Aurora Expeditions have always been regarded as pioneers of travel in the polar regions. With a long history of introducing previously unheard-of activities into the Arctic and Antarctic, guests return to them time and time again as a result of their originality and quality service.
Aurora Expeditions are therefore thrilled to announce the delivery of its first brand new, purpose-built, expedition vessel. This custom-designed ship remains true to the company’s ethos of pioneering adventures, intimate experiences with nature and exploring new regions.
Built with a brand new ‘X-BOW’ design, passengers will enjoy greater comfort onboard: while a traditional bow vessel rises on the waves and then drops violently onto the surface of the water, an X-BOW vessel, less vulnerable to the vertical motions induced by the waves, continues on course more smoothly, while maintaining its speed. Furthermore, because it uses less fuel to get through the waves, it also helps to save energy versus a conventional bow designed vessel.
Ultimately, this new ship will offer unprecedented levels of safety and environmental protection.
“With the development of our purpose-built expedition ship, we stay true to our small-ship philosophy where the focus is on the experience and engagement with the environment while at the same time providing the most comfortable form of travel in these challenging environments. In the polar regions, we will have the ability to reduce passenger numbers so we can continue to visit existing landings sites as well as explore new areas where strict regulations enforce no more than 100 people ashore at any one time.” says Robert Halfpenny, Managing Director of Aurora Expeditions.
See Japan in luxury, with the new Shiki-Shima train and Palace Hotel Tokyo
Posted on May 21, 2017
This May, JR East introduced a remarkable train: ‘Train Suite Shiki-Shima’. Journeys will depart from Tokyo’s Ueno station exploring the North-Eastern region of Tohoku and Hokkaido, with itineraries varying dependent on the season.
Shiki-Shima will travel through impressive countryside with highlights including Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture, the Shirakami-Sanchi mountains and guests will have the chance to explore local highlights on foot, such as hot springs and atmospheric fish markets.
With immaculate contemporary design by Ken Okuyama, chief designer for General Motors (whose projects include the likes of Porsche AG), the train combines Japanese aesthetics with a futuristic spirit using striking contemporary patterns with more gentle Japanese tones.
Comprised of 10 cars, the train accommodates a maximum of 34 travellers, making for a relaxed and intimate setting. 17 luxury suites boast an en-suite and for those seeking the ultimate luxurious experience, passengers in the highest category suite will enjoy a bespoke bath made of Japanese cypress.
Guests at Palace Hotel Tokyo will find that the train perfectly complements their experience of the finest Japanese hospitality. Since its opening nearly 5 year ago, Palace Hotel Tokyo has offered an array of bespoke cultural experiences with experts in every corner of the city and exclusive access to some of the most incognito hot spots in town. Go ramen hunting with one of Japan’s leading gastronomic experts to Tokyo’s famous eateries and tiny restaurants tucked down unassuming alleys, enjoy traditional sake tasting with one of the world’s leading Sake experts or eat like a Sumo and experience a Chanko restaurant. A stay at Palace Hotel Tokyo, with its ability to offer insight into the capital’s distinctive and eclectic culture, will relish this opportunity to take in the very best of regional culture in sumptuous luxury.