Industry News

As the only high polar exploration vessel capable of navigating through the ice in the depth of the boreal winter, Le Commandant Charcot unlocks a rare opportunity to explore territories otherwise unreachable during this season. From the Baltic Sea to the shores of the St. Lawrence River in Canada, passing through Norway and Greenland, PONANT unveils 16 departures from October 2026 to March 2027. Photo credits: PONANT The Great North like never seen before As the sun sinks beneath the horizon ushering in the long polar night, the untouched world reveals its magic. Norway’s fjords frozen and carved by the cold shimmer under the starlight. In the Baltic Sea, illuminated cities buzz with holiday season excitement, while the snow-covered shores of the Gulf of Bothnia exude serenity. Further north belugas and rorquals accompany the ship as she approaches Svalbard. Sailing up the St. Lawrence River, temporary fishing villages dot the ice floes with colourful patches.  In harmony with the surrounding nature, voyages aboard Le Commandant Charcot from October 2026 to March 2027 offer an exclusive experience of winter exploration in the Great North. Over the years, PONANT has built strong relationships with local communities, working together closely to design innovative itineraries that honour both environmental and cultural traditions. This collaborative spirit allows guests to immerse themselves in the winter customs of the Mi’kmaq and Innu in Canada, the Sámi in Norway and the Inuit in Greenland. A diverse range of winter activities are scheduled including snowshoeing through the boreal forest, dog sledding or reindeer sleigh rides and ice fishing. This time of the year also provides the chance to witness the mesmerising northern lights with their luminous green and pink curtains dancing across the polar night sky.  Photo credits: PONANT Exclusive itineraries during a season unreachable by other vessels Le Commandant Charcot opens new frontiers of exploration as the only high polar exploration vessel designed to navigate the most remote environment. Her PC2 polar-class hull enables her to traverse multi-year ice, while her hybrid propulsion system minimises environmental impact. Combining innovation, comfort and safety, she offers a unique opportunity to experience rare moments in the heart of the Arctic winter.  “This season, Le Commandant Charcot takes on a full winter journey in the North, embodying her spirit of exploration with itineraries centred around ice and snow,” says Patrick Marchesseau, PONANT Captain of Le Commandant Charcot during her first St. Lawrence River crossing in January 2025. The St. Lawrence River in Winter, a PONANT exclusive: The St. Lawrence River in the Heart of the Boreal Winter The St. Lawrence River in winter, an exclusive PONANT experience! From Quebec to the La Baie Fjord (Saguenay), locked in ice, this journey offers an immersion in vast pristine landscapes, with the unforgettable hospitality of the Innu and Mi'kmaq communities.  Departs Quebec-Quebec2 departures on 13 to 27 February 2027, 14 nights.  Find out more about these voyages  From the St Lawrence to Greenland, the Last Moments of Winter From the snowy boreal forest of Canada to the ice-covered fjords of Greenland, a unique PONANT EXPLORATIONS experience awaits during this transformative season, as the promise of spring begins to unfold. Breathtaking landscapes, and encounters with Mi’kmaq and Inuit communities while sharing their culture in traditional villages.  Departs Québec-Nuuk From 13 to 27 March 2027, 14 nights. Find out more about this voyage All winter crossing of the Great North itineraries Fjords and glaciers of Norway, Lofoten and Spitzberg: Polar Nights: From the North Cape to Spitsbergen A journey above the Arctic Circle, when the sun fades at the beginning of the long polar night. Between fjords and glaciers, a visit to the North Cape, encounters with local communities, whale, seal, and seabird watching, and the search for the Northern Lights.  Departs Tromso to Tromso, From 14 to 24 October 2026,  10 nights Find out more about the voyage Polar Lights: From North Cape to the Lofoten Islands Along Norway’s northern coast, from North Cape to the Lofoten Islands, the fading autumn light heralds the arrival of winter and the beginning of the northern lights season. Highlights include immersion in wild landscapes and authentic encounters with the Sámi people. A special feature: a photo ambassador on board, offering workshops and personalised guidance.  Departs Tromso-Narvik,  From 24 October to 1st November 2026, 8 nights.  Find out more about this voyage Autumn Splendours: From Lofoten to the Norwegian Fjords An exploration of the Lofton archipelago – a jewel of unspoiled nature beyond the Arctic Circle – sailing through majestic fjords, and discovering Scandinavian architecture: Bergen’s Hanseatic district, Ålesund’s Art Nouveau quarter, and the rorbuer, dark red fishing huts.  Departs Narvik-BergenFrom 1st to 14 November 2026, 13 nights. Find out more about this voyage Nordic cities and winter traditions in the Baltic Sea: The Gulf of Bothnia, at the Gateway to the Arctic Between Sweden and Finland, under the soft twilight of the polar night, the Gulf of Bothnia unveils its snowy landscapes. The itinerary includes winter activities (snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice fishing) in the boreal forest, as well as visits to historic cities like Rauma, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Departs Helsinki to Kemi or Kemi to Helsinki 4 departures from 22 December 2026 to 15 January 2027, -8 nights.  Find out more about these voyages From the North Sea to the Baltic A journey through five countries and three capitals, exploring the essence of northern culture, with a magical overnight stay facing Stockholm’s illuminated Old Town, landscapes that have inspired artists, and unforgettable sailing through Lysefjorden and the Stockholm archipelago Departs Bergen to Helsinki From 14 to 24 November 2026, 10 nights.  Find out more about this voyage Baltic Bliss & Winter Wonders The magic of local winter traditions as the Baltic cities prepare for the holiday season. A journey through Scandinavian and Baltic cities illuminated by festive lights, featuring traditions, concerts, markets, and culinary discoveries.  Departs Helsinki to Helsinki 2 departures on 24 November and 12 December 2026, 9 nights. Find out more about these voyages  

