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Photo credits to Todd Essick and Kararu Dive Voyages.

Warm greetings to all readers of the Kararu Dive Voyages Newsletter.

In this edition we bring you an update on the release of Kararu's new website, some good news about Indonesian airlines, a very special offer from Singapore Airlines available to our US readers and some last minute deals on upcoming cruises that you don't want to miss out on!

New website

You asked for it, you got it - after compiling all of your feedback on our old website, for which we thank every one of you, we are pleased to announce that our new website have just been launched and is now on-line.

We aim to provide you with an even better on-line experience, and have added several new and very interesting features.

Some of these features include:

• A modern (Web 2.0) AJAX interface and a simplified and very effective navigation system
• A new on-line booking wizard with real-time cabin availability and pricing
• Stunning dive videos and photography including a live feed from our Youtube account
• Interactive route maps of our most popular cruise itineraries
• New fonts, banners and graphical lay-out

The new website is still a work in progress. Please give us your thoughts and ideas on how to further improve the new site, plus let us know if you encounter any problems using it. You can direct all your creative thoughts, suggestions and ideas to: webdesign@kararu.com

EU Lifts ban on Indonesian carriers

On 15 July the EU officially lifted its ban on 4 Indonesian airlines from flying to and from Europe which the Union imposed in July 2007.

Although Garuda Indonesia had suspended its flights to Europe before that, the ban has practically affected not only the trust and image of Indonesia's airlines safety but has stopped European tour operators from selling tours to Indonesian domestic destinations served by Indonesian carriers because of the lack of insurance coverage.

With the lifting of the ban, European Tour operators may now resume selling destinations served by Garuda and Mandala airlines on connecting flight from Singapore, Malaysia, Jakarta or Bali to Semarang, Lombok, Medan, Padang, Makassar, Moluccas and other preferred destinations.

Singapore Airlines low fare Special to Bali 2009

Singapore Airlines U.S.A. to Bali Just US$699

Singapore Airlines has also launched a sale on fares from the US cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston and New York (JFK) to 35 destinations in Europe, Australia and Asia.

Passengers flying Singapore Airlines to Bali can purchase a ticket for only US$699. All travel on sale fares must be completed by 31 January 2010. Conditions apply. Contact Singapore Airlines for details and bookings.

Special Photo cruises with Todd Essick

September 23-October 4 & October 5-16, 2009

What I like most about liveaboards is the amount of wonderfully spirited individuals they bring in my direction. Todd Essick is no exception. He is a lively, charming and incredibly entertaining person who is pure pleasure to be around.

Apart from his long history in journalism, what makes Todd's fame in the diving industry special, is his stunning collection of images beautifully captured in his book, Beginnings, Goddesses, Sirens and Mermaid.

Todd's goal with this book was to reunite our past, present and future by capturing on film, the splendor of the female form with the beauty of the sea.

Furthermore, his desire to awaken the sense of union and belonging we all have with the world below (where we first came from) and the world above (where we live now).

This extremely original work can be viewed at his website www.toddessick.com

If you like what you see, then come and join Todd on one of (or both of!) two incredible trips in Komodo. Guests will have the opportunity to either be photographed by the master himself or learn just how those amazing images can be captured. The dates for these great trips are from September 23 - October 4 and October 5 - 16, 2009.

Last Minute Special Deals in 2009

There are also a few spots left on some upcoming trips to great diving destinations so if you can travel on a whim, book fast and receive very attractive discounts! We have selected a few Komodo trips below where we still have limited availability.

Diving Komodo is an absolute “must” and if you haven’t witnessed first hand the underwater wonders in this area, here is your chance!

Don’t forget to Skype or contact us at info@kararu.com or kararudive@gmail.com for direct booking inquiries. We are looking forward to assisting with your booking.

Please quote, “newsletter” to receive our very special discounts for these Komodo trips. NB: valid for new guest bookings only!

17-09 BIMA/LABUAN BAJO
(AUG 07 - 18, 2009)

Join Kararu Dive Voyages for the best of Komodo National park. Departing from Bima, Sumbawa, this trip will take you straight to the many incredible dive sites around Komodo. This trip ends in Bima, which gives us even more time to dive in excellent conditions which August normally brings.

There is only a limited amount of space left on this trip, place your booking now!

18-09 LABUAN BAJO/BIMA
(AUG 19 - 30, 2009)

Departing from Labuan Bajo, Flores, right on the door-step of the many incredible dive sites around Komodo. This trip ends in Bima, take advantage of the excellent conditions which August normally bring.

There is only a limited amount of space left on this trip, place your booking now!

19-09 BIMA/MAUMERE
(AUG 31 - SEP 11, 2009)

A liveaboard cruise through a combination of some of the most sought after dive destinations on the planet. Dive the fantastic Komodo National Marine Park and them dive the East towards he best of Alor, contact us for a special deal.

Please contact us for more information about these special deals

The Kararu team and management looks forward to welcoming you on board our vessels for the liveaboard scuba diving expedition of a lifetime. Please feel free to contact any of us at any time or see the 2009 and 2010 cruise schedules at our web site. www.kararu.com/schedules