Coral Expeditions restart on the Great Barrier Reef confirmed

#expeditioncruising . 

Under 72 passengers, all Australian crew and guests enhanced health protocols

Australia’s pioneering small ship expedition line, Coral Expeditions, has confirmed a restart of operations for 14th October 2020 with a series of new 7-night sailings onboard the yacht-like Coral Discoverer. Operating out of Cairns with planned departures through mid-December this year, these highly experiential nature-based expeditions will take small groups of guests to explore the pristine outer reefs and lesser-known islands of the Great Barrier Reef, showcasing the extraordinary marine life and the rich natural and cultural history of Far North Queensland.

Aqua Expeditions unveils its newest vessel Aqua Nera

#expeditioncruising .

Aqua Expeditions, the global leader of luxury small ship expeditions has added a brand new vessel to their stylish fleet.

Setting a new standard for luxury river expeditions on the Amazon, Aqua Nera draws design inspiration from the Peruvian Amazon’s mystical black water lagoons and bears the hallmarks of contemporary style and generous interiors that Aqua Expeditions is known for.

Swan Hellenic revived as expedition brand

#expeditioncruising .

Seventy years on from Swan Hellenic’s discovery cruise beginnings, the British born expedition cruise line is back. Its core values remain unchanged, as does the brand’s passion for exploratory cruising. Keen again to enrich inquisitive minds who want to discover incredible destinations, reconnect with nature and locals all the while sharing unique experiences.

Rebound on Antarctic Whale Population

#expeditioncruising .

Following the announcement that Antarctica is one of the few Coronavirus-free locations remaining on the planet, it seems that there’s also good news for whale populations in the region - as scientists report seeing an unprecedented 55 blue whales off the UK sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, during a recent 23-day survey.

G Adventures release 2022 Arctic Expedition dates

#expeditioncruising .

Adventures aboard the G Expedition to Norway and the Arctic available to book now -

Global adventure travel expert, G Adventures, has released its 2022 program of Arctic and Norway departures aboard the 134 passenger G Expedition to travellers and agents ahead of schedule. The 12 new departures, which will run from May to September 2022, will allow travellers to explore the wonders of the Norwegian Fjords and the diverse wildlife of the Arctic peninsula, and are available to book now.

Le Jacques Cartier, final ship of the PONANT EXPLORER series delivered

#expeditioncruising .

"At a time of difficulty in the cruise industry, I am pleased to announce on Bastille Day that PONANT, the world leader in luxury expeditions continues to invest in the future with confidence, pursuing our growth strategy exampled by the launch of Le Bellot in March this year, and now the delivery of Le Jacques Cartier, the latest ship to join our modern fleet" announced Sarina Bratton, PONANT Chairman, Asia Pacific.

True North Adventure Cruises begins amended 2020 sailing schedule

#expeditioncruising .



Following a Covid-19 enforced shutdown, True North has resumed full-time operations, departing Broome on July 4 with a boatload of excited West Australians.

Hurtigruten's 2021/22 expedition brochure is out

#expeditioncruising .


Dive into Polar and beyond, Hurtigruten’s new 2021/2022 expedition cruise brochure, and discover the world’s spectacular coastlines with the leader in sustainable exploration travel.

Hurtigruten’s Limited Time “Freedom Flash Sale”

#expeditioncruising .

 Offers Travelers up to 50% Off July 1 – 8, 2020 Only

WHAT: This Fourth of July, Hurtigruten, the world leader in expedition travel for more than 126 years, is giving travelers the Freedom to explore with the Freedom Flash Sale offering discounts of up to 50% on select 2020 and 2021 itineraries.* Whether navigating Norway’s majestic fjords, spotting penguin colonies in Antarctica, whale watching in Alaska, or exploring the ancient archaeological sites of South and Central America, travelers can get their vacation plans back on track with this special, limited-time offer.

Aranaui to resume cruising as French Polynesia opens borders

#expeditioncruising .

You might have seen the news that French Polynesia is reopening its borders to international tourists on July 15, 2020, as long as certain conditions are met: https://tahititourisme.com.au/en-au/covid-19/

Cruise lines have also been given the green light to resume cruising and Aranui Cruises is set to recommence passenger services on July 18, with some enhanced health and hygiene measures.

Special ‘Welcome Back’ Murray Princess Cruise

#expeditioncruising .



South Australia’s much loved majestic paddlewheeler, PS Murray Princess, is back cruising the Murray River with a unique and one-off, very special seven-night ‘Welcome Back’ cruise from Renmark to Mannum departing Tuesday 23 June 2020.

