Windstar offers 52-day South Pacific cruise from Singapore to Papeete

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Windstar Cruises has opened bookings for a 52-day South Pacific voyage from Singapore to Papeete, with fares starting from $21,553 per person under an early booking offer.

From on Board: North to Alaska with Windstar

Alaska cruising has always been a favourite with Aussies and even in these tougher times, we're still heading to one of the world's last true wildernesses. Ros Freeman reports.

There could only be one answer to the question Caroline posed. "Would you like to join me on an Alaskan cruise?"  "Yes! Yes! Yes! I’d love to!"

Alaska is somewhere I’ve never been. My knowledge of it was scant. It’s cold. It’s an American state, though oddly detached from mainland USA. And there’s all sorts of fantastic wildlife including huskies who, despite the often sub-zero temperatures, always seem incredibly happy. I like nothing better than going to some place of which I know so little. Alaska fitted that perfectly.

Introducing On Board Tasmanian Expedition Cruises - WIN A CRUISE

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On Board brings the comforts of a boutique lodge to some of Tasmania’s most remote and arresting waterways. Tasmanian-owned and family-operated, the expedition company specialises in intimate, place-based journeys aboard Odalisque III, a purpose-built expedition catamaran launched in Tasmania in 2023 for a maximum of 12 guests in seven cabins.

Win an Eight-Day Maldives Dhoni Cruise for Two with On Water Expeditions

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Adventure travellers have the chance to win an eight-day Maldives cruise for two aboard a traditional dhoni, with On Water Expeditions opening entries for a prize valued at $6,980.

The prize includes a twin-share cabin on a fixed Maldives dhoni cruise departure from November 23 to 30, 2026, offering travellers a more immersive alternative to the traditional resort holiday. The itinerary includes snorkelling over coral reefs straight from the boat, swimming among manta rays and sea turtles, visiting local fishing villages and enjoying freshly prepared meals, including seafood caught that day.

Rachel Imber, On Water Expeditions Brand Manager, said the competition reflected growing demand for experience-led Maldives travel and small-ship adventures.

“The Maldives is often associated with luxury resorts, but this voyage shows travellers a completely different side of the destination. Guests travel aboard a traditional dhoni, explore remote islands and reefs, connect with local communities and spend their days actively experiencing the ocean rather than simply looking at it from the shore,” Ms Imber said.

The competition comes as Australian interest in small-ship cruising and expedition cruising continues to rise. Search demand for small-ship and expedition cruising has grown 64 per cent over the past two years, while online searches for small ship cruises have doubled since 2022.

To enter the On Water Expeditions Maldives cruise competition, travellers must complete the online entry form and remain subscribed to the company’s email database at the time of the draw on August 7, 2026. Entries are open until August 6, 2026. No purchase is required. Flights are not included.

ENTER HERE onwaterexpeditions.com/maldives-competition

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From On Board: Swan Hellenic in the Philippines

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After two and a half days at sea northwest of Raja Ampat, SH Minerva reached the first of the Philippines’ 7,641 islands—though only 7,107 remain at low tide. Spread across 1,800 kilometres of turquoise sea, the archipelago is home to more than 117 million people, yet many islands remain tiny, remote and accessible only by Zodiac.

Medical emergency aboard Hondius. Three dead. More critical.

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BBC has reported: "Three people have died after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on an expedition cruise ship en route from Argentina to Cape Verde, the World Health Organization tells the BBC"

The cruise company concerned, Oceanwide Expeditions has reported they are currently "managing a serious medical situation on board the vessel m/v Hondius, located off the coast of Cape Verde.

"During this voyage, three passengers have passed away. In addition, one passenger is currently being treated in intensive care in Johannesburg, and two crew members on board require urgent medical care."

Hantavirus is a viral infection spread through the urine, saliva, or faeces of rodents. It can cause severe respiratory and kidney disease in humans. It is considered extremely rare under normal circumstances and more so for shipboard cases.

More details as they come to hand.

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Orient Express Corinthian christened ahead of Mediterranean debut

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The Orient Express Corinthian, described as the world’s largest sailing cruise ship, was christened on April 29 and delivered to its owners, Orient Express Sailing Yachts, marking the brand’s entry into maritime travel.

From on Board: SH Minerva in Raja Ampat

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Lauded as the “last snorkelling paradise on earth,” Raja Ampat is some 1,200 kilometres north of Darwin and sets a high bar, one that feels even higher at 4 a.m. when the alarm sounds for a flight from Bali to Sorong. Not a morning person at the best of times, three hours on a small plane is not an obvious way to begin a luxury cruise.

From On Board: South Atlantic with Oceanwide Expeditions

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Landing on the Edge: Tristan da Cunha and the South Atlantic Islands

From Hans Verdaat, Expedition Leader, Oceanwide Expeditions

Out here in the South Atlantic, plans are always provisional. The charts are precise, the briefings thorough, but the ocean still has the final say.

Aurora Expeditions expands Antarctic operations with record 2025/26 season

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Aurora Expeditions has reported its largest Antarctic cruise season to date for 2025/26, with 30 voyages, about 819 landings, and a 30% increase in passenger numbers across 56 nationalities.

The growth follows the launch of its third vessel, Douglas Mawson, which entered service in November, enabling the company to operate three ships simultaneously in Antarctica for the first time in its 35-year history.

AmaWaterways adds AmaMelodia on Colombia’s Magdalena River

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River cruise operator AmaWaterways has christened its second vessel on Colombia’s Magdalena River, AmaMelodia, marking a further expansion of its operations in the region.

The ceremony in Barranquilla was attended by representatives from ProColombia, government officials and local community leaders. A traditional blessing was performed by a local Mamo, reflecting the river's cultural significance.

Crystal weighs return to expedition cruising as growth stabilises

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Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises is considering a return to expedition cruising as it reports improved financial performance following its relaunch under Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group.

The company said it delivered positive EBITDA in 2025, its second full year since relaunch, with occupancy levels above 90% continuing into 2026.