THE SHIPS THAT WILL SHRINK THE WORLD
A new generation of small, high-tech vessels can reach parts of the planet that others can’t, says John Wilmott
Until relatively recently, expedition cruising meant boarding a comfy yet fairly basic ship that was originally designed for another purpose, such as scientific research. Today, travellers can enjoy close-up views of polar bears while sipping a glass of champagne, or tuck into a gourmet dinner after a swim with sea lions. Places that were once the domain of TV nature programmes are within reach of anyone with deep pockets.
The next generation of ships would not look out of place in Monaco’s glamorous harbour. Tough, as well as sumptuous, many carry fewer than 200 passengers, boast spas and plush accommodation, offer fine dining and carry the very latest water toys.
Several ships have extendable platforms to enhance the viewing of sea mammals. All carry rubber inflatable craft for shore landings, and some have helicopters or submarines for swooping over glaciers or seeking rarely-seen sea creatures.
With state-of-the-art technology and innovative hull designs, these vessels can safely sail among the icebergs of the Antarctic or drop anchor off a far-flung tropical island for some paddleboarding or scuba diving. The latest expedition ships are shrinking the world, bringing the far-flung, dramatic or exotic within reach.
THE ONE THAT (might) VIEW THE TITANIC
Why just admire your surroundings from sea level when you can view them from above and below, too?
The megayacht Crystal Endeavor, due for launch next summer, will accommodate two helicopters and a submarine to give guests thrilling new perspectives on the places they visit. There are plans (to be confirmed) for an ROV — a robot sub — that will bring live views from the sea bed, possibly including the wreck of the Titanic at 3,810m below the surface, off the coast of Canada.
The 200-passenger Endeavor will also carry jet skis, scuba gear and SeaBobs (underwater scooters). After their adventures, guests relax in balconied suites with butler service.
Endeavor will cruise both polar regions and, in between, follow the migratory routes of whales. crystalcruises.co.uk
THE ONE FROM THUNDERBIRDS
One look at the Greg Mortimer and you would be forgiven for thinking it emerged from Tracy Island, the home of the Tracy family in the 1960s television series,
Thunderbirds. It’s the ship’s upside-down bow that is so striking — the first time this Xbow design has been used on a passenger ship. The bow smooths the passage of the ship through choppy waters, specifically the notoriously rough Drake-Passage crossing to Antarctica.
Thoughtful features include platforms that pop out of the ship’s sides for closer viewing of whales and icebergs and four exits (instead of the usual two) for departures on the 15 zodiac inflatables. Launching in 2019, the Greg Mortimer will be one of the most stylish ships yet to plough through Antarctic water, but the itineraries, which include the remote Franz Josef Land in the Arctic, should not be overlooked.
auroraexpeditions. com.au
THE OTHER UPSIDE-DOWN ONE
The second ship with an eye-catching X-bow design will come from Lindblad in early 2020: the 126-guest National Geographic Endurance was named after explorer Ernest Shackleton’s ship. As well as the revolutionary hull, stabilisers will make choppy journeys even smoother. Company president Sven Lindblad says the ship will be able to visit “off-the-beaten-path Arctic islands”. These include the archipelago of Severnaya Zemlya, where few people have set foot. Full-height windows and 929m² of glass will keep guests connected to the view and there will 12 cabins for solo travellers.
expeditions.com ●
THE ONE WITH THE WHALE’S EYE VIEW
Few lines are embracing the concept of champagne adventures at sea with more enthusiasm than French line Ponant, whose Le Lapérouse is the first of six yacht-style ships. The standout feature is two whaleeye-shaped windows, built into an underwater lounge. Le Lapérouse will sail in Northern Europe and the Med as well as more exotic hot and cold destinations such as the Orinoco River and Africa’s Bissagos Islands. French gastronomy and a pool provide cruise-style comforts, while the hydraulic viewing platform and marina deck will appeal to wildlife fans. In 2021, Ponant will be launching the first polar expedition ship capable of reaching the North Pole.
en.ponant.com ●
THE SILENT ONE
Due to launch next May, the world’s first hybrid-powered expedition vessel, Roald Amundsen, not only looks the part — sporting smart white, black and red livery — but has some clever technology, too. Emission reduction was paramount in the build and the near-silent running of Amundsen’s engines will also avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Scandinavian materials including wood, granite and wool are used extensively for the stylish interiors, but probably the most popular feature will be a two-level, wraparound observation deck above the bow. Passengers will be able to learn more about all manner of nature subjects in the on-board science centre.
hurtigruten.co.uk ● THE ONE THAT DOESN’T DROP ANCHOR Passenger numbers and ship movements are strictly controlled in the Galápagos Islands, for good reason — vessels are sailing in one of the planet’s unique habitats.
