MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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benefits of travel, Benefits of Travel & Tourism, Economic Benefits of Travel & Tourism, Museums & Exhibits

World’s First Museum Devoted to Startups Opens in Vilnius, Lithuania

The newly-opened museum of startups in Vilnius, Lithuania is showcasing the success stories of twelve home-grown startups, including the first Lithuanian unicorn Vinted (Kleiderkreisel). The museum aims to inspire locals and tourists alike while celebrating the city’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Vilnius, Lithuania – The world’s first museum devoted to start-ups has opened in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.

Startup Museum hosts twelve stories of local startups that managed to reach global success. The list includes the first Lithuanian unicorn, pre-loved fashion marketplace Vinted (Kleiderkreisel), nanosatellite manufacturer Nanoavionics, image editing software developer Pixelmator, along with Trafi (Jelbi), Deeper, Bored Panda, Tesonet, Oberlo, CityBee, Brolis Semiconductors, MailerLite and CGTrader.

The displayed startups come from a broad range of fields – from online platforms and software to space exploration and laser manufacturing.

The aim of the museum is to tell the untold stories of startups that not only found their way to success but also made contributions to improving the business culture within the city. Through the stories of individual startups, the visitors will get to experience the drastic improvement that the startup scene in Vilnius made in recent years, too.

“Opening a startup museum is a great way to highlight how welcoming and progressive our city is, creating the needed environment for businesses to thrive,” says Remigijus Šimašius, the mayor of Vilnius. “At the same time, the museum will honour the brave entrepreneurs that are true ambassadors of Vilnius around the globe. This museum is also a good reminder that it isn’t just ideas and investments that matter – persistence, heart, and a strong team are as crucial.”

Each startup highlighted in the museum is presented through its journey to success, including the lessons learned and challenges conquered. Next to each company’s timeline and story, visitors have a chance to see physical artefacts that each startup sees as representations of their journey, work culture and values.

For example, the pop culture magazine Bored Panda has a panda costume on display to celebrate their company culture – which was worn by one of the current employees when he came to apply for the job. While CGTrader, the world’s largest source for stock and custom 3D models, are showcasing a bucket that was used to collect water in the early days of the company when they worked in an office with a leaky roof. Vinted’s exhibition will feature, among other artefacts, a toy unicorn representing its status as a first home-grown startup to reach EUR 1 billion in market valuation.

At the museum, guests can also get familiar with the state of the startup ecosystem in Vilnius and get informed about the upcoming startup-related events and awards.

Each year, the museum will add four additional Vilnius-based startups that made the most significant strides in that particular year.

The Startup museum was established by Go Vilnius, the official business development agency of Vilnius, together with a coworking space Talent Garden Vilnius.

There are currently 35 startup-dedicated spaces in Vilnius: twelve startup incubators and centres, eleven business accelerators and the same amount of investment organizations, five sandboxes dedicated to fintech, energy-related and real estate fields. Finally, the open data policy of the Vilnius city municipality allows businesses to test their products by using real financial, procurement, real estate, transport and other types of data.

Go Vilnius is the official tourism and business development agency of the City of Vilnius. The agency provides visitors, investors, relocating talent, entrepreneurs and businesses with all the essential information they need to know about the Lithuanian capital. Go Vilnius offers information on everything from real estate to leisure activities in Vilnius, simplifying the process of travelling, relocating to, or investing in Vilnius.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, expeditionary cruises, Uncategorized

Iceland ProCruises Publishes 2021 Itineraries; Offers 20% Discounts

Iceland and Greenland specialist Iceland ProCruises has released their 2021 Brochure which includes a price decrease for their “Best of Iceland” itinerary; no price increase on all other sailings and a new route for Greenland Cruises.

Reykjavik, Iceland – Iceland and Greenland specialist Iceland ProCruises has released their 2021 Brochure which includes a price decrease for their “Best of Iceland” itinerary; no price increase on all other sailings and a new route for Greenland Cruises.

