Find Crappie in Deep, Cool Waters Right Now

The brief Georgia winter provides a great opportunity to get excellent results for crappie fishing, and several reservoirs across the state offer rewards for anglers willing to brave the bitter cold temperatures.

“Anglers searching for crappie need to concentrate on cold weather ‘hot spots’,” says John Biagi, chief of Fisheries Management for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. “Crappie fishing brings a lot of action which means it is an excellent time to engage the entire family and/or to introduce someone new to the fun aspect of the sport.”

During the winter cold, crappie tend to congregate in deeper water, generally 15-30 feet deep, near the mouths of major tributaries and in the main lake. Large schools are easily located with sonar electronics.

As the water warms in March, crappie will move to more shallow water toward the middle and back of major tributaries, preferring to congregate around woody cover such as stumps, logs, downed trees, fish attractors and creek ledges. Minnows and small jigs are favored bait, and light spinning tackle spooled with 6 or 8-pound test line is recommended.

Cool weather hot spots

In northwest Georgia, visit Lake Allatoona and look for the man-made fish attractors, especially those in the Kellogg Creek, Illinois Creek, Tanyard Creek and Sweetwater Creek areas. Fish attractor location maps are available at www.gofishgeorgia.com . The Coosa River, which begins in the city of Rome and flows roughly 30 miles west-southwest before entering Lake Weiss, is another area to target; concentrate in the river immediately below Mayo’s Lock and Dam Park and the tributary backwaters off the main river channel, especially in the Brushy Branch area of Big Cedar Creek. 

Northeast Georgia offers three different reservoirs for targeting crappie. Metro area anglers should look to Lake Lanier, located just 50 miles northeast of Atlanta. The upper part of the reservoir, especially the Chattahoochee River arm, Wahoo Creek and Little River are considered hot spots. Anglers should also consider the upper part of Lake Hartwell, located on the Georgia-South Carolina border near Franklin and Hart counties. The Eastanollee Creek area is considered a crappie haven. The manmade fish attractors around the upper half of Lake Nottely rank as another active location.

Several east-central area lakes offer prime crappie habitat, including Clarks Hill Lake where excellent fishing is predicted for the year, especially at Soap, Fishing, Grays and Newford creeks, and the Little River arm. On Lake Oconee, Beaverdam, Sandy, Rocky, Richland and Sugar creeks and Appalachee River arm are good target areas. At Lake Russell anglers should concentrate at Rocky River, Beaverdam, Coldwater and Allen creeks. Lakes Blalock and J.W. Smith in Clayton County offer good bank fishing opportunities near boat ramps. Areas of standing timber are key targets at Lake Blalock while J.W. Smith offers good boat fishing around the Panhandle Road Bridge, the overflow structure near the dam and the submerged pond and dam on the south side of the lake. Anglers can count on Lake Varner for good numbers of crappie and Randy Poynter Lake for larger crappie.

Wildlife Resources Division biologists recommend five areas in the west-central area of the state for crappie fishing - West Point Lake in Troup County, Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Big Lazer Public Fishing Area in Talbot County, Ocmulgee Public Fishing Area in Bleckley County and Lake Sinclair just north of Milledgeville. At West Point, concentrate around fish attractors, deep water areas, mouths of creeks and bridges. Visit Bennett, Shepherd or Margery Lake at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center and look for deep water and flooded timber or fish attractors. At Lake Sinclair, Beaverdam Creek provides good opportunities for early spawning due to the warmwater discharge from the steam plant. When temperatures warm, anglers should target larger islands such as Optimist, Budweiser and Goat. Sinclair bank anglers should concentrate on the riprap along Highway 441 at Little River, Beaverdam and Rooty Creek. Additionally, the riprap at Twin Bridges and Potato Creek along Highway 212 also provide good bank access. Big Lazer and Ocmulgee Public Fishing Area anglers should seek flooded timber near the creek channels and deep water.

