A Note from Martin Johnson, the Chairman of ECN

#expeditioncruising .

As 2023 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the year and looking ahead to the next. Setting up the Expedition Cruise Network with Akvile has been an incredible privilege this year, and the response from both expedition cruise operators and our travel trade members has been overwhelming. While you always strive to ensure you've done as much due diligence as possible to launch a new venture with some certainty, I don't think either of us could have predicted the incredible position we’d find ourselves in by the end of this year, just over 9 months since our official launch.

Hurtigruten's MS Maud strikes trouble in the North Sea

#expeditioncruising . 

MS Maud (file image)

Expedition Cruising is not without its risks and Hurtigruten's MS Maud, (formerly MS Midnatsol) struck trouble on a recent voyage when it struck a fierce North Sea storm approximately 200 miles east of the UK and 120 miles west of Denmark

Catlante orders new catamarans

#expeditioncruising . 

Catlante Catamarans, which former Ponant executive Hervé Bellaïche now helms as president and CEO, ordered two new-design vessels.

The Catlante 560 series, to be built at the Normandy Yacht Service shipyard in Caen, France, are scheduled for delivery Oct. 15, 2024 and March 15, 2025.

The vessels, which will sail in the Caribbean in winter and the Mediterranean in summer, are available to book by the cabin and for private charter.

Read full report at Seatrade Cruise News

Reach the Arctic Before Any Other Ship in 2025 with Le Commandant Charcot

#expeditioncruising .

Luxury expedition line, PONANT, launches sales aboard world-only luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot to the Baffin Sea for Arctic summer 2025, where being alone on the edge of the world is a promise. PONANT embraces its spirit of innovation by embarking on its inaugural voyage on 6 March 2025, sailing ahead of any other ship. Offering 13 departures over 7 varied itineraries, including 2 new routes to explore the Great North.

Signature Luxury Travel & Style awards World’s Best Expedition Ships

#expeditioncruising .

The winners of the highly anticipated 2023 Luxury Cruise Awards have been revealed by premium travel magazine, Signature Luxury Travel & Style.

Albatros Expeditions' Ocean Victory and the Ocean Albatros Unite in Antarctica

#expeditioncruising .

Copenhagen, Denmark – Albatros Expeditions, a pioneer in polar exploration, has achieved a  historic milestone with both of its cutting-edge vessels, the Ocean Victory and the Ocean  Albatros, meeting for the first time at 65.067°S 64.027°W in the iconic Lemaire Channel in  Antarctica on the morning of 11 December. 

Paul Gauguin Cruises 2025 Moana Explorer Program Voyages

#expeditioncruising . 

Paul Gauguin Cruises, the award-winning luxury line renowned for its artfully authentic explorations of French Polynesia and the South Pacific, has announced its 2025 Moana Explorer Program voyages for younger guests aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin on 11 dedicated summer and holiday sailings.

[video] MS Caledonian Sky welcomed to Captain Cook Cruises Fiji fleet

#expeditioncruising .

In an official ceremony held in Fiji last week, Captain Cook Cruises welcomed the luxury small ship MS Caledonian Sky to its fleet. 

Viking embarks on third Antarctic season

New 87-Day Expedition from the Arctic to Antarctic Announced for 2025

Viking® (www.viking.com) is celebrating the start of its third expedition season in Antarctica, as the Viking Octantis® and her identical sister ship, the Viking Polaris® have arrived again in the region. Both ships will spend the Austral summer in Antarctica before returning to North America's Great Lakes for voyages throughout the spring, summer and early fall.

Oceanwide celebrates 30 years of expedition cruising

#expeditioncruising .

Today marks the 30th anniversary of Oceanwide Expeditions. Starting with a humble three-masted herring lugger, Oceanwide has expanded into a four-vessel fleet offering voyages in multiple destinations across the Arctic, Antarctica, and the sub-Antarctic islands.

UnCruise Adventures appoints Monica Sagisi as VP of Marketing and Sales

#expeditioncruising .

UnCruise Adventures, a leader in the small ship post-pandemic adventure cruise boom, announces the addition of Monica Sagisi as its new Vice President of Marketing and Sales. Capitalizing on recent upticks in adventure vacation travel, UnCruise Adventures welcomes Ms. Sagisi to its executive team. She brings long term expedition cruising experience to the company’s sales and marketing departments, including over a decade at Paul Gauguin Cruises. Her background encompasses UnCruise Adventures primary destination of Alaska as well as Baja Mexico’s Gulf of California.

Scenic teams with Cosmos Magazine to offer special edition Antarctic cruise

#expeditioncruising . 

