Latest news with #adventuretravel
Travel Daily News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Wego and Azerbaijan Tourism Board showcase Azerbaijan to MENA travelers
Wego partners with Azerbaijan Tourism Board to position Azerbaijan as a year-round MENA wellness, culture, and adventure destination through curated campaigns. DUBAI, UAE – Wego announce its latest strategic partnership with the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, spotlighting Azerbaijan as an all-season destination tailored for curious, culture-driven, and wellness-seeking travelers from the MENA region. With an increasing demand from Middle Eastern travelers for immersive, nature-connected, and wellness-rich holidays, this collaboration focuses on elevating Azerbaijan's appeal beyond the well known cityscapes of Baku. From the mineral rich thermal springs to the healing Naftalan oil, and alpine retreats in Shahdag, Azerbaijan is rapidly emerging as the region's best-kept secret for holistic getaways, cultural exploration, and thrilling outdoor adventures in lush nature. Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, commented: 'This partnership comes at a time when MENA travelers are seeking experiences that combine authenticity, wellness, and natural beauty. Azerbaijan offers all of this, with an added layer of hospitality that feels like home. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring a fresh narrative to light and guide our users to discover the rich, untapped potential of Azerbaijan across all seasons.' The campaign will highlight key themes such as wellness tourism, cultural heritage trails, eco-luxury stays, and culinary adventures from tasting premium caviar to exploring the Silk Road routes that weave through Sheki. Wego and the Azerbaijan Tourism Board will drive content across multiple digital touchpoints, supported by storytelling, influencer led itineraries, and exclusive travel bundles designed for GCC travelers. Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, commented: 'We are excited to partner with Wego to reposition Azerbaijan as a year-round destination full of surprises. With its proximity, great connectivity, and rich diversity of experiences from snow-covered mountains to subtropical forests Azerbaijan is a perfect match for travelers from the Middle East looking for something both close and captivating. Together with Wego, we'll ensure these stories reach the right audience at the right time.' This collaboration reflects Wego's commitment to redefining how travelers from the MENA region discover new and meaningful destinations. By combining Wego's real-time travel insights and consumer behavior data with Azerbaijan Tourism Board's in-depth local knowledge, the partnership will deliver curated experiences, dynamic campaigns, and data-driven storytelling. Together, both entities aim to unlock new travel corridors, amplify Azerbaijan's visibility among GCC and broader MENA audiences, and inspire a new wave of regional explorers seeking more than just a vacation and an unforgettable journey.
TTG
19-05-2025
- TTG
Everything you need to know about Ponant Explorations' luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot
Charlotte Cullinan When designing Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant Explorations set out to create a vessel that could venture further afield, to places where 'few others dare to go'. The ship is capable of sailing to some of the planet's most inaccessible regions, helmed by seasoned captains with extensive expertise in ice navigation. In the Arctic, its destinations include the North Pole, and it is one of the few passenger vessels in the world capable of reaching 90° North Greenland. Its programme also includes a trans-arctic between two of the four north poles, and Antarctica, including the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Peninsula. Facilities and excursions Onboard guests enjoy an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, conservatory, panoramic restaurant, Main Lounge, Observation Lounge and lobby. Each shared space has been designed to convey discreet French-style luxury, with a focus on natural light and open spaces, which let the extraordinary polar landscapes take centre stage. When they leave the ship, customers are immersed in polar experiences such as kayaking, snowshoeing, polar plunges, zodiac excursions and dog sledding, which vary by the cruise and itinerary. Suites and staterooms Carrying up to 245 guests, Le Commandant Charcot boasts 123 suites and staterooms, each boasting a private balcony or terrace, meaning your customers will feel as though they are sailing on a private yacht. The aft of decks six and seven feature four 94-square-meter, split-level suites with private terraces and Jacuzzis. On deck eight, the 115-square-metre Suite de l'Armateur (Shipowner's Suite) offers panoramic views through expansive sliding glass doors that open onto a 186-square-metre private terrace. Culinary excellence This is also the only vessel to feature a gastronomic restaurant curated by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, meaning your clients can have an exquisite dining experience in the heart of the polar regions. The menu features healthy, refined and elegant dishes, while a second restaurant and a grill also serve wholesome, gourmet fare. Environmental stewardship This hybrid-electric polar exploration vessel is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), meaning it excels in safe and low-impact polar navigation. Le Commandant Charcot is the world's first passenger ship with a Polar Class 2 (PC2) ice-strengthened hull, allowing it to navigate drifting sea ice and reach the most remote and isolated regions, when conditions permit. Protecting polar ecosystems and coastal sea ice remains a top priority for the team, who focus on more responsible exploration, which they believe hinges on 'expertise, innovation, humility before nature, collaboration with local communities and a commitment to minimal environmental impact.'
