TAKE TO THE HIGH SEAS IN 2014

LAUNCHING FEBRUARY 2014: ABN RAJMAHAL GANGES

Launching on the waters of the Ganges in mid-February 2014, this brand new, specially-designed ship will offer a schedule of weekly 7-night Ganges cruises from Patna right up to the city of Varanasi. Operating only in periods of high water, when India is at its most lush and attractive, the boat will explore untouched villages and towns of rural India with sightseeing excursions to some of the regions most important historical and religious sites, including two days of sightseeing in Varanasi itself. The ship itself will boast 22 spacious cabins: 14 doubles on the upper deck, 4 doubles on the main deck and 4 singles, all of which will have full length French balconies. The dining room features a saloon with bar, while other facilities include a small Mimasa spa, library and vast sun deck with demountable canopy – this feature, together with a draught of only 1 metre, allows the ship to reach as far upstream as Varanasi at certain times of the year.

How: Ampersand Travel offers a package from £2555 per person, including a 7 night cruise, 1 night in Patna, 1 in Varanasi and international flights.

INTRODUCING TIGER BLUE'S 'JOURNEYS OF DISCOVERY' EXPLORING THE HIDDEN ISLANDS OF INDONESIA

Explore the stunning islands of Eastern Indonesia on board Tiger Blue — a beautiful traditional phinisi sailing yacht. Perfect for family adventure, a once in a lifetime trip for friends or a diving and fishing holiday that is second to none, in 2014 Tiger Blue introduces a chance to explore little known destinations on set date 'Journeys of Discovery' created for the most intrepid traveller. Ranging from 7 or 12 night destinations include Komodo, Rinca, Maumere, Alor, Raja Ampat and the spectacular Banda Islands. Guests can discover white sandy beaches by day, explore un-forgettable reefs for snorkelling and diving and enjoy bonfires, bbq's and cocktails onshore as the sun goes down offering some of the most spectacular sunsets to be seen. The Journeys of Discovery give guests the chance to explore various islands each with their own tribal lifestyle. Many islands have been inhabited by the British, Dutch and Portuguese during the spice trade years, all of whom have left their mark over time as the islands with various forts and fortresses still remaining. Tiger Blue sleeps up to 12 people in 4 unique cabins and has an expert crew and chef onboard.

How: The Journeys of Discovery take place from mid September to mid October with double cabins starting from $7175 for two people, inclusive of all meals, beer, soft drinks, excursions and activities, including equipment for water-sports and diving.

NEW YACHT CLUB DE MONACO DESIGNED BY SIR NORMAN FOSTER TO OPEN - JUNE 2014

Designed by leading architect Sir Norman Foster, the new Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) will soon have a new venue on Quai Louis II, an extension of Quai des États-Unis. The Yacht Club de Monaco will officially be inaugurated in June 2014. Located next to the Société Nautique and the YCM’s Sailing Division, this nautical hub will host the Yacht Club’s new Clubhouse, with an atrium occupying a vital space at the heart of the building. The new Yacht Club de Monaco will house a monumental spiral staircase which will link all the club’s new spaces including an exhibition hall, ballroom, swimming pool, terrace, library, fitness room and five spacious ‘cabins’ for guests on stopovers. Designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and hi-tech, it is being built to HQE® (Haute Qualité Environnementale) standards; low impact in terms of building and design - water and energy management, hygrothermal comfort, sound proofing, visual impact, water quality, etc. The new Yacht Club de Monaco will reinforce Monaco’s nautical heritage and position as a ‘capital of yachting’.

