Adventure cruise line Lindblad Expeditions will launch shorter trips to Antarctica in 2024, with flights from Argentina to the seventh continent that bypass what’s normally a two-day sailing of the Drake Passage.

The new option will shave several days off the typical Antarctica itinerary, making it possible to do the trip in as little as eight days. The flyover trips also eliminate the need to sail the Drake, a waterway that’s known for its unpredictability: travellers sailing to Antarctica often wonder if they’ll experience a calm “Drake Lake” or see massive swells that result in a “Drake Shake,” as writer Christopher P. Baker detailed for T+L in 2022.

Now the cruise to Antarctica will take lesser time

The new flyover trips will be a first for the cruise line, said Sven-Olof Lindblad, the CEO and founder of the company, during a recent appearance at ILTM Cannes, a luxury travel conference held this week in France.

“Starting in November 2024, with one of our ships, the National Geographic Explorer, we’ll have two new programs: one, which is five days in Antarctica, flying in and out, and the other which is five days in Antarctica with two days crossing the Drake Passage [one way].”

Lindblad said the decision to launch the service on the 81-cabin vessel was driven by multiple factors.

“There are people out there that just don’t have the time [otherwise],” Lindblad said. He also noted that aviation technology has made flights to Antarctica more predictable, in spite of the sometimes challenging conditions seen in the region.

“We had chosen not to do this for years and years and years because I was concerned about the reliability — not the safety — but the reliability of people actually taking off and landing as they were meant to,” the CEO explained.

Now, Lindblad is confident that people can get there on time — and see one of the world’s most inspiring wild places.

“I think it’s important to expose people to places like this for a lot of reasons,” said Lindblad, during his appearance at ILTM Cannes. “We need to understand these wild places better, and, as a consequence of that, we can be more productive as citizens as to how we deal with the challenges that we, as the human race, face as it relates to our relationship with natural systems around the world.”

The announcement comes as trips to the continent have surged in popularity. More than 70,000 people visited the ice in the 2022-2023 season, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. That number is almost certain to rise, as more and more vessels head south, Lindblad said.

“We were the only ship in Antarctica for quite some time,” Lindblad observed. “This next season, the average is closer to something like 70. So, extraordinary growth.” These days, the cruise line expects to operate three ships, including the National Geographic Explorer in the region.

Lindblad will offer the flights in partnership with DAP, the only air provider to Antarctica, which also contracts with lines such as Silversea to offer speedy service to the southernmost reaches of the planet.

The cruise-and-sail trips will begin in November 2024 and continue through February 2025. Rates start at USD 9,475 (HKD 73,875.70) for an eight-day Antarctica expedition. Learn more at expeditions.com.

This story first appeared on www.travelandleisure.com

Currency conversions were done at the time of writing.

(Feature Image Credit: JMP Traveller/Getty Images)

Related: Explore Charming Towns and Wineries: New River Cruise Sets Sail in France’s Burgundy Region!

After making its grand return this year, Crystal is now looking ahead to even grander adventures. The luxury cruise line, now part of the Abercrombie & Kent portfolio, just announced five new Grand Journeys for 2025.

Crystal Symphony will sail a 70-night Asia itinerary round-trip from Mumbai between January and March 2025. There will be 32 ports of call across 15 countries, including overnights in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Tokyo, among other destinations. For those interested in a shorter version of this trip, you can also book a 47-night segment of the journey round-trip from Singapore.

Crystal Cruises has unveiled new itineraries for 2025

Crystal Serenity will offer two multi-continent Grand Journeys: a 44-night sailing from Rio de Janeiro to Mumbai from March to April 2025 and an overlapping 51-night sailing from Cape Town to Barcelona, running from March to May 2025. The former includes calls to the remote St. Helena, the Atlantic island where Napoleon spent his exile, and to Walvis Bay, Namibia.

Then the ship will continue up to the Seychelles and the Maldives for overnights during the itineraries’ overlap, before continuing with the second itinerary to Petra, Jordan, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, and finally the Mediterranean.

Then between July and September, Crystal Serenity will sail a 40-night itinerary in Northern Europe, beginning in Stockholm and ending in Liverpool.

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“We’re thrilled to announce an impressive lineup of Grand Journeys for 2025,” Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. “These extended itineraries offer exclusive opportunities for immersion in some of the world’s most unique and sought-after destinations. We can’t wait for our guests to experience these unparalleled voyages along with the unique land experiences we are creating with our sister brand Abercrombie & Kent.”

Guests who book Grand Journeys will receive a business-class airfare allowance for two guests, two AK one-day experiences, USD 1,500 (HKD 11,737) in shipboard credit, and complimentary laundry service.

Rates start at USD 31,000 (HKD 242,567) per guest for the 40-night Northern Europe itinerary and at USD 42,400 (HKD 331,769) per guest for the 70-night Mumbai round-trip itinerary. You can book the trips now at crystalcruises.com.

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All currency conversions were done at the time of writing 

Related: Bookmark These Cruises From Hong Kong For A Stunning ‘Seacation’

I’m finishing up my lunch on the Avalon Imagery II’s open-air bow when the ship glides around a bend in the Moselle River. Suddenly, the view before me, a small wine town in Germany, is so breathtaking I nearly drop my fork: tidy, geometric rows of grape vines — most of them riesling — cover the steep land rising up from the water. A little while later, we pass by the ruins of a 14th-century castle.

I feel like I’m floating through a fairy tale, I think to myself as I whip out my phone to take what must be my millionth photo of the day.

This cruise in Europe sails the scenic Moselle River

Before setting sail on the Moselle River with Avalon Waterways in July, I didn’t know quite what to expect. Though I’d been on other river cruises in Europe, the Moselle really wasn’t on my radar.

Now, I’ll never take it off my radar. From its source in the Vosges Mountains, the Moselle flows 339 miles (545.56 km) through northeastern France and western Germany before meeting up with the Rhine River in Koblenz, Germany. Along the way, it also forms a natural border between Luxembourg and Germany.

Beautiful vineyards, historic fortresses, and quaint villages line its banks. The weather is mild, the valley’s residents are friendly, and the small towns along the waterfront are ridiculously charming. The Moselle itself snakes lazily back and forth, giving cruisers optimal time to appreciate the dramatic scenery.

And while so many European destinations have gotten a little too busy for comfort, the Moselle has remained quiet, and serene. If your goal is a quintessentially European river cruise without the quintessential European crowds, the Moselle is the river for you.

What sets the Moselle River apart

If you’ve taken a river cruise in Europe before, you’ve probably heard of well-known waterways like the Rhine, the Danube, and the Rhône. But Pam Hoffee, the president of Avalon Waterways, describes the Moselle as an “off-the-beaten-path gem.”

“We consider it the Rhine’s cool little sister — a place where some of the most beautiful views in river cruising await guests without the crowds that can be found in other parts of Europe,” she says.

Avalon’s new “Active & Discovery on the Moselle” itinerary, which launched in May 2022, traverses one of the most scenic sections of the river. The cruise begins in Luxembourg, in the small town of Remich, then whisks passengers through west-central Germany. It briefly sails on the Rhine, then on the Main River, before finishing in Frankfurt.