National Post
13-05-2025
- National Post
UnCruise Adventures Announces Exclusive 2025 Captain's Cruises with Founder and CEO Captain Dan Blanchard
Article content JUNEAU, Alaska — In a world of crowded mega-ships and impersonal travel, UnCruise Adventures offers something refreshingly different, authentic connection. As the pioneer in small-ship adventure cruising, the award-winning cruise line is excited to announce a rare opportunity to sail alongside Founder, Owner, and CEO Captain Dan Blanchard. On select voyages through Alaska and Baja, Mexico, Captain Dan personally welcomes guests aboard, sharing decades of maritime wisdom and his deep passion for wild places. These exclusive sailings offer more than just a vacation—they're a return to meaningful travel, where every guest is known by name and every moment is UnForgettable. Article content Article content 'There's nothing quite like sharing the places I hold dear with fellow adventurers,' said Captain Dan Blanchard. 'These Captain's Cruises aren't just trips, they're personal journeys. I get to introduce guests to the stories that have shaped my life on the water. It's about forging real connections with nature, with each other, with the local communities, and with the spirit of adventure.' Article content Captain's Cruise: Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka Ship: Safari Endeavour Route: Sitka to Juneau, Alaska Duration: 7 Nights Departure: September 20, 2025 Starting at $5,600 per person, this voyage immerses guests in the breathtaking beauty of Alaska's Inside Passage, featuring two full days exploring the awe-inspiring Glacier Bay National Park. With Captain Dan at the helm, travelers will gain rare insights into Alaska's wilderness, wildlife, and hidden locales known only to seasoned explorers. Article content Captain's Cruise: In Steinbeck's Wake: An Epic Voyage Through the Sea of Cortez Ship: Safari Voyager Route: Roundtrip La Paz, Baja California Duration: 10 Nights Departure: November 26, 2025 Priced from $6,500 per person, this unique expedition retraces the historic route of famed author John Steinbeck. Travelers will discover the rich biodiversity of the Sea of Cortez, encounter vibrant marine life, and connect deeply with this legendary region under Captain Dan's expert guidance. Special offer includes $500 off and 50% savings on solo supplements. Article content Captain's Cruise: Baja California's Whales & Sealife Ship: Safari Voyager Route: Roundtrip La Paz, Baja California Duration: 7 Nights Departure: December 27, 2025 Starting from $6,500 per person, this remarkable journey showcases the Sea of Cortez's renowned marine ecosystems. Guests will have intimate encounters with majestic whales, playful sea lions, and diverse marine wildlife. With Captain Dan's leadership and storytelling, each day promises unmatched adventure and discovery. Special promotional savings include $500 off and 50% savings for solo travelers. Article content About UnCruise Adventures Article content UnCruise Adventures is a responsible travel and adventure leader in the cruise industry. They operate small ships carrying 22-86 guests on voyages in Alaska's Inside Passage, Aleutian Islands and Prince William Sound, along with the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico's Gulf of California, Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, and Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. In addition to this Cruise Critic honor, UnCruise Adventures has been picked as a top adventure company by Conde Nast Traveler, Newsweek, USA Today, and Travel & Leisure. Operating under the US flag, the company takes pride in its crew and its significant contributions to the US economy. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content Article content
Forbes
09-05-2025
- Forbes
Is The Kudanil Explorer The Ultimate Indonesian Adventure Yacht?
