Mick Fogg will join Sarina Bratton AM and the Paspaley family on their new Pearl Expeditions venture, being appointed general manager and head of Sustainability for the operation, effective immediately.
The appointment reunites Bratton and Fogg who worked together for seven years when he was expedition team leader at the Bratton-founded Orion Expedition Cruises, where he was responsible for the naturalist guides, creating new expedition cruise destinations and itineraries, building beneficial relationships with landholders, traditional owners and local communities visited, and creating and managing engaging shoreside experiences.
They continued working together at Ponant Explorations.
“I am thrilled to have Mick join us at this important stage as we fine-tune our expedition experiences, often accessing rarely visited locations.” Bratton said. “Having successfully led over 350 expeditions across some of the world’s most remote and captivating regions his expertise is second to none and he is a great addition to lead the team. Welcome aboard Mick.”
Fogg’s role will include oversight of deployment and itinerary planning, government liaison, destination and cultural stewardship, oversight of commercial and marketing activity and sustainability.
“So excited to join forces again with Sarina, especially in the company of such an iconic Australian brand, Paspaley,” Fogg said. “The concept of cutting new ground again and giving our guests time to really immerse themselves in extraordinary places – not cluttered by a parade of other ships or tour groups – takes me, us, back to where it all started. Pearl Expeditions is re-presenting the true essence of expeditions, with the elegant 30 guest Paspaley Pearl the perfect balance of size and capability to provide opportunities for memorable exploration experiences.”
“The company’s theme ‘Small footprints. Infinite Horizons’ says it all to me.
Fogg will also be announcing the members of his Pearl Expeditions team in the near future.
The Paspaley Pearl project had a false start after their relationship with Ponant broke down.
Paspaley announces Pearl Expeditions after Ponant exit pause
Paspaley Pearl is a purpose-built, boutique expedition motor yacht which will offer an exclusive and intimate experience for just 30 guests. At 53.5 metres in length and 11.2 metres in beam, it offers both a stylish space and is nimble enough to access to remote destinations.
The vessel, currently berthed in Singapore and at the end of its refit, is set to redefine boutique expedition cruising, setting sail on its inaugural expeditions in late July 2025 exploring the awe-inspiring Kimberley coastline. In the Kimberley, guests will experience iconic sites such as King George Falls, Montgomery Reef and Hunter River, while also venturing to lesser-known treasures like Hidden Island, Hell’s Gate, and even a rare visit to one of Paspaley’s operational pearl farms.
Future voyages will journey further afield to Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat, East Indonesia, and Borneo, regions where Sarina and her Orion team established enduring cultural connections with local communities and village elders.
Exact details of destinations, life onboard, accommodation options, expedition dates and itineraries for 2025 and 2026 will progressively be made available and updated on the website, www.pearlexpeditions.com, which is expected to be live soon.