The “Active & Discovery” part comes into play with the choice of included excursions, which range from adventurous hikes and bike rides to easy-going brewery tours and wine tastings. So, perhaps it’s less like a fairy tale, and more like a choose-your-own-adventure book.

And Avalon isn’t the only line introducing travellers to this tranquil body of water. Viking has also rolled out two new Christmas cruises on the Moselle, and AmaWaterways, Tauck, Uniworld River Cruises, Scenic, and Emerald Cruises, among other lines, are offering upcoming Moselle sailings.

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Wine, history, and views on the Moselle River

One reason the Moselle is so idyllic? It’s narrower than other European rivers, with steep valley walls, which means river cruisers get an up-close and personal view of the passing, postcard-perfect scenery. This narrowness also translates to less overall traffic on the river and in ports, Hoffee says. Avalon, for example, uses its smaller “Suite Ships” — which can accommodate just 128 guests — for its Moselle sailings.

The Moselle also passes through the famed Riesling region of Germany and Luxembourg, where people have been growing grapes and making wine since Roman times. This not only means gorgeous vineyard views from the ship, but also opportunities to visit family-owned wineries and sample their delicious wares. In Remich, Luxembourg, I joined a walking tour that ended with an informative wine tasting in the shady garden of Domaine L&R Kox, which grows 30 acres of grapes and produces 50 small-batch wines. Later, while docked in Bernkastlel-Kues, I visited the winery of Dr Pauly-Bergweiler, whose family has been making wine along the Moselle since the 16th century.

One of my favourite excursions of the entire sailing was a guided evening stroll through Trier, Germany, also known as the “Rome of the North.” Though the Romans established Trier — which they called Augusta Treverorum — more than 2,000 years ago, you can still find many well-preserved examples of their sturdy buildings. As the sun was just beginning to set, our group paused to admire Porta Nigra, a Roman city gate (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) that dates back to 170 CE

In some places, the views were so accessible I didn’t even have to leave my room — or my bed, for that matter. One morning, as we approached Cochem, Germany, I opened the floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows in my room, which instantly transformed the space into a private, open-air balcony. And since Avalon’s guest beds face the window (instead of the wall), I was able to curl up with an espresso and watch the storybook towns and towering castles pass by outside.

When we finally reached Frankfurt at the end of the eight-day trip, I felt rejuvenated and refreshed — not frazzled and drained, as I sometimes do after a jam-packed summer stint in Europe. With its calm waters, dreamy landscapes, and uncrowded ports, the Moselle River re-energised me — and now I can’t wait to go back.

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Related: In Pictures: The World’s Largest Cruise Ship Sets Sail

From culinary odysseys to unforgettable ports of call, Celebrity Cruises has it all. 

AS SUMMER GIVES WAY TO AUTUMN, Celebrity Cruises — pioneers of resort-style ocean cruising — looks forward to the new season with a triumphant return to Asia. From September 2023, the luxury cruise company will return to the region with two vessels, Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Solstice, along with Celebrity Edge, an award-winning ship of the Edge Class in Australia. What is equally exciting is that the Cruise Line is launching by this November another Edge Class Ship, namely the Celebrity Ascent, featuring the innovations debuted by the other ships of the same class.

The Celebrity Cruise experience is built upon five pillars of service: destination, design accommodation, culinary and wellness. Perfecting these five aspects guarantees an impeccable guest experience for passengers, no matter which port they board, their itinerary, or which Celebrity Cruises Ship they are on. For the Celebrity Ascent, this means enhanced dining options and upgraded retail, entertainment and cultural experiences.

Tasteful Travels 

Continuing Celebrity Cruises’ relationship with chef Daniel Boulud, Celebrity Ascent will feature the Michelin-star restauranter’s much admired ocean-going restaurant concept, Le Voyage, to the company’s latest fleet addition. The restaurant, inspired by the sights, sounds and flavours Boulud discovered on his travels around the world, focuses on international dishes and globally sourced ingredients for a menu of mouth-watering delicacies and delights.

Same as other Edge Class Ships, Le Voyage is one of over thirty restaurants onboard Celebrity Ascent, including the ship’s four main outlets, each of which are available for guest’s selection. Cyprus offers fresh Mediterranean dishes; Tuscan celebrates the cuisines of Italy; Normandie presents the best of Gallic gastronomy; and Cosmopolitan’s fine dining experience is one passengers won’t soon forget.

Unmatched Facilities

The Edge series boasts amenities that make them worthy of being called resorts at sea. Magic Carpet is a bar, lounge, restaurant and an opportunity to soar above the sea on the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform. The Sunset Bar, designed by Nate Berkus, delivers beach club ambience daily, while the three decks of the Grand Plaza offer a martini bar and fresh experiences every day. 

The Resort Deck features live music and chic cabanas finished with inspiring art installations. The Retreat, exclusive to guests who booked a suite, is the place to go for ultimate luxury with a private restaurant, a lounge, complimented with a team of attendants, concierges, and your butler to meet your every need. Meanwhile, the Spa offers over 120 revitalising treatments, and The Solarium is an adults-only destination featuring a pool and hot tub.

Guests searching for retail therapy will appreciate a curated shopping experience featuring a host of first-at-sea brands, including Bulgari, Cartier, Gucci and Montblanc. A club, casino, world-class theatre, fitness centre and Camp at Sea for kids and teens also receive high marks from guests. 

Immersive Asian Itineraries

For those who have never experienced a Celebrity Cruise, the best way to discover the stimulating itineraries and exceptional passenger environment is by embarking on one of the company’s most popular Asian trips – 12-night Best of Japan and Hong Kong-Singapore via Thailand and Vietnam.

Those looking for something more exotic, while coming back nightly to the comfort of their own cabins can opt for sailings from Singapore to Mumbai or Singapore to Bali.

The Japanese itinerary is a fascinating journey that sets sail from the country’s most important port city, Yokohama in Tokyo. From there, passengers embark on a cultural odyssey, taking in Mount Fuji, Hiroshima, and Busan in South Korea before returning to Hakodate and Aomori in Japan.

Guests for the Hong Kong-Singapore via Thailand and Vietnam trip are welcomed on board in Singapore before striking out for Thailand’s most popular destinations, Koh Samui and Bangkok. From Thailand, guests will stop in Ho Chi Minh, Nha Trang, Danang and Hanoi in Vietnam before concluding the nearly fortnight-long journey in Hong Kong.

Whether you’re a fan of thrilling destinations, design-led atmospheres, culinary journeys or rejuvenating wellness, Celebrity Cruises has a ship and itinerary perfect for you.   

Learn more: www.celebritycruises.com/int/, or contact your preferred travel agent.

Article sponsored by Celebrity Cruises.
Images courtesy ofCelebrity Cruises.

Whether you’re a sailor looking for your next yacht racing adventure or a spectator hoping to soak up the exclusive atmosphere of a luxury superyacht regatta, we take a look at the most famous yacht races in the world you should be keeping tabs on.

Watching one of the world’s top yacht races is how many seasoned sailors have first become interested in the sport of sailing. A display of skill, style and perseverance, significant sailing events take place in major yachting hubs around the world every month of the year. And every three to four years, yachting enthusiasts can gear up to watch extreme around-the-world regattas such as the Vendèe Globe or The Ocean Race.