Launching in May, the handsome Celebrity Flora incorporates a “dynamic positioning system”, meansing it can keep its position without dropping anchor.
The 100-passenger ship features unusual asymmetric balconies at the stern and, depending how deep your pockets are, the two impressive penthouse suites (the largest in the Galapagos) are almost wall-to-wall glass. But even those passengers in the smaller suites can benefit from “infinity balconies” that allow sea views from the bed.
celebritycruises.co.uk ●
THE ONE YOU FLY TO MEET
While some wear the Drake Passage (the body of water between South America and Antarctica) as a badge of honour, the choppy crossing is not for everyone. Chilean company Antarctica XXI is among the first to offer a fly-cruise option, flying guests to the
snowy continent from Punta Arenas in Chile to join the Magellan Explorer, launching next year. Built in Chile, the ship has a forwardfacing glass observation lounge, a hi-tech presentation room and a gym and sauna. antarctica21.com ●
THE ONE WITH THE HELICOPTERS AND SUB
It will seem delightfully incongruous for guests to be enjoying degustation menus or a massage at the spa while their vessel nudges through thick Arctic ice. Scenic Eclipse, which makes its debut in January, will have two helicopters and a six-seater sub called Scenic Neptune, which will be perfect for viewing submerged ruins in Greece, colourful reef life in the Caribbean and penguins, seals and walruses in clear polar waters.
With capacity for 228 guests, Eclipse is a larger-than-many expedition ship, with 10 places to eat, an indoor pool and sumptuous, all-balcony accommodation.
scenic.co.uk
THE ONE WITH GLASS BALCONIES
Glass balconies that “float” above the ocean and a terraced deck for wildlife viewing are promised on Hapag-Lloyd’s new Hanseatic Inspiration. The standout facilities include an interactive Ocean Academy.
Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are carried for mini on-water adventures.
Inside, there will be plush cabins, Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, plus a pool and spa offering massages.
From next autumn, Inspiration will take up to 199 passengers on polar expeditions as well as journeys on America’s Great Lakes and in the Amazon, the Caribbean and Europe.
hl-cruises.com
THE ONE THAT LAUGHS AT ICE
The first ship to be launched boasting the highest “ice class” — which means it is untroubled by the thickest floating ice — Oceanwide Expeditions’ new Hondius is designed for maximum flexibility in beautiful, yet hostile, environments.
The 174-guest ship, due in summer 2019, will have a firm expedition focus, but hotelstyle accommodation (including six Grand Suites) and novel features that make exploration more comfortable, such as an indoor Zodiac platform, so you don’t have to wait in the cold to board.
The Antarctic, South Georgia and the Falklands will be prime targets for the itinerary planners. oceanwide-expeditions.com
THE ONE FOR WINE-LOVERS
The launch of the rakish Adventurer by Coral Expeditions next year could change the face of cruising in North-Western Australia and Papua New Guinea. There is an accent on gastronomy, with an excellent cellar and communal wine table hewn from local stone, plus an open kitchen where passengers can watch chefs make dishes using local produce.
Two purpose-built tenders cradled in the back of the ship and six zodiacs will take the 120 passengers on “sea safaris”, while a wraparound promenade deck should prove ideal for keeping track of passing whales.
coralexpeditions.com
THE ONE WITH ROLLS-ROYCE ENGINES
Rolls-Royce hybrid engines will help meet environmental needs as well as enhance speed on board Quark Expeditions’ new
World Explorer, which was launched at the end of October.
Naval architects were consulted on the build, and all 176 passengers (limited to
144 in the Antarctic) will benefit from deluxe cabins, with a walk-out or Juliet balcony.
There is also a glass-domed observation lounge, a pool and sauna, and a lecture theatre. Guests will be invited to camp ashore or go paddling on a kayak.
quarkexpeditions.com
THE SIX-STAR ONE
You’ll have to wait a little longer to embrace Seabourn’s six-star style in the chilly Arctic, but it could be worth the wait.
The line recently announced two uberluxe, ice-strengthened expedition ships (the first launching in June 2021), each taking 264 guests in balcony suites. Seabourn’s signature fine-dining and refined but relaxed service will complement the 24 zodiacs and two submarines for off-ship excursions. Wilderness experts, scientists and historians will also be on board. According to Seabourn president Richard Meadows, travellers can expect “authentic yet luxurious expedition adventures in new and amazing destinations few people will ever see”. seabourn.com ● L S.
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