Island Escape Cruises signs contract for newbuild expedition vessel

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New Zealand-based boutique expedition cruise company, Island Escape Cruises (IEC), has announced it has signed a contract yesterday, 29 December 2019, to build a 56m, 32-passenger vessel designed by VARD of Norway. It is not clear if construction will also take place at VARD shipyards. Delivery in April 2021 is anticipated.

"With a helipad, tenders, eco-friendly propulsion, stabilisers and fabulous interior styling, she is going to set a new level for NZ and South Pacific cruising," said Island Escape Cruises' director Peter Bisset in a Facebook announcement. "[this ship is] Great for our market and already she has excellent forward business."

More details will be released in 2020.

Island Escape Cruises original vessel, Island Passage, was sold to Canadian-based, Maple Leaf Adventures, in 2018 at which time IEC was expecting to replace that vessel with a newbuild, "Windward Passage", for service as of December 2018.

Grab the last place and save $1000 on World Expeditions' Galapagos Experience

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Adventure travel specialist, World Expeditions, has one space left on its exclusive opportunity to experience the Galapagos wildlife with naturalist expert, Jaime Dominguez on the brand new, first class yacht, Solaris.

Melanesia reveals its secrets to filmmaker

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Filmmaker Neil Nightingale has worked and travelled throughout Melanesia for the last 30 years but this voyage with Heritage Expeditions took him to remote locations even he had not visited before.

Lindblad Expeditions new Antarctica and Patagonia itinerary

Lindblad Expeditions, has announced Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords, an exhilarating 18-day expedition that will navigate the Antarctica Peninsula, southern Patagonia and the Chilean fjords – all in a single epic journey.

Steel Cutting of m/v Janssonius Officially Begins

As announced last July, Oceanwide Expeditions has ordered a new built Polar Class 6 ship: M/v Janssonius. She will have the same passenger capacity as Hondius (174), a nearly identical size and design, and will be a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened vessel equivalent to a 1A super ice-class ship.

Completely on schedule, the Steel Cutting Ceremony took place in Split's Brodosplit shipyard, which marks the beginning of the construction of the vessel.

Janssonius´ completion is scheduled for 2021 and as of November 2021, our new polar vessel will be cruising the crystalline waters of the polar regions, delivering dozens of wildlife-loving and adventure-seeking passengers to the most iconic locations in the Arctic and Antarctica.

The first trip planned for Janssonius will be a spectacular voyage to South Georgia, departing on 05 November 2021. The full list of dates and rates of the vessel will follow shortly.

New 2020 Dates for Upper Murraylands Cruise

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#expeditioncruising

Captain Cook Cruises has released the 2020 departure dates for the much loved seven-night Upper Murraylands Cruise, onboard Paddlewheeler, PS Murray Princess.

Coral Expeditions and Australian Geographic grow expedition partnership

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• Four new expedition voyages announced
• New Portraits of Australia Exhibitions and Talking Australia podcast series
• Adventurer of the Year Awards and AG Presents Speakers Roadshow

Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering expedition cruise line, and Australian Geographic have extended their successful partnership with new activity planned through to 2022.

Ultimate Antarctic exploration aboard PONANT’s new polar exploration vessel

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PONANT, a cruise line committed for some 30 years to responsible tourism in the polar regions, reveals all new itineraries aboard its new hybrid electric polar exploration vessel propelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG). It is the world’s first limited-capacity cruise ship to be propelled by LNG. For 2021-2022, its inaugural season in Antarctica, Le Commandant Charcot is offering a unique sailing experience to the White Continent. The ship’s eco-friendly design featuring the very latest technology marks a new chapter in the history of responsible tourism.

Sea Cloud Spirit - First Brochure

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Offering Exciting Itineraries in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Central America

Sea Cloud Cruises is happy to announce the arrival of the first brochure for their new build and third tall ship, the Sea Cloud Spirit. Potential guests can book sailings from August 2020-April 2021. She will take to the high seas on August 29 for her maiden voyage from Lisbon to Rome. The Sea Cloud Spirit will spend late summer/early fall in the Mediterranean, and then make her way to the Caribbean with a legendary Atlantic crossing in November 2020. She will then spend winter 2021 in the Caribbean, Central America and Florida/Bahamas.

