At time of writing, we have received unverified reports that an expedition vessel carrying passengers has struck ice while sailing in Antarctica and has sustained some damage.
Apparently the vessel is proceeding back to Ushuaia under its own power.
We will update this report as new details come to hand.
Industry insiders are speculating about the future of the 56m, 32-passenger boutique vessel, which was to be managed by Ponant and championed by industry identity Sarina Bratton. Bratton was contacted for comment, but declined.
According to reports received by Expedition Cruising, Ponant sales reps contacted trade partners to advise that Ponant would no longer be marketing the vessel. Competing operators have also emailed their respective databases offering places to passengers displaced by the cancellations.
In a statement sent to ExpeditionCruising, Ponant Asia-Pacific CEO Deb Corbett said:Launched by now-defunct operator, Island Escape Cruises, the vessel was arrested in 2022 and later sold at auction. The Pearling dynasty, Paspaley, purchased the vessel for a reported A$5.5 million.
Have you been affected by these cancellations? Let us know
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