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American Queen Voyages hires accomplished expedition director

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Peter Szyszka has played a key role in program development and delivery for multiple leading expedition brands and as an expert divemaster and Zodiac captain trainer
Peter Szyszka, who has more than two decades of experience leading expeditions across the globe, joined American Queen Voyages as director of expedition.

This comes ahead of the inaugural Alaska season for Ocean Victory.

Szyszka will oversee a seasoned expedition team and closely collaborate with American Queen Voyages’ shore excursions team, Ocean Victory officers and crew and California Polytech University researchers on board.

'The ultimate destination'

'Alaska is the ultimate destination for adventure travelers yearning to experience an expedition cruise and get up close and personal to its breathtaking nature and cultural experiences,' Szyszka said, adding that the company's expedition programming, paired with the innovation and the technology of the new Ocean Victory, will 'showcase Alaska in a very special way.'

Szyszka's experience includes more than 60 journeys in Antarctica, and he oversaw the 2019 build and outfitting of Greg Mortimer, Ocean Victory's sister which also sports Ulstein Design's X-BOW.

Wide-ranging expertise

Szyszka has played a key role in program development and delivery for multiple leading expedition brands and, as an expert divemaster and Zodiac captain trainer, he has overseen kayaking, snorkeling, diving, expedition landings, skiing, snowshoeing, camping, mountaineering and even photography programs. 

The 186-passenger Ocean Victory will sail 12- and 13-day journeys between Vancouver, BCm and Sitka through the less-traveled regions of Alaska’s Inside Passage.