adventure cruising
If cruising conjures images of onboard casinos, eating in dining rooms with 3,000 other people and more tack than you can poke a cocktail umbrella at, it's time to think again. The Travel Lab continues to innovate and turn traditional travel concepts upside down as they launch this exciting new product suite of adventure cruises.
Small Vessel Expeditions
Small vessels, understated comfort, exotic locations and a focus on the activities and experiences you have off the boat are what put these voyages in a completely different league to traditional cruising. Whether observing floating markets and indigenous communities, watching wildlife up close or being enveloped in primordial jungle, seeing the world by boat is guaranteed to excite even the most jaded traveller.
See our small vessel expeditions in the column below
cargo ship cruises
Looking for a different kind of adventure on the High Seas? The answer is to hop a freighter, cargo or container ship to take you on a voyage unlike any other. These cargo carrying giants give you the freedom to enjoy the ocean in an atmosphere of pure tranquillity. Contrast that to the action and buzz of pulling into an exotic port that is outside of the normal tourist realm and you have adventure with a capital A.
See our cargo ship cruises in the column below
Amazon Cruise Dry Season
The Peruvian Amazon and the Pacaya Samiria Reserve are a destination for nature lovers and those people interested in a hands-on, fully guided experience that really gets to the heart of this unique region.
Entering an ecosystem filled with brilliantly coloured birds, up to thirteen species of monkeys, rare pink and grey river dolphins, tropical fish and fearsome piranhas all shrouded in the mystery allure of the jungle, is to enter another world.
Our luxury vessel provides the means by which we access the Amazon jungle, her flora and fauna and the mighty river's tributaries in ultimate comfort and security.
Whether cruising the Amazon in luxury for 4 days, 5 days or 8 days, your voyage will surely be an once-in-a-lifetime marine experience.
Tahiti
This journey through Polynesian seas exploring Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands on the freighter that provides the lifeline to inhabitants of these far flung regions provides a most unique bent on your typical tropical cruise. You are greeted by spectacular volcanic cliffs and wide smiles as you pull into ports. Being guided by knowledgeable experts gives an educational benefit and dining on BBQ rock lobster on the beach is all part of the experience.
Mekong River Cruise
The mighty Mekong connects three important destinations; the stupendous World Heritage monuments at Angkor; Phnom Penh, the quaint Cambodian capital; and Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City, the exotic Frenchified former capital of South Vietnam.
Between these major ports of call, we find riverside villages, temples and local markets to explore, tributaries and back waters to navigate and Cambodian cottage industries to investigate.
Enjoy eight days on one of the world's finest water ways travelling in luxury on our river ships that have been hand finished in brass and teak by traditional craftsmen. Combining colonial character and friendly atmosphere with discreet luxury and comfort, our ships are objects of great beauty. With a shallow draft and the ability to explore narrow waterways as well as comfortably travel the main Mekong channel, our luxury river boat enables us to get up close to life along the banks and witness the impact this unique waterways has on the people who rely in her seasonal bounty.
Europe, Africa & South America
This multi continental journey is a throw back to the days before plane travel made the world a very small place to explore. The sheer diversity of discovery found on this 32 day odyssey takes you from the cuisine of a French seaside village to the rhythms of West African cities to the fun of the South American coast and much, much more.
Kalimantan Jungle Cruise
A short hop from Jakarta and Surabaya is Central Kalimantan and an authentic taste of Borneo. Offering a voyage that is at once peaceful and relaxing, scenic and exciting, our Jungle Cruise explores the rivers, jungles, mountains and villages of this lush region of Indonesia.
It provides a unique insight into the vibrant environment that is little touched by tourism.
Central Kalimantan referred to by some as 'the last frontier', by others as 'the Dayak heartland', is a paradise for travellers seeking unspoilt nature in the regions rainforests and rivers. It provides a window into the lives of the indigenous Dayak tribes some of whom still live traditionally in longhouses. With opportunities to view oranghutans, the 'wild men of Borneo', proboscis monkeys, hornbills, eagles and kingfishers as well as the varied and lush flora of the jungle, it is a natural wonderland.
Cape York Wetlands
Operating in a truly remote and unique part of Cape York Peninsula, our Wetland Experience explores the magnificent waterways of Aurukun with the traditional owners, the Wik and Wik Way people.
One of Australian's largest wetlands and the habitat of plentiful bird, fish, reptile and animal species, this massive network of rivers showcases nature's endless bounty.
Exploring from our base, a custom-built cruiser, we get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of this wilderness area in Australia's northern tip. With knowledgeable local elders to guide us in learning about local lore and customs, we delve into the stories of this ancient land and people. Their close connection to nature and all her creatures ensures a fascinating perspective. Learn about and collect 'bush tucker', discover aboriginal art and carvings, basket weaving and spear throwing! Throw a line in and try your hand at catching dinner and afterwards, take a night safari to spot nocturnal creatures. Our Cape York Wetland Experience will delight people interested in getting off the beaten track to find remote and little known corners of the world.
Greenland Sailing Expedition
What better way to get up close and personal with the extremes of Greenland than by sailing along and around her coast? With more than 2600 kilometres (1615 miles) of coastline inhabited by only a few thousand people, this is the Arctic in all its glory - breathtaking beauty, striking scenery, incredible sea and land mammal sightings and awesome frozen wilderness just waiting to be explored.
On this amazing voyage, our moving base is aboard a custom-designed 18 metre (60 foot) yacht built for the Clipper Round the World race. She is sturdy and spacious and perfect for gaining access to fjords and glaciers for land explorations where it is possible to walk 'inland' over glaciers into astounding, alpine forests. Kayaks provide opportunities to explore in and around the sea ice and icebergs. Likely animal sightings will include polar bear, seals, dolphins and whales such as minke, fin, humpback and orcas.
In our sloop, we experience that amazing and indescribable feeling of total insignificance against the vastness of this frozen natural environment.
Accompanied by knowledgeable and experiences yachtsmen and adventurers, this trip is sure to delight those interested in a true icy wilderness experience. Anchoring in sheltered, ice-free harbours each night, sailing and exploring inland by day, this up close experience of Greenland is a rarity in these days of mass market travel - raw, breathtaking and exceptional!
Amazon Cruise Wet Season
Join our Luxury Amazon Voyage in the 'flooded season' and discover a watery world alive with activity. Higher water levels means greater navigability in the narrow creeks and backwaters and puts us closer to the jungle canopy overhead - closer to playful monkeys and roosting birds. It is also cooler than the dry season which can make conditions more comfortable.
Entering an ecosystem filled with brilliantly coloured birds, up to thirteen species of monkeys, rare pink and grey river dolphins, tropical fish and fearsome piranhas all shrouded in the mystery allure of the jungle, is to enter another world.
Our luxury vessel provides the means by which we access the Amazon jungle, her flora and fauna and the mighty river's tributaries in ultimate comfort and security.
Whether cruising the Amazon in luxury for 4 days, 5 days or 8 days, your voyage will surely be an once-in-a-lifetime marine experience.
