Heritage Expeditions is launching two new itineraries for 2026 onboard its 140-guest expedition ship, the Heritage Adventurer.

The first trip takes place in April and sails to destinations in Japan during the cherry blossom season and Hanami parties.

According to the company, the 12-day cruise was carefully curated and includes sails to Japan’s iconic highlights alongside lesser-known and rarely visited coastlines accessible only by expedition ship.

Sailing from Tokyo to Osaka, the “Sakura Blossoms of Japan” cruise is highlighted by visits to the Seto Inland Sea, Naoshima, Hiroshima, Torii Gate and Mount Fuji. Passengers will also be able to visit destinations in Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu and South Korea.

In early August 2026, the Heritage Adventurer is set to offer a new itinerary in Australia’s Kimberley region.

The “Kimberley Explorer” cruise was designed to explore the area’s pristine and untouched wilderness, Heritage said.

According to the company, the 11-day expedition allows guests to discover ancient Aboriginal rock art, as well as natural wonders such as the Horizontal and King George Falls, and the Montgomery and Ashmore Reefs.

The itinerary sails from Darwin to Broome and also offers opportunities to discover World War II history at Vansittart Bay and early explorer history at Colonial Bay.

Formerly operated by Hanseatic Tours, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and One Ocean Expeditions, the Heritage Adventurer was built in 1991.

After a refurbishment, the 9,000-ton vessel entered service for Heritage Expeditions in the South Pacific in November 2022.

Celebrating 40 years in 2025, the company is currently New Zealand’s only family-owned and -operated expedition cruise line.

In addition to Kimberley and Asia, the Heritage Adventurer also offers itineraries to Australia and New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands, as well as Antarctica’s Ross Sea.

Other itineraries offered by the vessel include expeditions to New Zealand’s coast, in addition to the Raja Ampat islands in Indonesia.