The top sailing race in the world is currently considered the America’s Cup, a prestigious yacht race begun in 1851 and raced on AC75 foiling boats. But there are also plenty of traditional sailing events to capture audiences of all inclinations, such as the Boxing Day Sydney Hobart yacht race, which involves sloops and cutters sailing along the sun-kissed shorelines of Australia, or exclusive regattas raced on luxury mega yachts, such as the St Barth’s Bucket. If you’re serious about sailing, these top sailing yacht racing events are a must-have inclusion in your calendar.

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The most famous yacht races around the world

1. The Barcolana

The Barcolana, organised by the Società Velicia di Barcola e Grignano, has earned a place in The Guinness Book of World Records for being the most crowded yacht regatta in the world. Its first edition in 1969 saw only 51 sailing boats compete, but now, the annual event has grown to see more than 2,000 sailboats descend on the Gulf of Trieste every October. Boats of varying sizes and classes, from Optimists and maxis to classic yachts, are welcome to participate, with races accompanied by a slew of parties and events on shore.

Next edition: October 8, 2023

2. SailGP series

A recent addition to the yachting calendar, SailGP competitions only began in 2019 but have nonetheless quickly gained popularity, with Olympic and America’s Cup sailors taking part. Created by Oracle founder Larry Ellison and champion yachtsman Russell Coutts, the SailGP regattas are raced on F50 foiling catamarans for a cash prize of USD 1 million (HKD 78,30,850). Competitions in the series have taken place in scenic locations all over the world, from Saint Tropez and Sydney to Los Angeles, Auckland, and the UAE. Its most recent edition took place from 23 to 24 September 2023 in Taranto, Italy.

Next edition: October 14-15, 2023 (Cádiz, Spain)

3. Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Hosted annually by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, this race covers a distance of 630 nautical miles (1,166.76 km) between the starting point in Sydney Harbour and the finish line in Tasmanian port Hobart. Since the first edition in 1945, The race has always started on Boxing Day and is sailed through the night. The current time record broken by LDV Comanche stands at one day, 9 hours and 15 minutes. It is considered one of the most testing yacht races in the world.

Next edition: December 26, 2023

4. The IMA Caribbean Maxi Challenge

The IMA Caribbean Maxi Challenge comprises the three most important annual regattas in the Caribbean. The first is the RORC Caribbean 600, open to vessels nine metres and above. It is held each February in English Harbour and hosted by the Royal Ocean Racing Club and Antigua Yacht Club.

This is followed by the Sint Maarten Heineken Regatta a few weeks later, which now pulls in over 200 entrants annually and offers visitors on shore a chance to enjoy the local nightlife with accompanying daily parties and musical performances.

The ultimate winner of the Caribbean Maxi Challenge is then crowned after the event is closed off with Les Voiles de Saint-Barth April Richard Mille in April. This regatta has become one of the most respected yachting events in the Caribbean since it was first founded in 2010, and has been supported by celebrity ambassadors including Pierre Casiraghi and the late Jimmy Buffett.

Next edition: February, March & April 2024

5. St Barths Bucket

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Taking place in Saint Barthélemy’s Port Gustavia, the Bucket is open to superyachts measuring over 30.5 metres. Races for yachts in the 90ft, 100ft and the Corinthian Spirit class have also been introduced in recent years. The race’s name comes from its history as a spin-off of the Nantucket Bucket, in which the winner of the first race in 1986 won a bucket as first prize in the absence of a proper trophy. The first St Barth’s Bucket was raced in 1995 with just four yachts. Since then, the race has grown in popularity and is accredited with putting the Caribbean on the map in terms of regatta racing.

Next edition: March 21-24, 2024

6. Antigua Sailing Week

Launched in 1968, Antigua Sailing Week was created by local hoteliers to encourage international tourism to the Caribbean island. It takes place every spring and is attended by around 100 sailboats ranging between seven and 30 metres. Races take place in the waters between English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard and Falmouth Harbour, and are accompanied by on-shore festivities including a reggae concert.

Next edition: April 27-May 3, 2024

7. The Giorgio Armani superyacht regatta

The Giorgio Armani superyacht regatta is held every June in the Italian yachting hotspot of Porto Cervo. It has always been hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and prior to the change in sponsorship in 2021 was known as the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta. Open only to superyachts measuring 27 metres and above, the competitive racing atmosphere on the water is complemented by glamorous parties along the coastline each night.

Next edition: June 2024

8. The Superyacht Cup Palma

Taking place every June in the waters outside the Spanish city of Palma de Mallorca, this invitation-only regatta is for sailing yachts over 24 metres. It was launched in 1996 and has now become the longest-running regatta in Europe specifically for superyachts. Between 20 and 30 superyachts normally participate, accompanied by numerous other spectators that drop anchor nearby to watch the race and enjoy on-shore parties.

Next edition: June 19-20, 2024

9. The Newport Bermuda Race

The Newport Bermuda Race takes place every two years. It started as a challenge in 1906 when Thomas Fleming Day set out to prove sceptics wrong that amateur sailors could indeed race offshore in boats smaller than 80ft. It is now considered one of the classic off-shore regattas, with the racecourse covering a 635 nautical mile (1,176.02 km) stretch between the US yachting mecca of Newport and the British island of Bermuda. The race is considered a friendly and welcoming competition for new sailors, with approximately 25 percent of the racing boats captained by first-time skippers.

Next edition: June 21, 2024

10. Cowes Week

Taking place in the waters of the Solent Strait around and the Isle of Wight, Cowes week has been held every August since 1826. Founded by Britain’s King George IV, It is one of the longest-running regattas in the world. It is an important date in the “British social season” each summer, with royals and aristocrats still regularly making appearances. The races attract hundreds of boats and thousands of visitors, with the port town becoming a bustle of social activity during the racing.

Every other year, Cowes is preceded by the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, an important offshore race hosted by the UK’s Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and the Royal Yacht Squadron. The race is open to sailboats measuring between nine and 21 metres and follows a course that begins in Cowes and rounds Ireland’s Fastnet Rock before finishing in the French town of Cherbourg.

Next edition: August 2024

11. The America’s Cup

The America’s Cup is arguably the most important event in the yachting world – perhaps even more so than the Olympic sailing competitions. First raced around the Isle of Wight in 1851, the competition was named in honour of the first winner, an iconic, US-built yacht christened America. The competition to win the “Auld Mug” trophy now takes place every three to four years in a different location. Though the race was first competed on board wooden schooners, today’s competition has evolved into a race between advanced hydrofoil vessels that can reach speeds of almost 100 km/ph.

Next edition: August – October 2024

12. The Vendée Globe

The Vendée Globe is the most extreme around-the-world race in the sailing calendar. Begun in 1989, it is known as “The Everest of the Seas” and takes place every four years. The racecourse is a global circumnavigation of just under 45,000km, beginning and ending in Vendée, France. It is sailed single-handedly by one solo helmsman on board an 18.28-metre sailboat and can take around 74 days at sea to complete. Sailors can drop anchor but are not allowed to step ashore at any point if they wish to win the trophy.