Southwest Georgia also offers key areas for crappie. Lake Walter F. George, located on the Georgia-Alabama state line between Columbus and Ft. Gaines, provides good fishing at the mouths of Pataula Creek, Rood Creek, Sandy Branch and Sandy Creeks. On Lake Seminole, in the southwest corner of the state, anglers should fish the main river channels around Ford Scott Island, the Chattahoochee River mouth between river miles three and four, the mouth of Spring Creek and the old river channels and submersed structures. Lake Blackshear, an impoundment of the Flint River north of Albany also offers good fishing for black and white crappie. Good areas to try are Swift Creek, Collins Branch, Cedar Creek and the numerous sloughs located off the main river channel between Highway 27 and Highway 30.

For more information on crappie fishing in Georgia, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com or call a Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Management office.

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Family Benefits When you Participate in National Fishing and Boating Week

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation declare boating and fishing as unmatched leisure activities that help make a true connection with family, friends and the natural environment. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division encourages people of all ages to reconnect with their families during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 5-13, 2010.

“Outdoor recreation strengthens the family as a unit and children as individuals,” says WRD Chief of Fisheries Management John Biagi. “National Fishing and Boating Week is an opportunity to remind all outdoor enthusiasts to teach their children and others the importance of natural resource conservation while introducing them to an exciting activity that could last a lifetime.”

NFBW began in 1979 as National Fishing Week and was created to recognize the tradition of fishing, to broaden the spirit of togetherness and to share the values and knowledge of today’s anglers with tomorrow’s anglers.

In the spirit of introducing new family members or friends to the sport of angling, Georgia offers two free fishing days during NFBW – Saturday, June 5 and Saturday, June 12, 2010. On these days, Georgia residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license in order to fish. Residents can fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA). Additionally, residents do not need to obtain a WMA license to fish on a PFA or on Waters Creek on these two free fishing days.

In addition to the two free fishing days, there are multiple kids fishing events scheduled across the state during the week to help introduce children to fishing. These events offer a healthy form of entertainment for kids and are an excellent opportunity for beginning anglers to experience the vast rewards of recreational fishing. KFEs are FREE, held statewide and have experienced volunteers on hand to help. Many events offer prizes, free lunches and other fun-filled activities – so make plans to attend a KFE today!

Take Me Fishing! ™ A recent national survey indicated that 87 percent of Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on family relationships. So take your family fishing and you will always have something in common. 

For more information on free fishing days, finding the nearest KFE or finding a place to fish, visit the WRD website at www.gofishgeorgia.com or call a WRD Fisheries Management Office.

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Grant Will Fund Recreational, Educational Features at Ohoopee Dunes

Listed by noted nature columnist Charles Seabrook as No. 10 on the list of Georgia natural wonders to see before you die, the Ohoopee Dunes Natural Area in Emanuel County has long been considered a biodiversity hotspot by biologists. Now, a new grant will help others see it the same way.

Announced at the Pine Tree Festival in Swainsboro earlier this month, the $150,000 grant from the Recreational Trails Program and a match by project partners will provide for habitat restoration, low-impact trails, educational signage and better accessibility to terrestrial and aquatic features at the natural area.

“The funny thing is all this came about because of a complaint,” said Mincy Moffett, a wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “People were asking, ‘Why isn’t the state managing the place better?’ assuming it was a state park. But it’s not a state park. It is a natural area, designed to protect a very special and rare geologic and ecologic feature.

“Hopefully, this grant and the educational signage we put up will show people the kind of treasure they have right in their backyards.”

Part of the project, which is scheduled to begin later this year, will include adding a small parking lot to improve access to the area known as the McLeod Bridge Tract. Educational signs posted on a 1.8-mile interpretative loop trail will tell about the area’s natural history, ecological significance and related restoration efforts. Plans also include an observation deck overlooking a sandhill pond.

Another area slated for work is the Hall’s Bridge Tract, where a primitive boat ramp will be rebuilt to allow for larger watercraft and a small parking lot will be improved. The hope is this put-in/takeout point will become part of the existing network of blue trails in Georgia.