The itinerary for 2021 includes ten trips of the expedition ship OCEAN DIAMOND around Iceland, three trips “Best of Iceland” and two trips to Greenland. For all trips there is an early bird discount of 20 percent for bookings through 31st December 2020.

The company’s premier itinerary – the circumnavigation of Iceland, is offered on ten departure dates from mid-May to mid-august and one in early September. These trips with the OCEAN DIAMOND are soft expedition cruises and are accompanied by an Icelandic expedition team, who all speak English and German. The journey begins and ends in Reykjavik. Ports on the circuit are Stykkisholmur, Isafjördur, Siglufjördur, Akureyri, Skjalfandi Bay, Seydisfjördur, Djupivogur and Vestmannaeyjar. The ten-day (nine-night) trip is available from $2,320 per person.

The voyage “Best of Iceland” will take guests to and from Reykjavik on the OCEAN DIAMOND for seven nights around the island. The tour visits Stykkisholmur, Isafjördur, Akureyri, Skjalfandi Bay, Djupivogur and on the Westman Islands. The eight-day (seven night) trip sails September 6-19 is available from $1,840 per person.

The Iceland and Natural Wonders of Greenland cruise will now combine Greenland’s East coast and West coast. The new destination, East Greenland, is one of the most isolated areas in the world. To the west, the massive central icecap rises 8,000 feet. To the east is the open ocean, strewn with drifting sea ice from the North Pole. This seclusion is the reason why traditions and culture run deeper here than anywhere else in Greenland. Untouched nature with huge fjords and mighty icebergs dominates the landscape. There are two trips to Greenland with flights to and from Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) and Keflavik included in the price. The Natural Wonders of the West Coast of Greenland is available August 7 to 18 from Reykjavik via East Greenland to Narsarsuaq. From Greenland’s capital Nuuk, the route leads to Ilulissat with its ice fjord before cruising onward via Uummannaq to the destination port of Kangerlussuaq. The twelve-day trip (11 night) is available from $3,195 per person. The second itinerary travels from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik August 18 to 29 and is available from $3,195 per person.

There is still availability for cruises in 2020 around Iceland and Greenland. When booking until 31st December 2019 the early bird discount of 20 percent applies.

Bookings may be made with a local travel agency or directly at +1 678 701 5830. More information at www.icelandprocruises.com, including rates and schedules for 2021.

Iceland ProCruises is part of the Iceland ProTravel group which is located in six countries and a leading tour operator for incoming travelers to Iceland. Their office in Iceland includes: Iceland ProCruises, Iceland ProTravel–a local DMC, Iceland ProTravel Services and Iceland ProFishing. Gudmundur Kjartansson, a native Icelander, and Ann-Cathrin Bröcker from Luxembourg, owners of the whole Iceland ProTravel group have over twenty years of combined experience in Icelandic tourism.

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Cultural Travel, Museums & Exhibits

Tiffany Glass Exhibition at Rosecliff, One of Newport R.I. Mansions

Colorful glass artwork and objects by Louis C. Tiffany is on display at Rosecliff, one of the famed Newport, Rhode Island, Mansions, through March 1 (c) Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

NEWPORT, R.I. – Colorful glass artwork and objects by the renowned Louis C. Tiffany is on display at Rosecliff, one of the famed, grand, historic Newport Mansions, through March 1.

“Tiffany Glass: Painting with Color and Light” opens Sunday at 4 p.m. with a lecture and reception featuring Lindsy Parrott, executive director and curator of The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass in New York City, which organized the exhibition. Hosted by The Preservation Society of Newport County, the exhibition showcases a selection of objects from the Neustadt’s vast collection.

“Tiffany’s work is one of the defining examples of innovation in Gilded Age decorative arts,” said Trudy Coxe, CEO and executive director of the Preservation Society. “This is a great addition to our series of exhibitions on the second floor of Rosecliff, following upon our recent, successful Audubon presentation.”

