Avalon to Explore the Amazon in 2014 Season

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Savings of up to $1000 per couple with release of new brochure 

Luxury river cruise specialist Avalon Waterways will operate its first itineraries on the mighty Amazon next year, introducing an 11-day Peruvian adventure in its newly released 2014 brochure.

The Amazon expedition is one of several new initiatives announced by Avalon as it celebrates its 10^th anniversary, including new ships, new itineraries and new theme cruises.

To mark the release of its new 2014 brochure, Avalon is offering earlybird savings of up to $1000* per couple on European cruises and $300* per couple on other cruises worldwide.

Joining Avalon’s program in 2014 is the 45m Amazon explorer Aria, a contemporary 16-suite ship designed for cruising South America’s greatest river in style. Exclusive to Avalon Waterways, it features floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor Jacuzzi, an exercise room, indoor and outdoor lounges, a bar, a boutique, an elegant dining room and an open-air sun deck.

From February, the Aria will offer three-night cruises as part of an 11-day itinerary from Lima, priced from $6099* per person twin share (earlybird offer).  Guests will venture deep into the Amazon jungle in search of wildlife including rare pink dolphins, as well as visiting indigenous communities and the remote Pacaya Samiria Reserve under the guidance of a local naturalist.

Other highlights include the ancient Andean city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the extraordinary mountain-top ruins of Machu Picchu.  An optional two-day extension provides a chance to see the mysterious Nazca lines.

Meanwhile in Europe, Avalon will expand its successful Suite Ship concept further with the introduction of three new vessels next year - Avalon Impression, Avalon Poetry II and Avalon Illumination. The newcomers will give Avalon a total of eight Suite Ships, making up more than half its European fleet of 13 luxury ships.

Designed with Australian travellers in mind, each Suite Ship has two entire decks of all-suite accommodation and offers 30 per cent more cabin space than the average competitor.  They feature wall-to-wall panoramic windows that slide back to turn the entire cabin into an open-air balcony, allowing passengers to enjoy the outdoors without compromising space.

In addition to the new ships, Avalon will also expand its popular selection of themed cruises in 2014, introducing itineraries focused on beer tasting, golf, wellness and WWI history.  The special departures join existing themes based on art, food, wine, history, music and Jewish heritage, allowing travellers to indulge their personal passions while sailing with other like-minded guests.

In all, Avalon will offer 26 different European itineraries in 2014, sailing the Rhine, Moselle, Main, Danube, Seine, Saône and Rhône rivers. It will offer a further 12 itineraries worldwide, cruising the Nile, Yangtze, Mekong, Mississippi and Amazon rivers and among the Galápagos Islands.

Avalon’s new earlybird specials offer a choice of four different deals:

• Save $1000* per couple on the inaugural sailings of Avalon’s newest Suite Ships, Poetry II, Illumination and Impression. On sale to June 30, 2013 or until sold out. The eight-day Tulip Time Cruise aboard Avalon Poetry II departing Amsterdam on March 23, 2014, is now priced from $2552* per person twin share. 

• Save $1000* per couple on select departures of more than a dozen different European itineraries.  On sale to June 30, 2013, or until sold out. The eight-day Romantic Rhine cruise between Basel and Amsterdam is now priced from $1826* per person twin share. 

• Save $500* per couple on all other European cruises.  On sale to September 30, 2013, or until sold out.  The 15-day Magnificent Europecruise between Amsterdam and Budapest is now priced from $4249* per person twin share. 

• Save $300* per couple on any Nile, Yangtze, Mekong, Mississippi, Galápagos or Amazon cruise.  On sale to September 30, 2013, or until sold out.  The 11-night Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon is now priced from $6099* per person twin share. 

Further savings are available for early payments, additional tours and Journey’s Club members.

For full details and bookings see licensed travel agents, visit www.avalonwaterways.com.au or phone 1300 230 234.

*Prices and special offers subject to availability and conditions.

