Schlagwort: Antarctica

Swan Hellenic’s SH Vega completes highly successful first Antarctic Season with unique cultural expedition cruise to South Africa

25. März 2023

Pressemitteilung

The iconic cultural expedition cruise pioneer’s second purpose-designed ice-class ship has reached Cape Town, concluding a spectacular Antarctic season visiting new and rarely-visited areas

Today, Saturday the 25th of March, Swan Hellenic announced that SH Vega’s closing cruise of the 2022-2023 Antarctic season, which departed Ushuaia on the 5th of March, has reached Cape Town, South Africa, from where she is about to embark on a series of unique cultural expedition cruises of the West Coast of Africa. Her extraordinary 20-day voyage crossed the Drake Passage, explored the South Shetland Islands the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia. Finally, she then sailed on to Cape Town via Gough Island and Tristan da Cunha, the most remote island in the world, last visited by a ship in 2019.

SH Vega’s first Antarctic Season has seen it take around 1,200 guests on 11 cruises of singularly spectacular regions and locations, including the Falklands, Portal Point, Port Lockroy, the volcanic Deception Island, The Lemaire Channel and the massive A76-A iceberg that’s as big as the Spanish island of Majorca or the US state of Delaware. Capping it all was the technically demanding Gullet passage, which is rarely visited due to the narrowness of the channel, but rewards passengers with an exceptionally exciting navigation experience. Despite some truly challenging weather, the ship’s crew and expedition team managed to complete more than 120 expeditions in almost 5 months, keeping everyone safe in compliance with the company’s rigorous, industry-leading protocols while making their dreams come true. What’s more, over 400 guests ventured on exclusive kayaking expeditions during the season.

The innovations and successes of these cultural expedition cruises have driven fast-growing interest in the resurgent cruise pioneer, with its Instagram followers ballooning from 5,000 to around 30,000 in just 4 months, taking Swan Hellenic’s coverage to 156,000, and profile visits to 160,000.

SH Vega’s Antarctic season saw guests discover several new and never-before-visited locations south of the Lemaire Channel. Unforgettable moments on the Peninsula itself included a 2-hour Orca encounter at Useful Island, in which a group of curious Orca lingered and played around the ship, plus a long hike from Whalers Bay up to a stunning viewpoint, completed by over half the guests. One of the cruises was also lucky enough to stop in the middle of a group of over 100 playful humpback whales.

All the cultural expedition cruises saw guests mixing with specialist lecturers and seasoned expedition guides able to offer eye-popping insights into the geography, wildlife and cultures of the places and areas explored. Many guests also participated in leading citizen science programmes, contributing valuable data obtained during their expeditions and on board.

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito commented: “We’re extremely proud of our guests’ wholehearted appreciation of SH Vega’s first Antarctic cultural expedition cruises. Even in some truly severe weather conditions, including the notoriously challenging Drake Passage, the exceptional seakeeping characteristics of the ship and expertise of the crew meant the comfort of our guests was never compromised and we could take them safely on nearly every planned expedition to see what others don’t, experiencing an average of two a day. Now we look forward to taking our guests to discover unique sites along the West African Coast for the first time in our history. This is the beginning of an exciting new era for adventurers with curious minds.”

Text: PM Swan Hellenic

Atlas Performs First Legal Antarctica Weddings

22. Februar 2022

von an Bord - Redaktion

Pressemitteilung

February is the month of love, and for the first time, betrothed couples were legally joined in matrimony on the Seventh Continent. On February 18, 2022, Atlas Ocean Voyages performed the first official wedding on Antarctica. Bride Courtnie Dodson and Groom Brody Vermillion exchanged vows on Danko Island during a 15-minute ceremony, officiated by British Antarctic Territory-registered Marriage Officer Bryan Clark and witnessed by eight additional guests. Throughout World Navigator’s current nine-night Antarctica expedition, which departed February 14, Atlas performed four extraordinary weddings and three vow renewals in four days. Known as Happy Ever Atlas, the destination wedding package was complimentary for guests who registered in advance.

“We are happy to perform the very first official weddings in Antarctica, not just ceremonial as often happens,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “Atlas Ocean Voyages prides ourselves in delivering luxury adventures in remote and captivating destinations and Happy Ever Atlas is perhaps the most adventurous destination-wedding experience to date. We are glad to make this most unique wedding experiences for our guests.”

Each wedded couple received an included official U.K. wedding license, valued at more than $650, which is also recognized by the United States government. World Navigatorhosted a shipwide wedding reception, as well as held separate bachelorette and bachelor group-parties, to create a unique, complete and unforgettable nuptial exchange. The package also included a one-tier wedding cake, digital photo package, welcome itinerary & giftbag, custom nuptial announcements and Thank You cards.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure, expedition cruise line designed for discerning, fun-seeking travelers to immerse in unique and awe-inspiring moments in remote and captivating destinations. Launched in August 2021, World Navigator features 98 suites, solo suites with no single supplements, and staterooms and is the line’s first newly constructed small expedition ship, which can reach smaller, authentic and exclusive locales where larger ships cannot reach.

