Free Online Expedition Photographic Seminar from Lindblad

Lindblad Expeditions has long been a leader in expeditionary cruises; many people credit them with inventing the concept. From the glaciers of Antarctica to the rain forests of Costa Rica and the wonders of Galapagos, Lindblad takes you there.

They've recently teamed with National Geographic and with their assistance have expanded their photographic offerings for guests. One of the greatest joys on any expeditionary trip is the photos you can bring home. Lindblad and National Geographic help make it a reality on their cruises.

And now they're offering a free photographic webinar as well! National Geographic Photographer Ralph Lee Hopkins and LEX Photographer Michael Nolan are teaming up for this webinar in which you will:

• Learn how to take better photographs from veteran Lindblad and National Geographic photographers.
• See incredible photography from expeditions in Galapagos, Baja, Alaska, the Arctic & Antarctica.
• Discover what makes Lindblad expeditions an utterly distinct experience for experienced photographers and interested beginners alike.

To register for this FREE Expedition Photography Webinar on Thursday, September 24, 8PM EST, just go to Lindblad/National Geographic Expedition Photography Webinar. But beware, the pictures will have you calling me to book you on an expeditionary cruise!

Another Antarctic Expedition with No Single Supplements!

Last week, Lindblad Expeditions announced no single supplements on their "Cape to Cape" itinerary from South America to South Africa. This week brings us more offers for Antarctic expeditions!

Popular expedition line, Voyages of Discovery, sails their MV Discovery in South America during the Antarctic season from December through February. They've removed the single supplement from all their sailings, and for most, offer free air from certain gateway cities. In addition, they have included pre- or post-cruise land programs included in their pricing!

Select from 5 different sailings, from 17-22 nights, and from $5,250, single occupancy with air. For an expedition on a quality line, this is a notable value. These are true expeditionary sailings, including landings in Antarctica so you can get up close and personal with the "residents" - both human at the stations and also the flippered varieties.

Call or email me for itineraries, pricing or more information!

No Single Supplement on Lindblad Expedition Itinerary!

Just announced! For all my solo occupancy clients, Lindblad Expeditions, the leader in expeditionary cruising and travel, is offering NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT for their February 11, 2009 Cape Horn to the Cape of Good Hope Voyage! This sailing explores South America, Antarctica and South Africa. In addition, this is an Aspen Institute sailing, offering further enrichment lectures onboard.

The itinerary is:

• Day 1-2 - U.S./Fly overnight to Santiago, Chile
• Day 3 - Santiago/Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark
• Day 4 - At Sea
• Day 5-9 - Antarctica
• Day 10 - South Orkney Island
• Day 11 -At Sea
• Day 12-15 - South Georgia
• Day 16-19 - Sail the Southern Atlantic
• Day 20-21 - Tristan da Cunha/Nightingale Island
• Day 22-25 - At Sea
• Day 26 - Cape Town, South Africa/Disembark/Overnight Hotel
• Day 27-28 - Cape Town/Home

This is a true expedition sailing, including the famous Lindblad landings in Antarctica.

Lindblad describes this sailing as:

Extraordinary and unusual, an expedition from Cape to Cape has been the challenge and dream of many sailors and explorers. Colorful milestones line our route on this epic voyage from Cape Horn, at the tip of South America, to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Explore the wildlife and icebergs of Antarctica and South Georgia, with its vast king penguins colonies. Visit the remote outpost of Tristan da Cunha — one of the least accessible, least visited and most dreamed-of places anywhere — before ending in lively Cape Town. You explore the Antarctic in prime season, mid-February, accompanied by the best Ice Team on earth. We always change course for wildlife sightings — and our Zodiacs, kayaks and an Undersea Specialist help us understand these remote lands.

ASPEN INSTITUTE SEMINAR. Lindblad has arranged for The Aspen Institute to conduct a customized on-board seminar to explore the ideas and issues that impact this region of the world. For almost 60 years, The Aspen Institute has brought together diverse groups of people to learn from each other and from the great thinkers of the world. In an environment conducive to reflecting and dialogue, guests may participate (if they wish) to wrestle with fundamental questions about the nature of life, society and the environment.

Book by November 30 to receive the no single supplement offer. Oh, did I mention that there's also free air (coach) included as well if you book by November 30? Interested? Then call or email me immediately! 888-SAIL-123 (888-724-5123) or amber@cruiseresource.com.

Expedition Adventures in True Luxury

Taking one more step toward offering their new expedition product, Silversea Cruises has announced they will name their new expedition ship HSH Prince Albert II, in tribute to HSH Prince Albert of Monaco. The ship is the former World Discoverer II, and is currently undergoing extensive renovation, both interior and exterior, to bring the ship to Silversea's exacting standards of luxury. But don't be misled - this isn't a ship for soft expedition cruising. They are anticipating full expedition-style landings for sophisticated travelers who want to experience both luxury and pampering onboard, but exploration and adventure ashore.

The Lloyd's Register A1A ice-rated vessel is purpose-built for expedition cruising and is undergoing an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy. The refurbishment will include exterior design modifications, technological enhancements and a comprehensive upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces. The ship is also being outfitted with a new fleet of eight Zodiac boats with low-emission engines. The HSH Prince Albert II will be equipped with satellite communication systems for bow-to-stern wireless Internet access and cellular phone service with guests' own cell phones. All suites and staterooms will feature flat-screen monitors offering interactive TV and video options. In the ship's lounges, the latest audio-visual equipment, complete with high-definition video screens, will display lectures by the expedition and lecture staff as well as visiting destination experts.

In a related development, the company named Conrad Combrink as Silversea's director of expeditions, with responsibility for developing the ship's itinerary and programs. He will also oversee the recruitment of expedition staff and lecturers. Combrink's career of over 10 years in expedition cruising includes serving as expedition leader on World Discoverer I and II. The Prince Albert II's inaugural season features voyages of 10 to 21 days focusing on polar adventures. Sailing first to the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the summer, the ship will reposition to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages. From mid-August to November, HSH Prince Albert II will journey from the east coast of North America through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles before heading south to Ushuaia. Along this special repositioning route are opportunities to explore the Sea of Cortez (with an extension to Copper Canyon), the Falklands and South Georgia Island. Pricing starts at $3,867 per person, double occupancy, and includes shore excursions as well as Silversea's all-inclusive amenities. After the ship's refit, the ice-class vessel will carry 132 guests in 66 ocean-view accommodations, many featuring private verandas. Staterooms and suites range in size from 180 to over 600 square feet. Eighteen suites will each be more than 400 square feet. Other features include a single-seating main dining room, a library with computers and Internet access, a boutique, a beauty salon, a fitness center, a full-service spa and two Jacuzzi pools. The ship will also have several lounges, including a cigar lounge like the Humidor on the line's other ships.

Staterooms will go on sale on Feb. 29. Interested? So am I! Contact me for more details and to book this remarkable adventure!