new experiences offered by
the line to celebrate Alaska
sailings resuming after a
two-year break. Other new
activities include sampling
craft beer brewed in
Anchorage, meeting some
of the birds of prey from the
raptor centre in Sitka, and
a series of talks on board,
including topics such as
native traditions, the role
of women in Alaska’s male-
dominated culture and the
legendary Iditarod dog sled
race. Seven nights’ full board
from £829pp, departing
Seattle on August 7
(hollandamerica.com).
Fly to Seattle.Land your own salmon on
one of Holland America
Line’s Alaska excursions,
and the chef on board will
prepare it however
you like. This is just
one of a series of
ALASKAN
ADVENTURES
See emperor penguins in Antarctica this ChristmasTravel to Antarctica later this
year, and you could be one of
just a handful of people to visit
Snow Hill Island and its
resident colony of 10,000
emperor penguins. Most
expedition cruises can’t go
here, as the island is only
accessible by helicopter — but
expedition ship Scenic Eclipse
has two. There are full-day
excursions to see the
penguins in its
18-day Antarctica
& the Weddell
Sea voyage,which is planned to coincide
with the end of the breeding
season, when chicks begin to
shed their fluffy grey feathers.
The trips comply with
conservation guidelines, so
the penguins aren’t disturbed.
Antarctica at this level of
luxury doesn’t come cheap,
though; the helicopter flights
cost £1,325pp, while the
all-inclusive trip will set you
back £16,145pp, based on
a December 19 departure
(scenic.co.uk).MEET THE
PENGUINSLine’s Alaska excursions,
and the chef on board will
prepare it however
you like. This is just
one of a series of
The Lagavulin distillery on the island of IslayHolland America Line’s new Alaska cruises promise
fishing and meeting birds of preyNew Scientist Discovery
Tours, which specialises in
science-based holidays, has
launched an in-depth themed
cruise around the Hebrides for
whisky fans. You’ll sail in the
1903 schooner the Flying
Dutchman, which has room
for just 20, visiting distilleries
on the islands of Islay and
Jura, with opportunities to go
deep into the science of how
whisky is made — and to taste
SCOTLAND’S
FINEST
some of Scotland’s finest.
Whisky expert Professor Barry
Smith will escort the tour.
Seven nights’ full board
from £1,999pp, including
activities and whisky tastings,
departing Oban on October 4
(newscientist.com/tours).
Take the train to Glasgow.Find out
how
single
malt is
made