Russian flagged expedition vessel Professor Molchanov seized by Norway in Svalbard

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The arrest of Professor Molchanov, a vessel used for Arctic expedition cruises, is part of Ukraine’s effort to enforce a US$4.22 billion arbitration ruling against Russia.

Norwegian authorities have seized the Russian expedition vessel Professor Molchanov in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard following a legal application by Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz.

Seabourn opens bookings for 138-day 2029 World Cruise

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Seabourn Quest will sail from Miami to Lisbon via 58 destinations, 32 islands and more than 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Seabourn has opened bookings for a 138-day world cruise aboard Seabourn Quest, featuring remote islands, extended port stays and destinations across five continents.

The 2029 World Cruise: Iconic Islands & Remote Horizons will depart Miami on January 7, 2029, and arrive in Lisbon on May 26. The itinerary covers more than 32,000 nautical miles, calling at 58 destinations in 31 countries and territories.

From On Board Swan Hellenic Diana in Western Europe: Royan, France

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To say Royan is like nowhere else in France is no exaggeration. Yes, it's a famous seaside resort town which enjoyed its heyday during la Belle Époque. Its renown, carefree social scene featured horse-drawn carriages, tinkling tram bells, and outdoor cafe terraces where vacationers drank absinthe and enjoyed fashionable sea bathing and thalassotherapy (sea therapy) in the fresh Atlantic air.

From On Board Swan Hellenic Diana in Western Europe: Roscoff, Brittany

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Vessel: SH Diana (IMO: 9921740)

Itinerary: Western Europe cruise from Ireland to Portugal

Location: Roscoff, France

SH Diana enters the port of Roscoff in Brittany (Gennadiy Skorokhod/Swan Hellenic)

I'll be honest, I knew absolutely nothing about the port town of Roscoff before we tied up this morning. Further to that, I knew little else about the enigmatic region of Brittany in the far northwest corner of France. So, my day here was 100 per cent discovery and enlightenment.

Regatta Moves From Oceania to Australian-Created Exploration Cruise Product

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Oceania Cruises’ 684-passenger Regatta has completed its final sailing for the line before moving into a long-term charter for Explorations by Norwegian, a new product developed for the Australian market.

Oceania Cruises’ Regatta has completed its final voyage for the line and is moving into a long-term charter for Explorations by Norwegian, a new cruise product created by Flight Centre-owned Australian company My Cruises in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line.

From On Board Swan Hellenic in Western Europe: Waterford, Ireland

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Vessel: SH Diana (IMO: 9921740)

Itinerary: Western Europe cruise from Ireland to Portugal

Location: Waterford, Ireland

Yesterday I was reunited with Swan Hellenic Diana in Dublin for their Western Europe cruise from Ireland to Portugal. While it may not be “expeditionary” in the classic sense, it is nevertheless a superb small ship experience with expeditionary elements. I had a couple of days scuttling around Dublin before boarding, enjoying this historic city. Our first stop after Dublin was Waterford, a brand as much as a town in this ancient European republic.

RELATED STORY: SH Diana Ship Review

For anyone outside of Ireland, the mention of Waterford is automatically associated with the famous crystal creations that adorn everything from kitchen cabinets to world champions’ trophy rooms. Sure, these exquisite, handcrafted items have put Waterford on the world map, but in reality, as Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford was first set foot by the Viking Ragnall more than 1,000 years ago. Or so the legend goes.

Scotland’s Small-Ship Cruises Open Up Remote Coastline

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A little-known maritime rule has helped reshape cruising around Scotland, allowing small vessels carrying no more than 12 passengers to reach remote islands, sea lochs and coastal communities beyond the range of large cruise ships.

Heritage Line’s Anouvong returns to Upper Mekong

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Heritage Line has returned its boutique river vessel Anouvong to service on the Upper Mekong following an extensive refurbishment and redesign.

The 10-cabin vessel began its latest season in late July, operating between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai, near the Thai border and Golden Triangle. Longer voyages extend south from Luang Prabang to the Lao capital, Vientiane.

From On Board AmaWaterways on the Mekong: When the boats stopped coming to Cái Bè

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Vessel: AmaWaterways AmaDara

Location: Cái Bè, Vietnam

 Cái Bè 2011. The floating market is alive and well. (Roderick Eime)

In my 25 years travelling to Vietnam and the Delta, I am continually amazed by the constant changes, and here in Cái Bè, the channel once thronging with aquatic commerce has all but vanished.

