national geographic

Explore California with exciting new expedition cruise ship – National Geographic Venture

June 26, 2018September 3, 2018louisefarquhar

Lindblad Expeditions introduce the exciting new National Geographic Venture with two new and unique itineraries to California. These inaugural voyages explore the Pacific coast, before Venture begins her season in Baja, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

The first inaugural voyage, COASTAL CALIFORNIA BY SEA, departs from San Francisco on December 2nd 2018. Joined by Sven Lindblad, CEO and Founder of Lindblad Expeditions, this is a five-night tour stretching from the Golden Gate Bridge to Santa Catalina Islands.

Highlights include:

A stunning sunset cocktail cruise through San Francisco’s picturesque harbour
Behind-the-scenes access to Northern CA’s acclaimed Monterey Bay Aquarium and Southern CA’s architecturally stellar Catalina Casino
Exploring key coastal sites and islands including Angel Island, Sausalito, Monterey and Point Lobos, Avila Beach and Catalina Island.

Adobe Guadalupe Winery and Inn, Baja California's Valle de Guadalupe. — Adobe Guadalupe Winery and Inn, Baja California’s Valle de Guadalupe.

The second trip, FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TO BAJA: SAILING THE PACIFIC COAST, departs from San Francisco on December 7th 2018. This 12-night cruise travels from Los Angeles to La Paz in Mexico bringing together fine food and wine, snorkelling in Cabo Pulmo Marine Park, visiting the Vizcaino Biosphere and the residents of Isla Natividad. Migrating whales and nesting birds are commonly sighted in the area and National Geographic naturalists are on hand throughout the voyage.

Highlights include:

Snorkel in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, the only hard coral reef in North America; featuring over 220 species of fish
Learn about the region’s culture with exclusive visits to the world’s largest salt mine in Guerrero Negro; and tour the small fish processing plant of Isla Natividad’s fishing coop
Explore the ever-shifting sand dunes of Isla Magdalena and count the 40 species of birds inhabit this area
See why everyone is talking about the vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe
Watch the sunrise illuminate El Arco de Cabo San Lucas

National Geographic Venture, sister ship of National Geographic Quest is designed as a 50-cabin coastal expedition vessel. Sweeping views from the lounge and deck encourage wildlife and shoreline viewing at close range. Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructors accompany passengers on the voyage, offering advice and experience for the ultimate photo captures. Zodiacs take guests on specialist trips to explore coastal areas and marine mammals; the ship will also change course to follow wildlife sightings when possible. Kayaks, snorkelling and hiking allow guests to explore the fascinating marine and remote landscapes while the onboard facilities offer respite in the form of a well-stocked library, spa and a wealth of enrichment lectures and activities.

www.expeditions.com

Melting Away: Kimberley is the Hot Choice for Cool Expedition Cruising

February 22, 2018May 21, 2019louisefarquhar

Good news for sun-loving adventure junkies … expedition cruising doesn’t have to be cold! Despite the growing popularity of cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica, the stunning north-west of Australia is emerging as a hot spot in more ways than one. As well as the reliable sunshine and high temperatures, Kimberley is also a remote wilderness, threaded with winding rivers and framed by a rocky coastline, home to thumping waterfalls, deep gorges, dangerous crocodiles, scorching desert and rocky mountains burning red in the fiery light.

Small ship cruising is a fantastic way to explore this fascinating wilderness. Ponant, Silversea and Lindblad all offering stunning itineraries. Generally Kimberley cruises are bookended by tropical Darwin, a lively outpost surrounded by the turquoise water of the Timor Sea, and the cosmopolitan beach town of Broome, famous for a stunning beach and friendly atmosphere. This part of Australia follows a tropical monsoon climate with distinct dry (May to October) and wet (November to April) seasons. The best time to cruise is immediately following the wet season when waterfalls and rivers are at their most exciting, although cruises do depart all through the dry season until May.

Here are our top highlights for an expedition cruise to Kimberley.

Wyndham is the gateway to the Bungle Bungle mountain range in Purnululu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rich in Aboriginal culture, the area is known for the strange orange and black geological formations found across the landscape. Scenic flights are offered here, as are trips along the Ord river where freshwater crocodiles, fruit-bats, short-eared rock wallabies, mangrove herons and mangrove gerygones are sure to be spotted.

