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West Australian
18-07-2025
- West Australian
Bear essentials of exploring the Arctic
12.30am, Monday June 9, 2025: 'Good evening, it's the Captain.' It's the wake-up call I was praying to get, about an hour after our arrival at the edge of the Arctic pack ice north of Svalbard. It follows a pre-midnight visit to the Captain's open bridge where I notice our location co-ordinates on a small screen: 80 degrees 49.71' N / 8 degrees 52.86' E — just 1000km or so from the North Pole. 'We have located a polar bear on the ice, portside of the ship. It's quite beautiful,' Capt. Stanislas Devorsine calls down the PA system. I'm aboard Ponant ship Le Lyrial on a seven-day Arctic expedition voyage threading the western flank of the Norwegian territory of Svalbard. The King of the Arctic has made an appearance, emerging from the polar desert in a scene akin to a rock star entering the stage. It's an ungodly hour, but who's to know under the constant Midnight Sun. The King's (or Queen's) impromptu visit demands all the fuss of a regal celebrity. So out comes the camera and a leap into the cold from my private perch of Suite 608, which is fortuitously portside and offering uninterrupted views of the bear. I estimate we are a few hundred metres away, but the marine mammal's beige fur and robust stature against the pure white drift ice makes it easy to spot. The bear trundles and hops between platforms of pack ice towards the ship, momentarily rolling about on the ice belly-up, waving its giant paws about. It glances our way a few times, and later swims towards us, I'm later told because it's one of the 'curious' types. It's where I finally see the incredible prowess of a polar bear in the wild. Sleep deprived, I can now add polar bear spotting to 24-hour sunlight as reasons for my messed up circadian rhythm two and bit days into the voyage. But while the Midnight Sun takes some getting used to it also means 24/7 access to endless spectacular landscapes dominated by mountainous terrain, ice and fjords. The Fjords and Glaciers of Spitsbergen itinerary starts with an early Saturday morning croissant and coffee at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris before a four-hour charter flight to Svalbard capital, Longyearbyen. It's all part of the cruise package and the first interactions with the 150 other passengers on the Ponant cruise. Longyearbyen is the northernmost settlement in the world with easy access by ship or plane. The town of about 2500 residents fans out from Adventfjord valley in Spitsbergen, the biggest of seven islands of Svalbard. After arriving here there's a group lunch at a charming 1951 inn called Huset, a short distance from the town centre at the foot of a towering mountain. Timber headframes strung along the cliff face are relics of the town's foundation coal mines, developed by namesake American entrepreneur John Munro Longyear in the early 20th century. A casual afternoon bus tour of snowy Longyearbyen ends at the pier where Le Lyrial's hoodie-clad cruise director Ilaria Antinori greets us for our 4pm boarding as cold wind gusts cut through. An Arctic welcome could barely have been better scripted. After a polite 'bonjour monsieur' and super-fast check-in I'm escorted to Suite 608 — my personal 37sqm of butler-serviced luxury aboard Le Lyrial. Waiting for me is a bottle of champagne in an ice box on a beautifully arranged table with canapes and a fruit bowl in front of a big, plush couch. The Privilege Suite includes a separate lounge and bedroom, with a television in each, and a supremely comfy king-size bed. There's a huge bathroom with separate shower, toilet and bath, and lots of wardrobe space for all my heavy gear. Sliding bay windows from floor to ceiling in both rooms open out to a 12sqm balcony, where I can watch the endless parade of rugged mountain scenery. Forward to day two and the packed itinerary is about to switch up a gear, with an update from the Captain ahead of today's first excursion. Capt. Stanislas is alongside expedition leader Alexandre Faurre in the theatre to explain a big change to the itinerary. The original course was to the south-west of the archipelago. But winds have whipped up in that area so Capt. Stanislas has made the call to track north from Longyearbyen. The plan covers the north-west's fjords, then traversing the edge of the pack ice north of Svalbard outside Norway's 12-mile maritime boundary. It's where conditions are looking favourable to explore and, hopefully, spot wildlife over the coming days. It's an insight into the meticulous planning and adaptive decision-making of polar navigation veteran Capt. Stanislas, and his expedition team as we'll also see again later. Alex then introduces his 16-member expedition team of passionate naturalists and scientists. Among them are qualified experts in biology, geology, glaciers, plants and animals. It's just the type of company to help this curious adventurer make sense of it all out in the field and back on board, where they present the enrichment program of lectures and excursion debriefs scheduled daily. This is where we delve