World Navigator will cruise the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Iceland, Greenland and The Arctic in summer 2022; Central and South America in the autumn; and return to Antarctica for her winter 2022-23 season. Atlas’ second ship, World Traveller, launches in November 2022, with three additional sister ships, World Seeker, World Adventurer and World Discoverer, to join the fleet through 2024.

Text: PM Atlas Ocean Voyages

Scenic Eclipse Returns to Antarctica Starting January 2022

4. Januar 2022

von an Bord - Redaktion

Pressemitteilung

2-for-1 Business Class flights for guests booking Jan-March 2022 Antarctica cabins

Scenic Eclipse is making its way to Antarctica from the Red Sea as it prepares for its highly anticipated return to the Antarctic peninsula for a January thru March season of exploration. This marks a significant milestone for the luxury truly all-inclusive operatorof the World’s First Discovery Yacht™ as it resumes its scheduled 2022 sailing program for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic and will be among the first ships to return to Antarctica. Scenic Eclipse will operate several scheduled sailings in the region, 13- and 19-days in length.

Jason Flesher, Scenic Discovery Yachts’ expedition operations manager, comments, “We’ve been planning this Antarctica season for months and we can’t wait to head back to the White Continent for a season of luxury and discovery. Thanks to the size and capabilities of Scenic Eclipse, we’ve been able to secure exclusive landings in Margarite Bay, a southern destination that very few ships can visit.”

Guests booking a last-minute 2021/22 Antarctica voyage on Scenic Eclipse will enjoy 2-for-1 Business Class Air or $1,000 per person savings plus an additional $350/pp savings if the cruise is paid in full at the time of booking. This offer is good on all sailings for this shortened season.

The 13-day Antarctica in Depth takes guests along the Antarctica Peninsula, just above the Antarctic Circle. Highlights include traversing the stunning 11-kilometer-long Lemaire Channel, lined with steep cliffs and filled with icebergs; visiting a working scientific base to discuss life in these harsh conditions with the staff (when conditions permit); exploring the remnants of a derelict whaling station and a vacant British base or climbing to the rim of a volcanic crater; taking Zodiacs around ice formations; and paddling among the icebergs in kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. And learn from the 20-strong Specialist Polar Discovery Team as they give engaging and educational lectures about Antarctic history, geography and its ecosystem – and lead shore excursions. Guests can also explore below the horizon aboard Scenic Neptune, the ship’s six-guest submarine, taking in the wildlife and scenery beneath the continent’s icy surface, or explore above the horizon on one of the ships two state-of-the-art helicopters with a bird’s eye view of the truly breath-taking landscape far removed from the touch of humans. Fares start at $17,195 per person, double.

The 19-day Antarctica & South Georgia adds five days to the Antarctica itinerary, exploring the historic and wildlife-filled island of South Georgia. Despite being such a small outpost in the vastness of the South Atlantic, the sea around South Georgia is one of the liveliest areas on earth with an abundance of marine life. Explorer Ernest Shackleton and five of his crew sailed from Elephant Island in the James Caird for 16 days and 1,300 kilometers and finally found safety in the tiny entrance of Cave Cove. Home to millions of seals, whales, penguins and seabirds, the island is also home to the King Penguin, so named as they can grow to a height of 39”, second only to the Emperor Penguin, and numbering nearly 500,000. A significant treat for guests joining Scenic Eclipse for its recommencement season is the opportunity to be the first to be wowed by a new underwater experience – as the ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht is set to become the first to operate a submarine in the waters of South Georgia Island. Prices for this sailing on March 10, which departs from Ushuaia but returns to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, start at $24,595.

As the Antarctica season comes to a close in March, Scenic Eclipse will then venture across the Atlantic, sailing from Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon, to commence her first ever Mediterranean season.

All Scenic Eclipse voyages are truly all-inclusive, including return flights, transfers, up to 10 fine dining experiences, premium branded beverages and once-in-a-lifetime immersive excursions. All new bookings are covered by Scenic’s Flexible Booking Policy, enabling guests to defer their cruise to another travel date or itinerary up to 60 days prior to departure and come with Scenic’s Deposit Protection Plan included.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 35-year history to include award-winning, truly all-inclusive river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land tours that take participants to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations. In 2019, Scenic introduced Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht™. Hosting just 228 guests (200 in polar regions), the yacht offers a 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio, butler service, 10 dining experiences, a 5,920 ft² luxury spa, yoga and Pilates studio, vitality pools and bars, two state-of-the-art helicopters, a six-guest submarine and, an expert Discovery Team. Offering an extraordinary ultra-luxury, truly all-inclusive experience for guests at destinations throughout the world. A second yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, is planned to launch in 2023. Scenic is part of Scenic Group, which includes Emerald Cruises, Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Evergreen Tours.

