Ponfoort, who has previously worked for Qantas, Jetset and within the expedition cruising market in the Asia Pacific region, said she was “both optimistic and excited for the future of expedition travel”.

“Despite the challenges facing the global travel and cruise industry in 2020, our many loyal and repeat guests tell us they are eager to set sail again, and we are excited and ready to welcome them back on board once international borders reopen,” said Ponfoort.

Australian-owned Aurora Expeditions is due to take delivery of a second purpose-built small expedition ship, Sylvia Earle, in November 2021, which will be a sister ship to the existing vessel Greg Mortimer.

“We have very exciting business growth ahead of us as we take delivery of our second purpose-built expedition ship Sylvia Earle,” added Ponfoort.

“Dr Sylvia Earle has dedicated her life to marine conservation, and we are honoured to be working with her to further educate and inspire both our team and our expeditioners.”

Destinations in Aurora’s new Global and Arctic 2022 programme will include Alaska, Russia’s Far East, Raja Ampat, West Papua, the North West Passage and Baja California.