of small islands, was once controlled by Venice and much of the architecture reflects that history. Impossibly beautiful ports and towns, of which Dubrovnik is the best known, provide wonderful targets for a cruise along this coast. The Romans also left their mark here, and central Spilt is built into the remains of Diocletian’s vast palace. The sea is warm, the food excellent and the wine is chilled – What’s not to like?
Futura
Croatia & the Adriatic Famed for its azure seas, balmy Mediterranean climate, fascinating history and gorgeous coastlines, the Adriatic Sea is perfect for exploring on a small cruise ship. With more than 1000 picturesque islands scattered along the Adriatic and Dalmatian coastline, our range of small ships are able to explore areas that are inaccessible by larger vessels. History and architecture buffs will be enthralled by the extensive history of the towns dotted along the coastline that have played an important role in history right back to 6100 BC. Roman ruins such as amphitheatres and remains lie dotted around the coastline, as well as Greek ruins and spectacular medieval cities and towns. Dubrovnik is the most well-known attraction, but Split tends to be livelier and most of the smaller ports and villages along this coastline are impossibly picturesque, displaying their Venetian heritage through their architecture. With its dry, warm summers with average temperatures ranging from 26-30°C it is easy to see why the Adriatic is a popular destination for holidaymakers from Europe and further afield. The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
/ 31
Croatia & the Adriatic
1 week cruise aboard the brand new Diamond
1 week cruise aboard Futura Sail through the islands that dot the coast between the gorgeous cities of Dubrovnik and Split. It isn’t just about the cities though, there are some beautiful ports and villages, Mljet National Park and the fantastic monastery of St Mary. There is plenty of opportunities for exercise, and even more for relaxation. Departs every Saturday May – October. 2015 Lower deck cabins Upper deck cabins 09, 16, 23 May £985 £1155 03, 10, 17 Oct 30 May £1065 £1235 06, 13, 20, 27 Jun 04, 11, 18, 25 Jul 01, 08, 15, 22 Aug 29 Aug £1140 £1320 05, 12, 19, 26 Sept Occasionally a departure may be on a different, but similar, ship of a similar standard and there will be a very small itinerary change. Price includes • Arrival and departure transfers from Split airport to Split harbour. • Daily buffet breakfast and 9 meals – lunch or dinner. • Spectacular evening dinner cruise along the old town city walls of Dubrovnik, Croatian wine and appetizer tasting in Korčula, authentic Croatian village party visit and dinner in Kuna on Pelješac peninsula. • Guided walking tours of towns: Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korčula, Split. • One way bus transfer from Dubrovnik port to Old town Dubrovnik for sightseeing. • Dubrovnik cable car fee and Mljet National Park entrance fee. • Visitor’s taxes and port fee. • Free Wi-Fi on board.
Experience all Croatia has to offer in style and immerse yourself in the natural, cultural and historical sights of this breath-taking country. Each cabin is twin share and spacious with en suite and air-conditioning. Relax on the top deck, under the shade or even in the splash pool. Your on board Croatian cruise manager and crew provide a personal experience for every guest ensuring exceptional service is delivered at all times. Enjoy Croatian cuisine, as all meals are prepared using local ingredients, cooked and served traditionally with a modern flare. This ship made its maiden voyage in 2015. Departs every Sunday from May – October. 2015 Lower deck cabins Upper deck cabins 03, 10, 17 May £849 £995 20, 27 Sept 04, 11 Oct 24, 31 May £980 £1160 7, 14, 21 Jun 13* Sept 28 Jun £1146 £1299 05, 12, 19*, 26 Jul 02, 09, 16, 23, 30 Aug 06 Sept *There is a £50 surcharge on upper deck cabins on these dates. Price includes • Buffet breakfast and 3 course lunches on board. • 1 Captain’s dinner evening with entertainment. • 1 Traditional village dinner. • Dubrovnik historical walking tour. • Split, Hvar and Korcula orientation tours. • Return transfers – Split airport – Split harbour. • Free Wi-Fi on board.
CROATIA Split
BRAC Bol Hvar HVAR
Makarska
PELJESAC
VIS
Korcula LASTOVO
Trstenik
Pomena Polace
Cruise Futura Diamond
ADRIATIC SEA
MLJET
Dubrovnik
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
32 /
Antarctic
Mediterranean under sail
LUXURY
Corsica & the Italian Riviera on Le Ponant Be a part of the jetset on this classic 1 week cruise from Nice to the Italian Riviera and around the island of Corsica on board the stunning Le Ponant. 2015 Luxury Deluxe Port cabin cabin charges 06 Jul – 13 Jul £2729 £3135 £250 03 Aug – 10 Aug £2939 £3375 £250 17 Aug – 24 Aug £2939 £3375 £250 31 Aug – 07 Sept £2729 £3135 £250 2016 Early Early booking Standard booking Standard Port price from* price price from* price charges 21 Apr – 28 Apr £1595* £2275 £1829* £2615 £250 27Jun – 04 Jul £2089* £2990 £2399* £3439 £250 11 Jul – 18 Jul £2089* £2990 £2399* £3439 £250 25 Jul – 01 Aug £2269* £3245 £2599* £3729 £250 08 Aug – 15 Aug £2269* £3245 £2599* £3729 £250 22 Aug – 29 Aug £2089* £2990 £2399* £3439 £250 17 Oct – 24 Oct £1699* £2519 £1965* £2815 £250 *Early booking discount fare is a guaranteed price which you can obtain when you make your reservation. It can save you up to 30% on the price. The early booking fare is the lowest promotional fare available and will increase as the cruise fills up. So the earlier you book the more chance you have of benefiting from the best possible fares. Once the cruise begins to fill up, the discount will gradually decrease until the price reaches the standard price.
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
/ 33
Mediterranean LUXURY
Nice, St Tropez & Corsica on Le Ponant 2015 Luxury Deluxe Port cabin cabin charges 13 Jul – 20 Jul £2729 £3135 £250 27 Jul – 03 Aug £2729 £3135 £250 10 Aug – 17 Aug £2929 £3375 £250 24 Aug – 31 Aug £2929 £3375 £250 2016 Early Early booking Standard booking Standard Port price from* price price from* price charges 04 Jul – 11 Jul £2089* £2990 £2399* £3439 £250 18 Jul – 25 Jul £2089* £2990 £2399* £3439 £250 01 Aug – 08 Aug £2269* £3245 £2599* £3739 £250 15 Aug – 22 Aug £2269* £3245 £2599* £3729 £250 10 Oct – 17 Oct £1699* £2519 £1965* £2815 £250
FRANCE
Porto Venere Lerici
Nice
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
ITALY
Saint-Tropez
Portoferraio Ïle-Rousse
Girolata
Island of Elba
CORSICA Roccapina Cruise
Santa Amanza
Corsica & The Italian Riviera
Bonifacio
Nice, St Tropez & Corsica
*Early booking discount fare is a guaranteed price which you can obtain when you make your reservation. It can save you up to 30% on the price. The early booking fare is the lowest promotional fare available and will increase as the cruise fills up. So the earlier you book the more chance you have of benefiting from the best possible fares. Once the cruise begins to fill up, the discount will gradually decrease until the price reaches the standard price.
Cruise the Greek islands on Panorama II The Greek islands have a special allure: the feeling that you are visiting a small, virtually untouched, island where goats roam and fishermen land a few octopus in their tiny boats whilst in the heart of Europe on a luxurious small ship. Panorama II carries just 49 passengers and looks a million dollars as she sails past whitewashed villages against a backdrop of a deep blue sea and sky. On board you will be very well fed in between numerous excursions and dips in the sea. In just 1 week you will visit Ios, the stunning extinct volcano that is Santorini, the World Heritage sites on Patmos, make a quick trip to Turkey to see hugely impressive Ephesus, Mykonos, renowned for its beauty and nightlife, and the white villages of Tinos. Departs from Athens every Friday from May – October. Departs from Kusadasi every Monday from May – October. Lower deck Lower deck Upper Port cabin superior main deck charges 2015 £1555 £1709 £2099 +£120 2016 £1635 £1789 £2225 +£120
GREECE
AEGEAN SEA
Athens
TURKEY Samos
Kusadasi
Tinos
Kythnos
Delos
Mykonos
Patmos
Ios
Cruise
Category A cabin
Santorini
The Greek Islands
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
34 /
Mediterranean
Harmony V – Greek islands & Canary islands Harmony V is a modern, sleek vessel that is often mistaken for a billionaire’s private yacht! She was launched in 2009 and her interior is as sophisticated as her exterior is glamorous. Cruises Harmony V spends her summers cruising the Greek islands and she winters in the Canary islands. Tough life! Her powerful engines, generators and state of the art twin stabilizers provide safe and comfortable cruising. Her week long cruises usually start from Athens in the summer and in winter from Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Cabins & public areas The 25 cabins are on the upper and main decks and they all have windows. The cabins are finished with wood panelling, bright carpets and warm fabrics creating an upscale and comfortable atmosphere. The cabins have twin or queen size beds, flat screen TVs, music channels, mini fridge, safe deposit boxes and hair dryer. A spacious lounge with classy seating and a designer bar open into a dining area. The 200 metres sq. sundeck offers a shaded outdoor area for all day dining and a bar as well as sun chairs and loungers. The stern swimming platform provides easy access to the ship for a wide range of sea related activities. The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
/ 35
Mediterranean
Greek islands 2015 01 May – 08 May 08 May – 15 May 15 May – 22 May 22 May – 29 May 29 May – 05 Jun 12 Jun – 19 Jun 19 Jun – 26 Jun 26 Jun – 03 Jul 10 Jul – 17 Jul 17 Jul – 24 Jul 24 Jul – 31 Jul 31 Jul – 07 Aug 07 Aug – 14 Aug 14 Aug – 21 Aug 21 Aug – 28 Aug 28 Aug – 04 Sept 04 Sept – 11 Sept 11 Sept – 18 Sept 18 Sept – 25 Sept 2016 22 April – 29 April 29 April – 06 May 06 May – 13 May
Athens
Marina Zea
Classical Greece
Nafplion
2016 13 May – 20 May 20 May – 27 May 27 May – 03 Jun 03 Jun – 10 Jun 10 Jun – 17 Jun 17 Jun – 24 Jun 24 Jun – 01 Jul 01 Jul – 08 Jul 08 Jul – 15 Jul 15 Jul – 22 Jul 22 Jul – 29 Jul 29 Jul – 05 Aug 05 Aug – 12 Aug 12 Aug – 19 Aug 19 Aug – 26 Aug 26 Aug – 02 Sept 02 Sept – 09 Sept 09 Sept – 16 Sept 16 Sept – 23 Sept 23 Sept – 30 Sept 30 Sept – 07 Oct 07 Oct – 14 Oct 14 Oct – 21 Oct 21 Oct – 28 Oct
Kea Mykonos Delos
Hydra
Monemvasia
AEGEAN SEA
Santorini
Kythira
Rethymnon
CRETE
Cruise Classical Greece
Category A cabin
Cabin category Category C: Main deck, double bedded cabins Category B: Main deck, twin or double bedded cabins Category A: Upper deck, twin or double bedded cabins Category P: Upper deck, twin or double bedded cabins Single supplement Category A: 3rd person rates Category A: Children 7-10 years old in triple cabin with 2 adults Category A: Children 10-16 years old in triple cabin with 2 adults
2015 £1599* £1865* £2099* £2335* +75% £1500 £1050 £1399
2016 £1699** £1999** £2249 ** £2475** +75% £1550 £1125 £1449
*+£164 port charges. **+£170 port charges.
Canary islands Start Gran Canaria 2015 19 Dec – 26 Dec 26 Dec – 02 Jan
Start Tenerife 2015 20 Dec – 27 Dec 27 Dec – 03 Jan
2016 02 Jan – 09 Jan 09 Jan – 16 Jan 16 Jan – 23 Jan 23 Jan – 30 Jan 30 Jan – 06 Feb 06 Feb – 13 Feb 13 Feb – 20 Feb 20 Feb – 27 Feb 27 Feb – 05 Mar 05 Mar – 12 Mar 12 Mar – 19 Mar
2016 03 Jan – 10 Jan 10 Jan – 17 Jan 17 Jan – 24 Jan 24 Jan – 31 Jan 31 Jan – 07 Feb 07 Feb – 14 Feb 14 Feb – 21 Feb 21 Feb – 28 Feb 28 Feb – 06 Mar 06 Mar – 13 Mar 13 Mar – 20 Mar
Cabin category *Category C: Main deck – 1 double bed. Offering large windows, an en suite bathroom £1399 with shower. Equipped with flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hair dryers, individually controlled air-conditioning and safe deposit boxes. Category B: Main deck – 2 lower beds or 1 double bed. Offering large windows, an en suite £1635 bathroom with shower. Equipped with flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hair dryers, individually controlled air-conditioning and safe deposit boxes. Category A: Upper deck – 2 lower beds or 1 double bed. Offering large windows, an en suite £1945 bathroom with shower. Equipped with flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hair dryers, individually controlled air-conditioning and safe deposit boxes. Category P: Upper deck – 2 lower beds or 1 double bed. Offering a sofa, large windows, £2335 an en suite bathroom with shower. Equipped with flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hair dryers, individually controlled air-conditioning and safe deposit boxes. *+£172 port charges.
Cruise
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 Port Cristianos
GRAND CANARIA ISLAND
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
36 /
Le Lyrial
Le Boréal, sister ship of Le Lyrial
Le Lyrial
LUXURY
Le Lyrial is a brand new, state of the art, ship that made her maiden voyage in 2015. This magnificent yacht has 122 staterooms and suites, all with balconies. Le Lyrial has the trademark sleek silhouette, welcoming atmosphere and philosophy that has made her sister-ships such a success. Le Lyrial is elegant, modern and luxurious, and has the very latest technology to keep her safe and comfortable.
Cruises Le Lyrial will spend her first summer season in The Mediterranean before heading south and west to spend four months cruising in Antarctica and South America. She will then cruise up the coast of Brazil to the Caribbean before returning to The Mediterranean where she will spend her second summer.
