News Round-Up from ECN

One of the biggest stories this month was PONANT’s announcement of acquiring a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions. Both brands are renowned for their luxury expeditions, and this exciting collaboration promises to bring fresh opportunities and growth to both companies. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.

New small ship, American Legend, christened in Key West, Florida

#expeditioncruising .

American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that American Legend, the newest small ship in the company’s innovative Project Blue series, was officially christened in Key West, Florida last week. The celebration took place while the ship was docked at Mallory Square, just steps from the City’s vibrant town center. American Legend was visiting Key West along one of the company’s popular 8-Day Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises, which sail roundtrip from St. Petersburg, Florida. American’s new Florida itineraries are the only cruises exploring the Sunshine State that offer guests the exclusive opportunity to sail the region while remaining fully domestic, similar to the Line’s U.S. River cruises.

The French Riviera aboard Le Ponant: new for summer 2026

#expeditioncruising .

PONANT EXPLORATIONS is unveiling a brand-new itinerary along the Côte d’Azur, aboard the company’s iconic three-master, Le Ponant. From May 2026, the first Relais & Châteaux labelled sailing yacht will be offering 32 guests a unique travel experience, both self-indulgent and revitalising.

PONANT's Le Commandant Charcot Returns to the Arctic

#expeditioncruising

As the only high polar exploration vessel capable of navigating through the ice in the depth of the boreal winter, Le Commandant Charcot unlocks a rare opportunity to explore territories otherwise unreachable during this season. From the Baltic Sea to the shores of the St. Lawrence River in Canada, passing through Norway and Greenland, PONANT unveils 16 departures from October 2026 to March 2027.

Grafitti attack on historic aircraft hangar at Whalers Bay

#expeditioncruising .

The historic aircraft hangar at Whalers Bay on Deception Island was recently vandalized with graffiti, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation from the conservation community.