A partnership between the Royal Institution of Australia and Australian luxury expedition cruise company Scenic is giving Cosmos readers a chance to experience Antarctica for themselves.

Heritage Expeditions Announces Photography Workshops with Award-winning Photographer Ewen Bell

#expeditioncruising .

Pioneering small-ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions is excited to announce its partnership with award-winning Australian travel photographer and author of ReIMAGINE: Change your Photography by Changing your Perspective Ewen Bell offering his bespoke, small group photography workshops on three voyages in 2024.

[updated] Ocean Explorer runs aground in Greenland

#expeditioncruising .

Reports are that Ocean Explorer, under charter to Australian cruise operator Aurora Expeditions, while Aurora's ship, the Greg Mortimer, undergoes repairs, has run aground on Monday in Alpefjord in a national park some 1400 km northeast of Greenland's capital Nuuk. [Current position]

Heritage Line sets sail on maiden Upper Mekong voyage

A fortunate group of guests has become the very first cohort to experience luxury Southeast Asian river cruise specialist Heritage Line's first-ever Upper Mekong voyage on board its brand-new designer ship Heritage Line ANOUVONG, during a sensational voyage along one of the world's most remote yet captivating waterways.

Introducing Asia-Pacific Boating Magazine. Read FREE online

#expeditioncruising .

Asia-Pacific Boating Autumn/Winter 2023 Issue Out Now

In-depth, insightful, informed: Asia-Pacific Boating is the leading source for news and features on luxury yachting and the ocean environment in Asia-Pacific.

Read current issue online:
https://asia-pacificboating.com/asia-pacific-boating-autumn-winter-2023-issue-out/

About Asia-Pacific Boating
https://asia-pacificboating.com/about-us/

 

True North Maiden Voyage to the Great Barrier Reef

#expeditioncruising .

In partnership with The Great Barrier Reef Foundation, True North are inviting guests to a once-in-a-lifetime Reef Expedition across the northernmost tip of the Great Barrier Reef. Over eight nights, the inaugural conservation expedition will sail south from the Torres Strait Islands to Cairns, mimicking the movements of some of the Reef’s most majestic animals.

Emerald Cruises’ Newest Luxury Yacht, Emerald Sakara, Departs Athens on Inaugural Sailing

#expeditioncruising .

Twin yachts Emerald Sakara and Emerald Azzurra transit Corinth Canal

Set against the dramatic backdrop of ancient Athens, Emerald Cruises’ second luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara, departed Piraeus August 5 on her sold-out, inaugural sailing. The following morning, sister yacht Emerald Azzurra officially welcomed her to the fleet as the twin ships embarked on a picture-perfect sailing through the Corinth Canal.

Heritage Expeditions and Professor Tim Flannery Search for Mysterious New Mammals on Indonesian Explorer voyage

#expeditioncruising .

Pioneering small-ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions is taking its citizen science programme to the next level giving guests the opportunity to join legendary mammalogist, conservationist, author and scientist Professor Tim Flannery in his search for mysterious new mammals on its upcoming Indonesian Explorer voyage.

Brand new Ambassador Signature Sets Sail on Vietnam's Lan Ha Bay

#expeditioncruising .

Newly launched overnight sailing showcases Michelin-approved cuisine and more

Leading boutique cruise operator, Ambassador Cruise, is charting new channels of refinement on unsung Lan Ha Bay with the launch of its Ambassador Signature overnight sailing.

Seabourn Takes Delivery of Seabourn Pursuit

#expeditioncruising .

The Line's Second Purpose-Built Ultra-Luxury Expedition Ship

Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, took delivery of its second expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit, today during an official handover maritime ceremony at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy. Seabourn Pursuit is the company's second purpose-built, ultra-luxury expedition ship and the newest expedition ship in the industry.

Emerald Sakara Completes Successful Sea Trials

#expeditioncruising .

Emerald Cruises’ second luxury yacht on schedule for first Mediterranean sailing in August

Emerald Sakara, the second custom-built, luxury yacht from Emerald Cruises, has successfully completed its sea trials, conducted by Captains John Edwards and James Griffiths. The sea trials took place in Vietnam, departing Halong Shipyard on July 3, where all major systems were tested and the yacht was certified for guest operations. A short video documenting the sea trial can be viewed and downloaded here.

Greenland’s Arctic Umiaq Line partners with Hurtigruten Norway to promote sustainable tourism in Greenland.

Sarfaq Ittuk among icebergs in Ilulissat Icefjord in Greenland.