The breathtaking King George Falls are twin cascading waterfalls with drops of 80 metres, making them the highest in north-western Australia. Zodiac tours travel to the base of the waterfall, past towering ancient Warton sandstone cliffs.

Hunter River is an immense network of narrow mangrove channels, home to the notoriously dangerous saltwater crocodile. Many cruise lines offer helicopter flightseeing excursions to the famous Mitchell Falls Plateau and Mitchell Falls, where four tiers of waterfalls plunge into deep pools that flow out into the Mitchell River.

Raft Point is the is the site of the incredible outdoor Aboriginal Wandjina art gallery. Guided hikes take guests to the top of Raft Point to enjoy far-reaching views of the bay in the shade of the overhanging cliff, which is home to the Wandjina Spirit.

Montgomery Reef is one of Kimberley’s iconic wonders. This famous tidal movement is massive; at just under 400km2 it is Australia’s largest inshore reef, containing large areas of shallow lagoon, seagrass beds and corals. As the tide drops a raging torrent of water cascades off the top of the reef and the entire reef appears to rise from the ocean. Zodiac tours take guest close the the myriad of waterfalls appearing along the reef.

Talbot Bay, described by Sir David Attenborough as “one of the greatest wonders of the natural world” is also known as the ‘Horizontal Waterfalls’. This pair of stunning breaks in the McLarty Range are approximately 300m apart with massive tidal differences of up to 10.8m on a spring tide. As seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, a waterfall appears up to 4m high.

Images courtesy of Silversea

Wave Season 2018 – the best cruise deals

January 6, 2018February 19, 2018louisefarquhar

Wave Season – the time of year when most cruises are booked and cruise lines offer tempting incentives, runs traditionally from January to March. Although not necessarily the cheapest time to buy a cruise, the combination of enticing perks and plenty of choice appeals to many people dreaming of their next holiday.

The key to a good deal is …. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Research air fares, weigh-up the real benefit of onboard credit and drinks packages, compare like-with-like and run your ideas past a travel agent as they can sometimes source better discounts and benefits.

Rib Safari — Hurtigruten’s RIB safari at Wilhelmina Bay

Most cruise lines highlight offers on their websites with digital brochures available for download.

Here are our favourites:

Holland America – early booking offers, signature cruises and package deals

Windstar – 7 for 7 deals and Tahiti packages

Silversea – some flights included, early booking offers and Antarctica all-inclusive

Seabourn – Signature Savings Event including Air Credit, Shipboard Credit and upgrades

Crystal – Clear Choices offers including Air Credit, Shipboard Credit and fare reductions

Azamara – 50% off second guest fare, free wi-fi and featured Book, Pay & Save voyages

Regent Seven Seas – up to 50% off fares and reduced deposit

Lindblad – offers on air fares, crew tips and bar tabs

Scenic Ocean – Early Bird fares and free city stays

Hurtigruten – air fare offers, cruise fare reductions and single supplements waived

Images courtesy of Hurtigruten, Silversea, Crystal and Lindblad

Radar: Lindblad adds more Antarctic value

May 10, 2017June 1, 2017louisefarquhar

Lindblad South Georgia — South Georgia King Penguins

Lindblad Expeditions are offering flights direct to or from The Falkland Islands on two select voyages on National Geographic’s Explorer later this year, removing a full day at sea. Guests can enjoy the extra time either on the life-changing Antarctic Peninsula or in South Georgia, depending on which trip they have chosen.

A one way direct flight from the Falklands to Santiago on the 18-day South Georgia and the Falklands trip on October 23, 2017 results in a day more to enjoy the insights of Global Perspectives Guest Speaker Greg Marshall, wildlife expert and National Geographic filmmaker – not to mention the 100,000+ penguin colonies of South Georgia.

Lindblad Antarctica Landing — National Geographic Explorer Parks on the Ice

Alternatively, on the 24-day Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland’s departure on November 6, 2017, guests can choose to fly from Santiago to the Falklands to give extra time on the stunning Antarctic peninsula. U.S. Arctic Research Chair Frances Ulmer and former astronaut and oceanographer, Kathy Sullivan join the trip.

Photos courtesy of Lindblad

Best Cruises: Iceland

March 19, 2017October 25, 2017louisefarquhar

Following on from our feature on Iceland we pick our top cruises to the Land of Fire and Ice.