From On Board: Tân Châu’s enduring silk tradition

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Vessel: AmaWaterways AmaDara
Location: Tân Châu, Vietnam

Shore excursions in Vietnam's Mekong Delta invariably yield discoveries, and today is no different. We witnessed the labour-intensive hand-woven silk in Phnom Penh, but here at Tân Châu it is more of an industry, albeit with methods dating back well into the last century.

From On Board: The Mekong with AmaWaterways: A river of history

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As the Mekong spreads across the horizon, the towers of Phnom Penh signal AmaDara’s approach to the Cambodian capital. I first came here 25 years ago and have been drawn back repeatedly by the city’s peculiar mixture of tragedy, faded glamour and restless reinvention.

National Geographic-Lindblad Enters European River Cruise Market

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National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has launched its first European river cruise program aboard the chartered Transcend Connect, with itineraries in Holland, Belgium and the Rhine.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has entered the European river cruise market, launching its first sailing on August 15 with a new Holland and Belgium itinerary.

PNG: The expedition destination that still sets its own terms

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In an age when expedition cruising has grown polished and predictable, a Papua New Guinea cruise offers something increasingly rare: genuine uncertainty and the promise of a true adventure.

Expedition Cruising founder, editor and publisher, Roderick Eime, reviews his 20 years of small ships in Melanesia and delivers a verdict.

Read the full story at Luxury Travel Magazine

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Tauck to Add ms Harmonie to Rhône Fleet in 2028

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The new 130-guest riverboat will sail in France alongside ms Lumière, doubling Tauck’s Rhône capacity as part of a wider fleet expansion through 2028.

Tauck will add a new riverboat, ms Harmonie, to its French fleet in 2028, expanding capacity on the Rhône as part of a multi-year investment in river cruises.

AmaWaterways to Add AmaNubia to Nile Fleet in 2026

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AmaWaterways will debut AmaNubia on Egypt’s Nile River in November 2026, joining AmaLilia and the redesigned AmaDahlia as the company expands its luxury river cruise program in Egypt.

AmaWaterways has released details of AmaNubia, a new luxury river ship scheduled to enter service on the Nile River in November 2026.

Another record season for Unforgettable Croatia

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Specialist small-ship cruising company Unforgettable Croatia has revealed it is on track for another record season.

Halfway through the 2026 season, Unforgettable Croatia Co-Founder Graham Carter said more than 98% of cabins were sold.

Expedition Cruise Demand Expected to Level as Prices Rise

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Expedition cruise executives say sector growth may slow as new shipbuilding eases, while fares are expected to move higher after several years of competitive pricing.

Demand for expedition cruising could begin to plateau over the next few years as new ship supply slows and operators move to restore pricing, according to industry executives speaking at the CLIA Expedition Showcase in Svalbard.

Aman at Sea Floats Out First Yacht Amangati in Genoa

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Aman at Sea’s first ocean yacht, Amangati, has floated out at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Italy ahead of interior outfitting, sea trials and a planned May 2027 debut.

GENOA — Aman at Sea has floated out Amangati, its first ocean yacht, at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, marking the completion of the vessel’s exterior build and its transfer from dry dock to the outfitting quay.

Selar Expeditions’ Captain Arctic Passes 75% Construction Milestone

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Startup expedition cruise company Selar Expeditions says construction of its first vessel, Captain Arctic, has entered its final quarter at CNOI in Mauritius, with the 36-passenger ship designed for low-emission Arctic operations.

Selar Expeditions’ first vessel, Captain Arctic, has passed the 75 percent construction mark at Chantier Naval de l’Ocean Indien in Port Louis, Mauritius, as the French startup moves closer to entering the expedition cruise market.

Gastro Outbreak Hits National Geographic Sea Bird

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More than a dozen people have fallen ill with gastrointestinal symptoms aboard National Geographic Sea Bird, marking the Lindblad Expeditions vessel’s fourth outbreak in less than two months, as reported by USA TODAY.

Antarctic Cruise Tourism Faces Workforce Reckoning as Guides Question Climate Impact

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New research published in The Conversation highlights why some former Antarctic expedition guides left their roles, citing moral conflict over rising cruise tourism, climate change and pressure on fragile polar environments.

Antarctic expedition cruising is facing a difficult reputational and operational question: what happens when the people employed to interpret and protect the destination no longer believe the model is sustainable?

Expedition and Adventure Cruise Operators Lead Virtuoso’s 2026 Awards Shortlist

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National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, HX Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions, PONANT, Quark Expeditions and Silversea are among the adventure-focused cruise brands shortlisted ahead of Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas.

