42 | ARCTIC ADVENTURES


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ARCTIC ADVENTURES : G ADVENTURES CELEBRATES RETURN TO EXPEDITION CRUISING


VIRGIN Voyages has launched its first Alaska season, with sailings from Seattle onboard Brilliant Lady. There will be a total of seven itineraries available,


across 17 sail dates ranging from seven to 12 nights. Highlights of the season include more than half of


Alaska Shore Things (shore excursions) operated by sustainable tour operators, the onboard marine team partnering with ORCA for detailed training on whale sighting, A wildlife expert onboard full-time to help educate guests, voluntary speed reductions throughout the region to help protect large cetaceans and marine life and advanced wastewater treatment systems and shore power capability. Virgin


Voyages is also introducing two new ‘Happenings Cast’ members created specifically for


June 2026 Virgin Voyages Officially Starts Alaska Season


the Alaska season. The cast are performers and activity leaders on the ship and will comprise The Lumberjack, who will be onboard select voyages. Alaska will also be reflected on High Street – Virgin


Voyages’ onboard retail area – with 10 brands featuring artisans or products from the region. Cold-weather items, including Ahoy beanies, textured knitwear and layered outerwear, will also be available onboard. SJ Walker,


said: “For the UK trade, Alaska represents a significant expansion of the Virgin Voyages product and a massive opportunity. The programme is in direct response to demand from our guests, more than 30% of whom return to sail with us again. It gives First Mates another option for clients looking for a premium, adults-only cruise experience beyond our established Caribbean and Mediterranean programmes.”


WINDSTAR Cruises’ new Star Seeker yacht has of- ficially commenced its inaugural Alaska summer season, and the cruise line is already looking ahead to its 2028 Alaska cruise season. The Alaskan itineraries


feature a collection of small- ship voyages designed to bring travellers closer to glaciers, wildlife and remote communities. “Alaska is a place that a more


rewards thoughtful


Windstar's New Star Seeker Commences Inaugural Alaska Season


BY ERIN ENGLISH erin@nitravelnews.com


FOLLOWING the relaunch of G Adventures’ Arctic programme, NI Travel News had the opportunity to hop onboard the global tour operator’s new expedition vessel when it docked in Troon, Scotland back in April. Lovingly referred to by the G Adventures team as the ‘Little Red Ship,’ the company’s new 128 passenger vessel is set to embark on itineraries throughout the Scottish Isles and Arctic Circle. Adhering to G Adventures’ responsible travel ethos,


expedition vessel has undergone extensive renovations,


the


the installation of brand-new engines, resulting in increased fuel efficiency. Not to mention an estimated 30% lower carbon footprint per passenger per day! Chartered through a Danish company, MS Expedition has


SunStone,


undergone major exterior and interior refurbishment in 2017.


focused on an upgrade of guest cabins alongside newly fitted bathrooms and refreshed public spaces.


These changes


have been made in a bid to improve passenger comfort, and space, without compromising on what passengers seek from an expedition voyage; adventure. G Adventures’ first Arctic Season since 2019 set sail at the end of April, with an ambition to offer passengers comfort and


Interior renovations including


excursions whilst sailing on MS Expedition, albeit weather


Excursions to go nearby the wildlife, and camping in the Antarctic. Expedition cruises are undoubtedly designed for those longing to tick an experience off their bucket-list, and a cruise around the Arctic region is surely a sight to behold. From viewing wildlife such as polar bears, whales, walruses, and arctic foxes, to enjoying the rugged landscapes of the nearby glaciers and ice floes. On such an itinerary, guests


dependent, Kayaking, Zodiac Guests


community while maintaining the small-ship access to the Arctic. With a 10:1 guest to expert ration, expedition and adventure is at the heart of what MS Expedition offers passengers. On board, passengers can mingle and learn from members of the G Adventures’ expedition team, made up of historians, biologists, and geologists, who are experts in the ecosystem, climate, and wildlife of the Arctic regions. Led


led outings into the heart of polar landscapes.


onboard can avail of multiple including


talks,


Jonathan Green, the team are incorporated into each sailing, accompanying passengers on Zodiac excursions, hosting expert and conducting expert-


by expedition leader,


way of travelling,” says Tom Schofield, captain of Star Seeker. “What excites me most is the access Star Seeker allows — navigating deep into fjords, getting right up to glaciers and connecting with smaller communities along the way. There’s a sense of discovery here that stays with you. From the moment guests arrive, the experience feels deeply immersive, and I’m proud to share it during our inaugural season.”


Virgin Voyages’ UK Director of Sales,


are encouraged to look beyond the horizon to truly immerse themselves in the beauty, solitude, and resilience of the Arctic regions.


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