Explore MS Koningsdam’s Main Dining Room.
Good Travel Apps For Cruise Travelers
Every once in awhile, it’s a good idea to take another look at smartphone travel apps. Like so many other things we get good at using, it’s easy to become accustomed to the apps we have. That would be fine if we were talking about bricks, nails or lumber. A 2×4 is not likely to change much over time. We’re going to use the same hammer and nails on that piece of wood as we did 5 or 10 years ago. But the world of technology is an ever-changing beast, directing much of our learning effort to new technology we need to use right now. Still, what were once thought of as nice-to-have accessories to play with when traveling are becoming more of a must-have in the traveler toolbelt.
TripIt organizes our travel about as easily as possible. Simply forward confirmations from airlines, car rental companies and hotels to plans@tripit.com and our travel arrangements start to take shape. One element of it all that was lacking until recently; cruise line itineraries. They just did not translate well into TripIt or any other organization app until a recent update made the process flawless.
SpeedTest lets cruise travelers check the strength and speed of WiFi signals on cruise ships without logging on to the cruise line system. The beauty of this app comes in two parts. First, just on any given cruise ship, I walk around checking to see where the strongest hotspots are located. Later, when it comes time to check email, download information or upload photos, I know where to go to make that process as efficient as possible on that ship.
Wind And Weather Meter – allows you to take & share weather reports from wherever your ship might be. Capture highly accurate weather data, including wind speed (average, gust and lull), wind direction, air temperature, humidity and pressure. The app also give you values such as wind chill, heat index, apparent wind, crosswind, tailwind, dew point, air density and more. Add a description and instantly share your report via Twitter, Facebook, SMS, email and more.
Marine Traffic lets us follow along as we sail from port to port, anywhere in the world. With the Marine Traffic app we can see other ships, our projected course, ports of call and more. Also a great place to keep track of ships sailed, Marine Traffic allows users to create their own ‘fleets’ of ships and receive position, course and more information about them during sailing and after.
Google Maps is one of those travel apps I have had on my smartphone for quite some time but I did not realize just how accurate it is until driving our car the other day. Basically, Google Maps put the built-in and relatively new GPS navigation system in our car to shame. Far more accurate, Google Maps was the clear winner. That’s compared to the Mapquest app as well. A good practice at a new destination, before leaving the ship and while on the ship WiFi: turn on Google Maps long enough to drop a pin and tag your location. Later, if you get lost, Google Maps can provide directions to get back to the ship. Roaming fees will apply but if you’re lost, you probably won’t care about that.
This article is brought to by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts.
Ten Anytime Gifts For Cruise Travelers
There are basically three groups of cruise travelers. Some try sailing once, find the experience is not for them so they return to land travel options. I understand that. Others like cruise travel as one choice on a menu of travel options, mixing things up. I get those people too.
Then there are those of us for which the words ‘travel’ and ‘cruise’ are synonymous. This unique group of people look first to the world of cruise vacations for their travel needs, often because of the extreme value brought to the table by cruising. These people look at the world a bit differently; they live to cruise and love all things cruising.
Need a gift for your cruise traveler? These work nicely:
- Give Now, Pay Later- Buy a cruise during reduced deposit sale for a future date. Celebrity Cruises has that right now, with $25 per person deposits. Called their Best Offer Ever sale, this one also includes bonus amenities too.
Easy Romance– Add a romance package to an existing booking- Royal Caribbean International has a variety of Romance Packages we can buy for ourselves or others as does Princess Cruises.- Gear To Go– Select travel clothing catalogs and/or website suggestions and a Visa gift certificate that will work at all of them. SCOTTeVEST currently having a 15th Anniversary Sale enabling savings of 40% off 12 great products with promo code “SeV15. Also consider
- New Luggage Accessory- nice tags are a good choice, a passport/document carrier another.
- Remember Me- Bon Voyage Gifts, at home or on the ship range from logo wear to bottles of wine, cash to spend onboard and more.
- Make It Last Longer- Pre- or Post-cruise hotel packages like at the Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport and Cruise Port Hotel in South Florida serving Port Everglades
- Documenting Our Travel- A Cruise History spreadsheet to track details of bookings, lines, ships and itineraries
- Travel Efficiently- A curated selection of smartphone apps. Suggested: MarineTraffic, Wind And Weather Meter, Open Signal as well as cruise line-specific apps.
