Abercrombie & Kent’s hot pics for cruising in 2018
Abercrombie & Kent cruising in 2018
Luxury travel company, Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), has expanded its cruising portfolio, now providing travellers with over 20 international cruise destinations in 2018 and beyond. Appealing to different travelling styles; some journeys are expeditionary and educational whilst others are best for indulging in pure relaxation. There are plenty of options to suit couples, families and solo travellers. Here’s a roundup of A&K’s top cruises for 2018.
The Kimberley Coast
For the first time, A&K will provide passengers with the opportunity to visit the remote Kimberley coastline on board the new luxury all-balcony vessel, Le Laperouse. Guests will gain special insights into the ecology, geology, marine biology and history of the area with A&K’s award-winning expedition team. The 12-night journey from Broome to Darwin will showcase the spectacular Kimberley landscape and hidden gems of the Buccaneer Archipelago. A&K offers a jet boat tour to the extraordinary Horizontal Falls, a tour of the Worrorra cave art at Raft Point, a trip to the Prince Regent Nature Reserve and a helicopter ride to Mitchell Falls. A must see destinations of the Kimberley coastline is Bigge Island, home to traditional Aboriginal rock art. Guests will also see saltwater crocodiles, turtles and the majestic waterfalls of King George Falls.
Tour dates: 20 June-2 July 2019
Cuba
Spend seven nights aboard boutique yacht Le Ponant and share an enriching experience with Cuban residents. A&K operates a people-to-people educational exchange program in Cuba, with guests sailing in the company of resident Cuban guides, who provide incomparable insight to the country’s complex history, education, healthcare system, economy and political and social structure. Two full days spent in Havana include a vibrant dance performance, a Hemingway heritage tour and meals in a local paladar. You can join a local architect or historian on an educational walk through colonial Trinidad and the Punta Francés Nature Reserve, learning about local ecology and important conservation efforts as you explore the beach and mangroves.
Tour dates: 23 February-5 March 2018
The Mekong
Discover one of the world’s great rivers, the Mekong, onboard luxury vessel, Aqua Mekong with A&K. Boasting an astonishing biodiversity, the Mekong supports millions of people from China, Myanmar and Laos to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. A major artery for freight and transport, it’s the lifeblood of agriculture. A&K highlights the striking cultural diversity of the waterway as well as its remarkable landscapes, villages, rare birdlife, wing-tipped pagodas and remote Buddhist monasteries. Discover the cultural treasures of Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat through a guided walking expedition into the Mekong’s tributaries among Khmer village and remote mountain monasteries. A&K’s 14 day ‘Journey on the Mekong’ includes a seven-night cruise on Aqua Mekong. There are 3, 4 and 7-night cruises between Phnom Penh and the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.
The Nile
Experience Egypt’s ancient history by cruising the mighty Nile River with A&K. The lifeblood of Ancient Egypt, the riverbanks are dotted with ancient tombs, temples and ruined cities. Surrounded by contemporary comforts, outstanding cuisine and a breathtaking scenic backdrop, you’ll sail between Luxor and Aswan in luxury. The A&K Nile cruise includes instant cabin confirmations, individual trips on feluccas and the option to tailor sightseeing with a fully-qualified Egyptologist in small groups of no more than 15. Private docks in Aswan and Luxor reserved exclusively for Sanctuary Sun Boats also ensure the highest levels of security and privacy.
A&K’s 7-day ‘Treasures of Egypt’ includes a 3 night Nile cruise aboard Sanctuary Sun Boat IV.
Australis Patagonia
Sail legendary seas in the wake of pioneering navigators and indigenous natives on impressive adventure cruise ships in the southernmost region of the world. Taking in the world’s wildest and most pristine landscapes of Ushuaia, Argentina and Punta Arenas. See dazzling glaciers and towering snow-capped mountains. Stella Australis carries a maximum of 210 guests with the new Ventus Australis launching in 2018 for 210 passengers. Cruises are all-inclusive of breakfast, lunch, dinner, Open Bar for wine, beer, liquor and other beverages and an extensive programme of shore excursions. Shore access is via Zodiacs in the company of expert naturalist guides. 3 and 4-night cruises available September to April.
Cruise the Irrawaddy
A&K’s all-suite ship Sanctuary Ananda is one of the finest vessels cruising on Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River. Custom built for local river conditions, no more than 48 guests share this luxe home afloat. This cruise offers a range of journeys from three to 11-nights exploring the waterway between Bagan and Mandalay, the upper reaches towards the gorges and Bhamo and the Chindwin River. Cruise highlights include visiting palaces, temples, monasteries and places rarely seen – such as the jungles of the north and forgotten villages. During the cruise, guests will also experience performances of traditional music, dance, ethnic dinners, lectures, cooking demonstrations, yoga, meditation and cigar making lessons.
A&K’s 12 day Myanmar in Style includes a four-night cruise on board Sanctuary Ananda.
