BREAKING: Dive operator accuses Silversea of reef damage

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Tim Yeo, a scuba diving operator and General Manager & COO at Bluewater Travel, has accused Silversea of damaging the reef at Alor, Indonesia stating in a Facebook post: "A few days ago, the luxury expedition cruise ship Silver Cloud (owned by Royal Caribbean Group) brought its guests to snorkel here. What should have been a magical experience turned into an absolute environmental tragedy."

New River Voyages in India for Viking

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Viking has announced its first river voyages in India on the Viking Brahmaputra, a new 80-guest vessel designed specifically for the Brahmaputra River. Currently under construction and scheduled to debut in late 2027, the Viking Brahmaputra will set a new standard for modern river voyages in India. The ship will sail between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in the northeastern state of Assam as part of Viking’s new 15-day itinerary, Wonders of India. In addition to an eight-day river voyage, the itinerary includes a fully guided land program with overnights in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

“With its rich heritage, deep cultural traditions and fascinating natural wonders, India is a vast and vibrant country that has captured the imagination of explorers for centuries,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “In recent years, our guests have particularly enjoyed visiting Indian ports on our ocean itineraries. We are now delighted to introduce a new way for curious travellers to explore the heart of this phenomenal country, in-depth and in Viking comfort.”

The Viking Brahmaputra

The new Viking Brahmaputra will host 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms. Featuring the signature Scandinavian design for which Viking is known, all staterooms and suites will have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a veranda. Guests on the three-deck Viking Brahmaputra will also enjoy a range of amenities, including a Spa & Fitness Centre and an open-air Sky Bar on the Upper Deck.

Wonders of India

The 15-day Wonders of India itinerary program will operate round-trip from Delhi, with hotel stays in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur that bracket an eight-day Brahmaputra River voyage, sailing east or west, respectively. With 13 included tours, guests will be immersed in India’s cultural treasures and will have the opportunity to experience as many as 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Guests will delve into the rich history of India’s Golden Triangle, exploring Agra's fabled Taj Mahal, strolling through Old Delhi's winding streets and glimpsing Jaipur's ornate Palace of Winds. While sailing the Brahmaputra River, guests will see Guwahati's temple, encounter the thriving villages along its banks, search for the one-horned rhinos and buffalo of Kaziranga National Park and discover the cultures of Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands.

For additional immersion opportunities, Viking is also offering a variety of new pre- and post-land extensions for Wonders of India, including Delhi (two nights), Dubai (three nights; fully guided), Kathmandu (four nights; fully guided) and Cochin & Mumbai (five nights; fully guided).

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Ocean Victory Arrested - Sailings Cancelled [Updated]

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As of May 20, 2024, the polar expedition ship Ocean Victory (IMO 9868869) had been seized at the port of Malaga, Spain.

[UPDATE 7 July 2025: SunStone Ships’ Ocean Victory will enter an extended layup at the port of Funchal, in Portugal’s Madeira Island. According to local sources, the 8,000-ton ship is set to spend several weeks at the port while waiting for its next deployment. MORE]

According to a report in Seatrade Cruise News, the Infinity-class Ocean Victory, on charter to start-up Alma Cruceros, has been detained at the Port of Málaga following arrest by Spanish authorities, apparently at the request of the ship's agent, Lantimar Group.

Apparently, SunStone, also known as SunStone Maritime Group, is a Danish company specialising in designing, building, and operating expedition cruise ships. However, it now has only a non-controlling, minority interest in the vessel and no longer manages it. According to SunStone, Nordic Marine Partner, Denmark is currently the commercial manager, and Anglo-Eastern continues to be the technical manager.

Alma Cruceros said it would issue a statement in a few days. 

Denmark's Albatros Expeditions operates Ocean Victory in Antarctica during the Antarctic summer, and Alma Cruceros uses the vessel for Mediterranean cruises from April to October. At this point, it is not clear how the Antarctic season will be affected. 

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From On Board: Seabourn Pursuit at Ashmore Reef

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Ashmore Reef, Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Timor Sea.
Latitude: -12.73° Longitude: 123.38°

Vessel: Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn guests were privileged to visit one of the most extraordinary natural sanctuaries in the Timor Sea - Ashmore Reef, a vibrant biodiversity hotspot and a true conservation success story.

Silversea passengers rescued after true remote island 'adventure'

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Every now and then, [stuff] happens in expedition cruising. 

Source: AAP

According to a report from AAP, ten passengers and eight crew members from a luxury cruise were rescued from remote Adele Island, an uninhabited atoll off the Kimberley coast of Australia known for its beautiful coral reefs.

From On Board: Bigge Island, Kimberley

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Location: Bigge Island, Western Australia
GPS: Google Map Ref
Vessel: Seabourn Pursuit (under charter to APTouring)

Overlooking our landing site on Bigge Island

In 20 years of travelling to the Kimberley and sailing amongst these beautiful islands and landscapes, it's only the second time I've set foot here.

Vale Geoff McGeary OAM - APT Founder

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With deep admiration, love, and respect, the APT Travel Group announces the passing of our founder, Geoff McGeary OAM. Just one week shy of his 84th birthday, Geoff passed peacefully at home with family.

He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, colleague, business partner, and mate.

Geoff’s impact on the travel industry was profound. From his family’s modest bus business in Melbourne, he built APT into one of the most respected travel companies in the country, introducing generations of travellers to unforgettable experiences around the world.

LAST CABINS: Coral Expeditions Circumnavigation of Australia

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Australia’s pioneering cruise line, Coral Expeditions is on the countdown to the departure of its circumnavigation voyage of Australia over sixty incredible days, set to depart Cairns on October 17 this year. With just 15 cabins remaining on the epic exploration of Australia’s coastal legend, travellers are encouraged to book their place among an intimate 100 guests onboard expedition ship Coral Adventurer.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises South and Central America Expeditions Aboard HANSEATIC Inspiration

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Three Extraordinary Expeditions Aboard Their Bilingual Ship

This November and December, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises invites adventure seekers and cultural explorers alike to experience the breathtaking beauty and biodiversity of South and Central America. Aboard the cutting-edge expedition ship HANSEATIC inspiration, guests will traverse some of the world’s most stunning landscapes from Costa Rica and the Panama Canal to the remote Chilean fjords on three distinct, expertly curated journeys. The HANSEATIC inspiration caters to the international market with all itineraries conducted in both German and English.

Introducing Far Horizons on the rivers of India

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Far Horizon Tours Pvt.Ltd. operates two river cruise ships, one in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India, and the other in the Kerala Backwaters. Charman, Sanjay Basu, writes: 

Aranui early bird savings

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Tahitian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises is enticing Australians to explore the most remote islands in French Polynesia in 2026 with an exclusive early bird offer.

The boutique cruise line is offering Australian residents 15 per cent off the first seven voyages in its 2026 program, including five Marquesas Islands departures and two to the southern Austral Islands.

Paspaley Pearl handover in Singapore

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Sarina Bratton, Executive Chair, Pearl Expeditions, reports on accepting the handover of the motor yacht Paspaley Pearl. “A very special ship handover with many highs and thankfully few lows. It is so uplifting when you meet like-minded professionals whose company you enjoy and know that the start of a friendship has commenced.”