Quark launches Ultramarine

#expeditioncruising .

Quark Expeditions, the leader in Polar Adventure Travel, celebrates a major milestone with the launch of Ultramarine during a traditional ceremony at the Brodosplit shipyard in Croatia.

Silversea Cruises prepares to take delivery of new ship Silver Origin

#expeditioncruising .

PONANT looks to the future, with news of the innovative polar exploration ship:Le Commandant-Charcot

Demonstrating great resilience and ingenuity, the De Hoop Shipyard overcame unprecedented challenges during the construction of Silver Origin.

Le Commandant-Charcot - the first hybrid electric ship to run on LNG

#expeditioncruising .

“Despite cruising being on pause for the moment, at PONANT we have been busy behind the scenes as we continue with the next and final stages in the construction of Le Commandant-Charcot, our future high-polar exploration ship” reports Monique Ponfoort, PONANT Vice President Asia Pacific.

Hurtigruten’s onboard credit bonus on Original Coastal Voyages

#expeditioncruising .

Receive between AU$200 and AU$500 per person

Book (or rebook) an Original Coastal Voyage and receive between AU$200 and AU$500 onboard credit to spend onboard as you wish!

“This onboard credit offer is extraordinary value for guests sailing with us on our Coastal Voyages,” says Damian Perry, Managing Director Hurtigruten Asia-Pacific.

Sneak Peak Tour of National Geographic Endurance

#expeditioncruising .

This month, National Geographic Endurance would have been proudly welcoming guests aboard inaugural voyages in the Arctic and beyond. But her grand entrance had to be postponed.

Update from Oceanwide re: Fleet return to base

#expeditioncruising .

We are relieved and happy to report that after weeks of sailing, Hondius has finally brought the first of our staff safely back to port.

The first of our ships to arrive after the Antarctic season, Hondius reached our home port of Vlissingen without incident yesterday. Plancius and Ortelius are predicted to arrive this Thursday, carrying the bulk of our crew and guides still in the field.

First look at new superyacht Emerald Azzurra and Star-Ship Emerald Luna

#expeditioncruising .

Evergreen’s sister company Emerald Cruises releases a first look at new superyacht Emerald Azzurra and Star-Ship Emerald Luna

Coral Expeditions’ all Australian-flagged fleet safely home in Cairns

#expeditioncruising .

Responding quickly to the current pandemic and daily changing regulations around port access in the Asia-Pacific region, Coral Expeditions has brought back its four ships to Cairns homeport.

Aurora Expeditions escalates attempts to repatriate passengers and crew

#expeditioncruising .

The Greg Mortimer at anchor in Montevideo (Merco Press)

Media Statement relating to the Greg Mortimer

3 April 2020

Yesterday we formally escalated our request to the Uruguayan Ministry of Health to allow us to bring the Greg Mortimer dockside, and urgently map a path to get all passengers and staff, back to their home countries.

RCGS Resolute sinks Venezuelan Navy patrol vessel [video]

#expeditioncruising .

It sounds like an April Fools prank, but reports just in from various sources, including an official statement from the Venezuelan Navy, indicate that one of that country's vessels has been lost after a collision with the former One Ocean Expeditions ice-strengthened expedition vessel, RCGS Resolute, now under the control of the German firm, Columbia Cruise Services.

Scoop: First pics of Ponant's LNG-powered icebreaker

#expeditioncruising .

(c) Alexandru Savitchi

Crystal Cruises statement re Endeavor

UPDATED Monday, March 23, 2020 5pm EST

Crystal has been notified that MV WERFTEN, the shipyard group that is building Crystal Endeavor, has announced that it will temporarily pause operations at its Rostock, Stralsund and Wismar sites for approximately four weeks as a preventative measure to protect employees against COVID-19. We are assessing this situation and how it might impact Crystal Endeavor, and we will provide an update as soon as we can. Our guests can be assured that we will handle any adjustments with the care and consideration that they have come to expect from Crystal.

We thank our guests and travel partners for their understanding and patience. We look forward to introducing Crystal Endeavor to the world and embarking on expeditions of luxury and adventure.

Last week for Hurtigruten's Explore the World Global Sale

#expeditioncruising

The countdown is on for Hurtigruten's Explore the World Global Sale. Ending 15^th March, there's just one week to book an incredible voyage.

With 2020 expeditions included in the sale, it's not too late to secure a once-in-a-lifetime trip for this year and beyond. See below for a summary of the offers.

