PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS ENCHANTED EXPEDITIONS SHOWS THE WONDERS OF GALAPAGOS AND MAINLAND ECUADOR
Travelers with Enchanted Expeditions will enjoy discovering the vast variety of Ecuador—the Andes highlands with its colorful mosaic of cultivated fields, its Indian markets and well-preserved colonial architecture, as well as its famed biodiversity. A paradise that bears one of the highest places in biodiversity of the world with its tropical rainforests and Andean cloud forests, Ecuador is home to over 1,600 species of birds and more than 17,000 recorded plants, many endemic to this small and peaceful country on the Pacific coast of South America. The country’s prehistoric cultural and archeological remains are proof of the abundance of its fertile soils and rich seas that have encouraged settlements on this territory for thousands of years. The Galapagos Islands, its greatest treasure and one of the favorite nominees for The New 7 Wonders of Nature, are a must for people of all ages. Enchanted Expeditions (formerly Angermeyer’s Enchanted Expeditions) will customize a tour according to the vacationer’s main interests and priorities. The company maintains Early Bird Special rates on certain departures aboard its motor yacht Beluga, now completely renovated to offer the highest standards of comfort and service. This first-class yacht is also equipped with the most modern safety systems. Interested travelers should hasten to book in order to claim the last available cabins. The motor yacht Beluga accommodates 16 passengers in eight double cabins (four lower/lower berths, two matrimonial beds and two lower/lower berths that can be joined to create matrimonial options). Cabin 1 has three beds (two lower and one upper bed), each with private bathrooms equipped with hot- and cold-water showers, fully air conditioned, spacious social areas with all the comfort and facilities of a superior first-class motor yacht, and panoramic windows in the salon/dining area. Travelers can enjoy a spacious sun deck or relax in the shade on the top deck while cruising between islands. Enchanted Expeditions, www.enchantedexpeditions.com 52 • MARCH 2011
VARIETY CRUISES UNVEILS NEW VARIETY VOYAGER FOR MEDITERRANEAN SAILINGS Variety Cruises is announcing the launch its newest ship, the M/Y Variety Voyager, in May of 2012. The ship will explore the Mediterranean on Variety Cruises’ new Treasures of South Italy and Malta seven-night program. Variety Voyager motor yacht will maintain the intimacy of mega yacht cruising that is the cornerstone of the Variety Cruises concept. The 223-ft vessel will host up to 64 guests in 32 fully equipped staterooms, assuring utmost safety and comfort. The M/Y Variety Voyager will make its maiden voyage on the new Treasures of South Italy and Malta cruise. Exploring the southern coast and islands of Italy and Malta, the cruise will sail May–October 2012 for seven nights. Ports of call begin with Salerno in southern Italy and the island of Capri. In Sicily, the program will visit Lipari, Stromboli, Giardini Naxas, Taormina, Syracuse, Porto Empedocle and Cefalu, with an additional stop in Malta. Her winter voyages will take her to the Indian Ocean where she operate two cruise programs—in November and again in March, The Gulf and the Treasures of Oman from Muscat/Oman to Abu Dhabi/United Arab Emirates, and from December 2012 to March 2013, she will cruise along the Western Coast India, from Mumbai or Trivandrum offering a unique insight of India and a world first on a small ship. With 28 crewmembers, Variety Voyager guarantees outstanding guest service. Highlights include indoor restaurant seating 64 guests with expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows to showcase ocean views; an outdoor restaurant area seating 50 people; a lounge area at the main deck seating 64 passengers and adjoining reception area and bar; a trendy and spacious outdoor Deck Bar Lounge to feature late-night entertainment from resident DJs and other entertainment; Wellness Zone on the Marina Deck, offering a Balinese Spa with massages, sauna, steam rooms and an exercise area with various fitness equipment; a Marina zone on the aft section of the ship allowing for easy launch of Zodiacs, access to the sea and to watersports equipment; an Internet corner and library, and audiovisual equipment perfect for groups and other entertainment. Variety Cruises, 800-319-7776, www.varietycruises.com
NAVIMAG’S MARE AUSTRALIS ENDS ITS FIRST SEASON On February 28, the small cruise ship Mare Australis will leave Castro, Chiloe Island in Chile, for its last trip to the Laguna San Rafael Glacier. It will be the end of the first season for this new sailing route operated by Navimag. With a total 16 departures and an occupation rate of 95 percent, the challenge has been a definite success. Navimag will announce soon the departures dates for the 2011–2012 season. Navimag Ferries www.navimag.cl www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News