BORED of the same old itineraries? Seeking new experiences in the
new year? Here’s some curious cruises offering very different activities,
destinations and vessels. Only the adventurous need apply.
Cargo ship to paradise
The Aranui 3, a cargo-cum-passenger ship, delivers supplies to the
Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific. Up to 200 travellers can come
along for the ride and enjoy shore excursions, such as jungle treks and
tours of archaeological sites that include either a picnic or lunch at a local
restaurant (included in the fare).
A 14-night cruise from Papeete, Tahiti, explores the Ua Pou mountains,
the coral beaches of Rangiroa, and Hiva Oa, where Impressionist painter
Paul Gauguin is buried. The 86-cabin ship has a pool, gym, restaurant and
a program of lectures on Marquesan history, art and culture.
See www.aranui.com.
Tugboat adventure
Take a 12-passenger tugboat through British Columbia’s Inside Passage
for a cosy view of whales and dolphins. The 1941-built MV Parry has an
open fire in the lounge and a galley serving lots of seafood. Excursions
include hikes, clam-digging and bear-spotting. Six-night departures start
May 2014 – more information at www.tugboatcruise.com.
Arctic Games
New Zealand’s Heritage Expeditions has been invited to bring a group
to the inaugural Beringian Arctic Games, where seven circumpolar
nations compete in skin boat races. Other events include the mouth pull,
knuckle hop, one-foot high-kick, musk ox push, kneel jump and snow
snake.
Passenger participation in this voyage helps sponsor 25 school children
to attend the Games.
This special itinerary starts in Nome, Alaska, on 17 July 2014 and ends in
Anadyr, a remote port in Chukotka, in the Russian Far East.
More details at www.heritage-expeditions.com.
Cowboys and penguins
Cruceros Australis’ Gauchos, Glaciers & Penguins tour combines these
three things in one trip, from Punta Arenas, in Chile. Participants visit
a King penguin colony and a South American cowboy ranch before
boarding the Stella Australis or Via Australis for an epic voyage around
Cape Horn, stopping to see glaciers and historic Wulaia Bay, where
naturalist Charles Darwin landed in 1833. To top it off, this cruise takes
place in the spectacular Tierra del Fuego region. Various dates are
available – read more about it at www.australis.com.
Iceland circumnavigation
This journey through the Land of Fire and Ice travels aboard the Island
Sky, by zodiac and on foot to Iceland’s bubbling hot springs, volcanoes
and waterfalls. The standout attraction is a snowmobile ride across
Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier.
Commencing with a tour of Reykjavík, it is followed by visits to the
fabled Golden Circle of Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and
the Geysir Center. Departures are 24 June and 13 July 2014 – check out
www.zeghram.com.
Swim with whale sharks
Coral Princess Cruises has a new Indonesian expedition between
Darwin and Biak in West Papua (and vice versa) aboard the 72-passenger
Oceanic Discoverer. Five nights are spent in Raja Ampat, considered the
world’s most bio-diverse marine region, which is fast becoming a hot
spot for diving and snorkelling.
But the crazy part of the trip is an opportunity to swim with whale
sharks in Cenderawasih Bay.
Visit www.coralprincess.com.au for more details.