Windstar: Around Iceland – Reykjavik to Reykjavik

Windstar Iceland Cruise — Iceland with Windstar

Windstar, the niche provider of yacht-style ultra-luxurious cruises, takes the graceful Star Legend to Iceland on a circumnavigational tour of this magical place. With the cruise line’s ethos firmly rooted in traditional sailing Windstar offer a unique perspective on Iceland; finding secluded bays and rarely seen wildlife, able to stay longer in special places, giving guests an authentic experience and real sense of the true Iceland. Although the Star Legend is a motorised vessel, with no masts or sails, it still has the intimacy of the original Windstar brand, offering a small-scale private-yacht experience. Equalling any exploration cruise in terms of accessing remote places, the Star Legend also carries passengers in total style and comfort.

Iceland Cruise Godafoss Waterfall — Godafoss

The trip, starting and finishing in Reykjavik, visits many geological wonders as well as the iconic Icelandic waterfalls, thermal waters and national parks. Highlights include Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which rose from the sea in the 1960s making it one of the world’s youngest places and the Viking Sushi Experience where pristine seafood is caught and instantly prepared for guests onboard a small local fishing trawler as whales and sea-eagles glide and soar nearby. Departures in July and August 2017. www.windstarcruises.com

Lindblad Expeditions: A Circumnavigation of Iceland

Hurtigruten Iceland Cruise — Jokulsarlon glacier

This professional and well-rounded itinerary truly captures the drama, intrigue and history of Iceland as it takes guests on a ten-day voyage around the whole island. Visits to Reykjavik and the established (and busy) tourist sites on the famous Golden Circle tick obvious boxes but Lindblad, in keeping with their strong expedition focus, then seeks out the rugged western frontier and remote north-east coastline.

Sailing on either the National Geographic Orion or the National Geographic Explorer, the curious and adventurous traveller experiences world-class field geology, expert-led hiking and kayaking, Zodiac tours of hidden places and surreal scenery. Iceland is a first-rate photography destination after all. Of course itineraries can change, sometimes due to the weather, but with Lindblad this is more often to take advantage of rare wildlife sightings or to linger over exceptional light. Expeditions are scheduled for July 2017 and June/July 2018. www.expeditions.com

Azamara: Fjords and Iceland Voyage

Azamara Iceland cruise — The Colours of Iceland

Azamara Journey embarks on a summer voyage to Iceland with stops in Denmark, Norway, The Faroe Islands, Scotland and England – it’s common for an Iceland cruise to incorporate visits to other Northern European destinations. Three days are spent in Iceland, out of a total of twelve, with two of these docked in the lively and cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavik. This vibrant city is an excellent base to explore the waterfalls, geysers, lava fields and thermal waters of The Golden Circle; Iceland’s famous tourist trail.

Azamara Iceland cruise Akureyri — Akureyri

A further day is spent in Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city, where the unexpected botanical gardens are located. Two thousand species of native and foreign plants grow here, surprisingly without greenhouse cover despite the Arctic location. Departure date is July 2017. www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk

Hurtigruten: The Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes of Iceland

With a heritage dating back to 1893 and widely regarded as a leader in Arctic exploration cruises, Hurtigruten is a popular choice for an Icelandic cruise. The Grand Arctic Traverse is a stunning nineteen-day voyage starting in the picturesque Lofoten Islands then travelling to the isolated island of Jan Mayen, followed by Iceland and finishing in Greenland. However, with only three days spent in Iceland, the alternative Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes of Iceland circumnavigates the island and is ideal for travellers seeking a comprehensive and exciting Icelandic experience.

MS Spitsbergen, a polar-class vessel, takes a full twelve days to sail around the coast. Itineraries are suggested only, with the final journey being determined en-route according to weather and opportunities – this is a true expedition cruise. As well as visits to the established thermal bathing sites and waterfalls, the captain usually stops at remote islands such as Siglufjörður and Grimsby, where guests can access wildlife and geological sites by Polarcirkel boats, and the Westman Islands which are famous for their volcanic activity and whale-spotting. Exploration cruises sail in June and July 2017. www.hurtigruten.co.uk

Images courtesy of Windstar, Lindblad, Azamara, Hurtigruten

Best Cruises: Alaska

February 25, 2017May 10, 2017louisefarquhar

The 49th state is the largest in the U.S. and one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations.

