Thursday 22 December 2022

Expedition Cruising: Lindblad's Year in Review: 2022's Best Expedition Moments

#expeditioncruising

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW
As 2022 comes to an end, we invite you to reflect with us on the outstanding expedition moments of the past 12 months. There was a fervent desire to get back out in the world, and after several challenging years, 2022 brought us closer to normal than we've been in a long time.

In Galápagos, we launched our brand-new, all-suite ship, National Geographic Islander II, while in the polar regions our powerful blue-water vessels pushed farther into the ice, navigating into pristine corners we've never been before. Our sold-out Alaska season teemed with epic wildlife sightings, and we celebrated a joyous return to the far-flung isles of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

We are looking ahead to 2023 when we will bring you new voyages and new ways to immerse you in wildness and create memories that will last a lifetime.

From everyone at Lindblad Expeditions, we wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to seeing you on board in the New Year.
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Thursday 15 December 2022

PONANT to welcome Le Lapérouse into Sydney Harbour this evening ahead of the 2023 season



PONANT is thrilled to announce the return of small expedition ship Le Lapérouse to Sydney Harbour this evening after more than three years.

Monday 12 December 2022

Aranui Pitcairn and Cook Islands Cruises for 2023

 
French Polynesian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises has launched a special summer sale.

Until January 31, 2023, Aranui Cruises is taking 30 per cent off three Discovery cruises in 2023.

Friday 9 December 2022

Coral Expeditions adds Tiwi Island culture to the classic Kimberley expedition

#expeditioncruising . 


New expedition will see the art and culture of the Tiwi Islands feature on selected Kimberley departures in 2023 and 2024

Monday 5 December 2022

[Updated] US woman dies after window smashed aboard expedition cruise ship

#expeditioncruising .


A US woman passenger aboard Viking Polaris has died after a 'rogue wave' struck the ship while it sailed across the notorious Drake Passage.

Friday 2 December 2022

Coral Expeditions launches World Heritage islands of the sub-Antarctic voyage

#expeditioncruising . 


King penguins at Lusitania Bay (R Eime)

New expedition will see Australia's pioneering cruise line sail to the far south


Coral Expeditions has announced a new voyage which will call on Macquarie Island which, at latitude 55 degrees, sits halfway between Tasmania and Antarctica.

Thursday 24 November 2022

ExpeditionCruising: Why 2023 is all about small ship adventure


Respected Australian journalist and recent recipient of AFTA's Consumer Travel Journalist of the Year, Fiona Carruthers, reviews the exciting developments in the luxury expedition cruising sector.

"It's hard to think of a bigger year for luxury expedition yachts hitting the market than over the past 12 months," notes Carruthers, "starting with Ponant's luxury hybrid-electric icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot."

Read the full article at the Financial Review

Saturday 19 November 2022

Two dead in Zodiac mishap

News just in: a Zodiac has overturned in Antarctica killing two persons. For report see: https://news.paxeditions.com/news/cruise/quark-zodiac-boat-overturns-antarctica-killing-two

Friday 11 November 2022

Aranui Offers More Australs and Goes Back to Bora Bora in 2024



French Polynesian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises has released its 2024 program including a return to Bora Bora and more Discovery cruises taking guests to far-flung corners of the region.

Thursday 10 November 2022

Win a 7-night Alaska expedition cruise

#expeditioncruising . 



Internationaltraveller.com is offering a lucky reader and a partner the chance to win a 7-night Alaskan Inside Passage cruise for two people worth up to $30,000*.



Aurora Expeditions launches the Sylvia Earle

#expeditioncruising .


Aurora Expeditions has today launched its second purpose-built small ship, Sylvia Earle, which will embark on her inaugural voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina to Antarctica on December 10, 2022.

Wednesday 9 November 2022

Quark Expeditions Launches Arctic 2024 Season

#expeditioncruising .


Quark Expeditions celebrates the launch of its Arctic 2024 season which offers guests more ways to experience Greenland, Svalbard and the Canadian High Arctic than are possible with any other operator in the region. In addition, the breadth of the season’s off-ship experiences ensures there are adventures to satisfy travelers of all interests.

Monday 7 November 2022

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia - Michener's Tales

#expeditioncruising .

Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu


Every time I come to Santo I can't help recalling James Michener's epic novel, Tales of the South Pacific.

Sunday 6 November 2022

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia - Loh and behold

#expeditioncruising .

Torres Island Group. Loh Island.
Google Map Link 


Young women colour their hair with ground flower petals (Fiona Wardle/Heritage Expeditions)

With so many islands earlier in our voyage having not seen rain for months of end, today was the day the drought broke.

Saturday 5 November 2022

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia: Noipe's Red Feathered Brides

#expeditioncruising .

Nendo Island Google Map Link


The village of Noipe on the island of Nendo is the last place in the Solomons where the tradition of  'red feather money' is carried on and the village has turned out in force to show us how the rituals are performed. We also visited here in 2015, so some of the faces were familiar. 

Friday 4 November 2022

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia - A Makira Morning

#expeditioncruising .

Location: Star Harbour, Frigate Island (Nafinua), Makira

Google Map Link


In our now well-rehearsed procedure, our flotilla of Zodiacs approach the beach on Frigate Island (Nafinua) at Star Harbour in Solomon Islands' remote Makira province. Grass and shell-clad men await and as our bows touch the sand, they issue their formal challenge of yelps and hollers accompanied by much waving of warclubs.

Thursday 3 November 2022

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia - Mysterious Malaita

#expeditioncruising .



While there may not be any uncontacted tribes remaining in the Solomon Islands, the Kwaio people of the Malaita highlands would come close.

Quark Expeditions Kicks off Antarctic 2022-23

#expeditioncruising .


Quark Expeditions, the global Leader in Polar Adventures, embarked on its first voyage of the Antarctic 2022-23 season on November 1 with the 11-day "Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent" voyage. Guests on this much-awaited polar adventure sailed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on Quark Expeditions' game-changing new ship, Ultramarine.

Wednesday 2 November 2022

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia. Tetepare Island - cursed or blessed?

#expeditioncruising.

Google Map Link

Tetepare warrior confronts his guests (Fiona Wardle/Heritage Expeditions)

The 120sqkm lush, thickly wooded island of Tetepare located in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands is the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific. Just how it became that way is the stuff of legend.

Broome-based True North to add second vessel

#expeditioncruising .


True North Adventure Cruises is excited to announce that TRUE NORTH's predecessor is returning to service.

The first TRUE NORTH to feature a ship's helicopter has more recently been available for charter in Indonesian waters.

Aurora Expeditions Founder to Lead Arctic Expedition

#expeditioncruising

 

Join legendary explorer Greg Mortimer on a life-changing voyage of discovery to the Arctic

Tuesday 1 November 2022

Monday 31 October 2022

PONANT's Le Commandant Charcot: 2024 itineraries now available

#expeditioncruising . 


PONANT has launched sales of its polar exploration voyages aboard Le Commandant Charcot for its 2024 Arctic season. Following in the wake of the great polar explorers from Greenland’s east coast to the Geographic North Pole, the season comprises five itineraries and eight sailings, each offering enchantment and adventure.

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia - Panguna Mine, Bougainville

#expeditioncruising .

Panguna Mine Google Map Link


Let's face it, the mention of Bougainville does not automatically conjure warm and fuzzy images. The 93,000 sq km island of some 300,000 people has endured more than its share of tumult beginning with its annexation by Germany in 1899, the location of fierce battles in WWII and then its own civil war that saw its people effectively isolated from the world until the 21st Century.

Sunday 30 October 2022

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia - Nissan Island, Bougainville

#expeditioncruising .

Google Map Link


Again, on the gorgeous island of Nissan in the Green Islands of Bougainville, we are presented with the perfect tropical hideaway.

Saturday 29 October 2022

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia - Rabaul, New Britain

#expeditioncruising .


 Some might say Rabaul is a town that can't turn a trick. Located in one of the most beautiful harbours anywhere in the Pacific, it has over time attracted the attention of several of the world's major powers. Britain, Germany, Japan, USA and Australia have all had dibs on this idyllic location for one reason or another.

Friday 28 October 2022

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia - Tsoilik, New Ireland

#expeditioncruising .

Idyllic Tsoilik village from photographer Fiona Watrdle's drone

Today was a vivid example of how flexible and versatile expedition cruising needs to be.