“Imagine if you could put in a canoe here in the Little Ohoopee River and paddle all the way down the Altamaha River,” Moffett said. “Now that would be a great adventure.”

Bill Rogers Jr., president of the Swainsboro Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber is “very excited to have played a small part in this announcement.”

“The observation deck, interpretive trail and primitive boat ramp should give naturalists and tourists a definitive reason to visit Swainsboro and Emanuel County,” Rogers said. “Those dollars generated in our community by visitors to the Ohoopee Dunes should benefit us in a number of ways. I would also like to thank Rep. Butch Parrish and Sen. Jack Hill for their interest and assistance in the project.”

Ohoopee Dunes is one of Georgia’s most significant natural communities and floristic areas. The natural area comprises three tracts in southwestern Emanuel County. The DNR also cooperates in managing an adjacent tract owned by The Nature Conservancy and another nearby tract owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Together, these five conservation lands, arranged in an archipelago-like fashion along the eastern boundary of the upper Little Ohoopee River, encompass nearly 3,000 acres.

The central topographic feature of the tracts is a spine or ridge of ancient Kershaw sand dunes known as riverine sandhills. The natural area has several natural communities, ranging from dry (xeric) dunes and longleaf pine forests to moist hardwood hammocks and river floodplains. Altogether, this area contains nine legally protected plant/animal species, and more than 10 others of conservation-concern. More than a dozen other rare and protected species are known to occur nearby within Emanuel.

Georgians can help conserve unique places like Ohoopee Dunes and other nongame wildlife, native plants and natural habitats through buying a wildlife license plate featuring a bald eagle or a ruby-throated hummingbird. They can also donate to the Georgia Wildlife Conservation Fund directly or through the state income tax checkoff. These programs are vital to the Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame Conservation Section, which receives no state funds for its mission to help conserve wildlife not legally hunted, fished for or trapped, as well as rare plants and natural habitats in Georgia.

For more information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com or call Nongame Conservation Section offices in Social Circle (770-761-3035), Forsyth (478-994-1438) or Brunswick (912-264-7218).

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Fee Changes for Rocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area

Rocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area, located in northern Floyd County, is worth the drive if you have the time. This beautiful 5,000-acre area boasts two recreational lakes, camping opportunities, swimming areas and plenty of other outdoor activities.

The area is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division and funded (operational) by the property owner Oglethorpe Power. Beginning June 1, 2010, visitors who frequent the recreation area and campground (tents and recreational vehicles) will see a change in fees.


Rocky Mountain Recreation and PFA has 36 developed recreational vehicle (RV) campsites that include grill, picnic table, 50 amp electrical hookup and a water hookup. There are nine wooded tent sites that include a picnic table, tent pad and grill. Fees are as follows:

·         Daily parking fee: $5/day (previously $3)
·         Annual parking permit: $30/year (no increase)
·         RV Campsites: $25/day (previously $20)
·         Double-site campsites: $50/day (previously $40)
·         Tent campsites: $12/day (previously $10).

A wildlife management area license is not required to fish at Rocky Mountain, but all vehicles parked on the area must have a valid parking permit, which are available at all entrances.

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14th Annual JAKES Day at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center - May 15, 2010

Looking for a way for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors this spring? Come to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center’s JAKES Day Saturday, May 15! This fun-filled event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center’s (CEWC) Discovery Area in Mansfield.

Sponsors for the JAKES Day include the Georgia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

Admission is free and includes an array of activities that focus on wildlife, conservation efforts and outdoor recreational opportunities in Georgia. Children can try their hands at archery, fishing, shooting sports, and can go on a mini-boat ride with a WRD Conservation Ranger. Show your spirit for the outdoors by getting your face decorated with wildlife art! Presentations scheduled for this event include puppet shows from Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful, retriever demonstrations, and live snake and bird of prey programs. Several exhibitors from wildlife-related organizations also will be on hand to give out information and goodies to those interested in expanding their outdoor horizons.