- Know What You Are Getting Into- Background information on the ship and destinations someone will see on their cruise. CruiseCritic does a great job with cruise ship deck plans and background information
- Let Them Make The Call- Gift Cards: Apple iTunes Store, Cruise Line Gift Cards, Gift card for place to have lunch at a destination with a menu.
This article is brought to by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts.
Travel Safely Today With Tips From Yesterday
Considering headline news, advisories and warnings, travelers could very well choose not to go anywhere. Picking the familiar surroundings of home over unknown potential hazards might make more sense, to a point. On the other hand, travel can go wrong on just about any trip, regardless of social or economic factors at the destination. Before thinking twice about cancelling travel plans, consider reducing the odds of travel disruption with some practices we actually have control over.
- Own Your Reservations- On a recent sold out flight from Chicago to Orlando I was waiting to board when another passenger approached the gate, just as mad as she could be about seating assignments. “I can’t believe the airline would not seat our family of four together!” was the complaint. Apparently never looking at her airline reservation until arriving at the airport, Mom and dad were in one row while the young kids were seated far away. While the passenger’s concern was valid, the unpleasant situation could have been avoided by simply checking in online and choosing their own seats.
- Realistic Timing- Something as simple as choosing seats for a flight can have a positive impact on travel but not all travel disruptions are within our control. Delayed flights, for example, are hard to predict. Still, allowing plenty of time between connections can help avoid missing that delayed flight. On domestic flights, allow a minimum of 60 minutes between flights.
- Double Up Internationally- On International flights, double or triple that time cushion. Doing so allows a cushion of time that we may or may not need. The thought: better to have the time than wish we did. While fellow travelers are worrying about making their connection, you will still watch the clock but with the confidence of knowing there is time to spare.
- Luggage That Works- Because you made it to the next gate, there is no guarantee that your luggage did. I went nearly a lifetime without any airline ever losing one piece of luggage. On a trip to Barbados that had a short connection in Miami our flight was delayed, causing us to run between gates. The thought that my luggage was not able to make the same distance and be loaded on that next plane never crossed my mind…until we had landed in Barbados. Everyone else had retrieved their luggage and I found myself filling out a lost luggage report with the airline.
- Consider Carry-On only- After nearly the same situation developed on another flight a few weeks later, I began traveling with all carry-on luggage. Armed with the confidence that luggage was totally in my control, I relaxed, enjoyed the flight and was in no rush to get off the plane to claim checked luggage before someone else picked it up by mistake, thinking it was theirs.
- The Right Tool For The Job- Traveling with carry-on luggage only required a bit different thinking and some trial and error to get just right. On cruise ships or in hotels, I use laundry services more than in the past to make a limited selection of clothing work for an entire trip. Sizing luggage so it clearly fits within the size limits of an individual airline takes research before every flight, as they all seem to be different.
- A Backpack For All Travel- A safe bet is a small backpack that will fit under airline seats and a carry-on that does not push the envelope on how large it can be. On a recent United Airlines flight, passengers would quickly know the gate attendant as the Luggage Nazi, requiring every passenger to prove their carry-on fit in the sizing regulations. If it did not, the first time, it was checked to their final destination.
This article is brought to by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts.
Ten Ways To Save On Airfare For Your Cruise
So your cruise is booked but it is not within convenient driving distance, forcing you to fly. Booking airfare with the cruise line may appear to be the easy way to go and cruise line airfare often includes transfers to and from the port. But before you go that way, consider the following list of tips that can make the whole process more efficient, smoother and often less expensive.
- Check the Big Websites. www.Travelocity.com, www.Expedia.com and www.Orbitz.com are good at keeping up with the latest deals and sales but don’t list every airline. They are a good place to start, though. My favorite is www.Cheapoair.com right now but that could change if someone else does a better job of it. This is just research at this point but important. Start looking for flight information now even if you don’t plan on buying for months. Getting an idea of flights that will work for you and the going rate familiarizes you with what is available so when a fabulous value comes along, it will jump off the page at you.
- Forget Your Travel Agent, Briefly- Frankly, this is one area of travel where for the most part you can do this yourself in a much more efficient manner. Unlike the travel agent factor you need in the cruise booking part, the airfare part has few variables and each one is quite personal by nature. When flights leave, what airline, where you seats are, the price, are all variables that can be quickly manipulated in the research phase but once locked in are not apt to change. Once air is booked, you’re done. If you do use a travel agent, expect to pay a reasonable fee for their time. Unlike cruise bookings, airlines generally don’t pay them a commission.