Zegrahm Expeditions Launches NEW 2021 Small-Ship Voyages Collection

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After more than 1,600 expeditions with 63,000 explorers in 136 countries, Zegrahm Expeditions celebrates learnings from 30 years of fierce exploration in its recently released catalogue

In celebration of three decades crafting innovative and industry-leading itineraries, Zegrahm Expeditions – the transformational and educational travel company – has released its latest catalogue, the 2021 Small Ship Voyages Collection. Each departure in this new collection shares the same integrity, sense of wonder and passion Zegrahm has come to be lauded for, now with exciting new stops including Bissagos Islands on the West Coast of Africa, and the company’s return to the rugged remote west coast of Ireland. 

Coral Expeditions launches all-new outer Great Barrier Reef program

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• New-to-the-reef vessel with Cairns departures from June 2021
• Yacht-like Coral Discoverer to journey beyond to remote northern reefs and islands
• Cruises focus on marine wildlife encounters and Indigenous connections

Australia’s pioneer of expedition cruising, Coral Expeditions, has launched a completely re-imagined program of Great Barrier Reef expeditions from June 2021.

Peregrine releases sail away sale with up to 30% off

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The sale includes select Antarctica 20/21 Voyages and 2020 Adventure Cruises

Peregrine is offering up to 30% off* Antarctica Voyages and Adventure Cruises.

From 29th November to 8th December, travellers can book onto a Peregrine Adventure Cruise and select Antarctica Voyages, and save up to 30% off.

Examples of some of the sales on offer include:

Save $2,569 on Peregrine’s Best of Antarctica departing 4th November 2020:

Photographic Expeditions See Norwegian Arctic in The Best Light

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Late season voyages to Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic offer ideal light conditions in which novice and expert photographers alike may capture images of the unusual icy landscapes and captivating wildlife.  Specialist polar tour operator Swoop (tel:  0117 369 0296; https://www.swoop-arctic.com) is offering two 10-day, small-ship expeditions to the Svalbard archipelago during September 2020 to take advantage of the amazing light.  Both trips are for just 12 guests each and both are accompanied by special photographic guides.

Life as an Arctic Expedition Leader

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For anyone who has ever been on an expedition cruise or group tour, we’ve all wondered what life would be like as an expedition leader or trip manager. From the outside looking in, it looks like a dream job. You get paid to take travellers to some of the world’s wildest and most beautiful locations and experience the many diverse cultures within them. However, what goes on behind the scenes? What is life truly like as an expedition leader?

Matthew ‘MJ’ Swan has been an expedition leader for Arctic voyages operator, Adventure Canada, for nearly eight years, taking travellers on expedition cruises throughout Canada and the Arctic. MJ is also the Business Development Director for Adventure Canada, which his father founded in 1987.

MJ’s love for travel stemmed from his wilderness-loving family, working with the company since he was 15 years old. Becoming an expedition leader was in his DNA.

“I was brought up in a travelling family with a deep passion for nature. It made sense to me to explore the world with like-minded travellers, and to be someone that guests could look to as an expedition leader given my existing experience on ships, with Adventure Canada,” said MJ.

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic announce a new Panama and Colombia itinerary.

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Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced Panama & Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast, an exhilarating 8-day expedition that will navigate the South American coast, from Cartagena to Panama City, to explore the region’s astonishing trove of natural and cultural treasures.

Hull and ice test for new Seabourn Venture

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Seabourn, the world’s finest ultra-luxury cruise line, is marking another key milestone in the construction of its new expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, with the completion of ice model testing for the ship’s PC-6 rated hull.

Two new ships for Ponant brand, Paul Gaugin, in 2022

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Fincantieri has signed a memorandum of agreement for the construction and design of two new-generation luxury expedition cruise vessels for Ponant, a subsidiary of Artemis Group (holding company of the Pinault family).

