Pandaw Expeditions Closure *update*

#expeditioncruising . Press release

UPDATE Dec 2021: Pandaw Back in Business (Seatrade Cruise News)

Pandaw regrets to announce that due to the continuing Covid 19 impact on international leisure travel, the closure of its destinations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and India, and the critical political situation in Myanmar, the company has no alternative but to cease its river cruise operations due to the lack of financial liquidity and failure to find additional funding in the wake of the Covid 19 crisis.

Sailing ship, Golden Horizon, cancels Australian season

#expeditioncruising .

Ongoing uncertainty surrounding the resumption of cruising in Australia and the projected status of Australian interstate and international borders has forced UK-based cruise line, Tradewind Voyages, to cancel its maiden 2022/23 summer season in Australia of the world’s newest and largest sailing ship, Golden Horizon.

CroisiEurope to cruise between Egypt and Jordan on the Red Sea

#expeditioncruising .

This new 8-day itinerary along the Sinai Peninsula is exclusive! From November 2021 to March 2022, passengers of La Belle de l’Adriatique will embark on a journey brimming with unparalleled historical abundance.

New polar odysseys: PONANT launches sales for Antarctica 2022-23

#expeditioncruising . 

including two new expeditions from and to New Zealand

PONANT, the world leader of luxury expeditions aboard small luxury ships, unveils a totally new range of voyages to the ends of the earth for the Antarctic season including two exciting new itineraries from and to New Zealand. With these unprecedented polar odysseys aboard the first LNG-powered hybrid electric luxury polar exploration vessel, Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT invites travellers in search of meaning to weigh anchor for new adventures in the wake of the famous navigator after whom the ship is named.

New expanded 2022-23 brochure from Aurora Expeditions

#expeditioncruising .

Australia’s award-winning adventure cruise company, Aurora Expeditions, has today launched its expanded 2022-23 Season Brochure for its Arctic, Antarctica and Global program.

Coral Expeditions bound for South Australia this summer

#expeditioncruising .

Season extended with 5 new intrastate voyages in December and January

Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering small ship cruise line, has today announced five new South Australian intrastate voyages over December 2021 and January 2022. These new voyages continue the company’s strategy of an all-year domestic deployment amidst international travel restrictions. With a round-trip Adelaide itinerary that stays within South Australia and departures within the next few months, this voyage provides guests with a reliable cruising alternative and an opportunity to see some of the state’s most unique and remote destinations.

Lindblad Expeditions buys Crystal Esprit expedition ship

#expeditioncruising . 

The 62-passenger Crystal Esprit is leaving the Crystal Cruises fleet after having been sold to Lindblad Expeditions for a reported sum of US$13.3million, the latter told Cruise Critic Wednesday. Crystal had said late Tuesday that it had sold the award-winning superyacht to an undisclosed buyer.

Read full story at Cruise Critic 

Update: ExpCru understands Lindblad will deploy this vessel in the Galapagos after a refurbishment 

National Geographic Resolution Completes Sea Trials

#expeditioncruising .

Lindblad Expeditions has announced that National Geographic Resolution, their next-generation expedition ship purpose-built for polar navigation, has successfully completed her sea trials in the Vartdal fjord, the outermost part of the Stor fjord, at the entrance of the iconic Geirangerfjord.

Introducing Prana by Atzaró Indonesian hand-built Phinisi

#expeditioncruising .

Prana by Atzaró is a beautiful Indonesian hand-built Phinisi, the world’s ultimate luxurious charter.

The yacht sails all year following the seasons, from the calm waters of Komodo National Park and The Spice Islands to the unexplored magical islands of Raja Ampat in Indonesia where you can experience some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world.

Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express' Largest Onboard Credit Offer

#expeditioncruising .

Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express invites guests to 'Uncover the Magic of Norway' with their most significant onboard credit offer to date. Book your cabin by 31 October 2021 for travel between June 2022 and May 2023 to secure up to $1,500 in onboard credit* per cabin twin share, on their iconic itineraries exploring the Norwegian coast. Leave all the planning with Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express, including additional flights from Australia or New Zealand to bookend your Norwegian journey. Just ask them how.

Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot reaches the north pole

#expeditioncruising .

Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT’s first LNG-powered hybrid electric luxury polar exploration vessel, reached the geographic North Pole yesterday evening at 6:38pm (AEST). Captain Etienne Garcia was at the helm, with Captain Marchesseau at his side. This is the very first French ship to reach the North Pole (90,00,000°).

Sea Cloud Spirit Is Christened and Ready for Service

#expeditioncruising .