deeper into the areas we sail and explore. Meanwhile, we've arrived in Krossfjorden — a 30km-long branching fjord in the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park — and it's looking splendid flanked by mountains with spiky tops and chiselled facades, drenched in thick snow. The gentle pace of the ship allows time to process the beauty and immensity of the glacial landscape. Around to the left a short time later we enter Lilliehookfjorden and stop in front of its namesake, Lilliehookbreen — one of the biggest glaciers in this part of Spitsbergen. Sadly, though, like many of Svalbard's 2600 glaciers, it is retreating at an alarming rate from the effects of climate change. Its awesome structure reveals recent ice calving with its light blue, gnarly frontage, while iced-up mountains on the horizon reflect off the fjord's mirror-glass water. Together, in the low-light, I'm immersed in a kind of fantasy world enveloped in mystique, deep in the Arctic wilderness. After the mandatory safety scouting, the expedition team have declared the pretty bayside area of Signehamna, a short sail back down the fjord, safe to explore. So, from the Marina landing area aft of the ship it's an easy step onto the Zodiac for our first expedition foray. Today, naturalist Francesca is in charge of the short ride to the landing spot on the fjord's western banks. It's the first 'wet landing' in my full snow-trekking regalia. Sticking to the rules to protect the fragile tundra, I trace the red flags and follow a long line of red parkas in front of me. As I trudge up a steep hill I'm sinking in knee-deep icy sludge. It's a grind. Then a glance back from the top of the rise reveals an incredible patchwork of scenery. Under the muted light of dark grey clouds filtering the Midnight Sun there are rocky outcrops; the Lilliehookbreen glacier and the sharp lines of mountain tops in the distance. The lake below ripples from Zodiacs to-ing and fro-ing from the ship. Further on I meet up with naturalist guide Axel who's keeping watch for polar bears, gun strapped around his right shoulder — the law requires it for safety reasons. I'm intrigued with metal artefacts strewn over a small area around him, including four bullets in a partitioned disc. He tells me the objects are remnants of a weather station camp set up by the Germans during World War II. Further on there are large drums part-buried in snow, most likely in which they stored fuel for the camp, and other buried debris. Signehamna is the first close-up of the rich cultural heritage of Svalbard, despite the absence of an Indigenous population. Another is during a hike at picturesque Gravnesodden the following morning when I come across a timber frame-mounted plaque marking 'graves and blubber cookeries' located in a fenced-off area. The remnants reference Svalbard's prolific role in whaling in the 1600s. The dynamic glacier front is a highlight of the late afternoon Zodiac excursion at Smeerenburgbreen, in the Bjornfjorden — a remote area of sweeping glaciers in Svalbard's north-western corner; where ice calves in quick succession and crashes into the icy-soup water, followed by thunderous cracks. After busy but fun days exploring in the elements it's nice to step back aboard to some home-style comforts. Deck three's main lounge is the ship's re-entry point and where you get spoilt most days by executive chef Sylvain Lecuyer and his galley team. They present a delightful array of gourmet afternoon tea treats — a different theme each day — like today's salmon gravlax tasting plate with five strips of melt-in-the-mouth cured fish. Other afternoons showcase caviar on fresh pancake; and pavlova with fresh fruit. The lounge area also has an all-hours bar and seating by big side windows. Day five starts with a stop at the walrus colony at Moffen Island on the archipelago's northern tip, then a scheduled stop at Narreneset where Capt. Stanislas has declared hiking off limits — earlier reconnaissance has identified bears in the area. During a chat later he tells me: 'Sometimes . . . you have to say 'no'. It's my duty to bring back everybody in port. So you need experience to be able to make a call . . . when you're experienced, the calls are easy.' So, it's back on a Zodiac for a casual tour of foggy Raudfjorden, where we glimpse fresh polar bear tracks (but no bears) on the ice above the striated sedimentary rock as we pass. The next morning's visit to the tiny settlement of Ny-Alesund, is a personal favourite for its trove of historical symbols of human tragedy and triumph. It's also a place you can brag about being in the world's northernmost town, museum or post office. It was originally established as a coal mining community in 1916. But after multiple fatal accidents and 76 deaths, the Kings Bay mines were permanently shut down in 1963. The settlement's heritage is very well preserved in three museums, including its excellent main museum. Wandering its dusted paths the town feels like an open-air museum, frozen in time since I first visited two years ago. As I wind my way around the old red and yellow timber workers quarters and establishments like the Nordpol Hotellet, I pass through a mysterious area housing some of the 20-odd international research institutions based here. My fascination with the exploits of legendary Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and others who together, form an indelible part of this town's backstory has me heading straight for the century-old relic called Amundsen's mast, on the town's outskirts. The 35m iron tower marks the spot Amundsen's airship Norge N1 was moored before he and his crew took off in May 11, 1926, on their 5300km continuous flight to the North Pole — a successful mission that had never before been accomplished. 