Thursday 27 October 2022

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia - Manus Island

#expeditioncruising .


The mention of Manus Island in PNG conjures images of a joint US/AU military base and an awful detention camp. Today we saw a small part of the true Manus Island – and it was brilliant.

Wednesday 26 October 2022

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions Melanesia. Kopar village on the Sepik River

#expeditioncruising .


People talk about travelling “off the grid” and many times it can be as mundane as finding a new pizza bar away from the main drag. Well, “off the grid” in PNG is what it's all about and usually involves the famous Sepik River at some point. 

Tuesday 25 October 2022

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia - Madang departure

#expeditioncruising .


Even as our vintage Air Niugini Fokker 100 came in on approach to Madang, the pangs of reminiscence began. It's been more than ten years since I visited this important northern port town, the capital of its own province. 

Monday 24 October 2022

PONANT's new expedition ship for 2024 Kimberley Season

#expeditioncruising .



PONANT has unveiled their highly anticipated 2024 Kimberley sailing expedition season with its newest PONANT EXPLORER series small luxury expedition ship Le Jacques-Cartier set to make its Australian debut, joining Le Lapérouse for the very first time in the country.

Saturday 22 October 2022

Adventures by Disney to Debut Its First-Ever Adriatic Sea Expedition Cruise in 2024

#expeditioncruising .

Adventures by Disney will embark on a new expedition cruise itinerary to the Adriatic Sea in 2024 with two summer departure dates. Guests aboard the PONANT ship Le Bougainville, a small, purpose-built vessel specially designed to access remote locations, will sail along the beautiful coastline on an eight-day, seven-night round-trip sailing from Venice, Italy and enjoy stops at ports in Croatia and Montenegro. (Adventures by Disney)

 In 2024, guests will set sail on the all-new Adventures by Disney expedition cruise along the picturesque Adriatic Sea. This famed waterway filled with captivating history, exquisite cuisine and breathtaking views provides the perfect setting for an enchanting adventure. 

The eight-day, seven-night round-trip sailing from Venice, Italy, will visit seven ports in Croatia and Montenegro before returning to the Floating City. The chartered Adventures by Disney expedition voyage is planned for two sailings in 2024 (departures set for June 25 and July 2).

Thursday 20 October 2022

Heritage Adventurer Makes Cruise History On Maiden Voyage


As the first expedition vessel to visit the remote village of Pasir Putih on Indonesia's Buru Island.

Pioneering expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions' new flag ship Heritage Adventurer has made cruise history on her maiden voyage as the first expedition vessel to visit the remote village of Pasir Putih on Indonesia's Buru Island.

Wednesday 19 October 2022

Scenic Eclipse II on schedule to launch in April 2023

#expeditioncruising .

Scenic has announced updates on the construction of the highly anticipated second ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II. With its innovative design, state-of-the-art technology and unrivalled discovery, a new era of expedition cruising will arrive when Scenic Eclipse II sets sail. With construction in its final stages and progressing as planned, Scenic Eclipse II’s inaugural voyage will be the 11-Day Incredible Iberian Discovery, from Lisbon to Barcelona, departing on 13 April 2023.

Saturday 15 October 2022

Antarctica's Best Landing Sites

#expeditioncruising .

Guests sailing on Antarctic expedition voyages will have opportunities to step ashore and explore many of the most beautiful and interesting sites on the Antarctic Peninsula. The following list has been compiled by Seabourn's expedition leader, Robin West, which will give visitors the chance to view different species of penguins, seals and whales; visit sites of historical and geological interest; gain first-hand insights into regional scientific research; see a variety of types of ice features and enjoy scenic cruising of spectacular waterways and passages.

Friday 14 October 2022

Robin West, Seabourn's head of expeditions, addresses Australian media

#expeditioncruising .

Robin West, Seabourn's Head of Expeditions, met media for an exclusive lunch event where he briefed us on the launch of Seabourn’s brand new, luxury expeditions to some of the world’s most exciting and remote destinations - Antarctica, Patagonia, Greenland and the Amazon. The new luxury, small-ship voyages feature state-of-the-art submarines, zodiacs and an elite expedition team of wildlife experts, scientists, naturalists and historians. Here is a transcript of that address:

Hurtigruten and Speedcast reach for the stars

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One of the bugbears of the connected generation is the poor quality and expense of internet connections at sea. Sure, things are improving, but for most cruise ships, there is still a long way to go.