Lonely Planet Embarks on 60 Unforgettable Water Trips with Amazing Boat Journeys

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Includes three in Australia

From salt breezes to river safaris, Lonely Planet has left no hull unturned to collect 60 of the world's greatest water adventures for the publication of Amazing Boat Journeys this month.

Following the success of Lonely Planet's best-selling Amazing Train Journeys last year, Amazing Boat Journeys features accounts of 60 of the world's most unforgettable voyages over water, accompanied by beautiful photographs and practical details to assist travellers in planning their own memorable trips.

With a Foreword by round-the-world Australian sailor Jessica Watson, Amazing Boat Journeys celebrates a slower, more romantic and rewarding way of travelling — from sailing the Nile by felucca and cruising the Canadian Arctic, to reaching the Pitcairn Islands by cargo ship and exploring Halong Bay in Vietnam.

Sydney’s Manly Ferry, Kimberley Coast Cruise, and Sailing Ningaloo Reef are the Australian boat journeys featured.

The book's other top journeys include:

·         Felucca Nile Journey (Egypt)
·         Cape Town Fishing Vessel (South Africa)
·         Mississippi Paddle Steamer (USA)
·         Amazon Exploration (Peru)
·         The Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)
·         Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego (Chile)
·         Halong Bay (Vietnam)
·         Kerala Backwaters (India)
·         Mekong River (Vietnam and Cambodia)
·         Yangtze River (China)
·         Cigarette Boat on the Tonlé Sap (Cambodia)
·         Dalmatian Coast (Croatia)
·         Aran Islands Pilgrimage (Ireland)
·         Aegean Islands (Greece)
·         Blue Cruise (Turkey)
·         Hurtigruten Fjords (Norway)
·         Baltic Sea Crossing (Finland to Sweden)
·         Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia)
·         Cook Strait Ferry (New Zealand)
·         Coastal New Guinea (Papua New Guinea)
·         Marine Mammals Expedition (Antarctica)

LONELY PLANET: AMAZING BOAT JOURNEYS

Published: November 2019

ISBN: 9781788681308 / Dimensions: 240mm x 185mm / Format: 304pp, hardcover

Price: AU$39.99

New expedition cruise brand to launch in 2021

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Scylla will launch a new expedition cruise brand, VIVA Cruises Expeditions, in summer 2021 with the SeaVenture sailing to Northern Europe and the Arctic.

The Switzerland-based vessel management company owns and operates more than 30 riverboats for various brands, and has its own river brand in VIVA Cruises.

Earlier this year, the company purchased the Bremen from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. It will take delivery of the 155-guest ship in 2021.

Scylla will then operate it under the VIVA brand for the summer season, before a winter charter sees the ship sail for Polar Latitudes in Antarctica as the SeaEscape.

Scuba Divers Take the Plunge from Luxury Yachts in Burma

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New Sail & Dive Initiative allows divers to explore the Mergui Archipelago in style

Burma Boating is set to launch monthly cruises around the Mergui Archipelago, combining two of the most sought-after activities in these pristine waters – yachting and scuba diving.

PONANT Offers Over 80 Cruises With Scuba Diving Options

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Ideal For Divers Who Like To Cruise Or Cruisers Who Like To Dive

 PONANT offers the opportunity to dive in some of the most remarkable underwater sites around the world, all the while enjoying the luxury and trappings of modern small ship cruising with a French touch.

Crystal Expedition Cruises Unveils 2022 Deployment for Crystal Endeavor

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From Arctic adventures to 3 days in Seville… new polar expeditions, African immersions, river explorations and South American west coast highlight the collection of global journeys

With a focus on true expeditions to the world’s farthest corners, Crystal Expedition Cruises announces a preview of the complete deployment for the Polar Class-6 expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor. Crystal Endeavor’s 2022 collection of all-inclusive itineraries will be available for booking on 14 November.