SILVER DISCOVERER TO LAUNCH MARCH 2014 – EXPLORING THE KIMBERLEY, REMOTE INDONESIAN ISLANDS AND THE SEA OF OKHOTSK

Silversea, the leading ultra-luxury cruise operator, is to launch their eighth ship, Silver Discoverer. The ship is due to sail to even more remote and stunning destinations throughout Micronesia, Melanesia, Polynesia, Russian Far East, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand including one of the areas hidden treasures, the Kimberley. The new itineraries will be stopping in some of the most isolated archipelagos and communities in the region giving Silversea guests some truly unique experiences. Silver Discoverer will stop at Sumba, an island where ancient tribal rites have been best preserved and guests can experience a traditional burial ceremony. The ship will also be docking into the Pulau Tiga, a small, unpopulated island where guests can take a mineral rich mud bath before sailing off to the Tun Sakaran Marine Park for diving opportunities with the indigenous Bajau Laut tribe. Silver Discoverer is undergoing a major refurbishment prior to entering service on 2nd April 2014 and will consist of five suite categories, accommodating up to 128 guests and will have extensive facilities onboard including 12 Zodiac boats and a glass-bottom boat for unique exploration of marine life.

How: Prices for Silver Discoverer start from £5,650 per person based on double occupancy for in the Explorer Suite for a 12 night cruise. Economy flights can be purchased through the Silversea Air Package programme from £1,290 return.

EDMISTON PRESENTS A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO CHARTER A SUPERYACHT IN THE REMOTE JAVA SEA

Edmiston, the leading yacht charter and sales company, will be locating one of their finest superyachts in the Java Sea for a rare chartering opportunity. Often referred to as Asia’s “sleeping giant,” the Java Sea is a sprawling area of over 17,000 islands and home to some of the most exotic, beautiful, and diverse places on earth. This year, PRINCESS IOLANTHE, a 45-meter sports yacht, will be exploring these unspoilt islands and is available for charter opportunities. During their trip, guests can swim in the volcanic lakes of Sumatra as well as immerse themselves in the surf culture of Bali and be in with the chance of seeing everything from a giant octopus to pygmy seahorses. Edmiston’s onboard crew are experts in the region and are ready to explore Sumba for some of the world’s best surfing, stop at the Marine Park of Pantar Strait which is teaming with friendly sharks and anchor off the island of Waigeo to mix with the Indonesian locals.

How: PRINCESS IOLANTHE is available to charter through Edmiston in Java throughout 2014 from €150,000 per week.

DECEMBER 2014 TO MARK THE DEBUT VOYAGE OF SANCTUARY ANANDA ON THE MYSTERIOUS RIVERS OF MYANMAR

Not venturing onto the mysterious rivers of Myanmar until this December but already creating waves among cruise enthusiasts is the new Sanctuary Ananda. The ship has been custom built for the Myanmar rivers by local craftsmen using traditional materials while offering sleek contemporary luxury across 20 spacious suites on three decks, the Aloungpayah suite, a sun deck with an outdoor pool and the Kansi panorama lounge. Guests on board will visit the majestic Ayeyarwady between Bhamo and Yangon visiting temples, pagodas, palaces and monasteries along the way, while journeys on its great tributary, the Chindwn, will take guests to rarely seen places through the jungles of the north, forgotten villages, ancient towns almost to the Indian border. 

How: Ampersand Travel offers a 10 day package from £2,680 per person based on a 7-night full board cruise on the Sanctuary Ananda, 2-night B&B stay in Yangon and return international flights. 

SAY ‘I DO’ IN INDONESIA. MARRY ABOARD THE LUXURY ALILA PURNAMA

Alila Purnama, which translates as full moon, is a luxury Phinisi boat that sails around some of the most spectacular waters in Indonesia. For couples looking to get wed and tick an item off the bucket list, then a wedding aboard the Alila Purnama is the dream solution. Often referred to as the world's largest archipelago, guests will have the chance to explore the relatively unchartered waters and many islands of Indonesia, while celebrating tying the nautical knot. Alila Purnama provides ultra-modern accommodation for up to 10 guests, an experienced crew of 16 who will take care of all arrangements throughout the stay. Onboard are four suites more akin to top-end hotel rooms than boat cabins all with air conditioning, queen size beds and en-suite bathrooms.

How: Prices start from USD $40,000++ including the ceremony on the outdoor deck (up to 60 persons), a reception dinner to follow with choice of buffet / standing party (up to 90 persons) or a seated dinner (up to 20 persons), flowers, a violin player for the ceremony, DJ for the reception, a 3-night sailing to Bali and the Gili Islands, three night-water activities and accommodation for 10 persons in five suites.