Wednesday 12 October 2022

Cruise Traveller specials on Mekong Princess

#expeditioncruising .


Australian small ship cruise specialist, Cruise Traveller, is offering savings for couples and solo travellers on an exclusive Mekong River package through Cambodia and Vietnam with excursions and beverages all included.

Silversea Cruises names Felicity Aston MBE as the Godmother of new ship Silver Endeavour

#expeditioncruising .


The world’s most luxurious expedition ship, Silver Endeavour will set sail for Antarctica on her maiden voyage on November 21, 2022

Wednesday 5 October 2022

Refurbished Le Ponant reinvents travel by sea

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Freshly refurbished Le Ponant hoists sails again and reinvents travel by sea

 

PONANT's iconic three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant, which was the founding ship where the PONANT story began, has undergone a major renovation ahead of her voyage to Australia to set sail for her inaugural Kimberley season in 2023. 

 

After several months undergoing renovation at the San Giorgio del Porto yard in Italy, the yacht offers a remarkably private setting and has been entirely updated with cutting edge eco-responsible innovations. After an exclusive collection of itineraries in the Mediterranean, Le Ponant will spend the winter in the Seychelles before arriving in Australia in April 2023. 

 

The newly imagined Le Ponant is an invitation to go sailing whilst recharging the batteries on voyages that respect the world around, where privacy and exploring with others go hand in hand with eco-responsibility.

 

When luxury and privacy combine with the magic of travel and eco-responsible navigation

Monday 3 October 2022

New luxury paddlesteamer planned for Murray River

#expeditioncruising .


Australia’s iconic Murray River will soon gain a “game-changing” hero drawcard with the announcement by Murray River Paddlesteamers that it will build a brand new $6.75 million, five-star river vessel offering year-round, all-inclusive, overnight cruises from the historic Victorian river town of Echuca.

Fusing heritage charm with contemporary luxury and stretching 35m, the deluxe 40-guest vessel will become Australia’s first five-star river cruise experience, the largest paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere and the only wood-fired, five-star accommodated paddlesteamer in the world.

Thursday 29 September 2022

Scenic Eclipse Northwest Passage expedition acclaimed

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Scenic Eclipse has accomplished the first-ever combined helicopter^ flight and submarine^ dive operations in the Canadian Arctic on its recent inaugural expedition across the Northwest Passage. Scenic is encouraging guests to secure their place on next year's voyage with exclusive savings and limited suites still available. 

Monday 26 September 2022

New French expedition cruise line launched

#expeditioncruising .


One of Ponant's co-founders has launched his own French-flagged expedition cruise line utilising a former vessel of the Silversea fleet.

Tuesday 20 September 2022

Aurora Expeditions and ‘Hero of the Planet’ Dr. Sylvia Earle host Antarctic Climate Expedition in 2023

#expeditioncruising .


Aurora Expeditions, Australia’s award-winning travel adventure company, is offering one final opportunity to join the world-first Antarctic Climate Expedition sailing in February 2023, led by renowned oceanographer, marine biologist, explorer and conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle.

Monday 5 September 2022

New Design Details For Seabourn's First Expedition Vessel

#expeditioncruising .


Seabourn, the ultra-luxury ocean and expedition cruise line, has ushered in a new era of expedition travel with the launch of Seabourn Venture, its first ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship that embarked on its first voyage July 27, 2022, to Norway and the Arctic. While natural beauty, wildlife, and culture are at the heart of every expedition itinerary, guests will also find plenty to admire on board thanks to the ship’s stunning design by Seabourn partner and iconic hospitality interiors atelier, Tihany Design.

Thursday 1 September 2022

Ponant’s Le Jacques Cartier and APT offer Europe small ship sailings

#expeditioncruising .




New for 2023, luxury tour and cruise operator, APT announces two brand-new Small Ship Expedition Cruises in the Mediterranean aboard Ponant’s Le Jacques Cartier.

Monday 29 August 2022

Heritage Expeditions resumes popular Sea Kayaking options

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Pioneering small ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions is delighted to announce the return of its popular sea kayaking programme on select Subantarctic, Indonesia and South Pacific voyages.