Visit the Airline Websites Directly. Now that you’ve found a good deal, visit that airline’s website directly. The sites listed in steps 1 and 2 charge booking fees to pay their bills. You should be able to find the same flights on the airline site for $10 – $20 cheaper on a roundtrip flight, most of the time. You benefit from buying your cruise with a travel agent working for you. Buying directly from the cruise line is hardly ever a better value. Even when cruise lines occasionally offer “free” airfare, it often is not, they just raised the price of the cruse fare. So consider total cost for both in that case. Buying directly from the airline, though, can be a better value if you’re lucky.- Consider Discount Airlines. Most of them do show up on the above search engines, but not all. Southwest Airlines often has low fares or sale fares, but you have to visit their website (www.southwest.com) to find them. JetBlue is another that has regular sales that can beat the competitors (jetblue.com).
- Fly Midweek. Most of the least expensive airfares will involve traveling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You may also be able to find cheap fares for travel on Thursdays or Saturdays, as well. Mondays and Fridays will be the most expensive, on average, due to the merge of business travelers and weekend vacationers on those days. Often you can save enough here to pay for a night in a hotel before the cruise. This is ALWAYS a good idea not only for the savings and getting to start vacation a day early. Scheduling flights a day early gives you extra time between leaving home and getting on the ship which you may need if flights are delayed. This is an especially sound strategy if flying from the North in the winter to the south for your cruise.
- Use Alternate Airports. Many major cities have more than one airport to choose from. For Chicago, you can choose O’Hare or Midway. For New York, you have LaGuardia, JFK and even Newark NJ. When booking your flights, consider these alternates as they can save you money. They are not a deal, however, if the cost of getting from the airport to your hotel in the city is more than the savings.
- Use Booking Windows to Your Advantage. Most airlines have booking windows during which rates change. Generally, these are 21 days, 14 days and 7 days prior to your departure date. The closer you get to your departure date, the more your airfare will be. On the flip side, airlines like Southwest do not allow you to book more than a few months in advance so you have to wait. One way to make this work for you is to add on the cruise line airfare when you book the cruise. If you find flights and prices that work better for you later you can usually cancel your cruiseline airfare without penalty. Just make sure to do so before you make final payment on your cruise.
- Be Flexible on Dates. Sometimes leaving a day earlier or later can make a difference in the price. Many of the top travel sites allow you to factor this into the search, but if it doesn’t, be sure to check on your own, if you have the flexibility on dates. See #5 for more info here. Flying to Miami, for example, can often be so much less expensive a day or two earlier that the savings more than pay for a hotel room.
- Try Last Minute and Bidding Sites. If you aren’t that picky about your airline, these may be a good way to go. After you’ve found the lowest price via the above means, use that information to place a bid on priceline.com, to see if you can get it a bit cheaper. Be warned though, you won’t know your airline until after you pay. Hotwire.com doesn’t make you bid, but like Priceline, it also doesn’t let you see the airline until after you’ve paid.
- Sign Up For Mailing Lists. Two of my favorite travel deal websites are airfarewatchdog.com and travelzoo.com. Both list various airfares that are especially good. Sign up for their mailing lists (and those of the airlines serving your destination) to get the latest deals as they happen. If you’re worried about spam, sign up for a free email at gmail.com, hotmail.com or yahoo.com and use that.
Visit the Airline Websites Directly. Now that you’ve found a good deal, visit that airline’s website directly. The sites listed in steps 1 and 2 charge booking fees to pay their bills. You should be able to find the same flights on the airline site for $10 – $20 cheaper on a roundtrip flight, most of the time. You benefit from buying your cruise with a travel agent working for you. Buying directly from the cruise line is hardly ever a better value. Even when cruise lines occasionally offer “free” airfare, it often is not, they just raised the price of the cruse fare. So consider total cost for both in that case. Buying directly from the airline, though, can be a better value if you’re lucky.If you follow these tips you may be able to save enough on airfare to afford a nice little splurge once you get to your destination.
This article is brought to by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts.