Sale highlights include:

ANTARCTICA
Save up to AU$9,000 per cabin on lead-in suites on selected 2020/21 sailings.

NORTHWEST PASSAGE
Save AU$4,000 per cabin on selected Northwest Passage 2020 sailings.

ICELAND
Save from AU$1000 up to AU$4,000 per cabin on selected Iceland 2020 sailings.

GREENLAND
Save AU$1,000 per cabin on lead-in cabins on selected Greenland 2020 sailings.

SVALBARD
Save from AU$1000 up to AU$4,000 per cabin on selected Svalbard 2020 sailings.

ALASKA/CANADA
Save from AU$1500 up to AU$3000 per cabin on selected 2020 Alaska/Canada sailings.

NORWAY EXPEDITIONS
Save AU$1000 per person on our NEW Norway Expeditions on selected 2021/22 departures.

THE ORIGINAL COASTAL VOYAGE (Norway)
Receive up to AU$500 onboard credits per person on selected 2020/21 departures.

All offers and savings subject to availability. Terms & Conditions apply. See website for full details.

Hurtigruten Australia  www.hurtigruten.com.au

Follow Hurtigruten on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube

New look True North after annual refit

#expeditioncruising .

The Adventure-Cruise Ship TRUE NORTH has resumed operations after extensive annual refit 

The 36-passenger boutique vessel, True North, is dry-docked at Fremantle every year in February. No expense is spared bringing all facilities back to 'as new' condition. However, this year’s refit was even more extensive than usual.

The ship’s forward sundeck and alfresco bar areas were substantially refined to provide added user-friendliness and more enjoyable guest spaces.

The sundeck has benefited from the provision of improved and additional seating, new tabletops and daybeds, mood lighting and Tefroka coating, a premium, non-slip resin deck sealant. The alfresco bar area features new and improved table arrangements, additional lighting and Tefroka decking.

Upgraded alfresco dining area

Managing Director, Craig Howson, explained that everyone at True North Adventure Cruises was excited about the refinements.

“We were aware that these areas of the ship were being underutilised – they have always been fantastic spaces, but we needed to make some improvements to ensure that our guests were able to take full advantage of both areas. This year’s refit provided the maintenance window that we have been looking for and now I can’t wait to join our guests as they relax in even greater style than before.”

In addition to usual refit requirement, other shipwide refinements included adding the impressive Tefroka decking to all external stairs, additional soundproofing in the ship’s lounge and the complete repainting of the ship’s exterior.

Forward sundeck with new seating

And Howson is looking forward to a busy year. “I think a lot of Australians will choose to holiday at home this year, to help with the bushfire recovery and possibly to avoid international destinations that present a higher risk of coronavirus infection.” 

The ship departed Fremantle on March 5 and will visit the Abrolhos Islands, Ningaloo Reef and the Monte Bello Islands as part of the annual West Coast Explorer. A sold-out guest list will disembark in Dampier after 10 nights onboard.

The TRUE NORTH will then continue onto Broome ahead of the ship's ever-popular Kimberley season. A small number of cabins are still available for 13- and 7-night adventures along the spectacular Kimberley Coast.

EDITORS NOTE: See advice about interruption to service due to COVID-19

For more information go to www.truenorth.com.au

Bookings: Contact True North Adventure Cruises on (+61 8) 9192 1829 or email cruise@truenorth.com.au

Quasar Expeditions Shares Six Reasons to Visit the Galapagos in Autumn

#expeditioncruising .

A popular hot spot for cruise, wildlife, nature and adventure lovers, Quasar Expeditions, the pioneers of small yacht cruising in the region shares their top reasons for visiting the archipelago during the autumn months.

National Geographic Endurance Completes Sea Trials

#expeditioncruising .

National Geographic Endurance, a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation and the first polar new build for Lindblad Expeditions, has successfully completed her first sea trials in Storfjorden, which is the entrance of the iconic Geirangerfjord.

Swim with Whale Shark and Stingless Jelly Fish on Expedition Cruise to Lesser-Known Indonesian Islands

#expeditioncruising .

Christchurch, New Zealand, 17 February 2020:  Following the recent success of its inaugural ‘Indonesian Explorer’ voyage from Raja Ampat to Papua New Guinea, specialist expedition tour operator Heritage Expeditions has announced that it will again run the two-week cruise departing 28 September 2020.

Ever wanted to "virtually" cruise Spitsbergen?

Photo: Hurtigruten - Lise Dreistel

#expeditioncruising .

