Heritage Expeditions acquires former Silver Explorer

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NZ-based expedition cruise operator Heritage Expeditions has acquired the former Silver Explorer, a polar-capable vessel previously operated by Silversea Cruises, and plans to introduce it into service in May 2027 under the name Heritage Discoverer.

First ship to berth at Broome's new floating wharf

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Expedition cruise vessel Le Jacques Cartier has marked a milestone for Broome, becoming the first ship to berth at the town’s newly completed floating wharf earlier this week — a development long anticipated by the Kimberley cruise sector.

Study shows interest in small-ship cruising is booming

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Analysis of Australian online search behaviour indicates growing interest in small-ship cruising, suggesting increasing consumer demand for more intimate cruise experiences.

AdventureSmith Explorations Spring 2026 Small-ship Adventure Travel News & Trends

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AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small-ship, adventure cruise vacations. The company’s adventure specialists closely track what’s happening in the travel industry and in the destinations where its expedition trips operate.
 
Here are AdventureSmith’s expert insights heading into the Spring:

Solomon Airlines Pacific network expansion to improve access to On Water Expeditions itineraries

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Travel to a range of remote Pacific expedition cruise destinations will become more accessible following an expansion of Solomon Airlines’ regional flight network from March 2026.

Oceanwide Expeditions Sets New Southernmost Navigation Record

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Oceanwide Expeditions has set a new world record for the southernmost position reached by a non-icebreaker vessel in the Weddell Sea, achieving the milestone for the second consecutive year.

Coral Adventurer runs aground in PNG [9 News] Updated

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This report is from 9 News Gold Coast. Coral Adventurer has run aground in Papua New Guinea. No injuries have been reported, and damage is being assessed.

Update: 30/1/26 Vessel arrives Port Moresby and is dry-docked for a complete hull inspection.

Update 26/1/26: Vessel is underway, heading south at 6 knots. Destination Port Moresby. 

Update 11/1/26: According to Marine Traffic, Coral Adventurer is still "at anchor" near the site of the grounding.

Update 29/12: AMSA has detained the vessel in accordance with the Navigation Act 2012, based on reasonable suspicion that it is not seaworthy due to potential damage sustained during the grounding, and that it is sub‑standard as a result of failures in the implementation of its Safety Management System under the International Safety Management Code. [source]

UPDATE: Passengers are being ferried to Lae for flights to Cairns. A tugboat that came from Lae to assist initially failed to dislodge the vessel. Vessel subsequently freed from the reef 

The Coral Adventurer had more than 120 people aboard when it hit a reef at Dregerhafen Point, Papua New Guinea. (Supplied: ABC via Jurgen Ruh)

 

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Scenic Eclipse II's champagne rescue in Ross Sea

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With Antarctic ice continually on the move, keeping skippers on their toes, Scenic Eclipse II found itself in a tight spot while manoeuvring through first-year pack ice near McMurdo Sound.

The US keep a year-round base there, and as luck would have it, their icebreaker USCG Polar Star was on hand to assist. 

Swan Hellenic adds SCUBA diving options to Raja Ampat voyages

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Swan Hellenic has introduced dedicated SCUBA diving programs on four East Asia expedition cruises exploring Raja Ampat, operating aboard the boutique expedition ship SH Minerva. The dive-focused departures include two sailings in 2026 and two in 2027.

Emerald Kaia completes sea trials

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Emerald Cruises & Tours’ new luxury yacht Emerald Kaia has successfully completed sea trials at Scenic Group’s shipyard in Ha Long Bay.

The 128-passenger vessel is scheduled to commence operations with an 11-day “Cyprus to the Acropolis” inaugural voyage, departing Limassol on April 4.

BREAKING: Pat Shaw of Polar Latitudes passes away suddenly

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Pat Shaw (source: LinkedIn)

While details are sketchy right now, ExpeditionCruising.com can confirm that high-profile executive, Patrick (Pat) Shaw, has passed away suddenly while in the Antarctic.

In April 2025, Pat was appointed CEO of Albatros Expeditions and formed a new entity with the merger of Polar Latitudes and Albatros Expeditions.

Prior to that, Pat led Quark Expeditions as President and CEO from 2001 to 2010.

A true leader and visionary in our industry, Pat will be sorely missed.

Everyone here at ExpeditionCruising.com extend our condolences to his family and many friends in the industry.

Read Polar Latitudes Official Statement

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Brand new Australian Star (finally) launching February 2026

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Murray River Paddlesteamers will launch a new luxury vessel, Australian Star, next month, marking the arrival of what is being billed as Australia’s first five-star paddlesteamer and a significant new entrant in domestic river cruising.