Cabins & public areas The smallest cabins on Le Lyrial are the Superior staterooms which, at 226 sq. ft. are larger than some ships largest cabins. There is a range of cabin choices all the way up to the owner’s suite, which is a huge 720 sq. ft. including the balcony. There are several cabins that have been specially adapted for wheelchair users, and there are lifts providing access to all decks. There are two restaurants that serve French and international cuisine and fine wines, a spa, a gym, a library and even a games room for younger cruisers. The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
/ 37
Le Lyrial
Le Lyrial cruises
Prestige suite
2015 Cruises Destination Price from 09 May – 16 May Maiden Cruise Venice – Venice £2715 +taxes £284 16 May – 19 May Getaway in Croatia Venice – Venice £1079 +taxes £122 26 May – 02 Jun The best of Croatia Venice – Venice £2525 +taxes £284 02 Jun – 09 Jun The Best of Croatia Venice – Venice £2525 +taxes £284 09 Jun – 16 Jun The Best of Croatia Venice – Venice £2525 +taxes £284 28 Jun – 05 Jul The Dalmatian coast to Greece Venice – Athens £2305 +taxes £284 09 Jul – 14 Jul In the Heart of the Aegean Athens – Athens £1695 +taxes £203 25 Jul – 01 Aug Amalfi coast and Ancient Greece Civitavecchia – Athens £2145 +taxes £284 01 Aug – 08 Aug Greek treasures and Croatia Athens – Dubrovnik £2525 +taxes £284 08 Aug – 15 Aug Montenegro and Ancient Greece Dubrovnik – Athens £2305 +taxes £284 15 Aug – 22 Aug Gourmet Cuisine in the Adriatic Athens – Venice £2305 +taxes £284 22 Aug – 29 Aug Dalmatian Odyssey Venice – Venice £2525 +taxes £284 29 Aug – 01 Sept Getaway to Croatia Venice – Venice £1079 +taxes £122 01 Sept – 08 Sept The Best of Croatia Venice – Venice £2525 +taxes £284 08 Sept – 15 Sept The Best of Croatia Venice – Venice £2525 +taxes £284 15 Sept – 22 Sept The Best of Croatia Venice – Venice £2525 +taxes £284 22 Sept – 29 Sept Lyric calls in the Adriatic Sea Venice – Athens £2825 +taxes £284 06 Oct – 13 Oct Concerts on the Aegean Sea Istanbul – Athens £2825 +taxes £284 13 Oct – 20 Oct Athens to the Phocean city Athens – Marseille £2145 +taxes £284 20 Oct – 27 Oct Italian Coast to Corsica Marseilles – Marseilles £1495 +taxes £284 15 Nov – 29 Nov The Great Adventure Montevideo – Ushuaia £5495 +taxes £585 29 Nov – 09 Dec Emblematic Antarctica Ushuaia – Ushuaia £5105 +taxes £439 09 Dec – 19 Dec Emblematic Antarctica Ushuaia – Ushuaia £5645 +taxes £439 19 Dec – 04 Jan The Great Austral Loop Ushuaia – Ushuaia £8545 +taxes £682 2016 14 Jan – 24 Jan Emblematic Antarctica Ushuaia – Ushuaia £5645 +taxes £439 24 Jan – 03 Feb Emblematic Antarctica Ushuaia – Ushuaia £5645 +taxes £439 23 Feb – 09 Mar The Great Adventure Ushuaia – Montevideo £5859 +taxes £625 09 Mar – 16 Mar Ocean Voyage Montevideo – Recife £820 +taxes £150 16 Mar – 02 Apr Over the Amazon and Orinoco Recife – Martinique £4479 +taxes £690 02 Apr – 15 Apr Caribbean to the Atlantic coast Martinique – Malaga £2399 +taxes £225 15 Apr – 22 Apr South of Spain Malaga – Malaga £1649 +taxes £250 29 Apr – 06 May Civitavecchia, Italy – Dubrovnik Citavecchia – Dubrovnik £2159 +taxes £250 06 May – 13 May Croatia cruise Dubrovnik – Venice £1759 +taxes £250 24 May – 31 May The best of Croatia Venice – Venice £1935 +taxes £250 31 May – 07 Jun The best of Croatia Venice – Venice £1935 +taxes £250 07 Jun – 14 Jun The best of Croatia Venice – Venice £1935 +taxes £250 12 Jul – 19 Jul The Dalmatian coast to Greece Venice – Athens £1935 +taxes £250 19 Jul – 26 Jul In the heart of the Aegean Sea Athens – Athens £1935 +taxes £250 26 Jul – 02 Aug Greek and Croatian treasures Athens – Dubrovnik £1759 +taxes £250 02 Aug – 09 Aug Ancient Greece Treasures Dubrovnik – Istanbul £1759 +taxes £250 16 Aug – 23 Aug Greece to the Dalmatian coast Athens – Venice £1759 +taxes £250 30 Aug – 06 Sept The best of Croatia Venice – Venice £1965 +taxes £250 06 Sept – 13 Sept The best of Croatia Venice – Venice £1965 +taxes £250 13 Sept – 20 Sept The best of Croatia Venice – Venice £1965 +taxes £250 04 Oct – 11 Oct Istanbul to Civitavecchia Istanbul – Civitavecchia £2159 +taxes £250 11 Oct – 18 Oct Ancient Greece Civitavecchia – Athens £1649 +taxes £250 18 Oct – 25 Oct Athens to the Phocean city Athens – Marseille £1649 +taxes £250 25 Oct – 31 Oct Corsica and Monaco Marseille – Marseille £1849 +taxes £250 31 Oct – 19 Nov Europe to Uruguay Marseille – Montevideo £2315 +taxes £150 N.B. The prices quoted are a guideline to the cheapest cabins on board for any cruise. We will confirm the price when you request to book any cruise.
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
38 /
Antarctic
The Americas Alaska
Hawaii
Cruising Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage is an unmatched way to combine a love of adventure with a love of the sea. The peaks, glaciers, the wonder and wildlife are the hallmarks of the Alaskan wilderness. Southeast Alaska is a vast wilderness of narrow channels, small coves and abundant wildlife. It is also a bustling tourist destination where massive ships cruise but small ships can show you an Alaska that few others see. 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.
Hawaii’s whale population, diverse scenery, warm tropical climate, glorious beaches, oceanic surroundings and active volcanoes draw in thousands of people every year. You can avoid the crowds on a Hawaiian islands cruise and enjoy kayaking at the face of a cliff or through a lava hole and watching marine life leap around your skiff.
British Columbia The waters of British Columbia are alive in the summer with marine life. Canoeing through some shallows on Vancouver Island I was spellbound – I had hoped to see a few whales, and perhaps even a wolf coming down to the shore, but what I hadn’t expected was the carpet of life that completely covered the sea-bed: vast 24 armed starfish more than 3 feet across, swarms of sea urchin and anemones, crabs and a wealth of shellfish. Gray whales migrate through the area from March – May, and again in October, and a few remain in the area all summer. There is also a resident population of orca off Vancouver Island and others that pass by regularly, and sea otters have once recolonized the area since their reintroduction in 1970.
Baja California Baja is all about wilderness, whales and wildlife. You can swim with playful sea lions, watch whales breaching, and snorkel among colourful coral, and whilst on land and in a picturesque setting of red rock cliffs, discover a centuries-old town or relax on a white-sand beach.
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
Caribbean & Panama Canal Countless islands and glorious beaches, endless coral and undersea life, historic cities and tiny villages, the Panama Canal, the world’s greatest engineering feat surrounded by tropical rainforest teeming with wildlife, food and music renowned worldwide and a wealth of experiences – Who wouldn’t want to jump at the chance?
Patagonia The wild south is littered with historic and famous landmarks: Cape Horn, the Beagle Channel, Magellan Straits and Tierra Del Fuego rightly conjure up images of a wild and mysterious land, and one that can really only be explored by ship.
Amazon River It seems wrong travelling through this vast rainforest in luxury, until you do it. Don’t compromise on comfort when you experience the world’s greatest jungle – and in our (very) small ships you can get almost anywhere you want to go. The Amazon is still a vast and, in many places, unexplored jungle where new species are discovered often and, incredibly in the age of ‘globalism’, there are still thought to be as many as 70 ‘uncontacted’ tribes still living in the interior.
/ 39
Alaska
Safari Endeavour
Safari Explorer
Safari Quest
Safari Endeavour is a newly refurbished 86-guest yacht that provides two hot tubs, sauna, fitness equipment, and an EZ Dock launch platform for launching kayaks skiffs and paddle boards.
The 36-guest luxury Safari Explorer is designed for “luxury in the pursuit of adventure.” Adventure equipment includes kayaks; Zodiacs; fishing rods and hydrophones for underwater listening.
The 22-guest Safari Quest has a on-deck hot tub, fitness equipment, kayaks, Zodiacs, fishing rods, and hydrophones for listening to underwater sounds. Adventure without compromise on comfort!
Complete Inside Passage – Seattle to Juneau or vice versa – 8 days
Discoverer’s glacier country – 8 days Juneau
Stephens Passage
Tracy Arm
Frederick Sound Thomas Bay
Wrangell
Wrangell Narrows
Ketchikan
Cruise through Alaska’s and Canada’s Inside Passages and view the stunning glaciers by floating among the ice-rich waters of Tracy Arm. Enjoy some up close exploration in Misty Fjords National Monument and the wildlife-rich Behm Canal. Fantastic whale viewing and other great wildlife including bears and birds.
Behm Canal
PACIFIC OCEAN Johnstone Strait Vancover Island Strait of Georgia Friday Harbour
Seattle
2015 Ship Price range 20 Apr – 02 May Wilderness Discoverer* £2019 – £5155** 04 May – 16 May Wilderness Explorer * £3345 – £4805** 05 May – 17 May Safari Endeavour* £3969 – £6965 11 May – 23 May Wilderness Adventurer* £2229 – £3625** 17 May – 29 May Safari Explorer* £5645 – £8429 24 May – 05 Jun Safari Quest* £5785 – £7105 21 Aug – 01 Sept Safari Quest^ £5785 – £7105 04 Sept – 16 Sept Safari Explorer^ £5645 – £8429 12 Sept – 24 Sept Wilderness Adventurer^ £2159 – £3555** 19 Sept – 01 Oct Wilderness Discoverer^ £2019 – £5155** 20 Sept – 02 Oct Safari Endeavour^ £3969 – £6965
Cruise the most dramatic and unreachable corners of the Alaskan Fjord system, visiting the main national parks and seeing some fantastic wildlife. Head to Glacier Bay National Park with a National Park Ranger. Explore the Grand Pacific and Margerie glaciers area by kayak and skiff to spot sea lions, mountain goats, bears, moose and eagles in spectacular scenery. Another highlight will be Icy Strait, possibly the richest whale waters in Southeast Alaska, where Humpbacks, porpoise, and sea lions abound, and Kayak in search of bears. We visit Chichagof and Baranof Islands – the waterfall coast; Frederick Sound and Stephen’s Passage to see more Humpbacks and spectacular scenery; Ford’s Terror and Endicott Arm, a pristine tidal inlet and fjord. 2015 Start date May 17, 24, 29, 31 Jun 01, 05, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 Jul 03, 05, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31 Aug 02, 07, 09, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 Sept 06, 13 Prices from £3000 – £6000 depending on cabin and season.
Grand Pacific Glacier Glacier Bay National Park
Margerie Glacier
*Seattle – Juneau. ^Juneau – Seattle. **+port fees £244. Price includes: All on board meals; non-alcoholic beverages; exclusive transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/ disembark day; entry fees to national parks/reserves; most from-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment; wellness program: hot tub, sauna†, fitness equipment, and yoga mats†. Prices aboard the Safari Endeavour, Safari Explorer, and Safari Quest also include – Premium spirits, wine, beer, port fees and taxes, all from-theboat adventure activities, a complimentary massage†. † Excludes Safari Quest.
Marble Island Bartlett Cove
Juneau
Lamplugh Glacier Reid Inlet
Stephens Passage
Icy Strait
Fords Terror
Chichagof Island
PACIFIC OCEAN Cruise
Admiralty Island
Chatham Strait Frederick Sound Baranof Island
Discoverer’s Glacier Country
Dawes Glacier Endicott Arm
The Brothers Islands Saginaw Bay
ALASKA
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
40 /
North America
Wilderness Explorer
Wilderness Adventurer
Wilderness Discoverer
76-guest Wilderness Explorer, renovated in 2012, is equipped for action, adventure, comfort and exploration. Kayaks, skiffs hot tub, an on-deck sauna and a hydrophone for underwater listening.
Refurbished in 2011, the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer packs in an ondeck hot tub, sauna and fitness equipment, an EZ Dock for launching kayaks and a bow-mounted underwater camera.
The 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer, refurbished in 2011, is designed as an inshore expedition vessel that can access the very best locations in comfort. Kayaks and hot tubs!
British Columbia, – islands & inlets – 8 days Enjoy an inclusive boutique exploration on board Safari Guest of the coasts of Vancouver Island, British Columbia and Washington State. Explore nature’s wonders by kayak, skiff, or on foot, and witness British Columbia’s stunning Princess Louisa Inlet, Vancouver Island’s capital, Victoria, and discover the San Juan Islands, and, hopefully, the local orca population. 2015 Start date 2016 Start date May 02 Apr 02, 09, 16, 23, 30 Sept 26 Oct 03, 10, 17, 24, 31 Nov 07, 14, 21 More dates available on our website. Prices from £2575 in low season.
Chatterbox Falls Jervis Inlet
Princess Louisa Inlet
Harmony Islands Freil Lake Falls
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Seattle & San Juan islands – 8 days Sail on the Wilderness Adventurer, surrounded by old-growth rainforest, explore the shores, islands and winding channels of Washington State – with walks on Mt. Constitution and in the Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Snorkel, kayak, paddle board, and skiff in glacial fjords and the San Juan archipelago, and keep an eye out for the local orca population. 2015 Start date May 02 Sept 26 Oct 03, 10, 17, 24. 31 Nov 07, 14, 21
2016 Start date Apr 02, 09, 16, 23, 30
More dates available on our website. Prices from £1185, +port fees £105 in low season.
Str
ait
Ge
org
ia
Salish Sea
Gulf Islands
Sucia Island Orcas Island
Friday Harbor
Stra
it of
Victoria Juan
de Fu
ca
Deception Pass Lopez Island
Protection Island Wildlife Preserve
WASHINGTON
Port Townsend Marrowstone Island
Olympic National Park
Cruise British Columbia, – Islands & inlet Seattle & San Juan Islands Seasonal whales
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
of
Vancouver Island
South Hood Canal
Puget Sound Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Seattle
/ 41
Hawaii & Baja California
Hawaiian cruise – 8 days
Baja’s whale bounty – 8 days
Expect exhilarating days kayaking at the face of a cliff or through a lava hole, and watching marine life gracefully leap around your skiff. On board Safari Explorer you’ll explore remote shorelines, mostly staying on the leeward side of the eastern-most Hawaiian islands. Most of the crew are from the islands, so they know the secrets and keep it authentic. Snorkelling the coral reefs, visiting Humpback National Marine Sanctuary and sea turtle habitat are the wildlife highlights.
Cruise in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés on board Safari Endeavour and uncover a world of breath-taking beauty and wildlife – giant and small lizards, sea turtles, boobies, pelicans, frigatebirds, blue, gray, Humpback, pilot and fin whales and orca, dolphins, whale sharks, mantas, and sea lions. Kayak in coastal mangroves and in crystalline blue coves. Hike along dunes, cactus-clad ridges, and among desert scrub. Swim with playful sea lions, watch whales, and snorkel among colourful coral. And in a picturesque setting of red rock cliffs, discover a centuries-old town or relax on a whitesand beach.
