AmaWaterways adds AmaMelodia on Colombia’s Magdalena River

#expeditioncruising .

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

#expeditioncruising .

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

#expeditioncruising .

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

#expeditioncruising .

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]

#expeditioncruising .

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

#expeditioncruising .

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

#expeditioncruising .

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

#expeditioncruising .

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

#expeditioncruising .

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

#expeditioncruising .

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

#expeditioncruising .

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.