The Sea Cloud Spirit Combines Five-Star Comfort with Traditional Seamanship

The Sea Cloud Spirit was officially named and christened at the cruise terminal in Palma de Mallorca. Sea Cloud Cruises has now put its new three-masted full-rigged ship into service. "May you always carry a special spirit across the oceans, as your name promises," said Gabriela Toran, who christened the ship. The wife of the ship’s designer Iñigo Echenique took over the godmother duties for the ship after the originally planned godmother Infanta Elena of Spain had to cancel. The emotional ceremony speech proved Gabriela Toran’s deep attachment to the proud tall ship, being a part of the project from the initial idea to her successful completion.

Hurtigruten Expeditions names battery hybrid powered MS Fridtjof Nansen on Svalbard

#expeditioncruising .

In 1896, Hurtigruten Expeditions founded expedition cruising. 125 years later, what has grown to become the world’s leading and largest expedition cruise line is naming its battery-hybrid powered MS “Fridtjof Nansen” in the birthplace of expedition cruising – on the Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard.

Hurtigruten Expeditions adds third battery-hybrid powered ship as expedition cruising resumes

#expeditioncruising .

Hurtigruten Expeditions continues to push boundaries for green travel: As expedition cruising restarts, the world leader in exploration travel introduces the expedition cruise line’s third battery-hybrid powered ship - MS Otto Sverdrup.

Viking launches Second Expedition Ship

#expeditioncruising .

Viking has announced that its second expedition ship, Viking Polaris, has been floated out at the shipyard.

Lindblad Expeditions Launches National Geographic Endurance in Iceland

#expeditioncruising .

Lindblad Expeditions officially launched the newest addition to their fleet, National Geographic Endurance, at a dockside christening ceremony in Reykjavik, Iceland today, the first christening of an international vessel in Reykjavík Harbor.

Adventure Canada Hoping for 2022 expedition cruise resumption

#expeditioncruising .

“The next time that we anticipate being out on the water is down in Antarctica next January,” said the CEO of Adventure Canada Cedar Swan, according to 2021 Expedition Market Report by Cruise Industry News.

Crystal Guests Embark Crystal Endeavor in Reykjavík for Maiden Expedition Voyage

#expeditioncruising .

The luxury Iceland Expeditions are set to begin on July 17 with five consecutive journeys round-trip from Reykjavík. Crystal said that the voyages highlight the region’s “breathtaking coastlines and wildlife havens, massive glaciers and countless waterfalls, quaint villages and fascinating heritage of Iceland’s towns and islands.”

Coral Expeditions goes 'Across the Top' in the New Year

#expeditioncruising .

Coral Expeditions, Australia's pioneering small ship cruise line, has today announced two special departures 'Across the Top' of Australia for early in the new year. 

Heritage Expeditions Adds New Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Islands Voyage to its Coastal New Zealand Itinerary

#expeditioncruising . 

Heritage Expeditions exciting new 8-day voyage Islands of the Hauraki Gulf will see intrepid guests exploring the famed islands and coastlines of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and Bay of Islands aboard luxurious 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer from January 2022.

Introducing Strannik Ocean Voyages

#expeditioncruising .

Strannik Ocean Voyages was formed by New Zealand-based adventurer, naturalist, historian and author Rodney Russ after he passed the ownership and management of his previous company Heritage Expeditions to his sons in 2018. 

Rodney Russ

In his 33 years in expedition travel, he led hundreds of expeditions to the Sub Antarctic Islands, Antarctica's Ross Sea region, the SW Pacific and in recent years the Russian Far East. He witnessed many changes in the industry, some of them good, others like the move to significantly larger ships was, he believes detrimental to both the industry and the environment.

His answer was to build a genuine expedition yacht. MV Strannik (Strannik is a Russian word which translates as 'pilgrim' or 'wanderer') was launched in 2019 and has sailed to Wrangel Island in support of a BBC documentary team and was working on a cetacean survey in Papua New Guinea when Covid-19 forced them to NZ.

While in NZ it is offering expeditions to Stewart Island, Fiordland and Marlborough Sounds. Each departure is limited to 8 persons (plus crew). Participants are accommodated in 4 twin share (or double) cabins each with private facilities. The goal is to put “Expedition” back into Expedition Travel, with multiple landings every day with options of extended hikes and exploration. Smaller groups translate into greater opportunities both on board and ashore for everybody. The vessel is also available for charter and is finding a niche for families and friends who want to have some input into their expeditions. Birders and photographers have also discovered it.

Details of the NZ expeditions can be found at http://strannikoceanvoyages.com or emailing Rodney@strannikoceanvoyages.com. Post Covid-19 we plan to head north again. You're invited to sign up for the newsletter on the web site.