2015 – 2016 Start date Nov 07, 14, 21, 28 Dec 05, 12, 19, 26 Jan 02, 09, 16, 23, 30 Feb 06, 13, 20, 27 Mar 05, 12, 19, 26 Apr 02 More dates available on our website. Prices from £2505pp in low season for a main deck cabin to £5295 for a high season upper deck cabin.
2015 – 2016 Start date Nov 07, 14, 21, 28 Dec 05, 12, 19, 26 Jan 02, 09, 16, 23, 30 Feb 06, 13, 20, 27 Mar 05, 12, 19, 26 Prices from £2089pp, +port fees £105pp, in low season for a main deck cabin to £4529 for a high season upper deck cabin.
Kalaupapa National Park Halawa Valley
MOLOKA’I
Kaunakakai
MEXICO LANA’I Olowalu Molokini
Sea of Cortés
MAUI
BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR
Kaho’olawe
PACIFIC OCEAN
Kohala Coast
Kawaihae
PACIFIC OCEAN
Isla Coronado
Loreto Puerto Escondido Bahia Agua Verde
Bahia Magdalena
Kailua-kona Kealakekua Bay (Cook Bay)
HAWAII
Isla Santa Catalina Isla San José Isla San Francisco Los Islotes Isla Partida Isla Espiritu Santo La Paz
Cruise Baja’s Whale Bounty Seasonal Whale Shark Excursion
Honomalino Bay Cruise
Seasonal Grey Whale Excursion
San José Del Cabo Cabo San Lucas
Hawaiian cruise
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
42 /
Central America & the Caribbean
Costa Rica & the Panama Canal – 8 days
Treasures of Costa Rica & the Panama Canal
Sail on the Safari Voyager to visit Curu National Wildlife Refuge, Isla Tortuga, Manual Antonio National Park (100+ mammal species, 300+ bird species), Corcovado National Park, Coiba National Park and the Panama Canal. Hike through jungle, watching for colourful macaws and hummingbirds, sloths, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and squirrel monkeys. Snorkel a beautiful coral reef. 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.
Traverse the Panama Canal and take in the rainforests, national parks, beaches and coral reefs of Costa Rica and Panama. We will also have time to visit a local village, take a canopy walk in the forest and have a BBQ on the beach!
Variety Voyager Built in 2102, the 223ft state of the art Mega Yacht Variety Voyager accommodates just 72 passengers in 36 cabins. All cabins have en suite marble bathrooms, individual air-conditioning, a mini fridge, safety deposit box, flat screen TV and DVD player. Departs every Sunday from 20 December 2015 – 20 March 2016. Prices from £1795 +£250 taxes.
Safari Voyager Refurbished in 2015, the 64-guest Safari Voyager has a range of comfortable cabins, all en suite, and is outfitted with adventure equipment including kayaks, paddle boards, snorkel gear, wet suits, and inflatable skiffs. Guests can take advantage of a wellness program with fitness equipment and yoga mats. Large staterooms have wide panoramic windows; individually controlled air conditioning; private bathrooms and iPod docking stations! 2016 San Jose – Panama Panama – San Jose 08 Oct – 15 Oct 2016* 15 Oct – 22 Oct 2016* 22 Oct – 29 Oct 2016* 29 Oct – 05 Nov 2016* 05 Nov – 12 Nov 2016* 12 Nov – 19 Nov 2016* 19 Nov – 26 Nov 2016 26 Nov – 03 Dec 2016 03 Dec – 10 Dec 2016 10 Dec – 17 Dec 2016 17 Dec – 23 Dec 2016 23 Dec – 30 Dec 2016 30 Dec – 07 Jan 2017 * Low season. 2017 San Jose – Panama Panama – San Jose 07 Jan – 14 Jan 14 Jan – 21 Jan 21 Jan – 28 Jan 28 Jan – 04 Feb 04 Feb – 11 Feb 11 Feb – 18 Feb 18 Feb – 25 Feb 25 Feb – 04 Mar 04 Mar – 11 Mar 11 Mar – 18 Mar Cabins & prices Low season High season Master stateroom £2089 £2785 Commander stateroom £2505 £3205 Captain stateroom £2785 £3485 Admiral stateroom £3275 £3969 Single stateroom £3485 £4179 Jr. commodore suite £3759 £4459
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
Category P cabin
Cruise Costa Rica & the Panama Canal Treasures of Costa Rica & the Panama Canal
San José
Nicoya Peninsula Isla Tortuga Curú National Wildlife Refuge
Herradura
Manuel Antonio National Park
Colon Panama Canal
Panama City
Corcovado National Park
PACIFIC OCEAN
CARIBBEAN SEA
COSTA RICA
PANAMA
Golfo Dulce Granito de Oro, Coiba National Park
Gulf of Panama Islands
/ 43
Central America & the Caribbean
Caribbean under sail Sights & sounds of Cuba Join us on a luxurious voyage of discovery unravelling the wonders of Cuba on board the beautiful Panorama I. A new port of call every day interspersed with hidden coves and crystal blue waters to cool you down. We will visit the colonial cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad, the verdant landscapes of Vinales/Pinar del Rio and the crystal clear seas and amazing underwater life in Cabo San Antonio and Cayo Largo.
Panorama I A 3 masted sail cruiser that accommodates up to 49 passengers in 25 cabins. Launched in 1993 and renovated in 2009, this state of the art sail cruiser offers the highest standard of accommodation, comfort and safety. Cienfuegos – Havana 2015 19 Dec – 26 Dec
Havana – Cienfuegos 2015 26 Dec – 02 Jan
2016 02 Jan – 09 Jan 16 Jan – 23 Jan 30 Jan – 06 Feb 13 Feb – 20 Feb 27 Feb – 05 Mar 12 Mar – 19 Mar
2016 09 Jan – 16 Jan 23 Jan – 30 Jan 06 Feb – 13 Feb 20 Feb – 27 Feb 05 Mar – 12 Mar 19 Mar – 26 Mar 26 Dec – 02 Jan
Cabin category Price Category C: Lower deck double bed cabin with porthole. £1475* The cabins are en suite, air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone, hair dryer, mini-fridge, central music, and public address system and safe box. Category B: Lower deck 2 lower beds or 1 double. The cabins £1679* are en suite, air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone, hair dryer, mini-fridge, central music, and public address system and safe box. Category A: Cabins are on the upper or main deck and have £1915* large windows enabling a breath-taking view of the areas you are cruising in. The cabins are en suite, air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone, hair dryer, mini-fridge and safe box. *+£188 port charges.
GULF OF MEXICO Havana
Playa Giron
Cienfuegos
Maria la Gorda
Casilda/Trinidad Cayo Largo
CUBA Cruise Sights & Sounds of Cuba
CARIBBEAN SEA
Coach transfer
Category A cabin
Grenadine island cruise – 7 & 8 days LUXURY
Sail on the beautiful sailing ship Le Ponant, see page 32, to discover the island of Grenada and its elegant capital, St George’s, which is a particularly picturesque town. Its tropical forests with their wild beauty, immaculate beaches and countless waterfalls make this a unique enchanting destination. 2015 Price from 21 Dec – 27 Dec £2125
2016 Price from 02 Jan – 09 Jan £2439 20 Feb – 27 Feb £1999
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
44 /
Patagonia
Patagonia These short cruises can make an excellent prequel to a longer Antarctic cruise or are fantastic on their own. Cape Horn, the Beagle Channel, Magellan Straights and Tierra del Fuego are all targets on these short cruises, and this region is uniquely suited to cruising as it is virtually impossible to see the highlights by any other means. Sail through beautiful bays in the southernmost part of Tierra del Fuego, seeing marvellous South Antarctic Magellanic forests and glaciers, and viewing native species of the region such as elephant seals, leopard seals and Magellanic penguins.
Via Australis Built in 2005, Via Australis holds up to 136 passengers in 64 comfortable cabins. All cabins are en suite and have picture windows, so you wake up every morning with views of sea, mountains and glaciers! There is a strong expedition team who all speak Spanish and English.
Flora & Fauna of Patagonia – 3 nights
Unforgettable & Magical Patagonia – 4 nights
Unique Journey to the End of the World – 4 nights
2015 Start date Sept 25 Oct 09, 23 Nov 06, 20 Dec 04, 18
2015 Start date Sept 28 Oct 12, 26 Nov 09, 23 Dec 07, 21
2015 Start date Oct 05, 19 Nov 02, 16, 30 Dec 14, 28
2016 Jan Feb Mar Apr
2016 Feb
01, 15, 29 12, 26 11, 25 08
01, 15
Prices: 4 nights from £999.
2016 Jan Feb Mar Apr
11, 25 08, 22 07, 21 04
Prices: 4 nights from £999.
Prices: 3 nights from £829.
CHILE Magdalena Island
Punta Arenas
STRAIT OF MAGELLAN
TERRA DEL FUEGO
Tuckers Islets Águlia Glacier Piloto & Nena Glaciers Brookes Glacier Almirantazgo Bay Ainsworth Bay DARWIN RANGE Parry Glacier Garibaldi Glacier Ushuaia BEAGLE CHANNEL Pía Glacier Glacier Alley Wulaia Bay
ARGENTINA
Cruise Flora and Fauna of Patagonia Unforgettable and Magical Patagonia Unique Journey to the End of the World
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
Cape Horn
/ 45
The Amazon
Amazon River
Delfin II
The Amazon River is an extraordinary and vast wilderness and the rivers and waterways are still the best, and often only, way to explore. You can travel on some very, very comfortable boats and hop on board smaller skiffs to explore many of the smaller lakes and tributaries, and search for some of the vast array of wildlife that lives here.
The custom built Delfin II carries just 28 people in 14 suites. Air-conditioned, and very comfortable, Delfin II is a great way to explore this extraordinary part of the world in comfort. 2015 – 2016 Most Wednesdays (not Oct) Most Wednesdays (not Oct)
Delfin I
Peruvian Amazon The itineraries vary depending on water levels, but with years of experience, Delfin I and Delfin II will find the best places for the conditions. You will explore on foot and by skiff (small boat) as well as on the Delfin, and kayaking, a canopy walkway and swimming in the mighty Amazon can all be part of your cruise.
Delfin II (left) & Delfin I
Brazilian Amazon
Cruises Price 4 days £1605, £2059, or £2165 5 days £2095, £2649, or £2789
LUXURY
Carrying just 8 passengers in 4 ridiculously luxurious suites, you don’t have to compromise on comforts to explore this wildest part of the world. 2015 – 2016 Every Monday Every Thursday
Cruises Price Amazon River Cruise – 4 days £2509 or £2615 Amazon River Cruise – 5 days £3139 or £3275
Delfin I deluxe master suite
Voyage to the heart of the Amazon – 8 days
Cruise the Amazon on board Tucano Tucano is air-conditioned throughout and has comfortable cabins with large beds and private bathrooms with hot, pressurised showers, toilets and sinks. With small groups (maximum 18 passengers), trained naturalist guides, and thoughtful itineraries, Tucano offers a genuine, thrilling experience with the REAL Amazon rainforest.
This is a thorough, detailed, and sophisticated trip that explores some of the most untouched rainforest in all of the Amazon. The guides are accomplished naturalists and you can expect to see wildlife almost never seen by other visitors.
Amazon odyssey – 5 days This cruise visits the most essential areas to observe the wildlife and culture of the rainforest. Walk in towering rainforests, glide along narrow streams deep in the forest, and explore flooded grasslands that stretch from horizon to horizon. 2015 – 2016 Cruises Price Alternate Saturdays Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon £2579 or £2875 Many Sundays Amazon Odyssey – 4 nights £1345 or £1569
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
46 /
The Galápagos islands
The Galápagos islands The Galápagos Islands are amongst the most famous wildlife-watching destination in the world, and with good reason. The Galápagos are almost overflowing with wildlife, and, as it has never been hunted, it is very relaxed. There are few places on earth where the wildlife is unconcerned by humans as it is on the islands that inspired Charles Darwin. The Galápagos lie 600 miles west of Ecuador astride the equator and consists of 20 volcanic islands and dozens of tiny islets. Even though clustered together, the islands are very different from each other, with their own unique species and biospheres. Kayaking, walking and snorkelling will all improve your Galápagos experience, but there is always plenty of time to relax. You will be accompanied by trained naturalists on every cruise and often other specialists too.
Pinta Marchena
Bahía Darwin Genovesa Prince Philip’s Steps EQUATOR
Bahía Sullivan Bartolomé Santiago Chinese Hat Islet Fernandina
Baltra
Eden Islet
Santa Cruz Isabela Puerto Ayorta Cruise 14 day Top Tip IV
Cerro Brujo
Puerto Baquerizo Morena
Punta Pitt San Cristóbal
Charles Darwin Reasearch Station
Floreana
Cerro Colorado
Bahía Gardner
5 day Santa Cruz 8 day Silver Galapagos
PACIFIC OCEAN
Punta Suárez
Española
4 day La Pinta
Wildlife Giant tortoises, marine iguanas and finches are the best known of the wildlife, but the Galápagos are a great place to swim with sea-lions, snorkel in crystal clear water, photograph some of the striking bird species such as the frigatebirds, blue and red footed boobies, Galápagos penguins, brown pelicans, waved albatross (courtship and nesting October – December) and Red-Billed Tropicbird will all appeal to those who have no interest in birds!
Beluga
Ship size
Galápagos cruises
The Galápagos National Park has set a limit of a maximum of 100 passengers per ship, and also limits any shore group to a maximum of 20. Smaller ships can reach more inaccessible areas and generally everyone can go ashore together. Larger ships generally have more facilities and can often reach outlying islands as they can cruise faster and at night, so both have their advantages.
1-2 week Galápagos cruises on the small & luxurious Beluga
Eclipse
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
Athala II
Beluga only carries a maximum of 16 passengers and her diminutive size allows her access to many of the small bays and inlets inaccessible to even medium sized boats. Beluga alternates between 2 different 1 week cruises which can be combined to make a longer 2 week cruise. All cruises start on Fridays. The Fernandina cruise visits the main islands of Isabelle, Fernandina, Santa Cruz, Floreana and Santiago. The Tower itinerary visits the islands of San Cristobal, Hood, Santa Fe, Santiago, Baltra, Santa Cruz and Tower. Prices: £2735 low season, or £3129 high season. Flights from Quito will cost approximately £400. Prices do not include air tickets, national park fees, transit control cards, snorkelling gear, wet suits and bottled beverages on board.
/ 47
The Galápagos islands
4, 5 & 8 day cruises on Cormorant or Ocean Spray
Tip Top IV
14 Day natural history Galápagos experience on Tip Top IV Spend a full 11 days/10 nights aboard the lovely Tip Top IV in the Galápagos islands, allowing you to visit all the significant outer islands, and allowing for a maximum of wildlife observations. Snorkelling every day and several days will also have time to explore by kayak. The evenings are devoted to natural history lectures conducted by the tour leader. Prices: Regular departures throughout the year, £4389 + approx £400 for flights to and from Quito. It is also possible to join a longer 18 day tour on Tip Top IV for £5229 + approx £400 for flights to and from Quito.