Carnival Cruise Line, Operation Homefront, and Carrie Underwood Launch Honor. Family. Fun.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced a new initiative designed to support U.S. military families alongside seven-time GRAMMY-award winning superstar Carrie Underwood and representatives of Operation Homefront, the national nonprofit that builds strong, stable, and secure military families. The year-long Honor. Family. Fun. program will help raise funds for Operation Homefront and culminate in a special private pierside concert for service men and women and their families starring Underwood aboard Carnival’s newest and most family-friendly ship, the Carnival Vista, when the vessel makes its U.S. debut in New York City at the Port of New York on November 4, 2016.
“Military families represent a cornerstone of our country and we are honored by the opportunity to partner with Carrie and Operation Homefront to bring much needed awareness and aid to our troops and their loved ones,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “The partnership will bring to life many of the heartwarming stories our troops have to share while in turn bringing them some fun along the way.”
In 10 cities along the course of Carrie Underwood’s The Storyteller Tour, which kicks off in Jacksonville, Fla on January 30, select military families, chosen in partnership with Operation Homefront, will be treated to a personal meet-and-greet with Underwood before her concerts. A video series highlighting the meet and greets and the families’ individual stories will be featured on carnival.com.
“I’m honored to be able to join Carnival Cruise Line and Operation Homefront to lift up these soldiers and their families,” said Underwood. “I am really looking forward to meeting them on my tour and for the opportunity to personally thank them for all they do for our freedom.”
Driving the effort to raise funds for the cause, fans of Underwood, and of the program, will have the opportunity to donate by clicking on the “Donate Now” button on carnival.com/HonorFamilyFun. Commemorative dog tags will also be available for purchase at merchandise stands at all Storyteller Tour stops as well as on board the fleet of Carnival ships with all proceeds going to Operation Homefront.
““Carnival Cruise Line really knows what it means to support our men and women in uniform and their families,” said retired Brigadier General John I. Pray, Jr., president and CEO of Operation Homefront. “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the Carnival team and superstar Carrie Underwood to focus on the challenges our military families face as they work tirelessly to protect the freedoms we enjoy daily.”
The final stop in the cross-country Honor. Family. Fun. campaign will be New York City, where Carnival, Operation Homefront, and Underwood will treat hundreds of military families to a special concert aboard the new Carnival Vista at the Port of New York on November 4, 2016.
Carnival’s most family-friendly ship, Carnival Vista, will set sail in Europe in May 2016 and make her stateside debut as host of the special private pierside concert for military families. Designed to connect guests to the ocean with sweeping views and plenty to do both outdoors and in, Carnival Vista will take cruising to new heights and introduce an exciting array of groundbreaking new features including: SkyRide, a breakthrough suspended open-air cycling experience; the world’s first IMAX® Theatre on a ship; an expansive water park featuring the colorful Kaleid-O-Slide, the line’s first raft-riding water tube slide; Seafood Shack, a delectable New England-inspired eatery; RedFrog Pub, including the first micro-brewery on a U.S.-based cruise ship, and other exciting dining, bar and entertainment options.
In the coming weeks, Carnival will launch a new shipboard military appreciation program. Each ship will host a special event on board to recognize active and retired military personnel and their families and will kick off with a welcome video featuring Carrie Underwood.
Finally, it was also revealed that Carrie Underwood will join the Carnival LIVE! roster of artists in early 2017 with further details to be announced at a later date.
Ocean Cruise Basics: Three Steps To Start
If I was told I could offer just one bit of advice about cruise travel and not be allowed to say anything more on the subject, it would be to find a good travel agent and begin building a long term business relationship with that specific person. Not so much a good travel agency as a specific individual who focuses much if not all of their attention on cruise travel. But before contacting that agent, do a little homework.
Actually, you might already be doing the homework, you just call it “dreaming” and go about it by clicking on different cruise line websites to see what they offer. That’s a good first step that can become overwhelming pretty fast, much like trying to find a needle in a haystack as the old saying goes.
To help in getting the most out of that homework/dreaming takes little more time than reading this post. Here are three steps to take before contacting your potential travel agent.
Ocean Cruising, Step One- Where Do You Want To Go?
Knowing where you want to go, or at least having some kind of idea about it is a critical first step and information your travel agent will want to know. For example, traveling to Alaska in January is possible but not by cruise ship. If a nice warm Caribbean cruise in the winter sounds good, start with that. Long and short term travel goals come into play here too. Travelers coming from North America have a lot of options for Caribbean cruises which can be arranged relatively simply with the use of a qualified travel agent. Traveling overseas to that dream destination takes more effort, planning and time.