Next edition: January 2025

13. The Ocean Race

Designed for sailboats measuring no more than 20 metres LOA, The Ocean Race is arguably one of the most well-known around-the-world sailing challenges. Formerly known as the Whitbread Round the World Race and then the Volvo Ocean Race, It has occurred every three to four years since 1973 and takes more than half a year to complete. It is a true test of perseverance, with some sections involving more than 20 days of nonstop sailing. The third leg of the race is regarded as the most difficult because sailors have to battle the treacherous conditions of the Antarctic Ocean. In 1990, the race was famously won by the all-female crew of Maiden, skippered by Tracy Edwards MBE.

Next edition: 2025

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(Hero image credit: Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, Featured image credit: Rolex/ Carlo Borlenghi)

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All currency conversions were done at the time of writing

Related: The World’s Most Luxurious Yacht Rentals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What is the most famous yacht race in the world?
The America’s Cup is the oldest and most famous yachting race in the world.

– What is the famous round the world yacht race?
The Vendèe Globe is the most famous round-the-world yacht race on account of the extreme requirements for entrants to sail singlehandedly, non-stop around the globe.

– What is the longest yacht participating in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race?
The yachts Andoo Comanche, Lawconnect, Wild Thing 100 and SHK Scallywag all measure 30.5 metres LOA, making them the longest yachts participating in the 2023 Sydney to Hobart race.

– What is the famous English yacht race?
The biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, which occurs around the time of Cowes Week, is the most famous yacht race taking place in English waters.

In the world of maritime opulence, where luxury superyachts have emerged as the playtoys for the affluent, a new destination seems to be on the horizon for those whose incomes fall in the world’s highest brackets. With a growing appetite for luxury yacht ownership and private charters, we take a look at the emerging yacht trends in Southeast Asia, where the tides of change are propelling the region into uncharted waters of extravagance.

Southeast Asia is fast becoming the go-to destination for those who crave the finer things in life, and it’s no surprise that the luxury yacht market projections are cresting at a remarkable USD 1,249.5 million by 2028. Nestled within Asia Pacific’s expansive 135,000-kilometre coastline, this region has all the makings of a maritime paradise. The flourishing post-Covid tourism industry, drawing travellers to its pristine islands, is setting the stage for a yacht renaissance. As if that weren’t enough, rising living standards and escalating incomes across Southeast Asian nations have ignited an insatiable demand for the crème de la crème of luxury resources among the nouveau riche and the generationally wealthy.

Read on, as we navigate the currents of emerging luxury yacht trends —unearthing how Southeast Asia is rapidly establishing itself as the world’s hottest docking port for an elite circle who simply cannot resist the siren call of luxury.

1. The rise of disposable incomes among Asians in a post-Covid era

For most Asian buyers, buying a superyacht is not just for entertainment, it’s an investment. “Over the past few years and following pandemic travel restrictions, there’s been an increased desire to explore the world’s hidden, most exotic corners and discover Southeast Asia’s untapped beauty, with many high-worth travellers choosing to do so by yacht for utmost comfort, privacy, and control,” says Advait Deodhar, Senior Yacht Sales and Charter Broker, TJB Super Yachts.

The rising disposable income is propelling the Asia Pacific luxury yacht market growth. Eric Noyel, Founder of Asia Marine and Managing Director of Fraser Asia, saw this trend reflected in sales. In his interview with SuperYatch Times, he opened up about the growth he had witnessed in emergent Southeast Asian markets. “Hong Kong has been crazy for the last two years. 500 new boats arrived – mostly Italian and American – and were sold in the city. There have been record sales across the board for yacht brokers in Hong Kong. I’d say that we’ve had the equivalent of 20 years’ worth of sales in the last two years,” he said.

Across the peninsula, India showed signs of becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2027, surpassing Japan and Germany, reported Morgan Stanley. The rise in wealth has been synchronous with the rise in disposable incomes — consequently resulting in the growth of the luxury yacht market. “My millennial client percentage has increased substantially this year and I would say about 33 to 35 percent of my clients are millennials,” says Deodhar, who personally completed a total of 56 charters in 2022, with superyachts up to 325 feet in length.

For Thailand and Singapore, the luxury yacht markets are blooming, ever so in the post-Covid era. “In Thailand, the number of charter yachts of 30-45m has more than doubled over the past five years. Although many of the yachts are a bit older, they are usually extremely well-maintained with their interiors and furnishings regularly updated,” Lies Sol, Charter Manager at Northrop and Johnson told The Singapore Yacht Show.

What is the driving factor behind this luxury yacht trend in Southeast Asia?

In Southeast Asia, superyachts are mostly used for relaxation, discovery, and diving. In the past, yachting was associated with building a larger-than-life status and entertaining wealthy guests but today, the focus has shifted to genuine pleasure usage, enjoying with family and friends, the rise in water sports, and in an increasing number of cases, regional cruising. “80% of our charter guests request a diving instructor or PADI school on board. From manta rays to whale sharks, the natural sea life in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines are unparalleled,” Deodhar adds.

Superyacht charters in Southeast Asia might tend to be of the same duration as they are in Europe currently, but the average trip has increased by a few days as compared to what it was five years ago. “Many of the yachting locations in Southeast Asia take longer to get to, particularly the likes of Raja Ampat – a journey which requires a charter flight and seaplane, so our guests prefer to spend longer on board in order to recover from jet lag and make the most of the destination,” Advait tells us.

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2. Emerging destinations for a luxury yachting experience in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia houses thousands of island destinations across the Pacific Ocean, where tourism is the major economy in itself. The rise in tourism on these islands has boosted the demand for luxury yachts in the region. Governments across these oceanic nations have also identified the potential for attracting wealthy tourists who are looking for a thrilling high-sea adventure. To attract more billionaires to a life of luxury maritime experiences, several yacht shows have been popping up in recent times that bring together professionals and consumers from various industries under one roof. In a similar grain, shows in Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong have seen successful iterations in the past couple of years with High Net Worth (HNW) individuals flocking to gauge the emerging market.

Among the charter segment, luxury yacht trends in Southeast Asia point to a few hidden gems. “Our clients are increasingly keen to discover the waters around Sumba Island – one of the most remote and unspoiled areas of Indonesia, which has been developing over the past few years with five-star hotels. Likewise, the Bay of Saleh has world-renowned whale shark-watching opportunities. Palawan in the Philippines is also seeing increased demand from yacht owners and charterers – it’s particularly popular amongst honeymooners due to its natural beauty, pristine beaches, and crystal clear waters, but also offers a vibrant social scene on the surrounding islands to enable guests to strike a balance,” Deodhar reveals from experience.