The first 300 kids will receive a free t-shirt and a free hot dog lunch from the Georgia Chapter of NWTF (adults can eat for a nominal fee). For kids under 17 years old, memberships in the NWTF’s JAKES club (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, & Sportsmanship) will be available for a small membership fee. Door prizes will be given away at the close of the event too! Be sure to stop by the Visitors’ Center to view an indoor planetarium set up by the Atlanta Chapter of the National Astronomy Club, tour the museum, and visit the gift shop. Discounts will be available for several gift gallery items (excludes hunting & fishing licenses and Charlie Elliott books).  

For further information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com and choose the “Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center” quick link, or call CEWC at (770) 784-3059.  To get to CEWC, take I-20 to Exit 98. Travel south on Highway 11, go through Mansfield and continue three miles south to the entrance at Marben Farms Road on the left. Then follow the JAKES Day signs to the Discovery Area.  Hope to see you there! 

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Fitzgerald Wild Chicken Festival Struts its Stuff (and Success)

Fitzgerald has reason to crow over its Wild Chicken Festival.

The annual celebration set for March 19-20 is going strong 10 years after organizers converted the former rattlesnake roundup to focus on the town’s wild Burmese chicken population.

Barry Peavey, festival co-chair with Ricky Haggard, calls the switch in 2001 “really the best move the festival made.” “It’s much more community oriented,” Peavey said.

The Georgia Wildlife Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources applauded the change, noting declining eastern diamondback rattlesnake populations and the illegal and destructive practice of gassing gopher tortoise burrows to collect rattlers. The division now announces the festival in partnership with the community.

Peavey has high expectations for turnout in 2010, despite a recession that has affected financial support. “Last year, we had in excess of 6,000,” he said. “This year, if there’s good weather, I’m expecting 8,000.”

Festival features vary from the Kiwanis Wild Chicken 5k Sprint to a Miss Wild Chicken Pageant, a crowing competition, wing-eating showdown and a chicken soup art contest. Crafts, food and concerts will also grace a historic downtown district rich in blooming azaleas and, of course, wild chickens. Admission is free, although there are fees for some activities.

The main draw at rattlesnake roundups, which are still held in Georgia in Claxton and Whigham, is diamondback rattlesnakes collected by snake hunters. Yet, although started by communities to remove the threat of rattlers near houses and businesses, today’s roundups include only a fraction of so-called nuisance snakes, said John Jensen, a senior wildlife biologist with the Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame Conservation Section. Most of the rattlesnakes come from areas far away and even from “wild” lands where they pose virtually no danger to people, Jensen said.

“The roundup aspect of these festivals today is so limited in participation and interest that it could easily be replaced with captive snakes without impacting the success of the events, and without contributing to further declines of this magnificent predator and the many other species that seek shelter in gopher tortoise burrows,” he said.

Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County sport diverse wildlife and the state’s only resident population of wild Burmese chickens. The chickens were stocked across Georgia in the 1960s as a game bird for hunting. Populations dwindled and even disappeared elsewhere, but they prospered in Fitzgerald.

Switching the theme of the city’s festival has spread awareness of the ecologically important role rattlesnakes play as natural predators in Ben Hill County and surrounding areas, Jensen said. The hope is that other rattlesnake roundups will also convert to wildlife and family friendly festivals, or at least drop the roundup aspect and focus on information entertainment regarding rattlesnakes.

The Wild Chicken festival, which the Fitzgerald Jaycees play host to, always includes a Love ’em or Hate ’em poll on the chickens, which, according to www.wildchickenfestival.com, wake residents in the morning, occasionally slow traffic and possibly keep bug populations down.

Peavey said the Love ’ems always win the poll.

Festival organizers, he added, “don’t take sides.”

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13th Annual CEWC Outdoor Festival and JAKES Day-May 16t

Looking for a way for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors this spring? Come to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center’s Outdoor Festival and JAKES Day Saturday, May 16! This fun-filled event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center’s (CEWC) Discovery Area in Mansfield. Sponsors for the Outdoor Festival include the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) and the Georgia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).