Alaska is a true wilderness; vast, isolated, rugged and ‘it will change your life forever’ beautiful. The scale is beyond epic with towering mountains, expansive glaciers, wide flowing rivers, abundant wildlife, lush rainforest and active volcanos. For such a frontier region, where people can seem rarer than wolves and bears, it is uniquely and wonderfully accessible by cruise ship.

Most cruises follow the Inside Passage – generally setting off from San Fransisco, Seattle or Vancouver to traverse this famous waterway of deep fjords lined with forest. Some venture further to the Gulf of Alaska and expedition lines access even more remote areas in smaller ships. Anchorage, Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau are common port stops and excellent gateway towns for exploring the Alaskan landscape. Helicopter tours, dog-sledding, salmon fishing, hiking glaciers, kayaking, scenic rail trips and zip-line rides are exciting add-ons to any cruise.

Silversea sets sail from Vancouver in 2017 on the small but perfectly formed and ultra-luxurious Silver Shadow. Bound for Seward, the quaint Anchorage rail-road town, this all-suite ship is ideal for viewing the scenery and wildlife as well as engaging in a diverse and well-curated enrichment programme. The seven-day trip offers a range of interesting and exciting shore excursions.

Crystal’s Northern Wonders trip, on the world-leading Crystal Serenity, reaches Anchorage from Vancouver in seven days including scenic cruising of Glacier Bay and the Hubbard Glacier. Passengers can opt for sea-plane tours of Tongass National Forest, expert-led halibut fishing and a visit to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary.

Seabourn offer extended cruises to Alaska, in particular the twenty five-day Exploration of the Last Frontier on the lovely Seabourn Sojourn which comprehensively visits all the ‘bucket-list’ Alaska sights as well as more secluded, quieter places. The Denali Experience is a four-day fully escorted trip of this majestic national park offered as an extension to any Alaska cruise.

Alaska is a ‘ready-made’ expedition cruise destination and Lindblad, which leaves from Seattle, has a wealth of experience in this field. Voyages tend to be on the active side, reaching further into the surrounding areas of British Columbia and magical Haida Gwaii. Three ships tour Alaska; the brand new National Geographic Quest and the sister ships National Geographic Sea Lion or Sea Bird. A a six-person team accompanies each voyage including a highly qualified expedition leader, expert naturalists, an undersea specialist, certified photo instructor and wellness specialist.

The Alaska cruise season is short, with sailings running from May to September, and the weather is sometimes unreliable, even in summer. Passengers should prepare for rain and occasional choppy seas – excursions are sometimes a casualty of inclement conditions and can be cancelled – and take plenty of layers to keep out the glacial cold. Alaska also has thirty five species of mosquito! But don’t be put off by rough seas and bugs, a cruise of Alaska will change your life – for the better. It is an enriching and expansive experience and millions of people who describe it as ‘the best cruise of their life’ can’t be wrong.

Photos courtesy of Silversea, Crystal, Seabourn and Lindblad

Lindblad – French Polynesia and South Pacific

February 13, 2017March 19, 2017louisefarquhar

In March 2018, Lindblad Expedition’s National Geographic Orion sets sail for French Polynesia and the South Pacific on exciting new itineraries.

The purpose built expedition vessel plans visits to Fiji, the Cook Islands and Easter Island – amongst other exciting destinations.

Highlights include:

the Pitcairn Islands, identified as one of most unspoiled reef systems in the world and home to the fairy tern,

snorkelling the stunning reefs of Fakarava, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve,

exploring the Marquesas, one of the most remote and culturally unique island groups on Earth,

and experiencing genuine Polynesian welcomes throughout Samoa as guests are welcomed into Fijian villages with traditional kava ceremonies.

Part research vessel, part grand hotel, the 102-guest National Geographic Orion is outfitted with a roster of exploration tools including snorkeling gear for all guests, a SCUBA program that can accommodate up to 24 divers at a time with two dive masters, a glass bottom boat, kayaks, paddleboards, a state of the art remote operated vehicle (ROV) that reaches depths of up to 1,000 feet, and a fleet of Zodiacs.

