Hurtigruten Expeditions have hired Alastair Newton, 45, a younger veteran of the Expedition Cruise industry, as Director of Expedition Operations. Over the last 20 years, the Gartmore, Scotland, based explorer he has led over 150 expeditions, worked on 15 different ships and explored more than 100 countries – including multiple visits to the North Pole.
The industry expert joins following four years as director of Ponant’s National Geographic partnership. Having previously spent 15 years working as an expedition leader in Alaska, the entire Pacific, and Antarctica, his experience perfectly places him to further develop Hurtigruten’s onboard programmes. Furthermore, 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. Since then, he has worked in companies such as Cruise West, Polar Star, Lindblad and 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 programme – wrapped in the world’s most sustainable expeditions,” said Alastair Newton.
“As I became an Expedition Leader focussed on remote parts of Alaska, Russia, and the Pacific Islands, this helped me open guest’s eyes to native cultures and bring respect and understanding. I became passionate about remote places, and local culture and experiences centred in respect and cultural exchange,” continued 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.
