Centurion Australia Summer 2023

|Places| The stunning

|Places| The stunning beauty of the Lofoten Islands in Norway there to manage. Sometimes it’s an illness, other times an emergency back home or a newly discovered site that one of the guests wishes to change the itinerary to see. As we depart Svalbard, some of the older passengers are a bit wary about the new Covid situation, and Van Sever cheerily explains on the microphone that all guests are welcome to order room service this evening in the Lofoten Islands, rather than joining the group – and that Captain’s Choice will sort out the bill. Because there are 55 of us on the plane (now 53), that’s quite a lot to sort out, but the group remains animated and amicable, chatting to each other and continuing to strengthen the friendships that they have made on the first 10 days of the journey, which has also included visits to Greenland and Iceland. This sort of camaraderie is why, Bosschieter says, “we have a lot of repeat passengers and even a kind of ‘Captain’s Choice family’. We’ve gotten to know our guests’ expectations over the years, and they usually connect well with each other and with our team.” This journey to the Arctic was the first of its kind, a mix of adventure and creature comforts, and Bosschieter says he’s always keen to find unconventional routes, particularly for the company’s new Dassault Falcon Air F900 aircraft, which will be a global first for a travel company and will, he says, enable extra-long journeys with minimal fuss. “They just do it right,” one guest tells me at a dinner, explaining why he’s taken more than a dozen trips with Captain’s Choice. With its blend of off-the-beaten-path destinations, charming guides and exceptional comforts, I know just what he means. Itinerary Notes Upcoming journeys with Captain’s Choice Always on the hunt for new experiences, Captain’s Choice offers a mix of brandnew itineraries and old favourites. Saudi Arabia – like the Arctic – was a first-time destination this year. Next year’s offerings are highlighted by the “Remote Islands of the South Pacific” tour (13 July and 2 Oct) and a reimagined iteration of one of its classic journeys, from Cairo to Cape Town (31 Aug). captains-choice.com PHOTOS FROM TOP: ISTOCK, © CAPTAIN'S CHOICE 54 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM

PROMOTION A Sip of Sophistication The Reserve Cellar is an exclusive way to access some of the world’s finest – and rarest – vintages With a vast assemblage exceeding 3,000 varietals sourced from 500 diverse wine makers, currently housing a total of 35,000 bottles, The Reserve Cellar extends its reach to captivate wine connoisseurs and the curious not only in Australia but also across the world. Available through its online wine cellar, the collection, meticulously curated by owner Anthony John, includes such rarities as Henschke Hill of Grace 1990, Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 1996, and a Chateau d’Yquem from 2001. Wine enthusiasts can now expand their knowledge of the world’s best vineyards and indulge in flavour exploration at the Reserve Cellar & Wine Bar, located within the prestigious Emporium Hotel South Bank, Brisbane. More than just a bar, this offering includes private sommelier tastings and the innovative Coravin preservation system, allowing guests to indulge in over 50 wines by the glass, that would otherwise only be sold by the bottle. Curate your cellar at home, with the exclusive Reserve collection available directly from the Reserve Wine Bar or online via the Reserve Cellar. reservecellar.com.au