Spend the festive season cruising Tasmania

Spend Christmas or the dawning of the New Year aboard the polar research vessel Akademik Shokalskiy in Tasmania's pristine South-West Wilderness National Park and Freycinet Peninsula.

The 38-berth ship will conduct the two seven-day cruises from Hobart on December 23 and 30 - the ship's inaugural Tasmanian programme - following the route taken by French navigator Nicolas Baudin, who sailed into Tasmanian waters 200 years ago next month.

Prices range from $3160 a person for a twin-share cabin with shared facilities to $4320 for a spacious, fully equipped suite. All meals are included.

Contact: Heritage Expeditions, Christchurch

freephone 0800 262 8873

hertexp@attglobal.net