As a painter, Tiffany (1848-1933) was captivated by the interplay of light and color, and this fascination found its most spectacular expression in his glass “paintings.” Through the medium of opalescent glass, Tiffany manipulated light and color to achieve impressionistic effects using innovative techniques and materials. His Tiffany Studios created leaded-glass windows and lampshades in vibrant colors and richly varied patterns, textures and opacities.

“Tiffany Glass: Painting with Color and Light” is composed of five windows, 19 lamps and more than 100 pieces of opalescent flat glass and glass “jewels.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with The Preservation Society of Newport County to share some of Tiffany’s most iconic and celebrated works, especially since several Newport mansions featured decorations commissioned from Tiffany,” Parrott said. “The exhibit illustrates the rich expanse of color and light available to the artists at the Tiffany Studios, and captures Tiffany’s artistic innovations during the Gilded Age.”

Rosecliff is located at 548 Bellevue Ave. The exhibition is free to view with paid admission to Rosecliff. For tickets and information, visit newportmansions.org/learn/adult-programs or call 401-847-1000, ext. 178.

The Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island, is a nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area’s historic architecture, landscapes, decorative arts and social history. Its 11 historic properties – seven of them National Historic Landmarks – span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development.

For more information, visit NewportMansions.org.

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benefits of travel, Benefits of Travel & Tourism, Cultural Travel, Importance of Tourism, Uncategorized

TreadRight Foundation Announces New Project Partnership with Seville’s Cristina Heeren Foundation to Support Flamenco Dance

The Travel Corporation’s non-profit foundation, Treadright, welcomes new project partnership in Seville, Spain with The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art to support the conservation of flamenco dance.

Cypress, Calif.- The TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of award-winning brands, including Trafalgar, Uniworld, Insight Vacations, Contiki and Red Carnation Hotels, has announced a new project partnership with The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art in Seville, Spain. The new project falls under TreadRight’s ‘People’ pillar, which encourages the cultures, traditions and arts of the communities TTC visits.

The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art is a private, non-profit entity, created in 1993 in Seville by Cristina Heeren, Hispanist and American patron. Its aims are the promotion, the teaching and the conservation of flamenco both in Andalusia and Spain, as well as internationally.

The TreadRight Foundation is supporting The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art by establishing four scholarships for advanced guitar, singing and dance students at the Foundation. The TreadRight scholarships will be dedicated to advanced students who need financial assistance to complete their third or fourth year of training. These higher-level students display great skill and competence in their disciplines, however, they often struggle to find the funds to continue or complete their training. The TreadRight scholarship will now allow them to see their training through to its completion.

In addition, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold guests will have a culturally immersive and unique experience while visiting The Cristina Heeren Foundation on select trips. They will start with a flamenco dance class before taking front-seats for a fiery performance of flamenco to truly embrace the artform.

“Anyone who has ever had the chance to experience a flamenco performance can’t help but be moved by the centuries old artistic tradition. It is obvious why UNESCO recognized flamenco as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2010,” says Brett Tollman, Chief Executive, TTC and Founder, The TreadRight Foundation. “It represents such an incredible and indelible contribution to Spanish culture and heritage, as well as world culture and heritage. We are delighted to be partnering with The Cristina Heeren Foundation to help support the brilliant young artists working to keep this beautiful tradition alive and thriving.”

“That our friends at the TreadRight Foundation should have understood the importance of Flamenco, a unique art form, is close to miraculous,” shared Cristina Heeren, President of The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art. “Indeed, few people realize that flamenco is unique, being a product of the numerous ethnic influences left behind by those groups that settled in southern Spain over the centuries. Now, thanks to the TreadRight scholarships, our most promising students will be able to enter the professional world,” she continued.