1 week luxury expedition cruise on Eclipse This expedition vessel was converted specifically for cruising the Galápagos in luxury. The Eclipse is the perfect base for any Galápagos experience, with the highest standards of quality caring of the environment: a generously proportioned ship with a small yacht atmosphere. The Eclipse has 24 spacious, fully air-conditioned staterooms, plus 2 single cabins. Eclipse has two different itineraries concentrating on different islands in the archipelago. Prices start at £3800, + flights from the mainland for approximately £380.
1 week luxury cruise on Athala II
The Cormorant and Ocean Spray incorporate the very best of Galápagos Catamaran design. The modern and ample accommodation includes jacuzzi, huge sundeck and a private balcony for each of the spacious staterooms. Kayaks are also available for use. Price: 5 day cruise from £2225 or 8 day from £4345, exc flights to Galápagos.
1 week cruise on board Xavier III BEST PRICE
Xavier III is made for both great value and great service offering fresh gourmet food, daily excursions to explore the islands, and picturesque views of the area from the top deck – with a great price to boot. Eight twin bedded cabins with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. Xavier III has weekly cruises throughout the year on 2 different itineraries. The 10 day trip includes a 7 night cruise, 2 nights in Quito and return flights from the mainland to the islands. Price from £2349 Including flights from mainland.
Sailing the Galápagos aboard the Cachalote Something different – Cachalote is a comfortable and beautifully decorated motor yacht that sleeps 16 passengers in 8 cabins and offers guests plenty of space to relax in spacious common areas located on three wooden decks. All cabins have private baths with hot/cold water showers, and are fully air-conditioned. Price: Cachalote has a selection of 6 and 8 day cruises from £1600.
Luxury 1 week Galápagos cruises on Silver Galápagos LUXURY
This Motor Catamaran was specifically designed and built to cruise the islands providing comfort and excellent stability for those looking for a Galápagos adventure cruise in style. The 16-passenger Athala II provides a cosy small yacht atmosphere, comfortable accommodation, personalised service, a dedicated cruise director and more in order to offer the best service.
The 100-guest Silver Galápagos is one of the most luxurious ships sailing the Galápagos islands. Silver Galápagos sails every Saturday throughout the year on two different itineraries. She carries a full set of Zodiacs and kayaks and nightly lectures by highly trained naturalists make sure you won’t miss out on anything. The smallest suites measure more than 200 sq. ft., and most of the higher end suites have picture windows and private balconies.
Price from £3835, exc flights to Galápagos.
Price from £3950, exc. flights from mainland.
La Pinta
Luxury 1 week Galápagos cruises on La Pinta LUXURY La Pinta carries a maximum of 48 passengers on a choice of 4, 5, and 7 day cruises to most areas of the Galápagos that are worth visiting. The plan is adventure in (high levels of) comfort whilst being very well fed and looked after. The on board naturalists are some of the best around, and the hotel staff are excellent. Price from £2495 for a 4 day cruise.
5 day cruise aboard MZ Santa Cruz FAMILY & PRICE MZ Santa Cruz is versatile, flexible and fun, with an excellent crew committed to making her guests’ experience extraordinary. MZ Santa Cruz carries an underwater naturalist who leads guests by the hand during swimming and snorkelling activities, helping with masks, snorkels and techniques. He carries a high-quality underwater camera to record snorkel trips, and all photos are shown on board and on websites for future viewing. MZ Santa Cruz caters for families with a “Pirates Aboard” programme including kids’ meals, board games and puzzles, panga rides, an “introduction to snorkelling” with the underwater naturalist and bridge visits with the Captain. Price from £1739, + Galápagos park fees and flights – Approx $500.
MZ Santa Cruz
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
48 /
Antarctic
New Zealand Many of the best bits of New Zealand are only accessible by boat – Milford Sound, Kaikoura whales, Stewart Island, Bay of Islands, Marlborough Sounds, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds and Akaroa Harbour. The South Islands wild coastlines are comparable with Norway’s Fjords, yet in the north the beaches and islands are subtropical. Throw in whales, wine, culture and fantastic birdlife and you have a wonderful cruise destination.
Cruise New Zealand aboard the Silver Discoverer LUXURY The luxurious Silver Discoverer has an extensive cruise programme around the South Pacific islands and she spends a couple of months around New Zealand. Silver Discoverer carries a maximum of 120 passengers and is a very, very comfortable ship to cruise on. Silver Discoverer’s shallow draft allows her to navigate closer to shore, and with a fleet of 12 Zodiacs and a glass bottom boat, guests can land on isolated shores and explore wetlands and submerged ecosystems, up close and in-depth. 2015 – 2016 Cruises Price from 07 Dec – 19 Dec Unlocking the mysteries of the coral sea £5650 20 Dec – 03 Jan New Zealand Antipodes and Sub-Antarctic Islands £8750 03 Jan – 19 Jan Wild New Zealand £8550 11 Feb – 27 Feb New Zealand to the Coral Sea £8050
To read more about Silver Discoverer’s cruises go to www.small-cruise-ships.com/ship/silver-discoverer/
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
Explorer suite – the cheapest suite!
/ 49
New Zealand
Cruise New Zealand on the Oceanic Discoverer New Zealand, and especially the southern end, is particularly suited to exploration by cruise ship – indeed much of it can’t be explored any other way. The scenery is fantastic, the wildlife, especially some of the marine life, is magnificent, and the possibilities are endless.
Oceanic Discoverer Oceanic Discoverer is small enough to make her way into many of New Zealands Fjords. The state of the art 1800-tonne Oceanic Discoverer cruises around Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South-east Asia and the island archipelagos of Melanesia. Oceanic Discoverer carries a maximum of just 72 passengers in 36 cabins and is equipped with latest technology active stabilisers to ensure comfortable cruising in open waters. 2015 – 2016 27 Dec – 08 Jan 08 Jan – 16 Jan 16 Jan – 24 Jan 24 Jan – 05 Feb
Auckland
TASMAN SEA
Gisborne
Napier
Cruises Price from Auckland to Queenstown £4599 Queenstown to Wellington £3245 Wellington to Queenstown £3245 Queenstown to Auckland £4599
To read more about Oceanic Discoverer’s cruises go to www.small-cruise-ships.com/ship/oceanic-discoverer/
Mercury Islands White Island
Marlborough Sounds
Wellington Kaikoura
Milford Sound
Akaroa
Queenstown
Doubtful Sound Dusky Sound
PACIFIC OCEAN
Cruise Auckland to Queenstown
Dunedin
Coach transfer Wellington to Queenstown
Stewart Island
Bridge deck stateroom
For cruises to New Zealand’s Sub Antarctic Islands go to www.small-cruise-ships.com
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
50 /
Antarctic
Australia Cruise Australia’s north and west coasts to see the wild and remote corners of a wild and remote country or spend a week discovering the best and some lesser known spots of the Great Barrier Reef. From the Great Barrier Reef to the barren Kimberley coastline, Australia has cruising opportunities that, even today, are scarcely on the cruising map by the standards of the Caribbean or the Mediterranean.
Lizard Island
Coral Princess I & II The Coral Princesses were built specifically to sail Australia’s coasts and reefs. They carry a maximum of just 44 passengers. All accommodation is spacious and airconditioned with private en suites and the choice of single or double beds. All rooms are serviced daily. On board amenities are what you would expect of a much larger ship: air-conditioned dining room; two modern air-conditioned lounges; sundeck and spa pool; comprehensive library featuring videos and books on the reef, islands and outback; phone and fax facilities; security safe; fully stocked cocktail bar and comprehensive dive shop. The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
Great Barrier Reef aboard Coral Princess II
The Kimberley – 11 days
A choice of 3, 4 or 7 night cruises offer the chance to 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 our Pelorus private island paradise. Join the Marine Biologist aboard the glass bottom boat and snorkel and SCUBA at a variety of the best and most colourful reef locations. Discover the pristine Ribbon Reefs of the northern Great Barrier Reef and experience the colourful coral gardens of Thetford and Nathan reefs. Even the least confident swimmer will enjoy the opportunity to get up close and personal with the colourful corals, giant clams and myriad tropical fish at fringing reefs, located just metres from the beach on beautiful tropical islands. 2015 – 2016 1 week 4 nights 3 nights Departs every Departs Departs Friday & Monday every Monday every Friday Standard cabin £1655 £1079 £865 Stateroom £1905 £1245 £999 Upper stateroom £2055 £1335 £1079 Deluxe stateroom £2205 £1435 £1165
An unforgettable Broome to Darwin cruise via the remarkable Montgomery Reef and the amazing natural phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls of Talbot Bay. Explore the Mitchell Plateau and cruise the Kimberley’s ‘big’ rivers before discovering the majestic King George River with its towering 80-metre twin falls and the mysterious Bradshaw Paintings of Bigge Island in the north. This is a land steeped in ancient Aboriginal culture and the legends of Australia’s pioneering past. Aboard the unique ‘Xplorer’ excursion vessel and fleet of inflatable Zodiacs, and with the expert local guides, you will make the most of your expedition, and do it all in total comfort and unrivalled style.
Cape York & Arnhem Land – 12 days This expedition combines the very best of Australia’s northern coastline, exploring the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ‘Tip of Australia’ at Cape York, the Arnhem Land Coast and the rarely visited Tiwi Islands. The mighty estuarine or saltwater crocodile is indeed King of the Wild and the waters of the Arafura Sea are alive with a profusion of marine and bird life.
Coral Princess I Lizard Island Lizard Island
TwoRibbon Reefs Ribbon Reefs Isles
Cruise
Cruise
4 nights
4 nights
Cruise
Cruise
3 nights
3 nights
Port Douglas Port Douglas Thetford ReefThetford Reef Is. Fitzroy Is. Cairns Cairns Fitzroy Sudbury CaySudbury CoatesCay Reef Coates Reef
ktown Cooktown Rachel Carson Rachel Carson Reef Reef
Nathan Reef
Nathan Reef
Dunk Island Dunk Island
The Kimberley (Broome – Darwin). Runs in both directions. Regular departures throughout April to September. Cape York and Arnhem Land (Cairns – Darwins). Runs in both directions. March and October only. 2015 Standard cabin Stateroom Upper stateroom Deluxe stateroom twin share twin share twin share twin share £4105 £4645 £4919 £5079
Oceanic Discoverer Hinchinbrook Island Hinchinbrook Island
2015 Main deck B Main deck A Prom deck B Prom deck A Bridge deck Magnetic Island Magnetic Island £4975 £5135 £5349 £5515 £5729
Townsville Townsville
Cruise The Kimberley Cape York & Arnhem Land Air transfers Coral Princess only ARAFURA SEA Tiwi Islands
TIMOR SEA
Darwin
Y LE
Cooktown
E R B
IM
The Kimberley
GULF OF CARPENTARIA
ef
Lacepede Islands
CORAL SEA
Cape Arnhem
r Re
Koolan Island
Cape York
arrie
Cockatoo Island
Kakadu National Park
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Montgomery Reef Cape Leveque
Raffles Bay
TORRES STRAIT Elcho Thursday Islands Islands Wessel Islands
at B
Bigge Island
Port Essington
Gre
INDIAN OCEAN
K
Cairns
Thetford Reef Thetford Reef Fitzroy Is. Cairns Fitzroy Is. Sudbury Cay Sudbury Cay
Pelorus Island Pelorus Island Orpheus Island Orpheus Island
QUEENSLAND
E
Port Douglas ort Douglas
For more details about Oceanic Discoverer, see page 49.
Derby Broome
TH
Two Isles
/ 51
Australia
Cairns
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
52 /
Japan & the Far East
Japan & the Far East Aboard the luxurious Le Soléal, set sail on a cruise to the heart of the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’, a complex blend of modernity and tradition. Cruising from Osaka to Maizuru via the ancient imperial capital of Kyoto, you can to lift the veil on Japan’s imperial past, where the history of the Samurais rubs shoulders with the delicateness of Geishas. Le Soléal will call at Hiroshima, known for the terrible events of the Second World War, but also the gateway to Miyajima Sanctuary (UNESCO site), home to the majestic Shinto Shrine, whose entrance is guarded by a magnificent vermilion Torii. You will also experience the indisputable charm of Kagoshima, dominated by the majestic silhouette of the Sakurajima volcano, which has become the symbol of the city. In Nagasaki, you will be reminded of the story of Madame Butterfly, the strains of which can still be heard in the narrow city streets. This is a particularly moving visit as no-one can forget the tragic events and the scars that Nagasaki hides.
Le Soléal
LUXURY
Launched In 2013, this superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri and was designed to create a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. Every effort has been made to cater to a range of tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa, beauty centre and gym to help with relaxation, but also a library and internet corner. Le Soléal, like its sister ships, is ice-strengthened (see page 36-37 for Antarctic cruises on Le Lyrial, Le Soléal’s sister ship) so she can cruise Antarctica and the Arctic. Le Soléal carries a fleet of Zodiacs for getting ashore where there is no other option and for sightseeing in remote locations. Le Soléal often cruises at night enabling passengers to spend as much time ashore as possible during the days to make the most of each destination. 2016 04 Mar – 15 Mar 15 Mar – 25 Mar 25 Mar – 06 Apr 06 Apr – 14 Apr 14 Apr – 22 Apr 22 Apr – 30 Apr 30 Apr – 08 May
Cruises Route Price from Solar Eclipse In Indonesia Darwin – Kota Kinabalu £3765 The Best of the Philippines Kota Kinabalu – Hong Kong £2089 Traditional Japan Hong Kong – Osaka £3319 Best of Japan Osaka – Maizuru £2375 Best of Japan Maizuru – Osaka £2375 Best of Japan Osaka – Maizuru £2375 Best of Japan Maizuru – Osaka £2375
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
Deluxe suite
/ 53
Seychelles
Seychelles The Seychelles consist of 115 granite and coral islands which are blessed with a year-long warm, tropical climate, so it’s always a good time to visit. 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 Port Launay
MAHE ISLAND
Moyenne Island Cruise 3 nights
INDIAN OCEAN
7 nights 4 nights
The Seychelles are a living museum of natural history and a sanctuary for some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth, including 12 endemic bird species and giant tortoises.
Cruise the Seychelles – 3 nights Visit uninhabited Coco Island with great snorkelling in crystal clear waters and La Digue, a quiet island community where time stands still.
Cruises in the Garden of Eden – 4 nights
Seychelles cruise – 7 nights Combine the 3 & 4 night itineraries for a glorious week taking in the best of the Seychelles from the comfort of the Pegasus.
Pegasus The twin-hulled Pegasus accommodates up to 49 guests in a relaxed, congenial atmosphere. All cabins are outside facing with individually controlled air-conditioning, en suite shower and bathrooms, music system, and TVs. You can relax with friends in the large lounge, browse in the well-stocked library or enjoy oceanview dining in the convivial and spacious restaurant area.