Photos courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

www.expeditions.com

Lindblad – National Geographic Endeavour II

December 6, 2016March 19, 2017louisefarquhar

Lindblad, the award-winning expedition cruise line, bring their masterfully re-designed, compact, expertly equipped and staffed, adventure-focused, mind-expanding National Geographic Endeavour II to the Galápagos this season.

The newly refurbished ship cuts a confident path through these Pacific waters, mixing the grit of true exploration with comfort and class. The maiden voyage, a 17-Day Epic Galápagos Photography Expedition, is now underway, kick-starting the 2017 island trips which include an option to visit the historical and modern Inca culture of Peru on some tours.

There’s something seductive about the Endeavour II … it’s rugged, approachable, keen to get up close and personal and is not without a little risk. The name of this vessel, which unfolds from a floating mission control into a well-designed layout of cabins and public space, alludes to both a clear aim and the effort required achieving it. A trip like this is an undertaking, a commitment to embrace the world outside and all it offers.

The voyage with Endeavour II is excellent in itself and excellent for you; get on board and experience the therapeutic benefits of enrichment and exploits. Prepare to follow in the footsteps of Darwin, observe giant Galápagos tortoises with a leading naturalist guide, snorkel with sea lions, brush up on your wildlife snaps with the resident National Geographic photographer, watch sea green turtles from a glass-bottomed Zodiac, kayak beside penguins, stand on the bridge as you cross the Equator and spot the Southern Cross in the starry skies above.

Elsewhere cabins induce restful sleep, the library encourages lingering over interesting books and maps, an informal ambience generates engaging conversation and the camaraderie of adventure creates life-long friendships.

The Endeavour II nourishes the soul.

www.expeditions.com

Photos courtesy of Lindblad

Caribbean and Panama Canal

November 14, 2016March 8, 2017louisefarquhar

The Caribbean is the stalwart of cruise destinations, enduringly popular year upon year. Tropical heat, dry days and sunny skies entice crowds of tourists, especially in winter months when the weather is practically guaranteed. The topography of the Caribbean is tailor-made for cruising, with islands so perfectly spaced to allow ships an idyllic new port every morning. The region is wonderfully diverse, even the shortest of itineraries; imagine lush rainforests, mountains, coral beaches, volcanos, Mayan ruins, designer shops, uninhabited islands, Mediterranean culture and Colonial heritage.

Voyages tend to last from a week to a fortnight, taking in the busy and well-developed Eastern Caribbean (Puerto Rico, Bahamas and The British Virgin Islands), the quieter South (Martinique, Aruba and St. Barth’s) or the varied Western Carribean (Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Mexico). Luxury lines tend to have smaller ships which slip into secluded spots to uncover hidden coves, deserted crystal- white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and authentic local culture.

It’s possible to combine a Caribbean cruise with a transit of The Panama Canal and stops in Central America. These exciting and emerging destinations are distinctly different from the established resorts of the Caribbean and are popular stand-alone cruise destinations in their own right. The Panama Canal is a classic route, an engineering masterpiece connecting the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Built in 1914, this 48 mile trip ended the torturous route through jungle rivers or past the notorious Cape of Good Hope. This is a lifetime experience, one of the Modern Wonders of the World.

Onboard lectures educate and entertain in preparation for the fascinating ports still to come; Costa Rica’s Puntarenas, Cartagena in Columbia and Guatemala’s Puerto Quetzal are highlights, rich with nature and fascinating excursions. Ocean cruise lines such as Silversea, Azamara, Seabourn, Crystal and Regent Seven Seas all offer voyages to these places, as does Lindblad which sails expedition cruises including trekking in the rainforest and snorkelling the reefs of the Eastern Pacific.

Photos courtesy of Silversea, Lindblad, Regent Seven Seas

Asia

November 12, 2016March 19, 2017louisefarquhar

Asia is an intriguing land of paradox; a blend of old and new, wealth and poverty, noise and silence. Ultra-modern cities, spiked with towering glassy skyscrapers, are populated by millions and alive with technology. In contrast, in the countryside, ancient temples stand beside tea plantations and rice fields in a place where tradition and spirituality are the cornerstones of life. The region is filled with interest from pristine beaches to bustling markets, mangrove forests and bullet trains.