Since 1996, the prestigious school has trained more than 6,000 youths from around the world in song, dance and guitar. It has been recognized with the Flamenco in the Classroom Prize from the Andalusian Government, the Order of Alfonso X from Spain’s Ministry of Culture, the National Teaching Prize from the Chair of Flamencology in Jerez and the distinction Flamenco Thursdays from the Cajasol Foundation, among other honors.

Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands, The TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to safeguard the planet, wildlife & people for generations to come. TreadRight’s mission is to #MakeTravelMatter through conservation, leadership and support for communities. To date, TreadRight has supported over 55+ sustainable tourism projects in 280+ communities worldwide. Foundation priorities are set by the Steering Committee. Past project partners include WWF, Conservation International, WildAid, The Travel Foundation and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Big Cat fund, WE.org and inspiring nature advocates like Céline Cousteau, Costas Christ and Terri Irwin. To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at treadright.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using our hashtag #MakeTravelMatter.

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Best in Travel, Cultural Travel, heritage travel

Insight Vacations Discounts Travel to Ireland for Bookings by Dec. 18

Ireland is rich in culture with its wild landscapes and hearty culinary delights. From enjoying a pot of Irish stew, to exploring Ireland’s lush lands and regal castles, connect with your Gaelic Roots on Insight Vacations’ immersive experiences.

Ireland may be a small country but it is rich in culture with its wild landscapes and hearty culinary delights. From enjoying a pot of Irish stew, to exploring Ireland’s lush lands and regal castles, you’ll connect with your Gaelic Roots on Insight Vacations’ immersive experiences.

Lonely Planet named Galway as one of the top places to visit in the world in 2020—a cultural destination highlighted on Insight Vacations’ Ireland itineraries. The accolade has been given in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2020, describing the city as “arguably Ireland’s most engaging city”.

According to the European Capital of Culture, visitors to Galway can expect to experience the city and county’s best year yet, with a year-long program of extraordinary street spectacle, live and digital art as well as world-class music, theatre and dance.

As the award-winning leader in premium escorted travel, Insight Vacations wants travelers to observe Galway with experiences that go beyond the ordinary. On Insight’s journeys to Ireland, guests are invited to meet and interact with locals and explore various establishments that offer authenticity as well as good old-fashioned fun.

Here are several Insight trips that immerse guests into the unique aspects of Galway:

Country Roads of Ireland (12 Days):Travelers will get the chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. They will spend a day at their leisure to relax and enjoy the city– perhaps joining an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands – a genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.

Focus on Ireland (7 Days):Lead by Insights’ dedicated and knowledgeable Travel Director, guests will explore the infamous Lynch Memorial and the Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his discovery of America. They will also see the aged Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.

Irish Elegance (8 Days): Guests will journey the City of the Tribes and visit Galway’s stunning cathedral. They can take in the beautiful scenery during their two-night stay at the Connemara Coast Hotel, which is spectacularly set on the shores of Galway Bay.

For a limited time on Insight Vacations journeys, guests can visit Galway with Insight Vacations’ amazing air offer: From now until Dec. 18, travelers can save up to $300 per couple on economy air on departures from Oct. 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020, and Sept. 1, 2020 to Nov. 15, 2020.

By choosing flights with American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair and Iberia, travelers can save $150 off per person on Economy, $200 off per person on Premium Economy or $300 off per person on Business Class.

In addition to the these air offers, Insight Vacations is also offering a 10% savings to Europe with their popular Early Payment Discount for those who book and pay in full by December 18, 2019. This discount is combinable with Insights’ air offers.