Free Wifi on Reef Endeavour

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji Executive Director, Jackie Haworth-Charlton today announced passengers could enjoy free Wifi on-board the MV Reef Endeavour operating the company’s three, four, seven and eleven night cruises in Fiji.

Free Wifi is now accessible in the ships Tabua Suites and Wifi is available in the Yasawa Lounge, Pool Deck and on the Sundeck.

Although Captain Cook Cruises itinerary involves visiting remote islands and villages, the company has found 3G is available from most of their anchorages.

“We can offer free WiFi to passengers due to a sneaky aerial on the upper most mast above the Sundeck.

It means passengers can connect with their loved ones and even just find out what is happening in the world on any of our three, four and seven night Yasawa Island and Discovery cruises.” Explains Jackie Haworth-Charlton, Executive Director, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has also appointed Viti Water Sports, a five star PADI operator, to look after their passenger's diving and snorkelling activities on the MV Reef Endeavour and on their Tivua Island day cruise.

“Our Fiji cruise passengers normally get the opportunity to dive twice a day and our on-board PADI dive operator, Viti Water Sports manages and operates these dives. Dive opportunities are at an additional cost and are available for both certified and ‘first time’ divers.

Diving in Fijian water is an unforgettable experience. Divers are taken by Viti Water Sports experienced divers, who accompany passengers on every dive to amazing dive locations where divers swim through caves, coral bommies and see breathtaking coral gardens and sea creatures.” Says Ms Charlton.

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji operate three, four and seven night cruises on-board the MV Reef Endeavour. Early Booking Savers fares start from AUD$796 per person twin share for a three day cruise and all cruise prices include on-board accommodation, all meals, guided village and island tours, glass bottom boat excursions, snorkelling, Wifi, on board entertainment and use of the ship's facilities including swimming pool, spa, pool bar, sun deck, sauna, cocktail bar, day spa and library.

Likuliku Lagoon wins Best Overseas Resort

With only two weeks to go before reopening, Fiji’s Likuliku Lagoon Resort has been awarded Best Overseas Resort in the prestigious Australian Luxury Travel Magazine’s 2013 Gold List Awards for the fourth consecutive year.

This tremendous accolade comes at a significant time for the luxury couple’s-only resort, which re-opens its doors on 22nd April 2013 after extensive repairs and refurbishment following serious damage sustained during Tropical Cyclone Evan that struck the Mamanuca Islands and the Resort on 17th December 2012.

Since its opening in 2007, the 100% Fijian family owned resort has been consistently recognised for its luxury overwater and island beach accommodations, leading edge cuisine and unparalled service delivery which has provided guests from around the world a truly unique Fijian experience.

 

Welcome to Likuliku

Group General Manager Steve Anstey says, “We are once again honoured to be recognised by the public in this way, especially given the hardship and difficulties experienced during the last 5 months as we have repaired and rebuilt the resort. This is a timely boost to our spirits as we ready ourselves for the much anticipated reopening on the 22nd of April. We are delighted to say that we are well on time and look forward to welcoming our first guests.”

Likuliku's restoration and timely reopening is thanks to the combined efforts of 160 skilled builders and craftsmen and a dedicated resort staff who have assisted in ensuring the resort is opened on the promised day and in a condition befitting a luxury resort.

Prices start from FJD$837*per person per night inclusive of all meals and non-motorized activities. Stay 7 nights and receive free return helicopter, seaplane or private speedboat transfers for two - conditions apply.

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Experience Iceland by motorcycle

Explore Iceland and its volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls while on the back of a BMW motorcycle.  Experience 24-hours of full sun and spot whales, puffins and polar bears while feasting on some of the best lamb, lobster and scallops in the world. This 16-day adventure is available from $8,500*. For more information and to book, visit www.ferriswheels.com.au

With an itinerary that includes visits to Europe's largest glacier, biggest waterfall, the Western Fjords and thermal pools, this safari will inspire life-long memories.

