General Travel Information

B.C. freight boat cruise is one-of-a-kind journey

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime aboard a working freight boat voyaging along the British Columbia coast.

Operated by Marine Link Tours, the MV Aurora Explorer is a 135-foot landing craft that transports freight to remote communities along the beautiful Inside Passage, and provides accommodation for 12 passengers.

On a one-of-a-kind cruise aboard the Aurora you will meet new friends, savour fantastic cuisine, enjoy rugged scenery and wild life sightings, and get in touch with the history of early explorers, settlers and native populations.

Operating out of Menzies Bay, 15 kilometres north of Campbell River, the Aurora Explorer offers passengers ample opportunities to relax, visit and take in the spectacular scenery and ambience from one of three onboard lounges.

A large dining lounge with a nautical and history library of coastal BC has large picture windows overlooking the cargo deck. There is also a lower deck lounge located on the passenger cabin deck, and a bridge deck lounge located in the wheelhouse where passengers can mingle with the captain and crew, while pouring over charts and experiencing firsthand the operation of the vessel.

From the outside observation decks passengers can observe activity on the freight deck, enjoy the passing scenery or simply lie back and soak up the sunshine and salt air. Whenever possible, the vessel will stop to catch fresh prawns and crab or drop a fishing line over the side for salmon and halibut.

Both passengers and crew share the hearty fare prepared on board. Comfortable accommodations consisting of six staterooms are located on the passenger cabin deck.

Trip packages are three or five days in duration and feature a variety of spectacular coastal locations. Three cruise options are available: the Broughton Island Archipelago, the Discover Islands and the Mystery Cruise Routing.

For the full 2010 cruising schedule and more information on Marine Link Tours, the MV Aurora Explorer and the fantastic voyages she embarks upon, visit www.marinelinktours.com or call 250-286-3347.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enter the 2010 "Explore Aurora's Coast Cruise for Two" Contest. The Grand Prize is a three day/three night cruise for two in standard stateroom accommodation aboard the MV Aurora Explorer during the 2011 spring shoulder season. To enter go to www.marinelinktours.com/enter2win.

Information supplied by Marine Link Tours