Luxury Fishing Off the Great Barrier Reef

Anglers on the North End of Queensland can find luxury fishing at the end of their rods on board the 68-foot, multi-million dollar, three-level yacht Blue Martini.

The yacht can be reached via helicopter transfers and sails with a personal chef out of Port Douglas.

Far North Sports Fishing offers both day and live-aboard charters from Port Douglas to Lizard Island and up into the far north chasing giant trevally, black marlin and barramundi. Rates begin at $8,000 per group per day with a four-day minimum.

New Ship Offers Indian River Cruising

The ABN Rajmahal launched in Calcutta last week as the latest addition to the Assam Bengal fleet. The 22-cabin vessel’s extra-shallow draught allows it to run City of Light seven-night cruises between Patna and Varanasi in August and September when river conditions permit.

During the winter, the ABN Rajmahal will run cruises on the Hugli and the Ganges with her maiden commercial voyage scheduled for Feb. 15.

The company’s Hugli and Ganges cruises feature one-way rail travel between Calcutta and Farakka at the beginning or end of the cruise.

Silversea’s Silver Discovery Begins Sailing Northern Australia

Silversea’s expedition ship, the Silver Discoverer will launch her inaugural season on a cruise from Darwin to Broome, and vice versa, during the Kimberley’s waterfall season.

Silversea will offer complimentary roundtrip flights from any Australian capital city to join Silver Discoverer from domestic ports.

A small expedition ship of 128 guests, the all-suites Silver Discoverer features butler service; fine dining with complimentary champagne, wine and spirits; excursions including a bonus scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle.

Halong Bay by Air

A new seaplane service will start in Vietnam’s Halong Bay in April, with sightseeing options, air taxi and other private hire services.

Halong Bay is a UNESCO-listed destination that is home to thousands of limestone karsts and small islands. Hai Au Airlines will start the service with two seaplanes.

The 12-seat aircraft will fly sightseeing flights lasting between 15 and 50 minutes.

The flights, using a Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX aircraft, are designed as a shorter alternative or as an enhancement to the Halong Bay cruise option.