Venturing out
Seabourn is enhancing its Ventures by Seabourn in northern Europe this summer. The expedition program, designed for small groups, enables guests to explore the region's waterways and fiords, secluded inlets and scenic islands by Zodiacs or double sea kayaks launched from the water-sports marina on all Seabourn vessels. The optional excursions are led by an expert team of scientists, scholars and naturalists. Among the 30 Ventures are Zodiac explorations of Trollfjord in Norway's Lofoten archipelago and of Greenland's Prins Christian Sound; and a visit to the Icelandic island of Vigur, home to puffins and guillemots.
Phone 13 24 02. See seabourn.com
Boating along
Le Boat has launched a new range of high-spec, self-drive boats for couples and small groups, the first of which floated out last month. The Horizon motor vessels have a balance of inside and outside space, with the largest top deck of any boat of its size, a sunbathing area, outside seating area, plus a spacious saloon with excellent all-around vision. They sleep four and have mod cons such as a flat-screen TV, MP3 entertainment system and USB ports in both cabins. The Horizon boats will be available in Germany, the Netherlands, England's Thames River, and the Midi and Burgundy canals in France.
Phone 02 8912 7041. See leboat.com.au
Adriatic adventure
Abercrombie & Kent is offering a new cruise-tour that takes in cruising, cuisine and culture between Italy and Croatia, starting and ending in Venice. It includes special gourmet experiences and a visit to the Venice Biennale, with a specialist arts guide on hand to point out the exhibition highlights. It continues with a visit to the charming Friuli region of north-eastern Italy and a cruise along the Dalmatian Coast on Ponant's luxury ship Le Lyrial, taking in destinations such as Dubrovnik, Kotor and Rovinj. The cruise-tour departs on May 10, 2017; group size is limited to 24, accompanied by an A&K tour director.
Phone 1300 851 800. See abercrombiekent.com.au
River Romance
Uniworld has two new European river-cruise itineraries for 2017. The 10-day Rhine-Main Discovery & Munich on River Ambassador features two nights in Munich and a cruise along the Main and Rhine rivers as far as Cologne, visiting historic towns such as Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wuzburg and Strasbourg along the way. Some departures fall under Uniworld's family program, with activities for children. A second new itinerary is the 10-day Paris & Impressions of the Seine in River Baroness, return trip from Paris and taking in destinations such as Giverny, Les Andelys, Auvers-sur-Oise and Honfleur, with the chance to visit the D-Day landing beaches of Normandy.
Phone 1300 780 231. See uniworldcruises.com.au
Overnight escapades
Azamara Club Cruises has announced a new range of overnight shore excursions for travellers looking to explore cruise destinations in more depth. The worldwide experiences offer guests two and three-day overnight journeys that include more adventure and discovery, guided tours, dining, hotel accommodation and transport. Guests depart mid-cruise and rejoin their Azamara ship at the next port of call. Examples in Europe include a two-day excursion into the Agrolida region of Greece, including visits to the Acropolis, Mycenae and Nafplion; and an overland tour of Venice and Florence with more time to enjoy Italy's most art-filled cities.
Phone 1800 754 500. See azamaraclubcruises.com