Ocean Cruising, Step two- When Do You Want To Travel
Establish a “travel window” of time that will work for you, like “In the summer” or “when there will be a lot of other kids on board” are both good, general travel window times.
Better is “Between June 5 (after kids get out of school) and we must be back by August 15 (a week before school begins again). If you have a specific time that is best like, “this is to celebrate our son’s graduation from high school which is on May 28th” note that.
Ocean Cruising, Step Three- How Much Do You Want To Spend
This is often one of the most difficult steps for many, especially first timers. A good way to get an idea of what cruise vacations cost is to surf the internet at sites like Expedia.com where a number of lines can be compared. Keep in mind that the initial prices you see online almost always do not represent the total price that will end up including all port charges, taxes and government fees.
Also important, keep in mind that the attractive price we see online, in a magazine, by direct mail or on television might also be for specific sailings of a particular ship which may or may not fit into your travel window. Cruise lines also commonly advertise entry level accommodations which might not match the cruise dream in your head.
That’s to start. Surfing the internet for pricing will give you a good general idea of what it takes for the cruise fare portion of the total vacation cost. But while cruise vacations are rather inclusive by nature, most are not all-inclusive and other expenses can add up fast.
How To Find A Good Travel Agent
The process is quite similar to finding a good real estate agent, insurance agent or even a accountant or investment specialist to handle personal finances. Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends are a good place to start but the name of the game is building a long-term business relationship and that takes time.
Looking at a travel agent as the ‘person who handles travel’ like your accountant is the person who ‘handles your taxes’ is the way to go and with every success they have on your behalf, the more their stock goes up as a trusted personal advisor.
Checking with your local Better Business Bureau, a local chamber of commerce or other professional organization like the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) orAmerican Society Of Travel Agents (ASTA) are also good places to begin, even with the recommendation of a friend.
Getting the thumbs up on a potential agent from multiple sources should head you in the right direction to finding one that can be of great value for life.
This article is brought to by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts.
Should You Take A Viking River Cruise?
You may have seen the Viking River Cruises commercials during your favorite TV show or during an episode of “Downton Abbey.” Beyond the aerial views of castles and the Viking Longships, there is much more to this line. Unlike other standard ocean cruises, your river cruise will be focused on the destination and cultural enrichment.
Before my first river cruise, I wondered if this would all be too cerebral of a vacation for me. After all, I had enjoyed lounging poolside sipping a Coco Loco in hand during my last cruise. I had seen the photos of Viking River Cruises, and it all piqued my interest. Now, after two Viking River Cruises, the way I look at travel and cruising, in general, has changed.
Here are some of my favorite reasons you should take a Viking River Cruise:
The Crew and Staff
As one customer put it, “They are like a well-oiled machine.” During our two cruises, they never ceased to impress me. Unlike being on a large mega cruise ship, you will get to know many of the crew members by name and they yours. They are genuinely very warm and make things run on time and smoothly during your whole cruise. The crew is limited in size so you will see them working together as a team often. The ambiance is casual, but the ship is spotless and warm with its Scandinavian design.
Don’t Worry, You’re With Viking
It can be very intimidating traveling overseas for the first time. I know it was for me and my wife. So much of it is truly foreign in language, culture, and 
currency. Viking Cruises simplifies this all for you. If you purchase your flight and transfers through Viking, they meet you at the airport. You are then taken by coach or bus to your Viking Longship. Your bags are taken from you, and the next time you will see them is in your cabin. When you return to the airport, the crew will escort you inside to check-in. Once inside, they make sure you’re all set and have no problems getting to your gate. It’s honestly like having a local friend holding your hand along the way. It’s the little things like this that make what could be a stressful time easy and enjoyable instead. Viking does this repeatedly, and it’s why they have so many repeat customers.
Your Home Away From Home
During your cruise, you may feel like you’re still at home. How can that be? The crew, staff and tour guides all spea
k English. Further, most–if not all–of your passengers will be from the United States. Some passengers may be from Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Since the whole experience is tailored predominantly for guests from the United States, you won’t have to hear announcements in seven different languages or use a language line to order an extra bagel at breakfast. It’s one of those little things that Viking Cruises does that makes you all the more comfortable away from home.