Norway's national broadcaster NRK is streaming live footage from Hurtigruten's MS Spitsbergen's voyage through the waters surrounding Svalbard. The footage can be viewed here.

Slow TV is a unique Norwegian concept that will see a continuous nine-day webstream from the expedition ship as she circumnavigates Spitsbergen island extending north to the 80th parallel.

UPDATE: Royal Caribbean and Hapag-Lloyd in merger talks

#expeditioncruising .

Statement by Karl J. Pojer, Chief Executive Officer, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises     

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is on a growth path – mainly thanks to your commitment and support. Within the space of just a few years our company has evolved into the world’s leading provider of luxury and expedition cruises, and an organisation achieving profitable growth. Our ships are considered to be the best ships in the world today.

PONANT looks back at 2019: expeditions in luxury with environmental commitment

#expeditioncruising .

PONANT, World Leader of Luxury Expeditions, looks back at the highlights of 2019. An ever-stronger commitment to the environment and a surge in demand for immersive experiences are two factors behind PONANT’s growth.

Silversea offers Business Class flights on Arctic expedition cruising

#expeditioncruising .

Ultra-luxury cruise line, Silversea Cruises, is delighted to offer included Business Class Air, international transfers and luggage handling on 13 select voyages in 2020, aboard Silver Cloud and Silver Explorer in the Arctic and the Russian Far East. Guests will also enjoy complimentary: overseas transfers between the airport, hotel and ship; one-night pre-cruise accommodation; and daily shore excursions, with guided Zodiacs®.

The Russians are coming: Vodohod enters expedition cruise market with new vessels

#expeditioncruising .

Russian small ship and river cruise company, Vodohod, is poised to enter the expedition fray with two new ships, codenamed Project Vega, under construction at the Helsinki Shipyard Inc. The company already owns and operates 25 river cruise boats, nine speed boats and five other boats on Russian waterways.

Introducing Scenic's new superyacht - Emerald Azzurra

#expeditioncruising .

The Scenic Group today launched its latest innovation in cruise, the new 100-guest superyacht – Emerald Azzurra – the first vessel launched under the new Emerald Yacht Cruises brand, part of the Emerald Cruises portfolio. (Ed: the vessel is currently under construction in China and is scheduled to enter the water in July 2021)

“Emerald Waterways has been operating award-winning river cruises since 2014,” said Mr Moroney, owner and Chairman of the Scenic Group.

Windstar Australia Special Offers during Small Ship Big World Savings Event

#expeditioncruising .

Windstar Australia has announced a range of Pick Your Perk and special fare options available for guests booking any of the acclaimed cruise operator’s worldwide sailings before 28 February 2020 as part of Windstar’s Small Ship Big World Savings Event.

Aranui to launch dedicated cruise ship in 2022

#expeditioncruising .

Tahitian cruise line Aranui Cruises has revealed the first details of its new 10,000-tonne cruise ship which is set to join Aranui 5 in the South Pacific in mid 2022.

Expedition Cruising: Emperor Penguin Gatecrashes Heritage Expeditions’ Antarctica Discovery Party

#expeditioncruising .

A well-dressed Emperor Penguin charmed its way onto Heritage Expeditions' exclusive guest list during the pioneering small-ship expedition cruise company’s Antarctic celebrations on the 200th anniversary of what is widely regarded as the first sighting of the frozen continent.

Captain Cook Cruises New 2020 Dates for Upper Murraylands River Cruise

#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 launches new East Indies expeditions

#expeditioncruising .

Coral Adventurer explores Raja Ampat, Borneo, Sulawesi and the remote islands of the East Indies in 2021

Australia’s pioneer of expedition cruising, Coral Expeditions announce an extensive series of seven expeditions for 2021 to the exotic East Indies exploring such enchanting small islands as Misool in Raja Ampat, Alor in the Lesser Sundas and Buton in Sulawesi.

Intrepid Travel polar expedition cruise program for 2021/2022

#expeditioncruising .

Intrepid Travel has announced their polar program for 2021/2022, which includes a total solar eclipse voyage as well as a Christmas and New Year sailing.

Lindblad Expeditions offers free flights to Antarctica

#expeditioncruising .

Lindblad Expeditions has made it easier than ever for travellers to visit the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula with the launch of an incredible 'fly free' offer available until 30 June 2020 on select 2020 departures.

Viking announces launch of expedition voyages

#expeditioncruising .

