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.