Crystal more than half-filled the launch departures of its Luxury Iceland Expeditions aboard Crystal Endeavor one day after opening the five departures to the public for sale.

Swan Hellenic has revealed the cabin design of its cultural expedition cruise ship, SH Minerva, coinciding with the release of images of the ship’s completed hull structure which is ahead of schedule.

Shipbuilder Ulstein has confirmed the expedition cruise vessel, Ocean Victory, will undergo sea trials this month.

Seabourn President Josh Leibowitz says he is optimistic luxury cruising will lead the way in terms of recovery for the sector in the ‘new normal’.

Croatian shipyard Brodosplit says it is on track for delivery of Quark Expeditions’ newest ice-class ship, Ultramarine, during the first half of February 2021.

Seabourn has offered the first glimpses of The Club venue that will feature on Seabourn Venture when it launches in 2021 and its sister ship in 2022.

Seabourn has opened for sale the revised inaugural expedition season itineraries for Seabourn Venture. Between December 2021 and April 2022, Seabourn Venture will sail on a series of 10- to 14-day Norwegian Winter voyages.

Genting Hong Kong (GHK) has provided a loan of over AU$300 million to Germany’s MV Werften shipyard to enable the completion of Crystal’s maiden purpose-built luxury expedition ship, Crystal Endeavor.

After revealing its rebirth in late July, Swan Hellenic held a keel-laying ceremony for the first of two new ice-class expedition cruise ships in Helsinki last week. The event saw the first 347-tonne block of the ship – newly arrived from Klaipeda, Lithuania where it had been outfitted and painted – being set on the keel over coins to bring good luck in accordance with ancient maritime custom.

Seabourn’s upcoming ultra-luxury expedition ships will feature a forward-facing viewing lounge on Deck 9, providing 270-degree views.

Aurora Expeditions will name its second purpose-built expedition ship after acclaimed marine biologist and oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle.

This week LATTE chats with Jarrod Zurvas, Quark Expeditions’ Regional Sales Director, Asia Pacific. Jarrod has been in the travel industry for over 10 years and joined the Arctic cruise specialist in early 2018, following roles with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Carnival Australia. The travel junkie has traversed the world, having visited more than 70 countries. He’ll be visiting the White Continent for the seventh time soon, and continues to expand his knowledge of Antarctica.