See some of the world’s rarest wildlife while visiting Aride, a striking granite island north of Praslin. The whole island is a nature reserve, has dense vegetation and is home to colonies of extremely rare birds, including 5 endemic species. An optional excursion will take you all the way to the top of the island for an amazing view. Also visit Cousin Island where quarter of a million birds nest and sea turtles breed on the beaches. We also visit Curieuse, an uninhabited island that is home to giant tortoises. Finish with a BBQ on the beach, a variety of water sports and a spectacular creole night. 2015 – 2016 Most Wednesdays throughout the year Most Saturdays throughout the year Most Saturdays throughout the year
Cruises Price from Cruise the Seychelles – 3 nights (Praslin – Mahe) £605 +£125 port charges Cruises in the Garden of Eden – 4 nights (Mahe – Praslin) £765 +£157 port charges Seychelles cruise – 7 nights £1209 +£220 port charges
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
54 /
Fiji & South Pacific islands
Fiji & South Pacific Uncover the hidden gems of the South Pacific from the remote islands of Polynesia to the beautiful and culturally diverse islands of Melanesia.
There is no better way to explore this oceanic world than sailing from island to island and immersing yourself in the islands and their surrounding seas, wildlife, people, coral reefs, beaches, food, villages, dolphins, snorkelling and birding. If it was closer, everyone would go.
Fiji Explorer cruise – 3 nights This wonderful cruise, ideal for those with limited time, takes in the majestic southern Yasawa Islands and also spends time at the strikingly beautiful Modriki and Sacred Islands. Dates and prices: Departs every Friday. From £699.
Fiji Princess Fiji Princess has 34 high-standard air-conditioned cabins, all with en suite, accommodating up to 68 passengers. 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.’
Cruise
Tamasua
4 nights 3 nights
Fiji Wanderer cruise – 4 nights If untouched South Pacific is what you seek, the truly spectacular Sacred and Yasawa Islands will offer all you dreamed of and more. In the Blue Lagoon area, you’ll find paradise and a great array of activities, both onshore and in the water. Dates and prices: Departs every Monday. From £929.
Escape to paradise – 3, 4 & 7 nights Combine the 3 and 4 night cruises, covering the full length of the magnificent Yasawa Island chain, Modriki and the Sacred Islands. Dates and prices: Departs every Friday all year round. From £1499. The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
Sawa-i-Lau Island
Yasawa Islands
Transfer 7 nights
Drawaqa Island Naukacuvu Narara
Nanuya Lailai Blue Lagoon
Naviti Island Soso Bay
Sacred Islands
Modriki Island
Mamanuca Islands
Port Denarau
Nadi
/ 55
Fiji & South Pacific islands
Tahiti & The Marquesas islands Aranui III is a mixed cargo and passenger vessel that provides a vital lifeline to many remote islands. She makes 14 stops, including the Marquesas islands, beginning the journey from Tahiti to Fakarava, Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Fatu Hiva, Tahuata, Ua Huka, Rangiroa and back to Papeete. The Marquesas’ six inhabited islands are so remote that the Aranui III is their lifeline to the outside world, bringing supplies and picking up copra, dried coconut and noni fruit.
Dates and prices: Aranui III sails on 2 week cruises, starting and finishing in Tahiti, throughout the year, and prices range from £1989 for a dormitory bed up to £4815 for the top suite with a balcony.
National Geographic Orion cruises in the South Pacific Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, National Geographic Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar and radar. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters enable her to manoeuvre close to shore. 14 Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up close exploration.
Travel in excellent company Explore under the guidance of an expedition leader, veteran naturalists, historians, a National Geographic photographer, plus a National Geographic certified photo instructor, an undersea specialist, divemasters, a wellness specialist and a video chronicler. Their knowledge and passion for the fascinating dimensions of this odyssey is the key to your extraordinary experience.
2015 Cruises Price range 19 Sept – 01 Oct Bali – Palau: £8495 – £17535 Exotic Indonesia 01 Oct – 16 Oct Palau – Solomon Islands: £10449 – £21585 Along the pacific equator 16 Oct – 26 Oct Solomon Islands – Fiji: £6535 – £13489 Hidden south pacific 26 Oct – 04 Nov Fiji – The Cook Islands: £6535 – £13489 Polynesian discovery 04 Nov – 14 Nov Cook Islands – Tahiti: £6535 – £13489 Pristine reefs of the south pacific 14 Nov – 30 Nov Tahiti – Easter Island: £10449 – £21585 Tales of the pacific
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
56 /
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea contains the largest rainforest outside of the Amazon and the scenery IS magnificent, with colourful coral atolls and volcanic mountains, pristine wilderness areas and the mighty Sepik River. Papua is famous for its people, and the opportunity to spend time in their traditional communities is a once-ina-lifetime experience. The world’s largest butterfly and magnificent birds of paradise are amongst 700 species of bird found here.
Papua New Guinea aboard Spirit of Enderby Uncover the hidden gems of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. From the culturally rich Sepik River sail north across the Bismarck Sea to the remote shores of Manus and Mussau Islands. Manus has the lowest density of people in all New Guinea, they still live a very traditional lifestyle. Delve into the history, culture and wildlife of New Ireland and New Britain, witness a local tribe’s fire dance in a centuries old ritual to honour the local deity-spirits. Sail into a world that few have ever experienced: idyllic islands and isolated villages where unique time-honoured traditions and elaborately costumed dancers welcome us into their world.
Spirit of Enderby The Spirit of Enderby carries just 50 passengers in twin share cabins, half of which have private facilities. The real focus of every expedition is getting you ashore as often and for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. These Expeditions are accompanied by highly experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in these regions.
Papua New Guinea aboard Oceanic Discoverer For more details about Oceanic Discoverer, see page 49. 2015 01 Oct – 13 Oct 13 Oct – 25 Oct 09 Nov – 19 Nov 19 Nov – 29 Nov 07 Nov – 19 Nov
Cruises Price range West Papua: Darwin – Biak £5599 – £6525 West Papua: Biak – Darwin £5599 – £6525 Alotau – Rabaul £4975 – £5729 Rabaul – Alotau £4975 – £5729 Cairns – Rabaul £5189 – £5945
2016 23 Feb – 18 Mar 23 Feb – 04 Mar 04 Mar – 18 Mar 18 Mar – 30 Mar 30 Mar – 11 Apr 11 Oct – 23 Oct
New Guinea Circle Solar Eclipse: 24 nights Alotau – Darwin Alotau – Wewak West Papua Solar Eclipse West Papua: Darwin – Biak West Papua: Biak – Darwin West Papua: Darwin – Biak
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
£10349 – £11919 £4790 – £5499 £6919 – £7735 £5599 – £6525 £5599 – £6525 £5659 – £6579
2015 – 2016 11 Oct – 24 Oct 2015 23 Oct – 03 Nov 2015 06 Apr – 23 Apr 2016 22 Apr – 04 May 2016
Cruises Price range Melanesia Discoverer: £4875 – £8015 Papua New Guinea and The Solomon Islands Secrets of Melanesia: Vanuatu £4179 – £6975 and The Solomon Islands Papua New Guinea £4395 – £5645 via Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, Melanesia and the Solomon Islands Papua New Guinea, £4529 – £7389 New Britain and Louisiade Archipelago
/ 57
Something different
Something different There are a few corners of the world that are hard to get to, a long way off the beaten track and seldom visited. That doesn’t put us off – In fact it adds to the allure of some of these remote places, and here are a few of them.
Atlantic odyssey The Atlantic Odyssey on board Plancius offers a unique possibility to visit several of the remotest islands in the world. Visit the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, South Georgia, the South Orkney Islands, Tristan da Cunha, St. Helena, Ascension Island and Cape Verde. Beautiful and often rare species live on these islands, many of them not found anywhere else in the world. Isolated local communities can also be visited. The journey from the Antarctic to the tropics witnesses large changes in nature, and during days at sea the chance of seeing whales is high. Mar 17 – Apr 22 2016. Prices from £6999.
Easter Island Cruise from Tahiti to some of the world’s most remote islands: Pitcairn Island, still inhabited by fewer than 60 descendants from the Bounty Mutiny, and Easter Island to see the extraordinary 800 year old stone Moai figures (pictured above) on board the National Geographic Orion. 14 Nov – 30 Nov 2015. Prices from £10449.
Crossing the Atlantic from Brazil to Africa LUXURY
Solar eclipse – Papua New Guinea
Some of the ships, L’ Austral included, have to make a dash from one part of the world to another, and although there is much less in the way of shore excursions and experts aboard, they are still popular with travellers for whom the journey is as important as the destination.
This remarkable expedition will take you into the most remote corners of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, areas little visited even today. The undoubted highlight will be the rare opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse in northern Indonesia. This will be a truly unforgettable experience as the moon passes in front of the sun, obscuring the sun’s light and turning day to night.
07 Mar – 24 Mar 2016. Prices from £4139 +£690 port taxes.
Russian far east Cross the Arctic Circle on board The Spirit of Enderby to visit Wrangel Island, the polar bear’s maternity ward. The north Siberian coast is remote and distant, and very rarely visited, wildlife thrives and a few hardy folk still inhabit this wild region. 3 departures in Jul and Aug from £6999.
04 Mar – 15 Mar 2016. Prices from £3765. See page 56 for details. 04 Mar – 18 Mar 2016. Prices from £7115. See page 56 for details. 23 Feb – 18 Mar. Prices from £10965. See page 56 for details.
St Helena & Ascension Island The R.M.S. St Helena has been St Helena’s only lifeline for years, but with an airport due to open in 2016, she will soon be out of service. Take a relaxing voyage on one of the last working Royal Mail ships in the world to St Helena, one of the most remote, inhabited islands in the world. The R.M.S. St Helena sails from Cape Town to St Helena once or twice per month and prices start at around £600 one way.
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
58 /
River boats
River boats Here at The Small Cruise Ship Collection we don't claim to be specialists in river cruises, but there are some rivers that we just couldn't ignore. Those rivers that are a little more off the beaten track, that still have an aura of wildness about them and those where, even today, you feel a sense of exploration when venturing up river.
Aqua Amazon
Aria Amazon
LUXURY
Aqua Mekong
LUXURY
The Aria Amazon can accommodate a maximum of 32 passengers. This luxury cruise ship is the perfect size to sail along the Amazon River, providing extremely comfortable lounge, outdoor jacuzzi, exercise room, dining and sleeping accommodations and modern navigation technologies and standards for cruise ship travel and safety on the water.
Spacious and indulgent, yet intimate enough to feel exclusive, the Aqua Mekong incorporates relaxed yet refined lounging and dining areas and can accommodate a maximum of 40 guests plus crew. Modern navigation technologies and the highest cruise ship standards as well as an experienced river pilot and crew ensure smooth travel and safety on the water.
Road to Mandalay
S.S. Legacy
Gently cruising along the Ayeyarwady River, passengers will encounter astonishing natural beauty, timeless landscapes, unparalleled cultural heritage and some of the most welcoming and hospitable people in the world. Visit Mandalay, the centre of Burmese culture, and Sagaing, famous for its silversmiths, before cruising south to Bagan.
Newly refurbished in 2013, the ambience aboard the 88-guest S.S. Legacy emulates the old world charm of an early turn of the century coastal steamer as she cruises the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Exquisitely appointed with period decor, the vessel’s carved wooden cabinetry, Grand Salon, Klondike Dining Room with wine bar, Pesky Barnacle Saloon, hot tub, sauna, fitness equipment, yoga classes, and massage suite are features accessible to all guests.
LUXURY
Experience a luxurious Amazon journey among the Amazon River’s three powerful tributaries: the Marañón, the Ucayali, and the Puinahua as well as several hidden black water lakes.
Jayavarman Life on the Jayavarman is one luxurious experience after another. You step out on to your private balcony, sipping your cocktail made with fruit from the land that envelops you.
Angkor Pandaw
Volga Dream This elegant vessel has been totally rebuilt. Originally accommodating over 200 passengers but now accommodating just 100, the result is a splendid and spacious vessel which offers the most superior accommodation and services on the route.
Angkor Pandaw is a handsome two-deck riverboat, a luxurious yet unostentatious replica of a colonial era vessel dating from 1865. Sailing deep into Highland Vietnam you will discover the mountain villages and a number of tribal areas. You will go as far as is navigable up the Song Red River and then down the little known Da or Black River to some rarely visited areas.
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
Jahan The new Jahan offers probably the finest accommodations on the Mekong River. Nothing else can begin to compare with her for outstanding staterooms, decor, service and food. All cabins face outside, and all have glass doors and private balconies for enjoying the scenery along the Mekong River and its tributaries.
/ 59
Sailing ships
Sailing ship cruises Small ships come in many shapes and sizes, but surely the most dramatic and romantic trips are those that are sail powered. Even within the sailing ships that we list, there is great variety: the modern and luxurious Le Ponant and Panoramas are visually stunning and very comfortable, but the classic lines of the Rembrandt Van Rijn, a converted herring lugger, and Ombak Putih take the romantic’s vote.
Katharina Katharina is a mix of traditional and modern design. Her hull and rigging are traditional, while the deck house and interior were custom designed to adapt to Western tastes of space, privacy and comfort. Traditional Indonesian sailing vessels are customarily referred to as Bugi Schooners, but strictly speaking Katharina is rigged as a Ketch, the foremast being higher than the aft mast. Katharina carries a maximum of just 14 passengers, and plies her trade around Bali and Komodo.
Rembrandt Van Rijn The 56 metre long Rembrandt Van Rijn, a 100 year old converted herring lugger, is currently plying her trade around the coast of Greenland and Iceland, and has 9 twin cabins, each with an en suite shower. The vessel underwent a complete rebuilding and refurbishment program in 2011. The Rembrandt Van Rijn carries a maximum of 32 passengers.
Panorama I & Panorama II The Panoramas are 3 masted sail cruisers which can accommodate up to 49 passengers in 25 cabins. The Panorama I was launched in 1993 and was renovated in 2009; Panorama II was launched in 2004. They are both modern and very comfortable, and all cabins are airconditioned and fitted with TV, telephone, hair dryers, mini fridge and safe boxes. Panorama I plies her trade around Cuba, see page 43 and Panorama II sails the Greek Island, see page 33 with occasional forays to Turkey.
Ombak Putih
Le Ponant
LUXURY
Le Ponant’s elegant lines make her stand out from most similar sized ships. The ship capacity is limited to just 64 passengers, and she is small enough to be able to sail into many smaller bays and harbours. Le Ponant sails the Mediterranean in the northern summer and the Caribbean for the rest of her year, see page 32.
The Ombak Putih is a traditional Indonesian schooner custom built from Iron wood by Buginese ship builders. The Ombak Putih is 42 metres long and provides accommodation for up to 24 guests in 12 comfortable cabins. Ombak Putih offers both open and covered space in abundance, allowing for privacy and serene relaxing. All cabins are located below deck and offer private bathroom, portholes, individually controlled airconditioning, and ample storage space including safety deposit box. Ombak Putih cruises around Bali, Komodo and Papua New Guinea.