Expedition and adventure cruise operators feature strongly in the 2026 Virtuoso global awards finalists, with several specialist lines recognised across cruise, adventure and sustainability categories.

Goodbye Ocean Endeavour. Sold to Greenland Mining Company

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The former polar expedition cruise ship Ocean Endeavour has been sold by SunStone Marine Group to Critical Metals Corp. for €7.5 million and will be converted into workforce accommodation for the Tanbreez rare earths project in southern Greenland.

Former expedition cruise ship Ocean Endeavour is leaving the passenger cruising market after being acquired by U.S.-listed mining and development company Critical Metals Corp.

Expedition Cruising at the Crossroads: What the experts said

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Once the preserve of hardy travellers aboard converted ex-Soviet research vessels, expedition cruising has become one of tourism’s most sophisticated sectors. Its challenge is to retain the spontaneity, intimacy and environmental purpose that made it distinctive.

Lars-Eric Lindblad led expeditions to Antarctica in 1966 and the Galápagos in 1967 (supplied)

When pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad proposed taking paying passengers to Antarctica in the 1960s, he spoke of travelling to “a place that isn’t even on the map”. These were voyages in which weather, ice and geography dictated events.

Swan Hellenic Doubles Asia-Pacific Expedition Program for 2027

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Swan Hellenic will operate 10 cultural expedition cruises across New Zealand, the South Pacific, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan and South Korea in 2027, supported by a time-limited balcony and Wi-Fi upgrade offer.

Swan Hellenic has expanded its 2027 Asia-Pacific program from five to 10 cultural expedition voyages following strong demand for its inaugural season in the region.

Ponant Considers Iloilo and Guimaras for Asian Expedition Cruise Itineraries

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The French luxury expedition cruise line has inspected ports, attractions and shore excursion options in Western Visayas as it considers future calls in the Philippines.

French luxury expedition cruise operator Ponant is assessing Iloilo City and the neighbouring island province of Guimaras as potential ports of call for its Asian itineraries, according to Daily Tribune.

From on Board: Travelling through time in Melanesia

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Expedition guide and lecturer, Dr. Jacqueline Windh, was confronted with an unusual offer on her recent visit to Papua New Guinea’s remote Sepik River region.

“You want to buy?”

The man curled his fingers around the croc’s snout and thrust the animal towards me. His friend’s black eyes glimmered with shy hopefulness as he held up its tail. The croc’s body hung between them, the pale yellow scales of its belly shifting and gliding as it slowly writhed and curved its spine.

On Water Expeditions sharpens ocean sustainability focus ahead of World Ocean Day

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On Water Expeditions has reaffirmed its commitment to marine conservation and lower-impact small ship travel ahead of World Ocean Day on June 8.

Small Ships, Big Experiences: Cruise Critic’s Guide to the Best Small Ship and Expedition Cruise Lines

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Cruise Critic’s latest small-ship guide highlights 19 lines reshaping the cruise experience, from polar expedition vessels and Galapagos specialists to wind-powered yachts and ultra-luxury newcomers.

Small-ship cruising has moved well beyond niche status, offering travellers an alternative to mega-ship holidays built around theatres, casinos, water parks and crowded ports. In its updated guide, The 19 Best Small Ship Cruise Lines, Cruise Critic defines small ships as vessels carrying fewer than 600 passengers, although many of the featured operators carry closer to 300 guests or fewer. The common thread is a more intimate onboard atmosphere, personalised service and itineraries that place the destination ahead of shipboard spectacle.

Windstar offers 52-day South Pacific cruise from Singapore to Papeete

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Windstar Cruises has opened bookings for a 52-day South Pacific voyage from Singapore to Papeete, with fares starting from $21,553 per person under an early booking offer.

From on Board: North to Alaska with Windstar

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Alaska cruising has always been a favourite with Aussies and even in these tougher times, we're still heading to one of the world's last true wildernesses. Ros Freeman reports.

There could only be one answer to the question Caroline posed. "Would you like to join me on an Alaskan cruise?"  "Yes! Yes! Yes! I’d love to!"

Alaska is somewhere I’ve never been. My knowledge of it was scant. It’s cold. It’s an American state, though oddly detached from mainland USA. And there’s all sorts of fantastic wildlife including huskies who, despite the often sub-zero temperatures, always seem incredibly happy. I like nothing better than going to some place of which I know so little. Alaska fitted that perfectly.

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.