From On Board: Temple touts take to the Nile

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From On Board MS Semiramis II
Location: River Nile at Luxor

"Hello! hello! One dollar! One dollar!"

This is my wake-up call at 8am as two brazen chaps in a flimsy wooden dingy afix themselves to our river boat and proceed to spruik their wares loudly in several languages. James from Adelaide in an adjoining cabin, perhaps unwisely, engages them and suddenly plastic wrapped products are being hurled through his cabin window as our Nubian pirates identify a target.

BREAKING NEWS Paspaley Announces Pearl Expeditions

Paspaley, Australia’s foremost producer of fine pearls and a renowned name in fine pearl jewellery, is proud to announce the launch of Pearl Expeditions—a new, uniquely Australian owned, immersive expedition cruise venture. This initiative marks a partnership between Paspaley and cruise industry trailblazer Sarina Bratton AM, bringing together unparalleled expertise and a shared passion for exploration.

Tauck's 2026 Small Ship Bonanza

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New Japan and Korea Itinerary, Arctic Circle Cruise Highlight Tauck’s 2026 Ocean Cruising Plans

“Small is Big” Next Year on 133 Departures Of 20 Tauck Itineraries Aboard 20 Small Ships

Tauck has announced its 2026 small ship ocean cruising plans, and the company is expanding its portfolio next year with the addition of two new itineraries, Sakura Seas: Japan & South Korea and Arctic Days & Northern Lights, offering guests exclusive, immersive experiences in two captivating corners of the globe. 

Paul Gaugin returns to service after refit

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The much-loved ship returned to service in April following a seven-week, multi-million dollar drydock in Singapore.

The m/s Paul Gauguin’s refurbishment features a contemporary redesign of Le Grill restaurant, a serene pool deck with shaded cabanas, new connecting staterooms, updated soft furnishings and enhanced sustainable technologies, all of which were enjoyed firsthand by guests on a repositioning voyage immediately after. Highlights included a visit to the magnificent Borobudur Temple, a traditional dance welcome in Surabaya and even a Tahitian dance class with the onboard performers.

 

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andBeyond Amazon Explorer – A New Luxury River Expedition Vessel

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In yet another exciting addition to their South American portfolio, conservation-led luxury adventure company &Beyond has launched their latest project, a state-of-the-art river expedition yacht to be based in the Peruvian Amazon. Boasting the ultimate in modern design and technology, the &Beyond Amazon Explorer is currently under construction at the SIMA Shipyard in Iquitos, Peru, and is due to set sail on 29 September 2026.

PONANT announces 'world first' full circumnavigation of Antarctica - sort of

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Who could blame PONANT EXPLORATIONS for getting excited about their announcement that their luxury icebreaker is about to embark on a full circumnavigation of Antarctica between January and March 2028. 

“This is what climate leadership looks like”

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Bjørn Kjærand Haugland, CEO of Skift, is impressed by the commitment to research, innovation, and collaboration to achieve climate goals in the maritime industry after attending the launch of the LNGameChanger project in Ålesund on Wednesday.

Skift is a Norwegian business-led climate initiative that brings together the most climate-ambitious companies in Norway to highlight the opportunities of a zero-emissions society and the tools needed to get there.

Brand new ship for Aranui Cruises to sail French Polynesia's southern islands

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Aranui Cruises announced it is adding a second ship to its fleet for the first time, with construction of a new passenger-freighter vessel underway at Huanghai Shipbuilding facility in Shandong, China. The 116-metre-long Aranoa will cruise French Polynesia’s south from 2027, carrying cargo and just under 200 guests on itineraries to the Austral Islands.

Swan Hellenic announces Africa Grand Voyages

 

Cultural expedition cruise pioneer with a reputation for going off the beaten track in Africa, now offers unique opportunities to travel the entire West Coast in a seamless experience of exploration in depth: northwards from Cape Town to Casablanca and on to Lisbon, or south from Lisbon to Luanda.

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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