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
60 /
Luxury & families
Luxury small cruise ships
LUXURY
Many small cruise ships are designed for coping with rugged conditions, but there are a few that don’t compromise on life’s luxuries. At the very top end, whilst cruising the Antarctic, you can still expect a butler, complimentary wines, a selection of high end cuisine and large, extremely comfortable cabins. These are some of our most luxurious expedition ships, please see our website for details of their cruises. See also our River Cruises on page 58 as there are several luxurious boats.
Silver Explorer, see page 12
Silver Galápagos, see page 47
Silver Discoverer, see page 48
Le Lyrial, see page 36
Le Boréal, see website
Le Ponant, see page 32
L’Austral, see page 61
Le Soléal, see page 52
Aria Amazon, see page 58
Family cruises & expeditions Although some small cruise ships and cruises are not suitable for families with young children, there are plenty that welcome families. ‘Children’ also covers a wide range of ages, and teenagers will be welcome on most cruises. It is also important to make sure that the children understand the nature of the cruise and the ship – on board lectures, long days at sea and stormy nights at sea are not everyone’s cup of tea – Parents included! Some ships have set dates for families to enjoy, some have connecting cabins, and some welcome children on some cruises, but not others. A few ships and some cruises are not suitable for children, but many have a minimum age varying from 7-12. Please do ask if you would like to take your family away as we have such a wide range of cruises we will find a suitable cruise for you if at all possible. Youngsters that have travelled with us are often the life and soul of a cruise, and comeback with some memories for a lifetime. The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
Coral Princess II, see page 50
/ 61
Single travellers & cruises without flights
Cruises for single travellers We regularly get asked about single supplements, single cabins and do we have any special offers for people booking on their own. Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast answer, but the good news is that there are certainly some opportunities for single travellers. • Single cabins – Some ships do have a few single cabins, please check with us if you would like a single cabin. • Shared cabins – Some ships will book you into a twin cabin, and will find someone of the same sex to share with you if possible. If no one is available, you get a twin cabin to yourself with no supplement. • Free single supplements – At some times of the year, or on some routes, various ships will offer free single supplements as they have spare cabins – Please ask our staff for details.
Cruises without flights
Scotland’s islands luxury
Some people don’t like flying, or prefer to cruise from the UK to save time. Here are a few cruises that involve minimal or no flights.
Luxury cruises aboard L’Austral
Embark on Silver Explorer for a luxury cruise of Scotland’s islands, including St Kilda, Orkney, Shetland and the Hebrides. 21 May – 31 May 2016. From £3450.
LUXURY
This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard. L’Austral has a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. 2016 Route Price from 01 May – 09 May London – Dublin £1725 09 May – 17 May Dublin – Dublin £1725 17 May – 25 May Dublin – Glasgow £1725
Islands on the edge 2016 – Oban to Leith This expedition cruise will appeal to those who prefer their islands with abundant bird and wildlife. We cruise along rugged coastlines and once inhabited islands aboard the 114-passenger Sea Explorer, venturing to the Outer Hebrides, Faroes, Orkneys, St Kilda and Shetlands. 16 May – 27 May 2016. Prices from £5120.
Callanais
Hebridean island odyssey 2016 One of Europe’s true last remaining wilderness areas provides a marvellous island hopping journey through stunning scenery accompanied by spectacular sunsets and prolific wildlife. With MV Serenissima’s naturalists and local guides you will explore the length and breadth of the isles, using Zodiacs to reach some of the most remote and untouched places. 18 June – 27 June: 27 June – 06 July. Prices from £2895.
Kisimul Castle
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
62 /
Terms & conditions
The Small Cruise Ship Collection Booking Conditions Please read the following booking conditions carefully as, together with your confirmation invoice and the information in the brochure and on our website (www. small-cruise-ships.com), they set out the terms and conditions of the contract between the client (“you” and “your”) and Wild Earth Travel UK Limited, trading as The Small Cruise Ship Collection with registered office address at Mill House, Brinsop, Hereford HR4 7AX, company number 09329563 (“we”, “us” and “our”) in relation to your holiday, including any cruise, hotel stay and any other element of your holiday that you book with us. In addition, conditions of carriage of the cruise operator and any other third party supplier will also apply (copy available at the time of booking or on request from us, see Section “Supplier’s Conditions”).
1. Your Contract All holidays advertised in our brochure and website are subject to availability. For all bookings, no contract will exist between you and us until we have confirmed the contract by issuing our confirmation invoice which includes details of your holiday, itinerary, deposit paid and balance due. Your contract is between us and each person over 18 years of age who is listed in the booking confirmation. By making the booking with us, the person that makes the booking on behalf of his/her party (the “lead name”), is deemed to have accepted these booking conditions on behalf of all of the persons listed on the confirmation invoice and warrants that he/she is authorised on behalf of those persons to enter into the contract. 2. Your Booking Depending on the holiday you wish to book, there may be a minimum age for persons travelling (we will advise you when you book). The lead name on a booking, must always be a minimum age of 18 and must provide full name and date of birth as per the details in the passports of the persons travelling in that booking. The lead name is responsible for payment of the total booking price, including any insurance premiums and subsequent cancellation or amendment charges that may be payable. He or she also agrees to provide accurate and full information to the remainder of the travelling party in relation to the booking, including any changes thereto. Cruise operators may stipulate minimum passenger ages for bookings and for cabins so please make the appropriate enquiries with us before you book. Most cruise operators will refuse permission for children aged 6 months or less (in some cases 12 months or less) to board the ship. Neither we nor the cruise operator shall have any liability for any consequences of such a refusal. 3. Insurance And Medical Expenses All booked clients must obtain travel insurance to cover personal injury, medical expenses, third party risk, baggage loss, damage, cancellation and curtailment of travel and medical evacuation and repatriation. Evacuation costs from the Antarctic Peninsula can be more than $US100,000 plus medical costs, so if you are travelling to the Antarctic, please choose your insurance company carefully. Any cost or expense which is reasonably incurred by us for or on your behalf in respect of any form of medical or similar treatment, hotel, transportation, repatriation or any other expense shall be repayable by you to us, whether or not such sum is covered by your insurance. We reserve the right to take any action that we consider appropriate to recover any such cost or expense. 4. Prices We reserve the right to vary particulars and prices shown in our brochure and on our website at any time after the date of publication. Prices, discounts, supplements and special offers advertised in the brochure or elsewhere may be withdrawn or changed. Prices may go up or down. We may only amend the price of your holiday after issuing your confirmation invoice in accordance with Section headed Surcharges. Prices for flight-inclusive holidays will include the amount (currently £2.50 per person), which we are required to pay to the Civil Aviation Authority as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (“APC”). If you choose to cancel you flight the APC will not be refundable in any circumstances.
5. Payment All fares are payable in pounds sterling, as listed in our brochure and on our website. A deposit of 20% will be required to make a booking with us, although some cruises may require a higher deposit which will be advised to you before you book. Payment of your deposit does not mean that you have a contract with us – a contract only exists when we issue the confirmation invoice (see Section 1 above). We will generally require payment of the balance 100 days before your departure date although in some cases we may require this to be paid earlier depending on the particular cruise and this will be advised when you book and confirmed in your booking confirmation. If you do not pay the balance by the
due date we have the right to treat your booking as cancelled and keep your deposit. Payment must be made by debit or credit card.
6. Method Of Payment We accept most credit cards and payments on credit cards will be subject to a credit card handling fee, which will be advised at the time of booking. We accept payment by most forms of debit card for which we do not charge a handling fee. We also accept cheques provided that cleared funds are received by us by the balance due date. We reserve the right to cancel tickets after issue if payment is declined or incorrect cardholder details and billing information have been supplied to us. 7. Financial Protection We are a member of the Travel Trust Association (“TTA”) and all monies that you pay to us in respect of your holiday will be deposited into a bank account designated to hold your money on trust until your holiday with us has completed. Your money remains in the trust account and is supervised by an appointed trustee who is either a banker, chartered or certified accountant or a solicitor. In addition to being held in trust, you also have a financial guarantee from the TTA which guarantees the financial obligations of its members up to a maximum of £11,000 for any one passenger. When you make a booking, you will be supplied with a guarantee certificate. The terms of the TTA guarantee can be found on the TTA website www.traveltrust.co.uk/guarantee. All the flight-inclusive holidays provided by us are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the travel services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances, the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL Scheme (or against your credit card issuer, where applicable). If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. Payments made to our agents in respect of flight-inclusive holidays are held by the agent on behalf and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times, but subject to the agent’s obligation to pay it to us for so long as we do not fail. If we fail, any money held at that time by the agent or subsequently accepted from the consumer by their agent, is and continues to be held by that agent on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that money to us.
8. Special Requests If you have a special request for anything that is not included in the travel arrangements that you book through us, please advise us when you book and we will pass this information on to the companies we work with. Our note of your request on your confirmation invoice/receipt only confirms that we have received it and does not guarantee that we, the cruise operator or other relevant supplier, can meet with your request. We must emphasise that verbal confirmations of special requests cannot be taken as a guarantee that they will be met e.g. special meal types on flights, or hotel room or cruise cabin number requests. We will not pay compensation for failing to meet a special request unless we have confirmed separately in writing that it is definitely available. 9. Twin Shares Cruise passengers travelling on their own but not wishing to pay a single supplement may sometimes be asked to share a twin or triple cabin with passengers of the same sex
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
(subject to availability). Should the operator provide hotel accommodation, this will be on the same share basis. If a booking is accepted on this basis but we are unable to accommodate you in a twin share, then a cabin with sole occupancy will be provided, or a double for a triple share, and no single supplement will be payable.
10. Fitness For Travel You must inform us before you book if you have any health impairments, medical conditions, disabilities or mobility problems that might affect your ability to proceed with travel. We may require you to complete a medical questionnaire, provide a doctor’s certificate or such other documentation relating to such disability, medical/mobility problem or condition or fitness to travel as we or our suppliers consider necessary before any booking can be made. We reserve the right to decline any booking if we consider that the holiday you want to book would not be appropriate for you taking into account any such health or medical conditions, disability or mobility problems (see also Section 11 below). In addition, you may not be permitted to participate in certain activities or programs either on board the ship or onshore at ports of call if to do so would create a risk of harm to yourself or any other person. You acknowledge that medical care while on a cruise ship may be limited or delayed and that the ship may travel to destinations where medical care is unavailable. We and our third party cruise operators reserve the right to refuse passage if, in our opinion, you or any member of your party is unfit for travel or in a condition which may constitute a danger to yourself or themselves or others on board. We cannot be held responsible if you fail to tell us about a special needs/requirements that will affect your holiday experience and this means we will not compensate you if an incident does occur. 11. Disabled Travellers And Passengers With Reduced Mobility Some of our trips may not be suitable for disabled or passengers with reduced mobility. Please discuss your specific needs with us before you book. In addition, due to the small size of the majority of the cruise ships we offer and the safety constraints of the ships, as well as certain international safety requirements, shipbuilding requirements and/or applicable regulations, we may not be able to accommodate mobilityimpaired persons or persons with severely impaired sight and/or hearing. If you use a wheelchair and the third party operator of your cruise confirms to us that a wheelchair can be accommodated on board the ship, you must furnish your own standard size wheelchair and be accompanied by a travelling companion fit and able to assist you. For convenience and comfort collapsible wheelchairs are strongly recommended. Standard cabins on cruise ships are not designed to be barrier free and wheelchair accessible. Cruise ships’ wheelchairs, if supplied, are for emergency use only]. We and our third party cruise operators reserve the right to refuse passage to you if you fail to notify us and our third party cruise operators of such disabilities or need for assistance. 12. Pregnancy You must advise us before booking if anyone in your party is pregnant and you must advise us at any time after booking if you become aware that anyone in your party is pregnant. Ships may not have adequate medical facilities for childbirth on board and generally ships will not carry you if you have entered or passed a certain week of pregnancy at any point in your cruise and in some cases, may not agree to carry you. All pregnant women who travel with us must produce a doctor’s or midwife’s letter stating that mother and baby are in good health, fit to travel and that the pregnancy is not high-risk. The letter must also include the estimated date of delivery (EDD) as calculated from both the last menstrual period (LMP) and ultrasound if this has been performed. We cannot accept a booking or subsequently carry you unless you comply with this section. If you are pregnant and made a booking (or made a booking on behalf of a pregnant passenger) before it could reasonably have been known that you or the passenger would not be able to join the cruise, if we can obtain a refund or part refund of the cruise element of your booking from the cruise operator, we will pass this onto you, but we shall otherwise have no liability whatsoever to you, to provide a refund of other arrangements you have booked with us (such as flights or accommodation). We and our third party cruise operators expressly reserve the right to refuse passage on board to you if you appear to be in an advanced state of pregnancy and we shall not have any liability whatsoever in respect of either such refusal and/or your carriage. 13. Surcharges – Price Increases After Booking After you have booked, the price of your cruise holiday may change due to changes in transportation costs, including the cost of fuel, dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports and exchange rates. However there will be no change within 30 days of your departure. We will absorb and you will not be charged for any increase equivalent to
/ 63
Terms & conditions 2% of the price of your holiday, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges, and you will be charged for the amount over and above that. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your cruise holiday, you will have the option of accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (if this is of equivalent or higher quality you will not have to pay more but if it is of lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid, except for any amendment charges. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on the amended confirmation invoice. We will consider refunding insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy. Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that holidays are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your cruise holiday due to contractual and other protection in place.
