The US manufacturer Grumman only built 59 Mallards in the years between 19. Few details have been provided, but the reborn Paspaley Pearl by Ponant promises advanced environmental technologies, and lays claim to being the only boutique Kimberley motor yacht whose cabins are graced with private balconies.

The former Island Escape was snapped up for a bargain $5.5 million, a tenth of its value, in a bankruptcy sale.

In late October, the pair announced joint operation of a 30-guest expedition motor yacht from June 2024. Luxe French expedition company Ponant strengthened its longstanding ties to Australian pearl producers the Paspaley Group this year, offering guests on select Kimberley cruises the chance to fly into a pearl farm at Kuri Bay aboard Paspaley’s vintage Grumman Mallard flying boats. Line drawing of the new Paspaley Pearl by Ponant. No matter where you yearn to voyage, these ships offer state-of-the-art style. How about a trip down the Douro? Australian-family company APT is putting its own built and operated river ship, the MS Estrela, on that fabled waterway. Got your heart set on finally trying the Kimberley next year? Book Seabourn Pursuit, or Paspaley Pearl by Ponant.