For reservations, call Insight Vacations at 1-888-680-1241, or visit www.insightvacations.com

Join the conversation on social media using the hashtags
#INSIGHTVACATIONS and #INSIGHTMOMENTS

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Cultural Travel, Endangered Places, Historic Places, Historic Preservation, Uncategorized

Save Venice Launches Immediate Response Fund Following Historic November Floods In Venice, Italy

Venice under water. **Save Venice,** an American non-profit organization, has formed an **Immediate Response Fund** for artistic and cultural heritage recovery following the extreme floods (acque alte) that devastated Venice between November 12-17, 2019 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Save Venice, an American nonprofit organization, has formed an Immediate Response Fund for artistic and cultural heritage recovery following the extreme floods (acque alte) that devastated Venice between November 12-17, 2019. The Embassy of Italy in Washington DC and Save Venice are partnering to raise funds for the Immediate Response Fund, which will support urgent relief efforts and preventative conservation. Donations can be made at savevenice.org/donate by selecting the Immediate Response Fund, and will be matched by Save Venice, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000 through February 2020.

“Save Venice was born in the aftermath of the terrible floods of November 1966, and the November 2019 floods underscore the urgency of our mission,” said Save Venice Chairman Frederick Ilchman. “The Immediate Response Fund will allow Save Venice to move quickly to mitigate the effects of corrosive saltwater and deposits in flooded churches, museums, and comparable public buildings, to support emergency conservation treatment for paintings, stonework, floors, wooden furnishings, and books and archival documents, as well as to undertake preventative conservation to minimize damage from future floods. We will continue to do what our track record proves we do best: protect Venice’s irreplaceable artistic heritage.”

The Italian Ambassador, Armando Varricchio, noted, “Venice has deep historical roots and is a modern and vibrant city, innovative and open to the future with a strong entrepreneurial and industrial background. Venice and Venetians are resilient. They will rise to this challenge,” adding that “the legacy of the past, the energy and dynamism of nowadays Venice are the solid foundations on which to build a bright future for the city.”

Dr. Ilchman said, “We are honored to partner with the Embassy of Italy on this important initiative to make a difference for Venice, and we express our gratitude to Ambassador Varricchio.”

Headquartered in New York City, Save Venice maintains a full-time office in Venice with staff members diligently overseeing each conservation site. They are collaborating with conservators and local authorities to assist with damage assessment and plans for the recovery process. As new environmental challenges arise, Save Venice and its family of experts are prepared to devise and implement additional preservation protocols. The Board of Directors of Save Venice is convinced that the time to act is now.

Save Venice is a leading American non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy for the world. Founded in response to the floods of 1966, the worst in recorded history, and incorporated in 1971, Save Venice has since worked tirelessly to preserve, protect, and promote the art and culture of Venice and has funded the conservation of more than 550 projects comprising over 1,000 individual artworks. In 2015, Save Venice established the Rosand Library & Study Center in Venice, creating a nexus for the research of Venetian art, history, and conservation. Save Venice also provides grants for fellowships, exhibitions, and publications to advance Venetian scholarship and conservation.

For more information about Save Venice, visit: www.savevenice.org

Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @SaveVeniceInc

Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Arctic/Antarctic Travel, ecotourism, star gazing trips, Uncategorized

Off the Map Travel Introduces ‘Truly Green Aurora’ Arctic Northern Lights Holiday by Eco-Friendly EBike/Snowmobile

Off the Map Travel, Northern Lights travel experts have added an environmental twist to their popular all-day Aurora itinerary in Svalbard, using e-snowmobiles powered by renewable energy from the Arctic winds and the Midnight sun, guests while searching for the Northern Lights.

(Longyearbyen, SVALBARD) — Off the Map Travel, Northern Lights travel experts have added an environmental twist to their popular all-day Aurora itinerary in Svalbard, making it the lowest impact Arctic Northern Lights adventure ever. Using e-snowmobiles powered by renewable energy from the Arctic winds and the Midnight sun, guests indulge their green sensibilities at any hour of the day while searching for the Northern Lights in the eco-friendly “Truly Green Aurora” holiday.