'Honouring a glorious achievement of human endeavour', a plaque pinned to the mast reads. I take a moment to reflect, reimagining scenes at this historic time on the very ground I'm standing on, and the brave men who took on the missions. A reindeer wanders past along the lake close by — it's just how it is here. Ny-Alesund today is regarded as the world's most advanced high Arctic research station, involving scientists from 10 countries engaged in and collaborating in environmental monitoring. As we thread the archipelago's maze of waterways, I'm relishing the mix of Zodiac, hiking and walking excursions that are suitable for most ages and affords close-ups of local wildlife. Like at the twin glaciers at Kongsvegen-Kronebreen — about an hour's sailing inland from Ny-Alesund — where a lone seal with a big orange face lies on a flat chunk of ice looking nonchalant at all the attention from the passing parade of Zodiac boats. The 2015-launched Le Lyrial is classic boutique luxury with a dash of French flair. But it's also a well-specced expedition small ship, polar rated to sail in ice less than a year old and up to about 30cm deep. One of four Sisterships in Ponant's fleet, it has a passenger capacity of just 264 plus crew with an easy-to-navigate layout. Stylish interiors are splashed with hues of blue and white throughout, and there's striking artwork like the suspended sculptural piece cascading two decks mid-ship. Among the onboard amenities are a spa with a full range of treatments; a library with board games and computers; and a heated pool on a spacious deck with alfresco dining, when weather permits, of course. The multipurpose theatre has ample seating for a packed program of presentations about local wildlife and its other natural features, and related films. Other public spaces like the lounge areas and restaurants are intimate and invite convivial interactions. The panorama forward of the ship from the Observation Lounge is obstructed by communications equipment, but otherwise it's a lovely spot to sit and chill late afternoon, or socialise after dinner. I am one of 41 English speakers aboard among a passenger cohort that is mostly French-speaking, 55-plus couples and small groups, with a smattering of solo travellers. All presentations and announcements are delivered in both languages. 'Smart casual' is the general feel around the ship and at meal times, apart from two formal Captain's gala dinners. Service is personal, efficient and genuine with top marks to the attentive restaurant staff who went out of their way to satisfy my cafe-grade espresso habit. The mainly Western-Mediterranean cuisine has daily-changing menus and is an excellent standard overall. I particularly enjoy the Bordier cheese buffet which is a regular feature at bistro Le Celeste, and the specialty stations at the more casual La Comete. Alcoholic beverages like the superb Burgundy pinot noir, are included. True to Ponant's heritage there's a wide choice of premium French wines, and an international selection, available to purchase. When the day is done it's a pleasure retreating 'home' to my deck six suite with its warm, neutral tones and pops of blue. And with a butler as caring and attentive as June, I can tell the transition back to 'real life' won't be easy. Fresh water bottles are replenished often and a new arrangement of bite-size treats are there for my return. I also have a desk and electrical plugs from which to work. Complimentary 24-hour room service and free, unlimited wi-fi are standard services across all cabin categories, which range in size from 18sqm to the 55sqm Owner's Suite. The voyage is tailed with exceptional 'warm' sunny weather for our last stop in Skansbukta and a hike up the rocky, tundra-clad mountain overlooking shimmering Billefjorden. As I stop to appreciate the impossible beauty here I'm reminded that whilst seeing a polar bear in the wild is 'mission accomplished', it doesn't define a fulfilling voyage of discovery, learning and new friendships. + Michael Ferrante was a guest of Ponant. They have not influenced this story, or read it before publication. Fjords and Glaciers of Spitsbergen Spitsbergen to Spitsbergen, 7 nights There are multiple departures in June & July 2026-27. Priced from $13,320 per person, which includes the 30 per cent Ponant Bonus. There is a free solo supplement for single use of a double cabin, depending on availability and stateroom category. Excursions, meals, charter flights return Paris, transfers and parka are included in the fare.
