Unveiled Reveal: Belmond's New Britannic Explorer Train Debuts, Accompanied by a $24 million Treasure-Diving Expedition in Panama
In an exciting turn of events, two unique experiences are set to captivate adventure-seekers and luxury enthusiasts alike.
Firstly, the UK's national mapping agency, Ordnance Survey, has introduced a innovative "community alerts" feature on its app. This new function allows users to mark potential hazards such as fallen trees, muddy bogs, or even angry bulls, to warn other walkers of potential dangers. The feature is self-policing and can only be used when the app user is physically close to the site they are reporting.
Meanwhile, the Britannic Explorer, a newly unveiled luxury sleeper train, is set to embark on its maiden voyage from London Victoria on July 21. Operated by UK-based tour operator Pelorus, the train offers three- and six-night itineraries to Cornwall and the Lake District, as well as a loop round Wales that takes in Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire. The Britannic Explorer includes 18 cabins, an onboard spa, bar, and two restaurant carriages serving menus created by Simon Rogan.
But the most intriguing adventure offered by Pelorus is a treasure-hunting trip to search for a French frigate, the Maurepas, believed to have sunk off Panama's San Blas islands in 1699 and carrying an estimated $50 million in gold, silver, and jewels. The Guna people have agreed to allow Deep Blue Explorers to search the area, and if the treasure is found, each participant is projected to receive approximately $2 million. Moreover, 70% of the proceeds will be given to the Guna people, and each of Pelorus's guests will receive a 1.48% share, as well as $25,000 for participating in a documentary about the search.
The expedition will involve diving, scanning the seabed using magnetometers, and meeting members of the Guna community. The treasure-hunting trip is open to four people and will take place between now and November.
For those who prefer land adventures, the OS app's "community alerts" feature is available at osmaps.com. Users can mark potential dangers, and later users can report if the obstacle is still there or has been removed. The "no visible footpath" alert could be well used over the summer, given the discrepancies between OS maps and the on-the-ground reality in popular walking destinations.
In other news, Belmond, now operated by luxury group LVMH, now operates seven trains, including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Andean Explorer in Peru. Follow FT Weekend on Instagram, Bluesky, and X, and sign up to receive the FT Weekend newsletter every Saturday morning to stay updated on these and other exciting adventures.
The introduction of the "community alerts" feature on Ordnance Survey's app caters to adventure-seekers, allowing them to mark potential hazards while exploring. The luxury train journey offered by Pelorus, the Britannic Explorer, also appeals to those who seek adventure-travel, as it includes an intriguing treasure-hunting expedition for a French frigate rumored to be laden with treasure.