The new adventure is based in Longyearbyen on the island of Svalbard at 78° North, an island designated as a Sustainable Destination. The itinerary is recommended from November to January when the skies over the island are almost permanently black, forming a perfect backdrop for searching the Aurora both daytime and nighttime. www.offthemap.travel

“Although the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and are never guaranteed, you need clear, dark skies to optimize your chances to see them,” notes Jonny Cooper, Arctic travel expert and founder of Off the Map Travel. He explains, “Svalbard’s dark skies and extended Aurora viewing are due to the sun’s being at least 6 degrees below the horizon. This means it can be dark all day so the Northern Lights can appear at any time. In effect, the sun never rises.”

To compliment this eco Arctic adventure, guests will also journey into the wilderness on a snowshoe trek and hunt for the Aurora while driving a dogsled. The activities and experiences minimize travel impact and encourage connection with the environment and culture. The new holiday is in line with the reason Svalbard and Longyearbyen were designated a prestigious Sustainable Destination where travel experiences are designed to care for nature, culture and environment as well as strengthen local social values.

“The new eBikes are snowmobiles that use electric motors that are great for the environment as well as totally quiet permitting a closer connection with local wildlife and nature,” states Cooper. “The quiet engine allows for gentle searching of the Northern Lights, reindeer, ptarmigans and polar foxes. Exploring some of the most uncharted areas of our planet has never been more eco-friendly,” he adds.

As with any itinerary from Off the Map Travel, every adventure can be tailor-made to fit the wishes and requirements of any guest. As an example, a 4-day, 3-night A Truly Green All Day Aurora itinerary with Off the Map Travel, is priced starting from $1407 per person, not including flights. This includes private transfers and three nights at Funken Lodge on a B&B basis, Northern Lights evening at Camp Barentz, use of an electric snowmobile under the Aurora, dog sledding under the Aurora, snowshoeing to an ice cave, and a tour to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, an underground bunker where seeds, nuts and plant species are stored and protected against global crisis. https://www.offthemap.travel/green-aurora/

Off the Map Travel is a team of travel experts who work with experiences and destinations that allow people to explore hidden wonders of the world. Specializing in soft adventure and viewing of the Northern Lights, Off the Map Travel creates tailor-made itineraries that offer a distinctive vacation based on first-hand experience. Off the Map Travel vacations anticipate travelers’ needs with pre-planning and customization. Each bespoke itinerary is tailored to the ages of participants, creating experiences for families, groups, couples and singles that are comfortable and luxurious, with activity levels appropriate for all participants. www.offthemap.travel

For more information on tailor-made Off the Map Travel itineraries visit www.offthemap.travel; call 646-701-0041; email [email protected] or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or Pinterest

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Antarctica, Arctic/Antarctic Travel, cruises, expeditionary cruises, Expeditionary Travel, Uncategorized

AdventureSmith Explorations Offers 2021 Solar Eclipse Viewing on 7 Antarctic Cruises

On Dec. 4, 2021, there will be a total eclipse of the sun in Antarctica, a region most can only dream about. But Adventure Smith Explorations, an international expert in small ship expedition cruising, has announced limited availability for voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula to witness this phenomenon that will only be seen in the south polar region.

TRUCKEE, CA – On Dec. 4, 2021, there will be a total eclipse of the sun in Antarctica, a region most can only dream about. But Adventure Smith Explorations, an international expert in small ship expedition cruising, has announced limited availability for voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula to witness this phenomenon that will only be seen in the south polar region.

Vessels accommodating from 102 to 170 passengers are specifically appointed to maneuver the ice-bound waters of Antarctica for positioning in the center of the moon shadow during the eclipse.

Itineraries of 20 to 24 days will utilize in-depth technology to find the best possible viewing area, hoping to ensure an unobscured sun.

Departures are round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with explorations of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, the ultimate polar wilderness. These eclipse cruises aim to be in the Weddell Sea to witness the phenomena among giant tabular icebergs and sea ice.

For some passengers the eclipse will be the expedition’s highlight. However, the ongoing adventure into spring in Antarctica will leave everyone in awe over some of the world’s most impressive scenery, including icebergs of every size and description, and Antarctica’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Waters rich with krill are home to a variety of whale and seal species. Penguins form large nesting colonies on land.