It’s Already Included
When you go on a traditional ocean cruise, it’s always difficult to budget. To book your cruise, you pay your basic cruise fare and often can include your tips. However, once you step on board your ship you’re bombarded with what seems like endless opportunities to buy extra things. On y
our Viking Cruise, your out-of-pocket expenses can be minimal. You have tours, entertainment, and all meals already included for each day. If you want to use the internet, you have an internet station and free Wi-Fi onboard. They even have free movies and music available on your TV in your cabin. Beer, wine, and soda are complimentary during lunch and dinner. Your cabin includes an always fresh selection of fruit, ice, and bottled water. You will have some opportunities to purchase some optional tours and of course, you will be expected to pay your tips at the end of the cruise. However, compared to a traditional cruise, you are not continually bothered to buy extras because they’re already included.
Become An Explorer
I have traveled to a lot of places. But taking a river cruise made me feel more like an explorer. It starts with the international flight and the realization that you’re going to a land far away. Before you know it, you are on an ancient river with sights, sounds, and sm
ells new to your senses. You have spent most of your adult life with your only reference to castles and Medieval times in storybooks and theme parks. Now you find yourself immersed in the culture, language, and food. This is different from other cruises. You’re not on an island tour looking out a window. Your feet are touching the same ground as your ancestors’ feet did, as you visit cathedrals, castles, and pathways that have been used for thousands of years. You sample the food and meet everyday people along the way. This is no cheap diversion or tour; this is a once in a lifetime experience. It changes you. You now understand a new place and feel truly connected to it. The ancient river becomes your conduit for discovery and exploration.
For more information on Viking River Cruises visit www.vikingrivercruises.com
Brought to you by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts
Countdown to Koningsdam Episode 4: Stateroom & Suites with My Nguyen
Explore MV Koningsdam’s Stateroom and Suites with My Nguyen. The choices seem endless making feel pampered, rested and rejuvenated.
Australis Cruises Celebrates Cape-Horn Historic Milestone With 2016 End Of The World Tours
At the tip of South America, the natural beauty of Patagonia defines the experience of the end of the world. In 2016, Australis Cruises is highlighting the historic first landing of Western explorers in Cape Town 400 years ago with specially priced and planned tours of the region. Travelers to Patagonia are greeted with magnificent glaciers, vast sub-polar forests, and fascinating regional wildlife unlike any other destination in the world.
Departing from the city of Punta Arenas, the cruise bids farewell to urbanization and greets the wild lands of South America. On a three-night cruise with M/V Via Australis, travelers explore distinct regions of Patagonia including the Darwin Mountain Range, Ainsworth Bay, and Parry Fjord. Guides who are educated in the history, culture, and ecology of Tierra del Fuego lead tours of these regions as well as give presentations while on the ship. With experience and enthusiasm, Australis guides give travelers a first-hand experience with everything from navigation to elephant seals.
In fact, due to the unique nature of the trip, many researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society embark on the Wild Patagonia tour on a regular basis. They have joined forces with Australis to monitor southern elephant seals, black-browed albatross, and other endemic species of Tierra del Fuego and southern Patagonia. Australis provides close access to the wildlife and fauna that researchers need to examine and, as a result, travelers also gain a first-hand experience of the ongoing efforts to preserve this fragile Magellanic environment.
“At the towering Brookes Glacier, seals peek their heads through the icy waters and take naps on the various sized ice caps that float along the open waters. On board the M/V Via Australis ship and smaller excursion boats, travelers cruise through the Patagonia channels while being able to marvel at the expanse of colorful fauna and rugged landscape,” said Mauricio Alvarez Ruiz, Australis Expedition Director.
“Penguins waddle around Magdalena Island and provide amusing action shots for the last day of the cruise. Overall, visiting the end of the world expands possibilities of what the world holds in store for travelers.”
Wild Patagonia tours are discounted $400 for 2016 in honor of the 400 year milestone of the first Cape Town landing. Departure dates for 2016 trips include January 8 and 22; February 5 and 19; March 4 and 18; April 1; October 7 and 21; November 4 and 18; December 2. Australis is a vacation cruise company specializing in the navigation of the southernmost Chilean-Argentinean channels, exploration of the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel. For 23 years, Australis has offered travel expeditions running from September to April each year with more than 100,000 travelers from all over the world. The object is to help travelers discover Patagonia Chile through expeditions by land and sea, and sail various different routes between the southern cities of Punta Arenas and Ushuaia.
A look at the Australis Cruises experience:
For more information, visit the Australis website at www.australis.com