AdventureSmith Explorations Offers 2021 Solar Eclipse Viewing On Seven Antarctic Cruises

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On Dec. 4, 2021, there will be a total eclipse of the sun in Antarctica, a region most can only dream about.
 However, the international expert in small ship expedition cruising, Adventure Smith Explorations, announces limited availability for voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula to witness this phenomenon that will only be seen in the south polar region.
 
Vessels accommodating from 102 to 170 passengers are uniquely appointed to maneuver the ice-bound waters of Antarctica for positioning in the center of the moon shadow during the eclipse.
 
Itineraries of 20 to 24 days will utilize in-depth technology to find the best possible viewing area, hoping to ensure an unobscured sun.

New tall ship for Sea Cloud

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• Small luxury ship with balcony suites, a spa, fine and casual dining
• Unique sailing experience, visiting smaller lesser-known ports

In summer 2020, Sea Cloud Cruises’ third tall ship will be taking to the seas. Just this week she passed her first round of seaworthiness tests. “Since the tests were successful and the shipyard is running on time, the new ship’s maiden voyage is on track for August 29, 2020,” said CEO Daniel Schaefer. Just like its sister ships the Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II, the Sea Cloud Spirit combines a genuine passion for sailing with the atmosphere of a private yacht.  The 453 square feet three-masted sailing ship can accommodate up to 136 guests and, like its two sister ships, occupies a special niche within the expanding cruise market, offering a casual elegance sailing experience.

Ponant continues to grow

#expeditioncruising .

Ponant will continue its growth in 2020 with two new ships, Le Bellot and Le Jacques Cartier.

The French cruise line has also announced a new partnership with the Musée du Louvre for two of its 2020 sailings, as well as 50 new itineraries visiting destinations in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

PONANT releases two new cruise collections

#expeditioncruising .

PONANT releases two new cruise collections for adventurous travellers:

2020-2021 Caribbean & Latin America and Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf & Polynesia voyages

The Caribbean & Latin America 2020-2021 Collection:

This collection represents a wish-list of 38 tempting voyages, departing between September 2020 and April 2021, that include evocative destinations such as the Caribbean, Belize, Grenadines, Martinique and Guatemala as well as exploration in the Sea of Cortez, Chilean fjords and the Amazon River.

“Calypso, salsa, cassava, macaws and caiman ….. let PONANT introduce you to the world of the Caribbean and Latin America,” says Monique Ponfoort, Vice President Asia Pacific for PONANT. “Across 38 exceptional voyages, many featuring our new Explorer ships Le Champlain and Le Dumont-d’Urville, explore coastlines and islands from Miami to Cape Horn, with an emphasis on cultural discoveries and intimate encounters with local populations.”

Aurora Expeditions christens their new ship ‘Greg Mortimer’

#expeditioncruising .

The first passenger ship utilising the Ulstein X-Bow®

Aurora Expeditions, a world leader in expeditions to the polar regions, today celebrated the christening of their highly anticipated and innovative ship, the Greg Mortimer.

One Ocean Expeditions 'restructuring' [updated]

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UPDATE: If you or your client(s) are directly affected, a Facebook page has been set up here

A mysterious, non-commital statement issued by One Ocean Expeditions today would indicate an interruption to service on the eve of the 2019/20 Antarctic season.

The statement below by MD Andrew Prossin says the company is "restructuring" in the aftermath of the loss of its two Russian-flagged vessels earlier this year.

The Canadian company's remaining vessel, RCGS Resolute, was last tracked in the port of Buenos Aires where it had sailed from about a week ago. The reason for the sudden return to port is not clear, but one source close to the company indicated a medical emergency required a crew member be disembarked urgently. This cannot be confirmed and attempts to contact the company directly have been unsuccessful. CBC, meanwhile reports "One Ocean Expeditions has been ordered by an Argentinian federal judge to stay in the port of Buenos Aires due to a 'significant debt'."

UPDATED: As of 24 Nov, RGSC Resolute is still moored in Rio 

A news item posted in the local Squamish Chief would indicate the office is closed and the lights are out.

Another news item posted on the national CBC news site cites claims by staff members about late payments.

