Expedition Cruising launches 2008 programme

Specialist operator, Expedition Cruising, has launched their new 2008 programme featuring Antarctica - their most popular cruise destination – together with a further range of expedition cruises to the Arctic, South America, the Azores and the Scottish islands.

Six hand picked destinations from Galapagos to Japan featured under the separate brand name – Cruises for Nature – cater for the naturalist and photographer who prefer to travel in an escorted group accompanied by their own wildlife guide.

EXPEDITION CRUISING

Expedition ships and adventurous itineraries aimed at the more intrepid independent traveller have been the focus of specialist operator, Expedition Cruising, for over 15 years. The most popular destination continues to be Antarctica, although their recently launched 2008 programme also includes a range of voyages to Spitsbergen, Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, as well as the Chilean Fjords and Patagonia and, slightly closer to home, the Azores, Macaronesia, and the Scottish islands (Islands on the Edge, tour description below).

Islands on the Edge – sailing from Dartmouth on a small 105-passenger vessel along the east coast of Scotland via Ireland, this spring voyage visits areas that are difficult or impossible to see other than by sea. The sub-tropical island of Tresco, the Aran Islands on Ireland’s Galway coast, the Hebridean Islands, Fair Isle, Shetland Islands and Orkney Islands are all on this remarkable itinerary.

Historic monuments reflecting the islands’ past of pre-Christian, Nordic and Celtic influences, feudal and more recent times will be discovered whilst birdwatchers may catch sight of puffins, kittiwakes, gannets, razorbills and, maybe even, the secretive corncrake. Prices start from £2,570 per person in a twin cabin (cruise only – no flying needed!) for the 14-night voyage from Dartmouth to Leith, the port of Edinburgh, 9-23 May 2008.

CRUISES FOR NATURE

Under the brand name - Cruises for Nature – Expedition Cruising caters for the naturalist and photographer who are keen to join an expedition cruise but who prefer to travel in a small group escorted by a professional wildlife guide. A selection of six hand picked destinations for 2008 will offer a superb wildlife experience to nature lovers, bird watchers and photographers alike.

On each of these specially chosen departures, a professional guide will personally accompany the small group from the departure airport in London, making sure the holiday runs smoothly and helping to identify wildlife seen on the trip.

For more information, visit Expeditioncruising.co.uk.