*price includes motorbike rental, accommodation, all meals, guide and fuel

 

 

Luxury Koh Samui Villa. From $35 per person

     

Baan Ling Noi, named as "one of the most luxurious villas on Koh Samui" by leading jet-set magazine, Elite Traveler, is offering special rates to clients this summer, with prices starting from as low as US$35 per person, per night.

From 1st April to 30 June 2013, guests can enjoy a special rate for the entire villa of US$280 per night, excluding tax, service and daily continental breakfast. The villa sleeps up to 8 people in four spacious double bedrooms. Rates in high season, from July 1st to August 31st, 2013 are also very competitive at US$400 per night plus tax, service and daily breakfast. The rates drop back down to US$280 per night ++ from September 1st – 20th December, 2013.*

The spacious open-plan villa, located in what locals refer to as "Millionaire's Row" in Bophut Hills,  is fronted by a totally private 14m x 6m  infinity-edge swimming pool, overhanging tropical landscaped gardens and the green jungle below.

Around the pool area, each of the four air-conditioned, en-suite bedrooms (three doubles and a twin bed room) has "his & hers" washbasins, rain-forest showers and separate WC. Two of the rooms also have large terrazzo bathtubs. All rooms are furnished with top quality materials and the beds have hotel quality, high thread count linen.

Meanwhile, the large terrace and over-sized sala, surrounded by tropical, colourful gardens, provide the perfect spot for sunbathing or relaxing with a book and a refreshing drink.

Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a large flat screen TV and DVD player and i-Pod speakers.

Baan Ling Noi is serviced around the clock by a live in couple who keep the house and bedrooms clean, do the laundry and prepare breakfast***.    

For the ultimate indulgence, guests can hire a private chef who will cook wonderful Thai food. They may also enjoy a relaxing massage by the pool :  all this for just a small extra charge.

Baan Ling Noi (or "Little Monkey House") has been featured in various luxury travel magazines. Writers and guests love its stunning interiors and spectacular with panoramic views over Samui's north coast.

The beautiful island of Koh Samui has many attractions and Baan Ling Noi is the ideal place from which to explore, being just 10 minutes away from several palm-fringed, white sand beaches, the quaint Fisherman's Village, three supermarkets and several 24-hour convenience stores.

It is just 15 minutes from the 18-hole Santiburi Championship Golf Course and five minutes from the 9-hole Bophut Golf Club.

Koh Samui is easily accessible from Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore. Schedule can be found at www.bangkokair.com. The villa is a short 15 minute drive from Samui International Airport.

* Special rates exclude agency commission

**All rates subject to tax & service charge @ 17%

***Continental breakfast charged at US$5 per person, per day.

www.baan-ling-noi.com

Last Frontier last minute deal

DEALS – travelling in Australia

Last Frontier last minute deal

Travelmarvel has discounted its 18-day Darwin-Perth Last Frontier tour by $900 a couple if booked by April 30.

Highlights include spending two nights at El Questro's Emma Gorge Resort, cruising on Katherine, Chamberlain and Geikie gorges, Karijini National Park in the heart of the Pilbara, Ningaloo Reef, Monkey Mia and the eerie Pinnacles.

The discounted price is from $6,545 per person twin share (normally $6,995) which includes touring, cruises, accommodation, 33 meals, sightseeing, entrance fees and tour director.  Connecting airfares are extra.

Travelmarvel has nine departures for this tour between May and September.

Contact:  call 1300 300 036, visit www.travelmarvel.com.au   or contact your local travel agent.

 

South American Cruise Tour aboard Princess Cruise's Golden Princess

CRUISE specialist ecruising.travel has released an exclusive South American fly/cruise/tour package - a 30-night itinerary which includes a 17- night cruise aboard Princess Cruise's Golden Princess from Valparaiso in Chile to Los Angeles.