Text: PM Scenic Cruises

Pinguine als Trauzeugen – Hochzeit in der Antarktis

16. April 2021

von an Bord - Redaktion

Etwas verrückt ist die Idee ja schon – und könnte schon deshalb Gefallen finden: Auf der Happy-Ever (ein frommer aber auch guter Wunsch für eine Heirat)-Reise, die am Valentinstag 2022 beginnt und in die Antarktis führt, können Paare heiraten. Entweder an Land, wo Robben oder Pinguine Zuschauer sind, oder auf der Brücke der neuen World Navigator. Der amerikanische Veranstalter Atlas Ocean Voyages, ein Tochterunternehmen der portugiesischen Mystic-Gruppe, hat ein Hochzeitspaket geschnürt, das von den Junggesellen/innen-Abenden bis zur Trauung mit den nötigen Lizenzen und diversen Geschenken wie Pinguinjacken oder Ausflügen geht. Im deutschsprachigen Bereich gibt es Informationen und Buchungsmöglichkeiten unter der Mail-Adresse info@nicko-cruises.de

Hier anbei die Original-PM des Veranstalters mit den Details.

Atlas Ocean Voyages unveils special Valentine’s Antarctica Weddings Voyage

Complimentary Legal Marriage Ceremonies for Couples Seeking the Most Adventurous Destination Wedding on Earth

Couples can exchange vows at ‘the end of the world’ on a once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition with Atlas Ocean Voyages’ new Happy Ever Atlas destination weddings and vow renewals. Departing on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2022, World Navigator’s Happy Ever Atlas voyage will offer couples and their companions the most adventurous destination wedding on earth. The Happy Ever Atlas destination wedding package is complimentary for guests when registered in advance. Plus, the bride enjoys a 50 percent savings off her stateroom when the wedding party books five or more rooms. The package includes a legal marriage license, valued at more than $650, and many additional inclusions, which ensure a unique, complete and unforgettable nuptial exchange. As with all Atlas luxe-adventure expeditions, all guests travel in the brand’s signature All Inclusive All The Way style, which, on Antarctica expeditions, includes complimentary round-trip air travel aboard Atlas’ private charter jet service direct to Ushuaia, Argentina. For more information about Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Happy Ever Atlas wedding package, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/AntarcticaWedding.

“Antarctica is the most coveted bucket-list destination and Atlas Ocean Voyages is delivering the Seventh Continent in the most distinctive and memorable way,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “World Navigator’s Happy Ever Atlas voyage will offer couples the most unique setting to exchange their vows for a wedding day they will never forget. Throughout the voyage, guests will also discover fascinating wildlife; awe at Antarctica’s pristine and majestic landscape; and learn about the need to sustain and preserve our planet’s fragile ecosystem.”

Atlas will provide an officiant to conduct the ceremony; a wedding coordinator to ensure everything is perfect for the big day; and a professional wedding photographer to capture each breathtaking moment. Depending on weather, ceremonies can be performed both on land, with penguins, seals and other Antarctica wildlife to bear witness, or in shipboard venues, including World Navigator’s bridge.

The Happy Ever Atlas wedding package includes marriage license, one-tier wedding cake, digital photo package, welcome itinerary & giftbag, personalized bridal parasol, custom penguin jackets, flower bouquet and boutonniere, and custom nuptial announcements and Thank You cards. World Navigator will also throw separate group bachelorette and bachelor parties, as well as host a wedding reception.

Additionally, Atlas will establish an online wedding registry, which allows family and friends to contribute to the couple’s voyage costs or other gifts. Family and friends can gift upgraded transfers, excursions, spa services and more.

Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All the Way provides all guests a complete and seamless experience by including complimentary round-trip air travel, choice of a shore excursion at every port, prepaid gratuities, polar parkas, emergency medical evacuation insurance, premium wine and spirits, international beers and coffees, Wi-Fi, L’OCCITANE bath amenities, and regionally inspired gourmet dining. In every stateroom, guests enjoy binoculars to use on board, en suite coffee, tea and personalized bar service, and butler service in suites.

For its Antarctica voyages, Atlas is the first and only cruise brand to charter its own widebody private jet to bring guests in a safe bubble directly to Ushuaia, where Antarctica expeditions embark. Guests travel from 16 major U.S. and Canada gateways and connect with Atlas’ branded jet at Orlando airport. Atlas’ private charter jet eliminates lengthy layovers in an international airport, common with very limited commercial options.

Atlas’ Plan With Confidence flexible travel policy provides travelers a 100 percent refund of deposited funds up to 91 days prior to sailing. Plus, they can change their reservation as many times as they want, up to 15 days before their voyages’ sail date. They can even change their destination and sail with Atlas in another part of the world or choose to cancel at least 15 days or more prior to the departure date and be assured of a 100 percent future cruise credit.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure expedition cruise brand designed for experienced and fun-seeking travelers to immerse in exciting and awe-inspiring moments in less-visited, bucket-list destinations. At 9,930 GRTs, World Navigator fosters a refined and convivial ambience for up to 196 guests and features the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into her state-of-the-art design.

World Navigator is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified and her construction is on schedule for delivery in July 2021. World Navigator will be joined by World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023.

Text: PM Atlas Ocean Voyages