Cruising the Yangtze
The Yangtze River flows a distance of 6,380km, making it the third longest in the world. It is one of China’s most important transport routes, carrying enormous amounts of cargo and passengers year-round. Travellers can discover the Three Gorges comprising Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges in A&K’s luxury cruise ship Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. The recent refurbishment makes her the best way to explore the river in friendly and intimate surrounds. Onboard service is a highlight and the atmosphere more private club than cruise ship and a maximum of just 124 guests.
A&K’s 12-day ‘Highlights of China’ features a three-night Yangtze cruise.
The Peruvian Amazon
The mighty Amazon region occupies 60 percent of Peru and is an unmissable wilderness experience best enjoyed on board a river cruise. One of A&K’s favourite vessels, the striking matte-black-hulled and recently refurbished Aria Amazon has a sophisticated boutique hotel-style ambience with just 16 Design Suites for a maximum of 32 guests. English-speaking naturalist guides showcase the highlights of the remote five million acre Pacaya Samiria reserve, one of Peru’s most fertile havens for sighting mammals, birds and plants. Wildlife includes brilliantly coloured birds, acrobatic monkeys, pink Amazon dolphins, sloths high in the trees and, if very lucky, the sleek black jaguar. After dark, naturalist guides help spot caimans and capybara under star-filled skies.
The Northwest Passage
For centuries a sea route between the Atlantic and Pacific eluded sailors, traders and explorers. Since the end of the 15th century, many of the world’s most famous maritime legends tried and failed until Roald Amundsen in 1905 made the first successful navigation. Today a lucky few can sail this legendary route on A&K’s expeditionary cruise aboard Le Boreal from Greenland to the Canadian Arctic to the Bering Sea and end in Alaska. Along the way visits are made to historic and remote islands, fjords and harbours, meeting local Inuit communities and taking in moving stories of voyages won and lives lost.
A&K’s 24 day ‘The Northwest Passage’ is sold out in 2018 with registrations open for 2019.
The Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are one of nature’s great experiences, a truly unique wildlife haven where the birds and animals are impervious to the presence of humans. Getting up close reveals why Charles Darwin was so inspired after his visit in the early 19th century, marvelling at extraordinary birdlife such as the famous blue-footed booby, land and marine iguanas and centuries-old Galapagos tortoises. A&K offers a range of vessels providing guests with the best possible experience during their visit. A Galapagos holiday with A&K will include fascinating excursions with English-speaking naturalist guides, swimming, snorkelling and wildlife encounters.
A&K’s 10-day luxury small group journey ‘Galapagos Wildlife Adventure’ includes a cruise on board La Pinta.
Antarctica
A journey to Antarctica is one of the world’s great adventures and with A&K, travellers do it in supreme comfort on board the exclusively chartered MV Le Lyrial. With four journeys each season, A&K assembles the finest Expedition Team in Antarctica – from award-winning scientists, habitat conservationists and wildlife photographers to historians and Polar Medal recipients. The team represents a remarkable group of accomplished explorers, many of whom have been sailing together with A&K for decades. Their credentials and expertise in Antarctica are matched only by their commitment to the guest’s experience.
A&K offers the 12-day ‘Classic Antarctica’ itinerary with two longer expeditions also operating to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
Greek Isles
A&K has launched its first-ever cruise to Greece exploring fascinating ruins, singular historic sites and natural marvels aboard the brand-new, exclusively chartered ‘Le Laperouse’ where guest numbers are limited to just 150. The all-inclusive cruise is the most immersive and comprehensive journey to Greece available, with visits to the most beautiful and renowned Greek islands: Crete, Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos; the lesser-known gems of Simy, Delos and Syros plus a stop in Turkey to visit Bodrum.Throughout the voyage there are daily choices of enriching shore excursions that cater to a range of interests, including art, nature, architecture, food and wine. All are meticulously researched, scouted and hand-selected by A&K’s expedition experts with insider access and personalised insight to Greece’s landmarks, culture and fascinating history.
A&K’s 10 day ‘Sailing the Greek Isles’ is sold out in 2018 with registrations open for 2019.
Yacht charter in the Adriatic
Few experiences in the world match a cruise on the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea. A&K guests can discover its dramatic coastline and offshore islands on a choice of luxury crewed motor yachts which allow exploration of the area’s most rarely visited towns and villages, secluded coves and pristine beaches – all at a leisurely pace. With nearly 1200 islands and 6000km of coastline, Croatia is a European treasure best explored from the sea. Itineraries are flexible with 3, 5 or 7-day cruises starting and ending in Dubrovnik. Cruises may include the 13-island Elaphiti archipelago, the remote sandy beaches of Sunj or the Mljet National Park and the beautiful island of Korcula. Longer itineraries include the iconic island of Hvar, the largely uninhabited Pakleni Islands full of deserted, beautiful sandy coves and the wild but beautiful island of Vis. Cruises may include the 13-island Elaphiti archipelago, the remote sandy beaches of Sunj or the Mljet National Park and the beautiful island of Korcula. Longer itineraries include the iconic island of Hvar, the largely uninhabited Pakleni Islands full of deserted, beautiful sandy coves and the wild but beautiful island of Vis. Charters are available from June – September with vessels accommodating up to six guests. Rates include crew, marina fuel, Dubrovnik transfers, breakfast daily, marina fees and taxes.
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