Spring 2025 Small-ship Adventure Travel News & Trends

AdventureSmith Explorations is kicking off the spring season with pride for the recognition received by two of our team members who were recently named among the 2025 Top Travel Specialists by Condé Nast Traveler! This marks the 12th consecutive year company founder Todd Smith, a pioneer in the small-ship adventure cruise industry, has been recognized and the first for long-time team member Andrew Browning.

First Renderings of New Tauck Riverboats

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Tauck has announced the names and designs of two new riverboats that will join its fleet next year, the ms Serene and the ms Lumière. The ms Serene will operate on the River Seine in France, while the ms Lumière will cruise in both France and along the Rhône. These names were chosen from over 1,000 suggestions from travel advisors, guests, and employees. Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh explained that "Serene" reflects the calm nature of the River Seine, often depicted in Impressionist art, while "Lumière" suggests light and inspiration, referencing the lively Rhône and its connection to the Festival Lumière in Lyon.

Enjoy River Cruising Shore Excursions

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River cruising can be a luxurious experience, but its best features are often found off the ship, writes MATT LENNON.

Some travellers enjoy nothing more on their holidays than to lounge by the pool, bask in the sun and abandon all cares and thoughts. It’s the perfect attitude for a lazy week or two at an island resort in the South Pacific.

Read the full story at Travel Bulletin

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Swan Hellenic 2026-2027 enhanced Antarctic cruises

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Industry-leading wide choice of enhanced Antarctic voyages now available from travel advisors and the Swan Hellenic website. The offering comprises twenty-four 9- to 13-night round trips from homeport Ushuaia, plus a20-night semi-circumnavigation voyage from Cape Town. Some staterooms on 2025 cruises still available but going fast.

News Round-Up from ECN

One of the biggest stories this month was PONANT’s announcement of acquiring a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions. Both brands are renowned for their luxury expeditions, and this exciting collaboration promises to bring fresh opportunities and growth to both companies. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.

New small ship, American Legend, christened in Key West, Florida

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American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that American Legend, the newest small ship in the company’s innovative Project Blue series, was officially christened in Key West, Florida last week. The celebration took place while the ship was docked at Mallory Square, just steps from the City’s vibrant town center. American Legend was visiting Key West along one of the company’s popular 8-Day Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises, which sail roundtrip from St. Petersburg, Florida. American’s new Florida itineraries are the only cruises exploring the Sunshine State that offer guests the exclusive opportunity to sail the region while remaining fully domestic, similar to the Line’s U.S. River cruises.

The French Riviera aboard Le Ponant: new for summer 2026

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PONANT EXPLORATIONS is unveiling a brand-new itinerary along the Côte d’Azur, aboard the company’s iconic three-master, Le Ponant. From May 2026, the first Relais & Châteaux labelled sailing yacht will be offering 32 guests a unique travel experience, both self-indulgent and revitalising.

PONANT's Le Commandant Charcot Returns to the Arctic

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As the only high polar exploration vessel capable of navigating through the ice in the depth of the boreal winter, Le Commandant Charcot unlocks a rare opportunity to explore territories otherwise unreachable during this season. From the Baltic Sea to the shores of the St. Lawrence River in Canada, passing through Norway and Greenland, PONANT unveils 16 departures from October 2026 to March 2027.

Grafitti attack on historic aircraft hangar at Whalers Bay

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The historic aircraft hangar at Whalers Bay on Deception Island was recently vandalized with graffiti, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation from the conservation community.

Windstar’s Huge Surge in Demand for Japan

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Windstar’s 2027 Japan Itineraries Open for Booking Due to Huge Surge in Demand

On the back of unprecedented demand for its 2026 sailings in Japan on board its newest ship, Star Seeker, small ship luxury cruise line Windstar Cruises has opened up its 2027 Japan itineraries for booking earlier than planned and added an extra 2026 sailing date.

Viking Expedition Deals

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Antarctic Explorer - Viking's most popular polar experience

Discover the “last continent” with Viking’s 13-day Antarctic Explorer voyage from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Pricing starts from $19,195 pp in a Nordic Balcony with free airfare for your companion valued up to AU$2,400 per booking. Plus, receive AU$500 shipboard credit. Offers ends 31 March 2025.

New 2026 Northwest Passage Expeditions on Seabourn Venture

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Seabourn has announced their 2026 itineraries to the Northwest Passage and Canadian Arctic, giving travellers the chance to explore some of the world’s most historic destinations and storied waterways. From August to October 2026, Seabourn Venture will offer six meticulously crafted voyages, ranging from 8 to 24 days, guided by a 23-person Expedition Team of experts.