Antarctica cruises, already once-in-a-lifetime experiences, become even more so on the following small ships in December 2021. Following are the scheduled departures for eclipse viewing:

20-Day Voyages

Nov. 23-Dec. 12, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard 116-guest Planica’s; per person double rates from $16,400.

Nov. 25-Dec. 14, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard the brand-new 170-guest Janssonius; per person double rates from $16,400.

Nov. 26-Dec. 15, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard the brand-new 170-guest Hondius; per person double rates from $16,400.

The Plancius, Janssonius and Hondius are purpose-built expedition vessels designed exclusively for polar cruises. These ships offer top-tier activity gear and exploratory educational travel programs, with guests spending as much time ashore as possible.

23-Day Voyage

Nov. 20-Dec. 12, 2021 – Antarctic Wildlife Adventure, aboard 114-guest Sea Spirit; per person double rates from $18,395. Complementing the strong credentials of the ship’s team of marine biology, history, geology and ornithology specialists will be Paul M. Sutter, astrophysicist, author, speaker, producer and on-air host. His first book, Your Place in the Universe; Understanding Our Big, Messy Existence, was published by Prometheus Books in 2018. He is the author of over 50 articles on astrophysics and serves as Chief Scientist of the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio.

24-Day Voyages

Nov. 17-Dec. 10, 2021– National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands, aboard 102-guest National Geographic Orion; per person double rates from $26,600.

Nov. 17-Dec. 10, 2021 – National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands, aboard the brand-new, 126-guest National Geographic Endurance; per person double rates from $28,750.

Nov. 18-Dec. 11, 2021 – National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands, aboard 148-guest National Geographic Explorer; per person double rates from $25,890.

On these National Geographic cruises, photography experts will share information about special equipment you’ll need if you want to create an image of the eclipse, like solar filters. And the onboard National Geographic photographer and certified photo instructor will prepare guests for the special challenges of shooting an eclipse from a ship, where tripods and long exposures don’t work on what amounts to a moving platform. A naturalist team and guest speakers will provide insight and background on eclipses and other astronomical features one might encounter in the Southern Ocean and Southern Hemisphere.

For intrepid explorers who can’t wait until 2021 to experience Antarctica, AdventureSmith Explorations announces availability with some rate savings on the following Antarctic expeditions in the 2019-2020 season.

Antarctic Peninsula – 5 percent savings if cruise for 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons is booked by Dec. 1, 2019.

Antarctic Latitudes – save 15 percent on 2019-2020 cruises if booked by Nov. 30, 2019; and save up to $1,700 per person on 2020-2021 cruises if booked by Dec. 31, 2019.

National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands – book by Dec. 31, 2019, to receive complimentary roundtrip airfare.

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Truckee, CA, near the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd Smith first joined the ranks of Condé Nast Traveler‘s prestigious world’s Top Travel Specialists list as the leading expert on small ship expeditions.

For details on all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2019-2020 reservations, please call 866-575-2875 toll-free or visit the company website.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Arctic/Antarctic Travel, ecotourism, expeditionary cruises, Nature Travel, small ship cruising, Uncategorized, Wildlife Expeditions

Poseidon Expeditions Offers Close Encounters with Reindeer and Polar Bear On High Arctic Expedition Cruises

Poseidon Expeditions, specialists in Arctic cruises, offers opportunities aplenty in the high Arctic wilderness between Norway and the North Pole to see reindeer as well as the King of the North, polar bear in their natural habitat. On Arctic Wildlife Safari and Bet of Svalbard cruises, guests can observe and learn such fun facts about these animals.

PROVIDENCE, RI– In an ancient ice age the four-legged critter we associate with Santa’s sleigh lived as far south as Tennessee. Whether those reindeer picked up a southern drawl is still up for debate.

