True North celebrates 40 years of adventure with new 2027 Voyages

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Marking four decades at the helm of adventure, True North Adventure Cruises has announced its most significant evolution yet – a 2027 sailing schedule that charts new destinations, expands guest favourites, and celebrates 40 years of redefining exploration across Australia and the Indo-Pacific.

Elderly guest found dead after shore excursion.

View from Cook's Look on Lizard Island. (file image)

 

UPDATE: 1 Nov 25: Coral Expeditions cancels 60-day cruise

Details regarding a fatal incident on a Great Barrier Reef expedition cruise are now being reported.

“Coral Expeditions can confirm the tragic death of a passenger on the Coral Adventurer during an excursion to Lizard Island in Queensland,” Coral Expeditions chief executive Mark Fifield told news.com.au

The woman, Suzanne Rees, 80, was taking part in a hike to 'Cook's Look' the highest point on Lizard Island and a popular, if challenging, path.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and police are investigating why the woman was allegedly left behind on Lizard Island in Far North Queensland after a shore excursion. It is also alleged that a search for the missing woman was delayed, which may have resulted in her death.

News reports here:

* https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-29/authorities-investigates-lizard-island-death-coral-adventurer/105944314

* https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62eww646wjo

* https://thenightly.com.au/australia/queensland/lizard-island-nrma-owned-coral-expeditions-cruise-liner-took-5-hours-to-raise-alarm-over-now-dead-woman-c-20509935

Sail Croatia’s Private Yacht Tours go from strength to strength

Sail Croatia has expanded its Private Yacht Tour fleet with the addition of a new Lagoon catamaran.

Tiny Dancer, a 2026 build Lagoon 55, will join the Sail Croatia fleet next Spring, taking the total fleet size to 21 vessels, including 11 Lagoon catamarans.

Scenic Ikon: A New Luxury Cruise Ship launching in April 2028

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Scenic Group has announced the launch of Scenic Ikon, a new luxury cruise ship set to debut in April 2028. The 205-meter-long vessel will offer ultra-luxury expedition cruising experiences, catering to discerning travellers.

Condé Nast Traveler readers name Paul Gauguin Cruises’ ‘Best Small Cruise’ for second consecutive year

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For the second year in a row, Paul Gauguin Cruises has been voted 'Best Small Cruise' in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers' Choice Awards.

Swan Hellenic to host NASA aeronaut and astronomer on Chile to Peru Cruise

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Swan Hellenic has just announced full details of its exceptional 9-night Chile to Peru cultural expedition cruise, departing Valparaiso for Calao on March 30, 2026, aboard the luxury boutique expedition ship SH Vega. This includes the revelation that the cruise will be accompanied by not one but two leading scientists from the world-renowned SETI Institute: Dr. Thomas Esposito and Dr. James De Buizer.

Sail Croatia expands Explorer programme for 2026

Luxury ship MS Contessa joins the fleet

Sail Croatia's Explorer cruises offer more choice than ever in Summer 2026, with an additional ship joining the fleet, and mid-week departures added.

Surprises and delights along the mighty Mekong

Veteran travel writer and world traveller, Peter Needham, explores the ancient Mekong River aboard CF Mekong's quaint and delightful Toun Tiou II

A hearty, foaming stein of fine pilsner in a German-Vietnamese brewery bar; an ascent to the top of a mountain by Austrian cable car; a bird-watching trip on a jungle waterway and a placid cruise with a friendly crew down one of the world’s great rivers.

Aranui Launches First Two Ship Program in 2027

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The new ship, Aranoa, will join Aranui 5 in March 2027. This program includes a packed schedule with both passenger-freighter ships visiting all five French Polynesian archipelagos throughout the year.

Viking's newest riverboat on the Mekong

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Viking has taken delivery of its newest river ship, Viking Tonle, set to sail exclusively on Southeast Asia's Mekong River. According to Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, the region's rich history and traditions make it especially compelling for travellers who value learning through exploration.

Polar Latitudes Expeditions and Albatros Expeditions to merge

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Polar Latitudes Expeditions and Albatros Expeditions are merging to form a new brand in the polar travel sector, set to debut in mid-October. The combined fleet will feature four ships: Ocean Albatros, Ocean Victory, MS Seaventure, and Ocean Nova. This strategic partnership aims to provide travellers with a broader range of itineraries, ship experiences, cabin options, amenities, and adventure programs.

New vessel and strategy for PONANT

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PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is expanding its offering for lovers of exclusive sailing with the launch of the new commercial brand, PONANT YACHTING, showcasing the Group’s expertise in crafting ultra-intimate experiences, combining sailing, sophistication and bespoke service.