Pioneering expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions has announced three new island-hopping voyages exploring the remote tropical islands of Asia and the South Pacific aboard luxurious expedition flagship Heritage Adventurer.
Heritage Expeditions Commercial Director and Expedition Leader Aaron Russ said the new voyages Undiscovered Philippines & Indonesia, Asian Island Odyssey and Grand Pacific Odyssey brought a trifecta of exciting, authentic expedition itineraries well off traditional tourist routes to the expedition cruise market.
“These voyages have been specially designed for cruise enthusiasts and adventurers, allowing our intrepid guests the opportunity to explore incredible pristine island paradises tucked away in some of the most biodiverse regions on the planet,” he said.
“Not only are these islands home to rare and endangered wildlife, these remote tropical outposts also boast incredible natural history, some are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and conservation sanctuaries and reserves, while others blend rich human history including the Spice Trade and World War II with ancient cultures and customs, which all makes for unforgettable adventures.”
Guests have the option to explore and experience these incredible voyages from the luxury of the ship cruising poolside aboard Heritage Adventurer, by fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensuring no guest is left on board, and by foot on special landings.
Undiscovered Philippines & Indonesia, departing 27 June 2023, visits the ‘Whale Shark Capital of the World’ giving guests the incredible opportunity to swim with these gentle giants, to discover the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ on Bohol Island, delve into the fascinating history of the Spice Islands, explore ‘the mother of all living coral reefs’, enjoy incredible wildlife encounters, thrilling cultural exchanges and more during the 14-day voyage.
Guests joining 27-day expedition Asian Island Odyssey, departing 14 June 2023, will sail from Osaka, Japan, through the Philippines and Indonesia before arriving in Darwin, Australia. In addition to incredible wildlife encounters and cultural exchanges there is the opportunity to explore the eco-paradise of Yakushima Island, the white sand beaches and coral gardens of Amami Oshima, Hualien’s Taroko National Park and Marble Gorge, Batan Island’s WWII history, Vigan’s fascinating architecture, the idyllic isles of Hundred Islands National Park and much more.
While those joining 29-day Grand Pacific Odyssey will explore reef-fringed tropical islands, visit historic sites and experience forgotten cultures and incredible wildlife encounters cruising from New Zealand to Japan departing on 20 March 2023. An alternative itinerary to Heritage Expeditions world renowned birding voyage Western Pacific Odyssey, guests will cross both the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, and the Equator. This voyage carefully balances the excitement of visiting remote islands and isolated villages, snorkelling pristine coral reefs, observing wildlife and Zodiac cruising tropical isles with languorous sea days spent poolside, in the Observation Lounge or whale watching in the bridge with the captain.
Travel is aboard 140-guest expedition Heritage Adventurer, built in Finland she brings an impressive history of Polar exploration having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations. Guests on board will still enjoy the intimate and experiential expedition voyages synonymous with Heritage Expeditions, which have been foremost in planning, albeit now in more spacious, stylish and comfortable surrounds including an on board pool, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures the maximum expedition adventure. Guests aboard this luxury vessel will also enjoy all-suite cabins with private facilities and an Observation Deck with 360-degree views