Glasgow Times
04-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow flights cancelled amid air traffic control strike
easyJet has cancelled all of its flights from Glasgow Airport to Paris, which had been set to leave on Friday, July 4. The flights – EZY3123 and EJU4644 - were due to depart from the Paisley-based airport at 10.40am and 8.20pm. (Image: Glasgow Airport) (Image: Glasgow Airport) However, neither will go ahead. Glasgow Airport is urging affected customers to contact the airline directly. Flights from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to the city scheduled for 2pm and 7pm have also been cancelled. According to a statement published on easyJet's website, the cancellations are due to an industrial action affecting air traffic control staff in France, which began on Thursday, July 3. The travel operator stated that the disruption is 'outside of its control' and is considered to be an 'extraordinary circumstance'. READ NEXT: Glasgow worker who died in Cheapside Street disaster to be honoured The statement reads: 'We're sorry that your flight has been cancelled. This is due to an industrial action affecting air traffic control staff in France. 'We understand that this will be disappointing news, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to make new plans, so here's everything you need to know about what to do next. 'The disruption to your flight is outside of our control and is considered to be an extraordinary circumstance.' easyJet noted that it has a dedicated holidays team who are 'looking after holiday packages' and will update passengers on their arrangements via email or text. READ NEXT: Dispute at Glasgow Airport could 'ground planes' this summer Customers are further advised that they will not be able to self-manage their cancellations on the bookings. Meanwhile, those who made bookings via a travel agent or third party are asked to contact them directly. Anyone affected by the cancellations has three options, according to the airline's website. These include selecting a new flight for free, requesting an easyJet voucher for the full value of their ticket, or requesting a refund, which will be issued 'within seven days'. For further information, visit easyJet's website HERE. For the latest travel departure information, visit Glasgow Airport's website HERE.
Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Climate
- Indian Express
‘My heart will go on': Paris police car plays ‘Titanic' theme amid deadly storms; the Internet is divided. WATCH
A series of deadly storms, accompanied by torrential rains, hit central France and Paris on Wednesday, turning the City of Lights into a city of havoc. According to a report in the Independent, two people were killed in the storms while 17 were injured as several trees were uprooted and streets in Paris flooded. Amid the devastation, a video of a police car playing an ironic tune to alert residents during a patrol has caught the Internet's attention. The viral video shows the police car playing the Titanic theme song, My Heart Will Go On, as it navigates through the flooded streets. Several other vehicles can be seen passing by amid the torrential rain. Sharing the video, @brutamerica wrote, 'A Paris police vehicle was caught blasting the Titanic theme song as it drove through a flooded street after heavy storms. ' Watch the video here: A post shared by Brut (@brutamerica) The unusual choice of tune during a real-life flooding situation struck many as ironic, and reactions online were swift, with many social media users irked by the incident, calling it 'insensitive'. 'How rude,' a user reacted. 'Romantique in every situation,' another user commented. 'Sense of French humor … That's why the French emblem is a rooster,' a third user reacted. According to the Independent, France's civil defence agency reported that one person was critically injured as powerful storms swept across the country following a heatwave. The storms also left around 110,000 homes without power. According to French media, a 12-year-old child was killed after a tree fell in the southwest, while in the northwest, a man lost his live after his quad bike crashed into a tree brought down by the storm. The weather conditions also led to multiple flight delays at Paris' Orly Airport, while Charles de Gaulle Airport recorded wind gusts reaching 53 mph as the storms swept through the area.