Admission is free and includes an array of activities that focus on wildlife, conservation efforts and outdoor recreational opportunities in Georgia. Children can try their hands at archery, fishing, shooting sports, and can go on a mini-boat ride with a WRD Conservation Ranger. Show your spirit for the outdoors by getting your face decorated with wildlife art! Presentations scheduled for this event include puppet shows from Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful, retriever demonstrations, and live snake and bird of prey programs. Several exhibitors from wildlife-related organizations also will be on hand to give out information and goodies to those interested in expanding their outdoor horizons.

The first 500 kids will receive a free t-shirt and a free hot dog lunch from the Georgia Chapter of NWTF (adults can eat for a nominal fee). For kids under 17 years old, memberships in the NWTF’s JAKES club (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, & Sportsmanship) will be available. Door prizes will be given away at the close of the event too! For a bonus prize, be sure to stop by the Visitors’ Center for a fun Museum Scavenger Hunt. Participants will get a free wildlife poster (limited quantity) and discounts on several gift gallery items (excludes hunting & fishing licenses and Charlie Elliott books).

For further information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com and choose the “Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center” quick link, or call CEWC at (770) 784-3059. To get to CEWC, take I-20 to Exit 98. Travel south on Highway 11, go through Mansfield and continue three miles south to the entrance at Marben Farms Road on the left. Then follow the Outdoor Festival signs to the Discovery Area. Hope to see you there!

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Trout-filled Mountain Streams a Winter Fishing Destination

The crisp, swift-flowing waters of north Georgia’s rivers and creeks offer an abundance of trout angling opportunities this winter.

Home to some of the southeast’s finest trout streams and three species of trout - rainbow, brown and brook trout - Georgia claims nearly 4,000 miles of streams, and more than half lie in the northern part of the state in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Winter is a particularly attractive time of year for anglers to bravely wade the calm, cooler rapids thanks to delayed-harvest regulations. Delayed-harvest streams are regularly stocked and operate under a catch-and-release system, which lends to high catch rates for new and seasoned anglers alike.

“Trout fishing on a delayed harvest stream is a great way to introduce new anglers to the sport,” says John Biagi, chief of Fisheries Management for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. “Five streams within easy driving distance of many Georgians including Metro Atlanta are available right now.”

The Wildlife Resources Division recommends casting a line at any of the following five delayed harvest trout streams now through May 14: the Toccoa River located on U.S. Forest Service land upstream of Lake Blue Ridge in Fannin County (from 0.4 miles above Shallowford Bridge to 450 feet above the Sandy Bottom Canoe Access); Amicalola Creek on the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area (from Steele Bridge Road downstream to Georgia Highway 53); Smith Creek at Unicoi State Park; the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta (Sope Creek, downstream of Johnson Ferry Road, downstream to the Hwy 41 bridge); and a portion of the Chattooga River (from Ga. Highway 28 upstream to the mouth of Reed Creek) on U.S. Forest Service land bordering South Carolina.

On the other hand, anglers anxious to tackle harvestable seasonal streams can prepare for opening day, March 28. Some popular seasonal streams include Cooper Creek in Union County, Wildcat Creek in Rabun County, Dicks Creek in Lumpkin County and Johns Creek in Floyd County.

But, with Georgia’s abundant trout fishing opportunities, including the many year-round streams open to fishing throughout the year, there is no need to wait and no catch-and-release restrictions.

For year-round opportunities, here’s where to go, what to bring and what to expect:

·Blue Ridge Tailwater: This tailwater actually is a stretch of the Toccoa River located downstream of Blue Ridge Lake in Fannin County, and in many trout fishing circles is considered both blue-ribbon trout fishing and Georgia’s best kept secret. Anglers will find good numbers of both rainbow and brown trout, with an occasional trophy-sized fish. Most anglers prefer to float from shoal to shoal and then get out and wade to fish. Ultralight spinning gear and small spinners, such as rooster tails and panther martins, are best bets. Anglers should keep safety in mind - high water and strong currents can occur when the dam’s turbines are on. Keep a close eye on the water level and return to boats immediately if levels begin to rise.