"None of us knew for years why we just constantly had issues with not being paid," said bartender and guide Ian Peck, who was eventually paid for his work.

Another former staff member, Caro St. John, says she is still owed $6,400 USD and wonders if she will ever see her money.

"We're the ones who make the experience on the boats above and beyond. And then to not pay them and not communicate with them I think is very poor management," she is quoted as saying in the article.

The company statement, meanwhile, does not include information about passenger bookings, refunds or impacts to staff members.

We will attempt to bring you updates on this situation as they come to hand.

Pre-registration for 2021/2022 voyages on the Greg Mortimer opened

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Agents can register their clients for priority on Antarctic and Northbound voyages

Aurora Expeditions, leading expedition cruising and home-grown polar exploration specialist, has today announced the pre-registration has opened for their new 2021/2022 Antarctic and 2022 Northbound voyages onboard the Greg Mortimer and her yet-to-be-named sister ship.

Seabourn Announces World-Class Expedition Team

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It will soon be the height of the spring and summer travel season in the southern hemisphere, and Seabourn, the world’s finest ultra-luxury cruise line, is ready for adventure with a world-class and very experienced expedition team assembled to lead all expeditions through the wilds of Antarctica and Patagonia from Seabourn Quest.

What's New in Expedition Cruising for 2020

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AdventureSmith Explorations Showcases Belize, Mediterranean and Arctic
Among 12 New 2020 Itineraries

 
Responding to remarkable growth in expedition cruising, AdventureSmith Explorations announces for 2020 a heady combo of 12 new itineraries and five new ships to its growing portfolio of roughly 300 small expedition ships and wilderness lodges.

This international leader in small expedition ship cruising helped pioneer wilderness and cultural travel by small ship in 2003. Its booked passenger count has grown some 150 percent annually since then. New itineraries entice both repeat and new clients.

Here are 2020 season details on new programs and ships in a multitude of adventurous cruising hot spots.

Belize and Latin AmericaAdventureSmith Explorations is especially excited about a new itinerary, Belize & Guatemala Wonders – Rivers, Reefs & Cultures, that its own team helped develop. This eight-day cruise explores in-depth the less visited sections of the Belizean Barrier Reef, a 200-mile long UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Guests snorkel amongst the stunning coral communities surrounding the Smithsonian Marine Field Station at Carrie Bow Caye, a virtual living laboratory for one of Earth’s most fascinating ecosystems.  Closer to land, guests are also introduced to more of Central America’s less know gems, such as the mangrove and savannah habitats of Payne’s Creek National Park, home to the West Indian manatee and the endangered yellow-headed parrot.

Bookings made by Nov. 20, 2019, come with a savings of $400 off the per person double rate from $4,545. The 66-passenger Safari Voyager is equipped with an EZ Dock kayak launch system, an underwater bow camera, and a constellation of the finest equipment for personal marine exploration.

Another well-rounded cruise is the Colombia & Panama–Coral, Jungles, Canal, also new, which offers a $400 early bird booking discount on a per person double rate from $4,895 for eight days aboard 66-guest Safari Voyager.

MediterraneanThree different seas are the focus for 12 days aboard the 58-passenger Sea Cloud while exploring Mediterranean Gems: Sailing from Dubrovnik to Naples. This beauty of a vessel replete with masts and billowing sails departs on the Adriatic from the Game of Thrones city, Dubrovnik, through the Strait of Otranto that divides Italy’s boot from Albania. Ports rife with history await as the sailing ship plies the Mediterranean bound for the Strait of Messina that separates Sicily from Italy, with stops at Hellenic ruins in Siracusa (Ortygia) and Taormina. Later, on the Tyrhennian Sea, guests explore Stromboli, home of one of Italy’s most active volcanoes. Eruptions of a cultural sort follow as history foments in Agropoli, Paestum and Pompeii, with time enough to enjoy the beauties of Amalfi. The per person double rate is from $13,330. Departures in 2020 are May 22 and Sept. 17.