Mint
17-06-2025
- Mint
Air India cancels seven international flights within 24 hours, days after Ahmedabad plane crash
Air India Plane Crash Aftermath: On 17 June 2025, Air India announced the cancellation of several key international flights, affecting passengers across various routes. The Air India cancellations follow operational issues and precautionary measures mandated by MoCA after the recent Ahmedabad plane crash that killed 241 passengers and crew. Air India flight AI-159 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was cancelled due to the unavailability of the aircraft. The airline cited airspace restrictions and additional precautionary checks as reasons, emphasising that the cancellation was not due to any technical fault. This cancellation also led to the subsequent cancellation of flight AI-170 from London Gatwick to Amritsar on the same day. Following the Ahmedabad-London cancellation, the London Gatwick to Amritsar flight AI-170 was also cancelled on 17 June. This disruption impacted many passengers travelling between the UK and northern India. Air India's Delhi to Paris flight AI-143 was cancelled after mandatory pre-flight checks revealed a hydraulic issue. Due to night operation restrictions at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the flight could not be delayed and was cancelled. Consequently, the return flight AI-142 from Paris to Delhi on 18 June was also cancelled. The airline is providing alternative arrangements and hotel accommodation to affected passengers. On 17 June 2025, Air India reportedly cancelled flight AI 915 from Delhi to Dubai amid ongoing operational disruptions following the recent Ahmedabad crash. This cancellation marks the sixth Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight grounded that day as the airline conducts rigorous post-crash safety checks. Official confirmation is awaited, but media reports indicate the aircraft developed technical issues during pre-flight inspections, prompting the cancellation. Similarly, flight AI 153 from Delhi to Vienna is believed to have been cancelled on the same day, though the airline has yet to officially confirm this. Like other affected flights, this cancellation is likely linked to precautionary measures and maintenance checks on the Dreamliner fleet. Air India also cancelled its Bengaluru to London and Mumbai to San Francisco flights on 17 June. The Air India Mumbai-San Francisco flight was terminated at Kolkata due to a suspected technical snag, prompting passengers to deplane and causing disruption at the airport. Air India's Bengaluru to London flight was cancelled on 17 June 2025, adding to the growing list of international flight disruptions faced by the airline in the wake of recent operational challenges. While detailed official reasons for this specific cancellation have not been extensively disclosed, it is understood to be part of the wider impact of technical and logistical issues affecting Air India's fleet, particularly involving Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. Air India has offered full refunds to passengers affected by the cancellations on 17 June. The airline informed that travellers can request refunds through the airline's official website under the 'Manage Booking' section or by contacting Air India's reservation offices. Refunds will be credited to the original payment method, and the airline has assured passengers that cancellation charges will be waived given the exceptional circumstances. Additionally, Air India is providing flexible rebooking options and a one-time waiver on rescheduling fees to ease the inconvenience caused by these disruptions. Passengers who booked through travel agents or third-party platforms have been advised to reach out directly to their respective agents for refund assistance.
The Age
12-06-2025
- The Age
Your questions: Is it safe to travel on Paris' trains from the airport?
In my 70s, and travelling solo, I have two nights in Paris in August before a charter flight to Greenland. I will be staying close to CDG Airport at Roissypole. Is it safe to travel into Paris using the RER train? What is the closest station to Notre Dame and to the hop-on-hop-off bus? L. Brown, Port Macquarie, NSW Travelling from Roissypole at Charles de Gaulle Airport into central Paris on the RER B train is fast and generally safe, provided you travel during daylight. A few precautions will help keep you out of harm's way. Keep your bags closed and in front of you, avoid using your phone openly near train doors or on platforms and don't engage with 'helpful' strangers offering advice or assistance, or asking for donations. Be on your guard at train stations where pickpockets lurk. The closest RER B station to Notre Dame is Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame on the (southern) Left Bank just across the bridge from Ile de la Cite, the site of Notre-Dame. While you're there, take a stroll along Rue Saint-Louis en Ile on neighbouring Ile Saint-Louis, one of my favourite walks in Paris. Stop number 3 on the Paris Big Bus tour is close to Notre Dame, on Rue Dante which runs off Quai Saint-Michel, on the Left Bank, almost opposite Notre Dame. Look for the red sign. Buses depart at 20-minute intervals. My wife and I are visiting Puglia in September and we're looking for a guide who can give us authentic, insider experiences in local culture, food and wine and art and architecture that we can't find by ourselves. Any suggestions? R. Noble, Malvern, Vic Giorgio Iozzia of Apulia Tours would be my top choice. Based in Bari, he covers the entire region of Puglia as well as Matera in neighbouring Basilicata. He does group tours but, better still, are his tailor-made tours, taking you on a memorable, personal journey that will make Puglia a stand-out experience. On a tour with Giorgio you'll meet local cafe owners, pasta makers and market merchants and taste food unique to the region, walk among thousand-year-old olive groves, take in extraordinary views along the coast, explore the secret corners of the luscious Valle d'Itria villages and, if you ask, unravel some of the mysteries of politics and organised crime in southern Italy. As well as a knowledgeable, passionate and professional guide, Giorgio is a warm and generous individual, qualities that reflect the heart and soul of his homeland. I am going to Kauai in December to celebrate a family birthday. I'd like to add on a trip to another country or island, like the Cook Islands, but everything is so far away. I'm not thrilled at the idea of visiting another Hawaiian island, unless it's vastly different. Any ideas for somewhere reasonably accessible and not too developed? J. Dixon, Northcote, Vic One Hawaiian Island that is dramatically different to Kauai is the Big Island, and if you're interested in volcanoes and underwater attractions, that would be a prime destination. A week would be a realistic time here, with about three days on the Hilo side of the island and four around Kona.
