Tucan launches Expedition Cruises
By: Katrina Archer and Bruce Piper, Cruise Weekly

Adventure travel backpacker specialist, Tucan Travel, has added Expedition Cruising to its portfolio, offering cruises to Antarctica, The Arctic, The Amazon, Patagonia and The Galapagos.

Tucan currently offers more than 450 group tours and independent travel to destinations including Europe, the Middle East & North Africa, Asia & Russia, East & Southern Africa, and Latin America & Antarctica.

It's latest dive into Expedition Cruising will now explore new regions, and become one of its 'Travel Styles', which currently consist of; Discovery Tours, Adventure Tours, Overland Expeditions, Budget Expeditions, and Independent Travel.

Speaking about the move, General manager Justin Ewin said, "The decision to branch into cruising is a simple one.

"There are parts of the world that can only be accessed by ship, such as the Polar Regions, and others that are best explored via rivers, like the Amazon rainforest. Places like Patagonia and the Galapagos Islands are absolutely teeming with wildlife, so an Expedition Cruise gives you the best chance to get closer to nature."

An example of one of Tucan's cruise offerings is a six day 'Galapagos Santa Cruz' voyage which departs from Quito.

The cruise follows the footsteps of Darwin and explores the Galapagos, including up close encounters with wildlife like the bluefooted boobies, Galapagos penguins, giant tortoises and land iguanas.

It's priced from A$2750pp in a standard cabin including one night pre and post cruise accommodation.

To celebrate the launch of its Expedition Cruises, Tucan is offering passengers the chance to win a nine day Amazon Experience for two people on board the M/Y Tucano, ex Manaus (Brazil) including one night pre cruise accommodation and land transfers.

The M/Y Tucano is a traditional Amazon River Boat, with nine restored cabins.

It explores the riverbank for wildlife and visits remote communities with Tucan guides.

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