AlaskaPeople short on time can partake of a new six-day Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau to Ketchikan cruise through the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska aboard 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion. The per person double rate is from $4,420. Multiple departures in 2020 are in May, June, July and August.

AntarcticaGuests may choose to go big in Antarctica with National Geographic Epic Antarctica that sails over 35 days between Argentina and New Zealand aboard 126-passenger National Geographic Endurance. The per person double rate is from $48,800.

ArcticNew epic Arctic cruise itineraries embrace Greenland, Russia and Canada. For details please see:

• 
• National Geographic Northeast Passage: Over 25 days aboard the 126-guest National Geographic Endurance from $34,750 per person double;

• Jewels of the Russian Arctic: Franz Josef Land & Novaya Zemlya, 16-22 days aboard the 132-guest, recently restored Ocean Adventurer, from $9,995 per person double;

• Essential Greenland: Southern Coasts & Disko Bay, 15 days aboard the 132-guest Ocean Adventurer, from $8,495 per person double;

• National Geographic Svalbard in the Spring:11 days aboard the 126-guest National Geographic Endurance, from $11,600 per person double;

• Best of the Western Arctic: 20 days aboard the 132-guest Ocean Adventurer, from $11,995 per person double. 

BajaBaja cruise options expand with a new six-day focus on the Pacific gray whales of Baja on The Whales of Magdalena Bay aboard 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion. Per person double rates are from $3,740.

Northern EuropeGuests explore nine countries along the Baltic Sea on Circumnavigating the Baltic Sea, a new 16-day Northern Europe cruise aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer. Per person double rates are from $17,330.

New ShipsAdventureSmith Explorations’ founder/owner Todd Smith says 20 years ago he could only dream about the capabilities and technology of the new ships being folded into his company’s 2020 portfolio. “These new ships will push the boundaries of adventure, comfort and sustainable technology while exploring the world’s wild places.” 

• 

• Indonesia: 30-guest Aqua Blu has been newly refurbished for delivering seven- and 12-night itineraries through Indonesia’s Golden Triangle.

• Galapagos: 18-guest Conservation lives up to its name with offset carbon emissions, biodegradable amenities and no single-use plastics while plying the waters of one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.

• Amazon: 40-guest riverboat, Aqua Nera, sets new standards of luxury in Amazon River cruising on the Peruvian Amazon. Think outdoor cinema, a screening room, pool table, plunge pools and spa treatment rooms.

• Polar (Antarctica & Arctic): 126-guest National Geographic Endurance is an educational polar vessel designed to be faster, safer and more efficient than ever before.

• Polar (Antarctica & Arctic): 200-guest Ultramarine offers specialized exploration tools (helicopters and helipads for flightseeing and heli-skiing), cutting-edge safety measures and the ability to cruise for 70 days sets this one apart. 

For details on these and all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2019-2020 reservations, please call 866-575-2875 toll-free or visit the company website.

 

Wrangel Island: Polar Bear heaven.

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Neil Nightingale and Karen Bass have been making wildlife films around the world for more than 30 years. But there are locations so remote and so rich in wildlife that still surprise them. Wrangel Island in the Russian Arctic is one of those.

Polar bears are intensely curious animals (Neil Nightingale)

The swimming polar bear sensed our presence from quite a distance away. Immediately, he turned and paddled towards us. Climbing onto a patch of ice resting against the ship, head turning this way and that, nose lifted to smell, he gave us a long and searching look.

Expedition cruising route for US/Canada Great Lakes proposal

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The new 'Inside Passage' route on Lake Superior's North Shore MAP: Great Lakes Cruising Coalition

Over the past two years, the Great Lakes Cruising Coalition has been investigating the potential for expedition-style ships to sail inside the North Shore Archipelago, a series of islands adjacent to the shoreline. From time to time, several of these inside passages have been used for merchant shipping, but their potential for expedition-style cruising has only recently been recognized, offering a totally new product to the growing Great Lakes cruise trade.