·Noontootla Creek Watershed: This watershed offers some high quality year-round fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout, with many of its tributaries offering a chance at a wild brook trout (a real advantage since most other brook trout waters are closed to fishing after Oct. 31). Both Noontootla and its tributaries are managed under an artificial lure only regulation, and have a 16-inch minimum size limit in order to ‘recycle’ the 8 to 12-inch trout that make up most of the population.

·Dukes Creek: This stream, located on the Smithgall Woods-Dukes Creek Conservation Area offers year-round trout fishing by reservation (706-878-3087). All fish caught here must be released immediately and anglers must only use artificial lures with barbless hooks. The stream offers a chance at a trout greater than 20 inches, so bring a camera for a quick shot before release. The best time to fish is after a rain discolors the water.

·Chattahoochee River: For good trout fishing close to the metro Atlanta area, the Chattahoochee downstream of Buford Dam offers family-friendly and close-to-home, year-round fishing for stocked rainbow trout, brown trout and wild brown trout. Part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, this location offers good bank, wading and boating access. Year-round harvest is legal from Buford Dam to Sope Creek. Best fishing is at low flow when the river is clear or slightly stained.

Some additional notable year-round trout streams include Holly Creek in Murray County, Tallulah River in Rabun County and Rock Creek in Fannin County.

Download a free Georgia trout stream map and other trout fishing tips from the Wildlife Resources Division Web site at www.gofishgeorgia.com or call (770) 535-5498 for trout fishing information.

Take Me Fishing! ™ According to a recent national survey, 87 percent of Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on family relationships.

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Crystal Returns to Alaska for the First Time in Three Years

/PRNewswire/ -- Crystal Cruises returns to Alaska for the first time since 2005 with a single early season itinerary departing Yokohama April 16. The 22-day voyage also marks the first time Crystal Serenity has ever visited the Great Land, with calls at Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, Seward and Ketchikan. Crystal Adventures will highlight the region's magnificent scenery and wildlife - taking guests zip lining through the Tongass National Forest, flightseeing above the Misty Fjords and yachting off Kodiak to view the region's wildlife.

"Crystal has designed more than a dozen new Crystal Adventures that showcase Alaska's greatest assets - its breathtaking landscape and indigenous wildlife," said John Stoll, director, land programs.

New Alaska Crystal Adventures include:

-- Ketchikan - Zip lining along a series of cables suspended between the
tall spruce, hemlock and cedar tress bordering Tongass National
Forest.
-- Ketchikan - Flying above the spectacular Misty Fjords, spotting bears,
timber wolves, seals, sea lions and whales en route.
-- Kodiak - Exploring Abercrombie State Park with an expert naturalist
pointing out the sounds of songbirds, eagles, puffins and gulls.
-- Kodiak - Observing horned and tufted puffins, harbor seals, otter, sea
lion and a variety of birds from a private yacht.
-- Seward - Discovering preservation efforts of Alaska's one-of-kind
ecosystem at one of the region's top research centers.
-- Seward - Cruising across Resurrection Bay into the heart of Kenai
Fjords National Park.



Guests will also be treated to generously expanded programming, which is totally unique to the World Cruise and its segments, including celebrity guest lecturers Richard Dreyfuss and Ed McMahon, as well as Crystal's exclusive Interactive Literary Review and language and music classes offered by Berlitz and Yamaha, respectively.

The 22-day itinerary departs from Tokyo en route to Los Angeles, calling at Otaru, Japan; Petropavolovsk, Russia; Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia; and San Francisco. The full 106-day "Pacific Circle Celebration" World Cruise departs Los Angeles on January 21 and is available in seven individual voyages ranging from 12 to 22 days. Cruise fares start at $11,160 per person, double occupancy.

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