The Myths, Gods and Machu Picchu tour departs Sydney on March 5, 2014, for two nights in Santiago, Chile, before travelling to Cusco, Machu Picchu by train and Lima. Enjoy all the famous and popular sights of each city for eight days before boarding your ship.

You then visit La Serenca in Chile, Pisco and Lima in Peru then onwards to Punta Arenas in Costa Rica, San Juan Del Sur in Nicaragua and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico before reaching your final destination of Los Angeles, USA.

Spend your final three nights exploring L.A's beaches, shopping districts and entertainment venues before flying back to Australia.

The itinerary includes tours in Santiago, Lima, Cusco plus two days at Machu Picchu.

Priced from $7599 per person twin share, the package also includes return air fares with Qantas from Sydney, 13 nights superior hotels including Grand Hyatt, Swissotel, Hilton and Aranwa Boutique Hotel, 17 nights cruise accommodation with all meals on board the Golden Princess, air and port taxes as well as all transfers.

For more details contact ecruising.travel on 1300-369-848 or check out www.ecruising.travel

 

get lost Magazine Launches Digital Version

get lost Magazine has hit the digital newsstand, tapping into an infinite market of travel-hungry readers across the globe.

The magazine soft launched its digital platform in mid-March, enabling readers to get a travel inspiration fix anywhere, anytime via the apple and android platforms.

In the first five days of going digital, get lost enjoyed more than 3000 downloads.

Readers from around the world are tapping into get lost’s unique brand of travel inspiration at an astonishing rate, with downloads coming from as far afield as Kazakhstan, Belgium and China.

“The take up of the digital version of the magazine has been phenomenal,” get lost publisher Justin Jamieson says.

“We are thrilled that so many people, including overseas readers, have embraced get lost online and are conveniently accessing the magazine from their smartphone or tablet.

“Not only have we tapped into a much broader market, but we are giving readers a level of interactivity they’ve never had before. It will compliment the printed version brilliantly.”

get lost’s digital editions will come with embedded videos, extended photo stories and direct links to featured hotels, bars, travel operators and more.

Issues 31 to 36 are available online now. get lost is offering edition 32 free of charge for a limited time so that readers can acquaint themselves with the online version.

And access to back copies means readers can peruse earlier editions long after they leave the newsagents’ shelves.

Search for get lost Travel Magazine in the itunes store.

get lost issue 37 is on sale April 1.


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Vacations & Travel Celebrates 30 Years in Print

This year, Australia's favourite travel magazine celebrates 30 years in print. And we're releasing a bumper issue to commemorate the occasion. Our April/May/June "Japan Edition" is packed with inspirational travel photography and feature stories taking you from Colombia to Colorado, and everywhere in between.

In this issue we spotlight the Land of the Rising Sun with stories on the country's top ski resorts plus ways to make your yen go further. We also take you to Okinawa in a 36-page lift-out dedicated to the Japanese archipelago, from the islands' long-lived locals to the latest luxe hotels and resorts.

Other feature highlights include a culinary tour of Taiwan; how to make the most of two days in New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown; a look at Melbourne's new breed of restaurants with a heart; and Samoa's growing golfing industry.

The issue also comes with a limited-edition supplement on Germany, offering plenty of tips and advice for your next trip.

That's more than 250 pages of essential holiday ideas and information...for just AU$9.95.

PLUS: One lucky subscriber to Vacations & Travel will win an unforgettable four-night vacation to Bali, including return Garuda Indonesia flights plus accommodation at The Stones Hotel, Legian Bali. To enter, visit vacationsandtravelmag.com

Vacations & Travel is out now at newsagents. For subscriptions, call Global Publishing on 61-2/9555-8100; e-mail admin@globalpublishing.com.au; or visit vacationsandtravelmag.com


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2013 Berlitz Guide Out Now

The 28th edition of the “Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships” has just appeared in Kindle format and hard copies will be available from next Monday.

read more about what's in the new edition

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