Aurora Expeditions’ new CEO Monique Ponfoort has officially joined the company, as it prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2021.

Ponfoort, who replaces Robert Halfpenny, has worked in the travel sector for more than 25 years at brands such as Qantas, Jetset, and Helloworld.

Aurora Expeditions is planning to launch a purpose-built ship, Sylvia Earle, in November 2021 – a sister ship to the Greg Mortimer.

Ponfoort said: “I’m truly humbled to have the opportunity to lead such a passionate and dynamic team who strive constantly to deliver the best product, service and experiences to our family of global expeditioners.

“Aurora Expeditions is an impressive, home-grown, Australian business where the team spirit is very much alive and thriving. I see a team that is determined, genuinely caring [and] has a strong sense of camaraderie.

“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.

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

“Our health and safety protocols remain our number one priority. We have recently launched our Deposit Protection Scheme in the form of an escrow account to ensure our trade partners and passengers have confidence when booking future voyages with us during this uncertain time.

“I am also delighted that we have joined CLIA’s commission protection programme to ensure we continue to support our loyal trade partners over the coming months and years. Now more than ever, we must support each other in the industry.”