Read full story

Ponant adds new ship and extra voyages for Kimberley for 2021

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Monique Ponfoort, PONANT Vice President Asia Pacific, announced an increased commitment for the company in the 2021 Kimberley season, saying “To meet the growing interest in and demand for our Kimberley expeditions, we are increasing the number of departures in 2021 to provide more choice of travel dates and an expanded range of itineraries.”

Oceanwide Expeditions ready for a new Antarctic season

#expeditioncruising .

Oceanwide Expeditions is packed, prepped, and fully primed for the 2020 Antarctic season, having made a series of key upgrades to its three m/v cruisers, Plancius, Ortelius, and Hondius.

In addition to their usual mid-season checkups, these vessels received multiple renovations: updated cabins for Plancius; a dining room and crew area makeover for Ortelius; and more user-friendly gangways for Polar Class 6 Hondius, as well as numerous smaller updates.

The completion of this work is a great kick-off for our Antarctica 2020 season, which is bright and full of adventure opportunities for every traveler.

Activities like mountaineering, snowshoeing, kayaking, camping, scuba diving, and photography workshops are all available, along with the chance to see such iconic Antarctic species as humpback whales, leopard seals, Adélie penguins, and so much more.

Our Antarctica 2020 program includes all of our most popular expeditions, such as our classic Antarctic Peninsula trips, which seek out some of the best landscapes and wildlife along this emblematic landmass.

On the other hand, our multi-activity Basecamp voyages are ideal for travelers who want a cruise as immersive as it is exhilarating.

Specialized Weddell and Ross Seas cruises are great for polar connoisseurs looking for lesser-visited locations, while people interested in a more expansive journey will love the stunning sub-Antarctic wildlife havens of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

Our philosophy at Oceanwide Expeditions is to get our guests off the ship and into the action as much as possible. This means short sea legs that provide as many outdoor excursions as we can fit in, with as many exotic wildlife sightings as nature (and our guides) can provide. This has been our mission for over 25 years.

Viking Expedition Cruises names vessels

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Viking Cruises has rolled out its expedition offering in Viking Expedition Cruises, which currently has select itineraries available only to past guests before general sales open in early 2020.

Viking will build a pair of expedition ships at VARD, the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Each Polaris-class ship will carry 378 guests and offer Polar Class 6 hull specifications.

The expedition offering will mix in with the company's dominant river cruise brand and luxury cruise offering as Torstein Hagen continues expanding his Viking Cruises empire.

The ships will have six cabin categories with the smallest starting at 218 square feet. Cruise Industry News previously reported the ships will feature submarines and carry a large 20-person expedition team.

Similar to the company’s ocean program, the brand will offer the “thinking person's” cruise product.

Onboard, guests can look forward to trademark Viking features such as Manfredi's Italian Restaurant.

Among the options available for early booking, the company's Antarctic Explorer program sails from Ushuaia in early 2022, with each cruise at 13 nights for the inaugural season. Early bird offers start at $15,393 per person. Embarkation starts in Buenos Aires, where guests will spend a night before a charter flight to Ushuaia.

An Arctic Adventure program is also available for past guests for early booking, sailing roundtrip 13-day cruises from Tromso in August and September 2022.

Source: Cruise Industry News

Sanctuary Nile Adventurer resumes 4-day Nile sailings

The Sanctuary Nile Adventurer has long been regarded as one of the best boutique ships on the Nile, nominated by National Geographic as one of its 'journeys of a lifetime'. And now that 'journey' is about to become even more memorable, with the ship recommencing its luxurious 4-day sailings along this epic river following a dramatic makeover unveiled late last month.

Galapagos 60th: Free Air, Solo Premium Waived, Guest Speakers...

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In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation, Lindblad Expeditions has announced a series of promotions and activities in keeping with their 50+ year legacy dedicated to conservation and the people of Galapagos.

Keel laying of Lindblad Expeditions' second polar newbuild, National Geographic Endurance

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Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., a global provider of expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences, and Ulstein Group, Norwegian shipbuilder and ship designer, celebrated the keel laying of Lindblad's second polar new build at the CRIST shipyard in Gdynia, Poland. The occasion also served as the official naming ceremony of the vessel.