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

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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.

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.

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.

Coral Expeditions adds Tiwi Island culture to the classic Kimberley expedition

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

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

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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.

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

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

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.

Win a 7-night Alaska expedition cruise

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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*.

See all the details here

Aurora Expeditions launches the Sylvia Earle

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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.

Quark Expeditions Launches Arctic 2024 Season

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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.

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

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Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

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

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

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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.

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

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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. 

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

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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.

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia - Mysterious Malaita

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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

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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.

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

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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

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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

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

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia - Kolombangara Solomon Islands

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Google Map Link

(Pic: Fiona Wardle/Heritage Expeditions)

Lukim Yu (Goodbye) Papua New Guinea, hello Solomon Islands.

PONANT's Le Commandant Charcot: 2024 itineraries now available

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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

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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.

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

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Google Map Link

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

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

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 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.

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

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Idyllic Tsoilik village from photographer Fiona Watrdle's drone

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

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia - Manus Island

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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.

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

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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. 

From On Board: Heritage Expeditions in Melanesia - Madang departure

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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. 

PONANT's new expedition ship for 2024 Kimberley Season

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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.

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

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 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).

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.

Scenic Eclipse II on schedule to launch in April 2023

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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.

Valuable expedition cruising URLs for sale

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For several years we have maintained a set of satellite sites and URLs but now it's time to let them go.

Contact us for details.

https://www.kimberley-cruise.com/

http://travel-antarctica.com/

http://www.travelnorthpole.com/

https://antarctic.net.au/

http://www.oceancruiseguide.com/

http://www.travelsouthpole.com/

http://expeditions.net.au/

Antarctica's Best Landing Sites

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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.

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

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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.

Cruise Traveller specials on Mekong Princess

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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

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

New luxury paddlesteamer planned for Murray River

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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.

Read the full release

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. 

New French expedition cruise line launched

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

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

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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.

New Design Details For Seabourn's First Expedition Vessel

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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.

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

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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.

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.

UPDATED Island Escape leaves passengers wondering

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Island Escape in the Kimberley (Megan Rose/Facebook)

UPDATE: Island Escape arrested. All cruises cancelled.

Following a report in LATTE Luxury Travel Trade newsletter, it appears Island Escape Cruises has abandoned its Kimberley program and left passengers high and dry.

"Just received an email from Island Escapes advising us our Kimberley cruise ex Broome due to start tomorrow has been cancelled," writes one disappointed passenger on the cruise company's Facebook page. "Unable to contact anyone. No word on refund, not to mention flights from Sydney to Broome."

Attempts by both media and passengers to contact IEC have been met with silence. An automated response from IEC founder Peter Bissett reads simply: “I resigned from the company on 4 July 2022”.