[updated] Blue Lagoon Cruises retires Fiji Princess after grounding, new vessel launching

#expeditioncruising .

A small expedition cruise vessel has run aground on a reef in Fiji, with all passengers safely evacuated and no injuries reported.

From On Board: Day 6: SH Minerva in Melanesia; Tiny Tami

#expeditioncruising .

Vessel: SH Minerva
Location: Tami Island PNG
Itinerary: Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea

The vibrant and exuberant welcome from the Tami islanders is typical of the joyful reception we've been receiving throughout the Bismarck Sea. It seemed like the whole island had dressed up to greet us.

From On Board: Day 5: SH Minerva in Melanesia; Witu Welcome

#expeditioncruising .

Vessel: SH Minerva
Location: Witu, Garove Island, PNG
Itinerary: Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea

I'll always remember little Witu, just off the western coast of New Britain as a place of stunning natural beauty and the performances of the Catholic mission children in their elaborate face paint and headdresses.

From On Board: Day 4: SH Minerva in Melanesia; Rabaul Revisited

#expeditioncruising .

Vessel: SH Minerva
Location: Rabaul New Britain PNG
Itinerary: Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea

Returning to Rabaul in East New Britain is another case of deja vu. I've probably been here six or seven times in 20 years, and it's always a little bit different.

From On Board: Day 3: SH Minerva in Melanesia; Buka, Bougainville

#expeditioncruising .

Vessel: SH Minerva
Location: Buka, Autonomous Region of Bougainville
Itinerary: Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea

The island of Buka is a new destination for me and one that reminded me of the Bougainville people's determination to achieve full independence.

From On Board: Day 2: SH Minerva in Melanesia; Minerva meet Maila

#expeditioncruising .

Vessel: SH Minerva
Location: Solomon Islands
Itinerary: Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea

Well, we are in the tropics after all, and the Coral Sea seems unusually active with storms right now.

Analysis: As expedition cruising continues to grow, can it remain sustainable?

#expeditioncruising .



The rapid rise of expedition cruising reflects a structural shift in traveller preferences toward immersive, experience-led travel, supported by strong post-pandemic growth across the broader cruise sector.

From On Board: Day 1: SH Minerva in Melanesia; Hello again Honiara

#expeditioncruising .

Vessel: SH Minerva
Location: Solomon Islands
Itinerary: Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea

I have to admit, after my debut on Swan Hellenic in the Indian Ocean in 2024, I was more than a little excited to be back on board one of the swish new triplets from this revived boutique cruising brand.

Norrøna Adventure yacht Varg named among TIME’s World’s Greatest Places

#expeditioncruising .

Norrøna Adventure’s small-format expedition yacht Varg S/Y has been included in TIME’s 2026 list of the World’s Greatest Places, a curated annual selection of 100 destinations spanning hotels, cruises, attractions and cultural sites worldwide.

Seabourn cancels submarine program

#expeditioncruising .

Seabourn has confirmed it will discontinue its expedition submarine program, with the decision announced on 20 February 2026 in a communication to travel advisors and industry partners.

Unlimited Travel Group acquires polar specialist Waterproof Expeditions

#expeditioncruising .

Unlimited Travel Group (UTG), Sweden’s largest listed travel and event company, has acquired Netherlands-based Waterproof Expeditions, expanding its footprint in the fast-growing expedition travel sector.

True North completes $4m fleet refit ahead of 2026 season

#expeditioncruising .

Expedition cruise operator True North Adventure Cruises has completed a $4 million refit of its vessels True North and True North II ahead of the 2026 season.