Viking has announced it is expanding its destination-focused travel experiences with the launch of new expedition voyages. Viking Expeditions will begin sailing in January 2022 with its first vessel, Viking Octantis, embarking on voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022, sailing to Antarctica and the Arctic.

One Ocean Expeditions closes shop - officially

#expeditioncruising .

After months of uncertainty, cancelled cruises and passengers owed thousands of dollars, One Ocean Expeditions (OOE) has finally entered administration.

The unfortunate saga has played out over several months but had its beginnings in August 2018 when the Canadian company's chartered Russian research vessel, Akademik Ioffe, ran aground in remote Nunavut.

Read the full report at Cruise Critic

Hurtigruten Explore the World Global Sale

#expeditioncruising .

Hurtigruten kicks off its Explore the World Global Sale this week with a range of great savings and special offers available from Wednesday.

The sale will run until 15 March.

One Ocean into administration

#expeditioncruising .


Source Travel Daily

ONE Ocean Expeditions (OOE) overnight advised customers it is set to be placed into administration and has confirmed its upcoming 17 Jan “Ultimate Antarctica” departure would not take place.

The company has not operated any voyages since Oct 2019, with its RCGS Resolute impounded in Argentina over a payment dispute.

However, since then OOE has continued to solicit bookings on its website, while telling customers on cancelled cruises it would provide a “future cruise credit” rather than any refunds.

The company claims to have entered into a partnership with another unnamed “high quality expedition operator” to provide customers with options to book for a discounted price.

Passengers may also attempt to seek a refund of monies paid to OOE, which will occur via a “business administration process overseen by a court appointed Monitor/Trustee”.

“Alternatively, as OOE will soon enter a formal restructuring process (business administration) under the Canadian legal system, you may be able to seek refunds through the cancellation terms of your travel insurance policy,” the company said, offering to provide supporting documentation to assist any claims.

Hurtigruten rejects claims of One Ocean Partnership

#expeditioncruising .

Hurtigruten rejects the recent claims that it has entered into a partnership with One Ocean Expeditions (OOE), or that Hurtigruten has purchased any OOE assets or in any way is involved in what OOE describe as a “restructuring”.

One Ocean Expeditions finds a rescuer - not quite [update]

#expeditioncruising .

© Edson de Lima Lucas - shipspotting.com

UPDATE: Hurtigruten rejects suggestion of partnership

In a statement reported on Cruise Industry News, it would appear that the beleaguered One Ocean Expeditions has found a rescuer - of sorts.

In a note to passengers, One Ocean made the following statement:

“We have agreed to a marketing relationship with another high-quality expedition operator which will provide you various options to continue your travel in your chosen destination for a discounted price.

“One Ocean has entered into a marketing partnership with a highly regarded company with more than 120 years of cruise and expedition experience,”

One Ocean Expeditions entered a 'restructuring phase' in October following financial difficulties and has not sailed a departure since then. The sole ship, RGSC Resolute (the former Hapag-Lloyd Hanseatic) remains under arrest in Rio de Janeiro with a question mark hanging over its future.

As for speculation as to the new partner, OOE is not being specific, but only one operator can claim "120 years of cruise and expedition experience". That operator is Hurtigruten.

The fine detail of this arrangement is not known, but it would appear the primary objective is to find alternate berths for passengers forward-booked with OOE.

More details as they come to hand.

BREAKING #expeditioncruising : Kimberley Quest sold

#expeditioncruising .


ExpeditionCruising.com has just learned that long-time boutique Kimberley expedition cruise operator, Kimberley Quest, has been bought by Troy Thomas who recently sold his successful Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures business to rail and resort operator Journey Beyond in 2019.

“We’re thrilled to take over such a successful and award-winning business like this and look forward to taking the vessel to the next level with the major upgrades we’re currently completing,” Thomas told expeditioncruising.com
More details shortly

For more information and bookings: (08) 9193 6131

Oceanwide to launch year round Arctic expedition cruising program

#expeditioncruising .

Dutch expedition cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, will now operate all year round in the Arctic.

Dates and Rates for Arctic 2021 are now available for Hondius (170 passengers), Ortelius, Plancius (both with 108 passengers), Rembrandt van Rijn (33 passengers), and Noorderlicht (20 passengers).

Aurora Expeditions to launch second new ship ‘Sylvia Earle’

#expeditioncruising .

Second state-of-the-art vessel to launch in October 2021

Aurora Expeditions, Australia’s leading expedition cruising company, will name its second purpose-built expedition ship after the acclaimed marine biologist and oceanographer, Dr. Sylvia Earle.