Malaysia is also seeing growth – from Langkawi to Penang, the islands offer idyllic coves and bays. With a plethora of world-class luxury hotels, the country has always been a popular travel destination by land – with stunning jungles, groves, and mountains to discover. The same can be said about Thailand, which saw 11.4 million foreign tourists arriving from January to June 11 2023 alone. The estimated spending accounted for THB 472 billion (USD 3.67 billion), revealed the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

3. Size and construction trends among luxury yachts in Southeast Asia

Asia, with its rich history and melting pot of religions and beliefs, poses a different kind of challenge. Here, cultural preferences and influences play a large part in the purchasing decision. In an industry dominated by European and American brands, ensuring their relevance to Asia and Asian buyers has become crucial for local manufacturers and designers. “In countries such as China, Singapore, and Hong Kong, for example, Feng Shui is very important. However, Feng Shui is not so well understood by Western yacht designers and we need to help designers understand it more. While Western owners like simple, classic designs, often blacks and whites, Asian people often think these colours are sad and prefer something more colourful. Chinese people often have their own special colours and colour in Asia provides a happy feeling,” told Yunzhu Jin, Asia Director of Amels in an interview for the Thailand Yacht Show. 

Customisation is another popular process for luxury yacht owners in Southeast Asia. Requests include entertaining spaces such as karaoke lounges, bespoke wine cellars, helipads, space for submarines and water toys, and much more. Construction-wise, steel and aluminium superyachts make up the majority of the superyachts in the region, with Phuket being one of the biggest hubs, believes Advait from TJB Super Yachts.  For Asian owners, the interior areas are very important as well as having the flexibility to entertain and cater to large groups. Multinational shipping companies with an established reputation in Asia Pacific like Ferretti have often spoken about specialised designs needed for the region. They started building the ‘Tai He Ban’ layout especially for Asian buyers, which includes a large entertainment or multi-purpose group space. The collection offers new interior layouts that are more suitable for social occasions with increased entertainment areas, making the boat a meeting or party platform as opposed to an overnighter.

As of today, Southeast Asia has unfurled its sails and established itself as the ‘it’ destination on the horizon for potential buyers, existing yacht owners, and luxury thrill seekers. This emergence is no happenstance; it is a confluence of rising incomes, an ever-widening embrace of global yachting culture, and the sheer allure of the region’s picturesque backdrops.

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This story first appeared here.

(Main and Feature Image: TJB Super Yachts, Northrop and Johnson)

Related: The World’s Most Luxurious Yacht Rentals

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the yacht industry market worth?
The global luxury yacht market size was valued at USD 6.40 billion in 2022. The market is projected to grow from USD 7.67 billion in 2023 to USD 13.67 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period, revealed a report by Fortune Business Insights.

2. Where do the rich take their yachts?
Marinas such as Monaco Yacht Club Marina, Monte Carlo, and Marina de Capri in Italy are some of the most popular destinations for docking among High Net Worth Individuals.

Who can forget Roger Moore’s portrayal of James Bond navigating the Glastron speedboat in Live and Let Die, or the striking Sunseeker Sovereign 17 featured in Quantum of Solace, starring the charismatic Daniel Craig? These remarkable vessels have become integral to the James Bond film experience, exuding the same sleek, classy, powerful, and intelligent qualities that define the iconic British secret agent himself. They’re now even fondly referred to as “James Bond boats”.

In the world of the James Bond film franchise, action transcends thrilling car chases and adrenaline-pumping land-based stunts. The renowned 007 has an unparalleled ability to conquer not only the espionage world but also the high seas. Throughout the franchise’s history, Bond has been at the helm of some of the most opulent, stylish, and undeniably sophisticated boats ever to grace the silver screen. Let’s set out on a stylish voyage to explore the quintessential James Bond boats – each boasting Bond-worthy features, unforgettable moments, and intriguing estimated costs.

James Bond boats and yachts: Why are they so crucial to the plots?

So, why are boats such stars in James Bond movies? Well, they add a splash of glamour and adventure that’s crucial for a stylish franchise like Bond. Plus, these vessels often take the movie characters to exotic spots, creating excitement. Tight quarters on a boat? Perfect for intense action scenes!

Considering how Bond is the poster boy for living the high life, it’s only natural that his enemies flaunt their riches with these lavish, expensive toys. But here’s the twist – these boats aren’t just eye candy. When things get dicey, these vessels play a key role in Bond’s daring getaways, symbolising not just money, power, and influence, but also the sweet taste of freedom from danger. In essence, they’re not just props; they’re essential players in the thrilling Bond experience.

9 James Bond boats that are both beauties and beasts on the water

1. The Glastron GT-150

Film: Live and Let Die (1973)

A true Bond classic, the Glastron GT-150 featured in Live and Let Die takes us back to the ’70s in all its glory. Bond’s sleek escape from Mr. Big’s henchmen was nothing short of breathtaking. With a white and orange colour scheme, this boat was the epitome of style at the time. Its aerodynamic design, complete with a sliding windshield, and the ability to pop up on its hydrofoils for a high-speed chase made it an unforgettable addition to the Bond universe.

Estimated Cost: Around USD 5,000 (in 1973)

2. The Wetbike

Film: The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

For a change of pace, Bond took to the water on a Wetbike in The Spy Who Loved Me. This one-man jet ski not only allowed Bond to move swiftly across the water but also had the added bonus of turning into a mini-submarine when needed. The Wetbike was the perfect gadget for an underwater adventure and showed Bond’s adaptability in any situation. It was an actual (and pretty powerful!) watercraft introduced in 1978, which only goes to show how Bond was always ahead of his time with the latest technology.

Estimated Cost: Approximately USD 3,000 (in 1977)

3. The Q Boat

Film: The World Is Not Enough (1999)

The Q Boat in The World Is Not Enough is a masterpiece of espionage engineering. Packed with hidden torpedoes, machine guns, and an ejector seat (courtesy of Q, of course), this unassuming boat became Bond’s weapon of choice in a high-speed pursuit along the Thames. This vessel, a creation by Doug Riddle, boasts a 300 bhp V8 engine that drives a jet propulsion system. And for that extra touch of Hollywood flair, it’s equipped with two rear-mounted faux jets that ignite into blazing flames. Its sleek design and arsenal of gadgets made it a standout addition to the Bond arsenal. The 14-minute (Q) boat chase in the pre-credit opening sequence of the film is the longest in 007 history.

Estimated Cost: USD 37,500 (As of 2022)

4. The Spirit 54 Yacht

Film: Casino Royale (2006)

When Bond needs a break from saving the world, he heads to the Bahamas aboard the Spirit 54 Yacht in Casino Royale. This stunning wooden yacht, with its classic lines and luxurious interior, perfectly complements Bond’s quiet moments with Vesper Lynd. It’s a symbol of elegance and sophistication, reminding us that even spies need a little downtime.

Estimated Cost: USD 1.5 million (in 2006)

5. The Sunseeker Sovereign 17

Film: Quantum of Solace (2008)

In Quantum of Solace, Bond commandeers the Sunseeker Sovereign 17, a luxury motor yacht that perfectly embodies the blend of speed, style, and substance that the Bond franchise is known for. This yacht’s sleek design and powerful engines allowed Bond to chase down villains in a breathtaking finale in Italy’s waters. The Sunseeker Sovereign became a symbol of Bond’s ability to tackle danger with flair.

From high-speed pursuits to tranquil moments on the open seas, these boats have added an extra layer of intrigue and glamour to the world of James Bond. As we eagerly anticipate the next instalment in the iconic franchise, one thing is for sure: Bond’s aquatic adventures will continue to be the stuff of legend, with boats that are as suave and unforgettable as the spy himself. Originally built in 1970, the Sunseeker Sovereign 17 was fully restored in 2005 to celebrate the company’s early years and long history of designing and building luxury motor yachts.

