Abercrombie & Kent Inc.
03/29/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/30/2021 10:31
Small Ship Expeditions Lead Return to Cruising
March 29, 2021
Expedition cruising is well positioned to lead the return to cruising according to the luxury travel experts at Abercrombie & Kent. After a year-long travel pause, guests are ready to reward themselves with the trip of their dreams. Expedition ships offer the opportunity to explore some of the most remote places on Earth with a high level of service and amenities; and with fewer than 200 guests, can go where the big ships can't. No two expeditions are ever the same because the weather, tides, ice conditions and wildlife sightings influence day-to-day activities.
'The very elements that distinguish expedition cruising - remote destinations, smaller ships, outdoor adventures and a focus on learning - closely align with what travellers' value most now,' explains Bob Simpson, A&K VP of Expedition Cruising. This shift has led to increased interest in Abercrombie & Kent's Luxury Expedition Cruises and the development of new voyages, as well past guest favorites. 'Space for the coming season is limited, especially for suites, as many guests who postponed travel last year have already booked for this season. There is also interest in travel much further out, so we are unveiling our 2022-23 season and previewing new itineraries in the British Isles, Indonesia and Antarctica.'
For 2022-23, Abercrombie & Kent has expanded its portfolio of Luxury Expedition Cruises℠ to feature 13 voyages, including six Polar Cruises in Antarctica and the Arctic, and seven Cultural cruises in Japan, Australia, the Baltic Sea, Italy, Greece, the British Isles and Indonesia.
Cultural Expedition Cruises
Immersive coastal journeys are led by an Expedition Team including archaeologists, botanists, ornithologists, geologists, historians and other specialists who share their expertise at daily briefings and lectures. Discover each destination on a choice of included shore excursions designed by A&K's local experts. Book early and save up to $2,000 per person on all stateroom categories and suites.
Wonders of Japan Cruise: Cherry Blossom Season (Mar 22-Apr 4, 2022)
Explore the culturally rich coastline of Japan's five main islands during springtime with a chance to witness sakura, the country's iconic cherry blossoms alongside an expert botanist. 14 days from $18,995 (was $20,995)
Kimberley Cruise: Australia's Last Frontier (May 6-18, 2022)
Explore the remote city of Broome before setting off on a voyage that combines one-of-a-kind wildlife with lush scenery and vital indigenous culture. Fly by helicopter over Mitchell Falls, spot crocodiles in the Hunter River and view an astonishing horizontal waterfall. 13 days from $13,995 (was $15,495)
Cruising the Baltic Sea: Copenhagen to St. Petersburg(Jun 8-20, 2022)
Learn about the history and cultural links between Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Estonia, Finland and Russia alongside renowned cultural experts. Special guests: Lech Walesa, former Polish president and Nobel Laureate, and Pavel Palazchenko, former interpreter to USSR president Mikhail Gorbachev. 13 days from $14,495 (was $16,495)
NEW: Cruising the Enchanted Isles: Scotland, Ireland & England (Aug 26-Sep 8, 2022)
Discover the velvet-green Orkney archipelago and ancient standing stones of the wild Hebrides Islands, UNESCO-designated St. Kilda and cliffs of Donegal and Moher. Enjoy a mix of on-board enrichment, guided landings and walks, exploration in birding havens and visits to legendary castles and whiskey distilleries, as well as a pre-cruise stay in Edinburgh and a two-night post-cruise stay in London. 14 days; Price coming soon
Italy Cruise: Hidden Treasures from Florence to Venice(Sep 13-25, 2022)
Cruise nearly the entire navigable coast of Italy and enjoy two days in Florence. Design Your Day with a choice of curated excursions in Rome, Sicily, Puglia, Urbino, Venice and Bastia on French Corsica. 13 days from $13,995 (was $14,995)
Cruising the Greek Isles(Sep 30-Oct 9, 2022)
Explore iconic sites such as Athens and Mykonos, as well as lesser-known gems, including Patmos, Delos, and Syros. Go off the beaten path in Santorini and soak up the idyllic Mediterranean Sea with a beach break on Rhodes. 10 days from $11,495 (was $12,495)
NEW: South Pacific Voyage: Komodo, Papua & Great Barrier Reef (Nov 21-Dec 7, 2022)
Visit Komodo National Park, with its wondrous marine ecosystem, unique culture and rare namesake dragon; enjoy wildlife and nature walks, Zodiac excursions, snorkeling and local village visits on the spice island of Maluku, astonishing Papua and the Great Barrier Reef. 17 days; Price coming soon
Polar Expeditions
Each voyage is built around hands-on adventures led by an Expedition Team that includes marine biologists, ornithologists, geologists, historians and other specialists who share their expertise on Zodiac excursions and at daily recaps and lectures. Book early and save up to $4,000 per person on all stateroom categories and suites.
