The world’s largest and leading expedition cruise line has signed on expedition expert Alastair Newton to build the world’s most sustainable and educational next-level expedition cruises.

Newton is the new Director of Expedition Operations of Hurtigruten Expeditions.

A younger veteran of the Expedition Cruise industry, Alastair Newton  has over the last plus 20 years led over 150 expeditions, worked on 15 different ships, and explored more than 100 countries. He has spent 15 years working as an expedition leader in Alaska, the entire Pacific, and Antarctica, and has done multiple visits to the North Pole. Newton is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and holds a private pilot’s license.

“Alastair’s incredible experience from expeditions in the Arctic, Antarctica, Alaska, the Pacific and in all the exciting waters in between, sets us on track to realize our ambitions to be the world leader in sustainable expeditions on all the world’s oceans,” said Hurtigruten Expeditions’ SVP Operations, Iain McNeill.

Science, sustainability and super teams

Having studied Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, Newton started his expedition career as a Wilderness Guide in Denali National Park in Alaska in 2001. He has worked in companies such as Cruise West, Polar Star, Orion, Lindblad, TCS, Overseas Adventure Travel, PONANT, Noble Caledonia.

“I got into the industry from a passion for wildlife and science education. My number one goal is to structure our global team to further develop the global industry’s leading Science and Education program – wrapped in the world’s most sustainable expeditions,” said Alastair Newton.

The new Director Expedition Operations joins Hurtigruten Expeditions from Ponant where he has worked for the last four years as director of the National Geographic partnership.

BREAKING BOUNDARIES: Alastair Newton has set himself to further develop the global industry’s leading Science and Education program – wrapped in the world’s most sustainable expeditions. PHOTO: Nikki Newton

Starting his career at the at the Kantishna Roadhouse Wilderness Lodge in Alaska, owned and run by Doyon – the Native regional corporation for Interior Alaska, gave Newton special insight and respect for native cultures he will bring to Hurtigruten Expeditions.

“As I became an Expedition Leader focused on remote parts of Alaska, Russia, and the Pacific Islands, this helped me open guests’ eyes to native cultures and bring respect and understanding.  I became passionate about remote places, and local culture and experiences centered in respect and cultural exchange,” said Newton.

Newton believes the key to creating unique expedition cruises with edge, depth and meaning lies in the interaction between the expedition teams and the guests.

“My goal is for Hurtigruten Expeditions to help guests deeply understand and appreciate the destinations we visit together through placing the spotlight on our exceptional Expedition Teams. It is paramount for me to empower the Expedition Teams to realize their full potential and to help guests appreciate the full value of the teams,” said Newton.