I'm just going to come out and say it. Yes. Here's why. First off, few yachts I've seen are so well suited to their intended purpose. In this case, transporting adventurous charter guests to gloriously remote dive and surf sites in Indonesia. But what really blows my mind is that while the Kudanil Explorer's looks will never be confused with a superyacht, it provides accommodations that are in many cases even more luxurious than I've experienced on much larger and more expensive superyachts. Kudanil Explorer in remote Indonesia Kudanil Explorer How is that possible? Well, first off, it's not really a 'yacht' in the traditional sense. It's a converted commercial ship that was specifically designed, and lovingly (and thoroughly) rebuilt to be the ideal Indonesian adventure yacht available for charter with Pelorus Yachting by owner Thibaud Epstein. 'I'm originally from Paris,' he says. 'But, I've always loved the sea. So joined my uncle's company that used these boats commercially in Indonesia. 'And when I wanted to do something different, I thought, why not convert one of these cool capable boats into a luxury expedition ship that we could use to explore remote Indonesian dive and surf sites? Massive Manta Ray in Indonesia Kudanil Explorer 'And of course we got carried away. In a good way. I mean, she's not a superyacht. But we hired a hotel designer to create a a luxury interior that allows each cabin to have its own private balcony. She also has a massive top deck for dining and relaxing. And a big aft deck to make it easy to go on adventures. No other indonesian charter boats are anything like this.' A private balcony aboard the Kudanil Explorer Kudanil Explorer As you can see in the photo above, the guest cabin balcony idea really works. In fact, only the owners suites of the largest and most expensive superyachts have the same level of floor to ceiling indoor-outdoor access that all eight guest cabins have aboard the Kudanil Explorer. 'We see the boat as a platform for our guests to have meaningful experiences and to make memories with friends,' he continues. 'Our guests want to do something special. They want to share it with the special people in their lives. And we want to build an experience they will never forget." And that was certainly the case for Vicky Whithouse who cruised aboard Kudanil Explorer last November. 'We really connected with the crew," she says. "They were warm and friendly and made us feel at home. And it was cool to see that they honestly enjoyed sharing their special part of the world with us. We were quite emotional when it came time to leave.' 'All of us onboard have adventurous souls," Thibaud adds. "We're always asking: 'How can share our love these wild places and diverse cultures in the right way?' And when you combine this purpose-built boat, the crew's warm, adventurous, family vibe with all the amazing places to explore in Indonesia, you get something very, very special.' 'What is it about exploring Indonesia that's so special?' I ask. 'Is it the remoteness? Is it undeveloped nature of the archipelago? Is it the diving? The surfing?' 'It's all that,' he says. 'It's the ultimate yachting destination. The diving and surfing are world class. And there are more than 17,000 islands covering the area the size of the United States to explore.' 'How great is the diving really?' you ask. Well, a typical Kudanil Explorer dive trip in the southern Raja Ampat features some of the world's best dive sites such as: Farondi Cave in the Balubulol Lagoon, Magic Mountain and Whale Rock in the protected Misool Marine Park are on the itinerary. And of course, the ship's enthusiastic and highly experienced dive masters are always there make sure the diving is safe and fun. 'The diving was amazing,' Vicky adds. 'We saw sharks, and a huge manta ray, and a giant clam that I've never seen that before. It was like you were in an aquarium. You were surrounded by fish and coral all the time. In fact, on one dive, I kind of lost which way was up because there was just fish everywhere.' The famous heart shaped lagoon in Indonesia Kudanil Explorer And there's more than diving to be experienced. Thibaud and company has hiked with guests to the famous heart shaped lagoon, and Lenmanaka Lake (filled with rare stingless jellyfish) in the Misool archepelago. And they take guests into sacred caves too. 'Kudanil is hands down the most capable expedition yacht in Indonesia—but beneath her rugged exterior beats a heart," says Pelorus' Director of Yachting Gayle Patterson. "From the love poured into her by Thibaud, to the genuine warmth of her crew who welcomed us like family, and the mind-blowing diving experiences, every moment felt like coming home….with a serious dose of adventure.' Thibaud also creates similar itineraries that focus on the world-class surfing that's also to be found in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the ship's warm and smiling crew will always make sure the service—from the gourmet locally sourced meals, to chilling out on the top deck with a drink, or playing with all the water toys (including a large inflatable pool off the back of the boat), enjoying a soothing massage, or visiting a local village—is conducive relaxing and meaningful connections with your family and friends. 'It's funny how life works out, right?' Thibaud says. 'With so many islands and over 250 languages spoken, there's always another island, area and culture to discover. That's why I fell in love with Indonesia. That's why I love sharing it with our guests aboard the Kudanil Explorer. And that's why I can never get leave."
