APT announces $100k 79-day expedition cruise from Reykjavik to Istanbul

#expeditioncruising .

Today, the leaders in luxury travel, APT, is launching its most extraordinary Small Ship journey – a 79-day odyssey from Reykjavik to Istanbul beginning on 13 June 2021, tracing a course through rich history, myths and legends, diverse cultures, stunning vistas and unique experiences.

Aurora Expeditions takes delivery of world's first X-Bow expedition cruise ship

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Aurora Expeditions, Australia's home-grown polar exploration specialist, has taken delivery of the Greg Mortimer. The highly anticipated ship is set to redefine expedition cruising with its revolutionary patented Ulstein X-Bow.

The Greg Mortimer at the earlier launch ceremony in March (Ulstein)

Join Heritage Expeditions in 2020 for a Russian Arctic Wildlife Bonanza

for travellers interested in joining an Arctic adventure expedition cruise.

New Zealand-based polar cruise specialist, Heritage Expeditions, has reported an exceptional 2019 season, with multiple polar bear (101 on the latest visit to Wrangel Island!) and brown bear encounters, sightings of pods of humpback, beluga, grey and bowhead whales, and walrus hauling out in their hundreds, to name but a few.

Endeavour Voyages as part of Encounters 2020

- Join a sailing adventure and be part of maritime history

The Australian National Maritime Museum has announced the sale of berths to the general public on a series of voyages to mark 250 years since James Cook's voyage along the east coast of Australia in 1770.

The 2020/2021 itinerary will see the replica HMB Endeavour undertake a series of voyages around Australia over 14 months with these voyages forming part of the Encounters 2020 program.

Encounters 2020 will utilise this historic event to examine its significance in Australian history and its enduring legacy from the dual perspectives of from the ship and from the shore.

Cook's arrival and voyage off the east coast of Australia marked the most significant European encounter by early Western explorers and changed forever the history of Australia. This anniversary offers a unique opportunity for all Australians to reflect on, discuss and re-evaluate the lasting impact this pivotal event has had on us all and, in particular, the repercussions on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The 2020/2021 voyages range from 1 to 25 nights and offer the chance to experience first- hand life on an 18th Century ship.

"Sailing in Endeavour provides an amazing insight into the achievements of Cook and an extraordinary voyaging adventure," said Endeavour Captain John Dikkenberg. "We have all sorts of adventurers join us on our voyages; from first timers to seasoned sailors. Some come to challenge themselves while at the other end of the spectrum we have those seeking to understand 18th century seafaring or parents and their adult children wanting a memorable, unique, shared experience."

The Endeavour 2020/21 voyages will set sail from Sydney Harbour on 24th February 2020 and will conclude, back in Sydney, on 1st May 2021 after completing 38 individual legs.

Details of the various legs, costs and to how to register can be found at https://www.sea.museum/whats-on/events/sail-the-endeavour/2020-21-circumnavigation-voyages.

If you were wanting to take an adventure this year, the Endeavour is also taking part in the New Zealand 250th activities in 2019 and places are still open. For further information on New Zealand go to https://www.sea.museum/whats-on/events/sail-the-endeavour/2019-nz-voyages

Cate Blanchett goes to the Arctic with One Ocean Expeditions

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Polar expedition cruise specialists One Ocean Expeditions (OOE) are proud to be featured on the big screen as the official location partner and polar experts for the feature film ‘Where’d You Go, Bernadette?’.

With a commitment to excellence and safety, and decades of experience traveling to the region, the team at One Ocean Expeditions were able to help Annapurna Pictures bring the characters of ‘Where’d You Go, Bernadette?’ to life with their expert support.

Starring Cate Blanchett, the film premiered in theatres across North America on August 16th, 2019 with OOE featured prominently throughout the film. The production team from Annapurna Pictures, based in Los Angeles, chartered a vessel from OOE in 2016, bringing some sixty-plus cast and crew, including stars Cate Blanchett and Billy Crudup. The film tells the story of a woman suffering from anxiety whose daughter initiates a plan to travel to Antarctica. The main character takes a leap of faith that brings her on an epic adventure that jump-starts her life, allowing her to rediscover herself.

As the expedition cruise operator tasked with bringing the cast and crew to the polar region and supporting the location shoot, OOE provided unparalleled and in-depth knowledge of the region as well as the industry’s finest expedition cruise and sea kayaking program. With safety always the number one priority, an understanding of unique requests, timeliness and the ability to go above and beyond, OOE was well positioned to offer the support needed for the set of a major motion picture.

One Ocean Expeditions was able to assist the film crew in capturing the essence and wonder that the polar regions exude and excelled in the remarkable feat of working in the challenging conditions of shooting a film on location in the polar regions.

Expedition cruise market powers ahead, says expert, but choosing can be confusing

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Expert analysts and strategists are predicting, or perhaps more accurately 'reinforcing', what the small ship cruise sector has known for years, namely that expedition cruising is arguably the most exciting development in the travel industry right now.

Hurtigruten's new hybrid powered vessels are revolutionising the expedition cruise segment (supplied)

"While nothing lasts forever, the cruise industry – and particularly the ‘expedition cruise' sector – remain on a historic run with no indication of a near-term slowdown," says maritime business strategist, Barry Parker in an article on MarineLink.

Subantarctic cruising from New Zealand

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Subantarctic cruises from New Zealand are growing in popularity for the sheer adventure and opportunities to see rare wildlife, especially seabirds. These remote New Zealand subantarctic islands fall into the band between 46° and 60° degrees south of the equator and include islands in the southern regions of the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Read Full Story at Cruise Critic

Why Small is Big in Antarctica

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Are you ready for your big adventure cruise?



You must be sick of hearing about your friends’ fantastic Antarctic adventures by now, so isn’t it about time you had your own?

Yes, it’s true, there are adventure cruises all around the world now but for most people, it’s Antarctica that sets the heart racing and is your first taste of true wilderness. The great empty white continent is the coldest, windiest, driest, least inhabited continent on the planet and hardly seems like an ideal holiday destination. Well, I’m about to tell you Antarctica is the sort of place you DON’T go for a holiday - but instead, for the most rewarding, enlightening and enriching adventure experience you will ever have.

READ FULL STORY AT: Expedition Cruise Specialists

'Cruise, Point & Shoot' with Quasar Expeditions and Award Winning Photographer Harry Skeggs

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Travellers can take advantage of the value-added opportunity to elevate their wildlife photography skills with award-winning NatGeo photographer Harry Skeggs when cruising the Galapagos with Quasar Expeditions in January 2020.

At last! Scenic Eclipse sails Inaugural Voyage

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As Scenic Eclipse sets sail today on her inaugural voyage, a 13 day discovery itinerary from Reykjavik to  Quebec, the very first images of her luxurious interiors have been released, showcasing this world leading vessel to the world.