South East Asia cruises often visit the busy urban centres of Singapore and Hong Kong with further stops in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. November to March is considered the optimal time for these voyages where guests can expect to see the white sands of Thailand’s Koh Samui, magnificent limestone formations at Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Borneo’s orangutans, Komodo dragons in Indonesia and the Shwedagon Pagoda of Thilawa (Rangoon). Seabourn Sojourn accesses many of these sites in a range of ultra-luxury Asia cruises.

East Asia is growing exponentially as a cruise destination. China, Japan and South Korea are the main destinations on a journey to this part of the world, best taken in the winter to avoid scorching temperatures and the rainy season. Visitors can expect to see The Great Wall of China, the poignant city of Hiroshima in Japan, Kyoto’s Golden Pavillion, the energetic metropolis of Shanghai and embark on a scenic cruise the Yellow Sea. Silver Shadow brings together many of East Asia’s sights in one effortless itinerary, as does Crystal Symphony.

River cruising is also capitalising on the global interest in Asia as a tourist destination and is particularly well placed to access many of the regions most fascinating sites. Lindblad Expeditions ventures along the Mekong River in the new 48-guest riverboat Jahan, exploring the world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat, the Choeung Ek ‘Killing Fields’, Saigon and many small villages and colourful markets. Viking River Cruises also extend into China, taking in The Great Wall, Xian’s Terra Cotta Army and a scenic cruise of the Yangtze River.

Photos courtesy of Silversea, Crystal and Lindblad

Antarctica

November 9, 2016September 26, 2017louisefarquhar

Antarctica, The White Continent, is widely regarded as the ultimate cruise destination, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that captivates and inspires those who make the journey there. Calving glaciers, glassy sapphire icebergs, penguin colonies, leopard seals and whales await the adventurous travellers who traverse the turbulent Drakes Passage in anticipation of reaching this stunning place. Following in the footsteps of iconic explorers, they marvel at such an untouched region; a rare wilderness of sublime beauty and raw nature, uninhabited except for a few scientists, mainly home to deserted whaling stations, research buildings and the greatest concentration of marine mammals on the planet.

Specially built vessels visit Antarctica during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, generally from November to March. Polar class ships, with ice strengthened hulls, cruise in various sizes and specifications. Larger vessels, such as the Crystal Serenity, scenic cruise the coastline whereas smaller expedition class ships penetrate deeper into the landscape, reaching remote landing sites and wildlife points where guests go ashore. Zodiac crafts and kayaks allow passengers an up-close experience as onboard experts share their knowledge and passion. Hurtigruten and Lindblad pride themselves on the authenticity of their cruises, remaining true to the utilitarian and scientific nature of those famous pioneers who went before. Other lines, such as Seabourn and Silversea, combine purpose built exploration ships and enrichment without compromising on the luxury and service synonymous with their brand.

Itineraries to Antarctica often include The Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Chilean Fjords, Patagonia and Cape Horn. Flexibility is key on an Antarctic cruise as landings depend largely on weather and environmental conditions and the Captain may change planned excursions when necessary.

Photos courtesy of Hurtigruten

TCS World Travel – The Facts

November 7, 2016March 8, 2017louisefarquhar

TCS, the Grand Dame of private jet tours, has been whisking globetrotters around the world for twenty-five years. As well as offering their own imaginative itineraries, TCS also partners with first-rate companies like Four Seasons, SeaDream Yacht Club and National Geographic to create once-in-a-lifetime curated tours.

A fleet of adapted Boeing 757’s is on hand to transport guests effortlessly as they circumnavigate the globe, taking in a plethora of bucket-list sites on the way. The highly professional onboard team manages every detail, flights are daytime and westwards, overnights are spent in top-notch hotels and destinations often include exclusive access.

Destinations

Global tours, typically lasting three to four weeks, can include World Heritage Sites, remote locations, vibrant cities, hidden islands, searing desert and European cultural icons. The SeaDream Yacht Club tour incorporates a Mediterranean cruise on a luxury yacht followed by a flight-based African safari.

Trips have overnight stays in luxury hotels, resorts, refined eco camps and game lodges depending on the location.

On Board

Planes are configured differently according to the trip and partner company. However, all are sublimely luxurious with lie-flat beds, Bose headphones, iPads, ultra-professional in-flight team and crew, onboard physician and chef, exclusive toiletries and free-flowing Champagne.

Photos courtesy of TCS World Travel and SeaDream Yacht Club

https://www.tcsworldtravel.co.uk