What’s non-debatable is that Rangifer tarandus or reindeer (aka caribou), meaning snow shoveler, was so named by the Mi’kmaq, who were among original inhabitants of the Atlantic Provinces of Northern Canada.

The specialists in Arctic cruises, Poseidon Expeditions, offers opportunities aplenty in the high Arctic wilderness between Norway and the North Pole to see reindeer as well as the King of the North, polar bear in their natural habitat. On Arctic Wildlife Safari and Best of Svalbard cruises, guests can observe and learn such fun facts about these animals as…

A reindeer’s hide is covered with hair follicles that are hollow and that trap air that provides insulation.

Their noses warm the air before it reaches the lungs.

In the winter, facial hair grows long to the mouth, protecting muzzles while grazing in snow.

Its body temperature adjusts to just above freezing to avoid losing body heat in extremely cold conditions.

Both male and female reindeer sport antlers.

They vocalize through air sacs in their neck, males warning other males away from girlfriends and females communicating with their young.

The knees of one subspecies of reindeer make a clicking noise while walking, sounds that allow a herd to stay together in a blizzard.

And about the polar bear?

Adult females often weigh between 500 and 600 pounds; males are double these weights. Cubs enter the world at around one pound, females reaching full weight at age five and males by age 10.

Ask anyone what color a polar bear is and they’ll reply “white” with total confidence. The fact is, their fur is actually transparent and holds no color. It only appears white because it reflects visible light. The transparent fur also traps in the sun’s heat to help keep the polar bear warm.

When polar bears swim, they use their large front paws to propel themselves through the water and their back legs to steer. They can actually move pretty fast at approximately at 6 mph, closing their nostrils when under water.

They can go days, even weeks, without eating. When they reach a week or more without food, their metabolism slows down and goes into starvation mode until the next meal.

Polar bear cubs learn to freeze or “play dead” while momma bear hunts for food. If they’re caught moving, mom will discipline them, with a smack to the head.

Two-thirds of polar bears could disappear by 2050 due to disappearing hunting grounds, or sea ice. They are now compelled to swim such long distances that they are drowning from exhaustion.

While cruising around seldom-visited, natural preserves of the far north, guests may also experience polar wildlife from the perspective of a kayak. Imagine paddling with bearded seals, large and peaceful creatures that are often encountered at close range reposing on ice floes in sheltered bays and fjords. Harbor seals and ringed seals can be seen from a kayak as well. Sometimes massive walrus can also be seen.

Guests may also access beluga whales via kayak. Paddling with these gentle and intelligent creatures in the wild — hearing their breaths and feeling their inquisitive gaze upon you — is a life-changing experience, especially if it happens to be a pod of over a hundred beluga whales swimming in long procession past and underneath the kayaks.

Poseidon Expedition’s sea kayak guides are well versed in the wildlife viewing and protection protocols developed by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).

The rates for 2020 Arctic Wildlife Safari, West Spitsbergen & Polar Ice Edge, are discounted: May 31-June 8, June 7-June 15, June 14-June 22 from $5,895 to $5,305; June 21-July 1 from $7,295 to $6,566 and June 30-July 11 from $8,095 to $7,286. On the June 7 departure guests receive a bonus, the opportunity to mingle with a polar bear expert from the Cincinnati Zoo.

Best of Svalbard, Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge cruises offers three departures in June and July 2020. Children under age 12 travel at half the regular rate when sharing a double-occupancy cabin with an adult. Per person double rates are from $10,095 double in a main deck suite.

For inquires and reservations in North America, or to request a catalog, contact the company’s Providence, RI, sales and reservation office at www,poseidonexpeditions.com or call 347-801-2610, or contact your travel agent.

With offices in the US, UK, Germany, Russia, Cyprus and China, Poseidon Expeditions is a leading provider of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. The company is committed to safe and environmentally responsible polar travel. It is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).

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