Hurtigruten Norway and Arctic Umiaq are proud to announce their new partnership to enhance growth and opportunities in Greenland's tourism industry.

New Viking 2023-2025 Expedition Cruising brochure

Featuring new Arctic itineraries and additional departure dates on popular voyages

Viking has released its 2023-2025 Expedition brochure which explores some of the world's most pristine and remote regions on its award-winning, state-of-the-art expedition vessels Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. The brochure features Viking's latest expansion into the Arctic region and additional departure dates on popular voyages.

Intrepid Travel launch Antarctica 24/25 season

#expeditioncruising .

Intrepid Travel, the B Corp-certified leader in responsible travel, celebrated the launch of their Antarctica 24/25 season with an agent event held at their Melbourne headquarters last week.

Paul Gauguin Cruises launches program for 2025

#expeditioncruising



A unique opportunity awaits to explore the paradise islands and sunny shores of French Polynesia, Fiji and the South Pacific as Paul Gauguin Cruises launches program for 2025. Crafted by the company's destination experts, the 26 voyages span six distinct itineraries, offering unforgettable experiences ranging from 7 to 14 nights.

Paspaley 'steals' bankrupt Island Escape

#expeditioncruising .

As previously reported on Expedition Cruising, NZ's Island Escape Cruises abandoned scores of passengers out of pocket after cancelling Kimberley coast voyages last year without notice.

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji acquires MS Caledonian Sky

 Captain Cook Cruises Fiji is proud to announce a new era of small ship luxury expedition cruising in Fiji. MS Caledonian Sky will replace MV Reef Endeavour and embark on a raft of new high-end cruise experiences not yet seen in Fiji. 

Hurtigruten Norway unveils zero-emission cruise ship

#expeditioncruising .

Hurtigruten Norway unveils its first zero-emission cruise ship – the world’s most energy-efficient cruise vessel. Set to launch in 2030, the ship will use 60 MWh batteries, retractable sails with solar panels, and AI manoeuvring to eliminate emissions.

Statement from UnCruise Adventures re: Wilderness Discoverer Engine Room Fire

#expeditioncruising .

Safety and Response Prioritized, No Injuries from Engine Room Fire on Wilderness Discoverer Vessel in Glacier Bay National Park

Small Ship Cruise Line, UnCruise Adventures Confirms No Injuries from Passengers and Crew from an Early Morning Engine Room Fire

Scenic launches the 2024-25 Worldwide Discoveries Collection

#expeditioncruising .

Scenic launches the 2024-25 Worldwide Discoveries Collection, featuring a selection of stunning new destinations, ultra-luxury experiences and cruise combinations.

Solve your travel adaptor jumble with this one smart device

#expeditioncruising .

We've all found ourselves at one time or another struggling with plug adaptors while travelling. While many modern ships have universal sockets and USB outlets, many still don't. And your pre-cruise hotel is even less likely to.

Polar Routes charters Polar Pioneer for 2025 Antarctica sailings

#expeditioncruising . 

Polar Routes, a British polar expedition cruise specialist, is chartering the 53-passenger Polar Pioneer for a 23-day Antarctic sailing.

The small, newly refurbished expedition ship will cruise between January 21 and February 12, 2025 exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

Read the full report at Seatrade Cruise News

PONANT: 35 Years of Exploration Guided by Nature

#expeditioncruising . 

PONANT celebrating its 35th anniversary is paying tribute to those who have been at the heart of its development and growth since 1988 with a new media campaign highlighting their expertise and commitment.

Viking announces new expedition cruise voyages in the Arctic

Three New Itineraries Exploring Canada and Greenland Launching in 2025

Heritage Expeditions Creates affordable Expedition Cruise: South Pacific Sojourn

#expeditioncruising .

Christchurch, New Zealand, 22 May 2023: Pioneering expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions has introduced an exciting new 'priced-to-entice' voyage South Pacific Sojourn into its 2023 expedition calendar.

Coral Expeditions founder, Tony Briggs, presented with Order of Australia Medal

#expeditioncruising . 

Expedition Cruise Specialists' Chairman Tony Briggs OAM received his Order of Australia Medal from Her Excellency the Hon Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM at today's Investiture Ceremony at Government House in Brisbane. Tony was joined at the event by wife Vicki and son James. Congratulations Tony!

Read Full Report

Swan Hellenic launches third and largest ship, SH Diana

#expeditioncruising .

Swan Hellenic announced that the Naming Ceremony of its third ice-class cultural expedition cruise ship, SH Diana, had taken place in Amsterdam.

Heritage Expeditions 2024 Kiwi Cruise Season aboard 18-guest yacht Heritage Explorer

#expeditioncruising . 

