Latest Travel Blog Entries

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Back by popular demand, Tauck’s is back in Antarctica.  A journey of discovery like no other, Tauck will be hosting an exciting cruise adventure aboard the luxurious Le Boreal, and new for 2011, her sister ship, L’Austral.  For many travelers the most compelling reason to visit the Antarctic is to collect the 7^th continent. For others is breathtaking castles of ice, marine life and seabirds hold a special allure. 

Once part of a large Equatorial land mass that broke off on its own about 180 million years ago – and today the most peaceful place on Earth, the magnificent great white continent of Antarctica astounds with glacial landscapes and Arctic wildlife that defy decryption.  Tauck’s cruise provides the rare opportunity to view them up close with onboard experts who have spent a lifetime studying these natural wonders in extraordinary detail.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ail.  Due to changing weather and shifting glacial patterns of this remote region, your day-by-day itinerary will vary and may include Zodiac excursions to Antarctic Peninsula islands  During the summer months of January and February you can experience abundant wildlife on the beaches and cliffs of these islands.  Penguins abound…young or old, they have little or no fear of humans and will often spend as much time observing you as you will them.  Seals, whales and myriad species of seabirds are often seen on land and at sea.  On-board naturalists can help you identify them during your cruise.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

The International Maritime Organization has banned the carrying of heavy fuel in Antarctica waters effective August 1, 2011. This will likely mean that larger ships will no longer cruise the region. Smaller expedition cruise ships are unaffected, as most of them run on marine gas oil and diesel oil, neither of which was included in the ban, but the larger ships will likely not want to incur the added expense. The number of passengers could plummet from 14,350, to just 6,400 next year. Holland America, Princess Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas have all cruised the Antarctica region from South America. Celebrity has already announced that after the Infinity cruises the region next year, it will no longer send ships, instead their sister company, Azamara, will send the 700 passenger Azamara Journey to sail the region. It's too soon to know what the other cruise lines will decide, but prices are sure to increase if the capacity drops.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

As you get ready to travel?

Here are some tips to give you peace of mind while you are away and make sure you do not make your house as a target of opportunity. These are some simple precautions from the experts.

• Be mindful of who is around when you are discussing your trip - there is no need to let too many people know or draw attention to the fact your house might be empty for a period.
• The best deterrent is to have someone housesit. If that is not possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in the newspaper, mail, and any other deliveries and keep an eye on the house. Give them your trip plans and an emergency phone number so they can reach you in case of an emergency. You can also arrange with the post office and newspaper to suspend delivery for the time you are away.
• Lock doors, windows and secure sliding doors (a metal rod or a broomstick in the sliding door track is an inexpensive lock), as well as the garage, the basement, and the attic. Some people even disconnect the power to motorized garage door openers.
• Move any valuables from plain sight.
• Check on your appliances, unplug anything that doesn't need to be on while you're away. Lower air conditioning/heating units to energy-saving levels.
• Set timers to turn on lights if you do not have someone staying at the house.

Monday, January 04, 2010

You don't have to be a member of a polar bear club - those hardy groups of cold water plungers - to take advantage of Hurtigruten's offers to enjoy a dip in the world's coldest waters, whether in Antarctica, the Arctic's Spitsbergen, Greenland, or Norway's Vardø on the Barents Sea.  “As far as sea conditions allow, our expedition team will ensure that the bravest of our guests are able to satisfy their thirst for adventure in the water," states Hurtigruten product coordinator Jørn Henriksen.  Ideal for those travelers who prefer to bring home more than t-shirts and tans, the dip in the polar waters is something that truly stands out when it comes to bragging - and the Polar Dip Certificate awarded to each participant provides needed verification. 

During Antarctica's summer months, guests aboard Hurtigruten's deluxe expedition ship, MV Fram, can enjoy the remarkably refreshing icy waters of one of the largest natural harbours in the world -- off the volcanic Deception Island.  The average temperature of this natural ocean pool is a bracing zero degrees Celsius. However, geothermic activity does mean that bathers can occasionally feel a 'comfortable' current of water above freezing.  During the North Pole's summer, guests aboard the same ship can entertain a quick jump into the waters of Spitsbergen's Magdelenefjord, avoiding the icebergs, of course; or for those spending 8 to 15 days exploring Greenland, a brief splash in the sea around Uummannaq, a small town 360 miles north of the polar circle and site of the annual Ice Golf World Championship.  If a swim in ice-free waters is preferred (due solely to the Gulf Stream), Hurtigruten offers a Norwegian Coastal Voyage cruise extension that makes its way to Norway's Vardø on the Barents Sea, where guests can float in a survival suit while their team leader dives for the evening's meal of King Crab - a wonderful way to combine a sea frolic with the need to catch dinner.

As a leader in Expedition Cruising, Hurtigruten's portfolio of adventure expeditions take guests to both ends of the world -- where pristine environments, unique wildlife and stunning vistas are combined with the opportunity to learn from experts in numerous disciplines including geology, marine life, environment, history and culture. 

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

This tiny island in the Weddell Sea plays a role in one of seafaring history's most legendary exploits. When the brave crew of the Endurance, led by intrepid explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, was trapped in the ice during a 1914 polar expedition, they took refuge on this island until help arrived.