Lindblad Expeditions to Return to Iceland in July

#expeditioncruising .




Lindblad Expeditions has announced it will be reactivating National Geographic Explorer for a series of voyages in Iceland this summer. Plans call for the 148-guest polar vessel to explore the mythical land of the midnight sun on two alternating itineraries, Wild Island Escape and The Circumnavigation of Iceland. On both expeditions, guests will discover why Iceland is known as the “land of fire and ice” as they journey through the country’s pristine fjords, fascinating tundra, dramatic waterfalls, and geothermal hot springs.

Ultimate Private Yacht Experience at Orpheus Island

#expeditioncruising .

The M.Y. Flying Fish – Northern Escape Collection's opulent 32m private superyacht, will take up residence at Orpheus Island Lodge this season, offering a rare and indulgent opportunity for guests to experience the world-class lodge and unspoilt island paradise from the privacy of a luxury yacht.
Having recently undergone a $2m refit and refurbishment, the glamourous M.Y. Flying Fish will provide an exclusive, floating hotel experience for private groups of up to eight guests. Interior living areas feature across three decks, complete with mahogany finishes and indulgent furnishings, ideal for sharing time and making memories. 

Heritage Expeditions acquires former MS Hanseatic for polar operations

#expeditioncruising .

Pioneering New Zealand-based expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions is proud to announce it will be operating the world-renowned Polar exploration vessel  (pic above) formerly known as MS Hanseatic and Society Adventurer from May 2022.

Lindblad Expeditions Adds Two Additional Ships and Departures in Alaska

#expeditioncruising .

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced plans to add additional voyages for the 2021 season in Alaska this summer. Due to robust demand for their Alaska programming, Lindblad will reactivate its two remaining U.S.-flagged vessels – and has added an additional 13 departures. The 62-guest sister ships, National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion will explore Alaska on a series of Wild Escape departures starting June 25, 2021 and continuing through August.

Reindeers and huskies and whales on Hurtigruten's 2022-23 Follow the Lights season

#expeditioncruising .

Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express has launched its 2022-23 Follow the Lights season with almost 50 departures scheduled between September 2022 and March 2023.

Heritage Expeditions Announces New Voyage Exploring the Primeval World of Stewart Island

#expeditioncruising . 

Heritage Expeditions is giving intrepid travellers the opportunity to experience a primeval world exploring the remote, pristine wilderness and wildlife of Stewart Island on its new 8-day voyage Unseen Stewart Island aboard 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer starting June.

PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys announce 19 voyages

New itineraries featuring Smithsonian-crafted Cultural Experiences on board and on land. 

 

PONANT, the world leader in luxury small ship expeditions, in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, has released examples of 19 forthcoming voyages commencing in 2022. 

Third Generation Greek-owned Variety Cruises Voyages Into 2021

#expeditioncruising .

Greek and family-owned for over 50 years, and now helmed by the third generation, Variety Cruises is revered as the most established small ship company in Greece. In summer 2021, they take to the sea once again, bringing travellers to unexplored locations and classic must-sees, yet leaving an imprint that respects sustainable tourism and COVID safety protocols in every destination.

Day 2: Hurtigruten shows how every day can be Earth Day

#expeditioncruising .

 

To celebrate Earth Day on 22 April, Hurtigruten Expeditions, the leader in sustainable cruising, is highlighting how tourism operators and travellers can create a positive impact each and every day.

Day 1: Hurtigruten shows how every day can be Earth Day

Ahead of Earth Day next Thursday 22 April, Hurtigruten Expeditions, the leader in sustainable cruising, is highlighting how tourism operators and travellers can create a positive impact each and every day. 

Coral Expeditions welcomes newest ship Coral Geographer

#expeditioncruising .

Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering small ship cruise line, welcomed their newest bluewater expedition vessel to the fleet with an intimate ceremony in Cairns yesterday.

Renovated Le Paul Gauguin to sail 39 South Pacific voyages in 2022

#expeditioncruising .

 

Paul Gauguin Cruises, a South Pacific-based luxury small ship operator has released details of an extensive renovation of their ship Le Paul Gauguin, featuring luxurious enhancements, completed during a recent dry-dock in Singapore. 

NZ Expedition Cruise Company to sail Kimberley in 2021

#expeditioncruising .

Australia’s North West will see a new brand of cruise line with the entry of Island Escape Cruises when the NZ-based company reveals a new program later this year.

New Northwest Passage Itinerary from Hurtigruten

#expeditioncruising .

 

Hurtigruten, the leader in sustainable expedition cruising, today revealed a new flagship voyage for the 2023 season for guests to follow in the footsteps of famous Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen along the Northwest Passage.