Estimated Cost: Approximately USD 4.5 million (in 2008)

6. ‘Delos’ (ex ‘Aurora’)

Film: From Russia With Love (1963)

Not only did the 293-foot Delos serve as the iconic Spectre headquarters in the 1963 classic From Russia with Love, marking Sean Connery’s second portrayal of the suave 007, but it also played an unexpected role as the inspiration behind the beloved TV series The Love Boat, as revealed by its current owner, Christopher Wilson.

Originally named ‘Wappen von Hamburg,’ this remarkable German-built cruise ship was constructed in 1955 by the renowned Blohm & Voss Shipyard. Initially designed as a luxurious 75m, diesel-powered motor yacht, it was built for one of the owners of an Italian motor car manufacturer. The ‘Wappen von Hamburg’ featured state-of-the-art engineering and had a top speed of 20 knots. In its original configuration, it accommodated up to 22 guests in 11 opulent cabins, along with staff quarters, a bar, an entertainment lounge, a games room, and a gym.

After serving in the Mediterranean Sea, the Aurora underwent an extensive 18-month refit to bring her into the 21st century. During this transformation, her length was increased by 8.7 metres, her beam stretched to 13.93 metres, and her gross weight increased by 40%.

As of 2020, M/Y Aurora was reported to be located in Sochi, Russia, where it serves as a luxurious hotel, private club, and business centre, showcasing its storied history to a new generation of enthusiasts.

Estimated cost: Priceless, considering its unique history and transformation.

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7. ‘Kingdom 5KR’ (ex ‘Nabila’)

Film: Never Say Never Again (1983)

Back in 1980, the illustrious MY Flying Saucer had its origins as a vessel commissioned by the Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi and crafted by Benetti. However, its journey didn’t stop there; it soon found itself in the glamorous world of Hollywood alongside the legendary Sean Connery in the 1983 film Never Say Never Again. Following its cinematic debut, the MY Flying Saucer underwent a series of remarkable transformations. First, it came under the ownership of the Sultan of Brunei, who later sold it to none other than Donald Trump, leading to its rechristening as the “Trump Princess.”

As time flowed on, in 1991, the boat found itself under the patronage of another Saudi billionaire tycoon, Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. With its new name, “Kingdom 5KR,” this magnificent vessel became a fixture, almost permanently moored in the enchanting locale of Antibes on the sun-kissed Côte d’Azur. Thus, MY Flying Saucer’s remarkable journey through both Hollywood and high-profile ownerships adds yet another layer to its storied history.

The yacht was built in 1980 by the yacht builder Benetti at a cost of USD 100 million (equivalent to USD 355 million in 2022). Its original interior was designed by Luigi Sturchio. According to reports, the yacht can reach a top speed of 20 knots and has a cruising speed of 17 knots, with a range of 8,500 nautical miles. With a gross tonnage of 1768.0 GT and a beam of 13.23 m, the vessel comfortably accommodates 22 guests in 11 staterooms and 31 crew members.

Estimated cost: A whopping USD 500 million. (2022)

8. ‘Trafalgar’ (ex ‘Moonmaiden II’)

Film: The Living Daylights (1987)

In the pre-title sequence of the action-packed 1987 film The Living Daylights, Timothy Dalton made his unforgettable debut as the suave and daring secret agent, James Bond. And while his mission to board the Moonmaiden II yacht was anything but conventional, it undoubtedly added to the film’s thrilling charm. In a fiery entrance, Bond descends from the sky via parachute, landing squarely on the aft deck of the Moonmaiden II. It’s safe to say that Agent 007 rarely opts for the ordinary when there’s an opportunity for cinematic flair.

Fast forward to the present day, and the Moonmaiden II, now rechristened as “Trafalgar,” is on the lookout for a new owner. This classic canoe-stern yacht, hailing from the stylish era of the 1970s, boasts timeless appeal and is currently available for acquisition through Ocean Independence. With an asking price of USD 2,500,000, this vessel offers not only a piece of cinematic history but also the promise of exciting adventures on the high seas.

Estimated cost: USD 2,500,000 million

9. Pruva Regina

Film: SkyFall (2012)

In SkyFall, Daniel Craig’s James Bond and Severine (Bérénice Marlohe) sail aboard the stunning Pruva Regina yacht, gliding through Turkey’s sapphire waters. This actual superyacht is a 183-ft schooner built in Turkey by Pruva Yachting in 2011. Regina boasts a maximum speed of 12 knots and can accommodate 12 guests in two master suites, two double staterooms, and two twin cabins, along with a crew of nine. This James Bond yacht was listed for sale in 2012 for a princely sum of USD 14 million. And here’s a fun fact: the shower scene, supposedly taking place aboard the yacht, was actually filmed in room 712 of the Four Seasons Hotel at Canary Wharf in London.

From high-speed pursuits to serene moments on open waters, these boats have added an extra layer of intrigue and glamour to the world of James Bond. As we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this iconic franchise, one thing remains certain: Bond’s nautical adventures will continue to be legendary, with boats as suave and unforgettable as the spy himself.

Estimated cost: USD 14 million (2012)

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(Main and featured images: MGM Studios)

Related: Bookmark These Cruises From Hong Kong For A Stunning ‘Seacation’

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of boat is in Skyfall?

In the film, the ship is referred to as the “Chimera”. The actual yacht is the 56-meter sail yacht Regina, launched by Pruva Yachting in 2011. The schooner-type yacht was built in Bodrum, Turkey. It is a modern, high-performance schooner superyacht incorporating a classic design.

What boat did James Bond jump with?

Glastron GT-150. In the movie Live and Let Die (1974), James Bond uses a Glastron GT150 speedboat in a thrilling chase through the Louisiana marches. The boat made a record-breaking 120ft jump.

One of the most majestic sailing ships you’ll ever spy is the Indonesian phinisi, with a rich history dating back some 700 years and brilliant builders who don’t need modern plans.

ONE SUPER COOL THING about our oceanic region is that you can usually recognize traditional boats by their place of origin. The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage-listed Indonesian phinisi is one such example, hailing originally from Tanah Beru, on the southernmost tip of South Sulawesi. Even before you knew the name of this type of vessel, you might recognize the unique design: two-masted, with a hull that resembles a dhow but fore-and-aft rigging similar to western schooners. Rather than being lowered with the gaff, the sail is unfurled almost like a curtain.

Majestic phinisi date back to at least the 14th century and to this day, as ever, boatbuilders spend years making them by hand and from memory, rather than using plans. In Butta Panrita Lopi or ‘the land of the phinisi schooners,’ the tradition is awe-inspiring.

According to Wonderful Indonesia, “Along the shores of Tanah Beru, you will see tens of dry-docks where phinisi schooners are in various stages of construction. Here the skillful hands of the Bugis with amazing precision, carefully craft the Phinisi that has become the icon of Indonesian seafaring heritage. The Phinisi is built using traditional equipment following exact prescribed traditional techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. Its construction does not only involve strength and technique but also – as the locals believe – supernatural powers, for which every stage requires strictly adhered rituals and ceremonies.”