Arctic Cruise Adventure: In Search of the Polar Bear(Jun 30-Jul 14, 2022)
Travel alongside experts, seeking out polar bears in their natural habitat among the Svalbard Islands and discovering the starkly beautiful lava fields and striking landscape of Iceland's Westfjords. 15 days from $16,995 with early booking discount (was $19,495)
The Northwest Passage: From Greenland to the Bering Sea(Aug 23-Sept 15, 2022)
Cruise in the footsteps of legendary polar explorers, from western Greenland to Nome, Alaska. Experience visits to iceberg-laden shores, remote Inuit villages, historic islands, and spectacular geological wonders like the UNESCO-designated Ilulissat Icefjord and Franklin Bay's 'Smoking Hills.' 24 days from $32,995 (was $36,995)
Antarctic Cruise Adventure: A Changing Landscape(Dec 9-21, 2022)
Discover the effects of rising global temperatures firsthand with enthralling lectures by climate scientist Dr. James McClintock who shares adventures from nearly 30 years of research. 13 days from $12,995 (was $15,995)
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands: Holiday Voyage(Dec 19, 2022-Jan 5, 2023)
Share an unforgettable Christmas and New Year's Eve while experiencing otherworldly landscapes on daily Zodiac excursions. Dedicated Young Explorers Guides lead fun, informative, hands-on learning experiences for students. 18 days from $19,495 (was 23,495)
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands: Photography Adventure(Jan 3-20, 2023)
Explore the colorful Falkland Islands and unspoiled South Georgia with vast rookeries of king penguins alongside an award-winning Photo Enrichment Coach who shares photo tips for all levels of photographers. 18 days from $19,995 (was $23,995)
NEW: Antarctica Discovery: Across the Antarctic Circle (Jan 18-Feb 1, 2023)
Venture beyond the Antarctic Circle to the most historic and rarely explored treasures of the Southern Ocean. 15 days from $16,995 (was $20,495)
All-Inclusive Luxury Exploration, the A&K Way
Travellers appreciate the all-inclusive nature of A&K Luxury Expedition Cruises, from every meal and unlimited house drinks to complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary Traveller's Valet® laundry service, gratuities, transfers, port charges and shore excursions. Included city visits in St. Petersburg, Florence, Athens and Osaka feature A&K guided tours and luxury stays in the regions' most remarkable hotels.
Abercrombie & Kent charters the ideal small expedition ship for each itinerary, selecting from the most advanced mega-yachts to offer an unmatched experience. Graceful, luxurious 'Le Bougainville' in the Mediterranean, 'Le Champlain' in the Baltics and British Isles, 'Le Laperouse' in the South Pacific and 'Le Soleal' in Japan combine cutting-edge comforts with a small size that lets them go where other ships cannot. The eco-friendly 'Le Lyrial' and 'L'Austral' in Antarctica and the Arctic boast a 1C ice class rating and cutting-edge technology to operate with minimal impact on the environment.
In keeping with the private-yacht-like ambiance, Abercrombie & Kent further limits capacity to approximately 80% -- no voyage exceeds 199 guests and most cultural journeys allow no more than 148 - ensuring each stateroom and suite has a private balcony. This affords the utmost in luxury, complete with butler service in all suites (an A&K exclusive), and an intimate 1 to 1.3 staff-to-guest ratio. The same commitment to added space is also reflected on shore excursions, with Zodiac boats limited to 8 guests, and coaches filled to only 60% capacity.
Onboard, strict protocols for health and safety reflect best practices for cleanliness and disinfection established by the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition to constant and systematic cleaning and sanitizing of all areas on board -- and stringent management of air circulation with a UV sterilization system -- lounge areas and dining rooms have been reconfigured to provide physical distancing. A doctor and nurse are available 24/7 and have access to advanced hospital equipment and isolation areas.
Book With Confidence
With A&K's new, more flexible booking policy, travellers can book any A&K Luxury Expedition Cruise by July 31, 2021 (for travel through December 31, 2022) and have the flexibility to change travel plans for up to 15 days prior to departure in the event of a COVID-19-related reason.
For more information on Luxury Expedition Cruising with Abercrombie & Kent, go to https://www.abercrombiekent.com/lec30, call 800.554.7094 to speak with an A&K Travel Consultant or contact your travel professional.
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