Ambassador Cruise has launched a luxurious new day cruise that makes the most of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay’s limestone karst-studded waters and key attractions such as Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island. Photo credits: Ambassador Cruise With a remarkable two-level dining space, open-air sundeck affording 360-degree views of the bay’s limestone karst-studded waters, the leading cruise operator’s new 99-passenger capacity vessel named “Lavoya Boutique Day Cruise - By Ambassador Cruise” will bring its fleet to a total of four vessels. Cruisers get up close and personal with three of Halong Bay’s most spectacular attractions as part of the seven-hour cruise itinerary. The itinerary checks out the bay’s largest and most compelling cave, Sung Sot, home to myriad stalactites in all sorts of unique forms. Via a kayak or bamboo boat rowed by a local, passengers enter and exit stunning Luon Cave’ self-contained lake, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation, through a 100-metre long limestone arch. Afterwards cruisers visit picturesque Titov Island, swimming at its crescent moon-shaped beach and ascending some 450 steps to reach its peak and soak up panoramic views of the bay. The day cruise has a prime focus on culinary excellence, underpinned by a premium lunch buffet, vibrant Vietnamese cooking demonstration and exquisite afternoon tea service. The extensive lunch buffet showcases a diverse array of Asian and European cuisines including locally sourced seafood, beef, tuna, and other delicacies. Featuring nearly 30 dishes, the buffet’s highlights include US steak with grilled seasonal veggies, smoked tuna with green tea, hot and sour steamed mussels, crispy deep-fried prawns with chilli rock salt, stir-fried glass noodles with crab, and caramelised cinnamon pork shoulder. A seafood tower is also served to each table. Photo credits: Ambassador Cruise As the vessel glides through Halong Bay's majestic limestone formations on its return to Halong International Cruise Port, the chefs stage the Vietnamese cooking demonstration and serve the elegant afternoon tea replete with fine pastries. “As our premium day cruise experience, Lavoya Boutique Day Cruise - By Ambassador Cruise will see Ambassador welcome a new dawn with even more bucket-list worthy experiences,” said Nguyen Hong Nhat, General Director of Asia Premier Cruises Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise. “The itinerary will guide you through Halong Bay’s most spectacular locations with excellent Vietnamese cuisine and top-notch service.” The cruise’s current itinerary, on offer during Vietnam’s winter and spring, begins with a 9am check-in at Halong International Cruise Port before transferring to the vessel. Guests disembark at the port at 4.30pm. Since launching its first vessel in 2021, Ambassador Cruise has made a name for itself as the leading luxury cruise operator on Halong Bay. It operates three other vessels; Ambassador I, Ambassador II and Ambassador Signature. Guests choose from a variety of journeys including overnight cruises of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, day cruises, and dinner cruises. The overnight and dinner cruises offer a “Floating Dinner” experience on their 360-degree sundecks. Ambassador Cruise is also introducing an exclusive dining experience in a private cave 40 kilometres from Halong Bay. For more information about Ambassador Cruise or to make a booking, visit ambassadorcruise.com, email info@ambassadorcruise.com or call +84 1900 3045.

Cruise Saudi, the Public Investment Fund-owned company responsible for the creation and development of Saudi’s cruise sector, has awarded a contract with PC Marine Services to develop a Red Sea private island for cruise tourism. Photo credits: Cruise Saudi The formal signing ceremony between Cruise Saudi and PC Marine services took place in Jeddah at the headquarters of Cruise Saudi. The development will turn the island into a new destination to explore in Saudi, exclusive to cruise passengers. Facilities will include a welcome centre, dining area, and beach club with private villas and sunbeds to accommodate initially up to 2,000 guests. PC Marine Services are leaders in the marine construction industry, having overseen projects including the Obhur Waterfront Jeddah development and cruise berth improvements in Jeddah, Dammam and Yanbu. Authentically Saudi in both design and experiences, the private island will be a first of its kind offering in the Red Sea. Cruise lines will stop at the island for a day trip, where visitors can make the most of the facilities or book one of the many land and sea excursions. The development of the private island marks a strategic and innovative next step in Cruise Saudi’s vision to create a thriving cruise sector. In line with Vision 2030’s goals to diversify Saudi’s economy, the island will be an attractive proposition for international visitors, both frequent cruisers and those new to cruise. Barbara Buczek, Cruise Saudi’s Chief Destination Experiences Officer, commented: “The creation of this new cruise destination in the Red Sea marks an exciting step in the development of Saudi’s cruise industry. We look forward to welcoming cruise lines and their passengers to experience authentic Saudi hospitality, culture and activities in the heart of the Red Sea.” Adnan Alshareef, PC Marine services’ Chief Executive Officer & President, said: “We are proud to be selected as the main contractor for the Private Island project. At PC Marine, we recognise the importance of this remarkable opportunity to become a key contributor to the Kingdom’s marine infrastructure and the Saudi Vision 2030 by being a success partner with Cruise Saudi, and above all contributing to the flourishing tourism sector in Saudi Arabia.” The island is anticipated to be ready for cruise visitors in December 2024. For more information about Cruise Saudi, visit www.cruisesaudi.com.