Phinisi were trade ships back in the day, ferrying the bounty of the Spice Islands along routes that made what is present-day Indonesia one of the wealthiest regions on Earth, the Banda Islands more valuable than Manhattan. Today, many are purpose-built luxury liveaboards, ferrying intrepid travelers to the most remote, wondrous corners of this vast archipelago.

T+L was recently lucky enough to set sail on one of the newest, Vela. Watch the video here:

And read the article about our trip aboard this fantastic luxury phinisi cruise here. 

Photographs by Tommaso Riva/Courtesy of Vela.

The journey really is the destination on a Vela cruise, a new, traditionally built luxury phinisi yacht for charter, with a dozen of your besties, Hermès decor, an ex-Aman dive master and masseuses, and one-of-a-kind experiences galore.  

I DOUBT RALPH WALDO EMERSON ever sailed through central Indonesia on a luxury phinisi yacht, but after having done it myself it certainly feels as though his famous quote, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey,” was written about that unparalleled voyage.    

It all began on the island of Bali, where I checked into a chic waterfall-adjacent villa at the 25-room resort Nirjhara, whose young French owners are the same as Vela, the newly built, bespoke phinisi that entered Indonesian waters in July 2022. Following a divine 90-minute body scrub and massage, and Indonesian feast of a dinner at Ambu restaurant, I set out early morning on a quest to experience her elegant beauty in the West Nusa Tenggara region of Indonesia, east of Bali.  

And what a quest it was. Our flight to Sumbawa had been cancelled last-minute and our only option was to fly first to Makassar before zigzagging in a propeller plane down to Bima. There, we hopped in cars that drove us a couple hours west to a port to meet Vela, which was coming from Raja Ampat. Along the way there were goats trotting down the street and brightly colored mosques, mountains, rice paddies and lovelorn calls of “I love you, bule!” (which means “tourist”) from local teenage boys.  

We made our way through the shacks of a seafront village to a jetty where kids played and eyed us through giggles. We’d departed Nirjhara at 5 a.m. and, at 4 p.m., were finally aboard the Zodiac rib craft headed toward Vela, the yacht anchored still another 45 minutes away. As we flew past Mount Tambora (the volcano whose 1815 eruption was the planet’s most deadly) on smooth cerulean water, a pod of adorable spinner dolphins dove and twirled alongside us like a greeting committee.  

“Welcome to Vela!” shouted Dean Noble, our cruise director, pumping his fist in the air excitedly as the boat named for a constellation (and also the Sanskrit word for “shoreline”) appeared on the golden horizon. It was hard-earned but we’d made it aboard the 50-meter wooden vessel with six generous guest cabins, a teak yoga deck, multiple dining areas, gargantuan daybeds and a 18-person crew that includes a chef well-versed in gourmet Indonesian and Western cuisines. Vela itineraries are fully customizable, and the yacht can sail virtually anywhere in Indonesia, from the Malukus to the Forgotten Islands to Raja Ampat with a four-night minimum. (USD 12,000 per night is the all-inclusive cost for 12 passengers.) 

I’d never seen stars, galaxies and planets as piercing and mesmerizing as I witnessed that night from the top deck of Vela, where in proper yacht-style we sipped cocktails expertly made by the resident mixologist, Bawa, like the Journey to Bajo—tequila with torch ginger, jamu reduction and housemade ginger beer—fitting, since that’s what we were on: our final destination was Labuan Bajo, Flores. Noble briefed us on the goal for the morning: swimming with whale sharks. And so, after dining on exceptional bebek betutu and banana cake under a sliver of a copper-colored moon that set early, plummeting into the black water, I tucked myself into bed like a kid on Christmas Eve who can’t wait for the sun to come up.  

We’d traveled to Saleh Bay where a couple of the largest fishes in the sea did grace us with their presence for a slow, awe-inspiring swim so beautifully dreamlike it left me speechless. Twelve hours on Vela and it already proved more than worth the effort for this once-in-a-lifetime encounter. From there the journey flowed, sometimes fast, sometimes slow. We wound our way west toward Komodo as the seascapes and islands became ever more ancient looking. Our slow, eight-knot cruising speed meant leisurely mornings and afternoons sprawled on a daybed simply watching the scenery and cornflower blue silken sea move past, including a startlingly close-up view of Mount Sangeang volcano. I consciously tried to sear the scenes into my being.  

All the while the chef kept us sated on Indonesian favorites—mahi mahi sate, mie goreng, gingery tuna, and a spicy dessert take on rujak—sprinkled with elevated international plates for some dinners. And the mixologists quenched our thirst not only with craft cocktails every evening but a unique beverage each time we returned from an excursion, from hot jamu to pandan iced tea and “holy water” (iced coconut water with lime). 

My mermaid fantasies were fulfilled in Komodo National Park where we caught a current just right and drift snorkeled above tropical fish. I felt like Superwoman flying through the impeccable cyan water into which sparkling sun rays illuminated corals. One restorative massage and a few more picturesque hours of cruising later we jumped excitedly into the water alongside manta rays, which simultaneously felt like a slow-motion ballet and a high-speed pursuit.  

One manta in particular seemed to be saying, “Come, I’ll show you around,” while leading me on a tour of its ocean home. It flew, wings wide, while I kicked furiously, my heart racing, trying to keep up with its effortless soaring between corals, over a blacktip reef shark and past a hawksbill sea turtle calmly swimming in the depths. A baby made a playful appearance, too, diving straight down and spiraling up as if showing off its agility to this clumsy human. We swam what felt like a circuitous marathon, and whenever I got close, I felt a gravitational pull like a rip tide created by their powerful flapping.   

As the expedition stretched on, each phenomenal moment built on the last. At sunrise we said hello to a deer sitting in sand then climbed 150 meters to the top of the jurassic Padar Island, home to Komodo’s famous pink beach as well as black and white ones, too. A Robinson Crusoe–esque beach on Padar Kecil proved an idyllic place to relax and swim post-hike before we made our way to Rinca, which had just reopened with a new museum and walking paths after a four-year renovation project. The Komodo dragons there truly did look prehistoric as they slowly stalked around, split white tongues darting out to smell and sense the foreign interlopers. A rainbow stretched 180 across the sky as we took the Zodiac back to Vela where the sun quickly dropped into the ocean surrounding around us.  

Indelible wonders aside, my favorite part was easing into the slowness that supplanted my typical rushed daily life. Vela provided the most beautiful balance of active aquatic engagements with completely passive ones from a floating five-star boutique resort. The entire trip was the destination and instead of one peak I experienced high after high, which left me, even weeks later, in a state of total disbelief that this was, indeed, real life.  

Photographs by Tommaso Riva/Courtesy of Vela, unless otherwise noted.

With its wedding-cake glaciers, seemingly prehistoric animal populations, and dramatic snow-capped terrain, Antarctica is one of the world’s wildest destinations, even aboard a luxury cruise. Sailing the new Sylvia Earle by Aurora Expeditions, our writer discovers there are no shortcuts to the most inhabitable place on earth.  