14. Changes Made By Us or Cancellation By Us Before Travel We try to avoid making changes to your holiday once you have booked but from time to time we may have to and we will tell you as soon as possible. If the change we make significantly alters an essential term of your contract or if we cancel your holiday, you will have the following rights: either to take an alternative holiday of equivalent or closely similar standard and price if we can offer you one; or take a less expensive holiday if we can offer you one, in which case we will refund the difference in price; or if you prefer, you can cancel your holiday and receive a full refund of any money you have paid to us, except for any amendment charges. You must advise us of the option you want to take as soon as possible. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy. We may also pay you compensation in appropriate circumstances unless the change is as a result of circumstances listed in the Section below headed “Circumstances Beyond our Control” there is insufficient demand for your particular cruise holiday and we have previously advised you that the tour requires a minimum number of passengers to go ahead. 15. Changes Requested By You If you want to change any of the travel arrangements you have booked, we will try to help you, however this is always subject to availability and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do this. Whilst accommodation changes may be possible, changes to your cruise or other transport will not usually be permitted by the cruise or other transport operator. Flights booked with us are usually non-refundable and non-changeable. Changes such as name changes, destination and date changes can be treated by suppliers as a cancellation and rebooking and so these could incur a cost of up to 100% of the ticket price, which we would pass on to you. In addition to any difference in price for the changed arrangements, you must also pay an amount to cover our administration costs. Our administration charges are currently £25 for each person on the booking and for each item that you want to change. Also note that the transport provider may refuse to issue replacement tickets for lost or stolen tickets and new tickets may have to be purchased by you. The cost of the new ticket may be greater than the cost of the original ticket. 16. Cancellation By You You are entitled to cancel your holiday at any time by notice to us in writing. Depending on much notice you give us, cancellation charges will usually apply and if you notify us less than 100 days before your departure date, 100% of the price for your holiday may be due as a cancellation charge. Flights are non-refundable irrespective of when you notify us. We will apply charges from the date we receive the notice from you. Where you give us notice of cancellation more than 100 days before your departure date, the amount of the charges will depend on whether we can obtain refunds from the cruise operator and other suppliers providing your travel arrangements. If you do cancel, you must still pay any insurance premiums and administration charges, which arose before the cancellation. 17. Changes Made After Travel If, after your departure, a significant part of your holiday cannot be provided, you will be offered a suitable alternative if possible. If it is not possible to offer you a suitable alternative or, for good reasons, you do not accept the alternative arrangements, we will return you to the place of your departure. If appropriate, we will also pay you compensation, unless your return has been due to any circumstances listed in the Section “Circumstances Beyond Our Control”. The amount of compensation will be reasonable, taking account of all the circumstances. 18. Circumstances Beyond Our Control Except where we say differently elsewhere in these conditions, we cannot pay any compensation, reimburse expenses, or cover losses for any amount or otherwise accept responsibility if, as a result of circumstances beyond our control, we have to change your cruise holiday after departure, or we, or our suppliers, cannot supply your holiday, as we, or they, had agreed, or you suffer any loss or damage of any description. When we refer to circumstances beyond our control, we
mean any event that we, or the supplier in question, could not foresee or avoid, even after taking all reasonable care. Such circumstances will usually include, but are not limited to, war, terrorist activity, civil unrest, industrial dispute and bad weather (actual or threatened). Cruise ships are also at liberty to deviate from the advertised route and to call (or omit to call) at any port or place to tow and assist vessels and to offer or render assistance to preserve life or property or for any other reason or purpose which in the judgment of the Master of the ship (whether alone or acting on advice from others) is reasonable including, but not limited to, weather conditions, operational matters, the medical condition of anyone on board or the safety, comfort or convenience of passengers. Such deviation shall not give rise to any liability on our part and shall not represent a significant change to the holiday.
19. Contagious Or Infectious Diseases Affecting Your Cruise The cruise operator may refuse to embark or may disembark at any port or place any customer who, in the opinion of the ship’s Master, ship’s medical personnel or other authorised ship’s officer, might be excluded from landing by Immigration or other Governmental Authorities at the destination or who may be suffering from contagious or infectious disease or whose presence, in the opinion of the Master, may be detrimental to the comfort or safety of other customers or the crew. In such cases you shall not be entitled to any refund of the cruise holiday cost or compensation of any kind. Additionally, we will have no liability for any costs or expenses you incur as a result. In cases of quarantine of the ship involving your detention, you must bear all risk and expense thereby caused and will be charged for food and accommodation during the period of detention, payable day by day, if maintained on board the ship, and for all other quarantine fees and expenses assessed or incurred by you. 20. Our Liability To You a. Our obligations and those of our suppliers providing your holiday included in your contract with us, are to take reasonable skill and care to arrange for the provision of your holiday and, where we or our supplier is actually providing the service or facilities forming part of your holiday, to provide them with reasonable skill and care. Compliance with any applicable regulatory requirements will be proper performance of our, and our suppliers’, obligations. However, reasonable skill and care does not necessarily mean compliance with each and every local law and regulation, particularly where these impose absolute obligations. You must show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make any claim. b. Subject to Sections 20a) above and 20c) below, should any part of your holiday not be as described in the relevant brochure, on our websites or elsewhere by us (as applicable to your method of booking) we will have liability to you and we will, subject to Sections 20d), 20e) and 20h) below, pay you reasonable compensation. However, the maximum we will pay you in any circumstances is twice the price of the holiday. This maximum will only be payable when every aspect of your holiday has gone wrong and you have not received any benefit from your holiday. Any sums received by you from suppliers will be deducted from any sum paid to you as compensation by us. We do not limit our liability in relation to any personal injury or death as a result of an activity forming part of your holiday (excluding Overseas Booked Excursions see Section entitled “Excursions”) due to our failure to use reasonable skill and care. c. Notwithstanding other paragraphs in this Section 20, we shall not be liable to the extent that the cause of the failure in your holiday or any death or personal injury you may suffer is not due to any fault on our part or that of our servants, agents or suppliers because it is either attributable to you, or attributable to someone unconnected with the cruise holiday and is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or because the failure is due to unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised, or due to an event which neither we, nor our servants, agents or suppliers could have foreseen or forestalled. d. International Conventions in respect of international air travel include the Warsaw Convention 1929 (including as amended by the Hague Protocol 1955 and by any additional Montreal Protocols of 1975 and 1999 or otherwise) or the Montreal Convention 1999 (for international travel by air and/or for airlines with an operating licence granted by an EU country, which the EC Regulations on Air Carrier Liability No 889/2002 for national and international travel by air has given effect to). Where any claim or part of a claim (including those involving death or personal injury) concerns or is based on any flight arrangements (including the process of getting on and/or off the aircraft concerned) provided by any air carrier where we have arranged the flight as part of our contract, the maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay you will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for that claim or part of claim if we are found liable to you on any basis is limited to the most the carrier concerned would have to pay under the International Convention or Regulations which applies to the flight in question. Please note: for all such claims (including those involving death or personal injury) where the carrier is not obliged to make any payment to you under the applicable International Convention or Regulation (including where
the claim is not notified or issued in accordance with the time limits stipulated) we are similarly not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money that you have received or are entitled to receive from the airline for the complaint or claim in question. Please note that strict time limits apply for notifying loss, damage or delay of luggage to the airline. Any proceedings in respect of any claim (including one for personal injury or death) must be brought within 2 years of the date stipulated in the applicable Convention or Regulation.
e. Carriage of passengers and their luggage by sea is governed by the Convention Relating to the Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage by Sea 1974 (as amended) (“the Athens Convention”) and this applies to the cruise element of your holiday as well as the process of getting on or off the ship concerned. You can get copies of this Convention if you ask us. The Athens Convention is expressly incorporated into these booking conditions and our liability for death or personal injury or for loss of or damage to luggage arising out of carriage by sea shall be determined accordingly. In most cases, the Athens Convention limits the carrier’s liability for death or personal injury or loss of or damage to luggage and makes special provision for valuables. It presumes that luggage has been delivered undamaged to you unless you give us or the cruise operator written notice: (i) in the case of apparent damage, before or at the time of disembarkation or redelivery of luggage; (ii) in the case of damage which is not apparent or of loss, within 15 days from the date of disembarkation or redelivery or from the time when such redelivery should have taken place. Any damages payable by us up to the Athens Convention limits shall be reduced in proportion to any contributory negligence by you and by the maximum amount deductible as specified in Article 8 (4) of the Athens Convention. f. All carriage (by land, air and sea) is subject to the terms and conditions of carriage of the actual carrier (which may be our third party cruise supplier or their subcontractor). Such terms may limit or exclude liability, are expressly incorporated into these booking conditions and also form the terms and conditions of separate contracts between you and the particular carrier as contained in the carrier’s ticket which is provided to you before your scheduled departure date. You can get copies of the relevant terms and conditions if you ask us. g. Notwithstanding that the cruise is performed on a cruise ship not owned by us, it is agreed that we shall at all times nevertheless be deemed a ship owner for the purposes of the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims 1976 (as amended by the Protocol of 1996 or otherwise and as in force in any relevant jurisdiction from time to time), and so are entitled to limit our liability under its terms. h. You must assist us in recovering from any third party any sum which may compensate us for any sums we pay you. In particular, you are obliged to assign to us any rights that you may have against any other person whose acts or omissions have caused or contributed to our legal liability to pay you compensation. You must also provide us with all assistance we may reasonably require. Finally, you must follow the procedures for the notification of complaints set out in the clause below entitled “If You Have A Complaint”. i. If you or any member of your party suffers during your holiday any difficulty through misadventure as a result of any activity which does not form part of your contracted holiday arrangements, we will offer you prompt assistance. All assistance (financial or otherwise) is subject to our reasonable discretion and a maximum total cost to ourselves of £1,000 per booking and is subject to you notifying us that you require such assistance within 30 days of the incident. If you are entitled to have any costs and expenses arising from such an incident met by or from any insurance policy or if you obtain a costs order against anyone in relation to the incident, you must repay to us the costs and expenses we spend in assisting you. j. Other than as set out above, we shall have no legal liability whatsoever to you for any loss, damage, personal injury or death which you suffer arising directly or indirectly from any aspect of your cruise holiday. 21. Delay To Or Cancellation Of Flight Notwithstanding Section 20, where a flight is cancelled or delayed. or boarding denied by the carrier in circumstances which would entitle you to compensation under the Denied Boarding Regulations 2004, you must claim the appropriate sums under those Regulations from the air carrier. Any sums received constitute the full amount of your entitlement to compensation for all matters flowing from the carrier’s actions and which fall within the scope of the Regulations. If for any reason you do not claim against the carrier and make a claim for compensation from us, you must, at the time of payment of any compensation to you, make a complete assignment to us of the rights you have against the carrier in relation to the claim that gives rise to that compensation payment. 22. Baggage The amount of compensation that or the ship operator we will pay for any loss or damage to luggage is limited in accordance with the Athens Convention listed in the above
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
64 /
Terms & conditions and below sections on ‘Our Liability to You’. For claims for missing or damaged baggage you must follow the rules on the back or your ticket or contained within the carrier’s conditions of carriage.
23. Suppliers’ Conditions Our third party cruise operators and other suppliers may have their own booking conditions and conditions of carriage and you will be bound by these, so far as the relevant supplier is concerned. The suppliers’ conditions will also apply to your contract with us, and in the event of any conflict between the suppliers’ conditions and our conditions, the suppliers’ conditions will prevail, save to the extent that any term in the suppliers’ conditions is deemed to be invalid or unenforceable, in which event our conditions will prevail. Some of our suppliers’ conditions may limit or exclude liability on the part of the relevant operator and, by virtue of their application to your contract with us, may also limit or exclude our liability to you, and are often subject to International Conventions. Where relevant, copies of such conditions are available on request from our office or on the website of the relevant operator. 24. Ticketing Your tickets and any other documents relating to your booking will be sent to the address which you give us at the time of booking, or may be delivered by e-mail in the form of an e-ticket if you supplied an e-mail address at the time of booking. Provided you have paid the total cost of the travel arrangements, we will endeavour to dispatch your tickets to you at least 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the holiday you have booked with us. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU CHECK ALL DETAILS OF YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS BEFORE LEAVING THE UK. IF THERE ARE ANY INACCURACIES OR YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUERY PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY. 25. Travel Timings All means of transportation including your cruise are subject to weather conditions and the need for constant maintenance and the ability of passengers to check in on time. There is no guarantee that transport will depart at the times stated on any itinerary or tickets which you receive. All timings are estimates only, and we do not have any liability to you for any delay, which may arise, or for any schedule alterations. It is your responsibility to ensure that you reconfirm the departure date and times of all flights at least 72 hours before departure. This is particularly important in respect of subsequent journeys after you have left the UK.
26. Embarkation And Check-In To comply with Government and security requirements, cruise ship operators will require you to register your details with them in advance of travel and may also ask you to complete an online check-in process. We will include details of advance registration and online check-in procedures (as applicable to each cruise operator) on your confirmation invoice or with your tickets where known but it is your responsibility to check the relevant cruise operator’s registration and check in process. Failure to submit the requested information accurately and in full may result in delays at the cruise terminal and you may be denied boarding onto the cruise ship. We accept no responsibility for such consequences. Please also note carefully information regarding embarkation times and departure times of your cruise ship. You are advised to be on board the ship a minimum of 2 hours before the departure time (in some cases 1 hour before departure time is permitted at ports of call but check with the cruise operator first). 27. Own Travel Arrangements Customers who make their own travel arrangements take responsibility for those arrangements and we shall have no liability in respect of those arrangements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you arrive at the port of embarkation for a ship on time. If you do not arrive to embark on time at any port or place then we shall have no liability in respect of the consequences. In respect of cruises, the cruise operators shall not be obliged to delay or deviate from the intended itinerary and you must bear any and all costs arising as a result. Costs associated with transportation to rejoin the cruise ship such as, but not limited to, Government fees, visa fees, subsistence, lodging, air fare, launch fare, car hire or agency fees shall be borne by you. If you fail to check in on time, the airline is entitled to refuse to allow you to board the flight. We cannot accept responsibility if such a situation arises and, whilst we endeavour to assist you in making alternative travel arrangements, any cost or loss incurred as a result will be your responsibility. If you fail to check in at all for your flight from the UK, we retain the right to cancel any other arrangements you have booked with us. No refund can be made for any unused arrangements. 28. Gratuities And Service Charges Cruise operators’ policies regarding on board gratuities and/ or service charges for the services provided by their staff vary. Most cruise operators apply one or more of the following policies: gratuities or service charges may be left to your discretion; a daily charge may be automatically added to your on board account which can be removed on request; a charge may be included in the price of our cruise holidays,
which you pay in advance of travel. Where this applies it may be possible to ask for the charge to be removed and added to your on board ship account. Some cruise operators may apply a compulsory daily service charge to your on board account but do not expect you to tip at all during the cruise. Whichever scheme the cruise operator uses, you will be required to abide by their gratuity/service charge policy and must settle your account in full before disembarking the ship at the end of your cruise. Where we are made aware of a cruise operators policy on gratuities or service charges details will be provided either at the time of booking, on our invoices or with the cruise operators tickets.