Myanmar update from Pandaw

#expeditioncruising .

The situation in Myanmar has now broken down and shootings and other acts of violence by the military proliferate on the streets, not just of big cities, but every town and village in the country.

The Pandaw Clinics medical teams are actively providing medical aid to injured people in the Middle Burma towns and villages in which we operate. Our doctors are out with the demonstrators and ready to assist.

Leatherman's new pocket tools work to a T

#expeditioncruising .

Every boy or girl should have a pocket knife. I still have the first one my grandfather bought me when I was six. Don't worry, mum hid it for 10 years. 

Lindblad Expeditions Launches New Itineraries

#expeditioncruising .

Lindblad Expeditions’ intrepid expedition developers have not ventured far from home during the pandemic, but their travel experience and ambitions roamed widely, creating new expeditions—spectacular new portals into beauty, wildness and the seldom-seen. Each promises epic new adventures—whether it’s transiting the Northwest Passage or exploring New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands.

New ship for Oceanwide Expeditions

#expeditioncruising .

 

Today Dutch polar travel company Oceanwide Expeditions celebrates the ship launch of its new Polar Class 6 vessel, m/v Janssonius, from Brodosplit Shipyards in Split, Croatia.

Built similar to its last vessel, m/v Hondius, the new Janssonius represents one of the most technologically advanced, structurally fortified expedition cruise vessels on the planet.

PONANT announces appointment of Hervé Gastinel as CEO

#expeditioncruising . 

The appointment of Hervé Gastinel as CEO of PONANT as of 29 March 2021 confirms the company's objective to strengthen its position as market leader in luxury expedition cruising and its commitment to being the world leader in sustainable tourism.

PONANT increases 2022 Kimberley luxury expeditions

#expeditioncruising .

Today, Deb Corbett, General Manager Sales and Marketing Asia Pacific, announced the significant expansion of PONANT’s small ship luxury expeditions program in the Kimberley in 2022.

Aurora Expeditions dedicates new expedition ship to female conservationists

#expeditioncruising .

Australia’s award-winning expedition operator, Aurora Expeditions, is celebrating International Women’s Day 2021 by dedicating its new expedition ship to five of the world’s leading female conservationists.

Expeditions to Australia, Commonwealth Bay & the Ross Sea

#expeditioncruising .

Award-winning Australian-owned expedition operator, Aurora Expeditions, has launched the most unique expedition program in Australia, Commonwealth Bay and the Ross Sea (East Antarctica) starting from June 2021 and running through until March 2022. 

For the first time in Aurora Expeditions’ history, it will offer a full season of immersive, adventurous and off-the-beaten-track voyages in the region, as well as having the most comprehensive and enriching activities program of any operator. 

The activity program includes sea kayaking, paddling in clear bottom kayaks, snorkelling (including with Sea Lions in Hopkins Island and Dolphins in Kangaroo Island), scuba diving, shark diving, climbing, helicopter rides over incredible waterfalls and more. 

The Ross Sea & Commonwealth Bay will be uniquely accessible from Australia and is being offered exclusively by Aurora Expeditions on a selection of voyages, operating as a round trip from Hobart.

Western Australia Set to Sail Again

#expeditioncruising .

Australia's pioneering small ship cruise line, Coral Expeditions, confirms operations will restart in Western Australia this month, its 25th year of continuous operations in the state. The company has attained all required state and federal approvals including the endorsement of their travel industry leading SailSAFE plan. The announcement marks another significant milestone for the Australian expedition cruise industry. Coral Expeditions has been continuously operating incident-free in the Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania since October 2020 and have just completed a very successful inaugural voyage in South Australian waters last week.

From on Board: Coral Adventurer's Wild Islands and Walks of South Australia - Reevesby Island

#expeditioncruising .

How many South Australians could name all of the islands off the 5000km of shoreline? That would be quite a feat, as there are almost 350 of them.

From on Board: Coral Adventurer's Wild Islands and Walks of South Australia - Flinders Island

#expeditioncruising .

One of the things I love about expedition cruising is the ability to visit remote islands often overlooked by tourism. Flinders Island, a little more than 36 square kilometres and about 30 kilometres from the nearest mainland town, Elliston, is one such example.

From on Board: Coral Adventurer's Wild Islands and Walks of South Australia

#expeditioncruising .

Thu 11 Feb - Fri 12 Feb 2021

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse (Steve Parish)

When you consider there are more than 80 ships wrecked around Kangaroo Island (KI) and the peninsulas, you'd think lighthouses would have been a priority for the fledgeling colony of South Australia.