From On Board: AmaWaterways on the Eastern Danube. River Fortresses

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You could be forgiven for thinking these Balkan countries were all built around massive defensive fortresses. When the locals weren’t fighting off the constant Ottoman threat, they were in conflict with each other and their neighbours.

From On Board: AmaWaterways On The Eastern Danube. Vidin, Bulgaria

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Location: Vidin, Bulgaria

Vessel: AmaWaterways AmaMagna

Never had I seen two more forlorn-looking blokes in my life. Slumped behind rusting bars in the bowels of medieval Vidin Castle, known colloquially as "Baba Vida", and the oldest and only preserved such fortress in all of Bulgaria.

From On Board: AmaMagna on the Eastern Danube. Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

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Location: Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Vessel: AmaWaterways Amamagna

Their mesmeric chants echoed through the tiny 13th-century church like disembodied archangels calling the faithful to prayer.

Here in Veliko Tarnovo, just to the north of Bulgaria's geographic centre, our little group from AmaMagna is shoehorned into the vestibule-sized nave to see the exquisite ancient murals and hear the three senior clergy perform their renowned holy chants.

AmaWaterways adds Four New Africa Itineraries Debuting in 2026

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New itineraries will spotlight Kenya, Zanzibar, Namibia and the Skeleton Coast, joining AmaWaterways’ signature Chobe River cruise and Victoria Falls experience in an expanded lineup of African journeys.

AmaWaterways has unveiled a significant expansion of its Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise portfolio, announcing four new itineraries set to launch in August 2026. The enhanced program is designed to showcase the continent’s extraordinary natural and cultural diversity, pairing a three-night luxury cruise on the 24-guest Zambezi Queen along the Chobe River with in-depth land experiences.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP expands its partnership with The Explorers Club

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PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP announced the expansion of its partnership with The Explorers Club to include Paul Gauguin Cruises and Aqua Expeditions, beginning in late 2026. 

Seabourn unveils 2025–26 Antarctica expedition team

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Discover the world-class experts who will guide guests on unforgettable adventures aboard Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit.

Seabourn, a leader in luxury cruises and expedition travel, is proud to unveil the distinguished expedition teams who will guide guests on unforgettable voyages to Antarctica during the 2025-2026 season aboard the purpose-built expedition vessels, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit.

Former Silversea Explorer for sale following collapse of cruise line

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Currently known as Exploris One (IMO 8806747), the former Silver Explorer is in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, and was acquired by Exploris in late 2021 from Silversea, which leased it back for two more years.

UPDATED: Elderly guest found dead after shore excursion.

View over Watson's Bay from Cook's Look on Lizard Island. (file image)

 

UPDATE: 1 Nov 25: Coral Expeditions cancels 60-day cruise

Details regarding a fatal incident on a Great Barrier Reef expedition cruise are now being reported.

True North celebrates 40 years of adventure with new 2027 Voyages

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Marking four decades at the helm of adventure, True North Adventure Cruises has announced its most significant evolution yet – a 2027 sailing schedule that charts new destinations, expands guest favourites, and celebrates 40 years of redefining exploration across Australia and the Indo-Pacific.