29. Travel Advice For up to date UK Government health and travel advice (including passport and visa requirements) please contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice Unit. The FCO may have issued information about your holiday destination. You are advised to check this information on the FCO website: visit www.fco.gov.uk. Alternatively call 0845 8502829. 30. Passports And Visas (British Citizens) And Health Requirements It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all those travelling with you have a valid passport and any necessary visa and that you have obtained any necessary vaccinations to gain entry to any country you are visiting. It can often take some time to obtain a passport or visa therefore you should apply well in advance. In peak periods it is advisable to allow at least 4 weeks. General information on passport and visa requirements for British Citizens is available through our website or within the details sent to you. However, passport and visa regulations and health requirements can change at any time, therefore, we recommend that you check passport/ visa requirements with the Embassy or Consulate of the country you intend to visit and that you consult your GP or the Foreign Office (www.fco.gov.uk) regarding health requirements or visit websites such as www.nathnac.org and www.hpa.org.uk for information. We will have no liability to you if you or any member of your party travel without the correct passport and visa or without the necessary vaccinations, and you will have to pay to us any costs which we incur through helping you because of any such failure on your part. 31. Your Responsibility We want all our customers to have an enjoyable and carefree trip. But you must remember that you are responsible for your actions and the effect they may have on others. If we (or another person in authority) believe your actions could upset other customers, our suppliers or our own staff, or put them in danger, your holiday/travel arrangements may be ended and this could mean we or our suppliers may either ask you to leave your booked accommodation, or prevent you from boarding the ship. Our suppliers will deny boarding or impose additional conditions of carriage on any passenger who, for example, is intoxicated and/or disruptive on board ship. If this happens, we will not pay compensation, make refunds, or cover any expenses you suffer as a result. If your behaviour or the behaviour of any members of your travelling party causes any ship to be diverted we and/or the carrier will hold you and those members jointly and individually liable for all costs incurred as a result of that diversion. We cannot accept liability for the behaviour of others in your accommodation or cruise ship, or for any facilities/services withdrawn as a result of their action. 32. Your Safety And Security We expect at all times that you conduct yourself in a proper manner and with due regard for the health, safety, comfort, enjoyment and general well-being of all persons both on board the cruise ship and involved in the provision of any service or facility forming part of the cruise or any Excursion (including Overseas Booked Excursions or Pre-booked Excursions), and, by booking with us, you expressly agree to this. If it appears that your conduct, behaviour or health is such as to be a breach of this requirement or your behaviour, health or conduct is likely to endanger your own health or safety or that of any other passenger or crew or may make you likely to be refused permission to go ashore at any port or may make us liable for the costs of any medical treatment and/or maintenance and support and/or repatriation, then we and our third party cruise suppliers and/or the cruise ship’s Master shall have the right to take any one or more of the following measures as may appear to be reasonable and appropriate in the particular circumstances – 1. refuse to embark or to disembark you at any port or other place of call; 2. disembark you; 3. transfer you to another berth; 4. confine you to a particular stateroom or to the cruise ship’s medical centre (if applicable); 5. through the cruise ship’s doctor (if applicable) and/or his staff, administer any drug, medicine or other substance of a similar nature, or admit and/or confine you to a hospital or any similar institution at any port as the cruise ship’s doctor may consider necessary. In the event of any action taken pursuant to this section of the Booking Conditions, neither you nor (at our and our third party cruise supplier’s discretion) any other person travelling with you (whether or not under the same booking) shall be entitled to make a claim against us for any loss or expense incurred as a result of such action, whether for a full or partial refund of the price or for any other form of compensation or for the cost of returning to the UK or
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
to any other place or for any other form of loss or expense whatsoever. Where you are repatriated pursuant to this section at our expense, we reserve the right to recover our costs.
33. Excursions Excursions include, but are not restricted to, any sightseeing trips, events or other tours. Some excursions may be included in the price of your cruise and so form part of your cruise holiday package contract with us. Some excursions may not be included in the price of your cruise holiday and may be pre-bookable with us and paid for in advance of your holiday for an additional payment (“Pre-booked Excursions”). Some excursions can either be booked and/ or paid for on cruise ships (“Overseas Booked Excursions”). All excursions are supplied by third party suppliers and are subject to the section entitled “Suppliers’ Conditions” above. We accept, subject to the Sections entitled “Suppliers’ Conditions” and “Our Liability to You” above, responsibility for Pre-booked Excursions. However, Overseas Booked Excursions do not form part of your booking with us and are not governed by the Package Travel, Package Holiday and Package Tours Regulations 1992. We do not have any responsibility or liability whatsoever for anything which may go wrong on an Overseas Booked Excursion. We, our servants, employees or agents are acting, depending upon the actual Overseas Booked Excursion, either as agents for the relevant Overseas Booked Excursion supplier or as agent for you. In any event the contract for any Overseas Booked Excursion is between you and the Overseas Booked Excursion provider. It is your responsibility to note carefully any conditions of contract contained in any Overseas Booked Excursion, literature, ticket or receipt you are given. For Overseas Booked Excursions you may be subject to the laws of the country in which you take your excursion and may be required to bring any disputes or claims before the courts of that country also. 34. Guides And Wildlife Sightings We reserve the right to substitute any named guide, guest lecturer or other escort with an alternative qualified person and this will be deemed a significant change to your holiday. It is not possible to guarantee any wildlife sightings. 35. Complaints If you have a problem during your holiday, please inform the cruise operator or other relevant supplier as well as The Small Cruise Ship Collection, who will endeavour to put things right. If your complaint is not resolved locally, please follow this up within 28 days of your return home by writing to The Small Cruise Ship Collection at 46 Bridge St, Hereford, HR4 9DG or email us at info@small-cruise-ships. com giving your booking reference and all other relevant information. Please keep your letter concise and to the point. It is strongly recommended that you communicate any complaint to the supplier of the services as well as to our representative without delay and complete a report form at the time. If you fail to follow this simple procedure we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint whilst you were in resort and this may affect your rights under this contract. 36. Data Protection By making a booking with us, you agree we may use and disclose the information you provide for the following purposes: to enable us to process your booking (which will include passing your information to third party suppliers, such as hoteliers and airlines, and may involve sending your information to countries that do not have an equal level of privacy legislation to that in the UK); for market research and analysis purposes; for improving customer service; for the detection and prevention of fraud or other crime (which may include providing your information to organisations such as Banks and credit card companies); for compliance with legal requirements (which will include passing your information to public authorities such as customs and immigration) and for marketing contact by means of post or telephone to provide you with offers, products and services from The Small Cruise Ship Collection. If you have booked with us via our website, or if you have chosen for us to contact you by e-mail, we will communicate with you using the e-mail address you have provided to supply you with your travel documentation. We are entitled to assume that the e-mail address you have provided is correct and that you understand and accept the risks associated with using this form of communication. Please note that you may still need to contact us by post or via our call centre as required by our booking conditions. If you wish to make a data subject access request for a copy of any personal data we hold on you, please write to: The Small Cruise Ship Collection, 46 Bridge St, Hereford, HR4 9DG or email us at info@small-cruise-ships.com. If you wish to opt out of receiving marketing communications from us, please advise one of our sales consultants or make the appropriate opt out choices on the website when you book. 37. Law And Jurisdiction Your contract will be governed by English law and any disputes will be dealt with in the courts of England and Wales. If you live in Northern Ireland or Scotland, the courts of Northern Ireland or Scotland (as appropriate), can deal with any disputes.
/ 65
Booking form & checklist
Booking form & checklist Q3314
Booking Ref: Lead name:
I. Cruise holiday details: Cruise name Cruise Cruise Ship name 1st choice 2nd choice Single Deposit start date end date cabin cabin supplement required
Cost
Cruise 1 Cruise 2 Cruise 3 Total
II. Please complete the following with the details of all passengers in your party, starting with the party making the booking (the “lead name”) first. All details to appear as on your passport: Last name First name Title Date of birth Male or Email address N.B. Must be N.B. Must be female (if available) as passport as passport
Contact Passport* telephone number
Lead name: Passenger 1
British citizen British subject Other:
Passenger 2
British citizen British subject Other:
Passenger 3
British citizen British subject Other:
Passenger 4
British citizen British subject Other:
Passenger 5
British citizen British subject Other:
*All passengers, including children, need their own passport. Generally, passports must be valid for at least six months after date of return. Some entry stamps can prevent entry into certain countries. Certain countries impose restrictions on one parent travelling with a child, and further information should be sought. Travel to or via the USA: Most British Citizens visiting the US for less than 90 days do not require a visa as they qualify for the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). However, exclusions apply. For details, go to www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/vwp_travelerguide.pdf. People with criminal records (including spent convictions) and those who have been arrested, including driving offences, may require a visa and should consult the US Visa Section for further details www.usembassy.org.uk. All travellers, including children, require their own individual machine-readable passport to travel visa-free. VWP travellers must obtain authorisation to enter the US, through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This is done at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and must be completed at least 72 hours before entering the US. It can be applied for at any time. Travellers born in the USA and who hold dual citizenship with the USA must enter and depart the USA on their US passports.
✃
Please complete booking form and checklist overleaf…
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com or call 01432 507 280
66 /
Booking form & checklist III. Please complete the following with the details of all passengers in your party, starting with the person making the booking (the “lead name”) first:
Address line 1
Address line 2 Town/City
County Postcode
Lead name: Passenger 1 Passenger 2 Passenger 3 Passenger 4 Passenger 5
Hotels required? Flights required? Please specify what flights you would like – We will do our Flights class best to provide these or something close. E.g. dates/airline/route Lead Name: Passenger 1 Passenger 2 Passenger 3 Passenger 4 Passenger 5 All flights are ATOL protected. Full details of your holiday will be set out in our booking confirmation once your booking has been arranged. Any flights and hotels options requested in this form will be discussed with you by telephone or email and then confirmed in the booking confirmation.
IV. Payment: If paying the deposit for your booking by credit/debit card, please provide your card details here: Name on card: Card number: Address: CCV security number: All payments made by cheque should be made payable to ‘The Small Cruise Ship Collection Trust Account’. Your final balance will generally be due 100 days before your holiday departs – please check your booking confirmation for the balance due date. Please tick here if you would like us to take your N.B. Payments of final balance by credit card will incur a 3% surcharge. final balance from your debit/credit card:
Special needs: Do any of the passengers have a disability or a medical condition requiring special travel, accommodation or dietary arrangements (special requests/dietary requirements will be notified to the supplier but cannot be guaranteed). Please provide details here:
We would like to keep you updated with news of our holidays. Please tick here if you would like us to send you our email newsletter. Emergency contact details: Acknowledgement to be signed by the lead name on behalf of all passengers listed in this booking: I have read and understood the general information pages and booking conditions of Wild Earth Travel UK Limited trading as The Small Cruise Ship Collection and accept them on behalf of myself and every member of my party. I am over 18. I authorise the making of the booking detailed above on my behalf and that of my party. I confirm that I have been made aware of all the requirements above and will ensure that all passengers hold correct documentation for this journey. Client’s signature: Print name: Date:
Once you have completed the booking form, please post it to The Small Cruise Ship Collection, 46 Bridge Street, Hereford, HR4 9DG
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 2015 – 2016
/ 67
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions General Q: What are the people like who travel on your ships? A: They are just like you – curious, adventure seekers, who love to travel off the beaten path. Their ages range from 20 to 80, with the majority between 45 and 65 years. Passengers come from around the world. Most departures will have several nationalities on board.
Q: Are there doctors or clinics on any of the ships? A: Most, but not all, ship’s crew include a doctor, who is responsible for the health of the passengers. Most ships carry emergency supplies of medication. It is important that you bring sufficient prescribed medicines with you.
Q: Do your cruises include opportunities to leave the ship and explore ashore? A: We see the ships as an expedition base camp. Unpack once. Visit an exciting range of places, because the ship moves from place to place. Most of the ships are equipped with inflatable landing craft known as Zodiacs. They are used for shore landings and ocean-level cruising.
Q: What tends to be the dress code on board? A: You can leave your ball gowns and suits behind. Our cruises are informal. The general rule is dress for comfort and practicality (especially in the Polar Regions). However, the captain and his officers will dress in uniforms for the welcome on some ships, so you may want to pack something smart/casual.
Q: Can your cruises cater for specific dietary requirements? A: Yes. Any dietary request or requirement must be made known to us in writing before booking. We will then inform the boat operator. Q: Are your cruises suitable for people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility? A: We do our best to accommodate travellers with limited mobility wherever possible, but we cannot guarantee a place on any departure without checking with the ships operator. Some ships do have suitable cabins for wheelchair passengers, but if they have already been allocated then it can be difficult to find an alternative. Other ships will accommodate disabled passengers on certain routes, but not on others, depending on the conditions. Many cruises require sufficient independent mobility to negotiate steep gangways. Please call to discuss your situation with us. Q: Do you provide insurance? A: We can provide insurance but whatever insurance you have it is essential that you have suitable and adequate travel insurance in force for the duration of your holiday. For the Antarctic we recommend insurance that will provide at least $100,000 of cover for emergency evacuation. We recommend that you take out your holiday insurance at the time of booking.
During your Cruise Q: What is there to do on the ship? A: Most of our cruises have educational components that prepare you for shore landings and visits to research stations. These formal presentations are delivered on the ship by the crew. Additional informal shipboard activities range from birding and whale watching to films in the evening. Q: What is the food like on board? A: The food on board all our ships is varied and of a high standard. Where possible local cuisines are incorporated in the menus. However, the menu changes every day. Breakfast tends to be a buffet style. Lunch and dinner vary and can be a mix of buffet and plated service. Afternoon tea, with pastries or cookies, is provided most days.
Q: What should I pack? A: Travel as lightly as possible so as not to restrict space in your cabin. Soft bags are more practical than hard suitcases. Sports or casual clothes are more useful and bring several thin layers that can be added and taken off easily to cope with temperature fluctuations. Comfortable walking shoes are suggested when ashore. With Polar travel, most operators now provide you with jackets and Wellington boots for your time on board. Q: Can I be contacted whilst on board? A: Most ships have a satellite communication system on board which allows for calls and emails from anywhere in the world. But there will be a charge to use this service to make or receive emails or phone calls. Wi-Fi is also available on selected ships. Q: What is the policy with regards to gratuities? A: For cruises where gratuities are not included we suggest you budget £5-£10 per passenger per day. On some ships tips may automatically be added to your bill and you may then choose whether or not to pay, others include tips, it really does vary for every ship and every cruise.
Travel to the Polar Regions Q: How risky is polar travel? A: There is risk involved in travelling in any region where extreme conditions are possible. Weather, ice and natural phenomena can cause problems on shore and on the ship. We do everything we can to mitigate risk. The ships we use are purpose-built for the Polar Regions. They are manned with experienced personnel. They are equipped with GPS, radar and other equipment essential for polar travel, but occasionally routes and itineraries will change. Photo credits: Paul Goldstein; Aaron Russ; Aurora Expeditions; Australis; Coral Princess; Amazon Nature Tours; Quark Expeditions; One Ocean Expeditions; Oceanwide Expeditions; Antarrply; Antarctica XXI; Silversea; Quark Expeditions; Heritage Expeditions; T. Bickford; G Adventures; Erwin Vermeulen; Blue Lagoon Cruises; Volga Dream; Un-Cruise Adventures; Adventure Canada; Variety Cruises; Katarina Line; Polar Quest; Iceland Pro Cruises; Ponant; Paul Tomkins; VisitScotland; Scottish Viewpoint; Aqua Expeditions; Hanneke Dallmeijer-Veda; Steve Hillary; Evelyn Pfeiffer; Mark Carwardine; Ruslan Eliseev; Adam Rheborg; Mark Jones; Jutta and Erik Swanbom; Kees Beekman; Jan Belgers; Iceland Tourist Board; Jose Jiménez; Bjørn Christian Tørrissen; Heritage Line; Pandaw; Belmond; Sea Trek.
For more information, please visit www.small-cruise-ships.com
The Small Cruise Ship Collection 46 Bridge Street Hereford Herefordshire HR4 9DG
Phone: 01432 507 280 Email: info@small-cruise-ships.com Website: www.small-cruise-ships.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/smallcruiseships