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Monthly Archives: September 2025

Expedition Cruise Specialists wins at 2025 NTIA Awards

Posted by Andrew Castles on September 29, 2025

We’re delighted to share that Expedition Cruise Specialists has been named winner of the prestigious 2025 NTIA Escape People’s Choice Award. The winners were revealed at a glittering gala infront of over 1,200 guests at The Star in Brisbane on Saturday night (18 October 2025).

This recognition feels especially meaningful to us, as it comes directly from travellers who have highlighted their outstanding experiences with our team. Each day, we strive to deliver exceptional service and unforgettable journeys, and being nominated in this way is a true validation of our efforts.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate us, and to ATIA for their continued commitment to showcasing the value of booking with accredited tourism businesses.

Congratulations as well to all the other nominees and winners of the 2025 NTIA Awards - we’re proud to be in such great company.

 

Andrew Castles - General Manager

 

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About the NTIA Awards

The annual National Travel Industry Awards proudly recognises and celebrates excellence in the Australian travel industry, through a rigorous process which includes nominating, voting and judging candidates, culminating in the announcement of the winners at a Gala Awards Dinner.

 

Maldives’ small-ship’s new look ‘WOWS’

Posted by Andrew Castles on September 08, 2025

 

 

Read below for details of our 2026/27 Earlybird Fares!

 

Yasawa Princess’s return to cruising the waters of the Maldives is drawing closer, and we’ve received a teaser as to what we can expect from the refurbished small ship upon her return. The operators of the 56-passenger vessel have provided us with a series of renders, showcasing a completely modernised vessel that delivers a real “WOW” factor.

 

 

Yasawa Princess operates 7 & 14-night sailings from Male, the capital of the Maldives, with a focus on uninhabited islands, sand cays, snorkelling, diving and beach relaxation. Withdrawn from service earlier this year to allow the refurbishment of the vessel to take place, the ship will resume operations on 10 November 2025, in time for the peak cruising season in the Maldives which lasts through to April. 

As we can see from the renders supplied to us, the ship’s stylings have been elevated to an entirely new level and promises travellers the opportunity to explore the waters of the Maldives in style. You can check out some of the before and after photos below.

 

 

Refurbishments to the dining room have created a light and airy space. 'Old' above, 'New' below.

 

 

 

The sun deck now offers the opportunity for al fresco dining and relaxing afternoon drinks. 'Old' above, 'New' below.

 

 

Cruise fares for the 7-night cruise (departures between November 2025 & April 2026.) in a Lower Deck cabin are USD $1,995.00 per person, twin share, while the 14-night cruise is priced at USD $3,990.00 in the same cabin type. The rates are based on the ‘all-inclusive’ fares aboard the ship, which includes accommodations, meals, activities and standard alcohol during your stay aboard. Flights and pre / post cruise accommodations are not included in the fare.

 

 

See the 7-night Itinerary

See the 14-night Itinerary

 

MALDIVES 2026/27 EARLYBIRD PRICING

Join the 56-passenger Yasawa Princess on a 14-night cruise discovering the 'Best of the Maldives' and make HUGE savings with our 2026/27 Earlybird Prices.

A limited number of cabins are available on this special offer when you book with Expedition Cruise Specialists by 30 January 2026.

 

Travel Dates

The special prices are available on the following 2026 / 27 cruise dates (14-night cruises):

 

09 November 2026

23 November 2026

07 December 2026

29 March 2027

12 April 2027

 

Earlybrid Prices

Twin Share

Lower Main Deck - USD $2,499 per person (normally USD $3,990)

A Deck - USD $2,785 per person (normally USD $4,395)

Bridge Deck - USD $3,275 per person (normally USD $5,190)

 

Single Traveller

Lower Main Deck - USD $3,232 per person (normally USD $5,124)

A Deck - USD $3,597 per person (normally USD $5,725)

Bridge Deck - USD $4,230 per person (normally USD $6,735)

 

To reserve your place aboard the refurbished Yasawa Princess, give the team at Expedition Cruise Specialists a call today on 1800 90 20 80 or fill in the form below for one of our experts contact you.

 

The renders were supplied by the operator of the Yasawa Princess, Deep Blue Holidays, on 07 September 2025. They are representative of the works to be completed, although some changes / amendments to the renders may be made during the actual refurbishment.  

* Valid for new bookings only made from 11 September 2025 until 30 January 2026 or until withdrawn or sold out. Not combinable with any other promotion or offer. Please note that a limited number of cabins are available at Earlybird prices on each cruise. Prices are in United States Dollars.