Introducing On Board Tasmanian Expedition Cruises - WIN A CRUISE

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On Board brings the comforts of a boutique lodge to some of Tasmania’s most remote and arresting waterways. Tasmanian-owned and family-operated, the expedition company specialises in intimate, place-based journeys aboard Odalisque III, a purpose-built expedition catamaran launched in Tasmania in 2023 for a maximum of 12 guests in seven cabins.

Win an Eight-Day Maldives Dhoni Cruise for Two with On Water Expeditions

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Adventure travellers have the chance to win an eight-day Maldives cruise for two aboard a traditional dhoni, with On Water Expeditions opening entries for a prize valued at $6,980.

The prize includes a twin-share cabin on a fixed Maldives dhoni cruise departure from November 23 to 30, 2026, offering travellers a more immersive alternative to the traditional resort holiday. The itinerary includes snorkelling over coral reefs straight from the boat, swimming among manta rays and sea turtles, visiting local fishing villages and enjoying freshly prepared meals, including seafood caught that day.

Rachel Imber, On Water Expeditions Brand Manager, said the competition reflected growing demand for experience-led Maldives travel and small-ship adventures.

“The Maldives is often associated with luxury resorts, but this voyage shows travellers a completely different side of the destination. Guests travel aboard a traditional dhoni, explore remote islands and reefs, connect with local communities and spend their days actively experiencing the ocean rather than simply looking at it from the shore,” Ms Imber said.

The competition comes as Australian interest in small-ship cruising and expedition cruising continues to rise. Search demand for small-ship and expedition cruising has grown 64 per cent over the past two years, while online searches for small ship cruises have doubled since 2022.

To enter the On Water Expeditions Maldives cruise competition, travellers must complete the online entry form and remain subscribed to the company’s email database at the time of the draw on August 7, 2026. Entries are open until August 6, 2026. No purchase is required. Flights are not included.

ENTER HERE onwaterexpeditions.com/maldives-competition

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From On Board: Swan Hellenic in the Philippines

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After two and a half days at sea northwest of Raja Ampat, SH Minerva reached the first of the Philippines’ 7,641 islands—though only 7,107 remain at low tide. Spread across 1,800 kilometres of turquoise sea, the archipelago is home to more than 117 million people, yet many islands remain tiny, remote and accessible only by Zodiac.

Medical emergency aboard Hondius. Three dead. More critical.

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BBC has reported: "Three people have died after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on an expedition cruise ship en route from Argentina to Cape Verde, the World Health Organization tells the BBC"

The cruise company concerned, Oceanwide Expeditions has reported they are currently "managing a serious medical situation on board the vessel m/v Hondius, located off the coast of Cape Verde.

"During this voyage, three passengers have passed away. In addition, one passenger is currently being treated in intensive care in Johannesburg, and two crew members on board require urgent medical care."

Hantavirus is a viral infection spread through the urine, saliva, or faeces of rodents. It can cause severe respiratory and kidney disease in humans. It is considered extremely rare under normal circumstances and more so for shipboard cases.

More details as they come to hand.

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Orient Express Corinthian christened ahead of Mediterranean debut

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The Orient Express Corinthian, described as the world’s largest sailing cruise ship, was christened on April 29 and delivered to its owners, Orient Express Sailing Yachts, marking the brand’s entry into maritime travel.

From on Board: SH Minerva in Raja Ampat

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Lauded as the “last snorkelling paradise on earth,” Raja Ampat is some 1,200 kilometres north of Darwin and sets a high bar, one that feels even higher at 4 a.m. when the alarm sounds for a flight from Bali to Sorong. Not a morning person at the best of times, three hours on a small plane is not an obvious way to begin a luxury cruise.

From On Board: South Atlantic with Oceanwide Expeditions

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Landing on the Edge: Tristan da Cunha and the South Atlantic Islands

From Hans Verdaat, Expedition Leader, Oceanwide Expeditions

Out here in the South Atlantic, plans are always provisional. The charts are precise, the briefings thorough, but the ocean still has the final say.

Aurora Expeditions expands Antarctic operations with record 2025/26 season

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Aurora Expeditions has reported its largest Antarctic cruise season to date for 2025/26, with 30 voyages, about 819 landings, and a 30% increase in passenger numbers across 56 nationalities.

The growth follows the launch of its third vessel, Douglas Mawson, which entered service in November, enabling the company to operate three ships simultaneously in Antarctica for the first time in its 35-year history.

AmaWaterways adds AmaMelodia on Colombia’s Magdalena River

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River cruise operator AmaWaterways has christened its second vessel on Colombia’s Magdalena River, AmaMelodia, marking a further expansion of its operations in the region.

The ceremony in Barranquilla was attended by representatives from ProColombia, government officials and local community leaders. A traditional blessing was performed by a local Mamo, reflecting the river's cultural significance.

Crystal weighs return to expedition cruising as growth stabilises

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Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises is considering a return to expedition cruising as it reports improved financial performance following its relaunch under Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group.

The company said it delivered positive EBITDA in 2025, its second full year since relaunch, with occupancy levels above 90% continuing into 2026.

Seabourn to exit Kimberley cruises after 2027 as Arctic demand reshapes deployment

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Seabourn will cease sailing in Western Australia’s Kimberley region after the 2027 season, redeploying its expedition vessel to Arctic and European itineraries in response to growing demand for polar voyages, the luxury cruise line said.

