Viking has marked the launch of its highly-anticipated expeditions as the new purpose-built Viking Octantis started its first Antarctic season last month.

Viking has rolled out a new trade incentive to promote its current expedition offer, with savings of up to $8,000 per couple, including flights.

Robert Halfpenny has been named as Quark Expeditions’ Director of Sales, Australia based in Sydney.

Seabourn has confirmed a revised first voyage launch date for its new ultra-luxury expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, of 10 April 2022 – four months later than originally slated.

Ponant has cemented its position as a world-leader in sustainable tourism, recognised for the second successive year with Green Marine certification.

Viking has released three newly created back-to-back Expedition combination cruises following a surge in Viking guests combining and booking these cruises on their own.

Ponant is now accepting reservations for the maiden Arctic season of its newest luxury expedition ship, Le Commandant Charcot.

Crystal Expedition Cruises’ maiden ship, Crystal Endeavor, has completed its second and final sea trials ahead of its “technical delivery” on 27 May 2021.

Australia’s North West coastline is destined to be a region explored by Seabourn’s new ultra-luxury expedition ships. The Kimberley is a natural fit for Seabourn’s all-veranda suite ships, with capacity limited to a relatively low 264 passengers, and the vessels equipped with an industry leading number of Zodiacs for explorations.

Swan Hellenic’s CEO Andrea Zito says the expedition line has a backup plan for its Oceania deployment should Australian and New Zealand governments continue to enforce cruise bans.

When Seabourn launches its first of two purpose-built expedition ships it will not only be the smallest vessel in the ultra-luxury cruise line’s fleet, it will be the smallest in the Carnival Corporation stable of cruise brands.

Expedition cruising has been the flavour of the cruise industry for the past few years. It’s a segment of the market that has multiple players, some of which are well entrenched, some are new, and others are returning.