A burst of excitement ripples through the aircraft cabin. We all spring into action. Passengers are stripping off in the aisle, others are adding layers: beanies, gloves, waterproof pants. After three days in limbo and the threat of cancellation to our fly-in, fly-out Antarctica cruise due to bad weather, we’ll soon be landing on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. We slip in just before sunset, any later and the aircraft, which has the difficult task of landing on a short, gravel runway (and must do so in daylight), would need to turn around and make the two-hour flight back to Punta Arenas, a fate that had already met a handful of groups this season.

I squeeze my mum. We step out into the frozen dusk amid cheers. Darkness is already falling by the time the transfer bus reaches the shore. Off in the distance, the 71-cabin Sylvia Earle, the newest ship in the Aurora Expeditions fleet, named after the 88-year-old marine biologist and deep-sea explorer (who, having joined the previous trip, is personally waving to us from the makeshift terminal) is lit up like a beacon. With frozen hands and faces, we scramble to put on our muck boots and lifejackets for a wet, choppy ride in the zodiac to the mothership. It’s been a stressful start, but once we step onto this luxurious vessel, our home for the next six nights, our anxiety fades into disbelief. Disbelief that we are here, that we made it, that my mum and I are doing this together.

I travelled to the Great White Continent with the intention of writing a story about how I discovered the easiest way to get to Antarctica. My mum (her name is Sue) is travelling with me to celebrate her 70th birthday, and together we were set to embark on an 11-day Aurora Expeditions journey around the Antarctic Peninsula that would have us skip the notorious Drake Passage completely and fly to meet the ship instead. But I soon learn that easy doesn’t exist in Antarctica, and nor should it. Like all life-changing journeys, ours takes an unexpected turn, proving that there are no shortcuts in the world’s most uninhabitable place.

Waiting game

Our journey began with a test of patience. We’d been hanging out in the hotel lobby for two long days awaiting news, or worst-case scenario, cancellation of our cruise. Those days were a blur of buffets, belly laughs with new friends and an unhealthy amount of speculation. “In 10 years of operation, this is the first time I’ve had to cancel a trip,” says Tomas Holik, vice president of operations at Aurora Expeditions, when quizzed during an update in Punta Arenas.

Weather has not been favourable for fly-in trips to Antarctica this season. Aurora Expeditions company protocol is to cancel after three days if the group still hasn’t been able to fly. With only three charter planes and a group from a different operator still attempting to get there when we arrive, there’s a backlog. By day two, morale is low. Tomorrow morning is our last chance, and with two plane loads of people to shuttle there, it doesn’t look promising.

But then we make it. By a sheer thread, we make it.

The final frontier

The first morning I awake to icebergs and a horizon of white as the ship cruises towards Recess Cove. It takes a while for me to process that we are actually here. This landing is our first and only on the continent of Antarctica. I’ve joined the polar snorkelling program on this trip, so sadly my mum and I make land separately, and tick off our seventh and final continent in the presence of our thoughts, but not each other. I soon discover that she can tag along with me on my snorkelling zodiac, so we’re mostly attached at the hip for the rest of the cruise.

After the landing, we meet in our twin-bed Balcony Stateroom Category B cabin, which is located on level 4 of the eight-level ship, and I find mum a little rattled, having taken a little tumble in the drink upon disembarkation. Thankfully the heated flooring in our small ensuite is handy for getting things dry overnight. Our cabin is on level 4 with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open out onto the deck. In uniform with the rest of the Sylvia Earle, it’s tastefully decorated with wildlife portraits from Antarctica and the Arctic, shot by the company’s talented photographer experts.

As well as being carbon neutral(!), the ship is a spectacular base, with various lounge areas and comforts such as self-servings of hot beef bouillon after outings. There’s a main dining room where we share delicious meals with our new friends from the U.K., U.S. and Australia. Deck 8, which serves up steakhouse-style fare, is reservation only. There’s a sauna and two outdoor Jacuzzis, where mum and I retire most afternoons with a couple of glasses of bubbly, and the Sylvia Earle also boasts a library and lecture area. Passengers meet here every evening for an update from expedition leader (and founder of Australian Geographic) Howard Whelan and other experts. “Try to be present in the places that we visit,” Howard advises. “Don’t rush.”

Solitude and silence

After just a day here, one thing in particular strikes me. The silence. No planes or cars, obviously, but neither rustling trees nor even birds. Antarctica is deafeningly quiet, albeit from the disconcerting cracks of glaciers and resulting chunks of ice that tumble like liquid thunder into the bays and coves. Some glaciers are heavily frosted like a layered wedding cake, others are striped with blue, as if licked with minty gel toothpaste. “It’s kind of addictive, like watching a fire,” says my mum as we peer out the window transfixed by this vulnerable, harsh landscape that is under threat, with data showing record low sea ice this year.

Over the next five days, I wiggle into a dry-suit every morning and get into the freezing Southern Ocean. Amid the ice soup, I peer underneath the water, my face numb from the cold. We don’t see much on our snorkelling trips, but as we’re the first zodiac off the ship and always with the same crew of people, it feels a like an exclusive experience. “Why take the bus when you can ride the limo,” says Edwin, our Arizona-based, Aussie-born snorkelling guide, who masquerades as a helicopter pilot in the off-season.

One morning in Graham Passage we skip the snorkel entirely and fang it for whales we can see breaching in the distance. They’re too far to reach, but a pod of humpbacks close to the zodiacs keeps us entertained for hours. The zodiac is handy for accessing spots the ship can’t, and we see many gentoo, chinstrap and adelie penguins, as well as seals of all flavours: fur, Weddell, crabeater, elephant and the prehistoric-like leopard.

Lingering landscapes

The landscapes in Antarctica are mighty, with Lemaire Passage a highlight. We wake just after sunrise and head to the observation deck to watch as the ship passes through a narrow thoroughfare of soaring snow-capped mountains that start to glow in the golden light. At British base Port Lockroy on day five, we tour the museum of the old research station and send postcards back home from the Penguin Post Office. Everything about this experience is surreal. One night, after a barbecue, we don hats and have a dance party on the upper outdoor deck. We cruise into one of the world’s only caldera volcanos at Deception Island. Throughout the trip, whale bones and old whaling and sealing stations are prudent reminders of an ugly past at the hands of humans.

It’s a white-out when we approach our final stop at Elephant Point, where a two-tonne elephant seal is doing the worm towards a freezing puddle of water. The snowflakes are the biggest I’ve ever seen. According to on-board geologist and glaciologist Dr. Ulyana Horodyskyj, it’s an indicator of a warming ocean. Likewise, due to the melting sea ice, penguin chicks are being born later in the season here, with only 30 to 40 percent surviving each year. “You are experiencing climate change before your very eyes,” Ulyana says.

But we have the ability to turn this trajectory around. “Humanity has shown itself to be able to problem-solve, especially through the covid pandemic,” she says. “I don’t think this is any different. We can rise to the occasion and turn these tipping points in time. If we believe in the power of humanity to make a difference, we can solve climate change.”

Antarctica is a wild ride. But caring for the planet will be our most important journey yet.

Aurora Expeditions Antarctic Explorer, 12-day Fly/Fly cruise from US$19,895 per person, auroraexpeditions.com.au.  

Lede image photo by Tyson Mayr and all images courtesy of Aurora Expeditions.