Atlas Ocean Voyages to launch expedition sailing yacht in 2028

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Atlas Ocean Voyages has outlined plans for a new expedition vessel, Atlas Adventurer, scheduled to enter service in 2028, featuring hybrid propulsion and an all-suite accommodation design.

The ship is being developed as a sailing-assisted expedition yacht, combining conventional engines with a triple-masted sail system to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. It will also incorporate dual-fuel engines, battery-supported hybrid propulsion and ice-class capability for operations in polar regions.

Expedition Cruising: The Long Game Behind Remote Voyages

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From multi-year planning cycles to complex regulatory hurdles, expedition cruising demands meticulous coordination between operators, destinations and communities to deliver seamless experiences in the world’s most remote regions. Based on reporting by Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise. 

Expedition cruising is a long-lead, highly coordinated process that can take up to three years to move from concept to execution, with deployments already being mapped out close to a decade ahead. Demand mirrors this timeline, with passengers often booking specialist voyages as much as two years in advance.

WIN a Mekong River Cruise for two

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Coral Expeditions CEO, Mark Fifield, to retire.

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Coral Expeditions CEO,
Mark Fifield, retires after
23 years. (supplied)

In a message to trade, industry and past passengers, Coral Expeditions Chief Commercial Officer Jeff Gillies announced the retirement of CEO Mark Fifield after 23 years in the position.

"After 23 years with Coral Expeditions, Mark has made the decision to retire and begin a new chapter in his personal life. On behalf of our guests and crew, we thank Mark for his long service and leadership and wish him and his family all the very best for the future. The Coral Expeditions brand and team have grown significantly during Mark’s tenure, and the friendships and connections formed along the way will endure."

Meanwhile at the parent company, NRMA, there’s also bit of a changing of the guard, with the organisation confirming that Mike Baird will step in as its next chief executive from August 2026.

In the meantime, the group has been under the steady hand of interim CEO Carolyn Darke, who took over in October 2025 after the departure of long-time chief Rohan Lund.

Baird is no stranger to big leadership roles. Before moving into the corporate world, he served as Premier of New South Wales from 2014 to 2017.

Seabourn opens 2028–29 expedition season with expanded Arctic programme

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Seabourn has opened sales for its 2028–2029 expedition season, featuring 49 departures across more than 180 destinations in 29 countries, with a focus on expanded Arctic exploration and the return of its long-duration Pole to Pole voyage. 

From On Board: Day 13: SH Minerva in Melanesia; Pray for Mansinam

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Vessel: SH Minerva
Location: Mansinam Island West Papua
Itinerary: Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea

Just to prove all shore excursions have their unique qualities and surprises, so too it is with Mansinam Island (Pulau Mansinam).

From On Board: SH Minerva in Melanesia; Enriching journeys [video]

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One of the hallmarks of expedition cruising is enrichment, and to this end, Swan Hellenic, via Expedition Operations Manager Jane Wilson, has assembled a stellar cast of lecturers and supporting staff to deliver a series of talks that help us interpret both the human and natural environment in which we're travelling. 

Solomon Islands targets growth in expedition cruise sector

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Honiara — The Solomon Islands is positioning itself as a key destination for the expedition cruise sector, with forward schedules for 2026–2027 showing increased deployment of small-ship and high-value itineraries.

From On Board: Day 9: SH Minerva in Melanesia; Manam Mayhem

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

Prepare for boarders!

Even with the worst of Cyclone Maila behind us, some residual effects linger. Consequently, the seas were again too rough for a safe landing at Manam Island, much to the dismay of our resident volcanologist, Professor Brent, who had his heart set on going ashore on the still-active volcano.

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

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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 8: SH Minerva in Melanesia; Magic in Madang

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

Today will live in my memory as one of the most outstanding experiences anywhere in PNG.

As you know, PNG is one of the most ethnically diverse countries anywhere in the world and today reaffirmed my reflex answer when people ask me “what is your favourite country to visit?”

From On Board: Day 7: SH Minerva in Melanesia; Tabs on Tab

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

The smouldering embers of Cyclone Maila continued to throw up enough wind and uncomfortable swell to make our intended landing at Crown Island unsafe, so Expedition Leader Nicki DeSouza and Captain Sven made the decision to push on to a more favourable location, so our intended landing at tiny, remote Tab Island was brought forward a couple of days.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Oceanwide Expeditions plans two hybrid sail expedition vessels

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Oceanwide Expeditions has signed a letter of intent to build two expedition vessels using hybrid sail propulsion, with delivery scheduled for 2029 and 2030.

Four Seasons I sets sail, marking brand’s entry into luxury yachting

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Four Seasons has entered the maritime sector, with its first vessel, Four Seasons I, departing on its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean as the company extends its luxury hospitality brand to sea.

Unforgettable Croatia's luxury small ships available to charter for 2027

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Specialist luxury small-ship cruising company Unforgettable Croatia has announced that its fleet of six ships is available for private charter in 2027.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Plans Indian Ocean Expedition Season

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Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will operate ten expedition voyages in the Indian Ocean between October 2027 and March 2028 aboard HANSEATIC nature, focusing on the Seychelles and Madagascar.

Antarctica21 launches hybrid-electric expedition vessel Magellan Discoverer

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Antarctic expedition cruise operator Antarctica21 has unveiled its newest vessel, Magellan Discoverer, a hybrid-electric polar ship scheduled to enter service during the 2026–27 Antarctic season.

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.