Pioneering New Zealand-based expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions has released their 2024 Kiwi Cruise Season announcing Fiordland summer voyages and some exciting new expeditions aboard their luxurious 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer.

Heritage Line to launch new cruise destination Upper Mekong and the inaugural sailing for new ship ANOUVONG

#expeditioncruising .

Leading luxury Southeast Asian boutique river cruise specialist Heritage Line is counting down the weeks until its decadent new vessel Heritage Line ANOUVONG sets sail on her maiden voyage on 27 August 2023 on a selection of distinctive itineraries exploring the less-discovered villages, fascinating cultures, and breathtaking scenery of the Upper Mekong River in Laos.

Seabourn Debuts First-Ever 90-Day Circumnavigation of Africa Voyage

#expeditioncruising .

Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, is inviting travellers to explore the exotic and dynamic lands of Africa with its first-ever “Grand Africa Voyage.” Departing November 30, 2024, Seabourn Sojourn will circumnavigate the continent and sail more than 17,000 miles during a 90-day roundtrip adventure from Barcelona, Spain. The journey will offer a world of experiences for guests, visiting 44 marquee and off-the-beaten path ports and cities throughout 26 countries, with six overnight stays on the itinerary. Open for sale now, the full itinerary and additional details are available on Seabourn’s website.

Albatros Expeditions launches Ocean Albatros

#expeditioncruising .

The family-owned Scandinavian expeditions cruise operator, Albatros Expeditions is truly excited to introduce its newest next-generation vessel, the Ocean Albatros, to its fleet set to kick off its inaugural expedition cruise adventure into the Arctic this June.

PONANT reveals new Japanese expedition programme for 2024

Different – Mythical – Amazing

PONANT sets course for never-sailed-before Japan in 2024

PONANT has revealed its new Japanese luxury expedition programme for 2024 featuring acclaimed sailings in the Nippon archipelago as well as three new itineraries never offered before, for travellers to discover and rediscover the Empire of the Rising Sun.

Vale Mark "Harry" Christensen

#expeditioncruising .

Members of the Expedition Cruising community will be saddened to learn of the passing of Mark "Harry" Christensen. His closest colleagues including Mick Fogg and Justin Friend have made heartfelt eulogies to their much-loved friend. 

"To my friends and colleagues, it is with a very heavy heart that I let you know the world is a much duller place today," writes Mick, "Over the weekend we lost one of the most remarkable human beings. A man who touched the lives of so many people. So genuine, so knowledgeable, so likeable, so kind, funny, quirky, so uniquely 'Harry.' "

Anyone who travelled with Harry aboard Coral Expeditions, Orion or Ponant, will never forget him for his wit, enthusiasm and knowledge. He was definitely one of a kind. 

EDIT: To all Harry's friends and colleagues. his brother Mark Watson and Justin Friend have set up a GOFUNDME page to assist Harry's beautiful wife Helen through this difficult time. Harry gave so much to all of us, it's now our turn to give. https://gofund.me/f359a636

Travel editor and journalist, Stephen Scourfield wrote this lovely piece ten years ago after sailing with Harry. We'll leave this here as our fitting tribute.

 

Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) launched

#expeditioncruising .

A new industry collective is seeking to strengthen the expedition cruising sector’s ties with the travel trade and become a "one-stop shop" for agents keen to grow a new line of business.

Read the full story at TTG Media

Quark Expeditions Helicopter Adventures In The Antarctic 2024-25 Season

Quark Expeditions has announced an exciting Antarctic 2024.25 season that offers more helicopter adventures than any other operator in the Polar Regions. In addition, the company has introduced various incentives to help travelers fulfill their dreams of a polar expedition to the 7th Continent.

Paul Gauguin Cruises celebrates 25th anniversary milestone

This year, Paul Gauguin Cruises celebrates 25 years of award-winning sailings in the balmy waters of French Polynesia and the South Pacific starting with an exclusive anniversary offer to discover the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas and beyond.

Rare Expedition Voyage through New Guinea, Indonesia and the Kimberley in all-inclusive luxury

#expeditioncruising .

Bonus flight credit - Book by June 30, 2023

Australian small ship cruise specialist, Cruise Traveller, is offering Australians the opportunity to be amongst the first to sail aboard Seabourn’s brand new, ultra-luxe expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit, on a rarely offered adventure journey embracing remote and pristine destinations in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Australia’s Kimberley.

True North II is launched

True North Adventure Cruises has added a second vessel to its fleet.

The TRUE NORTH II was re-launched today following an extensive refit in Fremantle.