Coming soon

Hurtigruten heads to the Galapagos

Hurtigruten Expeditions is expanding its global reach, offering unique voyages to the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s most iconic destinations, in January next year.

Hurtigruten is also partnering with an experienced travel company, Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring, to operate its itineraries in the Galapagos.

The partnership will see passengers explore the islands’ exotic wildlife on board MS Santa Cruz II, which will be added to Hurtigruten fleet of expedition ships. Before joining the fleet, MS Santa Cruz II will undergo a major refit, with all suites, cabins, lounge, dining room, bar and public areas to be upgraded.

A Hurtigruten hallmark, a Science Area, will also be added to enhance passengers’ understanding of the natural wonders they explore. From January 5 to December 2, 2022, the 90-passenger MS Santa Cruz II will take passengers on 10-day itineraries to the Galapagos, renowned for its striking natural landscapes and amazing wildlife.

“We have seen a clear trend of travellers seeking out truly unique and meaningful travel experiences, with a sharp increase in demand for the type of small ships/big experiences we offer,” says Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

LUXURY ON THE CARDS FOR MSC

MSC is set to enter the luxury market with the launch of Explora Journeys, targeting well-heeled travellers who want to sail in style. The first of four luxury ships, Explora I, will debut in 2023, with the remaining ships coming in 2024, 2025 and 2026. MSC’s entry into the five-star market is expected to challenge established luxury brands such as Crystal Cruises and Silversea.

The 922-passenger Explora I luxury ship will offer all-inclusive voyages with 461 oceanfront suites and residences, generous outdoor decks, three outdoor pools and a fourth pool with a retractable roof, so that guests will be able to swim and relax poolside in any weather. Spacious suites starting at 35 square metres will have floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces overlooking the sea. There will be nine restaurants on board the 14-deck ship, focusing on “wholesome ingredients sustainably sourced from local partners”.

Explora I will offer seven-night journeys to Saint-Tropez, Bordeaux and Reykjavik as well as hidden gems such as Kastellorizo in Greece. The itineraries will take guests to lesser-travelled harbours “to enjoy a more authentic experience and a slower pace of travel”, MSC says.

ROUND TWO FOR SCENIC’S YACHTS

In a show of confidence for the future of cruising and the luxury travel market, Scenic has started construction of Scenic Eclipse II, the sister ship to Scenic Eclipse, “the world’s most luxurious discovery yacht”. The beginning of production was announced at the keel-laying ceremony, with the Croatian Prime Minister in attendance. Scenic Eclipse II is a revolutionary luxury polar cruiser that’ll be worth more than $265 million when it launches in the Mediterranean in early 2023. The yacht will be 168 metres long and accommodate 228 guests in six-star all-inclusive luxury. The rooms are all-verandah suites, there’ll be nine restaurants, eight lounges and bars, a spa, fitness areas, pools, a marina deck and even helicopters and a submarine.

Scenic Eclipse was the first venture into ocean cruising for Scenic, which has traditionally been known for luxury tours and river cruising. The ship was christened by Dame Helen Mirren in New York in 2019, and since then has undertaken many journeys, including 10 itineraries across Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

Scenic Eclipse II is set to be even more luxurious than its predecessor, as Scenic continues to innovate and create luxury cruising experiences.

Introducing Coral Geographer

Australian-flagged Coral Expeditions has unveiled a comprehensive domestic sailing schedule for 2022. The line has introduced additional coastal wilderness itineraries to replace international cruises.

Coral Expeditions has also opened bookings for its Kimberley season of April to September 2023. Among the new Kimberley itineraries are a 10-night journey between Darwin and Broome onboard Coral Geographer and new sailing dates for a 12-night cruise to Ashmore Reef, Adele Islands and the spectacular Rowley Shoals Marine Park departing on September 12, 24 and 28, 2022.

The line will also offer an 18-night itinerary on Coral Adventurer between Cairns and Broome departing on January 1 and 20 next year. Coral Geographer will also head south to cruise Australia’s Great Southern Coastline, sailing past the towering sandstone cliffs of Bunda as well as visiting the pristine marine outpost of the Archipelago of the Recherche. The 14-night itinerary from Melbourne to Fremantle onboard Coral Geographer will depart on 1 March 2022.

Coral Expeditions restarted sailings limited to under 100 passengers in October last year, operating under its strict SailSAFE and COVID-19 health protocols. It has sailed 51 incident-free voyages since restarting operations late last year.

BUBBLE TRAVEL

Australians will soon be able to cruise from New Zealand and the South Pacific, after luxury French line Ponant revealed bubble sailings from November 2021 to early 2023.

The push to get Australians back onboard is an ingenious idea by Ponant, as Australia is yet to lift its cruising ban.

There are 14 voyages focused on New Zealand and beyond, varying from seven to 21 nights, with departures from November 2021. Heading north of New Zealand on board Le Lapérouse, you’ll visit the former penal settlement of Norfolk Island en-route to explore the exotic isles of New Caledonia, including the dreamy Isle of Pines and picture-perfect Lifou in the Loyalty archipelago.

“From the remote Subantarctic Islands to spectacular fjords and fascinating Maori traditions, these voyages offer an eclectic mix of culture and nature that makes travelling to this land of the long white cloud a unique experience,” says Ponant’s Deb Corbett.