Tag Archives: Antarctica

Polar Latitudes and Albatros Expeditions to Merge

Posted on by
Reply

Polar Latitudes and Albatros Expeditions to Merge

Polar Latitudes and Albatros Expeditions are set to merge their operations ahead of the 2026 season in the Arctic.

The two expedition brands joined forces earlier this year, coming together under the same ownership group.

While the merger was confirmed in a social media update, additional details of the joint operation will be announced in mid-October.

“We are very excited about our future in the expedition cruise industry, which we intend to lead through innovation, collaboration, and leading responsible tourism initiatives,” Polar Latitudes stated.

The brand added in a social media update that the merged operations will be highlighted by operating “the most fuel-efficient fleet” in polar areas.

In an interview with Luxury Australian Travel Trade News (Latte), Albatros Expeditions’ CEO Patrick Shaw said that the new company will be named Polar Latitudes Expeditions.

Shaw will reportedly serve as CEO of the newly created entity, having previously served as CEO and President of Quark Expeditions.

“Given this exposure and experience, I have been in a unique position to appreciate the possibilities that this merger affords, and I am honoured and delighted to be a part of this transformation,” he told Latte.

He noted that the new brand will operate “more durable, efficient and expertly led” ships, highlighting the company’s field staff training and integration with communities.

Polar Latitudes currently operates the Seaventure for seasons in Antarctica, while Albatros Expeditions sails the Ocean Victory and the Ocean Albatros.

The Ocean Albatros operates for the brand on a year-round basis, offering expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Chartered from SunStone Ships, the Ocean Victory sails for the brand seasonally, offering itineraries in Antarctica and South America.

Polar Latitudes Expeditions’ new website is expected to launch in mid-October, when the company is also set to organise a series of online events for trade members and customers.

G Adventures’ New Expedition Sets Sail to South America

Posted on by
Reply

G Adventures’ New Expedition Sets Sail to South America

G Adventures’ new Expedition is currently on its way to South America for its maiden season in Antarctica.

Acquired by the company earlier this year, the former Ocean Adventurer spent the last few months in Europe while being prepared for its debut.

Replacing the former Expedition, the 1976-built vessel is scheduled to kick off its first expedition for G Adventures in late October.

Departing from Montevideo, Uruguay, the itinerary features visits to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica before ending in Ushuaia, Argentina.

According to G Adventures, the expedition is highlighted by wildlife and nature, with opportunities to catch up with penguins, whales and seals.

The cruise also includes daily lectures, as well as zodiac excursions, landings and other activities both onboard and ashore.

While the final itinerary is subject to weather conditions, the company plans to visit Port Stanley, the Scotia Sea, the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula and more.

After arriving in Ushuaia in early November, the new Expedition is set to kick off a series of sailings to Antarctica that includes four itineraries.

Among the options is the “Antarctica Classic” expedition, which sails for 11 nights and includes four days in the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

Previously operated by Quark Expeditions, the former Ocean Adventurer was acquired by G Adventures in May.

According to the company, the 117-guest vessel marks “an exciting step” for its polar program, securing the future of its small-ship expeditions and allowing room for expansion.

Chartered from SunStone Ships, the Expedition is said to be more comfortable and efficient, featuring a restaurant and bar, as well as a large presentation lounge, a library, a fitness area, an observation deck and more.

The ship also carries 11 zodiacs for daily excursions, in addition to a minimum of 14 expedition experts per sailing.

In related news, G Adventures has recently announced the relaunch of its Arctic expeditions, set to begin in 2026.

Majestic Princess Swaps Galveston for South America in 2026-27

Posted on by
Reply

Instead of offering cruises departing from Galveston, the Majestic Princess will sail in South America during the 2026-27 winter season.

Initially scheduled to sail from Texas to the Caribbean, the Royal-class ship saw its four-month season in the region cancelled in early April.

At the time, Princess Cruises said that the decision was part of a “broader global fleet redeployment strategy.”

The company then announced, in late May, its plans to operate the Majestic Princess in South America and Antarctica.

Running between November 2026 and January 2027, the ship’s season in the region includes five itineraries and six departures.

The deployment is highlighted by scenic cruising in Antarctica, including two overnight experiences in the Antarctic Peninsula.

Ranging from 15 to 33 days in length, the ship’s itineraries in the region will also mark Princess’s debut in the Beagle Channel Fjords and Glacier Alley.

The Majestic Princess is also set to visit Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and the Falkland Islands as part of cruises departing from Bridgetown, Buenos Aires and San Antonio.

In other recent deployment news, Princess announced that the Sapphire Princess, which is sailing in South America in 2025-26, will reposition to Asia.

Sailing along with its sister ship, the Diamond Princess, the ship will offer a series of cruises departing from Singapore and Yokohama.

The 14- to 42-night itineraries feature visits to destinations in Southeast Asia and the Far East, such as Hong Kong, Ha Long Bay and Ko Samui.

With the Majestic in South America and the Sapphire in Asia, Princess won’t offer cruises departing from Galveston in 2026-27.

The company is set to operate a farewell season from the Texas homeport in 2025-26, which will include the Regal Princess offering four- to eight-night cruises to destinations in the Western and Southern Caribbean.